assent_n the_o infinite_a desire_n of_o our_o will_n and_o visible_a imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n sufficient_o convince_v mankind_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o revelation_n the_o desire_n of_o happiness_n be_v natural_a to_o all_o and_o impossibility_n of_o attain_v it_o in_o this_o life_n be_v no_o less_o evident_a the_o nature_n and_o immateriality_n of_o our_o soul_n demonstrate_v that_o we_o be_v create_v for_o great_a and_o more_o noble_a end_n than_o the_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n that_o we_o can_v but_o exist_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v capable_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o then_o our_o will_n natural_o prompt_v we_o to_o desire_v that_o this_o future_a happiness_n may_v be_v commensurate_a to_o the_o infinite_a duration_n of_o our_o existence_n and_o not_o inferior_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n yet_o these_o ardent_a desire_n and_o possibility_n of_o obtain_v they_o will_v but_o enhance_v our_o misery_n and_o augment_v our_o wish_n unless_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v they_o be_v assure_v to_o we_o this_o divine_a revelation_n alone_o can_v do_v since_o god_n alone_o can_v confer_v that_o happiness_n upon_o mankind_n and_o that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o can_v no_o otherwise_o appear_v than_o by_o some_o external_a revelation_n the_o sense_n and_o evidence_n of_o these_o undoubted_a truth_n have_v excite_v mankind_n in_o all_o age_n to_o inquire_v after_o such_o revelation_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o found_v all_o their_o hope_n of_o future_a happiness_n upon_o it_o their_o hope_n and_o desire_v induce_v they_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o proposal_n of_o it_o and_o then_o their_o reason_n command_v they_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a infallibility_n exclude_v all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o interest_n engage_v in_o it_o banish_v even_o all_o desire_n of_o doubt_v thus_o divine_a revelation_n easy_o gain_v belief_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o be_v reject_v or_o disbelieved_a by_o man_n it_o be_v because_o their_o judgement_n and_o assent_n be_v prepossess_v with_o some_o either_o real_a or_o feign_a revelation_n but_o than_o it_o can_v not_o be_v avoid_v but_o this_o natural_a reverence_n for_o divine_a revelation_n and_o proneness_n of_o believe_v they_o will_v produce_v some_o ill_a effect_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o interest_n of_o mankind_n a_o fatal_a credulity_n will_v creep_v into_o the_o world_n and_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o more_o ignorant_a person_n and_o induce_v they_o blind_o to_o believe_v every_o bold_a pretender_n to_o revelation_n after_o a_o laborious_a and_o fruitless_a search_n of_o future_a happiness_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o embrace_v any_o system_fw-la of_o religion_n present_v to_o they_o if_o it_o flatter_v their_o hope_n of_o future_a felicity_n they_o be_v loath_a to_o discover_v the_o error_n and_o illusion_n of_o any_o please_a revelation_n they_o wish_v it_o may_v be_v true_a and_o what_o at_o first_o they_o wish_v they_o at_o last_o believe_v but_o not_o only_o do_v the_o desire_n and_o hope_n of_o mankind_n create_v this_o credulity_n the_o natural_a reverence_n of_o god_n and_o all_o divine_a oracle_n when_o not_o rational_o direct_v advance_v and_o increase_v it_o many_o fear_v they_o shall_v be_v injurious_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o atheism_n if_o they_o shall_v scrupulous_o examine_v what_o pretend_v to_o carry_v the_o stamp_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o to_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o he_o to_o entertain_v scruple_n in_o this_o case_n be_v think_v no_o less_o than_o sacrilege_n and_o every_o doubt_n be_v esteem_v a_o affront_n to_o god._n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o most_o imagine_a they_o shall_v contract_v no_o small_a merit_n and_o even_o lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o god_n if_o they_o immediate_o resign_v up_o their_o judgement_n to_o his_o suppose_a revelation_n and_o blind_o receive_v it_o without_o any_o doubt_n or_o hesitation_n this_o in_o all_o age_n open_v a_o wide_a gate_n and_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o error_n and_o superstition_n while_o the_o whimsy_n of_o every_o foolish_a enthusiast_n and_o fable_n of_o every_o bold_a impostor_n be_v propose_v under_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o divine_a oracle_n and_o secure_o believe_v by_o the_o credulous_a multitude_n hence_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o absurdity_n of_o pagan_a religion_n find_v belief_n and_o