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animosity_n supplanting_n disorder_n and_o inconsistency_n among_o we_o if_o the_o soft_a and_o sober_a voice_n of_o reason_n be_v more_o attend_v to_o reason_n will_v make_v some_o difference_n kiss_v and_o be_v friend_n it_o will_v quench_v many_o a_o flame_n and_o bound_v up_o many_o a_o wound_n it_o will_v end_v many_o petty_a personal_a quarrel_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o community_n the_o soul_n be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o with_o passion_n and_o groundless_a suspicion_n but_o anchor_n upon_o judgement_n and_o reason_n this_o calmness_n and_o quietness_n of_o reason_n do_v never_o commend_v itself_o more_o than_o in_o comply_v with_o faith_n in_o not_o oppose_v those_o high_a and_o transcendent_a mystery_n which_o be_v above_o its_o own_o reach_n and_o capacity_n such_o a_o modesty_n and_o humility_n our_o reason_n shall_v always_o have_v and_o practice_v namely_o to_o submit_v and_o subordinate_a itself_o to_o all_o such_o divine_a 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and_o attain_v that_o glorious_a end_n and_o reward_v which_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n nature_n eye_n can_v see_v it_o nature_n hand_n can_v reach_v it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o natural_a power_n or_o operation_n proportion_v to_o such_o a_o high_a transcendent_a object_n as_o the_o bless_a face_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n and_o therefore_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n must_v be_v advance_v above_o itself_o by_o a_o supernaturale_fw-la auxilium_fw-la before_o it_o can_v be_v bless_v with_o so_o great_a a_o perfection_n as_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o full_a end_n of_o its_o be_v nay_o god_n himself_o o_o wonderful_a mystery_n be_v please_v to_o assume_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o more_o capable_a of_o this_o perfection_n and_o by_o a_o strict_a love-knot_n and_o union_n make_v it_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n chap._n iu._n show_v that_o the_o best_a heathen_a philosopher_n be_v
of_o faith_n you_o may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o make_v the_o world_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v invisible_a be_v clear_o see_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v whereby_o we_o come_v to_o know_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1.20_o and_o we_o must_v believe_v this_o also_o because_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v it_o heb._n 11.3_o faith_n and_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n go_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n different_a way_n faith_n do_v it_o because_o of_o the_o divine_a testimony_n authority_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n and_o goodness_n itself_o but_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n do_v it_o because_o of_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o thing_n itself_o by_o rational_a discourse_n however_o we_o must_v hold_v to_o this_o as_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v a_o relict_n of_o god_n image_n in_o man_n be_v necessary_a in_o religious_a and_o moral_a thing_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a there_o be_v great_a decay_n and_o languish_n in_o our_o reason_n as_o the_o great_a philosopher_n themselves_o have_v acknowledge_v v._o consider_v that_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o nature_n and_o reason_n as_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v by_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v in_o every_o son_n of_o adam_n so_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n yea_o enmity_n itself_o against_o god_n rom._n 8.7_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o very_a wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n the_o reason_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n his_o best_a thought_n desire_n and_o affection_n the_o best_a inclination_n and_o motion_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v not_o only_a enemy_n but_o enmity_n against_o god_n a_o enemy_n may_v be_v reconcile_v but_o enmity_n itself_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1.21_o use_v a_o strange_a expression_n that_o the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o world_n through_o foolishness_n be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n but_o that_o by_o wisdom_n that_o be_v by_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_v it_o know_v not_o god_n as_o diodate_v note_n upon_o the_o text_n they_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n say_v the_o same_o apostle_n rom._n 1.21_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v be_v better_o render_v thus_o they_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o reason_n or_o their_o practical_a inference_n and_o discourse_n such_o as_o they_o make_v out_o of_o the_o principle_n they_o have_v in_o their_o understanding_n so_o likewise_o 1_o cor._n 3.20_o the_o lord_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o wise_a not_o the_o simple_a thought_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o prudent_a reason_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v vain_a you_o have_v the_o same_o word_n 1_o tim._n 2.8_o which_o be_v translate_v without_o doubt_v but_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o reason_v or_o dispute_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o prayer_n we_o must_v not_o argue_v against_o the_o promise_n by_o our_o reason_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o more_o humane_a reason_n learning_n and_o wisdom_n man_n have_v the_o more_o opposition_n there_o be_v in_o they_o against_o god_n and_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 1.20_o 26._o and_o chap._n 2.9_o 10_o 11._o and_o ch._n 3.18_o 19_o and_o therefore_o augustine_n write_v thus_o to_o a_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o part_n ornari_fw-la abs_fw-la te_fw-la diabolus_fw-la quaerit_fw-la but_o now_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o nature_n and_o reason_n as_o enlighten_v and_o rectify_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a help_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n let_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n first_o lie_v the_o foundation_n and_o then_o reason_n may_v build_v upon_o it_o reason_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o