doctrine_n in_o which_o likewise_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n follow_v universality_n antiquity_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o at_o any_o time_n a_o part_n rebel_n against_o the_o whole_a novelty_n against_o antiquity_n the_o dissension_n of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o seduce_v with_o error_n against_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o or_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o catholic_n in_o that_o case_n let_v they_o prefer_v the_o integrity_n of_o universality_n before_o the_o corruption_n of_o a_o part_n and_o in_o universality_n let_v they_o also_o prefer_v the_o religion_n of_o antiquity_n before_o profane_a novelty_n and_o again_o in_o antiquity_n let_v they_o prefer_v before_o the_o temerity_n of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o the_o decree_n of_o a_o general_a council_n if_o any_o be_v or_o if_o no_o such_o be_v find_v let_v they_o take_v that_o which_o be_v next_o hand_n that_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o opinion_n of_o many_o and_o great_a 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and_o fraudulent_o to_o expound_v they_o straightway_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o the_o father_n opinion_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v together_o by_o which_o let_v any_o what_o soever_o new_a and_o therefore_o profane_a doctrine_n grow_v up_o with_o out_o all_o delay_n be_v deject_v &_o speedy_o condemn_v but_o those_o father_n opinion_n only_o be_v to_o be_v confer_v together_o which_o with_o holiness_n wisdom_n and_o constancy_n live_v teach_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o final_o deserve_v tody_n in_o christ_n or_o happy_o for_o christ_n to_o be_v martyr_v who_o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v with_o this_o condition_n that_o whatsoever_o either_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n with_o one_o mind_n plain_o common_o and_o constant_o as_o it_o be_v a_o council_n of_o doctor_n agree_v together_o have_v decree_v and_o set_v down_o receive_v it_o from_o their_o ancestor_n hold_v it_o for_o their_o time_n and_o deliver_v it_o to_o their_o posterity_n let_v that_o be_v have_v and_o account_v for_o undoubted_a for_o certain_a and_o firm_a truth_n and_o whatsoever_o any_o although_o holy_a and_o learned_a although_o a_o bishop_n although_o a_o confessor_n and_o martyr_n have_v hold_v otherwise_o then_o all_o or_o against_o all_o let_v that_o be_v put_v aside_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o common_a public_a and_o general_a faith_n and_o repute_v among_o his_o own_o proper_a private_a and_o fecret_a opinion_n lest_o with_o great_a danger_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n we_o do_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o sacrilegious_a heretic_n and_o schismatic_n forsake_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o universal_a faith_n and_o follow_v the_o novel_a error_n of_o some_o one_o man_n the_o holy_a &_o catholic_n mind_n of_o which_o bless_a father_n lest_o any_o man_n think_v that_o he_o may_v rash_o contemn_v the_o apostle_n say_v in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o some_o very_o have_v god_n set_v in_o his_o church_n first_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 12._o of_o which_o himself_o be_v one_o second_o prophet_n as_o agabus_n be_v of_o who_o we_o read_v in_o the_o act_n cap._n 11._o three_o doctor_n which_o now_o be_v call_v tractatour_n whem_o also_o this_o apostle_n some_o time_n narn_v prophet_n because_o their_o office_n be_v to_o expound_v and_o declare_v to_o the_o people_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o prophet_n these_o therefore_o dispose_v and_o place_v by_o god_n at_o divers_a time_n and_o sundry_a place_n agree_v and_o consent_v all_o in_o one_o mind_n in_o christ_n touch_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n whosoever_o contemn_v do_v not_o contemn_v man_n but_o god_n and_o that_o we_o disagree_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n from_o the_o perfect_a and_o true_a unity_n of_o those_o father_n the_o same_o apostle_n do_v earnest_o beseech_v all_o christian_n say_v i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n that_o you_o say_v all_o one_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_a in_o one_o sense_n and_o in_o one_o knowledge_n 1_o cor._n 1_o and_o if_o any_o man_n separate_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o opinion_n let_v he_o hear_v that_o say_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n he_o be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o dissension_n but_o of_o peace_n ch_z 14._o that_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o leave_v consent_n and_o unity_n but_o of_o they_o that_o remain_v in_o peace_n and_o agreement_n as_o i_o do_v quoth_v he_o teach_v in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v of_o the_o catholic_n which_o therefore_o be_v holy_a because_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o lest_o happy_o any_o one_o shall_v contemn_v other_o and_o proud_o require_v only_a to_o be_v hear_v only_o to_o be_v believe_v straight_o after_o he_o say_v what_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n quoth_v he_o proceed_v from_o you_o or_o have_v it_o only_o come_v unto_o you_o and_o lest_o this_o may_v be_v take_v as_o speak_v slight_o he_o add_v if_o any_o quoth_v he_o seem_v a_o prophet_n or_o spiritual_a that_o be_v a_o master_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n let_v he_o be_v a_o zealous_a lover_n of_o unity_n and_o peace_n in_o such_o wise_a that_o he_o neither_o prefer_v his_o own_o opinion_n before_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o neither_o leave_v or_o forsake_v the_o sense_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n the_o commandment_n of_o which_o thing_n he_o that_o be_v quoth_v he_o ignorant_a of_o that_o be_v he_o that_o learn_v not_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o yet_o know_v not_o or_o contemn_v those_o which_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v know_v that_o be_v he_o shall_v be_v think_v unworthy_a who_o among_o such_o as_o be_v unite_v in_o faith_n and_o equal_a humility_n god_n shall_v regard_v and_o look_v upon_o a_o great_a evil_n then_o which_o i_o doubt_v whether_o any_o man_n can_v invent_v or_o devise_v which_o yet_o notwithstanding_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n commination_n we_o see_v to_o have_v fall_v upon_o julian_n the_o pelagian_a who_o either_o contemn_v to_o be_v join_v at_o all_o in_o opinion_n with_o his_o fellow_n or_o else_o presume_v to_o separate_v himself_o from_o their_o society_n and_o communion_n but_o now_o it_o be_v time_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o example_n which_o we_o promise_v how_o and_o after_o what_o sort_n the_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o holy_a father_n be_v gather_v together_o that_o according_a to_o they_o by_o the_o decree_n &_o authority_n of_o a_o council_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v set_v down_o which_o to_o the_o end_n that_o i_o may_v more_o commodious_o do_v i_o will_v here_o make_v a_o end_n of_o this_o commonitorie_a and_o so_o take_v another_o beginning_n for_o declare_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v follow_v a_o recapitulation_n of_o all_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
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
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 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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
