merciful_a doctor_n but_o there_o be_v other_o who_o be_v of_o a_o more_o choleric_a religion_n will_v be_v more_o rigorous_a towards_o sinner_n than_o god_n himself_o for_o if_o some_o man_n through_o humane_a frailty_n have_v fall_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o persecution_n and_o since_o raise_v from_o his_o fall_n require_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n these_o will_v refuse_v it_o he_o although_o he_o have_v seek_v it_o with_o the_o tear_n of_o blood_n as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v more_o interest_n in_o the_o offence_n than_o god_n himself_o or_o jesus_n christ_n who_o die_v for_o that_o sinner_n our_o lord_n have_v say_v if_o you_o be_v persecute_v in_o one_o place_n fly_v into_o another_o some_o superabounding_a in_o zeal_n have_v judge_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o command_n to_o be_v unworthy_a a_o christian_a generosity_n nay_o more_o a_o base_a cowardliness_n equivolent_a to_o a_o dissertion_n of_o the_o faith_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a writer_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v set_v out_o a_o treatise_n express_o in_o favour_n of_o this_o paradox_n the_o melancholy_n humour_n so_o far_o predominate_v in_o many_o that_o their_o piety_n consist_v in_o sadness_n take_v the_o wrinkle_n of_o the_o forehead_n for_o mark_n of_o religion_n and_o scarce_o will_v they_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_n that_o be_v not_o hypochondriacal_a man_n the_o most_o pious_a have_v always_o be_v different_a in_o their_o fashion_n of_o life_n some_o sociable_a and_o politic_a other_o love_v a_o retire_a life_n with_o fast_v and_o austerity_n to_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o humour_n which_o be_v the_o most_o general_a god_fw-we himself_o by_o a_o wise_a indulgence_n will_v defer_v something_o to_o the_o end_n to_o draw_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n to_o his_o gospel_n make_v they_o see_v two_o different_a model_n the_o one_o in_o john_n baptist_n a_o man_n of_o great_a abstinency_n and_o austerity_n as_o well_o in_o life_n as_o in_o clothing_n the_o other_o in_o jesus_n christ_n who_o life_n be_v popular_a and_o disdain_v not_o the_o table_n nor_o conversation_n of_o the_o great_a sinner_n but_o this_o can_v not_o universal_o please_v all_o man_n the_o spot_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o clear_a author_n show_v ofttimes_o the_o humour_n in_o which_o they_o dip_v their_o pen_n which_o you_o may_v perceive_v among_o many_o other_o in_o s._n jerome_n now_o these_o irregular_a impression_n which_o nature_n form_n in_o their_o spirit_n go_v not_o always_o to_o so_o remarkable_a a_o excess_n but_o although_o a_o man_n be_v exempt_a from_o all_o gross_a and_o notable_a error_n nevertheless_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v lodge_v in_o his_o spirit_n have_v some_o taint_n of_o his_o own_o humour_n and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o man_n but_o that_o give_v unto_o religion_n some_o face_n or_o colour_n or_o some_o posture_n according_a to_o their_o particular_a inclination_n and_o if_o one_o may_v look_v into_o their_o brain_n you_o shall_v see_v as_o many_o several_a idea_n as_o you_o do_v of_o face_n chap._n iii_o natural_a humour_n take_v for_o christian_a virtue_n and_o the_o particular_a spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o devil_n false_o accuse_v of_o all_o our_o evil_a thought_n why_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v the_o time_n when_o he_o be_v regenerate_v why_o certain_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v more_o easy_a to_o our_o belief_n then_o other_o why_o divine_a revelation_n be_v communicate_v to_o man_n in_o their_o sleep_n these_o natural_a quality_n ofttimes_o deceive_v the_o clear_a sight_n the_o moderation_n which_o you_o see_v in_o many_o proceed_v rather_o from_o the_o heaviness_n of_o their_o phlegm_n then_o from_o a_o virtuous_a habitude_n many_o be_v ardent_a in_o religion_n and_o believe_v they_o have_v the_o zeal_n of_o god_n who_o if_o entire_a into_o themselves_o will_v find_v that_o the_o fire_n which_o hear_v they_o proceed_v from_o a_o natural_a choler_n far_o different_a from_o true_a zeal_n many_o take_v the_o combat_n of_o the_o conscience_n for_o that_o of_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o security_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n many_o also_o be_v religious_a through_o a_o fearful_a humour_n proceed_v either_o from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o sex_n or_o the_o imbecility_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a spirit_n in_o thing_n the_o most_o indifferent_a make_v as_o much_o esteem_n of_o a_o article_n of_o discipline_n as_o of_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o fly_a superstition_n through_o a_o superstitious_a fear_n there_o be_v some_o find_v that_o be_v so_o addict_v to_o meditation_n that_o they_o almost_o fall_v into_o a_o ecstasy_n so_o fervent_a and_o assidual_a in_o prayer_n that_o they_o disdain_v to_o descend_v from_o the_o mountain_n with_o moses_n or_o from_o the_o three_o heaven_n with_o s._n paul_n for_o to_o return_v to_o converse_v with_o man_n some_o assure_v themselves_o of_o their_o constancy_n in_o the_o faith_n upon_o a_o natural_a generosity_n the_o experience_n whereof_o discover_v its_o weakness_n make_v the_o most_o resolute_a coâ—â—ages_n to_o abjure_v at_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o maid_n and_o teach_v we_o that_o martyrdom_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o man_n can_v promise_v to_o god_n in_o general_a a_o christian_n ought_v to_o keep_v himself_o from_o be_v deceive_v by_o these_o natural_a quality_n like_o the_o comet_n which_o have_v the_o form_n and_o appearance_n of_o star_n but_o yet_o be_v not_o fix_v in_o the_o firmament_n there_o reign_v two_o false_a opinion_n among_o those_o which_o be_v ignorant_a upon_o this_o subject_n that_o all_o the_o ill_a thought_n and_o wicked_a and_o blasphemous_a imagination_n which_o pass_v through_o their_o brain_n against_o their_o will_n proceed_v from_o another_o spirit_n then_o their_o own_o and_o accuse_v the_o devil_n thereof_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v true_a in_o part_n but_o i_o believe_v oftentime_o they_o do_v he_o wrong_v for_o although_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v no_o devil_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v sufficient_o fruitful_a in_o monstrous_a absurdity_n for_o to_o produce_v such_o fancy_n without_o the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_a angel_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o satan_n have_v leave_v to_o enter_v so_o free_o into_o all_o house_n or_o to_o enter_v into_o our_o chamber_n and_o cabinet_n whensoever_o he_o please_v much_o less_o into_o our_o thought_n there_o be_v another_o familiar_a error_n belong_v to_o many_o which_o take_v their_o inclination_n who_o have_v some_o moral_a goodness_n for_o a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v some_o light_a feel_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v not_o one_o but_o do_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v already_o regenerate_v almost_o all_o because_o they_o can_v remember_v the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o have_v perceive_v so_o notable_a a_o motion_n they_o presuppose_v they_o have_v be_v regenerate_v in_o their_o infancy_n not_o have_v any_o other_o memory_n thereof_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a for_o a_o man_n to_o discern_v the_o true_a moment_n of_o his_o conversion_n in_o punctual_o note_v the_o hour_n or_o the_o day_n we_o perceive_v not_o how_o it_o be_v make_v in_o we_o in_o its_o first_o moment_n nor_o have_v we_o any_o hand_n therein_o no_o more_o then_o in_o our_o natural_a production_n if_o a_o dead_a man_n shall_v arise_v he_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o he_o recover_v life_n nay_o more_o this_o regeneration_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o a_o violent_a and_o remarkable_a motion_n except_o in_o some_o one_o as_o it_o be_v in_o paul_n as_o in_o those_o who_o in_o the_o same_o hour_n from_o tormentor_n become_v martyr_n and_o as_o without_o doubt_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o some_o who_o god_n regenerate_v at_o the_o brink_n of_o the_o sepulchre_n ordinary_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n lead_v man_n insensible_o to_o the_o first_o point_n of_o sanctification_n by_o many_o turn_n and_o precede_a disposition_n which_o in_o their_o beginning_n be_v not_o to_o be_v perceive_v but_o many_o make_v themselves_o believe_v they_o have_v be_v regenerate_v from_o their_o cradle_n which_o be_v as_o yet_o far_o from_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n nay_o those_o namely_o who_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n regenerate_v and_o have_v get_v a_o solid_a experience_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n find_v themselves_o ofttimes_o deceive_v by_o their_o particular_a spirit_n which_o counterfeit_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n these_o two_o spirit_n intermingle_v themselves_o in_o many_o action_n it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o isaac_n bless_a jacob_n but_o in_o this_o that_o he_o believe_v that_o he_o bless_a esau_n and_o such_o be_v his_o intention_n it_o be_v the_o error_n of_o his_o particular_a spirit_n it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o
