cruel_a emperor_n of_o the_o goth_n after_o he_o have_v destroy_v so_o many_o thousand_o by_o innumerable_a massacre_n waste_v and_o consume_v whole_a nation_n not_o be_v able_a to_o suffer_v the_o countenance_n of_o s._n bennet_n a_o poor_a monk_n fall_v down_o prostrate_a on_o his_o face_n and_o can_v scarce_o raise_v himself_o when_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n command_v and_o assist_v he_o to_o rise_v in_o like_a manner_n theodosius_n the_o emperor_n return_v to_o milan_n after_o his_o cruel_a slaughter_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o be_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o s._n ambrose_n chide_v he_o and_o revile_v his_o cruelty_n deny_v the_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n until_o he_o have_v by_o a_o public_a penance_n enjoin_v he_o by_o the_o bishop_n expiate_v his_o cruelty_n and_o injustice_n i_o shall_v want_v time_n if_o i_o shall_v recount_v the_o example_n in_o this_o kind_n but_o it_o be_v not_o for_o my_o present_a purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o which_o by_o daily_a example_n be_v know_v to_o all_o for_o i_o have_v often_o see_v arrogant_a and_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a both_o to_o have_v change_v their_o word_n and_o with_o great_a sorrow_n and_o compunction_n of_o heart_n to_o have_v reform_v their_o life_n for_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v adorn_v the_o exterior_a both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n the_o young_a with_o a_o wonderful_a sweetness_n and_o grace_n the_o elder_a man_n with_o the_o veneration_n of_o their_o white_a hair_n and_o make_v they_o as_o the_o present_a matter_n require_v to_o become_v now_o amiable_a to_o some_o and_o now_o again_o to_o some_o other_o formidable_a this_o effect_n in_o the_o exterior_a proceed_v out_o of_o the_o supernatural_a bounty_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n adorn_v the_o understanding_n will_n and_o other_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o we_o gather_v hence_o that_o our_o soul_n vehement_o alter_v our_o body_n by_o force_n of_o the_o imagination_n do_v exceed_o change_v the_o countenance_n and_o visage_n as_o by_o lascivious_a thought_n the_o body_n be_v stir_v up_o to_o lust_n and_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o hatred_n it_o be_v inflame_v with_o desire_n of_o revenge_n whnnce_n we_o experience_v that_o the_o body_n be_v much_o alter_v by_o force_n of_o the_o imagination_n and_o by_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o sensible_a appetite_n and_o the_o commotion_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o face_n and_o visage_n be_v straightway_o change_v so_o that_o by_o fear_n man_n be_v wont_a to_o become_v pale_a and_o wan_a by_o anger_n and_o bashfulness_n red_a and_o blush_a and_o joy_n and_o sorrow_n make_v their_o several_a impression_n in_o the_o countenance_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o our_o understanding_n use_v corporal_a instrument_n and_o organ_n what_o ever_o pass_v in_o the_o interior_a especial_o any_o vehement_a conceit_n have_v its_o influence_n into_o the_o corporal_a and_o exterior_a part_n especial_o into_o the_o face_n and_o eye_n for_o we_o plain_o discern_v in_o proud_a man_n a_o arrogance_n of_o look_n in_o the_o cruel_a a_o stern_a and_o fierce_o cast_v of_o their_o eye_n in_o the_o light_a one_o a_o subtle_a and_o unconstant_a deportment_n and_o in_o the_o lascivious_a a_o wanton_a aspect_n nay_o some_o malevolous_a old_a woman_n with_o the_o very_a contagion_n of_o their_o look_n be_v say_v to_o infect_v and_o fascinate_v little_a infant_n to_o conclude_v the_o good_a and_o evil_a habit_n of_o the_o mind_n especial_o if_o they_o have_v take_v deep_a root_n can_v scarce_o by_o any_o dissimulation_n be_v so_o hide_v that_o they_o appear_v not_o in_o the_o exterior_a every_o cause_n therefore_o liken_v its_o effect_n and_o every_o effect_n make_v a_o expression_n of_o its_o cause_n this_o exterior_a beauty_n and_o comeliness_n of_o christian_n and_o this_o honest_a and_o venerable_a manner_n of_o deportment_n can_v proceed_v from_o any_o other_o cause_n then_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o integrity_n of_o their_o life_n which_o effect_n we_o daily_o see_v to_o be_v of_o such_o virtue_n that_o as_o we_o daily_o experionce_v there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v find_v more_o energeticall_a and_o efficacious_a for_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n for_o we_o experience_n that_o the_o example_n of_o simple_a christian_n live_v upright_o have_v profit_v man_n more_o than_o the_o persuasion_n of_o learned_a and_o eloquent_a philosopher_n nay_o even_o the_o relation_n or_o behold_v of_o miracle_n for_o we_o often_o see_v eloquent_a and_o learned_a man_n whilst_o they_o be_v preach_v high_a and_o elevate_a subtlety_n of_o knowledge_n to_o be_v hearken_v unto_o with_o great_a attention_n but_o their_o life_n not_o correspond_v to_o their_o word_n they_o have_v profit_v the_o church_n very_o little_a but_o only_o bear_v away_o the_o report_n and_o praise_n of_o their_o eloquence_n and_o wisdom_n in_o past_a and_o present_a age_n there_o have_v be_v many_o miracle_n which_o little_o conduce_v to_o the_o amendment_n of_o life_n for_o though_o we_o see_v multitude_n of_o man_n flock_v together_o to_o see_v they_o yet_o if_o we_o look_v more_o diligent_o into_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o very_o few_o have_v reap_v the_o profit_n of_o better_v their_o life_n by_o they_o but_o by_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o virtuous_a christian_a we_o both_o have_v know_v and_o see_v innumerable_a sorry_a and_o contrite_a for_o their_o sin_n and_o convert_v unto_o almighty_a god_n and_o those_o not_o only_o of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o simple_a sort_n of_o people_n but_o most_o eminent_a in_o prudence_n and_o learning_n of_o the_o which_o very_o many_o have_v feel_v the_o odour_n of_o a_o good_a fame_n and_o sanctity_n contemn_v the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o the_o world_n have_v betake_v themselves_o to_o these_o happy_a and_o religious_a society_n and_o monastery_n where_o loathe_v their_o former_a course_n they_o pass_v their_o life_n with_o exceed_a content_n pleasure_n and_o sincerity_n hence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v some_o virtue_n in_o christian_n by_o which_o these_o admirable_a effect_n be_v produce_v for_o a_o body_n have_v no_o substantial_a influence_n into_o a_o spirit_n which_o we_o see_v manifest_o express_v in_o the_o most_o formal_a body_n of_o all_o to_o wit_n the_o celestial_a which_o suffer_v nothing_o from_o any_o corporal_a virtue_n for_o the_o heaven_n suffer_v not_o from_o the_o neighbour_a fire_n much_o less_o therefore_o shall_v a_o spirit_n suffer_v by_o any_o corporal_a influence_n those_o thing_n therefore_o that_o be_v exterior_a and_o visible_a in_o a_o christian_a life_n be_v corporal_a they_o can_v have_v any_o proper_a and_o substantial_a influence_n into_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o may_v receive_v benefit_n unless_o thereby_o some_o virtue_n be_v together_o infuse_v into_o it_o but_o in_o a_o catholic_a and_o virtuous_a man_n the_o most_o eminent_a and_o chief_a virtue_n from_o which_o a_o upright_a institution_n of_o life_n exterior_a beauty_n and_o holy_a conversation_n do_v proceed_v be_v the_o immaculate_a faith_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n crucify_v for_o this_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v augment_v their_o exterior_a ornament_n and_o veneration_n be_v increase_v and_o of_o great_a efficacy_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n i'faith_o therefore_o which_o operate_v with_o love_n can_v be_v a_o deceit_n see_v that_o falsity_n be_v void_a of_o all_o virtue_n and_o can_v penetrate_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n verity_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o falsity_n but_o there_o be_v never_o any_o virtue_n or_o remedy_n find_v more_o efficacious_a for_o the_o live_n well_o and_o virtuous_o