comprehend_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o universal_a and_o that_o shall_v we_o do_v if_o we_o follow_v universality_n antiquity_n consent_n universality_n shall_v we_o follow_v thus_o if_o we_o profess_v that_o one_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a which_o the_o church_n throughout_o the_o world_n acknowledge_v and_o confess_v antiquity_n shall_v we_o follow_v if_o we_o disagree_v not_o any_o whit_n in_o opinion_n from_o they_o who_o all_o know_v that_o our_o holy_a elder_n and_o father_n reverence_v and_o have_v in_o great_a estimation_n consent_n shall_v we_o likewise_o follow_v if_o among_o our_o forefather_n we_o hold_v the_o definition_n and_o opinion_n of_o all_o or_o almost_o of_o all_o the_o priest_n and_o doctor_n together_o chap._n ii_o what_o then_o shall_v a_o christian_n catholic_n do_v if_o some_o small_a part_n of_o the_o church_n cut_v itself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o universal_a faith_n what_o else_o but_o prefetre_n the_o health_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n before_o the_o pestiferous_a and_o corrupt_a member_n what_o if_o some_o new_a infection_n go_v about_o to_o corrupt_v not_o only_o a_o little_a part_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n then_o likewise_o shall_v he_o regard_v and_o be_v sure_a to_o cleave_v unto_o antiquity_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v seduce_v by_o any_o crafty_a novelty_n what_o if_o in_o antiquity_n itself_o and_o among_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v find_v some_o error_n of_o two_o or_o three_o man_n or_o haply_o of_o some_o one_o city_n or_o province_n then_o shall_v he_o diligent_o take_v heed_n that_o he_o prefer_v the_o decree_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o universal_a ancient_a church_n before_o the_o temerity_n or_o folly_n of_o a_o few_o what_o if_o some_o such_o case_n happen_v where_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v find_v then_o shall_v he_o labour_v by_o confer_v and_o lay_v together_o among_o themselves_o the_o ancient_a father_n opinion_n not_o of_o all_o but_o of_o those_o only_o which_o live_v at_o diverse_a time_n and_o sundry_a place_n yet_o remain_v in_o the_o communion_n and_o faith_n of_o one_o catholic_n church_n be_v approve_v master_n and_o guide_v to_o be_v follow_v and_o whatsoever_o he_o perceive_v not_o one_o or_o two_o but_o all_o joint_o with_o one_o consent_n plain_o usual_o constant_o to_o have_v hold_v write_v and_o teach_v let_v he_o know_v that_o without_o all_o scruple_n or_o doubt_n he_o ought_v to_o believe_v hold_v and_o profess_v that_o faith_n that_o doctrine_n that_o religion_n but_o for_o more_o perspicuity_n and_o light_n of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v each_o part_n be_v to_o be_v make_v clear_a with_o several_a example_n and_o somewhat_o more_o at_o large_a to_o be_v amplify_v lest_o too_o much_o brevity_n breed_v obscurity_n and_o overmuch_o have_v in_o speech_n take_v away_o the_o substance_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n when_o in_o the_o time_n of_o donatus_n of_o who_o come_v the_o donatist_n a_o great_a part_n of_o africa_n fall_v headlong_o into_o his_o furious_a error_n and_o unmindful_a of_o her_o name_n religion_n and_o profession_n prefer_v the_o sacrilegious_a terrietity_n of_o one_o man_n before_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n then_o all_o those_o of_o afriek_n which_o detest_v that_o profane_a schism_n and_o unite_a themselves_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o the_o world_n they_o only_o among_o they_o all_o remain_v with_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v be_v save_v leave_v certain_o a_o notable_a example_n to_o their_o posterity_n how_o ever_o after_o by_o good_a custom_n the_o sound_a doctrine_n of_o all_o man_n aught_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o madness_n of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o likewise_o when_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o arian_n have_v near_o corrupt_v not_o a_o little_a part_n but_o well_o nigh_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o almost_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n deceive_v partly_o by_o force_n partly_o by_o fraud_n man_n mind_n be_v cover_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o mist_n what_o especial_o in_o so_o great_a a_o confusion_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v than_o whosoever_o be_v a_o lover_n and_o a_o follower_n of_o christ_n and_o prefer_v ancient_a faith_n before_o new_a error_n be_v not_o touch_v with_o any_o spot_n of_o that_o infection_n the_o danger_n of_o which_o time_n do_v abundant_o show_v what_o calamity_n enter_v in_o when_o a_o new_a doctrine_n be_v admit_v for_o at_o that_o time_n not_o only_o small_a matter_n but_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n be_v overthrow_v for_o not_o only_a alliance_n kindred_n friend_n family_n but_o also_o city_n commonwealth_n country_n province_n yea_o &_o at_o length_n the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n be_v snaken_v and_o overturn_v for_o when_o the_o profane_a novelty_n of_o the_o arian_n like_o some_o bellona_n or_o sury_n have_v first_o take_v captive_a the_o emperor_n afterward_o subdue_a all_o palace_n to_o her_o new_a law_n never_o cease_v after_o that_o to_o trouble_v and_o confound_v all_o thing_n private_a and_o public_a holy_a and_o not_o holy_a put_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o good_a and_o truth_n but_o as_o it_o be_v from_o a_o high_a place_n do_v strike_v all_o at_o her_o pleasure_n then_o marry_v woman_n be_v defile_v widow_n spoil_v virgin_n violate_v abbey_n suppress_v clergyman_n vex_v deacon_n beat_v priest_n banish_v dungeon_n prison_n mine_n fill_v with_o holy_a man_n of_o which_o the_o great_a part_n banish_v the_o city_n like_o exile_n pine_v and_o consume_v away_o among_o desert_n den_n and_o wild_a beast_n with_o nakedness_n thirst_n and_o hunger_n and_o all_o this_o misery_n have_v it_o any_o other_o beginning_n but_o because_o humane_a superstition_n be_v admit_v for_o heavenly_a doctrine_n well_o ground_v antiquity_n subvert_v by_o wicked_a novelty_n while_o our_o superior_n decree_n be_v violate_v our_o father_n ordinance_n break_v the_o canon_n of_o our_o ancestor_n abrogate_a and_o while_o the_o licentious_a liberty_n of_o profane_a and_o new_a curiofitie_n keep_v not_o itself_o within_o the_o chaste_a limit_n of_o sacred_a and_o sound_a antiquity_n but_o perhaps_o we_o devise_v all_o this_o of_o hatred_n to_o novelty_n and_o affection_n to_o antiquity_n who_o so_o think_v at_o least_o let_v he_o give_v credit_n to_o bless_a ambrose_n who_o in_o his_o second_o book_n to_o gratian_n the_o emperor_n bewail_v the_o sharp_a persecution_n of_o that_o time_n say_v thus_o but_o now_o o_o god_n quoth_v he_o we_o have_v sufficient_o wash_v and_o purge_v with_o our_o ruin_n and_o blood_n the_o death_n of_o the_o confessor_n the_o banishment_n of_o priest_n and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o so_o great_a impiety_n it_o have_v manifest_o appear_v that_o they_o can_v be_v safe_a which_o have_v violate_v and_o forsake_v their_o faith_n likewise_o in_o his_o three_o book_n of_o the_o same_o work_n let_v we_o therefore_o quoth_v he_o keep_v the_o precept_n of_o our_o elder_n &_o not_o with_o temerity_n of_o rude_a presumption_n violate_v those_o seal_n descend_v to_o we_o by_o inheritance_n none_o dare_v open_v that_o prophetical_a book_n close_o seal_v not_o the_o elder_n not_o the_o power_n not_o the_o angel_n not_o the_o archangell_n to_o explicate_v and_o interpret_v that_o book_n be_v a_o prerogative_n only_o reserve_v to_o christ_n the_o preistlike_a book_n seal_v by_o the_o confessor_n and_o consecrate_a with_o the_o death_n of_o many_o martyr_n which_o of_o we_o dare_v presume_v to_o open_v which_o book_n such_o as_o be_v compel_v to_o unseal_v notwithstanding_o afterward_o when_o the_o fraud_n be_v condemn_v they_o seal_v again_o they_o which_o dare_v not_o violate_v or_o touch_v it_o become_v martyr_n how_o can_v we_o deny_v