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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n holy_a john_n truth_n 7,355 5 5.9439 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
B09989 A seasonable discourse of the right use and abuse of reason in matters of religion. By Philologus. Philologus. 1676 (1676) Wing S2227BA; ESTC R183656 138,457 248

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this_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o assurance_n illuminate_v our_o understanding_n renew_v our_o will_n and_o sanctify_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v see_v by_o a_o spiritual_a light_n the_o excellency_n of_o those_o divine_a mystery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ephes_n 1.17_o 18._o now_o this_o doctrine_n of_o we_o be_v no_o such_o circle_n as_o the_o papist_n pretend_v it_o to_o be_v but_o a_o plain_a and_o strait_a way_n for_o a_o sober_a christian_n to_o walk_v in_o thus_o how_o know_v you_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n we_o answer_v by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o by_o that_o wonderful_a light_n and_o excellency_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n that_o shine_v in_o they_o here_o we_o will_v rest_v and_o go_v no_o further_o but_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o come_v to_o see_v this_o light_n we_o answer_v it_o be_v by_o the_o only_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v we_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o heart_n to_o embrace_v and_o love_v the_o light_n if_o we_o be_v further_o urge_v for_o some_o be_v thus_o importunate_a but_o how_o know_v you_o that_o you_o do_v indeed_o perceive_v such_o a_o heavenly_a light_n as_o you_o speak_v of_o or_o how_o can_v you_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o other_o that_o you_o be_v not_o deceive_v now_o true_o this_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a question_n it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o demand_v a_o reason_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v ask_v he_o that_o gaze_v on_o the_o sun_n how_o know_v you_o that_o you_o see_v the_o light_n why_o he_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o see_v it_o and_o know_v that_o he_o be_v not_o deceive_v though_o he_o can_v convince_v a_o blind_a man_n of_o it_o and_o if_o in_o case_n he_o that_o be_v blind_a require_v he_o that_o see_v to_o prove_v unto_o he_o 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become_v we_o that_o be_v rational_a creature_n to_o believe_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n though_o what_o he_o speak_v seem_v never_o so_o unreasonable_a never_o so_o contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o this_o that_o all_o that_o god_n speak_v for_o from_o this_o pure_a fountain_n can_v proceed_v nothing_o but_o pure_a stream_n be_v true_a and_o good_a divine_a and_o heavenly_a whatever_o our_o corruption_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_a so_o then_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n and_o our_o reason_n captivate_v and_o subject_v unto_o this_o high_a principle_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o find_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o come_v from_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n that_o can_v lie_v three_o as_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o god_n speak_v in_o general_a as_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n so_o i_o have_v reason_n also_o to_o believe_v in_o particular_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n be_v god_n reveal_v mind_n and_o will_n nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o a_o wellgrounded_n faith_n for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v he_o believe_v all_o that_o god_n reveal_v to_o be_v true_a but_o he_o must_v also_o believe_v that_o the_o mystery_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v for_o his_o salvation_n it_o be_v true_a according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o divine_n that_o faith_n may_v right_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o firm_a assent_n without_o evidence_n of_o many_o thing_n in_o themselves_o which_o we_o do_v believe_v but_o yet_o the_o medium_n by_o force_n whereof_o we_o be_v draw_v to_o believe_v must_v be_v evident_a unto_o we_o as_o now_o if_o i_o be_v ask_v by_o a_o enemy_n
gospel_n this_o well_o be_v so_o deep_a as_o the_o woman_n tell_v christ_n in_o another_o case_n john_n 4.11_o that_o unless_o we_o have_v the_o bucket_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o draw_v with_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a by_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o reason_n to_o bring_v up_o this_o live_a water_n unless_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o power_n to_o dig_v with_o we_o shall_v never_o find_v this_o spiritual_a treasure_n nature_n indeed_o will_v go_v far_o and_o the_o improve_v natural_a man_n may_v do_v much_o by_o his_o skill_n and_o industry_n in_o find_v out_o and_o discover_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a in_o their_o kind_n such_o a_o man_n as_o job_n speak_v chap._n 28.7_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 21_o 23_o can_v dig_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n gold_n iron_n brass_n brimstone_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o metal_n nay_o he_o can_v see_v further_o than_o the_o bird_n of_o prey_n which_o though_o they_o be_v quicksight_v yet_o can_v they_o not_o behold_v these_o metal_n which_o he_o by_o his_o skill_n can_v discover_v and_o dig_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v a_o path_n which_o no_o fowl_n know_v and_o which_o the_o vulture_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v yet_o man_n trace_v it_o by_o his_o skill_n yea_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v hide_v bring_v he_o forth_o to_o light_n but_o yet_o he_o can_v by_o all_o his_o natural_a reason_n and_o skill_n though_o never_o so_o much_o improve_v spiritual_o and_o save_o discern_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o where_o shall_v wisdom_n be_v find_v namely_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o essential_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o who_o be_v make_v of_o god_n wisdom_n to_o we_o and_o where_o be_v the_o place_n of_o understanding_n go_v over_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o man_n know_v not_o the_o price_n thereof_o neither_o be_v it_o find_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n it_o be_v not_o within_o the_o reach_n or_o sphere_n of_o the_o wise_a natural_a man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o can_v dig_v this_o mine_n or_o find_v out_o this_o treasure_n they_o can_v comprehend_v this_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a mystery_n for_o it_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o that_o be_v live_v and_o keep_v close_o from_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n whence_o then_o come_v this_o divine_a wisdom_n where_o be_v it_o to_o be_v have_v and_o how_o shall_v we_o attain_v to_o it_o he_o tell_v you_o ver_fw-la 23._o that_o this_o wisdom_n be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n and_o must_v be_v reveal_v by_o he_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v never_o saving_o apprehend_v it_o god_n understand_v the_o way_n and_o know_v the_o place_n thereof_o for_o wisdom_n be_v with_o he_o from_o eternity_n when_o he_o make_v a_o decree_n for_o the_o rain_n and_o a_o way_n for_o the_o lightning_n of_o the_o thunder_n then_o do_v he_o prepare_v it_o yea_o and_o search_v it_o out_o or_o as_o it_o be_v prov._n 8.29_o 30._o a_o place_n parallel_n with_o this_o of_o job_n when_o he_o give_v to_o the_o sea_n his_o decree_n that_o the_o water_n thereof_o shall_v not_o pass_v his_o command_n when_o he_o appoint_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n than_o be_v i_o by_o he_o say_v christ_n as_o one_o bring_v up_o with_o he_o and_o i_o be_v daily_o his_o delight_n rejoice_v always_o before_o he_o second_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n can_v true_o discover_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o the_o deep_a deceit_n of_o his_o heart_n which_o be_v only_o make_v know_v by_o scripture_n light_n and_o revelation_n jer._n 17.9_o darkness_n can_v discover_v darkness_n nor_o can_v corruption_n discover_v itself_o indeed_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n improve_v by_o education_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n man_n may_v discover_v a_o great_a languishment_n and_o infirmity_n that_o be_v come_v upon_o they_o divers_a learned_a writer_n have_v show_v that_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a platonist_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o man_n soul_n be_v now_o vassalize_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o affection_n and_o that_o her_o wing_n be_v cut_v so_o that_o she_o can_v mount_v upward_o by_o divine_a contemplation_n but_o as_o for_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o original_a corruption_n and_o how_o it_o be_v bring_v upon_o we_o together_o with_o the_o woeful_a concomitant_n and_o effect_n thereof_o these_o can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o scripture_n light_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o have_v not_o know_v lust_n to_o be_v sin_n have_v not_o the_o law_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o lust_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v altogether_o insufficient_a to_o prescribe_v or_o set_v down_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n