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 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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
almost_o all_o sufficient_a to_o have_v dispute_v of_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o great_a assembly_n and_o meeting_n together_o although_o it_o may_v in_o some_o man_n opinion_n have_v embolden_v they_o to_o presume_v and_o determine_v somewhat_o of_o themselves_o yet_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o presume_v nothing_o arrogate_a nothing_o to_o themselves_o but_o above_o all_o thing_n they_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o leave_v any_o thing_n to_o posterity_n which_o before_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v of_o their_o forefather_n not_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o dispose_v well_o of_o the_o business_n then_o present_a but_o also_o to_o leave_v a_o example_n to_o their_o posterity_n how_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n shall_v reverence_v the_o religion_n of_o sacred_a antiquity_n and_o utter_o condemn_v the_o invention_n of_o profane_a novelty_n we_o inveigh_v also_o against_o the_o wicked_a presumption_n of_o nestorius_n who_o boast_v that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o only_a man_n which_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o all_o other_o which_o before_o his_o day_n preach_v and_o teach_v all_o that_o interpret_v and_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v ignorant_a and_o unskilful_a that_o be_v all_o priest_n all_o confessor_n and_o martyr_n of_o who_o some_o have_v expound_v god_n law_n other_o allow_v and_o believe_v they_o to_o conclude_v he_o maintain_v that_o the_o church_n both_o now_o do_v err_v and_o always_o have_v err_v because_o as_o he_o think_v it_o have_v and_o do_v follow_v unlearned_a and_o erroneous_a doctor_n all_o which_o albeit_o they_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o the_o overthrow_n and_o extinguish_n of_o all_o profane_a novelty_n yet_o lest_o that_o aught_o shall_v in_o such_o plenty_n of_o proof_n be_v want_v we_o add_v for_o a_o conclusion_n a_o double_a authority_n of_o the_o sea_n apostolic_a the_o one_o of_o holy_a pope_n xistus_fw-la which_o venerable_a father_n now_o honour_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o other_o of_o pope_n celestinus_fw-la of_o bless_a memory_n his_o predecessor_n which_o i_o have_v think_v good_a also_o here_o to_o set_v down_o pope_n xistus_fw-la then_o in_o his_o epistle_n which_o he_o write_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n touch_v the_o cause_n of_o nestorius_n say_v thus_o therefore_o quoth_v he_o because_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o faith_n be_v one_o that_o which_o evident_o have_v obtain_v to_o be_v so_o call_v let_v we_o believe_v and_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v let_v we_o believe_v afterward_o he_o prosecute_v and_o explicate_v what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v what_o they_o be_v which_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v say_v thus_o nothing_o quoth_v he_o be_v further_a lawful_a for_o novelly_n because_o it_o be_v convenient_a that_o nothing_o be_v add_v to_o antiquity_n the_o faith_n and_o belief_n of_o our_o forefather_n be_v clear_a and_o perspiovous_a let_v it_o not_o be_v trouble_v nor_o defile_v with_o any_o permixtion_n of_o dirt_n or_o mire_n a_o postolical_o speak_v in_o commendation_n of_o our_o forefather_n faith_n to_o compare_v it_o to_o light_n and_o perspicuity_n and_o in_o liken_v novel_a profaneness_n to_o the_o admixtion_n of_o frith_n and_o mire_n pope_n colestinus_fw-la likewise_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n for_o in_o his_o epistle_n which_o he_o send_v to_o the_o priest_n of_o france_n wherein_o he_o reprehend_v their_o dissimulation_n in_o that_o by_o their_o silence_n they_o leave_v the_o old_a say_v destitute_a and_o suffer_v profane_a novelty_n to_o spring_v up_o thus_o he_o write_v worthy_o quoth_v he_o the_o cause_n do_v touch_v we_o if_o with_o silonce_n we_o foster_v erâ—_n rour_n therefore_o let_v such_o man_n be_v correct_v let_v they_o have_v no_o liberty_n to_o speak_v at_o their_o pleasure_n some_o happy_o may_v doubt_v who_o they_o be_v who_o he_o forbid_v to_o have_v their_o liberty_n in_o speak_v whether_o the_o preacher_n of_o antiquity_n or_o the_o inventour_n of_o novelty_n let_v he_o speak_v and_o discharge_v the_o reader_n of_o this_o doubt_n for_o it_o follow_v let_v novelty_n cease_v quoth_v he_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v sa_o that_o be_v if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o divers_a accuse_v unto_o i_o your_o city_n and_o province_n that_o through_o your_o pernicious_a dissimulation_n you_o cause_v they_o to_o yield_v unto_o certain_a new_a doctrine_n therefore_o quoth_v he_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v so_o let_v novelty_n cease_v to_o molest_v antiquity_n this_o than_o be_v the_o bless_a opinion_n of_o holy_a celestinus_fw-la not_o that_o antiquity_n shall_v cease_v to_o overthrow_v novelty_n but_o rather_o that_o novelty_n shall_v give_v over_o to_o trouble_v antiquity_n which_o apostolic_a and_o catholic_n decree_n whosoever_o resist_v first_o of_o necessity_n he_o must_v proud_o contemn_v the_o memory_n of_o s._n celestinus_fw-la who_o define_v that_o novelty_n shall_v give_v over_o to_o provoke_v antiquity_n again_o he_o must_v jest_v and_o scoff_n at_o the_o decree_n of_o holy_a xistus_fw-la who_o judgement_n be_v that_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a for_o novelty_n because_o it_o be_v not_o convenient_a that_o ought_v be_v add_v to_o antiquity_n again_o he_o must_v contemn_v the_o determination_n of_o bless_a cyrill_n who_o high_o commend_v the_o zeal_n of_o venerable_a capreolus_n in_o that_o he_o desire_v that_o the_o old_a article_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v confirm_v and_o new_a invention_n utter_o condemn_v likewise_o he_o must_v reject_v the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n that_o be_v the_o judgement_n almost_o of_o all_o the_o holy_a bishop_n of_o the_o east_n who_o inspire_v by_o god_n will_v not_o decree_v that_o posterity_n shall_v believe_v aught_o but_o that_o which_o the_o sacred_a antiquity_n of_o our_o forefather_n agree_v together_o in_o christ_n have_v hold_v and_o belceve_v who_o with_o their_o uniform_a allow_v and_o acclamation_n testify_v that_o they_o all_o decree_v all_o wish_a all_o give_v judgement_n that_o as_o all_o heretic_n almost_o before_o nestorius_n contemn_v antiquity_n and_o defend_v novelty_n be_v condemn_v so_o likewise_o nestorius_n himself_o the_o author_n of_o novelty_n and_o impugner_n of_o antiquity_n shall_v be_v condemn_v who_o sacred_a consent_n and_o agreement_n proceed_v from_o god_n goodness_n if_o any_a dislike_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o he_o maintain_v that_o nestorius_n his_o profane_a opinion_n be_v unjust_o condemn_v final_o he_o must_v also_o reject_v and_o contemn_v the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o her_o master_n