be_v prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o as_o for_o the_o scripture_n they_o prove_v and_o evidence_n themselves_o sufficient_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a by_o their_o own_o light_n manifest_v their_o divine_a original_a they_o be_v primum_fw-la visibile_fw-la not_o like_o colour_n that_o can_v be_v see_v till_o light_v make_v it_o apparent_a but_o like_o light_n itself_o which_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n manifest_a and_o itself_o too_o by_o its_o own_o proper_a quality_n now_o than_o if_o a_o true_a believer_n shall_v be_v ask_v why_o he_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o may_v true_o answer_v thus_o because_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o it_o be_v further_o demand_v how_o he_o can_v assure_v himself_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o may_v answer_v that_o he_o know_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enlighten_v his_o understanding_n 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question_n will_v be_v how_o we_o know_v infallible_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o what_o we_o find_v write_v therein_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o very_a oracle_n of_o god_n here_o lie_v the_o great_a yea_o the_o irreconcilable_a difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o we_o for_o whereas_o we_o maintain_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o god_n by_o themselves_o and_o by_o their_o own_o light_n and_o power_n they_o hold_v that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o their_o divine_a authority_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o as_o they_o say_v do_v infallible_o propose_v unto_o we_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v our_o faith_n shall_v be_v resolve_v either_o into_o nothing_o at_o all_o for_o they_o differ_v exceed_o about_o the_o church_n representative_a and_o the_o supreme_a 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this_o he_o answer_v because_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n say_v so_o or_o as_o some_o of_o they_o hold_v because_o the_o pope_n only_o say_v so_o or_o as_o other_o of_o they_o because_o a_o general_a council_n say_v so_o if_o we_o further_o urge_v he_o yea_o but_o how_o know_v you_o infallible_o that_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n do_v not_o err_v in_o say_v so_o he_o will_v answer_v you_o because_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v they_o can_v err_v for_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o they_o run_v round_o in_o a_o circle_n describe_v circle_n the_o popish_a circle_n describe_v and_o be_v so_o entangle_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a of_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o deliver_v themselves_o indeed_o they_o accuse_v we_o with_o open_a mouth_n as_o if_o we_o be_v entangle_v in_o a_o circle_n run_v round_o from_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o again_o from_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o thus_o how_o know_v you_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o same_o to_o my_o heart_n and_o conscience_n but_o how_o know_v you_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o scripture_n which_o testify_v that_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o but_o then_o further_o how_o know_v you_o this_o and_o the_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o know_v it_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n and_o thus_o they_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v catch_v we_o in_o a_o circle_n but_o they_o great_o mistake_v we_o though_o we_o do_v not_o mistake_v their_o doctrine_n we_o teach_v indeed_o that_o we_o know_v the_o scripture_n infallible_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n inward_o reveal_v and_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o to_o our_o conscience_n but_o what_o kind_n of_o revelation_n or_o testimony_n be_v this_o it_o be_v not_o any_o inward_a suggestion_n or_o immediate_a inspiration_n different_z from_o those_o revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o as_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v by_o a_o second_o private_a immediate_a revelation_n assure_v i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o former_a revelation_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o this_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n reveal_v and_o testify_v to_o our_o conscience_n the_o divine_a authority_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o remove_v those_o impediment_n that_o hinder_v as_o namely_o our_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n and_o by_o bestow_v upon_o we_o those_o grace_n that_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o
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 by_o sound_a argument_n that_o he_o behold_v such_o a_o object_n he_o demand_v a_o impossible_a thing_n of_o he_o unless_o he_o can_v give_v he_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o some_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a papist_n after_o all_o their_o dispute_v and_o wrangle_v be_v drive_v at_o last_o to_o acknowledge_v this_o inward_a illumination_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n stapleton_n himself_o even_o in_o that_o book_n where_o he_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n say_v that_o the_o godly_a be_v bring_v to_o faith_n by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v once_o bring_v and_o enlighten_v with_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n than_o they_o believe_v no_o more_o for_o the_o church_n voice_n but_o because_o of_o the_o heavenly_a light_n and_o again_o in_o the_o last_o book_n that_o ever_o he_o write_v against_o learned_a whitaker_n he_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o inward_a persuasion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v so_o necessary_a and_o effectual_a for_o the_o believe_v of_o every_o object_n of_o faith_n that_o without_o it_o neither_o can_v any_o thing_n by_o any_o man_n be_v believe_v though_o the_o church_n testify_v with_o it_o a_o thousand_o time_n and_o by_o it_o alone_o any_o matter_n may_v be_v believe_v though_o the_o church_n hold_v her_o peace_n or_o be_v never_o hear_v hereby_o it_o appear_v that_o we_o may_v be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o regard_v by_o we_o as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o but_o yet_o when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o infidel_n and_o atheist_n that_o scoff_n at_o this_o divine_a light_n and_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o have_v more_o reason_n on_o our_o side_n as_o have_v be_v show_v at_o large_a to_o convince_v they_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v contain_v the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n than_o any_o other_o religion_n nay_o then_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v take_v these_o follow_a rule_n testimony_n rule_n rule_n concern_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n for_o prevent_a mistake_n first_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v assure_o persuade_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o by_o a_o immediate_a vision_n or_o revelation_n under_o which_o pretence_n satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n have_v delude_v and_o ensnare_v many_o poor_a soul_n but_o by_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o behold_v the_o light_n write_v the_o law_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o inward_a part_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n seal_v up_o the_o promise_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o cause_v we_o experimental_o to_o feel_v the_o powerful_a effect_n thereof_o second_o this_o divine_a supernatural_a persuasion_n wrought_v in_o believer_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v more_o certain_a and_o more_o satisfactory_a than_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o our_o weak_a imperfect_a reason_n or_o express_v in_o word_n for_o thing_n doubtful_a may_v be_v prove_v but_o as_o for_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o clear_a and_o certain_a we_o say_v they_o need_v no_o rational_a proof_n or_o demonstration_n as_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n which_o discover_v itself_o by_o its_o own_o light_n need_v not_o be_v confirm_v by_o any_o rational_a argument_n to_o he_o that_o have_v his_o eye_n open_a to_o see_v the_o light_n thereof_o three_o it_o be_v such_o a_o testimony_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v certain_a and_o manifest_a to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n for_o it_o make_v itself_o evident_a where_o it_o come_v but_o this_o be_v private_a and_o particular_a not_o public_a and_o common_a testify_v only_o to_o he_o who_o be_v endue_v therewith_o but_o not_o convince_a other_o nor_o confirm_a doctrine_n to_o they_o in_o this_o case_n man_n must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o visible_a stand_a rule_n to_o the_o write_a law_n and_o testimony_n if_o any_o man_n speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o let_v he_o pretend_v never_o so_o much_o to_o the_o inward_a testimony_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v because_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o he_o four_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o his_o public_a authentic_a testimony_n nor_o be_v it_o injurious_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o word_n see_v there_o be_v a_o mutual_a relation_n and_o correspondence_n between_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o party_n witness_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n witness_v and_o this_o holy_a spirit_n the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v every_o where_o like_a unto_o and_o do_v every_o where_o agree_v with_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o pair_n of_o indenture_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o between_o they_o but_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o one_o be_v also_o mention_v in_o the_o other_o so_o it_o be_v between_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n five_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o teach_v or_o assure_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o letter_n syllable_n and_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v only_o as_o a_o vessel_n to_o carry_v and_o convey_v the_o heavenly_a light_n unto_o we_o but_o it_o do_v seal_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o save_a truth_n contain_v in_o those_o sacred_a write_n into_o what_o language_n soever_o they_o be_v translate_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o be_v the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n write_v not_o with_o ink_n but_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o live_a god_n not_o in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o in_o the_o fleshly_a table_n of_o the_o heart_n 2_o cor._n 3.3_o six_o and_o last_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o lead_v they_o in_o who_o he_o dwell_v and_o witness_v absolute_o and_o at_o once_o into_o every_o truth_n of_o god_n so_o as_o utter_o to_o dispel_v all_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n but_o he_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o by_o degree_n john_n 16.12_o 13._o be_v a_o free_a voluntary_a agent_n he_o work_v when_o and_o
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
have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o he_o he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o to_o they_o it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o father_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mat._n 13.11_o hereby_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n even_o by_o his_o spirit_n which_o search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.10_o for_o a_o man_n profess_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n to_o swallow_v down_o without_o trial_n or_o consideration_n all_o that_o he_o read_v and_o hear_v if_o it_o come_v from_o a_o person_n that_o he_o admire_v which_o yet_o be_v the_o practice_n not_o only_o of_o the_o blind_a papist_n but_o of_o many_o seem_a zealous_a protestant_n that_o be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o a_o party_n non_fw-la est_fw-la opus_fw-la virilis_fw-la intelligentiae_fw-la sed_fw-la puerilis_fw-la inscitiae_fw-la this_o rather_o become_v the_o simplicity_n and_o ignorance_n of_o a_o child_n than_o the_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n of_o a_o serious_a christian_a luther_n speak_v of_o the_o blind_a implicit_a faith_n and_o obedience_n too_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o opinion_n and_o practice_n as_o render_v a_o man_n brutist_n and_o deprive_v he_o of_o reason_n and_o manhood_n and_o for_o this_o wicked_a opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o namely_o for_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n the_o roman_a prelate_n deserve_v to_o be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o wolf_n and_o tyrant_n but_o what_o shall_v every_o private_a spirit_n will_v you_o say_v take_v this_o upon_o he_o be_v not_o this_o to_o judge_v his_o judge_n and_o to_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o his_o superior_a to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o those_o person_n be_v they_o never_o so_o great_a and_o learned_a judge_v of_o divine_a thing_n by_o a_o private_a spirit_n who_o depend_v upon_o their_o own_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o fancy_n and_o according_o judge_v and_o determine_v and_o not_o he_o though_o but_o a_o private_a christian_a that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o judge_v of_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n by_o and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o do_v we_o say_v that_o every_o private_a man_n be_v to_o judge_v by_o way_n of_o authority_n in_o foro_fw-la publico_fw-la a_o public_a authoritative_a disquisition_n and_o trial_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o a_o private_a rational_a christian_a examination_n be_v another_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n