their_o faith_n who_o victory_n we_o so_o praise_v &_o commend_v we_o commend_v they_o i_o say_v o_o venerable_a ambrose_n we_o sure_o commend_v they_o and_o with_o praise_n admire_v they_o for_o who_o be_v so_o senseless_a that_o although_o he_o can_v arrive_v to_o their_o perfection_n desire_v not_o yet_o to_o imitate_v who_o no_o force_n can_v they_o remove_v from_o defend_v their_o ancestor_n faith_n not_o threaten_n not_o flatter_n not_o life_n not_o death_n not_o the_o king_n not_o the_o emperor_n not_o man_n not_o devil_n those_o i_o say_v who_o for_o maintenance_n of_o religious_a antiquity_n our_o lord_n vouchsase_v of_o so_o high_a and_o so_o great_a a_o grace_n that_o by_o they_o he_o will_v repair_v the_o overthrow_v church_n give_v life_n to_o the_o dead_a spiritualty_n restore_v the_o overthrow_v glory_n of_o priest_n blot_v out_o &_o wash_v away_o with_o a_o fountain_n of_o heavenly_a tear_n which_o god_n put_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o bishop_n those_o wicked_a not_o book_n but_o blotte_n and_o blur_n of_o new_a impiety_n final_o to_o restore_v almost_o the_o whole_a world_n shake_v with_o the_o cruel_a tempest_n of_o upstart_n heresy_n to_o the_o ancient_a faith_n
noble_a effect_n to_o noble_a cause_n for_o all_o cause_n must_v be_v perfect_a than_o their_o effect_n now_o in_o humane_a affair_n there_o be_v no_o noble_a effect_n than_o a_o christian_a life_n which_o consequent_o must_v proceed_v from_o the_o most_o noble_a cause_n now_o we_o see_v this_o whole_o to_o flow_v from_o christ_n who_o therefore_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a of_o all_o cause_n secundary_a cause_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o primary_n or_o the_o first_o cause_n a_o christian_a life_n therefore_o proceed_v from_o christ_n as_o from_o his_o cause_n we_o must_v confess_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o man_n crucify_v be_v the_o instrument_n of_o produce_v this_o excellent_a effect_n of_o christian_a perfection_n now_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o also_o god_n as_o he_o teach_v himself_o to_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o man_n more_o wicked_a and_o execrable_a and_o by_o this_o mean_v almighty_a god_n will_v use_v a_o most_o detestable_a 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notwithstanding_o great_a endeavour_n do_v to_o that_o effect_n nay_o in_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o they_o none_o almost_o without_o the_o direction_n of_o christian_a faith_n have_v be_v able_a to_o effect_v any_o thing_n which_o yet_o we_o see_v in_o that_o short_a time_n and_o exact_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o christian_a discipline_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o every_o sex_n and_o age_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o in_o deed_n there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o philosophical_a document_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a life_n neither_o for_o morality_n nor_o religion_n for_o what_o be_v more_o admirable_a then_o that_o a_o most_o lewd_a and_o wicked_a man_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o daily_a example_n of_o all_o age_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v true_o convert_v himself_o unto_o christ_n crucify_v become_v a_o new_a man_n of_o proud_a and_o envious_a humble_a and_o courteous_a of_o covetous_a and_o sordid_a liberal_a and_o bountiful_a of_o lewd_a and_o luxurious_a become_v continent_n and_o chaste_a and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o faith_n suck_v in_o the_o respective_a antidote_n for_o his_o particular_a vice_n and_o with_o a_o manifold_a interest_n recompense_v and_o repay_v the_o debt_n of_o his_o former_a vice_n which_o never_o any_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n have_v attain_v unto_o whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o principal_a or_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o it_o and_o a_o medicine_n which_o restore_v all_o morality_n and_o produce_v a_o most_o perfect_a life_n in_o his_o faithful_a 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 the_o read_n hear_v and_o contemplation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o christian_a perfection_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n of_o faith_n be_v those_o which_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n we_o know_v that_o in_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o determinate_a knowledge_n of_o future_a contingency_n of_o which_o we_o can_v frame_v no_o act_n nor_o science_n which_o make_v the_o most_o famous_a and_o learned_a of_o all_o philosopher_n conclude_v that_o man_n can_v have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o future_a thing_n subject_a to_o chance_v and_o to_o have_v it_o be_v proper_a only_o to_o almighty_a god_n who_o be_v eternal_a comprehend_v in_o his_o eternity_n all_o thing_n the_o which_o be_v clear_o lay_v open_a to_o his_o understanding_n and_o of_o the_o which_o man_n can_v arrive_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n unless_o they_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o by_o almighty_a god_n see_v therefore_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n almost_o every_o where_o but_o chief_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v foretell_v future_a contingency_n which_o depend_v on_o man_n freewill_n not_o only_o in_o general_a term_n but_o most_o exact_o intend_v unto_o particular_n and_o that_o not_o those_o of_o one_o ten_o a_o hundred_o or_o a_o thousand_o year_n but_o have_v foretell_v those_o of_o two_o three_o and_o four_o thousand_o year_n and_o not_o only_o those_o which_o befall_v unto_o the_o jew_n and_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n his_o spouse_n the_o church_n but_o as_o it_o be_v foretell_v all_o the_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n which_o shall_v happen_v to_o almost_o all_o nation_n as_o the_o assyrian_n chaldean_n persian_n mede_n greek_n roman_n and_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o just_a as_o it_o be_v foretell_v it_o most_o exact_o come_v to_o pass_v we_o must_v necessary_o confess_v that_o the_o scripture_n come_v from_o god_n and_o be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o industry_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o those_o which_o as_o yet_o remain_v to_o be_v fulfil_v be_v to_o be_v hold_v most_o infallible_a as_o proceed_v from_o 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the_o concord_n so_o that_o that_o which_o be_v obscure_o touch_v in_o one_o place_n in_o another_o be_v find_v manifest_a so_o as_o the_o whole_a scripture_n may_v seem_v to_o explicate_v itself_o this_o if_o it_o be_v unknown_a to_o those_o which_o be_v ignorant_a of_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o those_o who_o have_v enrich_v their_o understanding_n with_o the_o treasure_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o most_o sincere_a fountain_n of_o verity_n if_o therefore_o they_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n let_v they_o with_o piety_n humility_n and_o purity_n search_v into_o the_o same_o fountain_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o questionless_a they_o will_v be_v of_o our_o opinion_n wherefore_o allegorical_a exposition_n agree_v only_o to_o holy_a scripture_n because_o this_o alone_a be_v that_o which_o have_v descend_v from_o almighty_a god_n as_o he_o exercise_v his_o all-seeing_a and_o celestial_a wisdom_n i_o call_v a_o allegory_n not_o the_o fabulous_a interpretation_n poet_n
