glory_n and_o dominion_n through_o all_o age_n for_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la the_o profit_n of_o believe_v very_o useful_a both_o for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o resolve_v what_o religion_n they_o ought_v to_o embrace_v and_o for_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v whither_o their_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o no._n write_a by_o s._n augustine_n london_n print_v by_o roger_n daniel_n in_o lovel_n court_n near_o paul_n churchyard_n 1651._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o well-disposed_a reader_n learned_a reader_n i_o know_v thou_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o of_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o business_n in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v none_o of_o that_o consequence_n and_o importance_n unto_o thou_o as_o the_o save_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o know_v best_a of_o all_o the_o mestimable_a value_n thereof_o and_o vouchsafe_v to_o redeem_v it_o at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o with_o his_o own_o precious_a blood_n plain_o declare_v the_o importance_n thereof_o when_o he_o say_v in_o the_o gospel_n mat._n 16.16_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o world_n nnd_v loose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v he_o give_v in_o exchange_n thereof_o wherefore_o let_v i_o advise_v thou_o to_o seek_v out_o and_o embrace_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n for_o that_o without_o such_o a_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 11.6_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o without_o please_v of_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v save_v if_o thou_o think_v that_o thou_o have_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n already_o and_o that_o thou_o do_v embrace_v it_o then_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v thou_o that_o the_o world_n at_o this_o present_a abound_v with_o a_o hundred_o heresy_n at_o least_o the_o embracer_n whereof_o shall_v not_o according_a to_o s._n paul_n doctrine_n gal._n 5.20_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n do_v affirm_v ephes_n 4.5_o there_o be_v but_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o hundred_o to_o one_o but_o that_o thy_o faith_n and_o thy_o religion_n be_v false_a and_o thy_o salvation_n be_v in_o danger_n thereby_o be_v there_o not_o then_o great_a reason_n that_o thou_o shall_v well_o consider_v whither_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o thou_o embrace_v be_v true_a or_o no_o when_o upon_o this_o resolution_n depend_v thy_o fruition_n of_o unspeakable_a bliss_n or_o intolerable_a suffering_n of_o endless_a pain_n for_o all_o eternity_n how_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a faith_n &_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o great_a difficulty_n not_o only_o by_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v many_o faith_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o these_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v false_a but_o also_o for_o that_o the_o controversy_n debate_v now_o adays_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o intricate_a that_o few_o have_v leisure_n to_o study_v they_o and_o few_o ability_n to_o conceive_v and_o understand_v they_o yet_o the_o zeal_n of_o learned_a writer_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o satisfy_v man_n herein_o but_o what_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n have_v bring_v forth_o any_o man_n so_o able_a to_o perform_v so_o great_a a_o task_n as_o be_v that_o incomparable_a doctor_n s._n augustine_n lib._n 3._o de_fw-fr eccles_n fol._n 170._o who_o as_o doctor_n field_n assert_v be_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o the_o most_o famous_a of_o all_o the_o divine_n which_o the_o church_n have_v have_v since_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o as_o doctor_n covell_n affirm_v in_o his_o answer_n to_o master_n burges_n pag._n 3._o have_v far_o excel_v all_o other_o that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v like_a to_o be_v hereafter_o those_o only_o except_v that_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n both_o in_o divine_a and_o humane_a knowledge_n what_o man_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n can_v ever_o so_o well_o discern_v true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a truth_n from_o error_n and_o true_a faith_n from_o heresy_n as_o can_v that_o great_a s._n augustine_n who_o do_v not_o only_o like_o another_o david_n fight_v against_o the_o goliath_n of_o one_o heresy_n but_o like_o another_o joshua_n fight_v the_o battle_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o all_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o heresy_n in_o his_o day_n for_o forty_o year_n together_o wherefore_o if_o this_o great_a doctor_n shall_v have_v leave_v any_o advice_n or_o instruction_n behind_o he_o unto_o any_o of_o his_o dear_a friend_n that_o be_v then_o heretic_n whereby_o he_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n among_o so_o many_o heresy_n ought_v not_o such_o instruction_n to_o be_v great_o desire_v and_o if_o any_o such_o can_v be_v find_v to_o be_v high_o esteem_v and_o diligent_o peruse_v sure_o thou_o will_v say_v that_o come_v from_o so_o great_a a_o doctor_n and_o be_v so_o proper_a and_o necessary_a fot_o these_o time_n without_o doubt_n they_o ought_v why_o then_o learned_a reader_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o present_v unto_o thou_o a_o learned_a treatise_n of_o he_o which_o he_o send_v unto_o his_o dear_a and_o learned_a friend_n honoratus_n to_o draw_v he_o from_o the_o manichean_a heresy_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n i_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o tender_v it_o