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
by_o judgement_n and_o reason_n when_o young_a man_n despise_v the_o grave_a reason_n of_o those_o that_o be_v ancient_a and_o experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o when_o private_a christian_n will_v not_o be_v sway_v by_o the_o weighty_a reason_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o church-officer_n as_o to_o civil_a circumstance_n order_n and_o decency_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o be_v fierce_a and_o heady_a and_o disorderly_a in_o their_o action_n and_o proceed_n and_o will_v give_v no_o reason_n thereof_o but_o their_o own_o will_n and_o humour_n true_o this_o be_v irrational_a and_o tend_v to_o confusion_n this_o be_v not_o to_o act_v like_o sober_a understand_a christian_n nor_o will_v it_o bring_v honour_n to_o but_o contempt_n upon_o the_o way_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o those_o person_n whatever_o they_o be_v that_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o determine_v religious_a or_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n that_o be_v in_o controversy_n and_o thereby_o impose_v upon_o their_o brethren_n without_o give_v sufficient_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n what_o do_v they_o do_v in_o effect_n but_o blindfold_v we_o and_o bid_v we_o lay_v aside_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v yield_v implicit_a obedience_n to_o their_o partial_a dictate_v and_o determination_n no_o man_n opinion_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v signify_v any_o more_o to_o we_o than_o the_o reason_n whereby_o he_o confirm_v it_o i_o speak_v as_o to_o wise_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n judge_v you_o what_o i_o say_v 1_o cor._n 10.15_o every_o party_n in_o religion_n however_o distinguish_v when_o they_o have_v gain_v a_o considerable_a reputation_n among_o man_n either_o for_o their_o piety_n or_o learning_n or_o worldly_a interest_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o run_v into_o these_o unbrother_o irrational_a imposition_n which_o perhaps_o they_o have_v severe_o condemn_v in_o other_o if_o it_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o magistrate_n that_o in_o these_o matter_n he_o shall_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o command_n and_o injunction_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v it_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o that_o have_v not_o such_o authority_n nor_o be_v they_o in_o such_o a_o public_a capacity_n to_o impose_v upon_o other_o chap._n vi_o of_o those_o that_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o reason_n as_o there_o be_v some_o that_o derogate_a from_o so_o there_o be_v other_o that_o magnify_v too_o much_o and_o even_o idolise_v the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o so_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o gospel_n when_o they_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v no_o more_o in_o divine_a matter_n than_o we_o can_v comprehend_v by_o our_o weak_a deprave_a reason_n hereupon_o the_o proud_a socinian_o deny_v and_o reject_v many_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n because_o as_o they_o conceive_v they_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o doctrine_n of_o three_o person_n in_o one_o essence_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n in_o the_o one_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_a eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n for_o we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n and_o of_o predestination_n especial_o god_n decree_n touch_v reprobation_n be_v all_o reject_v by_o they_o as_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n what_o a_o horrid_a say_n be_v that_o of_o a_o socinian_n in_o foreign_a part_n that_o if_o the_o eternal_a godhead_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n be_v assert_v in_o scripture_n as_o indeed_o they_o be_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o be_v against_o reason_n that_o be_v against_o his_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o vain_a imagination_n and_o a_o late_a writer_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n be_v so_o bold_a and_o dare_a as_o to_o tell_v we_o in_o a_o voluminous_a book_n of_o he_o that_o in_o case_n any_o such_o assurance_n of_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n love_n as_o we_o maintain_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v find_v or_o can_v regular_o be_v deduce_v from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n to_o any_o intelligent_a and_o consider_v man_n to_o question_v their_o authority_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v from_o god_n or_o no._n this_o be_v plain_a deal_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n must_v depend_v upon_o their_o reason_n or_o opinion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v comprehend_v by_o their_o reason_n the_o great_a and_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n neither_o above_o it_o nor_o contrary_a to_o it_o so_o far_o they_o will_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n but_o if_o they_o find_v it_o otherwise_o they_o be_v then_o in_o a_o ready_a posture_n to_o esteem_v it_o no_o better_o than_o a_o fable_n as_o that_o wicked_a pope_n say_v no_o marvel_v indeed_o if_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n especial_o the_o stoic_n adore_v and_o idolise_v the_o suppose_a power_n and_o excellency_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n by_o their_o rhetorical_a hyperbolical_a praise_n when_o as_o those_o that_o live_v under_o the_o sunshine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o error_n and_o to_o attribute_v that_o to_o nature_n which_o be_v only_o due_a to_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n what_o do_v pelagius_n and_o his_o follower_n whereof_o there_o be_v too_o many_o in_o our_o day_n but_o take_v the_o crown_n from_o christ_n and_o set_v it_o upon_o nature_n head_n and_o place_v the_o creature_n in_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o grace_n a_o learned_a man_n pelag._n man_n ger._n vossius_fw-la histor_n pelag._n give_v we_o this_o brief_a character_n of_o pelagius_n that_o he_o be_v humani_fw-la arbitrii_fw-la decomptor_n &_o divinae_fw-la gratiae_n contemptor_n a_o trim_a of_o nature_n and_o a_o contemner_n of_o grace_n all_o man_n be_v bear_v pelagian_n nature_n be_v predominant_a in_o they_o and_o will_v not_o easy_o subordinate_a itself_o to_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n or_o that_o which_o be_v supernatural_a and_o therefore_o this_o doctrine_n spread_v far_o and_o near_o as_o bradwardine_n complain_v in_o his_o time_n totus_fw-la penè_fw-la mundus_fw-la post_fw-la pelagium_fw-la abiit_fw-la in_o errorem_fw-la and_o yet_o pelagius_n though_o he_o be_v such_o a_o admirer_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n do_v not_o altogether_o deny_v the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o point_n of_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n no_o more_o than_o other_o who_o yet_o at_o this_o day_n ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o nature_n and_o reason_n for_o first_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n necessary_a for_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n yea_o second_o for_o exciting_a the_o will_n to_o determine_v itself_o but_o three_o he_o will_v never_o acknowledge_v the_o supernatural_a efficacy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n so_o as_o to_o give_v it_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a power_n and_o principle_n and_o likewise_o the_o act_n of_o that_o power_n towards_o god_n who_o give_v we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n phil._n 2.13_o this_o he_o always_o bogle_v at_o as_o be_v unwilling_a to_o captivate_v nature_n and_o reason_n to_o the_o efficacious_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o under_o a_o specious_a presence_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n he_o advance_v the_o natural_a power_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n and_o change_v grace_n into_o nature_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o supernatural_a in_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n sub_fw-la laud_fw-la naturae_fw-la latent_fw-la inimici_fw-la gratiae_fw-la if_o it_o be_v by_o grace_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 11.6_o than_o it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o work_n otherwise_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o work_n then_o be_v it_o no_o more_o grace_n otherwise_o work_n be_v no_o more_o work_n nature_n and_o grace_n reason_n and_o faith_n must_v not_o be_v thus_o mingle_v and_o jumble_v together_o for_o it_o be_v not_o grace_v indeed_o unless_o it_o be_v every_o way_n pure_a and_o free_a grace_n those_o that_o tell_v we_o with_o ignorance_n and_o boldness_n enough_o that_o the_o improvement_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n may_v merit_v grace_n and_o glory_n may_v as_o well_o tell_v we_o if_o they_o please_v that_o a_o small_a candle_n by_o its_o shine_a may_v merit_v to_o be_v a_o star_n yea_o to_o be_v a_o sun_n nor_o be_v nature_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v exalt_v by_o some_o man_n always_o constant_a to_o its_o own_o light_n and_o profess_v rule_n and_o principle_n which_o evident_o appear_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o darling_n of_o nature_n whilst_o they_o have_v run_v into_o some_o unnatural_a vice_n that_o be_v the_o very_a blush_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o nature_n can_v tell_v how_o to_o live_v upon_o earth_n sure_o it_o will_v never_o be_v able_a
