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scripture_n according_a doctrine_n word_n 3,266 5 3.9423 3 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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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 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pet._n 3.15_o but_o how_o can_v he_o do_v this_o rational_o and_o understand_o without_o trial_n and_o examination_n if_o he_o be_v find_v to_o embrace_v whatever_o his_o superior_n shall_v impose_v upon_o he_o true_o then_o the_o blind_a implicit_a faith_n of_o the_o collier_n will_v serve_v well_o enough_o be_v this_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o can_v true_o believe_v unless_o we_o have_v knowledge_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o practice_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n four_o how_o shall_v a_o christian_a cleanse_v his_o heart_n and_o way_n but_o by_o take_v heed_n thereto_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n psal_n 119.9_o how_o shall_v he_o walk_v as_o a_o child_n of_o light_n unless_o the_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n to_o his_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n to_o his_o path_n psal_n 119.105_o how_o can_v he_o walk_v 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be_v prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o as_o for_o the_o scripture_n they_o prove_v and_o evidence_n themselves_o sufficient_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a by_o their_o own_o light_n manifest_v their_o divine_a original_a they_o be_v primum_fw-la visibile_fw-la not_o like_o colour_n that_o can_v be_v see_v till_o light_v make_v it_o apparent_a but_o like_o light_n itself_o which_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n manifest_a and_o itself_o too_o by_o its_o own_o proper_a quality_n now_o than_o if_o a_o true_a believer_n shall_v be_v ask_v why_o he_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o may_v true_o answer_v thus_o because_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o it_o be_v further_o demand_v how_o he_o can_v assure_v himself_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o may_v answer_v that_o he_o know_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enlighten_v his_o understanding_n 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this_o he_o answer_v because_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n say_v so_o or_o as_o some_o of_o they_o hold_v because_o the_o pope_n only_o say_v so_o or_o as_o other_o of_o they_o because_o a_o general_a council_n say_v so_o if_o we_o further_o urge_v he_o yea_o but_o how_o know_v you_o infallible_o that_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n do_v not_o err_v in_o say_v so_o he_o will_v answer_v you_o because_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v they_o can_v err_v for_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o they_o run_v round_o in_o a_o circle_n describe_v circle_n the_o popish_a circle_n describe_v and_o be_v so_o entangle_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a of_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o deliver_v themselves_o indeed_o they_o accuse_v we_o with_o open_a mouth_n as_o if_o we_o be_v entangle_v in_o a_o circle_n run_v round_o from_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o again_o from_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o thus_o how_o know_v you_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o same_o to_o my_o heart_n and_o conscience_n but_o how_o know_v you_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o scripture_n which_o testify_v that_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o but_o then_o further_o how_o know_v you_o this_o and_o the_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o know_v it_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n and_o thus_o they_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v catch_v we_o in_o a_o circle_n but_o they_o great_o mistake_v we_o though_o we_o do_v not_o mistake_v their_o doctrine_n we_o teach_v indeed_o that_o we_o know_v the_o scripture_n infallible_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n inward_o reveal_v and_o testify_v the_o 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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 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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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effectual_a for_o the_o believe_v of_o every_o object_n of_o faith_n that_o without_o it_o neither_o can_v any_o thing_n by_o any_o man_n be_v believe_v though_o the_o church_n testify_v with_o it_o a_o thousand_o time_n and_o by_o it_o alone_o any_o matter_n may_v be_v believe_v though_o the_o church_n hold_v her_o peace_n or_o be_v never_o hear_v hereby_o it_o appear_v that_o we_o may_v be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o regard_v by_o we_o as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o but_o yet_o when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o infidel_n and_o atheist_n that_o scoff_n at_o this_o divine_a light_n and_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o have_v more_o reason_n on_o our_o side_n as_o have_v be_v show_v at_o large_a to_o convince_v they_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v contain_v the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n than_o any_o other_o religion_n nay_o then_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v take_v these_o follow_a rule_n testimony_n rule_n rule_n concern_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n for_o prevent_a mistake_n first_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v assure_o persuade_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o by_o a_o immediate_a vision_n or_o revelation_n under_o which_o pretence_n satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n have_v delude_v and_o ensnare_v many_o poor_a soul_n but_o by_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o behold_v the_o light_n write_v the_o law_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o inward_a part_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o the_o new_a 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the_o spirit_n for_o it_o make_v itself_o evident_a where_o it_o come_v but_o this_o be_v private_a and_o particular_a not_o public_a and_o common_a testify_v only_o to_o he_o who_o be_v endue_v therewith_o but_o not_o convince_a other_o nor_o confirm_a doctrine_n to_o they_o in_o this_o case_n man_n must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o visible_a stand_a rule_n to_o the_o write_a law_n and_o testimony_n if_o any_o man_n speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o let_v he_o pretend_v never_o so_o much_o to_o the_o inward_a testimony_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v because_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o he_o four_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o his_o public_a authentic_a testimony_n nor_o be_v it_o