entertainment_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o most_o extravagant_a impostor_n never_o want_v proselyte_n hence_o the_o most_o pernicious_a error_n of_o heretic_n find_v admission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o new_a revelation_n in_o every_o age_n seduce_v some_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world._n all_o the_o present_a corruption_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v owe_v to_o it_o on_o which_o side_n soever_o any_o error_n at_o this_o day_n be_v entertain_v a_o scrupulous_a examination_n will_v discover_v they_o to_o be_v entertain_v chief_o for_o the_o precedent_a reason_n and_o all_o modern_a addition_n to_o genuine_a christianity_n will_v be_v find_v either_o to_o flatter_v the_o hope_n or_o raise_v the_o admiration_n of_o the_o common_a people_n to_o this_o fatal_a credulity_n and_o danger_n of_o illusion_n arise_v from_o it_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v assign_v a_o excellent_a remedy_n the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n which_o may_v examine_v the_o ground_n and_o testimony_n of_o all_o pretend_a revelation_n inquire_v into_o their_o truth_n and_o after_o a_o scrupulous_a trial_n pass_v sentence_n on_o they_o this_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o nature_n require_v we_o to_o perform_v that_o we_o may_v neither_o prostitute_v the_o former_a nor_o depreciate_v the_o latter_a by_o submit_v our_o understanding_n to_o the_o pretension_n of_o every_o bold_a impostor_n without_o this_o precedent_a enquiry_n our_o belief_n will_v be_v irrational_a and_o far_o from_o be_v meritorious_a will_v become_v unlawful_a for_o to_o violate_v the_o rule_n of_o conduct_n prescribe_v to_o our_o understanding_n be_v to_o overthrow_v all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o debase_v the_o dignity_n of_o mankind_n and_o efface_v the_o image_n of_o god_n imprint_v in_o we_o these_o rule_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n can_v reveal_v any_o thing_n foolish_a or_o ridiculous_a much_o less_o contrary_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o sense_n or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n no_o great_a injury_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o the_o deity_n than_o to_o believe_v he_o the_o author_n of_o any_o religion_n which_o prescribe_v or_o encourage_v foolish_a and_o superstitious_a practice_n or_o oppose_v sense_n and_o reason_n all_o such_o revelation_n will_v imply_v repugnant_a attribute_n to_o be_v in_o god_n which_o if_o it_o do_v not_o destroy_v his_o existence_n will_v at_o least_o oblige_v we_o to_o form_v dishonourable_a idea_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o seneca_n true_o say_v 123._o superstition_n be_v a_o most_o senseless_a error_n which_o affront_v that_o object_n it_o pretend_v to_o worship_n for_o what_o do_v it_o matter_n whether_o you_o deny_v or_o dishonour_n god_n just_o also_o do_v plutarch_n wonder_v superstitione_n why_o atheism_n shall_v be_v rather_o accuse_v of_o impiety_n than_o superstition_n since_o few_o of_o be_v move_v by_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o order_n or_o government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n but_o the_o trick_n and_o cheat_n of_o superstitious_a person_n their_o enthusiastic_a motion_n ridiculous_a action_n exorcism_n lustration_n and_o such_o like_a give_v they_o occasion_n to_o believe_v it_o better_o and_o more_o rational_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n than_o such_o a_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o superstitious_a religion_n must_v necessary_o be_v so_o that_o wise_a heathen_a if_o christianity_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o it_o have_v labour_v with_o these_o difficulty_n or_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o these_o objection_n it_o can_v never_o have_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o its_o truth_n or_o surmount_v the_o resistance_n of_o heathen_a philosophy_n it_o will_v have_v be_v high_o irrational_a and_o unworthy_a the_o learning_n of_o those_o age_n to_o have_v desert_v one_o superstition_n to_o embrace_v another_o so_o much_o more_o absurd_a than_o the_o former_a by_o how_o much_o the_o one_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n alone_o the_o other_z both_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o latter_a age_n to_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o force_n of_o this_o objection_n which_o after_o so_o many_o superstitious_a practice_n and_o opinion_n introduce_v into_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v thereby_o become_v unanswerable_a for_o whosoever_o consider_v the_o fiction_n of_o transubstantiation_n purgatory_n and_o infallibility_n the_o impertinence_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o
