duty_n of_o man_n 255._o man_n cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o christianity_n cap._n 9_o pag._n 255._o which_o may_v improve_v our_o reason_n exalt_v the_o man_n and_o depress_v the_o beast_n in_o we_o yet_o sure_o we_o shall_v derogate_v very_o impious_o from_o christ_n prophetic_a office_n if_o we_o allow_v not_o divinity_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o noble_a science_n such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v serve_v and_o attend_v not_o regulate_v and_o govern_v by_o those_o inferior_a but_o that_o just_a order_n seem_v now_o to_o be_v invert_v divine_a learning_n be_v bring_v down_o to_o humane_a and_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n so_o perplex_v and_o confound_v with_o philosophical_a nicety_n that_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n be_v become_v the_o umpire_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o we_o must_v go_v ask_v heathen_n how_o far_o we_o shall_v be_v christian_n those_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o 1_o cor._n 2.10_o and_o of_o which_o he_o pronounce_v the_o natural_a man_n a_o incompetent_a judge_n be_v yet_o bring_v before_o that_o tribunal_n subject_v to_o be_v scan_v by_o rule_n of_o art_n but_o alas_o our_o line_n be_v too_o short_a to_o sound_v those_o depth_n thus_o far_o he_o madam_n this_o book_n which_o be_v dedicate_v to_o your_o honour_n treat_v of_o the_o right_a use_n and_o abuse_v of_o reason_n in_o divine_a matter_n there_o be_v two_o extreme_n which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o run_v into_o some_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n in_o religious_a concernment_n and_o other_o ascribe_v too_o little_a as_o we_o shall_v give_v to_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n matth._n 22.21_o so_o we_o shall_v give_v to_o faith_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o faith_n and_o to_o reason_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o reason_n and_o herein_o madam_n you_o may_v meet_v with_o some_o passage_n in_o this_o treatise_n if_o you_o please_v to_o peruse_v it_o which_o may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n minister_v some_o light_n and_o direction_n to_o you._n of_o the_o right_n use_v &_o abuse_v of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n chap._n i._o of_o distinguish_v between_o faith_n and_o reason_n as_o it_o require_v much_o spiritual_a skill_n and_o judgement_n right_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o give_v the_o law_n its_o due_a and_o the_o gospel_n its_o due_a whereupon_o luther_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o he_o who_o can_v thus_o distinguish_v be_v the_o best_a divine_a so_o true_o it_o require_v much_o spiritual_a skill_n and_o wisdom_n right_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n between_o reason_n and_o faith_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o as_o christ_n bid_v we_o render_v unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n so_o we_o shall_v give_v unto_o faith_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v faith_n and_o to_o reason_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v reason_n to_o faith_n her_o full_a scope_n and_o latitude_n and_o to_o reason_n also_o her_o just_a bound_n and_o right_n may_v we_o not_o wish_v that_o many_o great_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v but_o equalise_v in_o their_o practice_n as_o to_o moral_a justice_n and_o faithfulness_n some_o heathen_n that_o be_v only_o endue_v with_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o moral_a virtue_n do_v not_o these_o go_v further_o with_o their_o candle-light_n than_o the_o other_o do_v with_o their_o sunbeam_n and_o will_v they_o not_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o that_o do_v so_o gross_o abuse_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n perhaps_o this_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o some_o vain_a scribbler_n in_o our_o day_n place_n religion_n chief_o in_o natural_a improvement_n and_o moral_a virtue_n because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a moral_a justice_n and_o honesty_n among_o man_n yea_o among_o many_o forward_a professor_n morality_n will_v go_v very_o far_o but_o yet_o though_o man_n be_v unjust_a and_o exceed_v defective_a in_o their_o moral_n we_o shall_v not_o therefore_o derogate_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v not_o confound_v nature_n and_o grace_n divinity_n and_o philosophy_n faith_n and_o humane_a reason_n christ_n and_o socrates_n paul_n and_o plato_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o school_n of_o aristotle_n for_o this_o sinful_a mixture_n and_o composition_n the_o schoolman_n be_v worthy_o blame_v who_o by_o advance_v aristotle_n in_o their_o write_n and_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o moral_a virtue_n have_v exceed_o darken_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n quite_o exclude_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n and_o the_o gracious_a powerful_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n erasmus_n himself_o speak_v of_o the_o arian_n say_v erasmus_fw-la say_v hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la fuere_fw-la pestilentiores_fw-la quod_fw-la aristotelicis_fw-la argutiis_fw-la essent_fw-la instructi_fw-la erasmus_fw-la that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a and_o pestilent_a because_o they_o be_v so_o much_o acquaint_v with_o the_o aristotelian_a subtlety_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o some_o curious_a philosophical_a wit_n and_o pen_n in_o this_o divide_a church_n and_o nation_n who_o have_v in_o effect_n transform_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n into_o a_o mere_a system_fw-la of_o morality_n indeed_o a_o true_a sincere_a christian_a be_v the_o most_o just_a and_o moral_a of_o any_o man_n but_o it_o be_v not_o his_o moral_a virtue_n and_o endowment_n but_o his_o spiritual_a union_n with_o christ_n that_o make_v he_o accept_v with_o god_n and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n let_v reason_n be_v permit_v with_o the_o gibeonite_n to_o hew_v wood_n and_o draw_v water_n for_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o let_v it_o not_o rush_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n into_o the_o bosom-secrets_a of_o god_n into_o the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n reason_n may_v not_o come_v into_o these_o sea_n except_o she_o strike_v her_o topsail_n here_o she_o must_v submit_v and_o captivate_v herself_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v reason_n indeed_o for_o that_o which_o faith_n believe_v god_n believe_v dr._n preston_n on_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o reason_n must_v be_v help_v by_o faith_n and_o raise_v up_o to_o spiritual_a object_n by_o divine_a revelation_n as_o one_o that_o have_v dim_a eye_n can_v see_v better_o by_o the_o help_n of_o spectacle_n and_o to_o choose_v a_o right_a jewel_n we_o use_v the_o skill_n of_o a_o lapidary_n so_o if_o we_o will_v yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o divine_a truth_n and_o principle_n we_o must_v be_v help_v with_o light_n from_o above_o even_o with_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v give_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o doubtful_a assent_n thereunto_o which_o we_o call_v opinion_n the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n enable_v we_o to_o discern_v the_o character_n of_o god_n stamp_v upon_o the_o creature_n will_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v but_o as_o for_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v mere_o supernatural_a as_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n the_o hypostatical_a union_n in_o christ_n and_o other_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o be_v only_o know_v by_o revelation_n and_o have_v no_o print_n or_o footstep_n in_o the_o creature_n to_o discern_v they_o by_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o full_o and_o particular_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n chap._n ii_o show_v that_o reason_n though_o much_o weaken_v be_v of_o good_a use_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o divine_a thing_n let_v it_o be_v grant_v which_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o sober_a christian_n 1._o that_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v exceed_o darken_a and_o cloud_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n be_v weaken_v and_o vitiate_a that_o with_o leah_n she_o be_v blear-eyed_a that_o this_o daughter_n of_o the_o morning_n be_v fall_v from_o her_o primitive_a beauty_n from_o her_o original_a vigour_n and_o perfection_n and_o so_o fall_v that_o she_o can_v saving_o apprehend_v or_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n yea_o 2._o reason_n as_o it_o be_v now_o corrupt_v and_o pervert_v in_o man_n do_v oppose_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o wrangle_v against_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n which_o it_o do_v not_o understand_v 3._o that_o the_o foul_a and_o black_a error_n that_o ever_o be_v broach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v shroud_v themselves_o under_o the_o fair_a
animosity_n supplanting_n disorder_n and_o inconsistency_n among_o we_o if_o the_o soft_a and_o sober_a voice_n of_o reason_n be_v more_o attend_v to_o reason_n will_v make_v some_o difference_n kiss_v and_o be_v friend_n it_o will_v quench_v many_o a_o flame_n and_o bound_v up_o many_o a_o wound_n it_o will_v end_v many_o petty_a personal_a quarrel_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o community_n the_o soul_n be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o with_o passion_n and_o groundless_a suspicion_n but_o anchor_n upon_o judgement_n and_o reason_n this_o calmness_n and_o quietness_n of_o reason_n do_v never_o commend_v itself_o more_o than_o in_o comply_v with_o faith_n in_o not_o oppose_v those_o high_a and_o transcendent_a mystery_n which_o be_v above_o its_o own_o reach_n and_o capacity_n such_o a_o modesty_n and_o humility_n our_o reason_n shall_v always_o have_v and_o practice_v namely_o to_o submit_v and_o subordinate_a itself_o to_o all_o such_o divine_a revelation_n as_o be_v above_o its_o own_o sphere_n though_o it_o can_v grasp_v they_o or_o pierce_v into_o they_o yet_o it_o shall_v ever_o resolve_v with_o all_o humility_n and_o gratitude_n to_o admire_v they_o to_o bow_v its_o head_n and_o adore_v they_o one_o light_n shall_v not_o oppose_v another_o lumen_fw-la fidei_fw-la and_o lumen_fw-la rationis_fw-la may_v shine_v both_o together_o though_o in_o several_a orb_n and_o with_o far_o different_a brightness_n this_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o be_v impatient_a of_o a_o superior_a light_n of_o a_o bright_a sun_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n shall_v no_o more_o prejudice_v the_o light_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n do_v prejudice_v the_o light_n of_o a_o star_n or_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n why_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o strife_n between_o faith_n and_o reason_n see_v they_o be_v brethren_n both_o spring_a from_o the_o same_o father_n of_o light_n though_o the_o one_o be_v much_o superior_a to_o the_o other_o indeed_o there_o be_v such_o infinite_a treasure_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n display_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o do_v far_o transcend_v man_n reason_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v apprehend_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o sufficient_o proportion_v to_o such_o high_a and_o transcendent_a object_n here_o be_v such_o depth_n such_o pleonasm_n such_o weight_n of_o glory_n as_o do_v opprimere_fw-la ingenium_fw-la humanum_fw-la if_o the_o son_n of_o man_n can_v have_v extract_v all_o the_o spirit_n of_o reason_n and_o make_v they_o meet_v in_o one_o head_n nay_o if_o angel_n and_o man_n can_v have_v unite_v and_o concentricate_v all_o their_o reason_n and_o knowledge_n yet_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o and_o discover_v such_o profound_a and_o mysterious_a excellency_n as_o the_o eye_n of_o true_a evangelical_n faith_n behold_v in_o a_o instant_n reveal_v truth_n shine_v with_o their_o own_o beam_n and_o brightness_n and_o do_v not_o borrow_v their_o lustre_n from_o the_o dim_a candle_n of_o our_o reason_n whatsoever_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o reveal_v must_v needs_o be_v true_a reason_n be_v so_o modest_a that_o it_o will_v not_o contradict_v this_o for_o it_o do_v acknowledge_v a_o deity_n and_o the_o unquestionable_a truth_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o all_o believe_a there_o be_v a_o assent_n a_o yield_n to_o he_o that_o speak_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n though_o he_o do_v not_o prove_v and_o evince_v it_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o mere_a testimony_n reason_n itself_o dictate_v thus_o much_o to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v such_o a_o one_o who_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o distrust_v for_o without_o some_o faith_n there_o will_v be_v no_o commerce_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o trade_n without_o some_o trust_n a_o general_a and_o total_a incredulity_n will_v threaten_v a_o present_a and_o fatal_a dissolution_n to_o human_a society_n man_n may_v deceive_v we_o for_o none_o of_o they_o be_v infallible_a but_o god_n be_v truth_n itself_o a_o eternal_a immutable_a truth_n and_o all_o revelation_n flow_v from_o he_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a like_o himself_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o his_o naked_a word_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v a_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o atheist_n yea_o in_o some_o respect_n he_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o devil_n for_o the_o devil_n believe_v and_o tremble_v though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o comprehension_n of_o reason_n yet_o come_v to_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o bear_v the_o stamp_n and_o signature_n of_o divine_a authority_n it_o be_v not_o contrary_a but_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o and_o assent_v to_o they_o some_o there_o be_v that_o endeavour_n to_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n that_o reveal_v truth_n though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v find_v out_o by_o reason_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v once_o reveal_v reason_n can_v evince_v and_o demonstrate_v they_o but_o i_o rather_o incline_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o aquinas_n that_o humane_a reason_n when_o it_o have_v stretch_v itself_o to_o the_o uttermost_a be_v not_o at_o all_o proportion_v to_o they_o but_o at_o the_o best_a only_o can_v give_v some_o weak_a adumbration_n of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v honour_n enough_o for_o reason_n to_o submit_v unto_o divine_a revelation_n and_o to_o captivate_v itself_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o withal_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o faith_n do_v not_o oppose_v reason_n indeed_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o far_o more_o compendious_a way_n longum_fw-la iter_fw-la per_fw-la rationem_fw-la breve_fw-la per_fw-la fidem_fw-la that_o which_o reason_n will_v have_v be_v sweat_v for_o these_o many_o year_n faith_n sup_v up_o the_o very_a quintessence_n of_o it_o in_o a_o moment_n god_n have_v choose_v this_o way_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v stain_v the_o pride_n and_o glory_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v confound_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o maintain_v in_o man_n great_a apprehension_n of_o himself_o of_o his_o divine_a revelation_n truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o keep_v the_o creature_n in_o a_o continual_a posture_n of_o dependency_n upon_o himself_o and_o humble_a submission_n to_o his_o own_o testimony_n and_o authority_n four_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v lumen_fw-la ascendens_fw-la a_o ascendant_n light_n reason_n be_v soon_o weary_a with_o flutter_v up_o and_o down_o among_o the_o creature_n and_o perish_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n this_o candle_n do_v but_o waste_v itself_o to_o no_o purpose_n in_o search_v for_o true_a happiness_n here_o below_o after_o a_o diligent_a search_n your_o own_o reason_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la the_o chief_a good_a lie_v not_o in_o the_o riches_n honour_n pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n no_o nor_o in_o moral_a virtue_n and_o excellency_n though_o some_o man_n far_o above_o other_o have_v snuff_v their_o candle_n with_o more_o care_n and_o exactness_n by_o improve_n their_o intellectual_n and_o refine_n their_o moral_n yet_o at_o length_n they_o sad_o perceive_v that_o when_o their_o candle_n be_v at_o the_o bright_a they_o burn_v but_o dim_o and_o blew_o and_o that_o for_o all_o their_o snuff_v they_o will_v relapse_n again_o into_o their_o former_a dimness_n and_o obscurity_n the_o improvement_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n will_v never_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_o happy_a this_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v flame_v and_o ascend_v upward_o towards_o heaven_n but_o be_v much_o weaken_v and_o darken_v by_o lust_n and_o passion_n so_o that_o it_o can_v mount_v up_o to_o god_n and_o attain_v that_o glorious_a end_n and_o reward_v which_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n nature_n eye_n can_v see_v it_o nature_n hand_n can_v reach_v it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o natural_a power_n or_o operation_n proportion_v to_o such_o a_o high_a transcendent_a object_n as_o the_o bless_a face_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n and_o therefore_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n must_v be_v advance_v above_o itself_o by_o a_o supernaturale_fw-la auxilium_fw-la before_o it_o can_v be_v bless_v with_o so_o great_a a_o perfection_n as_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o full_a end_n of_o its_o be_v nay_o god_n himself_o o_o wonderful_a mystery_n be_v please_v to_o assume_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o more_o capable_a of_o this_o perfection_n and_o by_o a_o strict_a love-knot_n and_o union_n make_v it_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n chap._n iu._n show_v that_o the_o best_a heathen_a philosopher_n be_v
spiritual_a thing_n that_o none_o can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o mere_a improvement_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o rational_a intellectual_a delight_n of_o philosopher_n and_o scholar_n do_v far_o excel_v all_o earthly_a and_o sensitive_a pleasure_n yea_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n but_o especial_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n enable_v a_o man_n to_o bear_v affliction_n and_o arm_n he_o against_o the_o excessive_a fear_n of_o death_n and_o last_o that_o man_n reason_n and_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mercy_n which_o shall_v be_v thankful_o acknowledge_v by_o we_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o we_o shall_v now_o by_o the_o lord_n assistance_n brief_o sum_v up_o and_o comprehend_v in_o these_o two_o last_o chapter_n the_o substance_n of_o what_o we_o intend_v to_o say_v concern_v faith_n and_o humane_a reason_n chap._n xxi_o show_v distinct_o in_o some_o particular_n the_o use_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o better_a open_n and_o clear_v of_o this_o great_a point_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o christian_a reader_n we_o shall_v first_o premise_v a_o few_o consideration_n and_o then_o afterward_o show_v particular_o what_o good_a use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n in_o divine_a matter_n i._o consider_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o near_o so_o clear_a and_o bright_a in_o we_o since_o the_o fall_n as_o it_o be_v in_o adam_n before_o the_o fall_n but_o be_v much_o darken_v eclipse_v and_o deprave_a even_o in_o those_o that_o be_v most_o rational_a and_o moral_a whereas_o it_o be_v perfect_o implant_v in_o adam_n heart_n and_o nature_n we_o have_v but_o only_o some_o fragment_n of_o it_o remain_v in_o we_o this_o be_v so_o evident_a in_o scripture_n and_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n when_o sense_n be_v deceive_v god_n deceive_v weems_n portrait_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n reason_n correct_v sense_n but_o when_o reason_n err_v as_o she_o often_o do_v in_o divine_a and_o religious_a matter_n she_o can_v cure_v herself_o but_o her_o mistress_n divinity_n must_v come_v in_o and_o teach_v she_o sarah_n be_v old_a god_n promise_v she_o a_o son_n this_o she_o laugh_v at_o as_o be_v contrary_a to_o her_o reason_n in_o which_o respect_n she_o think_v it_o impossible_a that_o a_o woman_n so_o strike_v in_o year_n shall_v have_v a_o child_n but_o faith_n correct_v her_o corrupt_a reason_n she_o believe_v by_o faith_n that_o which_o her_o reason_n can_v not_o take_v up_o and_o comprehend_v thus_o also_o nicodemus_n fail_v in_o his_o reason_n against_o the_o mystery_n of_o spiritual_a regeneration_n ii_o consider_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o natural_a reason_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n or_o grace_n and_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n shall_v be_v careful_o distinguish_v by_o we_o and_o put_v in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o sphere_n reason_n be_v but_o as_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n a_o glimmer_a diminutive_a derivative_a light_n faith_n be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o a_o star_n which_o be_v a_o far_o clear_a and_o bright_a light_n but_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n be_v most_o perfect_a as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n wherein_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o behold_v he_o face_n to_o face_n lumen_fw-la naturae_fw-la lumine_fw-la naturae_fw-la vid._n rob._n baron_n excercitat_fw-la de_fw-fr triplici_fw-la lumine_fw-la est_fw-la quo_fw-la ea_fw-la cognoscimus_fw-la quae_fw-la solis_fw-la naturae_fw-la viribus_fw-la sine_fw-la auxilio_fw-la dei_fw-la speciali_fw-la intelligi_fw-la a_o nobis_fw-la &_o dijudicari_fw-la possunt_fw-la lumen_fw-la fidei_fw-la est_fw-la quo_fw-la ea_fw-la cognoscimus_fw-la &_o intelligimus_fw-la quae_fw-la deus_fw-la in_o verbo_fw-la svo_fw-la nobis_fw-la patefecit_fw-la lumen_fw-la gloriae_fw-la est_fw-la quo_fw-la beati_fw-la spiritus_fw-la in_o coelis_fw-la clare_v &_o perspicue_n vident_fw-la gloriosissimam_fw-la dei_fw-la essentiam_fw-la iii_o consider_v that_o although_o some_o truth_n and_o mystery_n do_v far_o transcend_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a