do_v so_o often_o forbid_v we_o to_o walk_v after_o our_o own_o imagination_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o house_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o will-worship_n col._n 2.23_o when_o a_o man_n be_v own_o will_n or_o invention_n be_v the_o framer_n of_o it_o if_o man_n be_v teach_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 12._o nature_n vide_fw-la calvin_n instit_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n 5._o sect_n 12._o they_o can_v know_v nothing_o certain_o and_o sound_o touch_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o their_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n will_v be_v confuse_v and_o carnal_a and_o exceed_v unsuitable_a to_o god_n who_o be_v a_o holy_a spirit_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o few_o among_o the_o heathen_n that_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o mad_a as_o the_o common_a people_n yet_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o they_o do_v exceed_o wander_v and_o go_v astray_o devise_v and_o contrive_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o vain_a opinion_n and_o imagination_n socrates_n the_o wise_a philosopher_n in_o zenophon_n praise_v the_o answer_n of_o apollo_n wherein_o he_o will_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v worship_v the_o god_n after_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o his_o country_n or_o city_n but_o oh_o what_o folly_n and_o madness_n be_v this_o how_o come_v mortal_a man_n by_o this_o power_n that_o of_o their_o own_o authority_n they_o shall_v determine_v that_o which_o far_o surmount_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n natural_a reason_n will_v have_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n sensible_a and_o please_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o appoint_v other_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n beside_o christ_n and_o to_o perform_v all_o duty_n of_o worship_n in_o its_o own_o strength_n and_o by_o way_n of_o compensation_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n reason_n come_v far_o short_a and_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n god_n will_v be_v worship_v though_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o moral_a prudence_n when_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o own_o worship_n may_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o instrumental_a in_o order_v some_o civil_a circumstance_n relate_v thereunto_o and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n affair_n nor_o do_v that_o text_n rom._n 12.1_o argue_v that_o man_n reason_n can_v devise_v or_o find_v out_o that_o worship_n and_o service_n which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n this_o be_v more_o than_o the_o great_a rationalist_n and_o moralist_n among_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n can_v ever_o attain_v to_o but_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d your_o reasonable_a serve_v of_o god_n he_o understand_v that_o service_n which_o be_v not_o only_o or_o chief_o with_o the_o body_n but_o with_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n for_o so_o will_v god_n be_v worship_v john_n 4.23_o and_o so_o chrysostome_n and_o other_o call_v this_o reasonable_a service_n spiritualem_fw-la cultum_fw-la spiritual_a worship_n or_o service_n when_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n this_o interpretation_n be_v further_o confirm_v out_o of_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o where_o the_o apostle_n peter_n call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o reasonable_a that_o be_v spiritual_a milk_n and_o ver_fw-la 5._o the_o service_n or_o sacrifice_v of_o a_o christian_a be_v spiritual_a and_o so_o it_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o it_o be_v well_o observe_v by_o divers_a learned_a interpreter_n on_o rom._n 12.1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a opposition_n between_o this_o reasonable_a service_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o will_v worship_v as_o it_o be_v call_v col._n 2.23_o when_o man_n invent_v a_o religious_a worship_n suitable_a to_o their_o own_o carnal_a humour_n and_o interest_n whereas_o that_o be_v
authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n prove_v by_o reason_n page_n 97_o 1._o because_o no_o other_o or_o better_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n can_v be_v produce_v 2._o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v throughout_o all_o age_n witness_v to_o and_o wonderful_o preserve_v by_o the_o jew_n 3._o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v all_o along_o witness_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n even_o to_o the_o death_n 4._o god_n have_v confirm_v the_o authority_n thereof_o by_o great_a and_o strange_a miracle_n from_o heaven_n 5._o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o authentical_a of_o any_o writing_n 6._o the_o stile_n order_n contexture_n and_o frame_v of_o the_o scripture_n show_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o 7._o another_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o wonderful_a powerful_a effect_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n 8._o from_o the_o admirable_a harmony_n and_o consent_n thereof_o 9_o the_o matter_n treat_v of_o therein_o be_v divine_a and_o wonderful_a here_o be_v mention_v five_o note_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n 10._o the_o end_n which_o the_o scripture_n aim_v at_o be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n page_n 110_o 1._o here_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o popish_a implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n 2._o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v make_v apppear_v 1._o to_o be_v against_o sense_n 2._o against_o reason_n 3._o against_o faith_n 3._o it_o be_v also_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n one_o in_o foro_fw-la publico_fw-la another_o in_o foro_fw-la privato_fw-la 4._o that_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o to_o exercise_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o try_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n this_o be_v prove_v by_o six_o cogent_a argument_n objection_n against_o this_o tenet_n and_o practice_v answer_v chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n page_n 123_o 1._o it_o be_v here_o show_v that_o this_o testimony_n be_v more_o satisfactory_a to_o the_o conscience_n than_o all_o other_o proof_n 2._o that_o a_o christian_n faith_n shall_v be_v ultimate_o and_o final_o resolve_v into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v but_o humane_a 3._o the_o popish_a circle_n be_v describe_v and_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n herein_o vindicate_v 4._o some_o rule_n and_o caution_n concern_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v here_o propound_v to_o prevent_v mistake_n chap._n xv._o show_v when_o reason_n be_v right_o use_v and_o when_o abuse_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n in_o the_o scripture_n page_n 133_o 1._o reason_n be_v the_o organ_n which_o let_v into_o the_o soul_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n 2._o it_o be_v overpower_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v the_o great_a reasonableness_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o christ_n 3._o reason_n be_v exceed_o useful_a in_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n 4._o nevertheless_o we_o shall_v not_o make_v reason_n the_o judge_n in_o divine_a matter_n nor_o subject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o our_o reason_n as_o socinian_n do_v three_o argument_n against_o it_o chap._n xvi_o of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o mere_a rational_a and_o spiritual_a man_n and_o their_o act_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n here_o be_v show_v page_n 142_o 1._o that_o the_o spiritual_a man_n have_v christ_n form_v in_o he_o and_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n do_v not_o 2._o that_o the_o divine_a principle_n which_o act_v the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v more_o than_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a natural_a and_o rational_a ability_n 3._o that_o man_n be_v passive_a in_o the_o new_a spiritual_a birth_n and_o can_v by_o all_o his_o reason_n discern_v how_o this_o spiritual_a life_n be_v wrought_v 4._o how_o and_o wherein_o the_o spiritual_a man_n act_n and_o operation_n do_v far_o transcend_v the_o mere_a rational_a mans._n 5._o they_o differ_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o reference_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n in_o five_o particular_n chap._n xvii_o prove_v that_o none_o can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o mere_a improvement_n of_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n page_n 152_o 1._o divers_a of_o the_o father_n and_o some_o modern_a writer_n have_v err_v in_o this_o point_n 2._o four_o thing_n be_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o better_a open_n of_o it_o god_n may_v reveal_v his_o son_n if_o he_o so_o please_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n to_o some_o heathen_n 3._o it_o be_v prove_v by_o nine_o argument_n that_o no_o rational_a moral_n heathen_a can_v be_v save_v without_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o mediator_n one_o or_o two_o material_a objection_n answer_v chap._n xviii_o of_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a delight_n here_o be_v show_v page_z 16●_n 1._o that_o every_o be_v choose_v to_o itself_o some_o kind_n of_o pleasure_n as_o 1._o god_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a