than_o a_o christian_a life_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o comparison_n of_o philosopher_n and_o other_o man_n by_o who_o learning_n and_o example_n very_o few_o have_v be_v convert_v to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o by_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n innumerable_a do_v daily_o rise_v and_o lead_v most_o unspotted_a life_n and_o therefore_o a_o vain_a and_o erroneous_a falsity_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n or_o root_n of_o this_o life_n otherwise_o man_n will_v more_o easy_o be_v reclaim_v to_o the_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n by_o the_o learning_n and_o morality_n of_o philosopher_n then_o by_o christian_a example_n which_o we_o find_v most_o false_a by_o experience_n moreover_o almighty_a god_n be_v the_o first_o mover_n without_o who_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o motion_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o wisdom_n he_o subordinate_n the_o noble_a effect_n to_o the_o noble_a cause_n but_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o effect_n be_v a_o christian_a life_n almighty_a god_n therefore_o by_o exhortation_n and_o chief_o by_o internal_a inspiration_n stir_v up_o man_n to_o this_o life_n by_o most_o conspicuous_a example_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o cause_n may_v produce_v a_o effect_n like_o itself_o as_o the_o
exhibit_v by_o a_o personal_a reverence_n external_a ceremony_n and_o corporal_a sacrifice_n now_o as_o all_o matter_n be_v natural_o make_v and_o ordain_v for_o their_o form_n so_o questionless_a the_o external_a worship_n have_v a_o due_a subordination_n to_o the_o interior_a this_o interior_a divine_a worship_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o righteousness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o interior_a man_n by_o the_o which_o god_n be_v most_o honour_a which_o i_o prove_v in_o this_o manner_n every_o cause_n receive_v most_o honour_n from_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o more_o principal_a effect_n whence_o artisan_n become_v famous_a by_o the_o excellence_n of_o their_o masterpiece_n but_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a effect_n more_o noble_a than_o man_n who_o the_o more_o excellent_a he_o become_v in_o perfection_n the_o more_o be_v the_o divine_a honour_n increase_v now_o he_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o perfect_a by_o how_o much_o his_o life_n be_v more_o holy_a for_o sanctity_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o interior_a man_n by_o which_o even_o the_o whole_a man_n be_v perfect_v and_o therefore_o the_o chief_a honour_n that_o man_n do_v almighty_a god_n be_v by_o a_o virtuous_a holy_a and_o perfect_a life_n and_o in_o this_o manner_n the_o true_a and_o entire_a worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o upright_a and_o virtuous_a man_n become_v so_o by_o his_o action_n as_o they_o have_v a_o reference_n unto_o his_o creator_n we_o do_v not_o worship_v almighty_a god_n mere_o and_o precise_o for_o himself_o but_o also_o that_o we_o may_v obtain_v from_o he_o that_o supreme_a bliss_n for_o which_o man_n be_v create_v wherefore_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v the_o mean_n and_o disposition_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o this_o supreme_a felicity_n of_o man_n as_o we_o see_v natural_a cause_n exact_v the_o congruous_a disposition_n of_o that_o subject_n or_o matter_n into_o which_o they_o produce_v their_o effect_n see_v therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_v that_o man_n be_v much_o more_o perfect_o dispose_v for_o the_o obtain_v his_o chief_a bliss_n by_o a_o virtuous_a life_n then_o by_o sacrifice_n and_o exterior_a ceremony_n it_o be_v no_o less_o certain_a that_o the_o true_a religion_n consist_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o life_n moreover_o almighty_a god_n not_o be_v a_o body_n but_o a_o pure_a act_n man_n become_v more_o like_o he_o by_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o interior_a part_n then_o by_o any_o exterior_a integrity_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v more_o perfect_o worship_v by_o the_o spirit_n then_o by_o any_o function_n of_o the_o body_n for_o almighty_a god_n be_v a_o spirit_n it_o behoove_v those_o that_o worship_v he_o to_o adore_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o verity_n chap._n iii_o that_o there_o be_v no_o better_a life_n then_o that_o of_o christian_n there_o be_v no_o life_n more_o perfect_a and_o holy_a than_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n for_o if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o all_o live_a creature_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o life_n those_o which_o only_o enjoy_v vegetation_n or_o growth_n as_o plant_n thence_o we_o raise_v we_o unto_o the_o animal_n or_o sensitive_a life_n which_o degree_n of_o life_n admit_v a_o latitude_n of_o divers_a degree_n of_o sensitive_a perfection_n whereof_o that_o degree_n be_v more_o perfect_a which_o enjoy_v the_o perfect_a degree_n of_o sensation_n now_o the_o intellectual_a life_n far_o exceed_v that_o which_o be_v only_o vegetive_a and_o sensible_a we_o easy_o conclude_v that_o the_o life_n of_o beast_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o the_o life_n of_o man_n in_o which_o also_o we_o distinguish_v divers_a degree_n of_o actual_a perfection_n though_o not_o of_o essential_a for_o we_o prefer_v those_o that_o follow_v the_o light_n and_o dictamen_fw-la of_o reason_n before_o those_o who_o swerve_v from_o it_o and_o neglect_a reason_n give_v the_o full_a scope_n and_o rain_n to_o sense_n the_o reason_n be_v clear_a because_o the_o more_o they_o neglect_v reason_n and_o addict_v themselves_o to_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o less_o they_o participate_v the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o become_v more_o like_a unto_o beast_n but_o those_o who_o be_v guide_v by_o reason_n and_o do_v suppress_v the_o brute_n and_o inferior_a part_n do_v lead_v the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o not_o of_o beast_n there_o be_v therefore_o in_o man_n a_o combination_n of_o these_o two_o degree_n of_o the_o rational_a and_o brute_n life_n and_o the_o rational_a be_v far_o more_o excellent_a of_o the_o two_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o that_o man_n be_v more_o perfect_a who_o addict_v himself_o to_o a_o rational_a life_n than_o he_o who_o give_v himself_o over_o to_o the_o life_n of_o brute_n now_o among_o those_o who_o addict_v themselves_o unto_o a_o intellectual_a life_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n become_v much_o more_o perfect_a by_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n then_o of_o corporal_a especial_o as_o they_o be_v exercise_v about_o the_o divine_a perfection_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n become_v more_o perfect_a the_o more_o it_o refrain_v from_o corporal_a object_n and_o employ_v itself_o in_o the_o contemplation_n and_o love_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n especial_o of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n now_o a_o christian_a life_n aim_v chief_o at_o this_o that_o neglect_v all_o create_a object_n whether_o spiritual_a or_o corporal_a it_o whole_o employ_v itself_o in_o the_o contemplation_n and_o love_n of_o almighty_n god_n so_o that_o it_o become_v in_o a_o manner_n by_o a_o intellectual_a and_o affectionate_a union_n one_o and_o the_o spirit_n with_o its_o divine_a object_n wherefore_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o find_v a_o life_n more_o perfect_a than_o that_o by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v unite_v with_o his_o first_o cause_n and_o his_o last_o end_n it_o appear_v clear_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o life_n more_o perfect_a than_o that_o of_o a_o christian_n morever_o the_o righteous_a life_n of_o man_n as_o he_o be_v man_n as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o receive_v its_o value_n from_o the_o degree_n of_o reason_n which_o it_o exercise_n wherefore_o the_o more_o