first_o place_n or_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n but_o shall_v be_v subject_a and_o subordinate_a to_o faith_n as_o agar_n the_o bondwoman_n be_v to_o be_v to_o her_o mistress_n sarah_n the_o freewoman_n we_o must_v not_o first_o consult_v with_o reason_n nor_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v when_o we_o shall_v believe_v beyond_o reason_n a_o mere_a rational_a consider_v of_o mean_n and_o second_o cause_n be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o faith_n if_o you_o will_v believe_v say_v luther_n you_o must_v crucify_v that_o question_n why_o god_n will_v not_o have_v we_o so_o full_a of_o wherefore_n abraham_n against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n rom._n 4.18_o 19_o contra_fw-la spem_fw-la nempe_fw-la carnis_fw-la rationis_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la naturae_fw-la as_o some_o of_o the_o best_a interpreter_n comment_v upon_o it_o he_o believe_v against_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n in_o hope_n against_o hope_n i._n e._n in_o hope_n supernatural_a against_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o natural_a hope_n nothing_o doubt_v say_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o abraham_n faith_n it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n which_o you_o find_v 1_o cor._n 11.29_o nothing_o discern_v as_o when_o a_o man_n look_v on_o thing_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n he_o pass_v a_o judgement_n of_o discern_v or_o dijudication_n upon_o they_o as_o thus_o some_o thing_n be_v easy_a some_o thing_n be_v hard_a abraham_n do_v not_o so_o reason_n or_o consider_v of_o thing_n when_o he_o believe_v i'faith_o when_o it_o be_v lively_a and_o strong_a will_v subscribe_v to_o a_o blank_a and_o will_v rest_v on_o the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n when_o all_o thing_n seem_v contrary_a in_o outward_a appearance_n and_o to_o a_o eye_n of_o reason_n faith_n can_v see_v love_n in_o anger_n light_n in_o darkness_n life_n in_o death_n as_o we_o have_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o instance_n beside_o many_o other_o faith_n will_v tell_v a_o man_n that_o the_o low_a he_o be_v cast_v down_o and_o abase_v the_o high_a he_o shall_v be_v raise_v and_o the_o more_o he_o shall_v be_v comfort_v and_o this_o be_v further_a than_o reason_n can_v go_v faith_n as_o a_o late_a godly_a writer_n true_o observe_v have_v a_o great_a and_o large_a prospect_n it_o can_v look_v over_o all_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o into_o the_o other_o world_n too_o it_o behold_v god_n who_o be_v invisible_a and_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v but_o now_o as_o for_o reason_n it_o get_v upon_o some_o little_a molehill_n of_o creature_n ability_n and_o if_o it_o can_v see_v over_o two_o or_o three_o hedge_n this_o be_v much_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a trouble_n to_o faith_n to_o be_v tie_v to_o reason_n if_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o go_v a_o journey_n of_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o mile_n on_o foot_n you_o will_v say_v he_o be_v a_o good_a footman_n yet_o if_o you_o constrain_v he_o to_o carry_v a_o little_a child_n with_o he_o this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a luggage_n to_o he_o for_o though_o the_o child_n may_v run_v along_o in_o his_o hand_n half_o a_o mile_n yet_o he_o must_v carry_v he_o on_o his_o back_n or_o in_o his_o arm_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o way_n especial_o when_o he_o go_v over_o water_n and_o steep_a hill_n which_o will_v be_v no_o small_a burden_n and_o trouble_n thus_o it_o be_v between_o faith_n and_o reason_n reason_n at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o a_o child_n to_o faith_n faith_n can_v foot_v it_o over_o mountain_n of_o difficulty_n and_o wade_v through_o the_o water_n of_o affliction_n though_o great_a and_o many_o but_o when_o reason_n come_v to_o wade_v through_o a_o affliction_n or_o to_o go_v over_o some_o great_a difficulty_n it_o cry_v out_o and_o say_v oh_o faith_n let_v we_o go_v back_o again_o and_o proceed_v no_o further_o no_o say_v faith_n but_o i_o will_v take_v thou_o upon_o my_o back_n reason_n and_o so_o it_o do_v but_o yet_o reason_n be_v a_o great_a luggage_n and_o burden_n to_o faith_n which_o never_o work_v better_a than_o when_o it_o work_v most_o alone_o for_o than_o it_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n alsufficiency_n and_o omnipotency_n and_o find_v enough_o there_o to_o quiet_a and_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n but_o now_o have_v premise_v these_o five_o consideration_n touch_v faith_n and_o reason_n we_o shall_v show_v the_o christian_a reader_n in_o some_o particular_n what_o use_v he_o shall_v make_v of_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n in_o reference_n to_o divine_a and_o religious_a matter_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v but_o to_o have_v its_o due_a respect_n and_o commendation_n first_o we_o find_v that_o many_o famous_a godly_a man_n have_v
authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n prove_v by_o reason_n page_n 97_o 1._o because_o no_o other_o or_o better_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n can_v be_v produce_v 2._o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v throughout_o all_o age_n witness_v to_o and_o wonderful_o preserve_v by_o the_o jew_n 3._o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v all_o along_o witness_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n even_o to_o the_o death_n 4._o god_n have_v confirm_v the_o authority_n thereof_o by_o great_a and_o strange_a miracle_n from_o heaven_n 5._o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o authentical_a of_o any_o writing_n 6._o the_o stile_n order_n contexture_n and_o frame_v of_o the_o scripture_n show_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o 7._o another_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o wonderful_a powerful_a effect_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n 8._o from_o the_o admirable_a harmony_n and_o consent_n thereof_o 9_o the_o matter_n treat_v of_o therein_o be_v divine_a and_o wonderful_a here_o be_v mention_v five_o note_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n 10._o the_o end_n which_o the_o scripture_n aim_v at_o be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n page_n 110_o 1._o here_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o