duty_n of_o man_n 255._o man_n cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o christianity_n cap._n 9_o pag._n 255._o which_o may_v improve_v our_o reason_n exalt_v the_o man_n and_o depress_v the_o beast_n in_o we_o yet_o sure_o we_o shall_v derogate_v very_o impious_o from_o christ_n prophetic_a office_n if_o we_o allow_v not_o divinity_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o noble_a science_n such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v serve_v and_o attend_v not_o regulate_v and_o govern_v by_o those_o inferior_a but_o that_o just_a order_n seem_v now_o to_o be_v invert_v divine_a learning_n be_v bring_v down_o to_o humane_a and_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n so_o perplex_v and_o confound_v with_o philosophical_a nicety_n that_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n be_v become_v the_o umpire_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o we_o must_v go_v ask_v heathen_n how_o far_o we_o shall_v be_v christian_n those_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o 1_o cor._n 2.10_o and_o of_o which_o he_o pronounce_v the_o natural_a man_n a_o incompetent_a judge_n be_v yet_o bring_v before_o that_o tribunal_n subject_v to_o be_v scan_v by_o rule_n of_o art_n but_o alas_o our_o line_n be_v too_o short_a to_o sound_v those_o depth_n thus_o far_o he_o madam_n this_o book_n which_o be_v dedicate_v to_o your_o honour_n treat_v of_o the_o right_a use_n and_o abuse_v of_o reason_n in_o divine_a matter_n there_o be_v two_o extreme_n which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o run_v into_o some_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n in_o religious_a concernment_n and_o other_o ascribe_v too_o little_a as_o we_o shall_v give_v to_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n matth._n 22.21_o so_o we_o shall_v give_v to_o faith_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o faith_n and_o to_o reason_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o reason_n and_o herein_o madam_n you_o may_v meet_v with_o some_o passage_n in_o this_o treatise_n if_o you_o please_v to_o peruse_v it_o which_o may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n minister_v some_o light_n and_o direction_n to_o you._n of_o the_o right_n use_v &_o abuse_v of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n chap._n i._o of_o distinguish_v between_o faith_n and_o reason_n as_o it_o require_v much_o spiritual_a skill_n and_o judgement_n right_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o give_v the_o law_n its_o due_a and_o the_o gospel_n its_o due_a whereupon_o luther_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o he_o who_o can_v thus_o distinguish_v be_v the_o best_a divine_a so_o true_o it_o require_v much_o spiritual_a skill_n and_o wisdom_n right_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n between_o reason_n and_o faith_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o as_o christ_n bid_v we_o render_v unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n so_o we_o shall_v give_v unto_o faith_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v faith_n and_o to_o reason_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v reason_n to_o faith_n her_o full_a scope_n and_o latitude_n and_o to_o reason_n also_o her_o just_a bound_n and_o right_n may_v we_o not_o wish_v that_o many_o great_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v but_o equalise_v in_o their_o practice_n as_o to_o moral_a justice_n and_o faithfulness_n some_o heathen_n that_o be_v only_o endue_v with_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o moral_a virtue_n do_v not_o these_o go_v further_o with_o their_o candle-light_n than_o the_o other_o do_v with_o their_o sunbeam_n and_o will_v they_o not_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o that_o do_v so_o gross_o abuse_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n perhaps_o this_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o some_o vain_a scribbler_n in_o our_o day_n place_n religion_n chief_o in_o natural_a improvement_n and_o moral_a virtue_n because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a moral_a justice_n and_o honesty_n among_o man_n yea_o among_o many_o forward_a professor_n morality_n will_v go_v very_o far_o but_o yet_o though_o man_n be_v unjust_a and_o exceed_v defective_a in_o their_o moral_n we_o shall_v not_o therefore_o derogate_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v not_o confound_v nature_n and_o grace_n divinity_n and_o philosophy_n faith_n and_o humane_a reason_n christ_n and_o socrates_n paul_n and_o plato_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o school_n of_o aristotle_n for_o this_o sinful_a mixture_n and_o composition_n the_o schoolman_n be_v worthy_o blame_v who_o by_o advance_v aristotle_n in_o their_o write_n and_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o moral_a virtue_n have_v exceed_o darken_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n quite_o exclude_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n and_o the_o gracious_a powerful_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n erasmus_n himself_o speak_v of_o the_o arian_n say_v erasmus_fw-la say_v hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la fuere_fw-la pestilentiores_fw-la quod_fw-la aristotelicis_fw-la argutiis_fw-la essent_fw-la instructi_fw-la erasmus_fw-la that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a and_o pestilent_a because_o they_o be_v so_o much_o acquaint_v with_o the_o aristotelian_a subtlety_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o some_o curious_a philosophical_a wit_n and_o pen_n in_o this_o divide_a church_n and_o nation_n who_o have_v in_o effect_n transform_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n into_o a_o mere_a system_fw-la of_o morality_n indeed_o a_o true_a sincere_a christian_a be_v the_o most_o just_a and_o moral_a of_o any_o man_n but_o it_o be_v not_o his_o moral_a virtue_n and_o endowment_n but_o his_o spiritual_a union_n with_o christ_n that_o make_v he_o accept_v with_o god_n and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n let_v reason_n be_v permit_v with_o the_o gibeonite_n to_o hew_v wood_n and_o draw_v water_n for_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o let_v it_o not_o rush_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n into_o the_o bosom-secrets_a of_o god_n into_o the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n reason_n may_v not_o come_v into_o these_o sea_n except_o she_o strike_v her_o topsail_n here_o she_o must_v submit_v and_o captivate_v herself_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v reason_n indeed_o for_o that_o which_o faith_n believe_v god_n believe_v dr._n preston_n on_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o reason_n must_v be_v help_v by_o faith_n and_o raise_v up_o to_o spiritual_a object_n by_o divine_a revelation_n as_o one_o that_o have_v dim_a eye_n can_v see_v better_o by_o the_o help_n of_o spectacle_n and_o to_o choose_v a_o right_a jewel_n we_o use_v the_o skill_n of_o a_o lapidary_n so_o if_o we_o will_v yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o divine_a truth_n and_o principle_n we_o must_v be_v help_v with_o light_n from_o above_o even_o with_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v give_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o doubtful_a assent_n thereunto_o which_o we_o call_v opinion_n the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n enable_v we_o to_o discern_v the_o character_n of_o god_n stamp_v upon_o the_o creature_n will_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v but_o as_o for_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v mere_o supernatural_a as_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n the_o hypostatical_a union_n in_o christ_n and_o other_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o be_v only_o know_v by_o revelation_n and_o have_v no_o print_n or_o footstep_n in_o the_o creature_n to_o discern_v they_o by_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o full_o and_o particular_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n chap._n ii_o show_v that_o reason_n though_o much_o weaken_v be_v of_o good_a use_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o divine_a thing_n let_v it_o be_v grant_v which_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o sober_a christian_n 1._o that_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v exceed_o darken_a and_o cloud_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n be_v weaken_v and_o vitiate_a that_o with_o leah_n she_o be_v blear-eyed_a that_o this_o daughter_n of_o the_o morning_n be_v fall_v from_o her_o primitive_a beauty_n from_o her_o original_a vigour_n and_o perfection_n and_o so_o fall_v that_o she_o can_v saving_o apprehend_v or_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n yea_o 2._o reason_n as_o it_o be_v now_o corrupt_v and_o pervert_v in_o man_n do_v oppose_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o wrangle_v against_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n which_o it_o do_v not_o understand_v 3._o that_o the_o foul_a and_o black_a error_n that_o ever_o be_v broach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v shroud_v themselves_o under_o the_o fair_a
the_o hand_n of_o many_o and_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v crooked_a by_o power_n and_o force_v mis-employed_n be_v rectify_v and_o make_v straight_o by_o reason_n and_o counsel_n right_o weigh_v the_o disposition_n of_o the_o people_n and_o what_o be_v practicable_a as_o to_o time_n place_n person_n and_o other_o circumstance_n noscenda_fw-la natura_fw-la vulgi_fw-la est_fw-la say_v seneca_n &_o quibus_fw-la modis_fw-la temperantur_fw-la habeatur_fw-la the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v prudent_o observe_v and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v temperate_o rule_v otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a consistency_n of_o government_n the_o wise_a man_n that_o ever_o treat_v of_o civil_a government_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o a_o state_n or_o city_n where_o moral_a virtue_n and_o prudence_n be_v banish_v and_o vice_n and_o profaneness_n encourage_v can_v long_o continue_v and_o prosper_v and_o that_o it_o be_v much_o better_o and_o more_o rational_a to_o gain_v the_o love_n and_o good_a will_n of_o the_o people_n by_o make_v wholesome_a law_n and_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o wisdom_n and_o clemency_n which_o usual_o confirm_v and_o assure_v the_o state_n than_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o awe_n by_o rigour_n and_o severity_n although_o in_o some_o case_n and_o at_o some_o time_n there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o severity_n whereof_o the_o most_o rational_a experience_a person_n be_v best_a able_a to_o judge_v firmissimum_fw-la id_fw-la imperium_fw-la quo_fw-la obedientes_fw-la gaudent_fw-la say_v the_o wise_a historian_n dec._n historian_n tit._n liv._o dec._n that_o empire_n be_v most_o firm_a where_o the_o subject_n so_o obey_v as_o that_o they_o rejoice_v nor_o must_v we_o judge_v of_o the_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n of_o counsel_n or_o of_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o capacity_n of_o person_n by_o success_n and_o event_n which_o oftentimes_o fall_v out_o alike_o to_o wise_a man_n and_o fool_n nay_o the_o latter_a sometime_o have_v more_o success_n in_o their_o heady_a unadvised_a erterprise_n than_o the_o former_a in_o their_o discreet_a and_o prudent_a counsel_n eccl._n 9.2_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o wise_a answer_n that_o be_v give_v to_o some_o person_n that_o marvel_v and_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o ill_a success_n of_o their_o business_n consider_v with_o how_o wise_a and_o mature_a deliberation_n it_o be_v undertake_v that_o they_o be_v master_n of_o their_o deliberation_n but_o not_o of_o the_o success_n of_o their_o affair_n for_o that_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o supreme_a cause_n and_o be_v which_o seem_v to_o sport_v itself_o with_o all_o our_o fair_a designment_n and_o counsel_n overthrow_v in_o a_o moment_n that_o which_o have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n project_v and_o deliberate_v and_o in_o outward_a appearance_n strong_o fortify_v as_o to_o future_a event_n chap._n viii_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n and_o humane_a prudence_n in_o church_n matter_n let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o essential_o of_o worship_n and_o church_n government_n be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la and_o may_v be_v evince_v and_o demonstrate_v from_o scripture_n yet_o doubtless_o as_o to_o the_o outward_a exercise_n and_o administration_n thereof_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o moral_a prudence_n be_v of_o excellent_a use_n if_o we_o will_v so_o manage_v