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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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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 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diligent_a search_n your_o own_o reason_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la the_o chief_a good_a lie_v not_o in_o the_o riches_n honour_n pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n no_o nor_o in_o moral_a virtue_n and_o excellency_n though_o some_o man_n far_o above_o other_o have_v snuff_v their_o candle_n with_o more_o care_n and_o exactness_n by_o improve_n their_o intellectual_n and_o refine_n their_o moral_n yet_o at_o length_n they_o sad_o perceive_v that_o when_o their_o candle_n be_v at_o the_o bright_a they_o burn_v but_o dim_o and_o blew_o and_o that_o for_o all_o their_o snuff_v they_o will_v relapse_n again_o into_o their_o former_a dimness_n and_o obscurity_n the_o improvement_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n will_v never_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_o happy_a this_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v flame_v and_o ascend_v upward_o towards_o heaven_n but_o be_v much_o weaken_v and_o darken_v by_o lust_n and_o passion_n so_o that_o it_o can_v mount_v up_o to_o god_n and_o attain_v that_o glorious_a end_n and_o reward_v which_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n nature_n eye_n can_v see_v it_o nature_n hand_n can_v reach_v it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o natural_a power_n or_o operation_n proportion_v to_o such_o a_o high_a transcendent_a object_n as_o the_o bless_a face_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n and_o therefore_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n must_v be_v advance_v above_o itself_o by_o a_o supernaturale_fw-la auxilium_fw-la before_o it_o can_v be_v bless_v with_o so_o great_a a_o perfection_n as_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o full_a end_n of_o its_o be_v nay_o god_n himself_o o_o wonderful_a mystery_n be_v please_v to_o assume_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o more_o capable_a of_o this_o perfection_n and_o by_o a_o strict_a love-knot_n and_o union_n make_v it_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n chap._n iu._n show_v that_o the_o best_a heathen_a philosopher_n be_v
most_o wicked_a superstition_n chap._n xii_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prove_v by_o reason_n the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v differ_v much_o from_o the_o law_n of_o man_n these_o command_n only_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o the_o divine_a law_n reach_v the_o spirit_n and_o command_v the_o inward_a man_n which_o law_n be_v record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n now_o that_o these_o holy_a write_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v contain_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o may_v convince_v a_o heathen_a or_o infidel_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a authority_n and_o efficacy_n in_o these_o write_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o first_o then_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v as_o it_o have_v be_v clear_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v one_o live_v and_o true_a god_n and_o that_o this_o god_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o adore_v by_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n with_o that_o service_n and_o worship_n which_o become_v he_o then_o it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v by_o god_n himself_o touch_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n wherein_o he_o will_v have_v we_o obey_v he_o this_o be_v practise_v by_o all_o wise_a prince_n and_o state_n who_o govern_v their_o subject_n in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o prudence_n for_o who_o can_v know_v what_o please_v god_n but_o he_o himself_o and_o they_o to_o who_o he_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n now_o then_o suppose_v some_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v in_o order_n to_o that_o service_n which_o he_o will_v accept_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o this_o revelation_n where_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v it_o let_v any_o man_n if_o he_o can_v show_v some_o other_o or_o better_a manifestation_n concern_v the_o will_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n than_o what_o he_o have_v make_v know_v in_o his_o write_a word_n nothing_o can_v be_v the_o stand_a unerring_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o what_o god_n himself_o have_v make_v so_o that_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n must_v be_v the_o law_n of_o our_o beleif_n and_o who_o can_v make_v a_o law_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o man_n or_o creature_n can_v prescribe_v to_o we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v god_n unless_o god_n himself_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o publish_v his_o law_n second_o as_o for_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v receive_v and_o embrace_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o by_o jew_n and_o christian_n let_v we_o rational_o consider_v how_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3.2_o have_v witness_v these_o book_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a have_v they_o not_o from_o time_n to_o time_n for_o many_o age_n together_o in_o their_o great_a misery_n and_o affliction_n constant_o acknowledge_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o whenas_o by_o only_o deny_v the_o same_o they_o may_v have_v have_v not_o only_a liberty_n but_o great_a preferment_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o observable_a that_o though_o the_o prince_n high_a priest_n and_o other_o among_o the_o jew_n persecute_v the_o prophet_n and_o despise_v their_o word_n whilst_o they_o live_v yet_o they_o receive_v their_o write_n as_o prophetical_a and_o divine_a when_o they_o where_o dead_a and_o since_o blindness_n and_o obstinacy_n come_v upon_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o their_o great_a enmity_n and_o hatred_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o yet_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o those_o very_a text_n that_o do_v evident_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v keep_v pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a among_o they_o three_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o embrace_v both_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v witness_v and_o do_v still_o witness_v to_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o even_o to_o the_o death_n the_o whole_a universal_a church_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o first_o pen_v of_o the_o scripture_n till_o this_o very_a day_n have_v all_o along_o profess_v that_o these_o book_n be_v divine_a and_o thousand_o of_o they_o have_v seal_v the_o same_o with_o their_o blood_n this_o testimony_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o force_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o infallible_a and_o effectual_a to_o persuade_v and_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n as_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o of_o all_o humane_a testimony_n whereby_o the_o author_n of_o any_o book_n that_o have_v be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v extant_a can_v be_v prove_v or_o evince_v so_o as_o to_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o god_n concern_v this_o book_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o satisfactory_a both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o multitude_n wisdom_n honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o likelihood_n constancy_n and_o uninterrupted_a continuance_n of_o the_o testimony_n itself_o be_v it_o probable_a in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n that_o so_o good_a and_o wise_a a_o god_n shall_v suffer_v so_o many_o honest_a well_o mean_v people_n to_o be_v so_o long_o abuse_v and_o deceive_v by_o a_o false_a or_o feign_a book_n father_v