any_o appearance_n of_o the_o face_n of_o religion_n and_o may_v it_o not_o be_v fear_v that_o even_o the_o turk_n and_o heathen_n many_o of_o which_o do_v exceed_o reverence_v and_o honour_v those_o that_o administer_v their_o religious_a rite_n and_o service_n will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o many_o forward_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o do_v on_o the_o other_o side_n as_o much_o contemn_v and_o despise_v their_o minister_n afford_v they_o neither_o countenance_n nor_o maintenance_n which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n whilst_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o supernatural_a revelation_n the_o apostle_n plain_o show_v even_o by_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 1_o cor._n 9.7_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o labour_n in_o the_o lord_n vineyard_n shall_v have_v due_a maintenance_n and_o encouragement_n as_o tyranny_n in_o church_n officer_n be_v dangerous_a and_o destructive_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n swallow_v up_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_a society_n so_o a_o contemptible_a mendicant_a ministry_n such_o a_o ministry_n as_o be_v enslave_v to_o the_o dictate_v and_o humour_n of_o the_o people_n be_v as_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a if_o not_o more_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o religion_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o daily_a experience_n will_v tell_v we_o four_o society_n for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o may_v hence_o gather_v that_o every_o christian_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o join_v himself_o to_o one_o church-society_n or_o other_o where_o he_o may_v solemn_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o his_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n and_o not_o walk_v at_o random_n without_o rule_n and_o order_n for_o as_o he_o shall_v worship_v god_n in_o secret_a so_o be_v a_o member_n or_o part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o body_n politic_a he_o ought_v to_o manifest_v it_o by_o be_v visible_o unite_v to_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n and_o although_o church_n be_v much_o divide_v and_o corrupt_v at_o this_o day_n yet_o see_v there_o be_v many_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o some_o of_o they_o pure_a and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o his_o own_o judgement_n than_o other_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o this_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n will_v also_o suggest_v unto_o he_o to_o join_v and_o adhere_v to_o that_o society_n which_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v most_o pure_a and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o his_o own_o profess_a principle_n all_o nation_n throughout_o the_o world_n that_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n be_v convince_v even_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o associate_v themselves_o with_o other_o for_o the_o participation_n of_o those_o religious_a rite_n and_o ordinance_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o deity_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v five_o it_o be_v a_o irrational_a absurd_a thing_n and_o argue_v a_o impose_v spirit_n as_o any_o rational_a impartial_a man_n may_v easy_o judge_v to_o make_v that_o to_o be_v a_o ground_n and_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n which_o the_o most_o holy_a wise_a god_n have_v not_o require_v in_o his_o word_n what_o will_v man_n be_v wise_a than_o god_n will_v they_o lay_v burden_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o fellow-christians_a where_o god_n have_v leave_v they_o free_a as_o this_o practice_n of_o they_o oppose_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o christian_a moderation_n of_o the_o pure_a primitive_a church_n so_o it_o rise_v up_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n against_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n which_o will_v have_v we_o do_v no_o more_o to_o other_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n than_o we_o will_v have_v they_o do_v unto_o we_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o christian_n now_o shall_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n and_o ground_n of_o church_n communion_n which_o they_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v bind_v up_o to_o more_o than_o christ_n have_v oblige_v they_o unto_o or_o that_o any_o shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o church_n communion_n who_o have_v communion_n with_o christ_n and_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n sure_o this_o be_v unreasonable_a the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o thing_n command_v and_o require_v be_v lawful_a or_o no_o nor_o whether_o indifferency_n may_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o church_n or_o the_o magistrate_n but_o whether_o those_o person_n do_v in_o a_o rational_a way_n consult_v the_o advancement_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o brotherly_a communion_n who_o suspend_v it_o upon_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n have_v not_o make_v the_o ground_n of_o church-communion_n and_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o example_n and_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o they_o will_v lay_v no_o other_o burden_n upon_o the_o church_n beside_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a act_v 15.29_o doubtless_o the_o main_a inlet_n of_o those_o division_n and_o confusion_n that_o have_v be_v and_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v and_o be_v by_o add_v other_o condition_n of_o christian_a communion_n than_o christ_n have_v appoint_v hereof_o none_o be_v more_o guilty_a though_o none_o more_o apt_a to_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v other_o than_o the_o schismatical_a church_n of_o rome_n who_o by_o add_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o church_n communion_n have_v cause_v no_o small_a trouble_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o come_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o peace_n not_o by_o rigorous_a imposition_n but_o by_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o condescension_n in_o such_o indifferency_n as_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n and_o this_o our_o own_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o a_o bare_a uniformity_n in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n touch_v these_o thing_n as_o in_o a_o unity_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n and_o a_o prudent_a forbearance_n and_o moderation_n for_o which_o christian_n moderation_n the_o primitive_a church_n be_v much_o commend_v and_o herein_o we_o shall_v imitate_v she_o she_o judge_v it_o say_v the_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n 19_o historian_n sozom._n hist_o eccles_n l._n 7._o cap._n 19_o and_o that_o very_o just_o a_o foolish_a and_o frivolous_a thing_n for_o those_o that_o agree_v in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n to_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o communion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o petty_a custom_n and_o observation_n for_o church_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n often_o differ_v in_o their_o rite_n and_o custom_n and_o