injurious_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o word_n see_v there_o be_v a_o mutual_a relation_n and_o correspondence_n between_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o party_n witness_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n witness_v and_o this_o holy_a spirit_n the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v every_o where_o like_a unto_o and_o do_v every_o where_o agree_v with_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o pair_n of_o indenture_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o between_o they_o but_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o one_o be_v also_o mention_v in_o the_o other_o so_o it_o be_v between_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n five_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o teach_v or_o assure_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o letter_n syllable_n and_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v only_o as_o a_o vessel_n to_o carry_v and_o convey_v the_o heavenly_a light_n unto_o we_o but_o it_o do_v seal_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o save_a truth_n contain_v in_o those_o sacred_a write_n into_o what_o language_n soever_o they_o be_v translate_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o be_v the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n write_v not_o with_o ink_n but_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o live_a god_n not_o in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o in_o the_o fleshly_a table_n of_o the_o heart_n 2_o cor._n 3.3_o six_o and_o last_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o lead_v they_o in_o who_o he_o dwell_v and_o witness_v absolute_o and_o at_o once_o into_o every_o truth_n of_o god_n so_o as_o utter_o to_o dispel_v all_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n but_o he_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o by_o degree_n john_n 16.12_o 13._o be_v a_o free_a voluntary_a agent_n he_o work_v when_o and_o
by_o judgement_n and_o reason_n when_o young_a man_n despise_v the_o grave_a reason_n of_o those_o that_o be_v ancient_a and_o experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o when_o private_a christian_n will_v not_o be_v sway_v by_o the_o weighty_a reason_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o church-officer_n as_o to_o civil_a circumstance_n order_n and_o decency_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o be_v fierce_a and_o heady_a and_o disorderly_a in_o their_o action_n and_o proceed_n and_o will_v give_v no_o reason_n thereof_o but_o their_o own_o will_n and_o humour_n true_o this_o be_v irrational_a and_o tend_v to_o confusion_n this_o be_v not_o to_o act_v like_o sober_a understand_a christian_n nor_o will_v it_o bring_v honour_n to_o but_o contempt_n upon_o the_o way_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o those_o person_n whatever_o they_o be_v that_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o determine_v religious_a or_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n that_o be_v in_o controversy_n and_o thereby_o impose_v upon_o their_o brethren_n without_o give_v sufficient_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n what_o do_v they_o do_v in_o effect_n but_o blindfold_v we_o and_o bid_v we_o lay_v aside_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v yield_v implicit_a obedience_n to_o their_o partial_a dictate_v and_o determination_n no_o man_n opinion_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v signify_v any_o more_o to_o we_o than_o the_o reason_n whereby_o he_o confirm_v it_o i_o speak_v as_o to_o wise_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n judge_v you_o what_o i_o say_v 1_o cor._n 10.15_o every_o party_n in_o religion_n however_o distinguish_v when_o they_o have_v gain_v a_o considerable_a reputation_n among_o man_n either_o for_o their_o piety_n or_o learning_n or_o worldly_a interest_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o run_v into_o these_o unbrother_o irrational_a imposition_n which_o perhaps_o they_o have_v severe_o condemn_v in_o other_o if_o it_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o magistrate_n that_o in_o these_o matter_n he_o shall_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o command_n and_o injunction_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v it_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o that_o have_v not_o such_o authority_n nor_o be_v they_o in_o such_o a_o public_a capacity_n to_o impose_v upon_o other_o chap._n vi_o of_o those_o that_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o reason_n as_o there_o be_v some_o that_o derogate_a from_o so_o there_o be_v other_o that_o magnify_v too_o much_o and_o even_o idolise_v the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o so_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o gospel_n when_o they_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v no_o more_o in_o divine_a matter_n than_o we_o can_v comprehend_v by_o our_o weak_a deprave_a reason_n hereupon_o the_o proud_a socinian_o deny_v and_o reject_v many_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n because_o as_o they_o conceive_v they_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o doctrine_n of_o three_o person_n in_o one_o essence_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n in_o the_o one_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_a eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n for_o we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n and_o of_o predestination_n especial_o god_n decree_n touch_v reprobation_n be_v all_o reject_v by_o they_o as_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n what_o a_o horrid_a say_n be_v that_o of_o a_o socinian_n in_o foreign_a part_n that_o if_o the_o eternal_a godhead_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n be_v assert_v in_o scripture_n as_o indeed_o they_o be_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o be_v against_o reason_n that_o be_v against_o his_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o vain_a imagination_n and_o a_o late_a writer_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n be_v so_o bold_a and_o dare_a as_o to_o tell_v we_o in_o a_o voluminous_a book_n of_o he_o that_o in_o case_n any_o such_o assurance_n of_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n love_n as_o we_o maintain_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v find_v or_o can_v regular_o be_v deduce_v from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n to_o any_o intelligent_a and_o consider_v man_n to_o question_v their_o authority_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v from_o god_n or_o no._n this_o be_v plain_a deal_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n must_v depend_v upon_o their_o reason_n or_o opinion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v comprehend_v by_o their_o reason_n the_o great_a and_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n neither_o above_o it_o nor_o contrary_a to_o it_o so_o far_o they_o will_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n but_o if_o