popish_a implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n 2._o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v make_v apppear_v 1._o to_o be_v against_o sense_n 2._o against_o reason_n 3._o against_o faith_n 3._o it_o be_v also_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n one_o in_o foro_fw-la publico_fw-la another_o in_o foro_fw-la privato_fw-la 4._o that_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o to_o exercise_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o try_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n this_o be_v prove_v by_o six_o cogent_a argument_n objection_n against_o this_o tenet_n and_o practice_v answer_v chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n page_n 123_o 1._o it_o be_v here_o show_v that_o this_o testimony_n be_v more_o satisfactory_a to_o the_o conscience_n than_o all_o other_o proof_n 2._o that_o a_o christian_n faith_n shall_v be_v ultimate_o and_o final_o resolve_v into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v but_o humane_a 3._o the_o popish_a circle_n be_v describe_v and_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n herein_o vindicate_v 4._o some_o rule_n and_o caution_n concern_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v here_o propound_v to_o prevent_v mistake_n chap._n xv._o show_v when_o reason_n be_v right_o use_v and_o when_o abuse_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n in_o the_o scripture_n page_n 133_o 1._o reason_n be_v the_o organ_n which_o let_v into_o the_o soul_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n 2._o it_o be_v overpower_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v the_o great_a reasonableness_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o christ_n 3._o reason_n be_v exceed_o useful_a in_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n 4._o nevertheless_o we_o shall_v not_o make_v reason_n the_o judge_n in_o divine_a matter_n nor_o subject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o our_o reason_n as_o socinian_n do_v three_o argument_n against_o it_o chap._n xvi_o of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o mere_a rational_a and_o spiritual_a man_n and_o their_o act_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n here_o be_v show_v page_n 142_o 1._o that_o the_o spiritual_a man_n have_v christ_n form_v in_o he_o and_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n do_v not_o 2._o that_o the_o divine_a principle_n which_o act_v the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v more_o than_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a natural_a and_o rational_a ability_n 3._o that_o man_n be_v passive_a in_o the_o new_a spiritual_a birth_n and_o can_v by_o all_o his_o reason_n discern_v how_o this_o spiritual_a life_n be_v wrought_v 4._o how_o and_o wherein_o the_o spiritual_a man_n act_n and_o operation_n do_v far_o transcend_v the_o mere_a rational_a mans._n 5._o they_o differ_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o reference_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n in_o five_o particular_n chap._n xvii_o prove_v that_o none_o can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o mere_a improvement_n of_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n page_n 152_o 1._o divers_a of_o the_o father_n and_o some_o modern_a writer_n have_v err_v in_o this_o point_n 2._o four_o thing_n be_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o better_a open_n of_o it_o god_n may_v reveal_v his_o son_n if_o he_o so_o please_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n to_o some_o heathen_n 3._o it_o be_v prove_v by_o nine_o argument_n that_o no_o rational_a moral_n heathen_a can_v be_v save_v without_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o mediator_n one_o or_o two_o material_a objection_n answer_v chap._n xviii_o of_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a delight_n here_o be_v show_v page_z 16â—_n 1._o that_o every_o be_v choose_v to_o itself_o some_o kind_n of_o pleasure_n as_o 1._o god_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a be_v 2._o the_o angel_n 3._o man_n that_o have_v rational_a soul_n 4._o the_o sensitive_a creature_n 2._o in_o what_o particular_n the_o delight_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n do_v far_o excel_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n chap._n xix_o show_v that_o reason_n and_o much_o more_o faith_n do_v fortify_v a_o man_n against_o the_o excessive_a fear_n of_o death_n page_n 172_o 1._o here_o be_v eight_o consideration_n draw_v from_o reason_n against_o the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n 2._o seven_o argument_n be_v also_o draw_v from_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n 3._o the_o famous_a say_n of_o some_o die_a christian_n be_v mention_v chap._n xx._n that_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o due_a exercise_n thereof_o be_v a_o great_a mercy_n page_n 187_o 1._o this_o be_v open_v in_o some_o particular_n 2._o it_o be_v here_o show_v that_o man_n who_o have_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n be_v wonderful_o make_v like_o a_o curious_a piece_n of_o embroidery_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o rational_a soul_n wherein_o man_n far_o excel_v other_o creature_n five_o thing_n mention_v relate_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n 3._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o new_a spiritual_a birth_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n chap._n xxi_o a_o recapitulation_n of_o particular_n touch_v the_o use_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n page_n 195_o 1._o here_o be_v five_o consideration_n premise_v 2._o the_o excellency_n and_o use_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v particular_o hold_v forth_o as_o 1._o some_o that_o have_v be_v famous_a instrument_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v abound_v therein_o 2._o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v use_v of_o it_o 3._o it_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o grammatical_a literal_a sense_n and_o the_o chronology_n and_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n 4._o it_o be_v useful_a for_o convince_a heathen_n and_o infidel_n 5._o in_o try_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n 6._o as_o a_o passive_a qualification_n of_o the_o subject_n for_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o which_o case_n there_o must_v be_v a_o principle_n of_o reason_n chap._n xxii_o how_o