judicare_fw-la to_o judge_v of_o my_o own_o act_n and_o another_o thing_n judicem_fw-la agere_fw-la to_o act_n as_o a_o judge_n indeed_o the_o spiritual_a man_n judge_v all_o thing_n but_o how_o not_o in_o a_o juridical_a authoritative_a way_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v his_o call_n and_o capacity_n if_o he_o be_v a_o private_a christian_a rational_a judgement_n belong_v to_o he_o but_o magistratica_n and_o ministerial_a judgement_n belong_v to_o other_o that_o be_v in_o a_o more_o public_a capacity_n and_o office_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v to_o try_v and_o judge_v with_o much_o modesty_n and_o humility_n not_o rash_o and_o heady_o as_o be_v self-conceited_a and_o lean_v too_o much_o to_o his_o own_o understanding_n let_v he_o walk_v orderly_o and_o keep_v his_o place_n and_o station_n give_v due_a respect_n and_o reverence_n to_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o godly_a pastor_n and_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n thus_o we_o have_v show_v how_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o exercise_v himself_o in_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o those_o external_a rational_a argument_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o most_o clear_a certain_a infallible_a public_a testimony_n and_o of_o itself_o worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o hereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v more_o particular_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n although_o there_o be_v rational_a argument_n which_o have_v be_v already_o mention_v to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o be_v necessary_a to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o which_o testimony_n be_v better_a and_o more_o certain_a than_o all_o our_o reason_n for_o as_o god_n be_v a_o sufficient_a witness_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o word_n so_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n will_v never_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n till_o the_o same_o be_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o they_o by_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n till_o than_o they_o will_v be_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a often_o doubt_v and_o waver_v notwithstanding_o all_o other_o reason_n and_o proof_n 5._o proof_n calv._n instit_fw-la lib._n 1._o chap._n 7._o s._n 5._o we_o shall_v so_o believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o itself_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v the_o same_o as_o not_o to_o subject_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o to_o our_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n when_o our_o understanding_n be_v once_o powerful_o convince_v and_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o indict_v the_o holy_a scripture_n then_o do_v we_o not_o believe_v by_o our_o own_o judgement_n or_o reason_n or_o other_o man_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v from_o god_n and_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o above_o all_o humane_a reason_n and_o judgement_n we_o hold_v it_o most_o certain_a even_o as_o if_o we_o behold_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n himself_o there_o present_a john_n 4.42_o and_o have_v attain_v this_o we_o seek_v not_o after_o humane_a argument_n to_o rest_v our_o faith_n upon_o but_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o admit_v of_o no_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v we_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o do_v full_o captivate_v and_o submit_v our_o judgement_n and_o reason_n to_o it_o such_o therefore_o be_v the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o true_a spiritual_a christian_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n far_o different_a from_o other_o mens_fw-la as_o require_v no_o humane_a reason_n such_o be_v his_o knowledge_n and_o certainty_n as_o have_v the_o best_a reason_n for_o it_o even_o that_o wherein_o the_o mind_n more_o assure_o and_o steadfast_o rest_v then_o upon_o any_o humane_a testimony_n or_o reason_n whatsoever_o such_o be_v the_o inward_a spiritual_a experience_n of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v oppose_v the_o same_o yet_o he_o be_v full_o resolve_v to_o give_v credit_n and_o adhere_v thereunto_o by_o nature_n every_o man_n be_v blind_a in_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mind_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o shine_a light_n in_o itself_o yet_o unless_o our_o understanding_n be_v open_v and_o enlighten_v we_o can_v behold_v it_o no_o more_o than_o a_o blind_a man_n can_v see_v the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o supernatural_a light_n and_o faith_n by_o the_o inspiration_n thereof_o be_v the_o scripture_n first_o write_v the_o secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v full_o know_v unto_o and_o effectual_o reveal_v by_o this_o spirit_n the_o same_o law_n and_o word_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n this_o spirit_n do_v also_o write_v and_o impress_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o be_v endue_v therewith_o and_o therefore_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o spirit_n where_o it_o come_v in_o power_n must_v needs_o full_o persuade_v and_o assure_v the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n as_o in_o other_o science_n there_o be_v always_o some_o principle_n per_fw-la se_fw-la nota_fw-la &_o indemonstrabilia_fw-la whence_o other_o thing_n be_v prove_v and_o demonstrate_v so_o it_o be_v in_o divinity_n which_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a science_n all_o conclusion_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n
where_o and_o in_o what_o measure_n he_o please_v so_o that_o holy_a man_n partaker_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o several_a degree_n may_v err_v and_o mistake_v in_o some_o thing_n and_o dissent_v one_o from_o another_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o fundamental_a and_o thus_o we_o have_v give_v you_o some_o rule_n to_o prevent_v mistake_v touch_v the_o inward_a testimony_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o now_o to_o reflect_v a_o little_a yet_o without_o any_o rankor_n or_o bitterness_n against_o the_o person_n of_o man_n upon_o their_o opinion_n that_o derogate_a from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a revelation_n and_o set_v up_o reason_n as_o a_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o resolve_v their_o faith_n final_o into_o reason_n chap._n xv._o brief_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 no_o discreet_a rational_a man_n will_v deny_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o judge_a matter_n civil_a and_o religious_a in_o the_o sense_n former_o declare_v and_o prove_v if_o you_o will_v show_v yourself_o a_o man_n and_o not_o a_o beast_n a_o judicious_a understanding_n christian_n and_o not_o a_o child_n in_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n than_o you_o must_v make_v use_n of_o your_o reason_n in_o examine_v those_o matter_n that_o be_v propound_v to_o you_o whether_o civil_a or_o religious_a but_o yet_o if_o you_o admit_v reason_n to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n or_o standard_n to_o measure_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n by_o and_o to_o judge_v of_o and_o comprehend_v the_o most_o divine_a supernatural_a doctrine_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n than_o you_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o reason_n and_o too_o little_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o faith_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v say_v the_o apostle_n neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o as_o none_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o 11._o the_o rational_a creature_n be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o thing_n mere_o rational_a but_o the_o spiritual_a man_n only_o in_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v can_v right_o and_o spiritual_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a and_o therefore_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o confound_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o our_o natural_a reason_n nor_o prejudice_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o reason_n as_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o take_v from_o reason_n that_o which_o be_v due_a to_o she_o in_o reference_n to_o divine_a matter_n first_o then_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o reason_n be_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n soul_n or_o that_o organ_n which_o let_v into_o his_o soul_n that_o divine_a light_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n which_o beget_v faith_n and_o upon_o which_o faith_n do_v rest_v itself_o and_o into_o which_o it_o be_v final_o resolve_v reason_n be_v not_o the_o object_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n rest_v but_o that_o faculty_n which_o be_v sanctify_v take_v in_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v heavenly_a and_o supernatural_a the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v that_o wherein_o we_o final_o rest_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a understanding_n and_o reason_n sanctify_v be_v that_o whereby_o a_o christian_a judge_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n god_n in_o his_o word_n speak_v to_o reasonable_a creature_n not_o to_o brute_n beast_n who_o by_o way_n of_o discourse_n weigh_v what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v the_o text_n and_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n do_v come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o be_v command_v as_o man_n that_o have_v reason_n in_o we_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o to_o judge_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v these_o be_v act_n of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n by_o the_o help_n whereof_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o give_v a_o sober_a rational_a account_n of_o our_o own_o faith_n and_o to_o convince_v the_o adversary_n and_o gainsayers_a if_o you_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o adversary_n that_o hate_v the_o christian_a religion_n how_o can_v you_o think_v to_o persuade_v he_o to_o christianity_n unless_o you_o show_v he_o a_o reason_n as_o indeed_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o wise_a and_o most_o rational_a religion_n if_o you_o say_v your_o church_n be_v the_o true_a church_n you_o must_v give_v a_o reason_n for_o it_o or_o else_o no_o discreet_a man_n will_v believe_v you_o see_v many_o pretend_v to_o the_o true_a church_n that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o it_o if_o you_o urge_v a_o scripture_n for_o your_o opinion_n sober_a man_n will_v rational_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o your_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n or_o not_o and_z according_o will_v embrace_v or_o reject_v your_o opinion_n it_o concern_v every_o man_n as_o he_o tender_v the_o peace_n and_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n to_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o opinion_n and_o such_o variety_n of_o persuasion_n in_o the_o world_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o consider_v which_o persuasion_n have_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a ground_n for_o it_o that_o we_o may_v with_o peace_n and_o safety_n venture_v our_o soul_n upon_o it_o now_o this_o we_o can_v well_o do_v unless_o we_o make_v use_v of_o our_o reason_n in_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o that_o we_o may_v embrace_v the_o truth_n and_o reject_v error_n second_o though_o there_o be_v mystery_n of_o faith_n which_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v yea_o in_o their_o proper_a nature_n they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n exit_fw-la nihilo_fw-la nihil_fw-la fit_a say_v reason_n and_o exit_fw-la nihilo_fw-la omne_fw-la fiunt_fw-la say_v faith_n the_o dead_a can_v return_v again_o to_o life_n say_v reason_n thy_o dead_a bone_n shall_v live_v again_o and_o this_o mortality_n shall_v put_v on_o immortality_n say_v faith_n yet_o the_o rational_a soul_n of_o man_n be_v overpower_v and_o act_v by_o a_o high_a principle_n even_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v the_o great_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v these_o and_o all_o other_o divine_a supernatural_a mystery_n and_o truth_n because_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v they_o to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o from_o god_n be_v it_o not_o meet_v and_o reasonable_a and_o well_o 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
