divide_v itself_o from_o the_o rest_n cause_v schism_n or_o contention_n in_o the_o body_n or_o make_v a_o rent_n unnecessary_o in_o any_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v a_o part_n 28.22_o §_o 4._o but_o when_o party_n and_o sect_n do_v trouble_v the_o church_n we_o must_v still_o hold_v to_o our_o mere_a christianity_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v call_v by_o no_o other_o name_n than_o christian_n with_o the_o epithet_n of_o sincerity_n and_o if_o man_n will_v put_v the_o name_n of_o a_o party_n or_o sect_n upon_o we_o for_o hold_v to_o christianity_n only_o against_o all_o corrupt_a sect_n we_o must_v hold_v on_o our_o way_n and_o bear_v their_o obloquy_n 3._o §_o 5._o what_o christianity_n be_v may_v be_v know_v 1._o most_o summary_o in_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n in_o which_o we_o be_v by_o solemnisation_n make_v christian_n in_o which_o renounce_v the_o flesh_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n we_o give_v up_o ourselves_o devote_o to_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o our_o creator_n redeemer_n and_o sanctifier_n 2._o by_o the_o ancient_a summary_n rule_v of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n the_o creed_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o decalogue_n 3._o integral_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o record_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 40._o §_o 6._o but_o there_o be_v many_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o scripture_n do_v not_o particular_o determine_v of_o but_o only_o give_v general_a rule_n for_o the_o determination_n of_o they_o as_o what_o chapter_n shall_v be_v read_v what_o text_n preach_v on_o what_o translation_n use_v what_o meeter_n or_o tune_n of_o psalm_n what_o time_n what_o place_n what_o seat_n or_o pulpit_n or_o cup_n or_o other_o utensil_n what_o vesture_n gesture_n etc._n etc._n whether_o we_o shall_v use_v note_n for_o memory_n in_o preach_v what_o method_n we_o shall_v preach_v in_o whether_o we_o shall_v pray_v in_o the_o same_o word_n often_o or_o in_o various_a with_o a_o book_n or_o without_o with_o many_o other_o in_o all_o which_o the_o people_n must_v have_v a_o obediential_a respect_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o lawful_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n §_o 7._o differ_v opinion_n or_o practice_n about_o thing_n indifferent_a 17._o no_o nor_o about_o the_o mere_a integral_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v not_o essential_o do_v not_o make_v man_n of_o different_a religion_n or_o church_n universal_o consider_v §_o 8._o nothing_o will_v warrant_v we_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n as_o no_o church_n but_o the_o want_n of_o something_o essential_a to_o a_o church_n §_o 9_o 5._o the_o essential_a or_o constitutive_a part_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n or_o universal_a be_v christ_n the_o head_n and_o all_o christian_n as_o the_o member_n §_o 10._o all_o sincere_a and_o sanctify_a christian_n be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n mystical_a invisible_a or_o regenerate_v and_o all_o professor_n of_o sincere_a christianity_n that_o be_v all_o baptise_a person_n not_o apostatise_v nor_o excommunicate_a be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a which_o be_v integrate_v of_o the_o particular_a church_n §_o 11._o it_o be_v essential_a to_o particular_a political_a church_n 13._o that_o they_o be_v constitute_v of_o true_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o of_o flock_n of_o baptise_a or_o profess_a christian_n unite_v in_o these_o relation_n for_o holy_a communion_n in_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o several_a member_n §_o 12._o it_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o true_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n 8.1_o to_o be_v in_o office_n that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o obligation_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o subordination_n to_o he_o in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o his_o office_n prophetical_a priestly_a and_o kingly_a that_o be_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o stand_v between_o they_o and_o god_n in_o worship_n and_o to_o guide_v or_o or_o govern_v they_o by_o the_o paternal_a exercise_n of_o the_o key_n of_o his_o church_n §_o 13._o he_o that_o do_v not_o nullify_v or_o unchurch_n a_o church_n may_v lawful_o remove_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o and_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a or_o that_o which_o be_v most_o suit_v to_o his_o own_o edification_n if_o he_o be_v a_o freeman_n 26._o §_o 14._o but_o in_o case_n of_o such_o choice_n or_o personal_a removal_n the_o interest_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o religion_n in_o common_a must_v be_v first_o take_v into_o consideration_n by_o he_o that_o will_v right_o judge_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o fact_n §_o 15._o if_o a_o church_n which_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n be_v pure_a and_o best_a will_v impose_v any_o sin_n upon_o all_o that_o will_v have_v local_a communion_n with_o it_o 3.8_o though_o we_o must_v not_o separate_v from_o that_o church_n as_o no_o church_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o commit_v that_o sin_n but_o patient_o suffer_v they_o to_o exclude_v we_o from_o their_o communion_n §_o 16._o true_a heresy_n that_o be_v a_o error_n contradictory_n to_o a_o essential_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n if_o it_o be_v serious_o and_o real_o hold_v 2._o so_o that_o the_o contrary_a truth_n be_v not_o hold_v serious_o and_o real_o do_v nullify_v the_o christianity_n of_o he_o that_o hold_v it_o and_o the_o church-state_n of_o that_o congregation_n which_o so_o profess_v it_o but_o so_o do_v not_o that_o fundamental_a error_n which_o be_v hold_v but_o in_o word_n through_o ignorance_n think_v it_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o contrary_a truth_n while_o that_o truth_n be_v not_o deny_v but_o hold_v majore_fw-la fide_fw-la 244._o so_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o if_o they_o do_v discern_v the_o contradiction_n they_o will_v rather_o forsake_v the_o error_n than_o the_o truth_n but_o of_o this_o more_o elsewhere_o chap._n fourteen_o consectary_n ii_o pa._n of_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o promote_v it_o and_o its_o enemy_n and_o impediment_n in_o the_o world_n so_o great_a and_o common_a be_v the_o enmity_n against_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o against_o the_o life_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o hypocrite_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o the_o guilty_a will_v not_o bear_v the_o detection_n of_o their_o guilt_n and_o therefore_o the_o reader_n must_v excuse_v i_o for_o pass_v over_o the_o one_o half_a of_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_n because_o they_o that_o need_v it_o can_v suffer_v it_o §_o 1._o 33._o every_o true_a christian_a prefer_v the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o religion_n before_o all_o worldly_a interest_n of_o his_o own_o or_o any_o other_o for_o he_o that_o set_v himself_o or_o any_o thing_n above_o his_o god_n have_v indeed_o no_o god_n for_o if_o he_o be_v not_o maximus_n sapientissimus_fw-la optimus_fw-la great_a wise_a and_o best_a he_o be_v not_o god_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o real_o take_v as_o such_o he_o be_v not_o take_v for_o their_o god_n and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o god_n have_v no_o religion_n and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o religion_n be_v no_o christian_a and_o if_o he_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n he_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n §_o 2._o 1.12.14_o though_o we_o must_v prefer_v the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n above_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o soul_n yet_o must_v we_o never_o set_v they_o in_o competition_n or_o opposition_n but_o in_o a_o due_a conjunction_n though_o not_o in_o a_o equality_n i_o add_v this_o to_o warn_v man_n of_o some_o common_a dangerous_a error_n in_o this_o point_n some_o think_v that_o if_o they_o do_v but_o feel_v themselves_o more_o move_v with_o another_o minister_n preach_v or_o more_o edify_v with_o another_o way_n of_o discipline_n they_o may_v present_o withdraw_v themselves_o to_o that_o minister_n or_o discipline_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o unity_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o be_v or_o whatever_o public_a evil_n follow_v it_o whereas_o he_o that_o seem_v to_o deny_v even_o to_o his_o soul_n some_o present_a edification_n for_o the_o public_a good_a shall_v find_v that_o even_o this_o will_v turn_v to_o his_o great_a edification_n and_o some_o on_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a have_v get_v a_o conceit_n that_o till_o they_o can_v find_v that_o they_o can_v be_v content_a to_o be_v damn_v for_o christ_n if_o god_n will_v so_o have_v it_o they_o be_v not_o sincere_a which_o be_v a_o case_n that_o no_o christian_n shall_v put_v to_o his_o own_o heart_n be_v such_o as_o god_n never_o put_v to_o any_o man_n all_o the_o trial_n that_o god_n put_v we_o to_o be_v but_o whether_o we_o can_v deny_v this_o transitory_a life_n and_o the_o vanity_n
farewell_n vain_a world_n as_o thou_o have_v be_v to_o i_o dust_n &_o a_o shadow_n those_o i_o leave_v with_o thou_o the_o unseen_a vital_a substance_n i_o commit_v to_o he_o that_o be_v substance_n light_n &_o life_n to_o it_o the_o leave_n &_o fruit_n here_o drop_v be_v holy_a seed_n heaven_n heir_n to_o generate_v to_o heal_v &_o feed_v they_o also_o thou_o will_v flatter_v &_o molest_v but_o shall_v not_o keep_v from_o everlasting_a rest_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o first_o part_n of_o godliness_n prove_v by_o natural_a evidence_n the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o a_o future_a life_n of_o retribution_n the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o world_n the_o desert_n of_o hell_n and_o what_o hope_v of_o recovery_n mercy_n intimate_v the_o second_o part_n of_o christianity_n prove_v by_o evidence_n supernatural_a and_o natural_a the_o certain_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a belief_n and_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o unbeliever_n first_o meditate_a for_o the_o well-setling_a of_o his_o own_o belief_n and_o now_o publish_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o by_o richard_n baxter_n it_o open_v also_o the_o true_a resolution_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n also_o a_o appendix_n defend_v the_o soul_n immortality_n against_o the_o somatist_n or_o epicurean_o and_o other_o pseudophilosopher_n london_n print_v by_o r._n white_n for_o fran._n titon_n at_o the_o three_o dagger_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1667._o to_o the_o christian_a reader_n because_o there_o be_v some_o who_o judge_v of_o other_o by_o themselves_o will_n say_v what_o need_v this_o labour_n among_o christian_n to_o prove_v a_o god_n a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o at_o lest_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o it_o after_o so_o much_o already_o write_v i_o take_v myself_o oblige_v to_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o this_o attempt_n for_o my_o own_o reason_n be_v much_o against_o over_n and_o waste_v our_o little_a time_n in_o thing_n superfluous_a which_o be_v but_o enough_o for_o necessary_a thing_n but_o it_o have_v record_v this_o among_o the_o indubitata_fw-la boni_fw-la rarò_fw-la nimis_fw-la optimi_fw-la nunquam_fw-la indifferentes_fw-la saepissimè_fw-la mali_fw-la semper_fw-la the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o work_n be_v no_o few_o than_o these_o follow_v 1._o quod_fw-la cogitamus_fw-la loquimur_fw-la that_o which_o be_v most_o and_o deep_a in_o my_o thought_n be_v apt_a to_o break_v forth_o to_o other_o man_n be_v a_o communicative_a creature_n though_o it_o be_v to_o my_o shame_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o necessity_n through_o perplex_a thought_n have_v make_v this_o subject_a much_o of_o my_o meditation_n it_o be_v the_o subject_n which_o i_o have_v find_v most_o necessary_a and_o most_o useful_a to_o myself_o and_o i_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o think_v that_o many_o other_o may_v be_v as_o weak_a as_o i._o and_o i_o will_v fain_o have_v those_o partake_v of_o my_o satisfaction_n who_o have_v partake_v of_o my_o difficulty_n 2._o i_o perceive_v that_o because_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o shame_n to_o doubt_v of_o our_o christianity_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v this_o hinder_v many_o from_o utter_v their_o doubt_n who_o never_o get_v they_o well_o resolve_v but_o remain_v half_a infidel_n within_o while_o the_o ensign_n of_o christ_n be_v hang_v without_o and_o need_v much_o help_n though_o they_o be_v ashamed_a to_o tell_v their_o need_n and_o prudent_a charity_n will_v relieve_v those_o who_o be_v ashamed_a to_o beg_v 3._o as_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v the_o beginning_n and_o maintainer_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o honesty_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n so_o latent_fw-la atheism_n and_o infidelity_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o root_n of_o their_o profaneness_n dishonesty_n and_o wickedness_n do_v they_o serious_o believe_v as_o christian_n they_o will_v not_o live_v as_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n i_o take_v it_o therefore_o to_o be_v the_o sure_a and_o most_o expeditious_a cure_n of_o the_o security_n presumption_n pride_n perfidiousness_n sensuality_n and_o wickedness_n of_o these_o hypocrite_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a 4._o and_o this_o profaneness_n and_o sensuality_n tend_v to_o great_a infidelity_n they_o that_o will_v not_o live_v as_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v may_v most_o easy_o be_v draw_v to_o believe_v and_o profess_v as_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o live_v and_o therefore_o this_o prognostic_n command_v i_o to_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v man_n open_a profession_n of_o infidelity_n lest_o the_o present_a torrent_n of_o ungodliness_n selfishnesse_n malice_n uncharitableness_n perjury_n treachery_n faction_n whoredom_n and_o other_o sensuality_n shall_v fall_v into_o this_o gulf_n or_o one_o that_o be_v not_o much_o unlike_o it_o 5._o the_o best_a complain_v of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o too_o many_o good_a christian_n especial_o if_o melancholy_a surprise_v they_o be_v haunt_v with_o such_o temptation_n to_o atheism_n blasphemy_n and_o unbelief_n as_o make_v their_o life_n a_o burden_n to_o they_o and_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v so_o many_o of_o their_o complaint_n as_o i_o have_v do_v be_v excusable_a for_o desire_v to_o relieve_v they_o it_o have_v many_o a_o time_n be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n to_o i_o to_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o one_o deep_a melancholy_a person_n among_o ten_o religious_a or_o not_o religious_a before_o but_o be_v follow_v with_o violent_a suggestion_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o godhead_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o to_o utter_v some_o word_n of_o blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o he_o that_o must_v pray_v lord_n increase_v my_o faith_n and_o help_v my_o unbelief_n must_v use_v other_o mean_n as_o well_o as_o pray_v 6._o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o faith_n even_o about_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v the_o secret_a root_n of_o all_o our_o fault_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o every_o other_o grace_n of_o our_o yield_n to_o temptation_n and_o of_o the_o carelessness_n badness_n and_o barrenness_n of_o our_o life_n so_o transcendent_a be_v the_o concernment_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o a_o certain_a clear_a and_o firm_a belief_n of_o they_o will_v even_o deride_v temptation_n and_o bear_v down_o all_o the_o trifle_n of_o this_o world_n by_o what_o name_n or_o title_n soever_o dignify_v as_o thing_n not_o worthy_a of_o a_o look_n or_o thought_n what_o manner_n of_o person_n will_v that_o man_n be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n who_o believe_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v dissolve_v do_v look_v for_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o bless_a consequent_n 2_o pet._n 3.11_o 12_o 14._o 2_o thess_n 1.10_o o_o what_o a_o life_n will_v that_o man_n live_v what_o prayer_n what_o praise_n what_o holy_a discourse_n will_v employ_v his_o tongue_n with_o what_o abhorrence_n will_v he_o reject_v the_o bait_n of_o sin_n who_o do_v but_o see_v but_o once_o see_v those_o unseen_a and_o future_a thing_n which_o every_o christian_a profess_v to_o believe_v how_o contemptible_o will_v he_o think_v and_o speak_v both_o of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o dream_a life_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o everlasting_a thing_n what_o serious_a desire_n and_o labour_n and_o joy_n and_o patience_n will_v such_o a_o sight_n procure_v how_o much_o more_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a will_v it_o make_v even_o those_o that_o by_o the_o purblind_a world_n be_v think_v to_o exceed_v herein_o already_o and_o if_o we_o take_v our_o belief_n to_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o our_o sight_n believe_v will_v do_v great_a matter_n than_o it_o do_v i_o oft_o think_v what_o one_o tell_v i_o that_o a_o infidel_n answer_v he_o when_o he_o ask_v he_o how_o he_o can_v quiet_v his_o conscience_n in_o such_o a_o desperate_a state_n say_v he_o i_o rather_o wonder_v how_o you_o can_v quiet_v your_o conscience_n in_o such_o a_o common_a careless_a course_n of_o life_n believe_v as_o you_o do_v if_o i_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o you_o do_v i_o shall_v think_v no_o care_n and_o diligence_n and_o holiness_n can_v be_v enough_o 7._o the_o soul_n in_o flesh_n be_v so_o much_o desirous_a of_o a_o sensitive_a way_n of_o apprehension_n and_o sensible_a thing_n be_v still_o before_o we_o do_v so_o increase_v this_o malady_n and_o divert_v the_o mind_n from_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o we_o have_v all_o great_a need_n of_o the_o clear_a evidence_n and_o the_o most_o suitable_a and_o frequent_a and_o take_v explication_n of_o they_o that_o possible_o can_v be_v give_v we_o not_o only_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v thing_n unseen_a but_o to_o make_v we_o serious_a and_o practical_a and_o affectionate_a about_o the_o thing_n which_o in_o a_o
sort_n we_o do_v believe_v to_o keep_v drowsy_a heart_n awaken_v 8._o the_o way_n of_o take_v religion_n upon_o trust_n without_o rise_v up_o to_o make_v it_o our_o own_o have_v fill_v the_o church_n so_o full_a of_o hypocrite_n who_o have_v no_o better_o than_o a_o humane_a faith_n that_o thereby_o the_o complexion_n of_o it_o be_v much_o change_v from_o its_o primitive_a beauty_n and_o thousand_o do_v perish_v by_o felf-deceit_n and_o though_o some_o of_o their_o gift_n be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o gospel_n other_o of_o they_o do_v more_o effectual_o serve_v the_o devil_n against_o the_o cause_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n than_o they_o can_v have_v do_v if_o they_o be_v profess_v infidel_n 9_o it_o make_v i_o blush_v and_o stir_v my_o indignation_n to_o read_v and_o hear_v abundance_n of_o hot_a and_o vehement_a dispute_n and_o tedious_a or_o critical_a discourse_n about_o many_o small_a less_o needful_a thing_n by_o those_o man_n that_o never_o study_v the_o foundation_n nor_o can_v with_o sense_n and_o reason_n defend_v their_o christianity_n against_o a_o infidel_n such_o preposterous_a method_n be_v perverse_a and_o nauseous_a 10._o i_o be_o much_o afraid_a lest_o many_o of_o those_o ignorant_a zealous_a christian_n who_o now_o turn_v to_o that_o sectary_n who_o they_o can_v answer_v will_v turn_v to_o the_o infidel_n at_o last_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o unable_a to_o confute_v they_o through_o their_o own_o insufficiency_n and_o ungroundedness_n in_o the_o truth_n 11._o but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o apostatise_v what_o a_o shame_n will_v it_o be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o have_v our_o religion_n thus_o betray_v by_o such_o as_o be_v not_o able_a to_o defend_v it_o and_o how_o many_o other_o may_v it_o tempt_v to_o infidelity_n to_o hear_v a_o ignorant_a christian_a baffle_v 12._o i_o be_o too_o sure_a that_o too_o many_o teacher_n that_o shall_v be_v champion_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v lamentable_o unfurnished_v for_o such_o a_o 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have_v escape_v a_o overthrow_n 14._o i_o have_v in_o the_o anatomise_v of_o the_o controversy_n which_o most_o hazard_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n find_v so_o much_o latent_fw-la atheism_n and_o infidelity_n that_o i_o think_v among_o many_o that_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o the_o true_a root_n of_o all_o the_o difference_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a and_o i_o think_v that_o a_o sound_a agreement_n in_o these_o will_v do_v more_o to_o the_o end_n of_o such_o controversy_n and_o to_o the_o heal_n of_o our_o wound_n than_o any_o dispute_v of_o the_o controvert_v point_n 15._o we_o have_v have_v hot_a and_o scandalous_a dispute_n among_o christian_n de_fw-fr resolutione_n fidei_fw-la each_o party_n invalidate_v the_o other_o foundation_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v our_o work_n to_o persuade_v the_o infidel_n world_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o i_o think_v it_o the_o only_a way_n to_o 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command_n of_o a_o ignorant_a or_o a_o slothful_a person_n or_o of_o a_o deceiver_n when_o a_o word_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o necessary_a answer_n 16._o there_o be_v no_o more_o desirable_a work_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o convert_n of_o idolater_n and_o infidel_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o it_o be_v a_o work_n which_o require_v the_o great_a judgement_n and_o zeal_n in_o they_o that_o must_v perform_v it_o it_o be_v a_o doleful_a thought_n that_o five_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v still_o heathen_n and_o mahometan_n and_o that_o christian_a prince_n and_o preacher_n do_v no_o more_o to_o their_o recovery_n but_o be_v take_v up_o with_o sad_a contention_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o the_o few_o that_o have_v attempt_v it_o have_v hitherto_o have_v so_o small_a success_n the_o open_n of_o the_o true_a method_n for_o such_o a_o work_n be_v the_o high_a part_n of_o my_o design_n in_o which_o though_o many_o other_o have_v excellent_o 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in_o despite_n of_o earth_n and_o hell_n octob._n 31._o 1666._o your_o brother_n in_o this_o life_n of_o faith_n richard_n baxter_n virtus_fw-la fidei_fw-la in_o periculis_fw-la secura_fw-la est_fw-la securitate_fw-la periclitatur_fw-la chrysost_n in_o mat._n 20._o to_o the_o doubt_v and_o the_o vnbelieve_a reader_n the_o natural_a love_n to_o knowledge_n and_o to_o myself_o which_o belong_v to_o i_o as_o i_o be_o a_o man_n have_v command_v i_o to_o look_v beyond_o this_o life_n and_o diligent_o to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o certainty_n of_o a_o better_a and_o which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o to_o who_o it_o do_v of_o right_o belong_v and_o what_o i_o have_v certain_o discover_v in_o this_o search_n the_o love_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o truth_n and_o of_o god_n oblige_v i_o to_o communicate_v but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o cursory_a glance_n at_o truth_n nor_o a_o look_n towards_o it_o afar_o off_o in_o my_o state_n of_o ignorance_n and_o