most_o wicked_a superstition_n chap._n xii_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prove_v by_o reason_n the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v differ_v much_o from_o the_o law_n of_o man_n these_o command_n only_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o the_o divine_a law_n reach_v the_o spirit_n and_o command_v the_o inward_a man_n which_o law_n be_v record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n now_o that_o these_o holy_a write_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v contain_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o may_v convince_v a_o heathen_a or_o infidel_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a authority_n and_o efficacy_n in_o these_o write_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o first_o then_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v as_o it_o have_v be_v clear_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v one_o live_v and_o true_a god_n and_o that_o this_o god_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o adore_v by_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n with_o that_o service_n and_o worship_n which_o become_v he_o then_o it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v by_o god_n himself_o touch_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n wherein_o he_o will_v have_v we_o obey_v he_o this_o be_v practise_v by_o all_o wise_a prince_n and_o state_n who_o govern_v their_o subject_n in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o prudence_n for_o who_o can_v know_v what_o please_v god_n but_o he_o himself_o and_o they_o to_o who_o he_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n now_o then_o suppose_v some_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v in_o order_n to_o that_o service_n which_o he_o will_v accept_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o this_o revelation_n where_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v it_o let_v any_o man_n if_o he_o can_v show_v some_o other_o or_o better_a manifestation_n concern_v the_o will_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n than_o what_o he_o have_v make_v know_v in_o his_o write_a word_n nothing_o can_v be_v the_o stand_a unerring_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o what_o god_n himself_o have_v make_v so_o that_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n must_v be_v the_o law_n of_o our_o beleif_n and_o who_o can_v make_v a_o law_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o man_n or_o creature_n can_v prescribe_v to_o we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v god_n unless_o god_n himself_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o publish_v his_o law_n second_o as_o for_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v receive_v and_o embrace_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o by_o jew_n and_o christian_n let_v we_o rational_o consider_v how_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3.2_o have_v witness_v these_o book_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a have_v they_o not_o from_o time_n to_o time_n for_o many_o age_n together_o in_o their_o great_a misery_n and_o affliction_n constant_o acknowledge_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o whenas_o by_o only_o deny_v the_o same_o they_o may_v have_v have_v not_o only_a liberty_n but_o great_a preferment_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o observable_a that_o though_o the_o prince_n high_a priest_n and_o other_o among_o the_o jew_n persecute_v the_o prophet_n and_o despise_v their_o word_n whilst_o they_o live_v yet_o they_o receive_v their_o write_n as_o prophetical_a and_o divine_a when_o they_o where_o dead_a and_o since_o blindness_n and_o obstinacy_n come_v upon_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o their_o great_a enmity_n and_o hatred_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o yet_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o those_o very_a text_n that_o do_v evident_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v keep_v pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a among_o they_o three_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o embrace_v both_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v witness_v and_o do_v still_o witness_v to_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o even_o to_o the_o death_n the_o whole_a universal_a church_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o first_o pen_v of_o the_o scripture_n till_o this_o very_a day_n have_v all_o along_o profess_v that_o these_o book_n be_v divine_a and_o thousand_o of_o they_o have_v seal_v the_o same_o with_o their_o blood_n this_o testimony_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o force_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o infallible_a and_o effectual_a to_o persuade_v and_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n as_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o of_o all_o humane_a testimony_n whereby_o the_o author_n of_o any_o book_n that_o have_v be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v extant_a can_v be_v prove_v or_o evince_v so_o as_o to_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o god_n concern_v this_o book_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o satisfactory_a both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o multitude_n wisdom_n honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o likelihood_n constancy_n and_o uninterrupted_a continuance_n of_o the_o testimony_n itself_o be_v it_o probable_a in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n that_o so_o good_a and_o wise_a a_o god_n shall_v suffer_v so_o many_o honest_a well_o mean_v people_n to_o be_v so_o long_o abuse_v and_o deceive_v by_o a_o false_a or_o feign_a book_n father_v upon_o himself_o such_o a_o horrid_a imposture_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n will_v not_o endure_v to_o lie_v hide_v and_o undiscovered_a for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n christian_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n noble_a and_o ignoble_a rich_a and_o poor_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a marry_a and_o unmarried_a old_a and_o young_a throughout_o the_o world_n for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o have_v endure_v the_o most_o grievous_a and_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o the_o devil_n can_v invent_v or_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n find_v out_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o that_o with_o great_a constancy_n and_o alacrity_n with_o a_o undaunted_a heart_n and_o merry_a countenance_n and_o can_v any_o sober_a man_n think_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o person_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o great_a quality_n learning_n and_o prudence_n that_o may_v have_v live_v brave_o and_o carry_v a_o great_a part_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v suffer_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a thing_n out_o of_o mere_a weakness_n pride_n vain_a glory_n discontent_a or_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v for_o a_o fable_n that_o have_v no_o truth_n nor_o reality_n in_o it_o this_o testimony_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o great_a suffering_n christian_a patience_n joy_n and_o courage_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v not_o mere_o humane_a for_o that_o courage_n and_o cheerfulness_n which_o they_o show_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n be_v not_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v from_o above_o and_o supernatural_a four_o god_n have_v confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n by_o many_o great_a wonder_n and_o miracle_n from_o heaven_n such_o as_o satan_n himself_o can_v imitate_v such_o as_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o any_o yea_o of_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o the_o most_o malicious_a subtle_a enemy_n of_o god_n truth_n can_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v divine_a these_o miracle_n have_v the_o lord_n open_o wrought_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o as_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o they_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n thereof_o so_o the_o undoubted_a and_o clear_a narration_n of_o they_o be_v to_o we_o a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o the_o word_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v from_o heaven_n and_o not_o from_o man_n the_o lord_n witness_v thereunto_o both_o by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n heb._n 2.4_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o which_o of_o all_o write_n and_o doctrine_n that_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o publish_v be_v the_o most_o ancient_a in_o all_o other_o write_n and_o record_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o fall_v of_o man_n be_v omit_v which_o yet_o be_v particular_o and_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o true_o it_o be_v admirable_a to_o consider_v how_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v in_o preserve_v his_o write_a word_n and_o law_n to_o this_o day_n notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n and_o
such_o person_n or_o church_n may_v devise_v and_o assign_v new_a rule_n and_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n where_o shall_v the_o bound_n and_o limit_n be_v set_v reason_n itself_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n no_o bottom_n of_o it_o some_o man_n especial_o be_v witty_a to_o devise_v a_o multitude_n of_o ceremony_n and_o outward_a observance_n whereof_o augustine_n himself_o complain_v in_o his_o day_n and_o which_o sufficient_o appear_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o our_o day_n six_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n will_v also_o inform_v we_o that_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v into_o a_o church_n society_n shall_v free_o consent_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v those_o be_v look_v upon_o rational_o as_o state_v member_n of_o a_o society_n that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o society_n as_o they_o be_v constitute_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o entrance_n into_o it_o if_o they_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o society_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o it_o and_o perform_v those_o duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o they_o as_o member_n of_o it_o otherwise_o they_o do_v but_o weaken_v and_o not_o strengthen_v the_o society_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n yea_o it_o be_v high_o rational_a that_o in_o a_o well_o order_v society_n every_o offendor_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o action_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o censure_n inflict_v upon_o he_o by_o they_o that_o so_o the_o society_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o it_o administer_v with_o authority_n and_o success_n and_o when_o a_o christian_a be_v actual_o join_v in_o church_n society_n with_o other_o he_o shall_v not_o upon_o slight_a ground_n break_v off_o communion_n but_o shall_v continue_v still_o with_o they_o till_o his_o communion_n become_v sinful_a for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n or_o reason_n that_o can_v justify_v a_o total_a separation_n from_o such_o a_o society_n but_o the_o unlawfulness_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o continue_v any_o long_o in_o it_o though_o there_o be_v many_o defect_n in_o that_o society_n as_o there_o be_v in_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o impose_v upon_o he_o that_o be_v sinful_a but_o he_o may_v partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n without_o sin_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o withdraw_v from_o such_o a_o society_n a_o christian_a may_v easy_o discern_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o if_o church-member_n will_v withdraw_v upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n and_o make_v themselves_o judge_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o withdraw_n there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o separation_n and_o withal_o this_o practice_n which_o