upon_o himself_o such_o a_o horrid_a imposture_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n will_v not_o endure_v to_o lie_v hide_v and_o undiscovered_a for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n christian_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n noble_a and_o ignoble_a rich_a and_o poor_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a marry_a and_o unmarried_a old_a and_o young_a throughout_o the_o world_n for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o have_v endure_v the_o most_o grievous_a and_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o the_o devil_n can_v invent_v or_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n find_v out_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o that_o with_o great_a constancy_n and_o alacrity_n with_o a_o undaunted_a heart_n and_o merry_a countenance_n and_o can_v any_o sober_a man_n think_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o person_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o great_a quality_n learning_n and_o prudence_n that_o may_v have_v live_v brave_o and_o carry_v a_o great_a part_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v suffer_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a thing_n out_o of_o mere_a weakness_n pride_n vain_a glory_n discontent_a or_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v for_o a_o fable_n that_o have_v no_o truth_n nor_o reality_n in_o it_o this_o testimony_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o great_a suffering_n christian_a patience_n joy_n and_o courage_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v not_o mere_o humane_a for_o that_o courage_n and_o cheerfulness_n which_o they_o show_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n be_v not_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v from_o above_o and_o supernatural_a four_o god_n have_v confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n by_o many_o great_a wonder_n and_o miracle_n from_o heaven_n such_o as_o satan_n himself_o can_v imitate_v such_o as_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o any_o yea_o of_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o the_o most_o malicious_a subtle_a enemy_n of_o god_n truth_n can_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v divine_a these_o miracle_n have_v the_o lord_n open_o wrought_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o as_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o they_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n thereof_o so_o the_o undoubted_a and_o clear_a narration_n of_o they_o be_v to_o we_o a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o the_o word_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v from_o heaven_n and_o not_o from_o man_n the_o lord_n witness_v thereunto_o both_o by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n heb._n 2.4_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o which_o of_o all_o write_n and_o doctrine_n that_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o publish_v be_v the_o most_o ancient_a in_o all_o other_o write_n and_o record_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o fall_v of_o man_n be_v omit_v which_o yet_o be_v particular_o and_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o true_o it_o be_v admirable_a to_o consider_v how_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v in_o preserve_v his_o write_a word_n and_o law_n to_o this_o day_n notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n and_o
or_o inflict_v eternal_a death_n and_o condemnation_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n but_o the_o eternal_a god_n nine_o the_o end_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v divine_a namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n not_o so_o much_o corporal_n and_o temporal_a as_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a the_o doctrine_n precept_n promise_n prohibition_n narration_n threaten_n punishment_n and_o reward_n thereof_o be_v all_o refer_v final_o and_o ultimate_o to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a be_v and_o chief_a good_a which_o show_v plain_o that_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o from_o above_o and_o to_o speak_v truth_n and_o reason_n what_o be_v more_o equal_a and_o just_a then_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v return_v thither_o from_o whence_o they_o have_v their_o first_o rise_n and_o original_a for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o everlasting_a glory_n be_v due_a from_o all_o creature_n rom._n 11.36_o the_o scripture_n plain_o point_v out_o to_o man_n what_o true_a blessedness_n be_v wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o where_o and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o enjoy_v namely_o in_o the_o everlasting_a vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n which_o man_n may_v attain_v unto_o by_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o god_n be_v reconcile_v and_o well_o please_v and_o this_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o what_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n bounty_n mercy_n goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n then_o to_o restore_v man_n fall_v and_o to_o make_v he_o partaker_n of_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n and_o who_o can_v show_v to_o man_n how_o he_o may_v be_v restore_v and_o admit_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n have_v offend_v his_o glorious_a majesty_n who_o can_v direct_v and_o lead_v he_o in_o the_o way_n to_o true_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n but_o god_n who_o be_v wisdom_n and_o goodness_n itself_o and_o who_o have_v effectual_o do_v it_o in_o and_o by_o his_o son_n the_o essential_a word_n and_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n these_o argument_n and_o demonstration_n whether_o they_o be_v several_o or_o joint_o consider_v by_o we_o do_v as_o strong_o prove_v and_o evince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o any_o reason_n can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v any_o true_a religion_n or_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o matter_n that_o concern_v religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o therefore_o may_v serve_v to_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v the_o reason_n of_o any_o sober_a man_n touch_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n every_o christian_n shall_v so_o far_o improve_v his_o reason_n as_o not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o mere_a dictate_v of_o man_n be_v they_o prince_n be_v they_o pope_n be_v they_o counsel_n be_v they_o never_o so_o learned_a or_o pious_a he_o ought_v not_o in_o aliorum_fw-la sententias_fw-la pedibus_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la cordibus_fw-la ire_n reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o these_o matter_n shall_v go_v before_o and_o make_v way_n for_o his_o practice_n as_o there_o be_v some_o that_o vain_o magnify_v and_o lift_v up_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n above_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o authority_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o there_o be_v other_o and_z more_z especial_o that_o bestial_a antichristian_a kingdom_n of_o the_o papacy_n that_o will_v transform_v reasonable_a man_n and_o christian_n into_o sensitive_a and_o irrational_a creature_n by_o the_o deceit_n and_o legerdemain_n of_o a_o popish_a implicit_a credulity_n which_o command_v man_n to_o put_v out_o their_o lamp_n to_o pluck_v out_o their_o eye_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n to_o renounce_v their_o sense_n reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o so_o to_o follow_v their_o leader_n blindfold_a wheresoever_o they_o go_v and_o i_o can_v wish_v there_o be_v not_o too_o much_o of_o this_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a devotion_n among_o protestant_n yea_o and_o among_o some_o that_o seem_v more_o forward_o and_o zealous_a than_o other_o at_o least_o for_o a_o party_n the_o rant_a romanist_n tell_v we_o with_o noise_n and_o clamour_n enough_o of_o a_o visible_a supreme_a tribunal_n and_o a_o