their_o enemy_n be_v it_o not_o more_o true_o honourable_a and_o glorious_a to_o serve_v that_o god_n who_o command_v the_o whole_a world_n than_o to_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o those_o passion_n and_o lust_n which_o put_v man_n upon_o continual_a hard_a service_n and_o torment_v they_o for_o it_o when_o they_o have_v do_v it_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o commend_v religion_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n beside_o the_o tranquillity_n and_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n that_o serene_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n which_o follow_v a_o good_a conscience_n wheresover_v it_o dwell_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v man_n welcome_v that_o guest_n which_o bring_v such_o good_a entertainment_n with_o it_o whereas_o the_o amazement_n horror_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n which_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o haunt_v such_o who_o prostitute_v their_o conscience_n to_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o rectify_a reason_n may_v be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v any_o 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shall_v not_o return_v ninus_n that_o great_a king_n next_o from_o nimrod_n save_o belus_n at_o his_o death_n leave_v this_o testimony_n look_v on_o this_o tomb_n and_o hear_v where_o ninus_n be_v whether_o thou_o be_v a_o assyrian_a a_o mede_n or_o a_o indian_a i_o speak_v to_o thou_o no_o frivolous_a nor_o vain_a matter_n former_o i_o be_v ninus_n and_o live_v as_o thou_o do_v i_o be_o now_o no_o more_o than_o a_o piece_n of_o earth_n all_o the_o meat_n that_o i_o have_v like_o a_o glutton_n devour_v all_o the_o pleasure_n that_o i_o like_v a_o beast_n enjoy_v all_o the_o beautiful_a woman_n that_o i_o so_o notorious_o abuse_v all_o the_o riches_n and_o glory_n that_o i_o so_o proud_o possess_v i_o be_o now_o deprive_v of_o and_o when_o i_o go_v into_o the_o invisible_a state_n i_o have_v neither_o gold_n nor_o horse_n nor_o chariot_n i_o that_o wear_v the_o rich_a crown_n of_o gold_n be_o now_o poor_a dust_n cyrus_n the_o persian_a leave_v this_o memento_n behind_o he_o to_o all_o mankind_n as_o plutarch_n and_o other_o tell_v we_o whosoever_o thou_o be_v o_o o_o man_n and_o whence-soev_a thou_o come_v for_o i_o know_v thou_o will_v come_v to_o the_o same_o condition_n that_o i_o be_o in_o i_o be_o cyrus_n who_o bring_v the_o empire_n to_o the_o persian_n do_v not_o i_o beseech_v thou_o envy_v i_o this_o little_a piece_n of_o ground_n which_o cover_v my_o body_n alexander_n the_o great_a who_o conquer_v the_o world_n be_v at_o last_o as_o we_o find_v in_o plutarch_n curtius_n and_o other_o so_o possess_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o religion_n that_o he_o be_v under_o much_o trouble_n and_o anxiety_n of_o spirit_n and_o look_v upon_o every_o little_a matter_n as_o portentous_a and_o ominous_a so_o dreadful_a a_o thing_n say_v plutarch_n be_v the_o contempt_n of_o god_n which_o soon_o or_o late_a fill_v all_o man_n mind_n with_o fear_n and_o terror_n julius_n caesar_n who_o conquer_a so_o many_o nation_n and_o at_o last_o subdue_v and_o possess_v the_o roman_a empire_n can_v not_o conquer_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o conscience_n which_o trouble_v he_o with_o dream_n and_o terrify_v he_o with_o vision_n put_v he_o upon_o sacrifice_v and_o consult_v all_o sort_n of_o priest_n and_o augur_n though_o he_o find_v comfort_n from_o none_o in_o so_o much_o as_o a_o little_a before_o he_o die_v he_o be_v as_o heartless_a as_o the_o ominous_a sacrifice_n be_v that_o he_o offer_v profess_v to_o his_o most_o intimate_a friend_n that_o since_o he_o have_v make_v a_o end_n of_o the_o war_n abroad_o he_o have_v no_o peace_n at_o home_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o tiberius_n caesar_n nero_n and_o other_o roman_a emperor_n hadrian_n the_o emperor_n celebrate_v his_o own_o funeral_n carry_v before_o he_o his_o coffin_n in_o triumph_n when_o he_o live_v and_o when_o he_o be_v a_o die_v cry_v out_o lamentable_o animula_fw-la vagula_fw-la blandula_fw-la quae_fw-la abibis_fw-la in_o loca_fw-la ah_o poor_a soul_n whither_o will_v thou_o go_v what_o will_v become_v of_o thou_o thus_o the_o great_a prince_n have_v especial_o near_o their_o latter_a end_n a_o deep_a sense_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n and_o their_o eternal_a estate_n in_o another_o world_n nor_o do_v ever_o any_o prince_n captain_n or_o lawgiver_n go_v about_o any_o great_a matter_n but_o at_o length_n he_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o a_o god_n as_o numa_n lycurgus_n solon_n scipio_n and_o other_o titus_n and_o nerva_n two_o