far_o i_o will_v observe_v that_o these_o indiscreet_a action_n and_o childish_a irregularity_n be_v the_o product_n of_o latter_a and_o degenerate_a age_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n unknown_a to_o the_o first_o four_o age_n when_o christianity_n flourish_v in_o its_o great_a purity_n in_o the_o three_o first_o age_n not_o the_o least_o footstep_n or_o shadow_n of_o they_o can_v be_v find_v and_o in_o the_o four_o age_n they_o be_v very_o rare_o practise_v and_o whole_o confine_v to_o the_o desert_n of_o egypt_n or_o palestine_n as_o for_o the_o folly_n relate_v of_o st._n antony_n in_o his_o life_n ascribe_v to_o st._n athanasius_n and_o those_o of_o other_o saint_n in_o the_o vitæ_fw-la patrum_fw-la say_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o st._n hierom_n all_o learned_a man_n be_v now_o agree_v that_o the_o former_a work_n be_v miserable_o corrupt_v the_o latter_a whole_o spurious_a after_o the_o four_o age_n many_o childish_a impertinency_n and_o trifle_a superstition_n begin_v to_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o monk_n and_o hermit_n who_o folly_n be_v celebrate_v and_o magnify_v by_o injudicious_a writer_n of_o the_o same_o order_n and_o time_n such_o as_o palladius_n heraclitus_n sulpicius_n severus_n cassian_n and_o moschus_n but_o augment_v with_o a_o large_a addition_n of_o fable_n and_o absurdity_n by_o the_o latter_a legendary_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o deserve_v far_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n none_o but_o obscure_a and_o inconsiderable_a person_n confine_v to_o a_o mountain_n or_o a_o desert_n who_o obtain_v neither_o authority_n nor_o reputation_n in_o the_o church_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o foul_a mistake_n and_o irregularity_n the_o great_a and_o famous_a doctor_n and_o father_n of_o the_o church_n who_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n upon_o their_o action_n and_o acquire_v to_o themselves_o a_o universal_a veneration_n can_v be_v accuse_v of_o such_o fatal_a miscarriage_n which_o be_v so_o far_o unworthy_a of_o they_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o sharp_o oppose_v the_o misguide_a zeal_n of_o these_o ignorant_a devotoe_n censure_v their_o imprudent_a action_n slight_v their_o external_a show_n of_o apparent_a piety_n and_o deplore_v the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o their_o irregular_a practice_n what_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o ancient_n disow_v deserve_v not_o to_o be_v excuse_v and_o defend_v by_o we_o and_o indeed_o the_o trifle_a devotion_n and_o wild_a impertinency_n of_o the_o monastic_a order_n be_v the_o great_a blemish_n to_o those_o latter_a age_n of_o antiquity_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o corruption_n whether_o of_o faith_n or_o manner_n which_o infect_v succeed_v age_n fin_n towards_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o five_o age_n eunapius_n the_o heathen_a historian_n can_v find_v no_o more_o plausible_a or_o rational_a objection_n against_o christianity_n than_o the_o sordid_a action_n and_o ridiculous_a conduct_n of_o the_o monk_n certain_o no_o objection_n be_v then_o more_o visible_a or_o less_o capable_a of_o a_o refutation_n but_o then_o the_o actor_n of_o these_o folly_n never_o obtain_v that_o respect_n and_o admiration_n from_o the_o public_a suffrage_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n which_o enthusiastic_a saint_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o former_a commemorate_a none_o in_o her_o public_a office_n but_o martyr_n confessor_n and_o famous_a person_n who_o have_v be_v eminent_o instrumental_a in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o fill_v not_o her_o diptych_n with_o monk_n and_o anchoret_n the_o latter_a have_v scarce_o canonize_v any_o other_o than_o such_o as_o be_v chief_o eminent_a for_o enthusiasm_n last_o to_o say_v no_o more_o even_o the_o high_a extravagance_n of_o these_o ancient_a bigot_n come_v far_o beneath_o the_o enthusiasm_n of_o ignatius_n and_o other_o admire_a saint_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o may_v perhaps_o commit_v many_o gross_a absurdity_n and_o indecent_a action_n and_o entertain_v childish_a notion_n of_o religion_n but_o never_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o pretend_v to_o extraordinary_a illumination_n reception_n of_o the_o faith_n by_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o continual_a impulse_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n nor_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o publish_v their_o own_o whimsy_n by_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n without_o any_o commission_n from_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o genuine_a and_o most_o essential_a character_n of_o fanaticism_n if_o the_o miracle_n relate_v of_o they_o be_v sometime_o find_v