in_o divinity_n that_o cross_v the_o truth_n of_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v the_o remnant_n of_o god_n image_n in_o we_o indeed_o when_o by_o reason_n we_o take_v up_o a_o truth_n and_o by_o faith_n we_o believe_v the_o same_o truth_n if_o in_o this_o case_n reason_n claim_v the_o first_o place_n she_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v as_o be_v not_o a_o dutiful_a handmaid_n to_o faith_n as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n and_o hypostatical_a union_n in_o christ_n the_o great_a mystery_n of_o predestination_n etc._n etc._n though_o these_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a or_o contradictory_n thereunto_o it_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o creature_n shall_v believe_v and_o rest_v in_o the_o divine_a infallible_a testimony_n and_o revelation_n of_o his_o creator_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o divinity_n mixt_o divine_a other_o thing_n be_v mere_o divine_a in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v mixt_o divine_a reason_n may_v be_v of_o use_n yet_o only_o in_o the_o second_o place_n primo_fw-la creduntur_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la intelliguntur_fw-la as_o a_o man_n first_o believe_v the_o soul_n immortality_n and_o then_o he_o begin_v to_o take_v up_o the_o same_o by_o reason_n here_o reason_n must_v not_o go_v before_o but_o follow_v faith_n for_o that_o which_o i_o believe_v i_o believe_v it_o ex_fw-la authoritate_fw-la dicentis_fw-la rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o he_o that_o say_v it_o and_o all_o the_o evidence_n i_o get_v by_o reason_n be_v nothing_o to_o this_o certitude_n if_o reason_n shall_v go_v before_o as_o a_o usher_n to_o make_v way_n to_o faith_n we_o shall_v never_o believe_v and_o hereupon_o the_o schoolman_n say_v well_o rationes_fw-la praecedentes_fw-la minuunt_fw-la fidem_fw-la sed_fw-la rationes_fw-la subsequentes_fw-la augent_fw-la fidem_fw-la reason_n go_v before_o faith_n weaken_v faith_n but_o come_v after_o it_o strengthen_v faith_n reason_n make_v not_o the_o matter_n more_o sure_a exit_fw-la parte_fw-la veritatis_fw-la dictantis_fw-la sed_fw-la ex_fw-la parte_fw-la inlectus_fw-la assentientis_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o speaker_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understanding_n for_o by_o this_o access_n of_o further_a knowledge_n it_o be_v more_o confirm_v but_o now_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_o and_o pure_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a quae_fw-la cadunt_fw-la directe_v sub_fw-la fide_fw-la which_o fall_v direct_o under_o faith_n as_o those_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n what_o can_v reason_n or_o philosophy_n do_v here_o but_o admire_v these_o depth_n which_o she_o can_v never_o reach_v unto_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o work_v effectual_o upon_o some_o learned_a infidel_n not_o by_o the_o eloquence_n and_o subtle_a reason_n of_o learned_a divine_n but_o by_o the_o plain_a downright_a discourse_n of_o christian_n of_o mean_a part_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o story_n be_v remarkable_a which_o we_o read_v of_o divers_a learned_a man_n have_v long_o endeavour_v by_o strength_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n to_o persuade_v a_o infidel_n to_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v learn_v also_o do_v evade_v all_o their_o argument_n at_o length_n a_o grave_a pious_a man_n among_o they_o of_o no_o repute_n for_o philosophical_a learning_n stand_v up_o and_o bespeak_v he_o with_o some_o downright_a affectionate_a expression_n which_o wrought_v so_o effectual_o upon_o he_o that_o he_o present_o submit_v to_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o word_n spiritui_fw-la word_n donec_fw-la audiebam_fw-la rationes_fw-la humanas_fw-la humanis_fw-la rationibus_fw-la repugnabam_fw-la caeterum_fw-la simul_fw-la atque_fw-la audivi_fw-la spiritum_fw-la loquentem_fw-la cessi_fw-la spiritui_fw-la whilst_o i_o hear_v only_o humane_a reason_n i_o oppose_v the_o same_o with_o humane_a reason_n but_o when_o i_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v powerful_o i_o present_o yield_v to_o that_o powerful_a voice_n it_o be_v also_o report_v of_o learned_a junius_n that_o before_o his_o conversion_n whilst_o as_o yet_o he_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o atheist_n meet_v a_o plain_a countryman_n and_o discourse_v with_o he_o about_o religion_n he_o observe_v he_o to_o speak_v so_o experimental_o and_o with_o so_o much_o affection_n as_o make_v he_o conclude_v that_o certain_o there_o be_v something_o more_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o his_o humane_a learning_n and_o reason_n have_v yet_o discover_v and_o this_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o his_o conversion_n iv_o consider_v that_o the_o same_o object_n may_v be_v and_o be_v know_v both_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o also_o by_o the_o light_n
of_o faith_n you_o may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o make_v the_o world_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v invisible_a be_v clear_o see_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v whereby_o we_o come_v to_o know_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1.20_o and_o we_o must_v believe_v this_o also_o because_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v it_o heb._n 11.3_o faith_n and_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n go_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n different_a way_n faith_n do_v it_o because_o of_o the_o divine_a testimony_n authority_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n and_o goodness_n itself_o but_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n do_v it_o because_o of_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o thing_n itself_o by_o rational_a discourse_n however_o we_o must_v hold_v to_o this_o as_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v a_o relict_n of_o god_n image_n in_o man_n be_v necessary_a in_o religious_a and_o moral_a thing_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a there_o be_v great_a decay_n and_o languish_n in_o our_o reason_n as_o the_o great_a philosopher_n themselves_o have_v acknowledge_v v._o consider_v that_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o nature_n and_o reason_n as_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v by_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v in_o every_o son_n of_o adam_n so_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n yea_o enmity_n itself_o against_o god_n rom._n 8.7_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o very_a wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n the_o reason_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n his_o best_a thought_n desire_n and_o affection_n the_o best_a inclination_n and_o motion_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v not_o only_a enemy_n but_o enmity_n against_o god_n a_o enemy_n may_v be_v reconcile_v but_o enmity_n itself_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1.21_o use_v a_o strange_a expression_n that_o the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o world_n through_o foolishness_n be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n but_o that_o by_o wisdom_n that_o be_v by_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_v it_o know_v not_o god_n as_o diodate_v note_n upon_o the_o text_n they_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n say_v the_o same_o apostle_n rom._n 1.21_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v be_v better_o render_v thus_o they_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o reason_n or_o their_o practical_a inference_n and_o discourse_n such_o as_o they_o make_v out_o of_o the_o principle_n they_o have_v in_o their_o understanding_n so_o likewise_o 1_o cor._n 3.20_o the_o lord_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o wise_a not_o the_o simple_a thought_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o prudent_a reason_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v vain_a you_o have_v the_o same_o word_n 1_o tim._n 2.8_o which_o be_v translate_v without_o doubt_v but_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o reason_v or_o dispute_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o prayer_n we_o must_v not_o argue_v against_o the_o promise_n by_o our_o reason_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o more_o humane_a reason_n learning_n and_o wisdom_n man_n have_v the_o more_o opposition_n there_o be_v in_o they_o against_o god_n and_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 1.20_o 26._o and_o chap._n 2.9_o 10_o 11._o and_o ch._n 3.18_o 19_o and_o therefore_o augustine_n write_v thus_o to_o a_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o part_n ornari_fw-la abs_fw-la te_fw-la diabolus_fw-la quaerit_fw-la but_o now_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o nature_n and_o reason_n as_o enlighten_v and_o rectify_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a help_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n let_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n first_o lie_v the_o foundation_n and_o then_o reason_n may_v build_v upon_o it_o reason_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o first_o place_n or_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n but_o shall_v be_v subject_a and_o subordinate_a to_o faith_n as_o agar_n the_o bondwoman_n be_v to_o be_v to_o her_o mistress_n sarah_n the_o freewoman_n we_o must_v not_o first_o consult_v with_o reason_n nor_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v when_o we_o shall_v believe_v beyond_o reason_n a_o mere_a rational_a consider_v of_o mean_n and_o second_o cause_n be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o faith_n if_o you_o will_v believe_v say_v luther_n you_o must_v crucify_v that_o question_n why_o god_n will_v not_o have_v we_o so_o full_a of_o wherefore_n abraham_n against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n rom._n 4.18_o 19_o contra_fw-la spem_fw-la nempe_fw-la carnis_fw-la rationis_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la naturae_fw-la as_o some_o of_o the_o best_a interpreter_n comment_v upon_o it_o he_o believe_v against_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n in_o hope_n against_o hope_n i._n e._n in_o hope_n supernatural_a against_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o natural_a hope_n nothing_o doubt_v say_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o abraham_n faith_n it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n which_o you_o find_v 1_o cor._n 11.29_o nothing_o discern_v as_o when_o a_o man_n look_v on_o thing_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n he_o pass_v a_o judgement_n of_o discern_v or_o dijudication_n upon_o they_o as_o thus_o some_o thing_n be_v easy_a some_o thing_n be_v hard_a abraham_n do_v not_o so_o reason_n or_o consider_v of_o thing_n when_o he_o believe_v i'faith_o when_o it_o be_v lively_a and_o strong_a will_v subscribe_v to_o a_o blank_a and_o will_v rest_v on_o the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n when_o all_o thing_n seem_v contrary_a in_o outward_a appearance_n and_o to_o a_o eye_n of_o reason_n faith_n can_v see_v love_n in_o anger_n light_n in_o darkness_n life_n in_o death_n as_o we_o have_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o instance_n beside_o many_o other_o faith_n will_v tell_v a_o man_n that_o the_o low_a he_o be_v cast_v down_o and_o abase_v the_o high_a he_o shall_v be_v raise_v and_o the_o more_o he_o shall_v be_v comfort_v and_o this_o be_v further_a than_o reason_n can_v go_v faith_n as_o a_o late_a godly_a writer_n true_o observe_v have_v a_o great_a and_o large_a prospect_n it_o can_v look_v over_o all_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o into_o the_o other_o world_n too_o it_o behold_v god_n who_o be_v invisible_a and_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v but_o now_o as_o for_o reason_n it_o get_v upon_o some_o little_a molehill_n of_o creature_n ability_n and_o if_o it_o can_v see_v over_o two_o or_o three_o hedge_n this_o be_v much_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a trouble_n to_o faith_n to_o be_v tie_v to_o reason_n if_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o go_v a_o journey_n of_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o mile_n on_o foot_n you_o will_v say_v he_o be_v a_o good_a footman_n yet_o if_o you_o constrain_v he_o to_o carry_v a_o little_a child_n with_o he_o this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a luggage_n to_o he_o for_o though_o the_o child_n may_v run_v along_o in_o his_o hand_n half_o a_o mile_n yet_o he_o must_v carry_v he_o on_o his_o back_n or_o in_o his_o arm_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o way_n especial_o when_o he_o go_v over_o water_n and_o steep_a hill_n which_o will_v be_v no_o small_a burden_n and_o trouble_n thus_o it_o be_v between_o faith_n and_o reason_n reason_n at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o a_o child_n to_o faith_n faith_n can_v foot_v it_o over_o mountain_n of_o difficulty_n and_o wade_v through_o the_o water_n of_o affliction_n though_o great_a and_o many_o but_o when_o reason_n come_v to_o wade_v through_o a_o affliction_n or_o to_o go_v over_o some_o great_a difficulty_n it_o cry_v out_o and_o say_v oh_o faith_n let_v we_o go_v back_o again_o and_o proceed_v no_o further_o no_o say_v faith_n but_o i_o will_v take_v thou_o upon_o my_o back_n reason_n and_o so_o it_o do_v but_o yet_o reason_n be_v a_o great_a luggage_n and_o burden_n to_o faith_n which_o never_o work_v better_a than_o when_o it_o work_v most_o alone_o for_o than_o it_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n alsufficiency_n and_o omnipotency_n and_o find_v enough_o there_o to_o quiet_a and_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n but_o now_o have_v premise_v these_o five_o consideration_n touch_v faith_n and_o reason_n we_o shall_v show_v the_o christian_a reader_n in_o some_o particular_n what_o use_v he_o shall_v make_v of_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n in_o reference_n to_o divine_a and_o religious_a matter_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v but_o to_o have_v its_o due_a respect_n and_o commendation_n first_o we_o find_v that_o many_o famous_a godly_a man_n have_v
excel_v in_o humane_a knowledge_n moses_n that_o man_n of_o god_n be_v learn_v in_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n act_n 7.22_o which_o be_v a_o ornament_n to_o he_o and_o fit_v he_o for_o his_o employment_n paul_n that_o great_a apostle_n be_v bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n act_v 22.3_o and_o do_v abound_v in_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o learning_n though_o he_o count_v it_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n phil._n 3.8_o and_o the_o most_o eminent_a instrument_n for_o god_n in_o his_o church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v man_n of_o great_a reason_n and_o learning_n as_o athanasius_n basil_n jerome_n cyprian_n augustine_n luther_n melancton_n pucer_n calvin_n jewel_n reynolds_n etc._n etc._n second_o the_o penman_n of_o holy_a scripture_n make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o that_o accurate_a method_n those_o figurative_a expression_n rhetorical_a propriety_n of_o word_n insinuate_a proem_n and_o rational_a argumentation_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o bible_n the_o apostle_n paul_n deduce_v a_o inference_n from_o a_o common_a principle_n of_o philosophy_n act_v 17.28_o 29._o and_o quote_v the_o say_n of_o some_o heathen_a writer_n three_o secular_a learning_n reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v a_o man_n to_o understand_v the_o grammatical_a literal_a sense_n which_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o meet_v with_o physics_n in_o genesis_n with_o ethic_n in_o the_o proverb_n and_o with_o many_o allusion_n in_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o beast_n and_o bird_n and_o likewise_o with_o allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o babylonian_n jew_n persian_n roman_n therefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o history_n of_o those_o nation_n and_o their_o government_n be_v very_o useful_a four_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o time_n by_o the_o olympiad_n and_o other_o way_n of_o computation_n wherein_o humane_a author_n minister_v much_o light_n be_v necessary_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n chronology_n and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n and_o the_o revelation_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o write_n of_o learned_a mede_n and_o other_o five_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o original_a tongue_n hebrew_n and_o greek_a in_o which_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v first_o pen_v do_v great_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o right_a sense_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o there_o be_v some_o text_n which_o can_v be_v so_o full_o and_o emphatical_o render_v in_o any_o vulgar_a translation_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o augustine_n himself_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a among_o the_o father_n have_v but_o little_a skill_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o none_o at_o all_o in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v with_o divers_a godly_a painful_a minister_n from_o time_n to_o time_n who_o faithful_a labour_n notwithstanding_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o great_a success_n six_o humane_a learning_n and_o reason_n be_v profitable_a and_o useful_a for_o instruct_v and_o convince_a pagan_n and_o heathen_n who_o do_v not_o yet_o acknowledge_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n thus_o divers_a of_o the_o ancient_a father_n as_o tertullian_n origen_n lactantius_n basil_n cyril_n augustine_n etc._n etc._n confute_v the_o learned_a heathen_a philosopher_n out_o of_o their_o own_o write_n as_o david_n kill_v goliath_n with_o his_o own_o sword_n and_o in_o latter_a time_n aquinas_n grotius_n morney_n and_o other_o have_v most_o learned_o and_o excellent_o improve_v the_o true_a say_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n against_o themselves_o and_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o verity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v also_o endeavour_v in_o this_o treatise_n seven_o grant_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v all_o christian_n we_o ought_v to_o exercise_v our_o reason_n in_o search_v these_o sacred_a book_n look_v into_o the_o grammar_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o form_n of_o expression_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o logic_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o scope_n context_n and_o consent_v thereof_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n and_o interpret_n the_o more_o obscure_a place_n by_o the_o clear_a according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n that_o differ_v ephes_n 5.17_o 1_o thes_n 5.21_o act_n 17.11_o heb._n 5.14_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a as_o have_v be_v prove_v in_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n in_o which_o respect_n we_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a good_a use_n of_o reason_n 8._o reason_n haec_fw-la autem_fw-la exploratio_fw-la atque_fw-la examinatio_fw-la doctrinarum_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la nisi_fw-la adhibito_fw-la rationis_fw-la judicio_fw-la quae_fw-la judicat_fw-la de_fw-la veritate_fw-la consequentiarum_fw-la per_fw-la sva_fw-la principia_fw-la de_fw-la veritate_fw-la rerum_fw-la non_fw-la innitendo_fw-la principiis_fw-la sibi_fw-la notis_fw-la extra_fw-la verbum_fw-la dei_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o scriptura_fw-la sacra_fw-la traditis_fw-la b._n daven_n in_o coll._n 2._o 8._o so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o teach_v that_o man_n in_o search_v into_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v become_v either_o fool_n or_o madman_n or_o enthusiast_n eight_o and_o last_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v necessary_a both_o in_o religious_a and_o moral_a thing_n as_o it_o be_v seat_v in_o man_n every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n john_n 1.9_o and_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v necessary_a in_o two_o respect_n first_o as_o a_o passive_a qualification_n of_o the_o subject_n for_o faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o there_o can_v be_v faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o a_o stone_n or_o beast_n that_o want_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n this_o make_v man_n in_o a_o passive_a capacity_n fit_a for_o grace_n although_o he_o have_v no_o active_a ability_n for_o it_o and_o then_o second_o it_o be_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o a_o instrument_n for_o we_o can_v believe_v or_o apprehend_v christ_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o principle_n of_o reason_n in_o we_o it_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o a_o act_n of_o understanding_n or_o knowledge_n do_v always_o accompany_v true_a faith_n through_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n heb._n 11.3_o we_o understand_v that_o the_o world_n be_v frame_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n chap._n xxii_o wherein_o humane_a reason_n come_v far_o short_a and_o be_v abuse_v in_o reference_n to_o divine_a thing_n have_v in_o the_o chapter_n immediate_o go_v before_o mention_v divers_a particular_n wherein_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n tell_v you_o particular_o and_o plain_o wherein_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n come_v far_o short_a in_o matter_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a sum_v up_o in_o a_o little_a room_n what_o have_v be_v more_o large_o set_v forth_o on_o this_o subject_n both_o in_o this_o and_o other_o treatise_n reason_n treatise_n the_o defect_n that_o be_v in_o man_n reason_n first_o then_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o justification_n of_o sinner_n by_o his_o righteousness_n can_v be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n it_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n to_o conceive_v of_o they_o but_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o mere_a supernatural_a revelation_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o 10._o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o when_o through_o faith_n we_o have_v believe_v they_o reason_n will_v also_o subscribe_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o can_v lie_v yet_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n can_v never_o have_v find_v out_o nor_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o mystery_n if_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o reveal_v they_o there_o be_v some_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o be_v both_o believe_v and_o take_v up_o by_o reason_n as_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o the_o world_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v only_o believe_v as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n which_o our_o weak_a reason_n can_v take_v up_o or_o apprehend_v there_o be_v a_o wonderful_a depth_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o