diversion_n which_o bring_v 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must_v be_v embrace_v and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o mahumet_n as_o a_o great_a scourge_n to_o the_o idolater_n of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o christian_n who_o have_v abuse_v their_o sacred_a privilege_n and_o blessing_n wherever_o his_o religion_n do_v prevail_v he_o cast_v down_o image_n and_o fill_v man_n mind_n with_o a_o hatred_n of_o idol_n and_o all_o conceit_n of_o multitude_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v man_n to_o worship_v one_o god_n alone_o and_o do_v that_o by_o the_o sword_n in_o this_o which_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o do_v in_o many_o obstinate_a nation_n of_o idolater_n §_o 12._o but_o withal_o i_o find_v a_o man_n exalt_v as_o the_o chief_a of_o prophet_n moamethica_n without_o any_o such_o proof_n as_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v move_v with_o and_o a_o alcoran_n write_v by_o he_o below_o the_o rate_n of_o common_a reason_n be_v a_o rhapsody_n of_o nonsense_n and_o confession_n and_o many_o 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improve_v the_o intellect_n of_o man_n and_o who_o teach_v man_n to_o fight_v and_o kill_v for_o their_o religion_n certain_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n be_v not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o friend_n of_o ignorance_n be_v no_o friend_n to_o truth_n to_o god_n nor_o to_o mankind_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n that_o it_o can_v endure_v the_o light_n if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n why_o dare_v they_o not_o sober_o prove_v it_o to_o we_o and_o hear_v what_o we_o have_v to_o object_v against_o it_o that_o truth_n by_o the_o search_n may_v have_v the_o victory_n if_o beast_n have_v a_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v such_o as_o this_o 3._o moreover_o they_o have_v doctrine_n of_o polygamy_n and_o of_o a_o sensual_a kind_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o murder_a man_n to_o increase_v their_o kingdom_n and_o many_o the_o like_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o unto_o certain_a common_a truth_n do_v prove_v that_o the_o prophet_n and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v not_o of_o god_n 4._o and_o his_o full_a attestation_n to_o moses_n and_o christ_n as_o the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n do_v prove_v himself_o a_o false_a prophet_n who_o so_o much_o contradict_v they_o and_o rage_v against_o christian_n as_o a_o bloodthirsty_a enemy_n when_o he_o have_v give_v so_o full_a a_o testimony_n to_o christ_n the_o particular_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v show_v anon_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o first_o what_o it_o be_v symb._n §_o 1._o iv._o the_o last_o sort_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v christianity_n in_o which_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n i_o be_v educate_v and_o at_o first_o receive_v it_o by_o a_o humane_a faith_n upon_o the_o word_n and_o reverence_n of_o my_o parent_n and_o teacher_n be_v unable_a in_o my_o childhood_n rational_o to_o try_v its_o ground_n and_o evidence_n i_o shall_v declare_v to_o the_o reader_n just_a in_o what_o order_n i_o have_v 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myself_o only_o declare_v the_o naked_a history_n in_o truth_n §_o 2._o in_o this_o religion_n receive_v defective_o both_o as_o to_o matter_n and_o ground_n i_o find_v a_o power_n even_o in_o my_o childhood_n to_o awe_v my_o soul_n and_o check_v my_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o make_v i_o careful_a of_o my_o salvation_n and_o to_o make_v i_o love_v and_o honour_v true_a wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n §_o 3._o but_o when_o i_o grow_v up_o to_o full_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o more_o distinct_o understand_v what_o i_o have_v general_o and_o dark_o receive_v the_o power_n of_o it_o do_v more_o surprise_v my_o mind_n and_o bring_v i_o to_o deep_a consideration_n of_o spiritual_a and_o everlasting_a thing_n it_o humble_v i_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o its_o desert_n and_o make_v i_o think_v more_o sensible_o of_o a_o saviour_n it_o resolve_v i_o for_o more_o exact_a obedience_n to_o god_n and_o increase_v my_o love_n to_o god_n and_o increase_v my_o love_n to_o person_n and_o thing_n sermon_n write_n prayer_n conference_n which_o relish_v of_o plain_a resolve_v godliness_n §_o 4._o in_o all_o this_o time_n i_o never_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o religion_n partly_o retain_v my_o first_o humane_a belief_n and_o partly_o awe_v and_o convince_v by_o the_o intrinsic_a evidence_n of_o its_o proper_a subject_n end_n and_o manner_n and_o be_v take_v up_o about_o the_o humble_v and_o reform_v study_n of_o myself_o §_o 5._o at_o last_o have_v for_o many_o year_n labour_v to_o compose_v my_o mind_n and_o life_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o religion_n i_o grow_v up_o to_o see_v more_o difficulty_n in_o it_o than_o i_o see_v before_o and_o partly_o by_o temptation_n and_o partly_o by_o a_o inquisitive_a mind_n which_o be_v wound_v with_o uncertainty_n and_o can_v not_o contemptuos_o or_o careless_o cast_v off_o the_o doubt_n which_o i_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resolve_v i_o resume_v afresh_o the_o whole_a inquiry_n and_o resolve_v to_o make_v as_o faithful_a a_o search_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o this_o religion_n as_o if_o i_o have_v never_o be_v baptize_v into_o it_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o study_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o christianity_n what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o next_o be_v the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o it_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v distinct_o §_o 6._o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o in_o its_o self_n as_o deliver_v by_o god_n 2._o in_o its_o reception_n and_o practice_n by_o man_n profess_v it_o in_o its_o self_n it_o be_v perfect_a but_o not_o so_o easy_o discernible_a by_o a_o stranger_n in_o the_o practiser_n it_o be_v imperfect_a here_o in_o this_o life_n but_o more_o discernible_a by_o man_n that_o can_v so_o quick_o understand_v the_o principle_n and_o more_o forcible_o constrain_v
it_o be_v god_n own_o attestation_n i_o have_v show_v before_o §_o 66._o i_o have_v open_v the_o validity_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o first_o church_n certain_a testimony_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n both_o of_o they_o have_v a_o threefold_a certainty_n moral_a natural_a and_o supernatural_a in_o all_o which_o i_o have_v suppose_v that_o such_o a_o testimony_n the_o church_n have_v indeed_o give_v down_o to_o their_o posterity_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v last_o to_o be_v here_o prove_v §_o 67._o the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v be_v deliver_v we_o down_o from_o the_o first_o church_n by_o all_o these_o follow_a way_n of_o history_n 1._o by_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o same_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o their_o hand_n themselves_o as_o certain_a truth_n and_o deliver_v down_o as_o such_o to_o we_o even_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o that_o believe_v their_o word_n believe_v their_o write_n and_o have_v tell_v we_o their_o belief_n by_o preserve_v they_o for_o posterity_n as_o sacred_a verity_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o life_n and_o death_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v contain_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o history_n of_o their_o preach_a and_o miracle_n as_o luke_n be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o or_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o who_o be_v common_o paul_n companion_n by_o which_o we_o may_v partly_o judge_v of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o if_o the_o church_n have_v not_o believe_v all_o these_o they_o will_v not_o have_v deliver_v they_o as_o the_o infallible_a write_n of_o the_o inspire_a apostle_n to_o their_o posterity_n §_o 68_o 2._o the_o very_a successive_a be_v of_o christian_n and_o church_n be_v the_o full_a history_n that_o they_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o christian_n and_o church_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n a_o christian_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o one_o that_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n resurrection_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n as_o certain_a truth_n by_o the_o preach_n and_o miracle_n of_o his_o great_a witness_n the_o apostle_n so_o many_o christian_n as_o there_o ever_o be_v so_o many_o believer_n of_o these_o thing_n there_o have_v be_v it_o be_v this_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n that_o make_v they_o christian_n and_o plant_v these_o church_n and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v it_o questionable_a whether_o there_o have_v be_v christian_n ever_o since_o christ_n time_n in_o the_o world_n all_o history_n will_v satisfy_v he_o roman_z mahometan_a jewish_a and_o christian_a without_o any_o one_o dissent_v voice_n pliny_n suetonius_n tacitus_n marcellinus_n eunapius_n lucian_n and_o porphyry_n and_o julian_n and_o all_o such_o enemy_n may_v convince_v he_o he_o shall_v read_v the_o history_n of_o their_o suffering_n which_o will_v tell_v he_o that_o certain_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o person_n there_o be_v then_o in_o the_o world_n §_o 69._o 3._o the_o succession_n of_o pastor_n and_o preacher_n in_o all_o generation_n be_v another_o proof_n for_o it_o be_v their_o office_n to_o read_v public_o and_o preach_v this_o same_o scripture_n to_o the_o church_n and_o world_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o a_o succession_n of_o pastor_n in_o this_o one_o city_n or_o that_o or_o by_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a way_n of_o ordination_n have_v nothing_o here_o to_o do_v with_o that_o but_o that_o a_o certain_a succession_n there_o have_v be_v since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v past_a question_n for_o 1._o else_o there_o have_v be_v no_o particular_a church_n 2._o nor_o no_o baptism_n 3._o nor_o no_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n 4._o nor_o no_o synod_n or_o discipline_n but_o this_o be_v not_o deny_v §_o 70._o 4._o the_o continuance_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o kernel_n or_o sum_n of_o all_o christianity_n prove_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o all_o christian_n in_o baptism_n be_v baptize_v into_o the_o vow_a belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o father_n §_o 71._o 5._o the_o deliver_v down_o of_o the_o three_o breviate_v symbol_n of_o faith_n desire_n and_o duty_n the_o creed_n lord_n prayer_n and_o decalogue_n be_v the_o church_n delivery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o that_o which_o all_o christian_n have_v believe_v §_o 72._o 6._o the_o constant_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o set_v apart_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o that_o use_n be_v a_o delivery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o those_o assembly_n all_o profess_a to_o believe_v §_o 73._o 7._o the_o constant_a preach_n and_o read_v of_o these_o same_o scripture_n in_o those_o assembly_n and_o celebrate_v there_o the_o sacrament_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o open_a profess_v their_o belief_n and_o the_o prayer_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n for_o the_o resurrection_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v all_o open_a undeniable_a testimony_n that_o these_o thing_n be_v believe_v by_o those_o church_n §_o 74._o 8._o the_o frequent_a dispute_n which_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n have_v hold_v with_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o christianity_n do_v show_v that_o they_o believe_v all_o these_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n therein_o contain_v §_o 75._o 9_o the_o write_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n their_o apology_n commentary_n history_n devotional_a treatise_n all_o bear_v the_o same_o testimony_n that_o we_o have_v these_o thing_n by_o their_o tradition_n §_o 76._o 10._o the_o confession_n suffering_n and_o martyrdom_n of_o many_o in_o most_o age_n do_v bear_v the_o same_o testimony_n that_o they_o believe_v this_o for_o which_o they_o suffer_v and_o that_o posterity_n receive_v it_o from_o they_o §_o 77._o 11._o the_o decree_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n be_v another_o part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o same_o belief_n §_o 78._o 12._o last_o the_o decree_n and_o law_n of_o prince_n concern_v they_o be_v another_o part_n of_o the_o history_n show_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v these_o thing_n §_o 79._o and_o if_o any_o question_n whether_o our_o scripture_n which_o contain_v these_o history_n and_o doctrine_n be_v indeed_o the_o same_o which_o these_o church_n receive_v and_o deliver_v from_o the_o apostle_n he_o may_v easy_o be_v convince_v as_o follow_v §_o 80._o 1._o various_a copy_n of_o it_o in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a text_n be_v very_o quick_o scatter_v about_o the_o world_n and_o be_v yet_o find_v in_o all_o nation_n agree_v in_o all_o material_a passage_n §_o 81._o 2._o these_o scripture_n be_v translate_v into_o many_o language_n of_o which_o there_o be_v yet_o extant_a the_o syriack_n arabic_a ethiopick_n persian_a etc._n etc._n which_o agree_v in_o all_o material_a thing_n §_o 82._o 3._o it_o be_v the_o state_v office_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o read_v these_o scripture_n open_o to_o the_o people_n and_o preach_v on_o they_o in_o all_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o a_o thing_n so_o public_o maintain_v and_o use_v can_v not_o possible_o be_v alter_v material_o §_o 83._o 4._o all_o private_a christian_n be_v exhort_v to_o read_v and_o use_v the_o same_o scripture_n also_o in_o their_o family_n and_o in_o secret_a §_o 84._o 5._o this_o be_v through_o so_o many_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o they_o can_v all_o agree_v upon_o a_o corruption_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v there_o mention_n in_o any_o history_n of_o any_o attempt_n of_o any_o such_o agreement_n §_o 85._o 6._o if_o they_o will_v have_v meet_v together_o for_o that_o end_n they_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v all_o consent_v because_o they_o be_v of_o so_o many_o mind_n and_o party_n and_o inclination_n §_o 86._o 7._o especial_o when_o all_o christian_n by_o their_o religion_n take_v it_o to_o be_v matter_n of_o damnation_n to_o add_v to_o or_o diminish_v from_o these_o sacred_a write_n as_o be_v the_o inspire_a word_n of_o god_n §_o 87._o 8._o and_o every_o christian_a take_v it_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o charter_n for_o his_o heavenly_a inheritance_n and_o therefore_o will_v certain_o have_v have_v his_o action_n against_o the_o corrupter_n of_o it_o as_o the_o law_n of_o this_o land_n be_v record_v and_o have_v lawyer_n and_o judge_n who_o calling_n be_v continual_o to_o use_v they_o and_o man_n hold_v their_o estate_n and_o safety_n by_o they_o if_o any_o will_v alter_v they_o all_o
humane_a testimony_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n also_o to_o have_v a_o full_a attestation_n even_o 1._o beside_o the_o most_o credible_a humane_a testimony_n 2._o a_o natural_a impossibility_n of_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n 3._o and_o a_o further_a attestation_n of_o god_n supernatural_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v its_o certain_a evidence_n in_o the_o sanctify_a effect_n by_o the_o co-operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o christ_n unto_o this_o day_n peruse_v it_o impartial_o and_o you_o will_v find_v all_o this_o in_o what_o be_v say_v what_o will_v man_n rather_o desire_v to_o attest_v the_o veracity_n of_o a_o messenger_n from_o heaven_n than_o miracle_n evident_a uncontrolled_a multiply_v miracle_n and_o must_v this_o messenger_n live_v in_o every_o age_n and_o go_v into_o every_o land_n to_o do_v these_o miracle_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o every_o live_a soul_n if_o not_o how_o will_v those_o that_o live_v in_o another_o land_n or_o age_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o that_o see_v they_o and_o how_o will_v you_o have_v such_o testimony_n better_o confirm_v than_o by_o multiply_a miracle_n deliver_v in_o a_o way_n which_o can_v possible_o deceive_v and_o full_o and_o perpetual_o attest_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o effectual_a sanctification_n on_o believer_n it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a arrogancy_n to_o tell_v our_o maker_n that_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v any_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v by_o whosoever_o or_o howsoever_o witness_v unless_o we_o see_v they_o ourselves_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o so_o they_o be_v make_v as_o common_a as_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v contemn_v they_o as_o of_o no_o validity_n so_o much_o shall_v here_o suffice_v against_o the_o objection_n from_o the_o intrinsical_a difficulty_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n many_o more_o be_v answer_v in_o my_o treatise_n against_o infidelity_n publish_v heretofore_o chap._n xi_o the_o objection_n from_o thing_n extrinsical_a resolve_v obj._n i._n all_o man_n be_v liar_n and_o history_n may_v convey_v down_o abundance_n of_o untruth_n who_o live_v with_o his_o eye_n open_a among_o man_n that_o may_v not_o perceive_v he_o partial_o man_n write_v and_o how_o false_o through_o partiality_n and_o with_o what_o brazen-faced_a impudence_n the_o most_o palpable_a falsehood_n in_o public_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v most_o confident_o aver_v and_o that_o in_o the_o land_n the_o city_n the_o age_n the_o year_n of_o the_o transaction_n who_o then_o can_v lay_v his_o salvation_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o act_n and_o miracle_n do_v one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o year_n ago_o answ_n the_o father_n of_o lie_v no_o doubt_n can_v divulge_v they_o as_o well_o by_o pen_n or_o press_v as_o by_o the_o tongue_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o unnecessary_a caution_n to_o reader_n and_o hearer_n too_o to_o take_v heed_n what_o they_o believe_v especial_o 1._o when_o one_o sect_n or_o party_n speak_v against_o another_o 2._o or_o when_o carnal_a interest_n require_v man_n to_o say_v what_o they_o do_v 3._o or_o when_o fall_v out_o provoke_v they_o to_o asperse_v any_o other_o 4._o or_o when_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o popular_a vogue_n or_o countenance_n of_o man_n in_o power_n have_v a_o finger_n in_o it_o 5._o or_o when_o it_o be_v as_o probable_o contradict_v by_o as_o credible_a man_n 6._o or_o when_o the_o high_a power_n deter_v all_o from_o contradict_v it_o and_o dissenter_n have_v not_o liberty_n of_o speech_n but_o none_o of_o these_o nor_o any_o such_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n there_o be_v liar_n in_o the_o world_n but_o shall_v none_o therefore_o be_v believe_v there_o be_v history_n which_o be_v false_a but_o be_v none_o therefore_o true_a be_v there_o not_o a_o certainty_n in_o that_o history_n which_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o norman_a conquest_n of_o this_o land_n and_o of_o the_o series_n of_o king_n which_o have_v be_v since_o then_o and_o of_o the_o statute_n which_o they_o and_o their_o parliament_n have_v make_v yea_o of_o a_o battle_n and_o other_o transaction_n before_o the_o incarnation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v the_o falsehood_n of_o historian_n make_v it_o uncertain_a whether_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o pope_n at_o rome_n or_o a_o king_n in_o france_n or_o a_o inquisition_n in_o spain_n &_o c_o but_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v more_o than_o the_o bare_a credit_n of_o any_o tradition_n or_o historian_n in_o the_o world_n which_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n both_o of_o fact_n and_o doctrine_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n obj._n ii_o be_v not_o the_o legend_n write_v with_o as_o great_a confidence_n as_o the_o scripture_n and_o great_a multitude_n of_o miracle_n there_o mention_v and_o believe_v by_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v deny_v and_o deride_v by_o the_o protestant_n ans_fw-fr credible_a history_n report_v many_o miracle_n do_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o some_o since_o in_o several_a age_n and_o place_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o be_v the_o cloak_n for_o the_o legend_n multiply_v falsity_n which_o be_v not_o write_v by_o man_n that_o wrought_v miracle_n themselves_o to_o attest_v they_o nor_o that_o prove_v the_o verity_n of_o their_o write_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v nor_o be_v they_o ever_o general_o receive_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o be_v write_v a_o while_n ago_o by_o a_o few_o ignorant_a superstitious_a friar_n in_o a_o age_n of_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n expose_v the_o story_n to_o laughter_n and_o contempt_n and_o be_v lament_v by_o many_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a papist_n themselves_o and_o not_o believe_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n and_o shall_v no_o chronicle_n no_o record_n no_o certain_a history_n be_v believe_v as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o foolish_a 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must_v give_v light_n to_o christianity_n and_o prepare_v man_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o they_o think_v to_o know_v what_o be_v in_o heaven_n before_o they_o will_v learn_v what_o they_o be_v themselves_o and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o man_n con_v 4._o get_v a_o true_a anatomy_n analysis_n or_o description_n of_o christianity_n in_o your_o mind_n for_o if_o you_o know_v not_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o it_o first_o you_o will_v be_v lamentable_o disadvantage_v in_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o christianity_n well_o understand_v in_o the_o quiddity_n will_v illustrate_v the_o mind_n with_o such_o a_o win_a beauty_n as_o will_v make_v we_o meet_v its_o evidence_n halfway_n and_o will_v do_v much_o to_o convince_v we_o by_o its_o proper_a light_n con_v 5._o when_o you_o have_v get_v the_o true_a method_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o analysis_n of_o faith_n begin_v at_o the_o essential_o or_o primitive_a truth_n and_o proceed_v in_o order_n according_a 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the_o common_a enmity_n against_o christianity_n and_o holiness_n in_o all_o the_o wicked_a of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o notorious_a war_n which_o be_v every_o where_o manage_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o several_a follower_n that_o you_o may_v know_v christ_n partly_o by_o his_o enemy_n con_v 10._o impartial_o mark_v the_o effect_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n where_o ever_o it_o be_v sincere_o entertain_v and_o see_v what_o religion_n make_v the_o best_a man_n and_o judge_v not_o of_o serious_a christian_n at_o a_o distance_n by_o false_a report_n of_o ignorant_a or_o malicious_a adversary_n and_o then_o you_o will_v see_v that_o christ_n be_v actual_o the_o saviour_n of_o soul_n con_v 11._o be_v not_o liar_n yourselves_o lest_o it_o dispose_v you_o to_o think_v all_o other_o to_o be_v liar_n and_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o word_n of_o other_o by_o your_o own_o con_v 12._o 77._o be-think_a you_o true_o what_o person_n you_o shall_v be_v yourselves_o and_o what_o live_v you_o shall_v live_v if_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o if_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o