certain_a prophet_n tell_v paul_n that_o bond_n do_v attend_v he_o at_o jerusalem_n but_o the_o counsel_n they_o give_v he_o not_o to_o go_v thither_o be_v a_o motion_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a spirit_n proceed_v from_o their_o humane_a affection_n all_o the_o dream_n which_o come_v to_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o prophetical_a they_o have_v mark_n by_o which_o they_o discern_v the_o celestial_a vision_n from_o natural_a impression_n to_o which_o they_o be_v subject_a as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o divine_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v separate_v that_o which_o be_v write_v by_o their_o particular_a motion_n from_o that_o which_o be_v transmit_v unto_o we_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o spirit_n which_o dictate_v the_o letter_n of_o david_n write_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o poor_a uria_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o indite_v the_o psalm_n nathan_n counsel_v the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n seem_v speak_v like_o a_o godly_a man_n but_o the_o consequence_n show_v he_o speak_v not_o like_o a_o prophet_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o neither_o sagacity_n nor_o humane_a affection_n reduce_v into_o a_o just_a temper_n be_v not_o incompatible_a with_o spiritual_a wisdom_n contrary_o they_o serve_v for_o a_o help_n to_o our_o weakness_n all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v equal_o true_a but_o our_o belief_n embrace_v they_o not_o with_o equal_a facility_n we_o have_v less_o trouble_n to_o believe_v a_o divine_a essence_n than_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o reason_n be_v that_o in_o the_o one_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o in_o the_o other_o we_o be_v moreover_o sustain_v by_o humane_a reason_n which_o strengthen_v this_o faith_n so_o our_o obedience_n be_v more_o voluntary_a in_o thing_n to_o which_o we_o have_v beside_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n some_o natural_a or_o personal_a inclination_n then_o in_o those_o which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o our_o affection_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o abraham_n obey_v more_o joyful_o when_o it_o be_v bid_v he_o not_o to_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o isaac_n then_o when_o he_o be_v command_v to_o slay_v he_o but_o in_o this_o concurrence_n namely_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n with_o our_o spirit_n we_o must_v mark_v these_o two_o principal_n the_o one_o of_o which_o be_v always_o regular_a and_o the_o other_o have_v still_o some_o spice_n of_o obliquity_n a_o man_n addict_v to_o his_o sense_n and_o that_o adore_v his_o own_o opinion_n will_v very_o hardly_o give_v place_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ordinary_o prophecy_n and_o revelation_n come_v unto_o man_n then_o when_o they_o be_v asleep_a where_o god_n send_v they_o those_o ecstasy_n whilst_o they_o last_v they_o be_v as_o if_o deprive_v of_o all_o sense_n which_o be_v because_o the_o soul_n be_v then_o disintangled_n from_o many_o function_n and_o free_v from_o a_o infinity_n of_o thought_n and_o of_o object_n which_o possess_v it_o wake_v be_v then_o less_o glue_v to_o their_o natural_a judgement_n and_o so_o more_o susceptible_a of_o the_o influencie_n of_o heaven_n and_o more_o capable_a to_o receive_v the_o impression_n thereof_o chap._n four_o concern_v the_o sense_n and_o of_o the_o imagination_n vulgar_a meditation_n matter_n which_o seem_v better_a in_o paint_v then_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n why_o the_o corporal_a figure_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o delineate_v in_o the_o gospel_n why_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o place_n esteem_v holy_a take_v away_o the_o admiration_n thereof_o religion_n contain_v divers_a matter_n which_o for_o a_o simple_a historical_a knowledge_n be_v intelligible_a to_o the_o external_a sense_n the_o star_n which_o appear_v to_o the_o wise_a man_n the_o manger_n at_o bethlehem_n the_o crown_n of_o thorn_n the_o punishment_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o sepulchre_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o come_n out_o thereof_o the_o scar_n of_o his_o wound_n his_o ascension_n to_o heaven_n be_v object_n perceptible_a to_o the_o imagination_n nay_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o christ_n but_o under_o a_o imaginable_a and_o sensible_a form_n but_o the_o internal_a form_n of_o all_o these_o theological_a truth_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o apprehensible_a but_o to_o the_o intellect_n the_o divinity_n resident_a in_o christ_n the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o intercession_n the_o interest_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o this_o satisfaction_n the_o eternal_a election_n the_o interior_a vocation_n justification_n the_o essence_n of_o the_o faith_n the_o regeneration_n be_v matter_n pure_o intellectual_a in_o every_o narration_n principal_o in_o each_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o history_n there_o be_v ever_o two_o thing_n requisite_a to_o the_o intelligence_n thereof_o 1._o the_o action_n with_o its_o circumstance_n second_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o now_o the_o first_o point_n be_v better_a study_v and_o more_o seek_v into_o by_o the_o common_a people_n as_o be_v more_o delectable_a to_o the_o imagination_n and_o far_o easy_a to_o be_v conceive_v then_o the_o other_o which_o touch_v not_o the_o sense_n and_o require_v a_o more_o spiritual_a and_o more_o laborious_a exercise_n of_o the_o understanding_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o science_n the_o conception_n the_o proof_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o vulgar_a be_v more_o imaginative_a than_o intellectual_a a_o death_n head_n the_o spectacle_n of_o a_o carcase_n or_o of_o a_o die_a man_n will_v represent_v our_o humane_a fragility_n more_o lively_a than_o can_v do_v all_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o the_o supernatural_a cause_n of_o this_o corruption_n and_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o from_o whence_o result_v the_o true_a intelligence_n of_o our_o mortality_n they_o be_v not_o read_v in_o such_o character_n a_o picture_n may_v give_v knowledge_n of_o a_o action_n but_o the_o reason_n and_o the_o motive_n in_o which_o lie_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o story_n ask_v another_o pencil_n a_o crucifix_n tell_v we_o not_o why_o jesus_n christ_n die_v never_o man_n be_v yet_o convert_v by_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o picture_n if_o that_o be_v painter_n and_o sculptor_n will_v be_v the_o great_a theologian_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n reduce_v into_o a_o tragedy_n and_o elevate_v by_o the_o high_a colour_n of_o eloquence_n what_o tear_n soever_o it_o may_v draw_v from_o the_o auditor_n will_v never_o suffice_v for_o a_o save_a knowledge_n if_o the_o true_a portrait_n of_o jesus_n christ_n represent_v his_o natural_a face_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n i_o will_v never_o blame_v the_o curiosity_n of_o those_o who_o will_v seek_v the_o possession_n and_o who_o all_o superstition_n set_v apart_o will_v preserve_v it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o precious_a jewel_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n can_v behold_v many_o have_v think_v that_o they_o have_v the_o original_n in_o a_o epistle_n of_o lentulus_n to_o the_o senate_n of_o rome_n of_o which_o i_o will_v say_v no_o more_o but_o that_o it_o be_v no_o roman_a stile_n some_o other_o have_v draw_v the_o copy_n from_o the_o monument_n of_o a_o fabulous_a history_n which_o speak_v of_o a_o statue_n erect_v in_o memory_n of_o our_o saviour_n howsoever_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o the_o scripture_n which_o paint_v forth_o the_o stature_n of_o saul_n the_o hair_n of_o absalon_n the_o colour_n and_o visage_n of_o david_n express_v not_o any_o figure_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o find_v not_o therein_o the_o least_o idea_n nor_o any_o lineament_n neither_o of_o his_o face_n colour_n aspect_n stature_n or_o yet_o of_o his_o voice_n but_o that_o by_o which_o he_o be_v discernible_a from_o other_o man_n consist_v not_o in_o his_o visible_a form_n or_o in_o any_o extraordinary_a difference_n of_o lineament_n otherwise_o judas_n have_v not_o need_v a_o sign_n to_o make_v he_o to_o be_v know_v so_o that_o the_o representation_n of_o he_o at_o this_o day_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o flesh_n will_v make_v he_o contemptible_a to_o he_o that_o will_v not_o conceive_v a_o divine_a majesty_n under_o a_o common_a and_o indifferent_a appearance_n or_o it_o will_v be_v a_o patron_n of_o idolatry_n which_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o multiply_v under_o so_o favourable_a a_o pretext_n our_o humane_a vanity_n will_v have_v add_v there_o to_o some_o frivolous_a and_o impertinent_a speculation_n of_o physiognomy_n or_o superstition_n will_v cast_v its_o sight_n upon_o each_o man_n who_o shall_v have_v some_o seem_a resemblance_n of_o such_o a_o
picture_n or_o certain_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n in_o stead_n of_o know_v christ_n in_o spirit_n and_o adore_v he_o spiritual_o will_v always_o have_v his_o imagination_n tie_v to_o the_o corporal_a object_n and_o his_o spirit_n disturb_v with_o the_o fancy_n thereof_o of_o thousand_o of_o man_n who_o return_v from_o jerusalem_n or_o from_o mount_n sina_n or_o from_o the_o river_n of_o jordan_n and_o many_o other_o famous_a place_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n scarce_o can_v you_o find_v one_o which_o bring_v back_o the_o admiration_n which_o he_o have_v conceive_v before_o he_o have_v see_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n have_v always_o a_o more_o reverend_a opinion_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v ancient_a then_o of_o modern_a of_o those_o which_o be_v far_a off_o then_o of_o those_o which_o be_v near_o the_o object_n the_o most_o excellent_a and_o sacred_a become_v contemptible_a by_o the_o facility_n and_o proximity_n of_o access_n but_o those_o who_o go_v out_o of_o a_o devout_a affection_n to_o visit_v palestine_n or_o arabia_n carry_v with_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n exorbitant_a imagination_n which_o sometime_o pass_v to_o a_o excess_n impossible_a in_o nature_n think_v to_o find_v the_o three_o heaven_n in_o a_o cave_n not_o consider_v that_o the_o innoble_n of_o those_o place_n proceed_v not_o from_o any_o quality_n which_o render_v they_o either_o more_o holy_a or_o more_o full_a of_o majesty_n than_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o from_o the_o sole_a reputation_n of_o the_o wonder_n pass_v under_o that_o climate_n so_o that_o the_o sight_n take_v away_o the_o esteem_n thereof_o because_o it_o answer_v not_o to_o the_o imagination_n with_o which_o they_o be_v preoccupy_v chap._n v._o of_o the_o difference_n and_o capacity_n of_o spirit_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o who_o promise_v themselves_o to_o believe_v so_o that_o they_o have_v proof_n and_o do_v assure_v themselves_o they_o shall_v have_v believe_v in_o christ_n if_o they_o have_v see_v his_o miracle_n of_o those_o who_o limit_n god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o wisdom_n or_o believe_v the_o truth_n because_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o their_o own_o opinion_n to_o dispute_v whether_o there_o be_v spirit_n more_o capable_a of_o theology_n than_o other_o or_o whether_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v prevalent_a in_o this_o study_n