to_o do_v perverse_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o come_v disprove_v i_o if_o you_o can_v or_o if_o you_o can_v confess_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o preach_v unto_o you_o be_v true_a the_o xv._o conclusion_n that_o christian_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o christ_n crucify_v also_o do_v find_v inestimable_a delectation_n we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o invisible_a thing_n in_o this_o life_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o thing_n visible_a because_o as_o philosophy_n teach_v our_o understanding_n natural_o follow_v the_o fantasy_n that_o be_v apprehend_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v prepare_v as_o it_o be_v and_o offer_v to_o she_o from_o thence_o now_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a object_n in_o the_o world_n which_o can_v more_o effectual_o lead_v we_o unto_o the_o knowledge_n and_o contemplation_n of_o divine_a thing_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n crucify_v proceed_v from_o a_o lively_a faith_n because_o indeed_o nothing_o can_v more_o effectual_o declare_v the_o 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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 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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 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man_n to_o scorn_n yea_o our_o lord_n shall_v have_v they_o inderifion_n for_o indeed_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o seem_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o understand_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v but_o the_o true_a christion_n the_o man_n that_o have_v supernatural_a light_n in_o he_o shall_v discern_v they_o and_o if_o with_o pure_a intention_n and_o a_o humble_a heart_n he_o set_v himself_o to_o the_o read_n of_o holy_a scripture_n meditate_v or_o consider_v well_o what_o he_o read_v and_o beg_v the_o grace_n of_o divine_a illumination_n with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n from_o god_n this_o man_n i_o say_v shall_v doubtless_o be_v wonderful_o elevate_v by_o read_v and_o fit_v for_o divine_a favour_n and_o shall_v find_v those_o endless_a and_o immortal_a pleasure_n in_o they_o which_o do_v incomparable_o exceed_v the_o great_a of_o this_o world_n for_o this_o be_v certain_a every_o thing_n be_v best_a delight_v with_o that_o which_o be_v connaturall_a unto_o it_o as_o different_z humour_n do_v always_o affect_v different_a recreation_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o poet_n trahit_fw-la sva_fw-la quemque_fw-la voluptas_fw-la every_o man_n have_v his_o own_o fancy_n but_o unto_o he_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o supernatur_fw-la all_o light_n the_o most_o natural_a that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a study_n of_o all_o be_v certain_o the_o study_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o proceed_v from_o that_o same_o fountain_n of_o light_n therefore_o also_o in_o the_o read_n and_o contemplation_n of_o they_o the_o true_a christian_a find_v his_o great_a content_n beside_o every_o thing_n be_v best_a please_v in_o such_o kind_n of_o action_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o itself_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a for_o a_o christian_a then_o the_o contemplation_n of_o christ_n crucify_v by_o the_o study_n of_o scripture_n for_o shall_v he_o go_v about_o to_o conceive_v or_o meditate_v of_o he_o mere_o according_a to_o natural_a reason_n or_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n neglect_v scripture_n he_o will_v certain_o find_v less_o proficiency_n and_o perhaps_o run_v himself_o into_o some_o hazard_n of_o dangerous_a error_n for_o such_o contemplation_n be_v pure_o natural_a imperfect_a and_o by_o which_o he_o shall_v never_o attain_v unto_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n of_o which_o thing_n we_o have_v example_n in_o our_o modern_a divine_n who_o seem_v to_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o aristotle_n and_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n be_v become_v general_o less_o devout_a less_o contemplative_a than_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n beside_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o understanding_n the_o high_a it_o be_v the_o great_a delight_n it_o cause_v in_o the_o acquisition_n now_o the_o veritye_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o most_o high_a and_o mysterious_a of_o all_o other_o because_o they_o treat_v principal_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v undiscernible_a by_o natural_a light_n again_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o man_n nature_n which_o be_v never_o long_o delight_v with_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o always_o affect_v variety_n and_o change_n of_o pleasure_n the_o sacred_a scripture_n do_v become_v a_o most_o agreeable_a exercise_n to_o our_o spirit_n for_o how_o admirable_a how_o ravish_v be_v that_o variety_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o they_o of_o history_n of_o sense_n of_o type_n of_o figure_n and_o yet_o a_o most_o exquisite_a harmony_n between_o they_o all_o all_o the_o part_n all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n exact_o consent_v in_o one_o and_o point_v unto_o the_o same_o general_a and_o supreme_a verity_n or_o end_n which_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n of_o which_o while_n they_o treat_v sometime_o historical_o and_o plain_o sometime_o more_o mystical_o and_o profound_o they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v present_v a_o nosegay_n of_o celestial_a and_o various_a flower_n unto_o our_o soul_n which_o continual_o change_v do_v yet_o most_o constant_o increase_v spiritual_a content_n we_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o in_o the_o read_n and_o meditation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n most_o exquisite_a delight_n be_v find_v the_o xvii_o conclusion_n that_o a_o good_a christian_a the_o more_o simple_o that_o be_v to_o say_v sincere_o he_o live_v the_o great_a consolation_n he_o have_v from_o god_n from_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o from_o the_o study_n of_o holy_a scripture_n this_o be_v true_a whither_o we_o speak_v of_o simplicity_n only_o interior_a or_o that_o of_o the_o heart_n for_o the_o understanding_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n together_o with_o his_o affection_n the_o more_o pure_a and_o sincere_a they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v they_o render_v he_o fit_a and_o capable_a of_o divine_a illustration_n for_o this_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n do_v indeed_o require_v that_o we_o be_v altogether_o purge_v from_o terrene_a and_o gross_a affection_n to_o the_o end_n that_o a_o man_n spirit_n may_v be_v entire_o set_v upon_o god_n and_o by_o this_o simplicity_n or_o purity_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v make_v like_o unto_o he_o it_o be_v true_a also_o in_o regard_n of_o simplicity_n exterior_a or_o that_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o action_n and_o conversation_n of_o man_n as_o be_v manifest_a for_o to_o contemplate_v well_o divine_a mystery_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v in_o great_a rest_n and_o very_o well_o compose_v in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o we_o see_v common_o that_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o partake_v of_o divine_a illumination_n do_v retire_v themselves_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o the_o noise_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o world_n as_o of_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n it_o be_v say_v i_o will_v lead_v she_o into_o the_o wilderness_n say_v he_o that_o be_v into_o solitude_n and_o there_o will_v i_o speak_v to_o her_o heart_n and_o in_o a_o other_o place_n he_o shall_v sit_v alone_o and_o keep_v silence_n because_o by_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v be_v lift_v up_o above_o himself_o and_o contrariwise_o we_o see_v the_o rich_a