unto_o thou_o in_o this_o poor_a english_a habit_n be_v i_o not_o confident_a that_o thou_o seek_v more_o after_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o save_n of_o thy_o soul_n then_o after_o vain_a eloquence_n &_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o but_o i_o will_v assure_v thou_o under_o this_o poor_a attire_n thou_o will_v find_v a_o rich_a and_o a_o learned_a discourse_n of_o great_a s._n augustine_n not_o only_o very_o profitable_a for_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o resolve_v in_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o for_o they_o that_o dear_a to_o be_v satisfy_v whither_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o embrace_v be_v true_a or_o no._n if_o the_o stile_n be_v displease_v and_o ungrateful_a unto_o thou_o know_v that_o very_o many_o of_o the_o african_a father_n have_v harsh_a style_n beside_o consider_v how_o hard_o a_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v a_o native_a african_n to_o speak_v true_a english_a in_o this_o work_n first_o he_o show_v how_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v expound_v and_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o against_o the_o manichee_n that_o reject_v it_o second_o he_o overthrow_v that_o manichean_a principle_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o first_o by_o reason_n make_v manifest_a and_o evident_a unto_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o three_o place_n he_o advise_v fervent_a and_o frequent_a prayer_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o sequestration_n of_o affection_n from_o terrene_a thing_n as_o aid_n necessary_a for_o the_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n then_o declare_v that_o christ_n have_v raise_v a_o very_a great_a and_o a_o famous_a church_n consist_v of_o all_o nation_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v very_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a even_o to_o the_o world_n end_n he_o exhort_v honoratus_n to_o address_v himself_o unto_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n thereof_o and_o to_o learn_v of_o they_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n this_o way_n of_o proceed_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n be_v far_o more_o short_a and_o easy_a then_o by_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o the_o point_n of_o controvert_v doctrine_n by_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o consist_v in_o two_o point_n only_o first_o in_o seek_v out_o which_o of_o all_o the_o church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o second_o whither_o this_o church_n can_v err_v or_o no._n for_o the_o find_n out_o of_o the_o church_n s_o augustine_n propose_v four_o mark_n unto_o honoratus_n unity_n universality_n sanctity_n and_o apostolical_a succession_n the_o which_o be_v set_v down_o very_o plain_o in_o scripture_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v twofold_a in_o body_n and_o in_o faith_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o first_o our_o saviour_n say_v his_o church_n be_v one_o fold_n and_o have_v one_o shepherd_a joh._n 10.16_o and_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o second_o s._n paul_n earnest_o exhort_v the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1.10_o to_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o he_o beseech_v the_o ephesian_n to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n ephes_n 4.3_o 4_o 5._o affirm_v
unwary_a youth_n feel_v the_o sweetness_n may_v nothing_o fear_v the_o bitter_a confection_n this_o devise_n also_o practise_v they_o which_o upon_o noxious_a herb_n and_o juice_n write_v the_o name_n of_o good_a &_o wholesome_a medicine_n whereby_o almost_o no_o man_n read_v the_o good_a superscription_n any_o thing_n suspect_v the_o lurk_a poison_n the_o self_n same_o thing_n likewise_o our_o saviour_n cry_v out_o to_o all_o christian_n take_v you_o heed_n of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o you_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n but_o inward_o be_v raven_a wolf_n ma._n 7._o what_o be_v mean_v else_o by_o sheep_n clothing_n but_o the_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o they_o with_o sheep-like_o sincerity_n do_v wear_v like_o certain_a fleece_n of_o that_o immaculate_a lamb_n which_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o raven_a wolf_n but_o the_o cruel_a and_o destructive_a opinion_n of_o heretic_n which_o always_o trouble_v the_o sheepfold_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o all_o mean_v possible_a tear_n in_o piece_n the_o flock_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v more_o crafty_o set_v upon_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n mistrust_v nothing_o remain_v still_o cruel_a beast_n they_o put_v off_o their_o wolvish_a weed_n and_o shroud_v themselves_o with_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v with_o certain_a fleece_n whereby_o it_o happen_v that_o when_o the_o silly_a sheep_n feel_v the_o soft_a wool_n they_o little_o fear_v their_o sharp_a tooth_n but_o what_o say_v our_o saviour_n by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o that_o be_v when_o they_o begin_v not_o only_o to_o utter_v those_o word_n but_o also_o to_o expound_v they_o not_o only_o to_o cast_v they_o forth_o but_o also_o to_o interpret_v they_o than_o do_v that_o bitterness_n break_v out_o then_o be_v that_o sharpness_n espy_v then_o be_v that_o madness_n perceive_v then_o be_v that_o fresh_a &_o new_a poison_n eject_v then_o be_v profane_a novelty_n set_v abroach_o then_o may_v you_o see_v straightway_o the_o hedge_n cut_v in_o two_o the_o old_a father_n bound_n remove_v the_o catholic_n doctrine_n shake_v and_o the_o church_n faith_n tear_v in_o piece_n such_o be_v they_o who_o the_o apostle_n sharp_o reprehend_v in_o the_o 2._o epistle_n to_o the_o cor._n chap._n 