and_o in_o what_o respect_v reason_n come_v short_a and_o be_v abuse_v in_o divine_a thing_n page_n 206_o 1._o reason_n can_v discover_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n 2._o nor_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o nature_n 3._o it_o can_v prescribe_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n 4._o nor_o enable_v we_o perfect_o to_o perform_v natural_a and_o civil_a action_n without_o the_o general_a assistance_n of_o god_n 5._o our_o assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v the_o assent_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o mere_a reason_n 6._o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o reason_n be_v the_o rule_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o spiritual_a matter_n he_o must_v be_v crucify_v to_o his_o reason_n here_o be_v also_o show_v in_o six_o particular_n when_o and_o wherein_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v abuse_v and_o so_o become_v dangerous_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n
world_n now_o this_o be_v a_o manifest_a token_n and_o proof_n as_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a judge_n who_o have_v give_v a_o law_n that_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o command_v as_o well_o the_o inward_a thought_n as_o the_o word_n and_o action_n of_o all_o man_n and_o who_o will_v call_v they_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n and_o reckon_n eight_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v by_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a immortal_a substance_n as_o shall_v be_v evince_v by_o reason_n in_o the_o next_o chapter_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o power_n to_o understand_v and_o will_v but_o now_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o be_v not_o of_o and_o from_o itself_o but_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o high_a cause_n which_o be_v power_n wisdom_n and_o understanding_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v god_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n there_o be_v certain_a principle_n whereby_o it_o discern_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n good_a and_o evil_a this_o gift_n man_n have_v not_o of_o himself_o nor_o from_o himself_o but_o it_o must_v needs_o spring_v from_o a_o supreme_a and_o most_o wise_a understanding_n as_o a_o effect_n from_o its_o principal_a cause_n which_o infinite_o excel_v and_o transcend_v it_o nor_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n satisfy_v with_o the_o knowledge_n nor_o his_o will_n with_o the_o possession_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o life_n but_o still_o they_o seek_v and_o earnest_o thirst_v after_o some_o high_a good_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a even_o to_o a_o eye_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sovereign_a truth_n and_o chief_a good_a which_o be_v perfect_o know_v and_o enjoy_v will_v give_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o see_v it_o be_v capable_a of_o happiness_n or_o the_o chief_a good_a this_o will_v be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o chief_a good_a to_o be_v possess_v and_o enjoy_v in_o our_o immortal_a soul_n there_o be_v principle_n of_o infallible_a and_o demonstrative_a truth_n as_o to_o honour_n and_o obey_v our_o parent_n to_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o to_o defend_v ourselves_o to_o perform_v our_o promise_n etc._n etc._n which_o principle_n hold_v good_a in_o all_o man_n more_o or_o less_o unless_o they_o be_v horrible_o profane_a and_o wicked_a among_o which_o fundamental_a principle_n this_o be_v one_o and_o the_o chief_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o this_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o though_o some_o other_o of_o these_o principle_n may_v fail_v in_o man_n yet_o this_o never_o fail_v but_o they_o will_v worship_v one_o thing_n or_o other_o as_o god_n unless_o they_o be_v downright_a and_o desperate_a atheist_n nine_o by_o the_o continual_a suggestion_n and_o assault_n of_o the_o evil_a spirit_n we_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o devil_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v as_o certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n do_v not_o satan_n by_o all_o mean_n endeavour_v to_o extinguish_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o lead_v man_n on_o in_o way_n of_o error_n and_o profaneness_n and_o turn_v they_o out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n now_o why_o shall_v the_o devil_n thus_o war_n against_o god_n his_o word_n and_o saint_n why_o shall_v he_o so_o earnest_o seek_v the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o man_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n a_o gospel_n and_o a_o everlasting_a life_n why_o shall_v he_o and_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n with_o all_o their_o hellish_a power_n malice_n and_o policy_n labour_v to_o extirpate_v and_o root_v out_o all_o those_o that_o faithful_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o be_v zealous_a for_o his_o glory_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v ten_o this_o great_a truth_n be_v further_o make_v evident_a even_o to_o a_o eye_n of_o reason_n by_o the_o lord_n be_v miraculous_a hide_v preserve_v and_o defend_v his_o church_n and_o people_n from_o time_n to_o time_n how_o wonderful_o have_v he_o frustrate_v the_o plot_n and_o device_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o church_n how_o have_v his_o church_n increase_v and_o flourish_v by_o the_o very_a same_o mean_n which_o they_o design_v and_o make_v use_n of_o to_o destroy_v she_o how_o have_v god_n fight_v from_o heaven_n against_o the_o persecutor_n of_o his_o child_n such_o dreadful_a judgement_n do_v overtake_v many_o of_o they_o and_o such_o horror_n fall_v upon_o some_o of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o forsake_v their_o great_a place_n and_o power_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o solitary_a and_o private_a life_n which_o plain_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sovereign_a god_n who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a and_o great_a than_o the_o great_a of_o they_o and_o as_o for_o his_o poor_a people_n who_o they_o persecute_v the_o lord_n have_v arm_v they_o with_o invincible_a courage_n and_o fortitude_n to_o endure_v disgrace_n contempt_n poverty_n imprisonment_n death_n and_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o