beget_v know_v not_o the_o make_n of_o he_o the_o mother_n that_o conceive_v know_v it_o not_o nor_o yet_o the_o formative_a virtue_n whereby_o all_o be_v fashion_v whereas_o there_o be_v no_o work_n of_o art_n but_o it_o be_v know_v by_o the_o artificer_n and_o if_o man_n himself_o have_v his_o beginning_n of_o god_n then_o much_o more_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v for_o man_n nor_o can_v they_o have_v their_o be_v from_o themselves_o for_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v god_n it_o be_v a_o inseparable_a property_n of_o god_n to_o have_v his_o be_v from_o himself_o beside_o if_o these_o thing_n have_v no_o beginning_n why_o be_v there_o no_o monument_n of_o more_o ancient_a time_n concern_v they_o the_o ancient_a humane_a writer_n not_o reach_v above_o four_o thousand_o year_n reason_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o first_o creature_n be_v make_v of_o nothing_o for_o otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o change_v and_o alteration_n all_o 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between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o there_o must_v be_v some_o ground_n of_o this_o distinction_n which_o can_v be_v from_o man_n himself_o for_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o every_o thing_n at_o man_n appointment_n shall_v be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o distinction_n must_v be_v from_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o that_o be_v god_n five_o god_n have_v show_v forth_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o deity_n even_o in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o a_o eye_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o by_o divers_a miracle_n now_o what_o be_v miracle_n but_o god_n visible_a work_n extraordinary_o wrought_v not_o only_o above_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n but_o simple_o above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o work_n itself_o or_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o which_o miraculous_a effect_n do_v evince_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a glorious_a power_n that_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n and_o do_v over-rule_v all_o thing_n for_o every_o principal_a and_o primary_n cause_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o the_o effect_n thereof_o six_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o supreme_a be_v be_v evident_a to_o reason_n by_o that_o gracious_a wise_a and_o plentiful_a provision_n which_o be_v make_v for_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n a_o little_a family_n can_v be_v well_o order_v but_o by_o a_o provident_a housholder_n much_o less_o a_o town_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o least_o of_o all_o the_o universe_n or_o whole_a world_n wherein_o be_v million_o of_o man_n and_o other_o creature_n to_o be_v daily_o feed_v sustain_v and_o govern_v which_o can_v be_v do_v and_o perform_v but_o by_o a_o infinite_a wise_a god_n who_o in_o his_o singular_a providence_n do_v so_o order_n and_o govern_v the_o creature_n that_o the_o weak_a one_o go_v in_o herd_n and_o flock_n together_o and_o the_o strong_a go_v alone_o and_o thereby_o be_v the_o less_o formidable_a hoof_n horn_n and_o tusk_n be_v for_o defence_n and_o where_o these_o be_v want_v leg_n can_v carry_v the_o creature_n away_o or_o den_n can_v hide_v they_o o_o how_o wise_a and_o excellent_a be_v this_o god_n in_o his_o government_n over_o the_o whole_a creation_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o those_o impression_n of_o skill_n and_o workmanship_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o creature_n there_o be_v a_o excellency_n in_o art_n but_o nature_n go_v far_o beyond_o art_n and_o much_o more_o excellent_a be_v the_o god_n of_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o skill_n to_o set_v a_o dial_n right_n that_o shall_v tell_v the_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n what_o skill_n have_v he_o who_o make_v and_o guide_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n therein_o that_o power_n and_o skill_n which_o shine_v forth_o in_o the_o creation_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o even_o those_o wise_a naturalist_n who_o miracle_n will_v not_o move_v and_o persuade_v have_v be_v astonish_v at_o the_o admirable_a work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o least_o thing_n and_o force_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o divine_a and_o sovereign_a power_n thus_o pliny_n wonder_v at_o the_o gnat_n so_o small_a a_o creature_n yet_o make_v so_o great_a a_o buzz_n and_o so_o likewise_o he_o wonder_v at_o the_o butterfly_n and_o galen_n as_o great_a a_o atheist_n as_o he_o be_v when_o he_o have_v profane_o write_v of_o the_o more_o excellent_a part_n of_o man_n and_o come_v to_o one_o of_o the_o least_o and_o mean_a stand_v astonish_v and_o be_v compel_v to_o acknowledge_v god_n the_o creator_n seven_o the_o testimony_n of_o every_o man_n conscience_n which_o be_v god_n deputy_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n tell_v i_o thou_o atheist_n why_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v trouble_v in_o conscience_n why_o caligula_n shall_v be_v terrify_v and_o run_v under_o the_o bed_n when_o it_o thunder_v if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n let_v a_o wicked_a man_n do_v some_o heinous_a deed_n in_o the_o solitary_a wilderness_n where_o none_o see_v he_o yet_o he_o can_v be_v quiet_a but_o his_o conscience_n will_v whip_v and_o torment_v he_o so_o that_o he_o will_v either_o reveal_v the_o fact_n himself_o in_o his_o sleep_n or_o frenzy_n or_o at_o least_o he_o will_v be_v afraid_a that_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n as_o sometime_o it_o have_v happen_v will_v discover_v it_o the_o conscience_n do_v register_n and_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n of_o all_o man_n either_o excuse_v and_o comfort_v they_o in_o well_o do_v against_o the_o disgrace_n flander_n and_o perscution_n of_o the_o world_n or_o else_o accuse_v and_o terrify_v they_o for_o sin_n commit_v in_o secret_a which_o perhaps_o never_o do_v nor_o ever_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n in_o this_o
world_n now_o this_o be_v a_o manifest_a token_n and_o proof_n as_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a judge_n who_o have_v give_v a_o law_n that_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o command_v as_o well_o the_o inward_a thought_n as_o the_o word_n and_o action_n of_o all_o man_n and_o who_o will_v call_v they_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n and_o reckon_n eight_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v by_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v a_o spiritual_a immortal_a substance_n as_o shall_v be_v evince_v by_o reason_n in_o the_o next_o chapter_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o power_n to_o understand_v and_o will_v but_o now_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o be_v not_o of_o and_o from_o itself_o but_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o high_a cause_n which_o be_v power_n wisdom_n and_o understanding_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v god_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n there_o be_v certain_a principle_n whereby_o it_o discern_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n good_a and_o evil_a this_o gift_n man_n have_v not_o of_o himself_o nor_o from_o himself_o but_o it_o must_v needs_o spring_v from_o a_o supreme_a and_o most_o wise_a understanding_n as_o a_o effect_n from_o its_o principal_a cause_n which_o infinite_o excel_v and_o transcend_v it_o nor_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n satisfy_v with_o the_o knowledge_n nor_o his_o will_n with_o the_o possession_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o life_n but_o still_o they_o seek_v and_o earnest_o thirst_v after_o some_o high_a good_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a even_o to_o a_o eye_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sovereign_a truth_n and_o chief_a good_a which_o be_v perfect_o know_v and_o enjoy_v will_v give_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o see_v it_o be_v capable_a of_o happiness_n or_o the_o chief_a good_a this_o will_v be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o chief_a good_a to_o be_v possess_v and_o enjoy_v in_o our_o immortal_a soul_n there_o be_v principle_n of_o infallible_a and_o demonstrative_a truth_n as_o to_o honour_n and_o obey_v our_o parent_n to_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o to_o defend_v ourselves_o to_o perform_v our_o promise_n etc._n etc._n which_o principle_n hold_v good_a in_o all_o man_n more_o or_o less_o unless_o they_o be_v horrible_o profane_a and_o wicked_a among_o which_o fundamental_a principle_n this_o be_v one_o and_o the_o chief_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o this_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o though_o some_o other_o of_o these_o principle_n may_v fail_v in_o man_n yet_o this_o never_o fail_v but_o they_o will_v worship_v one_o thing_n or_o other_o as_o god_n unless_o they_o be_v downright_a and_o desperate_a atheist_n nine_o by_o the_o continual_a suggestion_n