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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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of_o the_o christian_a religion_n why_o i_o believe_v the_o incarnation_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n i_o answer_v because_o god_n word_n testify_v of_o they_o as_o thing_n most_o certain_a and_o true_a if_o he_o ask_v i_o further_o how_o know_v you_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n i_o answer_v by_o infallible_a sign_n and_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n beyond_o all_o humane_a power_n as_o have_v be_v show_v chap._n 12._o of_o this_o treatise_n by_o which_o man_n reason_n may_v be_v convince_v that_o those_o writing_n be_v of_o god_n and_o so_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o a_o christian_n have_v more_o reason_n for_o his_o religion_n then_o any_o other_o whether_o jew_n or_o turk_n or_o heathen_a four_o though_o in_o these_o respect_n that_o have_v be_v mention_v our_o reason_n may_v be_v of_o very_o good_a use_n in_o reference_n to_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o make_v our_o reason_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o matter_n that_o be_v beyond_o our_o reason_n as_o for_o example_n there_o be_v a_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o matth._n 28.19_o 1_o john_n 5.7_o shall_v i_o now_o reject_v this_o great_a mystery_n because_o it_o correspond_v not_o with_o the_o dictate_v of_o my_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o say_v with_o those_o self-willed_a socinian_o that_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reason_n that_o three_o shall_v be_v one_o god_n therefore_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v this_o great_a truth_n but_o only_o interpret_v it_o thus_o that_o these_o three_o agree_v in_o one_o and_o be_v one_o by_o consent_n of_o mind_n and_o will_n for_o so_o a_o thousand_o man_n may_v be_v one_o and_o again_o if_o because_o i_o can_v conceive_v or_o comprehend_v by_o my_o reason_n how_o christ_n and_o his_o father_n can_v be_v one_o in_o substance_n and_o essence_n therefore_o i_o will_v find_v out_o another_o interpretation_n which_o may_v agree_v with_o my_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n true_o this_o be_v to_o set_v reason_n in_o the_o chair_n or_o throne_n above_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n or_o divine_a testimony_n shall_v vail_v bonnet_n to_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o we_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n now_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o curious_a proud_a wit_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n be_v it_o never_o so_o sublime_a and_o mysterious_a unless_o forsooth_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o their_o shallow_a understanding_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o consult_v with_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n about_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o according_o expound_v they_o or_o rather_o pervert_v they_o deny_v and_o reject_v the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n the_o doctrine_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o propitiation_n by_o christ_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o individual_a body_n the_o absolute_a decree_n of_o god_n and_o other_o mystery_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o so_o at_o length_n god_n leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o vain_a reason_n and_o the_o wicked_a imagination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o become_v mere_a atheist_n indeed_o every_o christian_a as_o have_v be_v say_v aught_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o he_o but_o we_o must_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v and_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v i_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n that_o christ_n be_v consubstantial_a and_o coessential_a with_o the_o father_n that_o he_o be_v incarnate_a and_o bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n that_o jacob_n be_v love_v and_o esau_n reject_v before_o they_o have_v do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o my_o belief_n be_v because_o the_o same_o be_v write_v in_o the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n but_o now_o to_o demonstrate_v and_o evidence_n these_o high_a truth_n and_o mystery_n to_o humane_a reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o otherwise_o to_o disbelieve_v they_o this_o be_v a_o course_n destructive_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v evident_a in_o themselves_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o geometry_n that_o every_o whole_a and_o entire_a thing_n be_v big_a than_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o like_a but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o evident_a in_o themselves_o but_o be_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v to_o we_o both_o that_o they_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v by_o a_o foreign_a medium_n without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o by_o the_o report_n of_o other_o and_o this_o be_v that_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o in_o themselves_o appear_v not_o to_o we_o nor_o be_v see_v of_o we_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n faith_n be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v a_o assent_n without_o evidence_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o revealer_n in_o these_o thing_n our_o reason_n reach_v but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o such_o thing_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v hide_v from_o we_o we_o can_v show_v a_o reason_n how_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v thus_o to_o tie_v our_o faith_n to_o reason_n and_o form_v our_o belief_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n so_o as_o to_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n without_o evidence_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o demonstrate_v and_o make_v know_v to_o our_o reason_n argue_v much_o pride_n and_o selfconfidence_n set_v up_o our_o reason_n above_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reason_n god_n against_o subject_v the_o scripture_n to_o reason_n reveal_v and_o arraign_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o our_o reason_n now_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v but_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o ground_n and_o consideration_n first_o because_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o shallow_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n and_o we_o be_v much_o more_o ignorant_a and_o blind_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a john_n 1.5_o 1_o cor._n 1.19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 2.11.14_o 1_o cor._n 13.12_o when_o the_o world_n by_o all_o its_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n know_v not_o god_n in_o christ_n it_o please_v god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1.21_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v yea_o not_o only_o in_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n but_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n there_o be_v still_o much_o blindness_n in_o their_o understanding_n and_o much_o perverseness_n in_o their_o will_n and_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o heart_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n now_o these_o vain_a and_o carnal_a and_o foolish_a reason_n of_o we_o shall_v be_v regulate_v and_o correct_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n man_n reason_n shall_v not_o presume_v to_o regulate_v the_o word_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v regulate_v and_o correct_v man_n reason_n the_o word_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o not_o our_o reason_n for_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v can_v be_v the_o rule_n to_o regulate_v second_o to_o bring_v scripture_n to_o the_o bar_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o so_o make_v reason_n the_o judge_n in_o divine_a mystery_n be_v exceed_v preposterous_a for_o this_o be_v to_o subordinate_a and_o make_v subject_a that_o which_o be_v much_o superior_a to_o that_o which_o be_v far_o inferior_a that_o which_o be_v perfect_a and_o without_o error_n to_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a and_o erroneous_a now_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v weak_a and_o corrupt_a be_v not_o fit_a to_o judge_v that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a nor_o be_v that_o which_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o mistake_n as_o man_n reason_n be_v fit_a to_o regulate_v and_o judge_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o light_n and_o all_o truth_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n say_v to_o christ_n 28._o christ_n mr._n lyford_n on_o heb._n 5.13_o 14._o cap._n 1._o pag._n 28._o i_o have_v need_n to_o be_v baptize_v of_o thou_o and_o come_v thou_o to_o i_o that_o be_o