be_v so_o common_a will_n at_o length_n be_v ruinous_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o every_o church_n society_n indeed_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o where_o a_o church_n be_v guilty_a of_o great_a corruption_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o it_o awow_v and_o profess_v and_o also_o require_v the_o own_v they_o as_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o in_o such_o a_o case_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o withdraw_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n in_o which_o we_o can_v continue_v without_o sin_n this_o be_v no_o schism_n but_o rather_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a who_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o that_o communion_n by_o which_o he_o will_v contract_v guilt_n upon_o his_o own_o soul_n the_o departure_n therefore_o of_o a_o christian_a from_o a_o church_n be_v either_o lawful_a or_o schismatical_a according_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v wise_o and_o diligent_o inquire_v into_o before_o it_o be_v undertake_v so_o long_o as_o we_o may_v communicate_v with_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o we_o be_v state_v member_n without_o sin_n though_o there_o be_v some_o corruption_n tolerate_v but_o not_o impose_v by_o she_o we_o shall_v not_o utter_o forsake_v her_o communion_n but_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v the_o society_n and_o in_o a_o sober_a rational_a way_n to_o reform_v those_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n seven_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n dictate_v to_o we_o that_o all_o thing_n in_o a_o religious_a society_n shall_v be_v administer_v with_o much_o seriousness_n and_o gravity_n and_o not_o in_o a_o slight_a superficial_a manner_n which_o cause_v much_o lightness_n and_o vanity_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o member_n of_o it_o whereas_o the_o governor_n and_o minister_n of_o such_o society_n shall_v so_o manage_v the_o affair_n thereof_o that_o the_o ordinance_n and_o way_n of_o god_n may_v be_v render_v awful_a and_o majestical_a and_o not_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o people_n by_o their_o mean_n god_n will_v be_v reverence_v in_o church_n assembly_n where_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v or_o practise_v but_o what_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a worship_n if_o there_o be_v much_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n neither_o minister_n nor_o people_n due_o keep_v their_o place_n in_o a_o church_n society_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v displease_v unto_o god_n as_o be_v very_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o church_n and_o worship_n which_o require_v the_o great_a order_n and_o seriousness_n here_o certain_o if_o if_o in_o any_o assembly_n all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n nor_o shall_v scandalous_a vicious_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n for_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v promiscuous_o use_v and_o make_v common_a to_o good_a and_o bad_a they_o will_v in_o a_o rational_a way_n lose_v their_o lustre_n and_o become_v contemptible_a and_o so_o they_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o those_o church_n society_n where_o no_o discipline_n at_o all_o be_v exercise_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o religion_n flourish_v so_o much_o and_o that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o veneration_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n but_o because_o they_o use_v much_o strictness_n and_o christian_a prudence_n in_o their_o admission_n of_o church-member_n as_o be_v full_o describe_v by_o origen_n and_o other_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o inquire_v into_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o people_n to_o discover_v their_o seriousness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o require_v of_o they_o true_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o sacred_a mystery_n and_o justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o apology_n speak_v of_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v require_v of_o those_o person_n that_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o life_n answerable_a thereunto_o without_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o participate_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n this_o cause_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n to_o be_v reverence_v but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o promiscuous_a admission_n and_o administration_n and_o none_o exclude_v that_o will_v offer_v themselves_o this_o will_n in_o a_o short_a time_n take_v away_o that_o majesty_n and_o authority_n that_o shall_v accompany_v such_o holy_a administration_n in_o church-assembly_n eight_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o way_n or_o mean_n to_o determine_v and_o decide_v controversy_n and_o difference_n arise_v in_o such_o a_o society_n which_o immediate_o tend_v to_o the_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n thereof_o otherwise_o there_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a provision_n make_v for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o society_n now_o this_o must_v in_o reason_n be_v suppose_v in_o all_o society_n that_o when_o they_o be_v first_o enter_v into_o it_o must_v be_v upon_o such_o term_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o those_o society_n in_o peace_n and_o order_n the_o body_n of_o man_n be_v furnish_v by_o nature_n not_o only_o with_o a_o receptive_a and_o concoctive_a faculty_n of_o what_o tend_v to_o its_o nourishment_n but_o with_o a_o expulsive_a faculty_n of_o what_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v also_o with_o civil_a society_n they_o have_v not_o only_a way_n to_o strengthen_v they_o but_o likewise_o a_o power_n to_o expel_v those_o noxious_a humour_n and_o quality_n which_o tend_v to_o their_o dissolution_n and_o doubtless_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o religious_a
authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n prove_v by_o reason_n page_n 97_o 1._o because_o no_o other_o or_o better_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n can_v be_v produce_v 2._o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v throughout_o all_o age_n witness_v to_o and_o wonderful_o preserve_v by_o the_o jew_n 3._o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v all_o along_o witness_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n even_o to_o the_o death_n 4._o god_n have_v confirm_v the_o authority_n thereof_o by_o great_a and_o strange_a miracle_n from_o heaven_n 5._o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o authentical_a of_o any_o writing_n 6._o the_o stile_n order_n contexture_n and_o frame_v of_o the_o scripture_n show_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o 7._o another_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o wonderful_a powerful_a effect_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n 8._o from_o the_o admirable_a harmony_n and_o consent_n thereof_o 9_o the_o matter_n treat_v of_o therein_o be_v divine_a and_o wonderful_a here_o be_v mention_v five_o note_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n 10._o the_o end_n which_o the_o scripture_n aim_v at_o be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n page_n 110_o 1._o here_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o popish_a implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n 2._o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v make_v apppear_v 1._o to_o be_v against_o sense_n 2._o against_o reason_n 3._o against_o faith_n 3._o it_o be_v also_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n one_o in_o foro_fw-la publico_fw-la another_o in_o foro_fw-la privato_fw-la 4._o that_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o to_o exercise_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o try_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n this_o be_v prove_v by_o six_o cogent_a argument_n objection_n against_o this_o tenet_n and_o practice_v answer_v chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n page_n 123_o 1._o it_o be_v here_o show_v that_o this_o testimony_n be_v more_o satisfactory_a to_o the_o conscience_n than_o all_o other_o proof_n 2._o that_o a_o christian_n faith_n shall_v be_v ultimate_o and_o final_o resolve_v into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v but_o humane_a 3._o the_o popish_a circle_n be_v describe_v and_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n herein_o vindicate_v 4._o some_o rule_n and_o caution_n concern_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v here_o propound_v to_o prevent_v mistake_n chap._n xv._o show_v when_o reason_n be_v right_o use_v and_o when_o abuse_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n in_o the_o scripture_n page_n 133_o 1._o reason_n be_v the_o organ_n which_o let_v into_o the_o soul_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n 2._o it_o be_v overpower_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v the_o great_a reasonableness_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o christ_n 3._o reason_n be_v exceed_o useful_a in_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n 4._o nevertheless_o we_o shall_v not_o make_v reason_n the_o judge_n in_o divine_a matter_n nor_o subject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o our_o reason_n as_o socinian_n do_v three_o argument_n against_o it_o chap._n xvi_o of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o mere_a rational_a and_o spiritual_a man_n and_o their_o act_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n here_o be_v show_v page_n 142_o 1._o that_o the_o spiritual_a man_n have_v christ_n form_v in_o he_o and_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n do_v not_o 2._o that_o the_o divine_a principle_n which_o act_v the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v more_o than_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a natural_a and_o rational_a ability_n 3._o that_o man_n be_v passive_a in_o the_o new_a spiritual_a birth_n and_o can_v by_o all_o his_o reason_n discern_v how_o this_o spiritual_a life_n be_v wrought_v 4._o how_o and_o wherein_o the_o spiritual_a man_n act_n and_o operation_n do_v far_o transcend_v the_o mere_a rational_a mans._n 5._o they_o differ_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o reference_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n in_o five_o particular_n chap._n xvii_o prove_v that_o none_o can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o mere_a improvement_n of_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n page_n 152_o 1._o divers_a of_o the_o father_n and_o some_o modern_a writer_n have_v err_v in_o this_o point_n 2._o four_o thing_n be_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o better_a open_n of_o it_o god_n may_v reveal_v his_o son_n if_o he_o so_o please_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n to_o some_o heathen_n 3._o it_o be_v prove_v by_o nine_o argument_n that_o no_o rational_a moral_n heathen_a can_v be_v save_v without_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o mediator_n one_o or_o two_o material_a objection_n answer_v chap._n xviii_o of_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a delight_n here_o be_v show_v page_z 16â—_n 1._o that_o every_o be_v choose_v to_o itself_o some_o kind_n of_o pleasure_n as_o 1._o god_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a be_v 2._o the_o angel_n 3._o man_n that_o have_v rational_a soul_n 4._o the_o sensitive_a creature_n 2._o in_o what_o particular_n the_o delight_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n do_v far_o excel_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n chap._n xix_o show_v that_o reason_n and_o much_o more_o faith_n do_v fortify_v a_o man_n against_o the_o excessive_a fear_n of_o death_n page_n 172_o 1._o here_o be_v eight_o consideration_n draw_v from_o reason_n against_o the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n 2._o seven_o argument_n be_v also_o draw_v from_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n 3._o the_o famous_a say_n of_o some_o die_a christian_n be_v mention_v chap._n xx._n that_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o