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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n believe_v faith_n word_n 14,132 5 4.8692 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A26214 The profit of believing very usefull both for all those that are not yet resolved what religion they ought to embrace, and for them that desire to know whither their religion be true or no / written by S. Augustine.; De utilitate credendi ad Honoratum. English Augustine, Saint, Bishop of Hippo.; A. P. 1651 (1651) Wing A4213; ESTC R7850 45,294 156

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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_o 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 inestimable_a value_n thereof_o and_o vouch●●●ed_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 p●etious_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._o 16._o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o world_n ●nd_v lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v he_o give_v in_o exchange_n ther●of_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._o 6._o it_o be_v impossible_a toplease_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 ha●t_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 here●ies_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._o 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._o 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 fr●●tion_n of_o unspeakable_a bliss_n or_o intolerable_a suffering_n of_o endless_a pa●ns_n for_o all_o eternity_n how_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a faith_n and_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 human_a knowledge_n what_o man_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n can_v ever_o so_o well_o discem_fw-la 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 heresies●_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 pre●ent_a unto_o thou_o a_o learned_a treatise_n of_o his_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 her●sie_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 and_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o human_a wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 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_o 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_a 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 expou●ded_v and_o defend_v the_o authority_n or_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 manife●t_v and_o evident_a unto_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o three_o place_n he_o advise_v ●ervent_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 ●or_n 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_a doctrine_n by_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o holy_a scrip●ures_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_o for_o the_o find_v out_o of_o the_o church_n s._n 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 faith_n his_o church_n be_v one_o fold_n and_o have_v one_o shepherd_n joh._n 10._o 16._o and_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 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._o 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 judg●ment_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●_z 3_o 4●_z 5._o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v
one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n and_o the_o scripture_n testify_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n act_n 4._o 32._o the_o universality_n of_o the_o church_n be_v also_o twofold_a in_o time_n and_o in_o place_n this_o late_a be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n moses_n relate_v god_n promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n of_o a_o ample_a posterity_n and_o that_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o seed_n gen._n 22._o 18._o gal._n 3._o 8._o by_o the_o royal_a psalmist●declaring_v that_o god_n the_o father_n will_v give_v unto_o his_o son_n the_o heathen_a for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o his_o possession_n psal._n 2._o 8._o and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v dominion_n from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o river_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n psal._n 72._o 8._o and_o by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n affirm_v that_o all_o nation_n shall_v flow_v to_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n isa._n 2._o v._n 2._o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o these_o prophecy_n our_o bless_a saviour_n declare_v luke_n 24._o v._n 44._o that_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n ●nd_v in_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o psalm●s_v concerning_o he_o and_o v._n 47._o that_o repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o his_o name_n among_o all_o nation_n begin_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o the_o performance_n hereof_o he_o give_v a_o commission_n unto_o his_o apostle_n to_o teach_v all_o nation_n matth._n 28._o 19_o and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n mar._n 19_o v._n 15._o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v universal_a for_o time_n and_o continue_v perpetual_o unto_o the_o world_n end_n it_o be_v