and_o assault_n of_o the_o evil_a spirit_n we_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o devil_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v as_o certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n do_v not_o satan_n by_o all_o mean_n endeavour_v to_o extinguish_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o lead_v man_n on_o in_o way_n of_o error_n and_o profaneness_n and_o turn_v they_o out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n now_o why_o shall_v the_o devil_n thus_o war_n against_o god_n his_o word_n and_o saint_n why_o shall_v he_o so_o earnest_o seek_v the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o man_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n a_o gospel_n and_o a_o everlasting_a life_n why_o shall_v he_o and_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n with_o all_o their_o hellish_a power_n malice_n and_o policy_n labour_v to_o extirpate_v and_o root_v out_o all_o those_o that_o faithful_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o be_v zealous_a for_o his_o glory_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v ten_o this_o great_a truth_n be_v further_o make_v evident_a even_o to_o a_o eye_n of_o reason_n by_o the_o lord_n be_v miraculous_a hide_v preserve_v and_o defend_v his_o church_n and_o people_n from_o time_n to_o time_n how_o wonderful_o have_v he_o frustrate_v the_o plot_n and_o device_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o church_n how_o have_v his_o church_n increase_v and_o flourish_v by_o the_o very_a same_o mean_n which_o they_o design_v and_o make_v use_n of_o to_o destroy_v she_o how_o have_v god_n fight_v from_o heaven_n against_o the_o persecutor_n of_o his_o child_n such_o dreadful_a judgement_n do_v overtake_v many_o of_o they_o and_o such_o horror_n fall_v upon_o some_o of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o forsake_v their_o great_a place_n and_o power_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o solitary_a and_o private_a life_n which_o plain_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sovereign_a god_n who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a and_o great_a than_o the_o great_a of_o they_o and_o as_o for_o his_o poor_a people_n who_o they_o persecute_v the_o lord_n have_v arm_v they_o with_o invincible_a courage_n and_o fortitude_n to_o endure_v disgrace_n contempt_n poverty_n imprisonment_n death_n and_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o man_n and_o devil_n can_v invent_v yea_o how_o have_v god_n support_v his_o people_n under_o their_o inward_a temptation_n conflict_n desertion_n and_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n and_o wonderful_o refresh_v they_o beyond_o their_o expectation_n with_o sweet_a peace_n and_o consolation_n and_o by_o the_o power_n strength_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v enable_v they_o to_o sing_v and_o rejoice_v in_o prison_n and_o even_o to_o exult_v and_o triumph_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o flame_n now_o this_o divine_a assistance_n this_o holy_a courage_n strength_n and_o consolation_n be_v a_o convince_a demonstrative_a argument_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a deity_n especial_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o heavenly_a courage_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o their_o suffering_n with_o that_o fear_n faintness_n amazement_n unquietness_n vexation_n and_o deadness_n which_o seize_v on_o the_o wicked_a when_o they_o be_v under_o affliction_n well_o then_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o have_v be_v say_v with_o reference_n to_o man_n himself_o and_o other_o creature_n in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n we_o may_v be_v full_o convince_v that_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a god_n if_o we_o look_v up_o to_o the_o firmament_n the_o sphere_n the_o planet_n the_o star_n their_o greatness_n brightness_n swiftness_n their_o order_n course_n motion_n and_o forcible_a effect_n if_o we_o behold_v the_o sea_n so_o bound_v with_o the_o sand_n by_o a_o perpetual_a decree_n that_o it_o can_v pass_v its_o bound_n though_o the_o wave_n thereof_o rage_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o prevail_v though_o they_o roar_v never_o so_o much_o yet_o can_v they_o not_o pass_v their_o bound_n if_o we_o behold_v the_o earth_n so_o firm_a so_o round_o so_o fruitful_a so_o great_a yet_o hang_v like_o a_o ball_n in_o the_o air_n and_o rest_v on_o a_o very_a small_a point_n if_o man_n will_v behold_v himself_o a_o little_a world_n in_o his_o body_n the_o several_a member_n with_o the_o harmony_n sympathy_n function_n and_o use_n thereof_o and_o in_o his_o mind_n the_o inbred_a principle_n and_o seminary_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o honesty_n and_o dishonesty_n from_o which_o all_o law_n and_o government_n do_v spring_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o just_a punishment_n which_o common_o follow_v evil_a doer_n and_o the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n which_o torment_v the_o great_a prince_n that_o be_v out_o of_o danger_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o law_n as_o alexander_n for_o kill_v his_o friend_n clitus_n and_o nero_n for_o the_o murder_n of_o his_o mother_n agrippina_n if_o we_o behold_v the_o order_n progress_n and_o end_n of_o all_o cause_n the_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o contrary_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o harmony_n among_o they_o omnia_fw-la ab_fw-la uno_fw-la omne_fw-la ad_fw-la unum_fw-la if_o we_o consider_v the_o prediction_n of_o thing_n future_a the_o strange_a sign_n and_o wonder_n that_o have_v fall_v out_o with_o their_o event_n do_v not_o all_o these_o thing_n proclaim_v aloud_o unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a power_n that_o wise_o govern_v and_o overrule_n all_o suppose_v a_o gallant_a well_o furnish_v ship_n come_v safe_a to_o her_o port_n through_o all_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o skilful_a pilot_n or_o governor_n within_o that_o guide_v and_o direct_v she_o to_o the_o appoint_a haven_n so_o we_o behold_v this_o fair_a universe_n this_o world_n wherein_o we_o live_v with_o all_o its_o furniture_n and_o ornament_n and_o the_o regular_a motion_n of_o the_o several_a
other_o persecute_v emperor_n devise_v most_o exquisite_a torment_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o poor_a christian_n and_o put_v thousand_o of_o they_o to_o a_o cruel_a death_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o christianity_n prevail_v and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v enlarge_v which_o be_v a_o undoubted_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n even_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v most_o divine_a and_o powerful_a and_o not_o worldly_a weak_a and_o carnal_a that_o this_o jesus_n who_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o little_a country_n of_o judaea_n subdue_v by_o the_o roman_n of_o poor_a parent_n in_o a_o sorry_a village_n destitute_a of_o friend_n and_o of_o all_o worldly_a help_n and_o advantage_n shall_v give_v law_n to_o and_o conquer_v the_o world_n by_o his_o gospel_n or_o the_o word_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o this_o wonderful_a and_o will_v you_o know_v what_o he_o promise_v his_o subject_n and_o follower_n why_o instead_o of_o great_a matter_n that_o they_o may_v expect_v in_o this_o life_n he_o tell_v they_o plain_o what_o great_a affliction_n and_o tribulation_n they_o must_v endure_v for_o his_o sake_n if_o they_o will_v follow_v he_o and_o be_v his_o disciple_n indeed_o they_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v persecute_v reproach_v scourge_v imprison_v and_o put_v to_o death_n whereas_o other_o king_n and_o monarch_n promise_v great_a dignity_n and_o preferment_n in_o the_o world_n to_o their_o follower_n this_o king_n on_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n draw_v the_o nation_n to_o he_o other_o monarch_n conquer_v by_o kill_v their_o enemy_n this_o king_n conquer_a by_o die_v for_o his_o enemy_n the_o death_n other_o monarch_n be_v the_o decay_n and_o ruin_n of_o their_o kingdom_n and_o conquest_n but_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n have_v establish_v and_o enlarge_v his_o kingdom_n and_o be_v the_o life_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o subject_n who_o see_v not_o therefore_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n a_o humane_a weakness_n in_o the_o greatness_n of_o worldly_a empire_n and_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o the_o weakness_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n when_o he_o die_v and_o be_v bury_v his_o kingdom_n seem_v to_o die_v and_o to_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o a_o few_o poor_a despise_a follower_n he_o have_v and_o these_o be_v at_o their_o wit_n end_v when_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v crucify_a and_o lay_v in_o the_o grave_a well_o but_o at_o length_n they_o open_v their_o mouth_n and_o bold_o teach_v man_n to_o believe_v on_o jesus_n who_o be_v crucify_a and_o bury_v but_o be_v now_o rise_v again_o and_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o if_o they_o be_v forbid_v they_o will_v rather_o die_v than_o not_o preach_v and_o own_o this_o crucify_a jesus_n hereupon_o they_o be_v accuse_v and_o bring_v before_o magistrate_n where_o they_o own_o their_o crime_n as_o their_o adversary_n term_v it_o