Selected quad for the lemma: reason_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
reason_n believe_v divine_a revelation_n 3,320 5 9.6030 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A30400 A rational method for proving the truth of the Christian religion, as it is professed in the Church of England in answer to A rational compendious way to convince without dispute all persons whatsoever dissenting from the true religion, by J.K. / by Gilbert Burnet. Burnet, Gilbert, 1643-1715. 1675 (1675) Wing B5846; ESTC R32583 48,508 114

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

roman_a religion_n be_v propagate_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o shall_v first_o examine_v his_o ground_n his_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o comparison_n be_v that_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n contain_v some_o high_a mystery_n in_o it_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n so_o do_v the_o roman_a religion_n in_o hold_v transubstantiation_n he_o do_v well_o to_o distinguish_v this_o from_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o it_o be_v indeed_o none_o of_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o above_o humane_a reason_n as_o he_o call_v it_o but_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n and_o the_o resurrection_n the_o last_o of_o these_o contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o may_v not_o be_v rational_o enough_o conceive_v as_o very_o possible_a and_o easy_a to_o divine_a omnipotence_n for_o the_o other_o mystery_n that_o concern_v god_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n those_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n since_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v so_o vast_o exalt_v above_o all_o our_o depress_a notion_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a object_n for_o our_o faculty_n so_o no_o wonder_n we_o can_v frame_v such_o clear_a conception_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o to_o give_v a_o distinct_a account_n of_o it_o to_o our_o reason_n but_o a_o material_a object_n propose_v to_o our_o sense_n be_v proportion_v to_o our_o faculty_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v either_o believe_v the_o clear_a evidence_n our_o faculty_n give_v we_o of_o the_o bread_n and_o of_o the_o wine_n after_o the_o consecration_n or_o turn_v sceptic_n for_o ever_o since_o full_a evidence_n to_o our_o faculty_n be_v all_o can_v possible_o be_v offer_v for_o our_o conviction_n and_o if_o that_o in_o any_o case_n fail_v it_o be_v in_o no_o case_n certain_a so_o that_o if_o our_o sense_n fail_v in_o this_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o receive_v any_o thing_n upon_o their_o testimony_n for_o a_o note_a liar_n in_o one_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o nothing_o even_o though_o his_o lie_n have_v be_v discover_v by_o a_o divine_a revelation_n now_o if_o we_o weaken_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n all_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o it_o receive_v from_o the_o miracle_n will_v be_v weaken_v for_o these_o be_v only_o know_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o spectator_n and_o so_o far_o of_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o parallel_n the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o parallel_n be_v that_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n enjoin_v diverse_a severity_n to_o embrace_v cross_n to_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o to_o mortify_v our_o passion_n so_o also_o the_o roman_a teach_v very_o hard_a precept_n and_o counsel_n as_o vow_n fast_n confession_n prohibition_n for_o priest_n to_o marry_o to_o which_o i._o k._n add_v a_o etc._n etc._n the_o christian_a religion_n do_v indeed_o command_v diverse_a duty_n contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a appetite_n but_o those_o be_v thing_n of_o themselves_o moral_o good_a and_o such_o as_o do_v high_o perfect_v our_o nature_n but_o the_o roman_a religion_n have_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o find_v mean_n for_o void_v all_o these_o sacred_a obligation_n and_o to_o set_v a_o great_a many_o little_a trifle_a performance_n instead_o of_o they_o which_o have_v no_o tendency_n to_o the_o purify_n of_o our_o nature_n or_o the_o better_n of_o mankind_n how_o much_o they_o have_v detract_v from_o the_o obligation_n to_o all_o the_o severe_a and_o unalterable_o moral_a duty_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v already_o and_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o lay_v open_a if_o it_o be_v call_v for_o though_o that_o be_v needless_a it_o be_v so_o clear_o do_v by_o many_o better_a pen_n but_o for_o those_o they_o have_v substitute_v in_o their_o room_n let_v we_o