man_n and_o devil_n can_v invent_v yea_o how_o have_v god_n support_v his_o people_n under_o their_o inward_a temptation_n conflict_n desertion_n and_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n and_o wonderful_o refresh_v they_o beyond_o their_o expectation_n with_o sweet_a peace_n and_o consolation_n and_o by_o the_o power_n strength_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v enable_v they_o to_o sing_v and_o rejoice_v in_o prison_n and_o even_o to_o exult_v and_o triumph_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o flame_n now_o this_o divine_a assistance_n this_o holy_a courage_n strength_n and_o consolation_n be_v a_o convince_a demonstrative_a argument_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a deity_n especial_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o heavenly_a courage_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o their_o suffering_n with_o that_o fear_n faintness_n amazement_n unquietness_n vexation_n and_o deadness_n which_o seize_v on_o the_o wicked_a when_o they_o be_v under_o affliction_n well_o then_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o have_v be_v say_v with_o reference_n to_o man_n himself_o and_o other_o creature_n in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n we_o may_v be_v full_o convince_v that_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a god_n if_o we_o look_v up_o to_o the_o firmament_n the_o sphere_n the_o planet_n the_o star_n their_o greatness_n brightness_n swiftness_n their_o order_n course_n motion_n and_o forcible_a effect_n if_o we_o behold_v the_o sea_n so_o bound_v with_o the_o sand_n by_o a_o perpetual_a decree_n that_o it_o can_v pass_v its_o bound_n though_o the_o wave_n thereof_o rage_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o prevail_v though_o they_o roar_v never_o so_o much_o yet_o can_v they_o not_o pass_v their_o bound_n if_o we_o behold_v the_o earth_n so_o firm_a so_o round_o so_o fruitful_a so_o great_a yet_o hang_v like_o a_o ball_n in_o the_o air_n and_o rest_v on_o a_o very_a small_a point_n if_o man_n will_v behold_v himself_o a_o little_a world_n in_o his_o body_n the_o several_a member_n with_o the_o harmony_n sympathy_n function_n and_o use_n thereof_o and_o in_o his_o mind_n the_o inbred_a principle_n and_o seminary_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o honesty_n and_o dishonesty_n from_o which_o all_o law_n and_o government_n do_v spring_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o just_a punishment_n which_o common_o follow_v evil_a doer_n and_o the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n which_o torment_v the_o great_a prince_n that_o be_v out_o of_o danger_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o law_n as_o alexander_n for_o kill_v his_o friend_n clitus_n and_o nero_n for_o the_o murder_n of_o his_o mother_n agrippina_n if_o we_o behold_v the_o order_n progress_n and_o end_n of_o all_o cause_n the_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o contrary_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o harmony_n among_o they_o omnia_fw-la ab_fw-la uno_fw-la omne_fw-la ad_fw-la unum_fw-la if_o we_o consider_v the_o prediction_n of_o thing_n future_a the_o strange_a sign_n and_o wonder_n that_o have_v fall_v out_o with_o their_o event_n do_v not_o all_o these_o thing_n proclaim_v aloud_o unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a power_n that_o wise_o govern_v and_o overrule_n all_o suppose_v a_o gallant_a well_o furnish_v ship_n come_v safe_a to_o her_o port_n through_o all_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o skilful_a pilot_n or_o governor_n within_o that_o guide_v and_o direct_v she_o to_o the_o appoint_a haven_n so_o we_o behold_v this_o fair_a universe_n this_o world_n wherein_o we_o live_v with_o all_o its_o furniture_n and_o ornament_n and_o the_o regular_a motion_n of_o the_o several_a
such_o quantity_n and_o colour_n and_o in_o such_o a_o place_n but_o if_o he_o conceive_v he_o in_o his_o mind_n than_o it_o be_v a_o universal_a notion_n agree_v to_o all_o horse_n now_o then_o as_o the_o thing_n conceive_v in_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n be_v not_o visible_a because_o it_o have_v no_o colour_n it_o be_v not_o audible_a because_o it_o have_v no_o sound_n nor_o be_v big_a or_o little_a because_o it_o have_v no_o quantity_n so_o the_o soul_n itself_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n namely_o without_o all_o quantity_n quality_n time_n and_o place_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n the_o soul_n can_v be_v corruptible_a but_o must_v be_v immortal_a second_o if_o we_o further_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o soul_n operation_n she_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o immortal_a spiritual_a substance_n there_o be_v two_o undoubted_a axiom_n and_o maxim_n in_o philosophy_n which_o can_v be_v gainsay_v namely_o that_o every_o thing_n be_v receive_v according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o receiver_n and_o that_o every_o thing_n have_v the_o same_o manner_n of_o essence_n as_o it_o have_v of_o operation_n now_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n can_v easy_o receive_v impression_n and_o thought_n of_o immortality_n and_o discourse_v thereupon_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o essence_n immortal_a aristotle_n observe_v that_o the_o soul_n in_o understanding_n be_v make_v as_o it_o be_v the_o object_n that_o be_v understand_v because_o as_o the_o wax_n after_o it_o be_v stamp_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o very_a seal_n itself_o that_o stamp_v it_o namely_o representatiuè_fw-la so_o the_o soul_n in_o receive_v the_o species_n of_o any_o object_n be_v make_v the_o picture_n or_o image_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o now_o then_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o apprehend_v immortality_n yea_o indeed_o apprehend_v every_o corporeal_a substance_n as_o if_o it_o be_v immortal_a i_o mean_v by_o refine_n and_o purge_v it_o from_o all_o gross_a material_a and_o corruptible_a quality_n must_v be_v much_o more_o itself_o of_o a_o immaterial_a and_o immortal_a nature_n the_o soul_n depend_v not_o as_o do_v other_o form_n either_o in_o she_o be_v or_o operation_n upon_o the_o body_n for_o as_o to_o the_o act_n of_o understanding_n she_o work_v without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o any_o bodily_a organ_n and_o therefore_o can_v subsist_v by_o she_o own_o