mark_v what_o effect_n your_o unbelief_n have_v on_o your_o life_n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o assure_v if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n my_o heart_n and_o life_n will_v be_v much_o worse_a than_o it_o be_v though_o i_o have_v read_v epictetus_n arrian_n plato_n plotinus_n jamblichus_n proclus_n seneca_n cicero_n plutarch_n every_o word_n and_o those_o few_o of_o my_o neighbourhood_n who_o have_v fall_v off_o to_o infidelity_n have_v at_o once_o fall_v to_o debauchery_n and_o abuse_v of_o their_o near_a relation_n and_o differ_v as_o much_o in_o their_o life_n from_o what_o they_o be_v before_o in_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n though_o unsound_a as_o a_o leprous_a body_n differ_v from_o one_o in_o comeliness_n and_o health_n con_v 13._o be_v well_o acquaint_v if_o possible_a with_o church-history_n that_o you_o may_v understand_v by_o what_o tradition_n christianity_n have_v descend_v to_o we_o for_o he_o that_o know_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o have_v see_v or_o receive_v a_o bible_n or_o the_o creed_n without_o know_v any_o further_o whence_o and_o which_o way_n it_o come_v to_o we_o be_v great_o disadvantage_v as_o to_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o faith_n con_v 14._o in_o all_o your_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n allow_v still_o for_o your_o ignorance_n in_o the_o language_n proverb_n custom_n and_o circumstance_n which_o be_v needful_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o particular_a text_n and_o when_o difficulty_n stop_v you_o be_v sure_a that_o no_o such_o ignorance_n remain_v the_o cause_n he_o that_o will_v but_o read_v brugensis_n grotius_n hammond_n and_o many_o other_o that_o open_v such_o phrase_n and_o circumstance_n with_o topographer_n and_o bochartus_fw-la and_o such_o other_o as_o write_v of_o the_o animal_n utensil_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o those_o time_n will_v see_v what_o gross_a error_n the_o open_n of_o some_o one_o word_n or_o phrase_n may_v deliver_v the_o reader_n from_o con_v 15._o understand_v what_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n they_o be_v which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n intend_v to_o adorn_v the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o and_o also_o what_o sort_n of_o humane_a imperfection_n be_v consistent_a with_o these_o its_o proper_a perfection_n that_o so_o false_a expectation_n may_v not_o tempt_v you_o into_o unbelief_n it_o seduce_v many_o to_o infidelity_n to_o imagine_v that_o if_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v most_o perfect_a in_o every_o accident_n and_o mode_n which_o be_v never_o intend_v to_o be_v part_n of_o its_o perfection_n whereas_o god_n do_v purposely_o make_v use_n of_o those_o man_n and_o of_o that_o style_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n which_o be_v defective_a in_o some_o point_n of_o natural_a excellency_n that_o so_o the_o supernatural_a excellency_n may_v be_v the_o more_o apparent_a as_o christ_n cure_v the_o blind_a with_o clay_n and_o spittle_n and_o david_n slay_v goliath_n with_o a_o sling_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o mean_n must_v be_v estimate_v by_o its_o aptitude_n to_o its_o end_n con_v 16._o if_o you_o see_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o whole_a let_v that_o suffice_v you_o for_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o several_a part_n when_o you_o see_v not_o the_o true_a answer_n to_o particular_a exception_n if_o you_o see_v it_o sound_o prove_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o father_n and_o that_o his_o word_n be_v true_a and_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v his_o word_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o quiet_a any_o sober_a mind_n when_o it_o can_v confute_v every_o particular_a objection_n or_o else_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o hold_v fast_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n if_o he_o must_v let_v all_o go_v after_o the_o full_a proof_n upon_o every_o exception_n which_o he_o can_v answer_v the_o inference_n be_v sure_a if_o the_o whole_a be_v true_a the_o part_n be_v true_a con_v 17._o observe_v well_o the_o many_o effect_n of_o angel_n ministration_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o communion_n between_o we_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o unseen_a world_n for_o this_o will_v much_o facilitate_v your_o belief_n con_v 18._o overlook_a not_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o apparition_n witches_z and_o wonderful_a event_n which_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o time_n and_o place_n where_o you_o live_v and_o what_o reflection_n they_o have_v upon_o the_o christian_a cause_n con_v 19_o observe_v well_o the_o notable_a answer_n of_o prayer_n in_o matter_n internal_a and_o external_a in_o other_o and_o in_o yourselves_o con_v 20._o be_v well_o study_v at_o home_n about_o the_o capacity_n use_n and_o tendency_n of_o all_o your_o faculty_n and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o your_o very_a nature_n point_v you_o up_o to_o
when_o they_o have_v here_o and_o in_o other_o such_o write_n find_v our_o fundamental_o prove_v let_v they_o hereafter_o excuse_v our_o superstructure_n and_o not_o think_v that_o every_o sermon_n must_v be_v spend_v in_o prove_v our_o christianity_n and_o creed_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o book_n i_o give_v you_o no_o testimony_n from_o the_o christian_a write_n or_o authority_n because_o i_o suppose_v the_o reader_n to_o be_v one_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o and_o my_o business_n be_v only_o to_o prove_v natural_a verity_n by_o their_o proper_a evidence_n but_o lest_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o legible_a in_o nature_n because_o the_o wise_a heathen_n see_v it_o not_o i_o have_v cite_v in_o the_o margin_n their_o attestation_n to_o most_o particular_n to_o show_v that_o indeed_o they_o do_v confess_v the_o same_o though_o less_o distinct_o and_o clear_o than_o they_o may_v have_v do_v as_o i_o have_v plain_o prove_v but_o be_v many_o year_n separate_v from_o my_o book_n i_o be_v force_v to_o do_v this_o part_n less_o exact_o than_o i_o will_v have_v do_v have_v i_o be_v near_o my_o own_o or_o any_o other_o library_n again_o i_o serious_o profess_v that_o i_o be_o so_o confident_a of_o the_o just_a proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n here_o give_v that_o i_o fear_v nothing_o as_o to_o frustrate_v the_o success_n but_o the_o reader_n be_v incapacity_n through_o half-wittedness_a or_o wickedness_n or_o his_o laziness_n in_o a_o cursory_a and_o negligent_a perusal_n of_o what_o be_v concise_o but_o evident_o propose_v it_o be_v true_a that_o seneca_n say_v magna_fw-la debet_fw-la esse_fw-la eloquentia_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o vitis_fw-la placet_fw-la i_o may_v add_v et_fw-la veritatis_fw-la evidentia_fw-la quae_fw-la caecis_fw-la malignis_fw-la vel_fw-la ignavis_fw-la prodest_fw-la and_o who_o feel_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o hierom_n word_n ad_fw-la paul_n nunquam_fw-la benefit_n quoth_v fit_a praeoccupato_fw-la animo_fw-la be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v its_o glory_n and_o feel_v its_o power_n and_o be_v direct_v by_o it_o to_o everlasting_a blessedness_n this_o be_v his_o end_n who_o be_v octob._n 31._o 1666._o a_o earnest_a desirer_n of_o mankind_n felicity_n richard_n baxter_n to_o the_o hypocrite_n reader_n who_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o andvnbeliever_n it_o be_v the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o you_o that_o you_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n and_o in_o a_o land_n where_o christianity_n be_v the_o profess_a religion_n and_o under_o governor_n and_o law_n which_o countenance_n it_o but_o this_o which_o shall_v have_v help_v you_o to_o the_o intelligent_a and_o serious_a entertainment_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v abuse_v by_o you_o to_o detain_v you_o from_o â—t_a you_o have_v content_v yourselves_o to_o have_v religion_n in_o your_o prince_n and_o your_o parent_n precept_n in_o library_n and_o law_n and_o to_o say_v over_o some_o of_o these_o by_o â—ote_n while_o you_o banish_v it_o from_o your_o heart_n and_o life_n if_o not_o also_o from_o your_o sober_a thought_n and_o understanding_n and_o have_v indeed_o no_o religion_n of_o your_o own_o because_o the_o labour_n of_o understanding_n and_o obey_v it_o seem_v too_o dear_a a_o price_n to_o purchase_v it_o you_o â—ve_v think_v it_o most_o serviceable_a to_o your_o quietness_n and_o your_o reputation_n to_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n of_o your_o parent_n or_o your_o king_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o common_a course_n of_o the_o rude_a and_o irreligious_a rabble_n in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n o_o that_o i_o may_v be_v your_o effectual_a monitor_n to_o awaken_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o you_o have_v be_v do_v and_o yet_o if_o you_o be_v man_n to_o suffer_v your_o reason_n to_o look_v behind_o you_o within_z you_o and_o before_o you_o and_o serious_o think_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n for_o ever_o and_o prudent_o to_o manage_v your_o own_o concernment_n can_v you_o think_v that_o that_o man_n have_v any_o religion_n who_o have_v no_o god_n or_o have_v he_o indeed_o a_o god_n who_o prefer_v his_o lust_n or_o wealth_n or_o honour_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n before_o he_o or_o that_o be_v not_o devote_v to_o his_o obedience_n and_o his_o love_n be_v he_o a_o god_n that_o be_v not_o better_a than_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o world_n or_o that_o be_v not_o great_a than_o a_o mortal_a man_n or_o be_v not_o full_o sufficient_a for_o you_o do_v you_o know_v what_o you_o do_v when_o you_o own_v your_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o covenant_n which_o be_v when_o you_o usurp_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o join_v in_o visible_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n do_v you_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o to_o renounce_v the_o flesh_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o a_o saviour_n and_o a_o sanctifier_n or_o can_v you_o think_v while_o you_o be_v awake_a and_o sober_a that_o perfidiousness_n will_v save_v you_o and_o be_v take_v by_o god_n instead_o of_o christianity_n will_v god_n accept_v you_o for_o a_o perjure_a profession_n to_o be_v that_o and_o do_v that_o which_o never_o come_v into_o your_o heart_n be_v hypocrisy_n a_o virtue_n and_o will_n lie_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n christianity_n be_v such_o a_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o bring_v we_o unto_o god_n and_o everlasting_a glory_n as_o make_v the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o thankful_a obedience_n its_o employment_n and_o a_o heavenly_a mind_n and_o life_n to_o be_v its_o constitution_n and_o its_o trade_n and_o the_o mercy_n of_o this_o life_n to_o be_v but_o our_o travelling-helps_a and_o provision_n for_o a_o better_a and_o the_o interest_n of_o fleshly_a lust_n to_o be_v esteem_v but_o as_o dross_n and_o dung_n be_v this_o the_o life_n which_o you_o live_v or_o which_o you_o hate_v i_o beseech_v you_o sir_n as_o you_o regard_v the_o reputation_n of_o your_o reason_n tell_v we_o why_o you_o will_v profess_v a_o religion_n which_o you_o abhor_v or_o why_o will_v you_o abhor_v a_o religion_n which_o you_o profess_v why_o will_v you_o glory_n in_o the_o part_n of_o a_o parrot_n or_o a_o ape_n to_o say_v over_o a_o few_o word_n or_o move_v your_o body_n while_o you_o detest_v the_o humane_a part_n to_o know_v and_o love_n and_o live_v to_o god_n do_v you_o live_v only_o to_o treasure_n up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n who_o will_v render_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o deed_n rom._n 2.5_o 6._o do_v you_o profess_v yourselves_o christian_n only_o for_o self-condemnation_n to_o be_v witness_n against_o yourselves_o in_o judgement_n that_o you_o wilful_o live_v unchristian_a life_n what_o be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n that_o you_o be_v so_o averse_a to_o as_o to_o be_v serious_o that_o which_o you_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o be_v who_o hate_v you_o more_o than_o those_o that_o be_v that_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o you_o call_v yourselves_o in_o customary_a word_n or_o that_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o religion_n which_o you_o say_v yourselves_o you_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o read_v matth._n 23.29_o 30_o 31._o why_o do_v you_o honour_v the_o dead_a saint_n and_o abhor_v the_o live_n and_o will_v make_v more_o martyr_n while_o you_o keep_v festival_n of_o commemoration_n of_o those_o that_o other_o make_v quae_fw-la est_fw-la illa_fw-la justitia_fw-la sanctos_fw-la colere_fw-la &_o sanctitatem_fw-la contemnere_fw-la primus_fw-la gradus_fw-la pietatis_fw-la est_fw-la sanctitatem_fw-la diligere_fw-la chrysost_n in_o matth._n 24._o christ_n have_v not_o more_o bitter_a enemy_n in_o the_o world_n than_o some_o of_o you_o who_o wear_v his_o livery_n turk_n and_o heathen_n be_v more_o gentle_a to_o true_a christian_n and_o have_v shed_v less_o of_o their_o blood_n than_o hypocrite_n christian_n have_v do_v the_o zeal_n of_o the_o pharisee_n consume_v many_o who_o the_o clemency_n of_o the_o roman_n will_v else_o have_v spare_v be_v it_o know_v to_o all_o the_o infidel_n world_n who_o detest_v christianity_n because_o of_o your_o wickedness_n that_o you_o be_v none_o of_o we_o christ_n renounce_v you_o matth._n 7.22_o 23._o and_o we_o renounce_v you_o they_o may_v as_o well_o hate_v philosophy_n because_o some_o vagrant_a sot_n have_v call_v themselves_o philosopher_n or_o have_v sail_v with_o aristotle_n or_o plato_n in_o the_o same_o ship_n they_o may_v as_o well_o hate_v physic_n because_o many_o ignorant_a woman_n and_o mountebank_n have_v profess_v it_o they_o may_v as_o well_o reproach_n
be_v to_o our_o benefit_n only_o and_o his_o hurt_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v in_o go_v to_o the_o slaughter_n if_o he_o do_v so_o by_o we_o can_v do_v we_o no_o wrong_n nor_o give_v we_o any_o just_a excuse_n for_o our_o disobedience_n for_o as_o sweet_a as_o life_n be_v to_o we_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o we_o in_o right_a as_o he_o and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v at_o his_o disposal_n §_o 9_o the_o break_n of_o god_n law_n must_v needs_o deserve_v a_o great_a penalty_n than_o the_o break_n of_o any_o man_n law_n as_o such_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o their_o authority_n put_v this_o past_a all_o controversy_n of_o which_o yet_o i_o shall_v say_v more_o anon_o §_o 10._o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o subjection_n of_o individual_n to_o god_n be_v true_a of_o all_o just_a society_n as_o such_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v all_o under_o god_n the_o universal_a king_n as_o small_a parcel_n of_o his_o kingdom_n as_o particular_a corporation_n be_v under_o a_o humane_a king_n therefore_o king_n and_o kingdom_n owe_v their_o absolute_a obedience_n to_o god_n and_o may_v not_o intend_v any_o ultimate_a end_n but_o the_o please_a of_o their_o universal_a sovereign_n nor_o set_v up_o any_o interest_n against_o he_o or_o above_o he_o or_o in_o coordination_n with_o he_o nor_o manage_v any_o way_n of_o government_n but_o in_o dependence_n on_o he_o as_o the_o principle_n and_o the_o end_n of_o it_o nor_o make_v any_o law_n but_o such_o as_o stand_v in_o due_a subordination_n to_o his_o law_n nor_o command_v any_o duty_n but_o what_o have_v in_o its_o order_n a_o true_a subserviency_n and_o conducibility_n to_o his_o pleasure_n chap._n x._o of_o god_n particular_a law_n as_o know_v in_o nature_n the_o true_a nature_n of_o a_o law_n i_o have_v open_v before_o learned_a it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o it_o be_v write_v nor_o speak_v but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o general_a any_o apt_a signification_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o rector_n to_o his_o subject_n institute_v what_o shall_v be_v due_a from_o they_o and_o to_o they_o for_o the_o end_n of_o government_n therefore_o whatsoever_o be_v a_o signification_n of_o god_n will_v to_o man_n appoint_v we_o our_o duty_n and_o tell_v we_o what_o benefit_n shall_v be_v we_o upon_o the_o performance_n and_o what_o loss_n or_o hurt_n shall_v befall_v we_o if_o we_o sin_v be_v a_o law_n of_o god_n §_o 1._o a_o law_n be_v the_o rector_n instrument_n of_o govern_v there_o can_v be_v no_o law_n where_o there_o be_v no_o government_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o some_o call_n the_o eternal_a law_n be_v indeed_o no_o law_n at_o all_o but_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o just_a law_n the_o eternal_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o will_n as_o relate_v to_o a_o possible_a or_o future_a kingdom_n be_v denominate_v justice_n and_o this_o justice_n some_o call_v the_o eternal_a law_n but_o it_o be_v true_o no_o law_n because_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o and_o not_o as_o rector_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o signification_n of_o that_o will_n nor_o do_v it_o suppose_v any_o govern_a subject_n in_o be_v from_o eternity_n nor_o do_v it_o make_v any_o duty_n to_o any_o from_o eternity_n but_o all_o the_o law_n which_o god_n make_v in_o time_n and_o consequent_o which_o man_n make_v which_o be_v just_a and_o good_a be_v but_o the_o product_n of_o this_o eternal_a will_n and_o justice_n and_o whereas_o some_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a truth_n in_o such_o axiom_n as_o these_o thou_o shall_v love_v god_n above_o all_o and_o do_v as_o thou_o will_v be_v do_v by_o and_o the_o good_a shall_v be_v encourage_v and_o the_o bad_a punish_v etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v god_n form_v not_o proposition_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o proposition_n from_o eternity_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o creature_n to_o love_n god_n init_fw-la or_o to_o do_v good_a or_o evil_a and_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o such_o proposition_n that_o proposition_n therefore_o which_o be_v not_o from_o eternity_n be_v neither_o true_a nor_o false_a from_o eternity_n for_o non_fw-la entis_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la accidentia_fw-la vel_fw-la modi_fw-la but_o this_o be_v true_a that_o from_o eternity_n there_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o verity_n of_o such_o proposition_n when_o they_o shall_v after_o be_v and_o that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v subject_n from_o eternity_n for_o such_o proposition_n and_o intellect_n to_o frame_v they_o they_o will_v have_v be_v of_o eternal_a truth_n §_o 2._o at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o his_o creation_n that_o god_n make_v man_n his_o subject_n he_o also_o make_v he_o some_o law_n to_o govern_v he_o for_o subjection_n be_v a_o general_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n will_v signify_v nothing_o if_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a duty_n to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o that_o obedience_n else_o man_n shall_v owe_v god_n no_o obedience_n from_o the_o beginning_n but_o be_v lawless_a for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o obedience_n take_v a_o law_n in_o the_o true_a comprehensive_a sense_n as_o i_o here_o do_v §_o 3._o all_o the_o objective_a signification_n in_o natura_fw-la rerum_fw-la within_o we_o or_o without_o we_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v our_o duty_n reward_n or_o punishment_n be_v the_o true_a law_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o primary_n proper_a sense_n §_o 4._o therefore_o it_o be_v false_o define_v by_o all_o writer_n who_o make_v it_o consist_v in_o certain_a axiom_n as_o some_o say_v bear_v in_o we_o or_o write_v on_o our_o heart_n from_o our_o birth_n as_o other_o say_v dispositive_o there_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n soul_n a_o certain_a aptitude_n to_o understand_v certain_a truth_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v that_o be_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o very_a natura_fw-la rerum_fw-la be_v observe_v and_o it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o 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every_o man_n that_o be_v wilful_o sensual_a and_o wicked_a may_v do_v much_o to_o blot_v out_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v on_o his_o heart_n but_o wickedness_n can_v alter_v or_o obliterare_fw-la the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o this_o be_v god_n law_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o heart_n when_o a_o sinner_n have_v blot_v it_o out_o he_o be_v disoblige_v from_o duty_n and_o punishment_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o duty_n or_o transgression_n but_o no_o sinner_n can_v so_o disoblige_v himself_o by_o alter_v his_o maker_n law_n 3._o else_o there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o law_n of_o nature_n not_o only_o as_o there_o be_v man_n but_o as_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o perception_n but_o god_n law_n be_v
