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
five_o treatise_n viz._n the_o golden_a treatise_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o learned_a father_n vincentius_n lirinensis_n the_o verity_n of_o christian_a faith_n the_o felicity_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n write_a by_o hierome_n savonarola_n the_o profit_n of_o believe_v by_o saint_n augustine_n s._n avgvstin_n book_n de_fw-fr cura_fw-la pro_fw-la mortuis_fw-la *_o âŽ_o *_o print_v anno_fw-la dom._n mdcli_o the_o golden_a treatise_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o learned_a father_n vincentius_n lirinensis_n write_a about_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n since_o for_o the_o antiquity_n and_o universality_n of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n against_o the_o profane_a novelty_n of_o all_o heresy_n translate_v into_o english_a by_o a._n p._n very_o profitable_a for_o all_o such_o as_o desire_v in_o these_o dangerous_a time_n to_o embrace_v the_o true_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o remain_v free_a from_o all_o infection_n of_o false_a doctrine_n as_o in_o the_o preface_n more_o at_o large_a be_v declare_v *_o âŽ_o *_o print_a anno_fw-la dom._n 1651._o to_o the_o christian_a reader_n zealous_a of_o truth_n and_o desirous_a of_o salvation_n a._n p._n wish_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o fruition_n of_o the_o other_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v i_o present_v thou_o here_o gentle_a reader_n the_o ancient_a father_n vincentius_n lirinensis_n native_a indeed_o of_o france_n but_o clothe_v in_o a_o english_a habit_n a_o book_n though_o little_a yet_o learned_a &_o no_o less_o profitable_a than_o pleasant_a of_o small_a volume_n if_o thou_o respect_v the_o quantity_n but_o of_o rare_a price_n if_o thou_o consider_v the_o quality_n the_o discourse_n be_v not_o of_o gather_v and_o scrape_v together_o the_o pelf_n of_o this_o world_n which_o choke_v the_o heavenly_a seed_n of_o god_n word_n and_o put_v man_n in_o a_o dangerous_a state_n if_o we_o credit_v he_o who_o be_v rich_a for_o our_o sake_n become_v poor_a mat_n 13.22_o and_o 19.24_o it_o dispute_v not_o of_o attire_n nor_o of_o the_o art_n of_o pamper_v this_o corruptible_a carcase_n which_o bring_v that_o gay_a belly-god_n of_o who_o we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n luc._n 16._o to_o the_o furious_a flame_n and_o endless_a torment_n of_o hell_n fire_n it_o prosecute_v not_o wicked_a and_o wanton_a discourse_n which_o corrupt_v good_a manner_n be_v in_o very_a deed_n the_o bellows_n to_o kindle_v the_o coal_n of_o carnality_n the_o nurse_n of_o unchaste_a thought_n and_o the_o very_a bait_n with_o which_o the_o devil_n do_v daily_a angle_n and_o catch_v the_o unfortunate_a soul_n of_o man_n but_o it_o handle_v that_o which_o redound_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o soul_n create_v to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n how_o we_o may_v so_o govern_v this_o frail_a vessel_n of_o we_o in_o the_o tempestuous_a sea_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n that_o at_o last_o we_o may_v safe_o arrive_v at_o the_o port_n and_o barber_n of_o celestial_a happiness_n for_o if_o the_o first_o step_n to_o heaven_n be_v to_o believe_v aright_o and_o the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o salvation_n be_v faith_n as_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o god_n or_o truth_n at_o all_o then_o can_v this_o golden_a treatise_n but_o be_v acceptable_a to_o all_o such_o as_o love_n jesus_n christ_n and_o tender_a the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o heavenly_a pillar_n of_o fire_n that_o may_v guide_v we_o through_o the_o desert_n of_o this_o world_n unto_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n exod._n 13._o and_o that_o glitter_a star_n to_o lead_v we_o unto_o the_o new_a bear_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n mat._n 2._o but_o to_o the_o end_n that_o thou_o may_v more_o plain_o and_o particular_o view_v the_o excellency_n and_o great_a necessity_n of_o this_o rare_a book_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o moses_n from_o the_o top_n of_o mount_n nebo_n contemplate_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n deut._n 34._o i_o will_v brief_o set_v down_o such_o motive_n as_o invite_v i_o to_o the_o labour_n of_o translate_n it_o for_o the_o self_n same_o as_o i_o very_o think_v can_v but_o in_o flame_n thou_o to_o the_o diligent_a read_n of_o it_o also_o three_o principal_a reason_n then_o especial_o move_v i_o the_o first_o be_v because_o it_o be_v very_o ancient_a be_v write_v above_o eleven_o hundred_o year_n past_a for_o it_o be_v compose_v three_o year_n after_o the_o