withal_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o many_o city_n and_o village_n in_o egypt_n not_o only_o differ_v from_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o famous_a church_n of_o alexandria_n but_o from_o all_o other_o church_n beside_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n on_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n after_o dinner_n and_o thus_o they_o free_o allow_v liberty_n unto_o and_o do_v not_o rigorous_o impose_v upon_o dissenter_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n carry_v themselves_o towards_o they_o with_o much_o moderation_n and_o sweetness_n of_o deportment_n without_o make_v such_o observance_n in_o worship_n as_o be_v disputable_a and_o not_o clear_o determine_v in_o scripture_n the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v allege_v for_o such_o injunction_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o church_n communion_n plain_o lay_v down_o and_o fix_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v matth._n 28.19_o 20._o after_o this_o when_o some_o person_n will_v have_v impose_v the_o moysaicall_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o which_o there_o be_v yet_o more_o ground_n than_o for_o our_o imposition_n the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o church_n stand_v fast_o in_o their_o liberty_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n in_o these_o thing_n yea_o and_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n when_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n will_v have_v impose_v on_o other_o church_n in_o the_o point_n of_o observe_v easter_n he_o be_v worthy_o condemn_v by_o irenaeus_n and_o other_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o person_n or_o church_n to_o assign_v unscriptural_a condition_n of_o their_o communion_n will_v it_o not_o hence_o follow_v that_o christ_n have_v fix_v no_o certain_a rule_n of_o communion_n among_o christian_n which_o doubtless_o he_o have_v do_v as_o appear_v plain_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o
duty_n of_o man_n 255._o man_n cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o christianity_n cap._n 9_o pag._n 255._o which_o may_v improve_v our_o reason_n exalt_v the_o man_n and_o depress_v the_o beast_n in_o we_o yet_o sure_o we_o shall_v derogate_v very_o impious_o from_o christ_n prophetic_a office_n if_o we_o allow_v not_o divinity_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o noble_a science_n such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v serve_v and_o attend_v not_o regulate_v and_o govern_v by_o those_o inferior_a but_o that_o just_a order_n seem_v now_o to_o be_v invert_v divine_a learning_n be_v bring_v down_o to_o humane_a and_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n so_o perplex_v and_o confound_v with_o philosophical_a nicety_n that_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n be_v become_v the_o umpire_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o we_o must_v go_v ask_v heathen_n how_o far_o we_o shall_v be_v christian_n those_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o 1_o cor._n 2.10_o and_o of_o which_o he_o pronounce_v the_o natural_a man_n a_o incompetent_a judge_n be_v yet_o bring_v before_o that_o tribunal_n subject_v to_o be_v scan_v by_o rule_n of_o art_n but_o alas_o our_o line_n be_v too_o short_a to_o sound_v those_o depth_n thus_o far_o he_o madam_n this_o book_n which_o be_v dedicate_v to_o your_o honour_n treat_v of_o the_o right_a use_n and_o abuse_v of_o reason_n in_o divine_a matter_n there_o be_v two_o extreme_n which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o run_v into_o some_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n in_o religious_a concernment_n and_o other_o ascribe_v too_o little_a as_o we_o shall_v give_v to_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n matth._n 22.21_o so_o we_o shall_v give_v to_o faith_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o faith_n and_o to_o reason_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o reason_n and_o herein_o madam_n you_o may_v meet_v with_o some_o passage_n in_o this_o treatise_n if_o you_o please_v to_o peruse_v it_o which_o may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n minister_v some_o light_n and_o direction_n to_o you._n of_o the_o right_n use_v &_o abuse_v of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n chap._n i._o of_o distinguish_v between_o faith_n and_o reason_n as_o it_o require_v much_o spiritual_a skill_n and_o judgement_n right_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o give_v the_o law_n its_o due_a and_o the_o gospel_n its_o due_a whereupon_o luther_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o he_o who_o can_v thus_o distinguish_v be_v the_o best_a divine_a so_o true_o it_o require_v much_o spiritual_a skill_n and_o wisdom_n right_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n between_o reason_n and_o faith_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o as_o christ_n bid_v we_o render_v unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n so_o we_o shall_v give_v unto_o faith_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v faith_n and_o to_o reason_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v reason_n to_o faith_n her_o full_a scope_n and_o latitude_n and_o to_o reason_n also_o her_o just_a bound_n and_o right_n may_v we_o not_o wish_v that_o many_o great_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v but_o equalise_v in_o their_o practice_n as_o to_o moral_a justice_n and_o faithfulness_n some_o heathen_n that_o be_v only_o endue_v with_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o moral_a virtue_n do_v not_o these_o go_v further_o with_o their_o candle-light_n than_o the_o other_o do_v with_o their_o sunbeam_n and_o will_v they_o not_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o that_o do_v so_o gross_o abuse_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n perhaps_o this_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o some_o vain_a scribbler_n in_o our_o day_n place_n religion_n chief_o in_o natural_a improvement_n and_o moral_a virtue_n because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a moral_a justice_n and_o honesty_n among_o man_n yea_o among_o many_o forward_a professor_n morality_n will_v go_v very_o far_o but_o yet_o though_o man_n be_v unjust_a and_o exceed_v defective_a in_o their_o moral_n we_o shall_v not_o therefore_o derogate_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v not_o confound_v nature_n and_o grace_n divinity_n and_o philosophy_n faith_n and_o humane_a reason_n christ_n and_o socrates_n paul_n and_o plato_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o school_n of_o aristotle_n for_o this_o sinful_a mixture_n and_o composition_n the_o schoolman_n be_v worthy_o blame_v who_o by_o advance_v aristotle_n in_o their_o write_n and_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o moral_a virtue_n have_v exceed_o darken_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n quite_o exclude_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n and_o the_o gracious_a powerful_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n erasmus_n himself_o speak_v of_o the_o arian_n say_v erasmus_fw-la say_v hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la fuere_fw-la pestilentiores_fw-la quod_fw-la aristotelicis_fw-la argutiis_fw-la essent_fw-la instructi_fw-la erasmus_fw-la that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a