keep_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o save_v the_o individual_n from_o it_o will_v confess_v that_o man_n interest_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n goodness_n especial_o consider_v what_o consequent_n also_o follow_v sin_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o 3._o and_o as_o to_o this_o low_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n how_o many_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v drown_v in_o woeful_a ignorance_n and_o ungodliness_n how_o few_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o peaceable_a when_o god_n can_v have_v send_v they_o learning_n and_o teacher_n and_o mean_n of_o reformation_n and_o have_v bless_v all_o this_o mean_n to_o their_o deliverance_n so_o that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o this_o low_a world_n have_v not_o so_o much_o good_a as_o god_n can_v give_v they_o and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o best_a do_v cause_n their_o dolorous_a complaint_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a and_o that_o all_o his_o work_n also_o be_v good_a in_o their_o degree_n but_o withal_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n in_o himself_o be_v the_o simple_a primitive_a good_a and_o that_o create_a goodness_n principal_o consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n to_o his_o will_n which_o be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o §_o 16._o god_n as_o consider_v in_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o his_o will_n be_v most_o amiable_a and_o the_o object_n of_o our_o high_a love_n §_o 17._o but_o he_o be_v not_o know_v by_o we_o in_o those_o perfection_n as_o see_v in_o themselves_o immediate_o 32._o but_o as_o demonstrate_v and_o glorify_v expressive_o in_o his_o work_n in_o which_o he_o shine_v to_o we_o in_o his_o goodness_n §_o 18._o his_o work_n therefore_o be_v make_v for_o the_o apt_a reveal_n of_o himself_o as_o amiable_a to_o the_o intelligent_a part_n of_o his_o creation_n they_o be_v the_o book_n in_o which_o he_o have_v appoint_v we_o to_o read_v and_o the_o glass_n in_o which_o he_o have_v appoint_v we_o with_o admiration_n to_o 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government_n and_o so_o govern_v we_o as_o never_o to_o cross_v his_o absolute_a propriety_n and_o attract_v and_o felicitate_v we_o in_o consent_n with_o his_o premiant_a act_n of_o government_n and_o all_o sweet_o and_o wonderful_o conspire_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o work_n §_o 20._o all_o these_o relation_n be_v oft_o sum_v up_o in_o one_o name_n which_o principal_o import_v the_o last_o which_o be_v the_o persective_a relation_n but_o true_o include_v both_o the_o former_a and_o that_o be_v 106._o that_o god_n be_v our_o father_n as_o the_o rational_a soul_n do_v ever_o include_v the_o sensitive_a and_o vegetative_a faculty_n so_o do_v god_n fatherly_a relation_n to_o we_o include_v his_o dominion_n and_o government_n a_o father_n be_v thus_o a_o kind_n of_o image_n of_o god_n in_o this_o relation_n for_o 1._o he_o have_v a_o certain_a propriety_n in_o his_o child_n 2._o he_o be_v by_o nature_n their_o rightful_a governor_n 3._o he_o be_v their_o benefactor_n for_o they_o be_v behold_v to_o he_o for_o their_o be_v and_o well-being_n nature_n cause_v he_o to_o love_v they_o and_o bind_v they_o again_o to_o love_v he_o and_o the_o title_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n include_v all_o these_o divine_a relation_n to_o we_o but_o special_o express_v the_o love_n and_o graciousness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o obj._n but_o i_o must_v go_v against_o the_o sense_n of_o most_o of_o the_o world_n if_o i_o take_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_o or_o perfect_o good_a for_o operari_fw-la sequitur_fw-la esse_fw-la he_o that_o be_v perfect_o good_a will_v perfect_o do_v good_a but_o do_v we_o not_o see_v and_o feel_v what_o you_o say_v before_o the_o world_n be_v but_o as_o a_o wilderness_n and_o the_o life_n of_o man_n a_o misery_n we_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o weakness_n and_o in_o a_o case_n in_o which_o we_o can_v help_v ourselves_o but_o be_v a_o pity_n and_o trouble_v to_o other_o we_o be_v their_o trouble_n that_o breed_v we_o and_o bring_v we_o up_o we_o be_v vex_v with_o unsatisfy_a desire_n with_o trouble_v passion_n with_o torment_a pain_n and_o languish_a weakness_n and_o enemy_n malice_n with_o poverty_n and_o care_n with_o loss_n and_o cross_n and_o shame_n and_o grief_n with_o hard_a labour_n and_o study_n with_o the_o injury_n and_o spectacle_n of_o a_o bedlam_n world_n and_o with_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o death_n at_o last_o our_o enemy_n be_v our_o trouble_n our_o friend_n be_v our_o trouble_n our_o ruler_n be_v our_o trouble_n and_o our_o inferior_n child_n and_o servant_n be_v our_o trouble_n our_o possession_n be_v our_o trouble_n and_o so_o be_v our_o want_n and_o be_v all_o this_o the_o effect_n of_o perfect_a goodness_n and_o the_o poor_a bruit_n seem_v more_o miserable_a than_o we_o they_o labour_n and_o hunger_n and_o die_v at_o last_o to_o serve_v our_o will_n we_o beat_v they_o use_v they_o and_o abuse_v they_o at_o our_o pleasure_n and_o all_o the_o inanimate_v have_v no_o sense_n of_o any_o good_a and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o the_o world_n be_v like_o a_o dungeon_n of_o ignorance_n like_o a_o hospital_n of_o madman_n for_o folly_n and_o distractedness_n like_o a_o band_n of_o robber_n for_o injury_n and_o violence_n like_a tiger_n for_o cruelty_n like_o snarl_a dog_n for_o contention_n and_o in_o a_o word_n like_o hell_n for_o wickedness_n what_o else_o set_v the_o world_n together_o by_o the_o ear_n in_o war_n and_o bloodshed_n in_o all_o generation_n what_o make_v peacemaker_n the_o most_o neglect_a man_n what_o make_v virtue_n and_o piety_n the_o mark_n of_o persecution_n and_o of_o common_a scorn_n how_o small_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v knowledge_n or_o piety_n and_o you_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o hell_n for_o most_o at_o last_o be_v all_o this_o the_o fruit_n of_o perfect_a goodness_n these_o thought_n have_v serious_o trouble_v some_o answ_n he_o that_o will_v ever_o come_v to_o knowledge_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o first_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o in_o his_o enquiry_n proceed_v to_o lesser_a superstructure_n and_o reduce_v uncertainty_n and_o difficulty_n to_o those_o point_n which_o be_v sure_a and_o plain_a and_o not_o cast_v away_o the_o plain_a certain_a truth_n because_o they_o overtake_v some_o difficulty_n beyond_o they_o the_o true_a method_n of_o enquiry_n be_v that_o we_o first_o try_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o be_v perfect_o good_a or_o not_o if_o this_o be_v once_o prove_v beyond_o all_o controversy_n than_o all_o that_o follow_v be_v certain_o reconcilable_a to_o it_o for_o truth_n and_o truth_n be_v not_o contradictory_n now_o that_o god_n be_v perfect_o good_a have_v be_v full_o prove_v before_o he_o that_o give_v to_o all_o the_o world_n both_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o orb_n all_o that_o good_a whether_o natural_a
what_o he_o exercise_v by_o man_n though_o extraordinary_o he_o sometime_o otherwise_o interpose_v and_o how_o easy_a and_o ordinary_a it_o be_v for_o subtle_a man_n to_o do_v much_o wickedness_n and_o never_o be_v discover_v needs_o no_o proof_n the_o like_a we_o may_v say_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o those_o secret_a duty_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o have_v neither_o reward_n nor_o notice_n in_o this_o life_n and_o if_o observe_v be_v usual_o turn_v into_o matter_n of_o reproach_n the_o minor_a need_v no_o more_o proof_n when_o we_o have_v prove_v already_o that_o god_n be_v our_o governor_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o secret_a act_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v as_o much_o under_o his_o government_n as_o the_o open_a and_o therefore_o shall_v have_v equal_a retribution_n §_o 3._o iii_o if_o there_o be_v no_o life_n of_o retribution_n after_o this_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o great_a one_o and_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o other_o that_o by_o strength_n can_v make_v their_o part_n good_a will_v be_v under_o no_o sufficient_a justice_n but_o the_o sin_n even_o of_o the_o great_a and_o strong_a be_v under_o sufficient_a justice_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o life_n of_o retribution_n after_o this_o the_o major_n be_v clear_a by_o experience_n the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o sovereign_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v rare_o under_o sufficient_a justice_n in_o this_o life_n if_o there_o be_v no_o punishment_n hereafter_o what_o justice_n will_v be_v do_v upon_o a_o tamerlane_n a_o bajazet_n a_o mahume_v a_o dionysius_n a_o alexander_n a_o caesar_n a_o marius_n a_o sylla_n a_o sertorius_n and_o many_o hundred_o such_o for_o all_o the_o innocent_a blood_n which_o they_o have_v shed_v for_o their_o pride_n and_o self-exalting_a what_o justice_n will_v be_v do_v on_o king_n and_o emperor_n and_o state_n that_o have_v none_o above_o they_o for_o all_o their_o lust_n and_o filthiness_n their_o intemperance_n and_o sensuality_n legib_n their_o oppression_n and_o cruelty_n i_o know_v that_o god_n do_v sometime_o punish_v they_o by_o rebel_n or_o by_o other_o prince_n or_o by_o sickness_n in_o this_o life_n but_o that_o be_v no_o ordinary_a course_n of_o justice_n and_o therefore_o not_o sufficient_a to_o its_o end_n ordinary_o all_o thing_n here_o come_v alike_o to_o all_o and_o what_o justice_n will_v be_v do_v upon_o any_o rebel_n or_o robber_n that_o be_v but_o strong_a enough_o to_o bear_v it_o out_o or_o upon_o any_o that_o raise_v unrighteous_a war_n and_o burn_v and_o murder_n and_o destroy_v country_n and_o city_n and_o be_v worse_o than_o plague_n to_o all_o place_n where_o they_o come_v and_o worse_o than_o mad_a dog_n and_o bear_v to_o other_o if_o they_o do_v but_o conquer_v instead_o of_o punishment_n for_o all_o this_o villainy_n they_o go_v away_o here_o with_o wealth_n and_o glory_n the_o minor_a be_v past_a question_n therefore_o certain_o there_o be_v another_o life_n where_o conquer_a reward_v prosper_v domineer_a sin_n shall_v have_v its_o proper_a punishment_n §_o 4._o iv._o if_o god_n rule_v not_o man_n by_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o certain_a good_a and_o evil_a hereafter_o he_o rule_v he_o not_o according_a to_o his_o nature_n but_o god_n do_v rule_v man_n according_a to_o his_o nature_n ergo._fw-la the_o minor_a need_v no_o proof_n the_o major_n be_v prove_v by_o experience_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v most_o move_v with_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a after_o death_n otherwise_o death_n itself_o will_v comparative_o seem_v nothing_o to_o we_o no_o other_o creature_n have_v such_o hope_n and_o fear_n if_o you_o ask_v how_o i_o can_v tell_v that_o i_o answer_v as_o i_o can_v tell_v that_o a_o tree_n do_v not_o hear_v and_o a_o stone_n do_v not_o feel_v or_o see_v because_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n of_o such_o a_o sense_n who_o nature_n be_v to_o make_v itself_o manifest_a by_o its_o evidence_n where_o it_o be_v bruit_n show_v a_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o love_n of_o life_n but_o of_o nothing_o further_o of_o which_o there_o be_v evidence_n enough_o to_o quiet_a a_o mind_n that_o seek_v after_o truth_n though_o not_o to_o silence_v a_o prate_a caviller_n this_o will_v be_v further_o improve_v under_o that_o which_o follow_v §_o 5._o v._n if_o the_o world_n can_v be_v govern_v according_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o god_n law_n without_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a after_o death_n than_o the_o object_n of_o such_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v certain_a truth_n but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a therefore_o so_o be_v the_o consequent_a that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n require_v a_o moral_a government_n and_o not_o only_o a_o physical_a motion_n be_v already_o prove_v physical_a motion_n only_o determine_v the_o agent_n to_o act_v and_o produce_v the_o act_n itself_o quoad_fw-la eventum_fw-la man._n moral_a government_n do_v institute_v for_o the_o subject_a a_o debitum_fw-la agendi_fw-la &_o habendi_fw-la and_o 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that_o the_o object_n of_o those_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v certain_a truth_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n but_o this_o if_o god_n can_v govern_v the_o world_n without_o a_o course_n of_o deceit_n and_o lie_v than_o the_o object_n of_o these_o necessary_a hope_n and_o fear_n be_v true_a but_o god_n can_v govern_v the_o world_n without_o a_o course_n of_o deceit_n and_o lie_v ergo._fw-la the_o major_n be_v evident_a because_o to_o govern_v by_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o falsehood_n or_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o when_o those_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v not_o only_o of_o god_n but_o make_v necessary_a to_o government_n be_v to_o govern_v by_o deceit_n and_o lie_v or_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v by_o falsehood_n utter_v but_o falsehood_n permit_v scip._n the_o minor_a be_v certain_a for_o if_o god_n can_v govern_v without_o such_o a_o course_n of_o deceit_n it_o be_v either_o for_o want_v of_o 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have_v prove_v how_o much_o worse_o it_o will_v be_v â—_o that_o restraint_n which_o these_o hope_n and_o fear_n make_v be_v take_v off_o 2._o that_o this_o restraint_n be_v general_a in_o all_o nation_n almost_o of_o the_o earth_n though_o the_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n do_v much_o enfeeble_v it_o 3._o that_o ruler_n themselves_o be_v under_o some_o of_o these_o restraint_n in_o their_o law-making_a and_o judgement_n though_o fleshly_a interest_n much_o prevail_v against_o it_o there_o be_v some_o remnant_n of_o secret_a hope_n or_o fear_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o sinner_n which_o keep_v up_o so_o much_o good_a as_o be_v yet_o leave_v and_o keep_v man_n from_o those_o villainy_n in_o which_o they_o may_v hope_v to_o escape_v all_o suffering_n from_o man_n §_o 7._o vii_o if_o god_n himself_o kindle_v in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n desire_v to_o know_v he_o love_v he_o and_o enjoy_v he_o perfect_o hereafter_o than_o such_o desire_n shall_v attain_v their_o end_n but_o god_n himself_o do_v kindle_v such_o desire_n in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n ergo_fw-la and_o consequent_o there_o be_v such_o a_o life_n to_o come_v here_o 1._o i_o must_v prove_v that_o the_o best_a man_n have_v such_o desire_n 2._o that_o god_n kindle_v they_o 3._o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v satisfy_v they_o 1._o and_o for_o the_o first_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o good_a man_n be_v my_o witness_n who_o desire_n to_o know_v god_n better_o 15._o to_o love_v he_o and_o please_v he_o more_o and_o to_o enjoy_v his_o love_n be_v as_o the_o very_a pulse_n and_o breath_n of_o their_o soul_n for_o this_o they_o groan_v and_o pray_v and_o seek_v for_o this_o they_o labour_v wait_v and_o suffer_v if_o you_o can_v help_v they_o to_o more_o of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n you_o will_v satisfy_v they_o more_o than_o to_o give_v they_o all_o the_o wealth_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o world_n their_o religious_a life_n their_o labour_n prayer_n contemplation_n and_o suffering_n prove_v all_o this_o and_o show_v for_o what_o they_o long_a and_o live_v obj._n but_o this_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o power_n of_o a_o delude_a fantasy_n which_o seek_v after_o that_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v what_o if_o you_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o the_o sun_n will_v it_o prove_v that_o you_o must_v be_v love_v by_o it_o see_v it_o and_o enjoy_v it_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v answ_n 1._o to_o the_o similitude_n either_o the_o sun_n be_v a_o rational_a free_a agent_n or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v either_o the_o chief_a agent_n or_o a_o dependent_a instrument_n if_o it_o be_v the_o first_o as_o it_o be_v not_o i_o shall_v owe_v myself_o total_o to_o it_o come_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o power_n give_v i_o as_o be_v aforesaid_a and_o if_o it_o give_v i_o such_o desire_n i_o may_v suppose_v it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a but_o if_o it_o give_v i_o nothing_o but_o as_o a_o instrument_n or_o dependent_a cause_n i_o owe_v it_o nothing_o but_o in_o subserviency_n to_o 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that_o be_v in_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o capacity_n be_v a_o prove_a duty_n 2._o in_o that_o the_o best_a man_n be_v the_o possessor_n of_o it_o and_o the_o more_o all_o other_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n do_v abound_v the_o more_o this_o abound_v and_o the_o more_o any_o be_v vicious_a impious_a sensual_a worldly_a the_o less_o they_o have_v of_o these_o desire_n after_o god_n 3._o they_o increase_v in_o the_o use_n of_o holy_a mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n and_o they_o decay_v by_o evil_a mean_n all_o sin_n be_v against_o it_o and_o all_o obedience_n do_v promote_v it_o 4._o it_o be_v find_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o tendency_n of_o our_o faculty_n as_o their_o only_a perfection_n the_o only_a true_a advancement_n of_o reason_n
its_o own_o nature_n and_o not_o mere_o by_o their_o abuse_n and_o if_o it_o end_v in_o misery_n by_o the_o designment_n of_o the_o giver_n and_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o gift_n than_o be_v it_o as_o you_o say_v no_o mercy_n but_o a_o plague_n but_o it_o be_v mercy_n which_o in_o its_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o donor_n will_v have_v a_o fitness_n and_o tendency_n to_o man_n recovery_n and_o to_o prevent_v their_o misery_n and_o they_o be_v command_v and_o entreat_v according_o to_o use_v it_o and_o be_v warn_v of_o the_o danger_n of_o abuse_n obj._n but_o god_n know_v when_o he_o give_v it_o they_o that_o they_o will_v so_o abuse_v it_o answ_n god_n foreknowledge_n or_o omniscience_n be_v his_o perfection_n and_o will_v you_o argue_v from_o thence_o against_o his_o mercy_n his_o foreknowledge_n of_o man_n sin_n and_o misery_n cause_v they_o not_o what_o if_o he_o foreknow_v they_o not_o be_v it_o any_o praise_n to_o he_o to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o yet_o the_o mercy_n will_v be_v but_o the_o same_o if_o you_o will_v not_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n way_n till_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v omniscient_a or_o till_o he_o prevent_v all_o the_o sin_n and_o misery_n which_o he_o foreknow_v you_o will_v perish_v in_o your_o enmity_n and_o he_o will_v easy_o justify_v his_o mercy_n against_o such_o accusation_n obj._n but_o god_n can_v give_v man_n so_o much_o more_o grace_n as_o to_o prevent_v man_n sin_n and_o misery_n if_o he_o will_v answ_n true_a he_o be_v not_o unable_a and_o so_o he_o can_v make_v every_o clod_n a_o tree_n and_o every_o tree_n a_o beast_n and_o every_o beast_n a_o man_n and_o every_o man_n a_o angel_n as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o must_v he_o therefore_o do_v it_o here_o note_n that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o say_v of_o any_o punishment_n this_n be_v so_o deserve_v that_o god_n may_v inflict_v it_o if_o he_o please_v without_o injustice_n yea_o and_o thereby_o demonstrate_v his_o justice_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o say_v this_n be_v so_o due_a that_o god_n must_v or_o will_v inflict_v it_o if_o he_o will_v be_v just_a unless_o a_o compensation_n be_v make_v to_o justice_n it_o be_v of_o the_o first_o sort_n that_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v for_o god_n may_v have_v variety_n of_o time_n and_o measure_n and_o kind_n of_o punishment_n which_o he_o may_v use_v at_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o yet_o not_o leave_v the_o sin_n unpunished_a final_o but_o whether_o he_o proper_o dispense_v with_o any_o law_n which_o be_v determinate_a as_o to_o the_o penalty_n i_o be_o not_o now_o to_o speak_v it_o be_v not_o pertinent_a to_o this_o place_n and_o subject_n §_o 3._o therefore_o god_n do_v in_o some_o sort_n and_o measure_n pardon_v sin_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n while_o he_o remit_v some_o measure_n of_o the_o deserve_a punishment_n to_o remit_v or_o forgive_v the_o punishment_n be_v so_o far_o to_o forgive_v the_o sin_n for_o forgiveness_n as_o to_o execution_n be_v but_o non_fw-la punire_fw-la proceed_v from_o commiseration_n or_o mercy_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o all_o the_o mercy_n bestow_v on_o they_o that_o god_n remit_v something_o of_o the_o punishment_n which_o in_o law_n and_o justice_n he_o may_v inflict_v though_o this_o be_v not_o a_o total_a pardon_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o none_o at_o all_o §_o 4._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n nature_n with_o this_o universal_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n possess_v all_o man_n mind_n with_o this_o apprehension_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v gracious_a merciful_a long-suffering_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v a_o capable_a subject_n upon_o term_n consistent_a with_o his_o truth_n and_o honour_n and_o the_o common_a good_a pont._n it_o be_v true_a that_o self-love_n and_o self-flattery_n do_v cause_n man_n to_o think_v of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o indulgent_a to_o their_o lust_n and_o suitable_a to_o their_o fleshly_a desire_n and_o therefore_o their_o conceit_n be_v none_o of_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o mercy_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v perceive_v that_o this_o foresay_a conception_n of_o god_n as_o merciful_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v a_o capable_a subject_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o sober_a reason_n theb._n and_o be_v not_o breed_v by_o sin_n and_o error_n for_o the_o wise_a and_o better_a and_o less_o sinful_a any_o be_v the_o more_o he_o be_v incline_v to_o such_o thought_n of_o god_n as_o of_o a_o part_n of_o his_o perfection_n §_o 5._o this_o apprehension_n be_v increase_v in_o mankind_n by_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o forgive_v one_o another_o for_o though_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o god_n must_v forgive_v all_o that_o which_o he_o bind_v we_o to_o forgive_v for_o the_o reason_n before_o express_v yet_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n proceed_v from_o that_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v his_o perfection_n and_o that_o they_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o obey_n of_o they_o tend_v to_o form_v we_o more_o to_o his_o image_n ourselves_o and_o to_o make_v we_o holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a and_o therefore_o that_o this_o command_n of_o god_n to_o man_n to_o be_v merciful_a and_o forgive_v do_v intimate_v to_o we_o that_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n be_v agreeable_a and_o please_a unto_o god_n stobaeo_n §_o 6._o god_n can_v cast_v away_o from_o his_o love_n and_o from_o felicity_n any_o soul_n which_o true_o love_v he_o above_o all_o and_o which_o so_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n as_o to_o turn_v to_o god_n in_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n here_o seem_v to_o arise_v before_o we_o a_o considerable_a difficulty_n that_o god_n can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o damn_v one_o that_o true_o love_v he_o vatin_n and_o be_v sanctify_v be_v incredible_a because_o 1._o then_o god_n own_o image_n shall_v be_v in_o hell_n and_o a_o saint_n be_v damn_v 2._o because_o then_o the_o creature_n shall_v be_v readyer_n to_o love_n god_n than_o god_n to_o love_v he_o 3._o then_o a_o soul_n in_o hell_n shall_v have_v holy_a desire_n prayer_n praise_n and_o other_o act_n of_o love_n 4._o and_o a_o soul_n capable_a of_o the_o glorify_v mercy_n of_o god_n shall_v miss_v of_o it_o this_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v for_o god_n can_v but_o take_v complacency_n in_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o bear_v his_o image_n and_o those_o will_v be_v happy_a that_o god_n take_v complacency_n in_o and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n do_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o they_o that_o love_n god_n deserve_v death_n and_o misery_n according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o may_v he_o not_o inflict_v that_o on_o man_n which_o they_o deserve_v do_v not_o justice_n require_v punishment_n on_o they_o 2._o that_o yet_o sin_v not_o away_o the_o love_n of_o god_n nor_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n to_o this_o some_o answer_n that_o all_o those_o that_o consist_v with_o love_n and_o holiness_n be_v venial_a sin_n which_o deserve_v only_o temporal_a chastisement_n and_o not_o perpetual_a misery_n i_o rather_o answer_v finib_fw-la 1._o that_o all_o sin_n consider_v in_o itself_o abstract_v from_o the_o cause_n which_o counterballance_v it_o and_o procure_v pardon_v mercy_n do_v deserve_v perpetual_a misery_n and_o therefore_o so_o do_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o best_a in_o themselves_o consider_v but_o that_o grace_n which_o cause_v their_o sanctification_n and_o their_o love_n to_o god_n destruction_n do_v conjunct_o cause_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n so_o that_o god_n will_v not_o deal_v with_o such_o as_o in_o rigour_n they_o deserve_v 2._o and_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o any_o that_o love_n god_n shall_v provoke_v he_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o hell_n it_o follow_v not_o that_o one_o that_o love_v god_n in_o sensu_fw-la composito_fw-la shall_v be_v damn_v for_o god_n have_v a_o order_n in_o his_o punishment_n and_o first_o he_o will_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o such_o a_o one_o and_o leave_v he_o to_o himself_o and_o then_o he_o will_v no_o long_o love_n god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o a_o lover_n of_o god_n that_o will_v be_v damn_v §_o 7._o the_o sinful_a world_n be_v not_o so_o far_o forsake_v of_o god_n as_o to_o be_v shut_v up_o under_o desperation_n and_o utter_a impossibility_n of_o recovery_n and_o salvation_n for_o if_o that_o be_v so_o they_o be_v not_o in_o via_n or_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o use_v any_o mean_n or_o accept_v of_o any_o mercy_n in_o order_n to_o their_o recovery_n nor_o can_v they_o rational_o do_v it_o or_o be_v persuade_v to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v where_o there_o be_v no_o end_n to_o be_v attain_v and_o no_o hope_n of_o success_n §_o 8._o the_o light_n of_o nature_n hor._n and_o the_o foresay_a deal_n of_o god_n with_o man_n continue_v they_o under_o his_o government_n in_o