plain_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n who_o speak_v of_o our_o b._n saviour_n say_v that_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o government_n and_o peace_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n upon_o the_o throne_n of_o david●_z and_o upon_o his_o kingdom_n shall_v he_o sit_v to_o order_v it_o and_o to_o establish_v it_o wit●_n judgement_n and_o with_o justice_n from_o henceforth_o even_o for_o ever_o and_o that_o no_o doubt_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o performance_n hereof_o the_o prophet_n add●s_a the_o zeal_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n will_v perform_v this_o and_o by_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n affirm_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o king_n shall_v the_o ●o●_n of_o heau●n_n set_v up_o a_o k_o ngdome_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o other_o people_n but_o it_o shall_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o consume_v all_o those_o kingdom_n and_o it_o shall_v stand_v for_o ever_o dan._n 2._o 44._o all_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n say_v the_o lord_n shall_v give_v unto_o christ_n the_o throne_n of_o his_o father_n david_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v over_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n luke_n 1._o ver._n 32_o 33._o for_o the_o perpetual_a settlement_n and_o establish_n of_o this_o church_n christ_n say_v unto_o s._n peter_n upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o matth._n 16._o 18._o touch_v the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n god_n by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n say_v i_o will_v set_v my_o sanctuary_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o for_o evermore_o and_o the_o heathen_a shall_v know_v that_o i_o the_o lord_n do_v sanctifi●_z israel_n when_o my_o sanctuary_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o for_o evermore_o ezek_n 37._o v._n 26_o 28._o and_o by_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n mal._n 1._o 11._o from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o to_o the_o go_n down_o of_o the_o same_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v ●nto_o my_o name_n and_o a_o peace-offering_n unto_o this_o sanctity_n our_o bless_a saviour_n exhort_v we_o say_v let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 5._o 16._o and_o mark_n 7._o v._n 13_o 14._o enter_v you_o in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o strait_n be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o and_o teach_v how_o to_o distinguish_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a he_o say_v v._n 20._o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o as_o for_o apostolical_a succession_n s._n paul_n say_v ephes._n 4._o v._n 11_o 12_o 13._o that_o christ_n give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfecti●g_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o ●ll_v come_v into_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o son_n ne_z of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v as_o doctor_n fulk_n against_o the_o rhem._n test_n in_o ephes._n 4._o sect._n 4._o fol._n 335._o and_o mr._n calvin_n in_o his_o instit._n cap._n 8._o de_fw-la fide_fw-la sect._n 37_o 38._o pag._n 233._o 234._o do_v expound_v for_o ever_o as_o for_o the_o second_o point_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n can_v err_v or_o no_o s_o augustine_n say_v that_o neither_o the_o violence_n of_o heathen_n nor_o the_o subtlety_n of_o heretic_n can_v overthrow_v it_o which_o agree_v with_o our_o savionr_n promise_v matth._n 16._o 18●_z that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o to_o preserve_v she_o from_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n christ_n promise_v to_o be_v always_o with_o she_o even_o to_o the_o world_n end_n matth._n 28._o 20._o and_o god_n make_v this_o covenant_n with_o she_o isa._n 59_o 21._o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n ●or_a out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n seed_n say_v the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o by_o which_o word_n say_v mr._n calvin_n in_o comment_n huius_fw-la loci_fw-la god_n promise_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o be_v deprive_v of_o this_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o be_v suport_v by_o heavenly_a doctrine_n and_o to_o this_o effect_n he_o send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o teach_v the_o church_n all_o truth_n and_o to_o remain_v with_o she_o for_o ever_o joh._n 16._o 13._o joh._n 14._o 16._o thus_o thou_o see_v how_o s._n augustine_n instruction_n for_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n be_v ground_v in_o scripture_n but_o more_o express_o in_o s._n paul_n doctrine_n who_o tell_v we_o rom._n 10._o 17._o that_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o we_o ask_v he_o how_o man_n may_v come_v to_o hea●e_n the_o word_n of_o god●_z he_o answer_v v._n 14_o 15._o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v so_o that_o faith_n be_v breed_v in_o man_n by_o hear_v and_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v know_v unto_o they_o by_o preacher_n lawful_o send_v which_o preacher_n as_o