a_o little_a consider_v these_o i._o k._n mention_n and_o to_o begin_v with_o vow_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o first_o design_n of_o monastery_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v excellent_a but_o it_o quick_o begin_v to_o degenerate_v into_o idleness_n and_o superstition_n which_o s._n jerome_n though_o incline_v enough_o to_o the_o severity_n of_o that_o course_n of_o life_n have_v full_o tell_v we_o but_o how_o they_o do_v afterward_o sink_v into_o all_o the_o corruption_n imaginable_a all_o history_n inform_v we_o and_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v for_o such_o house_n as_o either_o seminary_n for_o the_o church_n or_o sanctuary_n for_o those_o that_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o labour_v in_o it_o yet_o certain_o the_o entanglement_n of_o vow_n be_v a_o yoke_n which_o none_o can_v be_v assure_v he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v we_o ought_v to_o vow_n and_o pay_v our_o vow_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o vow_v nothing_o but_o that_o whereof_o the_o execution_n be_v in_o our_o power_n now_o when_o we_o vow_v to_o serve_v god_n which_o we_o do_v in_o the_o sacrament_n we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n but_o to_o vow_v thing_n which_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a to_o perform_v our_o temper_n be_v so_o liable_a to_o change_v that_o what_o agree_v with_o they_o at_o one_o time_n become_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n and_o snare_n at_o another_o be_v certain_o to_o cast_v ourselves_o headlong_o into_o many_o temptation_n and_o what_o unnatural_a and_o brutal_a lust_n have_v abound_v in_o these_o house_n we_o read_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o repeat_v what_o a_o cheat_n be_v the_o pretence_n to_o poverty_n in_o those_o order_n which_o have_v get_v such_o vast_a riches_n that_o they_o be_v become_v the_o envy_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o benedictine_n the_o ca●●husians_n and_o the_o jesuit_n and_o for_o the_o beg_a order_n it_o be_v both_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o chris●i●n_a religion_n and_o all_o good_a government_n to_o allow_v much_o more_o to_o encourage_v such_o swarm_n of_o idle_a fellow_n who_o shall_v always_o go_v ramble_v and_o beg_v about_o and_o do_v not_o work_v 11._o that_o they_o may_v eat_v and_o for_o 10._o their_o obedience_n what_o a_o rack_n it_o may_v be_v under_o a_o tyrannical_a superior_a and_o what_o a_o engine_n it_o may_v prove_v for_o sedition_n and_o disturbance_n i_o leave_v to_o all_o to_o judge_v in_o a_o word_n all_o such_o severity_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o subdue_a our_o lust_n and_o passion_n be_v good_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n but_o for_o overcharge_v man_n with_o new_a burden_n which_o signify_v nothing_o but_o to_o create_v a_o perpetual_a trouble_n and_o constant_a scrupulosity_n be_v to_o abridge_v they_o of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n without_o cause_n and_o tend_v to_o swell_v they_o up_o with_o pride_n and_o a_o lofty_a opinion_n of_o their_o merit_v by_o such_o practice_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o other_o who_o though_o they_o bear_v none_o of_o these_o voluntary_a assume_v burden_n yet_o be_v more_o meek_a more_o humble_a and_o more_o charitable_a and_o in_o all_o thing_n more_o conformable_a to_o the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o if_o voluntary_a severity_n be_v a_o character_n of_o a_o true_a religion_n the_o priest_n of_o baal_n the_o worshipper_n of_o diana_n taurica_n the_o ebionite_n the_o montanist_n the_o e●cratites_n and_o many_o other_o heresy_n may_v have_v put_v in_o a_o fair_a claim_n since_o they_o abound_v in_o they_o from_o your_o vow_n i_o go_v to_o your_o fast_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v disclaim_v fast_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v so_o much_o recommend_v both_o by_o his_o example_n and_o command_n we_o acknowledge_v it_o a_o powerful_a mean_n both_o for_o mortify_v all_o bodily_a lust_n and_o for_o dispose_v the_o mind_n to_o prayer_n and_o all_o other_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v these_o to_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o peculiar_a to_o they_o and_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o of_o they_o will_v justify_v the_o corruption_n they_o be_v palpable_o guilty_a of_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o their_o fast_n which_o be_v general_o only_o a_o change_n of_o diet_n wherein_o no_o severity_n nor_o strictness_n be_v to_o be_v see_v wine_n be_v liberal_o drink_v the_o most_o delicate_a fish_n with_o the_o most_o exquisite_a way_n of_o dress_v they_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o no_o other_o mixture_n of_o high_a devotion_n appear_v on_o these_o weekly_a or_o annual_a return_n for_o confession_n i_o know_v no_o christian_n that_o deny_v the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o but_o the_o set_n up_o the_o necessity_n of_o auricular_a confession_n as_o it_o have_v drive_v out_o of_o their_o church_n the_o primitive_a and_o public_a confession_n with_o all_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a glory_n