due_a exercise_n thereof_o be_v a_o great_a mercy_n page_n 187_o 1._o this_o be_v open_v in_o some_o particular_n 2._o it_o be_v here_o show_v that_o man_n who_o have_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n be_v wonderful_o make_v like_o a_o curious_a piece_n of_o embroidery_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o rational_a soul_n wherein_o man_n far_o excel_v other_o creature_n five_o thing_n mention_v relate_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n 3._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o new_a spiritual_a birth_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n chap._n xxi_o a_o recapitulation_n of_o particular_n touch_v the_o use_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n page_n 195_o 1._o here_o be_v five_o consideration_n premise_v 2._o the_o excellency_n and_o use_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v particular_o hold_v forth_o as_o 1._o some_o that_o have_v be_v famous_a instrument_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v abound_v therein_o 2._o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v use_v of_o it_o 3._o it_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o grammatical_a literal_a sense_n and_o the_o chronology_n and_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n 4._o it_o be_v useful_a for_o convince_a heathen_n and_o infidel_n 5._o in_o try_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n 6._o as_o a_o passive_a qualification_n of_o the_o subject_n for_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o which_o case_n there_o must_v be_v a_o principle_n of_o reason_n chap._n xxii_o how_o and_o in_o what_o respect_v reason_n come_v short_a and_o be_v abuse_v in_o divine_a thing_n page_n 206_o 1._o reason_n can_v discover_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n 2._o nor_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o nature_n 3._o it_o can_v prescribe_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n 4._o nor_o enable_v we_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 5._o our_o assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v the_o assent_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o mere_a reason_n 6._o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o reason_n be_v the_o rule_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o spiritual_a matter_n he_o must_v be_v crucify_v to_o his_o reason_n here_o be_v also_o show_v in_o six_o particular_n when_o and_o wherein_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v abuse_v and_o so_o become_v dangerous_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n
the_o hand_n of_o many_o and_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v crooked_a by_o power_n and_o force_v mis-employed_n be_v rectify_v and_o make_v straight_o by_o reason_n and_o counsel_n right_o weigh_v the_o disposition_n of_o the_o people_n and_o what_o be_v practicable_a as_o to_o time_n place_n person_n and_o other_o circumstance_n noscenda_fw-la natura_fw-la vulgi_fw-la est_fw-la say_v seneca_n &_o quibus_fw-la modis_fw-la temperantur_fw-la habeatur_fw-la the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v prudent_o observe_v and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v temperate_o rule_v otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a consistency_n of_o government_n the_o wise_a man_n that_o ever_o treat_v of_o civil_a government_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o a_o state_n or_o city_n where_o moral_a virtue_n and_o prudence_n be_v banish_v and_o vice_n and_o profaneness_n encourage_v can_v long_o continue_v and_o prosper_v and_o that_o it_o be_v much_o better_o and_o more_o rational_a to_o gain_v the_o love_n and_o good_a will_n of_o the_o people_n by_o make_v wholesome_a law_n and_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o wisdom_n and_o clemency_n which_o usual_o confirm_v and_o assure_v the_o state_n than_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o awe_n by_o rigour_n and_o severity_n although_o in_o some_o case_n and_o at_o some_o time_n there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o severity_n whereof_o the_o most_o rational_a experience_a person_n be_v best_a able_a to_o judge_v firmissimum_fw-la id_fw-la imperium_fw-la quo_fw-la obedientes_fw-la gaudent_fw-la say_v the_o wise_a historian_n dec._n historian_n tit._n liv._o dec._n that_o empire_n be_v most_o firm_a where_o the_o subject_n so_o obey_v as_o that_o they_o rejoice_v nor_o must_v we_o judge_v of_o the_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n of_o counsel_n or_o of_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o capacity_n of_o person_n by_o success_n and_o event_n which_o oftentimes_o fall_v out_o alike_o to_o wise_a man_n and_o fool_n nay_o the_o latter_a sometime_o have_v more_o success_n in_o their_o heady_a unadvised_a erterprise_n than_o the_o former_a in_o their_o discreet_a and_o prudent_a counsel_n eccl._n 9.2_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o wise_a answer_n that_o be_v give_v to_o some_o person_n that_o marvel_v and_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o ill_a success_n of_o their_o business_n consider_v with_o how_o wise_a and_o mature_a deliberation_n it_o be_v undertake_v that_o they_o be_v master_n of_o their_o deliberation_n but_o not_o of_o the_o success_n of_o their_o affair_n for_o that_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o supreme_a cause_n and_o be_v which_o seem_v to_o sport_v itself_o with_o all_o our_o fair_a designment_n and_o counsel_n overthrow_v in_o a_o moment_n that_o which_o have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n project_v and_o deliberate_v and_o in_o outward_a appearance_n strong_o fortify_v as_o to_o future_a event_n chap._n viii_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n and_o humane_a prudence_n in_o church_n matter_n let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o essential_o of_o worship_n and_o church_n government_n be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la and_o may_v be_v evince_v and_o demonstrate_v from_o scripture_n yet_o doubtless_o as_o to_o the_o outward_a exercise_n and_o administration_n thereof_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o moral_a prudence_n be_v of_o excellent_a use_n if_o we_o will_v so_o manage_v matter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o to_o honour_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o derive_v a_o due_a reverence_n thereunto_o and_o indeed_o whatever_o the_o several_a party_n pretend_v as_o they_o be_v now_o distinguish_v by_o several_a name_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v much_o lament_v yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v use_n of_o reason_n and_o humane_a prudence_n in_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o in_o their_o several_a church_n administration_n though_o some_o more_o and_o other_o less_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n if_o attend_v to_o and_o improve_v by_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o church_n and_o christian_a society_n will_v teach_v they_o to_o walk_v orderly_o and_o to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o unity_n yea_o in_o many_o respect_v it_o will_v be_v exceed_o helpful_a unto_o they_o first_o reason_n itself_o will_v suggest_v unto_o we_o irenicum_fw-la we_o dr._n stilling-fleet_n his_o irenicum_fw-la that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o society_n and_o join_v together_o for_o the_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n gen._n 4.26_o as_o the_o number_n of_o man_n increase_v so_o they_o grow_v into_o society_n that_o they_o may_v more_o convenient_o worship_v the_o lord_n all_o man_n general_o agree_v in_o some_o kind_n of_o worship_n though_o differ_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n and_o object_n of_o it_o the_o very_a heathen_n have_v this_o from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o look_v on_o a_o peculiar_a distinct_a society_n as_o necessary_a for_o the_o worship_n and_o honour_n of_o that_o deity_n which_o they_o serve_v they_o do_v not_o only_o consider_v themselves_o in_o a_o private_a personal_a relation_n and_o capacity_n but_o as_o member_n of_o a_o society_n engage_v to_o attend_v on_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o that_o society_n and_o indeed_o man_n be_v a_o sociable_a creature_n who_o love_v to_o join_v and_o associate_v himself_o with_o those_o of_o his_o own_o kind_n if_o he_o have_v all_o other_o comfort_n of_o life_n and_o want_v society_n he_o will_v think_v himself_o miserable_a this_o sociableness_n of_o man_n nature_n be_v much_o improve_v by_o religion_n which_o be_v that_o strong_a ligament_n that_o knit_v and_o join_v society_n together_o and_o without_o which_o no_o commonwealth_n can_v long_o subsist_v reason_n and_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o religion_n have_v have_v and_o still_o have_v a_o very_a great_a influence_n upon_o all_o society_n and_o government_n and_o from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o more_o god_n be_v worship_v in_o society_n the_o great_a honour_n redound_v unto_o he_o and_o certain_o we_o shall_v worship_v god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o make_v most_o for_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n second_o reason_n will_v also_o tell_v we_o that_o society_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v maintain_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o most_o convenient_a manner_n so_o as_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o order_n may_v be_v preserve_v there_o must_v be_v some_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o a_o superiority_n of_o power_n and_o order_n place_v in_o some_o person_n over_o other_o in_o a_o society_n or_o else_o it_o can_v long_o subsist_v or_o be_v maintain_v in_o peace_n though_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o invest_v church_n governor_n in_o and_o with_o their_o authority_n be_v not_o determine_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n yet_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o govern_v power_n in_o a_o society_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o dictate_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n if_o all_o be_v ruler_n then_o every_o man_n be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o none_o will_v obey_v and_o so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o society_n no_o order_n no_o government_n forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o subordination_n no_o superiority_n nor_o inferiority_n all_o be_v equal_n in_o all_o society_n civil_a military_a ecclesiastical_a yea_o in_o family_n which_o be_v the_o small_a society_n there_o be_v governor_n and_o govern_v ruler_n and_o rule_v where_o every_o one_o be_v a_o governor_n there_o can_v be_v no_o government_n and_o where_o every_o one_o be_v a_o ruler_n there_o can_v be_v no_o order_n but_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o in_o every_o society_n that_o be_v regulate_v by_o reason_n as_o there_o be_v some_o to_o rule_v so_o there_o be_v other_o to_o obey_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o religious_a society_n for_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n in_o his_o church_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n be_v all_o governor_n if_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v a_o eye_n where_o be_v the_o hear_n if_o the_o whole_a be_v hear_v where_o be_v the_o smell_a but_o god_n have_v set_v the_o several_a member_n every_o one_o in_o their_o place_n in_o the_o body_n or_o society_n even_o as_o it_o please_v he_o 1_o cor._n 12.17_o 18_o 29._o 1_o cor._n 14.33_o three_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n will_v also_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o the_o immediate_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n who_o administer_v holy_a thing_n to_o we_o and_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o power_n of_o office_n for_o govern_v the_o society_n shall_v have_v respect_n and_o reverence_n yea_o and_o maintenance_n too_o render_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o member_n of_o the_o society_n answerable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o employment_n this_o have_v be_v general_o practise_v in_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n where_o there_o have_v beeen_n