be_v 2._o the_o angel_n 3._o man_n that_o have_v rational_a soul_n 4._o the_o sensitive_a creature_n 2._o in_o what_o particular_n the_o delight_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n do_v far_o excel_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n chap._n xix_o show_v that_o reason_n and_o much_o more_o faith_n do_v fortify_v a_o man_n against_o the_o excessive_a fear_n of_o death_n page_n 172_o 1._o here_o be_v eight_o consideration_n draw_v from_o reason_n against_o the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n 2._o seven_o argument_n be_v also_o draw_v from_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n 3._o the_o famous_a say_n of_o some_o die_a christian_n be_v mention_v chap._n xx._n that_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o due_a exercise_n thereof_o be_v a_o great_a mercy_n page_n 187_o 1._o this_o be_v open_v in_o some_o particular_n 2._o it_o be_v here_o show_v that_o man_n who_o have_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n be_v wonderful_o make_v like_o a_o curious_a piece_n of_o embroidery_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o rational_a soul_n wherein_o man_n far_o excel_v other_o creature_n five_o thing_n mention_v relate_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n 3._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o new_a spiritual_a birth_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n chap._n xxi_o a_o recapitulation_n of_o particular_n touch_v the_o use_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n page_n 195_o 1._o here_o be_v five_o consideration_n premise_v 2._o the_o excellency_n and_o use_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v particular_o hold_v forth_o as_o 1._o some_o that_o have_v be_v famous_a instrument_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v abound_v therein_o 2._o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v use_v of_o it_o 3._o it_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o grammatical_a literal_a sense_n and_o the_o chronology_n and_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n 4._o it_o be_v useful_a for_o convince_a heathen_n and_o infidel_n 5._o in_o try_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n 6._o as_o a_o passive_a qualification_n of_o the_o subject_n for_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o which_o case_n there_o must_v be_v a_o principle_n of_o reason_n chap._n xxii_o how_o and_o in_o what_o respect_v reason_n come_v short_a and_o be_v abuse_v in_o divine_a thing_n page_n 206_o 1._o reason_n can_v discover_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n 2._o nor_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o nature_n 3._o it_o can_v prescribe_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n 4._o nor_o enable_v we_o perfect_o to_o perform_v natural_a and_o civil_a action_n without_o the_o general_a assistance_n of_o god_n 5._o our_o assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v the_o assent_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o mere_a reason_n 6._o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o reason_n be_v the_o rule_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o spiritual_a matter_n he_o must_v be_v crucify_v to_o his_o reason_n here_o be_v also_o show_v in_o six_o particular_n when_o and_o wherein_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v abuse_v and_o so_o become_v dangerous_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n
a_o seasonable_a discourse_n of_o the_o right_a use_n and_o abuse_v of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o philologus_n ratio_fw-la recta_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la lumine_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la directa_fw-la london_n print_v for_o thomas_n passenger_n at_o the_o three_o bibles_n on_o london-bridge_n 1676._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a and_o virtuous_a lady_n the_o lady_n marchioness_n of_o worcester_z madam_n it_o be_v true_o observe_v that_o worldly_a greatness_n without_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o vigour_n of_o vice_n have_v both_o mind_n and_o mean_n to_o be_v uncontrollable_o vicious_a but_o nobility_n join_v with_o virtue_n render_v the_o person_n true_o honourable_a the_o true_a stamp_n of_o nobility_n and_o honour_n be_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v value_v by_o the_o grandeur_n of_o their_o outward_a estate_n or_o title_n as_o by_o their_o inward_a goodness_n virtue_n and_o seriousness_n in_o religion_n be_v commendable_a in_o all_o person_n and_o at_o all_o time_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o person_n of_o your_o rank_n and_o quality_n at_o this_o time_n and_o in_o this_o nation_n wherein_o alas_o atheism_n scepticism_n drollery_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o profaneness_n abound_v among_o those_o that_o will_v be_v think_v to_o excel_v all_o other_o in_o wit_n and_o courage_n and_o gallantry_n and_o who_o shall_v give_v a_o far_o better_a example_n to_o their_o inferior_n this_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n which_o now_o abound_v have_v be_v partly_o occasion_v by_o the_o uncharitable_a unchristian_a heat_n and_o animosity_n of_o man_n of_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o sentiment_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n together_o with_o those_o great_a scandal_n which_o we_o can_v never_o sufficient_o lament_v that_o have_v be_v give_v by_o some_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o these_o nation_n hence_o man_n of_o proud_a spirit_n and_o corrupt_a principle_n have_v take_v occasion_n to_o doubt_n and_o question_v all_o kind_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o look_v on_o it_o only_o as_o a_o political_a device_n and_o invention_n which_o do_v no_o further_o oblige_v than_o the_o humane_a law_n of_o several_a country_n do_v authorise_v it_o but_o though_o these_o common_a scandal_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n yet_o the_o true_a ground_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o such_o man_n prejudice_n and_o scepticism_n be_v the_o strictness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o of_o all_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a and_o which_o they_o find_v lay_v too_o great_a a_o restraint_n upon_o their_o exorbitant_a lust_n and_o carnal_a passion_n to_o be_v good_a in_o bad_a time_n to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o pious_a in_o a_o age_n wherein_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n be_v so_o general_o countenance_v and_o practise_v this_o madam_n add_v a_o great_a lustre_n to_o your_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n and_o indeed_o your_o great_a interest_n and_o happiness_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o be_v sensible_a of_o consist_v in_o be_v true_o serious_a and_o religious_a this_o be_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n eccles_n 12.13_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o religion_n be_v that_o which_o every_o considerate_a person_n after_o all_o his_o other_o disquisition_n will_v find_v to_o be_v his_o chief_a interest_n and_o that_o which_o do_v deserve_v his_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n or_o as_o the_o septuagint_n read_v it_o this_o be_v all_o this_o indeed_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o man_n as_o be_v most_o profitable_a and_o advantageous_a to_o he_o go_v on_o madam_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o add_v virtue_n to_o virtue_n that_o your_o last_o day_n and_o last_o work_n may_v be_v your_o best_a day_n and_o best_a work_n and_o that_o you_o may_v practical_o confute_v the_o atheist_n of_o our_o time_n who_o walk_v and_o talk_v and_o live_v and_o die_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o the_o world_n no_o certainty_n no_o seriousness_n in_o religion_n these_o person_n be_v under_o a_o judicial_a blindness_n desperate_o rebel_a not_o only_o against_o the_o light_n of_o gospel-revelation_n but_o against_o that_o light_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v in_o they_o god_n have_v give_v they_o reason_n and_o understanding_n eye_n that_o they_o may_v see_v heart_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v but_o they_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o that_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o so_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n it_o be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o they_o give_v up_o to_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o the_o great_a spiritual_a plague_n and_o judgement_n it_o be_v to_o be_v admire_v see_v there_o be_v such_o convince_a reason_n and_o demonstration_n even_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n against_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o creature_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o these_o atheist_n and_o sceptic_n when_o certain_o there_o be_v none_o such_o in_o hell_n for_o the_o devil_n themselves_o believe_v and_o tremble_v so_o that_o in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o devil_n and_o though_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o wit_n of_o the_o time_n yet_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o of_o opinion_n with_o the_o noble_a mirandula_n that_o there_o be_v no_o atheist_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v in_o his_o wit_n the_o rational_a soul_n of_o such_o monster_n be_v sink_v down_o into_o mere_a sensuality_n and_o brutishness_n plutarch_n that_o grave_a moralist_n lib._n de_fw-la superstit_fw-la style_v irreligion_n a_o kind_n of_o