a_o man_n be_v and_o more_o encumber_v with_o worldly_a affair_n the_o less_o be_v he_o affect_v unto_o contemplation_n but_o where_o a_o man_n outward_a affair_n be_v few_o or_o none_o there_o be_v always_o less_o distraction_n of_o mind_n therefore_o our_o holy_a father_n and_o predecessor_n in_o the_o contemplative_a life_n be_v always_o wont_a to_o renounce_v their_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o retire_v themselves_o into_o solitude_n thereby_o more_o prompt_o and_o ready_o to_o attend_v divine_a meditation_n every_o man_n therefore_o in_o his_o particular_a degree_n and_o quality_n shall_v find_v the_o more_o simple_o and_o upright_o he_o endeavour_v to_o live_v the_o great_a consolation_n he_o shall_v receive_v from_o god_n and_o from_o christ_n the_o xviii_o conclusion_n that_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v the_o only_o bless_a life_n never_o be_v there_o nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v find_v out_o any_o kind_n of_o life_n more_o happy_a than_o that_o because_o none_o better_o if_o therefore_o the_o life_n of_o any_o man_n may_v be_v account_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v certain_o that_o of_o christian_n for_o if_o we_o observe_v it_o comprehend_v all_o those_o perfection_n wherein_o the_o philosopher_n ancient_o place_v happiness_n and_o so_o have_v whatsoever_o they_o judge_v good_a and_o desirable_a as_o for_o example_n if_o we_o place_v happiness_n as_o some_o of_o they_o do_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o thing_n divine_a there_o be_v none_o more_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a then_o those_o which_o the_o christian_a life_n afford_v if_o we_o place_v it_o in_o moral_a virtue_n and_o in_o the_o life_n active_a that_o be_v in_o good_a government_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o there_o be_v no_o better_a to_o be_v desire_v by_o man_n then_o that_o which_o christian_a philosophy_n prescribe_v if_o we_o place_v it_o in_o riches_n honour_n power_n dignity_n or_o other_o good_n of_o the_o body_n though_o this_o may_v seem_v hard_a yet_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v not_o altogether_o uncapable_a of_o these_o and_o have_v no_o absolute_a repugnance_n to_o they_o for_o we_o say_v whatsoever_o perfection_n appear_v in_o the_o effect_n be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o cause_n as_o the_o sun_n which_o cause_v heat_n in_o all_o inferior_a body_n be_v itself_o also_o at_o least_o virtual_o hot_a it_o be_v not_o indeed_o necessary_a the_o cause_n shall_v contain_v every_o particular_a perfection_n of_o the_o effect_n formal_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o effect_n do_v it_o suffice_v that_o it_o be_v contain_v eminent_o as_o we_o say_v or_o by_o some_o more_o excellent_a way_n than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o effect_n so_o in_o proportion_n we_o also_o say_v that_o the_o christian_a life_n do_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
be_v false_a and_o be_v think_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o author_n that_o write_v it_o the_o second_o kind_n not_o be_v of_o so_o large_a a_o extent_n yet_o no_o less_o damageable_a and_o hurtful_a than_o the_o former_a be_v when_o that_o which_o be_v false_a be_v think_v to_o be_v true_a and_o be_v think_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o author_n that_o write_v it_o the_o three_o kind_n be_v when_o some_o truth_n be_v learn_v out_o of_o another_o man_n writing_n which_o the_o author_n himself_o that_o write_v it_o understand_v not_o in_o which_o kind_n there_o be_v no_o small_a profit_n yea_o if_o thou_o do_v consider_v it_o attentive_o thou_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o reader_n gain_v unto_o himself_o the_o whole_a profit_n of_o the_o read_n a_o example_n of_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v this_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v and_o believe_v that_o rhadamanthus_n hear_v and_o judge_v in_o hell_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o dead_a because_o he_o read_v it_o in_o virgil_n verse_n for_o this_o man_n err_v two_o manner_n of_o way_n first_o for_o that_o he_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v and_o second_o for_o that_o the_o author_n which_o he_o read_v be_v not_o think_v to_o have_v believe_v it_o a_o example_n of_o the_o second_o kind_n may_v be_v this_o because_o lucretius_n write_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v make_v of_o atom_n and_o that_o after_o death_n it_o be_v dissolve_v into_o the_o same_o atom_n and_o perish_v if_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v that_o this_o be_v true_a and_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o believe_v it_o for_o this_o man_n be_v not_o less_o unhappy_a for_o persuade_v himself_o certain_o in_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o indeed_o be_v false_a for_o that_o lucretius_n by_o who_o book_n he_o be_v deceive_v be_v of_o that_o opinion_n for_o what_o do_v it_o avail_v he_o to_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o author_n opinion_n when_o as_o he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o author_n not_o by_o who_o but_o with_o who_o he_o may_v err_v and_o be_v deceive_v a_o example_n of_o the_o three_o kind_n be_v this_o if_o any_o one_o have_v read_v some_o place_n in_o epicurus_n his_o work_n wherein_o he_o praise_v continency_n shall_v affirm_v that_o he_o place_v the_o chief_a good_a and_o felicity_n in_o virtue_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v nor_o reprehend_v now_o though_o epicurus_n believe_v that_o the_o chief_a happiness_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o corporal_a pleasure_n yet_o what_o prejudice_n do_v this_o man_n receive_v and_o sustain_v by_o his_o error_n when_o as_o he_o hold_v not_o so_o filthy_a and_o hurtful_a a_o opinion_n nor_o for_o any_o other_o cause_n be_v he_o please_v with_o epicurus_n but_o for_o that_o he_o conceive_v he_o not_o to_o have_v hold_v so_o bad_a a_o opinion_n as_o ought_v not_o indeed_o to_o have_v be_v hold_v and_o maintain_v this_o error_n be_v not_o only_o humane_a and_o pardonable_a but_o also_o oftentimes_o most_o worthy_a of_o a_o man_n for_o what_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v make_v i_o this_o relation_n touch_v one_o of_o my_o love_a friend_n that_o my_o friend_n when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o man_n estate_n tell_v he_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o many_o that_o his_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n have_v be_v so_o please_v and_o delightful_a unto_o he_o that_o even_o he_o swear_v he_o will_v lead_v such_o a_o life_n afterward_o and_o that_o i_o have_v receive_v such_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n that_o i_o can_v not_o without_o shame_n and_o impudence_n deny_v it_o shall_v i_o seem_v worthy_a of_o blame_n and_o reproof_n if_o i_o shall_v think_v that_o when_o he_o say_v this_o he_o mean_v and_o intend_v to_o signify_v thereby_o that_o he_o take_v much_o delight_n in_o a_o innocent_a life_n and_o a_o mind_n alienate_v from_o those_o appetite_n and_o desire_n wherewith_o mankind_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v involve_v and_o thereupon_o my_o love_n and_o affection_n towards_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o increaf_v although_o perhaps_o the_o young_a man_n have_v be_v foolish_a in_o his_o tender_a age_n have_v great_o affect_v a_o certain_a liberty_n in_o play_v and_o eat_v and_o sluggish_a rest_n for_o suppose_v he_o have_v die_v after_o i_o have_v receive_v this_o relation_n touch_v he_o and_o no_o body_n can_v be_v find_v that_o can_v tell_v i_o what_o his_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n be_v herein_o will_v any_o one_o be_v so_o mischievous_a and_o wicked_a as_o to_o fall_v out_o and_o be_v