they_o find_v it_o otherwise_o they_o be_v then_o in_o a_o ready_a posture_n to_o esteem_v it_o no_o better_o than_o a_o fable_n as_o that_o wicked_a pope_n say_v no_o marvel_v indeed_o if_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n especial_o the_o stoic_n adore_v and_o idolise_v the_o suppose_a power_n and_o excellency_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n by_o their_o rhetorical_a hyperbolical_a praise_n when_o as_o those_o that_o live_v under_o the_o sunshine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o error_n and_o to_o attribute_v that_o to_o nature_n which_o be_v only_o due_a to_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n what_o do_v pelagius_n and_o his_o follower_n whereof_o there_o be_v too_o many_o in_o our_o day_n but_o take_v the_o crown_n from_o christ_n and_o set_v it_o upon_o nature_n head_n and_o place_v the_o creature_n in_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o grace_n a_o learned_a man_n pelag._n man_n ger._n vossius_fw-la histor_n pelag._n give_v we_o this_o brief_a character_n of_o pelagius_n that_o he_o be_v humani_fw-la arbitrii_fw-la decomptor_n &_o divinae_fw-la gratiae_n contemptor_n a_o trim_a of_o nature_n and_o a_o contemner_n of_o grace_n all_o man_n be_v bear_v pelagian_n nature_n be_v predominant_a in_o they_o and_o will_v not_o easy_o subordinate_a itself_o to_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n or_o that_o which_o be_v supernatural_a and_o therefore_o this_o doctrine_n spread_v far_o and_o near_o as_o bradwardine_n complain_v in_o his_o time_n totus_fw-la penè_fw-la mundus_fw-la post_fw-la pelagium_fw-la abiit_fw-la in_o errorem_fw-la and_o yet_o pelagius_n though_o he_o be_v such_o a_o admirer_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n do_v not_o altogether_o deny_v the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o point_n of_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n no_o more_o than_o other_o who_o yet_o at_o this_o day_n ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o nature_n and_o reason_n for_o first_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n necessary_a for_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n yea_o second_o for_o exciting_a the_o will_n to_o determine_v itself_o but_o three_o he_o will_v never_o acknowledge_v the_o supernatural_a efficacy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n so_o as_o to_o give_v it_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a power_n and_o principle_n and_o likewise_o the_o act_n of_o that_o power_n towards_o god_n who_o give_v we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n phil._n 2.13_o this_o he_o always_o bogle_v at_o as_o be_v unwilling_a to_o captivate_v nature_n and_o reason_n to_o the_o efficacious_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o under_o a_o specious_a presence_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n he_o advance_v the_o natural_a power_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n and_o change_v grace_n into_o nature_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o supernatural_a in_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n sub_fw-la laud_fw-la naturae_fw-la latent_fw-la inimici_fw-la gratiae_fw-la if_o it_o be_v by_o grace_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 11.6_o than_o it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o work_n otherwise_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o work_n then_o be_v it_o no_o more_o grace_n otherwise_o work_n be_v no_o more_o work_n nature_n and_o 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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 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subtlety_n of_o antiochus_n nero_n dioclesian_n julian_n the_o apostate_n and_o other_o cruel_a and_o subtle_a persecutor_n and_o notwithstanding_o that_o egyptian_a darkness_n of_o popery_n error_n and_o ignorance_n which_o overspread_v the_o world_n for_o some_o hundred_o year_n since_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n during_o which_o time_n these_o sacred_a write_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o contemn_v and_o blind_a ignorance_n extol_v as_o the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n five_o the_o very_a style_n of_o the_o scripture_n argue_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o by_o the_o style_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o external_a superficies_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n but_o the_o whole_a order_n contexture_n and_o frame_n thereof_o which_o fit_o agree_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n treat_v of_o and_o be_v excellent_o and_o wise_o temper_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o condition_n of_o they_o for_o who_o sake_n it_o be_v 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orator_n this_o will_v be_v more_o pedantic_a in_o he_o then_o in_o a_o person_n more_o inferior_a though_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o be_v plain_a in_o word_n and_o phrase_n yet_o it_o be_v great_a in_o power_n no_o writing_n of_o man_n be_v they_o never_o so_o well_o set_v forth_o with_o wit_n learning_n and_o ornament_n of_o rhetoric_n can_v so_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n move_v the_o will_n pierce_v the_o heart_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o affection_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n want_v eloquence_n if_o the_o matter_n be_v well_o weigh_v no_o other_o writing_n can_v equalise_v they_o the_o song_n of_o moses_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n and_o other_o portion_n of_o scripture_n in_o variety_n and_o force_n of_o divine_a eloquence_n do_v far_o exceed_v and_o transcendall_n other_o author_n greek_a or_o latin_a that_o be_v extant_a though_o never_o so_o excellent_o indict_v and_o pen_v yet_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v that_o the_o one_o be_v write_v by_o a_o divine_a the_o other_o by_o a_o humane_a spirit_n six_o the_o wonderful_a powerful_a effect_n of_o this_o doctrine_n more_o than_o any_o other_o do_v clear_o demonstrate_v even_o to_o a_o eye_n of_o reason_n the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o for_o it_o inlighten_v the_o understanding_n discover_v clear_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n convert_v the_o soul_n convince_v the_o gainsayer_n terrifi_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n quicken_v and_o revive_v the_o wound_a spirit_n manife_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n man_n cast_v down_o strong_a hold_n and_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o remain_v invincible_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n for_o though_o the_o nature_n thereof_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o world_n yet_o still_o it_o have_v prevail_v and_o overcome_v the_o enemy_n that_o have_v oppose_v this_o 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the_o cross_n of_o christ_n have_v subdue_v many_o nation_n to_o himself_o in_o a_o little_a time_n a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o habitable_a world_n be_v convert_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o paul_n fill_v all_o place_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o illyricum_n with_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v forget_v that_o the_o jew_n though_o waste_v with_o many_o and_o great_a slaughter_v and_o though_o they_o have_v and_o still_o have_v a_o desperate_a enmity_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v always_o remain_v safe_a and_o entire_a in_o their_o custody_n even_o when_o the_o hebrew_n language_n do_v lie_v almost_o unknown_a and_o have_v perish_v altogether_o have_v not_o god_n provide_v for_o the_o true_a religion_n by_o the_o care_n of_o those_o jew_n so_o that_o will_v they_o will_v they_o they_o shall_v be_v instrumental_a