and_o pestilent_a because_o they_o be_v so_o much_o acquaint_v with_o the_o aristotelian_a subtlety_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o some_o curious_a philosophical_a wit_n and_o pen_n in_o this_o divide_a church_n and_o nation_n who_o have_v in_o effect_n transform_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n into_o a_o mere_a system_fw-la of_o morality_n indeed_o a_o true_a sincere_a christian_a be_v the_o most_o just_a and_o moral_a of_o any_o man_n but_o it_o be_v not_o his_o moral_a virtue_n and_o endowment_n but_o his_o spiritual_a union_n with_o christ_n that_o make_v he_o accept_v with_o god_n and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n let_v reason_n be_v permit_v with_o the_o gibeonite_n to_o hew_v wood_n and_o draw_v water_n for_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o let_v it_o not_o rush_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n into_o the_o bosom-secrets_a of_o god_n into_o the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n reason_n may_v not_o come_v into_o these_o sea_n except_o she_o strike_v her_o topsail_n here_o she_o must_v submit_v and_o captivate_v herself_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v reason_n indeed_o for_o that_o which_o faith_n believe_v god_n believe_v dr._n preston_n on_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o reason_n must_v be_v help_v by_o faith_n and_o raise_v up_o to_o spiritual_a object_n by_o divine_a revelation_n as_o one_o that_o have_v dim_a eye_n can_v see_v better_o by_o the_o help_n of_o spectacle_n and_o to_o choose_v a_o right_a jewel_n we_o use_v the_o skill_n of_o a_o lapidary_n so_o if_o we_o will_v yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o divine_a truth_n and_o principle_n we_o must_v be_v help_v with_o light_n from_o above_o even_o with_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v give_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o doubtful_a assent_n thereunto_o which_o we_o call_v opinion_n the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n enable_v we_o to_o discern_v the_o character_n of_o god_n stamp_v upon_o the_o creature_n will_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v but_o as_o for_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v mere_o supernatural_a as_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n the_o hypostatical_a union_n in_o christ_n and_o other_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o be_v only_o know_v by_o revelation_n and_o have_v no_o print_n or_o footstep_n in_o the_o creature_n to_o discern_v they_o by_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o full_o and_o particular_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n chap._n ii_o show_v that_o reason_n though_o much_o weaken_v be_v of_o good_a use_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o divine_a thing_n let_v it_o be_v grant_v which_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o sober_a christian_n 1._o that_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v exceed_o darken_a and_o cloud_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n be_v weaken_v and_o vitiate_a that_o with_o leah_n she_o be_v blear-eyed_a that_o this_o daughter_n of_o the_o morning_n be_v fall_v from_o her_o primitive_a beauty_n from_o her_o original_a vigour_n and_o perfection_n and_o so_o fall_v that_o she_o can_v saving_o apprehend_v or_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n yea_o 2._o reason_n as_o it_o be_v now_o corrupt_v and_o pervert_v in_o man_n do_v oppose_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o wrangle_v against_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n which_o it_o do_v not_o understand_v 3._o that_o the_o foul_a and_o black_a error_n that_o ever_o be_v broach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v shroud_v themselves_o under_o the_o fair_a
sensible_a of_o great_a defect_n in_o nature_n and_o reason_n though_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o moralist_n general_o do_v ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n yet_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o after_o long_a experience_n be_v sad_o sensible_a that_o this_o candle_n at_o the_o best_a after_o all_o their_o snuff_v do_v burn_v but_o dim_a socrates_n than_o who_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o prudent_a virtuous_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_n do_v so_o far_o complain_v of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o candle-light_n i._n e._n his_o intellectual_n as_o that_o he_o tell_v we_o his_o lamp_n will_v show_v he_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n this_o only_a he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v ignorant_a and_o know_v nothing_o other_o philosopher_n beside_o he_o be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o and_o groan_v under_o these_o great_a decay_n and_o imperfection_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n you_o may_v hear_v they_o often_o complain_v 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the_o flesh_n and_o forforsake_v the_o good_a of_o this_o world_n which_o a_o man_n will_v not_o do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n in_o which_o he_o find_v the_o recompense_n of_o his_o loss_n yea_o this_o very_a persuasion_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n make_v some_o heathen_n willing_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o their_o country_n if_o our_o last_o end_n be_v only_o in_o this_o life_n than_o all_o that_o we_o do_v shall_v be_v for_o this_o last_o end_n to_o aim_v at_o it_o to_o procure_v it_o and_o never_o to_o cross_v it_o doubtless_o it_o be_v great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o man_n to_o undergo_v so_o many_o hard_a thing_n as_o they_o do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o a_o persuasion_n in_o their_o heart_n of_o this_o immortality_n and_o if_o their_o hope_n be_v only_o in_o this_o life_n of_o all_o man_n they_o shall_v be_v most_o miserable_a but_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o they_o find_v that_o this_o 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that_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n in_o it_o and_o for_o it_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o way_n of_o cleanse_v and_o expiate_a sin_n by_o christ_n the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o mediator_n the_o exactness_n of_o divine_a justice_n which_o require_v satisfaction_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n prescribe_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o instruction_n thereof_o the_o exemplary_a life_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n how_o many_o thing_n in_o our_o religion_n be_v witness_v to_o and_o approve_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o rational_a and_o learned_a heathen_n and_o how_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o julian_n porphyry_n and_o other_o be_v once_o christian_n and_o come_v to_o renounce_v the_o same_o mere_o through_o pride_n and_o discontent_n if_o these_o and_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o our_o religion_n be_v 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sin_n the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o pardon_v the_o sinner_n the_o excellency_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n he_o teach_v not_o his_o disciple_n how_o to_o obtain_v