nor_o they_o can_v not_o come_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o physical_a impossibility_n be_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o crime_n or_o of_o condemnation_n §_o 19_o if_o any_o person_n be_v bring_v by_o these_o mean_n alone_o to_o repent_v unfeigned_o of_o a_o ungodly_a uncharitable_a and_o intemperate_a life_n and_o to_o love_n god_n unfeigned_o as_o their_o god_n above_o all_o and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a obedient_a life_n god_n will_v not_o condemn_v such_o person_n though_o they_o want_v supernatural_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n as_o i_o show_v before_o §_o 6._o §_o 20._o corruption_n when_o sinner_n stand_v at_o many_o degree_n distant_a from_o god_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o mercy_n will_v draw_v they_o near_o he_o by_o degree_n they_o that_o have_v help_v and_o mercy_n sufficient_a in_o svo_fw-la genere_fw-la to_o have_v draw_v they_o near_o god_n and_o refuse_v to_o obey_v it_o do_v forfeit_v the_o further_a help_n of_o mercy_n and_o may_v just_o perish_v and_o be_v forsake_v by_o he_o though_o their_o help_n be_v not_o immediate_o sufficient_a to_o all_o the_o further_a degree_n of_o duty_n which_o they_o be_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n as_o clear_v in_o their_o proper_a light_n i_o stand_v not_o to_o prove_v because_o i_o will_v not_o be_v unnecessary_o tedious_a to_o the_o reader_n and_o so_o much_o of_o godliness_n or_o religion_n as_o reveal_v by_o natural_a light_n obj._n but_o all_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n find_v not_o all_o this_o in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n which_o you_o say_v be_v there_o answ_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o what_o man_n do_v see_v but_o what_o they_o may_v see_v if_o they_o will_v improve_v their_o reason_n all_o this_o be_v undeniable_o legible_a in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o infant_n the_o idiot_n the_o illiterate_a the_o scholar_n the_o smatterer_n the_o doctor_n the_o considerate_a the_o inconsiderate_a the_o sensual_a the_o blind_a and_o the_o willing_a diligent_a enquirer_n do_v not_o equal_o see_v and_o read_v that_o which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o character_n to_o all_o part_n ii_o of_o christianity_n and_o supernatural_a revelation_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o great_a need_n of_o a_o clear_a light_n or_o full_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o all_o that_o have_v be_v open_v before_o whilst_o i_o resolve_v upon_o a_o deep_a and_o faithful_a search_n into_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o a_o review_n and_o trial_n of_o all_o that_o i_o have_v myself_o believe_v i_o think_v meet_v first_o to_o pass_v by_o person_n and_o shut_v up_o my_o book_n and_o with_o retire_a reason_n to_o read_v the_o book_n of_o nature_n only_o and_o what_o i_o have_v there_o find_v i_o have_v just_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o former_a part_n purposely_o omit_v all_o that_o may_v be_v controvert_v by_o any_o considerable_a sober_a reason_n that_o i_o may_v neither_o stop_v myself_o nor_o my_o reader_n in_o the_o way_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o deceive_v myself_o with_o plausible_a consequence_n of_o unsound_a or_o questionable_a antecedent_n nor_o discourage_v my_o reader_n by_o the_o cast_n of_o some_o doubtful_a passage_n in_o his_o way_n which_o may_v tempt_v he_o to_o question_v all_o the_o rest_n for_o i_o know_v what_o a_o deal_n of_o handsome_a structure_n may_v fall_v through_o the_o falseness_n of_o some_o one_o of_o the_o support_n which_o seem_v to_o stand_v a_o great_a way_n out_o of_o sight_n and_o i_o have_v be_v weary_v myself_o with_o subtle_a discourse_n of_o learned_a man_n who_o in_o a_o long_a series_n of_o ergo_n have_v think_v that_o they_o have_v leave_v all_o sure_a behind_o they_o when_o a_o few_o false_a supposition_n be_v the_o life_n of_o all_o and_o i_o know_v that_o he_o who_o interpose_v any_o doubtful_a thing_n do_v raise_v a_o diffidence_n in_o the_o reader_n be_v mind_n which_o make_v he_o suspect_v that_o the_o ground_n he_o stand_v on_o be_v not_o firm_a and_o whether_o all_o that_o he_o read_v be_v not_o mere_a uncertain_a thing_n sen._n therefore_o leave_v thing_n controvertable_a for_o a_o fit_a place_n and_o time_n i_o have_v thus_o far_o take_v up_o so_o much_o as_o be_v plain_a and_o sure_a which_o i_o find_v of_o more_o importance_n and_o usefulness_n to_o my_o own_o information_n and_o confirmation_n than_o any_o of_o those_o controvertible_a point_n will_v be_v if_o i_o can_v never_o so_o certain_o determine_v they_o and_o now_o have_v peruse_v the_o book_n of_o nature_n i_o shall_v cast_v up_o the_o account_n and_o try_v what_o be_v yet_o want_v and_o look_v abroad_o into_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o in_o the_o world_n and_o search_v whence_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o want_v may_v be_v most_o full_o and_o safe_o and_o certain_o supply_v §_o 1._o and_o first_o when_o i_o look_v throughout_o the_o world_n i_o find_v that_o though_o all_o the_o evidence_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a virtuous_a life_n be_v unquestionable_a in_o naturâ_fw-la rerum_fw-la yet_o most_o of_o the_o world_n observe_v it_o not_o or_o discern_v but_o little_a of_o it_o nor_o much_o regard_n the_o light_n without_o or_o the_o secret_a witness_n of_o their_o conscience_n within_o natural_a light_n or_o evidence_n be_v so_o unsuccessful_a in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o loud_o tell_v we_o something_o be_v yet_o want_v what_o ever_o it_o be_v we_o can_v discern_v what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o man_n happiness_n but_o we_o can_v hardly_o discern_v whether_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la any_o considerable_a number_n at_o best_o do_v by_o the_o teach_n of_o nature_n alone_o attain_v it_o when_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o write_n of_o the_o best_a of_o the_o philosopher_n we_o find_v so_o little_a evidence_n of_o real_a holiness_n that_o be_v of_o the_o foresay_a resignation_n subjection_n and_o love_n to_o god_n as_o god_n that_o it_o leave_v we_o much_o in_o doubt_n whether_o indeed_o they_o be_v holy_a themselves_o or_o not_o and_o whether_o they_o make_v the_o knowledge_n love_n obedience_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n the_o end_n and_o business_n of_o their_o life_n however_o there_o be_v too_o great_a evidence_n that_o the_o world_n lie_v in_o darkness_n and_o wickedness_n where_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o natural_a light_n §_o 2._o i_o find_v therefore_o that_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v our_o duty_n and_o our_o end_n called_z the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o great_a difficulty_n to_o they_o that_o have_v no_o supernatural_a light_n to_o help_v they_o though_o all_o this_o be_v legible_a in_o nature_n which_o i_o have_v thence_o transcribe_v yet_o if_o i_o have_v not_o have_v another_o teacher_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o ever_o i_o shall_v have_v find_v it_o there_o nature_n be_v now_o a_o very_a hard_a book_n when_o i_o have_v learn_v it_o by_o my_o teacher_n help_n i_o can_v tell_v partly_o what_o be_v there_o but_o at_o the_o first_o perusal_n i_o can_v not_o understand_v it_o it_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n and_o study_v and_o help_v to_o understand_v that_o which_o when_o we_o do_v understand_v it_o be_v as_o plain_a to_o we_o as_o the_o highway_n §_o 3._o thence_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v 4._o that_o it_o will_v be_v but_o few_o that_o will_v attain_v to_o understand_v the_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n aright_o by_o that_o mean_v alone_o and_o the_o multitude_n will_v be_v lest_o in_o darkness_n still_o the_o common_a people_n have_v not_o leisure_n for_o so_o deep_a and_o long_o a_o search_n into_o nature_n as_o a_o few_o philosopher_n make_v nor_o be_v they_o dispose_v to_o it_o and_o though_o reason_n oblige_v they_o in_o so_o necessary_a a_o case_n to_o break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n they_o have_v not_o so_o full_a use_n of_o their_o reason_n as_o to_o do_v it_o obj._n but_o as_o christian_a teacher_n do_v instruct_v the_o people_n in_o that_o which_o they_o can_v have_v leisure_n to_o search_v out_o themselves_o so_o why_o may_v not_o philosopher_n who_o have_v leisure_n for_o the_o search_n in_o his_o truct_v the_o people_n quick_o who_o have_v not_o leisure_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n without_o instruction_n answ_n much_o may_v be_v do_v if_o all_o man_n do_v their_o best_a but_o 1._o the_o difficulty_n be_v such_o that_o the_o learned_a themselves_o be_v lamentable_o imperfect_a and_o unsatisfied_a as_o i_o shall_v further_o show_v 2._o though_o the_o vulgar_a can_v search_v out_o the_o truth_n without_o help_n yet_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o by_o help_n they_o come_v to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o rest_v not_o in_o a_o humane_a belief_n alone_o especial_o when_o their_o teacher_n be_v of_o so_o many_o mind_n that_o they_o know_v not_o which_o of_o they_o to_o believe_v to_o learn_v the_o truth_n
in_o captivity_n yet_o how_o unlikely_a they_o be_v to_o prevail_v with_o other_o both_o reason_n and_o experience_n full_o testify_v §_o 12._o and_o whereas_o god_n special_a mercy_n and_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o so_o great_a a_o change_n and_o cure_v and_o this_o grace_n be_v forfeit_v by_o sin_n and_o every_o sin_n deserve_v more_o punishment_n and_o this_o sin_n and_o punishment_n must_v be_v so_o far_o forgive_v before_o god_n can_v give_v we_o that_o grace_n which_o we_o have_v forfeit_v nature_n do_v not_o satisfactory_o teach_v i_o how_o god_n be_v so_o far_o reconcile_v to_o man_n nor_o how_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v by_o we_o so_o far_o procure_v senec._n §_o 13._o and_o where_o as_o i_o see_v at_o once_o in_o the_o world_n both_o the_o aâ—oâ—ing_n of_o sin_n which_o deserve_v damnation_n and_o the_o abound_a of_o mercy_n to_o these_o that_o be_v under_o such_o desert_n i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v by_o the_o halt_n of_o nature_n how_o god_n be_v so_o far_o reconcile_v and_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o justice_n attain_v as_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o world_n so_o contrary_a to_o its_o desert_n §_o 14._o and_o while_o i_o be_o in_o this_o doubt_n of_o god_n reconciliation_n i_o be_o ready_a still_o to_o fear_v list_v present_a forbearance_n and_o mercy_n â—rt_v aâ—iâ—val_n and_o will_v end_v at_o last_o in_o great_a misery_n however_o i_o find_v it_o hard_o if_o not_o impossible_a to_o come_v to_o any_o certainty_n of_o 〈◊〉_d pardon_n and_o salvation_n §_o 15._o and_o while_o i_o be_o thus_o uncertain_a of_o pardon_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n it_o must_v needs_o make_v it_o a_o insuperable_a difficulty_n to_o i_o to_o love_n god_n above_o myself_o and_o all_o thing_n for_o to_o love_v a_o god_n that_o i_o think_v will_v damn_v i_o or_o most_o probable_o may_v do_v it_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v a_o thing_n that_o man_n can_v hardly_o do_v §_o 16._o 3._o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v see_v how_o the_o guilty_a world_n can_v be_v sanctify_v nor_o bring_v to_o forsake_v the_o sin_n and_o vanity_n which_o they_o love_v as_o long_o as_o god_n who_o they_o must_v turn_v to_o by_o love_n do_v seem_v so_o unlovely_a to_o they_o §_o 17._o and_o every_o temptation_n from_o present_a pleasure_n commodity_n or_o honour_n will_v be_v like_a to_o prevail_v while_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n to_o come_v be_v so_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a to_o guilty_a misgive_a ignorant_a soul_n §_o 18._o nor_o can_v i_o see_v by_o nature_n how_o a_o sinner_n can_v live_v comfortable_o in_o the_o world_n for_o want_v of_o clear_a assurance_n of_o his_o future_a happiness_n for_o if_o he_o do_v but_o say_v as_o poor_a seneca_n cicero_n and_o other_o such_o be_v most_o like_a that_o there_o be_v another_o life_n for_o we_o but_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a it_o will_v both_o abate_v their_o comfort_n in_o the_o fore-thought_n of_o it_o and_o tempt_v they_o to_o venture_v upon_o present_a pleasure_n for_o fear_v of_o lose_v all_o and_o if_o they_o be_v never_o so_o confident_a of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o their_o own_o part_n in_o it_o as_o not_o know_v whether_o their_o sin_n be_v pardon_v still_o their_o comfort_n in_o it_o will_v be_v small_a and_o the_o world_n can_v give_v they_o no_o more_o than_o be_v proportionable_a to_o so_o small_a and_o momentany_a a_o thing_n §_o 19_o nor_o do_v i_o see_v in_o nature_n any_o full_a and_o suitable_a support_n against_o the_o pain_n and_o fear_n of_o suffering_n and_o death_n while_o man_n doubt_v of_o that_o which_o shall_v support_v they_o §_o 20._o i_o must_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o uncorrupted_a reason_n and_o will_v and_o to_o a_o undepraved_a mind_n be_v too_o insufficient_a to_o the_o corrupt_a vitiate_a guilty_a world_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o some_o recover_a medicinal_a revelation_n which_o force_v the_o very_a heathen_n to_o fly_v to_o oracle_n idol_n sacrifice_n and_o religious_a propitiation_n of_o the_o god_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o nation_n which_o have_v not_o some_o such_o thing_n though_o they_o use_v they_o not_o only_o uneffectual_o but_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o strengthen_v their_o presumption_n as_o too_o many_o poor_a ignorant_a christian_n now_o do_v their_o mass_n and_o other_o such_o formality_n and_o superstition_n but_o as_o arnobius_n say_v adv_o gentes_fw-la l._n 7._o crescit_fw-la enim_fw-la multitudo_fw-la peccantium_fw-la cum_fw-la redimendi_fw-la peccati_fw-la spes_fw-la datur_fw-la &_o facile_fw-la itur_fw-la ad_fw-la culpas_fw-la ubi_fw-la est_fw-la venalis_fw-la ignoscentium_fw-la gratia_fw-la he_o that_o hope_v to_o purchase_v forgiveness_n with_o money_n or_o sacrifice_n or_o way_n of_o cost_n will_v strive_v rather_o to_o be_v rich_a than_o to_o be_v innocent_a chap._n ii_o of_o the_o several_a religion_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n have_v finish_v my_o inquiry_n into_o the_o state_n and_o book_n of_o nature_n i_o find_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o inquire_v what_o other_o man_n think_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o several_a belief_n that_o if_o they_o know_v more_o than_o i_o have_v discover_v by_o what_o mean_v soever_o i_o may_v become_v partaker_n of_o it_o §_o 1._o and_o first_o i_o find_v that_o all_o the_o world_n except_o those_o call_v heathen_n be_v conscious_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n yea_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o have_v some_o common_a apprehension_n of_o it_o §_o 2._o four_o sort_n of_o religion_n i_o find_v only_o considerable_a upon_o earth_n the_o mere_a naturalist_n call_v common_o heathen_n and_o idolater_n the_o jew_n the_o mahometan_n and_o the_o christian_n the_o heathen_n by_o their_o oracle_n augur_n and_o aruspices_fw-la confess_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o supernatural_a light_n and_o the_o very_a religion_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n consist_v in_o it_o i._o §_o 3._o as_o for_o the_o heathen_n i_o find_v this_o much_o good_a among_o they_o that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v have_v a_o very_a great_a care_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o many_o have_v use_v exceed_v industry_n in_o seek_v after_o knowledge_n especial_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v bend_v their_o mind_n high_a to_o know_v god_n and_o the_o invisible_a world_n that_o they_o common_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o life_n of_o retribution_n after_o death_n and_o among_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o the_o sum_n of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v though_o confuse_o which_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o book_n especial_o in_o seneca_n cicero_n plutarch_n plato_n plotinus_n earth_n jamblicus_n proclus_n porphyry_n julian_n the_o apostate_n antoninus_n epectetus_n arrian_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o their_o learning_n and_o wisdom_n and_o moral_a virtue_n the_o christian_a bishop_n carry_v themselves_o respectful_o to_o many_o of_o they_o as_o basil_n to_o libanius_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o their_o day_n many_o of_o their_o philosopher_n be_v honour_v by_o the_o christian_a emperor_n or_o at_o least_o by_o the_o inferior_a magistrate_n and_o christian_a people_n who_o judge_v that_o so_o great_a worth_n deserve_v honour_n and_o that_o the_o confession_n of_o so_o much_o truth_n deserve_v answerable_a love_n especial_o aedesius_n julianus_n cappadox_n proaeresius_n maximus_n libanius_n acacius_n chrysanthus_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o christian_n ever_o since_o have_v make_v great_a use_n of_o their_o write_n in_o their_o school_n especial_o of_o aristotle_n and_o plato_n with_o their_o follower_n §_o 4._o and_o i_o find_v that_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o that_o of_o the_o vulgar_a but_o they_o think_v that_o the_o universe_n be_v one_o animate_v world_n and_o that_o the_o universal_a soul_n be_v the_o only_a absolute_a sovereign_a god_n who_o they_o describe_v much_o like_a as_o christian_n do_v and_o that_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n and_o earth_n and_o each_o particular_a orb_n be_v a_o individual_a animal_n part_n of_o the_o universal_a world_n and_o beside_o the_o universal_a have_v each_o one_o a_o subordinate_a particular_a soul_n which_o they_o worship_v as_o a_o subordinate_a particular_a deity_n as_o some_o christian_n do_v the_o angel_n and_o their_o image_n they_o set_v up_o for_o such_o representation_n by_o which_o they_o think_v these_o god_n delight_v to_o be_v remember_v and_o instrumental_o to_o exercise_v their_o virtue_n for_o the_o help_n of_o earthly_a mortal_n §_o 5._o i_o find_v that_o except_o these_o philosopher_n and_o very_o few_o more_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v and_o be_v foolish_a idolater_n and_o ignorant_a sensual_a brutish_a man_n at_o this_o day_n through_o the_o
they_o to_o perceive_v its_o holiness_n and_o worth_n where_o it_o be_v indeed_o sincere_o practise_v and_o be_v most_o dishonour_a and_o misunderstand_v through_o the_o wickedness_n of_o hypocrite_n who_o profess_v it_o messiae_n as_o the_o impress_n on_o the_o wax_n do_v make_v the_o image_n more_o discernible_a than_o the_o sculpture_n on_o the_o seal_n but_o the_o sculpture_n be_v true_a and_o perfect_a when_o many_o accident_n may_v render_v the_o impress_v image_n imperfect_a and_o faulty_a so_o be_v it_o in_o this_o case_n to_o a_o diligent_a enquirer_n christianity_n be_v best_a know_v in_o its_o principle_n deliver_v by_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o be_v no_o otherwise_o perfect_o know_v because_o it_o be_v no_o where_o else_o perfect_o to_o be_v see_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o more_o visible_a and_o take_v with_o unskilful_a superficial_a observer_n in_o the_o professor_n life_n for_o they_o can_v discern_v the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o a_o action_n who_o perceive_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n the_o vital_a form_n in_o the_o rose-tree_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a part_n but_o the_o beauty_n and_o sweetness_n of_o the_o rose_n be_v more_o easy_o discern_v effect_n be_v most_o sensible_a but_o cause_n be_v most_o excellent_a and_o yet_o in_o some_o respect_n the_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o the_o precept_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o precept_n be_v mean_n to_o practice_n for_o the_o end_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o the_o mean_n as_o such_o a_o poor_a man_n can_v easily_o perceive_v the_o worth_n of_o charity_n in_o the_o person_n that_o clothe_v and_o feed_v and_o relieve_v he_o than_o the_o worth_n of_o a_o treatise_n or_o sermon_n of_o charity_n subject_n easy_o perceive_v the_o worth_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a king_n or_o magistrate_n in_o his_o actual_a government_n who_o be_v not_o much_o take_v with_o the_o precept_n which_o require_v yet_o more_o perfection_n and_o among_o all_o description_n historical_a narrative_n like_o zenophons_n cyrus_n do_v take_v most_o with_o they_o doubtless_o if_o ever_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n shall_v live_v according_a to_o their_o own_o profession_n they_o will_v thereby_o overcome_v the_o opposition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o propagate_v their_o religion_n with_o great_a success_n through_o all_o the_o earth_n because_o no_o man_n can_v well_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n till_o he_o first_o know_v what_o it_o be_v i_o think_v it_o here_o necessary_a to_o open_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o tell_v man_n true_o what_o it_o be_v partly_o because_o i_o perceive_v that_o abundance_n that_o profess_v it_o hypocritical_o by_o the_o mere_a power_n of_o education_n law_n and_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n do_v not_o understand_v it_o and_o then_o be_v the_o easily_o tempt_v to_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v it_o or_o forsake_v it_o if_o strong_o tempt_v to_o it_o even_o to_o forsake_v that_o which_o indeed_o they_o never_o true_o receive_v and_o because_o its_o possible_a some_o alien_n to_o christianity_n may_v peruse_v these_o line_n otherwise_o be_v i_o to_o speak_v only_o to_o those_o that_o already_o understand_v it_o i_o may_v spare_v this_o description_n §_o 7._o the_o christian_a religion_n contain_v two_o part_n 1._o all_o theological_a verity_n which_o be_v of_o natural_a revelation_n 2._o much_o more_o which_o be_v supernatural_o reveal_v the_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v say_v in_o it_o to_o be_v partly_o write_v by_o god_n partly_o deliver_v by_o angel_n partly_o by_o inspire_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o partly_o by_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o in_o person_n §_o 8._o the_o supernatural_a revelation_n recite_v most_o of_o the_o natural_a because_o the_o search_n of_o the_o great_a book_n of_o nature_n be_v a_o long_a and_o difficult_a work_n for_o the_o now-corrupted_n dark_a and_o slothful_a mind_n of_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o man_n §_o 9_o these_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v all_o contain_v 1._o most_o copious_o in_o a_o book_n call_v the_o holy_a bible_n or_o canonical_a scripture_n 2._o more_o summary_o and_o contract_o in_o three_o form_n call_v the_o belief_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o most_o brief_o and_o summary_o in_o a_o sacramental_a covenant_n this_o last_o contain_v all_o the_o essential_a part_n most_o brief_o and_o the_o second_o somewhat_o full_a explain_v they_o and_o the_o first_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v also_o all_o the_o integral_a part_n or_o the_o whole_a frame_n §_o 10._o some_o of_o the_o present_a professor_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v differ_v about_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o few_o write_n call_v apocrypha_fw-la whether_o they_o be_v to_o be_v number_v with_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o god_n or_o not_o