11_o for_o such_o false_a apostle_n quoth_v he_o be_v crafty_a worker_n transfigure_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n what_o be_v transfigure_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n but_o this_o the_o apostle_n allege_v the_o example_n of_o scripture_n &_o they_o likewise_o cite_v they_o the_o apostle_n cite_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o psalm_n &_o they_o likewise_o use_v it_o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n bring_v they_o forth_o but_o when_o that_o scripture_n which_o be_v alike_o allege_v alike_o cite_v alike_o bring_v forth_o be_v not_o alike_o &_o in_o one_o sense_n expound_v then_o be_v discern_v the_o simple_a from_o the_o crafty_a the_o sincere_a from_o the_o counterfeit_n the_o right_a and_o good_a from_o the_o froward_a and_o perverse_a and_o to_o conclude_v the_o true_a apostle_n from_o those_o false_a apostate_n and_o no_o marvel_n say_v s._n paul_n for_o satan_n himself_o transfigure_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n therefore_o if_o his_o minister_n be_v transfigure_v as_o the_o minister_n of_o justice_n wherefore_o according_a to_o saint_n paul_n whensoever_o either_o false_a apostle_n or_o false_a prophet_n or_o false_a doctor_n do_v bring_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o holy_a scripture_n by_o which_o they_o will_v according_a to_o their_o corrupt_a interpretation_n confirm_v their_o error_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o follow_v the_o crafty_a slight_a of_o their_o master_n which_o sure_o he_o will_v never_o have_v invent_v but_o that_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ready_a way_n to_o deceive_v the_o people_n then_o where_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o wicked_a error_n be_v intend_v that_o there_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v pretend_v but_o some_o will_v say_v how_o prove_v you_o that_o the_o devil_n use_v to_o allege_v the_o scripture_n such_o as_o doubt_v thereof_o let_v they_o read_v the_o gospel_n where_o it_o be_v write_v then_o the_o devil_n take_v he_o up_o that_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o set_v he_o upon_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n cast_v thyself_o down_o for_o it_o be_v write_v that_o he_o will_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v of_o thou_o that_o they_o may_v keep_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o way_n in_o their_o hand_n shall_v they_o hold_v thou_o up_o lest_o perhaps_o thou_o knock_v thy_o foot_n against_o a_o stone_n mat._n 4_o how_o will_v he_o think_v you_o handle_v poor_a silly_a soul_n which_o so_o set_v upon_o the_o lord_n of_o majesty_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n if_o thou_o be_v quoth_v he_o the_o son_n of_o god_n cast_v thyself_o down_o why_o so_o for_o it_o be_v write_v quoth_v he_o we_o be_v diligent_o to_o weigh_v the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o place_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o mind_n that_o by_o so_o notable_a a_o example_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o make_v no_o scruple_n or_o doubt_n when_o we_o see_v any_o allege_v some_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o prophet_n against_o the_o catholic_n faith_n but_o that_o by_o his_o mouth_n the_o devil_n himself_o do_v speak_v for_o as_o at_o that_o time_n the_o head_n speak_v unto_o the_o head_n so_o now_o the_o member_n do_v talk_v unto_o the_o member_n that_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o faithless_a to_o the_o faithful_a the_o it_o religious_a to_o the_o religious_a to_o conclude_v heretic_n to_o catholic_n but_o what_o i_o pray_v say_v the_o devil_n if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n quoth_v he_o cast_v thyself_o down_o that_o be_v to_o say_v desire_v thou_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n cast_v thyself_o down_o that_o be_v cast_v thyself_o down_o from_o this_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n of_o this_o high_a and_o lofty_a church_n which_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o if_o any_o one_o demand_n of_o these_o heretic_n persuade_v they_o such_o thing_n how_o do_v you_o prove_v and_o convince_v i_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o forsake_v the_o old_a and_o universal_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n straight_a way_n be_v ready_a at_o hand_n for_o it_o be_v write_v and_o forthwith_o he_o will_v allege_v you_o a_o thousand_o testimony_n a_o thousand_o example_n a_o thousand_o authority_n out_o of_o the_o law_n out_o of_o the_o psalm_n out_o of_o the_o apostle_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n by_o which_o expound_v after_o a_o new_a and_o wicked_a fashion_n he_o will_v throw_v headlong_o unfortunate_a soul_n from_o the_o tower_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n into_o the_o deep_a dungeon_n of_o wicked_a heresy_n now_o with_o these_o sweet_a promise_n which_o follow_v heretic_n do_v wonderful_o deceive_v simple_a man_n for_o they_o dare_v promise_n and_o teach_v that_o in_o their_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o conventicle_n of_o their_o communion_n be_v to_o be_v find_v a_o great_a and_o special_a yea_o and_o a_o certain_a personal_a grace_n of_o god_n so_o that_o whosoever_o be_v one_o of_o their_o crew_n they_o shall_v straightways_o without_o any_o labour_n without_o any_o study_n without_o any_o industry_n yea_o although_o they_o never_o seek_v nor_o crave_v nor_o knock_v have_v such_o special_a dispensation_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v carry_v up_o with_o the_o hand_n of_o angel_n that_o be_v preserve_v by_o angelical_a protection_n that_o they_o never_o hurt_v their_o foot_n against_o a_o stone_n that_o be_v that_o they_o never_o can_v be_v scandalize_v but_o some_o man_n will_v say_v if_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o disciple_n whereof_o some_o be_v false_a apostle_n false_a prophet_n and_o false_a teacher_n and_o all_o perfect_a heretic_n do_v use_v the_o scripture_n cite_v their_o say_n bring_v forth_o their_o promise_n what_o shall_v catholic_n man_n do_v how_o shall_v the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n behave_v themselves_o how_o shall_v they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n discern_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o must_v have_v great_a care_n as_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o treatise_n i_o say_v holy_a and_o learned_a man_n teach_v i_o that_o they_o interpret_v the_o divine_a and_o canonical_a scripture_n according_a to_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o catholic_n