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 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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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far_o thy_o inferior_a so_o may_v our_o reason_n say_v to_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n i_o be_o far_o inferior_a to_o thou_o and_o have_v need_n to_o be_v regulate_v and_o reform_v by_o thou_o and_o come_v thou_o to_o i_o no_o no_o it_o be_v my_o great_a honour_n to_o submit_v myself_o to_o thou_o and_o thy_o divine_a authority_n three_o upon_o this_o ground_n also_o man_n reason_n be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n because_o one_o man_n can_v prove_v infallible_o to_o another_o man_n that_o his_o reason_n be_v the_o right_a reason_n in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o pretend_v reason_n so_o do_v i_o a_o three_o man_n come_v and_o pretend_v to_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o either_o of_o we_o and_o experience_n show_v that_o divers_a man_n yea_o good_a man_n have_v different_a reason_n and_o different_a apprehension_n in_o many_o point_n of_o religion_n nor_o can_v a_o man_n be_v certain_a that_o this_o or_o that_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o a_o text_n if_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o assure_v he_o thereof_o but_o the_o appearance_n and_o probability_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n for_o other_o that_o differ_v from_o he_o think_v they_o have_v and_o may_v real_o have_v as_o much_o or_o more_o reason_n on_o their_o side_n then_o he_o indeed_o if_o we_o compare_v our_o own_o reason_n with_o the_o reason_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o man_n which_o have_v decree_v thus_o and_o thus_o then_o must_v we_o give_v the_o pre-eminence_n to_o our_o own_o reason_n when_o a_o clear_a evidence_n be_v propound_v and_o present_v to_o our_o reason_n for_o every_o one_o be_v to_o judge_v for_o himself_o with_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o discern_a as_o have_v be_v former_o prove_v and_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a for_o a_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o a_o lesser_a evidence_n when_o a_o clear_a evidence_n be_v propound_v to_o he_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v not_o many_o that_o be_v well_o able_a to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o controversy_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v provide_v spiritual_a guide_n and_o shepherd_n to_o go_v before_o they_o and_o help_v they_o but_o yet_o christian_n must_v not_o resign_v up_o their_o wit_n and_o sense_n to_o follow_v they_o wherever_o they_o go_v if_o they_o will_v lead_v we_o blindfold_a we_o shall_v not_o put_v out_o our_o eye_n to_o follow_v they_o but_o shall_v rational_o and_o impartial_o weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n do_v such_o a_o godly_a learned_a man_n tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v firm_a ground_n you_o may_v go_v safe_a upon_o it_o and_o do_v you_o see_v it_o to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o your_o reason_n enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n then_o you_o may_v follow_v he_o as_o a_o man_n of_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n and_o not_o like_o a_o beast_n that_o be_v lead_v he_o know_v not_o whither_o and_o herein_o you_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o of_o your_o own_o too_o chap._n xvi_o of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o mere_a rational_a and_o spiritual_a man_n and_o their_o knowledge_n and_o act_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n shall_v be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o improve_v by_o every_o christian_a in_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n yet_o so_o as_o we_o must_v not_o confound_v the_o principle_n knowledge_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n or_o mere_a rational_a man_n with_o the_o principle_n knowledge_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n a_o natural_a or_o rational_a knowledge_n and_o a_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a knowledge_n the_o former_a be_v but_o historical_a as_o when_o a_o man_n read_v of_o such_o a_o country_n in_o a_o history_n or_o see_v it_o only_o in_o a_o map_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n but_o be_v never_o there_o himself_o to_o take_v a_o full_a view_n of_o it_o and_o report_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v there_o of_o his_o own_o certain_a knowledge_n the_o latter_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n be_v intuitive_a or_o a_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a vision_n behold_v the_o thing_n themselves_o in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n spirit_n distinct_o and_o at_o hand_n no_o creature_n or_o create_v thing_n can_v go_v beyond_o its_o sphere_n or_o comprehend_v that_o which_o be_v beyond_o its_o capacity_n the_o vegetative_a creature_n can_v reach_v so_o far_o as_o the_o sensitive_a nor_o the_o sensitive_a so_o far_o as_o the_o rational_a nor_o can_v the_o mere_a rational_a creature_n comprehend_v that_o which_o the_o spiritual_a man_n do_v such_o as_o be_v alive_a to_o god_n and_o have_v spiritual_a union_n and_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n the_o quicken_a spirit_n live_v and_o act_v from_o a_o high_a principle_n and_o in_o another_o kind_n then_o mere_a natural_a or_o rational_a man_n do_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n act_v his_o body_n and_o the_o more_o he_o improve_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n the_o more_o rational_a and_o considerate_a he_o be_v in_o his_o act_n and_o operation_n but_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o glorious_a operation_n thereof_o and_o as_o far_o as_o god_n spirit_n be_v above_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n so_o far_o be_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n above_o that_o of_o nature_n it_o be_v true_a say_v luther_n 20._o luther_n luth._o com._n on_o gal._n cap._n 2._o v._n 20._o that_o i_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n but_o this_o life_n whatever_o it_o be_v i_o esteem_v as_o no_o life_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o true_a life_n but_o a_o shadow_n of_o life_n under_o that_o which_o another_o live_v that_o be_v to_o say_v christ_n who_o be_v my_o true_a spiritual_a life_n which_o life_n thou_o see_v not_o but_o only_o hear_v and_o i_o feel_v as_o thou_o hear_v the_o wind_n but_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o it_o come_v or_o whither_o it_o go_v even_o so_o thou_o see_v i_o speak_v eat_a walk_a sleep_a and_o do_v other_o thing_n as_o other_o man_n do_v and_o yet_o thou_o see_v not_o my_o true_a life_n this_o spiritual_a life_n which_o far_o transcend_v the_o mere_a natural_a or_o rational_a life_n must_v be_v discern_v spiritual_o the_o spiritual_a man_n have_v a_o white_a stone_n in_o which_o his_o name_n be_v write_v which_o none_o can_v read_v but_o himself_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n a_o heir_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o even_o as_o we_o know_v not_o the_o son_n of_o prince_n be_v they_o among_o we_o who_o dwell_v in_o country_n far_o remote_a from_o we_o but_o his_o life_n which_o now_o be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n shall_v full_o appear_v when_o christ_n appear_v in_o glory_n col._n 3.3_o 4._o first_o then_o the_o spiritual_a man_n have_v christ_n form_v in_o he_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n christ_n be_v in_o he_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n and_o he_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o a_o mere_a rational_a man_n do_v not_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a supernatural_a principle_n or_o ability_n plant_v in_o he_o which_o still_o remain_v and_o abide_v and_o which_o differ_v much_o from_o natural_a habit_n for_o these_o be_v partly_o and_o sometime_o whole_o acquire_v by_o use_n and_o frequent_a practice_n whereas_o this_o spiritual_a principle_n be_v not_o get_v or_o acquire_v but_o infuse_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v utter_o lose_v as_o natural_a habit_n may_v but_o abide_v for_o ever_o john_n 14.16_o sometime_o it_o be_v call_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v grow_v up_o to_o perfection_n 1_o john_n 3.9_o sometime_o a_o fountain_n yield_v continual_a supply_n of_o grace_n john_n 4.14_o sometime_o from_o the_o author_n from_o who_o it_o be_v derive_v it_o be_v call_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 4.10_o 11._o and_o sometime_o the_o new_a birth_n or_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o john_n 3.5_o 7._o doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o most_o powerful_a spiritual_a principle_n which_o raise_v and_o elevate_v the_o soul_n far_o above_o natural_a strength_n and_o reason_n those_o creature_n that_o have_v no_o high_a principle_n and_o faculty_n than_o sense_n use_v they_o sensual_o but_o as_o for_o man_n who_o enjoy_v the_o fame_n faculty_n under_o the_o command_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n he_o use_v they_o rational_o but_o when_o he_o be_v new_o bear_v and_o become_v a_o spiritual_a man_n those_o faculty_n of_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n which_o when_o they_o have_v no_o other_o command_n but_o reason_n have_v no_o more_o but_o rational_a operation_n be_v now_o govern_v and_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o
want_v this_o clear_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n have_v no_o further_a assurance_n of_o what_o it_o believe_v then_o that_o which_o reason_n suggest_v which_o may_v rather_o be_v term_v a_o conviction_n that_o such_o thing_n must_v be_v than_o a_o evidence_n what_o they_o be_v whereby_o it_o plain_o appear_v which_o yet_o may_v be_v more_o large_o and_o full_o prove_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o true_a justify_v faith_n and_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v only_o temporary_a and_o historical_a differ_v not_o only_o gradual_o in_o respect_n of_o degree_n but_o specifical_o in_o nature_n and_o kind_n the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n on_o which_o they_o be_v build_v be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a nature_n four_o this_o difference_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o effectual_a faith_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n rest_v and_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v ultimate_o and_o final_o resolve_v into_o a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o natural_a or_o mere_a rational_a man_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o humane_a testimony_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o revelation_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n matth._n 16.17_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o other_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o spiritual_a man_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 10_o 14_o 15._o to_o who_o they_o be_v manifest_v and_o who_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o which_o enable_v they_o spiritual_o to_o understand_v that_o manifestation_n or_o revelation_n this_o way_n of_o spiritual_a demonstration_n to_o the_o spiritual_a mind_n of_o the_o true_a believer_n be_v far_o different_a from_o and_o do_v far_o transcend_v that_o way_n of_o conviction_n which_o be_v only_o by_o reason_n or_o rational_a discourse_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o divine_a then_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n