stupor_n whereby_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o sense_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_o improper_a thing_n to_o ascribe_v true_a reason_n to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v the_o deity_n and_o cicero_n that_o wise_a philosopher_n and_o orator_n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n lib._n 2._o say_v he_o can_v hardly_o think_v that_o man_n to_o be_v in_o his_o right_a mind_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o religion_n and_o again_o why_o shall_v any_o one_o stile_n such_o a_o one_o a_o man_n who_o by_o what_o he_o see_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o convince_v of_o a_o deity_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o of_o the_o adoration_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o that_o deity_n and_o the_o satirist_n 15._o satirist_n juv._n sat._n 15._o speak_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o divine_a thing_n say_v separate_a hoc_fw-la nos_fw-la a_fw-la grege_fw-la multorum_fw-la atque_fw-la ideo_fw-la venerabile_fw-la soli_fw-la sortiti_fw-la ingenium_fw-la divinorumque_fw-la capaces_fw-la it_o be_v this_o which_o do_v distinguish_v we_o from_o brute_n creature_n that_o we_o have_v soul_n capable_a of_o divine_a impression_n so_o that_o such_o person_n have_v no_o just_a pretence_n to_o reason_n who_o renounce_v religion_n or_o turn_v it_o into_o mere_a scepticism_n but_o however_o some_o man_n for_o a_o little_a time_n may_v offer_v violence_n to_o their_o reason_n and_o conscience_n whilst_o they_o prosper_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v once_o alarm_v by_o a_o violent_a sickness_n or_o some_o other_o great_a affliction_n which_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o they_o shall_v be_v expose_v unto_o then_o will_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o of_o eternal_a wrath_n and_o punishment_n seize_v upon_o they_o with_o so_o much_o the_o great_a force_n and_o power_n which_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o shake_v off_o he_o sunt_fw-la qui_fw-la trepidant_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la omne_fw-la fulgura_fw-la pallent_fw-la we_o may_v true_o say_v of_o the_o atheist_n of_o our_o time_n as_o plato_n do_v of_o tyrant_n if_o any_o person_n can_v but_o see_v thorough_o into_o their_o soul_n he_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o their_o life_n full_a of_o fear_n guilt_n and_o torment_n pectus_fw-la inuste_fw-la deformant_fw-la maculae_fw-la vitiisque_fw-la inolevit_fw-la imago_fw-la do_v now_o say_v a_o excellent_a author_n the_o conquest_n of_o passion_n forgive_a of_o injury_n do_v good_a self-denial_n humility_n patience_n under_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o real_a expression_n of_o piety_n speak_v nothing_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a than_o a_o luxurious_a malicious_a proud_a and_o impatient_a spirit_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o become_v and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o a_o holy_a well-ordered_a conversation_n than_o in_o the_o lightness_n and_o vanity_n not_o to_o say_v rudeness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o those_o who_o the_o world_n account_v the_o great_a gallant_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o graceful_a and_o please_a in_o the_o sweetness_n candour_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o true_o christian_a temper_n and_o disposition_n than_o in_o the_o revengeful_a implacable_a spirit_n of_o such_o who_o honour_n be_v feed_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o
flourish_v more_o in_o prince_n court_n than_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n why_o do_v not_o one_o or_o other_o step_v forth_o to_o vanquish_v or_o convict_v they_o before_o the_o magistrate_n origen_n not_o to_o mention_v here_o other_o learned_a man_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christ_n be_v himself_o a_o great_a philosopher_n and_o fellow-disciple_n to_o plotinus_n who_o be_v high_o commend_v by_o the_o philosopher_n can_v any_o sober_a man_n imagine_v that_o he_o and_o other_o of_o great_a judgement_n and_o ability_n will_v suffer_v themselves_o like_o so_o many_o fool_n and_o mad_a man_n to_o be_v lead_v with_o vain_a illusion_n or_o to_o attribute_v those_o thing_n to_o god_n special_a miraculous_a operation_n which_o depend_v whole_o upon_o natural_a cause_n especial_o see_v that_o both_o origen_n and_o also_o cyprian_n before_o their_o conversion_n to_o christ_n have_v profess_v the_o art_n of_o magic_n if_o it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v influence_v by_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n in_o do_v what_o they_o do_v how_o happen_v it_o then_o that_o each_o of_o they_o do_v not_o cause_v himself_o to_o be_v worship_v and_o adore_v as_o the_o idol-god_n and_o mahomet_n do_v if_o they_o be_v so_o vainglorious_a in_o their_o work_n as_o be_v pretend_v why_o do_v they_o not_o make_v use_n of_o their_o own_o name_n and_o exalt_v themselves_o but_o refer_v all_o to_o jesus_n and_o give_v he_o the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o all_o who_o be_v so_o much_o despise_v by_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o world_n sure_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v from_o god_n and_o from_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o not_o from_o satan_n nor_o from_o men._n four_o let_v a_o man_n but_o rational_o consider_v the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o he_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o verity_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o what_o be_v the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o jesus_n upon_o earth_n even_o by_o the_o confession_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o the_o very_a pattern_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n what_o be_v it_o but_o the_o very_a body_n of_o the_o legal_a type_n and_o shadow_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o prediction_n and_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n how_o wise_a how_o patient_a how_o meek_a and_o humble_a how_o love_a and_o compassionate_a to_o mankind_n how_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a mind_v how_o diligent_a faithful_a and_o impartial_a be_v he_o in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n he_o do_v neither_o flatter_v the_o great_a nor_o discourage_v the_o mean_a but_o deliver_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n what_o a_o public_a spirit_n what_o self-denial_n what_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o grace_n do_v jesus_n show_v forth_o both_o in_o his_o action_n and_o suffering_n his_o enemy_n themselves_o be_v judges_n insomuch_o that_o porphyry_n acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a man_n though_o say_v he_o the_o christian_n be_v to_o blame_v to_o worship_n he_o as_o god_n and_o pilat_n wife_n desire_v that_o her_o husband_n may_v not_o meddle_v with_o that_o just_a man_n to_o his_o painful_a death_n which_o he_o suffer_v for_o we_o he_o go_v as_o a_o sheep_n to_o the_o slaughter_n not_o open_v his_o mouth_n and_o pray_v most_o affectionate_o for_o his_o enemy_n upon_o the_o cross_n father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v never_o be_v there_o such_o a_o example_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n as_o jesus_n be_v and_o therefore_o how_o can_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n think_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o author_n or_o founder_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n as_o for_o his_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n there_o can_v be_v any_o find_v out_o or_o devise_v more_o excellent_a and_o precious_a never_o man_n speak_v as_o he_o speak_v what_o be_v the_o continual_a subject_n of_o his_o preach_a and_o discourse_n but_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o pardon_v the_o sinner_n the_o excellency_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n he_o teach_v not_o his_o disciple_n how_o to_o obtain_v the_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n how_o to_o be_v great_a among_o man_n and_o to_o seek_v the_o praise_n and_o applause_n of_o man_n how_o to_o conquer_v kingdom_n and_o subdue_v nation_n by_o the_o material_a sword_n but_o he_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o how_o to_o be_v crucify_a to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n to_o lay_v up_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n to_o forgive_v their_o enemy_n and_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v they_o be_v there_o ever_o such_o heavenly_a doctrine_n such_o excellent_a instruction_n as_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o precept_n in_o man_n law_n as_o those_o among_o the_o lacedaemonian_n athenian_n roman_n they_o neither_o command_v all_o good_a nor_o forbid_v all_o evil_a the_o law_n of_o man_n be_v limit_v according_a to_o time_n place_n and_o person_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o persia_n answer_v the_o king_n who_o will_v have_v marry_v his_o own_o sister_n that_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o law_n that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o marry_v his_o own_o sister_n but_o yet_o they_o find_v another_o law_n that_o the_o king_n may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o shall_v have_v more_o liberty_n to_o sin_n than_o his_o subject_n but_o now_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o law_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v command_v all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o