nature_n when_o separate_v from_o the_o body_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o any_o matter_n to_o sustain_v she_o the_o independence_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o her_o be_v and_o operation_n upon_o the_o body_n be_v manifest_a because_o she_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n of_o god_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o herself_o she_o can_v assent_v discourse_n abstract_n invent_v contrive_v and_o do_v the_o like_a none_o of_o which_o act_n depend_v upon_o any_o material_a faculty_n and_o then_o further_o this_o independence_n of_o she_o appear_v in_o those_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v raise_v above_o and_o from_o the_o body_n and_o bodily_a organ_n though_o not_o from_o inform_v the_o body_n yet_o certain_o from_o borrow_v any_o assistance_n or_o help_n there_o from_o for_o the_o produce_v of_o its_o operation_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v such_o a_o spiritual_a substance_n that_o it_o receive_v perfection_n from_o all_o thing_n for_o intellectus_fw-la omne_fw-la intelligit_fw-la yea_o wherein_o all_o contrary_n be_v reconcile_v and_o lie_v aside_o their_o opposition_n for_o as_o a_o noble_a writer_n true_o observe_v 14._o observe_v morney_n de_fw-fr verit_fw-la relig._n christian_n cap._n 14._o those_o thing_n which_o destroy_v one_o another_o in_o the_o world_n maintain_v and_o perfect_a one_o another_o in_o the_o mind_n one_o thing_n be_v a_o mean_n for_o the_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o another_o three_o this_o be_v also_o evident_a to_o reason_n that_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o mortal_a perish_a thing_n than_o it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o those_o natural_a desire_n which_o be_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n soul_n shall_v be_v frustrate_a and_o in_o vain_a but_o such_o desire_n be_v not_o sinful_a can_v be_v frustrate_a for_o natura_fw-la nil_fw-la facit_fw-la frustra_fw-la nature_n do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a now_o these_o natural_a desire_n of_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v in_o vain_a if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o to_o content_n and_o satisfy_v they_o which_o be_v not_o find_v upon_o earth_n must_v be_v seek_v for_o in_o heaven_n yea_o in_o god_n himself_o and_o this_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v divine_a and_o immortal_a indeed_o a_o sinful_a desire_n shall_v not_o be_v fulfil_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v vain_o desire_v to_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o angel_n but_o as_o for_o mere_a natural_a desire_n in_o man_n as_o the_o desire_n to_o live_v happy_a and_o to_o be_v free_a of_o misery_n these_o be_v not_o sinful_a and_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o can_v be_v fulfil_v in_o this_o life_n therefore_o they_o must_v be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v natural_o every_o man_n desire_v to_o have_v a_o be_v after_o his_o body_n be_v dissolve_v hence_o be_v that_o desire_n which_o man_n have_v to_o leave_v a_o good_a name_n behind_o they_o and_o that_o it_o may_v go_v well_o with_o their_o posterity_n and_o the_o like_a and_o from_o this_o natural_a instinct_n come_v those_o ambitious_a desire_n in_o vain_a man_n to_o erect_v costly_a sepulcher_n and_o monument_n after_o their_o death_n and_o to_o call_v their_o house_n and_o land_n after_o their_o own_o name_n yea_o the_o poor_a tradesman_n have_v this_o desire_n when_o he_o can_v reach_v no_o high_o he_o will_v have_v a_o stone_n lay_v upon_o his_o grave_n with_o his_o name_n upon_o it_o now_o this_o very_a ambitious_a desire_n that_o be_v in_o man_n be_v a_o testimony_n in_o his_o mind_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o his_o soul_n that_o it_o subsi_v after_o this_o life_n and_o die_v not_o with_o the_o body_n four_o another_o reason_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n which_o be_v also_o obvious_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o dignity_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o man_n above_o other_o creature_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v subject_a and_o serviceable_a to_o he_o now_o this_o dignity_n can_v possible_o stand_v with_o the_o soul_n mortality_n for_o will_v not_o many_o other_o creature_n far_o excel_v man_n in_o health_n strength_n swiftness_n and_o in_o the_o duration_n of_o their_o be_v if_o man_n soul_n be_v not_o immortal_a alas_o how_o subject_n be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o weakness_n faintness_n care_n fear_n jealousy_n discontent_n and_o all_o other_o misery_n of_o mind_n and_o body_n which_o other_o creature_n be_v not_o so_o obnoxious_a unto_o be_v there_o not_o disturbance_n in_o our_o very_a peace_n and_o have_v not_o our_o contentment_n and_o comfort_n here_o their_o vexation_n and_o interruption_n and_o must_v not_o their_o misesery_n be_v exceed_o miserable_a who_o very_a happiness_n in_o this_o life_n be_v unhappy_a if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o life_n to_o come_v mortality_n and_o corruption_n make_v the_o want_n of_o reason_n a_o privilege_n to_o other_o creature_n and_o in_o this_o case_n the_o beast_n will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o happy_a than_o man_n by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o they_o know_v their_o own_o misery_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v some_o other_o thing_n wherein_o man_n far_o excel_v the_o other_o creature_n and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o spiritualness_n and_o immortality_n of_o his_o soul_n five_o every_o corruptible_a mortal_a thing_n be_v subject_a to_o time_n and_o motion_n but_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v neither_o subject_n to_o time_n nor_o motion_n and_o consequent_o she_o be_v not_o corruptible_a and_o mortal_a that_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o motion_n be_v clear_v thus_o motion_n hinder_v the_o soul_n from_o attain_v its_o own_o perfection_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v free_a from_o motion_n and_o perturbation_n than_o it_o be_v most_o perfect_a and_o most_o fit_a to_o understand_v spiritual_a thing_n suitable_a to_o its_o own_o nature_n as_o water_n when_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o not_o muddy_a receive_v the_o similitude_n of_o the_o face_n with_o most_o clearness_n again_o reason_n itself_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a need_v not_o a_o lie_n to_o further_o they_o but_o now_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o further_o and_o incite_v we_o to_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v be_v to_o use_v a_o lie_n if_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o immortal_a for_o many_o religious_a duty_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v require_v the_o contempt_n of_o this_o life_n as_o the_o abstain_v from_o