which_o be_v not_o chief_o ground_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n or_o authority_n but_o rely_v upon_o and_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o a_o humane_a testimony_n or_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n the_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o can_v never_o be_v find_v out_o by_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o yet_o they_o be_v consonant_n to_o right_a reason_n and_o therefore_o man_n reason_n do_v assent_v thereunto_o as_o for_o example_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a these_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o man_n reason_n to_o be_v possible_a upon_o suppositinn_n of_o god_n almighty_a power_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n yea_o and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o who_o great_a design_n be_v to_o make_v know_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v so_o that_o howsoever_o these_o truth_n be_v mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v believe_v yet_o see_v reason_n which_o be_v a_o humane_a testimony_n may_v approve_v they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o a_o historical_a faith_n believe_v these_o thing_n only_o for_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o be_v but_o a_o humane_a faith_n and_o rest_v upon_o a_o humane_a testimony_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o if_o a_o rational_a man_n believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n chief_o upon_o the_o church_n testimony_n of_o they_o or_o upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o truth_n therein_o mention_v or_o upon_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o sacred_a writing_n in_o most_o thing_n which_o make_v he_o therefore_o rational_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v true_a in_o all_o if_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n of_o his_o belief_n by_o way_n of_o rational_a inference_n from_o such_o premise_n then_o true_o he_o believe_v upon_o a_o humane_a and_o not_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o a_o clear_a spiritual_a demonstration_n of_o divine_a truth_n make_v evident_a by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n five_o and_o last_o true_a justify_v faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n differ_v from_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n in_o the_o object_n of_o it_o historical_a faith_n though_o it_o may_v assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_v of_o reconciliation_n pardon_v and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n yea_o and_o may_v believe_v the_o goodness_n of_o they_o in_o general_a yet_o it_o do_v not_o embrace_v and_o apply_v the_o goodness_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a as_o true_a justify_v faith_n do_v which_o count_v all_o other_o thing_n loss_n that_o it_o may_v gain_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o phil._n 3.8_o 9_o and_o which_o enable_v a_o man_n hearty_o and_o real_o to_o close_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o to_o apply_v he_o particular_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a this_o be_v my_o friend_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o small_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o faith_n knowledge_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n and_o the_o faith_n knowledge_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n in_o and_z about_o christ_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o if_o such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v some_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o come_v short_a of_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n then_o certain_o no_o man_n that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n though_o he_o improve_v it_o never_o so_o much_o can_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n but_o of_o this_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n xvii_o show_v that_o none_o can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o mere_a improvement_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n what_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o best_a heathen_n be_v and_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o everlasting_a concernment_n of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n we_o can_v certain_o determine_v nor_o dare_v we_o confident_o pronounce_v that_o they_o be_v all_o in_o hell_n though_o we_o say_v not_o with_o the_o pelagian_o that_o the_o improvement_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n or_o that_o light_n that_o be_v in_o every_o man_n as_o other_o phrase_v it_o can_v make_v man_n everlasting_a happy_a nor_o yet_o with_o the_o semipelagian_o that_o natural_a preparation_n and_o predisposition_n do_v bespeak_v and_o procure_v grace_n nor_o yet_o with_o the_o papist_n that_o work_v flow_v from_o grace_n do_v meritorious_o contribute_v to_o more_o grace_n and_o glory_n yet_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o as_o god_n give_v the_o heathen_n natural_a light_n and_o ability_n and_o to_o some_o of_o they_o the_o improvement_n thereof_o more_o than_o to_o other_o so_o he_o may_v as_o free_o give_v they_o in_o a_o way_n that_o we_o know_v not_o supernatural_a grace_n and_o strength_n and_o reveal_v his_o son_n to_o they_o if_o it_o please_v he_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o notwithstanding_o to_o hold_v that_o a_o man_n may_v get_v to_o heaven_n by_o those_o mere_a improvement_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o nature_n foundation_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v accurate_o and_o punctual_o observe_v every_o jot_n and_o tittle_n of_o nature_n law_n which_o the_o exact_a naturalist_n or_o moralist_n do_v not_o yet_o this_o natural_a obedience_n will_v not_o at_o all_o be_v commensurate_a to_o a_o supernatural_a happiness_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a way_n that_o new_a and_o live_a way_n by_o which_o god_n assume_v humane_a nature_n to_o himself_o and_o make_v it_o everlasting_o happy_a by_o which_o we_o have_v access_n to_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o this_o make_v augustine_n say_v qui_fw-la dicit_fw-la hominem_fw-la seruari_fw-la posse_fw-la sine_fw-la christo_fw-la dubito_fw-la a_o ipse_fw-la per_fw-la christum_fw-la seruari_fw-la possit_fw-la whether_o the_o gentile_n can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o question_n i_o confess_v much_o debate_v both_o in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o some_o modern_a author_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n divers_a of_o the_o ancient_n as_o justin_n martyr_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o chrysostome_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o moral_a heathen_n may_v be_v save_v by_o a_o general_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o justin_n martyr_n think_v they_o may_v be_v save_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n 2._o reason_n justin_n martyr_n apol._n 2._o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o dictamen_fw-la rationis_fw-la
the_o reasonable_a service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n and_o yet_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o christian_a worship_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n administration_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v a_o more_o teasonable_a service_n whereof_o a_o better_a reason_n may_v be_v render_v then_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o unreasonable_a beast_n under_o the_o law_n and_o withal_o that_o those_o christian_n who_o by_o good_a advice_n and_o reason_n do_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n be_v they_o that_o offer_v up_o a_o reasonable_a service_n to_o god_n four_o those_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n that_o be_v leave_v in_o man_n do_v not_o enable_v they_o exact_o and_o perfect_o to_o perform_v natural_a and_o civil_a action_n without_o the_o general_a assistance_n of_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o then_o as_o for_o action_n spiritual_o and_o evangelical_o good_a man_n by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v whole_o unable_a to_o perform_v they_o for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n this_o plain_o appear_v by_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o declare_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o corruption_n of_o every_o unregenerate_a man_n nature_n and_o estate_n and_o also_o by_o those_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o grace_n and_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n as_o the_o sole_a work_n of_o god_n almighty_a power_n and_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v put_v forth_o and_o manifest_v in_o all_o those_o that_o true_o believe_v ephes_n 1.19_o the_o natural_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n here_o as_o calvin_n and_o other_o true_o observe_v he_o mean_v not_o proper_o a_o man_n addict_v to_o gross_a and_o sensual_a lust_n but_o every_o man_n that_o be_v endue_v only_o with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o he_o yea_o the_o most_o rational_a improve_v natural_a man_n this_o be_v evident_a because_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o spiritual_a man_n or_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v proper_o not_o such_o a_o man_n as_o be_v exceed_v carnal_a and_o gross_a in_o sin_n and_o sensuality_n but_o sou_o man_n a_o improve_v rational_a man_n or_o a_o man_n make_v up_o only_o of_o reason_n one_o that_o do_v ex_fw-la colere_fw-la animam_fw-la such_o as_o plato_n aristotle_n and_o tully_n be_v it_o be_v mean_v of_o every_o unregenerate_a man_n who_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o who_o can_v spiritual_o discern_v and_o receive_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v offend_v therewith_o nay_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v in_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o reason_n the_o vain_a they_o be_v and_o the_o more_o opposite_a to_o the_o grace_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o other_o day_n say_v chrysostome_n i_o hear_v a_o certain_a christian_a discourse_v ridiculous_o with_o a_o greek_a each_o of_o they_o in_o their_o discourse_n prejudice_v his_o own_o cause_n