rational_a it_o be_v the_o great_a be_v its_o worth_n and_o value_n therefore_o see_v that_o those_o which_o be_v true_a christian_n be_v unwilling_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o against_o reason_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o their_o life_n far_o excel_v the_o life_n of_o other_o sect_n and_o religion_n the_o virtuous_a life_n of_o man_n have_v a_o chief_a regard_n unto_o that_o for_o which_o it_o be_v create_v to_o wit_n the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o say_a perfection_n for_o which_o be_v require_v a_o most_o pure_a serenity_n of_o mind_n for_o if_o a_o mind_n be_v subject_a to_o humane_a and_o sensual_a passion_n it_o will_v be_v altogether_o unfit_a for_o so_o sublime_a and_o elevate_v a_o object_n but_o there_o be_v no_o life_n to_o be_v find_v which_o more_o undress_n the_o interior_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n then_o that_o of_o christian_n which_o spend_v its_o whole_a endeavour_n in_o unite_n itself_o only_o with_o its_o creator_n therefore_o there_o be_v none_o which_o surpass_v it_o in_o true_a dignity_n and_o excellency_n chap._n iu._n there_o can_v be_v imagine_v the_o last_o end_n of_o any_o life_n better_o than_o that_o of_o christian_n to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o life_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o of_o christian_n we_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v two_o change_n principal_o require_v to_o a_o virtuous_a life_n to_o wit_n a_o perfect_a end_n and_o proportionable_a mean_n for_o attain_v to_o that_o end_n first_o i_o will_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n so_o consonant_a to_o reason_n at_o that_o which_o christian_n aim_v at_o next_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v that_o the_o mean_n which_o christian_n be_v to_o put_v in_o execution_n for_o the_o gain_v their_o end_n be_v the_o most_o accomplish_a and_o excellent_a of_o all_o other_o and_o as_o for_o the_o end_n it_o will_v easy_o appear_v if_o we_o daily_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o end_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n the_o end_n cujus_fw-la or_o of_o which_o and_o the_o end_n quo_fw-la or_o by_o which_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n itself_o which_o we_o seek_v and_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o enjoy_v the_o same_o nothing_o questionless_a be_v so_o excellent_a as_o almighty_a god_n but_o god_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n for_o who_o sake_n and_o unto_o who_o they_o address_v all_o their_o action_n this_o end_n therefore_o of_o they_o admit_v no_o colour_n of_o question_n their_o faith_n also_o aspire_v unto_o the_o clear_a vision_n
to_o do_v perverse_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o come_v disprove_v i_o if_o you_o can_v or_o if_o you_o can_v confess_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o preach_v unto_o you_o be_v true_a the_o xv._o conclusion_n that_o christian_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o christ_n crucify_v also_o do_v find_v inestimable_a delectation_n we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o invisible_a thing_n in_o this_o life_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o thing_n visible_a because_o as_o philosophy_n teach_v our_o understanding_n natural_o follow_v the_o fantasy_n that_o be_v apprehend_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v prepare_v as_o it_o be_v and_o offer_v to_o she_o from_o thence_o now_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a object_n in_o the_o world_n which_o can_v more_o effectual_o lead_v we_o unto_o the_o knowledge_n and_o contemplation_n of_o divine_a thing_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n crucify_v proceed_v from_o a_o lively_a faith_n because_o indeed_o nothing_o can_v more_o effectual_o declare_v the_o goodness_n and_o inestimable_a charity_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n for_o see_v that_o to_o be_v love_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o it_o self_n very_o agreeable_a to_o nature_n to_o be_v belove_v in_o this_o manner_n of_o god_n that_o be_v unto_o so_o high_a a_o pitch_n that_o he_o shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o be_v crucify_v himself_o for_o we_o who_o can_v think_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o pleasure_n of_o all_o pleasure_n to_o conceive_v now_o such_o a_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o do_v the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n crucify_v present_a unto_o our_o mind_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n must_v cause_v in_o they_o ineffable_a delectation_n beside_o hope_v of_o good_a be_v a_o thing_n which_o natural_o cause_v delight_n as_o make_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o good_a we_o hope_v for_o present_a to_o we_o and_o the_o great_a and_o more_o certain_a the_o good_a be_v which_o we_o hope_v so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o more_o perfect_a delight_n be_v cause_v but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a good_a imagine_v then_o that_o which_o christian_n hope_v for_o by_o the_o passion_n nor_o more_o certain_a for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v assure_v thereof_o by_o god_n himself_o who_o for_o that_o intent_n namely_o that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o sure_a to_o they_o be_v crucify_a therefore_o from_o such_o hope_n so_o great_a so_o sure_a christian_n can_v but_o receive_v singular_a consolation_n three_o admiration_n be_v natural_o accompany_v with_o delight_n for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o which_o wonder_n at_o any_o thing_n be_v common_o possess_v also_o with_o some_o great_a desire_n and_o hope_v to_o know_v what_o the_o matter_n be_v at_o which_o he_o find_v himself_o to_o wonder_v now_o what_o more_o admirable_a yea_o astonish_a then_o that_o god_n almighty_n shall_v be_v make_v man_n and_o die_v upon_o a_o gibbet_n to_o save_v man_n see_v therefore_o that_o christian_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o christ_n passion_n do_v consider_v this_o and_o also_o conceive_v most_o firm_a hope_n to_o attain_v one_o day_n unto_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n and_o sight_n of_o so_o rare_a a_o mystery_n how_o can_v they_o be_v otherwise_o affect_v then_o with_o excess_n of_o delight_n four_o see_v god_n almighty_n be_v so_o infinite_o perfect_a and_o great_a it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o by_o any_o one_o creature_n he_o can_v be_v competent_o express_v but_o it_o seem_v necessary_a to_o his_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o create_v a_o universe_n of_o creature_n that_o be_v this_o whole_a world_n in_o the_o latitude_n and_o variety_n whereof_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n may_v have_v scope_n enough_o and_o find_v infinite_a example_n wherein_o to_o contemplate_v even_o unto_o ravishment_n the_o singularity_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o see_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o same_o god_n our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v as_o infinite_o surpass_v all_o humane_a understanding_n not_o one_o only_o or_o some_o few_o but_o a_o million_o a_o numberless_a multitude_n of_o divine_a gracious_a and_o stupendous_a work_n be_v requisite_a by_o he_o also_o to_o be_v do_v but_o to_o express_v it_o in_o some_o part_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v feed_v yea_o glut_v as_o it_o be_v with_o admiration_n and_o content_n among_o which_o none_o bear_v more_o lively_a or_o legible_a character_n of_o his_o love_n then_o that_o of_o his_o passion_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o his_o passion_n and_o the_o contemplation_n thereof_o great_a content_n must_v be_v find_v as_o experience_n also_o prove_v in_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o christian_n who_o by_o their_o action_n have_v more_o then_o sufficient_o show_v the_o sense_n they_o have_v have_v of_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v a_o endless_a