forbid_v and_o restrain_v all_o that_o be_v evil_a the_o precept_n thereof_o be_v general_a and_o impartial_a to_o all_o person_n to_o the_o king_n as_o well_o as_o the_o subject_a to_o the_o master_n as_o well_o as_o the_o servant_n to_o the_o rich_a as_o well_o as_o the_o poor_a without_o exception_n no_o other_o religion_n or_o doctrine_n reach_v the_o heart_n and_o inward_a man_n but_o only_o this_o where_o can_v we_o find_v another_o law_n that_o have_v in_o it_o non_fw-la concupisces_fw-la thou_o shall_v not_o lust_n which_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a root_n and_o core_n of_o corruption_n other_o law_n teach_v man_n to_o advance_v and_o enlarge_v their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o power_n and_o to_o be_v in_o favour_n with_o prince_n but_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o to_o forsake_v the_o world_n and_o not_o seek_v great_a thing_n for_o ourselves_o nor_o be_v ambitious_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o great_a man_n but_o to_o live_v above_o it_o and_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o do_v chief_o require_v the_o heart_n so_o that_o worship_n which_o please_v he_o must_v be_v spiritual_a and_o such_o a_o worship_n be_v prescribe_v and_o command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n whereas_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o proceed_v from_o man_n so_o man_n himself_o be_v corporeal_a the_o worship_n that_o he_o chief_o prescribe_v must_v be_v corporeal_a also_o and_o not_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a as_o the_o christian_a religion_n chief_o require_v other_o religion_n attribute_v the_o praise_n to_o man_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n attribute_v all_o to_o god_n as_o the_o high_a truth_n the_o chief_a good_a and_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o five_o the_o nature_n and_o success_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n may_v serve_v to_o convince_v any_o man_n reason_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a by_o what_o weak_a mean_n by_o what_o contemptible_a instrument_n have_v christ_n advance_v and_o enlarge_v his_o kingdom_n how_o have_v he_o from_o time_n to_o time_n confound_v thing_n that_o be_v by_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o whereas_o man_n will_v have_v apt_a instrument_n to_o every_o action_n and_o the_o matter_n also_o well_o dispose_v to_o work_v upon_o christ_n choose_v weak_a and_o unapt_a instrument_n for_o carry_v on_o his_o work_n in_o the_o world_n not_o the_o wise_a and_o noble_a and_o learned_a of_o the_o world_n but_o poor_a simple_a man_n to_o be_v his_o apostle_n and_o ambassador_n and_o then_o for_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o be_v to_o work_v upon_o namely_o the_o world_n it_o be_v altogether_o unprepared_a both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n hate_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ulpian_n the_o chief_a lawyer_n galen_n the_o chief_a physician_n porphyry_n and_o plotinus_n the_o chief_a philosopher_n then_o live_v be_v desperate_a enemy_n to_o they_o and_o write_v book_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n julian_n the_o emperor_n forbid_v school_n of_o learning_n to_o the_o christian_n in_o hatred_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o
this_o jesus_n their_o idol-god_n fall_v down_o and_o their_o oracle_n at_o delphos_n dodon_n and_o other_o place_n be_v strike_v dumb_a insomuch_o as_o porphyry_n himself_o confess_v and_o bewail_v that_o since_o the_o time_n that_o jesus_n be_v worship_v they_o have_v have_v no_o benefit_n at_o all_o by_o any_o of_o their_o god_n the_o voice_n that_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o air_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n caesar_n about_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n death_n command_v the_o master_n of_o the_o ship_n to_o cry_v aloud_o that_o the_o great_a god_n pan_n be_v dead_a upon_o which_o follow_v great_a screeching_n and_o lamentation_n in_o the_o air_n we_o find_v mention_v in_o divers_a credible_a author_n lactantius_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o the_o heathen_n offer_v sacrifice_n to_o their_o god_n the_o very_a presence_n of_o a_o christian_a will_v dash_v and_o spoil_v their_o mystery_n and_o thereupon_o come_v that_o speech_n which_o we_o read_v in_o lucian_n if_o there_o be_v any_o christian_n here_o let_v he_o depart_v hence_o this_o jesus_n have_v make_v such_o work_n among_o the_o idol-god_n that_o augustine_n cry_v out_o where_o be_v your_o god_n where_o be_v your_o prophet_n where_o be_v your_o oracle_n where_o be_v your_o sacrifice_n be_v they_o not_o cease_v if_o christ_n the_o ark_n of_o god_n come_v in_o place_n dagon_n the_o great_a idol_n must_v needs_o fall_v down_o now_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v three_o great_a enemy_n in_o the_o world_n heathen_n jew_n and_o mahumetan_n against_o who_o religion_n or_o rather_o superstition_n we_o will_v speak_v a_o few_o word_n to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n and_o absurdity_n thereof_o and_o first_o idolatry_n first_o i._o reason_n against_o the_o heathenish_a idolatry_n touch_v the_o heathen_a god_n we_o have_v this_o to_o say_v against_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n which_o may_v be_v much_o more_o enlarge_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v vain_a and_o even_o ridiculous_a since_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o their_o own_o learned_a writer_n these_o god_n or_o rather_o devil_n do_v command_v image_n to_o be_v erect_v to_o they_o and_o tell_v the_o fashion_n that_o they_o be_v of_o and_o be_v not_o this_o absurd_a and_o unbecoming_a the_o majesty_n of_o a_o deity_n see_v the_o true_a and_o infinite_a god_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o light_a inaccessible_a can_v be_v resemble_v by_o any_o shape_n what_o do_v these_o dunghil-god_n of_o they_o chief_o command_n and_o forbid_v but_o outward_a corporeal_a thing_n whereas_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o holy_a glorious_a spirit_n who_o command_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o chief_o require_v spiritual_a worship_n and_o obedience_n these_o god_n of_o they_o be_v not_o of_o universal_a use_n nor_o be_v they_o good_a for_o all_o thing_n one_o forsooth_o be_v good_a for_o medicine_n and_o another_o for_o wisdom_n and_o another_o for_o war_n whereas_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o universal_a perfect_a good_a the_o religion_n of_o these_o heathen_a god_n consist_v only_o in_o offer_v frankincense_n and_o spice_n and_o outward_a oblation_n which_o can_v never_o cleanse_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n from_o its_o spot_n and_o defilement_n and_o therefore_o when_o cyril_n tell_v julian_n the_o apostata_fw-la that_o sin_n defile_v the_o soul_n and_o that_o outward_a and_o bodily_a thing_n can_v never_o wash_v away_o the_o inward_a filthiness_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o make_v julian_n stagger_v for_o he_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o to_o answer_v it_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v further_o be_v not_o the_o parent_n birth_n and_o manner_n of_o these_o goodly_a deity_n particular_o set_v down_o by_o their_o own_o poet_n and_o philosopher_n and_o by_o divers_a of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o our_o own_o modern_a writer_n and_o be_v it_o not_o ridiculous_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o these_o be_v true_a god_n nay_o true_o they_o be_v not_o only_a man_n who_o the_o heathen_n worship_v but_o wicked_a man_n the_o worst_a and_o vile_a of_o man_n give_v up_o to_o whoredom_n and_o drunkenness_n and_o cruelty_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n yea_o they_o be_v devil_n and_o wicked_a spirit_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o command_v themselves_o to_o be_v worship_v so_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a be_v some_o of_o these_o poor_a heathen_n that_o they_o do_v not_o only_a worship_n wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n but_o even_o beast_n also_o a_o ox_n a_o dog_n a_o crocodile_n yea_o onion_n and_o garlic_n o_o monstrous_a folly_n and_o madness_n how_o do_v the_o devil_n bewitch_v they_o what_o horrid_a cruelty_n do_v he_o exercise_v upon_o they_o command_v they_o to_o sacrifice_v man_n and_o woman_n to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v grievous_o offend_v with_o they_o as_o he_o do_v at_o this_o day_n in_o some_o heathenish_a country_n but_o when_o he_o be_v more_o mild_a and_o gentle_a then_o forsooth_o he_o must_v have_v stage-play_n music_n dance_v and_o the_o like_a pastime_n to_o make_v he_o merry_a behold_v here_o the_o vanity_n and_o brutishness_n of_o the_o heathenish_a idolatry_n second_o as_o for_o the_o jew_n religion_n jew_n ii_o against_o the_o jewish_a religion_n they_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a in_o their_o enmity_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o by_o we_o though_o they_o do_v not_o right_o and_o spiritual_o understand_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o veil_n which_o be_v upon_o their_o heart_n to_o this_o day_n so_o blind_a and_o so_o delude_v they_o be_v as_o to_o hold_v that_o the_o true_a messiah_n be_v yet_o to_o come_v that_o jesus_n be_v not_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o when_o the_o messiah_n first_o come_v he_o shall_v be_v great_a in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v a_o princely_a court_n and_o attendant_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v