in_o maintain_v and_o promote_a the_o doctrine_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n seven_o that_o sweet_a and_o admirable_a harmony_n and_o consent_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n can_v be_v rational_o ascribe_v to_o any_o but_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n each_o part_n agree_v so_o exact_o with_o itself_o and_o with_o the_o whole_a which_o sufficient_o appear_v by_o compare_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n touch_v christ_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o reception_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o remarkable_a thing_n with_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o as_o the_o same_o be_v plain_o declare_v and_o reveal_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n such_o exact_a consent_n and_o agreement_n as_o be_v here_o to_o be_v find_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v feign_v of_o man_n or_o angel_n from_o who_o the_o thing_n foretell_v be_v hide_v till_o they_o be_v reveal_v nor_o can_v there_o be_v forgery_n in_o these_o writing_n if_o we_o consider_v in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n the_o length_n of_o time_n in_o which_o these_o writing_n have_v continue_v and_o be_v judge_v authentic_a that_o they_o be_v not_o write_v in_o one_o or_o two_o but_o in_o many_o age_n that_o there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o book_n and_o of_o writer_n employ_v in_o this_o service_n and_o that_o these_o writer_n be_v distant_a in_o place_n one_o from_o another_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o confer_v together_o and_o withal_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o deep_a silence_n of_o the_o adversary_n who_o in_o all_o that_o long_a time_n whilst_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o writing_n can_v never_o detect_v any_o thing_n in_o those_o book_n as_o false_a or_o forge_a who_o silence_n in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o great_a importance_n because_o they_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n teach_v do_v and_o suffer_v according_a as_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o so_o that_o they_o know_v the_o prophecy_n see_v the_o 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harmony_n and_o consent_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o importance_n may_v in_o reason_n convince_v we_o that_o they_o write_v by_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o truth_n if_o they_o have_v all_o write_v one_o thing_n they_o may_v seem_v superfluous_a if_o each_o have_v write_v a_o new_a history_n there_o can_v not_o have_v be_v such_o a_o full_a harmony_n and_o agreement_n when_o they_o relate_v the_o same_o story_n with_o the_o same_o circumstance_n they_o have_v their_o use_n and_o benefit_n one_o sometime_o speak_v more_o plain_o than_o the_o other_o and_o when_o they_o agree_v in_o matter_n and_o only_o seem_v to_o dissent_v in_o some_o circumstance_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o more_o confirm_v and_o a_o argument_n of_o full_a credit_n and_o certainty_n may_v be_v draw_v out_o of_o that_o seem_a dissent_n for_o as_o it_o be_v true_o and_o wise_o observe_v too_o exact_a diligence_n in_o every_o little_a circumstance_n be_v neither_o approve_v by_o all_o nor_o do_v it_o want_v suspicion_n there_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o a_o learned_a man_n write_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o authority_n say_v a_o majestic_a kind_n of_o security_n under_o many_o seem_a contradiction_n which_o yet_o neither_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o truth_n nor_o that_o harmony_n which_o they_o have_v in_o and_o with_o themselves_o do_v or_o shall_v at_o all_o suffer_v by_o nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n stand_v to_o excuse_v and_o purge_v themselves_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o cause_n to_o suspect_v they_o of_o any_o contrariety_n or_o contradiction_n no_o they_o speak_v from_o place_n to_o place_n whatever_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o say_v with_o that_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v by_o they_o elsewhere_o that_o either_o be_v like_a to_o suffer_v the_o least_o prejudice_n by_o it_o or_o to_o cast_v the_o least_o prejudice_n on_o it_o to_o that_o sweet_a agreement_n and_o consent_n that_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o itself_o we_o may_v further_o add_v that_o it_o agree_v with_o all_o other_o truth_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a in_o divinity_n which_o be_v false_a in_o true_a philosophy_n nothing_o in_o philosophy_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o truth_n in_o divinity_n but_o it_o may_v be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a and_o true_a philosophy_n which_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o divinity_n eight_o the_o matter_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v divine_a and_o wonderful_a which_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n it_o open_v and_o reveal_v the_o great_a and_o most_o glorious_a mystery_n as_o the_o nature_n property_n attribute_n and_o high_a act_n of_o god_n and_o how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o adore_v it_o describe_v the_o person_n nature_n virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n so_o full_o so_o clear_o that_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n consider_v it_o attentive_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v that_o it_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o a_o finite_a understanding_n and_o humane_a capacity_n it_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o corruption_n and_o misery_n of_o man_n by_o nature_n the_o great_a and_o unparalled_a love_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n towards_o lose_a man_n and_o the_o happy_a agreement_n of_o his_o infinite_a justice_n mercy_n and_o wisdom_n in_o ordain_v christ_n to_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o reveal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n make_v with_o man_n after_o the_o fall_n for_o restore_v he_o again_o to_o god_n favour_n all_o which_o can_v be_v derive_v from_o no_o other_o fountain_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n 1_o cor._n 2.