to_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o same_o objection_n which_o be_v oppose_v by_o i_o to_o those_o of_o ignatius_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n suffer_v no_o prejudice_n thereby_o which_o far_o from_o build_v her_o authority_n and_o reputation_n on_o they_o have_v frequent_o disow_v and_o reject_v they_o as_o appear_v among_o other_o argument_n from_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o learned_a author_n of_o the_o opus_fw-la imperfectum_fw-la which_o i_o have_v produce_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n none_o will_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o ancient_a monkish_a miracle_n but_o that_o church_n only_o which_o have_v propose_v they_o to_o the_o people_n in_o her_o public_a office_n and_o ecclesiastical_a legend_n in_o represent_v the_o action_n of_o ignatius_n i_o have_v chief_o make_v use_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o f._n dominick_n bouhour_n a_o french_a jesuit_n although_o one_o of_o the_o late_a writer_n of_o his_o life_n because_o in_o publish_v the_o life_n of_o ignatius_n of_o late_a among_o we_o that_o author_n be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o and_o his_o relation_n of_o he_o translate_v into_o our_o language_n however_o in_o whatsoever_o he_o propose_v he_o want_v not_o the_o attestation_n of_o more_o ancient_a and_o authentic_a writer_n for_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v take_v his_o whole_a relation_n from_o orlandinus_n his_o history_n of_o the_o society_n of_o jesus_n print_v at_o colen_n in_o the_o year_n 1615._o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o claudius_n aquaviva_fw-la the_o general_n i_o have_v seldom_o produce_v any_o other_o writer_n of_o ignatius_n his_o life_n but_o when_o the_o first_o be_v either_o whole_o silent_a or_o give_v a_o different_a relation_n if_o i_o have_v sometime_o insert_v observation_n from_o the_o life_n of_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n that_o tend_v as_o well_o to_o illustrate_v the_o nature_n of_o enthusiasm_n in_o general_n as_o to_o do_v justice_n to_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o christianity_n against_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o impostor_n who_o the_o latter_a heathen_n set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o conclude_v i_o hope_v our_o adversary_n will_v not_o pretend_v that_o i_o have_v misrepresent_v or_o falsify_v the_o action_n of_o ignatius_n since_o i_o have_v all_o along_o to_o every_o particular_a action_n so_o careful_o annex_v in_o the_o margin_n the_o author_n who_o relate_v it_o and_o the_o place_n where_o it_o may_v be_v find_v the_o pretence_n of_o misrepresentation_n be_v the_o last_o refuge_n of_o a_o baffle_a cause_n and_o therefore_o make_v use_n of_o by_o our_o adversary_n as_o the_o only_o remain_v expedient_a upon_o all_o occasion_n particular_o by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o monomachia_fw-la who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v the_o objection_n bring_v by_o a_o friend_n of_o i_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o speculum_fw-la ecclesiasticum_fw-la pretend_v to_o over-rule_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o labbé_fw-fr oudin_n du_n pin_n and_o other_o romish_a critic_n because_o the_o particular_a place_n of_o their_o book_n to_o which_o those_o passage_n relate_v be_v not_o adjoin_v and_o insinuate_v a_o suspicion_n of_o some_o insincerity_n as_o if_o that_o omission_n have_v proceed_v from_o a_o fear_n lest_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o citation_n shall_v be_v examine_v what_o the_o ignorance_n or_o artifice_n of_o this_o author_n will_v not_o permit_v he_o to_o do_v at_o lest_o all_o judicious_a person_n will_v allow_v that_o it_o be_v both_o unuseful_a and_o impertinent_a to_o stuff_v the_o margin_n with_o particular_a mention_n of_o the_o place_n of_o such_o critical_a writer_n who_o in_o give_v their_o censure_n upon_o ancient_a author_n proceed_v either_o alphabetical_o or_o in_o order_n of_o time_n and_o may_v consequent_o be_v immediate_o recur_v to_o without_o any_o difficulty_n but_o a_o lame_a excuse_n must_v serve_v the_o turn_n when_o the_o badness_n of_o the_o cause_n will_v admit_v no_o better_o the_o enthusiasm_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n etc._n etc._n so_o great_a and_o venerable_a a_o idea_n of_o god_n be_v by_o nature_n imprint_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o visible_a and_o convictive_a be_v the_o argument_n of_o his_o omniscience_n and_o veracity_n that_o all_o divine_a revelation_n be_v no_o soon_o propose_v than_o admit_v and_o esteem_v to_o command_v no_o less_o than_o to_o deserve_v our_o