infallible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n here_o upon_o earth_n who_o be_v to_o regulate_v all_o person_n and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n though_o never_o so_o much_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n other_o of_o they_o more_o prudent_a and_o moderate_a resolve_v the_o final_a judgement_n of_o controversy_n into_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o general_a council_n and_o all_o of_o they_o general_o make_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o church_n hence_o be_v that_o impudent_a say_n of_o bayly_n the_o jesuit_n that_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n he_o will_v believe_v st._n matthew_n no_o more_o than_o titus_n livius_n a_o heathen_a author_n and_o stapleton_n be_v so_o much_o for_o a_o blind_a implicit_a obedience_n in_o contempt_n of_o reason_n that_o he_o tell_v we_o plain_o the_o people_n be_v so_o subject_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o their_o pastor_n that_o if_o their_o pastor_n err_v in_o any_o thing_n the_o people_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o err_v in_o obedience_n to_o they_o and_o again_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o believe_v christ_n say_v he_o so_o be_v we_o simple_o and_o in_o every_o thing_n to_o believe_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n whether_o it_o teach_v truth_n or_o error_n o_o monstrous_a be_v not_o this_o a_o base_a tyranny_n a_o brutish_a unreasonable_a act_n of_o they_o when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v white_a which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v black_a that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v false_a there_o be_v some_o indeed_o among_o they_o more_o rational_a and_o sober_a who_o will_v not_o have_v private_a christian_n put_v out_o their_o eye_n but_o make_v use_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n the_o examination_n and_o trial_n of_o doctrine_n concern_v faith_n say_v gerson_n belong_v not_o only_o to_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n but_o to_o every_o christian_a also_o that_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n because_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o fit_a judge_n of_o that_o which_o he_o know_v and_o the_o say_n of_o panormitan_n another_o of_o their_o doctor_n be_v well_o know_v that_o one_o faithful_a man_n though_o he_o be_v but_o a_o private_a man_n be_v more_o to_o be_v believe_v then_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o whole_a council_n if_o he_o have_v better_a reason_n and_o scripture_n authority_n on_o his_o side_n chrisostome_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a dissension_n among_o christian_n that_o we_o know_v not_o of_o what_o opinion_n to_o be_v of_o nor_o who_o to_o believe_v have_v these_o remarkable_a word_n tell_v i_o have_v thou_o any_o reason_n or_o judgement_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o part_n of_o a_o man_n bare_o to_o receive_v whatsoever_o he_o hear_v but_o if_o thou_o diligent_o mark_v the_o meaning_n thou_o may_v thorough_o know_v that_o which_o be_v good_a when_o thou_o buy_v a_o garment_n though_o thou_o have_v no_o skill_n in_o weave_v yet_o thou_o say_v not_o i_o can_v buy_v it_o they_o deceive_v i_o but_o thou_o do_v what_o thou_o can_v to_o come_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o it_o say_v not_o then_o i_o be_o no_o scholar_n and_o will_v be_v no_o judge_n i_o can_v condemn_v no_o opinion_n for_o this_o be_v but_o a_o shift_n and_o a_o cavil_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o use_v it_o for_o these_o thing_n be_v easy_a to_o they_o that_o endeavour_n after_o true_a knowledge_n have_v not_o every_o christian_a a_o reasonable_a soul_n a_o understand_a faculty_n which_o god_n have_v endue_v he_o with_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v search_v and_o try_v and_o discern_v the_o thing_n that_o differ_v to_o what_o end_n have_v god_n set_v up_o this_o light_n in_o man_n soul_n if_o he_o must_v not_o use_v it_o in_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v doctrine_n but_o must_v give_v way_n to_o sloth_n and_o ignorance_n be_v not_o this_o to_o transform_v man_n into_o a_o beast_n and_o be_v it_o not_o brutish_a ness_n and_o folly_n in_o he_o thus_o to_o
have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o he_o he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o to_o they_o it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o father_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mat._n 13.11_o hereby_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n even_o by_o his_o spirit_n which_o search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.10_o for_o a_o man_n profess_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n to_o swallow_v down_o without_o trial_n or_o consideration_n all_o that_o he_o read_v and_o hear_v if_o it_o come_v from_o a_o person_n that_o he_o admire_v which_o yet_o be_v the_o practice_n not_o only_o of_o the_o blind_a papist_n but_o of_o many_o seem_a zealous_a protestant_n that_o be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o a_o party_n non_fw-la est_fw-la opus_fw-la virilis_fw-la intelligentiae_fw-la sed_fw-la puerilis_fw-la inscitiae_fw-la this_o rather_o become_v the_o simplicity_n and_o ignorance_n of_o a_o child_n than_o the_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n of_o a_o serious_a christian_a luther_n speak_v of_o the_o blind_a implicit_a faith_n and_o obedience_n too_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o opinion_n and_o practice_n as_o render_v a_o man_n brutist_n and_o deprive_v he_o of_o reason_n and_o manhood_n and_o for_o this_o wicked_a opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o namely_o for_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n the_o roman_a prelate_n deserve_v to_o be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o wolf_n and_o tyrant_n but_o what_o shall_v every_o private_a spirit_n will_v you_o say_v take_v this_o upon_o he_o be_v not_o this_o to_o judge_v his_o judge_n and_o to_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o his_o superior_a to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o those_o person_n be_v they_o never_o so_o great_a and_o learned_a judge_v of_o divine_a thing_n by_o a_o private_a spirit_n who_o depend_v upon_o their_o own_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o fancy_n and_o according_o judge_v and_o determine_v and_o not_o he_o though_o but_o a_o private_a christian_a that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o judge_v of_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n by_o and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o do_v we_o say_v that_o every_o private_a man_n be_v to_o judge_v by_o way_n of_o authority_n in_o foro_fw-la publico_fw-la a_o public_a authoritative_a disquisition_n and_o trial_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o a_o private_a rational_a christian_a examination_n be_v another_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n judicare_fw-la to_o judge_v of_o my_o own_o act_n and_o another_o thing_n judicem_fw-la agere_fw-la to_o act_n as_o a_o judge_n indeed_o the_o spiritual_a man_n judge_v all_o thing_n but_o how_o not_o in_o a_o juridical_a authoritative_a way_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v his_o call_n and_o capacity_n if_o he_o be_v a_o private_a christian_a rational_a judgement_n belong_v to_o he_o but_o magistratica_n and_o ministerial_a judgement_n belong_v to_o other_o that_o be_v in_o a_o more_o public_a capacity_n and_o office_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v to_o try_v and_o judge_v with_o much_o modesty_n and_o humility_n not_o rash_o and_o heady_o as_o be_v self-conceited_a and_o lean_v too_o much_o to_o his_o own_o understanding_n let_v he_o walk_v orderly_o and_o keep_v his_o place_n and_o station_n give_v due_a respect_n and_o reverence_n to_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o godly_a pastor_n and_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n thus_o we_o have_v show_v how_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o exercise_v himself_o