angry_a with_o i_o for_o praise_v his_o resolution_n and_o intention_n according_a to_o the_o intelligence_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v and_o impart_v unto_o i_o yea_o what_o if_o a_o just_a valuer_n and_o esteemer_n of_o thing_n shall_v perhaps_o make_v no_o difficulty_n to_o praise_v and_o commend_v my_o good_a will_n and_o opinion_n for_o that_o i_o be_v take_v and_o delight_v with_o innocency_n and_o be_v a_o man_n will_v rather_o frame_v a_o good_a conceit_n of_o another_o man_n in_o a_o doubtful_a matter_n even_o when_o he_o speak_v otherwise_o then_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v chap._n v._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n now_o thou_o have_v hear_v the_o three_o kind_n of_o error_n into_o which_o man_n may_v fall_v that_o read_v any_o thing_n hear_v also_o so_o many_o condition_n and_o difference_n of_o the_o same_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o so_o many_o do_v occur_v for_o either_o some_o one_o have_v write_v a_o profitable_a work_n and_o another_o do_v not_o right_o and_o profitable_o understand_v it_o or_o the_o writer_n and_o the_o reader_n have_v both_o bestow_v their_o labour_n unprofitable_o or_o the_o reader_n do_v well_o and_o right_o understand_v but_o the_o author_n work_n be_v useless_a and_o unprofitable_a of_o these_o three_o kind_n the_o first_o i_o disallow_v not_o the_o last_o i_o esteem_v not_o for_o whether_o can_v i_o blame_v a_o author_n who_o work_n be_v not_o well_o and_o right_o understand_v if_o he_o be_v no_o way_n guilty_a of_o that_o fault_n nor_o can_v i_o be_v trouble_v to_o see_v a_o author_n read_v that_o have_v not_o know_v the_o truth_n when_o i_o see_v that_o his_o reader_n do_v receive_v no_o hurt_n nor_o prejudice_n thereby_o wherefore_o there_o be_v one_o kind_a that_o be_v most_o approve_a and_o be_v most_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v from_o error_n which_o be_v when_o not_o only_o good_a work_n be_v set_v forth_o but_o be_v also_o well_o and_o right_o understand_v by_o their_o reader_n yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o also_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o kind_n and_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o free_a from_o error_n for_o it_o happen_v oftentimes_o that_o the_o writer_n have_v a_o good_a meaning_n and_o the_o reader_n have_v foe_n too_o but_o another_o than_o he_o and_o oftentimes_o a_o better_a conceit_n oftentimes_o a_o low_a and_o yet_o one_o that_o be_v commodious_a and_o profitable_a but_o when_o as_o we_o attain_v to_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n which_o we_o read_v and_o the_o work_n much_o conduce_v to_o the_o lead_n of_o a_o good_a life_n the_o truth_n appear_v abundant_o therein_o and_o there_o be_v no_o gap_n nor_o passage_n that_o lie_v open_a to_o falsehood_n and_o deceit_n this_o kind_n be_v very_o seldom_o to_o be_v find_v when_o the_o discourse_n be_v about_o thing_n that_o be_v extreme_o hard_a and_o obscure_a neither_o in_o my_o opinion_n can_v it_o be_v clear_o and_o manifest_o know_v but_o only_o be_v believe_v for_o by_o what_o proof_n or_o argument_n can_v i_o so_o perfect_o gather_v what_o the_o will_n of_o a_o man_n be_v that_o be_v absent_a or_o dead_a that_o i_o can_v swear_v and_o take_v my_o oath_n what_o it_o be_v when_o as_o if_o he_o be_v ask_v even_o be_v present_a there_o may_v be_v many_o thing_n which_o he_o may_v most_o officious_o conceal_v and_o hide_v although_o he_o be_v not_o a_o wicked_a man_n but_o to_o know_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o author_n i_o think_v it_o nothing_o avail_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o matter_n yet_o nevertheless_o he_o high_o deserve_v to_o be_v repute_v and_o esteem_v to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n who_o by_o his_o book_n and_o writing_n afford_v great_a assistance_n unto_o mankind_n and_o to_o posterity_n now_o i_o will_v have_v the_o manichee_n to_o tell_v i_o in_o which_o kind_n they_o place_v the_o error_n which_o they_o conceive_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o in_o the_o first_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a fault_n indeed_o but_o we_o need_v not_o seek_v far_o to_o know_v how_o to_o defend_v it_o for_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o deny_v that_o we_o understand_v it_o as_o they_o conceive_v when_o they_o inveigh_v against_o it_o if_o in_o the_o second_o it_o be_v
raise_v above_o the_o world_n value_v all_o terrene_a thing_n as_o dirt_n they_o take_v joy_n only_o in_o those_o divine_a favour_n and_o last_o enjoy_v a_o most_o bless_a quiet_a and_o peace_n of_o mind_n but_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o supreme_a good_a be_v never_o find_v in_o any_o but_o in_o christ_n crucify_v and_o tha_z as_o he_o be_v true_a god_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a good_n but_o why_o shall_v i_o insist_v long_o in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o themselves_o manifest_a for_o good_a of_o its_o own_o nature_n desire_v to_o communicate_v itself_o the_o supreme_a good_a must_v needs_o be_v that_o which_o most_o desire_v to_o communicate_v its_o virtue_n but_o there_o be_v no_o communication_n of_o any_o other_o good_a find_v so_o great_a and_o ample_a as_o that_o which_o proceed_v from_o christ_n jesus_n after_o who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o his_o faith_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v purge_v of_o a_o dark_a and_o profound_a mist_n of_o sin_n and_o error_n and_o replenish_v with_o all_o virtue_n and_o sanctimony_n of_o life_n and_o so_o many_o grace_n and_o favour_n be_v from_o thence_o grant_v and_o decree_v unto_o the_o faithful_a that_o they_o be_v right_o esteem_v happy_a and_o bless_a upon_o earth_n for_o if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o felicity_n or_o bliss_n upon_o earth_n it_o be_v only_o find_v in_o the_o christian_n which_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o epitome_n of_o the_o simplicity_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n the_o incomparable_a clemency_n and_o mercy_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n declare_v the_o infinite_a abundance_n of_o his_o goodness_n because_o no_o malice_n of_o any_o heinous_a sinner_n and_o wickedness_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o deny_v or_o defer_v his_o pardon_n to_o those_o that_o be_v true_o repentant_a but_o common_o he_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o heap_v great_a grace_n and_o gift_n on_o those_o who_o return_v unto_o he_o and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o experience_v that_o as_o often_o as_o any_o shall_v by_o sin_n forsake_v he_o that_o he_o be_v straight_o deprive_v of_o that_o sweetness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o life_n so_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o terrene_a impurity_n and_o corruption_n and_o that_o he_o be_v torment_v and_o vex_v with_o intolerable_a care_n but_o assoon_o as_o he_o return_v to_o his_o former_a state_n of_o recreation_n and_o quiet_a he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v cure_v of_o the_o unquenchable_a thirst_n of_o some_o most_o malignant_a calenture_n 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 altogether_o to_o the_o end_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v former_o say_v of_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o understand_v let_v we_o here_o by_o way_n of_o epilogue_n make_v a_o recapitulation_n of_o they_o we_o affirm_v that_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n as_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o arrogant_a and_o proud_a the_o most_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a of_o all_o man_n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v himself_o god_n but_o it_o be_v a_o