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
lay_v aside_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o to_o be_v whole_o conclude_v by_o humane_a authority_n and_o the_o name_n of_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o in_o other_o point_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o lie_n and_o contradiction_n will_v impose_v upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o have_v neither_o sense_n nor_o reason_n in_o we_o so_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o corporal_a carnal_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v against_o sense_n against_o reason_n and_o against_o faith_n first_o it_o be_v against_o sense_n now_o of_o all_o demonstration_n among_o man_n whereby_o we_o prove_v thing_n of_o this_o kind_n nothing_o be_v more_o firm_a then_o that_o which_o be_v take_v from_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n in_o divinity_n that_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o sense_n sense_n be_v a_o complete_a judge_n understand_v it_o of_o object_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o sense_n otherwise_o we_o say_v the_o eye_n be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o sound_n nor_o the_o ear_n of_o colour_n thus_o christ_n when_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o real_a body_n he_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o their_o sense_n a_o spirit_n have_v not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o you_o see_v i_o have_v reach_v hither_o thy_o hand_n and_o thrust_v it_o into_o my_o side_n in_o turn_v water_n into_o wine_n sense_n may_v easy_o judge_v of_o the_o change_n you_o will_v think_v it_o a_o strange_a and_o incredible_a thing_n if_o christ_n shall_v have_v come_v to_o to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n require_v he_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v wine_n though_o he_o see_v and_o taste_v nothing_o but_o water_n or_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v say_v thus_o to_o moses_n well_o thou_o see_v nothing_o but_o a_o rod_n yet_o thou_o must_v believe_v notwithstanding_o that_o it_o be_v change_v and_o be_v real_o a_o serpent_n so_o in_o this_o case_n of_o the_o sacrament_n when_o all_o the_o sense_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v bread_n which_o we_o see_v and_o touch_v and_o taste_v why_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v so_o foolish_a and_o vain_a as_o to_o say_v with_o the_o papist_n that_o the_o bread_n cease_v to_o be_v true_o bread_n and_o be_v transubstantiate_v into_o the_o very_a body_n of_o christ_n again_o second_o as_o this_o doctrine_n be_v against_o sense_n so_o it_o be_v against_o reason_n namely_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o have_v but_o one_o body_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o have_v ten_o thousand_o body_n on_o earth_n that_o his_o body_n shall_v be_v a_o true_a body_n as_o we_o be_v and_o yet_o without_o circumscription_n and_o other_o inseparable_a property_n of_o a_o true_a body_n that_o the_o substance_n of_o bread_n shall_v be_v abolish_v so_o as_o it_o shall_v remain_v no_o long_o bread_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v the_o very_a quantity_n taste_n whiteness_n substance_n and_o nourish_a virtue_n of_o bread_n if_o you_o ask_v they_o after_o all_o this_o whether_o it_o do_v nourish_v the_o body_n or_o no_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o with_o impudence_n enough_o if_o they_o be_v true_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o it_o do_v not_o nourish_v quite_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o experience_n this_o monstruous_a opinion_n of_o they_o be_v so_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a that_o the_o most_o learned_a among_o they_o be_v puzzle_v and_o not_o satisfy_v therewith_o but_o leave_v it_o as_o a_o miracle_n i_o have_v take_v some_o pain_n say_v a_o learned_a judicious_a man_n in_o his_o late_a sermon_n against_o popery_n to_o consider_v other_o religion_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o must_v free_o declare_v that_o i_o never_o yet_o in_o any_o of_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o article_n or_o proposition_n impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o man_n half_o so_o unreasonable_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o this_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v three_o as_o it_o be_v against_o sense_n and_o reason_n so_o it_o be_v against_o faith_n which_o though_o it_o be_v beyond_o sense_n or_o reason_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a thereunto_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v god_n work_n as_o well_o as_o grace_n and_o faith_n now_o one_o work_n of_o god_n do_v not_o destroy_v another_o for_o if_o so_o this_o will_v argue_v imperfection_n in_o the_o workman_n faith_n feed_v on_o christ_n spiritual_o in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v now_o if_o christ_n be_v corporal_o present_a in_o the_o sacrament_n what_o need_v the_o receiver_n feed_v on_o he_o spiritual_o by_o faith_n as_o be_v absent_a what_o need_v he_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o till_o he_o come_v let_v we_o in_o this_o and_o other_o thing_n show_v ourselves_o man_n and_o not_o beast_n let_v we_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o of_o that_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v we_o that_o believe_v and_o act_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n whoever_o require_v the_o same_o of_o we_o these_o be_v our_o act_n if_o therefore_o we_o will_v show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v man_n endue_v with_o reason_n and_o understanding_n we_o must_v examine_v what_o be_v propound_v and_o offer_v to_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v assent_v or_o dissent_v upon_o judicious_a ground_n we_o be_v man_n and_o shall_v do_v thing_n as_o man_n we_o be_v christian_n and_o shall_v do_v thing_n as_o christian_n blind_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n shall_v be_v utter_o banish_v out_o of_o christian_a assembly_n nor_o shall_v we_o pin_v our_o faith_n upon_o any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n be_v they_o never_o so_o godly_a and_o learned_a for_o this_o be_v to_o wrong_v god_n and_o to_o set_v man_n in_o his_o throne_n and_o attribute_n that_o to_o man_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n alone_o hereby_o also_o we_o exceed_o prejudice_v and_o wrong_v our_o own_o soul_n and_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n when_o we_o adhere_v to_o a_o opinion_n or_o way_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o rational_o and_o know_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n what_o be_v this_o else_o but_o to_o comply_v with_o a_o way_n or_o party_n out_o of_o faction_n and_o partiality_n not_o out_o of_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n which_o therefore_o can_v have_v any_o true_a consistence_n or_o constancy_n in_o it_o they_o rather_o bring_v their_o foot_n then_o their_o heart_n into_o a_o way_n of_o religion_n that_o adhere_v to_o it_o without_o due_a trial_n and_o examination_n herein_o we_o shall_v use_v our_o own_o eye_n and_o judgement_n and_o not_o whole_o trust_v to_o other_o herein_o we_o shall_v diligent_o exercise_v our_o own_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v judicious_o and_o profitable_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v judge_v of_o the_o high_a gospel_n mystery_n according_a to_o natural_a corrupt_a reason_n but_o yet_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o god_n in_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o that_o so_o our_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n may_v not_o be_v fluctuate_a and_o uncertain_a but_o steady_a and_o stable_a it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o if_o every_o man_n may_v judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o his_o reason_n than_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o mind_n which_o will_v breed_v endless_a confusion_n every_o man_n pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o one_o man_n think_v his_o reason_n to_o be_v as_o good_a or_o better_a than_o another_o man_n and_o so_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o order_n no_o settlement_n in_o the_o church_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v much_o danger_n on_o this_o hand_n especial_o where_o people_n be_v run_v headlong_o into_o confusion_n and_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o government_n yet_o this_o shall_v not_o make_v man_n throw_v away_o their_o reason_n and_o believe_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n only_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a judgement_n a_o judgement_n in_o foro_fw-la externo_fw-la or_o publico_fw-la and_o a_o judgement_n in_o foro_fw-la interno_fw-la or_o privato_fw-la the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v a_o authoritative_a judgement_n belong_v to_o christian_a synod_n and_o counsel_n due_o and_o lawful_o assemble_v where_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n preside_v such_o counsel_n debate_v and_o determine_v matter_n in_o difference_n either_o as_o to_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n have_v be_v of_o excellent_a use_n from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v belong_v to_o every_o christian_a a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n or_o discern_a a_o rational_a self_n directive_n judgement_n in_o the_o
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
where_o and_o in_o what_o measure_n he_o please_v so_o that_o holy_a man_n partaker_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o several_a degree_n may_v err_v and_o mistake_v in_o some_o thing_n and_o dissent_v one_o from_o another_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o fundamental_a and_o thus_o we_o have_v give_v you_o some_o rule_n to_o prevent_v mistake_v touch_v the_o inward_a testimony_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o now_o to_o reflect_v a_o little_a yet_o without_o any_o rankor_n or_o bitterness_n against_o the_o person_n of_o man_n upon_o their_o opinion_n that_o derogate_a from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a revelation_n and_o set_v up_o reason_n as_o a_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o resolve_v their_o faith_n final_o into_o reason_n chap._n xv._o brief_o show_v when_o reason_n be_v right_o use_v and_o when_o abuse_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n in_o the_o scripture_n no_o discreet_a rational_a man_n will_v deny_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o judge_a matter_n civil_a and_o religious_a in_o the_o sense_n former_o declare_v and_o prove_v if_o you_o will_v show_v yourself_o a_o man_n and_o not_o a_o beast_n a_o judicious_a understanding_n christian_n and_o not_o a_o child_n in_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n than_o you_o must_v make_v use_n of_o your_o reason_n in_o examine_v those_o matter_n that_o be_v propound_v to_o you_o whether_o civil_a or_o religious_a but_o yet_o if_o you_o admit_v reason_n to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n or_o standard_n to_o measure_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n by_o and_o to_o judge_v of_o and_o comprehend_v the_o most_o divine_a supernatural_a doctrine_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n than_o you_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o reason_n and_o too_o little_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o faith_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v say_v the_o apostle_n neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o as_o none_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o 11._o the_o rational_a creature_n be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o thing_n mere_o rational_a but_o the_o spiritual_a man_n only_o in_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v can_v right_o and_o spiritual_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a and_o therefore_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o confound_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o our_o natural_a reason_n nor_o prejudice_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o reason_n as_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o take_v from_o reason_n that_o which_o be_v due_a to_o she_o in_o reference_n to_o divine_a matter_n first_o then_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o reason_n be_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n soul_n or_o that_o organ_n which_o let_v into_o his_o soul_n that_o divine_a light_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n which_o beget_v faith_n and_o upon_o which_o faith_n do_v rest_v itself_o and_o into_o which_o it_o be_v final_o resolve_v reason_n be_v not_o the_o object_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n rest_v but_o that_o faculty_n which_o be_v sanctify_v take_v in_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v heavenly_a and_o supernatural_a the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v that_o wherein_o we_o final_o rest_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a understanding_n and_o reason_n sanctify_v be_v that_o whereby_o a_o christian_a judge_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n god_n in_o his_o word_n speak_v to_o reasonable_a creature_n not_o to_o brute_n beast_n who_o by_o way_n of_o discourse_n weigh_v what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v the_o text_n and_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n do_v come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o be_v command_v as_o man_n that_o have_v reason_n in_o we_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o to_o judge_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v these_o be_v act_n of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n by_o the_o help_n whereof_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o give_v a_o sober_a rational_a account_n of_o our_o own_o faith_n and_o to_o convince_v the_o adversary_n and_o gainsayers_a if_o you_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o adversary_n that_o hate_v the_o christian_a religion_n how_o can_v you_o think_v to_o persuade_v he_o to_o christianity_n unless_o you_o show_v he_o a_o reason_n as_o indeed_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o wise_a and_o most_o rational_a religion_n if_o you_o say_v your_o church_n be_v the_o true_a church_n you_o must_v give_v a_o reason_n for_o it_o or_o else_o no_o discreet_a man_n will_v believe_v you_o see_v many_o pretend_v to_o the_o true_a church_n that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o it_o if_o you_o urge_v a_o scripture_n for_o your_o opinion_n sober_a man_n will_v rational_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o your_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n or_o not_o and_z according_o will_v embrace_v or_o reject_v your_o opinion_n it_o concern_v every_o man_n as_o he_o tender_v the_o peace_n and_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n to_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o opinion_n and_o such_o variety_n of_o persuasion_n in_o the_o world_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o consider_v which_o persuasion_n have_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a ground_n for_o it_o that_o we_o may_v with_o peace_n and_o safety_n venture_v our_o soul_n upon_o it_o now_o this_o we_o can_v well_o do_v unless_o we_o make_v use_v of_o our_o reason_n in_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o that_o we_o may_v embrace_v the_o truth_n and_o reject_v error_n second_o though_o there_o be_v mystery_n of_o faith_n which_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v yea_o in_o their_o proper_a nature_n they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n exit_fw-la nihilo_fw-la nihil_fw-la fit_a say_v reason_n and_o exit_fw-la nihilo_fw-la omne_fw-la fiunt_fw-la say_v faith_n the_o dead_a can_v return_v again_o to_o life_n say_v reason_n thy_o dead_a bone_n shall_v live_v again_o and_o this_o mortality_n shall_v put_v on_o immortality_n say_v faith_n yet_o the_o rational_a soul_n of_o man_n be_v overpower_v and_o act_v by_o a_o high_a principle_n even_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v the_o great_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v these_o and_o all_o other_o divine_a supernatural_a mystery_n and_o truth_n because_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v they_o to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o from_o god_n be_v it_o not_o meet_v and_o reasonable_a and_o well_o become_v we_o that_o be_v rational_a creature_n to_o believe_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n though_o what_o he_o speak_v seem_v never_o so_o unreasonable_a never_o so_o contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o this_o that_o all_o that_o god_n speak_v for_o from_o this_o pure_a fountain_n can_v proceed_v nothing_o but_o pure_a stream_n be_v true_a and_o good_a divine_a and_o heavenly_a whatever_o our_o corruption_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_a so_o then_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n and_o our_o reason_n captivate_v and_o subject_v unto_o this_o high_a principle_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o find_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o come_v from_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n that_o can_v lie_v three_o as_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o god_n speak_v in_o general_a as_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n so_o i_o have_v reason_n also_o to_o believe_v in_o particular_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n be_v god_n reveal_v mind_n and_o will_n nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o a_o wellgrounded_n faith_n for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v he_o believe_v all_o that_o god_n reveal_v to_o be_v true_a but_o he_o must_v also_o believe_v that_o the_o mystery_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v for_o his_o salvation_n it_o be_v true_a according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o divine_n that_o faith_n may_v right_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o firm_a assent_n without_o evidence_n of_o many_o thing_n in_o themselves_o which_o we_o do_v believe_v but_o yet_o the_o medium_n by_o force_n whereof_o we_o be_v draw_v to_o believe_v must_v be_v evident_a unto_o we_o as_o now_o if_o i_o be_v ask_v by_o a_o enemy_n
of_o the_o christian_a religion_n why_o i_o believe_v the_o incarnation_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n i_o answer_v because_o god_n word_n testify_v of_o they_o as_o thing_n most_o certain_a and_o true_a if_o he_o ask_v i_o further_o how_o know_v you_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n i_o answer_v by_o infallible_a sign_n and_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n beyond_o all_o humane_a power_n as_o have_v be_v show_v chap._n 12._o of_o this_o treatise_n by_o which_o man_n reason_n may_v be_v convince_v that_o those_o writing_n be_v of_o god_n and_o so_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o a_o christian_n have_v more_o reason_n for_o his_o religion_n then_o any_o other_o whether_o jew_n or_o turk_n or_o heathen_a four_o though_o in_o these_o respect_n that_o have_v be_v mention_v our_o reason_n may_v be_v of_o very_o good_a use_n in_o reference_n to_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o make_v our_o reason_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o matter_n that_o be_v beyond_o our_o reason_n as_o for_o example_n there_o be_v a_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o matth._n 28.19_o 1_o john_n 5.7_o shall_v i_o now_o reject_v this_o great_a mystery_n because_o it_o correspond_v not_o with_o the_o dictate_v of_o my_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o say_v with_o those_o self-willed_a socinian_o that_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reason_n that_o three_o shall_v be_v one_o god_n therefore_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v this_o great_a truth_n but_o only_o interpret_v it_o thus_o that_o these_o three_o agree_v in_o one_o and_o be_v one_o by_o consent_n of_o mind_n and_o will_n for_o so_o a_o thousand_o man_n may_v be_v one_o and_o again_o if_o because_o i_o can_v conceive_v or_o comprehend_v by_o my_o reason_n how_o christ_n and_o his_o father_n can_v be_v one_o in_o substance_n and_o essence_n therefore_o i_o will_v find_v out_o another_o interpretation_n which_o may_v agree_v with_o my_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n true_o this_o be_v to_o set_v reason_n in_o the_o chair_n or_o throne_n above_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n or_o divine_a testimony_n shall_v vail_v bonnet_n to_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o we_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n now_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o curious_a proud_a wit_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n be_v it_o never_o so_o sublime_a and_o mysterious_a unless_o forsooth_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o their_o shallow_a understanding_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o consult_v with_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n about_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o according_o expound_v they_o or_o rather_o pervert_v they_o deny_v and_o reject_v the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n the_o doctrine_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o propitiation_n by_o christ_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o individual_a body_n the_o absolute_a decree_n of_o god_n and_o other_o mystery_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o so_o at_o length_n god_n leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o vain_a reason_n and_o the_o wicked_a imagination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o become_v mere_a atheist_n indeed_o every_o christian_a as_o have_v be_v say_v aught_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o he_o but_o we_o must_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v and_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v i_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n that_o christ_n be_v consubstantial_a and_o coessential_a with_o the_o father_n that_o he_o be_v incarnate_a