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truth_n believe_v reason_n scripture_n 3,945 5 6.1612 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A41388 Firmianus and Dubitantius, or, Certain dialogues concerning atheism, infidelity, popery, and other heresies and schisme's that trouble the peace of the church and are destructive of primitive piety written in a plain and easie method for the satisfaction of doubting Christians / by Tho. Good. Good, Thomas, 1609-1678. 1674 (1674) Wing G1029; ESTC R23950 83,883 174

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righteous_a as_o all_o the_o law_n which_o be_v set_v before_o you_o this_o day_n which_o as_o to_o their_o clearness_n be_v high_o improve_v under_o the_o gospel_n engage_v we_o upon_o high_a and_o more_o heavenly_a motive_n those_o under_o the_o law_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n temporal_a to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2._o 12._o there_o be_v no_o virtue_n which_o christian_n religion_n commend_v not_o b._n no_o duty_n which_o it_o command_v not_o no_o vice_n no_o sin_n which_o it_o do_v not_o condemn_v no_o religion_n do_v so_o much_o condemn_v pride_n worldly-mindedness_a sensuality_n filthy_a lust_n a_o poor_a private_a narrow_a spirit_n selfishness_n as_o this_o no_o religion_n do_v so_o much_o commend_v humility_n meekness_n selfe-denyal_n charity_n peace_n unity_n no_o religion_n do_v so_o much_o exalt_v reason_n above_o passion_n and_o sense_n do_v so_o much_o 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in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mo●t_o sacred_a word_n if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o these_o great_a fundamental_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v both_o a_o orthodox_n and_o a_o serious_a christian._n dub._n if_o you_o can_v give_v i_o as_o good_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n as_o you_o have_v in_o the_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a god_n creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n you_o will_v perform_v a_o work_n of_o great_a charity_n but_o i_o f●ar_v of_o as_o great_a difficulty_n firm._n happy_o you_o may_v perceive_v some_o difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o if_o you_o will_v make_v use_n of_o your_o reason_n and_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudicate_a opinion_n which_o chief_o arise_v from_o that_o contrariety_n which_o be_v betwixt_o man_n carnal_a corrupt_a heart_n and_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n i_o hope_v by_o his_o blessing_n who_o cause_n i_o plead_v to_o persuade_v you_o to_o give_v your_o full_a 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man_n to_o worship_v he_o sure_o he_o give_v he_o some_o rule_n for_o that_o worship_n some_o law_n to_o direct_v he_o in_o this_o great_a concern_n of_o his_o soul_n dub._n i_o can_v deny_v it_o and_o that_o this_o law_n be_v no_o law_n write_v in_o paper_n or_o engrave_v in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n which_o make_v tertullian_n utter_v these_o excellent_a word_n o_o ani●a_fw-la naturaliter_fw-la christiana_n o_o divine_a soul_n that_o be_v natural_o a_o christian._n we_o see_v that_o the_o fire_n ascend_v the_o water_n move_v towards_o the_o centre_n bird_n make_v their_o nest_n beast_n feed_v their_o young_a not_o by_o any_o outward_a positive_a law_n but_o by_o the_o unerring_a hand_n of_o nature_n and_o may_v not_o man_n that_o have_v a_o natural_a inclination_n to_o serve_v his_o maker_n perform_v this_o service_n without_o any_o institue_v law_n or_o prescribe_v canon_n firm._n there_o be_v no_o dispute_v against_o experience_n you_o see_v he_o do_v not_o and_o when_o you_o shall_v embrace_v and_o understand_v the_o holy_a scripture_n you_o will_v see_v he_o can_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o fall_n from_o that_o perfect_a sta●e_v in_o which_o he_o be_v first_o make_v whereas_o the_o inferior_a creature_n keep_v their_o station_n dub._n i_o confess_v there_o be_v different_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n opposite_a one_o to_o another_o so_o that_o all_o of_o they_o can_v be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n of_o worship_v god_n some_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a firm._n if_o of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n all_o be_v not_o in_o the_o right_n how_o will_v you_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o false_a this_o you_o can_v discern_v by_o any_o imprint_v law_n or_o light_n of_o nature_n unless_o excite_v by_o art_n and_o industry_n which_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n common_a to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v not_o natural_a fool_n and_o madman_n 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that_o be_v contingent_a or_o such_o as_o do_v depend_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n they_o have_v but_o conjecture_n and_o