the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o especial_o the_o doctrine_n of_o s._n paul_n as_o dregs_o and_o dross_n the_o universal_a church_n because_o she_o have_v always_o religious_o keep_v and_o maintain_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v s._n paul_n because_o he_o have_v thus_o write_v o_o timothy_n keep_v the_o depositum_fw-la avoid_v profane_a novelty_n of_o voice_n and_o again_o if_o any_o preach_v unto_o you_o otherwise_o than_o you_o have_v receive_v be_v he_o accurse_v so_o that_o if_o neither_o the_o apostle_n his_o definition_n nor_o the_o ecclesia_fw-la sticall_a canon_n ought_v to_o be_v violate_v by_o which_o according_a to_o the_o sacred_a consent_n of_o universality_n and_o antiquity_n always_o all_o heretic_n and_o last_o pelagius_n celestinus_fw-la and_o nestorius_n be_v just_o &_o deserve_o condemn_a sure_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o hereafter_o all_o catholic_n which_o desire_n to_o show_v themselves_o true_a child_n of_o their_o mother_n the_o church_n adhere_v join_v and_o stick_v close_o unto_o the_o holy_a faith_n of_o their_o holy_a father_n detest_a and_o abhor_v pursue_v and_o oppose_v the_o profane_a novelty_n of_o all_o profane_a miscreant_n whatsoever_o this_o almost_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o that_o which_o in_o these_o two_o commonitory_a book_n we_o have_v more_o ample_o discourse_v of_o and_o now_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o recapitulation_n in_o few_o word_n gather_v together_o that_o my_o memory_n for_o help_v whereof_o i_o have_v write_v this_o treatise_n may_v both_o with_o daily_a admonition_n be_v repair_v and_o yet_o not_o overlay_v with_o any_o tedious_a prolixity_n finis_fw-la the_o verity_n of_o christian_a faith_n write_a by_o hierome_n savanorola_n of_o ferrara_n london_n print_v by_o r._n daniel_n 1651._o the_o content_n chap._n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n page_n 1_o chap._n ii_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o divine_a worship_n page_n 5_o chap._n iii_o that_o there_o be_v no_o better_a life_n then_o that_o of_o christian_n page_n 9_o chap._n four_o there_o can_v be_v imagine_v the_o last_o end_n of_o any_o life_n better_o than_o that_o of_o christian_n page_n 13_o chap._n v._o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a mean_n to_o attain_v unto_o eternal_a bliss_n than_o a_o christian_a life_n page_n 22_o chap._n vi_o by_o christian_a religion_n man_n most_o assure_o obtain_v eternal_a bliss_n page_n 28_o chap._n vii_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v prove_v
by_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n page_n 32_o chap._n viii_o that_o christian_a doctrine_n contain_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v from_o god_n page_n 44_o chap._n ix_o christian_n faith_n prove_v true_a out_o of_o their_o use_n of_o prayer_n and_o contemplation_n page_n 58_o chap._n x._o the_o same_o verity_n prove_v out_o of_o the_o exterior_a worship_n of_o christian_n page_n 67_o chap._n xi_o the_o same_o verity_n prove_v out_o of_o the_o intrinsical_a effect_n of_o christian_a life_n page_n 77_o chap._n xii_o the_o same_o truth_n prove_v out_o of_o the_o extrinsecall_a effect_n of_o christian_a life_n page_n 90_o chap._n xiii_o the_o same_o confirm_v by_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o christ_n and_o first_o by_o his_o power_n page_n 101_o chap._n xiiii_o the_o same_o conclude_v out_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n page_n 125_o chap._n xv._o the_o same_o verity_n confirm_v out_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o christ_n page_n 144_o chap._n xvi_o the_o same_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o christ_n all_o together_o page_n 161_o the_o triumph_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o of_o the_o verity_n of_o faith_n by_o hierome_n savanocola_n of_o ferrara_n london_n print_v by_o r._n daniel_n 1651._o the_o preface_n have_v as_o far_o forth_o as_o i_o judge_v sufficient_a for_o my_o present_a purpose_n treat_v in_o the_o precedent_a book_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o themselves_o obvious_a to_o natural_a reason_n it_o remain_v now_o that_o i_o discuss_v those_o also_o which_o be_v above_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o i_o may_v thereby_o plain_o show_v the_o christian_a faith_n to_o be_v most_o true_a not_o only_o by_o natural_a motive_n but_o out_o of_o the_o very_a action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n christ_n jesus_n and_o because_o thing_n before_o our_o eye_n do_v more_o enforce_v our_o under_o stand_v to_o assent_v than_o thing_n which_o be_v past_a for_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o deny_v what_o we_o plain_o see_v before_o our_o eye_n then_o that_o which_o we_o receive_v at_o trust_n by_o tradition_n i_o shall_v lay_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o my_o proof_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v unquestionable_a unto_o all_o as_o be_v daily_o see_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v most_o apparent_a to_o sense_n itself_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o vice_n of_o evil_n christian_n who_o as_o such_o be_v sequester_v rather_o and_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o communication_n and_o mystical_a union_n of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o those_o good_a member_n of_o it_o which_o not_o only_o bear_v and_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n but_o also_o prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o by_o their_o virtuous_a life_n and_o action_n this_o do_v i_o shall_v produce_v reason_n ground_v in_o those_o action_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v most_o general_o receive_v and_o allow_v of_o by_o all_o so_o that_o the_o latter_a shall_v manifest_o confirm_v the_o former_a the_o thing_n present_a those_o which_o be_v past_a but_o because_o the_o chief_a effect_n at_o which_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n aim_v be_v justice_n and_o a_o irreprehensible_a and_o unspotted_a life_n our_o saviour_n say_v speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n ego_fw-la veni_fw-la ut_fw-la vitam_fw-la habeant_fw-la &_o abundantiùs_fw-la habeant_fw-la to_o this_o end_n i_o come_v that_o they_o may_v live_v and_o that_o they_o live_v more_o abundant_o first_o therefore_o i_o shall_v in_o due_a order_n prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o reason_n true_o ground_v in_o the_o virtuous_a life_n of_o good_a christian_n second_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o life_n and_o last_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o life_n wherein_o i_o shall_v comprise_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v daily_o exercise_v in_o the_o church_n militant_a of_o christ_n the_o triumph_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o of_o the_o verity_n of_o faith_n chap._n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n it_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a that_o every_o one_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n