and_o this_o however_o it_o deserve_v the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o judicious_a person_n tend_v not_o a_o little_a to_o raise_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o enthusiast_n among_o ignorant_a man_n who_o ever_o admire_v what_o they_o can_v penetrate_v and_o suppose_v the_o obscurity_n of_o his_o discourse_n to_o proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a mysteriousness_n of_o it_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o write_n of_o ignatius_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o full_a of_o this_o foolish_a cant_v his_o book_n of_o spiritual_a exercise_n talk_v much_o of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o most_o unintelligible_a manner_n 4._o and_o his_o letter_n to_o a_o religious_a person_n of_o barcelona_n concern_v the_o two_o manner_n whereby_o god_n teach_v we_o be_v most_o remarkable_a upon_o this_o account_n 1._o while_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o novice_n in_o philosophy_n he_o profess_v the_o knowledge_n of_o mystical_a divinity_n and_o indeed_o never_o know_v any_o other_o in_o prescribe_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o general_n of_o his_o order_n he_o say_v that_o all_o learning_n be_v necessary_a for_o he_o yet_o the_o science_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v that_o which_o be_v far_o most_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o discern_v the_o divers_a interior_a spirit_n of_o man_n this_o science_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v common_o too_o mysterious_a for_o learned_a man_n 5._o and_o therefore_o barth_n torrez_n write_v in_o defence_n of_o ignatius_n book_n of_o spiritual_a exercise_n accuse_v of_o heresy_n in_o spain_n by_o the_o learned_a melchior_n canus_n say_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o science_n learn_v in_o school_n and_o the_o science_n of_o the_o saint_n 19_o his_o follower_n pretend_v his_o constitution_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spiritual_a unction_n of_o grace_n and_o himself_o to_o have_v drink_v large_o of_o the_o wine_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v too_o strong_a and_o heady_a for_o the_o vessel_n of_o the_o earth_n thus_o st._n francis_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v whole_o absorb_v in_o god_n in_o time_n of_o prayer_n 2.8_o and_o all_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o flame_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n as_o it_o be_v a_o burn_a coal_n and_o indeed_o it_o may_v be_v affirm_v in_o general_a of_o all_o the_o romish_a saint_n that_o their_o write_n be_v whole_o unintelligible_a and_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o rhapsody_n of_o sublime_a nonsense_n the_o gross_a and_o most_o impertinent_a of_o our_o english_a fanatic_n come_v far_o beneath_o they_o and_o be_v never_o able_a to_o equal_v their_o mysterious_a folly_n we_o may_v indeed_o hear_v they_o talk_v of_o be_v chri_v with_o christ_n and_o god_v with_o god_n but_o the_o science_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v never_o among_o theâ—â—â—â—vanced_v to_o that_o perfection_n which_o it_o obtain_v it_o 〈◊〉_d church_n of_o rome_n there_o remain_v nothing_o to_o complete_a the_o enthusiâ—â—â—_n but_o to_o fancy_v himself_o commissionated_a by_o god_n to_o purplish_a his_o imaginary_a revelation_n to_o the_o world_n and_o thereupon_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n institute_v by_o christ_n to_o invade_v the_o office_n of_o preach_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o last_o and_o high_a degree_n of_o fanaticism_n not_o to_o contain_v the_o whimsy_n of_o their_o disturb_a fancy_n within_o their_o own_o breast_n but_o imagine_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_a truth_n for_o all_o christian_n to_o propagate_v they_o with_o a_o blind_a and_o unwearied_a zeal_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n have_v not_o open_o and_o plain_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n all_o necessary_a article_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o sufficient_a mean_n be_v not_o provide_v for_o the_o propagation_n of_o they_o unless_o they_o intrude_v themselves_o into_o the_o holy_a office_n against_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n the_o author_n of_o the_o lawful_a prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o calvinist_n affirm_v the_o guilt_n of_o this_o disorder_n alone_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n why_o all_o their_o plea_n shall_v be_v reject_v without_o any_o far_a consideration_n whether_o and_o how_o far_o the_o calvinist_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o irregularity_n i_o will_v not_o inquire_v but_o affirm_v that_o the_o most_o illustrious_a saint_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v inexcusable_o guilty_a of_o it_o particular_o the_o suppose_a merit_n of_o st._n francis_n and_o ignatius_n be_v chief_o found_v upon_o