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o eph._n 1.17_o 18._o the_o scripture_n also_o contain_v the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n in_o the_o precept_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v divers_a note_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n as_o first_o the_o surpass_a excellency_n of_o the_o act_n require_v of_o we_o namely_o that_o we_o shall_v deny_v ourselves_o and_o conform_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o image_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o the_o wonderful_a equity_n that_o do_v appear_v in_o every_o commandment_n three_o the_o admirable_a strangeness_n of_o some_o act_n and_o duty_n as_o regeneration_n self-abasement_n the_o renounce_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o part_v with_o all_o we_o have_v for_o christ_n which_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n will_v count_v foolishness_n and_o madness_n yet_o prescribe_v as_o necessary_a four_o the_o manner_n how_o obedience_n be_v require_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o it_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a principle_n even_o from_o a_o pure_a heart_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a five_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n command_v and_o allow_v all_o good_a and_o forbid_v and_o condemn_v all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n whatsoever_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n not_o only_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o also_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o with_o reference_n to_o all_o person_n time_n and_o place_n without_o exception_n bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o reach_v the_o very_a thought_n and_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o do_v not_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o will_v fill_v a_o great_a volume_n if_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o they_o at_o large_a clear_o and_o convince_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v no_o other_o author_n of_o those_o sacred_a writing_n but_o god_n himself_o for_o who_o can_v contrive_v these_o thing_n but_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_a in_o power_n and_o wisdom_n who_o can_v give_v eternal_a life_n
or_o inflict_v eternal_a death_n and_o condemnation_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n but_o the_o eternal_a god_n nine_o the_o end_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v divine_a namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n not_o so_o much_o corporal_n and_o temporal_a as_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a the_o doctrine_n precept_n promise_n prohibition_n narration_n threaten_n punishment_n and_o reward_n thereof_o be_v all_o refer_v final_o and_o ultimate_o to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a be_v and_o chief_a good_a which_o show_v plain_o that_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o from_o above_o and_o to_o speak_v truth_n and_o reason_n what_o be_v more_o equal_a and_o just_a then_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v return_v thither_o from_o whence_o they_o have_v their_o first_o rise_n and_o original_a for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o everlasting_a glory_n be_v due_a from_o all_o creature_n rom._n 11.36_o the_o scripture_n plain_o point_v out_o to_o man_n what_o true_a blessedness_n be_v wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o where_o and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o enjoy_v namely_o in_o the_o everlasting_a vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n which_o man_n may_v attain_v unto_o by_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o god_n be_v reconcile_v and_o well_o please_v and_o this_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o what_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n bounty_n mercy_n goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n then_o to_o restore_v man_n fall_v and_o to_o make_v he_o partaker_n of_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n and_o who_o can_v show_v to_o man_n how_o he_o may_v be_v restore_v and_o admit_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n have_v offend_v his_o glorious_a majesty_n who_o can_v direct_v and_o lead_v he_o in_o the_o way_n to_o true_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n but_o god_n who_o be_v wisdom_n and_o goodness_n itself_o and_o who_o have_v effectual_o do_v it_o in_o and_o by_o his_o son_n the_o essential_a word_n and_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n these_o argument_n and_o demonstration_n whether_o they_o be_v several_o or_o joint_o consider_v by_o we_o do_v as_o strong_o prove_v and_o evince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o any_o reason_n can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v any_o true_a religion_n or_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o matter_n that_o concern_v religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o therefore_o may_v serve_v to_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v the_o reason_n of_o any_o sober_a man_n touch_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n every_o christian_n shall_v so_o far_o improve_v his_o reason_n as_o not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o mere_a dictate_v of_o man_n be_v they_o prince_n be_v they_o pope_n be_v they_o counsel_n be_v they_o never_o so_o learned_a or_o pious_a he_o ought_v not_o in_o aliorum_fw-la sententias_fw-la pedibus_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la cordibus_fw-la ire_n reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o these_o matter_n shall_v go_v before_o and_o make_v way_n for_o his_o practice_n as_o there_o be_v some_o that_o vain_o magnify_v and_o lift_v up_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n above_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o authority_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o there_o be_v other_o and_z more_z especial_o that_o bestial_a antichristian_a kingdom_n of_o the_o papacy_n that_o will_v transform_v reasonable_a man_n and_o christian_n into_o sensitive_a and_o irrational_a creature_n by_o the_o deceit_n and_o legerdemain_n of_o a_o popish_a implicit_a credulity_n which_o command_v man_n to_o put_v out_o their_o lamp_n to_o pluck_v out_o their_o eye_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n to_o renounce_v their_o sense_n reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o so_o to_o follow_v their_o leader_n blindfold_a wheresoever_o they_o go_v and_o i_o can_v wish_v there_o be_v not_o too_o much_o of_o this_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a devotion_n among_o protestant_n yea_o and_o among_o some_o that_o seem_v more_o forward_o and_o zealous_a than_o other_o at_o least_o for_o a_o party_n the_o rant_a romanist_n tell_v we_o with_o noise_n and_o clamour_n enough_o of_o a_o visible_a supreme_a tribunal_n and_o a_o infallible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n