by_o religion_n we_o understand_v a_o due_a worship_n exhibit_v unto_o almighty_a god_n as_o he_o be_v the_o universal_a fountain_n source_n and_o moderator_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o every_o effect_n do_v exhibit_v a_o certain_a worship_n to_o its_o cause_n whilst_o convert_v its_o self_n unto_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v invocate_a it_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o subjection_n it_o strive_v to_o imitate_v and_o make_v itself_o like_a unto_o it_o which_o express_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o certain_a return_n of_o honour_n from_o the_o effect_n to_o its_o cause_n that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o perfect_v by_o it_o wherefore_o almighty_a god_n be_v the_o universal_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n of_o who_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o that_o have_v goodness_n in_o it_o have_v their_o whole_a be_v and_o dependence_n most_o clear_a it_o be_v that_o in_o man_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o engraft_a and_o natural_a instinct_n to_o convert_v itself_o to_o god_n and_o to_o invoke_v and_o subject_v himself_o unto_o he_o to_o do_v his_o uttermost_a to_o become_v like_a unto_o he_o and_o to_o be_v perfect_v by_o he_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o then_o to_o exhibit_v worship_n unto_o he_o now_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o natural_a inclination_n in_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o man_n to_o worship_v his_o creator_n and_o that_o this_o inclination_n can_v be_v superfluous_a or_o in_o vain_a we_o must_v of_o force_n conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n moreover_o see_v that_o man_n be_v natural_o incline_v to_o the_o divine_a worship_n as_o every_o effect_n be_v to_o its_o cause_n and_o that_o he_o be_v rational_a as_o not_o be_v necessitate_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o other_o brute_n and_o irrational_a thing_n be_v which_o be_v natural_o carry_v away_o by_o their_o appetite_n but_o have_v a_o true_a dominion_n over_o his_o action_n he_o free_o dispose_v of_o they_o as_o he_o listen_v now_o if_o all_o man_n as_o natural_a reason_n be_v oftentimes_o very_o defective_a shall_v fall_v into_o so_o general_a and_o gross_a a_o error_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a and_o divine_a worship_n find_v among_o they_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o will_v be_v so_o deprive_v of_o the_o divine_a providence_n that_o there_o will_v appear_v no_o divine_a care_n exercise_v towards_o they_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o all_o other_o most_o necessary_a and_o natural_a unto_o they_o see_v that_o this_o true_a divine_a worship_n be_v that_o by_o which_o man_n be_v to_o arrive_v to_o the_o fruition_n of_o his_o last_o end_n but_o this_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o plain_o refute_v i_o add_v that_o every_o country_n and_o nation_n in_o every_o age_n both_o past_a and_o present_a have_v be_v though_o in_o divers_a way_n addict_v unto_o the_o divine_a worship_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o this_o truth_n be_v whole_o ingraft_v and_o natural_a unto_o man_n for_o that_o be_v natural_a as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o show_v which_o agree_v unto_o all_o and_o at_o all_o time_n wherefore_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a divine_a worship_n find_v this_o natural_a inclination_n will_v be_v whole_o frustrate_a see_v it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o arrive_v unto_o the_o end_n which_o it_o be_v ordain_v for_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o almighty_a god_n execute_v his_o providence_n more_o towards_o unreasonable_a creature_n then_o towards_o man_n last_o see_v that_o every_o cause_n infuse_v its_o perfection_n and_o goodness_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a it_o may_v into_o its_o effect_n intend_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o attract_v it_o and_o make_v it_o as_o far_o as_o it_o have_v capacity_n like_a unto_o itself_o almighty_a god_n be_v superlative_o good_a and_o the_o first_o origin_n of_o all_o thing_n have_v questionless_a a_o special_a care_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o man_n for_o who_o sake_n and_o use_n he_o make_v all_o other_o inferior_a creature_n wherefore_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o man_n principal_o consist_v in_o the_o subject_n himself_o unto_o god_n and_o in_o the_o divine_a veneration_n in_o the_o which_o religion_n do_v chief_o consist_v it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n chap._n ii_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o divine_a worship_n man_n have_v a_o capacity_n to_o exhibit_v veneration_n unto_o almighty_a god_n two_o way_n corporal_o and_o spiritual_o we_o ought_v to_o distinguish_v two_o sort_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o he_o to_o wit_n interior_a and_o exterior_a interior_a be_v that_o which_o we_o perform_v by_o the_o act_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o will_n exterior_a be_v that_o which_o we_o
bliss_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o last_o end_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n since_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v the_o end_n be_v the_o measure_n or_o rule_v of_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o end_n be_v gain_v that_o man_n will_v be_v the_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o live_a creature_n and_o void_a of_o all_o order_n will_v be_v subject_a to_o all_o casualty_n and_o destitute_a of_o all_o providence_n which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o absurdity_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o which_o i_o intend_v that_o a_o christian_a life_n by_o true_a religion_n be_v a_o most_o safe_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o eternal_a bliss_n chap._n vii_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v prove_v by_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n have_v prove_v the_o verity_n of_o christian_a religion_n by_o argument_n ground_v in_o the_o virtuous_a life_n of_o christian_n now_o i_o intend_v to_o confirm_v the_o same_o out_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o same_o life_n the_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o life_n be_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n jesus_n crucify_v inform_v with_o charity_n that_o be_v which_o work_v by_o love_n the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o justitia_fw-la dei_fw-la per_fw-la fidem_fw-la jesus_n christi_fw-la in_o omnes_fw-la &_o super_fw-la omnes_fw-la qui_fw-la credunt_fw-la in_o eum_fw-la that_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o all_o and_o over_o all_o which_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n this_o faith_n of_o christ_n inform_v be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n crucify_v be_v true_a god_n and_o true_a man_n the_o son_n of_o god_n identify_v in_o