in_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o those_o external_a rational_a argument_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o most_o clear_a certain_a infallible_a public_a testimony_n and_o of_o itself_o worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o hereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v more_o particular_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n although_o there_o be_v rational_a argument_n which_o have_v be_v already_o mention_v to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o be_v necessary_a to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o which_o testimony_n be_v better_a and_o more_o certain_a than_o all_o our_o reason_n for_o as_o god_n be_v a_o sufficient_a witness_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o word_n so_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n will_v never_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n till_o the_o same_o be_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o by_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n till_o than_o they_o will_v be_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a often_o doubt_v and_o waver_v notwithstanding_o all_o other_o reason_n and_o proof_n 5._o proof_n calv._n instit_fw-la lib._n 1._o chap._n 7._o s._n 5._o we_o shall_v so_o believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o itself_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v the_o same_o as_o not_o to_o subject_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o to_o our_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n when_o our_o understanding_n be_v once_o powerful_o convince_v and_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o indict_v the_o holy_a scripture_n then_o do_v we_o not_o believe_v by_o our_o own_o judgement_n or_o reason_n or_o other_o man_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v from_o god_n and_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o above_o all_o humane_a reason_n and_o judgement_n we_o hold_v it_o most_o certain_a even_o as_o if_o we_o behold_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n himself_o there_o present_a john_n 4.42_o and_o have_v attain_v this_o we_o seek_v not_o after_o humane_a argument_n to_o rest_v our_o faith_n upon_o but_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o admit_v of_o no_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v we_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o do_v full_o captivate_v and_o submit_v our_o judgement_n and_o reason_n to_o it_o such_o therefore_o be_v the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o true_a spiritual_a christian_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n far_o different_a from_o other_o mens_fw-la as_o require_v no_o humane_a reason_n such_o be_v his_o knowledge_n and_o certainty_n as_o have_v the_o best_a reason_n for_o it_o even_o that_o wherein_o the_o mind_n more_o assure_o and_o steadfast_o rest_v then_o upon_o any_o humane_a testimony_n or_o reason_n whatsoever_o such_o be_v the_o inward_a spiritual_a experience_n of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v oppose_v the_o same_o yet_o he_o be_v full_o resolve_v to_o give_v credit_n and_o adhere_v thereunto_o by_o nature_n every_o man_n be_v blind_a in_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mind_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o shine_a light_n in_o itself_o yet_o unless_o our_o understanding_n be_v open_v and_o enlighten_v we_o can_v behold_v it_o no_o more_o than_o a_o blind_a man_n can_v see_v the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o supernatural_a light_n and_o faith_n by_o the_o inspiration_n thereof_o be_v the_o scripture_n first_o write_v the_o secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v full_o know_v unto_o and_o effectual_o reveal_v by_o this_o spirit_n the_o same_o law_n and_o word_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n this_o spirit_n do_v also_o write_v and_o impress_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o be_v endue_v therewith_o and_o therefore_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o spirit_n where_o it_o come_v in_o power_n must_v needs_o full_o persuade_v and_o assure_v the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n as_o in_o other_o science_n there_o be_v always_o some_o principle_n per_fw-la se_fw-la nota_fw-la &_o indemonstrabilia_fw-la whence_o other_o thing_n be_v prove_v and_o demonstrate_v so_o it_o be_v in_o divinity_n which_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a science_n all_o conclusion_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n
of_o the_o christian_a religion_n why_o i_o believe_v the_o incarnation_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n i_o answer_v because_o god_n word_n testify_v of_o they_o as_o thing_n most_o certain_a and_o true_a if_o he_o ask_v i_o further_o how_o know_v you_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n i_o answer_v by_o infallible_a sign_n and_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n beyond_o all_o humane_a power_n as_o have_v be_v show_v chap._n 12._o of_o this_o treatise_n by_o which_o man_n reason_n may_v be_v convince_v that_o those_o writing_n be_v of_o god_n and_o so_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o a_o christian_n have_v more_o reason_n for_o his_o religion_n then_o any_o other_o whether_o jew_n or_o turk_n or_o heathen_a four_o though_o in_o these_o respect_n that_o have_v be_v mention_v our_o reason_n may_v be_v of_o very_o good_a use_n in_o reference_n to_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o make_v our_o reason_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o matter_n that_o be_v beyond_o our_o reason_n as_o for_o example_n there_o be_v a_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o matth._n 28.19_o 1_o john_n 5.7_o shall_v i_o now_o reject_v this_o great_a mystery_n because_o it_o correspond_v not_o with_o the_o dictate_v of_o my_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o say_v with_o those_o self-willed_a socinian_o that_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reason_n that_o three_o shall_v be_v one_o god_n therefore_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v this_o great_a truth_n but_o only_o interpret_v it_o thus_o that_o these_o three_o agree_v in_o one_o and_o be_v one_o by_o consent_n of_o mind_n and_o will_n for_o so_o a_o thousand_o man_n may_v be_v one_o and_o again_o if_o because_o i_o can_v conceive_v or_o comprehend_v by_o my_o reason_n how_o christ_n and_o his_o father_n can_v be_v one_o in_o substance_n and_o essence_n therefore_o i_o will_v find_v out_o another_o interpretation_n which_o may_v agree_v with_o my_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n true_o this_o be_v to_o set_v reason_n in_o the_o chair_n or_o throne_n above_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n or_o divine_a testimony_n shall_v vail_v bonnet_n to_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o we_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n now_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o curious_a proud_a wit_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n be_v it_o never_o so_o sublime_a and_o mysterious_a unless_o forsooth_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o their_o shallow_a understanding_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o consult_v with_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n about_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o according_o expound_v they_o or_o rather_o pervert_v they_o deny_v and_o reject_v the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n the_o doctrine_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o propitiation_n by_o christ_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o individual_a body_n the_o absolute_a decree_n of_o god_n and_o other_o mystery_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o so_o at_o length_n god_n leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o vain_a reason_n and_o the_o wicked_a imagination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o become_v mere_a atheist_n indeed_o every_o christian_a as_o have_v be_v say_v aught_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o