labour_n to_o go_v about_o to_o express_v they_o the_o infinite_a variety_n the_o multitude_n and_o excess_n of_o those_o joy_n which_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v taste_v from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o do_v daily_o taste_v in_o this_o kind_n the_o life_n yea_o the_o death_n of_o those_o ancient_a christian_n do_v abundant_o testify_v how_o great_a they_o be_v who_o in_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o both_o sex_n and_o of_o all_o condition_n man_n and_o woman_n for_o the_o name_n and_o for_o the_o love_n of_o this_o crucify_a jesus_n not_o only_o patient_o endure_v all_o sort_n of_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n but_o even_o exult_v and_o leap_v for_o joy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torture_n die_v rather_o through_o the_o extremity_n of_o their_o delight_n than_o pain_n the_o number_n of_o monk_n and_o other_o solitary_a person_n be_v infinite_a who_o in_o all_o time_n for_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o world_n and_o make_v choice_n to_o live_v in_o wilderness_n and_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n poor_a naked_a destitute_a of_o all_o thing_n save_o the_o comfort_n of_o divine_a love_n only_o to_o attend_v unto_o this_o contemplation_n last_o the_o learnede_a doctor_n and_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n how_o often_o have_v they_o abandon_v not_o only_o the_o pleasure_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v scarce_o worthy_a of_o they_o but_o even_o their_o most_o please_a and_o most_o commendable_a study_n yea_o their_o own_o self_n also_o for_o the_o love_n and_o contemplation_n of_o this_o jesus_n the_o xvi_o conclusion_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v exceed_o elevate_v the_o mind_n of_o good_a christian_n unto_o these_o contemplation_n first_o because_o all_o scripture_n general_o do_v relate_v unto_o christ_n crucify_v according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n the_o end_n or_o scope_n of_o the_o law_n be_v christ_n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o writing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v but_o the_o sign_n of_o word_n speak_v as_o speech_n be_v of_o conception_n or_o thought_n because_o our_o thought_n do_v always_o proceed_v from_o some_o interior_a light_n or_o illustration_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o how_o much_o that_o light_n be_v great_a and_o more_o excellent_a so_o much_o the_o great_a also_o and_o more_o perfect_a must_v the_o conception_n be_v and_o the_o speech_n consequent_o more_o powerful_a and_o the_o writing_n wherein_o that_o speech_n be_v represent_v more_o admirable_a and_o profound_a now_o light_v supernatural_a be_v always_o great_a and_o more_o perfect_a than_o natural_a and_o see_v also_o that_o there_o be_v several_a degree_n in_o that_o light_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o evangelist_n have_v the_o great_a measure_n thereof_o as_o be_v the_o man_n who_o almighty_a god_n be_v please_v so_o singular_o to_o illuminate_v as_o that_o neither_o in_o write_v nor_o preach_v they_o can_v so_o mistake_v as_o to_o deliver_v falsehood_n for_o truth_n therefore_o also_o be_v their_o meditation_n their_o speech_n and_o all_o expression_n of_o themselves_o always_o profound_a powerful_a and_o serious_a he_o therefore_o that_o presume_v to_o understand_v their_o writing_n without_o supernatural_a illustration_n be_v as_o wise_a as_o he_o that_o will_v have_v a_o bird_n to_o fly_v without_o wing_n of_o which_o sort_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o in_o the_o world_n viz._n certain_a philosopher_n rhetorician_n grammarian_n poet_n of_o this_o age_n who_o not_o know_v or_o not_o consider_v the_o profundity_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n do_v venture_n upon_o they_o with_o the_o same_o temerity_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o tully_n hortensius_n or_o some_o other_o of_o their_o windy_a author_n and_o perhaps_o not_o find_v in_o they_o those_o flash_n of_o elegance_n or_o subtlety_n to_o which_o themselves_o be_v accustom_v present_o they_o fall_v to_o slight_v and_o think_v mean_o of_o they_o imagine_v weak_a man_n nothing_o to_o be_v so_o sublime_a as_o plato_n philosophy_n no_o eloquence_n comparable_a to_o some_o piece_n of_o cicero_n but_o he_o which_o dwell_v in_o heaven_n shall_v one_o day_n laugh_v these_o
man_n to_o scorn_n yea_o our_o lord_n shall_v have_v they_o inderifion_n for_o indeed_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o seem_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o understand_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v but_o the_o true_a christion_n the_o man_n that_o have_v supernatural_a light_n in_o he_o shall_v discern_v they_o and_o if_o with_o pure_a intention_n and_o a_o humble_a heart_n he_o set_v himself_o to_o the_o read_n of_o holy_a scripture_n meditate_v or_o consider_v well_o what_o he_o read_v and_o beg_v the_o grace_n of_o divine_a illumination_n with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n from_o god_n this_o man_n i_o say_v shall_v doubtless_o be_v wonderful_o elevate_v by_o read_v and_o fit_v for_o divine_a favour_n and_o shall_v find_v those_o endless_a and_o immortal_a pleasure_n in_o they_o which_o do_v incomparable_o exceed_v the_o great_a of_o this_o world_n for_o this_o be_v certain_a every_o thing_n be_v best_a delight_v with_o that_o which_o be_v connaturall_a unto_o it_o as_o different_z humour_n do_v always_o affect_v different_a recreation_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o poet_n trahit_fw-la sva_fw-la quemque_fw-la voluptas_fw-la every_o man_n have_v his_o own_o fancy_n but_o unto_o he_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o supernatur_fw-la all_o light_n the_o most_o natural_a that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a study_n of_o all_o be_v certain_o the_o study_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o proceed_v from_o that_o same_o fountain_n of_o light_n therefore_o also_o in_o the_o read_n and_o contemplation_n of_o they_o the_o true_a christian_a find_v his_o great_a content_n beside_o every_o thing_n be_v best_a please_v in_o such_o kind_n of_o action_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o itself_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a for_o a_o christian_a then_o the_o contemplation_n of_o christ_n crucify_v by_o the_o study_n of_o scripture_n for_o shall_v he_o go_v about_o to_o conceive_v or_o meditate_v of_o he_o mere_o according_a to_o natural_a reason_n or_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n neglect_v scripture_n he_o will_v certain_o find_v less_o proficiency_n and_o perhaps_o run_v himself_o into_o some_o hazard_n of_o dangerous_a error_n for_o such_o contemplation_n be_v pure_o natural_a imperfect_a and_o by_o which_o he_o shall_v never_o attain_v unto_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n of_o which_o thing_n we_o have_v example_n in_o our_o modern_a divine_n who_o seem_v to_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o aristotle_n and_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n be_v become_v general_o less_o devout_a less_o contemplative_a than_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n beside_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o understanding_n the_o high_a it_o be_v the_o great_a delight_n it_o cause_v in_o the_o acquisition_n now_o the_o veritye_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o most_o high_a and_o mysterious_a of_o all_o other_o because_o they_o treat_v principal_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v undiscernible_a by_o natural_a light_n again_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o man_n nature_n which_o be_v never_o long_o delight_v with_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o always_o affect_v variety_n and_o change_n of_o pleasure_n the_o sacred_a scripture_n do_v become_v a_o most_o agreeable_a exercise_n to_o our_o spirit_n for_o how_o admirable_a how_o ravish_v be_v that_o variety_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o