nature_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o distinguish_v in_o person_n who_o we_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n i'faith_o therefore_o altogether_o with_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o forementioned_a life_n that_o it_o be_v so_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o for_o that_o which_o be_v manifest_a can_v be_v deny_v and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o most_o palpable_a experience_n because_o we_o see_v christian_n make_v so_o much_o progress_n in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o life_n as_o they_o profit_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a for_o between_o these_o two_o sort_n be_v such_o a_o strict_a connexion_n as_o they_o infer_v a_o mutual_a consequence_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o defect_n of_o one_o infer_v the_o loss_n of_o the_o other_o for_o no_o soon_o grow_v a_o christian_a vicious_a of_o life_n but_o the_o form_n of_o his_o faith_n which_o be_v churity_n towards_o god_n vanish_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_n if_o therefore_o we_o perceive_v in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n such_o a_o effect_n which_o man_n have_v learn_v by_o their_o own_o and_o other_o experience_n to_o have_v constant_o endure_v from_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n even_o unto_o these_o present_a time_n and_o that_o all_o christian_n do_v aver_v and_o teach_v the_o same_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o out_o of_o admiration_n of_o so_o important_a a_o matter_n play_v the_o philosopher_n inquire_v and_o search_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o even_o as_o the_o philosopher_n have_v perceive_v the_o effect_n of_o natural_a thing_n and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o cause_n begin_v first_o to_o admire_v and_o then_o by_o discourse_n to_o search_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o first_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o effect_n perfect_a than_o its_o principal_a or_o total_a cause_n of_o who_o its_o perfection_n have_v its_o dependence_n if_o therefore_o the_o righteousness_n and_o verity_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n which_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o life_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a have_v its_o dependence_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o that_o faith_n must_v be_v true_a but_o if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o follow_v that_o christ_n be_v true_a god_n and_o that_o his_o religion_n be_v true_a which_o the_o christian_n profess_v it_o be_v no_o less_o impossible_a that_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o true_a have_v its_o substantial_a dependence_n of_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o false_a for_o evil_a as_o it_o be_v evil_a false_a as_o it_o be_v false_a be_v a_o certain_a nothing_o or_o a_o negation_n of_o the_o positive_a perfection_n of_o goodness_n and_o verity_n now_o if_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v false_a and_o the_o love_n of_o he_o vicious_a certain_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o good_a can_v not_o substantial_o depend_v on_o that_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v evil_a as_o it_o be_v clear_a further_o if_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v false_a it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o error_n for_o to_o affirm_v a_o man_n crucify_v to_o be_v true_a god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a be_v a_o extreme_a madness_n and_o folly_n how_o can_v the_o life_n of_o christian_n therefore_o it_o be_v most_o perfect_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v proceed_v from_o so_o great_a a_o error_n see_v that_o the_o institution_n of_o a_o well-ordered_a life_n be_v derive_v from_o and_o ground_v in_o the_o frame_n a_o right_a conceit_n and_o understanding_n of_o it_o and_o all_o error_n in_o affection_n and_o moral_a action_n proceed_v from_o it_o in_o justice_n and_o difformity_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o equity_n moreover_o the_o better_a any_o nature_n or_o subject_n be_v dispose_v the_o more_o be_v it_o facilitated_a for_o the_o receive_v a_o more_o perfect_a form_n but_o the_o form_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v verity_n and_o the_o disposition_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o verity_n be_v a_o purity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o a_o man_n have_v his_o mind_n undross_v from_o the_o affection_n of_o creature_n the_o more_o it_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o embrace_a verity_n and_o reject_v that_o which_o be_v false_a but_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o disposition_n more_o undross_v and_o purify_v then_o that_o of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v erroneous_a none_o will_v more_o easy_o discern_v the_o deceit_n than_o christian_n but_o we_o behold_v the_o clean_a contrary_n for_o as_o they_o daily_o arrive_v to_o a_o more_o elevate_a degree_n of_o sanctity_n the_o more_o constant_o and_o undoubted_o they_o assever_v its_o integrity_n and_o as_o they_o grow_v more_o ground_v in_o their_o faith_n their_o life_n also_o increase_v in_o perfection_n whence_o it_o undoubted_o follow_v that_o their_o faith_n be_v true_a almighty_a god_n as_o he_o be_v the_o first_o mover_n and_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n do_v no_o less_o produce_v and_o cause_v motion_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n than_o he_o do_v in_o material_a and_o corporal_a and_o consequent_o cause_v motion_n in_o our_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o no_o man_n must_v doubt_v but_o he_o afford_v the_o light_n of_o verity_n at_o least_o of_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n more_o clear_o to_o they_o who_o by_o their_o concurrence_n and_o sanctimony_n of_o life_n become_v better_o dispose_v for_o it_o now_o if_o virtuous_a and_o sincere_a christian_n be_v erroneous_a in_o their_o faith_n they_o shall_v have_v no_o prerogative_n before_o the_o vicious_a and_o sinful_a but_o as_o mislead_v and_o blind_v with_o many_o enormous_a deceit_n and_o error_n will_v be_v give_v over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o goodness_n and_o present_a providence_n of_o almighty_a god_n the_o end_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v ordain_v for_o the_o gain_v it_o wherefore_o those_o that_o err_v in_o the_o end_n must_v needs_o go_v astray_o in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o for_o if_o the_o end_n in_o practical_a thing_n be_v as_o the_o principle_n and_o cause_n in_o thing_n which_o be_v speculative_a see_v therefore_o that_o christian_n do_v not_o err_v in_o the_o mean_n which_o serve_v for_o the_o gain_v the_o end_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o life_n but_o do_v far_o excel_v all_o other_o it_o follow_v they_o err_v not_o in_o the_o end_n but_o all_o assure_o confess_v christ_n to_o be_v their_o end_n for_o they_o only_o strive_v to_o become_v most_o like_a unto_o he_o and_o with_o all_o their_o endeavour_n aim_v to_o enjoy_v he_o therefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o which_o they_o most_o constant_o profess_v that_o christ_n crucify_v be_v true_a god_n the_o proceed_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v always_o ordinate_a order_v thing_n by_o his_o divine_a wisdom_n so_o as_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o inferior_a thing_n by_o the_o superior_a and_o hence_o he_o subordinate_n