roman_a emperor_n have_v such_o serious_a thought_n and_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o a_o deity_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o neither_o of_o they_o as_o the_o historian_n say_v be_v ever_o see_v to_o smile_v or_o play_v septimius_n severus_n that_o victorious_a roman_a emperor_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n riches_n and_o greatness_n say_v at_o his_o death_n i_o have_v be_v all_o thing_n and_o it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o charles_n the_o five_o that_o famous_a german_a emperor_n after_o twenty_o three_o pitch_a battle_n six_o triumph_n four_o kingdom_n win_v and_o eight_o principality_n add_v to_o his_o other_o dominion_n resign_v all_o these_o in_o his_o life_n time_n to_o his_o son_n and_o betake_v himself_o to_o a_o retire_a life_n and_o to_o his_o private_a devotion_n this_o great_a and_o wise_a prince_n have_v his_o own_o funeral_n celebrate_v beforre_v his_o face_n and_o leave_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o sincere_a profession_n of_o it_o have_v in_o it_o those_o sweet_n and_o joy_n which_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n be_v stranger_n to_o ground_v his_o hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n upon_o the_o sole_a righteousness_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n his_o mediator_n and_o not_o upon_o his_o own_o work_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n divers_a little_a paper_n be_v write_v by_o he_o and_o find_v immediate_o after_o his_o death_n as_o be_v record_v by_o a_o author_n who_o write_v the_o life_n of_o don_n carlos_n his_o grandchild_n philip_n the_o three_o king_n of_o spain_n lie_v on_o his_o deathbed_n the_o last_o of_o march_n 1621._o send_v thrice_o at_o midnight_n for_o florentius_n his_o confessor_n who_o grave_o exhort_v he_o patient_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o king_n can_v not_o choose_v but_o weep_v say_v lo_o now_o my_o fatal_a hour_n be_v at_o hand_n but_o shall_v i_o obtain_v eternal_a felicity_n at_o which_o word_n great_a grief_n and_o trouble_n of_o mind_n seize_v on_o the_o king_n he_o say_v to_o his_o confessor_n you_o have_v not_o hit_v upon_o the_o right_a way_n of_o heal_a be_v there_o no_o other_o remedy_n which_o word_n when_o the_o confessor_n understand_v of_o his_o body_n the_o king_n reply_v ah_o ah_o i_o be_o not_o solicitous_a for_o my_o body_n or_o temporary_a disease_n but_o for_o my_o soul_n cardinal_z wolsey_z that_o great_a minister_n of_o state_n who_o for_o some_o year_n give_v law_n to_o england_n and_o to_o other_o nation_n pour_v out_o his_o soul_n in_o these_o sad_a word_n have_v i_o be_v as_o diligent_a to_o serve_v my_o god_n as_o i_o have_v be_v to_o please_v my_o prince_n he_o will_v not_o have_v forsake_v i_o now_o in_o my_o gray_a hair_n sir_n francis_n walsingham_n that_o great_a and_o wise_a statesman_n towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o life_n grow_v very_o melancholy_a and_o write_v to_o the_o lord_n treasurer_n burleigh_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o have_v live_v enough_o to_o our_o country_n to_o our_o fortune_n and_o to_o our_o sovereign_n it_o be_v now_o high_a time_n we_o begin_v to_o live_v to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o our_o god_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o affair_n which_o have_v pass_v through_o our_o hand_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v great_a miscarriage_n for_o which_o a_o whole_a kingdom_n can_v
a_o seasonable_a discourse_n of_o the_o right_a use_n and_o abuse_v of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o philologus_n ratio_fw-la recta_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la lumine_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la directa_fw-la london_n print_v for_o thomas_n passenger_n at_o the_o three_o bibles_n on_o london-bridge_n 1676._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a and_o virtuous_a lady_n the_o lady_n marchioness_n of_o worcester_z madam_n it_o be_v true_o observe_v that_o worldly_a greatness_n without_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o vigour_n of_o vice_n have_v both_o mind_n and_o mean_n to_o be_v uncontrollable_o vicious_a but_o nobility_n join_v with_o virtue_n render_v the_o person_n true_o honourable_a the_o true_a stamp_n of_o nobility_n and_o honour_n be_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v value_v by_o the_o grandeur_n of_o their_o outward_a estate_n or_o title_n as_o by_o their_o inward_a goodness_n virtue_n and_o seriousness_n in_o religion_n be_v commendable_a in_o all_o person_n and_o at_o all_o time_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o person_n of_o your_o