the_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n how_o to_o be_v great_a among_o man_n and_o to_o seek_v the_o praise_n and_o applause_n of_o man_n how_o to_o conquer_v kingdom_n and_o subdue_v nation_n by_o the_o material_a sword_n but_o he_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o how_o to_o be_v crucify_a to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n to_o lay_v up_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n to_o forgive_v their_o enemy_n and_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v they_o be_v there_o ever_o such_o heavenly_a doctrine_n such_o excellent_a instruction_n as_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o precept_n in_o man_n law_n as_o those_o among_o the_o lacedaemonian_n athenian_n roman_n they_o neither_o command_v all_o good_a nor_o forbid_v all_o evil_a the_o law_n of_o man_n be_v limit_v according_a to_o time_n place_n and_o person_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o persia_n answer_v the_o king_n who_o will_v have_v marry_v his_o own_o sister_n that_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o law_n that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o marry_v his_o own_o sister_n but_o yet_o they_o find_v another_o law_n that_o the_o king_n may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o shall_v have_v more_o liberty_n to_o sin_n than_o his_o subject_n but_o now_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o law_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v command_v all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o forbid_v and_o restrain_v all_o that_o be_v evil_a the_o precept_n thereof_o be_v general_a and_o impartial_a to_o all_o person_n to_o the_o king_n as_o well_o as_o the_o subject_a to_o the_o master_n as_o well_o as_o the_o servant_n to_o the_o rich_a as_o well_o as_o the_o poor_a without_o exception_n no_o other_o religion_n or_o doctrine_n reach_v the_o heart_n and_o inward_a man_n but_o only_o this_o where_o can_v we_o find_v another_o law_n that_o have_v in_o it_o non_fw-la concupisces_fw-la thou_o shall_v not_o lust_n which_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a root_n and_o core_n of_o corruption_n other_o law_n teach_v man_n to_o advance_v and_o enlarge_v their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o power_n and_o to_o be_v in_o favour_n with_o prince_n but_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o to_o forsake_v the_o world_n and_o not_o seek_v great_a thing_n for_o ourselves_o nor_o be_v ambitious_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o great_a man_n but_o to_o live_v above_o it_o and_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o do_v chief_o require_v the_o heart_n so_o that_o worship_n which_o please_v he_o must_v be_v spiritual_a and_o such_o a_o worship_n be_v prescribe_v and_o command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n whereas_o all_o 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action_n and_o the_o matter_n also_o well_o dispose_v to_o work_v upon_o christ_n choose_v weak_a and_o unapt_a instrument_n for_o carry_v on_o his_o work_n in_o the_o world_n not_o the_o wise_a and_o noble_a and_o learned_a of_o the_o world_n but_o poor_a simple_a man_n to_o be_v his_o apostle_n and_o ambassador_n and_o then_o for_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o be_v to_o work_v upon_o namely_o the_o world_n it_o be_v altogether_o unprepared_a both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n hate_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ulpian_n the_o chief_a lawyer_n galen_n the_o chief_a physician_n porphyry_n and_o plotinus_n the_o chief_a philosopher_n then_o live_v be_v desperate_a enemy_n to_o they_o and_o write_v book_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n julian_n the_o emperor_n forbid_v school_n of_o learning_n to_o the_o christian_n in_o hatred_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o
other_o persecute_v emperor_n devise_v most_o exquisite_a torment_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o poor_a christian_n and_o put_v thousand_o of_o they_o to_o a_o cruel_a death_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o christianity_n prevail_v and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v enlarge_v which_o be_v a_o undoubted_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n even_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v most_o divine_a and_o powerful_a and_o not_o worldly_a weak_a and_o carnal_a that_o this_o jesus_n who_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o little_a country_n of_o judaea_n subdue_v by_o the_o roman_n of_o poor_a parent_n in_o a_o sorry_a village_n destitute_a of_o friend_n and_o of_o all_o worldly_a help_n and_o advantage_n shall_v give_v law_n to_o and_o conquer_v the_o world_n by_o his_o gospel_n or_o the_o word_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o this_o wonderful_a and_o will_v you_o know_v what_o he_o promise_v his_o subject_n and_o follower_n why_o instead_o of_o great_a matter_n that_o they_o may_v expect_v in_o this_o life_n he_o tell_v they_o plain_o what_o great_a affliction_n and_o tribulation_n they_o must_v endure_v for_o his_o sake_n if_o they_o will_v follow_v he_o and_o be_v his_o disciple_n indeed_o they_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v persecute_v reproach_v scourge_v imprison_v and_o put_v to_o death_n whereas_o other_o king_n and_o monarch_n promise_v great_a dignity_n and_o preferment_n in_o the_o world_n to_o their_o follower_n this_o king_n on_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n draw_v the_o nation_n to_o he_o other_o monarch_n conquer_v by_o kill_v their_o enemy_n this_o king_n conquer_a by_o die_v for_o his_o enemy_n the_o death_n other_o monarch_n be_v the_o decay_n and_o ruin_n of_o their_o kingdom_n and_o conquest_n but_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n have_v establish_v and_o enlarge_v his_o kingdom_n and_o be_v the_o life_n and_o happiness_n 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not_o ashamed_a of_o it_o and_o be_v not_o this_o admirable_a other_o malefactor_n be_v torment_v to_o make_v they_o confess_v their_o fault_n and_o these_o be_v torment_v to_o make_v they_o conceal_v it_o those_o hold_v their_o peace_n to_o save_v their_o life_n &_o these_o die_n for_o speak_v and_o yet_o by_o this_o strange_a way_n and_o mean_n christ_n that_o be_v crucify_v spread_v his_o kingdom_n and_o fill_v the_o whole_a world_n with_o it_o out_o of_o weakness_n he_o bring_v forth_o strength_n and_o out_o of_o death_n he_o bring_v forth_o life_n and_o who_o can_v thus_o draw_v one_o contrary_a out_o of_o another_o who_o can_v thus_o overcome_v by_o yield_v who_o can_v thus_o trample_v upon_o and_o triumph_v over_o his_o enemy_n by_o die_v but_o jesus_n in_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n be_v and_o who_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a whilst_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v but_o after_o 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his_o fellow_n plotinus_n in_o great_a authority_n and_o favour_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o his_o christian_a profession_n sure_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v some_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a power_n that_o do_v thus_o prevail_v upon_o these_o man_n and_o upon_o many_o other_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n that_o may_v be_v mention_v never_o be_v there_o such_o