this_o apparent_a zeal_n for_o soul_n and_o preach_v their_o wild_a notion_n to_o the_o people_n without_o any_o ordinary_a mission_n from_o christ_n or_o delegation_n from_o the_o church_n 3._o st._n francis_n immediate_o after_o his_o conversion_n while_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o ignorant_a layman_n fall_v to_o preach_v repentance_n to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o street_n and_o market_n and_o be_v ask_v by_o some_o robber_n set_v upon_o he_o in_o the_o road_n who_o he_o be_v as_o if_o he_o be_v another_o john_n baptist_n 2._o he_o answer_v i_o be_o the_o preacher_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o great_a king._n as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v get_v together_o seven_o disciple_n he_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o these_o word_n 3._o go_v you_o and_o declare_v peace_n unto_o man_n preach_v repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n then_o take_v one_o companion_n to_o himself_o he_o proceed_v to_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n send_v the_o other_o six_o by_o couple_n into_o the_o other_o three_o part_n of_o the_o world._n this_o be_v a_o frenzy_n beyond_o the_o power_n of_o hellebore_n and_o which_o exceed_v even_o the_o folly_n of_o our_o english_a fifth-monarchists_a sure_o whatsoever_o bonaventure_n may_v pretend_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v no_o share_n in_o this_o undertake_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n it_o meet_v with_o no_o better_a success_n st._n francis_n himself_o prepare_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o saracen_n in_o syria_n but_o by_o contrary_a wind_n be_v drive_v upon_o the_o coast_n of_o sclavonia_n and_o force_v to_o return_v back_o 8._o the_o spirit_n still_o move_v he_o he_o dispose_v himself_o to_o convert_v the_o moor_n and_o miramolin_n of_o africa_n but_o detain_v in_o his_o journey_n by_o sickness_n lose_v his_o courage_n and_o quit_v the_o design_n at_o last_o he_o resolve_v firm_o to_o convert_v the_o sultan_n of_o babylon_n away_o he_o go_v to_o syria_n ragged_a and_o barefooted_a and_o yield_v himself_o prisoner_n to_o the_o souldan_n guard_n bold_o demand_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o his_o presence_n the_o soldier_n after_o they_o have_v sound_o beat_v he_o bring_v he_o to_o their_o emperor_n he_o ask_v he_o who_o he_o be_v francis_n answer_v that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o preach_v salvation_n to_o he_o and_o his_o people_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n undertake_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o fire_n the_o sultan_n laugh_v at_o he_o and_o have_v make_v sufficient_a sport_n with_o he_o dismiss_v he_o for_o a_o fool._n ignatius_n at_o his_o very_a first_o conversion_n propose_v to_o himself_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o holy_a land_n according_o in_o the_o year_n 1523._o he_o enter_v upon_o the_o journey_n 2._o guide_v by_o that_o inward_a motion_n which_o have_v first_o prompt_v he_o at_o his_o conversion_n come_v thither_o the_o guardian_n of_o the_o franciscan_n who_o he_o have_v acquaint_v with_o his_o resolution_n disapprove_v such_o irregular_a usurpation_n of_o the_o holy_a office_n and_o command_v he_o to_o be_v go_v upon_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n the_o poor_a saint_n be_v force_v to_o return_v without_o success_n however_o he_o quit_v not_o his_o design_n study_v at_o barcelona_n ibid._n he_o begin_v to_o preach_v conversion_n to_o his_o neighbour_n remove_v to_o alcala_n he_o fall_v to_o reform_v the_o dissolute_a manner_n of_o scholar_n clergyman_n and_o other_o and_o to_o catechise_v youth_n but_o be_v suspect_v of_o sorcery_n he_o be_v clap_v into_o the_o inquisition_n to_o free_v himself_o from_o prison_n he_o profess_v himself_o willing_a blind_o to_o obey_v his_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n at_o last_o the_o inquisitor_n dismiss_v he_o but_o withal_o forbid_v he_o to_o explain_v to_o the_o people_n the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n upon_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n and_o banishment_n ignatius_n notwithstanding_o his_o promise_n of_o blind_a obedience_n will_v not_o ready_o submit_v to_o this_o command_n doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o lawful_a command_n and_o fear_v that_o in_o not_o preach_v he_o shall_v be_v want_v to_o his_o call_n and_o vocation_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o this_o difficulty_n he_o remove_v to_o salamanca_n ibid._n and_o there_o preach_v open_o to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o street_n and_o field_n although_o many_o good_a man_n be_v scandalize_v at_o it_o say_v it_o be_v never_o hear_v that_o a_o simple_a layman_n shall_v instruct_v the_o people_n and_o perform_v