leave_v out_o to_o maintain_v the_o fight_n and_o as_o some_o after_o the_o great_a defeat_v have_v impudence_n enough_o to_o pretend_v a_o victory_n so_o that_o art_n be_v not_o omit_v by_o they_o but_o loud_a acclamation_n of_o victory_n be_v make_v when_o all_o free_a discerner_n see_v they_o be_v quite_o rout_v and_o the_o rudeness_n they_o have_v learn_v in_o their_o cell_n be_v bring_v out_o with_o they_o for_o they_o manage_v their_o dispute_n with_o all_o the_o roughness_n of_o expression_n the_o most_o petulant_a insulting_n and_o the_o most_o barbarous_a rail_n nor_o do_v this_o charge_n fall_v only_o on_o one_o side_n of_o christendom_n though_o one_o church_n be_v most_o notorious_o guilty_a but_o the_o disputant_n of_o all_o side_n have_v for_o the_o great_a part_n manage_v their_o debate_n with_o that_o acrimony_n of_o stile_n those_o severe_a invective_n and_o the_o catch_v up_o some_o escape_n of_o inconsiderate_a pen_n as_o if_o they_o be_v more_o concern_v for_o glory_n than_o for_o truth_n beside_o that_o every_o one_o swallow_n down_o a_o entire_a system_fw-la of_o that_o party_n to_o which_o he_o have_v offer_v up_o himself_o and_o all_o must_v be_v defend_v without_o that_o ingenuity_n which_o become_v inquirer_n into_o divine_a truth_n nor_o do_v most_o man_n take_v their_o opinion_n from_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n but_o from_o their_o education_n and_o the_o catechism_n and_o confession_n they_o have_v be_v accustom_v to_o and_o be_v thus_o prepossess_v go_v to_o the_o scripture_n to_o seek_v proof_n for_o their_o opinion_n be_v resolve_v beforehand_o to_o defend_v they_o and_o to_o make_v the_o scripture_n serve_v their_o turn_n which_o if_o they_o will_v not_o do_v easy_o they_o will_v so_o stretch_v they_o upon_o the_o rack_n by_o their_o force_a criticism_n or_o consequence_n as_o to_o make_v they_o confess_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o man_n thus_o blow_v up_o with_o pride_n be_v resolve_v to_o justify_v all_o they_o have_v ever_o say_v though_o to_o the_o cost_n of_o throw_v off_o all_o candid_a and_o fair_a deal_n say_v thing_n that_o no_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n will_v say_v if_o he_o be_v not_o strange_o bias_v and_o indeed_o we_o daily_o see_v thing_n bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o many_o opinion_n which_o be_v so_o visible_o weak_a and_o unconcluding_a that_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o think_v those_o believe_v they_o that_o say_v they_o but_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o stand_v to_o what_o they_o once_o assert_v some_o mist_n must_v be_v raise_v for_o keep_v up_o their_o reputation_n and_o impose_v on_o weak_a and_o more_o credulous_a disciple_n and_o thus_o it_o must_v continue_v as_o long_o as_o man_n be_v lead_v by_o their_o pride_n to_o be_v stubborn_a in_o all_o their_o reason_n about_o religion_n another_o great_a abuse_n of_o reason_n be_v a_o needless_a curiosity_n about_o thing_n that_o either_o be_v of_o no_o great_a importance_n or_o be_v wrap_v in_o mysterious_a darkness_n into_o which_o if_o man_n will_v penetrate_v their_o conjecture_n and_o discourse_n must_v turn_v to_o impertinent_a canting_n and_o nonsense_n thus_o the_o philosopher_n dispute_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n do_v fall_n into_o unintelligible_a nicety_n and_o cabalistical_a conceit_n of_o number_n of_o which_o no_o account_n can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o say_v somewhat_o where_o they_o can_v say_v nothing_o and_o this_o curious_a subtilise_n carry_v along_o another_o mischief_n with_o it_o that_o they_o reject_v every_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o can_v not_o give_v a_o distinct_a account_n and_o therefore_o call_v s._n paul_n a_o babbler_n when_o he_o tell_v they_o of_o the_o resurrection_n but_o when_o some_o of_o the_o philosopher_n become_v convert_v to_o christianity_n both_o these_o effect_n of_o this_o curiosity_n do_v appear_v some_o study_v to_o make_v out_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n from_o their_o metaphysic_n and_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o platonical_a notion_n in_o which_o any_o discern_a reader_n will_v see_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o needless_a