a_o seasonable_a discourse_n of_o the_o right_a use_n and_o abuse_v of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o philologus_n ratio_fw-la recta_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la lumine_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la directa_fw-la london_n print_v for_o thomas_n passenger_n at_o the_o three_o bibles_n on_o london-bridge_n 1676._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a and_o virtuous_a lady_n the_o lady_n marchioness_n of_o worcester_z madam_n it_o be_v true_o observe_v that_o worldly_a greatness_n without_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o vigour_n of_o vice_n have_v both_o mind_n and_o mean_n to_o be_v uncontrollable_o vicious_a but_o nobility_n join_v with_o virtue_n render_v the_o person_n true_o honourable_a the_o true_a stamp_n of_o nobility_n and_o honour_n be_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v value_v by_o the_o grandeur_n of_o their_o outward_a estate_n or_o title_n as_o by_o their_o inward_a goodness_n virtue_n and_o seriousness_n in_o religion_n be_v commendable_a in_o all_o person_n and_o at_o all_o time_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o person_n of_o your_o rank_n and_o quality_n at_o this_o time_n and_o in_o this_o nation_n wherein_o alas_o atheism_n scepticism_n drollery_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o profaneness_n abound_v among_o those_o that_o will_v be_v think_v to_o excel_v all_o other_o in_o wit_n and_o courage_n and_o gallantry_n and_o who_o shall_v give_v a_o far_o better_a example_n to_o their_o inferior_n this_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n which_o now_o abound_v have_v be_v partly_o occasion_v by_o the_o uncharitable_a unchristian_a heat_n and_o animosity_n of_o man_n of_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o sentiment_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n together_o with_o those_o great_a scandal_n which_o we_o can_v never_o sufficient_o lament_v that_o have_v be_v give_v by_o some_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o these_o nation_n hence_o man_n of_o proud_a spirit_n and_o corrupt_a principle_n have_v take_v occasion_n to_o doubt_n and_o question_v all_o kind_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o look_v on_o it_o only_o as_o a_o political_a device_n and_o invention_n which_o do_v no_o further_o oblige_v than_o the_o humane_a law_n of_o several_a country_n do_v authorise_v it_o but_o though_o these_o common_a scandal_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n yet_o the_o true_a ground_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o such_o man_n prejudice_n and_o scepticism_n be_v the_o strictness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o of_o all_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a and_o which_o they_o find_v lay_v too_o great_a a_o restraint_n upon_o their_o exorbitant_a lust_n and_o carnal_a passion_n to_o be_v good_a in_o bad_a time_n to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o pious_a in_o a_o age_n wherein_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n be_v so_o general_o countenance_v and_o practise_v this_o madam_n add_v a_o great_a lustre_n to_o your_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n and_o indeed_o your_o great_a interest_n and_o happiness_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o be_v sensible_a of_o consist_v in_o be_v true_o serious_a and_o religious_a this_o be_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n eccles_n 12.13_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o religion_n be_v that_o which_o every_o considerate_a person_n after_o all_o his_o other_o disquisition_n will_v find_v to_o be_v his_o chief_a interest_n and_o that_o which_o do_v deserve_v his_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n or_o as_o the_o septuagint_n read_v it_o this_o be_v all_o this_o indeed_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o man_n as_o be_v most_o profitable_a and_o advantageous_a to_o he_o go_v on_o madam_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o add_v virtue_n to_o virtue_n that_o your_o last_o day_n and_o last_o work_n may_v be_v your_o best_a day_n and_o best_a work_n and_o that_o you_o may_v practical_o confute_v the_o atheist_n of_o our_o time_n who_o walk_v and_o talk_v and_o live_v and_o die_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o the_o world_n no_o certainty_n no_o seriousness_n in_o religion_n these_o person_n be_v under_o a_o judicial_a blindness_n desperate_o rebel_a not_o only_o against_o the_o light_n of_o gospel-revelation_n but_o against_o that_o light_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v in_o they_o god_n have_v give_v they_o reason_n and_o understanding_n eye_n that_o they_o may_v see_v heart_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v but_o they_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o that_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o so_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n it_o be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o they_o give_v up_o to_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o the_o great_a spiritual_a plague_n and_o judgement_n it_o be_v to_o be_v admire_v see_v there_o be_v such_o convince_a reason_n and_o demonstration_n even_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n against_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o creature_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o these_o atheist_n and_o sceptic_n when_o certain_o there_o be_v none_o such_o in_o hell_n for_o the_o devil_n themselves_o believe_v and_o tremble_v so_o that_o in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o devil_n and_o though_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o wit_n of_o the_o time_n yet_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o of_o opinion_n with_o the_o noble_a mirandula_n that_o there_o be_v no_o atheist_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v in_o his_o wit_n the_o rational_a soul_n of_o such_o monster_n be_v sink_v down_o into_o mere_a sensuality_n and_o brutishness_n plutarch_n that_o grave_a moralist_n lib._n de_fw-la superstit_fw-la style_v irreligion_n a_o kind_n of_o stupor_n whereby_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o sense_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_o improper_a thing_n to_o ascribe_v true_a reason_n to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v the_o deity_n and_o cicero_n that_o wise_a philosopher_n and_o orator_n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n lib._n 2._o say_v he_o can_v hardly_o think_v that_o man_n to_o be_v in_o his_o right_a mind_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o religion_n and_o again_o why_o shall_v any_o one_o stile_n such_o a_o one_o a_o man_n who_o by_o what_o he_o see_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o convince_v of_o a_o deity_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o of_o the_o adoration_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o that_o deity_n and_o the_o satirist_n 15._o satirist_n juv._n sat._n 15._o speak_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o divine_a thing_n say_v separate_a hoc_fw-la nos_fw-la a_fw-la grege_fw-la multorum_fw-la atque_fw-la ideo_fw-la venerabile_fw-la soli_fw-la sortiti_fw-la ingenium_fw-la divinorumque_fw-la capaces_fw-la it_o be_v this_o which_o do_v distinguish_v we_o from_o brute_n creature_n that_o we_o have_v soul_n capable_a of_o divine_a impression_n so_o that_o such_o person_n have_v no_o just_a pretence_n to_o reason_n who_o renounce_v religion_n or_o turn_v it_o into_o mere_a scepticism_n but_o however_o some_o man_n for_o a_o little_a time_n may_v offer_v violence_n to_o their_o reason_n and_o conscience_n whilst_o they_o prosper_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v once_o alarm_v by_o a_o violent_a sickness_n or_o some_o other_o great_a affliction_n which_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o they_o shall_v be_v expose_v unto_o then_o will_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o of_o eternal_a wrath_n and_o punishment_n seize_v upon_o they_o with_o so_o much_o the_o great_a force_n and_o power_n which_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o shake_v off_o he_o sunt_fw-la qui_fw-la trepidant_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la omne_fw-la fulgura_fw-la pallent_fw-la we_o may_v true_o say_v of_o the_o atheist_n of_o our_o time_n as_o plato_n do_v of_o tyrant_n if_o any_o person_n can_v but_o see_v thorough_o into_o their_o soul_n he_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o their_o life_n full_a of_o fear_n guilt_n and_o torment_n pectus_fw-la inuste_fw-la deformant_fw-la maculae_fw-la vitiisque_fw-la inolevit_fw-la imago_fw-la do_v now_o say_v a_o excellent_a author_n the_o conquest_n of_o passion_n forgive_a of_o injury_n do_v good_a self-denial_n humility_n patience_n under_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o real_a expression_n of_o piety_n speak_v nothing_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a than_o a_o luxurious_a malicious_a proud_a and_o impatient_a spirit_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o become_v and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o a_o holy_a well-ordered_a conversation_n than_o in_o the_o lightness_n and_o vanity_n not_o to_o say_v rudeness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o those_o who_o the_o world_n account_v the_o great_a gallant_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o graceful_a and_o please_a in_o the_o sweetness_n candour_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o true_o christian_a temper_n and_o disposition_n than_o in_o the_o revengeful_a implacable_a spirit_n of_o such_o who_o honour_n be_v feed_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o
sensible_a of_o great_a defect_n in_o nature_n and_o reason_n though_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o moralist_n general_o do_v ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n yet_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o after_o long_a experience_n be_v sad_o sensible_a that_o this_o candle_n at_o the_o best_a after_o all_o their_o snuff_v do_v burn_v but_o dim_a socrates_n than_o who_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o prudent_a virtuous_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_n do_v so_o far_o complain_v of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o candle-light_n i._n e._n his_o intellectual_n as_o that_o he_o tell_v we_o his_o lamp_n will_v show_v he_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n this_o only_a he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v ignorant_a and_o know_v nothing_o other_o philosopher_n beside_o he_o be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o and_o groan_v under_o these_o great_a decay_n and_o imperfection_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n you_o may_v hear_v they_o often_o complain_v of_o a_o defluvium_fw-la pennarum_fw-la that_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o soul_n flag_n and_o many_o of_o the_o feather_n drop_v away_o one_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o his_o head_n his_o understanding_n ache_v another_o that_o his_o eye_n his_o reason_n be_v dim_v a_o three_o that_o his_o soul_n tremble_v with_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n as_o you_o hear_v socrates_n the_o master_n and_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o greece_n complain_v of_o the_o languish_n and_o faint_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n so_o you_o may_v see_v plato_n his_o scholar_n sit_v down_o by_o the_o water_n of_o lethe_n and_o weep_v because_o he_o can_v not_o remember_v his_o former_a notion_n you_o may_v likewise_o hear_v aristotle_n another_o of_o his_o scholar_n bewail_v his_o condition_n that_o his_o abrasa_fw-la tabula_fw-la have_v so_o few_o and_o such_o imperfect_a impression_n upon_o it_o and_o that_o his_o intellectual_n be_v at_o so_o low_a a_o ebb_n that_o the_o motion_n of_o euripus_n will_v pose_v and_o nonplus_n he_o and_o as_o for_o zeno_n epictetus_n and_o other_o famous_a philosopher_n they_o confess_v ingenious_o that_o they_o have_v not_o the_o right_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o be_v entangle_v with_o a_o spurious_a and_o adulterate_a kind_n of_o reason_n instead_o of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v right_a reason_n if_o you_o cast_v your_o eye_n upon_o the_o most_o eagle_n eye_v naturalist_n you_o will_v see_v he_o puzzle_v with_o a_o occult_a quality_n if_o you_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o exact_a moralist_n you_o will_v find_v he_o bewilder_v and_o at_o a_o great_a loss_n in_o his_o moral_n not_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v to_o true_a peace_n and_o rest_n in_o his_o soul_n by_o all_o these_o virtue_n shall_v these_o moral_a heathen_n complain_v of_o their_o great_a defect_n and_o behindment_n and_o shall_v christian_n pride_n themselves_o in_o their_o natural_a or_o moral_a improvement_n and_o set_v up_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n as_o much_o or_o more_o than_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o grace_n and_o divine_a revelation_n how_o unbecoming_a how_o unsuitable_a be_v this_o to_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o clear_o set_v forth_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n the_o natural_a man_n subjection_n to_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o regeneration_n let_v not_o this_o candle_n therefore_o which_o burn_v but_o dim_a aspire_v so_o high_a as_o to_o make_v itself_o equal_a with_o the_o sun_n solomon_n himself_o who_o have_v make_v many_o discovery_n with_o this_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v thereby_o search_v into_o the_o several_a vein_n of_o knowledge_n into_o the_o hide_a treasure_n of_o wisdom_n into_o the_o depth_n of_o state_n affair_n and_o into_o the_o bowel_n and_o mystery_n of_o nature_n yet_o after_o much_o search_n and_o a_o diligent_a improvement_n of_o his_o intellectual_a lamp_n he_o can_v not_o find_v the_o chief_a good_a in_o any_o of_o these_o or_o in_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o but_o as_o a_o man_n sufficient_o weary_v and_o tire_v out_o you_o may_v hear_v he_o complain_v that_o all_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a rest_n in_o any_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n chap._n v._o of_o they_o that_o give_v too_o little_a to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n some_o be_v so_o strange_o prejudice_v against_o reason_n without_o reason_n that_o they_o will_v have_v no_o use_n at_o all_o make_v of_o it_o in_o religious_a concern_v but_o utter_o exclude_v it_o out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o this_o be_v a_o extreme_a which_o we_o shall_v avoid_v and_o pray_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o such_o unreasonable_a absurd_a man_n as_o will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o hearken_v to_o reason_n but_o fill_v our_o ear_n with_o noise_n and_o clamour_n to_o no_o purpose_n 2_o thess_n 3.2_o first_o those_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v that_o can_v endure_v the_o name_n of_o reason_n in_o discourse_n of_o religion_n if_o you_o offer_v to_o make_v a_o syllogism_n or_o a_o rational_a discourse_n they_o will_v present_o fall_v fowl_n upon_o you_o and_o cry_v it_o down_o as_o carnal_a reason_n if_o one_o man_n speak_v or_o write_v more_o reason_n than_o another_o if_o it_o cross_v some_o man_n humour_n and_o interest_n he_o shall_v be_v term_v a_o prudentialist_n if_o not_o a_o conjurer_n or_o magician_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o dangerous_a man_n if_o he_o have_v better_a intellectual_n and_o more_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n than_o other_o in_o matter_n civil_a and_o religious_a second_o such_o as_o whole_o rely_v upon_o dream_n and_o enthusiasm_n be_v enemy_n to_o reason_n and_o renounce_v their_o intellectual_n and_o understanding_n do_v they_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n let_v they_o know_v that_o this_o spirit_n be_v a_o sober_a wise_a and_o serious_a spirit_n and_o do_v not_o 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by_o christ_n himself_o to_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v matth._n 28.19_o 20._o after_o this_o when_o some_o person_n will_v have_v impose_v the_o moysaicall_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o which_o there_o be_v yet_o more_o ground_n than_o for_o our_o imposition_n the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o church_n stand_v fast_o in_o their_o liberty_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n in_o these_o thing_n yea_o and_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n when_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n will_v have_v impose_v on_o other_o church_n in_o the_o point_n of_o observe_v easter_n he_o be_v worthy_o condemn_v by_o irenaeus_n and_o other_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o person_n or_o church_n to_o assign_v unscriptural_a condition_n of_o their_o communion_n will_v it_o not_o hence_o follow_v that_o christ_n have_v fix_v no_o certain_a rule_n of_o communion_n among_o christian_n which_o doubtless_o he_o have_v do_v as_o appear_v plain_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_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 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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