to_o do_v perverse_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o come_v disprove_v i_o if_o you_o can_v or_o if_o you_o can_v confess_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o preach_v unto_o you_o be_v true_a the_o xv._o conclusion_n that_o christian_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o christ_n crucify_v also_o do_v find_v inestimable_a delectation_n we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o invisible_a thing_n in_o this_o life_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o thing_n visible_a because_o as_o philosophy_n teach_v our_o understanding_n natural_o follow_v the_o fantasy_n that_o be_v apprehend_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v prepare_v as_o it_o be_v and_o offer_v to_o she_o from_o thence_o now_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a object_n in_o the_o world_n which_o can_v more_o effectual_o lead_v we_o unto_o the_o knowledge_n and_o contemplation_n of_o divine_a thing_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n crucify_v proceed_v from_o a_o lively_a faith_n because_o indeed_o nothing_o can_v more_o effectual_o declare_v the_o goodness_n and_o inestimable_a charity_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n for_o see_v that_o to_o be_v love_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o it_o self_n very_o agreeable_a to_o nature_n to_o be_v belove_v in_o this_o manner_n of_o god_n that_o be_v unto_o so_o high_a a_o pitch_n that_o he_o shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o be_v crucify_v himself_o for_o we_o who_o can_v think_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o pleasure_n of_o all_o pleasure_n to_o conceive_v now_o such_o a_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o do_v the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n crucify_v present_a unto_o our_o mind_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n must_v cause_v in_o they_o ineffable_a delectation_n beside_o hope_v of_o good_a be_v a_o thing_n which_o natural_o cause_v delight_n as_o make_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o good_a we_o hope_v for_o present_a to_o we_o and_o the_o great_a and_o more_o certain_a the_o good_a be_v which_o we_o hope_v so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o more_o perfect_a delight_n be_v cause_v but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a good_a imagine_v then_o that_o which_o christian_n hope_v for_o by_o the_o passion_n nor_o more_o certain_a for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v assure_v thereof_o by_o god_n himself_o who_o for_o that_o intent_n namely_o that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o sure_a to_o they_o be_v crucify_a therefore_o from_o such_o hope_n so_o great_a so_o sure_a christian_n can_v but_o receive_v singular_a consolation_n three_o admiration_n be_v natural_o accompany_v with_o delight_n for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o which_o wonder_n at_o any_o thing_n be_v common_o possess_v also_o with_o some_o great_a desire_n and_o hope_v to_o know_v what_o the_o matter_n be_v at_o which_o he_o find_v himself_o to_o wonder_v now_o what_o more_o admirable_a yea_o astonish_a then_o that_o god_n almighty_n shall_v be_v make_v man_n and_o die_v upon_o a_o gibbet_n to_o save_v man_n see_v therefore_o that_o christian_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o christ_n passion_n do_v consider_v this_o and_o also_o conceive_v most_o firm_a hope_n to_o attain_v one_o day_n unto_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n and_o sight_n of_o so_o rare_a a_o mystery_n how_o can_v they_o be_v otherwise_o affect_v then_o with_o excess_n of_o delight_n four_o see_v god_n almighty_n be_v so_o infinite_o perfect_a and_o great_a it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o by_o any_o one_o creature_n he_o can_v be_v competent_o express_v but_o it_o seem_v necessary_a to_o his_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o create_v a_o universe_n of_o creature_n that_o be_v this_o whole_a world_n in_o the_o latitude_n and_o variety_n whereof_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n may_v have_v scope_n enough_o and_o find_v infinite_a example_n wherein_o to_o contemplate_v even_o unto_o ravishment_n the_o singularity_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o see_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o same_o god_n our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v as_o infinite_o surpass_v all_o humane_a understanding_n not_o one_o only_o or_o some_o few_o but_o a_o million_o a_o numberless_a multitude_n of_o divine_a gracious_a and_o stupendous_a work_n be_v requisite_a by_o he_o also_o to_o be_v do_v but_o to_o express_v it_o in_o some_o part_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v feed_v yea_o glut_v as_o it_o be_v with_o admiration_n and_o content_n among_o which_o none_o bear_v more_o lively_a or_o legible_a character_n of_o his_o love_n then_o that_o of_o his_o passion_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o his_o passion_n and_o the_o