and_o very_o ill_o prove_v and_o worse_o apply_v curiosity_n this_o appear_v both_o too_o curious_a and_o ill_o ground_v to_o other_o be_v no_o small_a occasion_n of_o their_o reject_v those_o mystery_n or_o at_o least_o frame_v they_o so_o as_o to_o agree_v with_o their_o conception_n of_o thing_n and_o both_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v too_o la●g●_n a_o share_n of_o this_o oversearch_a humour_n and_o of_o not_o believe_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v make_v out_o to_o their_o reason_n the_o one_o party_n pretend_v they_o do_v understand_v the_o mystery_n and_o the_o other_o deny_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v they_o what_o subtlety_n be_v use_v in_o explain_v those_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n any_o that_o have_v converse_v in_o those_o write_n must_v needs_o know_v and_o how_o they_o be_v oppose_v with_o the_o like_a subtlety_n whereas_o have_v all_o side_n adore_v the_o divine_a revelation_n without_o engage_v into_o these_o discanting_n they_o have_v hold_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_v more_o like_o true_a christian_a philosopher_n since_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o strict_a reason_n to_o acknowledge_v our_o faculty_n be_v limit_v and_o so_o not_o fit_a to_o comprehend_v the_o divine_a nature_n nor_o the_o operation_n or_o the_o communication_n of_o that_o supreme_a be_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v with_o all_o humility_n what_o himself_o have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o we_o concern_v himself_o without_o either_o doubt_v the_o truth_n because_o we_o understand_v not_o what_o be_v so_o far_o above_o we_o or_o engage_v into_o over_o curious_a search_n into_o that_o which_o it_o appear_v from_o our_o limit_a understanding_n and_o the_o general_a term_n of_o revelation_n god_n intend_v shall_v be_v still_o a_o mystery_n to_o we_o but_o indeed_o the_o schoolman_n have_v think_v it_o below_o the_o height_n of_o their_o ●ouring_a mind_n and_o great_a learning_n to_o stick_v at_o the_o explain_v all_o mystery_n and_o as_o far_o as_o hard_a word_n and_o unconceivable_a nicety_n will_v go_v they_o have_v give_v we_o a_o very_a satisfy_a account_n of_o all_o mystery_n by_o which_o we_o know_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o we_o do_v without_o they_o whether_o this_o may_v not_o have_v lead_v many_o over_o curious_a enquirer_n into_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a i_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o this_o be_v plain_o a_o abuse_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o hand_n the_o humour_n of_o inquire_v into_o all_o subtlety_n do_v quick_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n a_o superfetation_n of_o unconceivable_a mystery_n for_o every_o bold_a conceit_n that_o any_o who_o have_v so_o much_o authority_n as_o to_o be_v well_o follow_v take_v up_o be_v present_o give_v out_o for_o a_o mystery_n and_o then_o it_o be_v sacred_a and_o must_v not_o be_v touch_v and_o if_o any_o do_v offer_v to_o examine_v it_o he_o be_v scare_v with_o the_o bugbear_n of_o a_o mystery_n so_o that_o transubstantiation_n the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n the_o way_n of_o the_o pope_n infallibility_n together_o with_o a_o thousand_o devise_v mystery_n in_o all_o the_o piece_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v cram_v down_o the_o throat_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o many_o be_v just_o provoke_v by_o these_o pretend_a mystery_n and_o see_v the_o other_o great_a mystery_n make_v the_o engine_n of_o obtrude_a these_o on_o the_o world_n be_v thereupon_o by_o a_o unjustifiable_a and_o a_o immoderate_a use_n of_o the_o counterpoise_n lead_v to_o the_o other_o extreme_a of_o deny_v all_o and_o with_o how_o great_a nicety_n of_o argument_n have_v even_o the_o reform_a manage_v many_o high_a mysterious_a point_n as_o the_o derivation_n of_o adam_n sin_n the_o order_n o_o the_o divine_a decree_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o grace_n which_o have_v be_v canvas_v with_o a_o very_a search_a curiosity_n and_o as_o dark_a as_o these_o must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v deliver_v with_o as_o much_o dictating_a and_o imperious_a authority_n as_o if_o these_o author_n have_v be_v catch_v up_o to_o the_o three_o heaven_n many_o other_o nicety_n be_v also_o find_v out_o to_o exercise_v their_o curiosity_n yet_o if_o it_o rest_v there_o the_o hazard_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o these_o be_v all_o make_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v about_o they_o be_v bar_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o no_o wonder_n there_o be_v endless_a heat_n and_o debate_n the_o occasion_n of_o this_o curiosity_n and_o itch_n of_o dispute_v may_v be_v perhaps_o not_o unjust_o derive_v from_o the_o contention_n