wonderful_a conversion_n in_o any_o religion_n as_o in_o this_o never_o such_o sound_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n never_o such_o true_a justice_n fortitude_n and_o constancy_n in_o affliction_n even_o to_o death_n and_o martyrdom_n as_o in_o this_o so_o that_o it_o be_v common_o say_v of_o the_o christian_n soli_n christiani_n mortis_fw-la contemptores_fw-la seven_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o have_v be_v so_o much_o oppose_v and_o persecute_v from_o time_n to_o time_n by_o the_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n as_o it_o be_v common_o say_v of_o that_o monster_n nero_n a_o persecutor_n of_o christian_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o good_a and_o excellent_a thing_n which_o so_o wicked_a a_o man_n hate_v the_o more_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n be_v the_o more_o they_o hate_v that_o which_o be_v divine_a and_o which_o most_o resemble_v the_o holy_a god_n now_o no_o religion_n or_o profession_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o desperate_o hate_v and_o persecute_v by_o wicked_a ungodly_a wretch_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o the_o more_o it_o have_v be_v oppose_v and_o trample_v upon_o by_o they_o the_o more_o it_o have_v prevail_v and_o flourish_v even_o in_o despite_n of_o their_o rage_n and_o malice_n what_o a_o miserable_a end_n do_v befall_v herod_n and_o other_o great_a persecutor_n of_o this_o religion_n many_o of_o which_o do_v vindicate_v christ_n and_o his_o truth_n at_o and_o by_o their_o death_n when_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v heavy_a upon_o they_o though_o they_o have_v rage_v against_o he_o in_o their_o life_n time_n and_o do_v whatever_o they_o can_v to_o root_v out_o his_o kingdom_n and_o people_n nay_o satan_n himself_o the_o great_a persecutor_n of_o all_o have_v witness_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o himself_o all_o the_o art_n magic_n which_o he_o invent_v can_v never_o conjure_v or_o call_v up_o christ_n plotinus_n and_o apollonius_n and_o other_o great_a magician_n that_o raise_v up_o the_o image_n of_o jupiter_n and_o other_o heathen_a god_n though_o they_o assay_v with_o all_o their_o skill_n and_o power_n to_o bring_v up_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n yet_o can_v they_o never_o effect_v it_o for_o christ_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o their_o power_n be_v infinite_o above_o they_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o heathen_n that_o at_o the_o birth_n and_o death_n of_o
this_o jesus_n their_o idol-god_n fall_v down_o and_o their_o oracle_n at_o delphos_n dodon_n and_o other_o place_n be_v strike_v dumb_a insomuch_o as_o porphyry_n himself_o confess_v and_o bewail_v that_o since_o the_o time_n that_o jesus_n be_v worship_v they_o have_v have_v no_o benefit_n at_o all_o by_o any_o of_o their_o god_n the_o voice_n that_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o air_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n caesar_n about_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n death_n command_v the_o master_n of_o the_o ship_n to_o cry_v aloud_o that_o the_o great_a god_n pan_n be_v dead_a upon_o which_o follow_v great_a screeching_n and_o lamentation_n in_o the_o air_n we_o find_v mention_v in_o divers_a credible_a author_n lactantius_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o the_o heathen_n offer_v sacrifice_n to_o their_o god_n the_o very_a presence_n of_o a_o christian_a will_v dash_v and_o spoil_v their_o mystery_n and_o thereupon_o come_v that_o speech_n which_o we_o read_v in_o lucian_n if_o there_o be_v any_o christian_n here_o let_v he_o depart_v hence_o this_o jesus_n have_v make_v such_o work_n among_o the_o idol-god_n that_o augustine_n cry_v out_o where_o be_v your_o god_n where_o be_v your_o prophet_n where_o be_v your_o oracle_n where_o be_v your_o sacrifice_n be_v they_o not_o cease_v if_o christ_n the_o ark_n of_o god_n come_v in_o place_n dagon_n the_o great_a idol_n must_v needs_o fall_v down_o now_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v three_o great_a enemy_n in_o the_o world_n heathen_n jew_n and_o mahumetan_n against_o who_o religion_n or_o rather_o superstition_n we_o will_v speak_v a_o few_o word_n to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n and_o absurdity_n thereof_o and_o first_o idolatry_n first_o i._o reason_n against_o the_o heathenish_a idolatry_n touch_v the_o heathen_a god_n we_o have_v this_o to_o say_v against_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n which_o may_v be_v much_o more_o enlarge_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v vain_a and_o even_o ridiculous_a since_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o their_o own_o learned_a writer_n these_o god_n or_o rather_o devil_n do_v command_v image_n to_o be_v erect_v to_o they_o and_o tell_v the_o fashion_n that_o they_o be_v of_o and_o be_v not_o this_o absurd_a and_o unbecoming_a the_o majesty_n of_o a_o deity_n see_v the_o true_a and_o infinite_a god_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o light_a inaccessible_a can_v be_v resemble_v by_o any_o shape_n what_o do_v these_o dunghil-god_n of_o they_o chief_o command_n and_o forbid_v but_o outward_a corporeal_a thing_n whereas_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o holy_a glorious_a spirit_n who_o command_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o chief_o require_v spiritual_a worship_n and_o obedience_n these_o god_n of_o they_o be_v not_o of_o universal_a use_n nor_o be_v they_o good_a for_o all_o thing_n one_o forsooth_o be_v good_a for_o medicine_n and_o another_o for_o wisdom_n and_o another_o for_o war_n whereas_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o universal_a perfect_a good_a the_o religion_n of_o these_o heathen_a god_n consist_v only_o in_o offer_v frankincense_n and_o spice_n and_o outward_a oblation_n which_o can_v never_o cleanse_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n from_o its_o spot_n and_o defilement_n and_o therefore_o when_o cyril_n tell_v julian_n the_o apostata_fw-la that_o sin_n defile_v the_o soul_n and_o that_o outward_a and_o bodily_a thing_n can_v never_o wash_v away_o the_o inward_a filthiness_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o make_v julian_n stagger_v for_o he_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o to_o answer_v it_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v further_o be_v not_o the_o parent_n birth_n and_o manner_n of_o these_o goodly_a deity_n particular_o set_v down_o by_o their_o own_o poet_n and_o philosopher_n and_o by_o divers_a of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o our_o own_o modern_a writer_n and_o be_v it_o not_o ridiculous_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o these_o be_v true_a god_n nay_o true_o they_o be_v not_o only_a man_n who_o the_o heathen_n worship_v but_o wicked_a man_n the_o worst_a and_o vile_a of_o man_n give_v up_o to_o whoredom_n and_o drunkenness_n and_o cruelty_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n yea_o they_o be_v devil_n and_o wicked_a spirit_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o command_v themselves_o to_o be_v worship_v so_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a be_v some_o of_o these_o poor_a heathen_n that_o they_o do_v not_o only_a worship_n wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n but_o even_o beast_n also_o a_o ox_n a_o dog_n a_o