he_o but_o we_o must_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v and_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v i_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n that_o christ_n be_v consubstantial_a and_o coessential_a with_o the_o father_n that_o he_o be_v incarnate_a and_o bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n that_o jacob_n be_v love_v and_o esau_n reject_v before_o they_o have_v do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o my_o belief_n be_v because_o the_o same_o be_v write_v in_o the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n but_o now_o to_o demonstrate_v and_o evidence_n these_o high_a truth_n and_o mystery_n to_o humane_a reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o otherwise_o to_o disbelieve_v they_o this_o be_v a_o course_n destructive_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v evident_a in_o themselves_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o geometry_n that_o every_o whole_a and_o entire_a thing_n be_v big_a than_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o like_a but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o evident_a in_o themselves_o but_o be_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v to_o we_o both_o that_o they_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v by_o a_o foreign_a medium_n without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o by_o the_o report_n of_o other_o and_o this_o be_v that_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o in_o themselves_o appear_v not_o to_o we_o nor_o be_v see_v of_o we_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n faith_n be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v a_o assent_n without_o evidence_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o revealer_n in_o these_o thing_n our_o reason_n reach_v but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o such_o thing_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v hide_v from_o we_o we_o can_v show_v a_o reason_n how_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v thus_o to_o tie_v our_o faith_n to_o reason_n and_o form_v our_o belief_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n so_o as_o to_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n without_o evidence_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o demonstrate_v and_o make_v know_v to_o our_o reason_n argue_v much_o pride_n and_o selfconfidence_n set_v up_o our_o reason_n above_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reason_n god_n against_o subject_v the_o scripture_n to_o reason_n reveal_v and_o arraign_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o our_o reason_n now_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v but_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o ground_n and_o consideration_n first_o because_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o shallow_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n and_o we_o be_v much_o more_o ignorant_a and_o blind_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a john_n 1.5_o 1_o cor._n 1.19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 2.11.14_o 1_o cor._n 13.12_o when_o the_o world_n by_o all_o its_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n know_v not_o god_n in_o christ_n it_o please_v god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1.21_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v yea_o not_o only_o in_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n but_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n there_o be_v still_o much_o blindness_n in_o their_o understanding_n and_o much_o perverseness_n in_o their_o will_n and_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o heart_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n now_o these_o vain_a and_o carnal_a and_o foolish_a reason_n of_o we_o shall_v be_v regulate_v and_o correct_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n man_n reason_n shall_v not_o presume_v to_o regulate_v the_o word_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v regulate_v and_o correct_v man_n reason_n the_o word_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o not_o our_o reason_n for_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v can_v be_v the_o rule_n to_o regulate_v second_o to_o bring_v scripture_n to_o the_o bar_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o so_o make_v reason_n the_o judge_n in_o divine_a mystery_n be_v exceed_v preposterous_a for_o this_o be_v to_o subordinate_a and_o make_v subject_a that_o which_o be_v much_o superior_a to_o that_o which_o be_v far_o inferior_a that_o which_o be_v perfect_a and_o without_o error_n to_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a and_o erroneous_a now_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v weak_a and_o corrupt_a be_v not_o fit_a to_o judge_v that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a nor_o be_v that_o which_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o mistake_n as_o man_n reason_n be_v fit_a to_o regulate_v and_o judge_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o light_n and_o all_o truth_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n say_v to_o christ_n 28._o christ_n mr._n lyford_n on_o heb._n 5.13_o 14._o cap._n 1._o pag._n 28._o i_o have_v need_n to_o be_v baptize_v of_o thou_o and_o come_v thou_o to_o i_o that_o be_o
want_v this_o clear_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n have_v no_o further_a assurance_n of_o what_o it_o believe_v then_o that_o which_o reason_n suggest_v which_o may_v rather_o be_v term_v a_o conviction_n that_o such_o thing_n must_v be_v than_o a_o evidence_n what_o they_o be_v whereby_o it_o plain_o appear_v which_o yet_o may_v be_v more_o large_o and_o full_o prove_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o true_a justify_v faith_n and_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v only_o temporary_a and_o historical_a differ_v not_o only_o gradual_o in_o respect_n of_o degree_n but_o specifical_o in_o nature_n and_o kind_n the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n on_o which_o they_o be_v build_v be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a nature_n four_o this_o difference_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o effectual_a faith_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n rest_v and_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v ultimate_o and_o final_o resolve_v into_o a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o natural_a or_o mere_a rational_a man_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o humane_a testimony_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o revelation_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n matth._n 16.17_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o other_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o spiritual_a man_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 10_o 14_o 15._o to_o who_o they_o be_v manifest_v and_o who_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o which_o enable_v they_o spiritual_o to_o understand_v that_o manifestation_n or_o revelation_n this_o way_n of_o spiritual_a demonstration_n to_o the_o spiritual_a mind_n of_o the_o true_a believer_n be_v far_o different_a from_o and_o do_v far_o transcend_v that_o way_n of_o conviction_n which_o be_v only_o by_o reason_n or_o rational_a discourse_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o divine_a then_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n which_o be_v not_o chief_o ground_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n or_o authority_n but_o rely_v upon_o and_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o a_o humane_a testimony_n or_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n the_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o can_v never_o be_v find_v out_o by_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o yet_o they_o be_v consonant_n to_o right_a reason_n and_o therefore_o man_n reason_n do_v assent_v thereunto_o as_o for_o example_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a these_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o man_n reason_n to_o