do_v often_o time_n lie_v and_o deceive_v we_o in_o both_o kind_n for_o as_o natural_a thing_n be_v variable_a so_o much_o more_o the_o will_n of_o man_n porphyrius_n lib._n de_fw-la resp._n &_o ora●_n cite_v by_o parson_n in_o his_o resol_n pag._n 62._o dub._n this_o testimony_n of_o porphyrius_n be_v a_o heathen_a and_o a_o great_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n be_v very_o considerable_a and_o experience_n show_v it_o to_o be_v very_o true_a for_o oracle_n have_v deceive_v many_o and_o we_o see_v that_o astrologer_n can_v give_v no_o certain_a prediction_n concern_v the_o weather_n which_o depend_v upon_o natural_a cause_n and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o she●_n i_o if_o you_o can_v any_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v more_o certain_a firm._n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o that_o of_o abraham_n concern_v his_o posterity_n inherit_v the_o land_n of_o promise_n of_o their_o servitude_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n of_o their_o mighty_a deliverance_n 400_o year_n before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v you_o may_v for_o this_o compare_n cen._n 15.13.14_o etc._n etc._n with_o exod._n 12._o second_o jacob_n be_v in_o egypt_n on_o his_o death_n bed_n prophesy_v thus_o of_o his_o ●on_n judah_n that_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o until_o shilo_n come_v which_o fall_v out_o according_o at_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o saviour_n at_o which_o time_n the_o sceptre_n be_v in_o the_o h●nd_n of_o a_o stranger_n herod_n by_o name_n and_o then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o it_o final_o depart_v from_o juda_n three_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o josias●00_n ●00_z year_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v that_o he_o shall_v destroy_v the_o altar_n at_o bethel_n 1._o king_n 13._o which_o be_v exact_o fullfil_v 2._o king_n 23._o four_o you_o may_v see_v how_o punctual_a the_o prophet_n isaiah_n be_v in_o fortel_v the_o nativity_n the_o life_n the_o 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hereafter_o meet_v with_o any_o scoff_a atheist_n or_o infidel_n that_o shall_v deny_v either_o of_o they_o you_o may_v for_o conclusion_n of_o all_o press_v upon_o he_o this_o dilemma_n or_o fork_a argument_n either_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v his_o word_n or_o it_o be_v not_o true_a suppose_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o true_a yet_o thou_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v so_o thou_o be_v only_o in_o a_o error_n for_o this_o short_a span_n of_o time_n but_o what_o if_o they_o prove_v undouted_o true_a and_o thou_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v so_o than_o thou_o be_v eternal_o damn_v now_o what_o a_o madness_n be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o a_o seem_a temporary_a error_n to_o come_v within_o the_o danger_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n dub._n this_o argument_n may_v startle_v any_o atheist_n and_o make_v he_o consider_v with_o himself_o how_o sad_a his_o condition_n will_v be_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o 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short_a discourse_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o a_o argument_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o discursive_a faculty_n which_o be_v altogether_o rusty_a for_o want_v of_o use_n exercise_n and_o ingenious_a education_n though_o in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v write_v in_o large_a character_n yet_o every_o one_o can_v read_v in_o that_o book_n no_o more_o than_o he_o that_o never_o go_v to_o school_v can_v read_v the_o primer_n half_a psalter_n or_o any_o book_n of_o the_o fair_a print_n dub._n this_o be_v true_a of_o many_o simple_a and_o illiterate_a man_n that_o be_v very_a brute_n not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o by_o the_o erect_a figure_n of_o their_o body_n their_o rational_a soul_n mean_a while_n be_v sink_v down_o into_o mere_a sensuality_n such_o as_o have_v not_o god_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n they_o trouble_v not_o themselves_o to_o think_v of_o he_o either_o that_o he_o be_v or_o be_v not_o these_o digenerate_a creature_n do_v not_o concern_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o i_o hope_v you_o wil●_n not_o say_v that_o the_o witt●_n of_o the_o time_n be_v such_o ignorant_a animal_n firm._n i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o affirm_v it_o and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o you_o may_v observe_v that_o these_o witty_a man_n be_v person_n of_o no_o serious_a or_o solid_a judgement_n especial_o in_o thing_n of_o high_a concernment_n they_o be_v such_o as_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o idleness_n drollery_n vain_a recreation_n so_o that_o albeit_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o those_o two_o great_a book_n to_o read_v in_o that_o of_o nature_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o they_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o read_v or_o meditate_v upon_o