here_o upon_o earth_n who_o be_v to_o regulate_v all_o person_n and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n though_o never_o so_o much_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n other_o of_o they_o more_o prudent_a and_o moderate_a resolve_v the_o 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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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of_o the_o christian_a religion_n why_o i_o believe_v the_o incarnation_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n i_o answer_v because_o god_n word_n testify_v of_o they_o as_o thing_n most_o certain_a and_o true_a if_o he_o ask_v i_o further_o how_o know_v you_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n i_o answer_v by_o infallible_a sign_n and_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n beyond_o all_o humane_a power_n as_o have_v be_v show_v chap._n 12._o of_o this_o treatise_n by_o which_o man_n reason_n may_v be_v convince_v that_o those_o writing_n be_v of_o god_n and_o so_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o a_o christian_n have_v more_o reason_n for_o his_o religion_n then_o any_o other_o whether_o jew_n or_o turk_n or_o heathen_a four_o though_o in_o these_o respect_n that_o have_v be_v mention_v our_o reason_n may_v be_v of_o very_o good_a use_n in_o reference_n to_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o make_v our_o reason_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n 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doctrine_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o propitiation_n by_o christ_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o individual_a body_n the_o absolute_a decree_n of_o god_n and_o other_o mystery_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o so_o at_o length_n god_n leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o vain_a reason_n and_o the_o wicked_a imagination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o become_v mere_a atheist_n indeed_o every_o christian_a as_o have_v be_v say_v aught_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o he_o but_o we_o must_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v and_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v i_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n that_o christ_n be_v consubstantial_a and_o coessential_a with_o the_o father_n that_o he_o be_v incarnate_a and_o bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n that_o jacob_n be_v love_v and_o esau_n reject_v before_o they_o have_v do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o my_o belief_n be_v because_o the_o same_o be_v write_v in_o the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n but_o now_o to_o demonstrate_v and_o evidence_n these_o high_a truth_n and_o mystery_n to_o humane_a reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o otherwise_o to_o disbelieve_v they_o this_o be_v a_o course_n destructive_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v evident_a in_o themselves_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o geometry_n that_o every_o whole_a and_o entire_a thing_n be_v big_a than_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o like_a but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o evident_a in_o themselves_o but_o be_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v to_o we_o both_o that_o they_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v by_o a_o foreign_a medium_n without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o by_o the_o report_n of_o other_o and_o this_o be_v that_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o in_o themselves_o appear_v not_o to_o we_o nor_o be_v see_v of_o we_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n faith_n be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v a_o assent_n without_o evidence_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o revealer_n in_o these_o thing_n our_o reason_n reach_v but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o such_o thing_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v hide_v from_o we_o we_o can_v show_v a_o reason_n how_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v thus_o to_o tie_v our_o faith_n to_o reason_n and_o form_v our_o belief_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n so_o as_o to_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n without_o evidence_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o demonstrate_v and_o make_v know_v to_o our_o reason_n argue_v much_o pride_n and_o selfconfidence_n set_v up_o our_o reason_n above_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reason_n god_n against_o subject_v the_o scripture_n to_o reason_n reveal_v and_o arraign_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o our_o reason_n now_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v but_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o ground_n and_o consideration_n first_o because_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o shallow_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n and_o we_o be_v much_o more_o ignorant_a and_o blind_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a john_n 1.5_o 1_o cor._n 1.19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 2.11.14_o 1_o cor._n 13.12_o when_o the_o world_n by_o all_o its_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n know_v not_o god_n in_o christ_n it_o please_v god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1.21_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v yea_o not_o only_o in_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n but_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n there_o be_v still_o much_o blindness_n in_o their_o understanding_n and_o much_o perverseness_n in_o their_o will_n and_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o heart_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n now_o these_o vain_a and_o carnal_a and_o foolish_a reason_n of_o we_o shall_v be_v regulate_v and_o correct_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n man_n reason_n shall_v not_o presume_v to_o regulate_v the_o word_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v regulate_v and_o correct_v man_n reason_n the_o word_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o not_o our_o reason_n for_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v can_v be_v the_o rule_n to_o regulate_v second_o to_o bring_v scripture_n to_o the_o bar_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o so_o make_v reason_n the_o judge_n in_o divine_a mystery_n be_v exceed_v preposterous_a for_o this_o be_v to_o subordinate_a and_o make_v subject_a that_o which_o be_v much_o superior_a to_o that_o which_o be_v far_o inferior_a that_o which_o be_v perfect_a and_o without_o error_n to_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a and_o erroneous_a now_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v weak_a and_o corrupt_a be_v not_o fit_a to_o judge_v that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a nor_o be_v that_o which_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o mistake_n as_o man_n reason_n be_v fit_a to_o regulate_v and_o judge_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o light_n and_o all_o truth_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n say_v to_o christ_n 28._o christ_n mr._n lyford_n on_o heb._n 5.13_o 14._o cap._n 1._o pag._n 28._o i_o have_v need_n to_o be_v baptize_v of_o thou_o and_o come_v thou_o to_o i_o that_o be_o