he_o say_v to_o the_o ephesian_n ephes._n 4._o v._n 11_o 12_o 13._o be_v always_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v place_v there_o ver._n 14._o that_o from_o henceforth_o we_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleigh_v of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v which_o be_v a_o office_n that_o can_v be_v perform_v by_o man_n that_o be_v frail_a and_o subject_a to_o error_n unless_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o divine_a assistance_n do_v preserve_v they_o from_o err_v doctor_n field_n have_v consider_v the_o facility_n and_o solidity_n of_o this_o method_n do_v advise_v all_o those_o to_o practise_v it_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o these_o term_n epist._n dedic._n of_o the_o church_n see_v the_o controversy_n in_o our_o time_n be_v grow_v in_o number_n so_o many_o and_o in_o nature_n so_o intricate_a that_o few_o have_v time_n and_o leisure_n few_o
from_o beast_n as_o we_o say_v all_o man_n desire_v to_o be_v bless_v wherein_o little_a child_n can_v be_v include_v for_o they_o can_v yet_o de●ire_v it_o chap._n xiii_o that_o religion_n take_v her_o beginning_n from_o believe_v here_o again_o arise_v a_o questio●_n of_o great_a difficulty_n for_o how_o shall_v we_o that_o be_v fool_n be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o a_o wise_a man_n ●eeing_v that_o divers_a do_v indifferent_o challenge_v that_o name_n unto_o themselves_o although_o almost_o none_o dare_v presume_v to_o do_v it_o open_o when_o as_o they_o do_v so_o disagree_v among_o themselves_o about_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o wisdom_n do_v consist_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o think_v that_o either_o none_o of_o they_o be_v wise_a man_n or_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o certain_a wiseman_n but_o when_o a_o fool_n inquire_v who_o that_o be_v true_o i_o s●e_n not_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o can_v be_v plain_o discern_v and_o perce●ved_v for_o a_o man_n can_v know_v any_o thing_n by_o any_o sign_n whatsoever_o unless_o he_o know_v the_o thing_n itself_o whereof_o these_o be_v the_o sign_n but_o a_o fool_n know_v not_o wisdom_n for_o wisdom_n be_v not_o like_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n which_o thou_o may_v both_o know_v when_o thou_o see_v and_o yet_o not_o enjoy_v and_o possess_v they_o he_o that_o want_v wisdom_n can_v see_v nor_o behold_v it_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o mind_n for_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o perceive_v with_o our_o corporal_a sense_n be_v outward_o propose_v and_o present_v unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v behold_v strange_a and_o external_a thing_n with_o our_o eye_n albeit_o we_o have_v not_o any_o of_o the_o thing_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n but_o that_o which_o be_v perceive_v by_o the_o understanding●_n be_v inward_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o it_o i●_z nothing_o el●e_n to_o have_v it_o but_o to_o see_v and_o behold_v it_o but_o a_o fool_n want_v wisdom_n and_o therefore_o know_v it_o not_o for_o he_o can_v see_v it_o with_o his_o eye_n for_o he_o can_v see_v it_o and_o not_o have_v it_o and_o he_o can_v have_v it_o and_o still_o continue_v and_o remain_v a_o fool_n wherefore_o he_o know_v it_o not_o and_o whilst_o he_o know_v it_o not_o he_o can_v know_v it_o in_o another_o place_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n so_o long_o as_o he_o remain_v a_o fool_n can_v by_o most_o certain_a knowledge_n find_v out_o a_o wise_a man_n by_o obey_v of_o who_o precept_n and_o command_n he_o may_v be_v free_v from_o so_o great_a a_o eu●l_n as_o folly_n be_v now_o it_o be_v god_n only_o that_o can_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o this_o mighty_a difficulty_n and_o afford_v remedy_n for_o this_o g●eat_a evil_n and_o because_o our_o question_n be_v ●bout_o religion_n unless_o we_o both_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o give_v assistance_n to_o human_a mind_n we_o ought_v not_o indeed_o to_o inquire_v and_o seek_v for_o true_a religion_n for_o what_o do_v we_o desire_v to_o find_v out_o at_o length_n by_o so_o great_a a_o endeavour_n what_o wish_v we_o to_o attain_v unto_o whither_o do_v we_o long_a to_o arrive_v be_v it_o unto_o that_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v not_o to_o have_v a_o be_v nor_o to_o belong_v and_o appertain_v unto_o we_o nothing_o be_v more_o perverse_a than_o such_o a_o mind_n when_o thou_o dare_v no●_z beg_v a_o favour_n of_o me●_n or_o with_o impudence_n dare_v crave_v one_o do_v thou_o come_v to_o demand_v how_o religion_n may_v be_v find_v out_o when_o thou_o think_v not_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o we_o care_v not_o whither_o there_o be_v any_o or_o no_o what_o if_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o matter●_n that_o unless_o it_o be_v diligent_o seek_v for_o and_o with_o all_o might_n and_o power_n it_o can_v be_v find_v out_o what_o if_o the_o extreme_a difficulty_n of_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n and_o understand_v of_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v find_v out_o do_v vex_v and_o trouble_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o