the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o this_o phanaticism_n and_o from_o whence_o it_o spring_v please_v you_o we_o will_v discourse_v of_o anabaptism_n pray_v you_o what_o do_v you_o think_v of_o that_o dialogue_n v._o against_o anabaptism_n firm._n anabaptism_n be_v a_o most_o carnal_a and_o bloody_a sect_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o john_n of_o leiden_fw-mi knipperdoling_n write_v by_o sleiden_n and_o bullenger_n dub._n but_o what_o do_v you_o think_v of_o their_o opnion_n concern_v infant_n baptism_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o other_o of_o their_o tenant_n which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o other_o schismatic_n firm._n that_o opinion_n of_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n dub._n i_o have_v often_o he●rd_v they_o say_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o express_a text_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o baptising_n of_o infant_n they_o will_v allow_v of_o that_o practice_n firm._n though_o there_o be_v no_o express_a place_n in_o scripture_n for_o it_o as_o there_o be_v for_o circumcise_n of_o child_n under_o the_o law_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o text_n which_o do_v infer_v it_o by_o rational_a consequence_n what_o express_a text_n be_v there_o for_o the_o communicate_v of_o woman_n which_o nevertheless_o the_o anabaptist_n practice_n 10.6_o have_v they_o not_o express_v text_n for_o obey_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o take_v a_o oath_n before_o he_o thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o justice_n in_o judgement_n and_o truth_n thou_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n i_o call_v god_n for_o a_o record_n upon_o my_o soul_n a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v not_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o we_o have_v the_o angel_n in_o the_o revelation_n which_o be_v never_o under_o the_o levitical_a law_n swear_v yo●_n see_v here_o be_v express_a text_n for_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n and_o for_o take_v a_o oath_n before_o they_o yet_o the_o anabaptist_n will_v not_o swear_v at_o all_o which_o be_v a_o moral_a duty_n enjoin_v in_o the_o three_o commandment_n and_o how_o obedient_a they_o be_v to_o the_o supreme_a power_n let_v germany_n and_o england_n witness_n in_o our_o ●ate_z civil_a war_n so_o that_o you_o may_v see_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o express_a text_n for_o infant_n baptism_n they_o will_v not_o yield_v unto_o it_o but_o follow_v their_o own_o wild_a imagination_n dub._n doubtless_o it_o be_v grand_a hypocrisy_n to_o call_v for_o express_v text_n for_o infants-baptism_n and_o yet_o to_o act_v direct_o against_o such_o text_n in_o other_o point_n of_o necessary_a duty_n firm._n true_a it_o be_v we_o have_v no_o express_a text_n for_o infants-baptism_n yet_o we_o have_v many_o that_o do_v necessary_o infer_v it_o as_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v little_a child_n ●o_o come_v unto_o i_o which_o he_o take_v in_o his_o arm_n and_o bless_a certain_o those_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o his_o blessing_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n 28._o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n all_o which_o place_n evident_o show_v that_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a christian_n have_v as_o much_o right_n to_o baptism_n as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v to_o circumcision_n unless_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v more_o gracious_a to_o the_o jew_n than_o he_o be_v to_o we_o christian_n and_o that_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o mercy_n be_v shorten_v to_o we_o which_o be_v so_o much_o stretch_v out_o to_o they_o if_o their_o child_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v deut._n 29.11_o then_o be_v the_o child_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o same_o privilege_n unless_o any_o man_n can_v give_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o 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have_v contende●_n about_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n if_o they_o have_v doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n i_o m●y_v add_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v either_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n be_v a_o small_a error_n or_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o gross_a one_o if_o i●_n be_v but_o a_o small_a error_n a_o error_n of_o charity_n towards_o poor_a infant_n why_o do_v the_o ana●ap●i●ts_n in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o confusion_n separate_v from_o those_o church_n which_o do_v not_o