in_o maintain_v and_o promote_a the_o doctrine_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n seven_o that_o sweet_a and_o admirable_a harmony_n and_o consent_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n can_v be_v rational_o ascribe_v to_o any_o but_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n each_o part_n agree_v so_o exact_o with_o itself_o and_o with_o the_o whole_a which_o sufficient_o appear_v by_o compare_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n touch_v christ_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o reception_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o remarkable_a thing_n with_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o as_o the_o same_o be_v plain_o declare_v and_o reveal_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n such_o exact_a consent_n and_o agreement_n as_o be_v here_o to_o be_v find_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v feign_v of_o man_n or_o angel_n from_o who_o the_o thing_n foretell_v be_v hide_v till_o they_o be_v reveal_v nor_o can_v there_o be_v forgery_n in_o these_o writing_n if_o we_o consider_v in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n the_o length_n of_o time_n in_o which_o these_o writing_n have_v continue_v and_o be_v judge_v authentic_a that_o they_o be_v not_o write_v in_o one_o or_o two_o but_o in_o many_o age_n that_o there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o book_n and_o of_o writer_n employ_v in_o this_o service_n and_o that_o these_o writer_n be_v distant_a in_o place_n one_o from_o another_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o confer_v together_o and_o withal_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o deep_a silence_n of_o the_o adversary_n who_o in_o all_o that_o long_a time_n whilst_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o writing_n can_v never_o detect_v any_o thing_n in_o those_o book_n as_o false_a or_o forge_a who_o silence_n in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o great_a importance_n because_o they_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n teach_v do_v and_o suffer_v according_a as_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o so_o that_o they_o know_v the_o prophecy_n see_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v yea_o many_o or_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n relate_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n be_v mention_v and_o record_v in_o the_o writing_n of_o some_o heathen_a author_n that_o live_v and_o write_v not_o long_o after_o those_o time_n if_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o their_o writing_n seem_v to_o dissent_v one_o from_o another_o for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o seem_a not_o a_o real_a dissent_n in_o any_o circumstance_n this_o derogate_v nothing_o from_o their_o authority_n for_o in_o themselves_o they_o differ_v not_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o our_o ignorance_n and_o misapprehension_n for_o by_o a_o right_n and_o just_a interpretation_n they_o may_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v and_o that_o dissonancy_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v among_o they_o in_o small_a thing_n do_v free_v they_o from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o fraud_n and_o their_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o consent_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o importance_n may_v in_o reason_n convince_v we_o that_o they_o write_v by_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o truth_n if_o they_o have_v all_o write_v one_o thing_n they_o may_v seem_v superfluous_a if_o each_o have_v write_v a_o new_a history_n there_o can_v not_o have_v be_v such_o a_o full_a harmony_n and_o agreement_n when_o they_o relate_v the_o same_o story_n with_o the_o same_o circumstance_n they_o have_v their_o use_n and_o benefit_n one_o sometime_o speak_v more_o plain_o than_o the_o other_o and_o when_o they_o agree_v in_o matter_n and_o only_o seem_v to_o dissent_v in_o some_o circumstance_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o more_o confirm_v and_o a_o argument_n of_o full_a credit_n and_o certainty_n may_v be_v draw_v out_o of_o that_o seem_a dissent_n for_o as_o it_o be_v true_o and_o wise_o observe_v too_o exact_a diligence_n in_o every_o little_a circumstance_n be_v neither_o approve_v by_o all_o nor_o do_v it_o want_v suspicion_n there_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o a_o learned_a man_n write_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o authority_n say_v a_o majestic_a kind_n of_o security_n under_o many_o seem_a contradiction_n which_o yet_o neither_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o truth_n nor_o that_o harmony_n which_o they_o have_v in_o and_o with_o themselves_o do_v or_o shall_v at_o all_o suffer_v by_o nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n stand_v to_o excuse_v and_o purge_v themselves_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o cause_n to_o suspect_v they_o of_o any_o contrariety_n or_o contradiction_n no_o they_o speak_v from_o place_n to_o place_n whatever_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o say_v with_o that_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v by_o they_o elsewhere_o that_o either_o be_v like_a to_o suffer_v the_o least_o prejudice_n by_o it_o or_o to_o cast_v the_o least_o prejudice_n on_o it_o to_o that_o sweet_a agreement_n and_o consent_n that_o 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command_v and_o allow_v all_o good_a and_o forbid_v and_o condemn_v all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n whatsoever_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n not_o only_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o also_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o with_o reference_n to_o all_o person_n time_n and_o place_n without_o exception_n bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o reach_v the_o very_a thought_n and_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o do_v not_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o will_v fill_v a_o great_a volume_n if_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o they_o at_o large_a clear_o and_o convince_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v no_o other_o author_n of_o those_o sacred_a writing_n but_o god_n himself_o for_o who_o can_v contrive_v these_o thing_n but_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_a in_o power_n and_o wisdom_n who_o can_v give_v eternal_a life_n
lay_v aside_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o to_o be_v whole_o conclude_v by_o humane_a authority_n and_o the_o name_n of_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o in_o other_o point_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o lie_n and_o contradiction_n will_v impose_v upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o have_v neither_o sense_n nor_o reason_n in_o we_o so_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o corporal_a carnal_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v against_o sense_n against_o reason_n and_o against_o faith_n first_o it_o be_v against_o sense_n now_o of_o all_o demonstration_n among_o man_n whereby_o we_o prove_v thing_n of_o this_o kind_n nothing_o be_v more_o firm_a then_o that_o which_o be_v take_v from_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n in_o divinity_n that_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o sense_n sense_n be_v a_o complete_a judge_n understand_v it_o of_o object_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o sense_n otherwise_o we_o say_v the_o eye_n be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o sound_n nor_o the_o ear_n of_o colour_n thus_o christ_n when_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o real_a body_n he_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o their_o sense_n a_o spirit_n have_v not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o you_o see_v i_o have_v reach_v hither_o thy_o hand_n and_o thrust_v it_o into_o my_o side_n in_o turn_v water_n into_o wine_n sense_n may_v easy_o judge_v of_o the_o change_n you_o will_v think_v it_o a_o strange_a and_o incredible_a thing_n if_o christ_n shall_v have_v come_v to_o to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n require_v he_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v wine_n though_o he_o see_v and_o taste_v nothing_o but_o water_n or_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v say_v thus_o to_o moses_n well_o thou_o see_v nothing_o but_o a_o rod_n yet_o thou_o must_v believe_v notwithstanding_o that_o it_o be_v change_v and_o be_v real_o a_o serpent_n so_o in_o this_o case_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 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they_o after_o all_o this_o whether_o it_o do_v nourish_v the_o body_n or_o no_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o with_o impudence_n enough_o if_o they_o be_v true_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o it_o do_v not_o nourish_v quite_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o experience_n this_o monstruous_a opinion_n of_o they_o be_v so_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a that_o the_o most_o learned_a among_o they_o be_v puzzle_v and_o not_o satisfy_v therewith_o but_o leave_v it_o as_o a_o miracle_n i_o have_v take_v some_o pain_n say_v a_o learned_a judicious_a man_n in_o his_o late_a sermon_n against_o popery_n to_o consider_v other_o religion_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o must_v free_o declare_v that_o i_o never_o yet_o in_o any_o of_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o article_n or_o proposition_n impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o man_n half_o so_o unreasonable_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o this_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v three_o as_o it_o be_v against_o sense_n and_o reason_n so_o it_o be_v against_o faith_n which_o though_o it_o be_v beyond_o sense_n or_o reason_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a thereunto_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v god_n work_n as_o well_o as_o grace_n and_o faith_n now_o one_o work_n of_o god_n do_v not_o destroy_v another_o for_o if_o so_o this_o will_v argue_v imperfection_n in_o the_o workman_n faith_n feed_v on_o christ_n spiritual_o in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v now_o if_o christ_n be_v corporal_o present_a in_o the_o sacrament_n what_o need_v the_o receiver_n feed_v on_o he_o spiritual_o by_o faith_n as_o be_v absent_a what_o need_v he_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o till_o he_o come_v let_v we_o in_o this_o and_o other_o thing_n show_v ourselves_o man_n and_o not_o beast_n let_v we_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o of_o that_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v we_o that_o believe_v and_o act_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n whoever_o require_v the_o same_o of_o we_o these_o be_v our_o act_n if_o therefore_o we_o will_v show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v man_n endue_v with_o reason_n and_o understanding_n we_o must_v examine_v what_o be_v propound_v and_o offer_v to_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v assent_v or_o dissent_v upon_o judicious_a ground_n we_o be_v man_n and_o shall_v do_v thing_n as_o man_n we_o be_v christian_n and_o shall_v do_v thing_n as_o christian_n blind_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n shall_v be_v utter_o banish_v out_o of_o christian_a assembly_n nor_o shall_v we_o pin_v our_o faith_n upon_o any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n be_v they_o never_o so_o godly_a and_o learned_a for_o this_o be_v to_o wrong_v god_n and_o to_o set_v man_n in_o his_o throne_n and_o attribute_n that_o to_o man_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n alone_o hereby_o also_o we_o exceed_o prejudice_v and_o wrong_v our_o own_o soul_n and_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n when_o we_o adhere_v to_o a_o opinion_n or_o way_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o rational_o and_o know_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n what_o be_v this_o else_o but_o to_o comply_v with_o a_o way_n or_o party_n out_o of_o faction_n and_o partiality_n not_o out_o of_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n which_o therefore_o can_v have_v any_o true_a consistence_n or_o constancy_n in_o it_o they_o rather_o bring_v their_o foot_n then_o their_o heart_n into_o a_o way_n of_o religion_n that_o adhere_v to_o it_o without_o due_a