crocodile_n yea_o onion_n and_o garlic_n o_o monstrous_a folly_n and_o madness_n how_o do_v the_o devil_n bewitch_v they_o what_o horrid_a cruelty_n do_v he_o exercise_v upon_o they_o command_v they_o to_o sacrifice_v man_n and_o woman_n to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v grievous_o offend_v with_o they_o as_o he_o do_v at_o this_o day_n in_o some_o heathenish_a country_n but_o when_o he_o be_v more_o mild_a and_o gentle_a then_o forsooth_o he_o must_v have_v stage-play_n music_n dance_v and_o the_o like_a pastime_n to_o make_v he_o merry_a behold_v here_o the_o vanity_n and_o brutishness_n of_o the_o heathenish_a idolatry_n second_o as_o for_o the_o jew_n religion_n jew_n ii_o against_o the_o jewish_a religion_n they_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a in_o their_o enmity_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o by_o we_o though_o they_o do_v not_o right_o and_o spiritual_o understand_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o veil_n which_o be_v upon_o their_o heart_n to_o this_o day_n so_o blind_a and_o so_o delude_v they_o be_v as_o to_o hold_v that_o the_o true_a messiah_n be_v yet_o to_o come_v that_o jesus_n be_v not_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o when_o the_o messiah_n first_o come_v he_o shall_v be_v great_a in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v a_o princely_a court_n and_o attendant_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v subdue_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o jew_n now_o true_o these_o be_v but_o vain_a dream_n and_o fancy_n of_o they_o and_o quite_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n in_o jacob_n prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n gen._n 49.10_o we_o read_v that_o the_o sceptre_n be_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o a_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n till_o shiloh_n come_v by_o which_o shiloh_n be_v mean_v the_o true_a messiah_n but_o the_o sceptre_n be_v then_o new_o depart_v when_o jesus_n come_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v the_o true_a shiloh_n or_o messiah_n the_o sceptre_n as_o be_v well_o know_v be_v in_o judah_n till_o the_o captivity_n and_o after_o the_o captivity_n it_o continue_v till_o aristobulus_n and_o hircanus_n who_o contend_v for_o it_o be_v both_o of_o they_o dispossess_v of_o it_o and_o herod_n a_o idumaean_a and_o a_o stranger_n be_v invest_v with_o the_o royal_a dignity_n and_o then_o come_v christ_n as_o be_v long_o before_o prophesy_v after_o who_o come_v the_o jew_n be_v disperse_v and_o scatter_v throughout_o the_o earth_n so_o that_o now_o there_o be_v no_o distinct_a tribe_n of_o judah_n but_o they_o be_v all_o mingle_a one_o with_o another_o the_o roman_a emperor_n still_o labour_v to_o root_v out_o the_o jew_n and_o especial_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n which_o make_v they_o to_o confound_v their_o genealogy_n that_o the_o seventy_o week_n refer_v to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n dan._n 9.24_o be_v long_o since_o determine_v he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o and_o yet_o the_o messiah_n not_o come_v if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o obstinate_a jew_n in_o their_o talmud_n we_o read_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o hillel_n who_o they_o high_o esteem_v perceive_v the_o first_o seven_o week_n in_o daniel_n to_o fall_v out_o so_o just_o they_o look_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o those_o day_n be_v long_o before_o the_o full_a time_n because_o they_o have_v read_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v shorten_v those_o day_n and_o immediate_o before_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a expectation_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n among_o the_o jew_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o continual_a send_n to_o john_n baptist_n to_o know_v whether_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o they_o must_v expect_v another_o and_o about_o this_o time_n also_o which_o may_v be_v a_o further_a proof_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v already_o come_v there_o be_v more_o false_a christ_n and_o deceiver_n such_o as_o judas_n theudas_n gaulonite_n barcosba_n as_o the_o scripture_n and_o josephus_n with_o other_o writer_n bear_v witness_v than_o be_v ever_o before_o or_o since_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n hag._n 2.10_o be_v great_a than_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o first_o be_v it_o not_o by_o the_o come_n and_o
excel_v in_o humane_a knowledge_n moses_n that_o man_n of_o god_n be_v learn_v in_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n act_n 7.22_o which_o be_v a_o ornament_n to_o he_o and_o fit_v he_o for_o his_o employment_n paul_n that_o great_a apostle_n be_v bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n act_v 22.3_o and_o do_v abound_v in_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o learning_n though_o he_o count_v it_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n phil._n 3.8_o and_o the_o most_o eminent_a instrument_n for_o god_n in_o his_o church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v man_n of_o great_a reason_n and_o learning_n as_o athanasius_n basil_n jerome_n cyprian_n augustine_n luther_n melancton_n pucer_n calvin_n jewel_n reynolds_n etc._n etc._n second_o the_o penman_n of_o holy_a scripture_n make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o that_o accurate_a method_n those_o figurative_a expression_n rhetorical_a propriety_n of_o word_n insinuate_a proem_n and_o rational_a argumentation_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o bible_n the_o apostle_n paul_n deduce_v a_o inference_n from_o a_o common_a principle_n of_o philosophy_n act_v 17.28_o 29._o and_o quote_v the_o say_n of_o some_o heathen_a writer_n three_o secular_a learning_n reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v a_o man_n to_o understand_v the_o grammatical_a literal_a sense_n which_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o meet_v with_o physics_n in_o genesis_n with_o ethic_n in_o the_o proverb_n and_o with_o many_o allusion_n in_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o beast_n and_o bird_n and_o likewise_o with_o allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o babylonian_n jew_n persian_n roman_n therefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o history_n of_o those_o nation_n and_o their_o government_n be_v very_o useful_a four_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o time_n by_o the_o olympiad_n and_o other_o way_n of_o computation_n wherein_o humane_a author_n minister_v much_o light_n be_v necessary_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n chronology_n and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n and_o the_o revelation_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o write_n of_o learned_a mede_n and_o other_o five_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o original_a tongue_n hebrew_n and_o greek_a in_o which_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v first_o pen_v do_v great_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o right_a sense_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o there_o be_v some_o text_n which_o can_v be_v so_o full_o and_o emphatical_o render_v in_o any_o vulgar_a translation_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o augustine_n