be_v possible_a upon_o suppositinn_n of_o god_n almighty_a power_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n yea_o and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o who_o great_a design_n be_v to_o make_v know_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v so_o that_o howsoever_o these_o truth_n be_v mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v believe_v yet_o see_v reason_n which_o be_v a_o humane_a testimony_n may_v approve_v they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o a_o historical_a faith_n believe_v these_o thing_n only_o for_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o be_v but_o a_o humane_a faith_n and_o rest_v upon_o a_o humane_a testimony_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o if_o a_o rational_a man_n believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n chief_o upon_o the_o church_n testimony_n of_o they_o or_o upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o truth_n therein_o mention_v or_o upon_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o sacred_a writing_n in_o most_o thing_n which_o make_v he_o therefore_o rational_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v true_a in_o all_o if_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n of_o his_o belief_n by_o way_n of_o rational_a inference_n from_o such_o premise_n then_o true_o he_o believe_v upon_o a_o humane_a and_o not_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o a_o clear_a spiritual_a demonstration_n of_o divine_a truth_n make_v evident_a by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n five_o and_o last_o true_a justify_v faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n differ_v from_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n in_o the_o object_n of_o it_o historical_a faith_n though_o it_o may_v assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_v of_o reconciliation_n pardon_v and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n yea_o and_o may_v believe_v the_o goodness_n of_o they_o in_o general_a yet_o it_o do_v not_o embrace_v and_o apply_v the_o goodness_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a as_o true_a justify_v faith_n do_v which_o count_v all_o other_o thing_n loss_n that_o it_o may_v gain_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o phil._n 3.8_o 9_o and_o which_o enable_v a_o man_n hearty_o and_o real_o to_o close_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o to_o apply_v he_o particular_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a this_o be_v my_o friend_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o small_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o faith_n knowledge_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n and_o the_o faith_n knowledge_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n in_o and_z about_o christ_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o if_o such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v some_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o come_v short_a of_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n then_o certain_o no_o man_n that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n though_o he_o improve_v it_o never_o so_o much_o can_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n but_o of_o this_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n xvii_o show_v that_o none_o can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o mere_a improvement_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n what_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o best_a heathen_n be_v and_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o everlasting_a concernment_n of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n we_o can_v certain_o determine_v nor_o dare_v we_o confident_o pronounce_v that_o they_o be_v all_o in_o hell_n though_o we_o say_v not_o with_o the_o pelagian_o that_o the_o improvement_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n or_o that_o light_n that_o be_v in_o every_o man_n as_o other_o phrase_v it_o can_v make_v man_n everlasting_a happy_a nor_o yet_o with_o the_o semipelagian_o that_o natural_a preparation_n and_o predisposition_n do_v bespeak_v and_o procure_v grace_n nor_o yet_o with_o the_o papist_n that_o work_v flow_v from_o grace_n do_v meritorious_o contribute_v to_o more_o grace_n and_o glory_n yet_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o as_o god_n give_v the_o heathen_n natural_a light_n and_o ability_n and_o to_o some_o of_o they_o the_o improvement_n thereof_o more_o than_o to_o other_o so_o he_o may_v as_o free_o give_v they_o in_o a_o way_n that_o we_o know_v not_o supernatural_a grace_n and_o strength_n and_o reveal_v his_o son_n to_o they_o if_o it_o please_v he_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o notwithstanding_o to_o hold_v that_o a_o man_n may_v get_v to_o heaven_n by_o those_o mere_a improvement_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o nature_n foundation_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v accurate_o and_o punctual_o observe_v every_o jot_n and_o tittle_n of_o nature_n law_n which_o the_o exact_a naturalist_n or_o moralist_n do_v not_o yet_o this_o natural_a obedience_n will_v not_o at_o all_o be_v commensurate_a to_o a_o supernatural_a happiness_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a way_n that_o new_a and_o live_a way_n by_o which_o god_n assume_v humane_a nature_n to_o himself_o and_o make_v it_o everlasting_o happy_a by_o which_o we_o have_v access_n to_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o this_o make_v augustine_n say_v qui_fw-la dicit_fw-la hominem_fw-la seruari_fw-la posse_fw-la sine_fw-la christo_fw-la dubito_fw-la a_o ipse_fw-la per_fw-la christum_fw-la seruari_fw-la possit_fw-la whether_o the_o gentile_n can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o question_n i_o confess_v much_o debate_v both_o in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o some_o modern_a author_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n divers_a of_o the_o ancient_n as_o justin_n martyr_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o chrysostome_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o moral_a heathen_n may_v be_v save_v by_o a_o general_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o justin_n martyr_n think_v they_o may_v be_v save_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n 2._o reason_n justin_n martyr_n apol._n 2._o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o dictamen_fw-la rationis_fw-la
of_o faith_n you_o may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o make_v the_o world_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v invisible_a be_v clear_o see_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v whereby_o we_o come_v to_o know_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1.20_o and_o we_o must_v believe_v this_o also_o because_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v it_o heb._n 11.3_o faith_n and_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n go_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n different_a way_n faith_n do_v it_o because_o of_o the_o divine_a testimony_n authority_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n and_o goodness_n itself_o but_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n do_v it_o because_o of_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o thing_n itself_o by_o rational_a discourse_n however_o we_o must_v hold_v to_o this_o as_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v a_o relict_n of_o god_n image_n in_o man_n be_v necessary_a in_o religious_a and_o moral_a thing_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a there_o be_v great_a decay_n and_o languish_n in_o our_o reason_n as_o the_o great_a philosopher_n themselves_o have_v acknowledge_v v._o consider_v that_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o nature_n and_o reason_n as_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v by_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v in_o every_o son_n of_o adam_n so_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n yea_o enmity_n itself_o against_o god_n rom._n 8.7_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o