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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
reason_n church_n member_n visible_a 3,184 5 9.3025 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
B09989 A seasonable discourse of the right use and abuse of reason in matters of religion. By Philologus. Philologus. 1676 (1676) Wing S2227BA; ESTC R183656 138,457 248

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the_o hand_n of_o many_o and_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v crooked_a by_o power_n and_o force_v mis-employed_n be_v rectify_v and_o make_v straight_o by_o reason_n and_o counsel_n right_o weigh_v the_o disposition_n of_o the_o people_n and_o what_o be_v practicable_a as_o to_o time_n place_n person_n and_o other_o circumstance_n noscenda_fw-la natura_fw-la vulgi_fw-la est_fw-la say_v seneca_n &_o quibus_fw-la modis_fw-la temperantur_fw-la habeatur_fw-la the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v prudent_o observe_v and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v temperate_o rule_v otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a consistency_n of_o government_n the_o wise_a man_n that_o ever_o treat_v of_o civil_a government_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o a_o state_n or_o city_n where_o moral_a virtue_n and_o prudence_n be_v banish_v and_o vice_n and_o profaneness_n encourage_v can_v long_o continue_v and_o prosper_v and_o that_o it_o be_v much_o better_o and_o 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thereof_o otherwise_o there_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a provision_n make_v for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o society_n now_o this_o must_v in_o reason_n be_v suppose_v in_o all_o society_n that_o when_o they_o be_v first_o enter_v into_o it_o must_v be_v upon_o such_o term_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o those_o society_n in_o peace_n and_o order_n the_o body_n of_o man_n be_v furnish_v by_o nature_n not_o only_o with_o a_o receptive_a and_o concoctive_a faculty_n of_o what_o tend_v to_o its_o nourishment_n but_o with_o a_o expulsive_a faculty_n of_o what_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v also_o with_o civil_a society_n they_o have_v not_o only_a way_n to_o strengthen_v they_o but_o likewise_o a_o power_n to_o expel_v those_o noxious_a humour_n and_o quality_n which_o tend_v to_o their_o dissolution_n and_o doubtless_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o religious_a
montelion_fw-mi knight_n of_o the_o oracle_n hodder_n arithmetic_n in_o twelves_o ovid_n de_fw-fr tristibus_fw-la in_o english_a bishop_n hall_n soliloquy_n in_o twelves_o the_o poem_n of_o ben._n johnson_n junior_n a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a exposition_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n by_o john_n dod._n a_o table_n of_o the_o chief_a head_n of_o this_o treatise_n chap._n i._n of_o distinguish_v betwixt_o faith_n and_o reason_n page_n 1_o 1._o here_o be_v show_v that_o it_o require_v much_o spiritual_a skill_n right_o to_o distinguish_v they_o 2._o that_o morality_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o christianity_n another_o chap._n ii_o show_v that_o reason_n be_v useful_a both_o in_o civil_a and_o divine_a thing_n yet_o withal_o it_o be_v presuppose_v page_n 4_o 1._o that_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n in_o we_o be_v much_o darken_v 2._o that_o it_o wrangle_v against_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o that_o man_n of_o great_a reason_n and_o part_n have_v promote_v the_o great_a error_n chap._n iii_o how_o far_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n extend_v here_o be_v show_v page_n 6_o 1._o that_o this_o light_n be_v but_o a_o derivative_a light_n like_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n and_o not_o like_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n 2._o it_o be_v but_o a_o diminutive_a light_n 3._o it_o be_v notwithstanding_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a light_n so_o far_o as_o it_o go_v 4._o it_o be_v a_o ascendant_n light_n and_o can_v find_v the_o chief_a good_a in_o thing_n below_o chap._n iu._n how_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n themselves_o have_v complain_v of_o great_a defect_n in_o nature_n and_o reason_n page_n 13_o 1._o here_o be_v several_a instance_n give_v 2._o solomon_n himself_o be_v sensible_a of_o much_o darkness_n though_o his_o intellectual_a lamp_n burn_v far_o bright_a than_o other_o 3._o christian_n shall_v not_o magnify_v the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n the_o defect_n whereof_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o moral_a heathen_n chap._n v._n of_o they_o that_o give_v too_o little_a to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n as_o page_n 15_o 1._o such_o as_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o rational_a discourse_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 2._o such_o as_o rely_v on_o enthusiasm_n 3._o such_o as_o hold_v a_o annihilation_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o regeneration_n 4._o such_o as_o will_v not_o be_v regulate_v by_o reason_n in_o civil_a circumstance_n relate_v to_o worship_n but_o cause_n disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o church-assembly_n chap._n vi_o of_o those_o that_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o reason_n as_o page_n 18_o 1._o the_o socinian_o who_o reject_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o they_o can_v comprehend_v they_o by_o their_o corrupt_a reason_n 2._o pellagius_n and_o his_o follower_n whereof_o there_o be_v many_o in_o our_o time_n who_o derogate_a from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o extol_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o use_n of_o humane_a reason_n in_o civil_a matter_n here_o be_v show_v page_n 21_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o rational_a and_o prudent_a way_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o know_a law_n 2._o that_o such_o law_n be_v best_a as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o public_a good_a 3._o that_o the_o most_o rational_a man_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v lawmaker_n 4._o that_o such_o be_v also_o of_o best_a ability_n and_o capacity_n to_o administer_v the_o law_n and_o government_n chap_n viii_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n in_o church_n affair_n page_n 27_o 1._o reason_n suggest_v that_o man_n shall_v join_v together_o in_o society_n for_o the_o visible_a worship_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v order_n and_o government_n in_o these_o society_n and_o that_o all_o shall_v not_o be_v ruler_n but_o some_o shall_v obey_v 3._o that_o such_o as_o administer_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o religious_a society_n shall_v have_v due_a reverence_n and_o maintenance_n 4._o that_o every_o christian_a ought_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o a_o chureh-society_n that_o he_o may_v visible_o worship_n god_n with_o other_o 5._o that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o assign_v any_o other_o condition_n of_o church-communion_n then_o what_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n 6._o that_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v into_o a_o church-society_n shall_v free_o consent_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n thereof_o 7._o that_o they_o shall_v remain_v in_o such_o a_o society_n and_o not_o break_v off_o communion_n on_o slight_a ground_n 8._o that_o all_o thing_n in_o church_n assembly_n shall_v be_v administer_v with_o much_o seriousness_n and_o gravity_n that_o so_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n may_v be_v render_v majestical_a 9_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o for_o determine_v difference_n arise_v in_o such_o society_n here_o be_v show_v 1._o that_o appeal_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o more_o rational_a and_o prudent_a way_n to_o have_v controversy_n determine_v by_o a_o grave_a assembly_n of_o godly_a learned_a pastor_n then_o by_o a_o few_o engage_v person_n in_o a_o particular_a society_n chap._n ix_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n page_n 40_o 1._o by_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o world_n 2._o by_o the_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n here_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o creature_n can_v have_v their_o be_v or_o begin_n from_o themselves_o 3._o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o first_o cause_n or_o mover_n of_o all_o else_o there_o will_v be_v before_o every_o mover_n another_o mover_n and_o so_o in_o infinitum_fw-la 4._o it_o appear_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n by_o the_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n 5._o by_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a miracle_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o world_n 6._o by_o the_o wise_a govern_n and_o order_v of_o the_o several_a creature_n and_o the_o plentiful_a provision_n that_o be_v make_v for_o they_o 7._o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n conscience_n which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a judge_n that_o command_v the_o inward_a thought_n and_o bind_v the_o conscience_n 8._o by_o the_o vast_a desire_n and_o capacity_n of_o man_n soul_n which_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v