be_v question_n remore_n from_o our_o intention_n without_o controversy_n the_o intellect_n be_v the_o true_a place_n of_o this_o science_n although_o the_o vulgar_a imagine_v that_o there_o be_v more_o trouble_n to_o retain_v a_o point_n of_o religion_n then_o to_o conceive_v it_o and_o wish_v rather_o the_o gift_n of_o memory_n then_o that_o of_o the_o understanding_n the_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o grace_n only_o a_o single_a historical_a and_o speculative_a culative_a knowledge_n proceed_v from_o a_o particular_a favour_n of_o god_n but_o this_o grace_n destroy_v neither_o the_o natural_a difference_n nor_o essence_n of_o spirit_n god_n employ_v for_o our_o instruction_n the_o object_n the_o sense_n and_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o as_o he_o be_v man_n become_v more_o know_v by_o experience_n a_o man_n which_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o hear_v from_o whence_o come_v faith_n have_v a_o manifest_a advantage_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o preach_v above_o that_o man_n who_o god_n have_v strike_v with_o deafness_n so_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o a_o good_a natural_a understanding_n presuppose_v the_o light_n of_o grace_n know_v better_o how_o to_o conceive_v a_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o weigh_v the_o importance_n thereof_o and_o search_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o consequence_n than_o a_o spirit_n natural_o stupid_a and_o blockish_a the_o great_a brain_n be_v ordinary_o more_o slow_a to_o believe_v than_o those_o which_o have_v but_o mean_a one_o as_o the_o high_a planet_n have_v the_o slow_a motion_n but_o their_o belief_n be_v more_o solid_a when_o once_o they_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n for_o god_n employ_v the_o same_o faculty_n for_o to_o produce_v a_o effect_n for_o which_o they_o have_v nothing_o but_o a_o natural_a repugnancy_n so_o that_o the_o most_o violent_a persecutor_n become_v ofttimes_o the_o great_a zealot_n of_o the_o faith_n whether_o the_o faculty_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v more_o prompt_o be_v more_o worthy_a of_o praise_n it_o be_v a_o point_n we_o will_v not_o as_o yet_o touch_v the_o vulgar_a presuppose_v that_o the_o science_n of_o religion_n require_v nothing_o but_o a_o single_a apprehension_n or_o reception_n of_o truth_n presuppose_v without_o any_o mixtion_n of_o the_o discursive_a faculty_n and_o without_o any_o act_n of_o the_o judgement_n many_o make_v scruple_n of_o reason_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n oâ—_n faith_n because_o that_o reason_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o natural_a faculty_n but_o this_o maxim_n in_o the_o sense_n they_o give_v unto_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n by_o the_o same_o consequence_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o bring_v to_o church_n neither_o their_o ear_n nor_o common_a sense_n for_o to_o discern_v the_o voice_n and_o accent_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v preach_v unto_o they_o noâ—_n their_o memory_n to_o retain_v the_o impression_n for_o these_o faculty_n as_o well_o as_o reason_v arâ—_n pure_o natural_a i_o will_v leave_v what_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v upon_o this_o subject_a to_o come_v to_o some_o remarke_n scarce_o can_v a_o man_n be_v find_v doubt_v of_o some_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o promise_v himself_o firm_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n so_o that_o he_o may_v see_v manifest_a and_o conclude_a proof_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o common_a as_o this_o voice_n if_o i_o see_v the_o proof_n i_o will_v believe_v it_o but_o they_o promise_v that_o which_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n for_o every_o historical_a faith_n itself_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o save_v faith_n proceed_v from_o a_o particular_a favour_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o attribute_v unto_o themselves_o the_o power_n think_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o faith_n may_v as_o easy_o be_v insinuate_v into_o our_o belief_n as_o philosophical_a proposition_n which_o have_v no_o need_n but_o of_o a_o moral_a persuasion_n or_o of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o sense_n for_o to_o introduce_v they_o into_o our_o spirit_n whereas_o theological_a truth_n the_o most_o clear_a and_o palpable_a be_v always_o obscure_a unto_o we_o without_o a_o particular_a illumination_n with_o a_o like_a vanity_n many_o assure_v themselves_o that_o if_o they_o have_v see_v the_o miracle_n that_o god_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n or_o that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v in_o judea_n they_o will_v not_o have_v fail_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o they_o wonder_v at_o the_o stupidity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o think_v that_o if_o such_o wonder_n have_v be_v present_v to_o their_o eye_n they_o shall_v have_v be_v far_o from_o be_v incredulous_a but_o certain_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v see_v all_o the_o river_n convert_v into_o blood_n the_o sea_n cleave_v in_o sunder_o the_o heaven_n open_v his_o gate_n the_o mountain_n to_o remove_v themselves_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o the_o dead_a to_o come_v forth_o of_o their_o grave_n the_o rock_n to_o melt_v into_o water_n when_o he_o himself_o shall_v have_v be_v in_o heaven_n or_o shall_v have_v return_v from_o hell_n he_o will_v not_o have_v return_v better_a if_o god_n give_v he_o not_o another_o understanding_n capable_a of_o this_o faith_n now_o the_o idolatry_n which_o form_n god_n after_o the_o resemblance_n of_o man_n consist_v not_o always_o in_o statue_n or_o material_a picture_n neither_o in_o the_o gross_a conception_n of_o idiot_n who_o never_o think_v of_o god_n but_o in_o imagine_v some_o figure_n apprehensible_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o place_n in_o heaven_n a_o fantasme_n for_o the_o object_n of_o their_o contemplation_n but_o there_o be_v one_o far_o more_o subtle_a which_o indeed_o consider_v god_n as_o a_o spirit_n but_o bound_v he_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o restrain_v he_o to_o the_o same_o law_n which_o serve_v for_o bound_n to_o the_o humane_a spirit_n or_o confine_v his_o wisdom_n to_o the_o maxim_n of_o moral_a and_o intellectual_a virtue_n two_o thing_n among_o all_o other_o have_v seem_v most_o absurd_a in_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o one_o under_o the_o ancient_a testament_n to_o wit_n the_o circumcision_n the_o other_o under_o the_o new_a to_o wit_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n the_o one_o ordain_v for_o a_o sacrament_n the_o other_o for_o the_o foundation_n proper_o of_o the_o alliance_n both_o of_o they_o shameful_a in_o themselves_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o quality_n the_o scripture_n give_v they_o for_o god_n will_v oblige_v the_o wise_a to_o search_v their_o salvation_n by_o a_o way_n
so_o great_a importance_n but_o in_o the_o essence_n itself_o and_o in_o the_o right_a conception_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o so_o some_o measure_n the_o sin_n of_o adam_n the_o justice_n of_o his_o punishment_n the_o quality_n of_o grace_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n the_o damnation_n of_o infidel_n by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o civil_a right_n or_o by_o natural_a equity_n have_v as_o sleight_v a_o foundation_n as_o popular_a spirit_n who_o conceive_v always_o some_o point_n of_o their_o religion_n under_o maxim_n of_o their_o art_n or_o of_o the_o condition_n they_o profess_v employ_v they_o not_o as_o simple_a comparison_n for_o to_o inlighten_v but_o as_o demonstrative_a proof_n chap._n 7._o why_o learned_a man_n receive_v the_o truth_n with_o more_o difficulty_n than_o other_o man_n and_o if_o the_o promptitude_n of_o belief_n be_v always_o most_o praise_v worthy_a tthe_o same_o which_o we_o have_v write_v of_o the_o most_o pierce_a spirit_n happen_v also_o to_o man_n of_o eminent_a knowledge_n which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n slow_a of_o belief_n in_o a_o point_n of_o religion_n then_o ordinary_a man_n &_o there_o must_v be_v more_o powerful_a operation_n and_o a_o long_a time_n for_o to_o draw_v they_o to_o the_o term_n of_o a_o entire_a persuasion_n on_o which_o i_o will_v only_o say_v the_o most_o prompt_a belief_n be_v not_o always_o the_o most_o firm_a the_o faith_n of_o a_o man_n who_o receive_v the_o gospel_n with_o a_o precipitate_v and_o easy_a approbation_n ought_v to_o be_v suspect_v of_o nullity_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v it_o be_v rather_o credulity_n then_o solid_a faith_n sure_o our_o lord_n speak_v of_o certain_a auditor_n who_o easy_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o gladness_n but_o leave_v it_o with_o the_o same_o facility_n which_o they_o have_v bring_v to_o its_o reception_n the_o truth_n be_v always_o open_a and_o never_o hide_v her_o face_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o who_o receive_v she_o may_v see_v what_o manner_n of_o guest_n he_o be_v to_o receive_v so_o when_o a_o man_n begin_v to_o be_v illuminate_v in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o this_o faith_n he_o meet_v with_o a_o infinity_n of_o objection_n which_o hinder_v his_o resolution_n to_o a_o entire_a belief_n but_o he_o which_o find_v no_o obstacle_n therein_o never_o consider_v thereof_o in_o good_a earnest_n far_o from_o have_v conceive_v the_o faith_n a_o man_n who_o will_v sound_v the_o depth_n of_o religion_n and_o know_v the_o bottom_n as_o far_o as_o man_n can_v discover_v he_o who_o will_v learn_v all_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o know_v the_o dimension_n and_o the_o proportion_n and_o weigh_v all_o the_o reason_n which_o forbid_v the_o entrance_n and_o those_o which_o invite_v he_o thereto_o his_o pace_n will_v not_o be_v very_o fast_o and_o will_v not_o come_v very_o soon_o to_o the_o altar_n but_o if_o once_o he_o be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n the_o slowness_n thereof_o redound_v to_o his_o advantage_n for_o belief_n be_v far_o more_o clear_a be_v receive_v upon_o solid_a ground_n more_o sound_a as_o lodging_n in_o a_o spirit_n refine_v from_o all_o that_o surcharge_v it_o and_o more_o solid_a as_o have_v prevent_v by_o a_o ripe_a deliberation_n whatsoever_o may_v come_v to_o shake_v it_o in_o this_o trial_n of_o religion_n the_o learned_a have_v always_o help_v which_o facilitate_v their_o understanding_n