but_o those_o few_o contain_n in_o they_o no_o considerable_a point_n of_o doctrine_n different_a from_o the_o rest_n the_o controversy_n do_v not_o very_o much_o concern_v the_o substance_n or_o doctrinal_a matter_n of_o their_o religion_n §_o 11._o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v write_v very_o much_o historical_o the_o doctrine_n be_v intersperse_v with_o the_o history_n §_o 12._o this_o sacred_a volume_n contain_v two_o part_n the_o first_o call_v the_o old_a testament_n contain_v the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o of_o the_o deluge_n and_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n till_o after_o their_o captivity_n as_o also_o their_o law_n and_o prophet_n the_o second_o call_v the_o new_a testament_n contain_v the_o history_n of_o the_o birth_n and_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o send_n of_o his_o apostle_n the_o give_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o course_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o miracle_n with_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v first_o by_o christ_n and_o then_o by_o they_o and_o certain_a epistle_n of_o they_o to_o divers_a church_n and_o person_n more_o full_o open_v all_o that_o doctrine_n 1._o §_o 13._o the_o sum_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v this_o that_o in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n with_o all_o thing_n in_o they_o viz._n that_o have_v first_o make_v the_o intellectual_a superior_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o elementary_a world_n in_o a_o unformed_a mass_n he_o do_v the_o first_o day_n distinguish_v or_o form_v the_o active_a element_n of_o fire_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o give_v light_a the_o second_o day_n he_o separate_v the_o rarefy_v passive_a element_n call_v fire_n expand_v it_o from_o the_o earth_n upward_o to_o be_v a_o separation_n and_o medium_n of_o action_n between_o the_o superior_a and_o inferior_a part_n the_o three_o day_n he_o separate_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o passive_a element_n earth_n and_o water_n into_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o set_v their_o bound_n and_o make_v individual_a plant_n with_o their_o specific_a form_n and_o virtue_n of_o generation_n the_o four_o day_n he_o make_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n for_o luminary_n to_o the_o earth_n either_o then_o form_v they_o or_o then_o appoint_v they_o to_o that_o office_n but_o not_o reveal_v their_o other_o use_n which_o be_v nothing_o to_o we_o the_o five_o day_n he_o make_v fish_n and_o bird_n with_o the_o power_n of_o generation_n the_o six_o day_n he_o make_v the_o terrestrial_a animal_n and_o man_n with_o the_o like_a generative_a power_n and_o the_o seven_o day_n he_o appoint_v to_o be_v a_o sabbath_n of_o rest_n on_o which_o he_o will_v be_v solemn_o worship_v by_o mankind_n as_o our_o creator_n have_v make_v one_o man_n and_o one_o woman_n in_o his_o own_o image_n that_o be_v with_o intellect_n freewill_n and_o executive_a power_n in_o wisdom_n holiness_n and_o aptitude_n to_o obey_v he_o and_o with_o dominion_n over_o the_o sensitive_a and_o vegetative_a and_o inanimate_a creature_n he_o place_v they_o in_o a_o garden_n of_o pleasure_n wherein_o be_v two_o sacramental_a tree_n one_o call_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o the_o other_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o beside_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n he_o try_v he_o only_o with_o this_o positive_a prohibition_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n whereupon_o the_o devil_n time_n who_o before_o this_o be_v fall_v from_o his_o first_o state_n of_o innocency_n and_o felicity_n take_v occasion_n to_o persuade_v the_o woman_n that_o god_n threaten_v be_v not_o true_a that_o he_o mean_v not_o as_o he_o speak_v that_o he_o know_v man_n be_v capable_a of_o great_a knowledge_n 3_o but_o envy_v he_o that_o happiness_n and_o that_o the_o eat_n of_o that_o fruit_n 129._o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o death_n as_o god_n have_v threaten_v but_o to_o knowledge_n and_o
spiritual_a or_o put_v it_o out_o of_o relish_n with_o that_o which_o be_v our_o true_a felicity_n or_o the_o way_n thereto_o it_o be_v only_o on_o such_o account_n and_o in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o that_o christ_n forbid_v we_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o so_o will_v parent_n restrain_v the_o appetite_n of_o their_o child_n and_o physician_n of_o their_o patient_n and_o every_o wise_a man_n will_v restrain_v his_o own_o august_n when_o present_a sensual_a pleasure_n tend_v to_o great_a future_a pain_n the_o satisfy_a delight_n of_o man_n can_v be_v no_o where_o but_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o in_o a_o heavenly_a life_n and_o in_o the_o foresight_n of_o endless_a joy_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o mean_n which_o lead_v to_o these_o and_o the_o unwholesome_a luscious_a pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n do_v great_o tend_v to_o draw_v down_o the_o mind_n â—aps_o and_o corrupt_v the_o affection_n and_o dull_a our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n towards_o these_o high_a thing_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n do_v strictly_o hear_v diet_n we_o than_o be_v please_v to_o disease_a soul_n but_o he_o love_v not_o our_o sorrow_n or_o pain_n nor_o envy_v we_o any_o desirable_a pleasure_n he_o come_v not_o to_o torment_v we_o but_o to_o save_v we_o from_o torment_n if_o he_o forbid_v we_o any_o delight_n it_o be_v because_o he_o will_v have_v we_o have_v better_o and_o more_o which_o that_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o if_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v our_o honour_n with_o man_n it_o be_v but_o that_o we_o may_v have_v honour_n with_o god_n and_o angel_n if_o he_o call_v we_o from_o our_o present_a wealth_n and_o profit_n 32._o it_o be_v but_o to_o secure_v our_o everlasting_a riches_n and_o prevent_v our_o loss_n all_o his_o precept_n be_v whole_o fit_v to_o our_o own_o good_a though_o our_o good_a be_v not_o the_o high_a ultimate_a end_n but_o the_o glory_n and_o pleasure_n of_o our_o maker_n §_o 19_o there_o can_v possible_o be_v any_o high_a motive_n to_o sincere_a piety_n and_o honesty_n give_v to_o the_o world_n than_o the_o christian_a religion_n set_v before_o they_o even_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n chrysost_n and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o powerful_a mean_n to_o all_o that_o be_v true_o good_a and_o happy_a §_o 20._o it_o strongly_a fortify_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n against_o the_o power_n of_o all_o temptation_n for_o as_o it_o enervate_v the_o temptation_n by_o teach_v we_o to_o mortify_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o contemn_v the_o world_n so_o it_o always_o counterpoise_v it_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n the_o punishment_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n as_o a_o mountain_n be_v against_o a_o feather_n §_o 21._o it_o afford_v we_o the_o most_o powerful_a support_v and_o comfort_n in_o every_o suffering_n that_o we_o may_v bear_v it_o patient_o and_o with_o joy_n for_o it_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o great_a suffering_n it_o show_v we_o how_o to_o be_v gainer_n by_o all_o and_o show_v we_o the_o glory_n and_o joy_n which_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o §_o 22._o bernard_n it_o afford_v we_o the_o great_a cordial_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n for_o it_o assure_v we_o of_o endless_a happiness_n after_o death_n and_o if_o a_o socrates_n or_o cicero_n or_o seneca_n can_v fetch_v any_o comfort_n from_o a_o doubtful_a conjecture_n of_o another_o life_n what_o may_v a_o christian_a do_v that_o have_v a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o it_o and_o also_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o felicity_n which_o we_o there_o expect_v and_o why_o shall_v he_o fear_v die_v who_o look_v to_o pass_v into_o endless_a pleasure_n and_o therefore_o christianity_n conduce_v not_o to_o pusillanimity_n but_o to_o the_o great_a fortitude_n and_o nobleness_n of_o mind_n for_o what_o shall_v daunt_v he_o who_o be_v above_o the_o fear_n of_o suffering_n and_o death_n §_o 23._o volupt_a it_o contain_v nothing_o which_o any_o man_n can_v rational_o fear_v can_v be_v any_o way_n a_o hindrance_n to_o his_o salvation_n this_o will_v be_v more_o clear_v when_o i_o have_v answer_v the_o objection_n against_o it_o §_o 24._o it_o contain_v nothing_o that_o have_v the_o least_o contrariety_n to_o any_o natural_a verity_n or_o law_n but_o contrary_o comprehend_v all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o its_o first_o and_o principal_a part_n and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o legible_a character_n superad_v much_o more_o which_o naturalist_n know_v not_o so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o good_a in_o other_o religion_n as_o there_o be_v some_o in_o all_o it_o be_v all_o contain_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o much_o more_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n or_o goodness_n in_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o philosopher_n the_o platonist_n the_o stoic_n the_o pythagorean_n bannian_n in_o india_n the_o bonzii_n in_o japan_n or_o those_o in_o siam_n china_n persia_n or_o any_o other_o part_n nor_o among_o the_o mahometan_n or_o jew_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o christian_n §_o 25._o according_o it_o have_v all_o the_o real_a evidence_n which_o the_o true_a part_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n have_v with_o the_o addition_n of_o much_o more_o supernatural_a evidence_n for_o all_o that_o be_v just_o call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v evidence_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o christian_n have_v as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o all_o that_o be_v of_o true_a supernatural_a revelation_n they_o have_v above_o other_o by_o its_o proper_a evidence_n etc._n §_o 26._o the_o style_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o therefore_o fit_a for_o all_o and_o yet_o majestical_a and_o spiritual_a suit_v to_o its_o high_a and_o noble_a end_n be_v it_o express_v in_o those_o term_n of_o art_n which_o the_o master_n of_o each_o sect_n have_v devise_v to_o transmit_v their_o opinion_n to_o posterity_n by_o they_o will_v be_v fit_a for_o none_o but_o those_o few_o who_o by_o acquaintance_n with_o such_o term_n esteem_v themselves_o or_o be_v esteem_v learned_a man_n and_o yet_o the_o man_n of_o another_o sect_n may_v little_o understand_v they_o for_o most_o new_a sect-master_n in_o philosophy_n devise_v new_a term_n as_o well_o as_o new_a principle_n or_o opinion_n though_o at_o athens_n where_o the_o principal_a sect_n be_v near_o together_o the_o diversity_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o among_o they_o at_o a_o further_a distance_n yet_o be_v there_o enough_o to_o trouble_v their_o disciple_n he_o that_o understand_v zoroaster_n and_o trismegistus_n may_v not_o understand_v pythagoras_n and_o he_o that_o understand_v he_o may_v not_o understand_v his_o follower_n plato_n and_o he_o that_o understand_v he_o may_v not_o understand_v aristotle_n and_o so_o of_o telesius_n parmenides_n anaxagoras_n aristippus_n antisthenes_n zeno_n chrysippus_n heraclitus_n democritus_n pyrrho_n epicurus_n with_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o among_o christian_n themselves_o the_o degenerate_v heretic_n and_o sectary_n that_o make_v their_o own_o opinion_n do_v make_v also_o their_o own_o term_n of_o art_n so_o that_o if_o you_o compare_v the_o valentinian_o basilidian_o apollinarian_o etc._n etc._n and_o our_o late_a wigelians_n paracelsian_n rosicrucians_n belimenist_n familist_n libertine_n quaker_n etc._n etc._n you_o shall_v find_v that_o he_o that_o seem_v to_o understand_v one_o sect_n must_v learn_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a language_n before_o he_o can_v understand_v the_o rest_n so_o that_o if_o the_o scripture_n must_v have_v be_v phrased_a according_a to_o philosopher_n term_n of_o art_n who_o know_v to_o which_o sect_n it_o must_v have_v be_v suit_v and_o every_o day_n there_o rise_v up_o a_o campanella_n a_o thomas_n white_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v reform_v the_o old_a term_n and_o art_n and_o make_v both_o new_a so_o that_o nothing_o which_o be_v of_o universal_a use_n as_o religion_n be_v can_v be_v fit_v to_o any_o such_o uncertain_a measure_n christ_n have_v therefore_o deal_v much_o better_a with_o the_o world_n and_o speak_v plain_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o simple_a and_o all_o must_v know_v and_o yet_o speak_v sublime_o of_o thing_n mysterious_a heavenly_a and_o sublime_a this_o be_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o character_n of_o christianity_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o congruity_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o make_v it_o the_o more_o easy_o credible_a and_o be_v great_a preparative_n to_o faith_n because_o truth_n be_v never_o contrary_a to_o itself_o 1._o nor_o agreeable_a with_o
know_v without_o this_o be_v to_o know_v without_o knowledge_n faith_n be_v a_o act_n or_o species_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o act_n of_o clear_v elevate_a reason_n it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o immediate_a intuition_n of_o god_n or_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o but_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o divine_a evidence_n of_o its_o certainty_n they_o that_o wrangle_v against_o we_o for_o give_v reason_n for_o our_o religion_n seem_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o have_v none_o for_o their_o own_o or_o else_o reprehend_v we_o for_o be_v man_n if_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o they_o who_o make_v god_n to_o be_v but_o the_o prime_a reason_n will_v they_o say_v that_o faith_n be_v something_o above_o reason_n and_o therefore_o something_o above_o god_n i_o believe_v that_o our_o reason_n or_o intellection_n be_v far_o from_o be_v univocal_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o god_n but_o i_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v intellection_n reason_n or_o wisdom_n eminenter_fw-la though_o not_o formaliter_fw-la and_o that_o though_o the_o name_n be_v first_o use_v to_o signify_v the_o low_a derivative_a reason_n of_o many_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o high_a to_o express_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n by_o nor_o better_a notion_n to_o apprehend_v it_o by_o than_o this_o which_o be_v its_o image_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o §_o 1._o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v the_o most_o rational_a in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o which_o have_v the_o sound_a reason_n for_o it_o if_o it_o be_v the_o true_a and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o must_v be_v by_o produce_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n §_o 2._o the_o evidence_n which_o faith_n require_v be_v proper_o call_v evidence_n of_o credibility_n §_o 3._o when_o we_o speak_v of_o humane_a faith_n as_o such_o credibility_n be_v somewhat_o short_a of_o proper_a certainty_n but_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o divine_a faith_n or_o a_o belief_n of_o god_n evidence_n of_o credibility_n be_v evidence_n of_o certainty_n §_o 4._o the_o great_a witness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o the_o demonstrative_a evidence_n of_o his_o verity_n and_o authority_n be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n §_o 5._o the_o word_n or_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v four_o several_a infallible_a testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o though_o each_o of_o they_o alone_o be_v convince_a yet_o all_o together_o make_v up_o this_o one_o great_a evidence_n that_o be_v 1._o antecedent_o 2._o constitutive_o or_o inherent_o 3._o concomitant_o and_o 4._o subsequently_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o course_n §_o 6.1_o antecedent_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o witness_n to_o jesus_n christ_n under_o which_o i_o comprehend_v the_o prediction_n also_o of_o type_n he_o that_o be_v many_o hundred_o year_n before_o yea_o 20_o from_o age_n to_o age_n foretold_v to_o come_v as_o the_o messiah_n or_o saviour_n by_o divine_a prediction_n of_o promise_n prophecy_n and_o type_n be_v certain_o the_o true_a messiah_n our_o saviour_n but_o jesus_n christ_n be_v so_o foretell_v ergo._fw-la 1._o for_o promise_n and_o prophecy_n gen._n 3.15_o present_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n god_n say_v i_o will_v put_v enmity_n between_o thou_o and_o the_o woman_n and_o between_o thy_o seed_n and_o her_o seed_n it_o shall_v bruise_v thy_o head_n and_o thou_o shall_v bruise_v his_o heel_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v satan_n principal_o and_o the_o serpent_n but_o instrumental_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o the_o deceiver_n of_o eve_n so_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v satan_n and_o his_o wicked_a follower_n principal_o and_o the_o serpent_n and_o its_o seed_n only_o as_o the_o instrument_n that_o be_v here_o mean_v in_o the_o condemnation_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n by_o a_o excellency_n so_o call_v that_o be_v primary_o here_o mean_v and_o under_o he_o her_o natural_a seed_n secondary_o be_v prove_v not_o only_o by_o the_o hebrew_n masculine_a gender_n but_o by_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o promise_n in_o the_o expository_n effect_n and_o in_o other_o promise_v to_o the_o like_a effect_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o prophecy_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v so_o many_o that_o to_o recite_v they_o all_o will_v swell_v the_o book_n too_o big_a and_o therefore_o i_o must_v suppose_v that_o the_o reader_n peruse_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n itself_o judeo_fw-la will_v acquaint_v himself_o with_o they_o there_o only_o a_o few_o i_o shall_v repeat_v gen._n 22.18_o in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v gen._n 49.10_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o a_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n until_o shiloh_n come_v the_o whole_a second_o psalm_n be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n why_o do_v the_o heathen_a rage_n and_o the_o people_n imagine_v a_o vain_a thing_n the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n set_v themselves_o and_o the_o ruler_n take_v counsel_n together_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o against_o his_o anoint_v etc._n etc._n yet_o have_v i_o set_v my_o king_n upon_o my_o holy_a hill_n of_o zion_n i_o will_v declare_v the_o decree_n the_o lord_n have_v say_v unto_o i_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o ask_v of_o i_o and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n be_v wise_a therefore_o o_o you_o king_n be_v learned_a you_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n serve_v the_o lord_n with_o fear_n and_o rejoice_v with_o tremble_a kiss_v the_o son_n lest_o he_o be_v angry_a and_o you_o perish_v etc._n etc._n psal_n 16.10_o for_o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n neither_o will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n psal_n 22.16_o 17_o 18._o dog_n have_v compass_v i_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o wicked_a have_v enclose_v i_o they_o pierce_v my_o hand_n and_o my_o foot_n i_o may_v tell_v all_o my_o bone_n they_o look_v and_o stare_v upon_o i_o they_o part_v my_o garment_n among_o they_o and_o cast_v lot_n upon_o my_o vesture_n psal_n 69.21_o they_o give_v i_o also_o gall_v for_o my_o meat_n and_o in_o my_o thirst_n they_o give_v i_o vinegar_n to_o drink_v isa_n 53._o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v for_o he_o shall_v grow_v up_o before_o he_o as_o a_o tender_a plant_n and_o as_o a_o root_n out_o of_o a_o dry_a ground_n he_o have_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n and_o when_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o there_o be_v no_o beauty_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n and_o we_o hide_v as_o it_o be_v our_o face_n from_o he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o we_o esteem_v he_o not_o sure_o he_o have_v bear_v our_o grief_n and_o carry_v our_o sorrow_n yet_o we_o do_v esteem_v he_o strike_v smite_v of_o god_n and_o afflict_a but_o he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n he_o be_v bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n the_o chastisement_n of_o our_o peace_n be_v upon_o he_o and_o with_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v all_o we_o like_v sheep_n have_v go_v astray_o we_o have_v turn_v every_o one_o to_o his_o own_o way_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v lay_v on_o he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o we_o all_o he_o be_v oppress_v and_o he_o be_v afflict_v yet_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v bring_v as_o a_o lamb_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o as_o a_o sheep_n before_o the_o shearer_n be_v dumb_a so_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v take_v from_o prison_n and_o from_o judgement_n and_o who_o shall_v declare_v his_o generation_n for_o he_o be_v cut_v off_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o my_o people_n be_v he_o strike_v and_o he_o make_v his_o grave_n with_o the_o wicked_a and_o with_o the_o rich_a in_o his_o death_n because_o he_o have_v do_v no_o violence_n nor_o be_v any_o deceit_n in_o his_o mouth_n yet_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o bruise_v he_o he_o have_v put_v he_o to_o grief_n when_o thou_o shall_v make_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n he_o shall_v see_v his_o seed_n he_o shall_v prolong_v his_o day_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v prosper_v in_o his_o hand_n he_o shall_v see_v of_o the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v by_o his_o knowledge_n shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o for_o he_o shall_v bear_v their_o iniquity_n therefore_o will_v i_o divide_v he_o a_o portion_n with_o the_o great_a and_o he_o shall_v divide_v the_o spoil_n
so_o do_v prove_v the_o divine_a approbation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n without_o which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v the_o command_n of_o man_n soul_n 7._o note_v also_o that_o the_o gospel_n propose_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n both_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o good_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o that_o christ_n be_v indeed_o the_o saviour_n and_o his_o word_n infallible_o true_a be_v believe_v that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o of_o the_o grace_n and_o glory_n promise_v and_o when_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o gospel_n have_v regenerate_v and_o renew_v any_o soul_n he_o have_v give_v he_o part_n of_o that_o grace_n in_o possession_n and_o have_v procreate_v in_o he_o the_o habitual_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o holiness_n with_o a_o love_n to_o that_o saviour_n and_o holy_a word_n which_o bring_v he_o to_o it_o so_o that_o this_o love_n be_v now_o become_v as_o a_o new_a nature_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o 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caviller_n dispute_v with_o a_o love_a child_n or_o parent_n or_o friend_n to_o alienate_v their_o heart_n from_o one_o another_o and_o will_v persuade_v they_o that_o it_o be_v but_o dissemble_a love_n that_o be_v profess_v to_o they_o by_o their_o relation_n and_o friend_n love_n will_v do_v more_o here_o to_o hinder_v the_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o slander_n than_o reason_n alone_o can_v do_v and_o where_o reason_n be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o answer_v all_o that_o the_o caviller_n can_v say_v yet_o love_n may_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o reject_v it_o and_o here_o i_o must_v observe_v how_o oft_o i_o have_v note_v the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o abundance_n of_o poor_a people_n who_o reason_a faculty_n will_v have_v fail_v they_o in_o temptation_n to_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n if_o they_o have_v not_o have_v a_o strong_a hold_n than_o that_o and_o their_o faith_n have_v not_o be_v radicate_v in_o the_o will_n by_o love_n i_o have_v know_v a_o great_a number_n of_o 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his_o faculty_n 2._o while_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v so_o full_o before_o lay_v down_o from_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n the_o objector_n do_v but_o refuse_v to_o see_v in_o the_o open_a light_n when_o he_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o a_o bare_a assertion_n that_o all_o this_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o that_o it_o be_v take_v up_o upon_o mistake_n 3._o all_o the_o world_n be_v convince_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v the_o unholy_a fleshly_a worldly_a life_n which_o be_v the_o dream_n and_o dotage_n and_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o deceit_n object_n but_o how_o