very_a wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n the_o reason_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n his_o best_a thought_n desire_n and_o affection_n the_o best_a inclination_n and_o motion_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v not_o only_a enemy_n but_o enmity_n against_o god_n a_o enemy_n may_v be_v reconcile_v but_o enmity_n itself_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1.21_o use_v a_o strange_a expression_n that_o the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o world_n through_o foolishness_n be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n but_o that_o by_o wisdom_n that_o be_v by_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_v it_o know_v not_o god_n as_o diodate_v note_n upon_o the_o text_n they_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n say_v the_o same_o apostle_n rom._n 1.21_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v be_v better_o render_v thus_o they_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o reason_n or_o their_o practical_a inference_n and_o discourse_n such_o as_o they_o make_v out_o of_o the_o principle_n they_o have_v in_o their_o understanding_n so_o likewise_o 1_o cor._n 3.20_o the_o lord_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o wise_a not_o the_o simple_a thought_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o prudent_a reason_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v vain_a you_o have_v the_o same_o word_n 1_o tim._n 2.8_o which_o be_v translate_v without_o doubt_v but_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o reason_v or_o dispute_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o prayer_n we_o must_v not_o argue_v against_o the_o promise_n by_o our_o reason_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o more_o humane_a reason_n learning_n and_o wisdom_n man_n have_v the_o more_o opposition_n there_o be_v in_o they_o against_o god_n and_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 1.20_o 26._o and_o chap._n 2.9_o 10_o 11._o and_o ch._n 3.18_o 19_o and_o therefore_o augustine_n write_v thus_o to_o a_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o part_n ornari_fw-la abs_fw-la te_fw-la diabolus_fw-la quaerit_fw-la but_o now_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o nature_n and_o reason_n as_o enlighten_v and_o rectify_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a help_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n let_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n first_o lie_v the_o foundation_n and_o then_o reason_n may_v build_v upon_o it_o reason_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o first_o place_n or_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n but_o shall_v be_v subject_a and_o subordinate_a to_o faith_n as_o agar_n the_o bondwoman_n be_v to_o be_v to_o her_o mistress_n sarah_n the_o freewoman_n we_o must_v not_o first_o consult_v with_o reason_n nor_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v when_o we_o shall_v believe_v beyond_o reason_n a_o mere_a rational_a consider_v of_o mean_n and_o second_o cause_n be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o faith_n if_o you_o will_v believe_v say_v luther_n you_o must_v crucify_v that_o question_n why_o god_n will_v not_o have_v we_o so_o full_a of_o wherefore_n abraham_n against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n rom._n 4.18_o 19_o contra_fw-la spem_fw-la nempe_fw-la carnis_fw-la rationis_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la naturae_fw-la as_o some_o of_o the_o best_a interpreter_n comment_v upon_o it_o he_o believe_v against_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n in_o hope_n against_o hope_n i._n e._n in_o hope_n supernatural_a against_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o natural_a hope_n nothing_o doubt_v say_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o abraham_n faith_n it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n which_o you_o find_v 1_o cor._n 11.29_o nothing_o discern_v as_o when_o a_o man_n look_v on_o thing_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n he_o pass_v a_o judgement_n of_o discern_v or_o dijudication_n upon_o they_o as_o thus_o some_o thing_n be_v easy_a some_o thing_n be_v hard_a abraham_n do_v not_o so_o reason_n or_o consider_v of_o thing_n when_o he_o believe_v i'faith_o when_o it_o be_v lively_a and_o strong_a will_v subscribe_v to_o a_o blank_a and_o will_v rest_v on_o the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n when_o all_o thing_n seem_v contrary_a in_o outward_a appearance_n and_o to_o a_o eye_n of_o reason_n faith_n can_v see_v love_n in_o anger_n light_n in_o darkness_n life_n in_o death_n as_o we_o have_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o instance_n beside_o many_o other_o faith_n will_v tell_v a_o man_n that_o the_o low_a he_o be_v cast_v down_o and_o abase_v the_o high_a he_o shall_v be_v raise_v and_o the_o more_o he_o shall_v be_v comfort_v and_o this_o be_v further_a than_o reason_n can_v go_v faith_n as_o a_o late_a godly_a writer_n true_o observe_v have_v a_o great_a and_o large_a prospect_n it_o can_v look_v over_o all_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o into_o the_o other_o world_n too_o it_o behold_v god_n who_o be_v invisible_a and_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v but_o now_o as_o for_o reason_n it_o get_v upon_o some_o little_a molehill_n of_o creature_n ability_n and_o if_o it_o can_v see_v over_o two_o or_o three_o hedge_n this_o be_v much_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a trouble_n to_o faith_n to_o be_v tie_v to_o reason_n if_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o go_v a_o journey_n of_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o mile_n on_o foot_n you_o will_v say_v he_o be_v a_o good_a footman_n yet_o if_o you_o constrain_v he_o to_o carry_v a_o little_a child_n with_o he_o this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a luggage_n to_o he_o for_o though_o the_o child_n may_v run_v along_o in_o his_o hand_n half_o a_o mile_n yet_o he_o must_v carry_v he_o on_o his_o back_n or_o in_o his_o arm_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o way_n especial_o when_o he_o go_v over_o water_n and_o steep_a hill_n which_o will_v be_v no_o small_a burden_n and_o trouble_n thus_o it_o be_v between_o faith_n and_o reason_n reason_n at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o a_o child_n to_o faith_n faith_n can_v foot_v it_o over_o mountain_n of_o difficulty_n and_o wade_v through_o the_o water_n of_o affliction_n though_o great_a and_o many_o but_o when_o reason_n come_v to_o wade_v through_o a_o affliction_n or_o to_o go_v over_o some_o great_a difficulty_n it_o cry_v out_o and_o say_v oh_o faith_n let_v we_o go_v back_o again_o and_o proceed_v no_o further_o no_o say_v faith_n but_o i_o will_v take_v thou_o upon_o my_o back_n reason_n and_o so_o it_o do_v but_o yet_o reason_n be_v a_o great_a luggage_n and_o burden_n to_o faith_n which_o never_o work_v better_a than_o when_o it_o work_v most_o alone_o for_o than_o it_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n alsufficiency_n and_o omnipotency_n and_o find_v enough_o there_o to_o quiet_a and_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n but_o now_o have_v premise_v these_o five_o consideration_n touch_v faith_n and_o reason_n we_o shall_v show_v the_o christian_a reader_n in_o some_o particular_n what_o use_v he_o shall_v make_v of_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n in_o reference_n to_o divine_a and_o religious_a matter_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v but_o to_o have_v its_o due_a respect_n and_o commendation_n first_o we_o find_v that_o many_o famous_a godly_a man_n have_v
