Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n true_a worship_n worship_v 7,455 5 9.1341 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
B09989 A seasonable discourse of the right use and abuse of reason in matters of religion. By Philologus. Philologus. 1676 (1676) Wing S2227BA; ESTC R183656 138,457 248

There are 11 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

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
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
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 destroy_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n but_o elevate_v and_o raise_v up_o the_o rational_a faculty_n to_o a_o high_a pitch_n than_o mere_a nature_n can_v mount_v up_o to_o in_o his_o service_n it_o have_v be_v true_o observe_v both_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o our_o modern_a writer_n as_o a_o characteristical_a difference_n between_o the_o true_a prophetical_a spirit_n and_o the_o false_a and_o counterfeit_a that_o the_o one_o leave_v man_n in_o the_o free_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o their_o reason_n and_o faculty_n but_o the_o other_o fill_v and_o distract_v they_o with_o panic_n fear_n tremble_n and_o consternation_n both_o of_o body_n and_o mind_n epiphanius_n and_o other_o discover_v the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o montanus_n and_o his_o follower_n gives_z this_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v be_v no_o true_a prophet_n because_o in_o those_o that_o be_v so_o there_o be_v a_o great_a consistency_n of_o sense_n reason_n and_o discourse_n the_o true_a prophet_n say_v they_o have_v always_o the_o free_a use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o faculty_n and_o speak_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n with_o consistency_n and_o coherence_n of_o discourse_n whereas_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o the_o monatanist_n they_o be_v always_o tremble_v both_o in_o body_n and_o mind_n and_o use_v no_o consequence_n of_o reason_n in_o discourse_n their_o word_n have_v no_o proper_a sense_n but_o be_v all_o dark_a intricate_a and_o obscure_a three_o those_o also_o be_v upon_o this_o extreme_a that_o hold_v a_o annihilation_n or_o destruction_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o new_a spiritual_a birth_n and_o regeneration_n as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o new_a will_n and_o understanding_n not_o only_o for_o quality_n but_o for_o substance_n infuse_v into_o we_o which_o be_v to_o take_v away_o our_o reason_n and_o unman_v we_o if_o there_o be_v any_o so_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a as_o will_v persuade_v we_o whole_o to_o lay_v aside_o our_o reason_n judgement_n and_o understanding_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o or_o engage_v any_o of_o these_o in_o our_o inquiry_n after_o thing_n of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a concernment_n this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o render_v we_o brutish_a and_o to_o extinguish_v that_o candle_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v up_o in_o our_o soul_n wherewith_o we_o ought_v to_o search_v and_o try_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n be_v enable_v thereunto_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o renew_v strengthen_v and_o raise_v the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n but_o do_v not_o destroy_v they_o four_o when_o christian_n be_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a society_n and_o will_v not_o be_v regulate_v by_o reason_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v lead_v more_o by_o humour_n and_o faction_n or_o by_o a_o worldly_a interest_n than_o
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 when_o all_o the_o sense_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v bread_n which_o we_o see_v and_o touch_v and_o taste_v why_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v so_o foolish_a and_o vain_a as_o to_o say_v with_o the_o papist_n that_o the_o bread_n cease_v to_o be_v true_o bread_n and_o be_v transubstantiate_v into_o the_o very_a body_n of_o christ_n again_o second_o as_o this_o doctrine_n be_v against_o sense_n so_o it_o be_v against_o reason_n namely_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o have_v but_o one_o body_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o have_v ten_o thousand_o body_n on_o earth_n that_o his_o body_n shall_v be_v a_o true_a body_n as_o we_o be_v and_o yet_o without_o circumscription_n and_o other_o inseparable_a property_n of_o a_o true_a body_n that_o the_o substance_n of_o bread_n shall_v be_v abolish_v so_o as_o it_o shall_v remain_v no_o long_o bread_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v the_o very_a quantity_n taste_n whiteness_n substance_n and_o nourish_a virtue_n of_o bread_n if_o you_o ask_v 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