subdue_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o jew_n now_o true_o these_o be_v but_o vain_a dream_n and_o fancy_n of_o they_o and_o quite_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n in_o jacob_n prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n gen._n 49.10_o we_o read_v that_o the_o sceptre_n be_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o a_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n till_o shiloh_n come_v by_o which_o shiloh_n be_v mean_v the_o true_a messiah_n but_o the_o sceptre_n be_v then_o new_o depart_v when_o jesus_n come_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v the_o true_a shiloh_n or_o messiah_n the_o sceptre_n as_o be_v well_o know_v be_v in_o judah_n till_o the_o captivity_n and_o after_o the_o captivity_n it_o continue_v till_o aristobulus_n and_o hircanus_n who_o contend_v for_o it_o be_v both_o of_o they_o dispossess_v of_o it_o and_o herod_n a_o idumaean_a and_o a_o stranger_n be_v invest_v with_o the_o royal_a dignity_n and_o then_o come_v christ_n as_o be_v long_o before_o prophesy_v after_o who_o come_v the_o jew_n be_v disperse_v and_o scatter_v throughout_o the_o earth_n so_o that_o now_o there_o be_v no_o distinct_a tribe_n of_o judah_n but_o they_o be_v all_o mingle_a one_o with_o another_o the_o roman_a emperor_n still_o labour_v to_o root_v out_o the_o jew_n and_o especial_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n which_o make_v they_o to_o confound_v their_o genealogy_n that_o the_o seventy_o week_n refer_v to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n dan._n 9.24_o be_v long_o since_o determine_v he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o and_o yet_o the_o messiah_n not_o come_v if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o obstinate_a jew_n in_o their_o talmud_n we_o read_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o hillel_n who_o they_o high_o esteem_v perceive_v the_o first_o seven_o week_n in_o daniel_n to_o fall_v out_o so_o just_o they_o look_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o those_o day_n be_v long_o before_o the_o full_a time_n because_o they_o have_v read_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v shorten_v those_o day_n and_o immediate_o before_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a expectation_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n among_o the_o jew_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o continual_a send_n to_o john_n baptist_n to_o know_v whether_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o they_o must_v expect_v another_o and_o about_o this_o time_n also_o which_o may_v be_v a_o further_a proof_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v already_o come_v there_o be_v more_o false_a christ_n and_o deceiver_n such_o as_o judas_n theudas_n gaulonite_n barcosba_n as_o the_o scripture_n and_o josephus_n with_o other_o writer_n bear_v witness_v than_o be_v ever_o before_o or_o since_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n hag._n 2.10_o be_v great_a than_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o first_o be_v it_o not_o by_o the_o come_n and_o
most_o wicked_a superstition_n chap._n xii_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prove_v by_o reason_n the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v differ_v much_o from_o the_o law_n of_o man_n these_o command_n only_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o the_o divine_a law_n reach_v the_o spirit_n and_o command_v the_o inward_a man_n which_o law_n be_v record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n now_o that_o these_o holy_a write_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v contain_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o may_v convince_v a_o heathen_a or_o infidel_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a authority_n and_o efficacy_n in_o these_o write_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o first_o then_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v as_o it_o have_v be_v clear_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v one_o live_v and_o true_a god_n and_o that_o this_o god_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o adore_v by_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n with_o that_o service_n and_o worship_n which_o become_v he_o then_o it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v by_o god_n himself_o touch_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n wherein_o he_o will_v have_v we_o obey_v he_o this_o be_v practise_v by_o all_o wise_a prince_n and_o state_n who_o govern_v their_o subject_n in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o prudence_n for_o who_o can_v know_v what_o please_v god_n but_o he_o himself_o and_o they_o to_o who_o he_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n now_o then_o suppose_v some_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v in_o order_n to_o that_o service_n which_o he_o will_v accept_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o this_o revelation_n where_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v it_o let_v any_o man_n if_o he_o can_v show_v some_o other_o or_o better_a manifestation_n concern_v the_o will_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n than_o what_o he_o have_v make_v know_v in_o his_o write_a word_n nothing_o can_v be_v the_o stand_a unerring_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o what_o god_n himself_o have_v make_v so_o that_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n must_v be_v the_o law_n of_o our_o beleif_n and_o who_o can_v make_v a_o law_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o man_n or_o creature_n can_v prescribe_v to_o we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v god_n unless_o god_n himself_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o publish_v his_o law_n second_o as_o for_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v receive_v and_o embrace_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o by_o jew_n and_o christian_n let_v we_o rational_o consider_v how_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3.2_o have_v witness_v these_o book_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a have_v they_o not_o from_o time_n to_o time_n for_o many_o age_n together_o in_o their_o great_a misery_n and_o affliction_n constant_o acknowledge_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o whenas_o by_o only_o deny_v the_o same_o they_o may_v have_v have_v not_o only_a liberty_n but_o great_a preferment_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o observable_a that_o though_o the_o prince_n high_a priest_n and_o other_o among_o the_o jew_n persecute_v the_o prophet_n and_o despise_v their_o word_n whilst_o they_o live_v yet_o they_o receive_v their_o write_n as_o prophetical_a and_o divine_a when_o they_o where_o dead_a and_o since_o blindness_n and_o obstinacy_n come_v upon_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o their_o great_a enmity_n and_o hatred_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o yet_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o those_o very_a text_n that_o do_v evident_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v keep_v pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a among_o they_o three_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o embrace_v both_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v witness_v and_o do_v still_o witness_v to_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o even_o to_o the_o death_n the_o whole_a universal_a church_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o first_o pen_v of_o the_o scripture_n till_o this_o very_a day_n have_v all_o along_o profess_v that_o these_o book_n be_v divine_a and_o thousand_o of_o they_o have_v seal_v the_o same_o with_o their_o blood_n this_o testimony_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o force_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o infallible_a and_o effectual_a to_o persuade_v and_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n as_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o of_o all_o humane_a testimony_n whereby_o the_o author_n of_o any_o book_n that_o have_v be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v extant_a can_v be_v prove_v or_o evince_v so_o as_o to_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o god_n concern_v this_o book_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o satisfactory_a both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o multitude_n wisdom_n honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o likelihood_n constancy_n and_o uninterrupted_a continuance_n of_o the_o testimony_n itself_o be_v it_o probable_a in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n that_o so_o good_a and_o wise_a a_o god_n shall_v suffer_v so_o many_o honest_a well_o mean_v people_n to_o be_v so_o long_o abuse_v and_o deceive_v by_o a_o false_a or_o feign_a book_n father_v upon_o himself_o such_o a_o horrid_a imposture_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n will_v not_o endure_v to_o lie_v hide_v and_o undiscovered_a for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n christian_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n noble_a and_o ignoble_a rich_a and_o poor_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a marry_a and_o unmarried_a old_a and_o young_a throughout_o the_o world_n for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o have_v endure_v the_o most_o grievous_a and_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o the_o devil_n can_v invent_v or_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n find_v out_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o that_o with_o great_a constancy_n and_o alacrity_n with_o a_o undaunted_a heart_n and_o merry_a countenance_n and_o can_v any_o sober_a man_n think_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o person_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o great_a quality_n learning_n and_o prudence_n that_o may_v have_v live_v brave_o and_o carry_v a_o great_a part_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v suffer_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a thing_n out_o of_o mere_a weakness_n pride_n vain_a glory_n discontent_a or_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v for_o a_o fable_n that_o have_v no_o truth_n nor_o reality_n in_o it_o this_o testimony_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o great_a suffering_n christian_a patience_n joy_n and_o courage_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v not_o mere_o humane_a for_o that_o courage_n and_o cheerfulness_n which_o they_o show_v in_o the_o midst_n 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