impose_v it_o as_o a_o necessary_a con●ition_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o if_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o gross_a one_o than_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v maintain_v a_o gross_a error_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o upward_o how_o then_o be_v that_o promise_n make_v good_a unto_o it_o that_o christ_n spirit_n shall_v lead_v it_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o dub._n indeed_o those_o text_n of_o 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the_o mother_n of_o all_o villainy_n and_o wickednss_n three_o but_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o all_o be_v that_o our_o chorister_n be_v common_o the_o child_n o●_n mean_a parent_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v very_o ignorant_a in_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o religion_n and_o extreme_o negligent_a in_o the_o concern_v of_o their_o own_o and_o their_o child_n soul_n now_o dean_n and_o chapter_n be_v necessitate_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o poor_a child_n because_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o people_n disdain_v to_o have_v their_o child_n bring_v up_o in_o that_o noble_a science_n of_o music_n which_o be_v their_o gross_a ignorance_n beside_o their_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o this_o science_n they_o misconceive_v that_o if_o they_o shall_v send_v they_o to_o the_o music_n school_v it_o will_v hinder_v they_o in_o their_o grammar_n learning_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v prevent_v by_o employ_v those_o hour_n only_o at_o music_n which_o be_v spend_v in_o foolish_a 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and_o stint_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o who_o they_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o set_a form_n when_o these_o query_n shall_v be_v rational_o answer_v i_o shall_v through_o away_o all_o set_a form_n which_o have_v be_v use_v by_o the_o ●hristian_n church_n for_o above_o 1400_o year_n beside_o those_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n allow_v they_o as_o lawful_a in_o their_o conference_n with_o the_o bishop_n anon_o after_o his_o majesty_n restauration_n as_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o other_o exception_n that_o read_v of_o prayer_n out_o of_o a_o book_n can_v be_v pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n this_o to_o those_o who_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o phrase_n be_v a_o most_o frivolous_a cavil_n for_o set_v aside_o the_o extraordnary_n gift_n of_o prayer_n to_o pray_v in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n denote_v first_o the_o make_n of_o our_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n express_v in_o 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than_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n quicken_a and_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o and_o in_o prayer_n whereby_o our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n be_v fix_v in_o that_o holy_a duty_n join_v and_o go_v along_o with_o the_o tongue_n and_o voice_n but_o true_o i_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o my_o spirit_n be_v more_o stir_v up_o by_o a_o prayer_n that_o be_v new_a which_o i_o never_o hear_v before_o be_v lively_o deliver_v then_o by_o a_o common_a form_n read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n firm._n this_o be_v the_o chief_a reason_n ●hich_v render_v man_n such_o admirer_n of_o extemporary_a prayer_n and_o so_o opposite_a to_o set_v form_n their_o own_o experience_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v more_o take_v with_o such_o prayer_n then_o with_o common_a form_n read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n whi●h_o phanciful_a experience_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v plead_v against_o reason_n and_o judgement_n it_o be_v very_o deceitful_a and_o the_o issue_n of_o a_o very_a common_a corruption_n and_o humane_a infirmity_n which_o incline_v we_o to_o be_v more_o take_v with_o what_o be_v new_a then_o with_o what_o we_o have_v often_o hear_v especial_o when_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o a_o lively_a tone_n with_o please_a action_n and_o gesticulation_n of_o the_o body_n and_o without_o book_n though_o for_o substance_n and_o soundness_n what_o be_v read_v be_v infinite_o before_o it_o pray_v sir_n answer_v i_o but_o this_o one_o question_n whether_o be_v your_o affection_n more_o stir_v up_o at_o the_o read_n of_o some_o portion_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o minister_n or_o at_o a_o good_a sermon_n deliver_v from_o the_o pulpit_n dub._n i_o confess_v i_o be_o much_o more_o affect_v my_o affection_n be_v more_o wrought_v upon_o by_o a_o good_a sermon_n deliver_v with_o life_n and_o action_n then_o at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o best_a chapter_n