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 to_o see_v those_o lively_a character_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v imprint_v upon_o those_o sacred_a volume_n if_o yet_o it_o be_v further_o demand_v how_o he_o know_v whether_o that_o be_v the_o right_a meaning_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n he_o may_v likewise_o true_o say_v that_o he_o know_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v diligent_o examine_v and_o compare_v together_o do_v plain_o discover_v to_o the_o humble_a teachable_a soul_n their_o own_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o concern_v everlasting_a salvation_n and_o thus_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v final_o and_o ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n or_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o into_o nothing_o less_o as_o for_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o judgement_n and_o writing_n of_o the_o godly_a learned_a they_o be_v good_a help_n to_o make_v we_o see_v the_o truth_n but_o no_o cause_n why_o we_o believe_v it_o this_o we_o do_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n not_o for_o their_o say_n or_o determination_n which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o accord_v with_o the_o scripture_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o assent_v thereunto_o though_o we_o shall_v give_v due_a reverence_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o godly_a judicious_a man_n and_o thorough_o examine_v and_o weigh_v with_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n the_o ground_n of_o our_o dissent_n from_o they_o yet_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o man_n though_o never_o so_o eminent_a for_o learning_n and_o piety_n shall_v not_o command_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o article_n of_o religion_n that_o shall_v be_v propose_v to_o we_o for_o our_o faith_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o testimony_n and_o demonstration_n of_o his_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 5._o the_o first_o and_o chief_a ground_n whereon_o be_v build_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n assent_n be_v the_o infallible_a truth_n and_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n because_o god_n have_v say_v it_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v it_o and_o assent_v to_o it_o for_o whatsoever_o god_n say_v be_v true_a now_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v deep_o engrave_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o every_o rational_a man_n that_o god_n himself_o be_v so_o infinite_o wise_a that_o he_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o nor_o can_v any_o creature_n circumvent_v and_o overreach_v he_o and_o withal_o he_o be_v so_o infinite_o good_a holy_a and_o just_a that_o no_o lie_n or_o untruth_n can_v proceed_v from_o he_o wisdom_n itself_o can_v be_v deceive_v truth_n itself_o can_v deceive_v and_o god_n be_v both_o and_o therefore_o wheresoever_o any_o revelation_n be_v certain_o know_v or_o believe_v to_o be_v of_o god_n there_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n do_v full_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n reveal_v but_o now_o the_o great_a 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 judge_n of_o controversy_n here_o on_o earth_n or_o at_o the_o further_a it_o shall_v be_v resolve_v but_o only_o into_o humane_a authority_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v but_o a_o humane_a faith_n that_o circle_n which_o they_o false_o charge_v upon_o we_o 211._o we_o mr._n w._n pemble_n nature_n and_o property_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n p._n 210_o 211._o they_o themselves_o be_v guilty_a of_o and_o can_v never_o be_v disintangled_n therefrom_o by_o their_o principle_n for_o ask_v a_o romanist_n why_o do_v you_o believe_v that_o the_o pope_n can_v err_v he_o will_v tell_v you_o because_o the_o scripture_n say_v so_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 and_o i_o have_v pray_v that_o thy_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v and_o the_o like_a text_n of_o scripture_n but_o how_o know_v you_o that_o this_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o your_o interpretation_n be_v the_o right_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o these_o place_n to_o 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
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
want_v this_o clear_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n have_v no_o further_a assurance_n of_o what_o it_o believe_v then_o that_o which_o reason_n suggest_v which_o may_v rather_o be_v term_v a_o conviction_n that_o such_o thing_n must_v be_v than_o a_o evidence_n what_o they_o be_v whereby_o it_o plain_o appear_v which_o yet_o may_v be_v more_o large_o and_o full_o prove_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o true_a justify_v faith_n and_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v only_o temporary_a and_o historical_a differ_v not_o only_o gradual_o in_o respect_n of_o degree_n but_o specifical_o in_o nature_n and_o kind_n the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n on_o which_o they_o be_v build_v be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a nature_n four_o this_o difference_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o effectual_a faith_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n rest_v and_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v ultimate_o and_o final_o resolve_v into_o a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o natural_a or_o mere_a rational_a man_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o humane_a testimony_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o revelation_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n matth._n 16.17_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o other_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o spiritual_a man_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 10_o 14_o 15._o to_o who_o they_o be_v manifest_v and_o who_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o