for_o the_o greek_a speak_v that_o which_o the_o christian_a shall_v have_v say_v and_o the_o christian_a speak_v that_o which_o the_o greek_a shall_v have_v say_v for_o the_o question_n between_o they_o be_v about_o paul_n and_o plato_n the_o greek_a endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o paul_n be_v rude_a and_o unlearned_a but_o the_o christian_a through_o his_o simplicity_n will_v prove_v that_o paul_n be_v far_o more_o learned_a and_o eloquent_a than_o plato_n and_o so_o the_o greek_a will_v obtain_v the_o victory_n if_o the_o christian_n reason_n shall_v prevail_v for_o if_o paul_n be_v more_o learned_a than_o plato_n in_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n than_o may_v man_n object_v that_o he_o overcome_v not_o the_o world_n through_o grace_n but_o through_o humane_a eloquence_n therefore_o say_v this_o father_n when_o the_o greek_n shall_v object_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v rude_a and_o unlearned_a simple_a obscure_a person_n of_o no_o great_a reason_n nor_o part_n let_v we_o free_o acknowledge_v it_o as_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v not_o their_o reproach_n but_o their_o glory_n that_o be_v such_o they_o yet_o overcome_v the_o learned_a man_n the_o wise_a man_n the_o philosopher_n the_o rhetorician_n the_o orator_n the_o prince_n and_o all_o the_o world_n for_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n this_o do_v exceed_o set_v forth_o and_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n five_o a_o christian_n shall_v so_o far_o deny_v his_o natural_a reason_n and_o wisdom_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a that_o his_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v the_o assent_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o not_o the_o assent_n of_o mere_a reason_n the_o immediate_a ground_n of_o this_o assent_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o man_n reason_n but_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o god_n testify_v that_o which_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o school_n speak_v be_v the_o first_o truth_n or_o god_n himself_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o we_o suppose_v a_o truth_n teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v likewise_o demonstrate_v to_o my_o reason_n by_o philosophical_a argument_n as_o namely_o that_o god_n create_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a my_o assent_n to_o these_o truth_n be_v so_o far_o the_o assent_n of_o divine_a faith_n as_o it_o be_v ground_v and_o bottom_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n as_o for_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v mere_o ground_v upon_o philosophical_a reason_n and_o demonstration_n it_o be_v not_o divine_a faith_n but_o only_o humane_a faith_n and_o reason_n six_o our_o reason_n be_v so_o imperfect_a so_o defective_a so_o apt_a to_o mistake_v in_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n that_o we_o must_v not_o make_v our_o apprehension_n though_o under_o pretence_n of_o reason_n the_o rule_n of_o what_o we_o will_v receive_v for_o the_o word_n and_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o what_o we_o will_v reject_v but_o what_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o apprehension_n though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o same_o by_o our_o weak_a deprave_a reason_n and_o understanding_n otherwise_o we_o subject_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n truth_n to_o our_o own_o weak_a shallow_a apprehension_n and_o believe_v he_o not_o because_o he_o have_v say_v it_o but_o because_o we_o by_o our_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v it_o and_o this_o be_v dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o the_o scripture_n do_v reveal_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n what_o reason_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v ever_o have_v think_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o personal_a union_n of_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o mediator_n the_o imputation_n of_o adam_n sin_n to_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o glorious_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o poor_a sinner_n for_o their_o justification_n without_o all_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o but_o what_o great_a mystery_n be_v there_o in_o it_o if_o we_o by_o our_o shallow_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v it_o we_o must_v pray_v for_o grace_n say_v mr._n fox_n galatian_n fox_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o luther_n on_o the_o galatian_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n that_o we_o may_v right_o understand_v the_o gospel_n so_o strange_a be_v this_o doctrine_n to_o carnal_a reason_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o world_n so_o many_o enemy_n it_o have_v that_o except_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o above_o do_v powerful_o reveal_v it_o learning_n can_v reach_v it_o wisdom_n be_v offend_v nature_n be_v astonish_v devil_n and_o man_n do_v oppose_v and_o persecute_v it_o brief_o as_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o life_n so_o easy_a so_o there_o be_v none_o so_o hard_a easy_a to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v from_o above_o hard_o to_o carnal_a sense_n and_o reason_n not_o yet_o inspire_v and_o luther_n himself_o in_o his_o commentary_n on_o
make_v our_o peace_n hereupon_o some_o courtier_n be_v send_v to_o divert_v sir_n francis_n ah_o say_v he_o while_o we_o laugh_v all_o thing_n be_v serious_a round_n about_o we_o god_n be_v serious_a when_o he_o preserve_v we_o and_o have_v patience_n towards_o we_o christ_n be_v serious_a when_o he_o die_v for_o we_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v serious_a when_o he_o strive_v with_o we_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v serious_a when_o it_o be_v read_v before_o we_o sacrament_n be_v serious_a when_o they_o be_v administer_v unto_o we_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v serious_a in_o serve_v god_n and_o we_o they_o be_v serious_a in_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o shall_v a_o man_n that_o have_v one_o foot_n in_o his_o grave_a jest_n and_o laugh_v sir_n philip_n sidney_n his_o son-in-law_n that_o brave_a accomplish_a knight_n who_o queen_n elizabeth_n call_v her_o philip_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o aurange_a his_o master_n who_o death_n be_v lament_v in_o verse_n by_o the_o then_o king_n of_o france_n and_o scotland_n and_o by_o the_o two_o famous_a university_n of_o oxford_n and_o cambridge_n repent_v at_o his_o death_n of_o write_v his_o pembrokes_n arcadia_n and_o will_v have_v commit_v it_o to_o the_o flame_n himself_o to_o prevent_v the_o kindle_v of_o unlawful_a heat_n in_o the_o youthful_a reader_n of_o it_o leave_v this_o farewell_n among_o his_o friend_n above_o all_o thing_n govern_v your_o will_n and_o affection_n by_o the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n in_o i_o behold_v the_o end_n of_o this_o world_n and_o all_o its_o vanity_n sir_n john_n mason_n privy_a counsellor_n to_o several_a prince_n upon_o his_o deathbed_n speak_v thus_o to_o some_o of_o his_o friend_n i_o have_v see_v five_o prince_n and_o be_v privy_a counsellor_n to_o four_o of_o they_o i_o have_v observe_v the_o most_o remarkable_a occurrence_n in_o foreign_a part_n and_o be_v present_a at_o most_o transaction_n for_o thirty_o year_n together_o and_o i_o have_v learn_v this_o after_o so_o many_o year_n experience_n that_o seriousness_n be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n temperance_n the_o best_a physic_n a_o good_a conscience_n be_v the_o best_a estate_n and_o be_v i_o to_o live_v again_o i_o will_v change_v the_o court_n for_o a_o cloister_n my_o privy_a counsellor_n employment_n for_o a_o hermit_n be_v retirement_n and_o the_o whole_a life_n i_o live_v in_o the_o palace_n for_o one_o hour_n enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o chapel_n all_o thing_n else_o forsake_v i_o beside_o my_o god_n and_o my_o duty_n the_o lord_n henry_n howard_n that_o learned_a earl_n of_o northampton_n be_v trouble_v with_o atheistical_a thought_n and_o suggestion_n put_v they_o all_o off_o with_o this_o consideration_n viz._n if_o i_o can_v give_v any_o account_n how_o myself_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o have_v a_o be_v without_o god_n how_o there_o come_v so_o uniform_a and_o so_o constant_a a_o consent_n of_o mankind_n of_o all_o age_n temper_n and_o education_n otherwise_o differ_v so_o much_o in_o their_o apprehension_n about_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o religion_n i_o can_v then_o be_v a_o atheist_n and_o when_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o state-policy_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o awe_n he_o reply_v that_o can_v not_o be_v true_a for_o the_o great_a politician_n have_v soon_o or_o late_a feel_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o grievous_a lash_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o their_o apprehension_n about_o that_o state_n wherein_o they_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o cardinal_n richlieu_n that_o great_a politician_n after_o he_o have_v govern_v the_o affair_n of_o europe_n many_o year_n together_o confess_v to_o peter_n du_fw-fr moulin_n a_o learned_a minister_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n that_o be_v force_v upon_o many_o irregularity_n in_o his_o life_n time_n by_o that_o which_o they_o call_v reason_n of_o state_n he_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o to_o satsifie_v his_o conscience_n for_o several_a thing_n and_o therefore_o have_v many_o temptation_n to_o doubt_n and_o disbelieve_v a_o god_n another_o world_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o by_o that_o distrust_n to_o relieve_v his_o ache_a heart_n but_o in_o vain_a for_o so_o strong_a say_v he_o be_v the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n in_o his_o soul_n so_o clear_a the_o impression_n of_o a_o deity_n upon_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n so_o unanimous_a the_o consent_n of_o mankind_n so_o powerful_a the_o conviction_n of_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o can_v not_o but_o taste_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o so_o live_v as_o one_o that_o must_v die_v and_o so_o die_v as_o one_o