himself_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a among_o the_o father_n have_v but_o little_a skill_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o none_o at_o all_o in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v with_o divers_a godly_a painful_a minister_n from_o time_n to_o time_n who_o faithful_a labour_n notwithstanding_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o great_a success_n six_o humane_a learning_n and_o reason_n be_v profitable_a and_o useful_a for_o instruct_v and_o convince_a pagan_n and_o heathen_n who_o do_v not_o yet_o acknowledge_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n thus_o divers_a of_o the_o ancient_a father_n as_o tertullian_n origen_n lactantius_n basil_n cyril_n augustine_n etc._n etc._n confute_v the_o learned_a heathen_a philosopher_n out_o of_o their_o own_o write_n as_o david_n kill_v goliath_n with_o his_o own_o sword_n and_o in_o latter_a time_n aquinas_n grotius_n morney_n and_o other_o have_v most_o learned_o and_o excellent_o improve_v the_o true_a say_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n against_o themselves_o and_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o verity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v also_o endeavour_v in_o this_o treatise_n seven_o grant_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v all_o christian_n we_o ought_v to_o exercise_v our_o reason_n in_o search_v these_o sacred_a book_n look_v into_o the_o grammar_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o form_n of_o expression_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o logic_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o scope_n context_n and_o consent_v thereof_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n and_o interpret_n the_o more_o obscure_a place_n by_o the_o clear_a according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n that_o differ_v ephes_n 5.17_o 1_o thes_n 5.21_o act_n 17.11_o heb._n 5.14_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a as_o have_v be_v prove_v in_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n in_o which_o respect_n we_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a good_a use_n of_o reason_n 8._o reason_n haec_fw-la autem_fw-la exploratio_fw-la atque_fw-la examinatio_fw-la doctrinarum_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la nisi_fw-la adhibito_fw-la rationis_fw-la judicio_fw-la quae_fw-la judicat_fw-la de_fw-la veritate_fw-la consequentiarum_fw-la per_fw-la sva_fw-la principia_fw-la de_fw-la veritate_fw-la rerum_fw-la non_fw-la innitendo_fw-la principiis_fw-la sibi_fw-la notis_fw-la extra_fw-la verbum_fw-la dei_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o scriptura_fw-la sacra_fw-la traditis_fw-la b._n daven_n in_o coll._n 2._o 8._o so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o teach_v that_o man_n in_o search_v into_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v become_v either_o fool_n or_o madman_n or_o enthusiast_n eight_o and_o last_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v necessary_a both_o in_o religious_a and_o moral_a thing_n as_o it_o be_v seat_v in_o man_n every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n john_n 1.9_o and_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v necessary_a in_o two_o respect_n first_o as_o a_o passive_a qualification_n of_o the_o subject_n for_o faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o there_o can_v be_v faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o a_o stone_n or_o beast_n that_o want_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n this_o make_v man_n in_o a_o passive_a capacity_n fit_a for_o grace_n although_o he_o have_v no_o active_a ability_n for_o it_o and_o then_o second_o it_o be_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o a_o instrument_n for_o we_o can_v believe_v or_o apprehend_v christ_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o principle_n of_o reason_n in_o we_o it_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o a_o act_n of_o understanding_n or_o knowledge_n do_v always_o accompany_v true_a faith_n through_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n heb._n 11.3_o we_o understand_v that_o the_o world_n be_v frame_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n chap._n xxii_o wherein_o humane_a reason_n come_v far_o short_a and_o be_v abuse_v in_o reference_n to_o divine_a thing_n have_v in_o the_o chapter_n immediate_o go_v before_o mention_v divers_a particular_n wherein_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n tell_v you_o particular_o and_o plain_o wherein_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n come_v far_o short_a in_o matter_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a sum_v up_o in_o a_o little_a room_n what_o have_v be_v more_o large_o set_v forth_o on_o this_o subject_n both_o in_o this_o and_o other_o treatise_n reason_n treatise_n the_o defect_n that_o be_v in_o man_n reason_n first_o then_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o justification_n of_o sinner_n by_o his_o righteousness_n can_v be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n it_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n to_o conceive_v of_o they_o but_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o mere_a supernatural_a revelation_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o 10._o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o when_o through_o faith_n we_o have_v believe_v they_o reason_n will_v also_o subscribe_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o can_v lie_v yet_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n can_v never_o have_v find_v out_o nor_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o mystery_n if_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o reveal_v they_o there_o be_v some_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o be_v both_o believe_v and_o take_v up_o by_o reason_n as_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o the_o world_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v only_o believe_v as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n which_o our_o weak_a reason_n can_v take_v up_o or_o apprehend_v there_o be_v a_o wonderful_a depth_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o
the_o reasonable_a service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n and_o yet_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o christian_a worship_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n administration_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v a_o more_o teasonable_a service_n whereof_o a_o better_a reason_n may_v be_v render_v then_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o unreasonable_a beast_n under_o the_o law_n and_o withal_o that_o those_o christian_n who_o by_o good_a advice_n and_o reason_n do_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n be_v they_o that_o offer_v up_o a_o reasonable_a service_n to_o god_n four_o those_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n that_o be_v leave_v in_o man_n do_v not_o enable_v they_o exact_o and_o perfect_o to_o perform_v natural_a and_o civil_a action_n without_o the_o general_a assistance_n of_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o then_o as_o for_o action_n spiritual_o and_o evangelical_o good_a man_n by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v whole_o unable_a to_o perform_v they_o for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n this_o plain_o