and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o it_o and_o be_v not_o this_o admirable_a other_o malefactor_n be_v torment_v to_o make_v they_o confess_v their_o fault_n and_o these_o be_v torment_v to_o make_v they_o conceal_v it_o those_o hold_v their_o peace_n to_o save_v their_o life_n &_o these_o die_n for_o speak_v and_o yet_o by_o this_o strange_a way_n and_o mean_n christ_n that_o be_v crucify_v spread_v his_o kingdom_n and_o fill_v the_o whole_a world_n with_o it_o out_o of_o weakness_n he_o bring_v forth_o strength_n and_o out_o of_o death_n he_o bring_v forth_o life_n and_o who_o can_v thus_o draw_v one_o contrary_a out_o of_o another_o who_o can_v thus_o overcome_v by_o yield_v who_o can_v thus_o trample_v upon_o and_o triumph_v over_o his_o enemy_n by_o die_v but_o jesus_n in_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n be_v and_o who_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a whilst_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v but_o after_o his_o death_n he_o be_v worship_v as_o god_n even_o to_o this_o day_n and_o his_o true_a follower_n will_v rather_o die_v a_o thousand_o death_n than_o deny_v his_o eternal_a godhead_n and_o kingdom_n and_o may_v not_o this_o one_o consideration_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o touch_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n wherein_o it_o far_o excel_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n serve_v to_o convince_v any_o sober_a rational_a man_n of_o the_o verity_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n six_o what_o strange_a conversion_n and_o change_n have_v be_v wrought_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o famous_a man_n for_o learning_n and_o part_n how_o be_v they_o wrought_v upon_o and_o convert_v by_o the_o plain_a preach_v of_o weak_a simple_a man_n even_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v as_o the_o world_n count_v it_o that_o so_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o jesus_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v the_o more_o appear_v paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n be_v count_v a_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o be_v in_o great_a reputation_n so_o that_o porphyry_n the_o famous_a philosopher_n say_v of_o he_o that_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n such_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o christian_n yet_o when_o paul_n have_v receive_v the_o great_a authority_n and_o rage_v most_o against_o the_o gospel_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v wonderful_o convert_v and_o turn_v quite_o another_o way_n and_o be_v glad_a to_o tread_v many_o a_o weary_a step_n and_o to_o endure_v many_o great_a difficulty_n for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n origen_n also_o a_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o knowledge_n in_o philosophy_n and_o the_o art_n be_v convert_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v content_a to_o be_v a_o poor_a catechist_n in_o alexandria_n and_o be_v every_o day_n in_o danger_n of_o death_n when_o he_o may_v have_v be_v with_o his_o fellow_n plotinus_n in_o great_a authority_n and_o favour_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o his_o christian_a profession_n sure_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v some_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a power_n that_o do_v thus_o prevail_v upon_o these_o man_n and_o upon_o many_o other_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n that_o may_v be_v mention_v never_o be_v there_o such_o wonderful_a conversion_n in_o any_o religion_n as_o in_o this_o never_o such_o sound_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n never_o such_o true_a justice_n fortitude_n and_o constancy_n in_o affliction_n even_o to_o death_n and_o martyrdom_n as_o in_o this_o so_o that_o it_o be_v common_o say_v of_o the_o christian_n soli_n christiani_n mortis_fw-la contemptores_fw-la seven_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o have_v be_v so_o much_o oppose_v and_o persecute_v from_o time_n to_o time_n by_o the_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n as_o it_o be_v common_o say_v of_o that_o monster_n nero_n a_o persecutor_n of_o christian_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o good_a and_o excellent_a thing_n which_o so_o wicked_a a_o man_n hate_v the_o more_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n be_v the_o more_o they_o hate_v that_o which_o be_v divine_a and_o which_o most_o resemble_v the_o holy_a god_n now_o no_o religion_n or_o profession_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o desperate_o hate_v and_o persecute_v by_o wicked_a ungodly_a wretch_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o the_o more_o it_o have_v be_v oppose_v and_o trample_v upon_o by_o they_o the_o more_o it_o have_v prevail_v and_o flourish_v even_o in_o despite_n of_o their_o rage_n and_o malice_n what_o a_o miserable_a end_n do_v befall_v herod_n and_o other_o great_a persecutor_n of_o this_o religion_n many_o of_o which_o do_v vindicate_v christ_n and_o his_o truth_n at_o and_o by_o their_o death_n when_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v heavy_a upon_o they_o though_o they_o have_v rage_v against_o he_o in_o their_o life_n time_n and_o do_v whatever_o they_o can_v to_o root_v out_o his_o kingdom_n and_o people_n nay_o satan_n himself_o the_o great_a persecutor_n of_o all_o have_v witness_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o himself_o all_o the_o art_n magic_n which_o he_o invent_v can_v never_o conjure_v or_o call_v up_o christ_n plotinus_n and_o apollonius_n and_o other_o great_a magician_n that_o raise_v up_o the_o image_n of_o jupiter_n and_o other_o heathen_a god_n though_o they_o assay_v with_o all_o their_o skill_n and_o power_n to_o bring_v up_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n yet_o can_v they_o never_o effect_v it_o for_o christ_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o their_o power_n be_v infinite_o above_o they_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o heathen_n that_o at_o the_o birth_n and_o death_n of_o
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 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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
in_o maintain_v and_o promote_a the_o doctrine_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n seven_o that_o sweet_a and_o admirable_a harmony_n and_o consent_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n can_v be_v rational_o ascribe_v to_o any_o but_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n each_o part_n agree_v so_o exact_o with_o itself_o and_o with_o the_o whole_a which_o sufficient_o appear_v by_o compare_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n touch_v christ_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o reception_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o remarkable_a thing_n with_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o as_o the_o same_o be_v plain_o declare_v and_o reveal_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n such_o exact_a consent_n and_o agreement_n as_o be_v here_o to_o be_v find_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v feign_v of_o man_n or_o angel_n from_o who_o the_o thing_n foretell_v be_v hide_v till_o they_o be_v reveal_v nor_o can_v there_o be_v forgery_n in_o these_o writing_n 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be_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o itself_o we_o may_v further_o add_v that_o it_o agree_v with_o all_o other_o truth_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a in_o divinity_n which_o be_v false_a in_o true_a philosophy_n nothing_o in_o philosophy_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o truth_n in_o divinity_n but_o it_o may_v be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a and_o true_a philosophy_n which_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o divinity_n eight_o the_o matter_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v divine_a and_o wonderful_a which_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n it_o open_v and_o reveal_v the_o great_a and_o most_o glorious_a mystery_n as_o the_o nature_n property_n attribute_n and_o high_a act_n of_o god_n and_o how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o adore_v it_o describe_v the_o person_n nature_n virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n so_o full_o so_o clear_o that_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n consider_v it_o attentive_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v that_o it_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o a_o finite_a understanding_n and_o humane_a capacity_n it_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o corruption_n and_o misery_n of_o man_n by_o nature_n the_o great_a and_o unparalled_a love_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n towards_o lose_a man_n and_o the_o happy_a agreement_n of_o his_o infinite_a justice_n mercy_n and_o wisdom_n in_o ordain_v christ_n to_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o reveal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n make_v with_o man_n after_o the_o fall_n for_o restore_v he_o again_o to_o god_n favour_n all_o which_o can_v be_v derive_v from_o no_o other_o fountain_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n 1_o cor._n 2.