without_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o chief_a good_a 9_o by_o the_o continual_a assault_n of_o satan_n who_o will_v utter_o extinguish_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o man_n 10._o by_o the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o though_o it_o have_v be_v as_o a_o burn_a bush_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o consume_v this_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n have_v show_v itself_o even_o in_o atheist_n especial_o in_o three_o case_n 1._o when_o they_o have_v be_v surround_v with_o difficulty_n 2._o in_o the_o time_n of_o bodily_a sickness_n 3._o when_o old_a age_n come_v and_o multitude_n of_o year_n teach_v they_o experience_n chap._n x._o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n prove_v by_o reason_n page_n 54_o 1._o because_o it_o abstract_n from_o that_o which_o it_o understand_v all_o quantity_n quality_n time_n place_n etc._n etc._n 2._o because_o the_o soul_n receive_v impression_n of_o immortality_n and_o be_v spiritual_a in_o its_o operation_n 3._o no_o mortal_a corruptible_a thing_n can_v satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n 4._o if_o man_n soul_n be_v not_o immortal_a than_o the_o sensitive_a creature_n will_v excel_v man._n 5._o the_o soul_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o motion_n be_v most_o perfect_a when_o most_o free_a from_o motion_n therefore_o she_o be_v not_o corruptible_a 6._o another_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n 7._o from_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o one_o kind_n of_o religion_n or_o other_o chap._n xi_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n prove_v by_o reason_n page_n 62_o 1._o from_o the_o antiquity_n of_o it_o 2._o from_o the_o excellent_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o atonement_n and_o propitiation_n hold_v forth_o therein_o 3._o from_o the_o glorious_a divine_a miracle_n and_o work_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n objection_n against_o the_o same_o answer_v 4._o from_o the_o precious_a excellent_a doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o jesus_n 5._o from_o the_o nature_n and_o success_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n 6._o from_o the_o strange_a conversion_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n 7._o from_o the_o desperate_a opposition_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n against_o it_o notwithstanding_o which_o it_o have_v still_o prevail_v here_o be_v discover_v the_o unreasonableness_n and_o absurdity_n 1._o of_o the_o heathenish_a idolatry_n 2._o of_o the_o jew_n enmity_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n 3._o of_o the_o mahometan_a superstition_n chap._n xii_o the_o divine_a
make_v our_o peace_n hereupon_o some_o courtier_n be_v send_v to_o divert_v sir_n francis_n ah_o say_v he_o while_o we_o laugh_v all_o thing_n be_v serious_a round_n about_o we_o god_n be_v serious_a when_o he_o preserve_v we_o and_o have_v patience_n towards_o we_o christ_n be_v serious_a when_o he_o die_v for_o we_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v serious_a when_o he_o strive_v with_o we_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v serious_a when_o it_o be_v read_v before_o we_o sacrament_n be_v serious_a when_o they_o be_v administer_v unto_o we_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v serious_a in_o serve_v god_n and_o we_o they_o be_v serious_a in_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o shall_v a_o man_n that_o have_v one_o foot_n in_o his_o grave_a jest_n and_o laugh_v sir_n philip_n sidney_n his_o son-in-law_n that_o brave_a accomplish_a knight_n who_o queen_n elizabeth_n call_v her_o philip_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o aurange_a his_o master_n who_o death_n be_v lament_v in_o verse_n by_o the_o then_o king_n of_o france_n and_o scotland_n and_o by_o the_o two_o famous_a university_n of_o oxford_n and_o cambridge_n repent_v at_o his_o death_n of_o write_v his_o pembrokes_n arcadia_n and_o will_v have_v commit_v it_o to_o the_o flame_n himself_o to_o prevent_v the_o kindle_v of_o unlawful_a heat_n in_o the_o youthful_a reader_n of_o it_o leave_v this_o farewell_n among_o his_o friend_n above_o all_o thing_n govern_v your_o will_n and_o affection_n by_o the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n in_o i_o behold_v the_o end_n of_o this_o world_n and_o all_o its_o vanity_n sir_n john_n mason_n privy_a counsellor_n to_o several_a prince_n upon_o his_o deathbed_n speak_v thus_o to_o some_o of_o his_o friend_n i_o have_v see_v five_o prince_n and_o be_v privy_a counsellor_n to_o four_o of_o they_o i_o have_v observe_v the_o most_o remarkable_a occurrence_n in_o foreign_a part_n and_o be_v present_a at_o most_o transaction_n for_o thirty_o year_n together_o and_o i_o have_v learn_v this_o after_o so_o many_o year_n experience_n that_o seriousness_n be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n temperance_n the_o best_a physic_n a_o good_a conscience_n be_v the_o best_a estate_n and_o be_v i_o to_o live_v again_o i_o will_v change_v the_o court_n for_o a_o cloister_n my_o privy_a counsellor_n employment_n for_o a_o hermit_n be_v retirement_n and_o the_o whole_a life_n i_o live_v in_o the_o palace_n for_o one_o hour_n enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o chapel_n all_o thing_n else_o forsake_v i_o beside_o my_o god_n and_o my_o duty_n the_o lord_n henry_n howard_n that_o learned_a earl_n of_o northampton_n be_v trouble_v with_o atheistical_a thought_n and_o suggestion_n put_v they_o all_o off_o with_o this_o consideration_n viz._n if_o i_o can_v give_v any_o account_n how_o myself_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o have_v a_o be_v without_o god_n how_o there_o come_v so_o uniform_a and_o so_o constant_a a_o consent_n of_o mankind_n of_o all_o age_n temper_n and_o education_n otherwise_o differ_v so_o much_o in_o their_o apprehension_n about_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o religion_n i_o can_v then_o be_v a_o atheist_n and_o when_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o state-policy_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o awe_n he_o reply_v that_o can_v not_o be_v true_a for_o the_o great_a politician_n have_v soon_o or_o late_a feel_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o grievous_a lash_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o their_o apprehension_n about_o that_o state_n wherein_o they_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o cardinal_n richlieu_n that_o great_a politician_n after_o he_o have_v govern_v the_o affair_n of_o europe_n many_o year_n together_o confess_v to_o peter_n du_fw-fr moulin_n a_o learned_a minister_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n that_o be_v force_v upon_o many_o irregularity_n in_o his_o life_n time_n by_o that_o which_o they_o call_v reason_n of_o state_n he_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o to_o satsifie_v his_o conscience_n for_o several_a thing_n and_o therefore_o have_v many_o temptation_n to_o doubt_n and_o disbelieve_v a_o god_n another_o world_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o by_o that_o distrust_n to_o relieve_v his_o ache_a heart_n but_o in_o vain_a for_o so_o strong_a say_v he_o be_v the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n in_o his_o soul_n so_o clear_a the_o impression_n of_o a_o deity_n upon_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n so_o unanimous_a the_o consent_n of_o mankind_n so_o powerful_a the_o conviction_n of_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o can_v not_o but_o taste_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o so_o live_v as_o one_o that_o must_v die_v and_o so_o die_v as_o one_o that_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v ask_v one_o day_n why_o he_o be_v so_o sad_a he_o answer_v mounseur_fw-fr mounseur_fw-fr the_o soul_n be_v a_o serious_a thing_n it_o must_v be_v either_o sad_a here_o for_o a_o moment_n or_o be_v sad_a for_o ever_o cardinal_n mazarine_n his_o successor_n who_o have_v for_o several_a year_n manage_v the_o crown_n of_o france_n and_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o christendom_n discourse_v one_o day_n with_o a_o sorbon_n doctor_n concern_v the_o soul_n immortality_n and_o man_n eternal_a estate_n he_o weep_v repeat_v that_o emperor_n say_v o_o my_o poor_a soul_n whither_o will_v thou_o go_v and_o immediate_o call_v for_o his_o confessor_n he_o vow_v ten_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n for_o devotion_n seven_o for_o rest_n four_o for_o repast_n and_o but_o three_o for_o business_n say_v one_o day_n to_o the_o queen_n mother_n madam_n your_o favour_n have_v undo_v i_o and_o be_v i_o to_o live_v again_o i_o will_v be_v a_o capuchin_n rather_o than_o a_o courtier_n salmasius_n that_o great_a scholar_n who_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o his_o time_n never_o mention_v without_o some_o title_n of_o praise_n and_o commendation_n leave_v this_o world_n with_o these_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n oh_o i_o have_v lose_v a_o world_n of_o time_n that_o most_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n whereof_o have_v i_o but_o one_o year_n long_o to_o live_v it_o shall_v be_v spend_v in_o david_n be_v psalm_n and_o paul_n be_v epistle_n oh_o sir_n speak_v to_o his_o friend_n that_o be_v about_o he_o mind_v the_o world_n less_o and_o god_n more_o all_o the_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n