and_o bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n that_o jacob_n be_v love_v and_o esau_n reject_v before_o they_o have_v do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o my_o belief_n be_v because_o the_o same_o be_v write_v in_o the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n but_o now_o to_o demonstrate_v and_o evidence_n these_o high_a truth_n and_o mystery_n to_o humane_a reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o otherwise_o to_o disbelieve_v they_o this_o be_v a_o course_n destructive_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v evident_a in_o themselves_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o geometry_n that_o every_o whole_a and_o entire_a thing_n be_v big_a than_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o like_a but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o evident_a in_o themselves_o but_o be_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v to_o we_o both_o that_o they_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v by_o a_o foreign_a medium_n without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o by_o the_o report_n of_o other_o and_o this_o be_v that_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o in_o themselves_o appear_v not_o to_o we_o nor_o be_v see_v of_o we_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n faith_n be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v a_o assent_n without_o evidence_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o revealer_n in_o these_o thing_n our_o reason_n reach_v but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o such_o thing_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v hide_v from_o we_o we_o can_v show_v a_o reason_n how_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v thus_o to_o tie_v our_o faith_n to_o reason_n and_o form_v our_o belief_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n so_o as_o to_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n without_o evidence_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o demonstrate_v and_o make_v know_v to_o our_o reason_n argue_v much_o pride_n and_o selfconfidence_n set_v up_o our_o reason_n above_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reason_n god_n against_o subject_v the_o scripture_n to_o reason_n reveal_v and_o arraign_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o our_o reason_n now_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v but_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o ground_n and_o consideration_n first_o because_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o shallow_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n and_o we_o be_v much_o more_o ignorant_a and_o blind_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a john_n 1.5_o 1_o cor._n 1.19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 2.11.14_o 1_o cor._n 13.12_o when_o the_o world_n by_o all_o its_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n know_v not_o god_n in_o christ_n it_o please_v god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1.21_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v yea_o not_o only_o in_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n but_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n there_o be_v still_o much_o blindness_n in_o their_o understanding_n and_o much_o perverseness_n in_o their_o will_n and_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o heart_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n now_o these_o vain_a and_o carnal_a and_o foolish_a reason_n of_o we_o shall_v be_v regulate_v and_o correct_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n man_n reason_n shall_v not_o presume_v to_o regulate_v the_o word_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v regulate_v and_o correct_v man_n reason_n the_o word_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o not_o our_o reason_n for_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v can_v be_v the_o rule_n to_o regulate_v second_o to_o bring_v scripture_n to_o the_o bar_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o so_o make_v reason_n the_o judge_n in_o divine_a mystery_n be_v exceed_v preposterous_a for_o this_o be_v to_o subordinate_a and_o make_v subject_a that_o which_o be_v much_o superior_a to_o that_o which_o be_v far_o inferior_a that_o which_o be_v perfect_a and_o without_o error_n to_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a and_o erroneous_a now_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v weak_a and_o corrupt_a be_v not_o fit_a to_o judge_v that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a nor_o be_v that_o which_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o mistake_n as_o man_n reason_n be_v fit_a to_o regulate_v and_o judge_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o light_n and_o all_o truth_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n say_v to_o christ_n 28._o christ_n mr._n lyford_n on_o heb._n 5.13_o 14._o cap._n 1._o pag._n 28._o i_o have_v need_n to_o be_v baptize_v of_o thou_o and_o come_v thou_o to_o i_o that_o be_o
want_v this_o clear_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n have_v no_o further_a assurance_n of_o what_o it_o believe_v then_o that_o which_o reason_n suggest_v which_o may_v rather_o be_v term_v a_o conviction_n that_o such_o thing_n must_v be_v than_o a_o evidence_n what_o they_o be_v whereby_o it_o plain_o appear_v which_o yet_o may_v be_v more_o large_o and_o full_o prove_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o true_a justify_v faith_n and_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v only_o temporary_a and_o historical_a differ_v not_o only_o gradual_o in_o respect_n of_o degree_n but_o specifical_o in_o nature_n and_o kind_n the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n on_o which_o they_o be_v build_v be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a nature_n four_o this_o difference_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o effectual_a faith_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n rest_v and_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v ultimate_o and_o final_o resolve_v into_o a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o natural_a or_o mere_a rational_a man_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o humane_a testimony_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o revelation_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n matth._n 16.17_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o other_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o spiritual_a man_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 10_o 14_o 15._o to_o who_o they_o be_v manifest_v and_o who_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o which_o enable_v they_o spiritual_o to_o understand_v that_o manifestation_n or_o revelation_n this_o way_n of_o spiritual_a demonstration_n to_o the_o spiritual_a mind_n of_o the_o true_a believer_n be_v far_o different_a from_o and_o do_v far_o transcend_v that_o way_n of_o conviction_n which_o be_v only_o by_o reason_n or_o rational_a discourse_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o divine_a then_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n which_o be_v not_o chief_o ground_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n or_o authority_n but_o rely_v upon_o and_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o a_o humane_a testimony_n or_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n the_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o can_v never_o be_v find_v out_o by_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o yet_o they_o be_v consonant_n to_o right_a reason_n and_o therefore_o man_n reason_n do_v assent_v thereunto_o as_o for_o example_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a these_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o man_n reason_n to_o be_v possible_a upon_o suppositinn_n of_o god_n almighty_a power_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n yea_o and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o who_o great_a design_n be_v to_o make_v know_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v so_o that_o howsoever_o these_o truth_n be_v mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v believe_v yet_o see_v reason_n which_o be_v a_o humane_a testimony_n may_v approve_v they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o a_o historical_a faith_n believe_v these_o thing_n only_o for_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o be_v but_o a_o humane_a faith_n and_o rest_v upon_o a_o humane_a testimony_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o if_o a_o rational_a man_n believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n chief_o upon_o the_o church_n testimony_n of_o they_o or_o upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o truth_n therein_o mention_v or_o upon_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o sacred_a writing_n in_o most_o thing_n which_o make_v he_o therefore_o rational_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v true_a in_o all_o if_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n of_o his_o belief_n by_o way_n of_o rational_a inference_n from_o such_o premise_n then_o true_o he_o believe_v upon_o a_o humane_a and_o not_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o a_o clear_a spiritual_a demonstration_n of_o divine_a truth_n make_v evident_a by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n five_o and_o last_o true_a justify_v faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n differ_v from_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n in_o the_o object_n of_o it_o historical_a faith_n though_o it_o may_v assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_v of_o reconciliation_n pardon_v and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n yea_o and_o may_v believe_v the_o goodness_n of_o they_o in_o general_a yet_o it_o do_v not_o embrace_v and_o apply_v the_o goodness_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a as_o true_a justify_v faith_n do_v which_o count_v all_o other_o thing_n loss_n that_o it_o may_v gain_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o phil._n 3.8_o 9_o and_o which_o enable_v a_o man_n hearty_o and_o real_o to_o close_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o to_o apply_v he_o particular_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a this_o be_v my_o friend_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o small_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o faith_n knowledge_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n and_o the_o faith_n knowledge_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n in_o and_z about_o christ_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o if_o such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v some_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o come_v short_a of_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n then_o certain_o no_o man_n that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n though_o he_o improve_v it_o never_o so_o much_o can_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n but_o of_o this_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n xvii_o show_v that_o none_o can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o mere_a improvement_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n what_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o best_a heathen_n be_v and_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o everlasting_a concernment_n of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n we_o can_v certain_o determine_v nor_o dare_v we_o confident_o pronounce_v that_o they_o be_v all_o in_o hell_n though_o we_o say_v not_o with_o the_o pelagian_o that_o the_o improvement_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n or_o that_o light_n that_o be_v in_o every_o man_n as_o other_o phrase_v it_o can_v make_v man_n everlasting_a happy_a nor_o yet_o with_o the_o semipelagian_o that_o natural_a preparation_n and_o predisposition_n do_v bespeak_v and_o procure_v grace_n nor_o yet_o with_o the_o papist_n that_o work_v flow_v from_o grace_n do_v meritorious_o contribute_v to_o more_o grace_n and_o glory_n yet_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o as_o god_n give_v the_o heathen_n natural_a light_n and_o ability_n and_o to_o some_o of_o they_o the_o improvement_n thereof_o more_o than_o to_o other_o so_o he_o may_v as_o free_o give_v they_o in_o a_o way_n that_o we_o know_v not_o supernatural_a grace_n and_o strength_n and_o reveal_v his_o son_n to_o they_o if_o it_o please_v he_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o notwithstanding_o to_o hold_v that_o a_o man_n may_v get_v to_o heaven_n by_o those_o mere_a improvement_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o nature_n foundation_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v accurate_o and_o punctual_o observe_v every_o jot_n and_o tittle_n of_o nature_n law_n which_o the_o exact_a naturalist_n or_o moralist_n do_v not_o yet_o this_o natural_a obedience_n will_v not_o at_o all_o be_v commensurate_a to_o a_o supernatural_a happiness_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a way_n that_o new_a and_o live_a way_n by_o which_o god_n assume_v humane_a nature_n to_o himself_o and_o make_v it_o everlasting_o happy_a by_o which_o we_o have_v access_n to_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o this_o make_v augustine_n say_v qui_fw-la dicit_fw-la hominem_fw-la seruari_fw-la posse_fw-la sine_fw-la christo_fw-la dubito_fw-la a_o ipse_fw-la per_fw-la christum_fw-la seruari_fw-la possit_fw-la whether_o the_o gentile_n can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o question_n i_o confess_v much_o debate_v both_o in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o some_o modern_a author_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n divers_a of_o the_o ancient_n as_o justin_n martyr_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o chrysostome_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o moral_a heathen_n may_v be_v save_v by_o a_o general_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o justin_n martyr_n think_v they_o may_v be_v save_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n 2._o reason_n justin_n martyr_n apol._n 2._o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o dictamen_fw-la rationis_fw-la
the_o reasonable_a service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n and_o yet_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o christian_a worship_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n administration_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v a_o more_o teasonable_a service_n whereof_o a_o better_a reason_n may_v be_v render_v then_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o unreasonable_a beast_n under_o the_o law_n and_o withal_o that_o those_o christian_n who_o by_o good_a advice_n and_o reason_n do_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n be_v they_o that_o offer_v up_o a_o reasonable_a service_n to_o god_n four_o those_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n that_o be_v leave_v in_o man_n do_v not_o enable_v they_o exact_o and_o perfect_o to_o perform_v natural_a and_o civil_a action_n without_o the_o general_a assistance_n of_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o then_o as_o for_o action_n spiritual_o and_o evangelical_o good_a man_n by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v whole_o unable_a to_o perform_v they_o for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n this_o plain_o appear_v by_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o declare_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o corruption_n of_o every_o unregenerate_a man_n nature_n and_o estate_n and_o also_o by_o those_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o grace_n and_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n as_o the_o sole_a work_n of_o god_n almighty_a power_n and_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v put_v forth_o and_o manifest_v in_o all_o those_o that_o true_o believe_v ephes_n 1.19_o the_o natural_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n here_o as_o calvin_n and_o other_o true_o observe_v he_o mean_v not_o proper_o a_o man_n addict_v to_o gross_a and_o sensual_a lust_n but_o every_o man_n that_o be_v endue_v only_o with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o he_o yea_o the_o most_o rational_a improve_v natural_a man_n this_o be_v evident_a because_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o spiritual_a man_n or_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v proper_o not_o such_o a_o man_n as_o be_v exceed_v carnal_a and_o gross_a in_o sin_n and_o sensuality_n but_o sou_o man_n a_o improve_v rational_a man_n or_o a_o man_n make_v up_o only_o of_o reason_n one_o that_o do_v ex_fw-la colere_fw-la animam_fw-la such_o as_o plato_n aristotle_n and_o tully_n be_v it_o be_v mean_v of_o every_o unregenerate_a man_n who_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o who_o can_v spiritual_o discern_v and_o receive_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v offend_v therewith_o nay_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v in_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o reason_n the_o vain_a they_o be_v and_o the_o more_o opposite_a to_o the_o grace_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o other_o day_n say_v chrysostome_n i_o hear_v a_o certain_a christian_a discourse_v ridiculous_o with_o a_o greek_a each_o of_o they_o in_o their_o discourse_n prejudice_v his_o own_o cause_n for_o the_o greek_a speak_v that_o which_o the_o christian_a shall_v have_v say_v and_o the_o christian_a speak_v that_o which_o the_o greek_a shall_v have_v say_v for_o the_o question_n between_o they_o be_v about_o paul_n and_o plato_n the_o greek_a endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o paul_n be_v rude_a and_o unlearned_a but_o the_o christian_a through_o his_o simplicity_n will_v prove_v that_o paul_n be_v far_o more_o learned_a and_o eloquent_a than_o plato_n and_o so_o the_o greek_a will_v obtain_v the_o victory_n if_o the_o christian_n reason_n shall_v prevail_v for_o if_o paul_n be_v more_o learned_a than_o plato_n in_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n than_o may_v man_n object_v that_o he_o overcome_v not_o the_o world_n through_o grace_n but_o through_o humane_a eloquence_n therefore_o say_v this_o father_n when_o the_o greek_n shall_v object_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v rude_a and_o unlearned_a simple_a obscure_a person_n of_o no_o great_a reason_n nor_o part_n let_v we_o free_o acknowledge_v it_o as_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v not_o their_o reproach_n but_o their_o glory_n that_o be_v such_o they_o yet_o overcome_v the_o learned_a man_n the_o wise_a man_n the_o philosopher_n the_o rhetorician_n the_o orator_n the_o prince_n and_o all_o the_o world_n for_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n this_o do_v exceed_o set_v forth_o and_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n five_o a_o christian_n shall_v so_o far_o deny_v his_o natural_a reason_n and_o wisdom_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a that_o his_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v the_o assent_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o not_o the_o assent_n of_o mere_a reason_n the_o immediate_a ground_n of_o this_o assent_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o man_n reason_n but_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o god_n testify_v that_o which_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o school_n speak_v be_v the_o first_o truth_n or_o god_n himself_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o we_o suppose_v a_o truth_n teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v likewise_o demonstrate_v to_o my_o reason_n by_o philosophical_a argument_n as_o namely_o that_o god_n create_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a my_o assent_n to_o these_o truth_n be_v so_o far_o the_o assent_n of_o divine_a faith_n as_o it_o be_v ground_v and_o bottom_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n as_o for_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v mere_o ground_v upon_o philosophical_a reason_n and_o demonstration_n it_o be_v not_o divine_a faith_n but_o only_o humane_a faith_n and_o reason_n six_o our_o reason_n be_v so_o imperfect_a so_o defective_a so_o apt_a to_o mistake_v in_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n that_o we_o must_v not_o make_v our_o apprehension_n though_o under_o pretence_n of_o reason_n the_o rule_n of_o what_o we_o will_v receive_v for_o the_o word_n and_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o what_o we_o will_v reject_v but_o what_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o apprehension_n though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o same_o by_o our_o weak_a deprave_a reason_n and_o understanding_n otherwise_o we_o subject_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n truth_n to_o our_o own_o weak_a shallow_a apprehension_n and_o believe_v he_o not_o because_o he_o have_v say_v it_o but_o because_o we_o by_o our_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v it_o and_o this_o be_v dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o the_o scripture_n do_v reveal_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n what_o reason_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v ever_o have_v think_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o personal_a union_n of_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o mediator_n the_o imputation_n of_o adam_n sin_n to_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o glorious_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o poor_a sinner_n for_o their_o justification_n without_o all_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o but_o what_o great_a mystery_n be_v there_o in_o it_o if_o we_o by_o our_o shallow_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v it_o we_o must_v pray_v for_o grace_n say_v mr._n fox_n galatian_n fox_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o luther_n on_o the_o galatian_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n that_o we_o may_v right_o understand_v the_o gospel_n so_o strange_a be_v this_o doctrine_n to_o carnal_a reason_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o world_n so_o many_o enemy_n it_o have_v that_o except_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o above_o do_v powerful_o reveal_v it_o learning_n can_v reach_v it_o wisdom_n be_v offend_v nature_n be_v astonish_v devil_n and_o man_n do_v oppose_v and_o persecute_v it_o brief_o as_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o life_n so_o easy_a so_o there_o be_v none_o so_o hard_a easy_a to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v from_o above_o hard_o to_o carnal_a sense_n and_o reason_n not_o yet_o inspire_v and_o luther_n himself_o in_o his_o commentary_n on_o