champion_n be_v it_o bring_v to_o light_n because_o our_o understanding_n have_v verity_n for_o its_o object_n be_v natural_o incline_v unto_o it_o as_o to_o its_o proper_a perfection_n and_o where_o the_o more_o it_o shine_v with_o great_a delight_n it_o be_v embrace_v but_o then_o verity_n appear_v most_o when_o it_o be_v most_o sharp_o impugn_a because_o in_o the_o very_a discussion_n and_o conflict_n of_o disputation_n it_o manifest_v itself_o see_v therefore_o that_o christian_a doctrine_n have_v be_v so_o vehement_o impugn_a by_o so_o many_o philosopher_n and_o tyrant_n have_v always_o remain_v invincible_a and_o victorious_a which_o the_o infinite_a volume_n of_o christian_n testify_v it_o be_v consequent_a that_o its_o truth_n proceed_v from_o almighty_a god_n otherwise_o in_o so_o many_o conflict_n it_o have_v not_o so_o long_o remain_v unconquered_a chap._n ix_o christian_n faith_n prove_v true_a out_o of_o their_o use_n of_o prayer_n and_o contemplation_n as_o faith_n and_o the_o read_v holy_a scripture_n auscultation_n and_o meditation_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n so_o prayer_n be_v its_o principal_a nourishment_n where_o it_o have_v its_o growth_n and_o perfection_n for_o by_o long_a experience_n we_o have_v find_v in_o our_o religion_n that_o all_o those_o who_o profit_n in_o our_o religion_n and_o have_v arrive_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o sanctity_n have_v attain_v it_o by_o frequent_a and_o continual_a prayer_n and_o we_o have_v observe_v that_o they_o have_v take_v such_o gust_n and_o complacence_n in_o it_o that_o they_o have_v despise_v all_o other_o humane_a delight_n as_o vile_a abject_a and_o unworthy_a of_o they_o nor_o do_v this_o happen_v only_o to_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o learned_a sort_n of_o those_o which_o flourish_v in_o sanctity_n but_o it_o be_v common_o find_v in_o the_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a as_o well_o man_n as_o woman_n and_o even_o in_o all_o those_o who_o have_v learned_a to_o lead_v a_o christian_a life_n by_o this_o effect_n therefore_o we_o may_v prove_v the_o verity_n of_o out_o faith_n almighty_a god_n be_v a_o pure_a act_n the_o first_o verity_n and_o a_o infinite_a light_n the_o near_a a_o man_n make_v his_o approach_n unto_o he_o the_o more_o abundart_o do_v he_o partake_v this_o purity_n verity_n and_o light_n but_o man_n do_v not_o make_v his_o approach_n unto_o almighty_a god_n by_o corporal_a pace_n but_o by_o the_o purity_n of_o life_n elevation_n of_o mind_n and_o contemplation_n of_o verity_n see_v therefore_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o life_n more_o candid_a and_o more_o sincere_a then_o that_o of_o christian_n and_o that_o then_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v most_o pure_a when_o it_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o a_o soar_a and_o extaticall_a contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n it_o follow_v that_o man_n be_v most_o possess_v of_o this_o verity_n and_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o prayer_n and_o contemplation_n and_o see_v that_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o christian_n as_o they_o increase_v in_o the_o fervour_n of_o devotion_n and_o frequency_n of_o prayer_n be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o profit_n in_o virtue_n we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o faith_n verity_n and_o light_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v divine_a our_o understanding_n affect_v verity_n as_o its_o proper_a perfection_n and_o abhor_v falsity_n as_o its_o great_a enemy_n man_n be_v in_o nothing_o so_o dispose_v for_o the_o entertain_n of_o verity_n and_o reject_v of_o contrary_n as_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o prayer_n and_o contemplation_n by_o which_o he_o do_v most_o steadfast_o and_o ardent_o embrace_v the_o document_n of_o faith_n which_o therefore_o can_v be_v erroneous_a moreover_o all_o christian_n in_o their_o prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n do_v beseech_v he_o to_o grant_v that_o for_o the_o which_o they_o pray_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n for_o in_o the_o end_n of_o every_o prayer_n they_o most_o common_o add_v some_o such_o form_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n or_o through_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o yet_o they_o obtain_v admirable_a and_o incredible_a grace_n from_o he_o which_o if_o any_o shall_v not_o believe_v yet_o certain_o they_o must_v grant_v that_o which_o by_o daily_a experience_n be_v manifest_a that_o they_o obtain_v that_o which_o they_o principal_o seek_v after_o the_o righteousness_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n the_o quiet_a and_o joyfulness_n of_o mind_n so_o as_o they_o prefer_v the_o pious_a tear_n of_o devotion_n far_o before_o any_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n now_o certain_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o he_o who_o our_o faith_n proclaim_v he_o to_o be_v they_o can_v not_o in_o so_o great_a a_o serenity_n of_o mind_n and_o at_o so_o near_o a_o distance_n of_o so_o great_a a_o light_n be_v environ_v and_o bury_v in_o so_o great_a a_o darkness_n nor_o will_v almighty_a god_n permit_v they_o to_o be_v so_o gross_o deceive_v or_o at_o least_o if_o they_o be_v obstinate_a in_o a_o error_n he_o will_v not_o grant_v their_o petition_n again_o every_o cause_n dispose_v its_o matter_n for_o the_o produce_v its_o effect_n after_o it_o have_v introduce_v its_o last_o disposition_n immediate_o produce_v it_o nor_o will_v it_o dispose_v the_o matter_n unless_o it_o mean_v to_o introduce_v the_o form_n nor_o any_o cause_n of_o motion_n will_v produce_v it_o if_o it_o intend_v not_o some_o end_n of_o the_o motion_n produce_v but_o a_o just_a man_n unless_o he_o be_v invite_v and_o draw_v on_o by_o almighty_a god_n who_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n can_v not_o elevate_v his_o mind_n unto_o he_o by_o prayer_n bliss_n therefore_o be_v the_o end_n of_o prayer_n and_o a_o virtuous_a life_n almighty_a god_n will_v not_o induce_v man_n unto_o those_o mean_n of_o prayer_n and_o virtue_n unless_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v he_o final_o bless_v if_o therefore_o christian_n makig_a progress_n in_o virtue_n and_o prayer_n become_v more_o ground_v and_o settle_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o contemplation_n of_o christ_n their_o faith_n can_v be_v but_o from_o almighty_a god_n by_o which_o he_o lead_v man_n unto_o bliss_n every_o cause_n grant_v as_o i_o may_v say_v unto_o its_o effect_n what_o it_o ask_v