want_v this_o clear_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n have_v no_o further_a assurance_n of_o what_o it_o believe_v then_o that_o which_o reason_n suggest_v which_o may_v rather_o be_v term_v a_o conviction_n that_o such_o thing_n must_v be_v than_o a_o evidence_n what_o they_o be_v whereby_o it_o plain_o appear_v which_o yet_o may_v be_v more_o large_o and_o full_o prove_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o true_a justify_v faith_n and_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v only_o temporary_a and_o historical_a differ_v not_o only_o gradual_o in_o respect_n of_o degree_n but_o specifical_o in_o nature_n and_o kind_n the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n on_o which_o they_o be_v build_v be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a nature_n four_o this_o difference_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o effectual_a faith_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n rest_v and_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v ultimate_o and_o final_o resolve_v into_o a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o natural_a or_o mere_a rational_a man_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o humane_a testimony_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o revelation_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n matth._n 16.17_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o other_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o spiritual_a man_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 10_o 14_o 15._o to_o who_o they_o be_v manifest_v and_o who_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o which_o enable_v they_o spiritual_o to_o understand_v that_o manifestation_n or_o revelation_n this_o way_n of_o spiritual_a demonstration_n to_o the_o spiritual_a mind_n of_o the_o true_a believer_n be_v far_o different_a from_o and_o do_v far_o transcend_v that_o way_n of_o conviction_n which_o be_v only_o by_o reason_n or_o rational_a discourse_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o divine_a then_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n which_o be_v not_o chief_o ground_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n or_o authority_n but_o rely_v upon_o and_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o a_o humane_a testimony_n or_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n the_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o can_v never_o be_v find_v out_o by_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o yet_o they_o be_v consonant_n to_o right_a reason_n and_o therefore_o man_n reason_n do_v assent_v thereunto_o as_o for_o example_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a these_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o man_n reason_n to_o be_v possible_a upon_o suppositinn_n of_o god_n almighty_a power_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n yea_o and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o who_o great_a design_n be_v to_o make_v know_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v so_o that_o howsoever_o these_o truth_n be_v mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v believe_v yet_o see_v reason_n which_o be_v a_o humane_a testimony_n may_v approve_v they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o a_o historical_a faith_n believe_v these_o thing_n only_o for_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o be_v but_o a_o humane_a faith_n and_o rest_v upon_o a_o humane_a testimony_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o if_o a_o rational_a man_n believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n chief_o upon_o the_o church_n testimony_n of_o they_o or_o upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o truth_n therein_o mention_v or_o upon_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o sacred_a writing_n in_o most_o thing_n which_o make_v he_o therefore_o rational_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v true_a in_o all_o if_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n of_o his_o belief_n by_o way_n of_o rational_a inference_n from_o such_o premise_n then_o true_o he_o believe_v upon_o a_o humane_a and_o not_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o a_o clear_a spiritual_a demonstration_n of_o divine_a truth_n make_v evident_a by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n five_o and_o last_o true_a justify_v faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n differ_v from_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n in_o the_o object_n of_o it_o historical_a faith_n though_o it_o may_v assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_v of_o reconciliation_n pardon_v and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n yea_o and_o may_v believe_v the_o goodness_n of_o they_o in_o general_a yet_o it_o do_v not_o embrace_v and_o apply_v the_o goodness_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a as_o true_a justify_v faith_n do_v which_o count_v all_o other_o thing_n loss_n that_o it_o may_v gain_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o phil._n 3.8_o 9_o and_o which_o enable_v a_o man_n hearty_o and_o real_o to_o close_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o to_o apply_v he_o particular_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a this_o be_v my_o friend_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o small_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o faith_n knowledge_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n and_o the_o faith_n knowledge_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n in_o and_z about_o christ_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o if_o such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v some_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o come_v short_a of_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n then_o certain_o no_o man_n that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n though_o he_o improve_v it_o never_o so_o much_o can_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n but_o of_o this_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n xvii_o show_v that_o none_o can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o mere_a improvement_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n what_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o best_a heathen_n be_v and_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o everlasting_a concernment_n of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n we_o can_v certain_o determine_v nor_o dare_v we_o confident_o pronounce_v that_o they_o be_v all_o in_o hell_n though_o we_o say_v not_o with_o