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
lay_v aside_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o to_o be_v whole_o conclude_v by_o humane_a authority_n and_o the_o name_n of_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o in_o other_o point_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o lie_n and_o contradiction_n will_v impose_v upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o have_v neither_o sense_n nor_o reason_n in_o we_o so_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o corporal_a carnal_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v against_o sense_n against_o reason_n and_o against_o faith_n first_o it_o be_v against_o sense_n now_o of_o all_o demonstration_n among_o man_n whereby_o we_o prove_v thing_n of_o this_o kind_n nothing_o be_v more_o firm_a then_o that_o which_o be_v take_v from_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n in_o divinity_n that_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o sense_n sense_n be_v a_o complete_a judge_n understand_v it_o of_o object_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o sense_n otherwise_o we_o say_v the_o eye_n be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o sound_n nor_o the_o ear_n of_o colour_n thus_o christ_n when_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o real_a body_n he_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o their_o sense_n a_o spirit_n have_v not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o you_o see_v i_o have_v reach_v hither_o thy_o hand_n and_o thrust_v it_o into_o my_o side_n in_o turn_v water_n into_o wine_n sense_n may_v easy_o judge_v of_o the_o change_n you_o will_v think_v it_o a_o strange_a and_o incredible_a thing_n if_o christ_n shall_v have_v come_v to_o to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n require_v he_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v wine_n though_o he_o see_v and_o taste_v nothing_o but_o water_n or_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v say_v thus_o to_o moses_n well_o thou_o see_v nothing_o but_o a_o rod_n yet_o thou_o must_v believe_v notwithstanding_o that_o it_o be_v change_v and_o be_v real_o a_o serpent_n so_o in_o this_o case_n of_o the_o sacrament_n when_o all_o the_o sense_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v bread_n which_o we_o see_v and_o touch_v and_o taste_v why_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v so_o foolish_a and_o vain_a as_o to_o say_v with_o the_o papist_n that_o the_o bread_n cease_v to_o be_v true_o bread_n and_o be_v transubstantiate_v into_o the_o very_a body_n of_o christ_n again_o second_o as_o this_o doctrine_n be_v against_o sense_n so_o it_o be_v against_o reason_n namely_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o have_v but_o one_o body_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o have_v ten_o thousand_o body_n on_o earth_n that_o his_o body_n shall_v be_v a_o true_a body_n as_o we_o be_v and_o yet_o without_o circumscription_n and_o other_o inseparable_a property_n of_o a_o true_a body_n that_o the_o substance_n of_o bread_n shall_v be_v abolish_v so_o as_o it_o shall_v remain_v no_o long_o bread_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v the_o very_a quantity_n taste_n whiteness_n substance_n and_o nourish_a virtue_n of_o bread_n if_o you_o ask_v they_o after_o all_o this_o whether_o it_o do_v nourish_v the_o body_n or_o no_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o with_o impudence_n enough_o if_o they_o be_v true_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o it_o do_v not_o nourish_v quite_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o experience_n this_o monstruous_a opinion_n of_o they_o be_v so_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a that_o the_o most_o learned_a among_o they_o be_v puzzle_v and_o not_o satisfy_v therewith_o but_o leave_v it_o as_o a_o miracle_n i_o have_v take_v some_o pain_n say_v a_o learned_a judicious_a man_n in_o his_o late_a sermon_n against_o popery_n to_o consider_v other_o religion_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o must_v free_o declare_v that_o i_o never_o yet_o in_o any_o of_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o article_n or_o proposition_n impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o man_n half_o so_o unreasonable_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o this_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v three_o as_o it_o be_v against_o sense_n and_o reason_n so_o it_o be_v against_o faith_n which_o though_o it_o be_v beyond_o sense_n or_o reason_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a thereunto_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v god_n work_n as_o well_o as_o grace_n and_o faith_n now_o one_o work_n of_o god_n do_v not_o destroy_v another_o for_o if_o so_o this_o will_v argue_v imperfection_n in_o the_o workman_n faith_n feed_v on_o christ_n spiritual_o in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v now_o if_o christ_n be_v corporal_o present_a in_o the_o sacrament_n what_o need_v the_o receiver_n feed_v on_o he_o spiritual_o by_o faith_n as_o be_v absent_a what_o need_v he_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o till_o he_o come_v let_v we_o in_o this_o and_o other_o thing_n show_v ourselves_o man_n and_o not_o beast_n let_v we_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o of_o that_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v we_o that_o believe_v and_o act_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n whoever_o require_v the_o same_o of_o we_o these_o be_v our_o act_n if_o therefore_o we_o will_v show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v man_n endue_v with_o reason_n and_o understanding_n we_o must_v examine_v what_o be_v propound_v and_o offer_v to_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v assent_v or_o dissent_v upon_o judicious_a ground_n we_o be_v man_n and_o shall_v do_v thing_n as_o man_n we_o be_v christian_n and_o shall_v do_v thing_n as_o christian_n blind_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n shall_v be_v utter_o banish_v out_o of_o christian_a assembly_n nor_o shall_v we_o pin_v our_o faith_n upon_o any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n be_v they_o never_o so_o godly_a and_o learned_a for_o this_o be_v to_o wrong_v god_n and_o to_o set_v man_n in_o his_o throne_n and_o attribute_n that_o to_o man_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n alone_o hereby_o also_o we_o exceed_o prejudice_v and_o wrong_v our_o own_o soul_n and_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n when_o we_o adhere_v to_o a_o opinion_n or_o way_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o rational_o and_o know_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n what_o be_v this_o else_o but_o to_o comply_v with_o a_o way_n or_o party_n out_o of_o faction_n and_o partiality_n not_o out_o of_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n which_o therefore_o can_v have_v any_o true_a consistence_n or_o constancy_n in_o it_o they_o rather_o bring_v their_o foot_n then_o their_o heart_n into_o a_o way_n of_o religion_n that_o adhere_v to_o it_o without_o due_a trial_n and_o examination_n herein_o we_o shall_v use_v our_o own_o eye_n and_o judgement_n and_o not_o whole_o trust_v to_o other_o herein_o we_o shall_v diligent_o exercise_v our_o own_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v judicious_o and_o profitable_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v judge_v of_o the_o high_a gospel_n mystery_n according_a to_o natural_a corrupt_a reason_n but_o yet_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o god_n in_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o that_o so_o our_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n may_v not_o be_v fluctuate_a and_o uncertain_a but_o steady_a and_o stable_a it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o if_o every_o man_n may_v judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o his_o reason_n than_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o mind_n which_o will_v breed_v endless_a confusion_n every_o man_n pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o one_o man_n think_v his_o reason_n to_o be_v as_o good_a or_o better_a than_o another_o man_n and_o so_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o order_n no_o settlement_n in_o the_o church_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v much_o danger_n on_o this_o hand_n especial_o where_o people_n be_v run_v headlong_o into_o confusion_n and_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o government_n yet_o this_o shall_v not_o make_v man_n throw_v away_o their_o reason_n and_o believe_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n only_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a judgement_n a_o judgement_n in_o foro_fw-la externo_fw-la or_o publico_fw-la and_o a_o judgement_n in_o foro_fw-la interno_fw-la or_o privato_fw-la the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v a_o authoritative_a judgement_n belong_v to_o christian_a synod_n and_o counsel_n due_o and_o lawful_o assemble_v where_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n preside_v such_o counsel_n debate_v and_o determine_v matter_n in_o difference_n either_o as_o to_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n have_v be_v of_o excellent_a use_n from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v belong_v to_o every_o christian_a a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n or_o discern_a a_o rational_a self_n directive_n judgement_n in_o the_o
have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o he_o he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o to_o they_o it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o father_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mat._n 13.11_o hereby_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n even_o by_o his_o spirit_n which_o search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.10_o for_o a_o man_n profess_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n to_o swallow_v down_o without_o trial_n or_o consideration_n all_o that_o he_o read_v and_o hear_v if_o it_o come_v from_o a_o person_n that_o he_o admire_v which_o yet_o be_v the_o practice_n not_o only_o of_o the_o blind_a papist_n but_o of_o many_o seem_a zealous_a protestant_n that_o be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o a_o party_n non_fw-la est_fw-la opus_fw-la virilis_fw-la intelligentiae_fw-la sed_fw-la puerilis_fw-la inscitiae_fw-la this_o rather_o become_v the_o simplicity_n and_o ignorance_n of_o a_o child_n than_o the_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n of_o a_o serious_a christian_a luther_n speak_v of_o the_o blind_a implicit_a faith_n and_o obedience_n too_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o opinion_n and_o practice_n as_o render_v a_o man_n brutist_n and_o deprive_v he_o of_o reason_n and_o manhood_n and_o for_o this_o wicked_a opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o namely_o for_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n the_o roman_a prelate_n deserve_v to_o be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o wolf_n and_o tyrant_n but_o what_o shall_v every_o private_a spirit_n will_v you_o say_v take_v this_o upon_o he_o be_v not_o this_o to_o judge_v his_o judge_n and_o to_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o his_o superior_a to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o those_o person_n be_v they_o never_o so_o great_a and_o 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and_o capacity_n if_o he_o be_v a_o private_a christian_a rational_a judgement_n belong_v to_o he_o but_o magistratica_n and_o ministerial_a judgement_n belong_v to_o other_o that_o be_v in_o a_o more_o public_a capacity_n and_o office_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v to_o try_v and_o judge_v with_o much_o modesty_n and_o humility_n not_o rash_o and_o heady_o as_o be_v self-conceited_a and_o lean_v too_o much_o to_o his_o own_o understanding_n let_v he_o walk_v orderly_o and_o keep_v his_o place_n and_o station_n give_v due_a respect_n and_o reverence_n to_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o godly_a pastor_n and_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n