they_o of_o history_n of_o sense_n of_o type_n of_o figure_n and_o yet_o a_o most_o exquisite_a harmony_n between_o they_o all_o all_o the_o part_n all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n exact_o consent_v in_o one_o and_o point_v unto_o the_o same_o general_a and_o supreme_a verity_n or_o end_n which_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n of_o which_o while_n they_o treat_v sometime_o historical_o and_o plain_o sometime_o more_o mystical_o and_o profound_o they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v present_v a_o nosegay_n of_o celestial_a and_o various_a flower_n unto_o our_o soul_n which_o continual_o change_v do_v yet_o most_o constant_o increase_v spiritual_a content_n we_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o in_o the_o read_n and_o meditation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n most_o exquisite_a delight_n be_v find_v the_o xvii_o conclusion_n that_o a_o good_a christian_a the_o more_o simple_o that_o be_v to_o say_v sincere_o he_o live_v the_o great_a consolation_n he_o have_v from_o god_n from_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o from_o the_o study_n of_o holy_a scripture_n this_o be_v true_a whither_o we_o speak_v of_o simplicity_n only_o interior_a or_o that_o of_o the_o heart_n for_o the_o understanding_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n together_o with_o his_o affection_n the_o more_o pure_a and_o sincere_a they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v they_o render_v he_o fit_a and_o capable_a of_o divine_a illustration_n for_o this_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n do_v indeed_o require_v that_o we_o be_v altogether_o purge_v from_o terrene_a and_o gross_a affection_n to_o the_o end_n that_o a_o man_n spirit_n may_v be_v entire_o set_v upon_o god_n and_o by_o this_o simplicity_n or_o purity_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v make_v like_o unto_o he_o it_o be_v true_a also_o in_o regard_n of_o simplicity_n exterior_a or_o that_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o action_n and_o conversation_n of_o man_n as_o be_v manifest_a for_o to_o contemplate_v well_o divine_a mystery_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v in_o great_a rest_n and_o very_o well_o compose_v in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o we_o see_v common_o that_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o partake_v of_o divine_a illumination_n do_v retire_v themselves_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o the_o noise_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o world_n as_o of_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n it_o be_v say_v i_o will_v lead_v she_o into_o the_o wilderness_n say_v he_o that_o be_v into_o solitude_n and_o there_o will_v i_o speak_v to_o her_o heart_n and_o in_o a_o other_o place_n he_o shall_v sit_v alone_o and_o keep_v silence_n because_o by_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v be_v lift_v up_o above_o himself_o and_o contrariwise_o we_o see_v the_o rich_a a_o man_n be_v and_o more_o encumber_v with_o worldly_a affair_n the_o less_o be_v he_o affect_v unto_o contemplation_n but_o where_o a_o man_n outward_a affair_n be_v few_o or_o none_o there_o be_v always_o less_o distraction_n of_o mind_n therefore_o our_o holy_a father_n and_o predecessor_n in_o the_o contemplative_a life_n be_v always_o wont_a to_o renounce_v their_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o retire_v themselves_o into_o solitude_n thereby_o more_o prompt_o and_o ready_o to_o attend_v divine_a meditation_n every_o man_n therefore_o in_o his_o particular_a degree_n and_o quality_n shall_v find_v the_o more_o simple_o and_o upright_o he_o endeavour_v to_o live_v the_o great_a consolation_n he_o shall_v receive_v from_o god_n and_o from_o christ_n the_o xviii_o conclusion_n that_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v the_o only_o bless_a life_n never_o be_v there_o nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v find_v out_o any_o kind_n of_o life_n more_o happy_a than_o that_o because_o none_o better_o if_o therefore_o the_o life_n of_o any_o man_n may_v be_v account_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v certain_o that_o of_o christian_n for_o if_o we_o observe_v it_o comprehend_v all_o those_o perfection_n wherein_o the_o philosopher_n ancient_o place_v happiness_n and_o so_o have_v whatsoever_o they_o judge_v good_a and_o desirable_a as_o for_o example_n if_o we_o place_v happiness_n as_o some_o of_o they_o do_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o thing_n divine_a there_o be_v none_o more_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a then_o those_o which_o the_o christian_a life_n afford_v if_o we_o place_v it_o in_o moral_a virtue_n and_o in_o the_o life_n active_a that_o be_v in_o good_a government_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o there_o be_v no_o better_a to_o be_v desire_v by_o man_n then_o that_o which_o christian_a philosophy_n prescribe_v if_o we_o place_v it_o in_o riches_n honour_n power_n dignity_n or_o other_o good_n of_o the_o body_n though_o this_o may_v seem_v hard_a yet_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v not_o altogether_o uncapable_a of_o these_o and_o have_v no_o absolute_a repugnance_n to_o they_o for_o we_o say_v whatsoever_o perfection_n appear_v in_o the_o effect_n be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o cause_n as_o the_o sun_n which_o cause_v heat_n in_o all_o inferior_a body_n be_v itself_o also_o at_o least_o virtual_o hot_a it_o be_v not_o indeed_o necessary_a the_o cause_n shall_v contain_v every_o particular_a perfection_n of_o the_o effect_n formal_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o effect_n do_v it_o suffice_v that_o it_o be_v contain_v eminent_o as_o we_o say_v or_o by_o some_o more_o excellent_a way_n than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o effect_n so_o in_o proportion_n we_o also_o say_v that_o the_o christian_a life_n do_v
that_o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n and_o the_o scripture_n testify_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n act_n 4.32_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o church_n be_v also_o twofold_a in_o time_n and_o in_o place_n this_o late_a be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n moses_n relate_v god_n promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n of_o a_o ample_a posterity_n and_o that_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o seed_n gen._n 22.18_o gal._n 3.8_o by_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n declare_v that_o god_n the_o father_n will_v give_v unto_o his_o son_n the_o heathen_a for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o his_o possession_n psal_n 2.8_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v dominion_n from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o river_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n psal_n 72.8_o and_o by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n affirm_v that_o all_o nation_n shall_v flow_v to_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n isa_n 2._o v._n 2._o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o these_o prophecy_n our_o bless_a saviour_n declare_v luke_n 24._o v._o 44._o that_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n aend_v in_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n concern_v he_o and_o v._o 47._o that_o repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o his_o name_n among_o all_o vation_n begin_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o the_o performance_n hereof_o he_o give_v a_o commission_n unto_o his_o apostle_n to_o teach_v all_o nation_n matth._n 28.19_o and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n mar._n 19_o v._n 15._o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v universal_a for_o time_n and_o continue_v perpetual_o unto_o the_o world_n end_n it_o be_v plain_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n who_o speak_v of_o our_o b._n saviour_n say_v that_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o government_n and_o