which_o enable_v they_o spiritual_o to_o understand_v that_o manifestation_n or_o revelation_n this_o way_n of_o spiritual_a demonstration_n to_o the_o spiritual_a mind_n of_o the_o true_a believer_n be_v far_o different_a from_o and_o do_v far_o transcend_v that_o way_n of_o conviction_n which_o be_v only_o by_o reason_n or_o rational_a discourse_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o divine_a then_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n which_o be_v not_o chief_o ground_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n or_o authority_n but_o rely_v upon_o and_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o a_o humane_a testimony_n or_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n the_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o can_v never_o be_v find_v out_o by_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o yet_o they_o be_v consonant_n to_o right_a reason_n and_o therefore_o man_n reason_n do_v assent_v thereunto_o as_o for_o example_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a these_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o man_n reason_n to_o be_v possible_a upon_o suppositinn_n of_o god_n almighty_a power_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n yea_o and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o who_o great_a design_n be_v to_o make_v know_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v so_o that_o howsoever_o these_o truth_n be_v mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v believe_v yet_o see_v reason_n which_o be_v a_o humane_a testimony_n may_v approve_v they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o a_o historical_a faith_n believe_v these_o thing_n only_o for_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o be_v but_o a_o humane_a faith_n and_o rest_v upon_o a_o humane_a testimony_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o if_o a_o rational_a man_n believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n chief_o upon_o the_o church_n testimony_n of_o they_o or_o upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o truth_n therein_o mention_v or_o upon_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o sacred_a writing_n in_o most_o thing_n which_o make_v he_o therefore_o rational_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v true_a in_o all_o if_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n of_o his_o belief_n by_o way_n of_o rational_a inference_n from_o such_o premise_n then_o true_o he_o believe_v upon_o a_o humane_a and_o not_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o a_o clear_a spiritual_a demonstration_n of_o divine_a truth_n make_v evident_a by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n five_o and_o last_o true_a justify_v faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n differ_v from_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n in_o the_o object_n of_o it_o historical_a faith_n though_o it_o may_v assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_v of_o reconciliation_n pardon_v and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n yea_o and_o may_v believe_v the_o goodness_n of_o they_o in_o general_a yet_o it_o do_v not_o embrace_v and_o apply_v the_o goodness_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a as_o true_a justify_v faith_n do_v which_o count_v all_o other_o thing_n loss_n that_o it_o may_v gain_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o phil._n 3.8_o 9_o and_o which_o enable_v a_o man_n hearty_o and_o real_o to_o close_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o to_o apply_v he_o particular_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a this_o be_v my_o friend_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o small_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o faith_n knowledge_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n and_o the_o faith_n knowledge_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n in_o and_z about_o christ_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o if_o such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v some_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o come_v short_a of_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n then_o certain_o no_o man_n that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n though_o he_o improve_v it_o never_o so_o much_o can_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n but_o of_o this_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n xvii_o show_v that_o none_o can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o mere_a improvement_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n what_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o best_a heathen_n be_v and_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o everlasting_a concernment_n of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n we_o can_v certain_o determine_v nor_o dare_v we_o confident_o pronounce_v that_o they_o be_v all_o in_o hell_n though_o we_o say_v not_o with_o the_o pelagian_o that_o the_o improvement_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n or_o that_o light_n that_o be_v in_o every_o man_n as_o other_o phrase_v it_o can_v make_v man_n everlasting_a happy_a nor_o yet_o with_o the_o semipelagian_o that_o natural_a preparation_n and_o predisposition_n do_v bespeak_v and_o procure_v grace_n nor_o yet_o with_o the_o papist_n that_o work_v flow_v from_o grace_n do_v meritorious_o contribute_v to_o more_o grace_n and_o glory_n yet_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o