rank_n and_o quality_n at_o this_o time_n and_o in_o this_o nation_n wherein_o alas_o atheism_n scepticism_n drollery_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o profaneness_n abound_v among_o those_o that_o will_v be_v think_v to_o excel_v all_o other_o in_o wit_n and_o courage_n and_o gallantry_n and_o who_o shall_v give_v a_o far_o better_a example_n to_o their_o inferior_n this_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n which_o now_o abound_v have_v be_v partly_o occasion_v by_o the_o uncharitable_a unchristian_a heat_n and_o animosity_n of_o man_n of_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o sentiment_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n together_o with_o those_o great_a scandal_n which_o we_o can_v never_o sufficient_o lament_v that_o have_v be_v give_v by_o some_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o these_o nation_n hence_o man_n of_o proud_a spirit_n and_o corrupt_a principle_n have_v take_v occasion_n to_o doubt_n and_o question_v all_o kind_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o look_v on_o it_o only_o as_o a_o political_a device_n and_o invention_n which_o do_v no_o further_o oblige_v than_o the_o humane_a law_n of_o several_a country_n do_v authorise_v it_o but_o though_o these_o common_a scandal_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n yet_o the_o true_a ground_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o such_o man_n prejudice_n and_o scepticism_n be_v the_o strictness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o of_o all_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a and_o which_o they_o find_v lay_v too_o great_a a_o restraint_n upon_o their_o exorbitant_a lust_n and_o carnal_a passion_n to_o be_v good_a in_o bad_a time_n to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o pious_a in_o a_o age_n wherein_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n be_v so_o general_o countenance_v and_o practise_v this_o madam_n add_v a_o great_a lustre_n to_o your_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n and_o indeed_o your_o great_a interest_n and_o happiness_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o be_v sensible_a of_o consist_v in_o be_v true_o serious_a and_o religious_a this_o be_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n eccles_n 12.13_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o religion_n be_v that_o which_o every_o considerate_a person_n after_o all_o his_o other_o disquisition_n will_v find_v to_o be_v his_o chief_a interest_n and_o that_o which_o do_v deserve_v his_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n or_o as_o the_o septuagint_n read_v it_o this_o be_v all_o this_o indeed_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o man_n as_o be_v most_o profitable_a and_o advantageous_a to_o he_o go_v on_o madam_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o add_v virtue_n to_o virtue_n that_o your_o last_o day_n and_o last_o work_n may_v be_v your_o best_a day_n and_o best_a work_n and_o that_o you_o may_v practical_o confute_v the_o atheist_n of_o our_o time_n who_o walk_v and_o talk_v and_o live_v and_o die_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o the_o world_n no_o certainty_n no_o seriousness_n in_o religion_n these_o person_n be_v under_o a_o judicial_a blindness_n desperate_o rebel_a not_o only_o against_o the_o light_n of_o gospel-revelation_n but_o against_o that_o light_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v in_o they_o god_n have_v give_v they_o reason_n and_o understanding_n eye_n that_o they_o may_v see_v heart_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v but_o they_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o that_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o so_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n it_o be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o they_o give_v up_o to_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o the_o great_a spiritual_a plague_n and_o judgement_n it_o be_v to_o be_v admire_v see_v there_o be_v such_o convince_a reason_n and_o demonstration_n even_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n against_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o creature_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o these_o atheist_n and_o sceptic_n when_o certain_o there_o be_v none_o such_o in_o hell_n for_o the_o devil_n themselves_o believe_v and_o tremble_v so_o that_o in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o devil_n and_o though_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o wit_n of_o the_o time_n yet_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o of_o opinion_n with_o the_o noble_a mirandula_n that_o there_o be_v no_o