contemplation_n thereof_o great_a content_n must_v be_v find_v as_o experience_n also_o prove_v in_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o christian_n who_o by_o their_o action_n have_v more_o then_o sufficient_o show_v the_o sense_n they_o have_v have_v of_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v a_o endless_a labour_n to_o go_v about_o to_o express_v they_o the_o infinite_a variety_n the_o multitude_n and_o excess_n of_o those_o joy_n which_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v taste_v from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o do_v daily_o taste_v in_o this_o kind_n the_o life_n yea_o the_o death_n of_o those_o ancient_a christian_n do_v abundant_o testify_v how_o great_a they_o be_v who_o in_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o both_o sex_n and_o of_o all_o condition_n man_n and_o woman_n for_o the_o name_n and_o for_o the_o love_n of_o this_o crucify_a jesus_n not_o only_o patient_o endure_v all_o sort_n of_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n but_o even_o exult_v and_o leap_v for_o joy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torture_n die_v rather_o through_o the_o extremity_n of_o their_o delight_n than_o pain_n the_o number_n of_o monk_n and_o other_o solitary_a person_n be_v infinite_a who_o in_o all_o time_n for_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o world_n and_o make_v choice_n to_o live_v in_o wilderness_n and_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n poor_a naked_a destitute_a of_o all_o thing_n save_o the_o comfort_n of_o divine_a love_n only_o to_o attend_v unto_o this_o contemplation_n last_o the_o learnede_a doctor_n and_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n how_o often_o have_v they_o abandon_v not_o only_o the_o pleasure_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v scarce_o worthy_a of_o they_o but_o even_o their_o most_o please_a and_o most_o commendable_a study_n yea_o their_o own_o self_n also_o for_o the_o love_n and_o contemplation_n of_o this_o jesus_n the_o xvi_o conclusion_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v exceed_o elevate_v the_o mind_n of_o good_a christian_n unto_o these_o contemplation_n first_o because_o all_o scripture_n general_o do_v relate_v unto_o christ_n crucify_v according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n the_o end_n or_o scope_n of_o the_o law_n be_v christ_n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o writing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v but_o the_o sign_n of_o word_n speak_v as_o speech_n be_v of_o conception_n or_o thought_n because_o our_o thought_n do_v always_o proceed_v from_o some_o interior_a light_n or_o illustration_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o how_o much_o that_o light_n be_v great_a and_o more_o excellent_a so_o much_o the_o great_a also_o and_o more_o perfect_a must_v the_o conception_n be_v and_o the_o speech_n consequent_o more_o powerful_a and_o the_o writing_n wherein_o that_o speech_n be_v represent_v more_o admirable_a and_o profound_a now_o light_v supernatural_a be_v always_o great_a and_o more_o perfect_a than_o natural_a and_o see_v also_o that_o there_o be_v several_a degree_n in_o that_o light_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o evangelist_n have_v the_o great_a measure_n thereof_o as_o be_v the_o man_n who_o almighty_a god_n be_v please_v so_o singular_o to_o illuminate_v as_o that_o neither_o in_o write_v nor_o preach_v they_o can_v so_o mistake_v as_o to_o deliver_v falsehood_n for_o truth_n therefore_o also_o be_v their_o meditation_n their_o speech_n and_o all_o expression_n of_o themselves_o always_o profound_a powerful_a and_o serious_a he_o therefore_o that_o presume_v to_o understand_v their_o writing_n without_o supernatural_a illustration_n be_v as_o wise_a as_o he_o that_o will_v have_v a_o bird_n to_o fly_v without_o wing_n of_o which_o sort_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o in_o the_o world_n viz._n certain_a philosopher_n rhetorician_n grammarian_n poet_n of_o this_o age_n who_o not_o know_v or_o not_o consider_v the_o profundity_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n do_v venture_n upon_o they_o with_o the_o same_o temerity_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o tully_n hortensius_n or_o some_o other_o of_o their_o windy_a author_n and_o perhaps_o not_o find_v in_o they_o those_o flash_n of_o elegance_n or_o subtlety_n to_o which_o themselves_o be_v accustom_v present_o they_o fall_v to_o slight_v and_o think_v mean_o of_o they_o imagine_v weak_a man_n nothing_o to_o be_v so_o sublime_a as_o plato_n philosophy_n no_o eloquence_n comparable_a to_o some_o piece_n of_o cicero_n but_o he_o which_o dwell_v in_o heaven_n shall_v one_o day_n laugh_v these_o
hearken_v unto_o they_o and_o try_v they_o and_o when_o thou_o hear_v they_o with_o what_o other_o thing_n i_o pray_v thou_o be_v thou_o take_v and_o delight_v for_o i_o beseech_v thou_o call_v it_o to_o remembrance_n but_o with_o a_o certain_a great_a presumption_n and_o promise_n of_o reason_n but_o because_o for_o a_o long_a time_n they_o make_v many_o large_a and_o vehement_a discourse_n touch_v the_o error_n of_o unskilful_a man_n which_o every_o one_o that_o be_v but_o mean_o learn_v can_v easy_o do_v it_o be_v late_a before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o and_o if_o they_o deliver_v any_o thing_n unto_o we_o out_o of_o their_o own_o man_n we_o think_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v it_o when_o as_o other_o thing_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v rely_v occur_v not_o wherein_o they_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o deceitful_a fowler_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v who_o prick_v down_o limetwig_n by_o a_o water_n side_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v deceive_v the_o thirsty_a