the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n all_o the_o truth_n which_o any_o philosopher_n teach_v be_v god_n truth_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o a_o god_n of_o so_o much_o goodness_n do_v bless_v his_o own_o truth_n according_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o proportion_n who_o ever_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o it_o whether_o the_o success_n of_o philosophy_n be_v ever_o the_o true_a sanctification_n and_o salvation_n of_o any_o soul_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o reveal_v to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o gospel_n that_o all_o that_o part_n of_o practical_a doctrine_n which_o the_o philosopher_n teach_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o part_n in_o the_o whole_a and_o therefore_o the_o impress_n and_o effect_n be_v more_o full_a and_o perfect_a as_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o impress_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o philosopher_n doctrine_n can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o the_o cause_n which_o be_v partial_a and_o defective_a and_o mix_v with_o much_o corruption_n and_o untruth_n all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o the_o philosopher_n be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o have_v abundance_n of_o false_a opinion_n and_o idolatry_n to_o corrupt_v it_o when_o christianity_n have_v nothing_o but_o clean_a and_o pure_a so_o that_o as_o no_o philosopher_n affirm_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o saviour_n so_o his_o doctrine_n be_v not_o attest_v by_o the_o plenary_a and_o common_a effect_n of_o regeneration_n as_o christ_n be_v but_o as_o they_o be_v but_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n so_o they_o have_v but_o a_o answerable_a help_n from_o god_n who_o can_v not_o be_v suppose_v however_o have_v they_o wrought_v miracle_n to_o have_v attest_v more_o than_o themselves_o assert_v or_o lay_v claim_n to_o object_n but_o mahomet_n venture_v on_o a_o high_a arrogation_n and_o pretence_n and_o yet_o if_o his_o doctrine_n 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by_o inherent_a purity_n and_o by_o concomitant_a miracle_n and_o by_o such_o wonderful_a subsequent_a communication_n of_o renew_v sanctify_a grace_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o ordinary_a in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v all_o have_v have_v reason_n to_o believe_v his_o word_n but_o if_o he_o pretend_v only_a to_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o give_v we_o none_o of_o all_o these_o proof_n but_o a_o foppish_a ridiculous_a bundle_n of_o nonsense_n full_a of_o carnal_a doctrine_n mix_v with_o holy_a truth_n which_o he_o have_v from_o christ_n we_o must_v judge_v according_o of_o his_o authority_n and_o word_n notwithstanding_o god_n may_v make_v use_n of_o that_o common_a truth_n to_o produce_v a_o answerable_a degree_n of_o goodness_n among_o those_o that_o hear_v and_o know_v no_o better_o these_o objection_n may_v be_v further_o answer_v anon_o among_o the_o rest_n and_o thus_o much_o shall_v here_o suffice_v of_o the_o great_a and_o cogent_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o subservient_fw-fr proof_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o forementioned_a evidence_n be_v bring_v to_o our_o certain_a knowledge_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o four_o way_n of_o evidence_n already_o open_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v sure_a and_o cogent_a if_o first_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a that_o indeed_o such_o a_o witness_n to_o jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v give_v to_o the_o world_n the_o argument_n be_v undeniable_a when_o the_o minor_a be_v prove_v he_o who_o word_n be_v attest_v by_o god_n by_o many_o thousand_o year_n prediction_n by_o the_o inherent_a image_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o frame_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o multitude_n of_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n and_o by_o the_o success_n of_o his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o true_a regeneration_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v certain_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o such_o be_v jesus_n christ_n ergo_fw-la i_o have_v be_v hitherto_o for_o the_o most_o part_n prove_v the_o major_a proposition_n and_o now_o come_v to_o the_o minor_a as_o to_o the_o several_a branch_n §_o 1._o i._o the_o prophetical_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v yet_o legible_a in_o the_o promise_n prophecy_n and_o type_n and_o main_a design_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n §_o 2._o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n where_o all_o these_o be_v sound_a be_v certain_a uncorrupted_a record_n thereof_o preserve_v by_o the_o unquestioned_a tradition_n and_o care_n and_o to_o this_o day_n attest_v by_o the_o general_a confession_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o bitter_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o reason_n that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o that_o deny_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o psalm_n and_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v indeed_o those_o that_o go_v under_o those_o title_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o considerable_a corruption_n in_o they_o which_o may_v much_o concern_v their_o testimony_n to_o christ_n the_o compare_v of_o all_o the_o copy_n and_o the_o version_n yet_o extant_a will_v evince_v together_o with_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o enemy_n and_o the_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o their_o corruption_n but_o i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o prove_v that_o which_o no_o sober_a adversary_n do_v deny_v to_o these_o book_n the_o christian_n do_v appeal_v and_o to_o these_o the_o jew_n profess_v to_o stand_v §_o 3._o ii_o the_o constitutive_a inherent_a image_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v also_o still_o visible_a in_o the_o book_n themselves_o and_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n than_o a_o capable_a reader_n as_o afore_o describe_v §_o 4._o the_o preach_v and_o write_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n do_v serve_v to_o illustrate_v this_o and_o help_v man_n to_o discern_v it_o but_o add_v nothing_o to_o the_o inherent_a perfection_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o matter_n or_o for_o method_n §_o 5._o iii_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o age_n of_o miracle_n fore-described_n can_v be_v know_v natural_o no_o way_n but_o by_o sight_n or_o other_o sense_n to_o those_o present_a and_o by_o report_n or_o history_n to_o those_o absent_a 22._o §_o 6._o the_o apostle_n and_o many_o thousand_o other_o see_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o they_o than_o their_o sense_n the_o many_o thousand_o who_o at_o twice_o be_v feed_v by_o miracle_n be_v witness_n of_o that_o the_o multitude_n be_v witness_n of_o his_o heal_n the_o blind_a the_o lame_a the_o paralytic_a the_o demoniac_n etc._n etc._n the_o pharisee_n themselves_o make_v the_o strict_a search_n into_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o man_n bear_v blind_a joh._n 9_o and_o the_o raise_n of_o lazarus_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o many_o more_o his_o miracle_n be_v few_o of_o they_o hide_v but_o open_o do_v before_o the_o world_n §_o 7._o the_o apostle_n and_o many_o hundred_o more_o be_v witness_n of_o christ_n own_o resurrection_n and_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n but_o their_o sense_n at_o divers_a time_n he_o appear_v to_o they_o together_z and_o apart_z and_o yield_v to_o thomas_n his_o unbelief_n so_o far_o as_o to_o call_v he_o to_o put_v his_o finger_n into_o his_o side_n and_o see_v the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n he_o instruct_v they_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o forty_o day_n act._n 1._o he_o give_v they_o their_o commission_n mar._n 16._o mat._n 28._o joh._n 21._o he_o expostulate_v with_o peter_n and_o engage_v he_o to_o feed_v his_o lamb_n he_o be_v see_v of_o more_o than_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o and_o last_o appear_v after_o his_o ascension_n to_o paul_n and_o to_o john_n that_o write_v the_o revelation_n §_o 8._o the_o apostle_n also_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o ascension_n act._n 1._o what_o he_o have_v foretell_v
or_o let_v fall_v some_o confutation_n of_o they_o in_o their_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o §_o 28._o 10._o see_v it_o be_v so_o heinous_a a_o crime_n to_o divulge_v lie_n in_o multitude_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o deceive_v the_o world_n into_o a_o blasphemy_n it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a that_o the_o conscience_n of_o so_o many_o person_n of_o so_o much_o piety_n as_o their_o write_n prove_v shall_v never_o be_v touch_v with_o remorse_n for_o so_o great_a a_o villainy_n either_o in_o life_n or_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o force_v some_o one_o of_o they_o to_o detect_v all_o the_o fraud_n if_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a conscience_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n much_o more_o in_o the_o best_a which_o will_v at_o some_o time_n do_v its_o office_n and_o will_v constrain_v man_n to_o confess_v especial_o their_o heinous_a crime_n and_o especial_o at_o the_o time_n of_o death_n when_o they_o see_v that_o their_o lie_n will_v serve_v their_o worldly_a interest_n no_o more_o and_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v man_n that_o indeed_o believe_v another_o life_n now_o consider_v if_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n have_v be_v deceiver_n how_o heinous_a a_o crime_n they_o have_v commit_v 1._o to_o affirm_v a_o man_n to_o be_v god_n incarnate_a and_o to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o on_o who_o all_o man_n must_v trust_v their_o soul_n etc._n etc._n if_o he_o have_v be_v but_o a_o deceiver_n 2._o to_o make_v such_o abundance_n of_o lie_n in_o open_a matter_n of_o fact_n 3._o to_o frame_v hereupon_o a_o new_a law_n to_o the_o world_n 4._o to_o overthrow_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v there_o in_o force_n 5._o to_o abuse_v the_o intellect_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o person_n with_o such_o untruth_n and_o to_o call_v the_o world_n to_o such_o a_o needless_a work_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v be_v if_o all_o this_o be_v false_a to_o put_v the_o world_n upon_o such_o task_n as_o forsake_v all_o for_o christ_n 6._o to_o draw_v so_o many_o to_o lose_v their_o life_n in_o martyrdom_n to_o attest_v a_o lie_n 7._o to_o lose_v their_o own_o time_n and_o spend_v all_o their_o life_n and_o labour_n upon_o so_o bad_a a_o work_n all_o these_o set_v together_o will_v prove_v they_o far_o worst_a than_o any_o thief_n or_o murderer_n or_o traitor_n if_o they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o lie_n which_o they_o preach_v and_o attest_v there_o be_v now_o no_o man_n know_v on_o earth_n even_o in_o this_o age_n of_o villainy_n guilty_a of_o such_o a_o heinous_a crime_n as_o this_o and_o let_v any_o man_n that_o read_v the_o apostle_n write_n or_o consider_v of_o their_o life_n and_o death_n consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n that_o so_o many_o and_o such_o person_n shall_v go_v on_o in_o such_o a_o way_n upon_o no_o great_a motive_n of_o benefit_n than_o they_o expect_v nay_o through_o such_o labour_n reproach_n and_o suffering_n and_o not_o one_o of_o they_o to_o the_o death_n be_v constrain_v by_o conscience_n to_o detect_v the_o fraud_n and_o undeceive_v the_o world_n §_o 29._o 11._o last_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o such_o person_n as_o they_o present_o convert_v shall_v ever_o have_v be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v their_o report_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o a_o time_n and_o place_n where_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o disprove_v they_o if_o they_o have_v be_v false_a for_o 1._o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o free_a as_o the_o will_n be_v but_o only_o participative_a in_o quantum_fw-la à _fw-la voluntate_fw-la imperatur_fw-la and_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v what_o he_o will_v nor_o deny_v belief_n to_o cogent_a evidence_n though_o against_o his_o will_n the_o intellect_n act_n as_o in_o themselves_o be_v necessitate_v and_o per_fw-la modum_fw-la naturae_fw-la 2._o and_o all_o these_o new_a convert_n have_v understanding_n which_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o truth_n as_o truth_n and_o averse_a to_o falsehood_n and_o they_o have_v all_o self-love_n and_o they_o all_o embrace_v now_o a_o doctrine_n which_o will_v expose_v they_o to_o suffering_n and_o calamity_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o both_o nature_n and_o interest_n oblige_v they_o to_o be_v at_o the_o labour_n of_o inquire_v whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o before_o they_o run_v themselves_o into_o so_o great_a misery_n and_o the_o three_o thousand_o which_o peter_n convert_v at_o his_o first_o sermon_n must_v also_o take_v the_o shame_n of_o be_v murderer_n of_o their_o saviour_n and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n and_o paul_n must_v be_v brand_v for_o a_o confess_a persecutor_n and_o guilty_a of_o the_o blood_n of_o stephen_n and_o will_v so_o many_o man_n run_v themselves_o into_o all_o this_o for_o nothing_o to_o save_v the_o labour_n of_o a_o easy_a enquiry_n after_o some_o matter_n of_o public_a fact_n how_o easy_o may_v they_o go_v and_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o christ_n feed_v so_o many_o thousand_o twice_o miraculous_o and_o whether_o he_o heal_v such_o as_o he_o be_v say_v to_o heal_v who_o be_v then_o live_v and_o whether_o he_o raise_v lazarus_n and_o other_o from_o death_n who_o be_v then_o live_v and_o whether_o the_o earth_n tremble_v and_o the_o vail_n of_o the_o temple_n rend_v and_o the_o sun_n be_v darken_v at_o his_o death_n and_o whether_o the_o witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n be_v sufficient_a and_o if_o none_o of_o this_o have_v be_v true_a it_o will_v have_v turn_v they_o all_o from_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o deride_v they_o object_n be_v not_o the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o most_o a_o great_a reason_n against_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o small_a number_n be_v for_o it_o answ_n no_o 1._o because_o it_o be_v a_o negative_a which_o they_o be_v for_o and_o many_o witness_n to_o a_o negative_a be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o a_o few_o to_o a_o affirmative_a 2._o most_o of_o they_o be_v keep_v from_o the_o very_a hear_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o shall_v inform_v they_o and_o excite_v they_o 3._o most_o man_n every_o where_o follow_v their_o ruler_n and_o look_v to_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o never_o much_o mind_n or_o discuss_v such_o matter_n as_o tend_v to_o their_o salvation_n especial_o by_o the_o way_n of_o suffering_n and_o disgrace_n 4._o we_o believe_v not_o that_o the_o unbelieving_a party_n do_v deny_v christ_n miracle_n but_o father_v they_o upon_o the_o devil_n therefore_o even_o their_o testimony_n be_v for_o christ_n only_o they_o hire_v the_o soldier_n to_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v steal_v out_o of_o the_o sepulchre_n while_o they_o sleep_v of_o which_o they_o never_o bring_v any_o proof_n nor_o can_v possible_o do_v it_o if_o asleep_a §_o 29._o iii_o i_o have_v prove_v christ_n miracle_n to_o be_v 1._o credible_a by_o the_o high_a humane_a faith_n 2._o certain_a by_o natural_a evidence_n there_o be_v a_o natural_a impossibility_n that_o the_o testimony_n shall_v be_v false_a 3._o i_o be_o next_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v certain_a by_o supernatural_a evidence_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o natural_a evidence_n as_o in_o the_o effect_n but_o be_v call_v supernatural_a from_o the_o way_n of_o cause_v it_o §_o 30._o the_o same_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n inherent_a mount_n concomitant_a and_o subsequent_a be_v the_o infallible_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o disciple_n testimony_n of_o christ_n his_o person_n miracle_n and_o doctrine_n §_o 31._o i._o they_o be_v person_n of_o holy_a life_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o lively_a impress_n or_o constitution_n of_o their_o doctrine_n now_o visible_a in_o their_o write_n what_o be_v before_o say_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n himself_o be_v true_a of_o they_o and_o as_o the_o king_n coin_n be_v know_v by_o his_o image_n and_o superscription_n or_o rather_o as_o a_o unimitable_a author_n be_v know_v by_o his_o write_n for_o matter_n method_n and_o style_n even_o so_o be_v god_n spirit_n know_v in_o they_o and_o in_o their_o doctrine_n §_o 32._o ii_o their_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o work_n be_v so_o evident_a and_o so_o many_o and_o uncontrolled_a as_o amount_v to_o a_o infallible_a proof_n that_o god_n be_v his_o witness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o show_v the_o most_o infallible_a proof_n of_o his_o assertion_n §_o 33._o 1._o their_o gift_n and_o miracle_n be_v many_o in_o kind_n as_o their_o sudden_a illumination_n when_o the_o spirit_n fall_v upon_o they_o and_o know_v that_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o before_o their_o prophesy_a and_o speak_v in_o language_n never_o before_o learn_v by_o they_o and_o interpret_n such_o prophecy_n and_o language_n their_o dispossess_v
interest_n of_o their_o sect_n or_o cause_n and_o party_n 6._o nor_o by_o your_o own_o partial_a interest_n which_o will_v make_v you_o judge_v of_o man_n not_o as_o they_o be_v indeed_o and_o towards_o god_n but_o as_o they_o either_o answer_n or_o cross_v your_o interest_n and_o desire_n 7._o nor_o must_v you_o judge_v of_o all_o by_o some_o that_o prove_v hypocrite_n who_o once_o seem_v sincere_a 8._o nor_o must_v you_o judge_v of_o a_o man_n by_o some_o particular_a fall_n or_o fail_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o bent_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o be_v his_o great_a sorrow_n 9_o nor_o must_v you_o come_v with_o a_o forestalled_n and_o malicious_a mind_n hate_v that_o holiness_n yourself_o which_o you_o inquire_v after_o for_o malice_n be_v blind_a and_o a_o constant_a false_a interpreter_n and_o a_o slanderer_n 10._o you_o must_v know_v what_o holiness_n and_o honesty_n be_v before_o you_o can_v well_o judge_v of_o they_o these_o condition_n be_v all_o so_o reasonable_a and_o just_a that_o he_o that_o live_v among_o religious_a honest_a man_n and_o will_v stand_v at_o a_o distance_n unacquainted_a with_o their_o life_n and_o malicious_o revile_v they_o upon_o the_o seduction_n of_o false_a report_n or_o of_o interest_n either_o his_o own_o interest_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o faction_n and_o will_v say_v i_o see_v no_o such_o honest_a and_o renew_a person_n but_o a_o company_n of_o self-conceited_a hypocrite_n this_o man_n be_v confirm_v infidelity_n and_o damnation_n be_v the_o just_a punishment_n of_o his_o wilful_a blindness_n partiality_n and_o malice_n which_o make_v he_o false_a to_o god_n to_o truth_n and_o to_o his_o own_o soul_n §_o 107._o it_o be_v not_o some_o but_o all_o true_a christian_n 23._o that_o ever_o be_v or_o be_v in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v within_o they_o this_o witness_n or_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n as_o i_o have_v before_o say_v christ_n will_v own_v no_o other_o rom._n 8._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 2_o cor._n 5.17_o luk._n 14.26.33_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o be_v none_o of_o he_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a he_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v can_v be_v my_o disciple_n gal._n 5.24_o they_o that_o be_v christ_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n indeed_o the_o church_n visible_a which_o be_v but_o the_o congregate_v society_n of_o profess_a christian_n have_v many_o in_o it_o that_o have_v none_o of_o this_o spirit_n or_o grace_n but_o such_o be_v only_a christian_n equivocal_o and_o not_o in_o the_o primary_n proper_a sense_n 1_o joh._n 5.