matter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o to_o honour_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o derive_v a_o due_a reverence_n thereunto_o and_o indeed_o whatever_o the_o several_a party_n pretend_v as_o they_o be_v now_o distinguish_v by_o several_a name_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v much_o lament_v yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v use_n of_o reason_n and_o humane_a prudence_n in_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o in_o their_o several_a church_n administration_n though_o some_o more_o and_o other_o less_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n if_o attend_v to_o and_o improve_v by_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o church_n and_o christian_a society_n will_v teach_v they_o to_o walk_v orderly_o and_o to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o unity_n yea_o in_o many_o respect_v it_o will_v be_v exceed_o helpful_a unto_o they_o first_o reason_n itself_o will_v suggest_v unto_o we_o irenicum_fw-la we_o dr._n stilling-fleet_n his_o irenicum_fw-la that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o society_n and_o join_v together_o for_o the_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n gen._n 4.26_o as_o the_o number_n of_o man_n increase_v so_o they_o grow_v into_o society_n that_o they_o may_v more_o convenient_o worship_v the_o lord_n all_o man_n general_o agree_v in_o some_o kind_n of_o worship_n though_o differ_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n and_o object_n of_o it_o the_o very_a heathen_n have_v this_o from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o look_v on_o a_o peculiar_a distinct_a society_n as_o necessary_a for_o the_o worship_n and_o honour_n of_o that_o deity_n which_o they_o serve_v they_o do_v not_o only_o consider_v themselves_o in_o a_o private_a personal_a relation_n and_o capacity_n but_o as_o member_n of_o a_o society_n engage_v to_o attend_v on_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o that_o society_n and_o indeed_o man_n be_v a_o sociable_a creature_n who_o love_v to_o join_v and_o associate_v himself_o with_o those_o of_o his_o own_o kind_n if_o he_o have_v all_o other_o comfort_n of_o life_n and_o want_v society_n he_o will_v think_v himself_o miserable_a this_o sociableness_n of_o man_n nature_n be_v much_o improve_v by_o religion_n which_o be_v that_o strong_a ligament_n that_o knit_v and_o join_v society_n together_o and_o without_o which_o no_o commonwealth_n can_v long_o subsist_v reason_n and_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o religion_n have_v have_v and_o still_o have_v a_o very_a great_a influence_n upon_o all_o society_n and_o government_n and_o from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o more_o god_n be_v worship_v in_o society_n the_o great_a honour_n redound_v unto_o he_o and_o certain_o we_o shall_v worship_v god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o make_v most_o for_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n second_o reason_n will_v also_o tell_v we_o that_o society_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v maintain_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o most_o convenient_a manner_n so_o as_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o order_n may_v be_v preserve_v there_o must_v be_v some_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o a_o superiority_n of_o power_n and_o order_n place_v in_o some_o person_n over_o other_o in_o a_o society_n or_o else_o it_o can_v long_o subsist_v or_o be_v maintain_v in_o peace_n though_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o invest_v church_n governor_n in_o and_o with_o their_o authority_n be_v not_o determine_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n yet_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o govern_v power_n in_o a_o society_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o dictate_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n if_o all_o be_v ruler_n then_o every_o man_n be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o none_o will_v obey_v and_o so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o society_n no_o order_n no_o government_n forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o subordination_n no_o superiority_n nor_o inferiority_n all_o be_v equal_n in_o all_o society_n civil_a military_a ecclesiastical_a yea_o in_o family_n which_o be_v the_o small_a society_n there_o be_v governor_n and_o govern_v ruler_n and_o rule_v where_o every_o one_o be_v a_o governor_n there_o can_v be_v no_o government_n and_o where_o every_o one_o be_v a_o ruler_n there_o can_v be_v no_o order_n but_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o in_o every_o society_n that_o be_v regulate_v by_o reason_n as_o there_o be_v some_o to_o rule_v so_o there_o be_v other_o to_o obey_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o religious_a society_n for_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n in_o his_o church_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n be_v all_o governor_n if_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v a_o eye_n where_o be_v the_o hear_n if_o the_o whole_a be_v hear_v where_o be_v the_o smell_a but_o god_n have_v set_v the_o several_a member_n every_o one_o in_o their_o place_n in_o the_o body_n or_o society_n even_o as_o it_o please_v he_o 1_o cor._n 12.17_o 18_o 29._o 1_o cor._n 14.33_o three_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n will_v also_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o the_o immediate_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n who_o administer_v holy_a thing_n to_o we_o and_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o power_n of_o office_n for_o govern_v the_o society_n shall_v have_v respect_n and_o reverence_n yea_o and_o maintenance_n too_o render_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o member_n of_o the_o society_n answerable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o employment_n this_o have_v be_v general_o practise_v in_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n where_o there_o have_v beeen_n
montelion_fw-mi knight_n of_o the_o oracle_n hodder_n arithmetic_n in_o twelves_o ovid_n de_fw-fr tristibus_fw-la in_o english_a bishop_n hall_n soliloquy_n in_o twelves_o the_o poem_n of_o ben._n johnson_n junior_n a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a exposition_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n by_o john_n dod._n a_o table_n of_o the_o chief_a head_n of_o this_o treatise_n chap._n i._n of_o distinguish_v betwixt_o faith_n and_o reason_n page_n 1_o 1._o here_o be_v show_v that_o it_o require_v much_o spiritual_a skill_n right_o to_o distinguish_v they_o 2._o that_o morality_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o christianity_n another_o chap._n ii_o show_v that_o reason_n be_v useful_a both_o in_o civil_a and_o divine_a thing_n yet_o withal_o it_o be_v presuppose_v page_n 4_o 1._o that_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n in_o we_o be_v much_o darken_v 2._o that_o it_o wrangle_v against_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o that_o man_n of_o great_a reason_n and_o part_n have_v promote_v the_o great_a error_n chap._n iii_o how_o far_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n extend_v here_o be_v show_v page_n 6_o 1._o that_o this_o light_n be_v but_o a_o derivative_a light_n like_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n and_o not_o like_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n 2._o it_o be_v but_o a_o diminutive_a light_n 3._o it_o be_v notwithstanding_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a light_n so_o far_o as_o it_o go_v 4._o it_o be_v a_o ascendant_n light_n and_o can_v find_v the_o chief_a good_a in_o thing_n below_o chap._n iu._n how_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n themselves_o have_v complain_v of_o great_a defect_n in_o nature_n and_o reason_n page_n 13_o 1._o here_o be_v several_a instance_n give_v 2._o solomon_n himself_o be_v sensible_a of_o much_o darkness_n though_o his_o intellectual_a lamp_n burn_v far_o bright_a than_o other_o 3._o christian_n shall_v not_o magnify_v the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n the_o defect_n whereof_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o moral_a heathen_n chap._n v._n of_o they_o that_o give_v too_o little_a to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n as_o page_n 15_o 1._o such_o as_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o rational_a discourse_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 2._o such_o as_o rely_v on_o enthusiasm_n 3._o such_o as_o hold_v a_o annihilation_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o regeneration_n 4._o such_o as_o will_v not_o be_v regulate_v by_o reason_n in_o civil_a circumstance_n relate_v to_o worship_n but_o cause_n disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o church-assembly_n chap._n vi_o of_o those_o that_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o reason_n as_o page_n 18_o 1._o the_o socinian_o who_o reject_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o they_o can_v comprehend_v they_o by_o their_o corrupt_a reason_n 2._o pellagius_n and_o his_o follower_n whereof_o there_o be_v many_o in_o our_o time_n who_o derogate_a from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o extol_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o use_n of_o humane_a reason_n in_o civil_a matter_n here_o be_v show_v page_n 21_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o rational_a and_o prudent_a way_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o know_a law_n 2._o that_o such_o law_n be_v best_a as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o public_a good_a 3._o that_o the_o most_o rational_a man_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v lawmaker_n 4._o that_o such_o be_v also_o of_o best_a ability_n and_o capacity_n to_o administer_v the_o law_n and_o government_n chap_n viii_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n in_o church_n affair_n page_n 27_o 1._o reason_n suggest_v that_o man_n shall_v join_v together_o in_o society_n for_o the_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v order_n and_o government_n in_o these_o society_n and_o that_o all_o shall_v not_o be_v ruler_n but_o some_o shall_v obey_v 3._o that_o such_o as_o administer_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o religious_a society_n shall_v have_v due_a reverence_n and_o maintenance_n 4._o that_o every_o christian_a ought_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o a_o chureh-society_n that_o he_o may_v visible_o worship_n god_n with_o other_o 5._o that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o assign_v any_o other_o condition_n of_o church-communion_n then_o what_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n 6._o that_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v into_o a_o church-society_n shall_v free_o consent_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n thereof_o 7._o that_o they_o shall_v remain_v in_o such_o a_o society_n and_o not_o break_v off_o communion_n on_o slight_a ground_n 8._o that_o all_o thing_n in_o church_n assembly_n shall_v be_v administer_v with_o much_o seriousness_n and_o gravity_n that_o so_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n may_v be_v render_v majestical_a 9_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o for_o determine_v difference_n arise_v in_o such_o society_n here_o be_v show_v 1._o that_o appeal_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o more_o rational_a and_o prudent_a way_n to_o have_v controversy_n determine_v by_o a_o grave_a assembly_n of_o godly_a learned_a pastor_n then_o by_o a_o few_o engage_v person_n in_o a_o particular_a society_n chap._n ix_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n page_n 40_o 1._o by_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o world_n 2._o by_o the_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n here_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o creature_n can_v have_v their_o be_v or_o begin_n from_o themselves_o 3._o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o first_o cause_n or_o mover_n of_o all_o else_o there_o will_v be_v before_o every_o mover_n another_o mover_n and_o so_o in_o infinitum_fw-la 4._o it_o appear_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n by_o the_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n 5._o by_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a miracle_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o world_n 6._o by_o the_o wise_a govern_n and_o order_v of_o the_o several_a creature_n and_o the_o plentiful_a provision_n that_o be_v make_v for_o they_o 7._o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n conscience_n which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a judge_n that_o command_v the_o inward_a thought_n and_o bind_v the_o conscience_n 8._o by_o the_o vast_a desire_n