thus_o we_o have_v show_v how_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o 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assure_v we_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o which_o testimony_n be_v better_a and_o more_o certain_a than_o all_o our_o reason_n for_o as_o god_n be_v a_o sufficient_a witness_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o word_n so_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n will_v never_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n till_o the_o same_o be_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o by_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n till_o than_o they_o will_v be_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a often_o doubt_v and_o waver_v notwithstanding_o all_o other_o reason_n and_o proof_n 5._o proof_n calv._n instit_fw-la lib._n 1._o chap._n 7._o s._n 5._o we_o shall_v so_o believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o itself_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v the_o same_o as_o not_o to_o subject_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o to_o our_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n when_o our_o understanding_n be_v once_o powerful_o convince_v and_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o indict_v the_o holy_a scripture_n then_o do_v we_o not_o believe_v by_o our_o own_o judgement_n or_o reason_n or_o other_o man_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v from_o god_n and_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o above_o all_o humane_a reason_n and_o judgement_n we_o hold_v it_o most_o certain_a even_o as_o if_o we_o behold_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n himself_o there_o present_a john_n 4.42_o and_o have_v attain_v this_o we_o seek_v not_o after_o humane_a argument_n to_o rest_v our_o faith_n upon_o but_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o admit_v of_o no_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v we_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o do_v full_o captivate_v and_o submit_v our_o judgement_n and_o reason_n to_o it_o such_o therefore_o be_v the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o true_a spiritual_a christian_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n far_o different_a from_o other_o mens_fw-la as_o require_v no_o humane_a reason_n such_o be_v his_o knowledge_n and_o certainty_n as_o have_v the_o best_a reason_n for_o it_o even_o that_o wherein_o the_o mind_n more_o assure_o and_o steadfast_o rest_v then_o upon_o any_o humane_a testimony_n or_o reason_n whatsoever_o such_o be_v the_o inward_a spiritual_a experience_n of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v oppose_v the_o same_o yet_o he_o be_v full_o resolve_v to_o give_v credit_n and_o adhere_v thereunto_o by_o nature_n every_o man_n be_v blind_a in_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mind_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o shine_a light_n in_o itself_o yet_o unless_o our_o understanding_n be_v open_v and_o enlighten_v we_o can_v behold_v it_o no_o more_o than_o a_o blind_a man_n can_v see_v the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o supernatural_a light_n and_o 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be_v prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o as_o for_o the_o scripture_n they_o prove_v and_o evidence_n themselves_o sufficient_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a by_o their_o own_o light_n manifest_v their_o divine_a original_a they_o be_v primum_fw-la visibile_fw-la not_o like_o colour_n that_o can_v be_v see_v till_o light_v make_v it_o apparent_a but_o like_o light_n itself_o which_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n manifest_a and_o itself_o too_o by_o its_o own_o proper_a quality_n now_o than_o if_o a_o true_a believer_n shall_v be_v ask_v why_o he_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o may_v true_o answer_v thus_o because_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o it_o be_v further_o demand_v how_o he_o can_v assure_v himself_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o may_v answer_v that_o he_o know_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enlighten_v his_o understanding_n to_o see_v those_o lively_a character_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v imprint_v upon_o those_o sacred_a volume_n if_o yet_o it_o be_v further_o demand_v how_o he_o know_v whether_o that_o be_v the_o right_a meaning_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n he_o may_v likewise_o true_o say_v that_o he_o know_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v diligent_o examine_v and_o compare_v together_o do_v plain_o discover_v to_o the_o humble_a teachable_a soul_n their_o own_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o concern_v everlasting_a salvation_n and_o thus_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v final_o and_o ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n or_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o into_o nothing_o less_o as_o for_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o judgement_n and_o writing_n of_o the_o godly_a learned_a they_o be_v good_a help_n to_o make_v we_o see_v the_o truth_n but_o no_o cause_n 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this_o he_o answer_v because_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n say_v so_o or_o as_o some_o of_o they_o hold_v because_o the_o pope_n only_o say_v so_o or_o as_o other_o of_o they_o because_o a_o general_a council_n say_v so_o if_o we_o further_o urge_v he_o yea_o but_o how_o know_v you_o infallible_o that_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n do_v not_o err_v in_o say_v so_o he_o will_v answer_v you_o because_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v they_o can_v err_v for_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o they_o run_v round_o in_o a_o circle_n describe_v circle_n the_o popish_a circle_n describe_v and_o be_v so_o entangle_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a of_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o deliver_v themselves_o indeed_o they_o accuse_v we_o with_o open_a mouth_n as_o if_o we_o be_v entangle_v in_o a_o circle_n run_v round_o from_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o again_o from_o the_o 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where_o and_o in_o what_o measure_n he_o please_v so_o that_o holy_a man_n partaker_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o several_a degree_n may_v err_v and_o mistake_v in_o some_o thing_n and_o dissent_v one_o from_o another_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o fundamental_a and_o thus_o we_o have_v give_v you_o some_o rule_n to_o prevent_v mistake_v touch_v the_o inward_a testimony_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o now_o to_o reflect_v a_o little_a yet_o without_o any_o rankor_n or_o bitterness_n against_o the_o person_n of_o man_n upon_o their_o opinion_n that_o derogate_a from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a revelation_n and_o set_v up_o reason_n as_o a_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o resolve_v their_o faith_n final_o into_o reason_n chap._n xv._o brief_o show_v when_o reason_n be_v right_o use_v and_o when_o abuse_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n in_o the_o scripture_n no_o discreet_a 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that_o reason_n be_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n soul_n or_o that_o organ_n which_o let_v into_o his_o soul_n that_o divine_a light_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n which_o beget_v faith_n and_o upon_o which_o faith_n do_v rest_v itself_o and_o into_o which_o it_o be_v final_o resolve_v reason_n be_v not_o the_o object_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n rest_v but_o that_o faculty_n which_o be_v sanctify_v take_v in_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v heavenly_a and_o supernatural_a the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v that_o wherein_o we_o final_o rest_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a understanding_n and_o reason_n sanctify_v be_v that_o whereby_o a_o christian_a judge_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n god_n in_o his_o word_n speak_v to_o reasonable_a creature_n not_o to_o brute_n beast_n who_o by_o way_n of_o discourse_n weigh_v what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v the_o text_n and_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n do_v come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o be_v command_v as_o man_n that_o have_v reason_n in_o we_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o to_o judge_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v these_o be_v act_n of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n by_o the_o help_n whereof_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o give_v a_o sober_a rational_a account_n of_o our_o own_o faith_n and_o to_o convince_v the_o adversary_n and_o gainsayers_a if_o you_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o adversary_n that_o hate_v the_o christian_a religion_n how_o can_v you_o think_v to_o persuade_v he_o to_o christianity_n unless_o you_o show_v he_o a_o reason_n as_o indeed_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o wise_a and_o most_o rational_a religion_n if_o you_o say_v your_o church_n be_v the_o true_a church_n you_o must_v give_v a_o reason_n for_o it_o or_o else_o no_o discreet_a man_n will_v believe_v you_o see_v many_o pretend_v to_o the_o true_a church_n that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o it_o if_o you_o urge_v a_o scripture_n for_o your_o opinion_n sober_a man_n will_v rational_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o your_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n or_o not_o and_z according_o will_v embrace_v or_o reject_v your_o opinion_n it_o concern_v every_o man_n as_o he_o tender_v the_o peace_n and_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n to_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o opinion_n and_o such_o variety_n of_o persuasion_n in_o the_o world_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o consider_v which_o persuasion_n have_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a ground_n for_o it_o that_o we_o may_v with_o peace_n and_o safety_n venture_v our_o soul_n upon_o it_o now_o this_o we_o can_v well_o do_v unless_o we_o make_v use_v of_o our_o reason_n in_o compare_v one_o thing_n 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become_v we_o that_o be_v rational_a creature_n to_o believe_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n though_o what_o he_o speak_v seem_v never_o so_o unreasonable_a never_o so_o contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o this_o that_o all_o that_o god_n speak_v for_o from_o this_o pure_a fountain_n can_v proceed_v nothing_o but_o pure_a stream_n be_v true_a and_o good_a divine_a and_o heavenly_a whatever_o our_o corruption_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_a so_o then_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n and_o our_o reason_n captivate_v and_o subject_v unto_o this_o high_a principle_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o find_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o come_v from_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n that_o can_v lie_v three_o as_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o god_n speak_v in_o general_a as_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n so_o i_o 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apply_v to_o the_o heathen_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n you_o may_v read_v of_o in_o his_o apology_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n represent_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v not_o yet_o determine_v nor_o do_v she_o think_v fit_a to_o determine_v this_o question_n whether_o the_o moral_a heathen_n may_v be_v save_v by_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n among_o those_o of_o the_o reform_a religion_n zuinglius_fw-la be_v of_o this_o opinion_n that_o the_o best_a of_o the_o heathen_n be_v actual_o save_v and_o that_o christ_n do_v communicate_v himself_o to_o they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o this_o