aim_v at_o a_o extraordinary_a perfection_n and_o purity_n propose_v to_o themselves_o long_o pilgrimage_n terrible_a austerity_n continual_a prayer_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o ridiculous_a action_n which_o their_o delude_a fancy_n suggest_v to_o be_v meritorious_a they_o employ_v their_o thought_n in_o the_o perpetual_a meditation_n of_o these_o imaginary_a perfection_n and_o in_o their_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n be_v amuse_v with_o they_o and_o form_n please_a idea_n of_o they_o arise_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o any_o exceed_a merit_n or_o veneration_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o this_o religious_a frenzy_n they_o imagine_v to_o have_v receive_v the_o divine_a approbation_n of_o they_o mistake_v a_o foolish_a satisfaction_n of_o a_o delude_a judgement_n for_o the_o suffrage_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n act_v in_o they_o and_o at_o last_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o fancy_v the_o reception_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n for_o the_o commission_n of_o these_o extravagancy_n no_o wonder_n then_o if_o after_o such_o a_o false_a persuasion_n they_o proceed_v to_o act_v all_o the_o whimsy_n and_o folly_n which_o a_o disturb_a brain_n and_o violent_a imagination_n can_v suggest_v if_o they_o put_v off_o all_o sense_n of_o shame_n and_o modesty_n and_o set_v no_o bound_n to_o their_o extravagance_n deliver_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n and_o direction_n of_o a_o irrational_a fancy_n which_o incit_v they_o to_o commit_v such_o folly_n and_o trifle_n as_o be_v beneath_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o rational_a be_v and_o contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o common_a sense_n such_o ridiculous_a foppery_n and_o elaborate_a extravagance_n as_o may_v just_o provoke_v the_o laughter_n of_o sober_a heathen_n and_o indignation_n of_o wise_a christian_n such_o ridiculous_a fanaticism_n be_v the_o utmost_a degeneracy_n of_o christian_a religion_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o its_o genius_n and_o destructive_a of_o its_o principle_n christianity_n be_v intend_v to_o exalt_v and_o perfect_v the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n to_o create_v true_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o moral_a and_o religious_a action_n and_o introduce_v the_o practice_n of_o a_o manly_a and_o rational_a piety_n whereas_o this_o enthusiasm_n debase_v the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o mankind_n introduce_v false_a idea_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n and_o expose_v both_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o the_o more_o judicious_a and_o intelligent_a world_n as_o if_o none_o but_o fool_n and_o idiot_n can_v be_v perfect_a christian_n and_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o madness_n be_v the_o most_o certain_a mark_n of_o piety_n such_o absurd_a opinion_n can_v but_o scandalize_v all_o consider_a person_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o either_o these_o absurdity_n be_v gross_a corruption_n and_o deviation_n from_o christianity_n or_o else_o christianity_n itself_o be_v a_o grand_a imposture_n unworthy_a the_o belief_n and_o veneration_n or_o even_o attention_n of_o mankind_n the_o former_a be_v not_o easy_o discernible_a by_o those_o who_o have_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o christianity_n than_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o general_a practice_n and_o currant_n opinion_n of_o their_o country_n and_o be_v from_o their_o infancy_n prepossess_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_a society_n beside_o their_o own_o where_o if_o such_o fanaticism_n be_v public_o practise_v or_o countenance_v it_o can_v but_o create_v in_o they_o a_o detestation_n of_o all_o christianity_n but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_n and_o inquire_v after_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o it_o among_o so_o many_o divide_a communion_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n they_o may_v rational_o and_o infallible_o conclude_v that_o particular_a church_n which_o favour_n or_o promote_v this_o superstitious_a enthusiasm_n to_o be_v infinite_o corrupt_v and_o degenerate_a from_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o principle_n of_o christianity_n if_o we_o view_v the_o several_a church_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n we_o shall_v find_v no_o society_n of_o christian_n more_o free_a from_o fanaticism_n than_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o more_o guilty_a of_o it_o than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o have_v be_v the_o peculiar_a happiness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o create_v a_o