seeker_n for_o what_o be_v more_o pleasant_a and_o familiar_a to_o our_o eye_n than_o this_o light_n be_v and_o yet_o a●ter_v long_a obscurity_n and_o darkness_n they_o can_v endure_v it_o what_o be_v more_o fit_a and_o commodious_a for_o a_o body_n that_o be_v consume_v and_o exhaust_v with_o sickness_n than_o meat_n and_o drink_n yet_o we_o see_v that_o those_o that_o be_v upon_o recovery_n be_v restrain_v and_o keep_v back_o that_o they_o may_v not_o pres●me_n to_o feed_v so_o plentiful_o as_o well_o man_n do_v lest_o by_o a_o full_a diet_n they_o shall_v return_v to_o their_o former_a di●ease_n i_o speak_v of_o those_o that_o be_v recover_v their_o health_n but_o what_o do_v we_o not_o enforce_v the_o sick_a man_n themselves_o to_o eat_v something_o which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o trouble_n unto_o they_o that_o certain_o they_o will_v not_o obey_v us●_z do_v they_o not_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v escape_v that_o sickness_n thereby_o when_o therefore_o will_v thou_o settle_v thyself_o to_o a_o most_o painful_a and_o labo●ious_a search_n when_o will_v thou_o adventure_v to_o take_v so_o great_a care_n and_o labour_n upon_o thou_o as_o this_o business_n do_v deserve_v when_o as_o thou_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o that_o which_o thou_o seek_v wherefore_o it_o be_v right_o institute_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o majesty_n of_o catholic_n discipline_n that_o before_o all_o thing_n they_o shall_v be_v induce_v and_o persuade_v to_o believe_v that_o come_v to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v religion_n chap._n xiv_o that_o christ_n himself_o chief_o exact_v belief_n see_v my_o discourse_n be_v concerning_o th●se_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v call_v christians●_n i_o pray_v tell_v i_o what_o reason_n can_v that_o heretic_n allege_v unto_o i_o what_o can_v he_o say_v to_o draw_v i_o from_o believe_v as_o from_o a_o rash_a and_o incons●de●ate_n thing_n if_o he_o command_v i_o to_o believe_v nothing●_n then_o do_v i_o not_o believe_v that_o there_o ●s_n any_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o becau●e_n 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v ●ny_n s●ch_n thing_n i_o do_v not_o ●eek_v after_o it_o but_o he_o as_o conceive_v will_v sh●w_v it_o to_o the_o ●eeker_a for_o so_o it_o be_v write_v he_o that_o seek_v shall_v find_v ●here●ore_o i_o will_v not_o c●m●_z to_o he_o that_o ●orbids_v i_o to_o b●lieve_v unless_o i_o believe_v something_o ●s_n there_o any_o great_a madness_n then_o that_o i_o shall_v displease_v they_o only_o with_o a_o belief_n which_o be_v support_v by_o no_o knowledge●_n a●d_fw-mi yet_o that_o belief_n alone_o ha●h_v b●o●ght_v i_o to_o the_o ●elf_n same_o man_n what_o shall_v i_o say●_z but_o that_o all_o heretic_n do_v exhort_v we_o to_o believe_v christ_n can_v they_o be_v mo●e_n oppo●ite_a and_o contrary_a to_o themselves_o wherein_o they_o be_v to_o be_v press_v two_o manner_n of_o way●s_n first_o they_o be_v to_o be_v ask_v where_o be_v the_o reason_n which_o they_o promise_v where_o the_o re●●●hension_n and_o blame_v of_o rashness_n where_o the_o presumption_n of_o science_n and_o knowledge_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o ab●u●d_fw-mi thing_n to_o be●●eve_v anyone_o without_o reason_n w●y_v 〈…〉_z expect●_z why_o do_v thou_o go_v 〈…〉_z to_o have_v i_o believe_v any_o one_o without_o ●eason_n that_o i_o may_v ●o●e_n easi●y_v 〈…〉_z by_o thy_o reaso●_n ●ill_v thy_o rea●●n_n bu●●d_fw-mi any_o thi●g_o that_o be_v firm_a and_o stable_a upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o temer●●y_n and_o ●ashnesse_n i_o speak_v according_a to_o ●hem_n who_o we_o discontent_a and_o di●please_v by_o believe_v for_o to_o believe_v before_o reason_n when_o thou_o be_v not_o yet_o fit_a to_o conceive_v and_o understand_v it_o and_o by_o faith_n itself_o to_o prepare_v the_o mind_n to_o receive_v the_o seed_n of_o verity_n and_o truth_n i_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o most_o wholesome_a and_o profitable_a thing_n but_o also_o so_o necessary_a that_o tho●e_n that_o have_v sick_a and_o feeble_a mind_n can_v recover_v their_o health_n without_o it_o which_o because_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n and_o full_a of_o rashness_n it_o be_v impudent_o do_v of_o they_o to_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v we_o to_o believe_v christ_n moreover_o i_o confess_v that_o i_o have_v already_o believe_v christ_n and_o have_v p●rswaded_v myself_o that_o that_o be_v true_a which_o he_o have_v said●_z although_o this_o my_o belief_n be_v support_v by_o no_o reason_n this_o be_v the_o first_o lesson_n o_o heretic_n which_o thou_o will_v teach_v i_o but_o becau●e_n i_o have_v not_o see_v christ_n himself_o how_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o appear_v among_o man_n who_o be_v public_o report_v to_o have_v be_v see_v