the_o effect_n ask_v of_o its_o cause_n it_o be_v due_a and_o proper_a perfection_n which_o then_o it_o be_v say_v to_o exact_v when_o it_o be_v right_o dispose_v for_o then_o the_o cause_n if_o not_o otherwise_o hinder_v delay_v not_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o effect_n infuse_v that_o quantity_n of_o perfection_n into_o it_o which_o the_o degree_n of_o disposition_n do_v exact_a which_o immediate_a execution_n proceed_v out_o of_o its_o facility_n and_o goodness_n which_o of_o its_o nature_n be_v desirous_a to_o communicate_v itself_o almighty_a god_n therefore_o be_v the_o most_o sovereign_a good_a questionless_a will_n more_o than_o other_o cause_n which_o have_v not_o so_o great_a goodness_n grant_v the_o petition_n to_o this_o effect_n especial_o unto_o those_o which_o be_v best_a dispose_v for_o the_o receive_v his_o favour_n as_o be_v christian_n chief_o when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o act_n of_o prayer_n and_o contemplation_n but_o christian_n ask_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n ill_a umina_fw-la oculos_fw-la meos_fw-la nè_fw-la unquam_fw-la obdormiam_fw-la in_o morte_fw-la enlighten_v my_o eye_n that_o i_o never_o sleep_v in_o death_n and_o therefore_o almighty_a god_n never_o deny_v they_o their_o request_n but_o christian_n the_o more_o they_o pray_v the_o more_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o their_o faith_n therefore_o this_o our_o discourse_n be_v of_o great_a force_n further_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n to_o profess_v himself_o so_o will_v be_v the_o most_o supreme_a degree_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o detestation_n that_o can_v be_v now_o if_o christian_n do_v pray_v to_o god_n the_o father_n through_o christ_n who_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n how_o do_v almighty_a god_n permit_v they_o in_o so_o great_a a_o error_n arise_v out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o simplicity_n and_o do_v not_o draw_v they_o out_o of_o it_o know_v that_o they_o serve_v he_o with_o their_o whole_a affection_n and_o humble_o beg_v of_o he_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n or_o if_o their_o obstinacy_n be_v in_o fault_n why_o do_v he_o leave_v so_o great_a a_o wickedness_n and_o treason_n against_o his_o divine_a majesty_n unrevenged_a or_o why_o do_v he_o as_o we_o see_v he_o favour_v this_o error_n and_o impiety_n whilst_o bestow_v so_o many_o and_o great_a gift_n on_o they_o he_o questionless_a grant_v they_o that_o which_o they_o ask_v at_o his_o hand_n our_o soul_n as_o i_o have_v say_v do_v
expect_v by_o faith_n hope_n and_o the_o true_a profession_n of_o they_o a_o true_a and_o solid_a good_a for_o as_o a_o man_n profit_v more_o in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o life_n so_o be_v he_o bring_v more_o into_o the_o knowledge_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o good_a which_o he_o seek_v by_o eschew_v the_o contrary_n and_o therefore_o if_o christian_n have_v not_o find_v a_o solid_a good_a in_o the_o perfection_n of_o their_o life_n their_o joy_n will_v not_o be_v increase_v by_o it_o but_o rather_o decrease_v as_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o deceive_v in_o it_o this_o be_v very_o well_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o religious_a for_o to_o omit_v example_n of_o past_a age_n which_o i_o can_v comprise_v in_o this_o short_a treatise_n we_o daily_o see_v innumerable_a both_o man_n and_o woman_n do_v betake_v themselves_o to_o strict_a cloister_n out_o of_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a life_n forsake_v their_o parent_n kindred_n friend_n riches_n and_o all_o pleasure_n together_o with_o their_o own_o liberty_n to_o live_v with_o stranger_n and_o extern_n to_o who_o they_o become_v so_o subject_a and_o obedient_a that_o as_o for_o exterior_a subsist_v and_o faculty_n they_o enjoy_v none_o but_o those_o which_o by_o the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n be_v permit_v they_o as_o precise_o necessary_a for_o their_o livelihood_n and_o those_o to_o be_v change_v and_o substract_v as_o thing_n though_o common_a to_o all_o yet_o uncertain_a to_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a but_o as_o for_o the_o corporal_a perfection_n they_o keep_v the_o chastity_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o body_n most_o incorrupted_a and_o entire_a subdue_a their_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a appetite_n by_o watch_v fast_a abstinence_n and_o other_o mortification_n and_o as_o for_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o which_o liberty_n be_v the_o chief_a they_o renounce_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n all_o the_o use_n of_o it_o with_o a_o perpetual_a and_o most_o strict_a obligation_n conform_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o will_n and_o disposition_n of_o their_o superior_n thus_o have_v forsake_v all_o the_o good_n which_o mortal_n be_v wont_a to_o call_v they_o to_o rejoice_v in_o and_o be_v delight_v with_o all_o these_o who_o aspire_v to_o this_o perfection_n live_v so_o content_v and_o joyful_a that_o one_o will_v think_v they_o have_v even_o the_o abundance_n of_o all_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n and_o by_o daily_o profit_v in_o this_o way_n they_o become_v more_o full_a of_o tranquillity_n and_o alacrity_n rejoice_v and_o triumph_v only_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o christ_n crucify_v and_o if_o one_o shall_v ask_v why_o they_o do_v so_o they_o all_o unanimous_o will_v answer_v that_o all_o their_o joy_n and_o delight_n be_v place_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v dependence_n of_o he_o first_o therefore_o i_o say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v with_o reason_n suspect_v that_o this_o shall_v proceed_v out_o of_o folly_n see_v it_o have_v be_v the_o continual_a practice_n not_o only_o of_o humble_a and_o simple_a man_n but_o of_o innumerable_a eminent_a saint_n and_o doctor_n who_o will_v easy_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o wisdom_n and_o sanctity_n discern_v the_o error_n and_o folly_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v vain_a and_o erroneous_a for_o deceit_n and_o error_n can_v any_o long_a time_n consist_v with_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n such_o man_n strive_v to_o attain_v unto_o the_o height_n of_o perfection_n there_o be_v none_o great_a than_o that_o which_o they_o aim_v at_o to_o wit_n a_o christian_a religious_a life_n of_o which_o that_o state_n be_v account_v the_o high_a and_o supreme_a degree_n certain_o there_o be_v none_o more_o apt_a than_o they_o to_o receive_v celestial_a illumination_n if_o therefore_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o true_a questionless_a the_o vanity_n and_o deceit_n of_o it_o in_o many_o age_n in_o so_o great_a a_o concourse_n of_o people_n of_o all_o condition_n especial_o by_o such_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a man_n have_v ere_o this_o be_v detect_v nor_o have_v such_o man_n be_v able_a in_o so_o holy_a a_o servitude_n to_o preserve_v so_o