that_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v ask_v one_o day_n why_o he_o be_v so_o sad_a he_o answer_v mounseur_fw-fr mounseur_fw-fr the_o soul_n be_v a_o serious_a thing_n it_o must_v be_v either_o sad_a here_o for_o a_o moment_n or_o be_v sad_a for_o ever_o cardinal_n mazarine_n his_o successor_n who_o have_v for_o several_a year_n manage_v the_o crown_n of_o france_n and_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o christendom_n discourse_v one_o day_n with_o a_o sorbon_n doctor_n concern_v the_o soul_n immortality_n and_o man_n eternal_a estate_n he_o weep_v repeat_v that_o emperor_n say_v o_o my_o poor_a soul_n whither_o will_v thou_o go_v and_o immediate_o call_v for_o his_o confessor_n he_o vow_v ten_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n for_o devotion_n seven_o for_o rest_n four_o for_o repast_n and_o but_o three_o for_o business_n say_v one_o day_n to_o the_o queen_n mother_n madam_n your_o favour_n have_v undo_v i_o and_o be_v i_o to_o live_v again_o i_o will_v be_v a_o capuchin_n rather_o than_o a_o courtier_n salmasius_n that_o great_a scholar_n who_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o his_o time_n never_o mention_v without_o some_o title_n of_o praise_n and_o commendation_n leave_v this_o world_n with_o these_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n oh_o i_o have_v lose_v a_o world_n of_o time_n that_o most_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n whereof_o have_v i_o but_o one_o year_n long_o to_o live_v it_o shall_v be_v spend_v in_o david_n be_v psalm_n and_o paul_n be_v epistle_n oh_o sir_n speak_v to_o his_o friend_n that_o be_v about_o he_o mind_v the_o world_n less_o and_o god_n more_o all_o the_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n without_o piety_n and_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n be_v nothing_o worth_a the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n that_o be_v understanding_n the_o learned_a grotius_n after_o many_o public_a embassy_n and_o employment_n manage_v and_o perform_v by_o he_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o and_o after_o his_o many_o elaborate_a write_n in_o divinity_n and_o other_o science_n have_v take_v a_o exact_a survey_n of_o the_o hebrew_n greek_a and_o latin_a learning_n conclude_v his_o life_n with_o this_o protestation_n that_o he_o will_v give_v all_o his_o learning_n and_o honour_n for_o the_o plain_a integrity_n and_o harmless_a innocency_n of_o jean_n vrick_n who_o be_v a_o devout_a poor_a man_n that_o spend_v eight_o hour_n of_o his_o time_n in_o prayer_n eight_o in_o labour_n and_o but_o eight_o in_o sleep_n and_o other_o necessary_n and_o complain_v to_o one_o that_o admire_v his_o astonish_a labour_n and_o industry_n he_o utter_v these_o word_n ah_o vitam_fw-la perdidi_fw-la operosè_fw-la nihil_fw-la agendo_fw-la and_o to_o another_o friend_n that_o desire_v he_o according_a to_o his_o great_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n to_o show_v he_o brief_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v he_o give_v he_o only_o this_o direction_n be_v serious_a person_n of_o great_a estate_n and_o dignity_n in_o this_o world_n must_v expect_v nevertheless_o to_o meet_v with_o great_a cross_n and_o disappointment_n of_o which_o doubtless_o your_o honour_n have_v have_v and_o will_v have_v more_o and_o more_o experience_n in_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n now_o as_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n do_v abundant_o furnish_v we_o with_o ground_n and_o motive_n of_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o every_o condition_n and_o under_o every_o dispensation_n so_o there_o be_v divers_a heathen_a moralist_n who_o have_v from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o moral_a prudence_n propound_v many_o excellent_a argument_n and_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v we_o thereunto_o especial_o epictetus_n who_o though_o lame_a and_o old_a sickly_a and_o deform_a poor_a and_o under_o servitude_n be_v a_o slave_n to_o epaphroditus_n one_o of_o the_o roman_a courtier_n yet_o be_v he_o a_o excellent_a philosopher_n and_o a_o man_n of_o a_o most_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n some_o of_o who_o excellent_a say_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v here_o recite_v this_o wise_a moralist_n speak_v of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o murmur_v at_o any_o cross_a event_n whatsoever_o have_v this_o passage_n dissertat_fw-la lib._n 3
by_o judgement_n and_o reason_n when_o young_a man_n despise_v the_o grave_a reason_n of_o those_o that_o be_v ancient_a and_o experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o when_o private_a christian_n will_v not_o be_v sway_v by_o the_o weighty_a reason_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o church-officer_n as_o to_o civil_a circumstance_n order_n and_o decency_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o be_v fierce_a and_o heady_a and_o disorderly_a in_o their_o action_n and_o proceed_n and_o will_v give_v no_o reason_n thereof_o but_o their_o own_o will_n and_o humour_n true_o this_o be_v irrational_a and_o tend_v to_o confusion_n this_o be_v not_o to_o act_v like_o sober_a understand_a christian_n nor_o will_v it_o bring_v honour_n to_o but_o contempt_n upon_o the_o way_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o those_o person_n whatever_o they_o be_v that_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o determine_v religious_a or_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n that_o be_v in_o controversy_n and_o thereby_o impose_v upon_o their_o brethren_n without_o give_v sufficient_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n what_o do_v they_o do_v in_o effect_n but_o blindfold_v we_o and_o bid_v we_o lay_v aside_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v yield_v implicit_a obedience_n to_o their_o partial_a dictate_v and_o determination_n no_o man_n opinion_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v signify_v any_o more_o to_o we_o than_o the_o reason_n whereby_o he_o confirm_v it_o i_o speak_v as_o to_o wise_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n judge_v you_o what_o i_o say_v 1_o cor._n 10.15_o every_o party_n in_o religion_n however_o distinguish_v when_o they_o have_v gain_v a_o considerable_a reputation_n among_o man_n either_o for_o their_o piety_n or_o learning_n or_o worldly_a interest_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o run_v into_o these_o unbrother_o irrational_a imposition_n which_o perhaps_o they_o have_v severe_o condemn_v in_o other_o if_o it_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o magistrate_n that_o in_o these_o matter_n he_o shall_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o command_n and_o injunction_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v it_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o that_o have_v not_o such_o authority_n nor_o be_v they_o in_o such_o a_o public_a capacity_n to_o impose_v upon_o other_o chap._n vi_o of_o those_o that_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o reason_n as_o there_o be_v some_o that_o derogate_a from_o so_o there_o be_v other_o that_o magnify_v too_o much_o and_o even_o idolise_v the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o so_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o gospel_n when_o they_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v no_o more_o in_o divine_a matter_n than_o we_o can_v comprehend_v by_o our_o weak_a deprave_a reason_n hereupon_o the_o proud_a socinian_o deny_v and_o reject_v many_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n because_o as_o they_o conceive_v they_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o doctrine_n of_o three_o person_n in_o one_o essence_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n in_o the_o one_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_a eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n for_o we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n and_o of_o predestination_n especial_o god_n decree_n touch_v reprobation_n be_v all_o reject_v by_o they_o as_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n what_o a_o horrid_a say_n be_v that_o of_o a_o socinian_n in_o foreign_a part_n that_o if_o the_o eternal_a godhead_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n be_v assert_v in_o scripture_n as_o indeed_o they_o be_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o be_v against_o reason_n that_o be_v against_o his_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o vain_a imagination_n and_o a_o late_a writer_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n be_v so_o bold_a and_o dare_a as_o to_o tell_v we_o in_o a_o voluminous_a book_n of_o he_o that_o in_o case_n any_o such_o assurance_n of_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n love_n as_o we_o maintain_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v find_v or_o can_v regular_o be_v deduce_v from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n to_o any_o intelligent_a and_o consider_v man_n to_o question_v their_o authority_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v from_o god_n or_o no._n this_o be_v plain_a deal_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n must_v depend_v upon_o their_o reason_n or_o opinion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v comprehend_v by_o their_o reason_n the_o great_a and_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n neither_o above_o it_o nor_o contrary_a to_o it_o so_o far_o they_o will_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n but_o if_o they_o find_v it_o otherwise_o they_o be_v then_o in_o a_o ready_a posture_n to_o esteem_v it_o no_o better_o than_o a_o fable_n as_o that_o wicked_a pope_n say_v no_o marvel_v indeed_o if_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n especial_o the_o stoic_n adore_v and_o idolise_v the_o suppose_a power_n and_o excellency_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n by_o their_o rhetorical_a hyperbolical_a praise_n when_o as_o those_o that_o live_v under_o the_o sunshine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o error_n and_o to_o attribute_v that_o to_o nature_n which_o be_v only_o due_a to_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n what_o do_v pelagius_n and_o his_o follower_n whereof_o there_o be_v too_o many_o in_o our_o day_n but_o take_v the_o crown_n from_o christ_n and_o set_v it_o upon_o