the_o pelagian_o that_o the_o improvement_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n or_o that_o light_n that_o be_v in_o every_o man_n as_o other_o phrase_v it_o can_v make_v man_n everlasting_a happy_a nor_o yet_o with_o the_o semipelagian_o that_o natural_a preparation_n and_o predisposition_n do_v bespeak_v and_o procure_v grace_n nor_o yet_o with_o the_o papist_n that_o work_v flow_v from_o grace_n do_v meritorious_o contribute_v to_o more_o grace_n and_o glory_n yet_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o as_o god_n give_v the_o heathen_n natural_a light_n and_o ability_n and_o to_o some_o of_o they_o the_o improvement_n thereof_o more_o than_o to_o other_o so_o he_o may_v as_o free_o give_v they_o in_o a_o way_n that_o we_o know_v not_o supernatural_a grace_n and_o strength_n and_o reveal_v his_o son_n to_o they_o if_o it_o please_v he_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o notwithstanding_o to_o hold_v that_o a_o man_n may_v get_v to_o heaven_n by_o those_o mere_a improvement_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o nature_n foundation_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v accurate_o and_o punctual_o observe_v every_o jot_n and_o tittle_n of_o nature_n law_n which_o the_o exact_a naturalist_n or_o moralist_n do_v not_o yet_o this_o natural_a obedience_n will_v not_o at_o all_o be_v commensurate_a to_o a_o supernatural_a happiness_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a way_n that_o new_a and_o live_a way_n by_o which_o god_n assume_v humane_a nature_n to_o himself_o and_o make_v it_o everlasting_o happy_a by_o which_o we_o have_v access_n to_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o this_o make_v augustine_n say_v qui_fw-la dicit_fw-la hominem_fw-la seruari_fw-la posse_fw-la sine_fw-la christo_fw-la dubito_fw-la a_o ipse_fw-la per_fw-la christum_fw-la seruari_fw-la possit_fw-la whether_o the_o gentile_n can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o question_n i_o confess_v much_o debate_v both_o in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o some_o modern_a author_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n divers_a of_o the_o ancient_n as_o justin_n martyr_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o chrysostome_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o moral_a heathen_n may_v be_v save_v by_o a_o general_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o justin_n martyr_n think_v they_o may_v be_v save_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n 2._o reason_n justin_n martyr_n apol._n 2._o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o dictamen_fw-la rationis_fw-la
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 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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
the_o galatian_n have_v many_o notable_a say_n touch_v faith_n and_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n of_o believe_v the_o gospel_n say_v he_o we_o must_v silence_v reason_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o faith_n which_o also_o in_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n lean_v not_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n for_o thereof_o it_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a but_o to_o her_o own_o righteousness_n now_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n join_v together_o faith_n lose_v her_o virginity_n for_o nothing_o fight_v more_o strong_o against_o faith_n then_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n the_o gospel_n lead_v we_o beyond_o and_o above_o the_o light_n of_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n into_o the_o deep_a secret_n of_o faith_n where_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v again_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v reason_n reason_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v be_v impossible_a foolish_a weak_a absurd_a thing_n what_o more_o absurd_a 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〈◊〉_d reason_v be_v very_o emphatical_a quo_fw-la vocabulo_fw-la 5._o vocabulo_fw-la estius_n in_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5._o significantur_fw-la non_fw-la qualescunque_fw-la cogitationes_fw-la sed_fw-la quae_fw-la fiunt_fw-la ratiocinando_fw-la &_o disceptando_fw-la dum_fw-la adhibito_fw-la judicio_fw-la rationis_fw-la animus_n examinat_fw-la aliquid_fw-la &_o de_fw-la eo_fw-la pronuntiat_fw-la sit_fw-la ne_fw-la verum_fw-la a_o falsum_fw-la bonum_fw-la a_o malum_fw-la here_o we_o may_v see_v plain_o that_o our_o reason_n must_v be_v conquer_v and_o captivate_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a faith_n indeed_o reason_n and_o faith_n may_v well_o walk_v together_o provide_v that_o reason_n give_v faith_n the_o upperhand_n we_o must_v not_o say_v they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o noble_a writer_n who_o make_v great_a use_n of_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n religio_fw-la religion_n morney_n de_fw-fr 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of_o reason_n pervert_v reason_n how_o and_o wherein_o humane_a reason_n be_v abuse_v and_o pervert_v first_o it_o be_v then_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o divine_a purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o the_o opinion_n and_o sentiment_n of_o some_o learned_a philosopher_n and_o rationalist_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v impose_v upon_o we_o as_o true_a as_o namely_o the_o world_n eternity_n the_o stoical_a fate_n purgatory_n after_o this_o life_n the_o denial_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n worship_v of_o angel_n and_o the_o like_a have_v a_o show_n of_o reason_n wisdom_n and_o humility_n col._n 2_o 18_o 23._o second_o when_o those_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n which_o be_v true_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v to_o the_o reject_v of_o those_o gospel-truth_n that_o be_v above_o nature_n these_o maxim_n and_o position_n of_o philosopher_n that_o of_o nothing_o 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at_o the_o best_a the_o same_o reason_n which_o can_v never_o have_v find_v they_o out_o make_v we_o to_o allow_v of_o they_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o be_v true_a and_o herein_o reason_n teach_v we_o that_o which_o she_o herself_o neither_o know_v nor_o believe_v namely_o by_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o most_o infallible_a teacher_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o hear_v and_o believe_v three_o it_o be_v then_o dangerous_a when_o a_o christian_a boast_n of_o his_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n and_o be_v elate_v and_o puff_v up_o therewith_o undervalue_v and_o slight_v all_o other_o as_o if_o their_o reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v not_o comparable_a to_o he_o and_o so_o it_o become_v a_o vain_a windy_a thing_n knowledge_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 8.1_o puff_v up_o but_o love_n edifi_v vain_a man_n will_v be_v wise_a as_o it_o be_v in_o job_n 11.12_o though_o he_o