and_o where_o they_o know_v to_o make_v use_n thereof_o they_o understand_v better_o the_o importance_n of_o a_o point_n of_o the_o law_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n the_o enormity_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o excellency_n of_o redem_fw-la prion_n far_o better_o than_o the_o common_a people_n that_o as_o they_o have_v more_o trouble_n to_o be_v persuade_v so_o they_o have_v more_o objection_n to_o be_v resolve_v then_o those_o which_o see_v not_o the_o difficulty_n thereof_o but_o the_o persuasion_n be_v form_v in_o they_o possess_v all_o those_o advantage_n which_o i_o have_v relate_v and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o universal_o true_a that_o the_o learned_a be_v the_o more_o difficult_a to_o believe_v the_o truth_n the_o conversion_n of_o a_o idiot_n prove_v oftentimes_o more_o painful_a and_o troublesome_a a_o gross_a ignorance_n incapable_a to_o comprehend_v the_o easy_a matter_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o stubborness_n nay_o more_o of_o presumption_n the_o enemy_n of_o all_o knowledge_n many_o refuse_v instruction_n because_o they_o believe_v they_o have_v knowledge_n enough_o so_o that_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o christian_a liberty_n a_o artificer_n censure_n what_o he_o understand_v not_o chap._n 8._o why_o the_o learned_a be_v subject_a to_o more_o doubt_n then_o the_o simple_a people_n we_o find_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n among_o the_o common_a people_n who_o never_o doubt_v of_o any_o point_n of_o faith_n nor_o of_o any_o other_o matter_n approve_v by_o the_o orthodoxal_a church_n whereas_o that_o ordinary_o the_o most_o know_a man_n be_v full_a of_o doubt_n now_o its_o true_a that_o believe_v and_o doubt_v be_v act_n formal_o contrary_a for_o distrust_n although_o many_o teach_v it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n no_o more_o than_o vice_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o virtue_n and_o every_o sort_n of_o doubt_n be_v a_o testimony_n of_o our_o weakness_n and_o a_o mark_n of_o ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v from_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o popular_a spirit_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o so_o many_o doubt_n as_o the_o great_a theologian_n for_o as_o their_o sight_n extend_v not_o itself_o so_o far_o so_o they_o see_v not_o all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o the_o other_o discover_v in_o the_o study_n of_o religion_n as_o for_o those_o who_o have_v never_o doubt_v of_o any_o point_n it_o be_v of_o necessity_n that_o this_o great_a security_n of_o spirit_n proceed_v from_o one_o of_o those_o two_o cause_n either_o of_o a_o perfect_a and_o transcendent_a faith_n incompatible_a with_o all_o species_n of_o doubt_n or_o from_o a_o extreme_a stupidity_n which_o never_o comprehend_v the_o importance_n of_o a_o doctrine_n nor_o ever_o sound_v the_o depth_n thereof_o a_o man_n who_o have_v always_o have_v a_o absolute_a and_o unvariable_a persuasion_n of_o all_o point_n of_o religion_n without_o any_o contradict_a thought_n must_v necessary_o be_v either_o an_fw-mi ange_fw-fr or_o a_o beast_n this_o stupid_a confidence_n deceive_v a_o infinity_n of_o soul_n especial_o in_o the_o personal_a application_n of_o their_o belief_n many_o hold_v themselves_o so_o assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n that_o their_o spirit_n be_v incapable_a of_o doubt_v but_o not_o through_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n which_o require_v a_o more_o exact_a trial_n but_o through_o a_o excess_n of_o self_n love_n from_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v they_o willing_o believe_v whatsoever_o make_v for_o their_o advantage_n but_o if_o they_o have_v no_o pertinent_a reason_n it_o be_v a_o most_o gross_a presumption_n chap._n 9_o of_o common_a proverb_n in_o general_a and_o of_o certain_a maxim_n in_o favour_n of_o ignorance_n the_o vulgar_a people_n govern_v themselves_o by_o certain_a maxim_n esteem_v for_o oracle_n but_o which_o be_v indeed_o as_o many_o approve_a error_n the_o proverb_n which_o belong_v to_o oeconomie_n exterior_a policy_n and_o to_o natural_a prudence_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o life_n be_v nothing_o to_o our_o purpose_n there_o be_v some_o which_o touch_v religion_n that_o be_v hold_v for_o assure_a principal_n which_o have_v nothing_o but_o a_o abusive_a and_o fraudulent_a appearance_n whosoever_o will_v make_v the_o inventory_n shall_v discover_v a_o thousand_o absurdity_n for_o all_o the_o proverbial_a sentence_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o use_n have_v not_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o wise_a or_o from_o reason_n common_a to_o all_o man_n or_o from_o universal_a experience_n ignorance_n have_v bring_v forth_o many_o which_o be_v authorise_v only_o by_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o every_o man_n who_o desire_v to_o understand_v very_o well_o his_o religion_n aught_o to_o take_v of_o these_o prejudicate_v proverb_n which_o at_o this_o time_n have_v course_n such_o be_v the_o follow_a maxim_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o with_o the_o will_n which_o be_v false_a original_a sin_n in_o little_a child_n omission_n proceed_v from_o forgetfulness_n the_o first_o motion_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n extravagant_a dream_n wander_v and_o idle_a thought_n doubtless_o which_o trouble_v the_o spirit_n be_v not_o voluntary_a and_o notwithstanding_o be_v still_o sin_n idiot_n imagine_v that_o sin_n reside_v not_o but_o in_o the_o will_n not_o consider_v that_o it_o have_v its_o place_n in_o the_o intellect_n itself_o but_o this_o be_v to_o justify_v that_o opinion_n which_o some_o hold_v that_o ignorance_n be_v
no_o sin_n but_o when_o it_o be_v voluntary_a but_o the_o law_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o conception_n oblige_v ignorance_n namely_o that_o which_o be_v not_o voluntary_a to_o come_v under_o the_o expiation_n and_o purgation_n of_o sacrifice_n which_o presuppose_v a_o fault_n jesus_n christ_n die_v as_o well_o for_o our_o ignorance_n as_o for_o our_o other_o sin_n the_o holy_a language_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o a_o sinner_n use_v a_o term_n which_o fignifi_v a_o ignorant_a the_o high_a priest_n pray_v for_o the_o ignorant_o that_o be_v he_o pray_v for_o the_o sinner_n the_o eye_n to_o wit_n the_o understanding_n be_v call_v evil_a although_o its_o malignity_n consist_v in_o nothing_o but_o in_o error_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v piety_n then_o knowledge_n but_o knowledge_n be_v the_o best_a part_n of_o piety_n the_o new_a man_n be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n whatsoever_o any_o man_n may_v say_v a_o ignorant_a man_n can_v never_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a all_o his_o virtue_n be_v none_o nay_o more_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o dangerous_a as_o a_o ignorant_a zealot_n that_o we_o have_v knowledge_n enough_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v want_v but_o the_o practice_n but_o if_o any_o one_o believe_v he_o know_v enough_o as_o yet_o he_o know_v nothing_o see_v that_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o own_o ignorance_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v ask_v that_o man_n which_o be_v so_o perfect_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o religion_n from_o whence_o it_o proceed_v that_o they_o fail_v so_o much_o in_o their_o practice_n they_o allege_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n presuppose_v that_o it_o lodge_v only_o in_o the_o affection_n or_o in_o the_o will_n as_o if_o the_o intellect_n be_v altogether_o exempt_a nevertheless_o if_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o understanding_n if_o this_o eye_n be_v pure_a all_o its_o action_n will_v be_v full_a of_o light_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o that_o commit_v evil_a know_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a but_o they_o believe_v to_o find_v their_o good_a therein_o which_o be_v a_o capital_a error_n a_o man_n who_o kill_v himself_o believe_v that_o death_n be_v better_a to_o he_o then_o life_n the_o high_a mover_n to_o sin_n will_v be_v always_o find_v in_o the_o falseness_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o in_o the_o unjust_a persuasion_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v god_n right_o but_o only_o cursory_o under_o some_o general_a notion_n without_o descend_v to_o the_o species_n &_o circumstance_n or_o we_o understand_v without_o believe_v it_o or_o we_o believe_v it_o but_o with_o so_o weak_a a_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v easy_o turn_v aside_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o have_v knowledge_n enough_o to_o make_v we_o inexcusable_a but_o never_o too_o much_o to_o make_v we_o better_o that_o work_v of_o charity_n be_v the_o most_o visible_a mark_n of_o a_o christian_n this_o maxim_n be_v repugnant_a to_o experience_n we_o can_v discern_v a_o christian_a from_o a_o jew_n by_o alm_n or_o action_n of_o benificency_n which_o the_o one_o may_v exercise_v as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o the_o first_o mark_n which_o make_v a_o christian_n to_o be_v know_v be_v the_o confession_n of_o his_o faith_n there_o be_v not_o a_o sect_n how_o desperate_a soever_o but_o can_v furnish_v some_o example_n of_o probity_n temperance_n and_o of_o all_o virtue_n whatsoever_o many_o heretic_n have_v cover_v the_o foulnes_n of_o their_o error_n by_o the_o splend_v our_o of_o their_o charitable_a life_n if_o we_o must_v among_o so_o many_o congregation_n differ_v in_o doctrine_n dispute_v which_o be_v the_o most_o innocent_a in_o respect_n of_o manner_n the_o anabaptist_n will_v carry_v away_o the_o prize_n we_o never_o yet_o grant_v to_o the_o roman_a catholic_n that_o holiness_n of_o life_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o we_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o impurity_n of_o their_o manner_n have_v be_v no_o lawful_a cause_n of_o our_o separation_n that_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o oblige_v to_o learn_v any_o thing_n but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o conduce_v to_o his_o salvation_n this_o bold_a assertion_n carry_v not_o the_o mark_n of_o final_a obedience_n many_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v very_o pious_a because_o they_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o be_v happy_a and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o harken_v to_o the_o scripture_n be_v because_o it_o may_v