the_o flesh_n and_o forforsake_v the_o good_a of_o this_o world_n which_o a_o man_n will_v not_o do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n in_o which_o he_o find_v the_o recompense_n of_o his_o loss_n yea_o this_o very_a persuasion_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n make_v some_o heathen_n willing_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o their_o country_n if_o our_o last_o end_n be_v only_o in_o this_o life_n than_o all_o that_o we_o do_v shall_v be_v for_o this_o last_o end_n to_o aim_v at_o it_o to_o procure_v it_o and_o never_o to_o cross_v it_o doubtless_o it_o be_v great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o man_n to_o undergo_v so_o many_o hard_a thing_n as_o they_o do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o a_o persuasion_n in_o their_o heart_n of_o this_o immortality_n and_o if_o their_o hope_n be_v only_o in_o this_o life_n of_o all_o man_n they_o shall_v be_v most_o miserable_a but_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o they_o find_v that_o this_o world_n wherein_o they_o now_o converse_v be_v too_o sterile_a and_o empty_a to_o fill_v the_o vastness_n and_o limit_v the_o desire_n thereof_o it_o must_v be_v the_o possession_n of_o a_o immortal_a infinite_a immutable_a good_a that_o must_v satisfy_v their_o understanding_n and_o will_n both_o which_o faculty_n aim_v at_o the_o chief_a and_o high_a object_n the_o understanding_n be_v carry_v ad_fw-la summam_fw-la causam_fw-la to_o the_o first_o of_o truth_n and_o the_o will_n ad_fw-la summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la to_o the_o last_o of_o end_n and_o therefore_o he_o only_o which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o can_v satisfy_v the_o vast_a desire_n of_o the_o soul_n six_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o soul_n must_v needs_o be_v immortal_a because_o god_n be_v just_a a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o as_o to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v unjust_a now_o than_o god_n be_v the_o just_a judge_n of_o all_o it_o behoove_v he_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o to_o reward_v the_o just_a but_o if_o god_n do_v not_o this_o in_o another_o life_n he_o shall_v never_o do_v it_o for_o in_o this_o life_n the_o wicked_a flourish_n and_o the_o just_a be_v oppress_v therefore_o as_o god_n be_v just_a there_o remain_v another_o life_n after_o this_o wherein_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o just_a shall_v be_v reward_v and_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v punish_v if_o the_o soul_n be_v mortal_a forasmuch_o as_o in_o this_o world_n wicked_a man_n prosper_v in_o their_o wickdeness_n and_o good_a man_n as_o to_o their_o outward_a be_v perish_v in_o a_o way_n of_o righteousness_n how_o shall_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a be_v and_o who_o way_n be_v way_n of_o righteousness_n be_v vindicate_v seven_o it_o may_v satisfy_v the_o reason_n of_o any_o man_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a since_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o one_o or_o other_o kind_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o some_o deity_n which_o be_v raise_v out_o of_o this_o hope_n that_o that_o god_n who_o they_o worship_v will_v reward_v their_o piety_n if_o not_o here_o yet_o in_o another_o life_n nulla_fw-la gens_fw-la adeò_fw-la extra_fw-la leges_fw-la est_fw-la projecta_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la aliquos_fw-la deos_fw-la credat_fw-la say_v seneca_n hence_o proceed_v those_o fiction_n of_o the_o poet_n touch_v the_o elysian_a field_n or_o place_n of_o happiness_n for_o man_n of_o honest_a and_o well_o order_v life_n and_o place_n of_o torment_n for_o the_o wicked_a and_o irreligious_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o visible_a character_n of_o a_o a_o deity_n imprint_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o irresistible_a principle_n in_o man_n nature_n that_o must_v constrain_v it_o unto_o those_o sundry_a religious_a ceremony_n observe_v among_o all_o nation_n wherein_o even_o in_o place_n of_o idolatry_n some_o be_v so_o irksome_a and_o repugnant_a to_o nature_n and_o other_o so_o void_a of_o reason_n as_o that_o nothing_o but_o a_o firm_a and_o deep_a persuasion_n of_o a_o divine_a judgement_n and_o of_o their_o own_o immortality_n can_v ever_o have_v impose_v they_o upon_o their_o conscience_n and_o beside_o this_o consent_n of_o man_n unto_o religion_n in_o general_n we_o find_v it_o also_o unto_o this_o one_o part_n thereof_o namely_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n all_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a repute_a philosopher_n for_o learning_n and_o honesty_n and_o even_o barbarian_n infidel_n and_o savage_a people_n have_v discern_v it_o by_o the_o glimmering_n of_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n chap._n xi_o the_o verity_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evince_v by_o reason_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o convince_v heathen_n and_o infidel_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v no_o religion_n at_o this_o day_n profess_v throughout_o the_o world_n that_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n in_o it_o and_o for_o it_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o way_n of_o cleanse_v and_o expiate_a sin_n by_o christ_n the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o mediator_n the_o exactness_n of_o divine_a justice_n which_o require_v satisfaction_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n prescribe_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o instruction_n thereof_o the_o exemplary_a life_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n how_o many_o thing_n in_o our_o religion_n be_v witness_v to_o and_o approve_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o rational_a and_o learned_a heathen_n and_o how_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o julian_n