nature_n head_n and_o place_v the_o creature_n in_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o grace_n a_o learned_a man_n pelag._n man_n ger._n vossius_fw-la histor_n pelag._n give_v we_o this_o brief_a character_n of_o pelagius_n that_o he_o be_v humani_fw-la arbitrii_fw-la decomptor_n &_o divinae_fw-la gratiae_n contemptor_n a_o trim_a of_o nature_n and_o a_o contemner_n of_o grace_n all_o man_n be_v bear_v pelagian_n nature_n be_v predominant_a in_o they_o and_o will_v not_o easy_o subordinate_a itself_o to_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n or_o that_o which_o be_v supernatural_a and_o therefore_o this_o doctrine_n spread_v far_o and_o near_o as_o bradwardine_n complain_v in_o his_o time_n totus_fw-la penè_fw-la mundus_fw-la post_fw-la pelagium_fw-la abiit_fw-la in_o errorem_fw-la and_o yet_o pelagius_n though_o he_o be_v such_o a_o admirer_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n do_v not_o altogether_o deny_v the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o point_n of_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n no_o more_o than_o other_o who_o yet_o at_o this_o day_n ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o nature_n and_o reason_n for_o first_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n necessary_a for_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n yea_o second_o for_o exciting_a the_o will_n to_o determine_v itself_o but_o three_o he_o will_v never_o acknowledge_v the_o supernatural_a efficacy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n so_o as_o to_o give_v it_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a power_n and_o principle_n and_o likewise_o the_o act_n of_o that_o power_n towards_o god_n who_o give_v we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n phil._n 2.13_o this_o he_o always_o bogle_v at_o as_o be_v unwilling_a to_o captivate_v nature_n and_o reason_n to_o the_o efficacious_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o under_o a_o specious_a presence_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n he_o advance_v the_o natural_a power_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n and_o change_v grace_n into_o nature_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o supernatural_a in_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n sub_fw-la laud_fw-la naturae_fw-la latent_fw-la inimici_fw-la gratiae_fw-la if_o it_o be_v by_o grace_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 11.6_o than_o it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o work_n otherwise_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o work_n then_o be_v it_o no_o more_o grace_n otherwise_o work_n be_v no_o more_o work_n nature_n and_o grace_n reason_n and_o faith_n must_v not_o be_v thus_o mingle_v and_o jumble_v together_o for_o it_o be_v not_o grace_v indeed_o unless_o it_o be_v every_o way_n pure_a and_o free_a grace_n those_o that_o tell_v we_o with_o ignorance_n and_o boldness_n enough_o that_o the_o improvement_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n may_v merit_v grace_n and_o glory_n may_v as_o well_o tell_v we_o if_o they_o please_v that_o a_o small_a candle_n by_o its_o shine_a may_v merit_v to_o be_v a_o star_n yea_o to_o be_v a_o sun_n nor_o be_v nature_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v exalt_v by_o some_o man_n always_o constant_a to_o its_o own_o light_n and_o profess_v rule_n and_o principle_n which_o evident_o appear_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o darling_n of_o nature_n whilst_o they_o have_v run_v into_o some_o unnatural_a vice_n that_o be_v the_o very_a blush_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o nature_n can_v tell_v how_o to_o live_v upon_o earth_n sure_o it_o will_v never_o be_v able_a
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
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
society_n be_v also_o endow_v with_o a_o power_n to_o maintain_v itself_o in_o peace_n and_o purity_n which_o can_v be_v without_o some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o decide_v controversy_n and_o remove_v scandal_n now_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n when_o such_o difference_n arise_v in_o the_o society_n either_o that_o the_o lesser_a number_n shall_v acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o great_a for_o parson_n major_a jus_o habet_fw-la universitatis_fw-la the_o great_a part_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a or_o else_o which_o indeed_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n there_o must_v be_v a_o subordination_n of_o power_n in_o congregation_n and_o a_o right_a of_o appeal_n grant_v to_o a_o injure_a person_n from_o the_o low_a and_o subordinate_a power_n to_o the_o high_a and_o superior_a and_o in_o order_n to_o a_o redress_n of_o wrong_n and_o end_a controversy_n our_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o appeal_n must_v not_o be_v infinite_a but_o there_o must_v be_v some_o power_n or_o other_o from_o whence_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o appeal_n and_o true_o it_o be_v against_o the_o natural_a reason_n and_o right_n of_o every_o man_n for_o any_o particular_a society_n under_o what_o denomination_n soever_o so_o to_o engross_v all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n that_o no_o liberty_n of_o appeal_n for_o redress_n can_v be_v make_v from_o they_o this_o be_v to_o usurp_v upon_o and_o invade_v the_o civil_a and_o religious_a right_n of_o christian_n for_o it_o leave_v man_n under_o a_o causeless_a censure_n without_o any_o authorative_a vindication_n of_o they_o from_o it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o much_o better_a in_o this_o case_n and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n to_o have_v matter_n in_o controversy_n either_o as_o to_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n judicious_o debate_v and_o determine_v in_o a_o grave_n pious_a assembly_n or_o synod_n than_o by_o two_o or_o three_o man_n who_o perhaps_o by_o their_o part_n or_o popular_a interest_n without_o any_o sufficient_a ground_n from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n can_v easy_o sway_v those_o society_n or_o congregation_n that_o be_v of_o their_o particular_a opinion_n and_o so_o be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n the_o suppose_a offender_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o it_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v rational_a and_o fit_a that_o every_o particular_a society_n though_o consist_v but_o of_o a_o few_o person_n shall_v have_v power_n over_o its_o own_o member_n to_o determine_v controversy_n arise_v between_o they_o but_o yet_o if_o one_o or_o many_o of_o these_o particular_a society_n shall_v err_v and_o go_v astray_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o authorative_n power_n leave_v for_o decide_v what_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n sure_o if_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o wise_a governor_n of_o his_o church_n have_v make_v sufficient_a provision_n for_o the_o case_n of_o particular_a person_n he_o have_v also_o make_v sufficient_a provision_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n for_o the_o case_n of_o particular_a society_n thus_o we_o have_v brief_o show_v what_o use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a society_n we_o shall_v now_o brief_o declare_v how_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o point_v you_o may_v find_v prove_v at_o large_a by_o reason_n in_o the_o learned_a book_n of_o lessius_fw-la morney_n grotius_n and_o sir_n charles_n woseley_n a_o gentleman_n so_o well_o qualify_v and_o employ_v that_o i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o our_o english_a gentry_n will_v imitate_v he_o chap._n ix_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o be_v no_o nation_n so_o barbarous_a say_v the_o heathen_a orator_n deorum_fw-la orator_n cicero_n de_fw-fr natura_fw-la deorum_fw-la no_o people_n so_o savage_a in_o who_o there_o rest_v not_o this_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n even_o those_o nation_n which_o in_o other_o respect_n seem_v very_o little_a to_o differ_v from_o bruit_n beast_n yet_o keep_v up_o and_o maintain_v a_o kind_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n and_o have_v some_o sense_n of_o the_o eternal_a godhead_n impress_v upon_o their_o heart_n yea_o idolatry_n itself_o be_v a_o substantial_a proof_n of_o this_o persuasion_n for_o how_o willing_o do_v man_n abase_v himself_o to_o honour_v other_o creature_n above_o himself_o when_o he_o will_v rather_o worship_v a_o block_n or_o a_o stone_n than_o to_o have_v no_o god_n at_o all_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o imprint_v persuasion_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o impossible_a to_o be_v quite_o oblitegated_a and_o raze_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o eternal_a deity_n there_o be_v two_o way_n namely_o by_o faith_n and_o by_o reason_n faith_n indeed_o be_v the_o much_o better_a and_o near_a way_n for_o our_o reason_n be_v much_o weaken_v and_o deprave_a and_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o supreme_a be_v be_v infinite_o above_o our_o reason_n no_o man_n can_v make_v a_o perfect_a demonstration_n by_o his_o reason_n in_o natural_a thing_n he_o can_v full_o demonstrate_v that_o his_o father_n be_v his_o father_n or_o that_o he_o be_v his_o son_n so_o that_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o some_o faith_n or_o belief_n if_o a_o man_n tell_v you_o that_o he_o have_v see_v such_o or_o such_o a_o place_n he_o can_v make_v no_o demonstrative_a reason_n of_o it_o for_o the_o circumstance_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o demonstration_n in_o this_o case_n there_o must_v be_v belief_n and_o much_o more_o in_o religious_a and_o divine_a matter_n howbeit_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o it_o reach_v for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o inferior_a derivative_a light_n like_o the_o light_n of_o the_o moon_n and_o star_n will_v prove_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v the_o creature_n afford_v argument_n and_o our_o reason_n gather_v by_o the_o force_n of_o those_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n first_o it_o may_v be_v clear_o prove_v and_o make_v evident_a to_o our_o reason_n by_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o great_a universe_n