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o eph._n 1.17_o 18._o the_o scripture_n also_o contain_v the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n in_o the_o precept_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v divers_a note_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n as_o first_o the_o surpass_a excellency_n of_o the_o act_n require_v of_o we_o namely_o that_o we_o shall_v deny_v ourselves_o and_o conform_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o image_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o the_o wonderful_a equity_n that_o do_v appear_v in_o every_o commandment_n three_o the_o admirable_a strangeness_n of_o some_o act_n and_o duty_n as_o regeneration_n self-abasement_n the_o renounce_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o part_v with_o all_o we_o have_v for_o christ_n which_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n will_v count_v foolishness_n and_o madness_n yet_o prescribe_v as_o necessary_a four_o the_o manner_n how_o obedience_n be_v require_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o it_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a principle_n even_o from_o a_o pure_a heart_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a five_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n command_v and_o allow_v all_o good_a and_o forbid_v and_o condemn_v all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n whatsoever_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n not_o only_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o also_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o with_o reference_n to_o all_o person_n time_n and_o place_n without_o exception_n bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o reach_v the_o very_a thought_n and_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o do_v not_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o will_v fill_v a_o great_a volume_n if_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o they_o at_o large_a clear_o and_o convince_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v no_o other_o author_n of_o those_o sacred_a writing_n but_o god_n himself_o for_o who_o can_v contrive_v these_o thing_n but_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_a in_o power_n and_o wisdom_n who_o can_v give_v eternal_a life_n
or_o inflict_v eternal_a death_n and_o condemnation_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n but_o the_o eternal_a god_n nine_o the_o end_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v divine_a namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n not_o so_o much_o corporal_n and_o temporal_a as_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a the_o doctrine_n precept_n promise_n prohibition_n narration_n threaten_n punishment_n and_o reward_n thereof_o be_v all_o refer_v final_o and_o ultimate_o to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a be_v and_o chief_a good_a which_o show_v plain_o that_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o from_o above_o and_o to_o speak_v truth_n and_o reason_n what_o be_v more_o equal_a and_o just_a then_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v return_v thither_o from_o whence_o they_o have_v their_o first_o rise_n and_o original_a for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o everlasting_a glory_n be_v due_a from_o all_o creature_n rom._n 11.36_o the_o scripture_n plain_o point_v out_o to_o man_n what_o true_a blessedness_n be_v wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o where_o and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o enjoy_v namely_o in_o the_o everlasting_a vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n which_o man_n may_v attain_v unto_o by_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o god_n be_v reconcile_v and_o well_o please_v and_o this_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o what_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n bounty_n mercy_n goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n then_o to_o restore_v man_n fall_v and_o to_o make_v he_o partaker_n of_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n and_o who_o can_v show_v to_o man_n how_o he_o may_v be_v restore_v and_o admit_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n have_v offend_v his_o glorious_a majesty_n who_o can_v direct_v and_o lead_v he_o in_o the_o way_n to_o true_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n but_o god_n who_o be_v wisdom_n and_o goodness_n itself_o and_o who_o have_v effectual_o do_v it_o in_o and_o by_o his_o son_n the_o essential_a word_n and_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n these_o argument_n and_o demonstration_n whether_o they_o be_v several_o or_o joint_o consider_v by_o we_o do_v as_o strong_o prove_v and_o evince_v 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 as_o any_o reason_n can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v any_o true_a religion_n or_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o matter_n that_o concern_v religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o therefore_o may_v serve_v to_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v the_o reason_n of_o any_o sober_a man_n touch_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n every_o christian_n shall_v so_o far_o improve_v his_o reason_n as_o not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o mere_a dictate_v of_o man_n be_v they_o prince_n be_v they_o pope_n be_v they_o counsel_n be_v they_o never_o so_o learned_a or_o pious_a he_o ought_v not_o in_o aliorum_fw-la sententias_fw-la pedibus_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la cordibus_fw-la ire_n reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o these_o matter_n shall_v go_v before_o and_o make_v way_n for_o his_o practice_n as_o there_o be_v some_o that_o vain_o magnify_v and_o lift_v up_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n above_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o authority_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o there_o be_v other_o and_z more_z especial_o that_o bestial_a antichristian_a kingdom_n of_o the_o papacy_n that_o will_v transform_v reasonable_a man_n and_o christian_n into_o sensitive_a and_o irrational_a creature_n by_o the_o deceit_n and_o legerdemain_n of_o a_o popish_a implicit_a credulity_n which_o command_v man_n to_o put_v out_o their_o lamp_n to_o pluck_v out_o their_o eye_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n to_o renounce_v their_o sense_n reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o so_o to_o follow_v their_o leader_n blindfold_a wheresoever_o they_o go_v and_o i_o can_v wish_v there_o be_v not_o too_o much_o of_o this_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a devotion_n among_o protestant_n yea_o and_o among_o some_o that_o seem_v more_o forward_o and_o zealous_a than_o other_o at_o least_o for_o a_o party_n the_o rant_a romanist_n tell_v we_o with_o noise_n and_o clamour_n enough_o of_o a_o visible_a supreme_a tribunal_n and_o a_o infallible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n here_o upon_o earth_n who_o be_v to_o regulate_v all_o person_n and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n though_o never_o so_o much_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n other_o of_o they_o more_o prudent_a and_o moderate_a resolve_v the_o final_a judgement_n of_o controversy_n into_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o general_a council_n and_o all_o of_o they_o general_o make_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o church_n hence_o be_v that_o impudent_a say_n of_o bayly_n the_o jesuit_n that_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n he_o will_v believe_v st._n matthew_n no_o more_o than_o titus_n livius_n a_o heathen_a author_n and_o stapleton_n be_v so_o much_o for_o a_o blind_a implicit_a obedience_n in_o contempt_n of_o reason_n that_o he_o tell_v we_o plain_o the_o people_n be_v so_o subject_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o their_o pastor_n that_o if_o their_o pastor_n err_v in_o any_o thing_n the_o people_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o err_v in_o obedience_n to_o they_o and_o again_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o believe_v christ_n say_v he_o so_o be_v we_o simple_o and_o in_o every_o thing_n to_o believe_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n whether_o it_o teach_v truth_n or_o error_n o_o monstrous_a be_v not_o this_o a_o base_a tyranny_n a_o brutish_a unreasonable_a act_n of_o they_o when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v white_a which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v black_a that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v false_a there_o be_v some_o indeed_o among_o they_o more_o rational_a and_o sober_a who_o will_v not_o have_v private_a christian_n put_v out_o their_o eye_n but_o make_v use_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n the_o examination_n and_o trial_n of_o doctrine_n concern_v faith_n say_v gerson_n belong_v not_o only_o to_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n but_o to_o every_o christian_a also_o that_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n because_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o fit_a judge_n of_o that_o which_o he_o know_v and_o the_o say_n of_o panormitan_n another_o of_o their_o doctor_n be_v well_o know_v that_o one_o faithful_a man_n though_o he_o be_v but_o a_o private_a man_n be_v more_o to_o be_v believe_v then_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o whole_a council_n if_o he_o have_v better_a reason_n and_o scripture_n authority_n