strength_n of_o understanding_n to_o examine_v they_o what_o remain_v for_o man_n desirous_a 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 communion_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 e●suing_a treatise_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v ●eceive_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 s●alt_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_o how_o s._n augustine_n come_v to_o be_v de●eived_v by_o the_o manichee_n page_n 1._o ii_o that_o the_o manichee_n do_v condemn_v the_o old_a testament_n 11_o iii_o of_o the_o four_o way_n of_o expound_v the_o old_a testament_n 15_o iv._o 3._o way_n whereby_o man_n fall_v into_o error_n 31_o v●_z of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 37_o 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 learn_v 4●_z vii●_z th●t_z 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 49_o 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 63_o ix._o of_o credulity_n 68_o x._o why_o credulity_n be_v the_o w●y_n to_o religion_n 75_o xi_o of_o under_o stand_v belief●_z and_o opinion_n 83_o xii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o safe_a w●y_n to_o believe_v wise_a man_n 93_o xiii_o that_o religion_n take_v her_o beginning_n from_o believe_v 98_o xiv_o that_o christ_n chief_o exact_v belief_n 104_o xv_o of_o the_o most_o commodious_a way_n to_o religion_n 114_o xvi_o that_o miracle_n do_v procure_v belief_n 117_o xvii_o the_o con●sent_n of_o nation_n be●●eving_v in_o christ_n 124_o xviii_o the_o conclusion_n by_o way_n of_o ex●ortat●●n_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 del●ded_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 lettle_v their_o affection_n upo●_n these_o bod●ly_a and_o corporal_a thing_n do_v hold_v 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 discer●_n by_o those_o five_o most_o know_a messenger_n of_o the_o body_n and_o they_o toss_v to_o and_o f●o_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 disbeliev●_z their_o sense_n and_o by_o a_o deadly_a and_o a_o most_o deceitful_a rule_n take_v from_o thence_o they_o think_v that_o they_o do_v frame_v a_o right_a and_o perfect_a judgement_n of_o the_o ine●●fable_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 i●_z 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●_z be_v fortify_v and_o strengthen_v befo●ehand_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 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of_o million_o of_o fable_n and_o ●ales_n chap._n vii_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v rash_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o how_o and_o with_o what_o care_n and_o diligence_n the_o true_a religion_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o but_o now_o if_o i_o can_v i_o will_v accomplish_v that_o which_o i_o have_v begin_v and_o i_o will_v treat_v with_o thou_o after_o such_o a_o sort_n that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o will_v not_o expound_v the_o catholic_n faith_n but_o i_o will_v show_v unto_o they_o that_o have_v a_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n some_o hope_n of_o divine_a fruit_n and_o of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v search_v out_o the_o great_a mystery_n and_o secret_n of_o faith_n he_o that_o seek_v after_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v without_o doubt_n either_o believe_v already_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a unto_o who_o that_o religion_n may_v be_v commodious_a and_o profitable_a or_o he_o desire_v to_o find_v she_o to_o be_v so_o in_o 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famous_a what_o if_o true_a religion_n be_v some_o such_o thing_n what_o if_o a_o multitude_n of_o ignorant_a people_n frequent_v the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o proof_n nor_o arg●ment_n that_o therefore_o none_o be_v make_v perfect_a by_o those_o mystery_n and_o yet_o if_o so_o f●w_o shall_v study_v eloquence_n as_o there_o be_v few_o that_o become_v ●loquent_a our_o parent_n will_v never_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o have_v we_o recommend_v unto_o such_o master_n when_o as_o therefore_o the_o multitude_n which_o abound_v with_o a_o number_n of_o unsk●lfull_a people_n invite_v we_o to_o these_o studies●_n and_o make_v we_o earnest_o to_o affect_v that_o which_o few_o do_v obtain_v why_o will_v we_o not_o admit_v that_o we_o have_v the_o like_a cause_n i●_z religion_n the_o which_o peradventure_o we_o contemn_v and_o despise_v to_o the_o great_a peril_n and_o hazard_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o if_o the_o most_o true_a and_o most_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v but_o among_o a_o few_o yet_o it_o be_v among_o those_o with_o who_o the_o multitude_n though_o whole_o addict_v to_o their_o appetit●s_fw-la and_o desire_n and_o far_o from_o the_o purity_n of_o knowledge_n and_o understanding●_n do_v con●ent_a and_o agree_v which_o without_o all_o doubt_n may_v come_v to_o pass_v i_o ask_v what_o answer_n be_v we_o able_a to_o give_v if_o any_o one_o shall_v r●prove_v our_o ●ashnes_n and_o folly_n for_o that_o have_v a_o great_a care_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n we_o do_v not_o diligent_o search_v it_o out_o among_o the_o master_n and_o teacher_n thereof_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v the_o multitude_n have_v discourage_v i_o why_o then_o have_v it_o not_o dishearten_v man_n from_o the_o study_n of_o the_o liberal_a science_n which_o hardly_o yield_v any_o profit_n to_o this_o present_a life_n why_o not_o from_o seek_v