atheist_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v in_o his_o wit_n the_o rational_a soul_n of_o such_o monster_n be_v sink_v down_o into_o mere_a sensuality_n and_o brutishness_n plutarch_n that_o grave_a moralist_n lib._n de_fw-la superstit_fw-la style_v irreligion_n a_o kind_n of_o stupor_n whereby_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o sense_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_o improper_a thing_n to_o ascribe_v true_a reason_n to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v the_o deity_n and_o cicero_n that_o wise_a philosopher_n and_o orator_n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n lib._n 2._o say_v he_o can_v hardly_o think_v that_o man_n to_o be_v in_o his_o right_a mind_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o religion_n and_o again_o why_o shall_v any_o one_o stile_n such_o a_o one_o a_o man_n who_o by_o what_o he_o see_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o convince_v of_o a_o deity_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o of_o the_o adoration_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o that_o deity_n and_o the_o satirist_n 15._o satirist_n juv._n sat._n 15._o speak_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o divine_a thing_n say_v separate_a hoc_fw-la nos_fw-la a_fw-la grege_fw-la multorum_fw-la atque_fw-la ideo_fw-la venerabile_fw-la soli_fw-la sortiti_fw-la ingenium_fw-la divinorumque_fw-la capaces_fw-la it_o be_v this_o which_o do_v distinguish_v we_o from_o brute_n creature_n that_o we_o have_v soul_n capable_a of_o divine_a impression_n so_o that_o such_o person_n have_v no_o just_a pretence_n to_o reason_n who_o renounce_v religion_n or_o turn_v it_o into_o mere_a scepticism_n but_o however_o some_o man_n for_o a_o little_a time_n may_v offer_v violence_n to_o their_o reason_n and_o conscience_n whilst_o they_o prosper_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v once_o alarm_v by_o a_o violent_a sickness_n or_o some_o other_o great_a affliction_n which_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o they_o shall_v be_v expose_v unto_o then_o will_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o of_o eternal_a wrath_n and_o punishment_n seize_v upon_o they_o with_o so_o much_o the_o great_a force_n and_o power_n which_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o shake_v off_o he_o sunt_fw-la qui_fw-la trepidant_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la omne_fw-la fulgura_fw-la pallent_fw-la we_o may_v true_o say_v of_o the_o atheist_n of_o our_o time_n as_o plato_n do_v of_o tyrant_n if_o any_o person_n can_v but_o see_v thorough_o into_o their_o soul_n he_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o their_o life_n full_a of_o fear_n guilt_n and_o torment_n pectus_fw-la inuste_fw-la deformant_fw-la maculae_fw-la vitiisque_fw-la inolevit_fw-la imago_fw-la do_v now_o say_v a_o excellent_a author_n the_o conquest_n of_o passion_n forgive_a of_o injury_n do_v good_a self-denial_n humility_n patience_n under_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o real_a expression_n of_o piety_n speak_v nothing_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a than_o a_o luxurious_a malicious_a proud_a and_o impatient_a spirit_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o become_v and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o a_o holy_a well-ordered_a conversation_n than_o in_o the_o lightness_n and_o vanity_n not_o to_o say_v rudeness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o those_o who_o the_o world_n account_v the_o great_a gallant_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o graceful_a and_o please_a in_o the_o sweetness_n candour_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o true_o christian_a temper_n and_o disposition_n than_o in_o the_o revengeful_a implacable_a spirit_n of_o such_o who_o honour_n be_v feed_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o
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 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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 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by_o judgement_n and_o reason_n when_o young_a man_n despise_v the_o grave_a reason_n of_o those_o that_o be_v ancient_a and_o experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o when_o private_a christian_n will_v not_o be_v sway_v by_o the_o weighty_a reason_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o church-officer_n as_o to_o civil_a circumstance_n order_n and_o decency_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o be_v fierce_a and_o heady_a and_o disorderly_a in_o their_o action_n and_o proceed_n and_o will_v give_v no_o reason_n thereof_o but_o their_o own_o