be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o he_o or_o any_o other_o and_o herein_o not_o only_a gualther_n and_o bullinger_n but_o all_o our_o divine_n general_o do_v dissent_n from_o he_o aquinas_n mention_n a_o inscription_n find_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n of_o a_o heathen_a in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n the_o greek_a emperor_n and_o irene_n his_o mother_n with_o these_o word_n christus_fw-la nascitur_fw-la ex_fw-la virgin_n &_o ego_fw-la credo_fw-la in_o eum_fw-la o_o sol_fw-mi sub_fw-la irenae_n &_o constantini_n temporibus_fw-la iterum_fw-la i_o videbit_fw-la whence_o he_o infer_v that_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_n be_v not_o altogether_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n that_o say_v of_o erasmus_n whether_o in_o jest_n or_o in_o earnest_n i_o know_v not_o vix_fw-la possum_fw-la i_o continere_fw-la quin_fw-la dicam_fw-la sancte_fw-la socrates_n ora_fw-la pro_fw-la nobis_fw-la may_v be_v see_v and_o read_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o one_o of_o cicero_n book_n nego_fw-la hanc_fw-la propositionem_fw-la say_v a_o fierce_a arminian_n nemo_fw-la potest_fw-la salvus_fw-la fieri_fw-la qui_fw-la christo_fw-la per_fw-la veram_fw-la fidem_fw-la non_fw-la sit_fw-la insitus_fw-la i_o deny_v this_o proposition_n that_o none_o can_v be_v save_v but_o such_o as_o be_v ingraff_v into_o christ_n by_o true_a faith_n and_o there_o be_v some_o that_o have_v coin_v a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a distinction_n of_o a_o threefold_a piety_n judaica_n christiana_n &_o ethnica_fw-la bold_o affirm_v that_o what_o moses_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n christ_n to_o the_o christian_n the_o same_o be_v philosophy_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o nature_n to_o the_o heathen_n but_o this_o be_v to_o frustrate_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o grant_v by_o we_o first_o that_o some_o person_n have_v a_o more_o clear_a explicit_a distinct_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n ethnicorum_fw-la mediator_n vid._n dr._n prid._n lect._n 8._o de_fw-fr salute_n ethnicorum_fw-la than_o other_o according_a to_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o they_o be_v under_o and_o yet_o both_o may_v be_v save_v second_o that_o there_o be_v some_o of_o all_o sort_n among_o the_o gentile_n noble_a and_o ignoble_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o who_o do_v reap_v some_o benefit_n by_o his_o death_n three_o god_n may_v and_o sometime_o do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n unknown_a to_o we_o reveal_v his_o grace_n to_o and_o work_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o some_o person_n this_o he_o may_v do_v in_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v deaf_a and_o dumb_a among_o christian_n and_o this_o he_o may_v also_o do_v in_o some_o heathen_n if_o god_n will_v work_v whether_o in_o a_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a way_n whether_o by_o mean_n or_o without_o mean_n who_o can_v hinder_v he_o yea._n four_o god_n may_v if_o he_o please_v reveal_v his_o save_a grace_n in_o christ_n to_o a_o poor_a heathen_a even_o at_o the_o last_o gasp_n by_o the_o secret_a inspiration_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o he_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n but_o that_o any_o heathen_a though_o never_o so_o rational_a and_o moral_a can_v be_v eternal_o save_v by_o the_o improvement_n of_o his_o natural_a ability_n or_o moral_a virtue_n without_o be_v implant_v into_o christ_n and_o unite_v to_o he_o as_o the_o head_n and_o mediator_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n this_o we_o utter_o deny_v and_o that_o upon_o these_o follow_a ground_n and_o consideration_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o corruption_n and_o wickedness_n which_o be_v in_o every_o man_n heart_n and_o nature_n god_n see_v that_o the_o whole_a imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v only_o evil_a and_o that_o continual_o the_o hebrew_a word_n signify_v not_o only_o the_o imagination_n but_o also_o the_o purpose_n and_o desire_n of_o man_n heart_n gen._n 6.5_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o natural_a man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a jer._n 17.9_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o enemy_n but_o enmity_n against_o god_n rom._n 8.7_o by_o nature_n man_n be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n ephes_n 2.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o take_v captive_a by_o satan_n at_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n 2_o tim._n 2.26_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n without_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n as_o mediator_n second_o the_o best_a work_n and_o high_a attainment_n of_o the_o unregenerate_a who_o still_o remain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v not_o implant_v into_o christ_n be_v sinful_a and_o unprofitable_a the_o very_a prayer_n and_o plough_v of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n no_o man_n say_v our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o unregenerate_a matth._n 7.16_o 17_o 18._o can_v gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n or_o fig_n of_o thistle_n nor_o can_v a_o corrupt_a tree_n bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n the_o church_n herself_o confess_v isai_n 64.6_o that_o all_o her_o righteousness_n even_o her_o best_a work_n and_o righteousness_n be_v as_o filthy_a rag_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o if_o any_o man_n may_v have_v confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n he_o much_o more_o yet_o count_v all_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o best_a work_n but_o loss_n and_o dung_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n phil._n 3.4_o 8._o and_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o paul_n and_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o righteousness_n and_o work_n then_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o the_o work_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o most_o rational_a and_o moral_a heathen_n sure_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o augustine_n say_v of_o the_o great_a virtue_n of_o the_o moral_a heathen_n that_o they_o be_v but_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la three_o faith_n in_o christ_n true_a gospel_n faith_n be_v indispensable_o require_v at_o least_o in_o all_o adult_n person_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o christ_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v the_o believer_n have_v everlasting_a life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o the_o unbeliever_n john_n 3.18_o 36._o he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o son_n have_v not_o life_n 1_o john_n 5.12_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o general_a faith_n in_o god_n as_o a_o creator_n or_o rewarder_n thrt_n will_v save_v a_o man_n but_o there_o must_v be_v faith_n in_o christ_n as_o redeemer_n and_o mediator_n for_o no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o he_o john_n 14.6_o and_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v john_n 17.3_o four_o god_n will_v have_v his_o dear_o belove_a son_n honour_v and_o exalt_v in_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n whether_o they_o be_v moral_a or_o profane_a they_o need_v a_o saviour_n a_o sacrifice_n to_o appease_v the_o wrath_n and_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o they_o he_o that_o honour_v not_o the_o son_n honour_v not_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v he_o john_n 5.23_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o beside_o christ_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o we_o can_v be_v save_v act_v 4.12_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v then_o what_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.11_o unless_o the_o moralist_n with_o all_o his_o virtue_n and_o endowment_n be_v build_v upon_o this_o rock_n and_o foundation_n he_o must_v needs_o perish_v everlasting_o christ_n be_v the_o way_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o way_n by_o which_o only_a man_n can_v enter_v into_o eternal_a blessedness_n he_o be_v the_o life_n the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o eternal_a life_n john_n 14.6_o john_n 11.25_o
will_v not_o save_v he_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v the_o other_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n ratione_fw-la luminis_fw-la fidei_fw-la by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o former_a only_a natural_a and_o moral_a virtue_n be_v imprint_v in_o the_o heart_n but_o by_o the_o latter_a the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o a_o mere_a moralist_n can_v never_o attain_v unto_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n for_o these_o be_v write_v and_o wrought_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v further_o object_v that_o cornelius_n be_v a_o gentile_a that_o walk_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n yet_o his_o prayer_n and_o alm_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n act_v 10.1_o 4._o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o he_o have_v more_o than_o the_o bare_a light_n of_o nature_n for_o though_o he_o have_v not_o at_o this_o time_n a_o clear_a explicit_a distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o the_o mediator_n yet_o he_o have_v the_o implicit_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o be_v to_o come_v which_o he_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o jew_n with_o who_o he_o have_v long_o converse_v and_o which_o be_v afterward_o more_o full_o open_v and_o explain_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o no_o man_n be_v he_o never_o so_o rational_a and_o moral_a can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n yet_o nevertheless_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o rational_a intellectual_a delight_n of_o some_o heathen_a philosopher_n ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v far_o before_o all_o corporeal_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o withal_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o reason_n and_o moral_a virtue_n be_v improve_v will_v help_v a_o man_n to_o bear_v affliction_n yea_o to_o die_v with_o more_o courage_n and_o composedness_n than_o other_o that_o be_v not_o so_o rational_a and_o moral_a and_o though_o reason_n of_o itself_o without_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n yet_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o comfortable_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o intellectual_n which_o be_v a_o mercy_n that_o many_o be_v deprive_v of_o but_o of_o these_o particular_n we_o shall_v speak_v more_o full_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n xviii_o show_v that_o those_o delight_n that_o be_v rational_a and_o intellectual_a do_v far_o excel_v all_o sensitive_a pleasure_n although_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v but_o as_o a_o candle_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n which_o be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thing_n to_o behold_v this_o candle_n as_o for_o that_o light_n which_o be_v mere_o corporeal_a it_o be_v but_o a_o dark_a shadow_n of_o intellectual_a brightness_n the_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a any_o be_v be_v the_o pure_a pleasure_n and_o delight_v it_o have_v proportion_v to_o it_o sensitive_a pleasure_n have_v more_o of_o dregs_o intellectual_a pleasure_n more_o of_o quintessence_n in_o it_o if_o pleasure_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v only_o by_o the_o corporal_a sense_n true_o then_o the_o brute_n be_v more_o exquisite_a in_o sense_n may_v have_v a_o choice_a portion_n of_o happiness_n than_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o but_o therefore_o have_v nature_n very_o wise_o provide_v that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o reason_n in_o man_n shall_v be_v far_o above_o any_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n there_o be_v divers_a degree_n of_o pleasure_n such_o as_o they_o be_v according_a to_o every_o man_n genius_n and_o disposition_n as_o he_o be_v more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a or_o