court_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o practice_n he_o shall_v so_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o relate_v thereunto_o as_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n rom._n 14.5_o he_o shall_v so_o prove_v all_o thing_n as_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thes_n 5.21_o thus_o christ_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n have_v give_v two_o sort_n of_o judgement_n to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n one_o public_a belong_v to_o a_o assembly_n of_o godly_a pastor_n and_o elder_n for_o of_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n teach_v let_v the_o prophet_n judge_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n the_o other_o be_v a_o more_o private_a personal_a judgement_n which_o concern_v all_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n in_o both_o these_o judgement_n we_o shall_v remember_v that_o christ_n have_v commit_v nothing_o to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o ministry_n of_o give_v judgement_n for_o as_o touch_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o judgement_n and_o authority_n it_o belong_v only_o to_o he_o counsel_n may_v expound_v and_o declare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o they_o have_v no_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o make_v any_o new_a doctrine_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o every_o christian_n ought_v in_o a_o rational_a way_n to_o judge_v of_o their_o determination_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o yield_v blind_a obedience_n thereunto_o for_o this_o be_v to_o unchristian_a yea_o to_o unman_v himself_o of_o this_o opinion_n be_v all_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o general_a and_o particular_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 103._o england_n see_v rogers_n on_o 39_o article_n p._n 103._o who_o maintain_v that_o every_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n from_o christ_n to_o judge_v in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o to_o embrace_v truth_n and_o avoid_v error_n the_o church_n as_o a_o faithful_a witness_n shall_v give_v testimony_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v the_o word_n nor_o to_o judge_v otherwise_o then_o god_n word_n judge_v general_a counsel_n consist_v of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o infallible_a may_v err_v the_o thing_n therefore_o that_o be_v ordain_v by_o general_a counsel_n do_v so_o far_o bind_v as_o they_o be_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o no_o further_o for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o ground_v our_o faith_n upon_o they_o but_o only_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n now_o that_o such_o a_o rational_a judgement_n or_o a_o judgement_n in_o foro_fw-la interno_fw-la as_o have_v be_v assert_v belong_v to_o every_o christian_a so_o as_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o reason_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o determination_n be_v thus_o prove_v and_o demonstrate_v first_o from_o those_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o mat._n 24.4_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thes_n 5.21_o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a judge_v all_o thing_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2.15_o which_o text_n together_o with_o many_o other_o that_o may_v be_v allege_v do_v not_o only_o concern_v public_a minister_n but_o also_o private_a christian_n yea_o chief_a they_o as_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v seduce_v second_o this_o have_v be_v also_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a thus_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o exercise_v their_o spiritual_a sense_n that_o they_o may_v discern_v thing_n that_o differ_v heb._n 5.14_o the_o berean_o be_v count_v more_o noble_a than_o other_o because_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v paul_n doctrine_n by_o the_o scripture_n though_o he_o speak_v from_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n act_v 17.11_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v for_o try_v they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o find_v they_o liar_n and_o deceiver_n after_o trial_n rev._n 2.2_o and_o christ_n tell_v we_o that_o his_o true_a sheep_n will_v follow_v he_o for_o they_o know_v his_o voice_n but_o a_o stranger_n they_o will_v not_o follow_v but_o will_v flee_v from_o he_o joh._n 10.4_o 5._o now_o this_o they_o can_v not_o do_v unless_o they_o do_v exercise_v a_o rational_a judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n three_o every_o christian_n be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o practice_n to_o god_n yea_o he_o shall_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v he_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v in_o he_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o but_o how_o can_v he_o do_v this_o rational_o and_o understand_o without_o trial_n and_o examination_n if_o he_o be_v find_v to_o embrace_v whatever_o his_o superior_n shall_v impose_v upon_o he_o true_o then_o the_o blind_a implicit_a faith_n of_o the_o collier_n will_v serve_v well_o enough_o be_v this_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o can_v true_o believe_v unless_o we_o have_v knowledge_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o practice_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n four_o how_o shall_v a_o christian_a cleanse_v his_o heart_n and_o way_n but_o by_o take_v heed_n thereto_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n psal_n 119.9_o how_o shall_v he_o walk_v as_o a_o child_n of_o light_n unless_o the_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n to_o his_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n to_o his_o path_n psal_n 119.105_o how_o can_v he_o walk_v wise_o and_o circumspect_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 5.17_o if_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v he_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o discern_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o so_o he_o may_v try_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n five_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o private_a christian_n to_o receive_v all_o doctrine_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o by_o his_o superior_n without_o trial_n and_o examination_n then_o can_v not_o he_o be_v just_o charge_v with_o sin_n and_o guilt_n who_o receive_v error_n in_o stead_n of_o truth_n from_o those_o that_o be_v above_o he_o in_o dignity_n and_o authority_n but_o we_o find_v that_o this_o will_v not_o excuse_v he_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_n the_o blind_a both_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o pit_n luk._n 6.39_o and_o we_o be_v to_o fly_v from_o stranger_n and_o not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o those_o prophet_n that_o speak_v the_o vision_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o not_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n jer._n 23.16_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o seducer_n which_o no_o christian_n can_v avoid_v upon_o good_a ground_n unless_o he_o pass_v a_o rational_a judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n why_o be_v ephraim_n oppress_v and_o break_v in_o judgement_n but_o because_o he_o willing_o walk_v after_o the_o commandment_n of_o his_o ruler_n and_o governor_n corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o impartial_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o same_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n hos_fw-la 5.11_o six_o god_n have_v furnish_v a_o christian_a with_o ability_n for_o this_o end_n with_o reason_n as_o man_n he_o have_v a_o reflexive_a faculty_n which_o beast_n have_v not_o he_o have_v a_o rational_a understand_a soul_n which_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o enable_v he_o to_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o and_o to_o deduce_v genuine_a inference_n and_o conclusion_n from_o such_o premise_n as_o be_v lay_v down_o and_o propound_v and_o then_o further_o god_n have_v not_o only_o give_v his_o people_n the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o rational_a man_n but_o have_v also_o infuse_v into_o they_o a_o principle_n of_o divine_a light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o christian_n to_o search_v and_o try_v the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a god_n have_v give_v they_o a_o spiritual_a unction_n or_o understanding_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o john_n 2.27_o &_o chap._n 5.20_o that_o they_o may_v know_v he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o they_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n teach_v they_o but_o as_o this_o anoint_v teach_v they_o which_o be_v truth_n and_o be_v no_o lie_n if_o any_o man_n