the_o galatian_n have_v many_o notable_a say_n touch_v faith_n and_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n of_o believe_v the_o gospel_n say_v he_o we_o must_v silence_v reason_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o faith_n which_o also_o in_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n lean_v not_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n for_o thereof_o it_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a but_o to_o her_o own_o righteousness_n now_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n join_v together_o faith_n lose_v her_o virginity_n for_o nothing_o fight_v more_o strong_o against_o faith_n then_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n the_o gospel_n lead_v we_o beyond_o and_o above_o the_o light_n of_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n into_o the_o deep_a secret_n of_o faith_n where_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v again_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v reason_n reason_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v be_v impossible_a foolish_a weak_a absurd_a thing_n what_o more_o absurd_a foolish_a and_o impossible_a then_o that_o abraham_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n in_o his_o old_a age_n of_o the_o barren_a and_o dead_a body_n of_o sarah_n but_o now_o faith_n kill_v reason_n and_o slay_v that_o beast_n which_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o creature_n can_v kill_v thus_o abraham_n kill_v it_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o promise_v he_o a_o son_n to_o this_o word_n reason_n yield_v not_o straightway_o but_o fight_v against_o faith_n in_o he_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o absurd_a impossible_a thing_n but_o faith_n wrestle_v with_o reason_n and_o at_o length_n get_v the_o victory_n abraham_n kill_v and_o sacrifice_v reason_n that_o most_o pestilent_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o so_o must_v all_o the_o godly_a do_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n that_o be_v quite_o cross_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o subdue_v and_o captivate_v our_o reason_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5._o be_v mighty_a through_o god_n for_o the_o pull_n down_o of_o strong_a hold_n cast_v down_o reason_v and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n those_o strong_a hold_n that_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o gospel_n be_v especial_o two_o namely_o the_o greatness_n and_o power_n of_o worldly_a prince_n and_o ruler_n and_o also_o the_o reason_n and_o argumentation_n of_o the_o learned_a orator_n and_o philosopher_n both_o these_o must_v be_v subdue_v and_o captivate_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n man_n must_v be_v lead_v away_o like_o captive_n say_v judicious_a calvin_n on_o the_o text_n from_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o will_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d reason_v be_v very_o emphatical_a quo_fw-la vocabulo_fw-la 5._o vocabulo_fw-la estius_n in_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5._o significantur_fw-la non_fw-la qualescunque_fw-la cogitationes_fw-la sed_fw-la quae_fw-la fiunt_fw-la ratiocinando_fw-la &_o disceptando_fw-la dum_fw-la adhibito_fw-la judicio_fw-la rationis_fw-la animus_n examinat_fw-la aliquid_fw-la &_o de_fw-la eo_fw-la pronuntiat_fw-la sit_fw-la ne_fw-la verum_fw-la a_o falsum_fw-la bonum_fw-la a_o malum_fw-la here_o we_o may_v see_v plain_o that_o our_o reason_n must_v be_v conquer_v and_o captivate_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a faith_n indeed_o reason_n and_o faith_n may_v well_o walk_v together_o provide_v that_o reason_n give_v faith_n the_o upperhand_n we_o must_v not_o say_v they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o noble_a writer_n who_o make_v great_a use_n of_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n religio_fw-la religion_n morney_n de_fw-fr veritat_fw-la christi_fw-la religio_fw-la that_o because_o reason_n do_v not_o comprehend_v this_o or_o that_o point_n of_o religion_n therefore_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v it_o for_o this_o be_v a_o measure_n of_o faith_n by_o reason_n whereas_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n that_o be_v beyond_o our_o reason_n to_o believe_v on_o god_n through_o christ_n what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o to_o submit_v our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o god_n and_o thus_o our_o reason_n must_v be_v a_o servant_n to_o faith_n and_o must_v stoop_v to_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n faith_n must_v not_o be_v abase_v and_o stoop_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o reason_n now_o when_o and_o wherein_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v and_o so_o come_v to_o be_v prejudicial_a and_o dangerous_a shall_v be_v here_o brief_o represent_v in_o a_o ewe_n particular_n and_o so_o we_o will_v shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n of_o the_o right_a use_n and_o abuse_v of_o reason_n pervert_v reason_n how_o and_o wherein_o humane_a reason_n be_v abuse_v and_o pervert_v first_o it_o be_v then_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o divine_a purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o the_o opinion_n and_o sentiment_n of_o some_o learned_a philosopher_n and_o rationalist_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v impose_v upon_o we_o as_o true_a as_o namely_o the_o world_n eternity_n the_o stoical_a fate_n purgatory_n after_o this_o life_n the_o denial_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n worship_v of_o angel_n and_o the_o like_a have_v a_o show_n of_o reason_n wisdom_n and_o humility_n col._n 2_o 18_o 23._o second_o when_o those_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n which_o be_v true_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v to_o the_o reject_v of_o those_o gospel-truth_n that_o be_v above_o nature_n these_o maxim_n and_o position_n of_o philosopher_n that_o of_o nothing_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v that_o of_o privation_n to_o a_o habit_n there_o be_v no_o regression_n that_o a_o virgin_n can_v conceive_v though_o they_o be_v natural_o and_o physical_o true_a yet_o in_o divinity_n and_o christianity_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v god_n create_v the_o world_n of_o nothing_o our_o bless_a saviour_n without_o the_o help_n of_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o god_n call_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v rom._n 4.17_o these_o body_n of_o we_o after_o they_o be_v resolve_v into_o dust_n shall_v be_v raise_v up_o again_o and_o make_v like_o to_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a even_o to_o subdue_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o phil._n 3.21_o here_o faith_n in_o god_n omnipotency_n must_v be_v exercise_v and_o reason_n must_v give_v way_n to_o faith_n indeed_o man_n reason_n as_o now_o it_o stand_v be_v so_o far_o from_o take_v the_o just_a measure_n of_o faith_n which_o transcend_v natural_a strength_n and_o reason_n that_o it_o can_v so_o much_o as_o take_v the_o just_a and_o full_a measure_n of_o nature_n nor_o of_o the_o least_o of_o god_n creature_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n that_o be_v in_o every_o one_o of_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a error_n to_o believe_v no_o further_o than_o reason_n can_v measure_v and_o comprehend_v for_o what_o a_o great_a way_n do_v the_o truth_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n extend_v beyond_o our_o reason_n and_o even_o reason_n itself_o will_v lead_v we_o to_o this_o point_n namely_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v beyond_o reason_n i_o mean_v those_o thing_n which_o no_o mere_a natural_a understanding_n or_o capacity_n can_v reach_v or_o attain_v to_o and_o that_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n to_o man_n which_o reason_n can_v never_o have_v comprehend_v no_o not_o even_o when_o it_o be_v at_o the_o best_a the_o same_o reason_n which_o can_v never_o have_v find_v they_o out_o make_v we_o to_o allow_v of_o they_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o be_v true_a and_o herein_o reason_n teach_v we_o that_o which_o she_o herself_o neither_o know_v nor_o believe_v namely_o by_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o most_o infallible_a teacher_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o hear_v and_o believe_v three_o it_o be_v then_o dangerous_a when_o a_o christian_a boast_n of_o his_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n and_o be_v elate_v and_o puff_v up_o therewith_o undervalue_v and_o slight_v all_o other_o as_o if_o their_o reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v not_o comparable_a to_o he_o and_o so_o it_o become_v a_o vain_a windy_a thing_n knowledge_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 8.1_o puff_v up_o but_o love_n edifi_v vain_a man_n will_v be_v wise_a as_o it_o be_v in_o job_n 11.12_o though_o he_o
cap._n 26._o what_o reason_n have_v i_o say_v he_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n why_o shall_v i_o desire_v thing_n not_o desirable_a he_o that_o give_v have_v power_n to_o take_v away_o and_o why_o shall_v i_o resist_v this_o will_v not_o only_o be_v great_a folly_n in_o i_o to_o oppose_v one_o that_o be_v much_o strong_a but_o great_a injustice_n likewise_o to_o fight_v against_o a_o benefactor_n we_o have_v receive_v all_o that_o we_o have_v and_o our_o very_a be_v from_o he_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o take_v it_o so_o heinous_o if_o he_o be_v please_v to_o resume_v something_o back_o again_o and_o speak_v further_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o man_n resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n disposal_n he_o say_v quis_fw-la vero_fw-la es_fw-la tu_fw-la aut_fw-la unde_fw-la venisti_fw-la aut_fw-la quare_fw-la do_v you_o consider_v what_o you_o be_v and_o whence_o you_o come_v and_o upon_o what_o business_n do_v not_o he_o give_v you_o a_o be_v in_o the_o world_n endue_v you_o with_o such_o a_o nature_n put_v you_o into_o such_o a_o condition_n wherein_o you_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o his_o government_n and_o disposal_n do_v not_o he_o appoint_v the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o part_n which_o you_o be_v to_o act_v upon_o the_o theatre_n of_o this_o world_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o your_o business_n to_o apply_v yourself_o to_o the_o fit_a mean_n for_o perform_v the_o part_n allot_v to_o you_o and_o not_o to_o take_v upon_o you_o to_o murmur_v or_o repine_v against_o it_o for_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o to_o choose_v our_o part_n but_o to_o act_v they_o will_v it_o not_o better_o become_v we_o to_o go_v off_o the_o stage_n with_o adoration_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n for_o so_o much_o as_o he_o have_v permit_v we_o to_o hear_v and_o see_v rather_o than_o mutine_a against_o he_o because_o we_o have_v no_o more_o and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o suggest_v this_o consideration_n that_o our_o condition_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n be_v militant_a wherein_o every_o one_o be_v without_o reluctancy_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n of_o his_o great_a captain_n or_o general_n in_o whatever_o he_o shall_v appoint_v whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v to_o dig_v in_o the_o trench_n or_o to_o stand_v upon_o the_o watch_n or_o to_o fight_v every_o man_n can_v be_v a_o commander_n and_o a_o common_a soldier_n be_v to_o obey_v not_o to_o dispute_v or_o offer_v counsel_n if_o thou_o may_v refuse_v the_o condition_n or_o work_n assign_v thou_o why_o may_v not_o another_o do_v so_o too_o and_o according_a to_o this_o what_o order_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o again_o if_o god_n will_v have_v i_o say_v epictetus_n to_o be_v sick_a or_o poor_a i_o will_v be_v content_a to_o be_v so_o whatever_o employment_n he_o will_v design_n for_o i_o i_o will_v not_o decline_v it_o and_o whatever_o he_o will_v not_o have_v i_o be_v or_o do_v i_o will_v be_v against_o it_o likewise_o and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o have_v this_o excellent_a passage_n if_o i_o have_v be_v make_v a_o nightingale_n or_o a_o swan_n say_v he_o i_o shall_v have_v employ_v the_o time_n of_o my_o life_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o creature_n but_o be_v make_v a_o man_n capable_a of_o serve_v and_o worship_v that_o deity_n from_o who_o i_o have_v my_o be_v it_o be_v but_o reason_n i_o shall_v apply_v myself_o to_o this_o as_o be_v my_o proper_a work_n and_o business_n and_o therefore_o hereunto_o will_v i_o devote_v myself_o as_o to_o that_o employment_n to_o which_o i_o be_o chief_o design_v i_o be_o now_o as_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o my_o body_n lame_a and_o old_a and_o under_o servitude_n yet_o still_o he_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n whole_o to_o devote_v himself_o to_o the_o praise_n and_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v that_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o desirable_a say_v this_o heathen_a moralist_n epictetus_n which_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n than_o that_o which_o i_o choose_v a_o reluctancy_n against_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o irreligion_n and_o atheism_n in_o the_o world_n why_o may_v not_o a_o man_n refuse_v to_o obey_v god_n in_o what_o he_o command_v as_o well_o as_o to_o submit_v to_o he_o in_o what_o he_o inflict_v and_o than_o what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v for_o any_o pretence_n to_o religion_n we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o say_v he_o conform_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o will_n of_o providence_n and_o most_o willing_o follow_v whithersoever_o he_o shall_v lead_v we_o as_o know_v it_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a contrivance_n i_o do_v in_o my_o judgement_n more_o consent_n to_o that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v than_o to_o that_o which_o my_o own_o inclination_n do_v lead_v unto_o i_o will_v desire_v and_o will_v just_o so_o and_o no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o do_v and_o in_o another_o place_n use_v i_o say_v he_o as_o thou_o please_v i_o do_v full_o consent_v and_o submit_v to_o it_o and_o shall_v refuse_v nothing_o which_o shall_v seem_v good_a unto_o thou_o lead_v i_o whither-eve_a thou_o will_v put_v i_o into_o what_o condition_n thou_o please_v must_v i_o be_v in_o a_o private_a not_o in_o a_o public_a station_n in_o poverty_n not_o in_o wealth_n i_o will_v not_o only_o consent_v to_o it_o but_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o apologise_v for_o it_o to_o justify_v and_o maintain_v before_o all_o man_n such_o thy_o deal_n with_o i_o to_o be_v most_o fit_v and_o advantageous_a to_o my_o condition_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n another_o heathen_a moralist_n to_o mention_v no_o more_o antoninus_n lib._n 10._o cap._n 25._o say_v that_o man_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o fugitive_n and_o a_o apostate_n who_o run_v away_o from_o his_o master_n now_o the_o great_a lawgiver_n who_o govern_v the_o world_n be_v our_o common_a master_n and_o ruler_n and_o his_o will_n be_v the_o only_a law_n we_o be_v to_o submit_v unto_o and_o therefore_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v angry_a or_o grieve_v because_o thing_n fall_v not_o out_o according_a to_o his_o desire_n what_o be_v this_o but_o revolt_a from_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o declare_v enmity_n against_o he_o and_o again_o if_o god_n say_v he_o do_v not_o take_v particular_a notice_n of_o and_o care_n for_o i_o and_o my_o affair_n why_o do_v i_o at_o any_o time_n pray_v to_o he_o and_o if_o he_o do_v exercise_v a_o special_a providence_n towards_o all_o event_n no_o doubt_n but_o he_o do_v consult_v well_o and_o wise_o about_o they_o nor_o will_v he_o suffer_v any_o hurt_n or_o prejudice_n to_o befall_v i_o unless_o it_o be_v for_o a_o great_a good_a upon_o some_o other_o account_n and_o in_o this_o i_o ought_v to_o acquiesce_v and_o in_o another_o place_n say_v the_o same_o author_n i_o refer_v every_o thing_n that_o befall_v i_o to_o god_n as_o the_o contriver_n of_o it_o by_o who_o all_o event_n be_v dispose_v in_o a_o wise_a order_n now_o what_o be_v these_o great_a and_o excellent_a say_n of_o these_o two_o wise_a philosopher_n and_o other_o grave_a moralist_n that_o may_v be_v mention_v but_o the_o same_o in_o effect_n with_o those_o divine_a say_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n psal_n 25.10_o job_n 1._o 15_o 17._o and_o 2.10_o exod._n 34.6_o 1_o sam._n 3.18_o lam._n 3.22_o 39_o job_n 5.7_o and_o 34.31_o and_o 40.4_o and_o 33.12_o 13._o psal_n 39.9_o and_o 8.4_o and_o 94.12_o and_o 118.18_o and_o 119.75_o 2_o sam._n 15.26_o isa_n 45.9_o and_o 64.8_o heb._n 12.5_o 8_o 10_o 11._o prov._n 19.3_o rom._n 8.28_o and_o 9.20_o 1_o cor._n 10.13_o and_o 11.32_o 2_o cor._n 1.5_o rev._n 3.19_o religion_n to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o a_o late_a learned_a bishop_n chester_n bishop_n dr._n wilkins_n bishop_n of_o chester_n have_v a_o firm_a and_o deep_a foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o so_o exalt_v reason_n or_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o to_o derogate_v in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o necessity_n and_o usefulnss_n of_o divine_a revelation_n or_o to_o extenuate_v the_o great_a and_o unparalleled_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o though_o it_o transcend_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v and_o sentiment_n of_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v acquiesce_v in_o the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a be_v who_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v deceive_v we_o we_o shall_v not_o despise_v any_o of_o those_o advantage_n say_v the_o grave_a author_n of_o the_o whole_a
sensible_a of_o great_a defect_n in_o nature_n and_o reason_n though_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o moralist_n general_o do_v ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n yet_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o after_o long_a experience_n be_v sad_o sensible_a that_o this_o candle_n at_o the_o best_a after_o all_o their_o snuff_v do_v burn_v but_o dim_a socrates_n than_o who_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o prudent_a virtuous_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_n do_v so_o far_o complain_v of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o candle-light_n i._n e._n his_o intellectual_n as_o that_o he_o tell_v we_o his_o lamp_n will_v show_v he_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n this_o only_a he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v ignorant_a and_o know_v nothing_o other_o philosopher_n beside_o he_o be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o and_o groan_v under_o these_o great_a decay_n and_o imperfection_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n you_o may_v hear_v they_o often_o complain_v of_o a_o defluvium_fw-la pennarum_fw-la that_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o soul_n flag_n and_o many_o of_o the_o feather_n drop_v away_o one_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o his_o head_n his_o understanding_n ache_v another_o that_o his_o eye_n his_o reason_n be_v dim_v a_o three_o that_o his_o soul_n tremble_v with_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n as_o you_o hear_v socrates_n the_o master_n and_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o greece_n complain_v of_o the_o languish_n and_o faint_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n so_o you_o may_v see_v plato_n his_o scholar_n sit_v down_o by_o the_o water_n of_o lethe_n and_o weep_v because_o he_o can_v not_o remember_v his_o former_a notion_n you_o may_v likewise_o hear_v aristotle_n another_o of_o his_o scholar_n bewail_v his_o condition_n that_o his_o abrasa_fw-la tabula_fw-la have_v so_o few_o and_o such_o imperfect_a impression_n upon_o it_o and_o that_o his_o intellectual_n be_v at_o so_o low_a a_o ebb_n that_o the_o motion_n of_o euripus_n will_v pose_v and_o nonplus_n he_o and_o as_o for_o zeno_n epictetus_n and_o other_o famous_a philosopher_n they_o confess_v ingenious_o that_o they_o have_v not_o the_o right_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o be_v entangle_v with_o a_o spurious_a and_o adulterate_a kind_n of_o reason_n instead_o of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v right_a reason_n if_o you_o cast_v your_o eye_n upon_o the_o most_o eagle_n eye_v naturalist_n you_o will_v see_v he_o puzzle_v with_o a_o occult_a quality_n if_o you_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o exact_a moralist_n you_o will_v find_v he_o bewilder_v and_o at_o a_o great_a loss_n in_o his_o moral_n not_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v to_o true_a peace_n and_o rest_n in_o his_o soul_n by_o all_o these_o virtue_n shall_v these_o moral_a heathen_n complain_v of_o their_o great_a defect_n and_o behindment_n and_o shall_v christian_n pride_n themselves_o in_o their_o natural_a or_o moral_a improvement_n and_o set_v up_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n as_o much_o or_o more_o than_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o grace_n and_o divine_a revelation_n how_o unbecoming_a how_o unsuitable_a be_v this_o to_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o clear_o set_v forth_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n the_o natural_a man_n subjection_n to_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o regeneration_n let_v not_o this_o candle_n therefore_o which_o burn_v but_o dim_a aspire_v so_o high_a as_o to_o make_v itself_o equal_a with_o the_o sun_n solomon_n himself_o who_o have_v make_v many_o discovery_n with_o this_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v thereby_o search_v into_o the_o several_a vein_n of_o knowledge_n into_o the_o hide_a treasure_n of_o wisdom_n into_o the_o depth_n of_o state_n affair_n and_o into_o the_o bowel_n and_o mystery_n of_o nature_n yet_o after_o much_o search_n and_o a_o diligent_a improvement_n of_o his_o intellectual_a lamp_n he_o can_v not_o find_v the_o chief_a good_a in_o any_o of_o these_o or_o in_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o but_o as_o a_o man_n sufficient_o weary_v and_o tire_v out_o you_o may_v hear_v he_o complain_v that_o all_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a rest_n in_o any_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n chap._n v._o of_o they_o that_o give_v too_o little_a to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n some_o be_v so_o strange_o prejudice_v against_o reason_n without_o reason_n that_o they_o will_v have_v no_o use_n at_o all_o make_v of_o it_o in_o religious_a concern_v but_o utter_o