great_a a_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o perpetual_o to_o take_v such_o comfort_n and_o joy_n in_o it_o the_o contrary_a of_o which_o be_v manifest_a for_o these_o be_v they_o who_o by_o their_o word_n and_o experience_n have_v confirm_v and_o do_v confirm_v it_o by_o their_o write_n and_o as_o be_v set_v free_a and_o only_a subject_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o almighty_a god_n do_v enjoy_v a_o most_o perfect_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o therefore_o all_o kind_n of_o deceit_n be_v far_o distant_a from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n every_o cause_n move_v by_o its_o own_o goodness_n which_o it_o seek_v to_o extend_v and_o communicate_v do_v as_o much_o as_o it_o may_v possible_a direct_v its_o effect_n to_o its_o proper_a end_n especial_o when_o the_o effect_n be_v dispose_v for_o it_o to_o which_o the_o more_o it_o approach_v the_o more_o it_o be_v delight_v and_o do_v acquiesce_v in_o it_o now_o god_n be_v supreme_o good_a and_o a_o most_o liberal_a and_o bountiful_a dispenser_n of_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o he_o direct_v all_o his_o effect_n which_o be_v well_o dispose_v to_o their_o proper_a and_o deserve_a end_n that_o they_o may_v take_v up_o their_o final_a rest_n in_o they_o now_o there_o be_v no_o more_o intense_a disposition_n for_o the_o end_n of_o man_n than_o that_o of_o most_o approve_a and_o religious_a man_n he_o will_v questionless_a direct_v they_o unto_o their_o wish_a end_n in_o which_o they_o obtain_v their_o desire_a rest_n in_o the_o enjoy_n their_o end_n but_o these_o by_o their_o daily_a progress_n be_v more_o confirm_v in_o the_o orthodox_n faith_n rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n do_v bend_v their_o whole_a endeavour_n in_o gain_v he_o alone_o set_v all_o other_o thing_n at_o naught_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o error_n or_o falsity_n in_o this_o faith_n otherwise_o by_o the_o divine_a direction_n by_o forsake_v more_o and_o more_o this_o false_a delight_n of_o mind_n they_o will_v be_v direct_v to_o their_o true_a and_o wish_a for_o end_n and_o tranquillity_n all_o joy_n be_v ground_v in_o some_o love_n or_o other_o for_o love_n be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o will_n or_o rational_a appetite_n from_o which_o the_o other_o act_n have_v their_o influnce_n the_o joy_n therefore_o and_o jubilee_n of_o mind_n which_o do_v most_o unfeigned_o appear_v in_o the_o countenance_n of_o those_o man_n not_o consist_v in_o any_o transitory_a fade_a or_o natural_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o all_o of_o they_o affirm_v with_o one_o voice_n and_o common_a consent_n that_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n crucify_v can_v be_v ground_v in_o any_o error_n or_o vain_a affection_n because_o the_o more_o upright_o and_o holy_o such_o man_n do_v live_v the_o more_o it_o will_v decay_v in_o they_o for_o as_o i_o have_v say_v if_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v false_a they_o will_v daily_o more_o apparent_o perceive_v that_o in_o their_o preposterous_a affection_n they_o be_v whole_o deceive_v and_o thence_o they_o will_v become_v more_o heavy_a and_o sorrowful_a but_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o deportment_n the_o chearfulnesse_n of_o their_o countenance_n that_o refulgent_a kind_n of_o sanctity_n in_o their_o exterior_a for_o which_o they_o be_v in_o such_o reverence_n and_o veneration_n of_o all_o man_n show_v it_o to_o be_v far_o otherwise_o whilst_o we_o may_v see_v they_o always_o in_o all_o event_n more_o pleasant_a content_a and_o joyful_a chap._n xii_o the_o same_o truth_n prove_v out_o of_o the_o extrinsical_a effect_n of_o christian_a life_n another_o effect_n of_o christian_a life_n be_v gather_v from_o the_o exterior_a man_n from_o their_o manner_n and_o deportment_n which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n a_o sign_n and_o argument_n of_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o divinity_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o many_o be_v even_o enforce_v to_o esteem_v and_o reverence_v they_o whence_o the_o venerable_a aspect_n of_o humble_a man_n have_v blunt_v and_o affright_v the_o proud_a and_o fierce_a mind_n of_o tyrant_n which_o we_o read_v of_o that_o powerful_a and_o barbarous_a king_n of_o the_o hunns_n attila_n though_o he_o can_v be_v satisfy_v by_o no_o slaughter_n or_o massacre_v of_o man_n nor_o terrify_v by_o any_o power_n of_o enemy_n yet_o at_o ravenna_n a_o speech_n of_o s._n leo_n pope_n set_v he_o pack_v out_o of_o italy_n and_o he_o contrary_a to_o his_o wont_a custom_n and_o not_o without_o the_o great_a admiration_n of_o his_o follower_n seem_v not_o only_o to_o reverence_v the_o venerable_a bishop_n but_o to_o obey_v he_o in_o a_o manner_n command_v he_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n totilas_n the_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 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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
of_o satisfaction_n in_o thing_n of_o such_o consequence_n but_o diligent_o to_o search_v out_o which_o among_o all_o the_o society_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v that_o bless_a company_n of_o holy_a one_o that_o household_n of_o faith_n that_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n that_o so_o they_o may_v embrace_v her_o commwion_n follow_v her_o direction_n and_o rest_n in_o her_o judgement_n now_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o follow_v this_o wholesome_a counsel_n let_v i_o advise_v thou_o with_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o peruse_v this_o ensue_a treatise_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v receive_v much_o benefit_n thereby_o for_o thy_o soul_n health_n thou_o have_v already_o the_o prayer_n of_o s._n augustine_n and_o thou_o shall_v have_v the_o hearty_a wish_n and_o desire_n of_o thy_o charitable_a wellwisher_n a._n p._n the_o table_n chap._n i._n how_o s._n augustine_n come_v to_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o manichee_n page_n 1_o chap._n ii_o that_o the_o manichee_n do_v condemn_v the_o old_a testament_n page_n 11_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o four_o way_n of_o expound_v the_o old_a testament_n page_n 15_o chap._n iu_o 3._o way_n whereby_o man_n fall_v into_o error_n page_n 31_o chap._n five_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n page_n 37_o chap._n vi_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v first_o to_o be_v love_v before_o it_o can_v be_v learned_a page_n 42_o 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 page_n 49_o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o way_n to_o the_o instruction_n of_o piety_n and_o of_o the_o wonderful_a pain_n s._n augustine_n take_v to_o find_v it_o out_o page_n 63_o chap._n ix_o of_o credulity_n page_n 68_o chap._n x._o why_o credulity_n be_v the_o way_n to_o religion_n page_n 75_o chap._n xi_o of_o understanding_n belief_n and_o opinion_n page_n 83_o chap._n xii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o believe_v wise_a man_n