after_o money_n and_o get_v wealth_n why_o not_o from_o obtain_v dignity_n and_o honour_n moreover_o why_o not_o from_o recover_v and_o preserve_v health_n final_o why_o not_o from_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o bless_a and_o a_o happy_a life_n in_o all_o which_o affair_n though_o many_o man_n be_v employ_v yet_o few_o there_o be_v that_o eat_v eminent_a and_o excel_v you_o will_v say_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n seem_v to_o contain_v absurd_a thing_n who_o be_v they_o that_o affirm_v it_o namely_o enemy_n for_o what_o cause_n or_o reason_n they_o do_v it_o be_v not_o now_o the_o question_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v enemy_n you_o will_v say_v when_o you_o read_v they_o you_o understand_v so_o much_o by_o your_o own_o read_n be_v it_o so_o indeed_o if_o thou_o have_v no_o skill_n in_o poetry_n at_o all_o thou_o dare_v not_o take_v in_o han●terentianus_n maurus_n without_o a_o master_n asper_n cornutus●_n donatus_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o author_n be_v think_v requisite_a for_o the_o understanding_n of_o any_o poet_n who_o verse_n deserve_v no_o great_a esteem_n than_o the_o approbation_n and_o applause_n of_o a_o stage_n and_o thou_o without_o a_o guide_n do_v undertake_v to_o read_v those_o book_n and_o without_o a_o master_n dare_v pass_v thy_o judgement_n upon_o they_o which_o howsoever_o they_o be_v be_v notwithstanding_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o almost_o all_o mankind_n publish_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o replenish_v with_o divine_a matter_n nor_o if_o tho●_n find_v some_o thing_n therein_o which_o seem_v unto_o th●e_n absurd_a do_v thou_o rather_o accuse_v the_o dulness_n of_o thy_o wit●_n and_o thy_o mind_n corrupt_v with_o the_o infection_n of_o this_o world_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o fool_n be_v than_o those_o book_n which_o peradventure_o by_o such_o kind_n of_o man_n can_v be_v well_o conceive_v and_o understand_v thou_o
wisdom_n and_o sharpness_n of_o wit_n and_o with_o such_o quickness_n of_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o tru●h_n can_v lie_v hide_v and_o be_v conceal_v but_o only_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o seek_v it_o be_v hide_v and_o unknown_a and_o that_o that_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v from_o some_o divine_a authority_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o shall_v inquire_v what_o that_o authority_n be_v when_o as_o in_o so_o great_a dissension_n and_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n every_o one_o do_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v teach_v and_o deliver_v it_o whereupon_o there_o occur_v unto_o i_o a_o intricate_a wood_n or_o labyrinth_n into_o which_o it_o be_v very_o tedious_a and_o irksome_a to_o enter_v and_o my_o mind_n remain_v restl●sse_n am●ngst_v these_o thing_n be_v toss●d_fw-mi to_o a●d_fw-mi fro_o with_o a_o great_a desire_n of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n yet_o nevertheless_o by_o little_a and_o little_o i_o break_v off_o from_o their_o company_n more_o and_o more_o who_o i_o have_v already_o purpose_v to_o forsake_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o now_o remain_v in_o so_o great_a peril_n and_o danger_n but_o that_o with_o tear_n and_o pitiful_a word_n i_o shall_v beseech_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o assist_v and_o help_v i_o and_o this_o i_o do_v deliver_v gentle_o and_o careful_o and_o now_o i_o be_v almost_o shake_v by_o some_o disputation_n have_v with_o the_o bishop_n of_o milan_n s._n ambrose_n l._n 5._o conf._n c._n 14●_z so_o that_o not_o without_o some_o hope_n i_o desire_v to_o inquire_v many_o thing_n touch_v the_o old_a testament_n which_o as_o thou_o know_v be_v discommend_v and_o dispraise_v unto_o we_o we_o abhor_v and_o detest_a and_o i_o have_v resolve_v to_o remain_v so_o long_o a_o catechumen_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o which_o i_o be_v deliver_v by_o my_o parent_n until_o i_o can_v find_v out_o that_o which_o i_o desire_v or_o can_v persuade_v myself_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o wherefore_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o one_o then_o that_o can_v have_v teach_v i_o he_o may_v have_v find_v i_o a_o most_o apt_a scholar_n and_o very_o docible_a after_o this_o manner_n and_o with_o the_o like_a care_n and_o anxiety_n of_o thy_o soul_n thou_o see_v that_o thou_o have_v be_v long_o trouble_v and_o afflict_v and_o if_o thou_o seem_v to_o thyself_o to_o have_v be_v already_o sufficient_o tosse●_n and_o will_v make_v a_o end_n of_o these_o labour_n and_o pain_n follow_v the_o way_n of_o the_o catholic_n discipline_n which_o have_v proceed_v from_o christ_n himself_o by_o his_o apostle_n even_o unto_o we_o and_o from_o hence_o shall_v descend_v and_o be_v convey_v to_o posterity_n chap._n ix._o of_o credulity_n thou_o say_v my_o advice_n be_v foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a see_v that_o all_o man_n do_v make_v it_o their_o profession_n to_o embrace_v and_o deliver_v catholic_n doctrine_n that_o all_o heretic_n do_v profess_v this_o i_o can_v deny_v but_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o unto_o