propagate_v as_o it_o be_v it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v make_v out_o that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o if_o so_o what_o must_v have_v be_v the_o strong_a argument_n use_v for_o it_o before_o it_o be_v so_o propagate_v either_o these_o be_v convince_a or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v not_o convince_a than_o it_o be_v propagate_v by_o weak_a and_o unconclude_a argument_n we_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o it_o or_o believe_v it_o if_o these_o argument_n be_v convince_a we_o either_o know_v they_o or_o we_o know_v they_o not_o if_o we_o know_v they_o not_o how_o can_v we_o judge_v they_o be_v convince_a if_o we_o know_v they_o than_o we_o may_v be_v as_o well_o convince_v by_o they_o as_o those_o be_v to_o who_o they_o be_v at_o first_o propose_v the_o great_a argument_n the_o apostle_n offer_v be_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n wrought_v many_o miracle_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o lay_v in_o the_o grave_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o after_o a_o long_a stay_n with_o they_o on_o earth_n they_o see_v he_o ascend_v with_o great_a glory_n to_o heaven_n of_o all_o which_o they_o be_v witness_n now_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n so_o positive_o attest_v by_o so_o many_o eye-witness_n who_o be_v man_n of_o great_a probity_n that_o can_v not_o be_v cast_v on_o the_o pretence_n of_o their_o be_v hire_v or_o bribe_v there_o be_v no_o interest_n can_v lead_v they_o to_o give_v that_o testimony_n but_o only_a truth_n all_o other_o consideration_n deter_v they_o from_o it_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n then_o and_o remain_v so_o still_o to_o believe_v this_o true_a whether_o the_o world_n have_v embrace_v it_o or_o not_o and_o i_o will_v ask_v i._n k._n what_o if_o the_o gentile_n have_v reject_v their_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v yet_o if_o these_o sacred_a write_n have_v be_v with_o a_o most_o religious_a care_n convey_v down_o to_o we_o have_v we_o not_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n certain_o we_o have_v for_o the_o apostle_n be_v man_n who_o upon_o the_o strict_a trial_n of_o law_n must_v be_v admit_v as_o competent_a witness_n they_o be_v well_o inform_v of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o see_v for_o a_o tract_n of_o three_o or_o four_o year_n they_o be_v plain_a simple_a man_n who_o can_v not_o in_o reason_n be_v suspect_v of_o deep_a design_n or_o contrivance_n they_o in_o the_o testimony_n they_o give_v do_v not_o only_o vouch_v private_a story_n that_o be_v transact_v in_o corner_n but_o public_a matter_n see_v and_o know_v of_o many_o hundred_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o their_o testimony_n so_o that_o the_o fume_n of_o melancholy_n can_v not_o lead_v so_o many_o into_o such_o a_o agreement_n of_o mistake_n their_o testimony_n if_o false_a may_v have_v be_v easy_o disprove_v the_o chief_a power_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o neither_o want_v power_n cunning_a nor_o malice_n and_o in_o fine_a the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n appear_v in_o their_o constant_a adhere_n to_o it_o from_o which_o neither_o imprisonment_n whip_n torture_n no_o not_o death_n itself_o can_v divert_v they_o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o be_v possible_a any_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v be_v that_o their_o testimony_n be_v true_a and_o this_o discourse_n must_v hold_v good_a whether_o the_o world_n have_v receive_v and_o believe_v their_o report_n or_o not_o which_o be_v the_o more_o full_o confirm_v by_o the_o miraculous_a operation_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o they_o do_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n and_o to_o this_o they_o appeal_v in_o their_o epistle_n and_o act_n which_o be_v publish_v at_o that_o time_n wherein_o have_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n not_o be_v true_a they_o have_v be_v brand_v as_o bold_a and_o impudent_a impostor_n we_o have_v also_o a_o series_n of_o book_n in_o all_o age_n cite_v the_o write_n wherein_o these_o testimony_n be_v contain_v by_o which_o we_o know_v they_o be_v write_v at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o the_o apologist_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o their_o apology_n appeal_v to_o the_o wonder_n that_o be_v still_o wrought_v for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n nor_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n not_o to_o say_v modesty_n and_o ingenuity_n will_v have_v appeal_v to_o proof_n that_o