exclude_v it_o out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o this_o be_v a_o extreme_a which_o we_o shall_v avoid_v and_o pray_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o such_o unreasonable_a absurd_a man_n as_o will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o hearken_v to_o reason_n but_o fill_v our_o ear_n with_o noise_n and_o clamour_n to_o no_o purpose_n 2_o thess_n 3.2_o first_o those_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v that_o can_v endure_v the_o name_n of_o reason_n in_o discourse_n of_o religion_n if_o you_o offer_v to_o make_v a_o syllogism_n or_o a_o rational_a discourse_n they_o will_v present_o fall_v fowl_n upon_o you_o and_o cry_v it_o down_o as_o carnal_a reason_n if_o one_o man_n speak_v or_o write_v more_o reason_n than_o another_o if_o it_o cross_v some_o man_n humour_n and_o interest_n he_o shall_v be_v term_v a_o prudentialist_n if_o not_o a_o conjurer_n or_o magician_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o dangerous_a man_n if_o he_o have_v better_a intellectual_n and_o more_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n than_o other_o in_o matter_n civil_a and_o religious_a second_o such_o as_o whole_o rely_v upon_o dream_n and_o enthusiasm_n be_v enemy_n to_o reason_n and_o renounce_v their_o intellectual_n and_o understanding_n do_v they_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n let_v they_o know_v that_o this_o spirit_n be_v a_o sober_a wise_a and_o serious_a spirit_n and_o do_v not_o destroy_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n but_o elevate_v and_o raise_v up_o the_o rational_a faculty_n to_o a_o high_a pitch_n than_o mere_a nature_n can_v mount_v up_o to_o in_o his_o service_n it_o have_v be_v true_o observe_v both_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o our_o modern_a writer_n as_o a_o characteristical_a difference_n between_o the_o true_a prophetical_a spirit_n and_o the_o false_a and_o counterfeit_a that_o the_o one_o leave_v man_n in_o the_o free_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o their_o reason_n and_o faculty_n but_o the_o other_o fill_v and_o distract_v they_o with_o panic_n fear_n tremble_n and_o consternation_n both_o of_o body_n and_o mind_n epiphanius_n and_o other_o discover_v the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o montanus_n and_o his_o follower_n gives_z this_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v be_v no_o true_a prophet_n because_o in_o those_o that_o be_v so_o there_o be_v a_o great_a consistency_n of_o sense_n reason_n and_o discourse_n the_o true_a prophet_n say_v they_o have_v always_o the_o free_a use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o faculty_n and_o speak_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n with_o consistency_n and_o coherence_n of_o discourse_n whereas_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o the_o monatanist_n they_o be_v always_o tremble_v both_o in_o body_n and_o mind_n and_o use_v no_o consequence_n of_o reason_n in_o discourse_n their_o word_n have_v no_o proper_a sense_n but_o be_v all_o dark_a intricate_a and_o obscure_a three_o those_o also_o be_v upon_o this_o extreme_a that_o hold_v a_o annihilation_n or_o destruction_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o new_a spiritual_a birth_n and_o regeneration_n as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o new_a will_n and_o understanding_n not_o only_o for_o quality_n but_o for_o substance_n infuse_v into_o we_o which_o be_v to_o take_v away_o our_o reason_n and_o unman_v we_o if_o there_o be_v any_o so_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a as_o will_v persuade_v we_o whole_o to_o lay_v aside_o our_o reason_n judgement_n and_o understanding_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o or_o engage_v any_o of_o these_o in_o our_o inquiry_n after_o thing_n of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a concernment_n this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o render_v we_o brutish_a and_o to_o extinguish_v that_o candle_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v up_o in_o our_o soul_n wherewith_o we_o ought_v to_o search_v and_o try_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n be_v enable_v thereunto_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o renew_v strengthen_v and_o raise_v the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n but_o do_v not_o destroy_v they_o four_o when_o christian_n be_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a society_n and_o will_v not_o be_v regulate_v by_o reason_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v lead_v more_o by_o humour_n and_o faction_n or_o by_o a_o worldly_a interest_n than_o
any_o appearance_n of_o the_o face_n of_o religion_n and_o may_v it_o not_o be_v fear_v that_o even_o the_o turk_n and_o heathen_n many_o of_o which_o do_v exceed_o reverence_v and_o honour_v those_o that_o administer_v their_o religious_a rite_n and_o service_n will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o many_o forward_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o do_v on_o the_o other_o side_n as_o much_o contemn_v and_o despise_v their_o minister_n afford_v they_o neither_o countenance_n nor_o maintenance_n which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n whilst_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o supernatural_a revelation_n the_o apostle_n plain_o show_v even_o by_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 1_o cor._n 9.7_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o labour_n in_o the_o lord_n vineyard_n shall_v have_v due_a maintenance_n and_o encouragement_n as_o tyranny_n in_o church_n officer_n be_v dangerous_a and_o destructive_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n swallow_v up_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_a society_n so_o a_o contemptible_a mendicant_a ministry_n such_o a_o ministry_n as_o be_v enslave_v to_o the_o dictate_v and_o humour_n of_o the_o people_n be_v as_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a if_o not_o more_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o religion_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o daily_a experience_n will_v tell_v we_o four_o society_n for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o may_v hence_o gather_v that_o every_o christian_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o join_v himself_o to_o one_o church-society_n or_o other_o where_o he_o may_v solemn_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o his_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n and_o not_o walk_v at_o random_n without_o rule_n and_o order_n for_o as_o he_o shall_v worship_v god_n in_o secret_a so_o be_v a_o member_n or_o part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o body_n politic_a he_o ought_v to_o manifest_v it_o by_o be_v visible_o unite_v to_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n and_o although_o church_n be_v much_o divide_v and_o corrupt_v at_o this_o day_n yet_o see_v there_o be_v many_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o some_o of_o they_o pure_a and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o his_o own_o judgement_n than_o other_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o this_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n will_v also_o suggest_v unto_o he_o to_o join_v and_o adhere_v to_o that_o society_n which_o he_o judge_v to_o be_v most_o pure_a and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o his_o own_o profess_a principle_n all_o nation_n throughout_o the_o world_n that_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n be_v convince_v even_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o associate_v themselves_o with_o other_o for_o the_o participation_n of_o those_o religious_a rite_n and_o ordinance_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o deity_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v five_o it_o be_v a_o irrational_a absurd_a thing_n and_o argue_v a_o impose_v spirit_n as_o any_o rational_a impartial_a man_n may_v easy_o judge_v to_o make_v that_o to_o be_v a_o ground_n and_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n which_o the_o most_o holy_a wise_a god_n have_v not_o require_v in_o his_o word_n what_o will_v man_n be_v wise_a than_o god_n will_v they_o lay_v burden_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o fellow-christians_a where_o god_n have_v leave_v they_o free_a as_o this_o practice_n of_o they_o oppose_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o christian_a moderation_n of_o the_o pure_a primitive_a church_n so_o it_o rise_v up_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n against_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n which_o will_v have_v we_o do_v no_o more_o to_o other_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n than_o we_o will_v have_v they_o do_v unto_o we_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o christian_n now_o shall_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n and_o ground_n of_o church_n communion_n which_o they_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v bind_v up_o to_o more_o than_o christ_n have_v oblige_v they_o unto_o or_o that_o any_o shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o church_n communion_n who_o have_v communion_n with_o christ_n and_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n sure_o this_o be_v unreasonable_a the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o thing_n command_v and_o require_v be_v lawful_a or_o no_o nor_o whether_o indifferency_n may_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o church_n or_o the_o magistrate_n but_o whether_o those_o person_n do_v in_o a_o rational_a way_n consult_v the_o advancement_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o brotherly_a communion_n who_o suspend_v it_o upon_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n have_v not_o make_v the_o ground_n of_o church-communion_n and_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o example_n and_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o they_o will_v lay_v no_o other_o burden_n upon_o the_o church_n beside_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a act_v 15.29_o doubtless_o the_o main_a inlet_n of_o those_o division_n and_o confusion_n that_o have_v be_v and_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v and_o be_v by_o add_v other_o condition_n of_o christian_a communion_n than_o christ_n have_v appoint_v hereof_o none_o be_v more_o guilty_a though_o none_o more_o apt_a to_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v other_o than_o the_o schismatical_a church_n of_o rome_n who_o by_o add_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o church_n communion_n have_v cause_v no_o small_a trouble_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o come_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o peace_n not_o by_o rigorous_a imposition_n but_o by_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o condescension_n in_o such_o indifferency_n as_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n and_o this_o our_o own_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o a_o bare_a uniformity_n in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n touch_v these_o thing_n as_o in_o a_o unity_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n and_o a_o prudent_a forbearance_n and_o moderation_n for_o which_o christian_n moderation_n the_o primitive_a church_n be_v much_o commend_v and_o herein_o we_o shall_v imitate_v she_o she_o judge_v it_o say_v the_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n 19_o historian_n sozom._n hist_o eccles_n l._n 7._o cap._n 19_o and_o that_o very_o just_o a_o foolish_a and_o frivolous_a thing_n for_o those_o that_o agree_v in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n to_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o communion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o petty_a custom_n and_o observation_n for_o church_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n often_o differ_v in_o their_o rite_n and_o custom_n and_o withal_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o many_o city_n and_o village_n in_o egypt_n not_o only_o differ_v from_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o famous_a church_n of_o alexandria_n but_o from_o all_o other_o church_n beside_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n on_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n after_o dinner_n and_o thus_o they_o free_o allow_v liberty_n unto_o and_o do_v not_o rigorous_o impose_v upon_o dissenter_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n carry_v themselves_o towards_o they_o with_o much_o moderation_n and_o sweetness_n of_o deportment_n without_o make_v such_o observance_n in_o worship_n as_o be_v disputable_a and_o not_o clear_o determine_v in_o scripture_n the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v allege_v for_o such_o injunction_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o church_n communion_n plain_o lay_v down_o and_o fix_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v matth._n 28.19_o 20._o after_o this_o when_o some_o person_n will_v have_v impose_v the_o moysaicall_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o which_o there_o be_v yet_o more_o ground_n than_o for_o our_o imposition_n the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o church_n stand_v fast_o in_o their_o liberty_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n in_o these_o thing_n yea_o and_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n when_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n will_v have_v impose_v on_o other_o church_n in_o the_o point_n of_o observe_v easter_n he_o be_v worthy_o condemn_v by_o irenaeus_n and_o other_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o person_n or_o church_n to_o assign_v unscriptural_a condition_n of_o their_o communion_n will_v it_o not_o hence_o follow_v that_o christ_n have_v fix_v no_o certain_a rule_n of_o communion_n among_o christian_n which_o doubtless_o he_o have_v do_v as_o appear_v plain_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o
most_o wicked_a superstition_n chap._n xii_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prove_v by_o reason_n the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v differ_v much_o from_o the_o law_n of_o man_n these_o command_n only_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o the_o divine_a law_n reach_v the_o spirit_n and_o command_v the_o inward_a man_n which_o law_n be_v record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n now_o that_o these_o holy_a write_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v contain_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o may_v convince_v a_o heathen_a or_o infidel_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a authority_n and_o efficacy_n in_o these_o write_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o first_o then_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v as_o it_o have_v be_v clear_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v one_o live_v and_o true_a god_n and_o that_o this_o god_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o adore_v by_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n with_o that_o service_n and_o worship_n which_o become_v he_o then_o it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v by_o god_n himself_o touch_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n wherein_o he_o will_v have_v we_o obey_v he_o this_o be_v practise_v by_o all_o wise_a prince_n and_o state_n who_o govern_v their_o subject_n in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o prudence_n for_o who_o can_v know_v what_o please_v god_n but_o he_o himself_o and_o they_o to_o who_o he_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n now_o then_o suppose_v some_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v in_o order_n to_o that_o service_n which_o he_o will_v accept_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o this_o revelation_n where_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v it_o let_v any_o man_n if_o he_o can_v show_v some_o other_o or_o better_a manifestation_n concern_v the_o will_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n than_o what_o he_o have_v make_v know_v in_o his_o write_a word_n nothing_o can_v be_v the_o stand_a unerring_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o what_o god_n himself_o have_v make_v so_o that_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n must_v be_v the_o law_n of_o our_o beleif_n and_o who_o can_v make_v a_o law_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o man_n or_o creature_n can_v prescribe_v to_o we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v god_n unless_o god_n himself_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o publish_v his_o law_n second_o as_o for_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v receive_v and_o embrace_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o by_o jew_n and_o christian_n let_v we_o rational_o consider_v how_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3.2_o have_v witness_v these_o book_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a have_v they_o not_o from_o time_n to_o time_n for_o many_o age_n together_o in_o their_o great_a misery_n and_o affliction_n constant_o acknowledge_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o whenas_o by_o only_o deny_v the_o same_o they_o may_v have_v have_v not_o only_a liberty_n but_o great_a preferment_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o observable_a that_o though_o the_o prince_n high_a priest_n and_o other_o among_o the_o jew_n persecute_v the_o prophet_n and_o despise_v their_o word_n whilst_o they_o live_v yet_o they_o receive_v their_o write_n as_o prophetical_a and_o divine_a when_o they_o where_o dead_a and_o since_o blindness_n and_o obstinacy_n come_v upon_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o their_o great_a enmity_n and_o hatred_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o yet_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o those_o very_a text_n that_o do_v evident_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v keep_v pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a among_o they_o three_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o embrace_v both_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v witness_v and_o do_v still_o witness_v to_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o even_o to_o the_o death_n the_o whole_a universal_a church_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o first_o pen_v of_o the_o scripture_n till_o this_o very_a day_n have_v all_o along_o profess_v that_o these_o book_n be_v divine_a and_o thousand_o of_o they_o have_v seal_v the_o same_o with_o their_o blood_n this_o testimony_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o force_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o infallible_a and_o effectual_a to_o persuade_v and_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n as_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o of_o all_o humane_a testimony_n whereby_o the_o author_n of_o any_o book_n that_o have_v be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v extant_a can_v be_v prove_v or_o evince_v so_o as_o to_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o god_n concern_v this_o book_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o satisfactory_a both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o multitude_n wisdom_n honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o likelihood_n constancy_n and_o uninterrupted_a continuance_n of_o the_o testimony_n itself_o be_v it_o probable_a in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n that_o so_o good_a and_o wise_a a_o god_n shall_v suffer_v so_o many_o honest_a well_o mean_v people_n to_o be_v so_o long_o abuse_v and_o deceive_v by_o a_o false_a or_o feign_a book_n father_v upon_o himself_o such_o a_o horrid_a imposture_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n will_v not_o endure_v to_o lie_v hide_v and_o undiscovered_a for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n christian_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n noble_a and_o ignoble_a rich_a and_o poor_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a marry_a and_o unmarried_a old_a and_o young_a throughout_o the_o world_n for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o have_v endure_v the_o most_o grievous_a and_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o the_o devil_n can_v invent_v or_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n find_v out_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o that_o with_o great_a constancy_n and_o alacrity_n with_o a_o undaunted_a heart_n and_o merry_a countenance_n and_o can_v any_o sober_a man_n think_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o person_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o great_a quality_n learning_n and_o prudence_n that_o may_v have_v live_v brave_o and_o carry_v a_o great_a part_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v suffer_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a thing_n out_o of_o mere_a weakness_n pride_n vain_a glory_n discontent_a or_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v for_o a_o fable_n that_o have_v no_o truth_n nor_o reality_n in_o it_o this_o testimony_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o great_a suffering_n christian_a patience_n joy_n and_o courage_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v not_o mere_o humane_a for_o that_o courage_n and_o cheerfulness_n which_o they_o show_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n be_v not_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v from_o above_o and_o supernatural_a four_o god_n have_v confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n by_o many_o great_a wonder_n and_o miracle_n from_o heaven_n such_o as_o satan_n himself_o can_v imitate_v such_o as_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o any_o yea_o of_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o the_o most_o malicious_a subtle_a enemy_n of_o god_n truth_n can_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v divine_a these_o miracle_n have_v the_o lord_n open_o wrought_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o as_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o they_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n thereof_o so_o the_o undoubted_a and_o clear_a narration_n of_o they_o be_v to_o we_o a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o the_o word_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v from_o heaven_n and_o not_o from_o man_n the_o lord_n witness_v thereunto_o both_o by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n heb._n 2.4_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o which_o of_o all_o write_n and_o doctrine_n that_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o publish_v be_v the_o most_o ancient_a in_o all_o other_o write_n and_o record_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o fall_v of_o man_n be_v omit_v which_o yet_o be_v particular_o and_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o true_o it_o be_v admirable_a to_o consider_v how_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v in_o preserve_v his_o write_a word_n and_o law_n to_o this_o day_n notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n and_o