those_o which_o they_o entice_v and_o allure_v unto_o they_o they_o promise_v to_o give_v a_o reason_n for_o the_o most_o hide_a and_o mostobscure_a thing_n and_o chief_o for_o this_o cause_n they_o blame_v and_o reprehend_v the_o catholic_n church_n becau●e_n those_o that_o approach_n and_o come_v unto_o she_o be_v command_v to_o believe_v but_o they_o glory_n and_o boast_v that_o they_o impose_v not_o upon_o their_o follower_n the_o yoke_n of_o faith_n and_o bel●eving●_n but_o open_a unto_o they_o the_o fountain_n itself_o of_o teach_v and_o instruction_n what_o say_v thou_o can_v be_v utter_v or_o speak_v more_o redound_v to_o their_o praise_n and_o commendation_n it_o be_v not_o so_o this_o they_o promise_v have_v no_o power_n nor_o ability_n to_o perform_v it_o but_o that_o by_o the_o name_n and_o pretence_n of_o reason_n they_o may_v win_v and_o allure_v much_o company_n unto_o they_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n natural_o rejoice_v at_o the_o promise_n of_o reason_n and_o not_o have_v regard_n to_o she_o own_o force_n and_o weakness_n by_o a_o desire_n she_o have_v to_o eat_v the_o meat_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o health_n which_o be_v not_o prudent_o give_v to_o the_o infirm_a she_o hasty_o fall_v upon_o the_o poison_n of_o the_o deceiver_n but_o as_o for_o true_a religion_n it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v well_o and_o right_o receive_v without_o some_o weighty_a command_n and_o force_n of_o authority_n unless_o those_o thing_n be_v first_o believe_v which_o every_o one_o may_v afterwards_o attain_v unto_o and_o learn_v if_o he_o carry_v himself_o well_o and_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o it_o perhaps_o thou_o require_v some_o reason_n hereof_o whereby_o thou_o may_v be_v induce_v and_o persuade_v to_o believe_v that_o thou_o ought_v not_o soon_o to_o be_v teach_v by_o reason_n then_o by_o faith_n and_o belief_n which_o i_o can_v easy_o give_v unto_o thou_o if_o thou_o will_v accept_v and_o receive_v it_o from_o i_o with_o a_o equal_a and_o impartial_a mind_n but_o that_o it_o may_v commodious_o be_v do_v i_o will_v have_v thou_o as_o it_o be_v answer_n to_o such_o question_n as_o i_o shall_v propose_v unto_o thou_o and_o first_o of_o all_o i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o tell_v i_o why_o do_v thou_o conceive_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v because_o say_v thou_o credulity_n itself_o from_o whence_o man_n be_v call_v credulous_a seem_v unto_o i_o to_o be_v a_o certain_a vice_n else_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o custom_n to_o object_v this_o name_n by_o way_n of_o reproach_n for_o if_o a_o suspicious_a man_n be_v culpable_a and_o faulty_a because_o he_o suspect_v thing_n not_o certain_o know_v much_o more_o do_v a_o credulous_a man_n deserve_v to_o be_v blame_v who_o differ_v herein_o from_o a_o suspicious_a man_n that_o he_o that_o be_v suspicious_a make_v some_o doub●_n in_o unknown_a thing_n but_o he_o that_o be_v credulous_a make_v none_o at_o all_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o admit_v of_o this_o opinion_n and_o this_o distinction_n but_o thou_o know_v also_o that_o we_o do_v not_o say_v a_o man_n be_v curious_a but_o by_o way_n of_o taunt_n and_o reproach_n but_o when_o we_o call_v a_o man_n studious_a we_o speak_v it_o in_o his_o praise_n a●d_fw-mi commendation_n wherefore_o if_o you_o please_v mark_v what_o difference_n you_o concei●e_n to_o be_v between_o these_o two_o thou_o answer_v that_o although_o both_o be_v move_v with_o a_o great_a desire_n of_o know_v yet_o in_o this_o they_o dif●er_fw-la that_o the_o curious_a man_n inquire_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v not_o unto_o he_o but_o the_o studious_a on_o the_o contrary_a after_o his_o own_o affair_n but_o we_o grant_v that_o a_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o their_o welfare_n do_v belong_v unto_o a_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o one_o be_v go_v a_o far_o off_o out_o of_o his_o native_a soil_n shall_v make_v a_o diligent_a enquiry_n of_o those_o that_o come_v from_o his_o part_n how_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n do_v he_o have_v certain_o a_o great_a desire_n to_o know_v it_o and_o yet_o we_o call_v not_o this_o a_o studious_a man_n although_o he_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v and_o even_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v chief_o belong_v and_o appertain_v unto_o he_o wherefore_o now_o thou_o understand_v that_o that_o definition_n of_o a_o studious_a man_n be_v herein_o defective_a and_o imperfect_a that_o every_o studious_a man_n desire_v to_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o he_o but_o that_o every_o man_n that_o have_v such_o a_o desire_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v a_o studious_a man_n but_o he_o who_o exceed_o seek_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o excellent_a breed_n and_o to_o the_o adorn_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o right_o call_v in_o latin_a a_o student_n that_o be_v a_o desirous_a man_n especial_o if_o we_o add_v what_o he_o desire_v to_o hear_v for_o we_o call_v one_o also_o studious_a of_o his_o friend_n that_o love_v his_o friend_n only_o