as_o god_n give_v the_o heathen_n natural_a light_n and_o ability_n and_o to_o some_o of_o they_o the_o improvement_n thereof_o more_o than_o to_o other_o so_o he_o may_v as_o free_o give_v they_o in_o a_o way_n that_o we_o know_v not_o supernatural_a grace_n and_o strength_n and_o reveal_v his_o son_n to_o they_o if_o it_o please_v he_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o notwithstanding_o to_o hold_v that_o a_o man_n may_v get_v to_o heaven_n by_o those_o mere_a improvement_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o nature_n foundation_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v accurate_o and_o punctual_o observe_v every_o jot_n and_o tittle_n of_o nature_n law_n which_o the_o exact_a naturalist_n or_o moralist_n do_v not_o yet_o this_o natural_a obedience_n will_v not_o at_o all_o be_v commensurate_a to_o a_o supernatural_a happiness_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a way_n that_o new_a and_o live_a way_n by_o which_o god_n assume_v humane_a nature_n to_o himself_o and_o make_v it_o everlasting_o happy_a by_o which_o we_o have_v access_n to_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o this_o make_v augustine_n say_v qui_fw-la dicit_fw-la hominem_fw-la seruari_fw-la posse_fw-la sine_fw-la christo_fw-la dubito_fw-la a_o ipse_fw-la per_fw-la christum_fw-la seruari_fw-la possit_fw-la whether_o the_o gentile_n can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o question_n i_o confess_v much_o debate_v both_o in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o some_o modern_a author_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n divers_a of_o the_o ancient_n as_o justin_n martyr_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o chrysostome_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o moral_a heathen_n may_v be_v save_v by_o a_o general_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o justin_n martyr_n think_v they_o may_v be_v save_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n 2._o reason_n justin_n martyr_n apol._n 2._o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o dictamen_fw-la rationis_fw-la
will_v not_o save_v he_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v the_o other_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n ratione_fw-la luminis_fw-la fidei_fw-la by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o former_a only_a natural_a and_o moral_a virtue_n be_v imprint_v in_o the_o heart_n but_o by_o the_o latter_a the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o a_o mere_a moralist_n can_v never_o attain_v unto_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n for_o these_o be_v write_v and_o wrought_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v further_o object_v that_o cornelius_n be_v a_o gentile_a that_o walk_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n yet_o his_o prayer_n and_o alm_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n act_v 10.1_o 4._o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o he_o have_v more_o than_o the_o bare_a light_n of_o nature_n for_o though_o he_o have_v not_o at_o this_o time_n a_o clear_a explicit_a distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o the_o mediator_n yet_o he_o have_v the_o implicit_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o be_v to_o come_v which_o he_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o jew_n with_o who_o he_o have_v long_o converse_v and_o which_o be_v afterward_o more_o full_o open_v and_o explain_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o no_o man_n be_v he_o never_o so_o rational_a and_o moral_a can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n yet_o nevertheless_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o rational_a intellectual_a delight_n of_o some_o heathen_a philosopher_n ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v far_o before_o all_o corporeal_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o withal_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o reason_n and_o moral_a virtue_n be_v improve_v will_v help_v a_o man_n to_o bear_v affliction_n yea_o to_o die_v with_o more_o courage_n and_o composedness_n than_o other_o that_o be_v not_o so_o rational_a and_o moral_a and_o though_o reason_n of_o itself_o without_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n yet_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o comfortable_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o intellectual_n which_o be_v a_o mercy_n that_o many_o be_v deprive_v of_o but_o of_o these_o particular_n we_o shall_v speak_v more_o full_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n xviii_o show_v that_o those_o delight_n that_o be_v rational_a and_o intellectual_a do_v far_o excel_v all_o sensitive_a pleasure_n although_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v but_o as_o a_o candle_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n which_o be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thing_n to_o behold_v this_o candle_n as_o for_o that_o light_n which_o be_v mere_o corporeal_a it_o be_v but_o a_o dark_a shadow_n of_o intellectual_a brightness_n the_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a any_o be_v be_v the_o pure_a pleasure_n and_o delight_v it_o have_v proportion_v to_o it_o sensitive_a pleasure_n have_v more_o of_o dregs_o intellectual_a pleasure_n more_o of_o quintessence_n in_o it_o if_o pleasure_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v only_o by_o the_o corporal_a sense_n true_o then_o the_o brute_n be_v