general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n as_o appeareth_z in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o book_n and_o as_o the_o author_n himself_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n so_o be_v his_o doctrine_n more_o ancient_a be_v the_o self_n same_o which_o flourish_v in_o his_o time_n and_o come_v from_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n which_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v never_o of_o any_o good_a man_n doubt_v of_o so_o it_o be_v also_o most_o apparent_a first_o by_o sound_a reason_n ground_v in_o god_n word_n because_o when_o any_o man_n write_v aught_o concern_v faith_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o same_o be_v not_o control_v of_o any_o of_o that_o time_n it_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v consonant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n then_o general_o teach_v and_o receive_v otherwise_o those_o prestour_n and_o doctor_n which_o god_n as_o s._n paul_n say_v have_v give_v that_o we_o he_o not_o little_a one_o waver_v and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o blast_n of_o doctrine_n ephes_n 4._o can_v never_o have_v hold_v their_o peace_n but_o will_v as_o the_o prophet_n admonish_v have_v cry_v out_o exalt_v their_o voice_n like_o a_o trumpet_n esa_n 58._o as_o we_o find_v in_o like_a case_n the_o licentious_a nicholaiâ—s_n note_v by_o s._n joâ—â—_n for_o their_o false_a doctrine_n apoc._n 2._o himoneus_n and_o philetus_n reprove_v by_o s._n paul_n for_o a_o error_n about_o the_o resurrection_n 2._o tim._n 2._o second_o because_o the_o author_n himself_o do_v not_o only_o confess_v the_o same_o in_o sert_v down_o the_o answer_n of_o many_o excellent_a holy_a and_o learned_a man_n which_o live_v in_o his_o day_n not_o only_o because_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o he_o have_v here_o write_v he_o receive_v it_o from_o his_o ancestor_n and_o forefather_n both_o which_o he_o do_v be_v the_o very_a first_o entrance_n and_o general_o throughout_o the_o whole_a book_n but_o especial_o for_o that_o towards_o the_o late_a end_n he_o so_o high_o commend_v the_o general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n that_o be_v the_o parliament_n of_o the_o world_n which_o sure_o he_o never_o will_v have_v do_v have_v he_o not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o opinion_n concern_v faith_n and_o religion_n and_o what_o their_o opinion_n be_v himself_o record_v for_o he_o say_v that_o those_o father_n inspire_v by_o god_n decree_v that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o that_o which_o the_o sacred_a antiquity_n of_o out_o forefather_n agree_v together_o be_v christ_n have_v hold_v and_o believe_v which_o sure_o be_v a_o notable_a argument_n that_o what_o faith_n be_v by_o christ_n plant_v and_o his_o disciple_n preach_v be_v by_o they_o careful_o keep_v and_o maintain_v which_o thing_n be_v especial_o of_o we_o englishman_n to_o be_v note_v because_o the_o first_o four_o general_n counsel_n among_o which_o this_o of_o ephesus_n be_v one_o and_o the_o three_o in_o order_n be_v worthy_o allow_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1._o eliz._n wherefore_o move_v with_o such_o reason_n we_o may_v without_o all_o scruple_n or_o doubt_n not_o only_o read_v this_o book_n but_o also_o embrace_v and_o entertain_v it_o as_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o that_o time_n as_o the_o religion_n practise_v and_o reverence_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o the_o faith_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o ephesine_n council_n &_o so_o consequent_o as_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n now_o then_o see_v we_o live_v in_o those_o day_n in_o which_o so_o many_o new_a sect_n and_o doctrine_n such_o strange_a and_o monstrous_a opinion_n such_o superstitious_a and_o new-fangled_a devise_n fly_v up_o &_o down_o the_o world_n &_o see_v we_o be_v fall_v into_o the_o late_a time_n in_o which_o man_n shall_v heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o master_v according_a to_o their_o own_o desire_n and_o shall_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o avert_v their_o ear_n from_o truth_n and_o be_v convert_v to_o fable_n 2_o tim._n 4._o in_o which_o they_o shall_v love_v pleasure_n more_o than_o god_n have_v a_o show_n of_o godliness_n but_o yet_o deny_v the_o virtue_n thereof_o 2_o tim._n 3._o in_o which_o many_o scoffer_n shall_v come_v walk_v according_a to_o their_o own_o desire_n whodevide_v themselves_o sensual_a not_o have_v the_o spirit_n in_o which_o many_o false_a christ_n &_o many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v &_o seduct_v many_o
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
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