will_n and_o humour_n true_o this_o be_v irrational_a and_o tend_v to_o confusion_n this_o be_v not_o to_o act_v like_o sober_a understand_a christian_n nor_o will_v it_o bring_v honour_n to_o but_o contempt_n upon_o the_o way_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o those_o person_n whatever_o they_o be_v that_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o determine_v religious_a or_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n that_o be_v in_o 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and_o excellency_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n by_o their_o rhetorical_a hyperbolical_a praise_n when_o as_o those_o that_o live_v under_o the_o sunshine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o error_n and_o to_o attribute_v that_o to_o nature_n which_o be_v only_o due_a to_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n what_o do_v pelagius_n and_o his_o follower_n whereof_o there_o be_v too_o many_o in_o our_o day_n but_o take_v the_o crown_n from_o christ_n and_o set_v it_o upon_o nature_n head_n and_o place_v the_o creature_n in_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o grace_n a_o learned_a man_n pelag._n man_n ger._n vossius_fw-la histor_n pelag._n give_v we_o this_o brief_a character_n of_o pelagius_n that_o he_o be_v humani_fw-la arbitrii_fw-la decomptor_n &_o divinae_fw-la gratiae_n contemptor_n a_o trim_a of_o nature_n and_o a_o contemner_n of_o grace_n all_o man_n be_v bear_v pelagian_n nature_n be_v predominant_a in_o they_o and_o will_v not_o easy_o subordinate_a itself_o to_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n or_o that_o which_o be_v supernatural_a and_o therefore_o this_o doctrine_n spread_v far_o and_o near_o as_o bradwardine_n complain_v in_o his_o time_n totus_fw-la penè_fw-la mundus_fw-la post_fw-la pelagium_fw-la abiit_fw-la in_o errorem_fw-la and_o yet_o pelagius_n though_o he_o be_v such_o a_o admirer_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n do_v not_o altogether_o deny_v the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o point_n of_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n no_o more_o than_o other_o who_o yet_o at_o this_o day_n ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o nature_n and_o reason_n for_o first_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n necessary_a for_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n yea_o second_o for_o exciting_a the_o will_n to_o determine_v itself_o but_o three_o he_o will_v never_o acknowledge_v the_o supernatural_a efficacy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n so_o as_o to_o give_v it_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a power_n and_o principle_n and_o likewise_o the_o act_n of_o that_o power_n towards_o god_n who_o give_v we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n phil._n 2.13_o this_o he_o always_o bogle_v at_o as_o be_v unwilling_a to_o captivate_v nature_n and_o reason_n to_o the_o efficacious_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o under_o a_o specious_a presence_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n he_o advance_v the_o natural_a power_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n and_o change_v grace_n into_o nature_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o supernatural_a in_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n sub_fw-la laud_fw-la naturae_fw-la latent_fw-la inimici_fw-la gratiae_fw-la if_o it_o be_v by_o grace_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 11.6_o than_o it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o work_n otherwise_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o work_n then_o be_v it_o no_o more_o grace_n otherwise_o work_n be_v no_o more_o work_n nature_n and_o grace_n reason_n and_o faith_n must_v not_o be_v thus_o mingle_v and_o jumble_v together_o for_o it_o be_v not_o grace_v indeed_o unless_o it_o be_v every_o way_n pure_a and_o free_a grace_n those_o that_o tell_v we_o with_o ignorance_n and_o boldness_n enough_o that_o the_o improvement_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n may_v merit_v grace_n and_o glory_n may_v as_o well_o tell_v we_o if_o they_o please_v that_o a_o small_a candle_n by_o its_o shine_a may_v merit_v to_o be_v a_o star_n yea_o to_o be_v a_o sun_n nor_o be_v nature_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v exalt_v by_o some_o man_n always_o constant_a to_o its_o own_o light_n and_o profess_v rule_n and_o principle_n which_o evident_o appear_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o darling_n of_o nature_n whilst_o they_o have_v run_v into_o some_o unnatural_a vice_n that_o be_v the_o very_a blush_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o nature_n can_v tell_v how_o to_o live_v upon_o earth_n sure_o it_o will_v never_o be_v able_a