more_o exquisite_a in_o sense_n may_v have_v a_o choice_a portion_n of_o happiness_n than_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o but_o therefore_o have_v nature_n very_o wise_o provide_v that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o reason_n in_o man_n shall_v be_v far_o above_o any_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n there_o be_v divers_a degree_n of_o pleasure_n such_o as_o they_o be_v according_a to_o every_o man_n genius_n and_o disposition_n as_o he_o be_v more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a or_o more_o vile_a and_o abject_a so_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o delight_v and_o so_o be_v his_o pleasure_n either_o more_o noble_a or_o more_o base_a either_o more_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a or_o more_o impure_a and_o mix_v either_o of_o long_a or_o of_o short_a continuance_n of_o those_o delight_n which_o man_n take_v in_o by_o the_o bodily_a sense_n we_o say_v that_o which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o touch_v be_v the_o base_a for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o gross_a and_o earthy_a of_o all_o the_o external_a sense_n so_o be_v the_o pleasure_n that_o be_v take_v by_o it_o the_o delight_n that_o be_v take_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o taste_v be_v not_o altogether_o so_o base_a but_o yet_o brutish_a enough_o as_o for_o the_o delight_n which_o be_v take_v by_o smell_v it_o be_v but_o little_a and_o nothing_o so_o pleasant_a as_o the_o contrary_n be_v unpleasant_a for_o a_o good_a smell_n delight_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o ill_a smell_n offend_v and_o beside_o this_o sense_n of_o smell_v be_v not_o so_o quick_a and_o sharp_a in_o man_n as_o in_o beast_n the_o pleasure_n that_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o hear_v in_o man_n have_v more_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n in_o they_o for_o the_o more_o they_o participate_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o air_n they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o earthy_a and_o brutish_a and_o those_o delight_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o the_o eye_n be_v yet_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o rest_n because_o the_o eye_n be_v of_o tne_n nature_n of_o fire_n which_o come_v near_a to_o the_o celestial_a nature_n howbeit_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o man_n receive_v by_o the_o corporeal_a sense_n be_v base_a and_o of_o less_o excellency_n than_o the_o least_o and_o mean_a of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n for_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v much_o more_o worthy_a and_o noble_a than_o the_o body_n so_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n thereof_o be_v much_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o such_o delight_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v pure_a and_o best_a of_o all_o among_o which_o that_o delight_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a the_o pleasure_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o man_n continue_v much_o long_o than_o corporeral_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n because_o the_o rational_a soul_n or_o spirit_n be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v weary_a and_o tire_v as_o the_o body_n be_v but_o do_v recreate_v and_o refresh_v itself_o with_o variery_n of_o object_n no_o marvel_n indeed_o if_o those_o that_o be_v whole_o addict_v to_o corporal_a and_o earthly_a delight_n deride_v and_o contemn_v such_o as_o high_o esteem_v these_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a delight_n insomuch_o that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o forgo_v the_o good_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o same_o these_o person_n deride_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o which_o they_o know_v not_o of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v that_o they_o resemble_v the_o swine_n that_o delight_v more_o in_o a_o dirty_a puddle_n or_o sink_v then_o in_o precious_a stone_n and_o sweet_a odour_n because_o they_o want_v judgement_n right_o to_o discern_v and_o esteem_v the_o value_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o contemn_v and_o deride_v every_o be_v choose_v to_o itself_o some_o kind_n of_o pleasure_n or_o other_o and_o the_o more_o excellent_a any_o be_v be_v the_o high_a and_o more_o generous_a be_v its_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n for_o first_o if_o we_o look_v up_o to_o the_o chief_a being_n god_n himself_o he_o take_v infinite_a delight_n in_o himself_o as_o all_o other_o perfection_n so_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o true_a and_o real_a pleasure_n be_v enjoy_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o a_o most_o spiritual_a and_o transcendent_a manner_n that_o which_o we_o call_v riches_n and_o honour_n be_v in_o he_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o glory_n and_o that_o which_o among_o man_n be_v account_v pleasure_n be_v with_o he_o that_o infinite_a satisfaction_n which_o he_o take_v in_o his_o own_o bless_a essence_n and_o the_o operation_n and_o work_n thereof_o his_o glorious_a decree_n and_o contrivance_n and_o all_o his_o providential_a dispensation_n be_v full_a of_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n to_o he_o the_o create_v of_o all_o being_n yea_o the_o permission_n of_o all_o irregularity_n contribute_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o pleasure_n the_o laugh_v of_o his_o enemy_n to_o scorn_n be_v a_o pleasure_n fit_a for_o infinite_a justice_n and_o the_o smile_n upon_o his_o church_n and_o the_o countenance_v and_o favour_v of_o his_o people_n notwithstanding_o their_o great_a weakness_n and_o behindment_n be_v a_o pleasure_n fit_a for_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n miracle_n be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o omnipotency_n variety_n be_v the_o delight_n