trial_n and_o examination_n herein_o we_o shall_v use_v our_o own_o eye_n and_o judgement_n and_o not_o whole_o trust_v to_o other_o herein_o we_o shall_v diligent_o exercise_v our_o own_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v judicious_o and_o profitable_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v judge_v of_o the_o high_a gospel_n mystery_n according_a to_o natural_a corrupt_a reason_n but_o yet_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o god_n in_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o that_o so_o our_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n may_v not_o be_v fluctuate_a and_o uncertain_a but_o steady_a and_o stable_a it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o if_o every_o man_n may_v judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o his_o reason_n than_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o mind_n which_o will_v breed_v endless_a confusion_n every_o man_n pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o one_o man_n think_v his_o reason_n to_o be_v as_o good_a or_o better_a than_o another_o man_n and_o so_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o order_n no_o settlement_n in_o the_o church_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v much_o danger_n on_o this_o hand_n especial_o where_o people_n be_v run_v headlong_o into_o confusion_n and_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o government_n yet_o this_o shall_v not_o make_v man_n throw_v away_o their_o reason_n and_o believe_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n only_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a judgement_n a_o judgement_n in_o foro_fw-la externo_fw-la or_o publico_fw-la and_o a_o judgement_n in_o foro_fw-la interno_fw-la or_o privato_fw-la the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v a_o authoritative_a judgement_n belong_v to_o christian_a synod_n and_o counsel_n due_o and_o lawful_o assemble_v where_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n preside_v such_o counsel_n debate_v and_o determine_v matter_n in_o difference_n either_o as_o to_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n have_v be_v of_o excellent_a use_n from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v belong_v to_o every_o christian_a a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n or_o discern_a a_o rational_a self_n directive_n judgement_n in_o the_o
of_o the_o christian_a religion_n why_o i_o believe_v the_o incarnation_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n i_o answer_v because_o god_n word_n testify_v of_o they_o as_o thing_n most_o certain_a and_o true_a if_o he_o ask_v i_o further_o how_o know_v you_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n i_o answer_v by_o infallible_a sign_n and_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n beyond_o all_o humane_a power_n as_o have_v be_v show_v chap._n 12._o of_o this_o treatise_n by_o which_o man_n reason_n may_v be_v convince_v that_o those_o writing_n be_v of_o god_n and_o so_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o a_o christian_n have_v more_o reason_n for_o his_o religion_n then_o any_o other_o whether_o jew_n or_o turk_n or_o heathen_a four_o though_o in_o these_o respect_n that_o have_v be_v mention_v our_o reason_n may_v be_v of_o very_o good_a use_n in_o reference_n to_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o make_v our_o reason_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o matter_n that_o be_v beyond_o our_o reason_n as_o for_o example_n there_o be_v a_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o matth._n 28.19_o 1_o john_n 5.7_o shall_v i_o now_o reject_v this_o great_a mystery_n because_o it_o correspond_v not_o with_o the_o dictate_v of_o my_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o say_v with_o those_o self-willed_a socinian_o that_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reason_n that_o three_o shall_v be_v one_o god_n therefore_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v this_o great_a truth_n but_o only_o interpret_v it_o thus_o that_o these_o three_o agree_v in_o one_o and_o be_v one_o by_o consent_n of_o mind_n and_o will_n for_o so_o a_o thousand_o man_n may_v be_v one_o and_o again_o if_o because_o i_o can_v conceive_v or_o comprehend_v by_o my_o reason_n how_o christ_n and_o his_o father_n can_v be_v one_o in_o substance_n and_o essence_n therefore_o i_o will_v find_v out_o another_o interpretation_n which_o may_v agree_v with_o my_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n true_o this_o be_v to_o set_v reason_n in_o the_o chair_n or_o throne_n above_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n or_o divine_a testimony_n shall_v vail_v bonnet_n to_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o we_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n now_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o curious_a proud_a wit_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n be_v it_o never_o so_o sublime_a and_o mysterious_a unless_o forsooth_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o their_o shallow_a understanding_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o consult_v with_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n about_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o according_o expound_v they_o or_o rather_o pervert_v they_o deny_v and_o reject_v the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n the_o doctrine_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o propitiation_n by_o christ_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o individual_a body_n the_o absolute_a decree_n of_o god_n and_o other_o mystery_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o so_o at_o length_n god_n leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o vain_a reason_n and_o the_o wicked_a imagination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o become_v mere_a atheist_n indeed_o every_o christian_a as_o have_v be_v say_v aught_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o he_o but_o we_o must_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v and_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v i_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n that_o christ_n be_v consubstantial_a and_o coessential_a with_o the_o father_n that_o he_o be_v incarnate_a and_o bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n that_o jacob_n be_v love_v and_o esau_n reject_v before_o they_o have_v do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o my_o belief_n be_v because_o the_o same_o be_v write_v in_o the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n but_o now_o to_o demonstrate_v and_o evidence_n these_o high_a truth_n and_o mystery_n to_o humane_a reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o otherwise_o to_o disbelieve_v they_o this_o be_v a_o course_n destructive_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v evident_a in_o themselves_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o geometry_n that_o every_o whole_a and_o entire_a thing_n be_v big_a than_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o like_a but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o evident_a in_o themselves_o but_o be_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v to_o we_o both_o that_o they_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v by_o a_o foreign_a medium_n without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o by_o the_o report_n of_o other_o and_o this_o be_v that_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o in_o themselves_o appear_v not_o to_o we_o nor_o be_v see_v of_o we_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n faith_n be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v a_o assent_n without_o evidence_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o revealer_n in_o these_o thing_n our_o reason_n reach_v but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o such_o thing_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v hide_v from_o we_o we_o can_v show_v a_o reason_n how_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v thus_o to_o tie_v our_o faith_n to_o reason_n and_o form_v our_o belief_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n so_o as_o to_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n without_o evidence_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o demonstrate_v and_o make_v know_v to_o our_o reason_n argue_v much_o pride_n and_o selfconfidence_n set_v up_o our_o reason_n above_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reason_n god_n against_o subject_v the_o scripture_n to_o reason_n reveal_v and_o arraign_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o our_o reason_n now_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v but_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o ground_n and_o consideration_n first_o because_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o shallow_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n and_o we_o be_v much_o more_o ignorant_a and_o blind_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a john_n 1.5_o 1_o cor._n 1.19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 2.11.14_o 1_o cor._n 13.12_o when_o the_o world_n by_o all_o its_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n know_v not_o god_n in_o christ_n it_o please_v god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1.21_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v yea_o not_o only_o in_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n but_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n there_o be_v still_o much_o blindness_n in_o their_o understanding_n and_o much_o perverseness_n in_o their_o will_n and_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o heart_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n now_o these_o vain_a and_o carnal_a and_o foolish_a reason_n of_o we_o shall_v be_v regulate_v and_o correct_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n man_n reason_n shall_v not_o presume_v to_o regulate_v the_o word_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v regulate_v and_o correct_v man_n reason_n the_o word_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o not_o our_o reason_n for_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v can_v be_v the_o rule_n to_o regulate_v second_o to_o bring_v scripture_n to_o the_o bar_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o so_o make_v reason_n the_o judge_n in_o divine_a mystery_n be_v exceed_v preposterous_a for_o this_o be_v to_o subordinate_a and_o make_v subject_a that_o which_o be_v much_o superior_a to_o that_o which_o be_v far_o inferior_a that_o which_o be_v perfect_a and_o without_o error_n to_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a and_o erroneous_a now_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v weak_a and_o corrupt_a be_v not_o fit_a to_o judge_v that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a nor_o be_v that_o which_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o mistake_n as_o man_n reason_n be_v fit_a to_o regulate_v and_o judge_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o light_n and_o all_o truth_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n say_v to_o christ_n 28._o christ_n mr._n lyford_n on_o heb._n 5.13_o 14._o cap._n 1._o pag._n 28._o i_o have_v need_n to_o be_v baptize_v of_o thou_o and_o come_v thou_o to_o i_o that_o be_o
christ_n they_o work_v spiritual_o hence_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o after_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.18_o 25._o rom._n 8.1_o second_o this_o divine_a principle_n this_o new_a spiritual_a birth_n and_o regeneration_n be_v more_o than_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a natural_a or_o rational_a ability_n for_o it_o be_v infuse_v and_o wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o invincible_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o argue_v that_o man_n or_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v mere_o passive_a in_o his_o first_o receive_v this_o spiritual_a supernatural_a life_n and_o thus_o much_o the_o very_a phrase_n of_o scripture_n import_n that_o as_o we_o be_v passive_a in_o our_o first_o creation_n or_o generation_n so_o we_o be_v passive_a in_o our_o renovation_n or_o regeneration_n ephes_n 2.1_o 5_o 10._o 1_o pet._n 1.3_o 23._o john_n 3.3_o 5._o gal._n 6.15_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o the_o improve_n of_o something_o which_o we_o have_v in_o we_o before_o or_o the_o strengthen_n only_o of_o that_o which_o be_v weak_a in_o we_o than_o man_n himself_o might_n co-opperate_a with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o produce_v this_o new_a birth_n but_o see_v it_o be_v the_o infuse_v or_o plant_v of_o a_o divine_a principle_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o before_o in_o the_o rational_a creature_n man_n must_v needs_o be_v passive_a in_o the_o first_o work_n of_o regeneration_n nature_n be_v corrupt_v can_v do_v nothing_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o hinder_v and_o oppose_v this_o work_n for_o it_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n rom._n 8.7_o at_o the_o best_a nature_n be_v but_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v renew_v or_o new_o form_v and_o matter_n as_o we_o all_o know_v can_v have_v no_o operation_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v right_o term_v a_o supernatural_a work_n or_o a_o work_n beyond_o nature_n acts._n nature_n see_v mr._n white_a on_o the_o scripture_n cap._n 7._o of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n acts._n three_o man_n be_v thus_o passive_a in_o his_o spiritual_a renovation_n or_o new_a creation_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o with_o all_o his_o reason_n to_o discover_v how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v first_o wrought_v in_o he_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o one_o to_o know_v how_o he_o receive_v his_o own_o life_n though_o he_o may_v discern_v some_o terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o consternation_n of_o spirit_n in_o himself_o as_o preparatory_n thereunto_o and_o may_v also_o understand_v the_o motion_n and_o operation_n that_o be_v perform_v by_o he_o after_o his_o regeneration_n for_o then_o his_o spirit_n or_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_a