and_o capacity_n of_o man_n soul_n which_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v without_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o chief_a good_a 9_o by_o the_o continual_a assault_n of_o satan_n who_o will_v utter_o extinguish_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o man_n 10._o by_o the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o though_o it_o have_v be_v as_o a_o burn_a bush_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o consume_v this_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n have_v show_v itself_o even_o in_o atheist_n especial_o in_o three_o case_n 1._o when_o they_o have_v be_v surround_v with_o difficulty_n 2._o in_o the_o time_n of_o bodily_a sickness_n 3._o when_o old_a age_n come_v and_o multitude_n of_o year_n teach_v they_o experience_n chap._n x._o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n prove_v by_o reason_n page_n 54_o 1._o because_o it_o abstract_n from_o that_o which_o it_o understand_v all_o quantity_n quality_n time_n place_n etc._n etc._n 2._o because_o the_o soul_n receive_v impression_n of_o immortality_n and_o be_v spiritual_a in_o its_o operation_n 3._o no_o mortal_a corruptible_a thing_n can_v satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n 4._o if_o man_n soul_n be_v not_o immortal_a than_o the_o sensitive_a creature_n will_v excel_v man._n 5._o the_o soul_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o motion_n be_v most_o perfect_a when_o most_o free_a from_o motion_n therefore_o she_o be_v not_o corruptible_a 6._o another_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n 7._o from_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o one_o kind_n of_o religion_n or_o other_o chap._n xi_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n prove_v by_o reason_n page_n 62_o 1._o from_o the_o antiquity_n of_o it_o 2._o from_o the_o excellent_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o atonement_n and_o propitiation_n hold_v forth_o therein_o 3._o from_o the_o glorious_a divine_a miracle_n and_o work_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n objection_n against_o the_o same_o answer_v 4._o from_o the_o precious_a excellent_a doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o jesus_n 5._o from_o the_o nature_n and_o success_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n 6._o from_o the_o strange_a conversion_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n 7._o from_o the_o desperate_a opposition_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n against_o it_o notwithstanding_o which_o it_o have_v still_o prevail_v here_o be_v discover_v the_o unreasonableness_n and_o absurdity_n 1._o of_o the_o heathenish_a idolatry_n 2._o of_o the_o jew_n enmity_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n 3._o of_o the_o mahometan_a superstition_n chap._n xii_o the_o divine_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
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
five_o god_n have_v in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n concatenate_v and_o knit_v together_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n in_o the_o link_n of_o that_o golden_a chain_n of_o salvation_n rom._n 8.30_o so_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o glorify_v but_o such_o as_o be_v predestinate_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n such_o as_o be_v effectual_o call_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v through_o christ_n and_o again_o whosoever_o shall_v call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v how_o then_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v man_n preach_v except_o they_o be_v send_v rom._n 10.13_o 14._o so_o then_o those_o moral_a heathen_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o send_v who_o be_v not_o effectual_o call_v and_o convert_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o be_v make_v conformable_a to_o his_o image_n can_v be_v save_v by_o all_o their_o moral_a virtue_n and_o improvement_n six_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a god_n of_o pure_a eye_n then_o to_o behold_v the_o least_o iniquity_n with_o approbation_n he_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v sin_n nor_o will_v he_o justify_v any_o person_n at_o his_o tribunal_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o either_o have_v a_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o which_o no_o man_n have_v or_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n clothe_v with_o his_o righteousness_n who_o be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 5.21_o now_o this_o way_n of_o justification_n be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a far_o transcend_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o moral_a heathen_n adam_n himself_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n look_v for_o justification_n by_o work_n and_o by_o his_o own_o personal_a righteousness_n and_o not_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o another_o so_o that_o indeed_o this_o gospel-way_n of_o justification_n be_v not_o only_o opposite_a to_o man_n fall_v but_o to_o man_n before_o the_o fall_n it_o be_v never_o in_o man_n nature_n or_o reason_n to_o seek_v for_o justification_n by_o a_o righteousness_n without_o he_o and_o therefore_o if_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o way_n of_o justification_n in_o and_o by_o his_o gospel_n we_o nor_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v never_o have_v think_v of_o it_o that_o the_o most_o virtuous_a man_n that_o be_v if_o ever_o they_o be_v true_o justify_v and_o accept_v as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o vicious_a person_n must_v be_v justify_v before_o god_n not_o by_o work_v but_o by_o believe_v not_o by_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o moral_a virtue_n but_o by_o faith_n in_o a_o cruc_fw-la fie_v christ_n rest_v whole_o upon_o he_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n for_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n the_o true_a gospel_n righteousness_n as_o it_o be_v whole_o of_o god_n procure_v so_o it_o be_v also_o of_o his_o reveal_n and_o as_o other_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v far_o above_o the_o reason_n and_o capacity_n of_o a_o natural_a or_o moral_a man_n so_o be_v this_o also_o all_o the_o aristotle_n and_o plato_n all_o the_o learned_a rational_a philosopher_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o have_v think_v of_o such_o a_o way_n as_o this_o for_o the_o justification_n of_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o this_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o look_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n rom._n 1.17_o seven_o no_o mere_a rational_a or_o moral_a man_n can_v be_v save_v unless_o he_o be_v reconcile_v and_o reunite_v to_o god_n from_o who_o he_o be_v separate_v by_o sin_n now_o this_o reconciliation_n and_o reunion_n must_v be_v by_o and_o through_o christ_n or_o not_o at_o all_o for_o he_o be_v the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n who_o take_v on_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o so_o join_v it_o to_o god_n by_o the_o indissolvable_a tie_n of_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n and_o whoever_o will_v be_v save_v must_v be_v unite_v to_o god_n through_o he_o by_o the_o mystical_a bond_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o christ_n receive_v for_o and_o communicate_v to_o all_o the_o elect_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v so_o that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v he_o jew_n or_o gentile_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o raise_v christ_n from_o the_o grave_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o rom._n 8.9_o 11._o unless_o he_o be_v transplant_v out_o of_o the_o old_a stock_n the_o first_o adam_n and_o make_v one_o spirit_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o second_o adam_n it_o be_v not_o all_o his_o moral_a virtue_n and_o endowment_n if_o he_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o virtuous_a than_o he_o be_v that_o will_v bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n eight_o to_o hold_v that_o a_o heathen_a may_v be_v save_v by_o the_o improvement_n of_o his_o moral_a virtue_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n be_v such_o a_o opinion_n as_o be_v attend_v with_o many_o absurdity_n for_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o shall_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n partly_o consist_v of_o such_o member_n as_o have_v no_o faith_n nor_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n at_o all_o or_o else_o such_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v stranger_n to_o it_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n add_v unto_o his_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act_v 2.47_o it_o will_v also_o follow_v from_o this_o absurd_a opinion_n that_o christ_n die_v in_o vain_a and_o that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o doctrine_n of_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n be_v in_o vain_a as_o to_o a_o number_n of_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v if_o they_o may_v attain_v salvation_n by_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n which_o certain_o be_v not_o reveal_v in_o and_o by_o the_o moral_a virtue_n and_o writing_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n much_o less_o by_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n but_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o this_o opinion_n another_o way_n and_o much_o easy_a and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n then_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n self-denial_n and_o resignation_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o he_o will_v be_v find_v out_o for_o man_n salvation_n and_o then_o we_o need_v no_o long_o admire_v the_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o vain_a man_n in_o our_o day_n be_v so_o affect_v and_o transport_v with_o the_o moral_a virtue_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n that_o they_o make_v little_a or_o no_o difference_n in_o their_o book_n and_o sermon_n between_o these_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o saint_n as_o if_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o exhort_v christian_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n faith_n repentance_n love_n and_o other_o grace_n be_v only_o to_o read_v unto_o they_o a_o lecture_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n morality_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o christianity_n be_v another_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o go_v about_o by_o their_o moral_a virtue_n and_o work_n to_o appease_v the_o just_a and_o holy_a god_n or_o to_o comprehend_v he_o out_o of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n will_v be_v dazzle_v with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o overwhelm_v with_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o power_n for_o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v reveal_v he_o john_n 1.18_o but_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v answer_v say_v objection_n answer_v that_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n it_o be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n rom._n 2.14_o and_o therefore_o they_o may_v be_v save_v if_o we_o apply_v these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o unconverted_a gentile_n for_o there_o be_v those_o that_o expound_v the_o text_n of_o the_o convert_a gentile_n than_o we_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o a_o supernatural_a inscription_n or_o writing_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o one_o be_v ratione_fw-la luminis_fw-la naturalis_fw-la by_o mean_n of_o that_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n that_o be_v in_o man_n which_o