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
have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o he_o he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o to_o they_o it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o father_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mat._n 13.11_o hereby_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n even_o by_o his_o spirit_n which_o search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.10_o for_o a_o man_n profess_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n to_o swallow_v down_o without_o trial_n or_o consideration_n all_o that_o he_o read_v and_o hear_v if_o it_o come_v from_o a_o person_n that_o he_o admire_v which_o yet_o be_v the_o practice_n not_o only_o of_o the_o blind_a papist_n but_o of_o many_o seem_a zealous_a protestant_n that_o be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o a_o party_n non_fw-la est_fw-la opus_fw-la virilis_fw-la intelligentiae_fw-la sed_fw-la puerilis_fw-la inscitiae_fw-la this_o rather_o become_v the_o simplicity_n and_o ignorance_n of_o a_o child_n than_o the_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n of_o a_o serious_a christian_a luther_n speak_v of_o the_o blind_a implicit_a faith_n and_o obedience_n too_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o opinion_n and_o practice_n as_o render_v a_o man_n brutist_n and_o deprive_v he_o of_o reason_n and_o manhood_n and_o for_o this_o wicked_a opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o namely_o for_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n the_o roman_a prelate_n deserve_v to_o be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o wolf_n and_o tyrant_n but_o what_o shall_v every_o private_a spirit_n will_v you_o say_v take_v this_o upon_o he_o be_v not_o this_o to_o judge_v his_o judge_n and_o to_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o his_o superior_a to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o those_o person_n be_v they_o never_o so_o great_a and_o learned_a judge_v of_o divine_a thing_n by_o a_o private_a spirit_n who_o depend_v upon_o their_o own_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o fancy_n and_o according_o judge_v and_o determine_v and_o not_o he_o though_o but_o a_o private_a christian_a that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o judge_v of_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n by_o and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o do_v we_o say_v that_o every_o private_a man_n be_v to_o judge_v by_o way_n of_o authority_n in_o foro_fw-la publico_fw-la a_o public_a authoritative_a disquisition_n and_o trial_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o a_o private_a rational_a christian_a examination_n be_v another_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n judicare_fw-la to_o judge_v of_o my_o own_o act_n and_o another_o thing_n judicem_fw-la agere_fw-la to_o act_n as_o a_o judge_n indeed_o the_o spiritual_a man_n judge_v all_o thing_n but_o how_o not_o in_o a_o juridical_a authoritative_a way_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v his_o call_n and_o capacity_n if_o he_o be_v a_o private_a christian_a rational_a judgement_n belong_v to_o he_o but_o magistratica_n and_o ministerial_a judgement_n belong_v to_o other_o that_o be_v in_o a_o more_o public_a capacity_n and_o office_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v to_o try_v and_o judge_v with_o much_o modesty_n and_o humility_n not_o rash_o and_o heady_o as_o be_v self-conceited_a and_o lean_v too_o much_o to_o his_o own_o understanding_n let_v he_o walk_v orderly_o and_o keep_v his_o place_n and_o station_n give_v due_a respect_n and_o reverence_n to_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o godly_a pastor_n and_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n thus_o we_o have_v show_v how_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o exercise_v himself_o in_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o those_o external_a rational_a argument_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o most_o clear_a certain_a infallible_a public_a testimony_n and_o of_o itself_o worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o hereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v more_o particular_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n although_o there_o be_v rational_a argument_n which_o have_v be_v already_o mention_v to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o be_v necessary_a to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o which_o testimony_n be_v better_a and_o more_o certain_a than_o all_o our_o reason_n for_o as_o god_n be_v a_o sufficient_a witness_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o word_n so_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n will_v never_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n till_o the_o same_o be_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o by_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n till_o than_o they_o will_v be_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a often_o doubt_v and_o waver_v notwithstanding_o all_o other_o reason_n and_o proof_n 5._o proof_n calv._n instit_fw-la lib._n 1._o chap._n 7._o s._n 5._o we_o shall_v so_o believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o itself_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v the_o same_o as_o not_o to_o subject_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o to_o our_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n when_o our_o understanding_n be_v once_o powerful_o convince_v and_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o indict_v the_o holy_a scripture_n then_o do_v we_o not_o believe_v by_o our_o own_o judgement_n or_o reason_n or_o other_o man_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v from_o god_n and_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o above_o all_o humane_a reason_n and_o judgement_n we_o hold_v it_o most_o certain_a even_o as_o if_o we_o behold_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n himself_o there_o present_a john_n 4.42_o and_o have_v attain_v this_o we_o seek_v not_o after_o humane_a argument_n to_o rest_v our_o faith_n upon_o but_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o admit_v of_o no_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v we_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o do_v full_o captivate_v and_o submit_v our_o judgement_n and_o reason_n to_o it_o such_o therefore_o be_v the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o true_a spiritual_a christian_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n far_o different_a from_o other_o mens_fw-la as_o require_v no_o humane_a reason_n such_o be_v his_o knowledge_n and_o certainty_n as_o have_v the_o best_a reason_n for_o it_o even_o that_o wherein_o the_o mind_n more_o assure_o and_o steadfast_o rest_v then_o upon_o any_o humane_a testimony_n or_o reason_n whatsoever_o such_o be_v the_o inward_a spiritual_a experience_n of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v oppose_v the_o same_o yet_o he_o be_v full_o resolve_v to_o give_v credit_n and_o adhere_v thereunto_o by_o nature_n every_o man_n be_v blind_a in_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mind_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o shine_a light_n in_o itself_o yet_o unless_o our_o understanding_n be_v open_v and_o enlighten_v we_o can_v behold_v it_o no_o more_o than_o a_o blind_a man_n can_v see_v the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o supernatural_a light_n and_o faith_n by_o the_o inspiration_n thereof_o be_v the_o scripture_n first_o write_v the_o secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v full_o know_v unto_o and_o effectual_o reveal_v by_o this_o spirit_n the_o same_o law_n and_o word_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n this_o spirit_n do_v also_o write_v and_o impress_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o be_v endue_v therewith_o and_o therefore_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o spirit_n where_o it_o come_v in_o power_n must_v needs_o full_o persuade_v and_o assure_v the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n as_o in_o other_o science_n there_o be_v always_o some_o principle_n per_fw-la se_fw-la nota_fw-la &_o indemonstrabilia_fw-la whence_o other_o thing_n be_v prove_v and_o demonstrate_v so_o it_o be_v in_o divinity_n which_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a science_n all_o conclusion_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n
will_v not_o save_v he_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v the_o other_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n ratione_fw-la luminis_fw-la fidei_fw-la by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o former_a only_a natural_a and_o moral_a virtue_n be_v imprint_v in_o the_o heart_n but_o by_o the_o latter_a the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o a_o mere_a moralist_n can_v never_o attain_v unto_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n for_o these_o be_v write_v and_o wrought_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v further_o object_v that_o cornelius_n be_v a_o gentile_a that_o walk_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n yet_o his_o prayer_n and_o alm_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n act_v 10.1_o 4._o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o he_o have_v more_o than_o the_o bare_a light_n of_o nature_n for_o though_o he_o have_v not_o at_o this_o time_n a_o clear_a explicit_a distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o the_o mediator_n yet_o he_o have_v the_o implicit_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o be_v to_o come_v which_o he_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o jew_n with_o who_o he_o have_v long_o converse_v and_o which_o be_v afterward_o more_o full_o open_v and_o explain_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o no_o man_n be_v he_o never_o so_o rational_a and_o moral_a can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n yet_o nevertheless_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o rational_a intellectual_a delight_n of_o some_o heathen_a philosopher_n ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v far_o before_o all_o corporeal_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o withal_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o reason_n and_o moral_a virtue_n be_v improve_v will_v help_v a_o man_n to_o bear_v affliction_n yea_o to_o die_v with_o more_o courage_n and_o composedness_n than_o other_o that_o be_v not_o so_o rational_a and_o moral_a and_o though_o reason_n of_o itself_o without_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n yet_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o comfortable_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o intellectual_n which_o be_v a_o mercy_n that_o many_o be_v deprive_v of_o but_o of_o these_o particular_n we_o shall_v speak_v more_o full_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n xviii_o show_v that_o those_o delight_n that_o be_v rational_a and_o intellectual_a do_v far_o excel_v all_o sensitive_a pleasure_n although_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v but_o as_o a_o candle_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n which_o be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thing_n to_o behold_v this_o candle_n as_o for_o that_o light_n which_o be_v mere_o corporeal_a it_o be_v but_o a_o dark_a shadow_n of_o intellectual_a brightness_n the_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a any_o be_v be_v the_o pure_a pleasure_n and_o delight_v it_o have_v proportion_v to_o it_o sensitive_a pleasure_n have_v more_o of_o dregs_o intellectual_a pleasure_n more_o of_o quintessence_n in_o it_o if_o pleasure_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v only_o by_o the_o corporal_a sense_n true_o then_o the_o brute_n be_v more_o exquisite_a in_o sense_n may_v have_v a_o choice_a portion_n of_o happiness_n than_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o but_o therefore_o have_v nature_n very_o wise_o provide_v that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o reason_n in_o man_n shall_v be_v far_o above_o any_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n there_o be_v divers_a degree_n of_o pleasure_n such_o as_o they_o be_v according_a to_o every_o man_n genius_n and_o disposition_n as_o he_o be_v more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a or_o more_o vile_a and_o abject_a so_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o delight_v and_o so_o be_v his_o pleasure_n either_o more_o noble_a or_o more_o base_a either_o more_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a or_o more_o impure_a and_o mix_v either_o of_o long_a or_o of_o short_a continuance_n of_o those_o delight_n which_o man_n take_v in_o by_o the_o bodily_a sense_n we_o say_v that_o which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o touch_v be_v the_o base_a for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o gross_a and_o earthy_a of_o all_o the_o external_a sense_n so_o be_v the_o pleasure_n that_o be_v take_v by_o it_o the_o delight_n that_o be_v take_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o taste_v be_v not_o altogether_o so_o base_a but_o yet_o brutish_a enough_o as_o for_o the_o delight_n which_o be_v take_v by_o smell_v it_o be_v but_o little_a and_o nothing_o so_o pleasant_a as_o the_o contrary_n be_v unpleasant_a for_o a_o good_a smell_n delight_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o ill_a smell_n offend_v and_o beside_o this_o sense_n of_o smell_v be_v not_o so_o quick_a and_o sharp_a in_o man_n as_o in_o beast_n the_o pleasure_n that_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o hear_v in_o man_n have_v more_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n in_o they_o for_o the_o more_o they_o participate_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o air_n they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o earthy_a and_o brutish_a and_o those_o delight_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o the_o eye_n be_v yet_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o rest_n because_o the_o eye_n be_v of_o tne_n nature_n of_o fire_n which_o come_v near_a to_o the_o celestial_a nature_n howbeit_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o man_n receive_v by_o the_o corporeal_a sense_n be_v base_a and_o of_o less_o excellency_n than_o the_o least_o and_o mean_a of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n for_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v much_o more_o worthy_a and_o noble_a than_o the_o body_n so_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n thereof_o be_v much_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o such_o delight_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v pure_a and_o best_a of_o all_o among_o which_o that_o delight_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a the_o pleasure_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o man_n continue_v much_o long_o than_o corporeral_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n because_o the_o rational_a soul_n or_o spirit_n be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v weary_a and_o tire_v as_o the_o body_n be_v but_o do_v recreate_v and_o refresh_v itself_o with_o variery_n of_o object_n no_o marvel_n indeed_o if_o those_o that_o be_v whole_o addict_v to_o corporal_a and_o earthly_a delight_n deride_v and_o contemn_v such_o as_o high_o esteem_v these_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a delight_n insomuch_o that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o forgo_v the_o good_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o same_o these_o person_n deride_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o which_o they_o know_v not_o of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v that_o they_o resemble_v the_o swine_n that_o delight_v more_o in_o a_o dirty_a puddle_n or_o sink_v then_o in_o precious_a stone_n and_o sweet_a odour_n because_o they_o want_v judgement_n right_o to_o discern_v and_o esteem_v the_o value_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o contemn_v and_o deride_v every_o be_v choose_v to_o itself_o some_o kind_n of_o pleasure_n or_o other_o and_o the_o more_o excellent_a any_o be_v be_v the_o high_a and_o more_o generous_a be_v its_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n for_o first_o if_o we_o look_v up_o to_o the_o chief_a being_n god_n himself_o he_o take_v infinite_a delight_n in_o himself_o as_o all_o other_o perfection_n so_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o true_a and_o real_a pleasure_n be_v enjoy_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o a_o most_o spiritual_a and_o transcendent_a manner_n that_o which_o we_o call_v riches_n and_o honour_n be_v in_o he_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o glory_n and_o that_o which_o among_o man_n be_v account_v pleasure_n be_v with_o he_o that_o infinite_a satisfaction_n which_o he_o take_v in_o his_o own_o bless_a essence_n and_o the_o operation_n and_o work_n thereof_o his_o glorious_a decree_n and_o contrivance_n and_o all_o his_o providential_a dispensation_n be_v full_a of_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n to_o he_o the_o create_v of_o all_o being_n yea_o the_o permission_n of_o all_o irregularity_n contribute_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o pleasure_n the_o laugh_v of_o his_o enemy_n to_o scorn_n be_v a_o pleasure_n fit_a for_o infinite_a justice_n and_o the_o smile_n upon_o his_o church_n and_o the_o countenance_v and_o favour_v of_o his_o people_n notwithstanding_o their_o great_a weakness_n and_o behindment_n be_v a_o pleasure_n fit_a for_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n miracle_n be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o omnipotency_n variety_n be_v the_o delight_n
gospel_n this_o well_o be_v so_o deep_a as_o the_o woman_n tell_v christ_n in_o another_o case_n john_n 4.11_o that_o unless_o we_o have_v the_o bucket_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o draw_v with_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a by_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o reason_n to_o bring_v up_o this_o live_a water_n unless_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o power_n to_o dig_v with_o we_o shall_v never_o find_v this_o spiritual_a treasure_n nature_n indeed_o will_v go_v far_o and_o the_o improve_v natural_a man_n may_v do_v much_o by_o his_o skill_n and_o industry_n in_o find_v out_o and_o discover_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a in_o their_o kind_n such_o a_o man_n as_o job_n speak_v chap._n 28.7_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 21_o 23_o can_v dig_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n gold_n iron_n brass_n brimstone_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o metal_n nay_o he_o can_v see_v further_o than_o the_o bird_n of_o prey_n which_o though_o they_o be_v quicksight_v yet_o can_v they_o not_o behold_v these_o metal_n which_o he_o by_o his_o skill_n can_v discover_v and_o dig_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v a_o path_n which_o no_o fowl_n know_v and_o which_o the_o vulture_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v yet_o man_n trace_v it_o by_o his_o skill_n yea_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v hide_v bring_v he_o forth_o to_o light_n but_o yet_o he_o can_v by_o all_o his_o natural_a reason_n and_o skill_n though_o never_o so_o much_o improve_v spiritual_o and_o save_o discern_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o where_o shall_v wisdom_n be_v find_v namely_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o essential_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o who_o be_v make_v of_o god_n wisdom_n to_o we_o and_o where_o be_v the_o place_n of_o understanding_n go_v over_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o man_n know_v not_o the_o price_n thereof_o neither_o be_v it_o find_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n it_o be_v not_o within_o the_o reach_n or_o sphere_n of_o the_o wise_a natural_a man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o can_v dig_v this_o mine_n or_o find_v out_o this_o treasure_n they_o can_v comprehend_v this_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a mystery_n for_o it_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o that_o be_v live_v and_o keep_v close_o from_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n whence_o then_o come_v this_o divine_a wisdom_n where_o be_v it_o to_o be_v have_v and_o how_o shall_v we_o attain_v to_o it_o he_o tell_v you_o ver_fw-la 23._o that_o this_o wisdom_n be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n and_o must_v be_v reveal_v by_o he_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v never_o saving_o apprehend_v it_o god_n understand_v the_o way_n and_o know_v the_o place_n thereof_o for_o wisdom_n be_v with_o he_o from_o eternity_n when_o he_o make_v a_o decree_n for_o the_o rain_n and_o a_o way_n for_o the_o lightning_n of_o the_o thunder_n then_o do_v he_o prepare_v it_o yea_o and_o search_v it_o out_o or_o as_o it_o be_v prov._n 8.29_o 30._o a_o place_n parallel_n with_o this_o of_o job_n when_o he_o give_v to_o the_o sea_n his_o decree_n that_o the_o water_n thereof_o shall_v not_o pass_v his_o command_n when_o he_o appoint_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n than_o be_v i_o by_o he_o say_v christ_n as_o one_o bring_v up_o with_o he_o and_o i_o be_v daily_o his_o delight_n rejoice_v always_o before_o he_o second_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n can_v true_o discover_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o the_o deep_a deceit_n of_o his_o heart_n which_o be_v only_o make_v know_v by_o scripture_n light_n and_o revelation_n jer._n 17.9_o darkness_n can_v discover_v darkness_n nor_o can_v corruption_n discover_v itself_o indeed_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n improve_v by_o education_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n man_n may_v discover_v a_o great_a languishment_n and_o infirmity_n that_o be_v come_v upon_o they_o divers_a learned_a writer_n have_v show_v that_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a platonist_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o man_n soul_n be_v now_o vassalize_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o affection_n and_o that_o her_o wing_n be_v cut_v so_o that_o she_o can_v mount_v upward_o by_o divine_a contemplation_n but_o as_o for_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o original_a