right_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n in_o all_o her_o communicant_n and_o secure_a to_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o rational_a devotion_n she_o make_v no_o pretension_n to_o private_a inspiration_n and_o extraordinary_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o all_o her_o child_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o deride_v than_o admire_v the_o folly_n and_o ecstasy_n of_o enthusiast_n if_o any_o of_o her_o member_n have_v at_o any_o time_n through_o ambition_n or_o ignorance_n embrace_v fanaticism_n they_o have_v at_o the_o same_o time_n depart_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o become_a schismatic_n proclaim_v themselves_o her_o enemy_n yet_o so_o far_o have_v the_o sober_a and_o judicious_a practice_n and_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n influence_v even_o their_o conduct_n that_o the_o most_o extravagant_a among_o they_o have_v be_v less_o fanatical_a than_o the_o most_o admire_a saint_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o whensoever_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n shall_v induce_v they_o to_o return_v to_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o hearty_o wish_v they_o can_v do_v it_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o desert_v even_o all_o relic_n of_o fanaticism_n not_o so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o in_o all_o her_o office_n and_o public_a ceremony_n promote_v and_o foment_n it_o have_v on_o many_o occasion_n give_v public_a applause_n and_o approbation_n to_o it_o and_o owe_v the_o great_a part_n of_o her_o peculiar_a doctrine_n and_o present_a prosperity_n to_o the_o enthusiasm_n of_o her_o follower_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o public_a office_n of_o that_o church_n we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o intelligible_a direct_o propose_v to_o the_o common_a people_n but_o the_o prayer_n perform_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o their_o sense_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n amuse_v with_o antic_a gesture_n image_n procession_n and_o pompous_a representation_n the_o first_o enforce_v the_o mind_n of_o ignorant_a person_n to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o direct_v their_o devotion_n according_a to_o their_o own_o crude_a and_o indigested_a idea_n and_o then_o the_o latter_a inspire_v they_o with_o childish_a and_o absurd_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a matter_n and_o both_o together_o cause_v they_o to_o form_v wild_a and_o enthusiastic_a apprehension_n of_o religious_a action_n and_o direct_v their_o conduct_n according_a to_o those_o apprehension_n if_o we_o examine_v the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o shall_v find_v many_o of_o they_o to_o derive_v their_o original_n from_o enthusiastic_a vision_n and_o revelation_n i_o will_v instance_n only_o in_o purgatory_n and_o transubstantiation_n whereof_o the_o former_a however_o at_o this_o day_n defend_v be_v at_o first_o set_v a_o foot_n upon_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o these_o fanatic_a vision_n which_o imaginary_a vision_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v so_o frequent_a among_o the_o enthusiastic_a monk_n of_o the_o six_o seven_o eight_o and_o ten_o age_n that_o large_a volume_n may_v be_v compile_v of_o they_o as_o indeed_o i_o have_v see_v several_a voluminous_a collection_n of_o they_o in_o manuscript_n compose_v before_o the_o reformation_n in_o proof_n of_o purgatory_n as_o for_o transubstantiation_n as_o it_o be_v first_o forge_v in_o the_o cell_n of_o a_o visionary_a monk_n so_o it_o chief_o gain_v credit_n and_o belief_n in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o pretend_a vision_n of_o suppose_a saint_n for_o who_o sake_n god_n divest_v the_o sacramental_a element_n of_o their_o usual_a accident_n and_o offer_v they_o to_o their_o sight_n under_o the_o very_a species_n of_o a_o humane_a body_n scarce_o a_o monkish_a saint_n of_o any_o eminence_n after_o the_o nine_o age_n can_v be_v find_v in_o who_o life_n such_o a_o vision_n be_v not_o relate_v last_o if_o we_o view_v the_o religious_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o religion_n and_o piety_n be_v suppose_v to_o flourish_v in_o its_o utmost_a perfection_n and_o which_o be_v esteem_v the_o grand_a pattern_n of_o refine_a christianity_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v so_o many_o society_n of_o fanatical_a enthusiast_n who_o if_o we_o except_o vicious_a and_o irreligious_a person_n among_o they_o whole_o busy_a themselves_o in_o wild_a imagination_n and_o ridiculous_a ceremony_n if_o any_o religious_a person_n among_o they_o escape_v this_o contagion_n and_o surmount_v this_o imperfection_n it_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o genius_n and_o advantage_n of_o their_o