peace_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n upon_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n and_o upon_o his_o kingdom_n shall_v he_o sit_v to_o order_v it_o and_o to_o establish_v it_o with_o judgement_n and_o with_o justice_n from_o henceforth_o even_o for_o ever_o and_o that_o no_o doubt_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o performance_n hereof_o the_o prophet_n add_v the_o zeal_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n will_v perform_v this_o and_o by_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n affirm_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o king_n shall_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n set_v up_o a_o kingdom_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o other_o people_n but_o it_o shall_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o consume_v all_o those_o kingdom_n and_o it_o shall_v stand_v for_o ever_o dan._n 2.44_o all_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n say_v the_o lord_n shall_v give_v unto_o christ_n the_o throne_n of_o his_o father_n david_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v over_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n luke_n 1._o ver_fw-la 32_o 33._o for_o the_o perpetual_a settlement_n and_o establish_n of_o this_o church_n christ_n say_v unto_o s._n peter_n upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o matth._n 16.18_o touch_v the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n god_n by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n say_v i_o will_v set_v my_o sanctuary_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o for_o evermore_o and_o the_o heathen_a shall_v know_v that_o i_o the_o lord_n do_v sanctify_v israel_n when_o my_o sanctuary_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o for_o evermore_o ezek_n 37._o v._n 26_o 28._o and_o by_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n mal._n 1.11_o from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o my_o name_n and_o a_o peace-offering_a unto_o this_o sanctity_n our_o bless_a saviour_n exhort_v we_o say_v let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 5.16_o and_o mark_v 7._o v._o 13_o 14._o enter_v you_o in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o and_o teach_v how_o to_o distinguish_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a he_o say_v v._o 20._o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o as_o for_o apostolical_a succession_n s._n paul_n say_v ephes_n 4._o v._n 11_o 12_o 13._o that_o christ_n give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v into_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v as_o doctor_n fulk_n against_o the_o rhem._n test_n in_o ephes_n 4._o sect_n 4._o fol._n 335._o and_o mr._n calvin_n in_o his_o instit_fw-la cap._n 8._o de_fw-la fide_fw-la sect_n 37_o 38._o pag._n 233._o 234._o do_v expound_v for_o ever_o as_o for_o the_o second_o point_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n can_v err_v or_o no_o s_n augustine_n say_v that_o neither_o the_o violence_n of_o heathen_n nor_o the_o subtlety_n of_o heretic_n can_v overthrow_v it_o which_o agree_v with_o our_o savionr_n promise_v matth._n 16.18_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o to_o preserve_v she_o from_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n christ_n promise_v to_o be_v always_o with_o she_o even_o to_o the_o world_n end_n matth._n 28.20_o and_o god_n make_v this_o covenant_n with_o she_o isa_n 59.21_o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n seed_n say_v the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o by_o which_o word_n say_v mr._n calvin_n in_o comment_n huius_fw-la loci_fw-la god_n promise_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o be_v deprive_v of_o this_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o be_v suport_v by_o heavenly_a doctrine_n and_o to_o this_o effect_n he_o send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o teach_v the_o church_n all_o truth_n and_o to_o remain_v with_o she_o for_o ever_o joh._n 16.13_o joh._n 14.16_o thus_o thou_o see_v how_o s._n augustine_n instruction_n for_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n be_v ground_v in_o scripture_n but_o more_o express_o in_o s._n paul_n doctrine_n who_o tell_v we_o rom._n 10.17_o that_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o we_o ask_v he_o how_o man_n may_v come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o answer_v v._o 14_o 15._o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v so_o that_o faith_n be_v breed_v in_o man_n by_o hear_v and_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v know_v unto_o they_o by_o preacher_n lawful_o send_v which_o preacher_n as_o he_o say_v to_o the_o ephesian_n ephes_n 4._o v._n 11_o 12_o 13._o be_v always_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v place_v there_o ver_fw-la 14._o that_o from_o henceforth_o we_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleigh_v of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v which_o be_v a_o office_n that_o can_v be_v perform_v by_o man_n that_o be_v frail_a and_o subject_a to_o error_n unless_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o divine_a assistance_n do_v preserve_v they_o from_o err_v doctor_n field_n have_v consider_v the_o facility_n and_o solidity_n of_o this_o method_n do_v advise_v all_o those_o to_o practice_v it_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o these_o term_n epist_n dedic_fw-la of_o the_o church_n see_v the_o controversy_n in_o our_o time_n be_v grow_v in_o number_n so_o many_o and_o in_o nature_n so_o intricate_a that_o few_o have_v time_n and_o leisure_n few_o strength_n of_o understanding_n to_o examine_v they_o what_o remain_v for_o man_n desirous_a
exhibit_v those_o good_a office_n to_o other_o though_o unsensible_a of_o they_o which_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a shall_v be_v perform_v to_o themselves_o afterward_o when_o they_o also_o shall_v be_v pass_v all_o sense_n chap._n x._o but_o there_o be_v certain_a vision_n recount_v which_o may_v seem_v to_o move_v no_o inconsiderable_a doubt_n in_o this_o point_n for_o they_o say_v that_o fundry_a decease_a person_n have_v be_v know_v to_o appear_v unto_o the_o live_n not_o only_o in_o their_o sleep_n but_o otherwise_o and_o to_o tell_v their_o friend_n who_o be_v otherwise_o ignorant_a of_o it_o in_o what_o place_n their_o body_n lay_v unbury_v seem_v to_o desire_v that_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v want_v may_v be_v perform_v towards_o they_o now_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v false_a we_o may_v be_v think_v to_o use_v more_o boldness_n than_o become_v we_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o writing_n of_o some_o faithful_a christian_n who_o report_v it_o as_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o testimony_n and_o sensible_a experience_n of_o those_o to_o who_o such_o vision_n have_v happen_v we_o shall_v answer_v therefore_o that_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o the_o dead_a have_v any_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o what_o be_v do_v to_o their_o body_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o speak_v to_o declare_v or_o desire_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n of_o man_n in_o their_o sleep_n for_o even_o the_o live_n many_o time_n appear_v unto_o the_o live_n while_o they_o sleep_v when_o themselves_o know_v not_o that_o they_o do_v appear_v and_o afterward_o hear_v man_n relate_v with_o great_a confidence_n the_o thing_n which_o they_o dream_v affirm_v that_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n they_o see_v they_o that_o be_v to_o say_v their_o friend_n that_o shall_v appear_v to_o they_o do_v or_o speak_v in_o their_o sleep_n if_o therefore_o for_o instance_n sake_n it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o see_v i_o in_o his_o sleep_n tell_v he_o that_o some_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v or_o shall_v be_v do_v myself_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n not_o know_v nor_o perceive_v any_o such_o thing_n yea_o so_o little_a regard_v