without_o piety_n and_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n be_v nothing_o worth_a the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n that_o be_v understanding_n the_o learned_a grotius_n after_o many_o public_a embassy_n and_o employment_n manage_v and_o perform_v by_o he_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o and_o after_o his_o many_o elaborate_a write_n in_o divinity_n and_o other_o science_n have_v take_v a_o exact_a survey_n of_o the_o hebrew_n greek_a and_o latin_a learning_n conclude_v his_o life_n with_o this_o protestation_n that_o he_o will_v give_v all_o his_o learning_n and_o honour_n for_o the_o plain_a integrity_n and_o harmless_a innocency_n of_o jean_n vrick_n who_o be_v a_o devout_a poor_a man_n that_o spend_v eight_o hour_n of_o his_o time_n in_o prayer_n eight_o in_o labour_n and_o but_o eight_o in_o sleep_n and_o other_o necessary_n and_o complain_v to_o one_o that_o admire_v his_o astonish_a labour_n and_o industry_n he_o utter_v these_o word_n ah_o vitam_fw-la perdidi_fw-la operosè_fw-la nihil_fw-la agendo_fw-la and_o to_o another_o friend_n that_o desire_v he_o according_a to_o his_o great_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n to_o show_v he_o brief_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v he_o give_v he_o only_o this_o direction_n be_v serious_a person_n of_o great_a estate_n and_o dignity_n in_o this_o world_n must_v expect_v nevertheless_o to_o meet_v with_o great_a cross_n and_o disappointment_n of_o which_o doubtless_o your_o honour_n have_v have_v and_o will_v have_v more_o and_o more_o experience_n in_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n now_o as_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n do_v abundant_o furnish_v we_o with_o ground_n and_o motive_n of_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o every_o condition_n and_o under_o every_o dispensation_n so_o there_o be_v divers_a heathen_a moralist_n who_o have_v from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o moral_a prudence_n propound_v many_o excellent_a argument_n and_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v we_o thereunto_o especial_o epictetus_n who_o though_o lame_a and_o old_a sickly_a and_o deform_a poor_a and_o under_o servitude_n be_v a_o slave_n to_o epaphroditus_n one_o of_o the_o roman_a courtier_n yet_o be_v he_o a_o excellent_a philosopher_n and_o a_o man_n of_o a_o most_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n some_o of_o who_o excellent_a say_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v here_o recite_v this_o wise_a moralist_n speak_v of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o murmur_v at_o any_o cross_a event_n whatsoever_o have_v this_o passage_n dissertat_fw-la lib._n 3
disguise_n of_o reason_n and_o man_n of_o the_o great_a reason_n and_o part_n have_v often_o fall_v into_o and_o promote_v such_o error_n and_o have_v ensnare_v many_o other_o by_o their_o subtle_a dispute_n and_o reason_n let_v all_o this_o be_v grant_v yet_o still_o there_o be_v a_o good_a use_n of_o reason_n so_o she_o keep_v her_o place_n and_o go_v not_o beyond_o her_o due_a bound_n both_o in_o matter_n civil_a and_o religious_a what_o though_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n shine_v not_o so_o clear_o and_o bright_o as_o it_o be_v wont_a shall_v it_o therefore_o be_v quite_o extinguish_v if_o the_o picture_n have_v lose_v its_o former_a gloss_n and_o beauty_n the_o oriency_n of_o its_o colour_n the_o elegancy_n of_o its_o lineament_n the_o comeliness_n of_o its_o proportion_n must_v it_o therefore_o be_v total_o deface_v and_o break_v in_o piece_n because_o man_n have_v not_o so_o much_o reason_n as_o they_o shall_v will_v they_o therefore_o resolve_v to_o have_v none_o at_o all_o our_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o all_o our_o gracious_a act_n and_o religious_a performance_n be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a iniquity_n be_v mingle_v with_o our_o holy_a thing_n what_o then_o shall_v we_o therefore_o utter_o neglect_v and_o reject_v they_o shall_v we_o not_o own_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o they_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v thankful_o acknowledge_v by_o we_o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o bright_a and_o powerful_a as_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o sanctum_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la and_o pierce_v within_o the_o veil_n yet_o it_o may_v lie_v in_o the_o porch_n and_o at_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o be_v as_o a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n though_o reason_n be_v not_o a_o jacob_n ladder_n to_o climb_v up_o to_o heaven_n by_o yet_o doubtless_o we_o may_v use_v it_o as_o a_o staff_n to_o walk_v with_o upon_o earth_n if_o any_o be_v so_o malapert_a and_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o set_v agar_n above_o her_o mistress_n and_o make_v faith_n wait_v like_o a_o servingman_n at_o the_o elbow_n of_o corrupt_a and_o distort_a reason_n if_o they_o go_v about_o to_o subject_n and_o subordinate_a the_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v to_o be_v adore_v to_o their_o vain_a reason_n and_o will_v reject_v they_o because_o they_o can_v by_o their_o reason_n comprehend_v they_o let_v they_o bear_v the_o blame_n as_o they_o be_v well_o worthy_a of_o their_o arrogancy_n and_o presumption_n chap._n iii_o how_o far_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n extend_v and_o what_o kind_n of_o light_n it_o be_v there_o be_v a_o light_n in_o man_n reason_n though_o far_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o faith_n both_o these_o light_n proceed_v from_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o light_n who_o have_v set_v up_o the_o sun_n to_o rule_v the_o day_n and_o the_o moon_n to_o rule_v the_o night_n mens_fw-la hominis_fw-la lucerna_fw-la domini_fw-la the_o reason_n or_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n prov._n 20.27_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o solomon_n a_o man_n of_o raise_v and_o clear_a intellectual_n in_o who_o this_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v shine_v with_o far_o more_o brightness_n than_o in_o other_o prince_n and_o though_o he_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n nay_o as_o a_o sun_n shine_v in_o the_o firmament_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n yet_o he_o call_v it_o only_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n use_v a_o very_a humble_a and_o modest_a expression_n touch_v the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n which_o as_o we_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o extinguish_v or_o put_v out_o so_o neither_o shall_v we_o extol_v and_o magnify_v the_o same_o above_o what_o be_v write_v for_o first_o this_o light_n of_o reason_n as_o a_o ingenious_a writer_n true_o observe_v be_v nature_n be_v nathan_n culverwell_n discourse_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n lumen_fw-la derivatum_fw-la a_o derivative_a light_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fountain_n of_o light_n but_o only_o a_o few_o drop_n derive_v from_o the_o fountain_n light_o we_o know_v be_v not_o original_o in_o the_o candle_n which_o shine_v only_o with_o a_o borrow_a light_n and_o so_o do_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o all_o other_o create_v excellency_n reason_n be_v but_o scintilla_fw-la divinae_fw-la lucis_fw-la it_o be_v but_o divinae_fw-la particula_fw-la aurae_fw-la the_o rational_a immortal_a soul_n of_o man_n this_o intellectual_a lamp_n be_v first_o light_v and_o set_v up_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v its_o total_a dependence_n upon_o he_o both_o for_o its_o be_v and_o for_o its_o perpetual_a continuation_n nor_o be_v this_o candle_n light_v out_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n himself_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o essence_n this_o as_o calvin_n say_v be_v to_o divide_v and_o rend_v in_o piece_n the_o divine_a essence_n which_o be_v indivisible_a and_o incommunicable_a and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o far_o more_o tolerable_a error_n to_o make_v the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n a_o piece_n of_o the_o sun_n essence_n than_o to_o imagine_v that_o this_o intellectual_a lamp_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o therefore_o seneca_n as_o wise_a as_o he_o be_v do_v express_v much_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n in_o deify_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n quid_fw-la aliud_fw-la vocas_fw-la animum_fw-la say_v he_o quam_fw-la deum_fw-la in_o humano_fw-la corpore_fw-la hospitantem_fw-la that_o be_v what_o less_o title_n or_o dignity_n can_v you_o bestow_v upon_o man_n soul_n than_o that_o of_o a_o god_n dwell_v in_o a_o house_n of_o clay_n whereas_o the_o rational_a soul_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o faint_a resemblance_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v infinite_a in_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o who_o see_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n perfect_o in_o a_o instant_n by_o his_o own_o uncompounded_a and_o indivisible_a essence_n angel_n be_v above_o syllogism_n and_o rational_a discourse_n how_o much_o more_o be_v god_n himself_o who_o knowledge_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o improve_v by_o deduce_v and_o collect_v one_o thing_n out_o of_o another_o