the_o flesh_n and_o forforsake_v the_o good_a of_o this_o world_n which_o a_o man_n will_v not_o do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n in_o which_o he_o find_v the_o recompense_n of_o his_o loss_n yea_o this_o very_a persuasion_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n make_v some_o heathen_n willing_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o their_o country_n if_o our_o last_o end_n be_v only_o in_o this_o life_n than_o all_o that_o we_o do_v shall_v be_v for_o this_o last_o end_n to_o aim_v at_o it_o to_o procure_v it_o and_o never_o to_o cross_v it_o doubtless_o it_o be_v great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o man_n to_o undergo_v so_o many_o hard_a thing_n as_o they_o do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o a_o persuasion_n in_o their_o heart_n of_o this_o immortality_n and_o if_o their_o hope_n be_v only_o in_o this_o life_n of_o all_o man_n they_o shall_v be_v most_o miserable_a but_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o they_o find_v that_o this_o 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nature_n and_o other_o so_o void_a of_o reason_n as_o that_o nothing_o but_o a_o firm_a and_o deep_a persuasion_n of_o a_o divine_a judgement_n and_o of_o their_o own_o immortality_n can_v ever_o have_v impose_v they_o upon_o their_o conscience_n and_o beside_o this_o consent_n of_o man_n unto_o religion_n in_o general_n we_o find_v it_o also_o unto_o this_o one_o part_n thereof_o namely_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n all_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a repute_a philosopher_n for_o learning_n and_o honesty_n and_o even_o barbarian_n infidel_n and_o savage_a people_n have_v discern_v it_o by_o the_o glimmering_n of_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n chap._n xi_o the_o verity_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evince_v by_o reason_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o convince_v heathen_n and_o infidel_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v no_o religion_n at_o this_o day_n profess_v throughout_o the_o world_n that_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n in_o it_o and_o for_o it_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o way_n of_o cleanse_v and_o expiate_a sin_n by_o christ_n the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o mediator_n the_o exactness_n of_o divine_a justice_n which_o require_v satisfaction_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n prescribe_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o instruction_n thereof_o the_o exemplary_a life_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n how_o many_o thing_n in_o our_o religion_n be_v witness_v to_o and_o approve_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o rational_a and_o learned_a heathen_n and_o how_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o julian_n porphyry_n and_o other_o be_v once_o christian_n and_o come_v to_o renounce_v the_o same_o mere_o through_o pride_n and_o discontent_n if_o these_o and_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o our_o religion_n be_v but_o due_o weigh_v it_o will_v appear_v even_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v much_o truth_n and_o excellency_n therein_o and_o that_o other_o religion_n be_v but_o fictitious_a and_o vain_a have_v no_o rational_a consistence_n in_o they_o but_o we_o will_v handle_v this_o matter_n more_o particular_o though_o with_o as_o much_o brevity_n as_o possible_o we_o can_v first_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n prima_fw-la sunt_fw-la vera_fw-la verum_fw-la est_fw-la prius_fw-la that_o be_v most_o true_a which_o be_v most_o ancient_a see_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v the_o way_n whereby_o man_n must_v come_v to_o god_n and_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o and_o be_v copula_fw-la relationis_fw-la between_o god_n and_o man_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o man_n be_v as_o for_o the_o write_n of_o most_o of_o the_o heathen_n unless_o it_o be_v those_o that_o be_v forge_v and_o suppositious_a they_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o in_o comparison_n of_o moses_n the_o lawgiver_n under_o god_n to_o the_o jew_n even_o orpheus_n the_o first_o heathen_a poet_n be_v eight_o hundred_o year_n after_o moses_n as_o strabo_n plutarch_n and_o diodorus_n siculus_n testify_v the_o most_o ancient_a record_n of_o the_o heathen_n begin_v in_o solon_n time_n which_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n the_o roman_n have_v their_o religion_n from_o the_o grecian_n and_o the_o grecian_n from_o caecrop_a