what_o he_o dream_v that_o i_o neither_o know_v nor_o care_n whither_o such_o a_o person_n sleep_v when_o i_o wake_v or_o wake_v when_o i_o sleep_v or_o whither_o it_o happen_v not_o that_o we_o sleep_v or_o wake_v both_o of_o we_o at_o that_o same_o time_n when_o he_o suppose_v he_o see_v i_o in_o his_o sleep_n if_o i_o say_v this_o be_v possible_a what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o the_o dead_a without_o any_o real_a sense_n or_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n themselves_o shall_v also_o be_v see_v of_o the_o live_n yea_o and_o tell_v they_o something_o which_o when_o they_o wake_v they_o may_v find_v to_o be_v true_a i_o rather_o think_v indeed_o that_o all_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o some_o angel_n whither_o by_o divine_a permission_n only_o or_o command_v that_o they_o signify_v such_o thing_n unto_o man_n by_o way_n of_o vision_n touch_v the_o bury_n of_o those_o body_n who_o spirit_n at_o that_o time_n know_v not_o any_o thing_n what_o become_v of_o their_o body_n for_o this_o doubtless_o be_v not_o altogether_o unprofitable_o do_v whither_o we_o regard_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o live_n to_o who_o those_o dead_a people_n belong_v who_o ghost_n do_v seem_v thus_o to_o appear_v or_o the_o office_n of_o burial_n itself_o which_o be_v matter_n of_o so_o commendable_a charity_n even_o to_o mankind_n in_o general_a that_o although_o the_o dead_a receive_v no_o particular_a comfort_n thereby_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v whole_o neglect_v without_o offence_n of_o religion_n sometime_o indeed_o man_n be_v much_o mislead_v by_o fallacious_a and_o imaginary_a vision_n but_o they_o be_v most_o common_o such_o as_o deserve_v just_o to_o be_v so_o delude_v as_o for_o example_n when_o any_o one_o see_v in_o his_o dream_n such_o thing_n as_o aeneas_n be_v report_v to_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o his_o imaginary_a travel_n through_o hell_n and_o that_o the_o ghost_n of_o some_o unburied_a person_n shall_v appear_v to_o he_o beg_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o he_o which_o palinurus_n be_v fable_v to_o have_v do_v of_o aeneas_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o inter_v of_o his_o corpse_n and_o that_o when_o he_o awake_v he_o shall_v indeed_o find_v the_o body_n in_o such_o a_o place_n as_o be_v tell_v he_o in_o his_o dream_n if_o because_o he_o find_v thus_o much_o of_o his_o dream_n to_o be_v true_a he_o shall_v fall_v to_o think_v that_o therefore_o man_n body_n be_v bury_v that_o the_o soul_n thereby_o may_v pass_v unto_o those_o place_n of_o rest_n to_o which_o otherwise_o by_o the_o law_n of_o hell_n they_o can_v not_o pass_v who_o doubt_v but_o that_o this_o man_n shall_v gross_o deceive_v himself_o and_o deviate_v from_o the_o truth_n chap._n xi_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o general_a infirmity_n of_o man_n that_o when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o happen_v to_o have_v a_o vision_n in_o their_o sleep_n of_o any_o dead_a person_n present_o they_o imagine_v the_o very_a soul_n of_o such_o a_o man_n appear_v to_o they_o when_o as_o at_o the_o same_o time_n if_o they_o happen_v to_o dream_v of_o one_o or_o see_v one_o that_o be_v alive_a they_o never_o take_v it_o either_o for_o body_n or_o soul_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o for_o a_o mere_a similitude_n of_o such_o a_o man_n appear_v to_o they_o as_o if_o perchance_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o as_o possible_a for_o the_o similitude_n of_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o of_o body_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o soul_n themselves_o &_o without_o their_o knowledge_n thereof_o to_o be_v present_v to_o man_n in_o their_o dream_n this_o which_o i_o be_o about_o to_o tell_v when_o i_o be_v at_o milan_n i_o hear_v report_v for_o certain_a a_o certain_a debt_n be_v demand_v of_o one_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o write_n under_o his_o decease_a father_n hand_n which_o debt_n have_v be_v discharge_v by_o the_o father_n live_v his_o son_n not_o know_v thereof_o nor_o yet_o how_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v discharge_v he_o be_v therefore_o much_o trouble_v and_o perplex_v at_o it_o wonder_v why_o his_o father_n at_o his_o death_n and_o at_o the_o make_n of_o his_o testament_n shall_v not_o acquaint_v he_o with_o that_o debt_n be_v thus_o in_o perplexity_n his_o father_n in_o his_o sleep_n appear_v to_o he_o and_o tell_v he_o where_o he_o shall_v find_v the_o discharge_n of_o that_o debt_n record_v which_o the_o son_n according_o seek_v find_v and_o produce_v and_o thereby_o not_o only_o void_v the_o action_n of_o debt_n which_o be_v unjust_o bring_v against_o he_o but_o also_o recover_v the_o writing_n itself_o which_o his_o father_n when_o he_o pay_v the_o money_n do_v not_o remember_v to_o take_v out_o in_o this_o case_n therefore_o it_o can_v but_o seem_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o father_n have_v a_o care_n of_o his_o son_n by_o come_v to_o he_o and_o tell_v he_o matter_n of_o importance_n which_o himself_o know_v not_o of_o and_o thereby_o deliver_v he_o from_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o i_o hear_v this_o namely_o while_o i_o stay_v at_o milan_n there_o happen_v at_o carthage_n something_o which_o make_v i_o doubt_v it_o be_v this_o eulogius_n the_o rhetorician_n there_o one_o who_o have_v be_v former_o my_o scholar_n in_o that_o art_n as_o himself_o tell_v i_o the_o story_n afterward_o when_o i_o be_v come_v again_o into_o africa_n be_v read_v to_o his_o scholar_n tully_n book_n of_o rhetoric_n and_o peruse_v the_o lesson_n or_o place_n which_o he_o be_v to_o expound_v public_o the_o next_o day_n in_o the_o school_n he_o meet_v with_o one_o obscure_a passage_n in_o it_o which_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o understand_v and_o be_v therefore_o very_o much_o perplex_v about_o it_o yea_o can_v take_v no_o rest_n all_o that_o night_n till_o as_o he_o say_v i_o myself_o appear_v to_o he_o and_o tell_v he_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o yet_o certain_o not_o i_o myself_o but_o some_o image_n or_o similitude_n of_o i_o for_o i_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o business_n i_o be_v far_o from_o he_o on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o sea_n busy_v about_o other_o affair_n have_v no_o thought_n no_o care_n not_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v what_o my_o scholar_n may_v be_v do_v now_o how_o these_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v i_o confess_v i_o know_v not_o yet_o which_o way_n soever_o they_o do_v why_o may_v we_o not_o think_v that_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o live_a both_o be_v as_o it_o be_v much_o one_o and_o the_o same_o effect_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o mean_n that_o