fallacy_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o a_o humane_a fiction_n as_o some_o foolish_a and_o dote_a man_n do_v avouch_v how_o can_v so_o much_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n proceed_v out_o of_o the_o great_a of_o all_o falsity_n and_o prestigious_a imposture_n for_o if_o he_o be_v not_o god_n i_o know_v no_o other_o who_o may_v any_o way_n seem_v to_o be_v so_o for_o if_o almighty_a god_n do_v govern_v and_o conserve_v these_o inferior_a thing_n by_o congruous_a mean_n we_o have_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n more_o perfect_a for_o a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a life_n than_o christ_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o we_o may_v choose_v but_o either_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a mean_n of_o our_o bliss_n warrant_v by_o almighty_a god_n unto_o mankind_n or_o that_o we_o deny_v the_o divine_a providence_n and_o justice_n or_o that_o deny_v there_o be_v any_o god_n at_o all_o we_o believe_v that_o all_o thing_n happen_v by_o chance_n or_o fate_n all_o which_o beside_o the_o first_o which_o must_v necessary_o be_v grant_v be_v most_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a if_o there_o be_v any_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n which_o by_o argument_n we_o have_v convince_v and_o suppose_v as_o grant_v who_o can_v deny_v consider_v so_o many_o and_o so_o forcible_a reason_n that_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v no_o other_o so_o well_o ground_v in_o reason_n so_o that_o if_o this_o be_v not_o true_a it_o will_v force_v we_o to_o deny_v all_o religion_n also_o we_o know_v that_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v ever_o so_o sharp_o impugned_a perpetual_o in_o all_o age_n as_o the_o christian_a for_o other_o religion_n or_o rather_o fraudulent_a superstition_n in_o a_o manner_n by_o the_o same_o vanity_n by_o which_o they_o be_v set_v afoot_o be_v destroy_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o but_o the_o christian_a as_o the_o most_o pure_a gold_n have_v be_v refine_v in_o perpetual_a flame_n of_o most_o cruel_a persecution_n which_o can_v not_o have_v happen_v have_v any_o other_o be_v true_a and_o this_o false_a it_o be_v moreover_o manifest_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n never_o suffer_v or_o be_v persecute_v by_o virtuous_a and_o just_a man_n but_o be_v always_o hold_v by_o they_o in_o great_a esteem_n reverence_n and_o veneration_n have_v always_o have_v continual_a and_o insatiable_a war_n with_o flagitious_a wicked_a and_o sacrilegious_a tyrant_n and_o their_o father_n the_o devil_n and_o as_o many_o as_o have_v persecute_v it_o and_o its_o minister_n have_v always_o be_v as_o nowadays_o also_o appear_v of_o a_o most_o wicked_a condition_n which_o never_o happen_v to_o any_o other_o religion_n why_o therefore_o shall_v we_o choose_v to_o imitate_v wicked_a man_n rather_o than_o the_o virtuous_a further_o there_o be_v no_o other_o religion_n unto_o which_o so_o many_o have_v hitherto_o be_v convert_v and_o do_v daily_o come_v unto_o it_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o they_o know_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v call_v to_o riches_n honour_n or_o pleasure_n which_o in_o their_o baptism_n they_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o renounce_v but_o unto_o contempt_n abstinence_n parsimony_n contumely_n and_o if_o occasion_n require_v it_o unto_o the_o great_a and_o last_o extremity_n of_o all_o no_o man_n therefore_o be_v in_o his_o right_a wit_n will_v be_v induce_v unto_o it_o by_o such_o promise_n and_o obligation_n as_o we_o have_v see_v so_o many_o thousand_o to_o be_v unless_o the_o light_n of_o a_o most_o evident_a verity_n do_v even_o pierce_v the_o heart_n of_o mortal_n the_o understanding_n therefore_o be_v constrain_v by_o these_o reason_n and_o argument_n to_o believe_v this_o admirable_a faith_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a for_o if_o one_o two_o or_o three_o or_o a_o few_o agrument_n do_v not_o force_v a_o assent_n yet_o all_o together_o if_o they_o be_v right_o consider_v will_v not_o have_v less_o force_n then_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o then_o if_o some_o of_o the_o dead_a be_v raise_v to_o life_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o verity_n wherefore_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a all_o other_o be_v to_o be_v explode_v as_o false_a see_v the_o christian_n do_v most_o constant_o avouch_v that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n out_o of_o it_o which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o reason_n because_o our_o salvation_n consist_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n unto_o which_o no_o man_n can_v attain_v without_o celestial_a and_o divine_a favour_n as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o no_o man_n can_v obtain_v it_o without_o faith_n the_o scripture_n affirm_v sine_fw-la fide_fw-la impossibile_fw-it est_fw-la placere_fw-la deo_fw-la that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n nor_o be_v there_o leave_v any_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o a_o just_a complaint_n or_o excuse_n for_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v in_o strange_a and_o remote_a country_n which_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o if_o any_o one_o lead_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n with_o a_o right_a intention_n and_o pure_a heart_n do_v convert_v himself_o to_o the_o universal_a and_o common_a parent_n of_o all_o man_n and_o their_o creator_n who_o appear_v plain_o in_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o which_o afford_v unto_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o and_o shall_v beseech_v he_o to_o show_v his_o verity_n unto_o he_o he_o shall_v not_o as_o i_o have_v touch_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o work_n according_a to_o the_o christian_a truth_n be_v frustrate_a of_o his_o desire_n but_o shall_v obtain_v the_o light_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o
his_o salvation_n either_o by_o internal_a inspiration_n as_o do_v holy_a job_n or_o by_o angel_n as_o do_v cornelius_n the_o centurion_n or_o as_o the_o eunuch_n by_o philip_n that_o be_v by_o some_o a_o postolicall_a man_n finis_fw-la the_o felicity_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n by_o hierome_n savonarola_n print_v anno_fw-la dom._n 1651._o the_o felicity_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n the_o i._o conclusion_n that_o among_o all_o creature_n of_o this_o world_n man_n only_o work_v for_o some_o certain_a end_n that_o only_a thing_n we_o say_v work_v for_o its_o end_n which_o design_v unto_o itself_o some_o particular_a end_n or_o reason_n of_o its_o work_n and_o for_o the_o gain_v thereof_o use_v convenient_a mean_n now_o this_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v without_o discourse_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o be_v proper_a only_o unto_o man_n it_o follow_v that_o man_n only_o can_v be_v say_v proper_o to_o work_v for_o some_o end_n and_o that_o bruit_n creature_n be_v rather_o act_v that_o be_v carry_v by_o a_o swing_n of_o natural_a propensity_n to_o their_o several_a end_n then_o that_o they_o act_n or_o move_v themselves_o the_o ii_o conclusion_n that_o there_o be_v some_o ultimate_a or_o last_o end_n of_o humane_a life_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v essential_o ordinate_a one_o to_o another_o we_o see_v that_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a be_v remove_v all_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o it_o must_v fail_v so_o the_o first_o mover_n or_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v deny_v all_o inferior_a agent_n and_o second_o cause_n must_v of_o necessity_n cease_v now_o in_o all_o humane_a action_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a