more_o vile_a and_o abject_a so_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o delight_v and_o so_o be_v his_o pleasure_n either_o more_o noble_a or_o more_o base_a either_o more_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a or_o more_o impure_a and_o mix_v either_o of_o long_a or_o of_o short_a continuance_n of_o those_o delight_n which_o man_n take_v in_o by_o the_o bodily_a sense_n we_o say_v that_o which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o touch_v be_v the_o base_a for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o gross_a and_o earthy_a of_o all_o the_o external_a sense_n so_o be_v the_o pleasure_n that_o be_v take_v by_o it_o the_o delight_n that_o be_v take_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o taste_v be_v not_o altogether_o so_o base_a but_o yet_o brutish_a enough_o as_o for_o the_o delight_n which_o be_v take_v by_o smell_v it_o be_v but_o little_a and_o nothing_o so_o pleasant_a as_o the_o contrary_n be_v unpleasant_a for_o a_o good_a smell_n delight_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o ill_a smell_n offend_v and_o beside_o this_o sense_n of_o smell_v be_v not_o so_o quick_a and_o sharp_a in_o man_n as_o in_o beast_n the_o pleasure_n that_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o hear_v in_o man_n have_v more_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n in_o they_o for_o the_o more_o they_o participate_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o air_n they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o earthy_a and_o brutish_a and_o those_o delight_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o the_o eye_n be_v yet_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o rest_n because_o the_o eye_n be_v of_o tne_n nature_n of_o fire_n which_o come_v near_a to_o the_o celestial_a nature_n howbeit_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o man_n receive_v by_o the_o corporeal_a sense_n be_v base_a and_o of_o less_o excellency_n than_o the_o least_o and_o mean_a of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n for_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v much_o more_o worthy_a and_o noble_a than_o the_o body_n so_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n thereof_o be_v much_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o such_o delight_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v pure_a and_o best_a of_o all_o among_o which_o that_o delight_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a the_o pleasure_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o man_n continue_v much_o long_o than_o corporeral_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n because_o the_o rational_a soul_n or_o spirit_n be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v weary_a and_o tire_v as_o the_o body_n be_v but_o do_v recreate_v and_o refresh_v itself_o with_o variery_n of_o object_n no_o marvel_n indeed_o if_o those_o that_o be_v whole_o addict_v to_o corporal_a and_o earthly_a delight_n deride_v and_o contemn_v such_o as_o high_o esteem_v these_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a delight_n insomuch_o that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o forgo_v the_o good_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o same_o these_o person_n deride_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o which_o they_o know_v not_o of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v that_o they_o resemble_v the_o swine_n that_o delight_v more_o in_o a_o dirty_a puddle_n or_o sink_v then_o in_o precious_a stone_n and_o sweet_a odour_n because_o they_o want_v judgement_n right_o to_o discern_v and_o esteem_v the_o value_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o contemn_v and_o deride_v every_o be_v choose_v to_o itself_o some_o kind_n of_o pleasure_n or_o other_o and_o the_o more_o excellent_a any_o be_v be_v the_o high_a and_o more_o generous_a be_v its_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n for_o first_o if_o we_o look_v up_o to_o the_o chief_a being_n god_n himself_o he_o take_v infinite_a delight_n in_o himself_o as_o all_o other_o perfection_n so_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o true_a and_o real_a pleasure_n be_v enjoy_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o a_o most_o spiritual_a and_o transcendent_a manner_n that_o which_o we_o call_v riches_n and_o honour_n be_v in_o he_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o glory_n and_o that_o which_o among_o man_n be_v account_v pleasure_n be_v with_o he_o that_o infinite_a satisfaction_n which_o he_o take_v in_o his_o own_o bless_a essence_n and_o the_o operation_n and_o work_n thereof_o his_o glorious_a decree_n and_o contrivance_n and_o all_o his_o providential_a dispensation_n be_v full_a of_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n to_o he_o the_o create_v of_o all_o being_n yea_o the_o permission_n of_o all_o irregularity_n contribute_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o pleasure_n the_o laugh_v of_o his_o enemy_n to_o scorn_n be_v a_o pleasure_n fit_a for_o infinite_a justice_n and_o the_o smile_n upon_o his_o church_n and_o the_o countenance_v and_o favour_v of_o his_o people_n notwithstanding_o their_o great_a weakness_n and_o behindment_n be_v a_o pleasure_n fit_a for_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n miracle_n be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o omnipotency_n variety_n be_v the_o delight_n
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
gospel_n this_o well_o be_v so_o deep_a as_o the_o woman_n tell_v christ_n in_o another_o case_n john_n 4.11_o that_o unless_o we_o have_v the_o bucket_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o draw_v with_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a by_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o reason_n to_o bring_v up_o this_o live_a water_n unless_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o power_n to_o dig_v with_o we_o shall_v never_o find_v this_o spiritual_a treasure_n nature_n indeed_o will_v go_v far_o and_o the_o improve_v natural_a man_n may_v do_v much_o by_o his_o skill_n and_o industry_n in_o find_v out_o and_o discover_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a in_o their_o kind_n such_o a_o man_n as_o job_n speak_v chap._n 28.7_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 21_o 23_o can_v dig_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n gold_n iron_n brass_n brimstone_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o metal_n nay_o he_o can_v see_v further_o than_o the_o bird_n of_o prey_n which_o though_o they_o be_v quicksight_v yet_o can_v they_o not_o behold_v these_o metal_n which_o he_o by_o his_o skill_n can_v discover_v and_o dig_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v a_o path_n which_o no_o fowl_n know_v and_o which_o the_o vulture_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v yet_o man_n trace_v it_o by_o his_o skill_n yea_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v hide_v bring_v he_o forth_o to_o light_n but_o yet_o he_o can_v by_o all_o his_o natural_a reason_n and_o skill_n though_o never_o so_o much_o improve_v spiritual_o and_o save_o discern_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o where_o shall_v wisdom_n be_v find_v namely_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o essential_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o who_o be_v make_v of_o god_n wisdom_n to_o we_o and_o where_o be_v the_o place_n of_o understanding_n go_v over_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o man_n know_v not_o the_o price_n thereof_o neither_o be_v it_o find_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n it_o be_v not_o within_o the_o reach_n or_o sphere_n of_o the_o wise_a natural_a man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o can_v dig_v this_o mine_n or_o find_v out_o this_o treasure_n they_o can_v comprehend_v this_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a mystery_n for_o it_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o that_o be_v live_v and_o keep_v close_o from_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n whence_o then_o come_v this_o divine_a wisdom_n where_o be_v it_o to_o be_v have_v and_o how_o shall_v we_o attain_v to_o it_o he_o tell_v you_o ver_fw-la 23._o that_o this_o wisdom_n be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n and_o must_v be_v reveal_v by_o he_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v never_o saving_o apprehend_v it_o god_n understand_v the_o way_n and_o know_v the_o place_n thereof_o for_o wisdom_n be_v with_o he_o from_o eternity_n when_o he_o make_v a_o decree_n for_o the_o rain_n and_o a_o way_n for_o the_o lightning_n of_o the_o thunder_n then_o do_v he_o prepare_v it_o yea_o and_o search_v it_o out_o or_o as_o it_o be_v prov._n 8.29_o 30._o a_o place_n parallel_n with_o this_o of_o job_n when_o he_o give_v to_o the_o sea_n his_o decree_n that_o the_o water_n thereof_o shall_v not_o pass_v his_o command_n when_o he_o appoint_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n than_o be_v i_o by_o he_o say_v christ_n as_o one_o bring_v up_o with_o he_o and_o i_o be_v daily_o his_o delight_n rejoice_v always_o before_o he_o second_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n can_v true_o discover_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o the_o deep_a deceit_n of_o his_o heart_n which_o be_v only_o make_v know_v by_o scripture_n light_n and_o revelation_n jer._n 17.9_o darkness_n can_v discover_v darkness_n nor_o can_v corruption_n discover_v itself_o indeed_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n improve_v by_o education_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n man_n may_v discover_v a_o great_a languishment_n and_o infirmity_n that_o be_v come_v upon_o they_o divers_a learned_a writer_n have_v show_v that_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a platonist_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o man_n soul_n be_v now_o vassalize_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o affection_n and_o that_o her_o wing_n be_v cut_v so_o that_o she_o can_v mount_v upward_o by_o divine_a contemplation_n but_o as_o for_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o original_a corruption_n and_o how_o it_o be_v bring_v upon_o we_o together_o with_o the_o woeful_a concomitant_n and_o effect_n thereof_o these_o can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o scripture_n light_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o have_v not_o know_v lust_n to_o be_v sin_n have_v not_o the_o law_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o lust_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v altogether_o insufficient_a to_o prescribe_v or_o set_v down_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n do_v so_o often_o forbid_v we_o to_o walk_v after_o our_o own_o imagination_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o house_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o will-worship_n col._n 2.23_o when_o a_o man_n be_v own_o will_n or_o invention_n be_v the_o framer_n of_o it_o if_o man_n be_v teach_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 12._o nature_n vide_fw-la calvin_n instit_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n 5._o sect_n 12._o they_o can_v know_v nothing_o certain_o and_o sound_o touch_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o their_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n will_v be_v confuse_v and_o carnal_a and_o exceed_v unsuitable_a to_o god_n who_o be_v a_o holy_a spirit_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o few_o among_o the_o heathen_n that_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o mad_a as_o the_o common_a people_n yet_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o they_o do_v exceed_o wander_v and_o go_v astray_o devise_v and_o contrive_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o vain_a opinion_n and_o imagination_n socrates_n the_o wise_a philosopher_n in_o zenophon_n praise_v the_o answer_n of_o apollo_n wherein_o he_o will_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v worship_v the_o god_n after_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o his_o country_n or_o city_n but_o oh_o what_o folly_n and_o madness_n be_v this_o how_o come_v mortal_a man_n by_o this_o power_n that_o of_o their_o own_o authority_n they_o shall_v