porphyry_n and_o other_o be_v once_o christian_n and_o come_v to_o renounce_v the_o same_o mere_o through_o pride_n and_o discontent_n if_o these_o and_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o our_o religion_n be_v but_o due_o weigh_v it_o will_v appear_v even_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v much_o truth_n and_o excellency_n therein_o and_o that_o other_o religion_n be_v but_o fictitious_a and_o vain_a have_v no_o rational_a consistence_n in_o they_o but_o we_o will_v handle_v this_o matter_n more_o particular_o though_o with_o as_o much_o brevity_n as_o possible_o we_o can_v first_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n prima_fw-la sunt_fw-la vera_fw-la verum_fw-la est_fw-la prius_fw-la that_o be_v most_o true_a which_o be_v most_o ancient_a see_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v the_o way_n whereby_o man_n must_v come_v to_o god_n and_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o and_o be_v copula_fw-la relationis_fw-la between_o god_n and_o man_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o man_n be_v as_o for_o the_o write_n of_o most_o of_o the_o heathen_n unless_o it_o be_v those_o that_o be_v forge_v and_o suppositious_a they_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o in_o comparison_n of_o moses_n the_o lawgiver_n under_o god_n to_o the_o jew_n even_o orpheus_n the_o first_o heathen_a poet_n be_v eight_o hundred_o year_n after_o moses_n as_o strabo_n plutarch_n and_o diodorus_n siculus_n testify_v the_o most_o ancient_a record_n of_o the_o heathen_n begin_v in_o solon_n time_n which_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n the_o roman_n have_v their_o religion_n from_o the_o grecian_n and_o the_o grecian_n from_o caecrop_a a_o egyptian_a and_o the_o carthaginian_n have_v they_o from_o cadmus_n a_o phoenician_n now_o these_o two_o country_n egypt_n and_o phoenicia_n with_o the_o mediterranean_a sea_n do_v compass_n about_o judaea_n and_o therefore_o any_o man_n that_o be_v rational_a may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o all_o their_o religion_n come_v from_o the_o jew_n this_o be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v by_o several_a writer_n of_o we_o and_o particular_o by_o mr._n gale_n in_o his_o late_a book_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a for_o i_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o subject_n when_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o greece_n ask_v their_o god_n whence_o the_o knowledge_n of_o art_n and_o science_n shall_v come_v they_o receive_v this_o answer_n solus_fw-la utique_fw-la chaldaeus_n sapiens_fw-la and_o orpheus_n their_o ancient_a poet_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o god_n be_v angry_a he_o destroy_v the_o world_n commit_v the_o truth_n uni_fw-la chaldaeo_n and_o plato_n in_o his_o epimenides_n refer_v all_o uni_fw-la barbaro_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v who_o this_o chaldean_a this_o barbarian_a shall_v be_v the_o egyptian_n call_v he_o theut_n which_o signify_v a_o stranger_n meaning_n abraham_n for_o so_o origen_n against_o celsus_n and_o josephus_n against_o appian_n say_v plain_o that_o when_o the_o heathen_a nation_n use_v to_o conjure_v they_o will_v make_v use_n of_o abraham_n name_n say_v per_fw-la deum_fw-la abraham_n well_o then_o if_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v ancient_a we_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
be_v bear_v like_o a_o wild_a ass_n colt_n in_o the_o hebrew_n there_o be_v a_o elegant_a paranomosia_n vain_a man_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v hollow_a or_o empty_a man_n though_o he_o be_v foolish_a and_o ignorant_a will_v seem_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o rational_a if_o he_o know_v how_o doubtless_o god_n will_v curse_v and_o blast_v that_o profane_a wit_n and_o knowledge_n which_o despise_v the_o simplicity_n of_o christ_n gospel_n and_o will_v not_o captivate_v itself_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n four_o when_o the_o reason_n or_o rational_a argumentation_n of_o man_n be_v unreasonable_o and_o excessive_o use_v in_o divine_a thing_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n not_o require_v it_o then_o be_v such_o reason_n dangerous_a hence_o some_o of_o the_o father_n be_v just_o censure_v and_o the_o schoolman_n much_o more_o for_o mix_v and_o adulterate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o philosopher_n which_o be_v no_o better_a than_o paralogism_n and_o imposture_n if_o mix_v with_o and_o add_v to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o christ_n five_o then_o do_v man_n abuse_v their_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n when_o they_o use_v needless_a subtlety_n quirk_n and_o quidditty_n in_o debate_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o shall_v rather_o be_v humble_o believe_v admire_a and_o adore_v then_o subtle_o dispute_v even_o among_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o and_o in_o all_o religion_n they_o have_v have_v some_o sacred_a mystery_n and_o secret_n that_o be_v to_o be_v adore_v and_o not_o curious_o pry_v into_o and_o dispute_v by_o the_o subtle_a reason_n of_o man_n and_o whoever_o do_v profane_o dispute_v thereof_o be_v severe_o punish_v six_o and_o last_o man_n reason_n be_v abuse_v and_o pervert_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n when_o it_o be_v make_v not_o only_o a_o instrument_n but_o a_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n some_o there_o be_v that_o seem_v to_o depress_v reason_n too_o much_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o socinian_o exalt_v it_o too_o high_a for_o they_o make_v it_o not_o only_o a_o instrument_n but_o a_o judge_n and_o thereupon_o reject_v and_o contemn_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o they_o can_v fathom_v and_o comprehend_v they_o by_o their_o reason_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o that_o say_v religio_fw-la est_fw-la summa_fw-la ratio_fw-la and_o there_o be_v great_a learned_a man_n that_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o certain_o if_o we_o can_v by_o reason_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v any_o religion_n at_o all_o we_o may_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n prove_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o this_o treatise_n but_o yet_o man_n reason_n be_v but_o a_o weak_a glimmer_a uncertain_a 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