the_o reasonable_a service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n and_o yet_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o christian_a worship_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n administration_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v a_o more_o teasonable_a service_n whereof_o a_o better_a reason_n may_v be_v render_v then_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o unreasonable_a beast_n under_o the_o law_n and_o withal_o that_o those_o christian_n who_o by_o good_a advice_n and_o reason_n do_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n be_v they_o that_o offer_v up_o a_o reasonable_a service_n to_o god_n four_o those_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n that_o be_v leave_v in_o man_n do_v not_o enable_v they_o exact_o and_o perfect_o to_o perform_v natural_a and_o civil_a action_n without_o the_o general_a assistance_n of_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o then_o as_o for_o action_n spiritual_o and_o evangelical_o good_a man_n by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v whole_o unable_a to_o perform_v they_o for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n this_o plain_o appear_v by_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o declare_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o corruption_n of_o every_o unregenerate_a man_n nature_n and_o estate_n and_o also_o by_o those_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o grace_n and_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n as_o the_o sole_a work_n of_o god_n almighty_a power_n and_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v put_v forth_o and_o manifest_v in_o all_o those_o that_o true_o believe_v ephes_n 1.19_o the_o natural_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n here_o as_o calvin_n and_o other_o true_o observe_v he_o mean_v not_o proper_o a_o man_n addict_v to_o gross_a and_o sensual_a lust_n but_o every_o man_n that_o be_v endue_v only_o with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o he_o yea_o the_o most_o rational_a improve_v natural_a man_n this_o be_v evident_a because_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o spiritual_a man_n or_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v proper_o not_o such_o a_o man_n as_o be_v exceed_v carnal_a and_o gross_a in_o sin_n and_o sensuality_n but_o sou_o man_n a_o improve_v rational_a man_n or_o a_o man_n make_v up_o only_o of_o reason_n one_o that_o do_v ex_fw-la colere_fw-la animam_fw-la such_o as_o plato_n aristotle_n and_o tully_n be_v it_o be_v mean_v of_o every_o unregenerate_a man_n who_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o who_o can_v spiritual_o discern_v and_o receive_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v offend_v therewith_o nay_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v in_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o reason_n the_o vain_a they_o be_v and_o the_o more_o opposite_a to_o the_o grace_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o other_o day_n say_v chrysostome_n i_o hear_v a_o certain_a christian_a discourse_v ridiculous_o with_o a_o greek_a each_o of_o they_o in_o their_o discourse_n prejudice_v his_o own_o cause_n for_o the_o greek_a speak_v that_o which_o the_o christian_a shall_v have_v say_v and_o the_o christian_a speak_v that_o which_o the_o greek_a shall_v have_v say_v for_o the_o question_n between_o they_o be_v about_o paul_n and_o plato_n the_o greek_a endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o paul_n be_v rude_a and_o unlearned_a but_o the_o christian_a through_o his_o simplicity_n will_v prove_v that_o paul_n be_v far_o more_o learned_a and_o eloquent_a than_o plato_n and_o so_o the_o greek_a will_v obtain_v the_o victory_n if_o the_o christian_n reason_n shall_v prevail_v for_o if_o paul_n be_v more_o learned_a than_o plato_n in_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n than_o may_v man_n object_v that_o he_o overcome_v not_o the_o world_n through_o grace_n but_o through_o humane_a eloquence_n therefore_o say_v this_o father_n when_o the_o greek_n shall_v object_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v rude_a and_o unlearned_a simple_a obscure_a person_n of_o no_o great_a reason_n nor_o part_n let_v we_o free_o acknowledge_v it_o as_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v not_o their_o reproach_n but_o their_o glory_n that_o be_v such_o they_o yet_o overcome_v the_o learned_a man_n the_o wise_a man_n the_o philosopher_n the_o rhetorician_n the_o orator_n the_o prince_n and_o all_o the_o world_n for_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n this_o do_v exceed_o set_v forth_o and_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n five_o a_o christian_n shall_v so_o far_o deny_v his_o natural_a reason_n and_o wisdom_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a that_o his_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v the_o assent_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o not_o the_o assent_n of_o mere_a reason_n the_o immediate_a ground_n of_o this_o assent_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o man_n reason_n but_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o god_n testify_v that_o which_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o school_n speak_v be_v the_o first_o truth_n or_o god_n himself_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o we_o suppose_v a_o truth_n teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v likewise_o demonstrate_v to_o my_o reason_n by_o philosophical_a argument_n as_o namely_o that_o god_n create_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a my_o assent_n to_o these_o truth_n be_v so_o far_o the_o assent_n of_o divine_a faith_n as_o it_o be_v ground_v and_o bottom_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n as_o for_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v mere_o ground_v upon_o philosophical_a reason_n and_o demonstration_n it_o be_v not_o divine_a faith_n but_o only_o humane_a faith_n and_o reason_n six_o our_o reason_n be_v so_o imperfect_a so_o defective_a so_o apt_a to_o mistake_v in_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n that_o we_o must_v not_o make_v our_o apprehension_n though_o under_o pretence_n of_o reason_n the_o rule_n of_o what_o we_o will_v receive_v for_o the_o word_n and_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o what_o we_o will_v reject_v but_o what_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o apprehension_n though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o same_o by_o our_o weak_a deprave_a reason_n and_o understanding_n otherwise_o we_o subject_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n truth_n to_o our_o own_o weak_a shallow_a apprehension_n and_o believe_v he_o not_o because_o he_o have_v say_v it_o but_o because_o we_o by_o our_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v it_o and_o this_o be_v dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o the_o scripture_n do_v reveal_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n what_o reason_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v ever_o have_v think_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o personal_a union_n of_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o mediator_n the_o imputation_n of_o adam_n sin_n to_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o glorious_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o poor_a sinner_n for_o their_o justification_n without_o all_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o but_o what_o great_a mystery_n be_v there_o in_o it_o if_o we_o by_o our_o shallow_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v it_o we_o must_v pray_v for_o grace_n say_v mr._n fox_n galatian_n fox_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o luther_n on_o the_o galatian_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n that_o we_o may_v right_o understand_v the_o gospel_n so_o strange_a be_v this_o doctrine_n to_o carnal_a reason_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o world_n so_o many_o enemy_n it_o have_v that_o except_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o above_o do_v powerful_o reveal_v it_o learning_n can_v reach_v it_o wisdom_n be_v offend_v nature_n be_v astonish_v devil_n and_o man_n do_v oppose_v and_o persecute_v it_o brief_o as_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o life_n so_o easy_a so_o there_o be_v none_o so_o hard_a easy_a to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v from_o above_o hard_o to_o carnal_a sense_n and_o reason_n not_o yet_o inspire_v and_o luther_n himself_o in_o his_o commentary_n on_o