glory_n and_o dominion_n through_o all_o age_n for_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la the_o profit_n of_o believe_v very_o useful_a both_o for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o resolve_v what_o religion_n they_o ought_v to_o embrace_v and_o for_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v whither_o their_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o no._n write_a by_o s._n augustine_n london_n print_v by_o roger_n daniel_n in_o lovel_n court_n near_o paul_n churchyard_n 1651._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o well-disposed_a reader_n learned_a reader_n i_o know_v thou_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o of_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o business_n in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v none_o of_o that_o consequence_n and_o importance_n unto_o thou_o as_o the_o save_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o know_v best_a of_o all_o the_o mestimable_a value_n thereof_o and_o vouchsafe_v to_o redeem_v it_o at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o with_o his_o own_o precious_a blood_n plain_o declare_v the_o importance_n thereof_o when_o he_o say_v in_o the_o gospel_n mat._n 16.16_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o world_n nnd_v loose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v he_o give_v in_o exchange_n thereof_o wherefore_o let_v i_o advise_v thou_o to_o seek_v out_o and_o embrace_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n for_o that_o without_o such_o a_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 11.6_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o without_o please_v of_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v save_v if_o thou_o think_v that_o thou_o have_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n already_o and_o that_o thou_o do_v embrace_v it_o then_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v thou_o that_o the_o world_n at_o this_o present_a abound_v with_o a_o hundred_o heresy_n at_o least_o the_o embracer_n whereof_o shall_v not_o according_a to_o s._n paul_n doctrine_n gal._n 5.20_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n do_v affirm_v ephes_n 4.5_o there_o be_v but_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o hundred_o to_o one_o but_o that_o thy_o faith_n and_o thy_o religion_n be_v false_a and_o thy_o salvation_n be_v in_o danger_n thereby_o be_v there_o not_o then_o great_a reason_n that_o thou_o shall_v well_o consider_v whither_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o thou_o embrace_v be_v true_a or_o no_o when_o upon_o this_o resolution_n depend_v thy_o fruition_n of_o unspeakable_a bliss_n or_o intolerable_a suffering_n of_o endless_a pain_n for_o all_o eternity_n how_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a faith_n &_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o great_a difficulty_n not_o only_o by_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v many_o faith_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o these_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v false_a but_o also_o for_o that_o the_o controversy_n debate_v now_o adays_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o intricate_a that_o few_o have_v leisure_n to_o study_v they_o and_o few_o ability_n to_o conceive_v and_o understand_v they_o yet_o the_o zeal_n of_o learned_a writer_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o satisfy_v man_n herein_o but_o what_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n have_v bring_v forth_o any_o man_n so_o able_a to_o perform_v so_o great_a a_o task_n as_o be_v that_o incomparable_a doctor_n s._n augustine_n lib._n 3._o de_fw-fr eccles_n fol._n 170._o who_o as_o doctor_n field_n assert_v be_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o the_o most_o famous_a of_o all_o the_o divine_n which_o the_o church_n have_v have_v since_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o as_o doctor_n covell_n affirm_v in_o his_o answer_n to_o master_n burges_n pag._n 3._o have_v far_o excel_v all_o other_o that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v like_a to_o be_v hereafter_o those_o only_o except_v that_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n both_o in_o divine_a and_o humane_a knowledge_n what_o man_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n can_v ever_o so_o well_o discern_v true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a truth_n from_o error_n and_o true_a faith_n from_o heresy_n as_o can_v that_o great_a s._n augustine_n who_o do_v not_o only_o like_o another_o david_n fight_v against_o the_o goliath_n of_o one_o heresy_n but_o like_o another_o joshua_n fight_v the_o battle_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o all_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o heresy_n in_o his_o day_n for_o forty_o year_n together_o wherefore_o if_o this_o great_a doctor_n shall_v have_v leave_v any_o advice_n or_o instruction_n behind_o he_o unto_o any_o of_o his_o dear_a friend_n that_o be_v then_o heretic_n whereby_o he_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n among_o so_o many_o heresy_n ought_v not_o such_o instruction_n to_o be_v great_o desire_v and_o if_o any_o such_o can_v be_v find_v to_o be_v high_o esteem_v and_o diligent_o peruse_v sure_o thou_o will_v say_v that_o come_v from_o so_o great_a a_o doctor_n and_o be_v so_o proper_a and_o necessary_a fot_o these_o time_n without_o doubt_n they_o ought_v why_o then_o learned_a reader_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o present_v unto_o thou_o a_o learned_a treatise_n of_o he_o which_o he_o send_v unto_o his_o dear_a and_o learned_a friend_n honoratus_n to_o draw_v he_o from_o the_o manichean_a heresy_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n i_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o tender_v it_o unto_o thou_o in_o this_o poor_a english_a habit_n be_v i_o not_o confident_a that_o thou_o seek_v more_o after_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o save_n of_o thy_o soul_n then_o after_o vain_a eloquence_n &_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o but_o i_o will_v assure_v thou_o under_o this_o poor_a attire_n thou_o will_v find_v a_o rich_a and_o a_o learned_a discourse_n of_o great_a s._n augustine_n not_o only_o very_o profitable_a for_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o resolve_v in_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o for_o they_o that_o dear_a to_o be_v satisfy_v whither_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o embrace_v be_v true_a or_o no._n if_o the_o stile_n be_v displease_v and_o ungrateful_a unto_o thou_o know_v that_o very_o many_o of_o the_o african_a father_n have_v harsh_a style_n beside_o consider_v how_o hard_o a_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v a_o native_a african_n to_o speak_v true_a english_a in_o this_o work_n first_o he_o show_v how_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v expound_v and_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o against_o the_o manichee_n that_o reject_v it_o second_o he_o overthrow_v that_o manichean_a principle_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o first_o by_o reason_n make_v manifest_a and_o evident_a unto_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o three_o place_n he_o advise_v fervent_a and_o frequent_a prayer_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o sequestration_n of_o affection_n from_o terrene_a thing_n as_o aid_n necessary_a for_o the_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n then_o declare_v that_o christ_n have_v raise_v a_o very_a great_a and_o a_o famous_a church_n consist_v of_o all_o nation_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v very_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a even_o to_o the_o world_n end_n he_o exhort_v honoratus_n to_o address_v himself_o unto_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n thereof_o and_o to_o learn_v of_o they_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n this_o way_n of_o proceed_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n be_v far_o more_o short_a and_o easy_a then_o by_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o the_o point_n of_o controvert_v doctrine_n by_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o consist_v in_o two_o point_n only_o first_o in_o seek_v out_o which_o of_o all_o the_o church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o second_o whither_o this_o church_n can_v err_v or_o no._n for_o the_o find_n out_o of_o the_o church_n s_o augustine_n propose_v four_o mark_n unto_o honoratus_n unity_n universality_n sanctity_n and_o apostolical_a succession_n the_o which_o be_v set_v down_o very_o plain_o in_o scripture_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v twofold_a in_o body_n and_o in_o faith_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o first_o our_o saviour_n say_v his_o church_n be_v one_o fold_n and_o have_v one_o shepherd_a joh._n 10.16_o and_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o second_o s._n paul_n earnest_o exhort_v the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1.10_o to_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o he_o beseech_v the_o ephesian_n to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n ephes_n 4.3_o 4_o 5._o affirm_v