in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_v as_o we_o do_v cognitio_fw-la dei_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la raticinativa_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la discursiva_fw-la second_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n in_o man_n be_v but_o lumen_fw-la tenue_n &_o diminutum_fw-la it_o be_v but_o a_o diminutive_a light_n how_o far_o distant_a be_v the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n from_o the_o light_n of_o a_o star_n how_o far_o from_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n this_o candle_n or_o light_n of_o reason_n when_o it_o be_v first_o set_v up_o before_o there_o be_v any_o thief_n in_o it_o even_o than_o it_o have_v but_o a_o limit_v and_o restrain_v light_n god_n say_v unto_o it_o thus_o far_o shall_v thy_o light_n go_v and_o no_o further_o adam_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n be_v not_o to_o crown_v himself_o with_o his_o own_o spark_n much_o less_o shall_v we_o think_v to_o save_v ourselves_o by_o the_o glimmering_n of_o our_o deprave_a reason_n god_n never_o intend_v that_o the_o creature_n shall_v rest_v satisfy_v with_o its_o own_o candle-light_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v recourse_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o light_n that_o it_o may_v see_v light_n in_o his_o light_n lucifer_n that_o will_v needs_o be_v a_o independent_a light_n and_o shine_v with_o his_o own_o beam_n how_o be_v he_o fall_v into_o perpetual_a darkness_n and_o torment_n yea_o and_o adam_n candle_n aspire_v to_o be_v a_o sun_n have_v burn_v the_o dimmer_n ever_o since_o this_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o regenerate_a soul_n and_o much_o more_o in_o the_o unregenerate_a know_v but_o little_a of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n whilst_o the_o soul_n be_v imprison_v in_o the_o body_n and_o absent_a from_o the_o lord_n but_o when_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o this_o dark_a lantern_n in_o statu_fw-la separato_fw-la or_o in_o statu_fw-la consummato_fw-la than_o it_o shall_v know_v infinite_o more_o of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n than_o now_o it_o do_v three_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n as_o far_o as_o it_o go_v be_v lumen_fw-la tranquillum_fw-la it_o be_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a light_n certain_o the_o more_o reason_n and_o judgement_n man_n have_v the_o more_o calm_a and_o serene_a they_o be_v and_o if_o man_n be_v more_o regulate_v by_o reason_n there_o will_v be_v more_o concord_n and_o harmony_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o there_o be_v this_o candle_n will_v shine_v more_o clear_o and_o steady_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o boisterous_a wind_n of_o man_n passion_n which_o disturb_v and_o darken_v it_o nor_o will_v there_o be_v such_o rupture_n rent_n alienation_n
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 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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 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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
society_n be_v also_o endow_v with_o a_o power_n to_o maintain_v itself_o in_o peace_n and_o purity_n which_o can_v be_v without_o some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o decide_v controversy_n and_o remove_v scandal_n now_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n when_o such_o difference_n arise_v in_o the_o society_n either_o that_o the_o lesser_a number_n shall_v acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o great_a for_o parson_n major_a jus_o habet_fw-la universitatis_fw-la the_o great_a part_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a or_o else_o which_o indeed_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n there_o must_v be_v a_o subordination_n of_o power_n in_o congregation_n and_o a_o right_a of_o appeal_n grant_v to_o a_o injure_a person_n from_o the_o low_a and_o subordinate_a power_n to_o the_o high_a and_o superior_a and_o in_o order_n to_o a_o redress_n of_o wrong_n and_o end_a controversy_n our_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o appeal_n must_v not_o be_v infinite_a but_o there_o must_v be_v some_o power_n or_o other_o from_o whence_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o appeal_n and_o true_o it_o be_v against_o the_o natural_a reason_n and_o right_n of_o every_o man_n for_o any_o particular_a society_n under_o what_o denomination_n soever_o so_o to_o engross_v all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n that_o no_o liberty_n of_o appeal_n for_o redress_n can_v be_v make_v from_o they_o this_o be_v to_o usurp_v upon_o and_o invade_v the_o civil_a and_o religious_a right_n of_o christian_n for_o it_o leave_v man_n under_o a_o causeless_a censure_n without_o any_o authorative_a vindication_n of_o they_o from_o it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o much_o better_a in_o this_o case_n and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n to_o have_v matter_n in_o controversy_n either_o as_o to_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n judicious_o debate_v and_o determine_v in_o a_o grave_n pious_a assembly_n or_o synod_n than_o by_o two_o or_o three_o man_n who_o perhaps_o by_o their_o part_n or_o popular_a interest_n without_o any_o sufficient_a ground_n from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n can_v easy_o sway_v those_o society_n or_o congregation_n that_o be_v of_o their_o particular_a opinion_n and_o so_o be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n the_o suppose_a offender_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o it_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v rational_a and_o fit_a that_o every_o particular_a society_n though_o consist_v but_o of_o a_o few_o person_n shall_v have_v power_n over_o its_o own_o member_n to_o determine_v controversy_n arise_v between_o they_o but_o yet_o if_o one_o or_o many_o of_o these_o particular_a society_n shall_v err_v and_o go_v astray_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o authorative_n power_n leave_v for_o decide_v what_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n sure_o if_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o wise_a governor_n of_o his_o church_n have_v make_v sufficient_a provision_n for_o the_o case_n of_o particular_a person_n he_o have_v also_o make_v sufficient_a provision_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n for_o the_o case_n of_o particular_a society_n thus_o we_o have_v brief_o show_v what_o use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a society_n we_o shall_v now_o brief_o declare_v how_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o point_v you_o may_v find_v prove_v at_o large_a by_o reason_n in_o the_o learned_a book_n of_o lessius_fw-la morney_n grotius_n and_o sir_n charles_n woseley_n a_o gentleman_n so_o well_o qualify_v and_o employ_v that_o i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o our_o english_a gentry_n will_v imitate_v he_o chap._n ix_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o be_v no_o nation_n so_o barbarous_a say_v the_o heathen_a orator_n deorum_fw-la orator_n cicero_n de_fw-fr natura_fw-la deorum_fw-la no_o people_n so_o savage_a in_o who_o there_o rest_v not_o this_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n even_o those_o nation_n which_o in_o other_o respect_n seem_v very_o little_a to_o differ_v from_o bruit_n beast_n yet_o keep_v up_o and_o maintain_v a_o kind_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n and_o have_v some_o sense_n of_o the_o eternal_a godhead_n impress_v upon_o their_o heart_n yea_o idolatry_n itself_o be_v a_o substantial_a proof_n of_o this_o persuasion_n for_o how_o willing_o do_v man_n abase_v himself_o to_o honour_v other_o creature_n above_o himself_o when_o he_o will_v rather_o worship_v a_o block_n or_o a_o stone_n than_o to_o have_v no_o god_n at_o all_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o imprint_v persuasion_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o impossible_a to_o be_v quite_o oblitegated_a and_o raze_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o eternal_a deity_n there_o be_v two_o way_n namely_o by_o faith_n and_o by_o reason_n faith_n indeed_o be_v the_o much_o better_a and_o near_a way_n for_o our_o reason_n be_v much_o weaken_v and_o deprave_a and_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o supreme_a be_v be_v infinite_o above_o our_o reason_n no_o man_n can_v make_v a_o perfect_a demonstration_n by_o his_o reason_n in_o natural_a thing_n he_o can_v full_o demonstrate_v that_o his_o father_n be_v his_o father_n or_o that_o he_o be_v his_o son_n so_o that_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o some_o faith_n or_o belief_n if_o a_o man_n tell_v you_o that_o he_o have_v see_v such_o or_o such_o a_o place_n he_o can_v make_v no_o demonstrative_a reason_n of_o it_o for_o the_o circumstance_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o demonstration_n in_o this_o case_n there_o must_v be_v belief_n and_o much_o more_o in_o religious_a and_o divine_a matter_n howbeit_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o it_o reach_v for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o inferior_a derivative_a light_n like_o the_o light_n of_o the_o moon_n and_o star_n will_v prove_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v the_o creature_n afford_v argument_n