work_v together_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o first_o act_n of_o ingenerate_v and_o receive_v grace_n the_o same_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o not_o by_o he_o yea_o and_o that_o in_o a_o instant_n and_o not_o by_o degree_n it_o can_v be_v discern_v how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v wrought_v either_o by_o natural_a reason_n for_o that_o can_v spiritual_o understand_v spiritual_a thing_n or_o by_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o experience_n for_o that_o flow_v from_o spiritual_a life_n already_o receive_v and_o therefore_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v do_v before_o it_o have_v any_o be_v at_o all_o the_o give_v of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o to_o christian_n be_v two_o distinct_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o seldom_o or_o never_o go_v together_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n this_o heavenly_a mystery_n of_o regeneration_n be_v beyond_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o a_o mere_a rational_a man_n as_o christ_n word_n to_o nicodemus_n and_o his_o word_n to_o christ_n again_o do_v import_n john_n 3.3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o four_o the_o spiritual_a man_n act_n and_o operation_n do_v far_o transcend_v the_o act_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o natural_a or_o mere_a rational_a man_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o thing_n natural_a or_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o the_o one_o apprehend_v and_o use_v in_o a_o mere_a natural_a or_o rational_a manner_n the_o other_o after_o a_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a manner_n and_o for_o a_o spiritual_a end_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o reference_n to_o thing_n spiritual_a as_o the_o unsearchable_a treasure_n and_o riches_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v apprehend_v and_o use_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n carnal_o for_o he_o know_v christ_n only_o after_o the_o flesh_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a outward_a and_o carnal_a thing_n be_v apprehend_v and_o use_v by_o the_o spiritual_a man_n spiritual_o but_o much_o more_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n 1_o cor._n 2.15_o which_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o apprehend_v and_o receive_v spiritual_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n or_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a in_o the_o object_n by_o a_o spiritual_a light_n and_o judgement_n beyond_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o in_o a_o spiritual_a supernatural_a way_n now_o this_o be_v more_o than_o any_o natural_a or_o mere_a rational_a man_n though_o never_o so_o much_o improve_v can_v attain_v unto_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n five_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n and_o the_o spiritual_a man_n both_o live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o both_o of_o they_o believe_v differ_v much_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o they_o do_v in_o their_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v a_o true_a justify_v faith_n ground_v and_o build_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n be_v but_o temporary_a or_o historical_a first_o they_o proceed_v from_o different_a cause_n and_o principle_n the_o one_o be_v infuse_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v and_o abide_v in_o the_o spiritual_a man_n the_o other_o be_v the_o effect_n only_o of_o natural_a reason_n further_o enlighten_v and_o improve_v at_o the_o most_o by_o some_o common_a operation_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o a_o reprobate_n may_v partake_v of_o heb._n 6.4_o 5_o 1._o second_o they_o be_v find_v in_o divers_a subject_n ttrue_a effectual_a faith_n be_v only_o find_v in_o person_n that_o be_v true_o regenerate_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n john_n 5.24_o and_o 3.5_o 1_o john_n 5.1_o but_o historical_a or_o temporary_a faith_n may_v be_v in_o such_o as_o have_v no_o root_n no_o seed_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o such_o as_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o god_n for_o these_o be_v both_o one_o in_o scripture_n luke_n 8.13_o 1_o john_n 3.9_o three_o there_o be_v that_o spiritual_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o one_o which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o other_o true_a divine_a faith_n so_o apprehend_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o have_v a_o real_a be_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n though_o they_o have_v no_o subsistence_n as_o yet_o in_o themselves_o heb._n 11.1_o rom._n 4.17_o john_n 8.56_o heb._n 11.27_o now_o this_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v invisible_a to_o the_o outward_a sense_n make_v no_o use_n in_o its_o spiritual_a sight_n or_o apprehension_n either_o of_o sense_n or_o reason_n not_o of_o sense_n for_o thing_n invisible_a can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n nor_o of_o reason_n which_o in_o this_o case_n can_v help_v but_o little_o more_o than_o sense_n see_v it_o receive_v information_n by_o sense_n from_o whence_o it_o gather_v thing_n by_o way_n of_o discourse_n which_o indeed_o may_v convince_v a_o man_n that_o thing_n be_v but_o can_v give_v he_o no_o evidence_n or_o demonstration_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o what_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o a_o man_n comprehend_v thing_n by_o reason_n he_o may_v be_v able_a by_o discourse_n of_o reason_n to_o inform_v another_o man_n of_o that_o which_o he_o know_v and_o by_o that_o mean_n may_v cause_v he_o to_o understand_v it_o as_o well_o as_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o apprehend_v spiritual_a thing_n themselves_o as_o the_o true_a believer_n or_o spiritual_a man_n do_v can_v by_o discourse_n of_o reason_n make_v another_o man_n that_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o what_o he_o enjoy_v understand_v what_o he_o himself_o see_v feel_v and_o taste_v but_o as_o for_o historical_a faith_n or_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n it_o
to_o the_o senate_n and_o if_o be_v there_o it_o shall_v be_v require_v of_o he_o to_o give_v his_o advice_n he_o will_v speak_v free_o that_o which_o his_o conscience_n command_v he_o be_v further_o threaten_v by_o the_o emperor_n that_o if_o he_o speak_v his_o mind_n so_o free_o he_o shall_v die_v for_o it_o do_v i_o ever_o tell_v you_o say_v he_o to_o the_o emperor_n that_o i_o be_v immortal_a do_v you_o what_o you_o will_v and_o i_o will_v do_v what_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o be_v in_o your_o power_n unjust_o to_o put_v i_o to_o death_n and_o in_o i_o to_o die_v constant_o the_o noble_a lacedaemonian_n be_v threaten_v with_o hard_a and_o cruel_a usage_n if_o they_o do_v not_o present_o yield_v themselves_o and_o their_o country_n to_o king_n philip_n who_o come_v against_o they_o with_o a_o great_a power_n one_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n answer_v thus_o what_o hard_a deal_n can_v they_o suffer_v that_o fear_v not_o to_o die_v and_o be_v tell_v that_o king_n philip_n will_v break_v and_o hinder_v all_o their_o design_n what_o say_v they_o will_v he_o likewise_o hinder_v we_o from_o die_v and_o after_o this_o when_o antipater_n cruel_o threaten_v they_o what_o he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o his_o demand_n answer_v if_o thou_o threaten_v we_o with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v worse_a than_o death_n death_n shall_v be_v welcome_a to_o we_o these_o be_v man_n guide_v and_o act_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o moral_a virtue_n which_o raise_v they_o above_o the_o threaten_n of_o their_o great_a enemy_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o shall_v not_o christianity_n the_o best_a and_o most_o excellent_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o this_o treatise_n much_o more_o ennoble_v our_o spirit_n and_o raise_v our_o heart_n above_o all_o slavish_a fear_n if_o we_o be_v christian_n and_o believer_n we_o may_v then_o argue_v and_o reason_n spiritual_o from_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o most_o moral_a heathen_n can_v never_o attain_v unto_o against_o the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n in_o this_o manner_n two_o argument_n from_o scripture_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n first_o do_v not_o our_o bless_a saviour_n die_v and_o rise_v again_o for_o this_o end_n to_o deliver_v we_o not_o only_o from_o the_o curse_a effect_n of_o death_n and_o from_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o executioner_n thereof_o but_o also_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v cure_v we_o of_o this_o fear_n and_o raise_v we_o above_o it_o heb._n 2.14_o 15._o yea_o and_o this_o be_v long_o since_o foretell_v and_o prophesy_v that_o christian_n apply_v the_o victory_n of_o christ_n over_o death_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o fear_v death_n that_o they_o shall_v tread_v upon_o this_o enemy_n and_o insult_v over_o he_o isai_n 25.8_o hos_fw-la 13.14_o compare_v with_o 1_o cor._n 15.54_o 55._o second_o have_v not_o god_n wrought_v we_o for_o the_o selfsame_a thing_n that_o we_o be_v make_v new_a creature_n by_o the_o gracious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v aspire_v unto_o glory_n and_o immortality_n which_o we_o can_v full_o enjoy_v till_o we_o die_v for_o we_o must_v be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n that_o we_o may_v be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 5.5_o 8._o three_o it_o be_v a_o condition_n which_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n put_v we_o into_o when_o he_o first_o admit_v we_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n that_o we_o must_v deny_v our_o own_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o not_o only_o be_v content_a to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n in_o other_o respect_n but_o our_o life_n shall_v not_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o when_o he_o call_v for_o they_o luke_n 14.26_o we_o pray_v that_o god_n kingdom_n may_v come_v namely_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o grace_n and_o by_o death_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o this_o glory_n we_o be_v bear_v again_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o a_o lively_a hope_n of_o this_o glorious_a inheritance_n 1_o pet._n 1.3_o 4._o now_o if_o we_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o time_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o translation_n thither_o how_o then_o do_v we_o hope_v for_o it_o after_o a_o lively_a manner_n four_o have_v we_o not_o the_o example_n of_o the_o godly_a before_o we_o even_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n who_o have_v desire_v to_o die_v and_o be_v above_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n gen._n 49.18_o phil._n 1.21_o 23._o luke_n 2.29_o psal_n 14.7_o 2_o cor._n 5.2_o 7._o yea_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n love_v his_o appear_v and_o earnest_o desire_v that_o he_o will_v come_v quick_o 2_o tim._n 4.8_o rev._n 22.17_o 20._o how_o unbecoming_a be_v it_o for_o a_o christian_n to_o fear_v death_n with_o a_o slavish_a fear_n for_o hereby_o he_o dishonour_v god_n and_o disgrace_v his_o religion_n as_o if_o it_o do_v not_o afford_v sufficient_a encouragement_n and_o support_n against_o this_o fear_n some_o heathen_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v that_o have_v not_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n have_v dye_v courageous_o and_o undaunted_o and_o shall_v a_o christian_a who_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n and_o who_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n and_o sit_v together_o with_o he_o in_o heavenly_a place_n be_v afraid_a to_o die_v it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o wicked_a man_n to_o die_v unwilling_o their_o death_n be_v compel_v and_o not_o voluntary_a and_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o too_o shall_v we_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o shadow_n we_o that_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o because_o christ_n ever_o live_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o god_n be_v death_n indeed_o but_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o body_n to_o a_o ttue_n believer_n be_v but_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n if_o we_o be_v in_o love_n with_o life_n why_o do_v we_o not_o effect_v that_o life_n which_o be_v eternal_a and_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v that_o we_o may_v be_v possess_v of_o it_o five_o shall_v we_o in_o this_o case_n be_v worse_o than_o child_n or_o mad_a man_n neither_o of_o which_o fear_n death_n shall_v not_o reason_n and_o religion_n prevail_v more_o with_o we_o than_o ignorance_n and_o madness_n with_o they_o do_v we_o that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n rather_o desire_v to_o remain_v in_o egypt_n or_o in_o the_o doleful_a irksome_a wilderness_n for_o this_o world_n be_v no_o better_a then_o to_o enter_v into_o canaan_n yea_o into_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n where_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o perfect_a rest_n be_v not_o death_n ordinary_a and_o common_a among_o christian_n do_v not_o some_o of_o our_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n die_v daily_a adam_n have_v more_o reason_n to_o fear_v death_n than_o we_o for_o he_o never_o see_v man_n die_v a_o ordinary_a death_n before_o he_o but_o for_o we_o to_o be_v afraid_a to_o die_v who_o see_v thousand_o die_v before_o we_o be_v the_o more_o intolerable_a the_o whole_a creation_n groan_n wait_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o earnest_o long_v for_o this_o change_n rom._n 8.21_o 22._o and_o shall_v we_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o brute_n beast_n and_o other_o creature_n and_o afraid_a of_o that_o porter_n that_o open_v the_o door_n to_o our_o own_o everlasting_a happiness_n have_v not_o this_o enemy_n which_o seem_v terrible_a to_o we_o be_v often_o foil_v and_o vanquish_v have_v he_o not_o be_v beat_v by_o christ_n and_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n and_o shall_v it_o be_v terrible_a to_o we_o to_o encounter_v a_o vanquish_v disarm_v enemy_n who_o strength_n and_o power_n be_v destroy_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a if_o we_o think_v to_o shun_v that_o which_o can_v be_v avoid_v for_o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v death_n be_v the_o way_n of_o all_o flesh_n and_o there_o be_v no_o discharge_n from_o this_o war_n what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o live_v and_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n heb._n 9.27_o psal_n 89.48_o eccles_n 8.8_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v resolve_v courageous_o to_o meet_v and_o encounter_v this_o enemy_n for_o we_o can_v avoid_v he_o if_o we_o go_v not_o to_o he_o he_o will_v come_v to_o we_o so_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v unavoidable_o engage_v in_o this_o conflict_n soon_o or_o late_a six_o why_o shall_v a_o christian_a fear_n or_o be_v trouble_v consider_v what_o a_o gain_n and_o advantage_n death_n will_v be_v to_o he_o for_o it_o put_v a_o period_n to_o all_o those_o tempest_n and_o storm_n those_o boisterous_a temptation_n passion_n and_o affliction_n with_o which_o his_o life_n be_v continual_o toss_v and_o encumber_v and_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o