bird_n for_o they_o stop_v up_o and_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o they_o cover_v the_o other_o water_n that_o be_v thereabouts_o or_o they_o drive_v the_o bird_n from_o thence_o with_o fright_n and_o fear_n that_o not_o by_o their_o own_o free_a choice_n and_o election_n but_o mere_o for_o necessity_n and_o want_n of_o water_n they_o may_v fall_v into_o their_o snare_n but_o why_o do_v i_o not_o return_v this_o answer_n to_o myself_o that_o such_o neat_a and_o pretty_a similitude_n as_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reprehension_n may_v be_v both_o most_o civil_o and_o most_o snappish_o object_v by_o any_o enemy_n or_o adversary_n whatsoever_o against_o all_o those_o that_o deliver_v any_o thing_n by_o teach_v or_o instruction_n but_o yet_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o insert_v some_o such_o thing_n into_o these_o my_o writing_n that_o i_o may_v warn_v and_o admonish_v they_o thereby_o to_o leave_v off_o all_o such_o manner_n of_o proceed_n to_o the_o end_n that_o as_o a_o certain_a man_n say_v the_o toy_n of_o common_a place_n be_v set_v aside_o one_o thing_n may_v contend_v and_o strive_v with_o another_o one_o cause_n with_o another_o one_o reason_n with_o another_o wherefore_o let_v they_o forbear_v to_o say_v what_o they_o hold_v in_o a_o manner_n necessary_a to_o be_v speak_v when_o any_o one_o forsake_v they_o that_o have_v long_o be_v their_o hearer_n the_o light_n be_v pass_v through_o he_o for_o thou_o my_o great_a care_n for_o i_o be_o not_o too_o solicitous_a for_o they_o see_v how_o vain_a a_o thing_n this_o be_v and_o how_o easy_a a_o matter_n it_o be_v for_o any_o one_o to_o blame_v and_o reprehend_v it_o this_o therefore_o i_o leave_v to_o thy_o wisdom_n to_o be_v discuss_v for_o i_o be_o not_o afraid_a lest_o thou_o shall_v think_v that_o i_o be_v deprive_v of_o light_n when_o i_o be_v entangle_v with_o a_o worldly_a life_n and_o have_v a_o remote_a and_o obscure_a hope_n of_o a_o beautiful_a wife_n of_o the_o pomp_n of_o riches_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o honour_n and_o of_o other_o hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a pleasure_n for_o i_o cease_v not_o to_o desire_v and_o hope_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o thou_o know_v right_a well_o when_o i_o be_v their_o follower_n and_o hear_v they_o attentive_o nor_o do_v i_o attribute_v this_o to_o their_o doctrine_n for_o i_o confess_v they_o diligent_o warn_v and_o admonish_v i_o to_o beware_v of_o these_o thing_n but_o to_o say_v that_o i_o be_o now_o destitute_a of_o light_n when_o as_o i_o have_v alienate_v and_o withdraw_v myself_o from_o all_o these_o shadow_n and_o semblance_n of_o thing_n and_o have_v resolve_v to_o content_v myself_o with_o such_o food_n only_o as_o may_v seem_v necessary_a to_o the_o health_n of_o my_o body_n and_o that_o i_o be_v enlighten_v and_o shine_v before_o when_o i_o be_v addict_v unto_o those_o thing_n and_o be_v entangle_v with_o they_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o man_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o mild_a manner_n who_o less_o considerate_o ponder_v the_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o much_o desire_n to_o talk_v and_o discourse_n but_o if_o you_o please_v let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o matter_n chap._n ii_o that_o the_o manichee_n do_v condemn_v the_o old_a testament_n thou_o be_v not_o ignorant_a how_o the_o manichee_n reprehend_v the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o especial_o rent_v and_o tear_v in_o piece_n the_o old_a testament_n do_v move_v and_o disturb_v the_o unskilful_a people_n who_o true_o know_v not_o how_o those_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o how_o be_v take_v they_o may_v profitable_o descend_v and_o be_v convey_v into_o the_o vein_n and_o marrow_n of_o tender_a soul_n and_o because_o there_o occur_v certain_a thing_n in_o those_o book_n which_o may_v give_v some_o offence_n to_o those_o that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o careless_a of_o themselves_o as_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o common_a people_n be_v they_o may_v be_v plausible_o reprehend_v and_o blame_v but_o can_v be_v plausible_o defend_v by_o many_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o be_v contain_v therein_o and_o those_o few_o that_o can_v do_v it_o affect_v not_o public_a and_o open_a conflict_n whereby_o to_o divulge_v their_o fame_n and_o renown_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n they_o be_v not_o know_v at_o all_o but_o unto_o those_o only_a who_o with_o much_o care_n and_o diligence_n do_v seek_v and_o inquire_v after_o they_o wherefore_o touch_v this_o rashness_n of_o the_o manichee_n in_o reprehend_v the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o catholic_n faith_n hear_v i_o beseech_v thou_o the_o thing_n which_o move_v and_o trouble_v i_o the_o which_o i_o desire_v and_o hope_n that_o thou_o will_v receive_v with_o such_o a_o hearty_a mind_n and_o good_a will_v as_o by_o i_o they_o be_v deliver_v and_o speak_v for_o god_n unto_o who_o the_o secret_n of_o my_o conscience_n lie_v open_a and_o be_v manifest_a know_v that_o i_o deal_v not_o malicious_o in_o this_o speech_n but_o as_o i_o conceive_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n unto_o which_o long_o since_o i_o have_v addict_v myself_o and_o that_o with_o a_o incredible_a care_n and_o solicitude_n lest_o i_o shall_v err_v and_o go_v astray_o with_o you_o which_o i_o may_v easy_o do_v when_o as_o to_o hold_v the_o same_o course_n with_o you_o and_o yet_o to_o embrace_v and_o keep_v the_o right_a way_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n not_o to_o speak_v too_o harsh_o of_o extreme_a difficulty_n but_o i_o presume_v that_o even_o in_o this_o hope_n which_o i_o have_v of_o your_o attain_n together_o with_o i_o