and_o our_o reason_n gather_v by_o the_o force_n of_o those_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n first_o it_o may_v be_v clear_o prove_v and_o make_v evident_a to_o our_o reason_n by_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o great_a universe_n even_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o eye_n see_v and_o the_o ear_n hear_v rom._n 1.20_o suppose_v a_o man_n forty_o year_n old_a who_o have_v never_o see_v the_o beauty_n of_o this_o world_n before_o shall_v now_o behold_v it_o will_v not_o the_o sight_n thereof_o make_v he_o wonder_v and_o inquire_v after_o the_o maker_n and_o contriver_n of_o it_o and_o force_v he_o to_o conclude_v that_o man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v such_o a_o great_a and_o glorious_a work_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v 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the_o sword_n whence_o come_v the_o dependence_n of_o the_o creature_n one_o upon_o another_o and_o their_o mutual_a help_n and_o assistance_n one_o of_o another_o but_o from_o god_n beast_n nourish_v man_n the_o grass_n nourish_v they_o and_o the_o influence_n or_o dew_n of_o heaven_n make_v the_o grass_n to_o grow_v and_o all_o from_o god_n hos_fw-la 2.21_o these_o thing_n can_v no_o more_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o accident_n than_o a_o multitude_n of_o letter_n cast_v together_o by_o chance_n can_v without_o the_o art_n of_o man_n make_v a_o poem_n or_o history_n and_o therefore_o they_o direct_v we_o even_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o a_o supreme_a providence_n second_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n whence_o be_v this_o original_a but_o of_o god_n as_o for_o man_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v make_v by_o god_n for_o the_o father_n that_o
beget_v know_v not_o the_o make_n of_o he_o the_o mother_n that_o conceive_v know_v it_o not_o nor_o yet_o the_o formative_a virtue_n whereby_o all_o be_v fashion_v whereas_o there_o be_v no_o work_n of_o art_n but_o it_o be_v know_v by_o the_o artificer_n and_o if_o man_n himself_o have_v his_o beginning_n of_o god_n then_o much_o more_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v for_o man_n nor_o can_v they_o have_v their_o be_v from_o themselves_o for_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v god_n it_o be_v a_o inseparable_a property_n of_o god_n to_o have_v his_o be_v from_o himself_o beside_o if_o these_o thing_n have_v no_o beginning_n why_o be_v there_o no_o monument_n of_o more_o ancient_a time_n concern_v they_o the_o ancient_a humane_a writer_n not_o reach_v above_o four_o thousand_o year_n reason_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o first_o creature_n be_v make_v of_o nothing_o for_o otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o change_v and_o alteration_n all_o creature_n be_v finite_a compound_v imperfect_a unable_a to_o make_v or_o sustain_v themselves_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o itself_o for_o than_o it_o shall_v be_v both_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n both_o before_o and_o after_o itself_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o first_o supreme_a cause_n in_o power_n infinite_a most_o perfect_a in_o and_o of_o itself_o which_o give_v be_v and_o continuance_n unto_o all_o thing_n among_o thing_n create_v we_o may_v observe_v a_o series_n of_o cause_n and_o a_o order_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o order_n be_v from_o one_o first_o and_o lead_v we_o unto_o one_o first_o cause_n we_o may_v further_o add_v that_o all_o thing_n even_o thing_n without_o life_n sense_n and_o reason_n which_o can_v move_v voluntary_o or_o intend_v a_o end_n be_v direct_v orderly_o to_o a_o end_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v one_o good_a wise_a chief_a director_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v god_n and_o indeed_o the_o greatness_n perfection_n multitude_n variety_n and_o concord_n of_o thing_n exist_v the_o form_n and_o order_n and_o continual_a sustentation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o creature_n therein_o do_v plain_o show_v to_o a_o eye_n of_o reason_n that_o all_o thing_n depend_v upon_o some_o one_o wise_a and_o perfect_a good_a from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o be_v and_o preservation_n three_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o philosopher_n be_v manifest_a to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o first_o mover_n or_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v before_o every_o mover_n another_o mover_n and_o so_o in_o infinitum_fw-la and_o if_o the_o cause_n be_v infinite_a they_o shall_v either_o have_v infinite_a motion_n and_o so_o infinite_a time_n or_o else_o infinite_a thing_n shall_v move_v infinite_a time_n both_o which_o be_v absurd_a see_v also_o the_o inferior_a thing_n move_v do_v not_o move_v without_o a_o superior_a mover_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o supreme_a and_o first_o mover_n of_o all_o there_o will_v not_o be_v at_o all_o any_o effect_n or_o motion_n of_o these_o inferior_a thing_n pythagoras_n say_v that_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o infinite_a power_n or_o else_o our_o reason_n shall_v exceed_v the_o maker_n thereof_o for_o what_o finite_a thing_n soever_o there_o be_v we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o and_o if_o the_o power_n be_v infinite_a the_o subject_n wherein_o the_o power_n be_v must_v needs_o be_v infinite_a and_o that_o be_v god_n four_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n by_o the_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o take_v place_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n not_o only_o the_o godly_a but_o the_o wicked_a for_o those_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o wicked_a will_v seem_v to_o be_v good_a and_o though_o they_o be_v evil_a and_o blame-worthy_a in_o themselves_o yet_o will_v they_o rebuke_v evil_a in_o other_o now_o this_o be_v real_o to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o there_o must_v be_v some_o ground_n of_o this_o distinction_n which_o can_v be_v from_o man_n himself_o for_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o every_o thing_n at_o man_n appointment_n shall_v be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o distinction_n must_v be_v from_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o that_o be_v god_n five_o god_n have_v show_v forth_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o deity_n even_o in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o a_o eye_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o by_o divers_a miracle_n now_o what_o be_v miracle_n but_o god_n visible_a work_n extraordinary_o wrought_v not_o only_o above_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n but_o simple_o above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o work_n itself_o or_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o which_o miraculous_a effect_n do_v evince_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a glorious_a power_n that_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n and_o do_v over-rule_v all_o thing_n for_o every_o principal_a and_o primary_n cause_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o the_o effect_n thereof_o six_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o supreme_a be_v be_v evident_a to_o reason_n by_o that_o gracious_a wise_a and_o plentiful_a provision_n which_o be_v make_v for_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n a_o little_a family_n can_v be_v well_o order_v but_o by_o a_o provident_a housholder_n much_o less_o a_o town_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o least_o of_o all_o the_o universe_n or_o whole_a world_n wherein_o be_v million_o of_o man_n and_o other_o creature_n to_o be_v daily_o feed_v sustain_v and_o govern_v which_o can_v be_v do_v and_o perform_v but_o by_o a_o infinite_a wise_a god_n who_o in_o his_o singular_a providence_n do_v so_o order_n and_o govern_v the_o creature_n that_o the_o weak_a one_o go_v in_o herd_n and_o flock_n together_o and_o the_o strong_a go_v alone_o and_o thereby_o be_v the_o less_o formidable_a hoof_n horn_n and_o tusk_n be_v for_o defence_n and_o where_o these_o be_v want_v leg_n can_v carry_v the_o creature_n away_o or_o den_n can_v hide_v they_o o_o how_o wise_a and_o excellent_a be_v this_o god_n in_o his_o government_n over_o the_o whole_a creation_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o those_o impression_n of_o skill_n and_o workmanship_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o creature_n there_o be_v a_o excellency_n in_o art_n but_o nature_n go_v far_o beyond_o art_n and_o much_o more_o excellent_a be_v the_o god_n of_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o skill_n to_o set_v a_o dial_n right_n that_o shall_v tell_v the_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n what_o skill_n have_v he_o who_o make_v and_o guide_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n therein_o that_o power_n and_o skill_n which_o shine_v forth_o in_o the_o creation_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o even_o those_o wise_a naturalist_n who_o miracle_n will_v not_o move_v and_o persuade_v have_v be_v astonish_v at_o the_o admirable_a work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o least_o thing_n and_o force_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o divine_a and_o sovereign_a power_n thus_o