be_v slender_a and_o false_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o great_a confirmation_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o his_o miracle_n be_v make_v good_a by_o another_o way_n of_o proof_n than_o by_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o which_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v do_v very_o strong_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o yet_o be_v rather_o a_o consequent_a confirmation_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v than_o a_o antecedent_n argument_n for_o prove_v it_o so_o though_o it_o be_v far_o from_o my_o thought_n to_o weaken_v this_o way_n of_o confirm_a christian_a religion_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o extraordinary_a propagation_n will_v not_o infer_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v allow_v it_o be_v do_v by_o miracle_n since_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v these_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o good_a spirit_n till_o we_o first_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n they_o confirm_v whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o not_o it_o do_v also_o appear_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v make_v out_o abundant_o to_o we_o abstract_v from_o the_o way_n of_o propagate_a they_o but_o in_o end_n we_o must_v a_o little_a examine_v what_o this_o way_n of_o propagate_a they_o be_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o calumny_n and_o lesser_a persecution_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o derision_n of_o the_o philosopher_n of_o the_o prejudice_n carnal_a lust_n and_o appetite_n lay_v in_o the_o way_n and_o above_o all_o of_o the_o violent_a opposition_n give_v it_o by_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o spare_v no_o cruelty_n for_o a_o succession_n of_o three_o age_n and_o ten_o persecution_n that_o hell_n or_o hellish_a man_n can_v devise_v for_o destroy_v it_o yet_o it_o prevail_v and_o in_o a_o few_o year_n do_v spread_v to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o other_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o overthrow_v by_o the_o many_o convert_v be_v daily_o flock_v in_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o by_o the_o ruin_n of_o these_o very_a religion_n judaisme_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n by_o the_o subversion_n of_o their_o temple_n and_o the_o total_a ruin_n and_o dispersion_n of_o their_o state_n begin_v by_o vespasian_n and_o titus_n and_o complete_v by_o trajan_n and_o hadrian_n nor_o can_v their_o attempt_n though_o cherish_v by_o a_o apostate_n emperor_n succeed_v for_o the_o rebuilding_n their_o temple_n heaven_n and_o earth_n combine_v to_o break_v off_o the_o work_n heathenism_n do_v also_o receive_v a_o mortal_a blow_n by_o the_o silence_v the_o oracle_n upon_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a support_n of_o that_o religion_n with_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o exemplary_a life_n the_o heavenly_a doctrine_n the_o mutual_a charity_n and_o the_o noble_a constancy_n of_o the_o first_o witness_n and_o martyr_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n wrought_v not_o a_o little_a on_o all_o that_o behold_v th●m_n even_o on_o such_o as_o be_v very_o partial_a and_o bias_v against_o they_o and_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v thus_o universal_o receive_v as_o it_o be_v a_o very_a full_a demonstration_n that_o these_o miracle_n be_v no_o forgery_n but_o know_v and_o approve_a truth_n so_o also_o it_o confirm_v in_o we_o a_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o these_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n assist_v and_o animate_v those_o convert_v of_o all_o age_n sex_n and_o quality_n to_o adhere_v to_o it_o under_o all_o the_o discouragement_n and_o suffering_n they_o be_v to_o pass_v through_o whether_o occasion_v by_o the_o irregular_a appetite_n of_o their_o own_o carnal_a lust_n or_o by_o the_o outward_a opposition_n they_o meet_v with_o and_o thus_o far_o i_o have_v consider_v how_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v make_v out_o against_o the_o opposition_n of_o atheist_n infidel_n or_o deist_n hitherto_o i_o have_v wait_v on_o i._n k._n in_o the_o survey_n of_o these_o truth_n about_o which_o we_o be_v agree_v and_o i_o hope_v upon_o a_o review_n of_o what_o we_o have_v both_o perform_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o i_o have_v strengthen_v his_o position_n with_o the_o accession_n of_o many_o more_o and_o better_a argument_n than_o any_o he_o bring_v so_o that_o if_o he_o be_v in_o earnest_n zealous_a for_o these_o four_o great_a truth_n he_o will_v rejoice_v to_o