determine_v that_o which_o far_o surmount_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n natural_a reason_n will_v have_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n sensible_a and_o please_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o appoint_v other_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n beside_o christ_n and_o to_o perform_v all_o duty_n of_o worship_n in_o its_o own_o strength_n and_o by_o way_n of_o compensation_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n reason_n come_v far_o short_a and_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n god_n will_v be_v worship_v though_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o moral_a prudence_n when_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o own_o worship_n may_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o instrumental_a in_o order_v some_o civil_a circumstance_n relate_v thereunto_o and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n affair_n nor_o do_v that_o text_n rom._n 12.1_o argue_v that_o man_n reason_n can_v devise_v or_o find_v out_o that_o worship_n and_o service_n which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n this_o be_v more_o than_o the_o great_a rationalist_n and_o moralist_n among_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n can_v ever_o attain_v to_o but_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d your_o reasonable_a serve_v of_o god_n he_o understand_v that_o service_n which_o be_v not_o only_o or_o chief_o with_o the_o body_n but_o with_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n for_o so_o will_v god_n be_v worship_v john_n 4.23_o and_o so_o chrysostome_n and_o other_o call_v this_o reasonable_a service_n spiritualem_fw-la cultum_fw-la spiritual_a worship_n or_o service_n when_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n this_o interpretation_n be_v further_o confirm_v out_o of_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o where_o the_o apostle_n peter_n call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o reasonable_a that_o be_v spiritual_a milk_n and_o ver_fw-la 5._o the_o service_n or_o sacrifice_v of_o a_o christian_a be_v spiritual_a and_o so_o it_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o it_o be_v well_o observe_v by_o divers_a learned_a interpreter_n on_o rom._n 12.1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a opposition_n between_o this_o reasonable_a service_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o will_v worship_v as_o it_o be_v call_v col._n 2.23_o when_o man_n invent_v a_o religious_a worship_n suitable_a to_o their_o own_o carnal_a humour_n and_o interest_n whereas_o that_o be_v
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
disguise_n of_o reason_n and_o man_n of_o the_o great_a reason_n and_o part_n have_v often_o fall_v into_o and_o promote_v such_o error_n and_o have_v ensnare_v many_o other_o by_o their_o subtle_a dispute_n and_o reason_n let_v all_o this_o be_v grant_v yet_o still_o there_o be_v a_o good_a use_n of_o reason_n so_o she_o keep_v her_o place_n and_o go_v not_o beyond_o her_o due_a bound_n both_o in_o matter_n civil_a and_o religious_a what_o though_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n shine_v not_o so_o clear_o and_o bright_o as_o it_o be_v wont_a shall_v it_o therefore_o be_v quite_o extinguish_v if_o the_o picture_n have_v lose_v its_o former_a gloss_n and_o beauty_n the_o oriency_n of_o its_o colour_n the_o elegancy_n of_o its_o lineament_n the_o comeliness_n of_o its_o proportion_n must_v it_o therefore_o be_v total_o deface_v and_o break_v in_o piece_n because_o man_n have_v not_o so_o much_o reason_n as_o they_o shall_v will_v they_o therefore_o resolve_v to_o have_v none_o at_o all_o our_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o all_o our_o gracious_a act_n and_o religious_a performance_n be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a iniquity_n be_v mingle_v with_o our_o holy_a thing_n what_o then_o shall_v we_o therefore_o utter_o neglect_v and_o reject_v they_o shall_v we_o not_o own_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o they_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v thankful_o acknowledge_v by_o we_o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o bright_a and_o powerful_a as_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o sanctum_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la and_o pierce_v within_o the_o veil_n yet_o it_o may_v lie_v in_o the_o porch_n and_o at_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o be_v as_o a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n though_o reason_n be_v not_o a_o jacob_n ladder_n to_o climb_v up_o to_o heaven_n by_o yet_o doubtless_o we_o may_v use_v it_o as_o a_o staff_n to_o walk_v with_o upon_o earth_n if_o any_o be_v so_o malapert_a and_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o set_v agar_n above_o her_o mistress_n and_o make_v faith_n wait_v like_o a_o servingman_n at_o the_o elbow_n of_o corrupt_a and_o distort_a reason_n if_o they_o go_v about_o to_o subject_n and_o subordinate_a the_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v to_o be_v adore_v to_o their_o vain_a reason_n and_o will_v reject_v they_o because_o they_o can_v by_o their_o reason_n comprehend_v they_o let_v they_o bear_v the_o blame_n as_o they_o be_v well_o worthy_a of_o their_o arrogancy_n and_o presumption_n chap._n iii_o how_o far_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n extend_v and_o what_o kind_n of_o light_n it_o be_v there_o be_v a_o light_n in_o man_n reason_n though_o far_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o faith_n both_o these_o light_n proceed_v from_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o light_n who_o have_v set_v up_o the_o sun_n to_o rule_v the_o day_n and_o the_o moon_n to_o rule_v the_o night_n mens_fw-la hominis_fw-la lucerna_fw-la domini_fw-la the_o reason_n or_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n prov._n 20.27_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o solomon_n a_o man_n of_o raise_v and_o clear_a intellectual_n in_o who_o this_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v shine_v with_o far_o more_o brightness_n than_o in_o other_o prince_n and_o though_o he_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n nay_o as_o a_o sun_n shine_v in_o the_o firmament_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n yet_o he_o call_v it_o only_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n use_v a_o very_a humble_a and_o modest_a expression_n touch_v the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n which_o as_o we_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o extinguish_v or_o put_v out_o so_o neither_o shall_v we_o extol_v and_o magnify_v the_o same_o above_o what_o be_v write_v for_o first_o this_o light_n of_o reason_n as_o a_o ingenious_a writer_n true_o observe_v be_v nature_n be_v nathan_n culverwell_n discourse_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n lumen_fw-la derivatum_fw-la a_o derivative_a light_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fountain_n of_o light_n but_o only_o a_o few_o drop_n derive_v from_o the_o fountain_n light_o we_o know_v be_v not_o original_o in_o the_o candle_n which_o shine_v only_o with_o a_o borrow_a light_n and_o so_o do_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o all_o other_o create_v excellency_n reason_n be_v but_o scintilla_fw-la divinae_fw-la lucis_fw-la it_o be_v but_o divinae_fw-la particula_fw-la aurae_fw-la the_o rational_a immortal_a soul_n of_o man_n this_o intellectual_a lamp_n be_v first_o light_v and_o set_v up_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v its_o total_a dependence_n upon_o he_o both_o for_o its_o be_v and_o for_o its_o perpetual_a continuation_n nor_o be_v this_o candle_n light_v out_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n himself_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o essence_n this_o as_o calvin_n say_v be_v to_o divide_v and_o rend_v in_o piece_n the_o divine_a essence_n which_o be_v indivisible_a and_o incommunicable_a and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o far_o more_o tolerable_a error_n to_o make_v the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n a_o piece_n of_o the_o sun_n essence_n than_o to_o imagine_v that_o this_o intellectual_a lamp_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o therefore_o seneca_n as_o wise_a as_o he_o be_v do_v express_v much_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n in_o deify_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n quid_fw-la aliud_fw-la vocas_fw-la animum_fw-la say_v he_o quam_fw-la deum_fw-la in_o humano_fw-la corpore_fw-la hospitantem_fw-la that_o be_v what_o less_o title_n or_o dignity_n can_v you_o bestow_v upon_o man_n soul_n than_o that_o of_o a_o god_n dwell_v in_o a_o house_n of_o clay_n whereas_o the_o rational_a soul_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o faint_a resemblance_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v infinite_a in_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o who_o see_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n perfect_o in_o a_o instant_n by_o his_o own_o uncompounded_a and_o indivisible_a essence_n angel_n be_v above_o syllogism_n and_o rational_a discourse_n how_o much_o more_o be_v god_n himself_o who_o knowledge_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o improve_v by_o deduce_v and_o collect_v one_o thing_n out_o of_o another_o in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_v as_o we_o do_v cognitio_fw-la dei_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la raticinativa_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la discursiva_fw-la second_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n in_o man_n be_v but_o lumen_fw-la tenue_n &_o diminutum_fw-la it_o be_v but_o a_o diminutive_a light_n how_o far_o distant_a be_v the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n from_o the_o light_n of_o a_o star_n how_o far_o from_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n this_o candle_n or_o light_n of_o reason_n when_o it_o be_v first_o set_v up_o before_o there_o be_v any_o thief_n in_o it_o even_o than_o it_o have_v but_o a_o limit_v and_o restrain_v light_n god_n say_v unto_o it_o thus_o far_o shall_v thy_o light_n go_v and_o no_o further_o adam_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n be_v not_o to_o crown_v himself_o with_o his_o own_o spark_n much_o less_o shall_v we_o think_v to_o save_v ourselves_o by_o the_o glimmering_n of_o our_o deprave_a reason_n god_n never_o intend_v that_o the_o creature_n shall_v rest_v satisfy_v with_o its_o own_o candle-light_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v recourse_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o light_n that_o it_o may_v see_v light_n in_o his_o light_n lucifer_n that_o will_v needs_o be_v a_o independent_a light_n and_o shine_v with_o his_o own_o beam_n how_o be_v he_o fall_v into_o perpetual_a darkness_n and_o torment_n yea_o and_o adam_n candle_n aspire_v to_o be_v a_o sun_n have_v burn_v the_o dimmer_n ever_o since_o this_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o regenerate_a soul_n and_o much_o more_o in_o the_o unregenerate_a know_v but_o little_a of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n whilst_o the_o soul_n be_v imprison_v in_o the_o body_n and_o absent_a from_o the_o lord_n but_o when_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o this_o dark_a lantern_n in_o statu_fw-la separato_fw-la or_o in_o statu_fw-la consummato_fw-la than_o it_o shall_v know_v infinite_o more_o of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n than_o now_o it_o do_v three_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n as_o far_o as_o it_o go_v be_v lumen_fw-la tranquillum_fw-la it_o be_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a light_n certain_o the_o more_o reason_n and_o judgement_n man_n have_v the_o more_o calm_a and_o serene_a they_o be_v and_o if_o man_n be_v more_o regulate_v by_o reason_n there_o will_v be_v more_o concord_n and_o harmony_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o there_o be_v this_o candle_n will_v shine_v more_o clear_o and_o steady_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o boisterous_a wind_n of_o man_n passion_n which_o disturb_v and_o darken_v it_o nor_o will_v there_o be_v such_o rupture_n rent_n alienation_n