make_v they_o happy_a now_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o god_n have_v make_v his_o word_n the_o conduit_n pipe_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o we_o ought_v not_o only_o for_o this_o respect_n to_o hearken_v to_o it_o but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o which_o we_o owe_v our_o attention_n although_o it_o be_v against_o our_o own_o profit_n those_o who_o practice_n be_v otherwise_o be_v more_o amorous_a of_o their_o own_o salvation_n then_o of_o their_o saviour_n and_o that_o their_o devotion_n prove_v but_o mercenary_a but_o this_o maxim_n serve_v as_o a_o pretext_n to_o another_o error_n none_o dare_v absolute_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v any_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o serve_v to_o salvation_n nevertheless_o beside_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o history_n all_o the_o genealogy_n chronology_n etimology_n of_o proper_a name_n description_n of_o country_n and_o of_o building_n ceremonial_a ordinance_n prophetical_a emblem_n the_o inwrethe_n of_o mystery_n and_o divers_a other_o piece_n of_o scripture_n be_v superfluous_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o communality_n because_o they_o see_v not_o to_o what_o use_v it_o serve_v towards_o their_o salvation_n he_o that_o will_v raze_v out_o all_o that_o ignorant_a man_n hold_v to_o be_v unprofitable_a must_v reduce_v the_o bible_n to_o the_o four_o part_n of_o what_o it_o contain_v where_o as_o the_o romish_a church_n believe_v they_o ought_v to_o add_v thereto_o that_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o content_v himself_o with_o that_o which_o be_v simple_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o know_v no_o more_o of_o religion_n but_o just_a as_o much_o as_o will_v serve_v he_o to_o be_v save_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o understand_v too_o well_o his_o salvation_n for_o to_o have_v too_o many_o torch_n to_o conduct_v he_o to_o heaven_n under_o colour_n that_o a_o little_a spark_n or_o a_o smoke_a snuff_n may_v give_v he_o sufficient_a light_n i_o believe_v for_o certain_a that_o god_n have_v have_v mercy_n upon_o many_o idiot_n who_o never_o know_v of_o what_o tribe_n our_o lord_n descend_v according_a to_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o what_o family_n be_v the_o virgin_n mary_n nor_o whether_o abraham_n precede_v moses_n but_o this_o ignorance_n be_v not_o pardon_v to_o all_o a_o certain_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o save_v one_o which_o will_v not_o suffice_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o another_o more_o belong_v to_o a_o doctor_n in_o theologie_n then_o to_o a_o lay_v man_n to_o he_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o chair_n of_o the_o prophet_n then_o he_o that_o sit_v at_o their_o footstool_n to_o a_o man_n that_o have_v live_v forty_o year_n in_o the_o church_n then_o to_o a_o american_n or_o another_o proselyte_n who_o never_o hear_v speak_v of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o his_o death_n that_o a_o christian_a have_v not_o need_n of_o much_o knowledge_n for_o to_o be_v save_v it_o be_v a_o favourable_a prejudication_n to_o those_o who_o be_v negligent_a but_o most_o dangerous_a in_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n if_o man_n know_v how_o difficult_a it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v he_o will_v never_o think_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n so_o large_a that_o the_o blind_a may_v pass_v through_o without_o know_v of_o it_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o which_o agility_n dexterity_n skill_n knowledge_n be_v requisite_a it_o be_v in_o this_o point_n it_o belong_v to_o none_o but_o those_o which_o be_v wise_a to_o obtain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v true_a the_o goodness_n of_o god_n save_v a_o infinity_n of_o simple_a idiot_n enlighten_v only_o with_o some_o glimmer_n of_o his_o knowledge_n but_o it_o be_v most_o sure_a that_o many_o of_o they_o receive_v it_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n in_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o their_o life_n for_o this_o light_n may_v come_v at_o once_o as_o a_o lightning_n which_o pass_v from_o the_o east_n to_o the_o west_n and_o discover_v in_o a_o wink_n both_o the_o length_n and_o the_o largeness_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o many_o doctrine_n which_o he_o can_v never_o have_v so_o well_o comprehend_v though_o he_o shall_v have_v study_v 30_o year_n one_o only_a night_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o jacob_n ladder_n will_v make_v he_o see_v more_o misery_n than_o a_o
ordinary_a point_n of_o particular_a commerce_n among_o man_n and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v as_o yet_o undecided_a for_o some_o put_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o light_a interest_n and_o that_o which_o the_o jew_n call_v bite_a it_o be_v interdict_v by_o the_o law_n and_o other_o admit_v it_o as_o lawful_a in_o the_o proportion_n of_o equity_n as_o the_o same_o law_n recommend_v but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o solution_n take_v not_o away_o the_o necessity_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o in_o some_o point_n take_v not_o away_o from_o we_o the_o search_n after_o other_o chap_n 13._o of_o certain_a question_n which_o be_v indifferent_a in_o which_o the_o one_o ought_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v deliver_v then_o the_o other_o there_o be_v disputable_a matter_n which_o be_v not_o so_o indifferent_a or_o so_o well_o balance_v but_o that_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o one_o will_v turn_v the_o scale_n it_o be_v a_o disputable_a point_n whether_o the_o terrestrial_a paradise_n be_v as_o yet_o subsistent_a the_o negative_a have_v more_o appearance_n it_o be_v a_o question_n not_o necessary_a whether_o the_o arch_n of_o the_o alliance_n be_v burn_v when_o the_o babylonian_n fire_v the_o temple_n the_o affirmative_a be_v the_o most_o certain_a namely_o we_o do_v employ_v it_o to_o convince_v of_o falseness_n the_o history_n of_o the_o macchabee_n which_o relate_v that_o this_o arch_n be_v sound_a at_o the_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n behold_v here_o one_o more_o important_a to_o wit_n whether_o the_o spirit_n and_o namely_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v pure_o immaterial_a essence_n certain_a ancient_a theologian_n follow_v also_o by_o some_o modern_a divine_n deny_v it_o and_o give_v it_o a_o substance_n as_o that_o of_o the_o air_n subtle_a and_o imperceptible_a but_o notwithstanding_o in_o some_o sort_n material_a to_o which_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o subscribe_v this_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a of_o all_o whether_o the_o humane_a soul_n be_v immediate_o produce_v from_o god_n and_o by_o he_o infuse_v into_o the_o body_n or_o whether_o it_o draw_v its_o effence_n from_o his_o progenitor_n who_o transmit_v it_o to_o their_o child_n by_o natural_a propagation_n the_o first_o of_o these_o two_o opinion_n be_v without_o doubt_v the_o more_o receiveable_a and_o the_o most_o worthy_a of_o a_o christian_n i_o set_v aside_o the_o dispute_v touch_v the_o salvation_n of_o adam_n and_o solomon_n in_o which_o the_o most_o favourable_a opinion_n be_v also_o most_o certain_a chap._n 14._o indifferent_a question_n sometime_o become_v necessary_a many_o thing_n be_v hold_v for_o problematicall_a which_o be_v not_o so_o in_o effect_n problematicall_a point_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v with_o the_o same_o faith_n as_o the_o article_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n if_o there_o be_v any_o matter_n which_o be_v of_o small_a importance_n they_o be_v these_o follow_v what_o age_n have_v terah_n when_o abraham_n be_v bear_v unto_o he_o genesis_n 11.12_o how_o many_o year_n the_o hebrew_n be_v in_o egypt_n exod._n 12._o gal._n 3.17_o how_o many_o person_n descend_v thither_o with_o jacob._n gen._n 46.27_o act_n 7.14_o these_o point_n and_o many_o other_o which_o we_o may_v quote_v have_v some_o difficulty_n a_o ignorant_a will_v not_o trouble_v himself_o therewith_o but_o a_o atheist_n will_v find_v wherewithal_o to_o calumniate_v the_o whole_a bible_n and_o the_o jew_n from_o thence_o have_v draw_v objection_n against_o we_o cry_v out_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v false_a which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n a_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v instruction_n as_o well_o in_o these_o thing_n as_o also_o in_o a_o infinite_a of_o other_o to_o the_o end_n that_o religion_n be_v not_o blaspheme_v through_o our_o ignorance_n on_o which_o occasion_n you_o may_v mark_v a_o number_n of_o matter_n which_o be_v problematicall_a rather_o in_o opinion_n then_o in_o effect_n i_o believe_v that_o many_o question_n which_o we_o hold_v for_o disputable_a the_o solution_n thereof_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n although_o we_o find_v it_o not_o therein_o our_o ignorance_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o they_o remain_v problematicall_a which_o will_v not_o be_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_o understand_v certain_o there_o be_v some_o which_o be_v not_o therein_o decide_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o beso_fw-es bold_a as_o the_o scholastics_n who_o have_v dispute_v if_o the_o ravish_a of_o s._n paul_n into_o the_o three_o heaven_n be_v in_o body_n or_o in_o spirit_n only_o they_o may_v be_v assure_v nor_o to_o find_v the_o solution_n thereof_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v a_o great_a temerity_n to_o hold_v all_o for_o undecided_a in_o the_o scripture_n because_o we_o can_v resolve_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o we_o to_o embrace_v with_o a_o equal_a stableness_n of_o belief_n the_o point_n which_o be_v as_o yet_o problematicall_a unto_o we_o as_o those_o of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o full_a assurance_n it_o be_v most_o worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o virgin_n never_o have_v any_o other_o child_n than_o he_o for_o who_o all_o age_n call_v she_o bless_v but_o this_o point_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o quality_n as_o those_o who_o demonstration_n be_v clear_a undubitable_a and_o necessary_a chap._n 15._o of_o those_o who_o will_v know_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n without_o derogate_a from_o the_o scripture_n the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o of_o manner_n we_o say_v there_o be_v divers_a matter_n