subtlety_n of_o antiochus_n nero_n dioclesian_n julian_n the_o apostate_n and_o other_o cruel_a and_o subtle_a persecutor_n and_o notwithstanding_o that_o egyptian_a darkness_n of_o popery_n error_n and_o ignorance_n which_o overspread_v the_o world_n for_o some_o hundred_o year_n since_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n during_o which_o time_n these_o sacred_a write_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o contemn_v and_o blind_a ignorance_n extol_v as_o the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n five_o the_o very_a style_n of_o the_o scripture_n argue_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o by_o the_o style_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o external_a superficies_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n but_o the_o whole_a order_n contexture_n and_o frame_n thereof_o which_o fit_o agree_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n treat_v of_o and_o be_v excellent_o and_o wise_o temper_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o condition_n of_o they_o for_o who_o sake_n it_o be_v write_v indeed_o every_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n almost_o have_v a_o peculiar_a style_n god_n make_v use_n of_o their_o several_a faculty_n and_o ability_n isaiah_n be_v eloquent_a and_o sweet_a david_n affectionate_a solomon_n accurate_a jeremiah_n vehement_a and_o more_o rough_a and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o several_a apostle_n and_o evangelist_n that_o their_o style_n be_v somewhat_o different_a but_o all_o of_o they_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a the_o majesty_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o style_n appear_v in_o that_o majestic_a title_n and_o dignity_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v just_o challenge_v to_o himself_o the_o which_o import_v independency_n of_o nature_n and_o essence_n supereminency_n of_o power_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o excellency_n both_o of_o property_n and_o work_n and_o be_v further_o display_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o teach_v which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n command_v promise_a and_o threaten_a thing_n above_o sense_n and_o reason_n in_o this_o book_n there_o be_v hide_a mystery_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n such_o as_o exceed_v all_o humane_a capacity_n reveal_v &_o unfold_v without_o argumentation_n or_o rhetorical_a motive_n of_o persuasion_n and_o we_o be_v require_v to_o understand_v and_o believe_v they_o rely_v only_o upon_o the_o truth_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o revealer_n god_n the_o great_a and_o absolute_a sovereign_n require_v in_o his_o word_n such_o and_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v such_o and_o such_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o son_n of_o man_n with_o great_a strictness_n and_o severity_n and_o yet_o bring_v no_o argument_n to_o persuade_v or_o confirm_v the_o equity_n of_o these_o command_n but_o only_o the_o will_n of_o the_o commander_n which_o though_o it_o become_v not_o man_n to_o do_v yet_o it_o well_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n in_o this_o book_n also_o promise_n be_v make_v of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v whereof_o there_o be_v no_o humane_a probability_n nor_o reason_n give_v to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o performance_n thereof_o but_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o threaten_v also_o the_o like_a majesty_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n may_v be_v observe_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n which_o you_o shall_v not_o meet_v with_o in_o mere_a humane_a writing_n god_n command_v and_o threaten_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n be_v they_o what_o they_o will_v be_v it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o he_o prescribe_v his_o law_n to_o all_o man_n magistrate_n and_o ruler_n scholar_n and_o soldier_n to_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o state_n command_v and_o require_v what_o be_v distasteful_a to_o their_o fleshly_a nature_n and_o interest_n and_o forbid_v what_o they_o approve_v and_o commend_v promise_v they_o not_o earthly_a honour_n and_o riches_n but_o life_n eternal_a if_o they_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o threaten_v they_o not_o with_o rack_n or_o gibbet_n but_o with_o eternal_a death_n and_o torment_n if_o they_o disobey_v neither_o let_v any_o man_n be_v offend_v with_o the_o low_a and_o humble_a manner_n of_o speech_n use_v in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v pen_v for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o unlearned_a as_o well_o as_o the_o learned_a for_o those_o of_o weak_a part_n as_o well_o as_o for_o those_o of_o strong_a part_n and_o ability_n and_o though_o the_o phrase_n or_o manner_n of_o speech_n be_v plain_a yet_o the_o matter_n be_v high_a and_o excellent_a profound_a and_o unutterable_a plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n