a_o egyptian_a and_o the_o carthaginian_n have_v they_o from_o cadmus_n a_o phoenician_n now_o these_o two_o country_n egypt_n and_o phoenicia_n with_o the_o mediterranean_a sea_n do_v compass_n about_o judaea_n and_o therefore_o any_o man_n that_o be_v rational_a may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o all_o their_o religion_n come_v from_o the_o jew_n this_o be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v by_o several_a writer_n of_o we_o and_o particular_o by_o mr._n gale_n in_o his_o late_a book_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a for_o i_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o subject_n when_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o greece_n ask_v their_o god_n whence_o the_o knowledge_n of_o art_n and_o science_n shall_v come_v they_o receive_v this_o answer_n solus_fw-la utique_fw-la chaldaeus_n sapiens_fw-la and_o orpheus_n their_o ancient_a poet_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o god_n be_v angry_a he_o destroy_v the_o world_n commit_v the_o truth_n uni_fw-la chaldaeo_n and_o plato_n in_o his_o epimenides_n refer_v all_o uni_fw-la barbaro_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v who_o this_o chaldean_a this_o barbarian_a shall_v be_v the_o egyptian_n call_v he_o theut_n which_o signify_v a_o stranger_n meaning_n abraham_n for_o so_o origen_n against_o celsus_n and_o josephus_n against_o appian_n say_v plain_o that_o when_o the_o heathen_a nation_n use_v to_o conjure_v they_o will_v make_v use_n of_o abraham_n name_n say_v per_fw-la deum_fw-la abraham_n well_o then_o if_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v ancient_a we_o
must_v needs_o be_v so_o too_o for_o we_o be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o evangelical_o consider_v their_o type_n sacrifice_n prophecy_n and_o ordinance_n refer_v to_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o very_a substance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o moysaicall_a law_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o evangelium_fw-la reconditum_fw-la a_o veil_a gospel_n and_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n what_o be_v it_o but_o lex_fw-la revelata_fw-la the_o law_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n reveal_v and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a second_o if_o we_o look_v at_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n of_o atonement_n and_o propitiation_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o must_v needs_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o most_o wise_a and_o reasonable_a of_o any_o religion_n the_o eternal_a god_n or_o supreme_a be_v as_o he_o be_v full_a of_o love_n and_o mercy_n so_o he_o be_v just_a and_o righteous_a his_o justice_n be_v infinite_a as_o himself_o be_v he_o will_v so_o show_v mercy_n as_o that_o he_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v infinite_o just_a towards_o the_o the_o offender_n and_o therefore_o in_o reason_n there_o must_v be_v some_o way_n or_o mean_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o atonement_n find_v out_o or_o else_o god_n and_o man_n be_v separarate_v by_o sin_n can_v not_o be_v reunite_v the_o wise_a sort_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v convince_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o man_n be_v alienate_v from_o god_n and_o not_o able_a of_o himself_o to_o come_v to_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o some_o way_n or_o mean_n of_o cleanse_v and_o atonement_n hence_o come_v the_o multitude_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n especial_o when_o any_o great_a plague_n or_o judgement_n be_v upon_o they_o but_o now_o that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n shall_v be_v this_o way_n or_o mean_n by_o give_v up_o himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n of_o this_o they_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a be_v it_o so_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n offend_v by_o sin_n be_v infinite_a then_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o this_o infinite_a justice_n shall_v have_v infinite_a reparation_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o neither_o angel_n nor_o man_n be_v but_o finite_a creature_n can_v give_v to_o the_o infinite_a god_n and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o mediator_n or_o days-man_n that_o take_v up_o the_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v himself_o the_o infinite_a god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n such_o a_o infinite_a satisfaction_n can_v be_v give_v this_o way_n or_o mean_n be_v contrive_v and_o find_v out_o only_o by_o the_o wise_a infinite_a god_n and_o