person_n of_o eminence_n and_o authority_n but_o this_o have_v not_o be_v the_o method_n of_o the_o roman_a conversion_n which_o begin_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o alliance_n with_o the_o prince_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o advantage_n in_o the_o change_n do_v upon_o that_o oblige_v his_o subject_n to_o it_o not_o without_o severe_o punish_v sometime_o such_o as_o refuse_v it_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o be_v persecute_v for_o it_o if_o any_o one_o be_v by_o a_o fury_n or_o tumult_n kill_v that_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n nor_o make_v it_o a_o persecution_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o for_o all_o the_o noise_n the_o roman_a church_n make_v of_o their_o conversion_n they_o have_v manage_v they_o in_o a_o method_n very_o different_a from_o the_o way_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n how_o base_o and_o barbarous_o it_o have_v be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o west_n indies_n the_o bishop_n of_o guatimala_n do_v inform_v the_o world_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o angelopolis_n do_v within_o these_o few_o year_n inform_v the_o pope_n how_o wretched_o the_o jesuit_n continue_v to_o manage_v it_o to_o this_o day_n and_o though_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o account_n give_v we_o from_o the_o indies_n since_o we_o see_v those_o who_o publish_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o imposture_n in_o thing_n near_o we_o and_o easy_o discover_v that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o credit_v they_o in_o thing_n at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n where_o the_o forgery_n of_o their_o account_n can_v be_v find_v out_o yet_o even_o from_o these_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o observation_n make_v upon_o the_o method_n of_o the_o emissary_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n may_v be_v prove_v but_o as_o for_o austin_n the_o monk_n 1._o k._n can_v sure_a be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o to_o think_v we_o owe_v our_o conversion_n to_o he_o for_o whatever_o truth_n may_v be_v in_o the_o story_n of_o glastenbury_n it_o be_v undoubted_a we_o receive_v the_o faith_n at_o far_a in_o the_o second_o century_n and_o that_o it_o do_v overrun_v our_o island_n far_o than_o the_o roman_a conquest_n tertullian_n witness_n the_o rite_n of_o our_o observe_a easter_n do_v also_o prove_v we_o have_v not_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o any_o send_v from_o rome_n so_o that_o long_o before_o the_o time_n of_o austin_n the_o monk_n this_o island_n be_v convert_v and_o that_o fame_a story_n of_o the_o monk_n of_o bangor_n as_o it_o prove_v what_o footing_n christianity_n have_v then_o so_o it_o show_v how_o proud_a and_o insolent_o cruel_a that_o pretend_a apostle_n be_v and_o it_o be_v apparent_a he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o ambitious_a temper_n his_o great_a design_n on_o those_o of_o bangor_n be_v to_o engage_v they_o to_o a_o subjection_n to_o the_o pope_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o rite_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n but_o if_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o ancient_a historian_n of_o his_o set_n on_o the_o king_n of_o the_o northumberland_n to_o destroy_v these_o monk_n be_v true_a he_o be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o emissary_n of_o hell_n rather_o than_o a_o apostle_n of_o christ._n beside_o the_o king_n of_o kent_n to_o who_o he_o come_v be_v so_o favourable_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o as_o he_o have_v marry_v a_o christian_a queen_n so_o he_o allow_v the_o christian_n a_o church_n near_o canterbury_n and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o a_o prince_n so_o prepare_v be_v soon_o prevail_v on_o but_o augustine_n first_o come_v to_o he_o with_o all_o that_o pomp_n of_o cross_n carry_v before_o he_o have_v nothing_o primitive_a in_o it_o and_o the_o fabulous_a legend_n of_o the_o monk_n be_v little_a to_o be_v credit_v thus_o far_o i_o have_v examine_v i._o k_n proof_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o upon_o a_o sober_a review_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v he_o himself_o will_v acknowledge_v he_o must_v see_v for_o other_o and_o better_a argument_n before_o he_o can_v oblige_v any_o to_o believe_v the_o roman_a religion_n to_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n and_o apostolical_a religion_n chap_n vi_o it_o be_v consider_v if_o j._n k._n prove_v convince_o that_o every_o thing_n the_o roman_a church_n teach_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v true_a j._n k._n advance_v to_o his_o last_o attempt_n which_o be_v the_o finish_n of_o the_o whole_a contrivance_n to_o persuade_v the_o