pliny_n wonder_v at_o the_o gnat_n so_o small_a a_o creature_n yet_o make_v so_o great_a a_o buzz_n and_o so_o likewise_o he_o wonder_v at_o the_o butterfly_n and_o galen_n as_o great_a a_o atheist_n as_o he_o be_v when_o he_o have_v profane_o write_v of_o the_o more_o excellent_a part_n of_o man_n and_o come_v to_o one_o of_o the_o least_o and_o mean_a stand_v astonish_v and_o be_v compel_v to_o acknowledge_v god_n the_o creator_n seven_o the_o testimony_n of_o every_o man_n conscience_n which_o be_v god_n deputy_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n tell_v i_o thou_o atheist_n why_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v trouble_v in_o conscience_n why_o caligula_n shall_v be_v terrify_v and_o run_v under_o the_o bed_n when_o it_o thunder_v if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n let_v a_o wicked_a man_n do_v some_o heinous_a deed_n in_o the_o solitary_a wilderness_n where_o none_o see_v he_o yet_o he_o can_v be_v quiet_a but_o his_o conscience_n will_v whip_v and_o torment_v he_o so_o that_o he_o will_v either_o reveal_v the_o fact_n himself_o in_o his_o sleep_n or_o frenzy_n or_o at_o least_o he_o will_v be_v afraid_a that_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n as_o sometime_o it_o have_v happen_v will_v discover_v it_o the_o conscience_n do_v register_n and_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n of_o all_o man_n either_o excuse_v and_o comfort_v they_o in_o well_o do_v against_o the_o disgrace_n flander_n and_o perscution_n of_o the_o world_n or_o else_o accuse_v and_o terrify_v they_o for_o sin_n commit_v in_o secret_a which_o perhaps_o never_o do_v nor_o ever_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n in_o this_o
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 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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
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 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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
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
this_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o assurance_n illuminate_v our_o understanding_n renew_v our_o will_n and_o sanctify_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v see_v by_o a_o spiritual_a light_n the_o excellency_n of_o those_o divine_a mystery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ephes_n 1.17_o 18._o now_o this_o doctrine_n of_o we_o be_v no_o such_o circle_n as_o the_o papist_n pretend_v it_o to_o be_v but_o a_o plain_a and_o strait_a way_n for_o a_o sober_a christian_n to_o walk_v in_o thus_o how_o know_v you_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n we_o answer_v by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o by_o that_o wonderful_a light_n and_o excellency_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n that_o shine_v in_o they_o here_o we_o will_v rest_v and_o go_v no_o further_o but_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o come_v to_o see_v this_o light_n we_o answer_v it_o be_v by_o the_o only_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v we_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o heart_n to_o embrace_v and_o love_v the_o light_n if_o we_o be_v further_o urge_v for_o some_o be_v thus_o importunate_a but_o how_o know_v you_o that_o you_o do_v indeed_o perceive_v such_o a_o heavenly_a light_n as_o you_o speak_v of_o or_o how_o can_v you_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o other_o that_o you_o be_v not_o deceive_v now_o true_o this_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a question_n it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o demand_v a_o reason_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v ask_v he_o that_o gaze_v on_o the_o sun_n how_o know_v you_o that_o you_o see_v the_o light_n why_o he_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o see_v it_o and_o know_v that_o he_o be_v not_o deceive_v though_o he_o can_v convince_v a_o blind_a man_n of_o it_o and_o if_o in_o case_n he_o that_o be_v blind_a require_v he_o that_o see_v to_o prove_v unto_o he_o 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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 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the_o heart_n and_o the_o brain_n and_o in_o these_o god_n have_v place_v the_o natural_a vital_a and_o animal_n spirit_n these_o spirit_n be_v carry_v by_o the_o vein_n artery_n and_o nerve_n the_o vein_n carry_v the_o vital_a spirit_n from_o the_o liver_n the_o artery_n carry_v the_o natural_a spirit_n from_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o nerve_n carry_v the_o animal_n spirit_n from_o the_o brain_n the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v helpful_a and_o serviceable_a one_o to_o another_o the_o superior_a rule_n the_o inferior_a as_o the_o eye_n guide_v and_o direct_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o the_o inferior_a support_n and_o uphold_v the_o superior_a as_o the_o foot_n leg_n and_o thigh_n support_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o as_o for_o the_o middle_a member_n they_o defend_v the_o body_n and_o provide_v thing_n necessary_a for_o it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o hand_n and_o arms._n this_o variety_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n show_v the_o excellent_a wisdom_n of_o god_n 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the_o rational_a soul_n can_v invent_v thing_n that_o be_v never_o before_o in_o be_v what_o strange_a thing_n for_o number_n and_o skill_n and_o variety_n be_v daily_o invent_v and_o contrive_v by_o man_n wit_n and_o reason_n by_o which_o also_o many_o great_a matter_n both_o civil_a military_a and_o ecclesiastical_a be_v order_v and_o regulate_v this_o be_v that_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o search_v all_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o belly_n prov._n 20.27_o and_o god_n have_v set_v the_o world_n in_o man_n heart_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o be_v in_o he_o eccles_n 3.11_o four_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n of_o man_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o his_o understanding_n after_o a_o sort_n be_v make_v one_o with_o and_o become_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v understand_v in_o that_o it_o conceive_v a_o true_a image_n and_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v understand_v and_o herein_o the_o rational_a soul_n do_v 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piece_n of_o embroidery_n by_o a_o new_a creation_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whereas_o by_o sin_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v corrupt_v and_o alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n yet_o now_o be_v bear_v again_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v spiritual_o form_v therein_o it_o recover_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o be_v restore_v to_o a_o holy_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o will_v be_v a_o curious_a excellent_a piece_n indeed_o when_o she_o be_v perfect_o transform_v as_o she_o shall_v be_v into_o the_o divine_a image_n and_o clothe_v with_o glory_n and_o immortality_n psal_n 45.14_o 2_o cor._n 5.2_o let_v we_o now_o brief_o recapitulate_v the_o head_n of_o this_o discourse_n head_n discourse_n a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o several_a head_n touch_v faith_n and_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v proceed_v it_o require_v much_o spiritual_a skill_n as_o have_v be_v say_v right_o to_o distinguish_v between_o they_o and_o give_v to_o each_o its_o due_a though_o man_n reason_n be_v much_o weaken_v and_o obscure_v yet_o a_o good_a use_n may_v be_v make_v thereof_o both_o in_o civil_a and_o divine_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o light_n in_o reason_n though_o far_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o faith_n how_o far_o this_o light_n of_o reason_n extend_v we_o have_v show_v the_o best_a heathen_a philosopher_n be_v sensible_a of_o great_a defect_n and_o languish_n in_o their_o natural_a reason_n and_o ability_n though_o they_o ascribe_v too_o much_o thereunto_o some_o there_o be_v among_o christian_n that_o give_v too_o little_a to_o reason_n in_o religious_a and_o ecclesiastical_a concern_v but_o other_o more_o general_o offend_v in_o give_v too_o much_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v here_o declare_v how_o and_o in_o what_o respect_v reason_n and_o moral_a prudence_n shall_v be_v exercise_v by_o we_o both_o in_o civil_a and_o church_n affair_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a and_o also_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n in_o compare_v and_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n but_o though_o reason_n be_v useful_a in_o these_o respect_n yet_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v principal_o witness_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o satisfy_v conscience_n touch_v the_o same_o here_o be_v show_v when_o it_o be_v that_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 and_o likewise_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o mere_a rational_a and_o spiritual_a man_n and_o their_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o operation_n in_o and_o about_o