excel_v in_o humane_a knowledge_n moses_n that_o man_n of_o god_n be_v learn_v in_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n act_n 7.22_o which_o be_v a_o ornament_n to_o he_o and_o fit_v he_o for_o his_o employment_n paul_n that_o great_a apostle_n be_v bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n act_v 22.3_o and_o do_v abound_v in_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o learning_n though_o he_o count_v it_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n phil._n 3.8_o and_o the_o most_o eminent_a instrument_n for_o god_n in_o his_o church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v man_n of_o great_a reason_n and_o learning_n as_o athanasius_n basil_n jerome_n cyprian_n augustine_n luther_n melancton_n pucer_n calvin_n jewel_n reynolds_n etc._n etc._n second_o the_o penman_n of_o holy_a scripture_n make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o that_o accurate_a method_n those_o figurative_a expression_n rhetorical_a propriety_n of_o word_n insinuate_a proem_n and_o rational_a argumentation_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o bible_n the_o apostle_n paul_n deduce_v a_o inference_n from_o a_o common_a principle_n of_o philosophy_n act_v 17.28_o 29._o and_o quote_v the_o say_n of_o some_o heathen_a writer_n three_o secular_a learning_n reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v a_o man_n to_o understand_v the_o grammatical_a literal_a sense_n which_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o meet_v with_o physics_n in_o genesis_n with_o ethic_n in_o the_o proverb_n and_o with_o many_o allusion_n in_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o beast_n and_o bird_n and_o likewise_o with_o allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o babylonian_n jew_n persian_n roman_n therefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o history_n of_o those_o nation_n and_o their_o government_n be_v very_o useful_a four_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o time_n by_o the_o olympiad_n and_o other_o way_n of_o computation_n wherein_o humane_a author_n minister_v much_o light_n be_v necessary_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n chronology_n and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n and_o the_o revelation_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o write_n of_o learned_a mede_n and_o other_o five_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o original_a tongue_n hebrew_n and_o greek_a in_o which_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v first_o pen_v do_v great_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o right_a sense_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o there_o be_v some_o text_n which_o can_v be_v so_o full_o and_o emphatical_o render_v in_o any_o vulgar_a translation_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o augustine_n himself_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a among_o the_o father_n have_v but_o little_a skill_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o none_o at_o all_o in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v with_o divers_a godly_a painful_a minister_n from_o time_n to_o time_n who_o faithful_a labour_n notwithstanding_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o great_a success_n six_o humane_a learning_n and_o reason_n be_v profitable_a and_o useful_a for_o instruct_v and_o convince_a pagan_n and_o heathen_n who_o do_v not_o yet_o acknowledge_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n thus_o divers_a of_o the_o ancient_a father_n as_o tertullian_n origen_n lactantius_n basil_n cyril_n augustine_n etc._n etc._n confute_v the_o learned_a heathen_a philosopher_n out_o of_o their_o own_o write_n as_o david_n kill_v goliath_n with_o his_o own_o sword_n and_o in_o latter_a time_n aquinas_n grotius_n morney_n and_o other_o have_v most_o learned_o and_o excellent_o improve_v the_o true_a say_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n against_o themselves_o and_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o verity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v also_o endeavour_v in_o this_o treatise_n seven_o grant_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v all_o christian_n we_o ought_v to_o exercise_v our_o reason_n in_o search_v these_o sacred_a book_n look_v into_o the_o grammar_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o form_n of_o expression_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o logic_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o scope_n context_n and_o consent_v thereof_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n and_o interpret_n the_o more_o obscure_a place_n by_o the_o clear_a according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n that_o differ_v ephes_n 5.17_o 1_o thes_n 5.21_o act_n 17.11_o heb._n 5.14_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a as_o have_v be_v prove_v in_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n in_o which_o respect_n we_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a good_a use_n of_o reason_n 8._o reason_n haec_fw-la autem_fw-la exploratio_fw-la atque_fw-la examinatio_fw-la doctrinarum_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la nisi_fw-la adhibito_fw-la rationis_fw-la judicio_fw-la quae_fw-la judicat_fw-la de_fw-la veritate_fw-la consequentiarum_fw-la per_fw-la sva_fw-la principia_fw-la de_fw-la veritate_fw-la rerum_fw-la non_fw-la innitendo_fw-la principiis_fw-la sibi_fw-la notis_fw-la extra_fw-la verbum_fw-la dei_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o scriptura_fw-la sacra_fw-la traditis_fw-la b._n daven_n in_o coll._n 2._o 8._o so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o teach_v that_o man_n in_o search_v into_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v become_v either_o fool_n or_o madman_n or_o enthusiast_n eight_o and_o last_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v necessary_a both_o in_o religious_a and_o moral_a thing_n as_o it_o be_v seat_v in_o man_n every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n john_n 1.9_o and_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v necessary_a in_o two_o respect_n first_o as_o a_o passive_a qualification_n of_o the_o subject_n for_o faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o there_o can_v be_v faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o a_o stone_n or_o beast_n that_o want_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n this_o make_v man_n in_o a_o passive_a capacity_n fit_a for_o grace_n although_o he_o have_v no_o active_a ability_n for_o it_o and_o then_o second_o it_o be_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o a_o instrument_n for_o we_o can_v believe_v or_o apprehend_v christ_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o principle_n of_o reason_n in_o we_o it_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o a_o act_n of_o understanding_n or_o knowledge_n do_v always_o accompany_v true_a faith_n through_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n heb._n 11.3_o we_o understand_v that_o the_o world_n be_v frame_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n chap._n xxii_o wherein_o humane_a reason_n come_v far_o short_a and_o be_v abuse_v in_o reference_n to_o divine_a thing_n have_v in_o the_o chapter_n immediate_o go_v before_o mention_v divers_a particular_n wherein_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n tell_v you_o particular_o and_o plain_o wherein_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n come_v far_o short_a in_o matter_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a sum_v up_o in_o a_o little_a room_n what_o have_v be_v more_o large_o set_v forth_o on_o this_o subject_n both_o in_o this_o and_o other_o treatise_n reason_n treatise_n the_o defect_n that_o be_v in_o man_n reason_n first_o then_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o justification_n of_o sinner_n by_o his_o righteousness_n can_v be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n it_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n to_o conceive_v of_o they_o but_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o mere_a supernatural_a revelation_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o 10._o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o when_o through_o faith_n we_o have_v believe_v they_o reason_n will_v also_o subscribe_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o can_v lie_v yet_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n can_v never_o have_v find_v out_o nor_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o mystery_n if_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o reveal_v they_o there_o be_v some_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o be_v both_o believe_v and_o take_v up_o by_o reason_n as_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o the_o world_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v only_o believe_v as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n which_o our_o weak_a reason_n can_v take_v up_o or_o apprehend_v there_o be_v a_o wonderful_a depth_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o
gospel_n this_o well_o be_v so_o deep_a as_o the_o woman_n tell_v christ_n in_o another_o case_n john_n 4.11_o that_o unless_o we_o have_v the_o bucket_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o draw_v with_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a by_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o reason_n to_o bring_v up_o this_o live_a water_n unless_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o power_n to_o dig_v with_o we_o shall_v never_o find_v this_o spiritual_a treasure_n nature_n indeed_o will_v go_v far_o and_o the_o improve_v natural_a man_n may_v do_v much_o by_o his_o skill_n and_o industry_n in_o find_v out_o and_o discover_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a in_o their_o kind_n such_o a_o man_n as_o job_n speak_v chap._n 28.7_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 21_o 23_o can_v dig_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n gold_n iron_n brass_n brimstone_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o metal_n nay_o he_o can_v see_v further_o than_o the_o bird_n of_o prey_n which_o though_o they_o be_v quicksight_v yet_o can_v they_o not_o behold_v these_o metal_n which_o he_o by_o his_o skill_n can_v discover_v and_o dig_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v a_o path_n which_o no_o fowl_n know_v and_o which_o the_o vulture_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v yet_o man_n trace_v it_o by_o his_o skill_n yea_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v hide_v bring_v he_o forth_o to_o light_n but_o yet_o he_o can_v by_o all_o his_o natural_a reason_n and_o skill_n though_o never_o so_o much_o improve_v spiritual_o and_o save_o discern_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o where_o shall_v wisdom_n be_v find_v namely_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o essential_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o who_o be_v make_v of_o god_n wisdom_n to_o we_o and_o where_o be_v the_o place_n of_o understanding_n go_v over_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o man_n know_v not_o the_o price_n thereof_o neither_o be_v it_o find_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n it_o be_v not_o within_o the_o reach_n or_o sphere_n of_o the_o wise_a natural_a man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o can_v dig_v this_o mine_n or_o find_v out_o this_o treasure_n they_o can_v comprehend_v this_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a mystery_n for_o it_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o that_o be_v live_v and_o keep_v close_o from_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n whence_o then_o come_v this_o divine_a wisdom_n where_o be_v it_o to_o be_v have_v and_o how_o shall_v we_o attain_v to_o it_o he_o tell_v you_o ver_fw-la 23._o that_o this_o wisdom_n be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n and_o must_v be_v reveal_v by_o he_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v never_o saving_o apprehend_v it_o god_n understand_v the_o way_n and_o know_v the_o place_n thereof_o for_o wisdom_n be_v with_o he_o from_o eternity_n when_o he_o make_v a_o decree_n for_o the_o rain_n and_o a_o way_n for_o the_o lightning_n of_o the_o thunder_n then_o do_v he_o prepare_v it_o yea_o and_o search_v it_o out_o or_o as_o it_o be_v prov._n 8.29_o 30._o a_o place_n parallel_n with_o this_o of_o job_n when_o he_o give_v to_o the_o sea_n his_o decree_n that_o the_o water_n thereof_o shall_v not_o pass_v his_o command_n when_o he_o appoint_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n than_o be_v i_o by_o he_o say_v christ_n as_o one_o bring_v up_o with_o he_o and_o i_o be_v daily_o his_o delight_n rejoice_v always_o before_o he_o second_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n can_v true_o discover_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o the_o deep_a deceit_n of_o his_o heart_n which_o be_v only_o make_v know_v by_o scripture_n light_n and_o revelation_n jer._n 17.9_o darkness_n can_v discover_v darkness_n nor_o can_v corruption_n discover_v itself_o indeed_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n improve_v by_o education_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n man_n may_v discover_v a_o great_a languishment_n and_o infirmity_n that_o be_v come_v upon_o they_o divers_a learned_a writer_n have_v show_v that_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a platonist_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o man_n soul_n be_v now_o vassalize_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o affection_n and_o that_o her_o wing_n be_v cut_v so_o that_o she_o can_v mount_v upward_o by_o divine_a contemplation_n but_o as_o for_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o original_a corruption_n and_o how_o it_o be_v bring_v upon_o we_o together_o with_o the_o woeful_a concomitant_n and_o effect_n thereof_o