corruption_n and_o how_o it_o be_v bring_v upon_o we_o together_o with_o the_o woeful_a concomitant_n and_o effect_n thereof_o these_o can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o scripture_n light_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o have_v not_o know_v lust_n to_o be_v sin_n have_v not_o the_o law_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o lust_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v altogether_o insufficient_a to_o prescribe_v or_o set_v down_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n do_v so_o often_o forbid_v we_o to_o walk_v after_o our_o own_o imagination_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o house_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o will-worship_n col._n 2.23_o when_o a_o man_n be_v own_o will_n or_o invention_n be_v the_o framer_n of_o it_o if_o man_n be_v teach_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 12._o nature_n vide_fw-la calvin_n instit_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n 5._o sect_n 12._o they_o can_v know_v nothing_o certain_o and_o sound_o touch_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o their_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n will_v be_v confuse_v and_o carnal_a and_o exceed_v unsuitable_a to_o god_n who_o be_v a_o holy_a spirit_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o few_o among_o the_o heathen_n that_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o mad_a as_o the_o common_a people_n yet_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o they_o do_v exceed_o wander_v and_o go_v astray_o devise_v and_o contrive_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o vain_a opinion_n and_o imagination_n socrates_n the_o wise_a philosopher_n in_o zenophon_n praise_v the_o answer_n of_o apollo_n wherein_o he_o will_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v worship_v the_o god_n after_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o his_o country_n or_o city_n but_o oh_o what_o folly_n and_o madness_n be_v this_o how_o come_v mortal_a man_n by_o this_o power_n that_o of_o their_o own_o authority_n they_o shall_v determine_v that_o which_o far_o surmount_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n natural_a reason_n will_v have_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n sensible_a and_o please_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o appoint_v other_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n beside_o christ_n and_o to_o perform_v all_o duty_n of_o worship_n in_o its_o own_o strength_n and_o by_o way_n of_o compensation_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n reason_n come_v far_o short_a and_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n god_n will_v be_v worship_v though_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o moral_a prudence_n when_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o own_o worship_n may_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o instrumental_a in_o order_v some_o civil_a circumstance_n relate_v thereunto_o and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n affair_n nor_o do_v that_o text_n rom._n 12.1_o argue_v that_o man_n reason_n can_v devise_v or_o find_v out_o that_o worship_n and_o service_n which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n this_o be_v more_o than_o the_o great_a rationalist_n and_o moralist_n among_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n can_v ever_o attain_v to_o but_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d your_o reasonable_a serve_v of_o god_n he_o understand_v that_o service_n which_o be_v not_o only_o or_o chief_o with_o the_o body_n but_o with_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n for_o so_o will_v god_n be_v worship_v john_n 4.23_o and_o so_o chrysostome_n and_o other_o call_v this_o reasonable_a service_n spiritualem_fw-la cultum_fw-la spiritual_a worship_n or_o service_n when_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n this_o interpretation_n be_v further_o confirm_v out_o of_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o where_o the_o apostle_n peter_n call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o reasonable_a that_o be_v spiritual_a milk_n and_o ver_fw-la 5._o the_o service_n or_o sacrifice_v of_o a_o christian_a be_v spiritual_a and_o so_o it_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o it_o be_v well_o observe_v by_o divers_a learned_a interpreter_n on_o rom._n 12.1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a opposition_n between_o this_o reasonable_a service_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o will_v worship_v as_o it_o be_v call_v col._n 2.23_o when_o man_n invent_v a_o religious_a worship_n suitable_a to_o their_o own_o carnal_a humour_n and_o interest_n whereas_o that_o be_v
be_v bear_v like_o a_o wild_a ass_n colt_n in_o the_o hebrew_n there_o be_v a_o elegant_a paranomosia_n vain_a man_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v hollow_a or_o empty_a man_n though_o he_o be_v foolish_a and_o ignorant_a will_v seem_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o rational_a if_o he_o know_v how_o doubtless_o god_n will_v curse_v and_o blast_v that_o profane_a wit_n and_o knowledge_n which_o despise_v the_o simplicity_n of_o christ_n gospel_n and_o will_v not_o captivate_v itself_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n four_o when_o the_o reason_n or_o rational_a argumentation_n of_o man_n be_v unreasonable_o and_o excessive_o use_v in_o divine_a thing_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n not_o require_v it_o then_o be_v such_o reason_n dangerous_a hence_o some_o of_o the_o father_n be_v just_o censure_v and_o the_o schoolman_n much_o more_o for_o mix_v and_o adulterate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o philosopher_n which_o be_v no_o better_a than_o paralogism_n and_o imposture_n if_o mix_v with_o and_o add_v to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o christ_n five_o then_o do_v man_n abuse_v their_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n when_o they_o use_v needless_a subtlety_n quirk_n and_o quidditty_n in_o debate_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o shall_v rather_o be_v humble_o believe_v admire_a and_o adore_v then_o subtle_o dispute_v even_o among_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o and_o in_o all_o religion_n they_o have_v have_v some_o sacred_a mystery_n and_o secret_n that_o be_v to_o be_v adore_v and_o not_o curious_o pry_v into_o and_o dispute_v by_o the_o subtle_a reason_n of_o man_n and_o whoever_o do_v profane_o dispute_v thereof_o be_v severe_o punish_v six_o and_o last_o man_n reason_n be_v abuse_v and_o pervert_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n when_o it_o be_v make_v not_o only_o a_o instrument_n but_o a_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n some_o there_o be_v that_o seem_v to_o depress_v reason_n too_o much_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o socinian_o exalt_v it_o too_o high_a for_o they_o make_v it_o not_o only_o a_o instrument_n but_o a_o judge_n and_o thereupon_o reject_v and_o contemn_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o they_o can_v fathom_v and_o comprehend_v they_o by_o their_o reason_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o that_o say_v religio_fw-la est_fw-la summa_fw-la ratio_fw-la and_o there_o be_v great_a learned_a man_n that_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o certain_o if_o we_o can_v by_o reason_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v any_o religion_n at_o all_o we_o may_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n prove_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o this_o treatise_n but_o yet_o man_n reason_n be_v but_o a_o weak_a glimmer_a uncertain_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o faith_n ratio_fw-la recta_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la lumine_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la directa_fw-la nor_o must_v we_o confound_v the_o instrument_n and_o the_o judge_n holy_a truth_n scripture_n truth_n and_o mystery_n they_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a though_o hammer_v out_o and_o improve_v by_o reason_n as_o the_o smith_n that_o take_v golden_a plate_n and_o beat_v it_o into_o what_o shape_n he_o please_v his_o hammer_n do_v not_o make_v it_o to_o be_v gold_n for_o so_o it_o be_v before_o but_o only_a gold_n of_o such_o a_o shape_n so_o reason_n do_v not_o make_v a_o truth_n divine_a or_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o it_o but_o only_o hold_v it_o forth_o and_o declare_v it_o in_o such_o a_o way_n or_o method_n it_o be_v with_o faith_n and_o reason_n say_v a_o learned_a man_n as_o with_o the_o mould_n that_o be_v at_o the_o root_n of_o a_o barren_a fruitless_a tree_n take_v the_o mould_n out_o and_o throw_v in_o dung_n or_o other_o compost_n and_o then_o put_v the_o mould_n in_o again_o and_o it_o will_v much_o help_v the_o tree_n which_o hinder_v it_o before_o thus_o lay_v aside_o reason_n at_o first_o and_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o afterward_o improve_v faith_n by_o reason_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o a_o christian_n divine_a truth_n be_v not_o found_v on_o reason_n but_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o reason_n may_v help_v to_o bear_v they_o up_o as_o you_o see_v the_o elm_n or_o wall_n bear_v up_o the_o vine_n but_o the_o elm_n or_o wall_n do_v not_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n only_o the_o vine_n do_v that_o as_o long_o therefore_o as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n but_o rule_v and_o square_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o be_v no_o danger_n but_o when_o man_n reason_n be_v make_v the_o rule_n and_o divine_a mystery_n be_v vassalize_v and_o subject_v thereunto_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v preposterous_a and_o dangerous_a and_o therefore_o to_o be_v abhor_v and_o avoid_v by_o all_o sober_a christian_n who_o faith_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o reason_n but_o in_o the_o demonstration_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n finis_fw-la book_n sell_v by_o thomas_n passenger_n at_o the_o three_o bibles_n on_o london-bridge_n a_o french_a and_o english_a dictionary_n compose_v by_o mr._n randolph_n cotgrave_n folio_n a_o mirror_n or_o looking-glass_n for_o saint_n and_o sinner_n show_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n on_o the_o one_o and_o his_o mercy_n towards_o the_o other_o set_a forth_o in_o some_o thousand_o of_o example_n by_o sam._n clark_n late_a minister_n of_o bennet-finck_n london_n in_o two_o volume_n in_o folio_n royal_a and_o practical_a chemistry_n by_o oswaldus_n crollius_n and_o john_n hartman_n faithful_o render_v into_o english_a folio_n price_n 10._o s._n god_n revenge_n against_o murder_n by_o john_n reynolds_n contain_v thirty_o tragical_a story_n digest_v into_o six_o book_n new_o reprint_v folio_n price_n 10_o s._n lord_n bacon_n natural_a history_n folio_n price_n 8_o s._n sandy_n travel_n contain_v a_o description_n of_o the_o turkish_a empire_n of_o egypt_n and_o the_o holy_a land_n of_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o italy_n and_o island_n adjoin_v folio_n price_n 8_o s._n markham_n masterpiece_n roman_n antiquity_n by_o tho._n godwin_n quarto_fw-la price_n 2_o s._n 6_o d._n the_o famous_a history_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o troy_n in_o three_o book_n quarto_fw-la price_n 3_o s._n valentine_n and_o orson_n price_n 18_o d._n etymologicum_n parvum_fw-la by_o francis_n gregory_n octavo_fw-la price_n 3_o s._n chemical_a essay_n by_o john_n begumis_n price_n 1_o s._n 8_o d._n spiritual_a antidote_n against_o sinful_a contagion_n by_o tho._n doolittle_n price_n 18_o d._n pool_n dialogue_n betwixt_o a_o papist_n and_o a_o protestant_n twelve_o price_n bind_v 1_o s._n monasticon_fw-la favershamiense_n or_o a_o description_n of_o the_o abbey_n of_o faversham_n octavo_fw-la price_n bind_v 18_o d._n the_o christian_n crown_n of_o glory_n or_o holiness_n the_o way_n to_o happiness_n octavo_fw-la price_n bind_v 18_o d._n the_o path_n way_n to_o health_n price_n bind_v 18_o d._n the_o complete_a academy_n or_o nursery_n of_o compliment_n bind_v 1_o s._n the_o book_n of_o knowledge_n in_o three_o part_n price_n 10_o d._n the_o book_n of_o palmistry_n in_o octavo_fw-la price_n bind_v 18_o d._n the_o wise_a virgin_n be_v a_o narrative_a of_o god_n deal_v with_o martha_n hatfield_n price_n bind_v 18_o d._n the_o pilgrim_n port_n or_o the_o weary_a man_n rest_n in_o the_o grave_a in_o twelves_o price_n bind_v 1_o s._n the_o famous_a history_n of_o the_o five_o wise_a philosopher_n contain_v the_o life_n of_o jehosaphat_n son_n of_o avenerio_n emperor_n of_o corma_n and_o his_o wonderful_a conversion_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o great_a assize_n by_o sam._n smith_n the_o delectable_a history_n of_o amadis_n de_fw-fr gaul_n the_o pleasant_a history_n of_o paladine_n of_o england_n the_o bear-baiting_n of_o woman_n the_o history_n of_o friar_n bacon_n and_o friar_n bungy_n new_a conceit_a letter_n the_o jovial_a garland_n contain_v all_o the_o new_a song_n that_o be_v now_o use_v the_o penitent_a prodigal_n or_o a_o gracious_a reproof_n for_o pharisaical_a saint_n by_o j._n h._n the_o christian_n best_a exercise_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n by_o j._n h._n scarborough_n spa_n be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o spa_n of_o scarborough_n in_o yorkshire_n by_o doctor_n witty_a the_o french_a schoolmaster_n farnabies_n epigram_n newtons_n art_n of_o logic_n newtons_n art_n of_o rhetoric_n the_o famous_a history_n of_o don_n bellianis_n of_o greece_n in_o three_o part_n be_v now_o complete_a the_o famous_a history_n 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
christ_n they_o work_v spiritual_o hence_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o after_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.18_o 25._o rom._n 8.1_o second_o this_o divine_a principle_n this_o new_a spiritual_a birth_n and_o regeneration_n be_v more_o than_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a natural_a or_o rational_a ability_n for_o it_o be_v infuse_v and_o wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o invincible_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o argue_v that_o man_n or_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v mere_o passive_a in_o his_o first_o receive_v this_o spiritual_a supernatural_a life_n and_o thus_o much_o the_o very_a phrase_n of_o scripture_n import_n that_o as_o we_o be_v passive_a in_o our_o first_o creation_n or_o generation_n so_o we_o be_v passive_a in_o our_o renovation_n or_o regeneration_n ephes_n 2.1_o 5_o 10._o 1_o pet._n 1.3_o 23._o john_n 3.3_o 5._o gal._n 6.15_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o the_o improve_n of_o something_o which_o we_o have_v in_o we_o before_o or_o the_o strengthen_n only_o of_o that_o which_o be_v weak_a in_o we_o than_o man_n himself_o might_n co-opperate_a with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o produce_v this_o new_a birth_n but_o see_v it_o be_v the_o infuse_v or_o plant_v of_o a_o divine_a principle_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o before_o in_o the_o rational_a creature_n man_n must_v needs_o be_v passive_a in_o the_o first_o work_n of_o regeneration_n nature_n be_v corrupt_v can_v do_v nothing_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o hinder_v and_o oppose_v this_o work_n for_o it_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n rom._n 8.7_o at_o the_o best_a nature_n be_v but_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v renew_v or_o new_o form_v and_o matter_n as_o we_o all_o know_v can_v have_v no_o operation_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v right_o term_v a_o supernatural_a work_n or_o a_o work_n beyond_o nature_n acts._n nature_n see_v mr._n white_a on_o the_o scripture_n cap._n 7._o of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n acts._n three_o man_n be_v thus_o passive_a in_o his_o spiritual_a renovation_n or_o new_a creation_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o with_o all_o his_o reason_n to_o discover_v how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v first_o wrought_v in_o he_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o one_o to_o know_v how_o he_o receive_v his_o own_o life_n though_o he_o may_v discern_v some_o terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o consternation_n of_o spirit_n in_o himself_o as_o preparatory_n thereunto_o and_o may_v also_o understand_v the_o motion_n and_o operation_n that_o be_v perform_v by_o he_o after_o his_o regeneration_n for_o then_o his_o spirit_n or_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_a work_v together_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o first_o act_n of_o ingenerate_v and_o receive_v grace_n the_o same_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o not_o by_o he_o yea_o and_o that_o in_o a_o instant_n and_o not_o by_o degree_n it_o can_v be_v discern_v how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v wrought_v either_o by_o natural_a reason_n for_o that_o can_v spiritual_o understand_v spiritual_a thing_n or_o by_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o experience_n for_o that_o flow_v from_o spiritual_a life_n already_o receive_v and_o therefore_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v do_v before_o it_o have_v any_o be_v at_o all_o the_o give_v of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o to_o christian_n be_v two_o distinct_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o seldom_o or_o never_o go_v together_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n this_o heavenly_a mystery_n of_o regeneration_n be_v beyond_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o a_o mere_a rational_a man_n as_o christ_n word_n to_o nicodemus_n and_o his_o word_n to_o christ_n again_o do_v import_n john_n 3.3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o four_o the_o spiritual_a man_n act_n and_o operation_n do_v far_o transcend_v the_o act_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o natural_a or_o mere_a rational_a man_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o thing_n natural_a or_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o the_o one_o apprehend_v and_o use_v in_o a_o mere_a natural_a or_o rational_a manner_n the_o other_o after_o a_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a manner_n and_o for_o a_o spiritual_a end_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o reference_n to_o thing_n spiritual_a as_o the_o unsearchable_a treasure_n and_o riches_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v apprehend_v and_o use_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n carnal_o for_o he_o know_v christ_n only_o after_o the_o flesh_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a outward_a and_o carnal_a thing_n be_v apprehend_v and_o use_v by_o the_o spiritual_a man_n spiritual_o but_o much_o more_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n 1_o cor._n 2.15_o which_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o apprehend_v and_o receive_v spiritual_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n or_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a in_o the_o object_n by_o a_o spiritual_a light_n and_o judgement_n beyond_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o in_o a_o spiritual_a supernatural_a way_n now_o this_o be_v more_o than_o any_o natural_a or_o mere_a rational_a man_n though_o never_o so_o much_o improve_v can_v attain_v unto_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n five_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n and_o the_o spiritual_a man_n both_o live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o both_o of_o they_o believe_v differ_v much_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o they_o do_v in_o their_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v a_o true_a justify_v faith_n ground_v and_o build_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n be_v but_o temporary_a or_o historical_a first_o they_o proceed_v from_o different_a cause_n and_o principle_n the_o one_o be_v infuse_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v and_o abide_v in_o the_o spiritual_a man_n the_o other_o be_v the_o effect_n only_o of_o natural_a reason_n further_o enlighten_v and_o improve_v at_o the_o most_o by_o some_o common_a operation_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o a_o reprobate_n may_v partake_v of_o heb._n 6.4_o 5_o 1._o second_o they_o be_v find_v in_o divers_a subject_n ttrue_a effectual_a faith_n be_v only_o find_v in_o person_n that_o be_v true_o regenerate_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n john_n 5.24_o and_o 3.5_o 1_o john_n 5.1_o but_o historical_a or_o temporary_a faith_n may_v be_v in_o such_o as_o have_v no_o root_n no_o seed_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o such_o as_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o god_n for_o these_o be_v both_o one_o in_o scripture_n luke_n 8.13_o 1_o john_n 3.9_o three_o there_o be_v that_o spiritual_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o one_o which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o other_o true_a divine_a faith_n so_o apprehend_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o have_v a_o real_a be_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n though_o they_o have_v no_o subsistence_n as_o yet_o in_o themselves_o heb._n 11.1_o rom._n 4.17_o john_n 8.56_o heb._n 11.27_o now_o this_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v invisible_a to_o the_o outward_a sense_n make_v no_o use_n in_o its_o spiritual_a sight_n or_o apprehension_n either_o of_o sense_n or_o reason_n not_o of_o sense_n for_o thing_n invisible_a can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n nor_o of_o reason_n which_o in_o this_o case_n can_v help_v but_o little_o more_o than_o sense_n see_v it_o receive_v information_n by_o sense_n from_o whence_o it_o gather_v thing_n by_o way_n of_o discourse_n which_o indeed_o may_v convince_v a_o man_n that_o thing_n be_v but_o can_v give_v he_o no_o evidence_n or_o demonstration_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o what_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o a_o man_n comprehend_v thing_n by_o reason_n he_o may_v be_v able_a by_o discourse_n of_o reason_n to_o inform_v another_o man_n of_o that_o which_o he_o know_v and_o by_o that_o mean_n may_v cause_v he_o to_o understand_v it_o as_o well_o as_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o apprehend_v spiritual_a thing_n themselves_o as_o the_o true_a believer_n or_o spiritual_a man_n do_v can_v by_o discourse_n of_o reason_n make_v another_o man_n that_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o what_o he_o enjoy_v understand_v what_o he_o himself_o see_v feel_v and_o taste_v but_o as_o for_o historical_a faith_n or_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n it_o