on_o his_o side_n chrisostome_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a dissension_n among_o christian_n that_o we_o know_v not_o of_o what_o opinion_n to_o be_v of_o nor_o who_o to_o believe_v have_v these_o remarkable_a word_n tell_v i_o have_v thou_o any_o reason_n or_o judgement_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o part_n of_o a_o man_n bare_o to_o receive_v whatsoever_o he_o hear_v but_o if_o thou_o diligent_o mark_v the_o meaning_n thou_o may_v thorough_o know_v that_o which_o be_v good_a when_o thou_o buy_v a_o garment_n though_o thou_o have_v no_o skill_n in_o weave_v yet_o thou_o say_v not_o i_o can_v buy_v it_o they_o deceive_v i_o but_o thou_o do_v what_o thou_o can_v to_o come_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o it_o say_v not_o then_o i_o be_o no_o scholar_n and_o will_v be_v no_o judge_n i_o can_v condemn_v no_o opinion_n for_o this_o be_v but_o a_o shift_n and_o a_o cavil_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o use_v it_o for_o these_o thing_n be_v easy_a to_o they_o that_o endeavour_n after_o true_a knowledge_n have_v not_o every_o christian_a a_o reasonable_a soul_n a_o understand_a faculty_n which_o god_n have_v endue_v he_o with_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v search_v and_o try_v and_o discern_v the_o thing_n that_o differ_v to_o what_o end_n have_v god_n set_v up_o this_o light_n in_o man_n soul_n if_o he_o must_v not_o use_v it_o in_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v doctrine_n but_o must_v give_v way_n to_o sloth_n and_o ignorance_n be_v not_o this_o to_o transform_v man_n into_o a_o beast_n and_o be_v it_o not_o brutish_a ness_n and_o folly_n in_o he_o thus_o to_o
court_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o practice_n he_o shall_v so_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o relate_v thereunto_o as_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n rom._n 14.5_o he_o shall_v so_o prove_v all_o thing_n as_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thes_n 5.21_o thus_o christ_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n have_v give_v two_o sort_n of_o judgement_n to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n one_o public_a belong_v to_o a_o assembly_n of_o godly_a pastor_n and_o elder_n for_o of_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n teach_v let_v the_o prophet_n judge_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n the_o other_o be_v a_o more_o private_a personal_a judgement_n which_o concern_v all_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n in_o both_o these_o judgement_n we_o shall_v remember_v that_o christ_n have_v commit_v nothing_o to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o ministry_n of_o give_v judgement_n for_o as_o touch_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o judgement_n and_o authority_n it_o belong_v only_o to_o he_o counsel_n may_v expound_v and_o declare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o they_o have_v no_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o make_v any_o new_a doctrine_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o every_o christian_n ought_v in_o a_o rational_a way_n to_o judge_v of_o their_o determination_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o yield_v blind_a obedience_n thereunto_o for_o this_o be_v to_o unchristian_a yea_o to_o unman_v himself_o of_o this_o opinion_n be_v all_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o general_a and_o particular_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 103._o england_n see_v rogers_n on_o 39_o article_n p._n 103._o who_o maintain_v that_o every_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n from_o christ_n to_o judge_v in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o to_o embrace_v truth_n and_o avoid_v error_n the_o church_n as_o a_o faithful_a witness_n shall_v give_v testimony_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v the_o word_n nor_o to_o judge_v otherwise_o then_o god_n word_n judge_v general_a counsel_n consist_v of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o infallible_a may_v err_v the_o thing_n therefore_o that_o be_v ordain_v by_o general_a counsel_n do_v so_o far_o bind_v as_o they_o be_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o no_o further_o for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o ground_v our_o faith_n upon_o they_o but_o only_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n now_o that_o such_o a_o rational_a judgement_n or_o a_o judgement_n in_o foro_fw-la interno_fw-la as_o have_v be_v assert_v belong_v to_o every_o christian_a so_o as_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o reason_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o determination_n be_v thus_o prove_v and_o demonstrate_v first_o from_o those_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o mat._n 24.4_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thes_n 5.21_o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a judge_v all_o thing_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2.15_o which_o text_n together_o with_o many_o other_o that_o may_v be_v allege_v do_v not_o only_o concern_v public_a minister_n but_o also_o private_a christian_n yea_o chief_a they_o as_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v seduce_v second_o this_o have_v be_v also_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a thus_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o exercise_v their_o spiritual_a sense_n that_o they_o may_v discern_v thing_n that_o differ_v heb._n 5.14_o the_o berean_o be_v count_v more_o noble_a than_o other_o because_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v paul_n doctrine_n by_o the_o scripture_n though_o he_o speak_v from_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n act_v 17.11_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v for_o try_v they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o find_v they_o liar_n and_o deceiver_n after_o trial_n rev._n 2.2_o and_o christ_n tell_v we_o that_o his_o true_a sheep_n will_v follow_v he_o for_o they_o know_v his_o voice_n but_o a_o stranger_n they_o will_v not_o follow_v but_o will_v flee_v from_o he_o joh._n 10.4_o 5._o now_o this_o they_o can_v not_o do_v unless_o they_o do_v exercise_v a_o rational_a judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n three_o every_o christian_n be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o practice_n to_o god_n yea_o he_o shall_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v he_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v in_o he_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o but_o how_o can_v he_o do_v this_o rational_o and_o understand_o without_o trial_n and_o examination_n if_o he_o be_v find_v to_o embrace_v whatever_o his_o superior_n shall_v impose_v upon_o he_o true_o then_o the_o blind_a implicit_a faith_n of_o the_o collier_n will_v serve_v well_o enough_o be_v this_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o can_v true_o believe_v unless_o we_o have_v knowledge_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o practice_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n four_o how_o shall_v a_o christian_a cleanse_v his_o heart_n and_o way_n but_o by_o take_v heed_n thereto_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n psal_n 119.9_o how_o shall_v he_o walk_v as_o a_o child_n of_o light_n unless_o the_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n to_o his_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n to_o his_o path_n psal_n 119.105_o how_o can_v he_o walk_v wise_o and_o circumspect_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 5.17_o if_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v he_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o discern_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o so_o he_o may_v try_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n five_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o private_a christian_n to_o receive_v all_o doctrine_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o by_o his_o superior_n without_o trial_n and_o examination_n then_o can_v not_o he_o be_v just_o charge_v with_o sin_n and_o guilt_n who_o receive_v error_n in_o stead_n of_o truth_n from_o those_o that_o be_v above_o he_o in_o dignity_n and_o authority_n but_o we_o find_v that_o this_o will_v not_o excuse_v he_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_n the_o blind_a both_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o pit_n luk._n 6.39_o and_o we_o be_v to_o fly_v from_o stranger_n and_o not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o those_o prophet_n that_o speak_v the_o vision_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o not_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n jer._n 23.16_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o seducer_n which_o no_o christian_n can_v avoid_v upon_o good_a ground_n unless_o he_o pass_v a_o rational_a judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n why_o be_v ephraim_n oppress_v and_o break_v in_o judgement_n but_o because_o he_o willing_o walk_v after_o the_o commandment_n of_o his_o ruler_n and_o governor_n corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o impartial_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o same_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n hos_fw-la 5.11_o six_o god_n have_v furnish_v a_o christian_a with_o ability_n for_o this_o end_n with_o reason_n as_o man_n he_o have_v a_o reflexive_a faculty_n which_o beast_n have_v not_o he_o have_v a_o rational_a understand_a soul_n which_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o enable_v he_o to_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o and_o to_o deduce_v genuine_a inference_n and_o conclusion_n from_o such_o premise_n as_o be_v lay_v down_o and_o propound_v and_o then_o further_o god_n have_v not_o only_o give_v his_o people_n the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o rational_a man_n but_o have_v also_o infuse_v into_o they_o a_o principle_n of_o divine_a light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o christian_n to_o search_v and_o try_v the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a god_n have_v give_v they_o a_o spiritual_a unction_n or_o understanding_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o john_n 2.27_o &_o chap._n 5.20_o that_o they_o may_v know_v he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o they_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n teach_v they_o but_o as_o this_o anoint_v teach_v they_o which_o be_v truth_n and_o be_v no_o lie_n if_o any_o man_n