even_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o eye_n see_v and_o the_o ear_n hear_v rom._n 1.20_o suppose_v a_o man_n forty_o year_n old_a who_o have_v never_o see_v the_o beauty_n of_o this_o world_n before_o shall_v now_o behold_v it_o will_v not_o the_o sight_n thereof_o make_v he_o wonder_v and_o inquire_v after_o the_o maker_n and_o contriver_n of_o it_o and_o force_v he_o to_o conclude_v that_o man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v such_o a_o great_a and_o glorious_a work_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v effect_v by_o one_o that_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o better_a and_o more_o able_a than_o man_n and_o who_o shall_v that_o be_v but_o god_n himself_o who_o can_v cause_v such_o a_o consent_n and_o agreement_n among_o the_o creature_n so_o different_a and_o contrary_a one_o to_o another_o hot_a and_o cold_a moist_a and_o dry_a but_o this_o wise_a and_o sovereign_a commander_n as_o in_o a_o musical_a instrument_n on_o which_o be_v twenty_o dissonant_n string_n whence_o come_v the_o harmony_n but_o from_o some_o excellent_a skilful_a musician_n that_o have_v the_o tune_n of_o it_o whence_o come_v the_o fit_a and_o compose_v of_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o but_o from_o this_o wise_a god_n as_o we_o say_v he_o be_v a_o artist_n that_o fit_v the_o wheel_n of_o a_o watch_n one_o to_o another_o and_o it_o be_v the_o skill_n of_o a_o joiner_n or_o smith_n which_o make_v curious_a tool_n and_o work_n one_o fit_v to_o another_o the_o sheath_n to_o the_o knife_n and_o the_o scabbard_n to_o the_o sword_n whence_o come_v the_o dependence_n of_o the_o creature_n one_o upon_o another_o and_o their_o mutual_a help_n and_o assistance_n one_o of_o another_o but_o from_o god_n beast_n nourish_v man_n the_o grass_n nourish_v they_o and_o the_o influence_n or_o dew_n of_o heaven_n make_v the_o grass_n to_o grow_v and_o all_o from_o god_n hos_fw-la 2.21_o these_o thing_n can_v no_o more_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o accident_n than_o a_o multitude_n of_o letter_n cast_v together_o by_o chance_n can_v without_o the_o art_n of_o man_n make_v a_o poem_n or_o history_n and_o therefore_o they_o direct_v we_o even_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o a_o supreme_a providence_n second_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n whence_o be_v this_o original_a but_o of_o god_n as_o for_o man_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v make_v by_o god_n for_o the_o father_n that_o
beget_v know_v not_o the_o make_n of_o he_o the_o mother_n that_o conceive_v know_v it_o not_o nor_o yet_o the_o formative_a virtue_n whereby_o all_o be_v fashion_v whereas_o there_o be_v no_o work_n of_o art_n but_o it_o be_v know_v by_o the_o artificer_n and_o if_o man_n himself_o have_v his_o beginning_n of_o god_n then_o much_o more_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v for_o man_n nor_o can_v they_o have_v their_o be_v from_o themselves_o for_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v god_n it_o be_v a_o inseparable_a property_n of_o god_n to_o have_v his_o be_v from_o himself_o beside_o if_o these_o thing_n have_v no_o beginning_n why_o be_v there_o no_o monument_n of_o more_o ancient_a time_n concern_v they_o the_o ancient_a humane_a writer_n not_o reach_v above_o four_o thousand_o year_n reason_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o first_o creature_n be_v make_v of_o nothing_o for_o otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o change_v and_o alteration_n all_o creature_n be_v finite_a compound_v imperfect_a unable_a to_o make_v or_o sustain_v themselves_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o itself_o for_o than_o it_o shall_v be_v both_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n both_o before_o and_o after_o itself_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o first_o supreme_a cause_n in_o power_n infinite_a most_o perfect_a in_o and_o of_o itself_o which_o give_v be_v and_o continuance_n unto_o all_o thing_n among_o thing_n create_v we_o may_v observe_v a_o series_n of_o cause_n and_o a_o order_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o order_n be_v from_o one_o first_o and_o lead_v we_o unto_o one_o first_o cause_n we_o may_v further_o add_v that_o all_o thing_n even_o thing_n without_o life_n sense_n and_o reason_n which_o can_v move_v voluntary_o or_o intend_v a_o end_n be_v direct_v orderly_o to_o a_o end_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v one_o good_a wise_a chief_a director_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v god_n and_o indeed_o the_o greatness_n perfection_n multitude_n variety_n and_o concord_n of_o thing_n exist_v the_o form_n and_o order_n and_o continual_a sustentation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o creature_n therein_o do_v plain_o show_v to_o a_o eye_n of_o reason_n that_o all_o thing_n depend_v upon_o some_o one_o wise_a and_o perfect_a good_a from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o be_v and_o preservation_n three_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o philosopher_n be_v manifest_a to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o first_o mover_n or_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v before_o every_o mover_n another_o mover_n and_o so_o in_o infinitum_fw-la and_o if_o the_o cause_n be_v infinite_a they_o shall_v either_o have_v infinite_a motion_n and_o so_o infinite_a time_n or_o else_o infinite_a thing_n shall_v move_v infinite_a time_n both_o which_o be_v absurd_a see_v also_o the_o inferior_a thing_n move_v do_v not_o move_v without_o a_o superior_a mover_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o supreme_a and_o first_o mover_n of_o all_o there_o will_v not_o be_v at_o all_o any_o effect_n or_o motion_n of_o these_o inferior_a thing_n pythagoras_n say_v that_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o infinite_a power_n or_o else_o our_o reason_n shall_v exceed_v the_o maker_n thereof_o for_o what_o finite_a thing_n soever_o there_o be_v we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o and_o if_o the_o power_n be_v infinite_a the_o subject_n wherein_o the_o power_n be_v must_v needs_o be_v infinite_a and_o that_o be_v god_n four_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n by_o the_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o take_v place_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n not_o only_o the_o godly_a but_o the_o wicked_a for_o those_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o wicked_a will_v seem_v to_o be_v good_a and_o though_o they_o be_v evil_a and_o blame-worthy_a in_o themselves_o yet_o will_v they_o rebuke_v evil_a in_o other_o now_o this_o be_v real_o to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o there_o must_v be_v some_o ground_n of_o this_o distinction_n which_o can_v be_v from_o man_n himself_o for_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o every_o thing_n at_o man_n appointment_n shall_v be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o distinction_n must_v be_v from_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o that_o be_v god_n five_o god_n have_v show_v forth_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o deity_n even_o in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o a_o eye_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o by_o divers_a miracle_n now_o what_o be_v miracle_n but_o god_n visible_a work_n extraordinary_o wrought_v not_o only_o above_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n but_o simple_o above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o work_n itself_o or_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o which_o miraculous_a effect_n do_v evince_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a glorious_a power_n that_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n and_o do_v over-rule_v all_o thing_n for_o every_o principal_a and_o primary_n cause_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o the_o effect_n thereof_o six_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o supreme_a be_v be_v evident_a to_o reason_n by_o that_o gracious_a wise_a and_o plentiful_a provision_n which_o be_v make_v for_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n a_o little_a family_n can_v be_v well_o order_v but_o by_o a_o provident_a housholder_n much_o less_o a_o town_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o least_o of_o all_o the_o universe_n or_o whole_a world_n wherein_o be_v million_o of_o man_n and_o other_o creature_n to_o be_v daily_o feed_v sustain_v and_o govern_v which_o can_v be_v do_v and_o perform_v but_o by_o a_o infinite_a wise_a god_n who_o in_o his_o singular_a providence_n do_v so_o order_n and_o govern_v the_o creature_n that_o the_o weak_a one_o go_v in_o herd_n and_o flock_n together_o and_o the_o strong_a go_v alone_o and_o thereby_o be_v the_o less_o formidable_a hoof_n horn_n and_o tusk_n be_v for_o defence_n and_o where_o these_o be_v want_v leg_n can_v carry_v the_o creature_n away_o or_o den_n can_v hide_v they_o o_o how_o wise_a and_o excellent_a be_v this_o god_n in_o his_o government_n over_o the_o whole_a creation_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o those_o impression_n of_o skill_n and_o workmanship_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o creature_n there_o be_v a_o excellency_n in_o art_n but_o nature_n go_v far_o beyond_o art_n and_o much_o more_o excellent_a be_v the_o god_n of_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o skill_n to_o set_v a_o dial_n right_n that_o shall_v tell_v the_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n what_o skill_n have_v he_o who_o make_v and_o guide_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n therein_o that_o power_n and_o skill_n which_o shine_v forth_o in_o the_o creation_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o even_o those_o wise_a naturalist_n who_o miracle_n will_v not_o move_v and_o persuade_v have_v be_v astonish_v at_o the_o admirable_a work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o least_o thing_n and_o force_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o divine_a and_o sovereign_a power_n thus_o pliny_n wonder_v at_o the_o gnat_n so_o small_a a_o creature_n yet_o make_v so_o great_a a_o buzz_n and_o so_o likewise_o he_o wonder_v at_o the_o butterfly_n and_o galen_n as_o great_a a_o atheist_n as_o he_o be_v when_o he_o have_v profane_o write_v of_o the_o more_o excellent_a part_n of_o man_n and_o come_v to_o one_o of_o the_o least_o and_o mean_a stand_v astonish_v and_o be_v compel_v to_o acknowledge_v god_n the_o creator_n seven_o the_o testimony_n of_o every_o man_n conscience_n which_o be_v god_n deputy_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n tell_v i_o thou_o atheist_n why_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v trouble_v in_o conscience_n why_o caligula_n shall_v be_v terrify_v and_o run_v under_o the_o bed_n when_o it_o thunder_v if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n let_v a_o wicked_a man_n do_v some_o heinous_a deed_n in_o the_o solitary_a wilderness_n where_o none_o see_v he_o yet_o he_o can_v be_v quiet_a but_o his_o conscience_n will_v whip_v and_o torment_v he_o so_o that_o he_o will_v either_o reveal_v the_o fact_n himself_o in_o his_o sleep_n or_o frenzy_n or_o at_o least_o he_o will_v be_v afraid_a that_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n as_o sometime_o it_o have_v happen_v will_v discover_v it_o the_o conscience_n do_v register_n and_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n of_o all_o man_n either_o excuse_v and_o comfort_v they_o in_o well_o do_v against_o the_o disgrace_n flander_n and_o perscution_n of_o the_o world_n or_o else_o accuse_v and_o terrify_v they_o for_o sin_n commit_v in_o secret_a which_o perhaps_o never_o do_v nor_o ever_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n in_o this_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