these_o can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o scripture_n light_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o have_v not_o know_v lust_n to_o be_v sin_n have_v not_o the_o law_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o lust_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v altogether_o insufficient_a to_o prescribe_v or_o set_v down_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n do_v so_o often_o forbid_v we_o to_o walk_v after_o our_o own_o imagination_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o house_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o will-worship_n col._n 2.23_o when_o a_o man_n be_v own_o will_n or_o invention_n be_v the_o framer_n of_o it_o if_o man_n be_v teach_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 12._o nature_n vide_fw-la calvin_n instit_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n 5._o sect_n 12._o they_o can_v know_v nothing_o certain_o and_o sound_o touch_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o their_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n will_v be_v confuse_v and_o carnal_a and_o exceed_v unsuitable_a to_o god_n who_o be_v a_o holy_a spirit_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o few_o among_o the_o heathen_n that_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o mad_a as_o the_o common_a people_n yet_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o they_o do_v exceed_o wander_v and_o go_v astray_o devise_v and_o contrive_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o vain_a opinion_n and_o imagination_n socrates_n the_o wise_a philosopher_n in_o zenophon_n praise_v the_o answer_n of_o apollo_n wherein_o he_o will_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v worship_v the_o god_n after_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o his_o country_n or_o city_n but_o oh_o what_o folly_n and_o madness_n be_v this_o how_o come_v mortal_a man_n by_o this_o power_n that_o of_o their_o own_o authority_n they_o shall_v determine_v that_o which_o far_o surmount_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n natural_a reason_n will_v have_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n sensible_a and_o please_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o appoint_v other_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n beside_o christ_n and_o to_o perform_v all_o duty_n of_o worship_n in_o its_o own_o strength_n and_o by_o way_n of_o compensation_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n reason_n come_v far_o short_a and_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n god_n will_v be_v worship_v though_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o moral_a prudence_n when_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o own_o worship_n may_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o instrumental_a in_o order_v some_o civil_a circumstance_n relate_v thereunto_o and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n affair_n nor_o do_v that_o text_n rom._n 12.1_o argue_v that_o man_n reason_n can_v devise_v or_o find_v out_o that_o worship_n and_o service_n which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n this_o be_v more_o than_o the_o great_a rationalist_n and_o moralist_n among_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n can_v ever_o attain_v to_o but_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d your_o reasonable_a serve_v of_o god_n he_o understand_v that_o service_n which_o be_v not_o only_o or_o chief_o with_o the_o body_n but_o with_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n for_o so_o will_v god_n be_v worship_v john_n 4.23_o and_o so_o chrysostome_n and_o other_o call_v this_o reasonable_a service_n spiritualem_fw-la cultum_fw-la spiritual_a worship_n or_o service_n when_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n this_o interpretation_n be_v further_o confirm_v out_o of_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o where_o the_o apostle_n peter_n call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o reasonable_a that_o be_v spiritual_a milk_n and_o ver_fw-la 5._o the_o service_n or_o sacrifice_v of_o a_o christian_a be_v spiritual_a and_o so_o it_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o it_o be_v well_o observe_v by_o divers_a learned_a interpreter_n on_o rom._n 12.1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a opposition_n between_o this_o reasonable_a service_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o will_v worship_v as_o it_o be_v call_v col._n 2.23_o when_o man_n invent_v a_o religious_a worship_n suitable_a to_o their_o own_o carnal_a humour_n and_o interest_n whereas_o that_o be_v
by_o any_o of_o its_o own_o improvement_n to_o climb_v up_o to_o heaven_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o use_n of_o humane_a reason_n in_o civil_a government_n and_o affair_n although_o the_o wing_n of_o reason_n be_v so_o clip_v that_o she_o can_v mount_v up_o to_o heaven_n yet_o she_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n in_o civil_a matter_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n those_o man_n that_o be_v most_o rational_a and_o abound_v most_o in_o moral_a wisdom_n and_o experience_n if_o withal_o they_o be_v pious_o and_o religious_o affect_v for_o it_o be_v religion_n that_o crown_v all_o moral_a virtue_n be_v most_o fit_a to_o be_v lawmaker_n and_o to_o govern_v and_o manage_v affair_n under_o he_o who_o be_v supreme_a governor_n and_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o nation_n law_n be_v give_v to_o rational_a creature_n and_o be_v found_v in_o intellectual_n such_o only_a as_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n be_v capable_a of_o law_n and_o government_n what_o be_v a_o law_n but_o a_o rational_a restraint_n and_o limitation_n of_o absolute_a liberty_n the_o more_o reason_n there_o be_v in_o a_o law_n the_o better_a it_o be_v even_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o universal_a law_n which_o command_v all_o nation_n and_o creature_n be_v build_v upon_o reason_n yea_o reason_n itself_o be_v that_o fix_a and_o unshaken_a law_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o perish_a paper_n by_o the_o hand_n or_o pen_n of_o a_o creature_n nor_o grave_v like_o a_o dead_a letter_n upon_o decay_a pillar_n but_o write_v with_o the_o point_n of_o a_o diamond_n nay_o with_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man._n first_o then_o those_o person_n that_o have_v most_o reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o excel_v other_o in_o moral_a virtue_n be_v best_a able_a to_o devise_v and_o constitute_v law_n for_o govern_v the_o community_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o public_a lex_fw-la est_fw-la ordinatio_fw-la rationis_fw-la ad_fw-la bonum_fw-la commune_v etc._n etc._n every_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a constitution_n for_o advance_v the_o public_a good_a lawgiver_n shall_v be_v man_n of_o the_o most_o sober_a rational_a judgement_n and_o of_o most_o public_a spirit_n that_o so_o their_o law_n may_v be_v as_o a_o staff_n for_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o rest_v upon_o and_o not_o like_o thorn_n and_o brier_n to_o pierce_v it_o through_o law_n shall_v be_v cord_n of_o love_n not_o net_n and_o snare_n and_o those_o be_v the_o best_a law_n which_o come_v near_a the_o law_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v participation_n of_o that_o eternal_a unerring_a law_n aristotle_n speak_v well_o and_o wise_o upon_o this_o subject_n a_o law_n say_v he_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o flow_v from_o right_a reason_n be_v a_o pure_a intellect_n a_o judgement_n without_o disorder_a affection_n it_o be_v impartial_a and_o make_v no_o fraction_n it_o can_v be_v bribe_v though_o a_o judge_n may_v if_o you_o be_v to_o take_v physic_n than_o indeed_o it_o be_v ill_a be_v determine_v by_o a_o book_n it_o be_v dangerous_a take_v a_o print_a recipe_n in_o this_o case_n you_o have_v better_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o physician_n and_o to_o his_o skill_n and_o advice_n who_o mind_v your_o health_n and_o welfare_n as_o be_v most_o for_o his_o gain_n and_o credit_n but_o in_o point_n of_o justice_n the_o case_n be_v very_o different_a here_o you_o have_v better_o depend_v upon_o a_o stand_a rule_n than_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o arbitrary_a power_n of_o a_o judge_n who_o if_o leave_v to_o himself_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v sway_v and_o bias_v by_o several_a interest_n and_o engagement_n which_o may_v incline_v he_o to_o one_o more_o than_o another_o nay_o now_o that_o there_o be_v fix_v rule_n and_o stand_a law_n which_o we_o may_v have_v recourse_n unto_o yet_o there_o be_v too_o much_o partiality_n in_o the_o interpretation_n and_o application_n of_o they_o how_o much_o more_o will_v it_o be_v so_o if_o there_o be_v no_o fix_a rule_n at_o all_o wise_a man_n and_o not_o fool_n grave_a ancient_a discreet_a person_n and_o not_o young_a green-head_n that_o have_v little_a understanding_n or_o experience_n be_v most_o fit_a to_o make_v law_n for_o other_o when_o young_a man_n make_v law_n for_o old_a man_n and_o not_o old_a man_n for_o young_a man_n this_o be_v exceed_o absurd_a and_o preposterous_a a_o wise_a man_n rule_v himself_o according_a to_o reason_n in_o all_o his_o action_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o much_o move_v or_o discompose_v by_o sudden_a change_n for_o reason_n be_v always_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a nulla_fw-la placidior_fw-la quies_fw-la nisi_fw-la quam_fw-la ratio_fw-la composuit_fw-la no_o rest_n more_o please_a than_o that_o which_o reason_n have_v settle_v but_o the_o fool_n suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v transport_v and_o carry_v to_o and_o fro_o by_o his_o own_o passion_n and_o partiality_n and_o be_v never_o at_o rest_n but_o always_o change_v mend_a readvise_v fickle_a and_o inconstant_a in_o his_o resolution_n and_o action_n and_o therefore_o a_o very_a unfit_a man_n to_o be_v a_o lawmaker_n second_o as_o the_o most_o rational_a man_n who_o be_v guide_v by_o reason_n and_o not_o by_o passion_n be_v most_o fit_a to_o make_v law_n so_o they_o be_v of_o best_a capacity_n to_o exercise_n and_o administer_v the_o law_n and_o government_n it_o can_v sink_v into_o my_o mind_n after_o serious_a consideration_n that_o person_n of_o weak_a part_n and_o of_o little_a or_o no_o experience_n if_o judge_v to_o be_v godly_a be_v more_o fit_a to_o manage_v matter_n of_o civil_a government_n than_o other_o that_o be_v far_o more_o rational_a and_o prudent_a who_o yet_o be_v not_o think_v to_o be_v true_o godly_a but_o only_o moral_o virtuous_a and_o free_a from_o open_a profaneness_n i_o be_o far_o from_o approve_v of_o this_o state-heresie_n especial_o consider_v how_o partial_a even_o godly_a man_n as_o we_o look_v upon_o they_o be_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o affection_n and_o how_o much_o they_o be_v divide_v into_o faction_n and_o party_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o tenderness_n and_o charity_n towards_o those_o of_o their_o own_o opinion_n but_o very_o little_a towards_o other_o that_o will_v not_o cry_v up_o and_o cry_v down_o those_o person_n and_o thing_n which_o be_v either_o much_o admire_a or_o contemn_v by_o themselves_o whereas_o a_o just_a rational_a moral_a man_n will_v be_v upright_o and_o impartial_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o government_n and_o in_o way_n of_o justice_n and_o will_v do_v to_o other_o as_o he_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o himself_o which_o as_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o it_o accord_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o radical_a principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o which_o law_n be_v such_o as_o these_o bonum_fw-la est_fw-la appetendum_fw-la malum_fw-la est_fw-la fugiendum_fw-la beatitudo_fw-la est_fw-la quaerenda_fw-la quod_fw-la tibi_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la vis_fw-la alteri_fw-la ne_fw-la feceris_fw-la it_o be_v observe_v of_o aristides_n a_o heathen_a but_o yet_o a_o moral_a just_a wise_a man_n that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o turn_v the_o sun_n out_o of_o its_o course_n as_o him_z from_o do_v justice_n and_o solon_n the_o wise_a legislator_n be_v ask_v what_o city_n he_o think_v to_o be_v best_a govern_v answer_v that_o city_n where_o such_o as_o receive_v no_o wrong_n do_v as_o earnest_o defend_v other_o to_o who_o wrong_n be_v offer_v as_o if_o wrong_a be_v offer_v to_o themselves_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o rational_a wise_a person_n and_o not_o by_o fool_n and_o child_n how_o much_o better_a be_v wisdom_n say_v solomon_n than_o gold_n and_o understanding_n than_o silver_n prov._n 16.16_o wisdom_n be_v better_a than_o strength_n or_o weapon_n of_o war_n the_o word_n of_o wise_a man_n be_v hear_v in_o quiet_a more_o than_o the_o cry_n of_o he_o that_o rule_v among_o fool_n eccles_n 9.16_o 17_o 18._o where_o wisdom_n be_v say_v the_o philosopher_n it_o measure_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o will_v do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v honest_a and_o good_a and_o such_o a_o prudent_a rational_a person_n as_o can_v rule_v and_o govern_v his_o own_o spirit_n be_v much_o better_a than_o he_o that_o take_v a_o city_n and_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o govern_v other_o prov._n 16.32_o this_o virtue_n and_o endowment_n of_o moral_a prudence_n be_v of_o such_o weight_n and_o necessity_n that_o alone_o and_o of_o itself_o it_o can_v do_v much_o and_o without_o it_o in_o matter_n of_o government_n strength_n and_o riches_n signify_v little_a or_o nothing_o strength_n void_a of_o counsel_n fall_v to_o ruin_v even_o of_o itself_o one_o wise_a head_n and_o much_o more_o many_o wise_a head_n as_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o senate_n or_o parliament_n overcome_v