be_v prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o as_o for_o the_o scripture_n they_o prove_v and_o evidence_n themselves_o sufficient_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a by_o their_o own_o light_n manifest_v their_o divine_a original_a they_o be_v primum_fw-la visibile_fw-la not_o like_o colour_n that_o can_v be_v see_v till_o light_v make_v it_o apparent_a but_o like_o light_n itself_o which_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n manifest_a and_o itself_o too_o by_o its_o own_o proper_a quality_n now_o than_o if_o a_o true_a believer_n shall_v be_v ask_v why_o he_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o may_v true_o answer_v thus_o because_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o it_o be_v further_o demand_v how_o he_o can_v assure_v himself_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o may_v answer_v that_o he_o know_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enlighten_v his_o understanding_n to_o see_v those_o lively_a character_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v imprint_v upon_o those_o sacred_a volume_n if_o yet_o it_o be_v further_o demand_v how_o he_o know_v whether_o that_o be_v the_o right_a meaning_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n he_o may_v likewise_o true_o say_v that_o he_o know_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v diligent_o examine_v and_o compare_v together_o do_v plain_o discover_v to_o the_o humble_a teachable_a soul_n their_o own_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o concern_v everlasting_a salvation_n and_o thus_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v final_o and_o ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n or_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o into_o nothing_o less_o as_o for_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o judgement_n and_o writing_n of_o the_o godly_a learned_a they_o be_v good_a help_n to_o make_v we_o see_v the_o truth_n but_o no_o cause_n why_o we_o believe_v it_o this_o we_o do_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n not_o for_o their_o say_n or_o determination_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o accord_v with_o the_o scripture_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o assent_v thereunto_o though_o we_o shall_v give_v due_a reverence_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o godly_a judicious_a man_n and_o thorough_o examine_v and_o weigh_v with_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n the_o ground_n of_o our_o dissent_n from_o they_o yet_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o man_n though_o never_o so_o eminent_a for_o learning_n and_o piety_n shall_v not_o command_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o article_n of_o religion_n that_o shall_v be_v propose_v to_o we_o for_o our_o faith_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o testimony_n and_o demonstration_n of_o his_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 5._o the_o first_o and_o chief_a ground_n whereon_o be_v build_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n assent_n be_v the_o infallible_a truth_n and_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n because_o god_n have_v say_v it_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v it_o and_o assent_v to_o it_o for_o whatsoever_o god_n say_v be_v true_a now_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v deep_o engrave_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o every_o rational_a man_n that_o god_n himself_o be_v so_o infinite_o wise_a that_o he_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o nor_o can_v any_o creature_n circumvent_v and_o overreach_v he_o and_o withal_o he_o be_v so_o infinite_o good_a holy_a and_o just_a that_o no_o lie_n or_o untruth_n can_v proceed_v from_o he_o wisdom_n itself_o can_v be_v deceive_v truth_n itself_o can_v deceive_v and_o god_n be_v both_o and_o therefore_o wheresoever_o any_o revelation_n be_v certain_o know_v or_o believe_v to_o be_v of_o god_n there_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n do_v full_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n reveal_v but_o now_o the_o great_a question_n will_v be_v how_o we_o know_v infallible_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o what_o we_o find_v write_v therein_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o very_a oracle_n of_o god_n here_o lie_v the_o great_a yea_o the_o irreconcilable_a difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o we_o for_o whereas_o we_o maintain_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o god_n by_o themselves_o and_o by_o their_o own_o light_n and_o power_n they_o hold_v that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o their_o divine_a authority_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o as_o they_o say_v do_v infallible_o propose_v unto_o we_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v our_o faith_n shall_v be_v resolve_v either_o into_o nothing_o at_o all_o for_o they_o differ_v exceed_o about_o the_o church_n representative_a and_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o controversy_n here_o on_o earth_n or_o at_o the_o further_a it_o shall_v be_v resolve_v but_o only_o into_o humane_a authority_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v but_o a_o humane_a faith_n that_o circle_n which_o they_o false_o charge_v upon_o we_o 211._o we_o mr._n w._n pemble_n nature_n and_o property_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n p._n 210_o 211._o they_o themselves_o be_v guilty_a of_o and_o can_v never_o be_v disintangled_n therefrom_o by_o their_o principle_n for_o ask_v a_o romanist_n why_o do_v you_o believe_v that_o the_o pope_n can_v err_v he_o will_v tell_v you_o because_o the_o scripture_n say_v so_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o i_o have_v pray_v that_o thy_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v and_o the_o like_a text_n of_o scripture_n but_o how_o know_v you_o that_o this_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o your_o interpretation_n be_v the_o right_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o these_o place_n to_o this_o he_o answer_v because_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n say_v so_o or_o as_o some_o of_o they_o hold_v because_o the_o pope_n only_o say_v so_o or_o as_o other_o of_o they_o because_o a_o general_a council_n say_v so_o if_o we_o further_o urge_v he_o yea_o but_o how_o know_v you_o infallible_o that_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n do_v not_o err_v in_o say_v so_o he_o will_v answer_v you_o because_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v they_o can_v err_v for_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o they_o run_v round_o in_o a_o circle_n describe_v circle_n the_o popish_a circle_n describe_v and_o be_v so_o entangle_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a of_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o deliver_v themselves_o indeed_o they_o accuse_v we_o with_o open_a mouth_n as_o if_o we_o be_v entangle_v in_o a_o circle_n run_v round_o from_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o again_o from_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o thus_o how_o know_v you_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o same_o to_o my_o heart_n and_o conscience_n but_o how_o know_v you_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o scripture_n which_o testify_v that_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o but_o then_o further_o how_o know_v you_o this_o and_o the_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o know_v it_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n and_o thus_o they_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v catch_v we_o in_o a_o circle_n but_o they_o great_o mistake_v we_o though_o we_o do_v not_o mistake_v their_o doctrine_n we_o teach_v indeed_o that_o we_o know_v the_o scripture_n infallible_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n inward_o reveal_v and_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o to_o our_o conscience_n but_o what_o kind_n of_o revelation_n or_o testimony_n be_v this_o it_o be_v not_o any_o inward_a suggestion_n or_o immediate_a inspiration_n different_z from_o those_o revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o as_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v by_o a_o second_o private_a immediate_a revelation_n assure_v i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o former_a revelation_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o this_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n reveal_v and_o testify_v to_o our_o conscience_n the_o divine_a authority_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o remove_v those_o impediment_n that_o hinder_v as_o namely_o our_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n and_o by_o bestow_v upon_o we_o those_o grace_n that_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o
authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n prove_v by_o reason_n page_n 97_o 1._o because_o no_o other_o or_o better_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n can_v be_v produce_v 2._o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v throughout_o all_o age_n witness_v to_o and_o wonderful_o preserve_v by_o the_o jew_n 3._o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v all_o along_o witness_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n even_o to_o the_o death_n 4._o god_n have_v confirm_v the_o authority_n thereof_o by_o great_a and_o strange_a miracle_n from_o heaven_n 5._o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o authentical_a of_o any_o writing_n 6._o the_o stile_n order_n contexture_n and_o frame_v of_o the_o scripture_n show_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o 7._o another_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o wonderful_a powerful_a effect_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n 8._o from_o the_o admirable_a harmony_n and_o consent_n thereof_o 9_o the_o matter_n treat_v of_o therein_o be_v divine_a and_o wonderful_a here_o be_v mention_v five_o note_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n 10._o the_o end_n which_o the_o scripture_n aim_v at_o be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n page_n 110_o 1._o here_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o popish_a implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n 2._o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v make_v apppear_v 1._o to_o be_v against_o sense_n 2._o against_o reason_n 3._o against_o faith_n 3._o it_o be_v also_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n one_o in_o foro_fw-la publico_fw-la another_o in_o foro_fw-la privato_fw-la 4._o that_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o to_o exercise_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o try_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n this_o be_v prove_v by_o six_o cogent_a argument_n objection_n against_o this_o tenet_n and_o practice_v answer_v chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n page_n 123_o 1._o it_o be_v here_o show_v that_o this_o testimony_n be_v more_o satisfactory_a to_o the_o conscience_n than_o all_o other_o proof_n 2._o that_o a_o christian_n faith_n shall_v be_v ultimate_o and_o final_o resolve_v into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v but_o humane_a 3._o the_o popish_a circle_n be_v describe_v and_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n herein_o vindicate_v 4._o some_o rule_n and_o caution_n concern_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v here_o propound_v to_o prevent_v mistake_n chap._n xv._o show_v when_o reason_n be_v right_o use_v and_o when_o abuse_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n in_o the_o scripture_n page_n 133_o 1._o reason_n be_v the_o organ_n which_o let_v into_o the_o soul_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n 2._o it_o be_v overpower_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v the_o great_a reasonableness_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o christ_n 3._o reason_n be_v exceed_o useful_a in_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n 4._o nevertheless_o we_o shall_v not_o make_v reason_n the_o judge_n in_o divine_a matter_n nor_o subject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o our_o reason_n as_o socinian_n do_v three_o argument_n against_o it_o chap._n xvi_o of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o mere_a rational_a and_o spiritual_a man_n and_o their_o act_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n here_o be_v show_v page_n 142_o 1._o that_o the_o spiritual_a man_n have_v christ_n form_v in_o he_o and_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n do_v not_o 2._o that_o the_o divine_a principle_n which_o act_v the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v more_o than_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a natural_a and_o rational_a ability_n 3._o that_o man_n be_v passive_a in_o the_o new_a spiritual_a birth_n and_o can_v by_o all_o his_o reason_n discern_v how_o this_o spiritual_a life_n be_v wrought_v 4._o how_o and_o wherein_o the_o spiritual_a man_n act_n and_o operation_n do_v far_o transcend_v the_o mere_a rational_a mans._n 5._o they_o differ_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o reference_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n in_o five_o particular_n chap._n xvii_o prove_v that_o none_o can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o mere_a improvement_n of_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n page_n 152_o 1._o divers_a of_o the_o father_n and_o some_o modern_a writer_n have_v err_v in_o this_o point_n 2._o four_o thing_n be_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o better_a open_n of_o it_o god_n may_v reveal_v his_o son_n if_o he_o so_o please_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n to_o some_o heathen_n 3._o it_o be_v prove_v by_o nine_o argument_n that_o no_o rational_a moral_n heathen_a can_v be_v save_v without_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o mediator_n one_o or_o two_o material_a objection_n answer_v chap._n xviii_o of_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a delight_n here_o be_v show_v page_z 16â—_n 1._o that_o every_o be_v choose_v to_o itself_o some_o kind_n of_o pleasure_n as_o 1._o god_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a be_v 2._o the_o angel_n 3._o man_n that_o have_v rational_a soul_n 4._o the_o sensitive_a creature_n 2._o in_o what_o particular_n the_o delight_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n do_v far_o excel_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n chap._n xix_o show_v that_o reason_n and_o much_o more_o faith_n do_v fortify_v a_o man_n against_o the_o excessive_a fear_n of_o death_n page_n 172_o 1._o here_o be_v eight_o consideration_n draw_v from_o reason_n against_o the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n 2._o seven_o argument_n be_v also_o draw_v from_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n 3._o the_o famous_a say_n of_o some_o die_a christian_n be_v mention_v chap._n xx._n that_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o due_a exercise_n thereof_o be_v a_o great_a mercy_n page_n 187_o 1._o this_o be_v open_v in_o some_o particular_n 2._o it_o be_v here_o show_v that_o man_n who_o have_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n be_v wonderful_o make_v like_o a_o curious_a piece_n of_o embroidery_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o rational_a soul_n wherein_o man_n far_o excel_v other_o creature_n five_o thing_n mention_v relate_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n 3._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o new_a spiritual_a birth_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n chap._n xxi_o a_o recapitulation_n of_o particular_n touch_v the_o use_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n page_n 195_o 1._o here_o be_v five_o consideration_n premise_v 2._o the_o excellency_n and_o use_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v particular_o hold_v forth_o as_o 1._o some_o that_o have_v be_v famous_a instrument_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v abound_v therein_o 2._o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v use_v of_o it_o 3._o it_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o grammatical_a literal_a sense_n and_o the_o chronology_n and_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n 4._o it_o be_v useful_a for_o convince_a heathen_n and_o infidel_n 5._o in_o try_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n 6._o as_o a_o passive_a qualification_n of_o the_o subject_n for_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o which_o case_n there_o must_v be_v a_o principle_n of_o reason_n chap._n xxii_o how_o and_o in_o what_o respect_v reason_n come_v short_a and_o be_v abuse_v in_o divine_a thing_n page_n 206_o 1._o reason_n can_v discover_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n 2._o nor_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o nature_n 3._o it_o can_v prescribe_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n 4._o nor_o enable_v we_o perfect_o to_o perform_v natural_a and_o civil_a action_n without_o the_o general_a assistance_n of_o god_n 5._o our_o assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v the_o assent_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o mere_a reason_n 6._o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o reason_n be_v the_o rule_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o spiritual_a matter_n he_o must_v be_v crucify_v to_o his_o reason_n here_o be_v also_o show_v in_o six_o particular_n when_o and_o wherein_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v abuse_v and_o so_o become_v dangerous_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n