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
the_o heart_n and_o the_o brain_n and_o in_o these_o god_n have_v place_v the_o natural_a vital_a and_o animal_n spirit_n these_o spirit_n be_v carry_v by_o the_o vein_n artery_n and_o nerve_n the_o vein_n carry_v the_o vital_a spirit_n from_o the_o liver_n the_o artery_n carry_v the_o natural_a spirit_n from_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o nerve_n carry_v the_o animal_n spirit_n from_o the_o brain_n the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v helpful_a and_o serviceable_a one_o to_o another_o the_o superior_a rule_n the_o inferior_a as_o the_o eye_n guide_v and_o direct_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o the_o inferior_a support_n and_o uphold_v the_o superior_a as_o the_o foot_n leg_n and_o thigh_n support_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o as_o for_o the_o middle_a member_n they_o defend_v the_o body_n and_o provide_v thing_n necessary_a for_o it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o hand_n and_o arms._n this_o variety_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n show_v the_o excellent_a wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o if_o all_o be_v a_o eye_n where_o will_v the_o see_v be_v 1_o cor._n 12.15_o so_o excellent_a be_v the_o body_n of_o man_n that_o there_o be_v sundry_a member_n thereof_o which_o god_n ascribe_v to_o himself_o as_o the_o head_n the_o heart_n the_o eye_n the_o ear_n the_o foot_n to_o express_v his_o attribute_n to_o we_o yea_o god_n have_v make_v the_o body_n of_o man_n a_o temple_n for_o himself_o to_o dwell_v in_o and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v assume_v the_o body_n of_o man_n in_o one_o person_n to_o his_o godhead_n a_o dignity_n which_o the_o angel_n be_v not_o call_v unto_o after_o the_o make_n of_o man_n he_o leave_v nothing_o unmake_v but_o to_o make_v himself_o man_n second_o man_n be_v curious_o wrought_v and_o contrive_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o rational_a immortal_a soul_n and_o those_o two_o noble_a faculty_n the_o understandtng_a and_o the_o will_n wherein_o man_n far_o excel_v all_o the_o sensitive_a creature_n the_o rational_a soul_n be_v the_o better_a part_n of_o man_n more_o worth_a than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o mark_v 8.36_o 37._o what_o be_v the_o body_n of_o man_n without_o the_o soul_n but_o a_o dead_a trunk_n a_o empty_a case_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o pearl_n or_o precious_a jewel_n the_o creation_n infusion_n and_o operation_n whereof_o be_v like_o a_o curious_a piece_n of_o embroidery_n well_o become_v the_o creator_n and_o contriver_n thereof_o who_o be_v a_o simple_a immaterial_a immortal_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o spirit_n the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a spirit_n the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o spirit_n numb_a 16.22_o bless_v god_n o_o man_n that_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o inspire_v thou_o with_o a_o immortal_a spirit_n wherein_o thou_o far_o excelle_v other_o creature_n for_o first_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n of_o man_n can_v conceive_v of_o thing_n by_o the_o light_n of_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o by_o sense_n yea_o it_o can_v conceive_v of_o thing_n that_o never_o be_v in_o the_o sense_n as_o thing_n absent_a which_o the_o sense_n never_o see_v nor_o apprehend_v it_o can_v conceive_v of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a as_o angel_n and_o spirit_n yea_o of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o be_v invisible_a by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v visible_a we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n who_o be_v invisible_a rom._n 1.20_o second_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v able_a to_o reflect_v upon_o its_o self_n and_o its_o own_o act_n and_o operation_n which_o no_o mere_a sensitive_a creature_n can_v do_v it_o understand_v that_o it_o do_v understand_v and_o know_v that_o it_o do_v know_v and_o this_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v large_a and_o extensive_a for_o it_o can_v in_o a_o moment_n go_v over_o almost_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o view_v it_o all_o as_o it_o be_v at_o once_o whereas_o the_o sense_n be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n three_o the_o rational_a soul_n can_v invent_v thing_n that_o be_v never_o before_o in_o be_v what_o strange_a thing_n for_o number_n and_o skill_n and_o variety_n be_v daily_o invent_v and_o contrive_v by_o man_n wit_n and_o reason_n by_o which_o also_o many_o great_a matter_n both_o civil_a military_a and_o ecclesiastical_a be_v order_v and_o regulate_v this_o be_v that_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o search_v all_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o belly_n prov._n 20.27_o and_o god_n have_v set_v the_o world_n in_o man_n heart_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o be_v in_o he_o eccles_n 3.11_o four_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n of_o man_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o his_o understanding_n after_o a_o sort_n be_v make_v one_o with_o and_o become_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v understand_v in_o that_o it_o conceive_v a_o true_a image_n and_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v understand_v and_o herein_o the_o rational_a soul_n do_v somewhat_o resemble_v god_n himself_o who_o have_v the_o perfect_a idea_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o himself_o so_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v as_o it_o be_v form_n world_n of_o thing_n within_o itself_o five_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n appear_v in_o that_o divine_a thing_n call_v conscience_n which_o be_v more_o than_o a_o thousand_o witness_n yet_o subordinate_a to_o a_o high_a tribunal_n being_n god_n deputy_n for_o god_n be_v great_a than_o conscience_n 1_o john_n 3.20_o no_o man_n be_v he_o never_o so_o great_a and_o potent_a can_v always_o bribe_v conscience_n but_o it_o will_v give_v a_o impartial_a verdict_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o either_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v he_o in_o these_o and_o other_o particular_n man_n may_v contemplate_v the_o excellency_n of_o reason_n and_o praise_n god_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o three_o and_o last_o the_o rational_a soul_n of_o man_n become_v much_o more_o excellent_a and_o be_v like_o a_o curious_a piece_n of_o embroidery_n by_o a_o new_a creation_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whereas_o by_o sin_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v corrupt_v and_o alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n yet_o now_o be_v bear_v again_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v spiritual_o form_v therein_o it_o recover_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o be_v restore_v to_o a_o holy_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o will_v be_v a_o curious_a excellent_a piece_n indeed_o when_o she_o be_v perfect_o transform_v as_o she_o shall_v be_v into_o the_o divine_a image_n and_o clothe_v with_o glory_n and_o immortality_n psal_n 45.14_o 2_o cor._n 5.2_o let_v we_o now_o brief_o recapitulate_v the_o head_n of_o this_o discourse_n head_n discourse_n a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o several_a head_n touch_v faith_n and_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v proceed_v it_o require_v much_o spiritual_a skill_n as_o have_v be_v say_v right_o to_o distinguish_v between_o they_o and_o give_v to_o each_o its_o due_a though_o man_n reason_n be_v much_o weaken_v and_o obscure_v yet_o a_o good_a use_n may_v be_v make_v thereof_o both_o in_o civil_a and_o divine_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o light_n in_o reason_n though_o far_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o faith_n how_o far_o this_o light_n of_o reason_n extend_v we_o have_v show_v the_o best_a heathen_a philosopher_n be_v sensible_a of_o great_a defect_n and_o languish_n in_o their_o natural_a reason_n and_o ability_n though_o they_o ascribe_v too_o much_o thereunto_o some_o there_o be_v among_o christian_n that_o give_v too_o little_a to_o reason_n in_o religious_a and_o ecclesiastical_a concern_v but_o other_o more_o general_o offend_v in_o give_v too_o much_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v here_o declare_v how_o and_o in_o what_o respect_v reason_n and_o moral_a prudence_n shall_v be_v exercise_v by_o we_o both_o in_o civil_a and_o church_n affair_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a and_o also_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n in_o compare_v and_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n but_o though_o reason_n be_v useful_a in_o these_o respect_n yet_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v principal_o witness_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o satisfy_v conscience_n touch_v the_o same_o here_o be_v show_v when_o it_o be_v that_o reason_n be_v right_o use_v and_o when_o abuse_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o likewise_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o mere_a rational_a and_o spiritual_a man_n and_o their_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o operation_n in_o and_o about_o