belief_n of_o every_o thing_n the_o roman_a church_n deliver_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o that_o religion_n be_v a_o true_a religion_n than_o it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o fundamental_a error_n and_o do_v err_v against_o no_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o that_o be_v acknowledge_v then_o it_o do_v not_o err_v against_o this_o point_n that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o any_o error_n or_o corruption_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v unquestionable_o a_o fundamental_a point_n now_o if_o the_o roman_a religion_n do_v not_o e●re_o against_o this_o it_o do_v not_o teach_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o any_o error_n or_o corruption_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o that_o than_o it_o teach_v nothing_o as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v either_o error_n or_o corruption_n for_o whatever_o it_o teach_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v teach_v as_o that_o which_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o god_n this_o then_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o every_o particular_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o roman_a church_n teach_v for_o if_o that_o be_v either_o error_n or_o corruption_n it_o teach_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o make_v he_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o error_n or_o corruption_n which_o be_v to_o err_v against_o a_o fundamental_a point_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o religion_n shall_v be_v no_o true_a religion_n if_o by_o true_a religion_n i._o k._n understand_v a_o religion_n that_o have_v no_o mixture_n of_o error_n or_o corruption_n in_o it_o than_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o prove_v that_o if_o the_o roman_a religion_n be_v true_a it_o have_v neither_o error_n or_o corruption_n in_o it_o for_o the_o prove_v it_o a_o true_a religion_n must_v carry_v the_o other_o along_o with_o it_o but_o if_o by_o true_a religion_n be_v only_o mean_v a_o religion_n that_o hold_v all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n so_o that_o salvation_n may_v be_v have_v in_o its_o communion_n than_o it_o be_v a_o most_o wretched_a inference_n that_o it_o must_v be_v true_a in_o all_o it●_n definition_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o confute_v this_o i_o shall_v for_o once_o turn_v the_o table_n on_o i._n k._n and_o become_v a_o advocate_n for_o the_o roman_a church_n to_o show_v they_o may_v be_v still_o a_o true_a church_n and_o a_o true_a religion_n though_o they_o have_v a_o large_a mixture_n of_o error_n and_o corruption_n and_o this_o i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o love_n to_o they_o but_o from_o a_o general_a principle_n of_o charity_n to_o overthrow_v this_o unmerciful_a opinion_n that_o damn_v all_o man_n as_o err_v fundamental_o for_o believe_v any_o error_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o let_v i_o first_o ask_v i._o k._n whether_o he_o take_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o have_v have_v a_o true_a religion_n when_o s._n paul_n write_v to_o it_o this_o sure_a he_o can_v deny_v if_o he_o read_v but_o s._n paul_n first_o salutation_n and_o yet_o in_o that_o church_n there_o be_v various_a party_n some_o for_o cephas_n some_o for_o apollo_n some_o for_o paul_n and_o some_o for_o christ_n and_o great_a difference_n of_o opinion_n there_o be_v whether_o moses_n law_n do_v oblige_v or_o not_o now_o these_o question_n concern_v circumcision_n and_o the_o law_n be_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o all_o contradictory_n opinion_n one_o must_v be_v true_a another_o false_a those_o therefore_o that_o be_v of_o the_o false_a side_n must_v by_o i._o k_n doctrine_n be_v all_o irrecoverable_o lose_v as_o be_v in_o a_o fundamental_a error_n for_o each_o side_n believe_v his_o opinion_n be_v of_o god_n but_o s._n paul_n teach_v another_o doctrine_n that_o whoso_o build_v on_o the_o foundation_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v save_v though_o he_o build_v upon_o it_o wood_n hay_n and_o stubble_n and_o the_o distinction_n he_o there_o make_v between_o those_o who_o build_v gold_n silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n and_o wood_n hay_n and_o stubble_n can_v only_o relate_v to_o sound_v and_o unsound_a doctor_n the_o one_o building_n good_a and_o useful_a superstructure_n upon_o the_o foundation_n the_o other_o teach_v trifle_a doctrine_n that_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o trial_n and_o yet_o that_o both_o may_v be_v save_v be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n against_o i._n k._n the_o same_o apostle_n also_o tell_v we_o that_o neither_o circumcision_n