do_v best_a become_v the_o truth_n a_o pearl_n need_v no_o paint_n true_a beauty_n need_v not_o a_o whorish_a dress_n to_o set_v it_o forth_o nor_o need_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o be_v support_v or_o underpropt_v with_o foreign_a aid_n for_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o uphold_v and_o sustain_v itself_o it_o become_v not_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o prince_n to_o play_v the_o orator_n this_o will_v be_v more_o pedantic_a in_o he_o then_o in_o a_o person_n more_o inferior_a though_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o be_v plain_a in_o word_n and_o phrase_n yet_o it_o be_v great_a in_o power_n no_o writing_n of_o man_n be_v they_o never_o so_o well_o set_v forth_o with_o wit_n learning_n and_o ornament_n of_o rhetoric_n can_v so_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n move_v the_o will_n pierce_v the_o heart_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o affection_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n want_v eloquence_n if_o the_o matter_n be_v well_o weigh_v no_o other_o writing_n can_v equalise_v they_o the_o song_n of_o moses_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n and_o other_o portion_n of_o scripture_n in_o variety_n and_o force_n of_o divine_a eloquence_n do_v far_o exceed_v and_o transcendall_n other_o author_n greek_a or_o latin_a that_o be_v extant_a though_o never_o so_o excellent_o indict_v and_o pen_v yet_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v that_o the_o one_o be_v write_v by_o a_o divine_a the_o other_o by_o a_o humane_a spirit_n six_o the_o wonderful_a powerful_a effect_n of_o this_o doctrine_n more_o than_o any_o other_o do_v clear_o demonstrate_v even_o to_o a_o eye_n of_o reason_n the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o for_o it_o inlighten_v the_o understanding_n discover_v clear_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n convert_v the_o soul_n convince_v the_o gainsayer_n terrifi_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n quicken_v and_o revive_v the_o wound_a spirit_n manife_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n man_n cast_v down_o strong_a hold_n and_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o remain_v invincible_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n for_o though_o the_o nature_n thereof_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o world_n yet_o still_o it_o have_v prevail_v and_o overcome_v the_o enemy_n that_o have_v oppose_v this_o doctrine_n be_v many_o and_o mighty_a and_o subtle_a the_o devil_n the_o roman_a emperor_n the_o learned_a philosopher_n the_o zealous_a jew_n and_o the_o common_a people_n be_v stir_v up_o by_o they_o have_v with_o incredible_a fury_n and_o falsehood_n and_o vigilancy_n endeavour_v the_o utter_a abolition_n of_o it_o but_o can_v never_o do_v it_o this_o doctrine_n conquer_v where_o it_o come_v either_o it_o convert_v or_o destroy_v its_o adversary_n and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n be_v they_o who_o god_n choose_v as_o his_o herald_n and_o ambassador_n to_o publish_v this_o doctrine_n be_v they_o great_a and_o many_o be_v they_o learn_v and_o wise_a be_v they_o potent_a and_o mighty_a in_o the_o world_n no_o no_o they_o be_v in_o number_n but_o few_o in_o outward_a appearance_n simple_a rude_a poor_a and_o weak_a despise_v of_o man_n thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n by_o these_o god_n have_v confound_v thing_n that_o be_v and_o through_o their_o preach_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n have_v subdue_v many_o nation_n to_o himself_o in_o a_o little_a time_n a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o habitable_a world_n be_v convert_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o paul_n fill_v all_o place_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o illyricum_n with_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v forget_v that_o the_o jew_n though_o waste_v with_o many_o and_o great_a slaughter_v and_o though_o they_o have_v and_o still_o have_v a_o desperate_a enmity_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v always_o remain_v safe_a and_o entire_a in_o their_o custody_n even_o when_o the_o hebrew_n language_n do_v lie_v almost_o unknown_a and_o have_v perish_v altogether_o have_v not_o god_n provide_v for_o the_o true_a religion_n by_o the_o care_n of_o those_o jew_n so_o that_o will_v they_o will_v they_o they_o shall_v be_v instrumental_a
in_o maintain_v and_o promote_a the_o doctrine_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n seven_o that_o sweet_a and_o admirable_a harmony_n and_o consent_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n can_v be_v rational_o ascribe_v to_o any_o but_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n each_o part_n agree_v so_o exact_o with_o itself_o and_o with_o the_o whole_a which_o sufficient_o appear_v by_o compare_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n touch_v christ_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o reception_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o remarkable_a thing_n with_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o as_o the_o same_o be_v plain_o declare_v and_o reveal_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n such_o exact_a consent_n and_o agreement_n as_o be_v here_o to_o be_v find_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v feign_v of_o man_n or_o angel_n from_o who_o the_o thing_n foretell_v be_v hide_v till_o they_o be_v reveal_v