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
most_o wicked_a superstition_n chap._n xii_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prove_v by_o reason_n the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v differ_v much_o from_o the_o law_n of_o man_n these_o command_n only_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o the_o divine_a law_n reach_v the_o spirit_n and_o command_v the_o inward_a man_n which_o law_n be_v record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n now_o that_o these_o holy_a write_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v contain_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o may_v convince_v a_o heathen_a or_o infidel_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a authority_n and_o efficacy_n in_o these_o write_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o first_o then_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v as_o it_o have_v be_v clear_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v one_o live_v and_o true_a god_n and_o that_o this_o god_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o adore_v by_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n with_o that_o service_n and_o worship_n which_o become_v he_o then_o it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v by_o god_n himself_o touch_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n wherein_o he_o will_v have_v we_o obey_v he_o this_o be_v practise_v by_o all_o wise_a prince_n and_o state_n who_o govern_v their_o subject_n in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o prudence_n for_o who_o can_v know_v what_o please_v god_n but_o he_o himself_o and_o they_o to_o who_o he_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n now_o then_o suppose_v some_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v in_o order_n to_o that_o service_n which_o he_o will_v accept_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o this_o revelation_n where_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v it_o let_v any_o man_n if_o he_o can_v show_v some_o other_o or_o better_a manifestation_n concern_v the_o will_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n than_o what_o he_o have_v make_v know_v in_o his_o write_a word_n nothing_o can_v be_v the_o stand_a unerring_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o what_o god_n himself_o have_v make_v so_o that_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n must_v be_v the_o law_n of_o our_o beleif_n and_o who_o can_v make_v a_o law_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o man_n or_o creature_n can_v prescribe_v to_o we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v god_n unless_o god_n himself_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o publish_v his_o law_n second_o as_o for_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v receive_v and_o embrace_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o by_o jew_n and_o christian_n let_v we_o rational_o consider_v how_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3.2_o have_v witness_v these_o book_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a have_v they_o not_o from_o time_n to_o time_n for_o many_o age_n together_o in_o their_o great_a misery_n and_o affliction_n constant_o acknowledge_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o whenas_o by_o only_o deny_v the_o same_o they_o may_v have_v have_v not_o only_a liberty_n but_o great_a preferment_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o observable_a that_o though_o the_o prince_n high_a priest_n and_o other_o among_o the_o jew_n persecute_v the_o prophet_n and_o despise_v their_o word_n whilst_o they_o live_v yet_o they_o receive_v their_o write_n as_o prophetical_a and_o divine_a when_o they_o where_o dead_a and_o since_o blindness_n and_o obstinacy_n come_v upon_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o their_o great_a enmity_n and_o hatred_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o yet_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o those_o very_a text_n that_o do_v evident_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v keep_v pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a among_o they_o three_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o embrace_v both_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v witness_v and_o do_v still_o witness_v to_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o even_o to_o the_o death_n the_o whole_a universal_a church_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o first_o pen_v of_o the_o scripture_n till_o this_o very_a day_n have_v all_o along_o profess_v that_o these_o book_n be_v divine_a and_o thousand_o of_o they_o have_v seal_v the_o same_o with_o their_o blood_n this_o testimony_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o force_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o infallible_a and_o effectual_a to_o persuade_v and_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n as_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o of_o all_o humane_a testimony_n whereby_o the_o author_n of_o any_o book_n that_o have_v be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v extant_a can_v be_v prove_v or_o evince_v so_o as_o to_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o god_n concern_v this_o book_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o satisfactory_a both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o multitude_n wisdom_n honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o likelihood_n constancy_n and_o uninterrupted_a continuance_n of_o the_o testimony_n itself_o be_v it_o probable_a in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n that_o so_o good_a and_o wise_a a_o god_n shall_v suffer_v so_o many_o honest_a well_o mean_v people_n to_o be_v so_o long_o abuse_v and_o deceive_v by_o a_o false_a or_o feign_a book_n father_v upon_o himself_o such_o a_o horrid_a imposture_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n will_v not_o endure_v to_o lie_v hide_v and_o undiscovered_a for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n christian_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n noble_a and_o ignoble_a rich_a and_o poor_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a marry_a and_o unmarried_a old_a and_o young_a throughout_o the_o world_n for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o have_v endure_v the_o most_o grievous_a and_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o the_o devil_n can_v invent_v or_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n find_v out_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o that_o with_o great_a constancy_n and_o alacrity_n with_o a_o undaunted_a heart_n and_o merry_a countenance_n and_o can_v any_o sober_a man_n think_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o person_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o great_a quality_n learning_n and_o prudence_n that_o may_v have_v live_v brave_o and_o carry_v a_o great_a part_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v suffer_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a thing_n out_o of_o mere_a weakness_n pride_n vain_a glory_n discontent_a or_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v for_o a_o fable_n that_o have_v no_o truth_n nor_o reality_n in_o it_o this_o testimony_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o great_a suffering_n christian_a patience_n joy_n and_o courage_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v not_o mere_o humane_a for_o that_o courage_n and_o cheerfulness_n which_o they_o show_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n be_v not_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v from_o above_o and_o supernatural_a four_o god_n have_v confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n by_o many_o great_a wonder_n and_o miracle_n from_o heaven_n such_o as_o satan_n himself_o can_v imitate_v such_o as_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o any_o yea_o of_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o the_o most_o malicious_a subtle_a enemy_n of_o god_n truth_n can_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v divine_a these_o miracle_n have_v the_o lord_n open_o wrought_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o as_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o they_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n thereof_o so_o the_o undoubted_a and_o clear_a narration_n of_o they_o be_v to_o we_o a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o the_o word_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v from_o heaven_n and_o not_o from_o man_n the_o lord_n witness_v thereunto_o both_o by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n heb._n 2.4_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o which_o of_o all_o write_n and_o doctrine_n that_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o publish_v be_v the_o most_o ancient_a in_o all_o other_o write_n and_o record_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o fall_v of_o man_n be_v omit_v which_o yet_o be_v particular_o and_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o true_o it_o be_v admirable_a to_o consider_v how_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v in_o preserve_v his_o write_a word_n and_o law_n to_o this_o day_n notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n and_o
subtlety_n of_o antiochus_n nero_n dioclesian_n julian_n the_o apostate_n and_o other_o cruel_a and_o subtle_a persecutor_n and_o notwithstanding_o that_o egyptian_a darkness_n of_o popery_n error_n and_o ignorance_n which_o overspread_v the_o world_n for_o some_o hundred_o year_n since_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n during_o which_o time_n these_o sacred_a write_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o contemn_v and_o blind_a ignorance_n extol_v as_o the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n five_o the_o very_a style_n of_o the_o scripture_n argue_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o by_o the_o style_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o external_a superficies_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n but_o the_o whole_a order_n contexture_n and_o frame_n thereof_o which_o fit_o agree_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n treat_v of_o and_o be_v excellent_o and_o wise_o temper_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o condition_n of_o they_o for_o who_o sake_n it_o be_v write_v indeed_o every_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n almost_o have_v a_o peculiar_a style_n god_n make_v use_n of_o their_o several_a faculty_n and_o ability_n isaiah_n be_v eloquent_a and_o sweet_a david_n affectionate_a solomon_n accurate_a jeremiah_n vehement_a and_o more_o rough_a and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o several_a apostle_n and_o evangelist_n that_o their_o style_n be_v somewhat_o different_a but_o all_o of_o they_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a the_o majesty_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o style_n appear_v in_o that_o majestic_a title_n and_o dignity_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v just_o challenge_v to_o himself_o the_o which_o import_v independency_n of_o nature_n and_o essence_n supereminency_n of_o power_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o excellency_n both_o of_o property_n and_o work_n and_o be_v further_o display_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o teach_v which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n command_v promise_a and_o threaten_a thing_n above_o sense_n and_o reason_n in_o this_o book_n there_o be_v hide_a mystery_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n such_o as_o exceed_v all_o humane_a capacity_n reveal_v &_o unfold_v without_o argumentation_n or_o rhetorical_a motive_n of_o persuasion_n and_o we_o be_v require_v to_o understand_v and_o believe_v