clear_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o in_o no_o other_o religion_n beside_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v even_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n the_o best_a and_o safe_a and_o true_a religion_n as_o that_o which_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o give_v true_a peace_n and_o security_n to_o man_n three_o the_o glorious_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n may_v convince_v any_o man_n reason_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o josephus_n and_o other_o jew_n beside_o he_o but_o also_o divers_a heathen_a author_n and_o some_o of_o christ_n great_a adversary_n do_v acknowledge_v his_o miracle_n julian_n the_o apostata_fw-la as_o great_a a_o enemy_n as_o he_o be_v confess_v that_o jesus_n cure_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a and_o deliver_v some_o from_o devil_n that_o be_v possess_v in_o bethsaida_n and_o bethany_n pilate_n himself_o in_o a_o letter_n of_o he_o to_o the_o emperor_n tiberius_n witness_v that_o jesus_n give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a cleanse_v the_o leper_n heal_v they_o that_o be_v disease_v deliver_v they_o that_o be_v possess_v from_o devil_n overrule_v the_o water_n raise_v the_o dead_a and_z rise_v again_o himself_o from_o the_o dead_a after_o three_o day_n hereupon_o tertullian_n bid_v the_o senate_n and_o people_n of_o rome_n read_v their_o own_o commentary_n and_o search_v their_o record_n where_o they_o shall_v find_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n which_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o real_a tertullian_n himself_o in_o this_o case_n may_v have_v be_v easy_o convict_v of_o lie_v and_o forgery_n these_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v wrought_v not_o in_o one_o or_o two_o place_n but_o in_o many_o not_o in_o a_o corner_n but_o in_o the_o open_a view_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v attend_v with_o such_o majesty_n and_o power_n that_o there_o be_v thousand_o that_o will_v rather_o die_v on_o a_o rack_n than_o deny_v or_o gainsay_v the_o same_o jesus_n wrought_v great_a miracle_n say_v josephus_n and_o although_o he_o be_v crucify_a and_o put_v to_o death_n yet_o his_o disciple_n forsake_v he_o not_o but_o do_v cleave_v unto_o he_o and_o as_o he_o himself_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n so_o his_o disciple_n after_o he_o be_v go_v from_o they_o by_o his_o power_n and_o virtue_n do_v likewise_o effect_v such_o miracle_n as_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o the_o fame_n of_o they_o and_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o convert_v whole_a kingdom_n to_o christ_n if_o any_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o impudent_a as_o to_o deny_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n than_o i_o will_v ask_v of_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o great_a and_o strange_a miracle_n that_o so_o many_o nation_n and_o in_o they_o so_o many_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n shall_v follow_v and_o adore_v a_o poor_a contemptible_a man_n without_o miracle_n and_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o die_v for_o he_o even_o for_o he_o that_o die_v a_o curse_a ignominious_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n if_o his_o miracle_n be_v not_o great_a and_o far_o surmount_v the_o nature_n and_o capacity_n of_o a_o mere_a man_n if_o they_o be_v not_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a can_v any_o sober_a man_n imagine_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o will_v be_v so_o far_o convince_v and_o persuade_v by_o they_o as_o to_o die_v joyful_o and_o triumphant_o for_o the_o name_n and_o honour_n of_o this_o jesus_n be_v it_o a_o miracle_n to_o work_v upon_o a_o man_n by_o touch_v he_o and_o much_o more_o without_o touch_v he_o and_o most_o of_o all_o without_o see_v he_o then_o what_o a_o miracle_n be_v it_o to_o work_v powerful_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o whole_a nation_n a_o far_o off_o without_o once_o see_v they_o and_o to_o touch_v they_o without_o come_v at_o they_o and_o to_o convert_v and_o draw_v they_o to_o himself_o without_o touch_v they_o with_o his_o hand_n yea_o but_o say_v some_o very_o absurd_o and_o irrational_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v miracle_n by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n let_v such_o vain_a man_n resolve_v we_o if_o ever_o they_o know_v or_o hear_v of_o a_o magician_n that_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n and_o come_v 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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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