court_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o practice_n he_o shall_v so_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o relate_v thereunto_o as_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n rom._n 14.5_o he_o shall_v so_o prove_v all_o thing_n as_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thes_n 5.21_o thus_o christ_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n have_v give_v two_o sort_n of_o judgement_n to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n one_o public_a belong_v to_o a_o assembly_n of_o godly_a pastor_n and_o elder_n for_o of_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n teach_v let_v the_o prophet_n judge_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n the_o other_o be_v a_o more_o private_a personal_a judgement_n which_o concern_v all_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n in_o both_o these_o judgement_n we_o shall_v remember_v that_o christ_n have_v commit_v nothing_o to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o ministry_n of_o give_v judgement_n for_o as_o touch_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o judgement_n and_o authority_n it_o belong_v only_o to_o he_o counsel_n may_v expound_v and_o declare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o they_o have_v no_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o make_v any_o new_a doctrine_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o every_o christian_n ought_v in_o a_o rational_a way_n to_o judge_v of_o their_o determination_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o yield_v blind_a obedience_n thereunto_o for_o this_o be_v to_o unchristian_a yea_o to_o unman_v himself_o of_o this_o opinion_n be_v all_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o general_a and_o particular_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 103._o england_n see_v rogers_n on_o 39_o article_n p._n 103._o who_o maintain_v that_o every_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n from_o christ_n to_o judge_v in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o to_o embrace_v truth_n and_o avoid_v error_n the_o church_n as_o a_o faithful_a witness_n shall_v give_v testimony_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v the_o word_n nor_o to_o judge_v otherwise_o then_o god_n word_n judge_v general_a counsel_n consist_v of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o infallible_a may_v err_v the_o thing_n therefore_o that_o be_v ordain_v by_o general_a counsel_n do_v so_o far_o bind_v as_o they_o be_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o no_o further_o for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o ground_v our_o faith_n upon_o they_o but_o only_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n now_o that_o such_o a_o rational_a judgement_n or_o a_o judgement_n in_o foro_fw-la interno_fw-la as_o have_v be_v assert_v belong_v to_o every_o christian_a so_o as_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o reason_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o determination_n be_v thus_o prove_v and_o demonstrate_v first_o from_o those_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o mat._n 24.4_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thes_n 5.21_o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a judge_v all_o thing_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2.15_o which_o text_n together_o with_o many_o other_o that_o may_v be_v allege_v do_v not_o only_o concern_v public_a minister_n but_o also_o private_a christian_n yea_o chief_a they_o as_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v seduce_v second_o this_o have_v be_v also_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a thus_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o exercise_v their_o spiritual_a sense_n that_o they_o may_v discern_v thing_n that_o differ_v heb._n 5.14_o the_o berean_o be_v count_v more_o noble_a than_o other_o because_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v paul_n doctrine_n by_o the_o scripture_n though_o he_o speak_v from_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n act_v 17.11_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v for_o try_v they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o find_v they_o liar_n and_o deceiver_n after_o trial_n rev._n 2.2_o and_o christ_n tell_v we_o that_o his_o true_a sheep_n will_v follow_v he_o for_o they_o know_v his_o voice_n but_o a_o stranger_n they_o will_v not_o follow_v but_o will_v flee_v from_o he_o joh._n 10.4_o 5._o now_o this_o they_o can_v not_o do_v unless_o they_o do_v exercise_v a_o rational_a judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n three_o every_o christian_n be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o practice_n to_o god_n yea_o he_o shall_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v he_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v in_o he_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o but_o how_o can_v he_o do_v this_o rational_o and_o understand_o without_o trial_n and_o examination_n if_o he_o be_v find_v to_o embrace_v whatever_o his_o superior_n shall_v impose_v upon_o he_o true_o then_o the_o blind_a implicit_a faith_n of_o the_o collier_n will_v serve_v well_o enough_o be_v this_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o can_v true_o believe_v unless_o we_o have_v knowledge_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o practice_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n four_o how_o shall_v a_o christian_a cleanse_v his_o heart_n and_o way_n but_o by_o take_v heed_n thereto_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n psal_n 119.9_o how_o shall_v he_o walk_v as_o a_o child_n of_o light_n unless_o the_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n to_o his_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n to_o his_o path_n psal_n 119.105_o how_o can_v he_o walk_v wise_o and_o circumspect_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 5.17_o if_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v he_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o discern_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o so_o he_o may_v try_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n five_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o private_a christian_n to_o receive_v all_o doctrine_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o by_o his_o superior_n without_o trial_n and_o examination_n then_o can_v not_o he_o be_v just_o charge_v with_o sin_n and_o guilt_n who_o receive_v error_n in_o stead_n of_o truth_n from_o those_o that_o be_v above_o he_o in_o dignity_n and_o authority_n but_o we_o find_v that_o this_o will_v not_o excuse_v he_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_n the_o blind_a both_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o pit_n luk._n 6.39_o and_o we_o be_v to_o fly_v from_o stranger_n and_o not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o those_o prophet_n that_o speak_v the_o vision_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o not_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n jer._n 23.16_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o seducer_n which_o no_o christian_n can_v avoid_v upon_o good_a ground_n unless_o he_o pass_v a_o rational_a judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n why_o be_v ephraim_n oppress_v and_o break_v in_o judgement_n but_o because_o he_o willing_o walk_v after_o the_o commandment_n of_o his_o ruler_n and_o governor_n corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o impartial_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o same_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n hos_fw-la 5.11_o six_o god_n have_v furnish_v a_o christian_a with_o ability_n for_o this_o end_n with_o reason_n as_o man_n he_o have_v a_o reflexive_a faculty_n which_o beast_n have_v not_o he_o have_v a_o rational_a understand_a soul_n which_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o enable_v he_o to_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o and_o to_o deduce_v genuine_a inference_n and_o conclusion_n from_o such_o premise_n as_o be_v lay_v down_o and_o propound_v and_o then_o further_o god_n have_v not_o only_o give_v his_o people_n the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o rational_a man_n but_o have_v also_o infuse_v into_o they_o a_o principle_n of_o divine_a light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o christian_n to_o search_v and_o try_v the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a god_n have_v give_v they_o a_o spiritual_a unction_n or_o understanding_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o john_n 2.27_o &_o chap._n 5.20_o that_o they_o may_v know_v he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o they_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n teach_v they_o but_o as_o this_o anoint_v teach_v they_o which_o be_v truth_n and_o be_v no_o lie_n if_o any_o man_n