they_o rely_v only_o upon_o the_o truth_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o revealer_n god_n the_o great_a and_o absolute_a sovereign_n require_v in_o his_o word_n such_o and_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v such_o and_o such_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o son_n of_o man_n with_o great_a strictness_n and_o severity_n and_o yet_o bring_v no_o argument_n to_o persuade_v or_o confirm_v the_o equity_n of_o these_o command_n but_o only_o the_o will_n of_o the_o commander_n which_o though_o it_o become_v not_o man_n to_o do_v yet_o it_o well_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n in_o this_o book_n also_o promise_n be_v make_v of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v whereof_o there_o be_v no_o humane_a probability_n nor_o reason_n give_v to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o performance_n thereof_o but_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o threaten_v also_o the_o like_a majesty_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n may_v be_v observe_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n which_o you_o shall_v not_o meet_v with_o in_o mere_a humane_a writing_n god_n command_v and_o threaten_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n be_v they_o what_o they_o will_v be_v it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o he_o prescribe_v his_o law_n to_o all_o man_n magistrate_n and_o ruler_n scholar_n and_o soldier_n to_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o state_n command_v and_o require_v what_o be_v distasteful_a to_o their_o fleshly_a nature_n and_o interest_n and_o forbid_v what_o they_o approve_v and_o commend_v promise_v they_o not_o earthly_a honour_n and_o riches_n but_o life_n eternal_a if_o they_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o threaten_v they_o not_o with_o rack_n or_o gibbet_n but_o with_o eternal_a death_n and_o torment_n if_o they_o disobey_v neither_o let_v any_o man_n be_v offend_v with_o the_o low_a and_o humble_a manner_n of_o speech_n use_v in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v pen_v for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o unlearned_a as_o well_o as_o the_o learned_a for_o those_o of_o weak_a part_n as_o well_o as_o for_o those_o of_o strong_a part_n and_o ability_n and_o though_o the_o phrase_n or_o manner_n of_o speech_n be_v plain_a yet_o the_o matter_n be_v high_a and_o excellent_a profound_a and_o unutterable_a plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n do_v best_a become_v the_o truth_n a_o pearl_n need_v no_o paint_n true_a beauty_n need_v not_o a_o whorish_a dress_n to_o set_v it_o forth_o nor_o need_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o be_v support_v or_o underpropt_v with_o foreign_a aid_n for_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o uphold_v and_o sustain_v itself_o it_o become_v not_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o prince_n to_o play_v the_o orator_n this_o will_v be_v more_o pedantic_a in_o he_o then_o in_o a_o person_n more_o inferior_a though_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o be_v plain_a in_o word_n and_o phrase_n yet_o it_o be_v great_a in_o power_n no_o writing_n of_o man_n be_v they_o never_o so_o well_o set_v forth_o with_o wit_n learning_n and_o ornament_n of_o rhetoric_n can_v so_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n move_v the_o will_n pierce_v the_o heart_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o affection_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n want_v eloquence_n if_o the_o matter_n be_v well_o weigh_v no_o other_o writing_n can_v equalise_v they_o the_o song_n of_o moses_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n and_o other_o portion_n of_o scripture_n in_o variety_n and_o force_n of_o divine_a eloquence_n do_v far_o exceed_v and_o transcendall_n other_o author_n greek_a or_o latin_a that_o be_v extant_a though_o never_o so_o excellent_o indict_v and_o pen_v yet_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v that_o the_o one_o be_v write_v by_o a_o divine_a the_o other_o by_o a_o humane_a spirit_n six_o the_o wonderful_a powerful_a effect_n of_o this_o doctrine_n more_o than_o any_o other_o do_v clear_o demonstrate_v even_o to_o a_o eye_n of_o reason_n the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o for_o it_o inlighten_v the_o understanding_n discover_v clear_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n convert_v the_o soul_n convince_v the_o gainsayer_n terrifi_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n quicken_v and_o revive_v the_o wound_a spirit_n manife_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n man_n cast_v down_o strong_a hold_n and_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o remain_v invincible_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n for_o though_o the_o nature_n thereof_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o world_n yet_o still_o it_o have_v prevail_v and_o overcome_v the_o enemy_n that_o have_v oppose_v this_o doctrine_n be_v many_o and_o mighty_a and_o subtle_a the_o devil_n the_o roman_a emperor_n the_o learned_a philosopher_n the_o zealous_a jew_n and_o the_o common_a people_n be_v stir_v up_o by_o they_o have_v with_o incredible_a fury_n and_o falsehood_n and_o vigilancy_n endeavour_v the_o utter_a abolition_n of_o it_o but_o can_v never_o do_v it_o this_o doctrine_n conquer_v where_o it_o come_v either_o it_o convert_v or_o destroy_v its_o adversary_n and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n be_v they_o who_o god_n choose_v as_o his_o herald_n and_o ambassador_n to_o publish_v this_o doctrine_n be_v they_o great_a and_o many_o be_v they_o learn_v and_o wise_a be_v they_o potent_a and_o mighty_a in_o the_o world_n no_o no_o they_o be_v in_o number_n but_o few_o in_o outward_a appearance_n simple_a rude_a poor_a and_o weak_a despise_v of_o man_n thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n by_o these_o god_n have_v confound_v thing_n that_o be_v and_o through_o their_o preach_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n have_v subdue_v many_o nation_n to_o himself_o in_o a_o little_a time_n a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o habitable_a world_n be_v convert_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o paul_n fill_v all_o place_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o illyricum_n with_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v forget_v that_o the_o jew_n though_o waste_v with_o many_o and_o great_a slaughter_v and_o though_o they_o have_v and_o still_o have_v a_o desperate_a enmity_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v always_o remain_v safe_a and_o entire_a in_o their_o custody_n even_o when_o the_o hebrew_n language_n do_v lie_v almost_o unknown_a and_o have_v perish_v altogether_o have_v not_o god_n provide_v for_o the_o true_a religion_n by_o the_o care_n of_o those_o jew_n so_o that_o will_v they_o will_v they_o they_o shall_v be_v instrumental_a
will_v not_o save_v he_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v the_o other_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n ratione_fw-la luminis_fw-la fidei_fw-la by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o former_a only_a natural_a and_o moral_a virtue_n be_v imprint_v in_o the_o heart_n but_o by_o the_o latter_a the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o a_o mere_a moralist_n can_v never_o attain_v unto_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n for_o these_o be_v write_v and_o wrought_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v further_o object_v that_o cornelius_n be_v a_o gentile_a that_o walk_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n yet_o his_o prayer_n and_o alm_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n act_v 10.1_o 4._o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o he_o have_v more_o than_o the_o bare_a light_n of_o nature_n for_o though_o he_o have_v not_o at_o this_o time_n a_o clear_a explicit_a distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o the_o mediator_n yet_o he_o have_v the_o implicit_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o be_v to_o come_v which_o he_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o jew_n with_o who_o he_o have_v long_o converse_v and_o which_o be_v afterward_o more_o full_o open_v and_o explain_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o no_o man_n be_v he_o never_o so_o rational_a and_o moral_a can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n yet_o nevertheless_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o rational_a intellectual_a delight_n of_o some_o heathen_a philosopher_n ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v far_o before_o all_o corporeal_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o withal_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o reason_n and_o moral_a virtue_n be_v improve_v will_v help_v a_o man_n to_o bear_v affliction_n yea_o to_o die_v with_o more_o courage_n and_o composedness_n than_o other_o that_o be_v not_o so_o rational_a and_o moral_a and_o though_o reason_n of_o itself_o without_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n yet_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o comfortable_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o intellectual_n which_o be_v a_o mercy_n that_o many_o be_v deprive_v of_o but_o of_o these_o particular_n we_o shall_v speak_v more_o full_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n xviii_o show_v that_o those_o delight_n that_o be_v rational_a and_o intellectual_a do_v far_o excel_v all_o sensitive_a pleasure_n although_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v but_o as_o a_o candle_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n which_o be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thing_n to_o behold_v this_o candle_n as_o for_o that_o light_n which_o be_v mere_o corporeal_a it_o be_v but_o a_o dark_a shadow_n of_o intellectual_a brightness_n the_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a any_o be_v be_v the_o pure_a pleasure_n and_o delight_v it_o have_v proportion_v to_o it_o sensitive_a pleasure_n have_v more_o of_o dregs_o intellectual_a pleasure_n more_o of_o quintessence_n in_o it_o if_o pleasure_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v only_o by_o the_o corporal_a sense_n true_o then_o the_o brute_n be_v more_o exquisite_a in_o sense_n may_v have_v a_o choice_a portion_n of_o happiness_n than_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o but_o therefore_o have_v nature_n very_o wise_o provide_v that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o reason_n in_o man_n shall_v be_v far_o above_o any_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n there_o be_v divers_a degree_n of_o pleasure_n such_o as_o they_o be_v according_a to_o every_o man_n genius_n and_o disposition_n as_o he_o be_v more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a or_o more_o vile_a and_o abject_a so_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o delight_v and_o so_o be_v his_o pleasure_n either_o more_o noble_a or_o more_o base_a either_o more_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a or_o more_o impure_a and_o mix_v either_o of_o long_a or_o of_o short_a continuance_n of_o those_o delight_n which_o man_n take_v in_o by_o the_o bodily_a sense_n we_o say_v that_o which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o touch_v be_v the_o base_a for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o gross_a and_o earthy_a of_o all_o the_o external_a sense_n so_o be_v the_o pleasure_n that_o be_v take_v by_o it_o the_o delight_n that_o be_v take_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o taste_v be_v not_o altogether_o so_o base_a but_o yet_o brutish_a enough_o as_o for_o the_o delight_n which_o be_v take_v by_o smell_v it_o be_v but_o little_a and_o nothing_o so_o pleasant_a as_o the_o contrary_n be_v unpleasant_a for_o a_o good_a smell_n delight_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o ill_a smell_n offend_v and_o beside_o this_o sense_n of_o smell_v be_v not_o so_o quick_a and_o sharp_a in_o man_n as_o in_o beast_n the_o pleasure_n that_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o hear_v in_o man_n have_v more_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n in_o they_o for_o the_o more_o they_o participate_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o air_n they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o earthy_a and_o brutish_a and_o those_o delight_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o the_o eye_n be_v yet_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o rest_n because_o the_o eye_n be_v of_o tne_n nature_n of_o fire_n which_o come_v near_a to_o the_o celestial_a nature_n howbeit_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o man_n receive_v by_o the_o corporeal_a sense_n be_v base_a and_o of_o less_o excellency_n than_o the_o least_o and_o mean_a