nor_o can_v there_o be_v forgery_n in_o these_o writing_n if_o we_o consider_v in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n the_o length_n of_o time_n in_o which_o these_o writing_n have_v continue_v and_o be_v judge_v authentic_a that_o they_o be_v not_o write_v in_o one_o or_o two_o but_o in_o many_o age_n that_o there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o book_n and_o of_o writer_n employ_v in_o this_o service_n and_o that_o these_o writer_n be_v distant_a in_o place_n one_o from_o another_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o confer_v together_o and_o withal_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o deep_a silence_n of_o the_o adversary_n who_o in_o all_o that_o long_a time_n whilst_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o writing_n can_v never_o detect_v any_o thing_n in_o those_o book_n as_o false_a or_o forge_a who_o silence_n in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o great_a importance_n because_o they_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n teach_v do_v and_o suffer_v according_a as_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o so_o that_o they_o know_v the_o prophecy_n see_v the_o 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 be_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o itself_o we_o may_v further_o add_v that_o it_o agree_v with_o all_o other_o truth_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a in_o divinity_n which_o be_v false_a in_o true_a philosophy_n nothing_o in_o philosophy_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o truth_n in_o divinity_n but_o it_o may_v be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a and_o true_a philosophy_n which_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o divinity_n eight_o the_o matter_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v divine_a and_o wonderful_a which_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n it_o open_v and_o reveal_v the_o great_a and_o most_o glorious_a mystery_n as_o the_o nature_n property_n attribute_n and_o high_a act_n of_o god_n and_o how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o adore_v it_o describe_v the_o person_n nature_n virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n so_o full_o so_o clear_o that_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n consider_v it_o attentive_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v that_o it_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o a_o finite_a understanding_n and_o humane_a capacity_n it_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o corruption_n and_o misery_n of_o man_n by_o nature_n the_o great_a and_o unparalled_a love_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n towards_o lose_a man_n and_o the_o happy_a agreement_n of_o his_o infinite_a justice_n mercy_n and_o wisdom_n in_o ordain_v christ_n to_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o reveal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n make_v with_o man_n after_o the_o fall_n for_o restore_v he_o again_o to_o god_n favour_n all_o which_o can_v be_v derive_v from_o no_o other_o fountain_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n 1_o cor._n 2.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o eph._n 1.17_o 18._o the_o scripture_n also_o contain_v the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n in_o the_o precept_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v divers_a note_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n as_o first_o the_o surpass_a excellency_n of_o the_o act_n require_v of_o we_o namely_o that_o we_o shall_v deny_v ourselves_o and_o conform_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o image_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o the_o wonderful_a equity_n that_o do_v appear_v in_o every_o commandment_n three_o the_o admirable_a strangeness_n of_o some_o act_n and_o duty_n as_o regeneration_n self-abasement_n the_o renounce_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o part_v with_o all_o we_o have_v for_o christ_n which_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n will_v count_v foolishness_n and_o madness_n yet_o prescribe_v as_o necessary_a four_o the_o manner_n how_o obedience_n be_v require_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o it_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a principle_n even_o from_o a_o pure_a heart_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a five_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n command_v and_o allow_v all_o good_a and_o forbid_v and_o condemn_v all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n whatsoever_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n not_o only_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o also_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o with_o reference_n to_o all_o person_n time_n and_o place_n without_o exception_n bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o reach_v the_o very_a thought_n and_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o do_v not_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o will_v fill_v a_o great_a volume_n if_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o they_o at_o large_a clear_o and_o convince_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v no_o other_o author_n of_o those_o sacred_a writing_n but_o god_n himself_o for_o who_o can_v contrive_v these_o thing_n but_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_a in_o power_n and_o wisdom_n who_o can_v give_v eternal_a life_n