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
of_o faith_n you_o may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o make_v the_o world_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v invisible_a be_v clear_o see_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v whereby_o we_o come_v to_o know_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1.20_o and_o we_o must_v believe_v this_o also_o because_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v it_o heb._n 11.3_o faith_n and_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n go_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n different_a way_n faith_n do_v it_o because_o of_o the_o divine_a testimony_n authority_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n and_o goodness_n itself_o but_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n do_v it_o because_o of_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o thing_n itself_o by_o rational_a discourse_n however_o we_o must_v hold_v to_o this_o as_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v a_o relict_n of_o god_n image_n in_o man_n be_v necessary_a in_o religious_a and_o moral_a thing_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a there_o be_v great_a decay_n and_o languish_n in_o our_o reason_n as_o the_o great_a philosopher_n themselves_o have_v acknowledge_v v._o consider_v that_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o nature_n and_o reason_n as_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v by_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v in_o every_o son_n of_o adam_n so_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n yea_o enmity_n itself_o against_o god_n rom._n 8.7_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o very_a wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n the_o reason_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n his_o best_a thought_n desire_n and_o affection_n the_o best_a inclination_n and_o motion_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v not_o only_a enemy_n but_o enmity_n against_o god_n a_o enemy_n may_v be_v reconcile_v but_o enmity_n itself_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1.21_o use_v a_o strange_a expression_n that_o the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o world_n through_o foolishness_n be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n but_o that_o by_o wisdom_n that_o be_v by_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_v it_o know_v not_o god_n as_o diodate_v note_n upon_o the_o text_n they_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n say_v the_o same_o apostle_n rom._n 1.21_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v be_v better_o render_v thus_o they_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o reason_n or_o their_o practical_a inference_n and_o discourse_n such_o as_o they_o make_v out_o of_o the_o principle_n they_o have_v in_o their_o understanding_n so_o likewise_o 1_o cor._n 3.20_o the_o lord_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o wise_a not_o the_o simple_a thought_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o prudent_a reason_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v vain_a you_o have_v the_o same_o word_n 1_o tim._n 2.8_o which_o be_v translate_v without_o doubt_v but_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o reason_v or_o dispute_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o prayer_n we_o must_v not_o argue_v against_o the_o promise_n by_o our_o reason_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o more_o humane_a reason_n learning_n and_o wisdom_n man_n have_v the_o more_o opposition_n there_o be_v in_o they_o against_o god_n and_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 1.20_o 26._o and_o chap._n 2.9_o 10_o 11._o and_o ch._n 3.18_o 19_o and_o therefore_o augustine_n write_v thus_o to_o a_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o part_n ornari_fw-la abs_fw-la te_fw-la diabolus_fw-la quaerit_fw-la but_o now_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o nature_n and_o reason_n as_o enlighten_v and_o rectify_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a help_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n let_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n first_o lie_v the_o foundation_n and_o then_o reason_n may_v build_v upon_o it_o reason_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o first_o place_n or_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n but_o shall_v be_v subject_a and_o subordinate_a to_o faith_n as_o agar_n the_o bondwoman_n be_v to_o be_v to_o her_o mistress_n sarah_n the_o freewoman_n we_o must_v not_o first_o consult_v with_o reason_n nor_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v when_o we_o shall_v believe_v beyond_o reason_n a_o mere_a rational_a consider_v of_o mean_n and_o second_o cause_n be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o faith_n if_o you_o will_v believe_v say_v luther_n you_o must_v crucify_v that_o question_n why_o god_n will_v not_o have_v we_o so_o full_a of_o wherefore_n abraham_n against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n rom._n 4.18_o 19_o contra_fw-la spem_fw-la nempe_fw-la carnis_fw-la rationis_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la naturae_fw-la as_o some_o of_o the_o best_a interpreter_n comment_v upon_o it_o he_o believe_v against_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n in_o hope_n against_o hope_n i._n e._n in_o hope_n supernatural_a against_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o natural_a hope_n nothing_o doubt_v say_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o abraham_n faith_n it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n which_o you_o find_v 1_o cor._n 11.29_o nothing_o discern_v as_o when_o a_o man_n look_v on_o thing_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n he_o pass_v a_o judgement_n of_o discern_v or_o dijudication_n upon_o they_o as_o thus_o some_o thing_n be_v easy_a some_o thing_n be_v hard_a abraham_n do_v not_o so_o reason_n or_o consider_v of_o thing_n when_o he_o believe_v i'faith_o when_o it_o be_v lively_a and_o strong_a will_v subscribe_v to_o a_o blank_a and_o will_v rest_v on_o the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n when_o all_o thing_n seem_v contrary_a in_o outward_a appearance_n and_o to_o a_o eye_n of_o reason_n faith_n can_v see_v love_n in_o anger_n light_n in_o darkness_n life_n in_o death_n as_o we_o have_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o instance_n beside_o many_o other_o faith_n will_v tell_v a_o man_n that_o the_o low_a he_o be_v cast_v down_o and_o abase_v the_o high_a he_o shall_v be_v raise_v and_o the_o more_o he_o shall_v be_v comfort_v and_o this_o be_v further_a than_o reason_n can_v go_v faith_n as_o a_o late_a godly_a writer_n true_o observe_v have_v a_o great_a and_o large_a prospect_n it_o can_v look_v over_o all_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o into_o the_o other_o world_n too_o it_o behold_v god_n who_o be_v invisible_a and_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v but_o now_o as_o for_o reason_n it_o get_v upon_o some_o little_a molehill_n of_o creature_n ability_n and_o if_o it_o can_v see_v over_o two_o or_o three_o hedge_n this_o be_v much_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a trouble_n to_o faith_n to_o be_v tie_v to_o reason_n if_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o go_v a_o journey_n of_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o mile_n on_o foot_n you_o will_v say_v he_o be_v a_o good_a footman_n yet_o if_o you_o constrain_v he_o to_o carry_v a_o little_a child_n with_o he_o this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a luggage_n to_o he_o for_o though_o the_o child_n may_v run_v along_o in_o his_o hand_n half_o a_o mile_n yet_o he_o must_v carry_v he_o on_o his_o back_n or_o in_o his_o arm_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o way_n especial_o when_o he_o go_v over_o water_n and_o steep_a hill_n which_o will_v be_v no_o small_a burden_n and_o trouble_n thus_o it_o be_v between_o faith_n and_o reason_n reason_n at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o a_o child_n to_o faith_n faith_n can_v foot_v it_o over_o mountain_n of_o difficulty_n and_o wade_v through_o the_o water_n of_o affliction_n though_o great_a and_o many_o but_o when_o reason_n come_v to_o wade_v through_o a_o affliction_n or_o to_o go_v over_o some_o great_a difficulty_n it_o cry_v out_o and_o say_v oh_o faith_n let_v we_o go_v back_o again_o and_o proceed_v no_o further_o no_o say_v faith_n but_o i_o will_v take_v thou_o upon_o my_o back_n reason_n and_o so_o it_o do_v but_o yet_o reason_n be_v a_o great_a luggage_n and_o burden_n to_o faith_n which_o never_o work_v better_a than_o when_o it_o work_v most_o alone_o for_o than_o it_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n alsufficiency_n and_o omnipotency_n and_o find_v enough_o there_o to_o quiet_a and_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n but_o now_o have_v premise_v these_o five_o consideration_n touch_v faith_n and_o reason_n we_o shall_v show_v the_o christian_a reader_n in_o some_o particular_n what_o use_v he_o shall_v make_v of_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n in_o reference_n to_o divine_a and_o religious_a matter_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v but_o to_o have_v its_o due_a respect_n and_o commendation_n first_o we_o find_v that_o many_o famous_a godly_a man_n have_v
the_o reasonable_a service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n and_o yet_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o christian_a worship_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n administration_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v a_o more_o teasonable_a service_n whereof_o a_o better_a reason_n may_v be_v render_v then_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o unreasonable_a beast_n under_o the_o law_n and_o withal_o that_o those_o christian_n who_o by_o good_a advice_n and_o reason_n do_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n be_v they_o that_o offer_v up_o a_o reasonable_a service_n to_o god_n four_o those_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n that_o be_v leave_v in_o man_n do_v not_o enable_v they_o exact_o and_o perfect_o to_o perform_v natural_a and_o civil_a action_n without_o the_o general_a assistance_n of_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o then_o as_o for_o action_n spiritual_o and_o evangelical_o good_a man_n by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v whole_o unable_a to_o perform_v they_o for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n this_o plain_o appear_v by_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o declare_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o corruption_n of_o every_o unregenerate_a man_n nature_n and_o estate_n and_o also_o by_o those_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o grace_n and_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n as_o the_o sole_a work_n of_o god_n almighty_a power_n and_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v put_v forth_o and_o manifest_v in_o all_o those_o that_o true_o believe_v ephes_n 1.19_o the_o natural_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n here_o as_o calvin_n and_o other_o true_o observe_v he_o mean_v not_o proper_o a_o man_n addict_v to_o gross_a and_o sensual_a lust_n but_o every_o man_n that_o be_v endue_v only_o with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o he_o yea_o the_o most_o rational_a improve_v natural_a man_n this_o be_v evident_a because_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o spiritual_a man_n or_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v proper_o not_o such_o a_o man_n as_o be_v exceed_v carnal_a and_o gross_a in_o sin_n and_o sensuality_n but_o sou_o man_n a_o improve_v rational_a man_n or_o a_o man_n make_v up_o only_o of_o reason_n one_o that_o do_v ex_fw-la colere_fw-la animam_fw-la such_o as_o plato_n aristotle_n and_o tully_n be_v it_o be_v mean_v of_o every_o unregenerate_a man_n who_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o who_o can_v spiritual_o discern_v and_o receive_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v offend_v therewith_o nay_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v in_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o reason_n the_o vain_a they_o be_v and_o the_o more_o opposite_a to_o the_o grace_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o other_o day_n say_v chrysostome_n i_o hear_v a_o certain_a christian_a discourse_v ridiculous_o with_o a_o greek_a each_o of_o they_o in_o their_o discourse_n prejudice_v his_o own_o cause_n for_o the_o greek_a speak_v that_o which_o the_o christian_a shall_v have_v say_v and_o the_o christian_a speak_v that_o which_o the_o greek_a shall_v have_v say_v for_o the_o question_n between_o they_o be_v about_o paul_n and_o plato_n the_o greek_a endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o paul_n be_v rude_a and_o unlearned_a but_o the_o christian_a through_o his_o simplicity_n will_v prove_v that_o paul_n be_v far_o more_o learned_a and_o eloquent_a than_o plato_n and_o so_o the_o greek_a will_v obtain_v the_o victory_n if_o the_o christian_n reason_n shall_v prevail_v for_o if_o paul_n be_v more_o learned_a than_o plato_n in_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n than_o may_v man_n object_v that_o he_o overcome_v not_o the_o world_n through_o grace_n but_o through_o humane_a eloquence_n therefore_o say_v this_o father_n when_o the_o greek_n shall_v object_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v rude_a and_o unlearned_a simple_a obscure_a person_n of_o no_o great_a reason_n nor_o part_n let_v we_o free_o acknowledge_v it_o as_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v not_o their_o reproach_n but_o their_o glory_n that_o be_v such_o they_o yet_o overcome_v the_o learned_a man_n the_o wise_a man_n the_o philosopher_n the_o rhetorician_n the_o orator_n the_o prince_n and_o all_o the_o world_n for_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n this_o do_v exceed_o set_v forth_o and_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n five_o a_o christian_n shall_v so_o far_o deny_v his_o natural_a reason_n and_o wisdom_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a that_o his_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v the_o assent_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o not_o the_o assent_n of_o mere_a reason_n the_o immediate_a ground_n of_o this_o assent_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o man_n reason_n but_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o god_n testify_v that_o which_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o school_n speak_v be_v the_o first_o truth_n or_o god_n himself_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o we_o suppose_v a_o truth_n teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v likewise_o demonstrate_v to_o my_o reason_n by_o philosophical_a argument_n as_o namely_o that_o god_n create_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a my_o assent_n to_o these_o truth_n be_v so_o far_o the_o assent_n of_o divine_a faith_n as_o it_o be_v ground_v and_o bottom_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n as_o for_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v mere_o ground_v upon_o philosophical_a reason_n and_o demonstration_n it_o be_v not_o divine_a faith_n but_o only_o humane_a faith_n and_o reason_n six_o our_o reason_n be_v so_o imperfect_a so_o defective_a so_o apt_a to_o mistake_v in_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n that_o we_o must_v not_o make_v our_o apprehension_n though_o under_o pretence_n of_o reason_n the_o rule_n of_o what_o we_o will_v receive_v for_o the_o word_n and_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o what_o we_o will_v reject_v but_o what_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o apprehension_n though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o same_o by_o our_o weak_a deprave_a reason_n and_o understanding_n otherwise_o we_o subject_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n truth_n to_o our_o own_o weak_a shallow_a apprehension_n and_o believe_v he_o not_o because_o he_o have_v say_v it_o but_o because_o we_o by_o our_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v it_o and_o this_o be_v dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o the_o scripture_n do_v reveal_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n what_o reason_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v ever_o have_v think_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o personal_a union_n of_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o mediator_n the_o imputation_n of_o adam_n sin_n to_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o glorious_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o poor_a sinner_n for_o their_o justification_n without_o all_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o but_o what_o great_a mystery_n be_v there_o in_o it_o if_o we_o by_o our_o shallow_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v it_o we_o must_v pray_v for_o grace_n say_v mr._n fox_n galatian_n fox_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o luther_n on_o the_o galatian_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n that_o we_o may_v right_o understand_v the_o gospel_n so_o strange_a be_v this_o doctrine_n to_o carnal_a reason_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o world_n so_o many_o enemy_n it_o have_v that_o except_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o above_o do_v powerful_o reveal_v it_o learning_n can_v reach_v it_o wisdom_n be_v offend_v nature_n be_v astonish_v devil_n and_o man_n do_v oppose_v and_o persecute_v it_o brief_o as_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o life_n so_o easy_a so_o there_o be_v none_o so_o hard_a easy_a to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v from_o above_o hard_o to_o carnal_a sense_n and_o reason_n not_o yet_o inspire_v and_o luther_n himself_o in_o his_o commentary_n on_o
the_o galatian_n have_v many_o notable_a say_n touch_v faith_n and_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n of_o believe_v the_o gospel_n say_v he_o we_o must_v silence_v reason_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o faith_n which_o also_o in_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n lean_v not_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n for_o thereof_o it_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a but_o to_o her_o own_o righteousness_n now_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n join_v together_o faith_n lose_v her_o virginity_n for_o nothing_o fight_v more_o strong_o against_o faith_n then_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n the_o gospel_n lead_v we_o beyond_o and_o above_o the_o light_n of_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n into_o the_o deep_a secret_n of_o faith_n where_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v again_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v reason_n reason_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v be_v impossible_a foolish_a weak_a absurd_a thing_n what_o more_o absurd_a foolish_a and_o impossible_a then_o that_o abraham_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n in_o his_o old_a age_n of_o the_o barren_a and_o dead_a body_n of_o sarah_n but_o now_o faith_n kill_v reason_n and_o slay_v that_o beast_n which_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o creature_n can_v kill_v thus_o abraham_n kill_v it_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o promise_v he_o a_o son_n to_o this_o word_n reason_n yield_v not_o straightway_o but_o fight_v against_o faith_n in_o he_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o absurd_a impossible_a thing_n but_o faith_n wrestle_v with_o reason_n and_o at_o length_n get_v the_o victory_n abraham_n kill_v and_o sacrifice_v reason_n that_o most_o pestilent_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o so_o must_v all_o the_o godly_a do_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n that_o be_v quite_o cross_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o subdue_v and_o captivate_v our_o reason_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5._o be_v mighty_a through_o god_n for_o the_o pull_n down_o of_o strong_a hold_n cast_v down_o reason_v and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n those_o strong_a hold_n that_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o gospel_n be_v especial_o two_o namely_o the_o greatness_n and_o power_n of_o worldly_a prince_n and_o ruler_n and_o also_o the_o reason_n and_o argumentation_n of_o the_o learned_a orator_n and_o philosopher_n both_o these_o must_v be_v subdue_v and_o captivate_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n man_n must_v be_v lead_v away_o like_o captive_n say_v judicious_a calvin_n on_o the_o text_n from_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o will_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d reason_v be_v very_o emphatical_a quo_fw-la vocabulo_fw-la 5._o vocabulo_fw-la estius_n in_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5._o significantur_fw-la non_fw-la qualescunque_fw-la cogitationes_fw-la sed_fw-la quae_fw-la fiunt_fw-la ratiocinando_fw-la &_o disceptando_fw-la dum_fw-la adhibito_fw-la judicio_fw-la rationis_fw-la animus_n examinat_fw-la aliquid_fw-la &_o de_fw-la eo_fw-la pronuntiat_fw-la sit_fw-la ne_fw-la verum_fw-la a_o falsum_fw-la bonum_fw-la a_o malum_fw-la here_o we_o may_v see_v plain_o that_o our_o reason_n must_v be_v conquer_v and_o captivate_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a faith_n indeed_o reason_n and_o faith_n may_v well_o walk_v together_o provide_v that_o reason_n give_v faith_n the_o upperhand_n we_o must_v not_o say_v they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o noble_a writer_n who_o make_v great_a use_n of_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n religio_fw-la religion_n morney_n de_fw-fr veritat_fw-la christi_fw-la religio_fw-la that_o because_o reason_n do_v not_o comprehend_v this_o or_o that_o point_n of_o religion_n therefore_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v it_o for_o this_o be_v a_o measure_n of_o faith_n by_o reason_n whereas_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n that_o be_v beyond_o our_o reason_n to_o believe_v on_o god_n through_o christ_n what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o to_o submit_v our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o god_n and_o thus_o our_o reason_n must_v be_v a_o servant_n to_o faith_n and_o must_v stoop_v to_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n faith_n must_v not_o be_v abase_v and_o stoop_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o reason_n now_o when_o and_o wherein_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v and_o so_o come_v to_o be_v prejudicial_a and_o dangerous_a shall_v be_v here_o brief_o represent_v in_o a_o ewe_n particular_n and_o so_o we_o will_v shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n of_o the_o right_a use_n and_o abuse_v of_o reason_n pervert_v reason_n how_o and_o wherein_o humane_a reason_n be_v abuse_v and_o pervert_v first_o it_o be_v then_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o divine_a purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o the_o opinion_n and_o sentiment_n of_o some_o learned_a philosopher_n and_o rationalist_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v impose_v upon_o we_o as_o true_a as_o namely_o the_o world_n eternity_n the_o stoical_a fate_n purgatory_n after_o this_o life_n the_o denial_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n worship_v of_o angel_n and_o the_o like_a have_v a_o show_n of_o reason_n wisdom_n and_o humility_n col._n 2_o 18_o 23._o second_o when_o those_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n which_o be_v true_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v to_o the_o reject_v of_o those_o gospel-truth_n that_o be_v above_o nature_n these_o maxim_n and_o position_n of_o philosopher_n that_o of_o nothing_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v that_o of_o privation_n to_o a_o habit_n there_o be_v no_o regression_n that_o a_o virgin_n can_v conceive_v though_o they_o be_v natural_o and_o physical_o true_a yet_o in_o divinity_n and_o christianity_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v god_n create_v the_o world_n of_o nothing_o our_o bless_a saviour_n without_o the_o help_n of_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o god_n call_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v rom._n 4.17_o these_o body_n of_o we_o after_o they_o be_v resolve_v into_o dust_n shall_v be_v raise_v up_o again_o and_o make_v like_o to_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a even_o to_o subdue_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o phil._n 3.21_o here_o faith_n in_o god_n omnipotency_n must_v be_v exercise_v and_o reason_n must_v give_v way_n to_o faith_n indeed_o man_n reason_n as_o now_o it_o stand_v be_v so_o far_o from_o take_v the_o just_a measure_n of_o faith_n which_o transcend_v natural_a strength_n and_o reason_n that_o it_o can_v so_o much_o as_o take_v the_o just_a and_o full_a measure_n of_o nature_n nor_o of_o the_o least_o of_o god_n creature_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n that_o be_v in_o every_o one_o of_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a error_n to_o believe_v no_o further_o than_o reason_n can_v measure_v and_o comprehend_v for_o what_o a_o great_a way_n do_v the_o truth_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n extend_v beyond_o our_o reason_n and_o even_o reason_n itself_o will_v lead_v we_o to_o this_o point_n namely_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v beyond_o reason_n i_o mean_v those_o thing_n which_o no_o mere_a natural_a understanding_n or_o capacity_n can_v reach_v or_o attain_v to_o and_o that_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n to_o man_n which_o reason_n can_v never_o have_v comprehend_v no_o not_o even_o when_o it_o be_v at_o the_o best_a the_o same_o reason_n which_o can_v never_o have_v find_v they_o out_o make_v we_o to_o allow_v of_o they_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o be_v true_a and_o herein_o reason_n teach_v we_o that_o which_o she_o herself_o neither_o know_v nor_o believe_v namely_o by_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o most_o infallible_a teacher_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o hear_v and_o believe_v three_o it_o be_v then_o dangerous_a when_o a_o christian_a boast_n of_o his_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n and_o be_v elate_v and_o puff_v up_o therewith_o undervalue_v and_o slight_v all_o other_o as_o if_o their_o reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v not_o comparable_a to_o he_o and_o so_o it_o become_v a_o vain_a windy_a thing_n knowledge_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 8.1_o puff_v up_o but_o love_n edifi_v vain_a man_n will_v be_v wise_a as_o it_o be_v in_o job_n 11.12_o though_o he_o
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 16â—_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