of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n for_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v much_o more_o worthy_a and_o noble_a than_o the_o body_n so_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n thereof_o be_v much_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o such_o delight_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v pure_a and_o best_a of_o all_o among_o which_o that_o delight_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a the_o pleasure_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o man_n continue_v much_o long_o than_o corporeral_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n because_o the_o rational_a soul_n or_o spirit_n be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v weary_a and_o tire_v as_o the_o body_n be_v but_o do_v recreate_v and_o refresh_v itself_o with_o variery_n of_o object_n no_o marvel_n indeed_o if_o those_o that_o be_v whole_o addict_v to_o corporal_a and_o earthly_a delight_n deride_v and_o contemn_v such_o as_o high_o esteem_v these_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a delight_n insomuch_o that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o forgo_v the_o good_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o same_o these_o person_n deride_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o which_o they_o know_v not_o of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v that_o they_o resemble_v the_o swine_n that_o delight_v more_o in_o a_o dirty_a puddle_n or_o sink_v then_o in_o precious_a stone_n and_o sweet_a odour_n because_o they_o want_v judgement_n right_o to_o discern_v and_o esteem_v the_o value_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o contemn_v and_o deride_v every_o be_v choose_v to_o itself_o some_o kind_n of_o pleasure_n or_o other_o and_o the_o more_o excellent_a any_o be_v be_v the_o high_a and_o more_o generous_a be_v its_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n for_o first_o if_o we_o look_v up_o to_o the_o chief_a being_n god_n himself_o he_o take_v infinite_a delight_n in_o himself_o as_o all_o other_o perfection_n so_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o true_a and_o real_a pleasure_n be_v enjoy_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o a_o most_o spiritual_a and_o transcendent_a manner_n that_o which_o we_o call_v riches_n and_o honour_n be_v in_o he_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o glory_n and_o that_o which_o among_o man_n be_v account_v pleasure_n be_v with_o he_o that_o infinite_a satisfaction_n which_o he_o take_v in_o his_o own_o bless_a essence_n and_o the_o operation_n and_o work_n thereof_o his_o glorious_a decree_n and_o contrivance_n and_o all_o his_o providential_a dispensation_n be_v full_a of_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n to_o he_o the_o create_v of_o all_o being_n yea_o the_o permission_n of_o all_o irregularity_n contribute_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o pleasure_n the_o laugh_v of_o his_o enemy_n to_o scorn_n be_v a_o pleasure_n fit_a for_o infinite_a justice_n and_o the_o smile_n upon_o his_o church_n and_o the_o countenance_v and_o favour_v of_o his_o people_n notwithstanding_o their_o great_a weakness_n and_o behindment_n be_v a_o pleasure_n fit_a for_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n miracle_n be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o omnipotency_n variety_n be_v the_o delight_n
spiritual_a thing_n 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 and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o rational_a intellectual_a delight_n of_o philosopher_n and_o scholar_n do_v far_o excel_v all_o earthly_a and_o sensitive_a pleasure_n yea_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n but_o especial_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n enable_v a_o man_n to_o bear_v affliction_n and_o arm_n he_o against_o the_o excessive_a fear_n of_o death_n and_o last_o that_o man_n reason_n and_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mercy_n which_o shall_v be_v thankful_o acknowledge_v by_o we_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o we_o shall_v now_o by_o the_o lord_n assistance_n brief_o sum_v up_o and_o comprehend_v in_o these_o two_o last_o chapter_n the_o substance_n of_o what_o we_o intend_v to_o say_v concern_v faith_n and_o humane_a reason_n chap._n xxi_o show_v distinct_o in_o some_o particular_n 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 for_o the_o better_a open_n and_o clear_v of_o this_o great_a point_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o christian_a reader_n we_o shall_v first_o premise_v a_o few_o consideration_n and_o then_o afterward_o show_v particular_o what_o good_a use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n in_o divine_a matter_n i._o consider_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o near_o so_o clear_a and_o bright_a in_o we_o since_o the_o fall_n as_o it_o be_v in_o adam_n before_o the_o fall_n but_o be_v much_o darken_v eclipse_v and_o deprave_a even_o in_o those_o that_o be_v most_o rational_a and_o moral_a whereas_o it_o be_v perfect_o implant_v in_o adam_n heart_n and_o nature_n we_o have_v but_o only_o some_o fragment_n of_o it_o remain_v in_o we_o this_o be_v so_o evident_a in_o scripture_n and_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n when_o sense_n be_v deceive_v god_n deceive_v weems_n portrait_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n reason_n correct_v sense_n but_o when_o reason_n err_v as_o she_o often_o do_v in_o divine_a and_o religious_a matter_n she_o can_v cure_v herself_o but_o her_o mistress_n divinity_n must_v come_v in_o and_o teach_v she_o sarah_n be_v old_a god_n promise_v she_o a_o son_n this_o she_o laugh_v at_o as_o be_v contrary_a to_o her_o reason_n in_o which_o respect_n she_o think_v it_o impossible_a that_o a_o woman_n so_o strike_v in_o year_n shall_v have_v a_o child_n but_o faith_n correct_v her_o corrupt_a reason_n she_o believe_v by_o faith_n that_o which_o her_o reason_n can_v not_o take_v up_o and_o comprehend_v thus_o also_o nicodemus_n fail_v in_o his_o reason_n against_o the_o mystery_n of_o spiritual_a regeneration_n ii_o consider_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o natural_a reason_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n or_o grace_n and_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n shall_v be_v careful_o distinguish_v by_o we_o and_o put_v in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o sphere_n reason_n be_v but_o as_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n a_o glimmer_a diminutive_a derivative_a light_n faith_n be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o a_o star_n which_o be_v a_o far_o clear_a and_o bright_a light_n but_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n be_v most_o perfect_a as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n wherein_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o behold_v he_o face_n to_o face_n lumen_fw-la naturae_fw-la lumine_fw-la naturae_fw-la vid._n rob._n baron_n excercitat_fw-la de_fw-fr triplici_fw-la lumine_fw-la est_fw-la quo_fw-la ea_fw-la cognoscimus_fw-la quae_fw-la solis_fw-la naturae_fw-la viribus_fw-la sine_fw-la auxilio_fw-la dei_fw-la speciali_fw-la intelligi_fw-la a_o nobis_fw-la &_o dijudicari_fw-la possunt_fw-la lumen_fw-la fidei_fw-la est_fw-la quo_fw-la ea_fw-la cognoscimus_fw-la &_o intelligimus_fw-la quae_fw-la deus_fw-la in_o verbo_fw-la svo_fw-la nobis_fw-la patefecit_fw-la lumen_fw-la gloriae_fw-la est_fw-la quo_fw-la beati_fw-la spiritus_fw-la in_o coelis_fw-la clare_v &_o perspicue_n vident_fw-la gloriosissimam_fw-la dei_fw-la essentiam_fw-la iii_o consider_v that_o although_o some_o truth_n and_o mystery_n do_v far_o transcend_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a in_o divinity_n that_o cross_v the_o truth_n of_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v the_o remnant_n of_o god_n image_n in_o we_o indeed_o when_o by_o reason_n we_o take_v up_o a_o truth_n and_o by_o faith_n we_o believe_v the_o same_o truth_n if_o in_o this_o case_n reason_n claim_v the_o first_o place_n she_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v as_o be_v not_o a_o dutiful_a handmaid_n to_o faith_n as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n and_o hypostatical_a union_n in_o christ_n the_o great_a mystery_n of_o predestination_n etc._n etc._n though_o these_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a or_o contradictory_n thereunto_o it_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o creature_n shall_v believe_v and_o rest_v in_o the_o divine_a infallible_a testimony_n and_o revelation_n of_o his_o creator_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o divinity_n mixt_o divine_a other_o thing_n be_v mere_o divine_a in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v mixt_o divine_a reason_n may_v be_v of_o use_n yet_o only_o in_o the_o second_o place_n primo_fw-la creduntur_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la intelliguntur_fw-la as_o a_o man_n first_o believe_v the_o soul_n immortality_n and_o then_o he_o begin_v to_o take_v up_o the_o same_o by_o reason_n here_o reason_n must_v not_o go_v before_o but_o follow_v faith_n for_o that_o which_o i_o believe_v i_o believe_v it_o ex_fw-la authoritate_fw-la dicentis_fw-la rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o he_o that_o say_v it_o and_o all_o the_o evidence_n i_o get_v by_o reason_n be_v nothing_o to_o this_o certitude_n if_o reason_n shall_v go_v before_o as_o a_o usher_n to_o make_v way_n to_o faith_n we_o shall_v never_o believe_v and_o hereupon_o the_o schoolman_n say_v well_o rationes_fw-la praecedentes_fw-la minuunt_fw-la fidem_fw-la sed_fw-la rationes_fw-la subsequentes_fw-la augent_fw-la fidem_fw-la reason_n go_v before_o faith_n weaken_v faith_n but_o come_v after_o it_o strengthen_v faith_n reason_n make_v not_o the_o matter_n more_o sure_a exit_fw-la parte_fw-la veritatis_fw-la dictantis_fw-la sed_fw-la ex_fw-la parte_fw-la inlectus_fw-la assentientis_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o speaker_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understanding_n for_o by_o this_o access_n of_o further_a knowledge_n it_o be_v more_o confirm_v but_o now_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_o and_o pure_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a quae_fw-la cadunt_fw-la directe_v sub_fw-la fide_fw-la which_o fall_v direct_o under_o faith_n as_o those_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n what_o can_v reason_n or_o philosophy_n do_v here_o but_o admire_v these_o depth_n which_o she_o can_v never_o reach_v unto_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o work_v effectual_o upon_o some_o learned_a infidel_n not_o by_o the_o eloquence_n and_o subtle_a reason_n of_o learned_a divine_n but_o by_o the_o plain_a downright_a discourse_n of_o christian_n of_o mean_a part_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o story_n be_v remarkable_a which_o we_o read_v of_o divers_a learned_a man_n have_v long_o endeavour_v by_o strength_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n to_o persuade_v a_o infidel_n to_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v learn_v also_o do_v evade_v all_o their_o argument_n at_o length_n a_o grave_a pious_a man_n among_o they_o of_o no_o repute_n for_o philosophical_a learning_n stand_v up_o and_o bespeak_v he_o with_o some_o downright_a affectionate_a expression_n which_o wrought_v so_o effectual_o upon_o he_o that_o he_o present_o submit_v to_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o word_n spiritui_fw-la word_n donec_fw-la audiebam_fw-la rationes_fw-la humanas_fw-la humanis_fw-la rationibus_fw-la repugnabam_fw-la caeterum_fw-la simul_fw-la atque_fw-la audivi_fw-la spiritum_fw-la loquentem_fw-la cessi_fw-la spiritui_fw-la whilst_o i_o hear_v only_o humane_a reason_n i_o oppose_v the_o same_o with_o humane_a reason_n but_o when_o i_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v powerful_o i_o present_o yield_v to_o that_o powerful_a voice_n it_o be_v also_o report_v of_o learned_a junius_n that_o before_o his_o conversion_n whilst_o as_o yet_o he_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o atheist_n meet_v a_o plain_a countryman_n and_o discourse_v with_o he_o about_o religion_n he_o observe_v he_o to_o speak_v so_o experimental_o and_o with_o so_o much_o affection_n as_o make_v he_o conclude_v that_o certain_o there_o be_v something_o more_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o his_o humane_a learning_n and_o reason_n have_v yet_o discover_v and_o this_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o his_o conversion_n iv_o consider_v that_o the_o same_o object_n may_v be_v and_o be_v know_v both_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o also_o by_o the_o light_n
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
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 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