unto_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n he_o unto_o who_o i_o have_v consecrate_v myself_o will_v not_o leave_v nor_o forsake_v i_o when_o day_n and_o night_n i_o endeavour_v to_o behold_v and_o for_o that_o i_o perceive_v myself_o to_o be_v weak_a and_o infirm_a by_o reason_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o my_o soul_n be_v for_o my_o sin_n and_o the_o custom_n thereof_o wound_v with_o the_o stripe_n of_o inveterate_a opinion_n i_o beg_v it_o oftentimes_o with_o weep_v and_o tear_n and_o as_o it_o happen_v unto_o man_n eye_n which_o after_o the_o sufferance_n of_o a_o long_a blindness_n and_o darkness_n be_v hardly_o open_a they_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o see_v light_n and_o yet_o by_o their_o twinkle_n and_o turn_v away_o they_o refuse_v to_o behold_v it_o especial_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n so_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o i_o at_o the_o present_a for_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a unspeakable_a and_o singular_a good_a of_o the_o soul_n which_o may_v be_v see_v and_o contemplate_v with_o the_o mind_n but_o i_o confess_v with_o tear_n in_o my_o eye_n and_o sigh_n from_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o fit_a nor_o able_a to_o behold_v it_o wherefore_o the_o divine_a goodness_n will_v not_o forsake_v i_o if_o i_o fain_o nothing_o if_o i_o speak_v according_a to_o my_o duty_n if_o i_o love_v the_o truth_n if_o i_o affect_v friendship_n and_o if_o i_o take_v a_o great_a care_n that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v chap._n iii_o of_o the_o four_o way_n of_o expound_v the_o old_a testament_n those_o that_o earnest_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v teach_v and_o expound_v after_o four_o manner_n of_o way_n according_a to_o the_o history_n according_a to_o the_o etiologie_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n and_o according_a to_o the_o allegory_n think_v i_o not_o foolish_a for_o use_v greek_a name_n first_o for_o that_o i_o have_v so_o receive_v and_o i_o dare_v not_o deliver_v this_o otherwise_o unto_o thou_o then_o as_o i_o have_v receive_v next_o thou_o also_o observe_v
reason_n to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v unheard_a of_o million_o of_o fable_n and_o tale_n chap._n vii_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v rash_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o how_o and_o with_o what_o care_n and_o diligence_n the_o true_a religion_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o but_o now_o if_o i_o can_v i_o will_v accomplish_v that_o which_o i_o have_v begin_v and_o i_o will_v treat_v with_o thou_o after_o such_o a_o sort_n that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o will_v not_o expound_v the_o catholic_n faith_n but_o i_o will_v show_v unto_o they_o that_o have_v a_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n some_o hope_n of_o divine_a fruit_n and_o of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v search_v out_o the_o great_a mystery_n and_o secret_n of_o faith_n he_o that_o seek_v after_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v without_o doubt_n either_o believe_v already_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a unto_o who_o that_o religion_n may_v be_v commodious_a and_o profitable_a or_o he_o desire_v to_o find_v she_o to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o same_o religion_n and_o therefore_o all_o religion_n be_v for_o the_o soul_n sake_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o body_n howsoever_o it_o do_v put_v he_o to_o no_o care_n and_o solicitude_n especial_o after_o death_n who_o soul_n have_v take_v a_o course_n by_o which_o it_o may_v become_v bless_v wherefore_o true_a religion_n if_o there_o be_v any_o be_v either_o only_a one_o chief_o institute_v for_o the_o soul_n sake_n and_o this_o soul_n err_v and_o be_v foolish_a as_o we_o see_v until_o she_o get_v and_o possess_v wisdom_n and_o that_o perhaps_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n if_o i_o seek_v out_o and_o inquire_v the_o cause_n of_o her_o err_a i_o find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v extreme_o hide_a and_o obscure_a but_o do_v i_o send_v thou_o to_o fable_n or_o do_v i_o enforce_v thou_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n rash_o i_o say_v our_o soul_n be_v entangle_v and_o drown_v in_o error_n and_o folly_n seek_v after_o the_o way_n of_o venty_n and_o truth_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o to_o be_v find_v if_o thou_o find_v not_o thyself_o thus_o incline_v and_o dispose_v pardon_v i_o and_o make_v i_o i_o pray_v thou_o partaker_n of_o thy_o wisdom_n but_o if_o thou_o do_v let_v we_o i_o beseech_v thou_o both_o together_o seek_v out_o the_o truth_n imagine_v with_o thyself_o that_o no_o not_o ce_fw-fr have_v as_o yet_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o nor_o no_o insinuation_n make_v unto_o we_o of_o any_o religion_n what_o soever_o behold_v we_o undertake_v a_o new_a work_n and_o a_o new_a business_n professor_n of_o religion_n be_v i_o believe_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n suppose_v then_o that_o we_o have_v find_v man_n of_o divers_a opinion_n and_o in_o that_o diversity_n seek_v to_o draw_v every_o one_o unto_o they_o but_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n some_o among_o these_o do_v surpass_v the_o rest_n in_o renown_n of_o fame_n and_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o almost_o all_o people_n whether_o they_o embrace_v the_o truth_n or_o no_o it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n but_o be_v they_o not_o first_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o try_v that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o err_v for_o as_o man_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n we_o may_v seem_v to_o err_v with_o mankind_n