not_o contain_v therein_o who_o ignorance_n will_v be_v shameful_a and_o unfitting_a to_o a_o christian_a capable_a of_o instruction_n i_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o many_o natural_a principle_n which_o the_o scripture_n express_v not_o as_o not_o to_o know_v that_o two_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a or_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o a_o part_n under_o colour_n that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v not_o of_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o criminal_a brutality_n the_o scripture_n teach_v not_o natural_a notion_n but_o presuppose_v they_o as_o manifest_v because_o it_o speak_v to_o man_n not_o to_o stone_n i_o leave_v divers_a history_n and_o prophecy_n as_o be_v the_o work_n of_o daniel_n the_o dry_n up_o of_o the_o river_n euphrates_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o a_o number_n of_o other_o which_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n teach_v not_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o israelite_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n the_o darkness_n happen_v at_o the_o death_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v miraculous_a because_o they_o come_v in_o a_o time_n that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v produce_v by_o natural_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o scripture_n pass_v it_o under_o silence_n all_o the_o prediction_n which_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v since_o the_o close_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n show_v not_o their_o accomplishment_n but_o in_o humane_a history_n nay_o all_o these_o prophecy_n be_v final_o reduce_v into_o history_n which_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o i_o will_v only_o touch_v one_o point_n or_o two_o which_o consist_v not_o but_o only_o in_o act_n he_o who_o will_v believe_v the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v as_o yet_o stand_v that_o the_o jew_n sacrifice_n therein_o and_o that_o the_o other_o legal_a ceremony_n be_v practise_v as_o if_o their_o republic_n as_o yet_o subsist_v will_v be_v culpable_a of_o a_o very_a gross_a error_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o history_n of_o the_o cessation_n of_o sacrifice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o leviticall_a sacrifice_n be_v abolish_v by_o right_a but_o as_o then_o in_o act_n nevertheless_o this_o actual_a abolition_n come_v since_o so_o advantageous_o for_o the_o christian_n that_o one_o can_v be_v ignorant_a thereof_o without_o manifest_a carelessness_n also_o we_o do_v not_o learn_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v as_o yet_o jew_n in_o the_o world_n and_o nevertheless_o it_o will_v b_o a_fw-fr blockish_a stupidity_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o subsistence_n of_o that_o nation_n who_o misery_n verify_v the_o threaten_n of_o our_o saviour_n upon_o they_o and_o who_o conversion_n we_o do_v as_o yet_o expect_v but_o above_o all_o it_o will_v be_v a_o ignorance_n worthy_a of_o reproach_n to_o put_v in_o indifferency_n how_o many_o age_n we_o ought_v to_o count_v since_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n a_o man_n who_o shall_v not_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v more_o than_o two_o hundred_o year_n since_o jesus_n christ_n be_v bear_v shall_v be_v unworthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a although_o that_o the_o supputation_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o chronologie_n which_o be_v not_o deduce_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o
convince_v the_o apostolical_a writing_n of_o falsehood_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n to_o annihilate_v c_o ristianity_n chap._n 19_o why_o the_o opinion_n the_o most_o erroneous_a be_v maintain_v with_o great_a obstinacy_n than_o those_o which_o be_v less_o absurd_a the_o plea_n of_o these_o which_o burn_v their_o child_n pretext_n for_o transubstantiation_n the_o more_o monstrous_a be_v the_o error_n the_o more_o pertinacious_a be_v the_o belief_n when_o once_o it_o have_v take_v place_n in_o the_o spirit_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o falsehood_n the_o most_o enormous_a be_v make_v important_a by_o the_o high_a pretext_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o authorise_v but_o by_o the_o most_o undoubted_a maxim_n of_o religion_n under_o the_o colour_n of_o this_o sovereign_n pour_v they_o make_v man_n renounce_v their_o judgement_n of_o reason_n nay_o more_o disavow_v their_o own_o proper_a sense_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o error_n incapable_a it_o be_v the_o impiety_n of_o the_o israelite_n who_o burn_v their_o own_o child_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n please_v to_o god_n nevertheless_o neither_o nature_n which_o cry_v out_o against_o those_o horror_n nor_o the_o threaten_n from_o heaven_n which_o condemn_v they_o can_v not_o hinder_v their_o practice_n but_o it_o needs_o must_v be_v that_o some_o violent_a passion_n which_o break_v in_o sunder_o the_o strong_a chain_n of_o natural_a affection_n be_v move_v with_o some_o powerful_a engine_n cloak_v over_o with_o some_o very_a specious_a pretext_n their_o apology_n may_v be_v that_o the_o chief_a good_a of_o man_n consist_v in_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n that_o this_o remission_n can_v not_o be_v without_o the_o effusion_n of_o blood_n that_o it_o be_v a_o folly_n to_o go_v about_o to_o appease_v god_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o beast_n and_o therefore_o some_o humane_a sacrifice_n must_v be_v offer_v that_o this_o sacrifice_n ought_v to_o be_v innocent_a and_o that_o a_o great_a innocence_n can_v not_o be_v find_v then_o in_o a_o little_a infant_n that_o to_o be_v of_o the_o proper_a substance_n of_o the_o man_n which_o do_v present_v it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o his_o offering_n shall_v be_v offer_v in_o expiation_n but_o if_o the_o sacrifice_n ought_v to_o be_v but_o eucharistical_a than_o it_o be_v but_o to_o mock_v god_n to_o present_v he_o a_o calf_n or_o a_o pigeon_n his_o majesty_n require_v more_o noble_a offering_n nay_o more_o demand_v our_o own_o bowel_n and_o that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o offer_v he_o a_o more_o precious_a present_n then_o the_o life_n of_o their_o own_o child_n under_o this_o pretext_n and_o such_o like_a this_o abomination_n pass_v for_o the_o most_o ardent_a piety_n which_o a_o man_n may_v show_v to_o god_n equallise_v or_o rather_o surpass_v all_o which_o the_o scripture_n extol_v in_o abraham_n for_o a_o action_n of_o this_o quality_n so_o that_o the_o excess_n of_o error_n augment_v the_o persuasion_n the_o article_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v produce_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o most_o dreadful_a mystery_n of_o all_o religion_n bear_v upon_o its_o front_n the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o presence_n be_v fearful_a to_o the_o angel_n arm_v itself_o with_o the_o power_n of_o his_o omnipotency_n enclose_v within_o its_o title_n all_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n by_o how_o much_o the_o representation_n of_o this_o opinion_n be_v prodigious_a by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o it_o make_v they_o believe_v it_o mysterious_a from_o thence_o it_o come_v that_o that_o belief_n be_v maintain_v with_o more_o pertinacity_n than_o any_o error_n who_o absurdity_n be_v less_o apparent_a also_o the_o believe_v hereof_o be_v esteem_v so_o much_o the_o more_o meritorious_a by_o how_o much_o less_o the_o object_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o indeed_o that_o man_n who_o firm_o believe_v this_o transubstantiation_n shall_v have_v be_v it_o true_a more_o faith_n than_o ever_o have_v all_o the_o patriarch_n and_o apostle_n together_o the_o three_o section_n chapter_n 1._o what_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n or_o instruction_n be_v most_o natural_a to_o the_o vulgar_a two_o man_n may_v know_v one_o and_o the_o same_o truth_n but_o in_o divers_a manner_n a_o country_n man_n may_v know_v that_o a_o eclipse_n ought_v to_o happen_v on_o such_o a_o day_n have_v read_v it_o in_o a_o almanac_n but_o that_o be_v not_o call_v science_n as_o a_o astronomer_n who_o know_v by_o demonstration_n foresee_v the_o eclipse_n in_o his_o cause_n he_o be_v not_o learn_v in_o religion_n who_o know_v all_o the_o matter_n but_o he_o that_o know_v they_o in_o the_o manner_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v on_o which_o many_o fault_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v there_o be_v two_o tradition_n or_o way_n of_o instruction_n on_o which_o the_o vulgar_a repose_n themselves_o sentence_n and_o general_a proposition_n 2_o history_n in_o these_o two_o consist_v almost_o all_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o common_a people_n as_o for_o the_o first_o head_n the_o ignorant_a content_n themselves_o to_o know_v the_o generality_n because_o the_o intelligence_n of_o particular_a point_n require_v a_o sharp_a sight_n and_o a_o more_o fix_a contemplation_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o a_o idiot_n to_o say_v these_o thing_n then_o to_o restrain_v this_o generality_n to_o its_o species_n to_o know_v how_o to_o give_v each_o one_o of_o they_o its_o proper_a name_n to_o the_o other_o the_o instruction_n which_o be_v give_v they_o by_o history_n please_v they_o because_o of_o its_o facility_n for_o it_o consist_v in_o action_n and_o circumstance_n perceptible_a to_o the_o imagination_n so_o that_o all_o their_o knowledge_n lodge_v either_o in_o copious_a generality_n or_o in_o the_o single_a individuum_n but_o the_o point_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v medium_n between_o these_o two_o weary_v more_o the_o spirit_n oblige_v they_o to_o reason_n and_o to_o take_v the_o measure_n weight_n and_o number_n and_o the_o name_n of_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n the_o vulgar_a cast_v it_o off_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n many_o be_v orthodoxal_a in_o the_o generality_n of_o a_o point_n who_o err_v gross_o in_o the_o particular_n thereof_o witness_v the_o article_n of_o providence_n upon_o which_o the_o common_a people_n will_v give_v a_o clear_a opinion_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o this_o doctrine_n but_o in_o the_o particular_a point_n imagine_v a_o world_n of_o absurdity_n chap._n 2._o of_o the_o superficial_a knowledge_n of_o each_o point_n of_o of_o religion_n of_o their_o definition_n and_o of_o their_o exact_a knowledge_n a_o