appear_v by_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o declare_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o corruption_n of_o every_o unregenerate_a man_n nature_n and_o estate_n and_o also_o by_o those_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o grace_n and_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n as_o the_o sole_a work_n of_o god_n almighty_a power_n and_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v put_v forth_o and_o manifest_v in_o all_o those_o that_o true_o believe_v ephes_n 1.19_o the_o natural_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n here_o as_o calvin_n and_o other_o true_o observe_v he_o mean_v not_o proper_o a_o man_n addict_v to_o gross_a and_o sensual_a lust_n but_o every_o man_n that_o be_v endue_v only_o with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o he_o yea_o the_o most_o rational_a improve_v natural_a man_n this_o be_v evident_a because_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o spiritual_a man_n or_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v proper_o not_o such_o a_o man_n as_o be_v exceed_v carnal_a and_o gross_a in_o sin_n and_o sensuality_n but_o sou_o man_n a_o improve_v rational_a man_n or_o a_o man_n make_v up_o only_o of_o reason_n one_o that_o do_v ex_fw-la colere_fw-la animam_fw-la such_o as_o plato_n aristotle_n and_o tully_n be_v it_o be_v mean_v of_o every_o unregenerate_a man_n who_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o who_o can_v spiritual_o discern_v and_o receive_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v offend_v therewith_o nay_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v in_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o reason_n the_o vain_a they_o be_v and_o the_o more_o opposite_a to_o the_o grace_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o other_o day_n say_v chrysostome_n i_o hear_v a_o certain_a christian_a discourse_v ridiculous_o with_o a_o greek_a each_o of_o they_o in_o their_o discourse_n prejudice_v his_o own_o cause_n for_o the_o greek_a speak_v that_o which_o the_o christian_a shall_v have_v say_v and_o the_o christian_a speak_v that_o which_o the_o greek_a shall_v have_v say_v for_o the_o question_n between_o they_o be_v about_o paul_n and_o plato_n the_o greek_a endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o paul_n be_v rude_a and_o unlearned_a but_o the_o christian_a through_o his_o simplicity_n will_v prove_v that_o paul_n be_v far_o more_o learned_a and_o eloquent_a than_o plato_n and_o so_o the_o greek_a will_v obtain_v the_o victory_n if_o the_o christian_n reason_n shall_v prevail_v for_o if_o paul_n be_v more_o learned_a than_o plato_n in_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n than_o may_v man_n object_v that_o he_o overcome_v not_o the_o world_n through_o grace_n but_o through_o humane_a eloquence_n therefore_o say_v this_o father_n when_o the_o greek_n shall_v object_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v rude_a and_o unlearned_a simple_a obscure_a person_n of_o no_o great_a reason_n nor_o part_n let_v we_o free_o acknowledge_v it_o as_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v not_o their_o reproach_n but_o their_o glory_n that_o be_v such_o they_o yet_o overcome_v the_o learned_a man_n the_o wise_a man_n the_o philosopher_n the_o rhetorician_n the_o orator_n the_o prince_n and_o all_o the_o world_n for_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n this_o do_v exceed_o set_v forth_o and_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n five_o a_o christian_n shall_v so_o far_o deny_v his_o natural_a reason_n and_o wisdom_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a that_o his_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v the_o assent_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o not_o the_o assent_n of_o mere_a reason_n the_o immediate_a ground_n of_o this_o assent_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o man_n reason_n but_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o god_n testify_v that_o which_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o school_n speak_v be_v the_o first_o truth_n or_o god_n himself_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o we_o suppose_v a_o truth_n teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v likewise_o demonstrate_v to_o my_o reason_n by_o philosophical_a argument_n as_o namely_o that_o god_n create_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a my_o assent_n to_o these_o truth_n be_v so_o far_o the_o assent_n of_o divine_a faith_n as_o it_o be_v ground_v and_o bottom_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n as_o for_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v mere_o ground_v upon_o philosophical_a reason_n and_o demonstration_n it_o be_v not_o divine_a faith_n but_o only_o humane_a faith_n and_o reason_n six_o our_o reason_n be_v so_o imperfect_a so_o defective_a so_o apt_a to_o mistake_v in_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n that_o we_o must_v not_o make_v our_o apprehension_n though_o under_o pretence_n of_o reason_n the_o rule_n of_o what_o we_o will_v receive_v for_o the_o word_n and_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o what_o we_o will_v reject_v but_o what_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o apprehension_n though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o same_o by_o our_o weak_a deprave_a reason_n and_o understanding_n otherwise_o we_o subject_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n truth_n to_o our_o own_o weak_a shallow_a apprehension_n and_o believe_v he_o not_o because_o he_o have_v say_v it_o but_o because_o we_o by_o our_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v it_o and_o this_o be_v dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o the_o scripture_n do_v reveal_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n what_o reason_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v ever_o have_v think_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o personal_a union_n of_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o mediator_n the_o imputation_n of_o adam_n sin_n to_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o glorious_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o poor_a sinner_n for_o their_o justification_n without_o all_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o but_o what_o great_a mystery_n be_v there_o in_o it_o if_o we_o by_o our_o shallow_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v it_o we_o must_v pray_v for_o grace_n say_v mr._n fox_n galatian_n fox_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o luther_n on_o the_o galatian_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n that_o we_o may_v right_o understand_v the_o gospel_n so_o strange_a be_v this_o doctrine_n to_o carnal_a reason_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o world_n so_o many_o enemy_n it_o have_v that_o except_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o above_o do_v powerful_o reveal_v it_o learning_n can_v reach_v it_o wisdom_n be_v offend_v nature_n be_v astonish_v devil_n and_o man_n do_v oppose_v and_o persecute_v it_o brief_o as_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o life_n so_o easy_a so_o there_o be_v none_o so_o hard_a easy_a to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v from_o above_o hard_o to_o carnal_a sense_n and_o reason_n not_o yet_o inspire_v and_o luther_n himself_o in_o his_o commentary_n on_o