itself_o but_o thou_o will_v say_v truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v but_o among_o a_o few_o certain_a man_n if_o thou_o know_v among_o who_o it_o be_v why_o then_o thou_o know_v already_o what_o it_o be_v do_v not_o i_o say_v a_o little_a before_o that_o we_o will_v seek_v after_o the_o truth_n as_o though_o we_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a thereof_o but_o if_o by_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n thou_o do_v conjecture_v that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o embrace_v it_o and_o yet_o thou_o know_v not_o who_o they_o be_v what_o if_o those_o few_o do_v lead_v and_o rule_v the_o multitude_n by_o their_o authority_n and_o can_v dive_v into_o the_o secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o can_v make_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n plain_a and_o manifest_v do_v we_o not_o see_v how_o few_o attain_n to_o the_o height_n of_o eloquence_n and_o yet_o the_o school_n of_o rhetorician_n do_v make_v a_o great_a noise_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n with_o company_n of_o young_a man_n do_v all_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o become_v good_a orator_n be_v terrify_v with_o the_o multitude_n of_o unskilful_a man_n think_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o addict_v themselves_o rather_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o oration_n of_o coccilius_n and_o erucius_n then_o to_o those_o of_o tullius_n cicero_n all_o man_n affect_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o ancestor_n the_o simple_a sort_n of_o people_n endeavour_n to_o learn_v those_o thing_n which_o a_o few_o learned_a man_n have_v deliver_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v learn_v but_o very_o few_o there_o be_v that_o attain_v unto_o great_a eloquence_n few_o there_o be_v that_o practice_n it_o but_o few_o of_o all_o that_o grow_v eminent_a and_o be_v famous_a what_o if_o true_a religion_n be_v some_o such_o thing_n what_o if_o a_o multitude_n of_o ignorant_a people_n frequent_v the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o proof_n nor_o argument_n that_o therefore_o none_o be_v make_v perfect_a by_o those_o mystery_n and_o yet_o if_o so_o few_o shall_v study_v eloquence_n as_o there_o be_v few_o that_o become_v eloquent_a our_o parent_n will_v never_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o have_v we_o recommend_v unto_o such_o master_n when_o as_o therefore_o the_o multitude_n which_o abound_v with_o a_o number_n of_o unskilful_a people_n invite_v we_o to_o these_o study_n and_o make_v we_o earnest_o to_o affect_v that_o which_o few_o do_v obtain_v why_o will_v we_o not_o admit_v that_o we_o have_v the_o like_a cause_n in_o religion_n the_o which_o peradventure_o we_o contemn_v and_o despise_v to_o the_o great_a peril_n and_o hazard_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o if_o the_o most_o true_a and_o most_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v but_o among_o a_o few_o yet_o it_o be_v among_o those_o with_o who_o the_o multitude_n though_o whole_o addict_v to_o their_o appetite_n and_o desire_n and_o far_o from_o the_o purity_n of_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n do_v consent_n and_o agree_v which_o without_o all_o doubt_n may_v come_v to_o pass_v i_o ask_v what_o answer_n be_v we_o able_a to_o give_v if_o any_o one_o shall_v reprove_v our_o rashness_n &_o folly_n for_o that_o have_v a_o great_a care_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n we_o do_v not_o diligent_o search_v it_o out_o among_o the_o master_n and_o teacher_n thereof_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v the_o multitude_n have_v discourage_v i_o why_o then_o have_v it_o not_o disheartened_a man_n from_o the_o study_n of_o the_o liberal_a science_n which_o hardly_o yield_v any_o profit_n to_o this_o present_a life_n why_o not_o from_o seek_v after_o money_n and_o get_v wealth_n why_o not_o from_o obtain_v dignity_n and_o honour_n moreover_o why_o not_o from_o recover_v and_o preserve_v health_n final_o why_o not_o from_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o bless_a &_o a_o happy_a life_n in_o all_o which_o affair_n though_o many_o man_n be_v employ_v yet_o few_o there_o be_v that_o be_v eminent_a and_o excel_v you_o will_v say_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n seem_v to_o contain_v absurd_a thing_n who_o be_v they_o that_o affirm_v it_o namely_o enemy_n for_o what_o cause_n or_o reason_n they_o do_v it_o be_v not_o now_o the_o question_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v enemy_n you_o will_v say_v when_o you_o read_v they_o you_o understand_v so_o much_o by_o your_o own_o read_n be_v it_o so_o indeed_o if_o thou_o have_v no_o skill_n in_o poetry_n at_o all_o thou_o dare_v not_o take_v in_o hand_n terentianus_n maurus_n without_o a_o master_n asper_n cornutus_n donatus_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o author_n be_v think_v requisite_a for_o the_o understanding_n of_o any_o poet_n who_o verse_n deserve_v no_o great_a esteem_n than_o the_o approbation_n and_o applause_n of_o a_o stage_n and_o thou_o without_o a_o guide_n do_v undertake_v to_o read_v those_o book_n and_o without_o a_o master_n dare_v pass_v thy_o judgement_n upon_o they_o which_o howsoever_o they_o be_v be_v notwithstanding_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o almost_o all_o mankind_n publish_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o replenish_v with_o divine_a matter_n nor_o if_o thou_o find_v some_o thing_n therein_o which_o seem_v unto_o thou_o absurd_a do_v thou_o rather_o accuse_v the_o dulness_n of_o thy_o wit_n and_o thy_o mind_n corrupt_v with_o the_o infection_n of_o this_o world_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o fool_n be_v than_o those_o book_n which_o peradventure_o by_o such_o kind_n of_o man_n can_v