yet_o neve●thelesse_o we_o think_v he_o not_o worthy_a of_o the_o common_a name_n of_o studious_a man_n without_o any_o addition_n but_o one_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v how_o his_o friend_n do_v i_o will_v not_o call_v he_o studious_a or_o desirous_a of_o hear_v unless_o have_v a_o good_a fame_n and_o credit_n he_o shall_v often_o desire_v to_o hear_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v but_o once_o desi●e_n to_o hear_v it_o i_o will_v call_v he_o a_o student_n or_o desire_v man_n now_o reflect_v upon_o a_o curious_a man_n and_o tell_v i_o whether_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v willing_o hear_v a_o short_a tale_n not_o conduce_v at_o all_o unto_o his_o profit_n that_o be_v of_o thing_n not_o belong_v unto_o he_o and_o this_o not_o with_o great_a eagerness_n and_o often_o but_o
very_o seldom_o and_o very_o modest_o either_o in_o some_o banquet_n or_o in_o some_o meeting_n or_o assembly_n will_v thou_o think_v he_o to_o be_v a_o curious_a man_n i_o conceive_v not_o but_o true_o he_o that_o have_v a_o care_n of_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v willing_o hear_v may_v seem_v indeed_o to_o be_v so_o wherefore_o the_o definition_n also_o of_o a_o curious_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v correct_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o be_v that_o of_o a_o studious_a man_n and_o therefore_o consider_v also_o whither_o the_o thing_n former_o speak_v aught_o to_o be_v amend_v for_o why_o be_v he_o not_o unworthy_a of_o the_o name_n of_o a_o suspicious_a man_n who_o sometime_o suspect_v something_o and_o he_o of_o a_o credulous_a man_n that_o sometime_o believe_v something_o wherefore_o as_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difference_n between_o one_o that_o be_v desirous_a of_o any_o thing_n and_o one_o that_o be_v altogether_o studious_a and_o again_o between_o one_o that_o have_v a_o care_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o one_o that_o be_v curious_a so_o be_v there_o between_o a_o believe_a man_n and_o a_o credulous_a man_n chap._n x._o why_o cre●●lity_n be_v the_o way_n to_o religion_n but_o thou_o will_v say_v now_o see_v whither_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v in_o religion_n for_o neither_o if_o we_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o believe_v another_o to_o be_v credulous_a do_v it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n to_o believe_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o what_o if_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n both_o to_o believe_v and_o to_o be_v credulous_a as_o it_o be_v both_o to_o be_v drink_v and_o to_o be_v a_o drunkard_n whosoever_o think_v this_o to_o be_v certain_o true_a can_v in_o my_o opinion_n have_v no_o friend_n at_o all_o for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n unreasonable_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n either_o he_o commit_v a_o foul_a fault_n that_o give_v credit_n to_o his_o friend_n or_o if_o he_o believe_v he_o not_o i_o see_v not_o how_o he_o can_v call_v himself_o a_o friend_n or_o the_o other_o here_o peradventure_o thou_o will_v say_v i_o grant_v that_o something_o ought_v sometime_o to_o be_v believe_v now_o declare_v how_o in_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o ●_z thing_n unreasonable_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n before_o we_o know_v it_o or_o understand_v it_o i_o will_v if_o i_o can_v wherefore_o i_o ask_v thou_o which_o do_v thou_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o great_a ●ault_n to_o instruct_v a_o unworthy_a person_n in_o religion_n or_o to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v say_v by_o the_o instructor_n and_o teacher_n thereof_o if_o thou_o understand_v not_o who_o i_o call_v a_o unworthy_a person_n such_o a_o one_o i_o mean_v as_o come_v to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v religion_n with_o a_o feign_a and_o dissemble_a heart_n thou_o grant_v as_o i_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n more_o worthy_a of_o blame_n to_o expound_v to_o such_o a_o one_o the_o holy_a mystery_n of_o faith_n then_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o religious_a man_n affirm_v something_o of_o religion_n itself_o neither_o will_v it_o become_v thou_o to_o give_v another_o answer_n wherefore_o now_o imagine_v with_o thyself_o that_o the_o man_n be_v present_a who_o be_v to_o in●truct_v thou_o in_o point_n of_o religion_n how_o will_v thou_o make_v he_o believe_v that_o thou_o come_v with_o a_o true_a and_o a_o unfeigned_a mind_n and_o that_o thou_o use_v no_o deceit_n nor_o dissimulation_n in_o this_o business_n thou_o will_v say_v that_o upon_o thy_o good_a conscience_n thou_o feigne_v nothing_o assure_v it_o with_o all_o the_o word_n thou_o can_v use_v but_o y●t_v with_o word_n for_o be_v a_o man_n thou_o can_v not_o so_o open_a the_o corner_n and_o secret_n of_o thy_o mind_n to_o another_o man_n that_o he_o may_v know_v thou_o inward_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v behold_v i_o do_v believe_v thou_o but_o be_v it_o not_o more_o fit_a that_o thou_o also_o shall_v give_v credit_n unto_o i_o see_v that_o if_o i_o hold_v and_o 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