page_n 93_o chap._n xiii_o that_o religion_n take_v her_o beginning_n from_o believe_v page_n 98_o chap._n fourteen_o that_o christ_n chief_o exact_v belief_n page_n 104_o chap._n xv._o of_o the_o most_o commodious_a way_n to_o religion_n page_n 114_o chap._n xvi_o that_o miracle_n do_v procure_v belief_n page_n 117_o chap._n xvii_o the_o consent_n of_o nation_n believingin_n christ_n page_n 124_o chap._n xviii_o the_o conclusion_n by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n page_n 129_o the_o profit_n of_o believe_v chap._n i._n how_o saint_n augustine_n come_v to_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o manichee_n o_o honoratus_n if_o any_o heretic_n and_o a_o man_n believe_v heretic_n do_v seem_v unto_o i_o to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v silent_a at_o this_o present_a and_o to_o abstain_v both_o from_o speak_v and_o write_v in_o this_o cause_n but_o now_o whereas_o they_o do_v verymuch_o differ_v for_o he_o be_v a_o heretic_n according_a to_o my_o opinion_n who_o for_o some_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o chief_o for_o glory_n and_o his_o own_o preferment_n either_o broach_v or_o follow_v false_a and_o new_a opinion_n but_o a_o man_n believe_v heretic_n be_v one_o that_o be_v delude_v with_o a_o certain_a imagination_n of_o piety_n and_o truth_n i_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o deliver_v thou_o my_o opinion_n touch_v the_o find_v out_o and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n with_o the_o love_n whereof_o we_o have_v both_o as_o thou_o know_v be_v great_o inflame_v even_o from_o our_o youth_n truth_n be_v a_o thing_n far_o differ_v from_o that_o which_o vain_a man_n do_v conceive_v who_o have_v too_o deep_o settle_v their_o affection_n upon_o these_o bodily_a and_o corporal_a thing_n do_v hold_n and_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o what_o they_o do_v perceive_v and_o discern_v by_o those_o five_o most_o know_a messenger_n of_o the_o body_n and_o they_o to_o sse_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o rerevolve_v in_o their_o mind_n the_o impression_n and_o image_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o these_o thing_n even_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o disbelieve_v their_o sense_n and_o by_o a_o deadly_a and_o a_o most_o deceitful_a rule_v take_v from_o thence_o they_o think_v that_o they_o do_v frame_v a_o right_n and_o perfect_a judgement_n of_o the_o inefffable_a secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_a my_o most_o dear_a friend_n then_o for_o a_o man_n not_o only_o to_o say_v but_o also_o to_o think_v that_o he_o have_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o how_o extreme_a hard_a it_o be_v to_o find_v it_o out_o indeed_o thou_o will_v as_o i_o hope_v acknowledge_v and_o confess_v upon_o the_o perusal_n of_o these_o my_o writing_n which_o that_o they_o may_v prove_v beneficial_a unto_o thou_o or_o at_o least_o not_o hurtful_a and_o unto_o all_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n they_o may_v chance_v to_o light_n i_o have_v beseech_v the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o i_o do_v beseech_v he_o and_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v if_o my_o own_o conscience_n can_v but_o bear_v i_o witness_v that_o i_o come_v to_o write_v they_o not_o with_o a_o desire_n of_o vain_a renown_n or_o frivolous_a ostentation_n but_o with_o a_o pious_a and_o a_o serviceable_a mind_n my_o intent_n therefore_o be_v to_o prove_v unto_o thou_o if_o i_o can_v that_o it_o be_v sacrilegious_o and_o rash_o do_v of_o the_o manichee_n to_o speak_v bitter_a word_n and_o inveigh_v against_o those_o who_o follow_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v fortify_v and_o strengthen_v beforehand_o by_o believe_v and_o be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o light_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n before_o they_o can_v behold_v that_o verity_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v see_v and_o behold_v with_o a_o pure_a and_o clean_a mind_n for_o thou_o know_v o_o honoratus_n that_o we_o put_v ourselves_o into_o the_o company_n of_o such_o man_n for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o for_o that_o they_o say_v that_o the_o terror_n of_o authority_n be_v set_v aside_o they_o will_v with_o plain_a and_o admirable_a reason_n bring_v their_o hearer_n and_o follower_n unto_o god_n and_o free_v they_o from_o all_o error_n for_o what_o else_o be_v it_o that_o enforce_v i_o to_o follow_v they_o and_o to_o hearken_v to_o they_o attentive_o almost_o for_o the_o space_n of_o nine_o year_n have_v despise_v and_o contemn_v the_o religion_n which_o by_o my_o parent_n be_v ingraff_v in_o i_o be_v a_o little_a child_n but_o for_o that_o they_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v terrify_v with_o superstition_n and_o command_v to_o believe_v before_o any_o reason_n be_v give_v we_o of_o belief_n and_o that_o they_o importune_v and_o urge_v none_o to_o believe_v until_o the_o truth_n be_v first_o discuss_v and_o make_v manifest_a unto_o they_o who_o will_v not_o be_v allure_v with_o these_o promise_n especial_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o young_a man_n desirous_a of_o truth_n a_o babbler_n and_o one_o that_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o pride_n upon_o disputation_n have_v with_o some_o skilful_a and_o learned_a schoolman_n and_o such_o a_o one_o they_o find_v i_o then_o to_o be_v namely_o who_o despise_v my_o former_a religion_n like_o old_a wife_n tale_n and_o desire_v to_o embrace_v and_o with_o greediness_n to_o receive_v the_o manifest_a and_o sincere_a truth_n which_o they_o promise_v to_o teach_v and_o deliver_v but_o again_o what_o reason_n withdraw_v i_o and_o call_v i_o back_o that_o i_o do_v not_o whole_o adhere_v unto_o they_o but_o keep_v myself_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o hearer_n as_o they_o use_v to_o call_v they_o and_o do_v not_o forgo_v the_o hope_n and_o affair_n which_o i_o have_v in_o this_o world_n but_o for_o that_o i_o also_o note_v and_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v more_o eloquent_a and_o copious_a in_o confute_v other_o then_o firm_a and_o certain_a in_o prove_v and_o maintain_v their_o own_o ground_n but_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o myself_o who_o be_v now_o become_v a_o catholic_n christian_n who_o be_v almost_o exhaust_v and_o greedy_a after_o a_o very_a long_a thirst_n be_v now_o with_o a_o ardent_a affection_n return_v again_o to_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o church_n which_o i_o shake_v and_o wring_v much_o weep_v and_o lament_v to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v not_o only_o draw_v from_o thence_o sufficient_a comfort_n for_o my_o misery_n and_o affliction_n but_o may_v also_o recover_v my_o former_a hope_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n what_o then_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o myself_o and_o as_o for_o thou_o thou_o do_v so_o vehement_o hate_v and_o detest_v they_o that_o i_o can_v hardly_o draw_v thou_o by_o entreaty_n and_o exhortation_n to_o