excel_v in_o humane_a knowledge_n moses_n that_o man_n of_o god_n be_v learn_v in_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n act_n 7.22_o which_o be_v a_o ornament_n to_o he_o and_o fit_v he_o for_o his_o employment_n paul_n that_o great_a apostle_n be_v bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n act_v 22.3_o and_o do_v abound_v in_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o learning_n though_o he_o count_v it_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n phil._n 3.8_o and_o the_o most_o eminent_a instrument_n for_o god_n in_o his_o church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v man_n of_o great_a reason_n and_o learning_n as_o athanasius_n basil_n jerome_n cyprian_n augustine_n luther_n melancton_n pucer_n calvin_n jewel_n reynolds_n etc._n etc._n second_o the_o penman_n of_o holy_a scripture_n make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o that_o accurate_a method_n those_o figurative_a expression_n rhetorical_a propriety_n of_o word_n insinuate_a proem_n and_o rational_a argumentation_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o bible_n the_o apostle_n paul_n deduce_v a_o inference_n from_o a_o common_a principle_n of_o philosophy_n act_v 17.28_o 29._o and_o quote_v the_o say_n of_o some_o heathen_a writer_n three_o secular_a learning_n reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v a_o man_n to_o understand_v the_o grammatical_a literal_a sense_n which_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o meet_v with_o physics_n in_o genesis_n with_o ethic_n in_o the_o proverb_n and_o with_o many_o allusion_n in_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o beast_n and_o bird_n and_o likewise_o with_o allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o babylonian_n jew_n persian_n roman_n therefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o history_n of_o those_o nation_n and_o their_o government_n be_v very_o useful_a four_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o time_n by_o the_o olympiad_n and_o other_o way_n of_o computation_n wherein_o humane_a author_n minister_v much_o light_n be_v necessary_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n chronology_n and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n and_o the_o revelation_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o write_n of_o learned_a mede_n and_o other_o five_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o original_a tongue_n hebrew_n and_o greek_a in_o which_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v first_o pen_v do_v great_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o right_a sense_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o there_o be_v some_o text_n which_o can_v be_v so_o full_o and_o emphatical_o render_v in_o any_o vulgar_a translation_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o augustine_n himself_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a among_o the_o father_n have_v but_o little_a skill_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o none_o at_o all_o in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v with_o divers_a godly_a painful_a minister_n from_o time_n to_o time_n who_o faithful_a labour_n notwithstanding_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o great_a success_n six_o humane_a learning_n and_o reason_n be_v profitable_a and_o useful_a for_o instruct_v and_o convince_a pagan_n and_o heathen_n who_o do_v not_o yet_o acknowledge_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n thus_o divers_a of_o the_o ancient_a father_n as_o tertullian_n origen_n lactantius_n basil_n cyril_n augustine_n etc._n etc._n confute_v the_o learned_a heathen_a philosopher_n out_o of_o their_o own_o write_n as_o david_n kill_v goliath_n with_o his_o own_o sword_n and_o in_o latter_a time_n aquinas_n grotius_n morney_n and_o other_o have_v most_o learned_o and_o excellent_o improve_v the_o true_a say_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n against_o themselves_o and_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o verity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v also_o endeavour_v in_o this_o treatise_n seven_o grant_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v all_o christian_n we_o ought_v to_o exercise_v our_o reason_n in_o search_v these_o sacred_a book_n look_v into_o the_o grammar_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o form_n of_o expression_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o logic_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o scope_n context_n and_o consent_v thereof_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n and_o interpret_n the_o more_o obscure_a place_n by_o the_o clear_a according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n that_o differ_v ephes_n 5.17_o 1_o thes_n 5.21_o act_n 17.11_o heb._n 5.14_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a as_o have_v be_v prove_v in_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n in_o which_o respect_n we_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a good_a use_n of_o reason_n 8._o reason_n haec_fw-la autem_fw-la exploratio_fw-la atque_fw-la examinatio_fw-la doctrinarum_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la nisi_fw-la adhibito_fw-la rationis_fw-la judicio_fw-la quae_fw-la judicat_fw-la de_fw-la veritate_fw-la consequentiarum_fw-la per_fw-la sva_fw-la principia_fw-la de_fw-la veritate_fw-la rerum_fw-la non_fw-la innitendo_fw-la principiis_fw-la sibi_fw-la notis_fw-la extra_fw-la verbum_fw-la dei_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o scriptura_fw-la sacra_fw-la traditis_fw-la b._n daven_n in_o coll._n 2._o 8._o so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o teach_v that_o man_n in_o search_v into_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v become_v either_o fool_n or_o madman_n or_o enthusiast_n eight_o and_o last_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v necessary_a both_o in_o religious_a and_o moral_a thing_n as_o it_o be_v seat_v in_o man_n every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n john_n 1.9_o and_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v necessary_a in_o two_o respect_n first_o as_o a_o passive_a qualification_n of_o the_o subject_n for_o faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o there_o can_v be_v faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o a_o stone_n or_o beast_n that_o want_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n this_o make_v man_n in_o a_o passive_a capacity_n fit_a for_o grace_n although_o he_o have_v no_o active_a ability_n for_o it_o and_o then_o second_o it_o be_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o a_o instrument_n for_o we_o can_v believe_v or_o apprehend_v christ_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o principle_n of_o reason_n in_o we_o it_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o a_o act_n of_o understanding_n or_o knowledge_n do_v always_o accompany_v true_a faith_n through_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n heb._n 11.3_o we_o understand_v that_o the_o world_n be_v frame_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n chap._n xxii_o wherein_o humane_a reason_n come_v far_o short_a and_o be_v abuse_v in_o reference_n to_o divine_a thing_n have_v in_o the_o chapter_n immediate_o go_v before_o mention_v divers_a particular_n wherein_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n tell_v you_o particular_o and_o plain_o wherein_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n come_v far_o short_a in_o matter_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a sum_v up_o in_o a_o little_a room_n what_o have_v be_v more_o large_o set_v forth_o on_o this_o subject_n both_o in_o this_o and_o other_o treatise_n reason_n treatise_n the_o defect_n that_o be_v in_o man_n reason_n first_o then_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o justification_n of_o sinner_n by_o his_o righteousness_n can_v be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n it_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n to_o conceive_v of_o they_o but_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o mere_a supernatural_a revelation_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o 10._o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o when_o through_o faith_n we_o have_v believe_v they_o reason_n will_v also_o subscribe_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o can_v lie_v yet_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n can_v never_o have_v find_v out_o nor_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o mystery_n if_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o reveal_v they_o there_o be_v some_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o be_v both_o believe_v and_o take_v up_o by_o reason_n as_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o the_o world_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v only_o believe_v as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n which_o our_o weak_a reason_n can_v take_v up_o or_o apprehend_v there_o be_v a_o wonderful_a depth_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o