example_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o eucharist_n the_o ignorance_n of_o general_a as_o well_o as_o particular_a point_n proceed_v from_o this_o that_o popular_a spirit_n learn_v a_o infinity_n of_o description_n but_o very_o few_o definition_n i_o speak_v not_o in_o favour_n of_o subtle_a and_o artificial_a definition_n of_o which_o every_o one_o be_v not_o capable_a but_o certain_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o a_o point_n without_o know_v how_o to_o mark_v and_o define_v the_o essence_n if_o not_o exact_o yet_o at_o least_o very_o near_o the_o truth_n when_o a_o man_n can_v say_v sin_n be_v the_o poison_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o know_v how_o to_o give_v it_o a_o hundred_o epithet_n of_o this_o sort_n yet_o have_v he_o not_o learn_v what_o sin_n be_v this_o ignorance_n be_v entertain_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o preacher_n who_o be_v content_a to_o declaim_v by_o description_n and_o abundance_n of_o metahpot_n never_o show_v but_o the_o superficies_n of_o matter_n in_o stead_n of_o set_v forth_o the_o dimension_n i_o leave_v the_o point_n which_o be_v elevate_v above_o all_o definition_n the_o imagination_n of_o idiot_n who_o not_o understand_v what_o be_v proper_o that_o eternity_n although_o they_o know_v that_o god_n have_v neither_o beginning_n nor_o end_n believe_v he_o nevertheless_o to_o have_v more_o age_n than_o he_o have_v four_o thousand_o year_n since_o this_o point_n and_o many_o other_o be_v not_o the_o mark_n at_o which_o we_o shoot_v i_o can_v show_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o difference_n proceed_v from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o definition_n if_o the_o romish_a church_n comprehend_v intercession_n to_o be_v a_o sacerdotal_a act_n and_o that_o christ_n pray_v in_o quality_n of_o a_o sovereign_a priest_n dead_a for_o we_o and_o this_o function_n consist_v in_o the_o comparition_n of_o his_o person_n etc._n etc._n she_o will_v never_o transport_v to_o other_o the_o title_n of_o intercessor_n but_o to_o make_v you_o see_v how_o many_o excellent_a matter_n the_o exact_a intelligence_n of_o one_o point_n furnish_v in_o respect_n of_o a_o superficial_a knowledge_n we_o will_v produce_v only_o one_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n
alphabet_n without_o know_v how_o to_o join_v they_o to_o make_v entire_a word_n thereof_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o consist_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o matter_n confuse_o heap_v together_o in_o the_o mind_n without_o symmetry_n or_o proportion_n without_o any_o form_n either_o of_o building_n or_o body_n the_o head_n and_o foot_n be_v confound_v some_o of_o our_o controversy_n concern_v the_o same_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o point_n the_o roman_a catholic_n come_v to_o contend_v with_o we_o begin_v voluntary_o with_o the_o question_n of_o the_o church_n give_v it_o the_o high_a place_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v make_v it_o pass_v as_o a_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n hold_v not_o the_o first_o rank_n in_o the_o creed_n chap._n four_o of_o those_o which_o believe_v the_o truth_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o false_a principle_n or_o of_o some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o touch_v not_o the_o question_n many_o believe_v the_o truth_n by_o a_o false_a faith_n the_o turk_n believe_v god_n the_o creation_n providence_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n christ_n bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n a_o great_a prophet_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o the_o koran_n say_v it_o these_o point_n be_v true_a in_o themselves_o but_o the_o belief_n which_o he_o have_v thereby_o can_v be_v formal_o true_a because_o it_o depend_v on_o a_o false_a principle_n truth_n may_v not_o be_v believe_v for_o a_o lie_v sake_n one_o may_v not_o commend_v they_o which_o endeavour_n to_o amplify_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o sibyl_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v make_v they_o speak_v more_o advantageous_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o the_o pious_a fraud_n of_o they_o which_o under_o colour_n of_o prove_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v suppose_v fabulous_a apparition_n it_o import_v not_o only_o what_o we_o believe_v but_o also_o why_o we_o believe_v it_o a_o man_n which_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o philosophy_n or_o natural_a reason_n teach_v he_o so_o have_v not_o a_o theologick_n faith_n although_o the_o belief_n which_o he_o have_v touch_v god_n be_v true_a in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o principle_n he_o that_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o christianity_n because_o great_a doctor_n believe_v they_o or_o only_o because_o the_o church_n hold_v they_o for_o true_a have_v build_v his_o faith_n upon_o man_n testimony_n it_o be_v a_o complaint_n of_o a_o person_n eminent_a in_o humane_a learning_n that_o be_v orthodox_n in_o the_o article_n of_o christ_n divinity_n notwithstanding_o in_o his_o interpretation_n and_o paraprase_n upon_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o do_v enervate_a or_o allude_v asmuch_o as_n be_v possible_a for_o he_o all_o the_o most_o manifest_a passage_n which_o authorise_v the_o belief_n of_o this_o point_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o people_n which_o upon_o every_o sort_n of_o matter_n allege_v a_o multitude_n of_o text_n though_o oft_o time_n the_o twenty_o part_n suit_v not_o to_o the_o subject_n they_o which_o believe_v a_o truth_n but_o ground_n it_o upon_o a_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o make_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n believe_v the_o truth_n false_o that_o which_o they_o believe_v be_v very_o true_a but_o that_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o they_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o the_o scripture_n ill_o apply_v be_v no_o more_o scripture_n but_o a_o pervert_n thereof_o although_o it_o be_v allege_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n which_o it_o teach_v in_o other_o passage_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o many_o will_v bring_v hither_o as_o much_o fear_n and_o discretion_n as_o they_o abound_v in_o impertinent_a quotation_n but_o the_o vulgar_a often_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v lead_v more_o by_o passage_n which_o come_v by_o the_o by_o then_o by_o those_o which_o lead_v straight_o to_o the_o mark_n i_o have_v see_v a_o man_n which_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v from_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n for_o any_o text_n allege_v unto_o he_o unless_o when_o one_o quote_v to_o he_o the_o passage_n of_o esay_n 63._o for_o 16._o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o the_o most_o conclude_v of_o all_o those_o which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o this_o controversy_n a_o rabbin_z convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o who_o have_v write_v against_o those_o of_o his_o nation_n find_v the_o trinity_n and_o the_o two_o nature_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o four_o hebrew_n letter_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n and_o make_v almost_o more_o esteem_n of_o this_o cabbalistick_a proof_n then_o of_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n infinite_o more_o clear_a and_o express_v upon_o this_o subject_n that_o which_o remain_v to_o be_v say_v require_v another_o parenthesis_n chap._n v._o every_o point_n of_o religion_n have_v its_o peculiar_a reason_n example_n and_o consideration_n to_o this_o purpose_n all_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o the_o lesser_a branch_n of_o they_o have_v every_o one_o their_o particular_a reason_n and_o the_o scripture_n say_v not_o only_o that_o it_o be_v so_o but_o also_o how_o and_o why_o it_o be_v so_o it_o give_v we_o not_o simple_a position_n but_o teach_v by_o demonstration_n and_o argument_n even_o to_o the_o resolve_v of_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v move_v to_o the_o contrary_n this_o be_v not_o then_o sufficient_a when_o a_o man_n know_v all_o his_o religion_n by_o proposition_n or_o maxim_n though_o conceive_v in_o proper_a scripture_n term_n if_o he_o know_v not_o also_o the_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o to_o allege_v the_o scripture_n which_o affirm_v such_o or_o such_o point_n but_o also_o to_o show_v why_o these_o point_n which_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v be_v such_o and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a divinity_n be_v all_o full_a of_o demonstrative_a argument_n they_o which_o have_v but_o a_o naked_a knowledge_n of_o conclusion_n see_v well_o the_o face_n and_o external_a shape_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o beat_n of_o its_o artery_n the_o spirit_n which_o move_v it_o and_o the_o faculty_n which_o stir_v within_o it_o be_v visible_a to_o they_o who_o know_v the_o reason_n wherewith_o it_o be_v animate_v it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n to_o allege_v that_o one_o ought_v not_o to_o demand_v a_o reason_n what_o god_n say_v and_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o believe_v what_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v be_v true_a this_o objection_n be_v of_o value_n as_o touch_v point_v the_o search_n whereof_o be_v forbid_v we_o as_o why_o god_n show_v mercy_n more_o to_o one_o then_o to_o another_o and_o for_o other_o matter_n which_o we_o may_v call_v transcendent_a which_o god_n have_v bound_v with_o praecipice_n &_o environ_v with_o high_a barricado_n which_o hinder_v we_o from_o enter_v in_o thereat_o but_o in_o those_o whereof_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o the_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o foolish_a modesty_n to_o reason_n against_o his_o command_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o learn_v they_o nay_o this_o be_v a_o manifest_a arrogance_n to_o will_v the_o ignorance_n of_o those_o reason_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o thereof_o under_o pretence_n of_o believe_v the_o scripture_n simple_o for_o the_o scripture_n itself_o teach_v we_o to_o reason_n upon_o many_o point_n infinite_o raise_v above_o we_o when_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o god_n permit_v that_o sin_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o hinder_v it_o many_o reason_n of_o this_o permission_n may_v be_v find_v full_a of_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o save_v the_o matter_n we_o have_v except_v there_o be_v not_o any_o point_n of_o religion_n nay_o any_o particle_n whereof_o one_o may_v not_o find_v some_o reason_n either_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o due_o aver_v by_o lawful_a consequence_n or_o result_v from_o the_o property_n of_o the_o subject_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v out_o of_o all_o enquiry_n they_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o nature_n as_o for_o example_n the_o prohibition_n of_o marriage_n between_o brother_n and_o sister_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o nature_n which_o have_v no_o need_n to_o be_v prop_v with_o reason_n since_o it_o be_v reason_n itself_o and_o though_o one_o may_v always_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n will_v oblige_v man_n to_o search_v the_o alliance_n of_o the_o remote_a raze_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o affection_n &_o correspondency_n of_o humane_a society_n may_v be_v multiply_v which_o will_v not_o be_v if_o marriage_n shall_v be_v always_o contract_v within_o the_o same_o family_n which_o will_v by_o this_o shame_n restrain_v the_o licence_n which_o may_v grow_v from_o the_o facility_n