order_n observable_a by_o which_o one_o action_n be_v subordinate_a and_o direct_v as_o it_o be_v unto_o another_o as_o for_o example_n in_o the_o build_n of_o a_o house_n we_o provide_v stone_n in_o order_n to_o rear_v the_o wall_n the_o wall_n we_o intend_v for_o the_o house-sake_n the_o house_n for_o our_o dwell_n but_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o which_o first_o excit_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o agent_n and_o move_v he_o to_o work_n be_v the_o end_n or_o aim_v which_o he_o desire_v to_o compass_v by_o duemean_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v not_o some_o ultimate_a or_o last_o end_n beyond_o which_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v intend_v or_o desire_v the_o appetite_n of_o man_n will_v never_o be_v fix_v but_o perpetual_o desire_v this_o thing_n for_o that_o thing_n sake_n and_o that_o thing_n again_o for_o some_o other_o and_o so_o in_o infinitum_fw-la whereupon_o it_o will_v also_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o term_n or_o period_n of_o his_o action_n which_o be_v absurd_a we_o must_v therefore_o of_o necessity_n grant_v some_o ultimate_a or_o last_o end_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n i_o mean_v which_o shall_v be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o such_o and_o from_o which_o man_n who_o be_v true_o master_n of_o his_o own_o action_n shall_v always_o begin_v to_o work_v and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o at_o all_o time_n his_o mind_n be_v actual_o and_o distinct_o upon_o that_o end_n yet_o that_o habitual_o and_o virtual_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o upon_o the_o thing_n which_o do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o more_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o move_v he_o to_o work_v for_o so_o we_o see_v all_o man_n be_v move_v to_o do_v what_o they_o do_v either_o to_o avoid_v misery_n or_o to_o procure_v themselves_o happiness_n for_o as_o much_o as_o all_o man_n have_v this_o general_a end_n as_o it_o be_v ingraft_v into_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o they_o be_v not_o whither_o they_o shall_v all_o desire_n to_o be_v happy_a or_o no_o but_o in_o what_o thing_n true_a happiness_n do_v consist_v the_o iii_o conclusion_n that_o man_n happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o fruition_n orpossession_n of_o his_o last_o end_n happiness_n be_v such_o a_o perfect_a good_a as_o do_v absolute_o satisfy_v and_o fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o man_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o count_v he_o only_o happy_a who_o both_o enjoy_v whatsoever_o he_o desire_v and_o can_v desire_v nothing_o more_o as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n every_o thing_n when_o it_o attain_v its_o proper_a end_n be_v reckon_v perfect_a because_o it_o do_v all_o its_o other_o thing_n only_o in_o order_n to_o attain_v that_o when_o therefore_o that_o be_v obtain_v it_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o desire_v it_o be_v therefore_o then_o perfect_a for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o perfect_a be_v still_o thirst_v still_o seek_v or_o desire_v to_o be_v perfect_v but_o that_o which_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v already_o perfect_a must_v not_o in_o reason_n be_v suppose_v to_o desire_v perfection_n the_o iv_o conclusion_n man_n happiness_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o outward_a good_n by_o outward_a good_n we_o understand_v riches_n honour_n dignity_n power_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o we_o say_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n consist_v not_o for_o proof_n whereof_o i_o can_v allege_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o argument_n but_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v so_o clear_a as_o it_o be_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o i_o shall_v insist_v only_o upon_o some_o few_o my_o first_o reason_n be_v because_o happiness_n be_v the_o supreme_a or_o chief_a good_a of_o man_n which_o admit_v not_o the_o least_o mixture_n or_o participation_n of_o evil_a no_o more_o than_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o heat_n do_v any_o degree_n of_o cold_a blessedness_n therefore_o can_v consist_v in_o the_o fruition_n of_o such_o good_n which_o as_o continual_a experience_n tell_v we_o do_v admit_v variety_n of_o evil_n not_o of_o fortune_n only_o or_o chance_n but_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o sin_n for_o so_o we_o see_v very_o wicked_a man_n have_v their_o share_n in_o these_o good_n second_o because_o blessedness_n be_v a_o self-sufficeing_a good_a such_o as_o once_o be_v have_v no_o other_o content_n can_v be_v want_v but_o we_o see_v though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o well_o provide_v of_o these_o good_n yet_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o may_v be_v still_o in_o want_n of_o other_o no_o less_o necessary_a as_o a_o rich_a man_n be_v not_o always_o wise_a nor_o a_o man_n of_o honour_n healthful_a three_o because_o blessedness_n be_v such_o a_o perfect_a good_a thing_n that_o from_o it_o no_o evil_n can_v proceed_v which_o be_v not_o true_a of_o riches_n honour_n power_n etc._n etc._n because_o by_o occasion_n of_o they_o through_o the_o envy_n indeed_o and_o malice_n of_o other_o many_o mischief_n do_v arise_v murder_n parricide_n treason_n &_o what_o not_o four_o because_o the_o principle_n which_o dispose_v a_o man_n unto_o true_a happiness_n be_v intrinsical_v or_o from_o within_o he_o it_o be_v the_o end_n whereunto_o he_o be_v natural_o ordain_v and_o fit_v but_o unto_o the_o good_n we_o speak_v of_o riches_n honour_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n be_v rather_o dispose_v by_o cause_n extrinsecall_v and_o from_o without_o he_o yea_o many_o time_n by_o mere_a chance_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v call_v common_o good_n of_o fortune_n it_o be_v clear_a therefore_o that_o in_o they_o felicity_n can_v consist_v the_o v._o conclusion_n that_o man_n happiness_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o good_n of_o the_o body_n by_o good_n of_o the_o body_n we_o mean_v the_o life_n of_o man_n health_n beauty_n youth_n strength_n courage_n and_o the_o like_a in_o all_o or_o in_o any_o of_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a true_a happiness_n can_v consist_v because_o first_o this_o body_n be_v not_o make_v for_o itself_o but_o for_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o matter_n be_v always_o for_o the_o form_n and_o not_o the_o form_n for_o the_o matter_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o all_o good_n belong_v to_o the_o body_n be_v ordain_v indeed_o for_o the_o soul_n as_o unto_o the_o proper_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v beside_o shall_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n be_v place_v in_o such_o good_n as_o those_o this_o absurdity_n will_v follow_v namely_o that_o many_o even_a bruit_n beast_n shall_v participate_v of_o happiness_n more_o than_o man_n for_o certain_o as_o to_o the_o fruition_n of_o such_o bodily_a good_n there_o be_v many_o beast_n which_o do_v far_o excel_v man_n as_o for_o example_n in_o length_n of_o life_n the_o elephant_n in_o strength_n and_o courage_n the_o lion_n the_o stag_n in_o swiftness_n the_o eagle_n in_o sharp_a sightedness_n and_o in_o perfection_n and_o soundness_n of_o health_n almost_o all_o of_o they_o for_o experience_n tell_v we_o what_o a_o number_n of_o help_n and_o how_o much_o art_n be_v requisite_a to_o support_v this_o frail_a carcase_n of_o we_o more_o than_o of_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o creature_n therefore_o '_o its_o impossible_a true_a felicity_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o it_o the_o vi_o conclusion_n neither_o do_v