gospel_n this_o well_o be_v so_o deep_a as_o the_o woman_n tell_v christ_n in_o another_o case_n john_n 4.11_o that_o unless_o we_o have_v the_o bucket_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o draw_v with_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a by_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o reason_n to_o bring_v up_o this_o live_a water_n unless_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o power_n to_o dig_v with_o we_o shall_v never_o find_v this_o spiritual_a treasure_n nature_n indeed_o will_v go_v far_o and_o the_o improve_v natural_a man_n may_v do_v much_o by_o his_o skill_n and_o industry_n in_o find_v out_o and_o discover_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a in_o their_o kind_n such_o a_o man_n as_o job_n speak_v chap._n 28.7_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 21_o 23_o can_v dig_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n gold_n iron_n brass_n brimstone_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o metal_n nay_o he_o can_v see_v further_o than_o the_o bird_n of_o prey_n which_o though_o they_o be_v quicksight_v yet_o can_v they_o not_o behold_v these_o metal_n which_o he_o by_o his_o skill_n can_v discover_v and_o dig_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v a_o path_n which_o no_o fowl_n know_v and_o which_o the_o vulture_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v yet_o man_n trace_v it_o by_o his_o skill_n yea_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v hide_v bring_v he_o forth_o to_o light_n but_o yet_o he_o can_v by_o all_o his_o natural_a reason_n and_o skill_n though_o never_o so_o much_o improve_v spiritual_o and_o save_o discern_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o where_o shall_v wisdom_n be_v find_v namely_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o essential_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o who_o be_v make_v of_o god_n wisdom_n to_o we_o and_o where_o be_v the_o place_n of_o understanding_n go_v over_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o man_n know_v not_o the_o price_n thereof_o neither_o be_v it_o find_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n it_o be_v not_o within_o the_o reach_n or_o sphere_n of_o the_o wise_a natural_a man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o can_v dig_v this_o mine_n or_o find_v out_o this_o treasure_n they_o can_v comprehend_v this_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a mystery_n for_o it_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o that_o be_v live_v and_o keep_v close_o from_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n whence_o then_o come_v this_o divine_a wisdom_n where_o be_v it_o to_o be_v have_v and_o how_o shall_v we_o attain_v to_o it_o he_o tell_v you_o ver_fw-la 23._o that_o this_o wisdom_n be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n and_o must_v be_v reveal_v by_o he_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v never_o saving_o apprehend_v it_o god_n understand_v the_o way_n and_o know_v the_o place_n thereof_o for_o wisdom_n be_v with_o he_o from_o eternity_n when_o he_o make_v a_o decree_n for_o the_o rain_n and_o a_o way_n for_o the_o lightning_n of_o the_o thunder_n then_o do_v he_o prepare_v it_o yea_o and_o search_v it_o out_o or_o as_o it_o be_v prov._n 8.29_o 30._o a_o place_n parallel_n with_o this_o of_o job_n when_o he_o give_v to_o the_o sea_n his_o decree_n that_o the_o water_n thereof_o shall_v not_o pass_v his_o command_n when_o he_o appoint_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n than_o be_v i_o by_o he_o say_v christ_n as_o one_o bring_v up_o with_o he_o and_o i_o be_v daily_o his_o delight_n rejoice_v always_o before_o he_o second_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n can_v true_o discover_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o the_o deep_a deceit_n of_o his_o heart_n which_o be_v only_o make_v know_v by_o scripture_n light_n and_o revelation_n jer._n 17.9_o darkness_n can_v discover_v darkness_n nor_o can_v corruption_n discover_v itself_o indeed_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n improve_v by_o education_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n man_n may_v discover_v a_o great_a languishment_n and_o infirmity_n that_o be_v come_v upon_o they_o divers_a learned_a writer_n have_v show_v that_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a platonist_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o man_n soul_n be_v now_o vassalize_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o affection_n and_o that_o her_o wing_n be_v cut_v so_o that_o she_o can_v mount_v upward_o by_o divine_a contemplation_n but_o as_o for_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o original_a corruption_n and_o how_o it_o be_v bring_v upon_o we_o together_o with_o the_o woeful_a concomitant_n and_o effect_n thereof_o these_o can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o scripture_n light_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o have_v not_o know_v lust_n to_o be_v sin_n have_v not_o the_o law_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o lust_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v altogether_o insufficient_a to_o prescribe_v or_o set_v down_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n do_v so_o often_o forbid_v we_o to_o walk_v after_o our_o own_o imagination_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o house_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o will-worship_n col._n 2.23_o when_o a_o man_n be_v own_o will_n or_o invention_n be_v the_o framer_n of_o it_o if_o man_n be_v teach_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 12._o nature_n vide_fw-la calvin_n instit_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n 5._o sect_n 12._o they_o can_v know_v nothing_o certain_o and_o sound_o touch_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o their_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n will_v be_v confuse_v and_o carnal_a and_o exceed_v unsuitable_a to_o god_n who_o be_v a_o holy_a spirit_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o few_o among_o the_o heathen_n that_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o mad_a as_o the_o common_a people_n yet_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o they_o do_v exceed_o wander_v and_o go_v astray_o devise_v and_o contrive_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o vain_a opinion_n and_o imagination_n socrates_n the_o wise_a philosopher_n in_o zenophon_n praise_v the_o answer_n of_o apollo_n wherein_o he_o will_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v worship_v the_o god_n after_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o his_o country_n or_o city_n but_o oh_o what_o folly_n and_o madness_n be_v this_o how_o come_v mortal_a man_n by_o this_o power_n that_o of_o their_o own_o authority_n they_o shall_v determine_v that_o which_o far_o surmount_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n natural_a reason_n will_v have_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n sensible_a and_o please_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o appoint_v other_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n beside_o christ_n and_o to_o perform_v all_o duty_n of_o worship_n in_o its_o own_o strength_n and_o by_o way_n of_o compensation_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n reason_n come_v far_o short_a and_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n god_n will_v be_v worship_v though_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o moral_a prudence_n when_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o own_o worship_n may_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o instrumental_a in_o order_v some_o civil_a circumstance_n relate_v thereunto_o and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n affair_n nor_o do_v that_o text_n rom._n 12.1_o argue_v that_o man_n reason_n can_v devise_v or_o find_v out_o that_o worship_n and_o service_n which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n this_o be_v more_o than_o the_o great_a rationalist_n and_o moralist_n among_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n can_v ever_o attain_v to_o but_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d your_o reasonable_a serve_v of_o god_n he_o understand_v that_o service_n which_o be_v not_o only_o or_o chief_o with_o the_o body_n but_o with_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n for_o so_o will_v god_n be_v worship_v john_n 4.23_o and_o so_o chrysostome_n and_o other_o call_v this_o reasonable_a service_n spiritualem_fw-la cultum_fw-la spiritual_a worship_n or_o service_n when_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n this_o interpretation_n be_v further_o confirm_v out_o of_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o where_o the_o apostle_n peter_n call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o reasonable_a that_o be_v spiritual_a milk_n and_o ver_fw-la 5._o the_o service_n or_o sacrifice_v of_o a_o christian_a be_v spiritual_a and_o so_o it_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o it_o be_v well_o observe_v by_o divers_a learned_a interpreter_n on_o rom._n 12.1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a opposition_n between_o this_o reasonable_a service_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o will_v worship_v as_o it_o be_v call_v col._n 2.23_o when_o man_n invent_v a_o religious_a worship_n suitable_a to_o their_o own_o carnal_a humour_n and_o interest_n whereas_o that_o be_v
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 16●_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
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 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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 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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 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