popular_a reason_n such_o as_o be_v similitude_n and_o argument_n of_o this_o kind_n those_o which_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o this_o rank_n for_o the_o authority_n thereof_o make_v they_o become_v demonstration_n and_o undoubted_a proof_n but_o all_o other_o have_v no_o other_o virtue_n they_o to_o clear_v be_v beside_o uncapable_a to_o prove_v notwithstanding_o the_o vulgar_a will_n soon_o believe_v for_o one_o bare_a comparison_n which_o make_v no_o proof_n then_o for_o a_o reason_n well_o conclude_v this_o be_v it_o that_o similitude_n particular_a example_n and_o the_o like_a argument_n have_v a_o appearance_n manifest_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o therefore_o move_v beyond_o essential_a reason_n which_o be_v not_o perceivable_a but_o by_o the_o understanding_n notwithstanding_o this_o faith_n be_v not_o more_o solid_a the_o man_n which_o conceive_v a_o point_n under_o the_o sole_a resemblance_n of_o truth_n and_o not_o in_o the_o proper_a essence_n thereof_o understand_v it_o not_o as_o he_o ought_v this_o be_v to_o have_v a_o true_a opinion_n but_o not_o a_o true_a knowledge_n and_o more_o deceive_v themselves_o by_o this_o mean_n presume_v they_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o point_n instead_o whereof_o they_o have_v but_o the_o opinion_n it_o suffice_v not_o to_o say_v their_o opinion_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o truth_n for_o truth_n be_v not_o know_v by_o opinion_n whosoever_o desire_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o aught_o to_o endeavour_v the_o understanding_n rather_o of_o one_o conclude_a and_o formal_a reason_n than_o ten_o thousand_o argument_n which_o have_v but_o a_o bare_a resemblance_n of_o truth_n chap._n viii_o of_o who_o who_o persuade_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n by_o false_a reason_n of_o those_o which_o false_o accuse_v themselves_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o believe_v a_o truth_n which_o be_v ground_v on_o scripture_n but_o conceive_v it_o under_o a_o false_a reason_n he_o believe_v the_o truth_n which_o hold_v we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o work_n but_o if_o he_o believe_v that_o faith_n have_v a_o prerogative_n because_o it_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o work_n this_o reason_n be_v false_a for_o though_o faith_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o work_n the_o excellency_n thereof_o be_v not_o the_o true_a cause_n why_o it_o justify_v rather_o than_o work_v all_o the_o vulgar_a spirit_n know_v how_o to_o maintain_v a_o truth_n in_o express_a term_n of_o scripture_n but_o in_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o often_o imagine_v a_o reason_n either_o false_a or_o impertinent_a so_o the_o friend_n of_o job_n do_v maintain_v god_n cause_n his_o power_n prudence_n wisdom_n and_o justice_n but_o by_o false_a presupposition_n and_o scarce_o can_v one_o have_v say_v that_o they_o err_v if_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o interpose_v his_o judgement_n in_o the_o dispute_n so_o some_o to_o exalt_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o accuse_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o great_a sinner_n in_o the_o world_n imitate_v the_o apostle_n s._n paul_n who_o speak_v of_o himself_o in_o this_o manner_n although_o that_o judas_n and_o those_o that_o have_v crucify_v the_o prince_n of_o glory_n be_v without_o doubt_n more_o guilty_a now_o saint_n paul_n rank_v not_o himself_o simple_o among_o the_o great_a sinner_n but_o among_o they_o which_o have_v not_o sin_v but_o through_o ignorance_n it_o be_v true_a that_o original_a sin_n be_v equal_a natural_o in_o all_o man_n and_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o restrain_v many_o therein_o but_o that_o to_o amplify_v this_o grace_n a_o man_n shall_v accuse_v himself_o of_o actual_a sin_n which_o he_o never_o commit_v this_o be_v a_o foolish_a sort_n of_o falsehood_n the_o water_n of_o sprinkle_v which_o purify_v the_o unclean_a do_v defile_v those_o which_o be_v clean_o if_o we_o will_v exalt_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n we_o have_v enough_o true_a argument_n without_o search_v imaginary_a for_o it_o if_o we_o will_v justify_v his_o severity_n we_o find_v enough_o true_a crime_n in_o our_o life_n without_o impose_v false_a one_o upon_o we_o whosoever_o will_v speak_v of_o god_n ought_v to_o speak_v according_a unto_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n otherwise_o it_o be_v to_o speak_v against_o god_n to_o maintain_v truth_n with_o false_a reason_n be_v to_o imitate_v the_o proceed_n of_o rebecca_n who_o to_o the_o end_n the_o oracle_n may_v be_v find_v true_a have_v recourse_n to_o a_o abusive_a mean_n use_v a_o fraudulent_a superstition_n there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o circumspect_a as_o in_o speak_v for_o the_o truth_n he_o that_o undertake_v to_o maintain_v it_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o grievous_a censure_n if_o he_o acquit_v not_o himself_o thereof_o pertinent_o chap._n ix_o of_o point_n whereof_o one_o ought_v to_o know_v the_o cause_n many_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v ridiculous_a without_o their_o cause_n the_o understanding_n whereof_o decide_v many_o question_n from_o whence_o come_v the_o great_a part_n of_o error_n the_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v know_v principal_o either_o by_o their_o cause_n or_o by_o their_o effect_n the_o deity_n as_o be_v the_o high_a cause_n of_o all_o be_v not_o demonstrable_a but_o by_o its_o effect_n who_o decree_n ought_v also_o to_o be_v seek_v rather_o in_o their_o effect_n then_o in_o their_o cause_n but_o the_o other_o point_n which_o be_v subordinate_a be_v represent_v to_o we_o with_o their_o cause_n which_o teach_v we_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o in_o this_o the_o learned_a differ_v from_o the_o common_a people_n for_o the_o vulgar_a see_v not_o the_o quality_n or_o truth_n of_o a_o point_n but_o in_o the_o effect_n and_o stream_n but_o to_o comprehend_v it_o well_o it_o behoove_v to_o see_v it_o in_o the_o spring_n many_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v ridiculous_a without_o their_o cause_n all_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n if_o one_o know_v not_o the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o heap_n of_o unprofitable_a burden_n the_o temple_n but_o a_o shambles_n and_o the_o priesthood_n but_o a_o vain_a occupation_n in_o lieu_n thereof_o consider_v they_o in_o their_o cause_n every_o thing_n there_o be_v important_a even_o to_o the_o least_o circumstance_n whosoever_o shall_v remember_v that_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v out_o of_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n will_v admire_v the_o providence_n of_o this_o law_n which_o ordain_v that_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o oblation_n whereof_o the_o blood_n ought_v to_o be_v carry_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n shall_v be_v consume_v out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o camp_n or_o of_o the_o city_n we_o know_v that_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n be_v environ_v with_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n but_o if_o we_o know_v not_o the_o cause_n thereof_o we_o make_v he_o inferior_a to_o many_o martyr_n who_o bear_v a_o smile_a face_n amid_o their_o punishment_n the_o jew_n understand_v nothing_o in_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n for_o although_o he_o know_v the_o number_n thereof_o all_o their_o particular_a form_n he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o cause_n thereof_o not_o know_v that_o they_o be_v give_v to_o serve_v only_o till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a mean_n to_o well_o understand_v a_o point_n be_v to_o learn_v the_o cause_n thereof_o and_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o be_v a_o sovereign_a eyesalve_n to_o clear_v one_o self_n of_o many_o difficulty_n saint_n paul_n show_v by_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v uncapable_a to_o justify_v man_n for_o say_v he_o the_o law_n come_v because_o of_o transgression_n to_o wit_n to_o discover_v not_o to_o cover_v they_o and_o indeed_o they_o which_o think_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n know_v not_o why_o it_o be_v give_v the_o law_n be_v never_o give_v to_o justify_v gal._n 3.21_o on_o the_o contrary_a its_o office_n be_v to_o condemn_v man_n a_o great_a part_n of_o error_n which_o waste_a religion_n and_o likewise_o of_o they_o which_o trouble_v it_o at_o this_o day_n proceed_v from_o this_o that_o the_o cause_n be_v take_v for_o the_o effect_n or_o the_o effect_n be_v take_v for_o the_o cause_n instead_o that_o the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o man_n pharisaisme_n conclude_v that_o man_n be_v make_v for_o the_o sabbath_n instead_o that_o meat_n be_v not_o unclean_a but_o because_o they_o be_v forbid_v superstition_n believe_v they_o to_o be_v forbid_v because_o they_o be_v unclean_a instead_o than_o the_o alter_v sanctify_v the_o offering_n they_o will_v by_o their_o maxim_n that_o the_o offering_n do_v sanctify_v the_o alter_v instead_o that_o the_o scripture_n sanctifi_v the_o church_n it_o be_v maintain_v that_o the_o church_n sanctifi_v the_o scripture_n instead_o that_o justification_n produce_v work_n they_o hold_v that_o work_v produce_v justification_n