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o and_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v witness_n on_o earth_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o water_n and_o the_o blood_n and_o these_o three_o agree_v in_o one_o if_o we_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n the_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a for_o this_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v testify_v of_o his_o son_n he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n give_v of_o his_o son_n §_o 108._o the_o more_o any_o one_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o degree_n the_o more_o he_o have_v of_o this_o witness_n of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n in_o himself_o and_o the_o holy_a he_o be_v convert_v §_o 109._o the_o near_a any_o philosopher_n or_o other_o be_v like_a to_o christian_n the_o near_o they_o come_v to_o this_o renew_a image_n of_o god_n §_o 110._o as_o this_o image_n of_o god_n the_o holiness_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o very_a end_n and_o work_v of_o a_o true_a saviour_n so_o the_o true_a effect_n of_o it_o on_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v actual_o their_o begin_a salvation_n and_o therefore_o the_o stand_a infallible_a witness_n of_o christ_n which_o shall_v confound_v unbelief_n in_o all_o that_o be_v indeed_o his_o own_o luc._n this_o which_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o fore_n go_v chapter_n be_v a_o testimony_n in_o every_o holy_a soul_n which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o he_o that_o undertake_v to_o cure_v all_o of_o the_o plague_n or_o stone_n or_o gout_n or_o fever_n that_o will_v take_v his_o medicine_n and_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o be_v certain_o no_o deceiver_n if_o he_o do_v that_o which_o he_o undertake_v he_o that_o undertake_v to_o teach_v all_o man_n arithmetic_n geometry_n astronomy_n music_n etc._n etc._n who_o will_v come_v and_o learn_v of_o he_o be_v certain_o no_o deceiver_n if_o he_o do_v it_o what_o be_v it_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v undertake_v think_v of_o that_o and_o then_o tell_v i_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o deceiver_n he_o never_o undertake_v to_o make_v his_o disciple_n king_n or_o lord_n or_o rich_a or_o honourable_a in_o the_o world_n nor_o yet_o to_o make_v they_o the_o best_a logician_n orator_n astronomer_n mathematician_n physician_n musician_n pentec_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o to_o make_v they_o the_o best_a man_n to_o renew_v they_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o thereby_o to_o save_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o give_v they_o repentance_n unto_o life_n nor_o have_v he_o promise_v this_o to_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v or_o call_v christian_n but_o only_o to_o those_o that_o sincere_o consent_v to_o learn_v of_o he_o and_o take_v his_o counsel_n and_o use_v the_o remedy_n which_o he_o prescribe_v they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o certain_a that_o christ_n do_v true_o perform_v this_o undertake_n how_o then_o can_v he_o be_v a_o deceiver_n who_o do_v perform_v all_o that_o he_o undertake_v of_o this_o all_o true_a christian_n have_v a_o just_a demonstration_n in_o themselves_o which_o be_v his_o witness_n object_n but_o christ_n undertake_v more_o than_o this_o even_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o everlasting_a blessedness_n in_o heaven_n answ_n it_o be_v our_o comfort_n that_o he_o do_v so_o but_o methinks_v its_o easy_a to_o believe_v he_o in_o that_o if_o he_o perform_v the_o rest_n for_o 1._o i_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o book_n that_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n a_o future_a life_n of_o retribution_n must_v be_v expect_v and_o that_o man_n be_v make_v for_o a_o future_a happiness_n 2._o and_o who_o then_o shall_v have_v that_o happiness_n but_o the_o holy_a and_o renew_a soul_n do_v not_o natural_a reason_n tell_v you_o that_o so_o good_a a_o god_n will_v show_v his_o love_n to_o those_o that_o be_v good_a that_o be_v to_o those_o that_o love_v he_o 3._o and_o what_o think_v you_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o bring_v any_o man_n to_o heaven_n but_o to_o pardon_v he_o and_o make_v he_o holy_a 4._o and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n do_v great_o help_v our_o faith_n for_o this_o holiness_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o happiness_n when_o we_o find_v that_o christ_n have_v by_o his_o spirit_n begin_v to_o make_v we_o know_v god_n and_o love_v he_o and_o delight_n in_o he_o and_o praise_v he_o it_o be_v the_o easy_a to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v perfect_v it_o he_o that_o promise_v to_o convey_v i_o safe_o to_o the_o antipode_n may_v easy_o be_v believe_v when_o he_o have_v bring_v i_o past_o the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o the_o voyage_n he_o that_o will_v teach_v i_o to_o sing_v artificial_o have_v merit_v credit_n when_o he_o have_v teach_v i_o the_o gradual_a tone_n the_o scale_n of_o music_n the_o sol-fa-ing_a the_o cliff_n the_o quantity_n the_o mood_n the_o rule_n of_o time_n etc._n etc._n he_o that_o cause_v i_o to_o love_n god_n on_o earth_n may_v be_v believe_v if_o he_o promise_v i_o that_o i_o shall_v love_v he_o more_o in_o heaven_n and_o he_o that_o cause_v i_o to_o desire_v heaven_n above_o earth_n before_o i_o see_v it_o may_v be_v believe_v when_o he_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v my_o great_a delight_n when_o i_o be_o there_o it_o be_v god_n work_n to_o love_v they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o to_o reward_v the_o obedient_a and_o i_o must_v needs_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v do_v his_o work_n and_o will_v never_o fail_v the_o just_a expectation_n of_o any_o creature_n all_o my_o doubt_n be_v whether_o i_o shall_v do_v my_o part_n and_o whether_o i_o shall_v be_v a_o prepare_a subject_n for_o that_o felicity_n and_o he_o that_o resolve_v this_o resolve_v all_o he_o that_o will_v make_v i_o fit_a for_o
heaven_n have_v overcome_v the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o my_o belief_n and_o i_o shall_v the_o more_o easy_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v do_v the_o rest_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v sure_o come_v to_o heaven_n when_o i_o be_o fit_a for_o it_o object_n but_o christ_n do_v not_o only_o undertake_v to_o regenerate_a and_o to_o save_v we_o but_o also_o to_o justify_v we_o and_o this_o by_o a_o strange_a way_n by_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o merit_n answ_n the_o great_a be_v his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n as_o make_v know_v to_o we_o i_o be_o sure_a a_o unpardoned_a unrighteous_a person_n be_v uncapable_a of_o felicity_n in_o that_o state_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o can_v pardon_v myself_o nor_o well_o know_v which_o way_n else_o to_o seek_v it_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o so_o excellent_a and_o holy_a a_o person_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v well-beloved_a of_o god_n i_o than_o but_o i_o pray_v you_o remember_v 1._o that_o he_o undertake_v not_o to_o pardon_v or_o justify_v any_o man_n who_o he_o do_v not_o renew_v and_o sanctify_v 2._o and_o that_o all_o his_o mean_n which_o seem_v so_o strange_a to_o you_o be_v but_o to_o restore_v god_n image_n on_o you_o and_o fit_v you_o for_o his_o love_n and_o service_n and_o this_o we_o can_v testify_v by_o experience_n that_o he_o have_v do_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o we_o and_o if_o i_o find_v his_o mean_n successful_a i_o will_v not_o quarrel_v with_o it_o because_o it_o seem_v strange_a to_o i_o a_o physician_n may_v prescribe_v i_o remedy_n for_o some_o mortal_a disease_n which_o i_o understand_v not_o but_o seem_v unlike_a to_o do_v the_o cure_n but_o if_o i_o find_v that_o those_o unlikely_a mean_n effect_v it_o i_o will_v not_o quarrel_v with_o he_o nor_o refuse_v they_o till_o i_o know_v myself_o to_o be_v wise_a than_o he_o and_o have_v find_v out_o some_o sure_a mean_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a then_o that_o he_o who_o save_v we_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o he_o that_o save_v we_o from_o sin_n will_v save_v we_o from_o punishment_n and_o he_o that_o make_v we_o fit_a for_o pardon_n do_v procure_v our_o pardon_n and_o he_o that_o cause_v we_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o do_v fit_v we_o to_o enjoy_v his_o love_n and_o he_o that_o make_v we_o both_o to_o love_v he_o and_o to_o be_v belove_v by_o he_o do_v prepare_v we_o for_o heaven_n and_o be_v true_o the_o mediator_n §_o iii_o four_o or_o five_o consectary_n be_v evident_a from_o this_o which_o i_o have_v be_v prove_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o their_o insipid_a cavil_n who_o say_v that_o we_o fly_v to_o a_o private_a spirit_n or_o conceit_n or_o enthusiasm_n for_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o faith_n salmuriens_fw-la there_o be_v some_o indeed_o that_o talk_n of_o the_o mere_a persuasion_n or_o inward_a active_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o inward_a word_n that_o say_v to_o we_o this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v not_o it_o which_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o but_o the_o objective_a testimony_n or_o evidence_n of_o our_o regeneration_n which_o can_v not_o be_v effect_v but_o 1._o by_o a_o perfect_a doctrine_n and_o 2_o by_o the_o concurrent_a work_n or_o blessing_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o he_o will_v not_o give_v to_o confirm_v a_o lie_n the_o spirit_n be_v christ_n witness_n in_o the_o four_o way_n forementioned_a and_o he_o do_v moreover_o cause_v i_o to_o believe_v and_o increase_v that_o faith_n by_o blessing_n due_a mean_n but_o for_o any_o enthusiasm_n or_o unproved_a bare_a persuasion_n we_o own_v it_o not_o §_o 112._o ii_o that_o malignity_n be_v the_o highway_n to_o infidelity_n as_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o member_n be_v christ_n last_o continue_v witness_n in_o the_o world_n so_o the_o malicious_a slander_v and_o scorn_v at_o godly_a man_n or_o vilify_a they_o for_o self-interest_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o faction_n be_v the_o devil_n mean_n to_o frustrate_v this_o testimony_n §_o 113._o iii_o that_o the_o destruction_n of_o true_a church-discipline_n tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n by_o lay_v christ_n vineyard_n common_a to_o the_o wilderness_n and_o confound_v godly_a and_o the_o notoriors_o ungodly_a and_o represent_v christianity_n to_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n as_o a_o barren_a notion_n or_o a_o common_a and_o debauch_a way_n §_o 114._o iv._o that_o the_o scandal_n and_o wickedness_n of_o nominal_a christian_n be_v on_o the_o same_o account_n the_o devil_n way_n to_o extirpate_v christianity_n from_o the_o earth_n §_o 115._o v._n that_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n have_v provide_v a_o sure_a and_o stand_a mean_n for_o the_o ascertain_a multitude_n of_o holy_a christian_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o have_v neither_o skill_n nor_o leisure_n to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o record_n of_o antiquity_n nor_o to_o reason_v it_o out_o against_o a_o learned_a subtle_a caviler_n from_o other_o extrinsic_a argument_n abundance_n of_o honest_a holy_a soul_n caelâ—_n do_v live_v in_o the_o fervent_a love_n of_o god_n and_o in_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o sincere_a obedience_n in_o justice_n and_o charity_n to_o all_o man_n and_o in_o heavenly_a desire_n and_o delight_n who_o yet_o can_v well_o dispute_v for_o their_o religion_n nor_o yet_o do_v they_o need_v to_o fly_v to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v though_o they_o know_v not_o what_o or_o why_o nor_o what_o the_o church_n be_v but_o they_o have_v that_o spirit_n within_o they_o which_o be_v the_o live_a witness_n and_o advocate_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n and_o the_o earnest_n of_o their_o salvation_n not_o a_o mere_a pretence_n that_o the_o spirit_n persuade_v they_o and_o they_o know_v not_o by_o what_o evidence_n nor_o yet_o that_o they_o count_v it_o most_o pious_a to_o believe_v strongly_a without_o evidence_n when_o they_o least_o know_v why_o but_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o renovation_n and_o adoption_n turn_v the_o very_a bend_v of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n from_o the_o world_n to_o god_n and_o from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n and_o from_o carnality_n to_o spirituality_n and_o from_o sin_n to_o holiness_n and_o this_o full_o assure_v they_o that_o christ_n who_o have_v actual_o save_v they_o be_v their_o saviour_n and_o that_o he_o who_o make_v good_a all_o his_o undertake_n be_v no_o deceiver_n and_o that_o god_n will_v not_o sanctify_v his_o people_n in_o the_o world_n by_o a_o blasphemy_n a_o deceit_n and_o lie_n and_o that_o christ_n who_o have_v perform_v his_o promise_n in_o this_o which_o be_v his_o earnest_n will_v perform_v the_o rest_n and_o withal_o the_o very_a love_n to_o god_n and_o holiness_n and_o heaven_n which_o be_v thus_o make_v their_o new_a nature_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n will_v hold_v fast_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n when_o reason_v otherwise_o be_v too_o weak_a o_o what_o a_o bless_a advantage_n have_v the_o sanctify_a against_o all_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n and_o how_o lamentable_o be_v ungodly_a sensualist_n disadvantage_v who_o have_v deprive_v themselves_o of_o this_o inherent_a testimony_n if_o two_o man_n be_v bear_v blind_a and_o one_o of_o they_o have_v be_v cure_v and_o have_v be_v show_v the_o candle-light_n and_o twilight_n how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o he_o to_o believe_v his_o physician_n if_o he_o promise_v also_o to_o show_v he_o the_o sun_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o it_o be_v to_o the_o other_o who_o never_o see_v the_o light_n chap._n viii_o of_o some_o other_o subservient_fw-fr and_o collateral_a argument_n for_o the_o christian_a verity_n have_v large_o open_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a verity_n viz._n the_o spirit_n in_o its_o four_o way_n of_o testify_v accidental_o inherent_o concomitant_o and_o subsequently_n i_o shall_v more_o brief_o recite_v some_o other_o subservient_fw-fr argument_n which_o i_o find_v most_o satisfactory_a to_o my_o own_o understanding_n §_o 1._o i._o the_o natural_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n about_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n do_v make_v it_o the_o more_o credible_a to_o i_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o for_o that_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o none_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v reveal_v to_o we_o for_o the_o scripture_n tell_v what_o be_v do_v before_o there_o be_v any_o man_n in_o be_v and_o that_o this_o world_n be_v not_o eternal_a nor_o of_o any_o long_a continuance_n be_v exceed_v probable_a by_o the_o state_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o 1._o art_n and_o science_n be_v far_o from_o that_o maturity_n which_o a_o long_a continuance_n or_o a_o eternity_n will_v have_v produce_v gun_n and_o print_n be_v but_o late_o find_v out_o the_o body_n of_o man_n be_v not_o yet_o well_o anatomize_v
may_v let_v it_o go_v and_o boast_v of_o your_o better_a choice_n as_o you_o find_v cause_n how_o much_o do_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v the_o stoic_n the_o cynic_n and_o many_o other_o sect_n which_o differ_v not_o much_o in_o austerity_n from_o christ_n precept_n of_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n socrates_n can_v say_v open_v ac_fw-la nobilitates_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la nihil_fw-la in_o se_fw-la habere_fw-la honestatis_fw-la verum_fw-la omne_fw-la malum_fw-la ex_fw-la eye_n aboriri_fw-la laert._n l._n 2._o in_o socr._n p._n 99_o dicebat_fw-la &_o unicum_fw-la esse_fw-la bonum_fw-la scientiam_fw-la malumque_fw-la unicum_fw-la inscitiam_fw-la id._n ib._n et_fw-la referenti_fw-la quod_fw-la illum_fw-la athenienses_fw-la mori_fw-la dâ—crevissent_fw-la &_o natura_fw-la illos_fw-la inquit_fw-la ib._n et_fw-la multa_fw-la prius_fw-la de_fw-la immortalitate_fw-la animorum_fw-la ac_fw-la praeclara_fw-la disserens_fw-la cicutam_fw-la bibit_fw-la p._n 105._o magna_fw-la animi_fw-la sublimitate_fw-la carpentes_fw-la se_fw-la &_o objurgantes_fw-la contemnebat_fw-la p._n 96._o when_o he_o be_v public_o deride_v omnia_fw-la ferebat_fw-la aequo_fw-la animo_fw-la and_o when_o one_o kick_v he_o and_o the_o people_n marvel_v at_o his_o patience_n he_o say_v what_o if_o a_o ass_n have_v kick_v i_o shall_v i_o have_v sue_v he_o at_o law_n p._n 93._o when_o he_o see_v in_o fair_n and_o shop_n what_o abundance_n of_o thing_n be_v set_v to_o sale_n he_o rejoice_o say_v quam_fw-la multis_fw-la ipse_fw-la non_fw-la egeo_fw-la &_o cum_fw-la libere_fw-la quo_fw-la vellet_fw-la abire_fw-la carcere_fw-la liceret_fw-la noluit_fw-la &_o plorantes_fw-la severe_a increpavit_fw-la pulcherrimosque_fw-la sermon_n illos_fw-la vinctus_fw-la prosecutus_fw-la est_fw-la if_o so_o many_o philosopher_n think_v it_o a_o shameful_a note_n of_o cowardice_n for_o a_o man_n to_o live_v and_o not_o to_o kill_v himself_o when_o he_o be_v fall_v into_o shame_n or_o misery_n much_o great_a reason_n have_v a_o true_a believer_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v in_o a_o lawful_a way_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n and_o to_o be_v less_o fearful_a of_o death_n than_o a_o brutus_n a_o cato_z a_o seneca_n or_o a_o socrates_n though_o not_o to_o inflict_v it_o on_o themselves_o sound_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o you_o will_v never_o much_o stick_n at_o suffer_v to_o lose_v a_o feather_n and_o win_v a_o crown_n be_v a_o bargain_n that_o very_o few_o will_v grudge_v at_o and_o profane_o with_o esau_n to_o sell_v the_o birthright_n for_o a_o morsel_n to_o part_v with_o heaven_n for_o the_o paltry_a pleasure_n of_o flesh_n and_o fancy_n be_v below_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n if_o sin_n have_v not_o unman_v he_o matth._n 16.25_o 26._o whosoever_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o whosoever_o will_v lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n shall_v find_v it_o for_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n virulent_a eunapius_n give_v we_o the_o witness_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o a_o holy_a mortify_a life_n whilst_o he_o make_v it_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o he_o celebrate_v of_o antoninus_n the_o son_n of_o aedesius_n he_o say_v totum_fw-la se_fw-la dedidit_fw-la atque_fw-la applicuit_fw-la diis_fw-la loci_fw-la gentilibus_fw-la &_o sacris_fw-la mysticis_fw-la &_o arcanis_fw-la citoque_fw-la in_o deorum_fw-la immortalium_fw-la contubernium_fw-la receptus_fw-la est_fw-la neglectâ_fw-la prorsus_fw-la corporis_fw-la curâ_fw-la ejusque_fw-la voluptatibus_fw-la remisso_fw-la nuntio_n &_o sapientiae_fw-la study_v profano_fw-la vulgo_fw-la incognitum_fw-la amplexus_fw-la cuncti_fw-la mortales_fw-la hujusce_fw-la viri_fw-la temperantiam_fw-la constantiam_fw-la &_o inflecti_fw-la nesciam_fw-la mentem_fw-la demirati_fw-la sure_a eunap_n in_fw-la aedes_fw-la what_o a_o saint_n do_v he_o make_v jamblichus_n to_o be_v of_o who_o it_o be_v feign_v that_o in_o his_o prayer_n he_o will_v be_v lift_v up_o above_o ten_o cubit_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o his_o garment_n change_v into_o a_o golden_a colour_n till_o he_o have_v do_v eun._n in_o jambl._n p._n 572._o even_o while_o he_o rail_v at_o the_o alexandrian_a monk_n ut_fw-la homines_fw-la quidem_fw-la specie_fw-la sed_fw-la vitam_fw-la turpem_fw-la porcorum_fw-la more_fw-it exigentes_fw-la etc._n etc._n p._n 598._o contrary_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o abundant_a history_n he_o bear_v witness_n against_o a_o vicious_a life_n and_o if_o holiness_n and_o mortification_n or_o temperance_n be_v so_o laudable_a even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o bitter_a heathen_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v intolerable_a strictness_n as_o it_o be_v more_o clear_o and_o sweet_o propose_v in_o the_o christian_a verity_n and_o if_o he_o say_v of_o jamblicus_n ob_fw-la justitiae_fw-la cultum_fw-la facilem_fw-la ad_fw-la deorum_fw-la aures_fw-la accessum_fw-la habuit_fw-la we_o may_v bold_o say_v that_o the_o righteous_a god_n love_v righteousness_n and_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o upright_o be_v his_o delight_n and_o that_o their_o suffering_n shall_v not_o always_o be_v forget_v nor_o their_o faithful_a labour_n prove_v in_o vain_a chap._n xii_o the_o reasonable_a condition_n require_v of_o they_o who_o will_v overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o believe_v and_o will_v not_o undo_v themselves_o by_o wilful_a infidelity_n i_o have_v answer_v the_o objection_n against_o christianity_n but_o have_v not_o remove_v the_o chief_a impediment_n for_o recipitur_fw-la ad_fw-la modum_fw-la recipientis_fw-la the_o grand_a impediment_n be_v within_o even_o the_o incapacity_n or_o indisposition_n or_o frowardness_n of_o the_o person_n that_o shall_v believe_v it_o be_v not_o every_o head_n and_o heart_n that_o be_v fit_a for_o heavenly_a truth_n and_o work_n i_o will_v next_o therefore_o tell_v you_o what_o condition_n reason_v itself_o will_v require_v of_o they_o that_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v that_o so_o you_o may_v not_o lay_v that_o blame_n on_o christ_n if_o you_o be_v infidel_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o yourselves_o ambros_n con_v 1._o come_v not_o in_o your_o study_n of_o these_o sacred_a mystery_n with_o a_o enmity_n against_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o must_v study_v or_o at_o least_o suspend_v your_o enmity_n so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o impartial_a search_n and_o examination_n for_o ill_a will_n can_v easy_o believe_v well_o malice_n and_o partiality_n will_v blind_v the_o strong_a wit_n and_o hide_v the_o force_n of_o the_o plain_a evidence_n con._n 2._o drown_v not_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n in_o a_o vicious_a fleshly_a heart_n and_o life_n and_o forfeit_v not_o the_o light_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n by_o wilful_a sin_v against_o natural_a light_n and_o debauch_v your_o conscience_n by_o abuse_v the_o knowledge_n which_o already_o you_o have_v god_n sensuality_n 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a_o whoremonger_n a_o proud_a ambitious_a worldling_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o common_a light_n of_o nature_n can_v hardly_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v he_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n despight_v truth_n and_o enslave_v reason_n and_o turn_v a_o man_n into_o a_o beast_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o heavenly_a illumination_n con_v 3._o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o common_a natural_a truth_n which_o be_v recite_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o book_n for_o supernatural_a revelation_n presuppose_v natural_a and_o grace_n which_o make_v we_o saint_n suppose_v that_o reason_n have_v constitute_v we_o man_n and_o all_o true_a knowledge_n be_v methodical_o attain_v it_o be_v a_o great_a wrong_n to_o the_o christian_a cause_n that_o too_o many_o preacher_n of_o it_o have_v miss_v the_o true_a method_n and_o still_o begin_v at_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o build_v even_o natural_a certainty_n thereupon_o and_o have_v either_o not_o know_v or_o conceal_v much_o of_o the_o fore-written_a natural_a verity_n and_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o multiply_a of_o infidel_n that_o most_o man_n be_v dull_a or_o idle_a drone_n and_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o common_a natural_a truth_n which_o
another_o life_n and_o be_v make_v only_o to_o be_v happy_a in_o that_o knowledge_n love_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n which_o the_o gospel_n most_o effectual_o lead_v you_o to_o con_v 21._o mark_v well_o the_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n himself_o both_o of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o success_n of_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n and_o mark_v how_o exact_o they_o be_v all_o fulfil_v con_v 22._o let_v no_o pretence_n of_o humility_n tempt_v you_o to_o debase_v humane_a nature_n below_o its_o proper_a excellency_n lest_o thence_o you_o be_v tempt_v to_o think_v it_o uncapable_a of_o the_o everlasting_a sight_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n the_o devil_n way_n of_o destroy_v be_v oftentimes_o by_o over_n the_o proud_a devil_n will_v help_v you_o to_o be_v very_o humble_a and_o help_v you_o to_o deny_v the_o excellency_n of_o reason_n and_o natural_a freewill_n and_o all_o supernatural_a inclination_n when_o he_o can_v make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o persuade_v you_o that_o man_n be_v but_o a_o subtle_a sort_n of_o bruit_n and_o have_v a_o soul_n but_o gradual_o different_a from_o sensitives_n and_o so_o be_v not_o make_v for_o another_o life_n con_v 23._o yet_o come_v to_o christ_n as_o humble_a learner_n and_o not_o as_o arrogant_a self-conceited_a censurer_n and_o think_v not_o that_o you_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v every_o thing_n as_o soon_o as_o you_o hear_v it_o con_v 24._o judge_v not_o of_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o particular_a text_n or_o point_n by_o sudden_a hasty_a thought_n and_o glance_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o business_n to_o be_v cursory_o do_v but_o allow_v it_o your_o most_o deliberate_a sober_a study_n your_o most_o diligent_a labour_n and_o such_o time_n and_o patience_n as_o reason_n may_v tell_v you_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o learner_n in_o so_o great_a a_o cause_n con_v 25._o call_v not_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n to_o the_o trial_n in_o a_o case_n of_o melancholy_n and_o natural_a incapacity_n but_o stay_v till_o you_o be_v fit_a to_o perform_v the_o search_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o common_a cheat_n of_o satan_n to_o persuade_v poor_a weak_a and_o melancholy_a person_n that_o have_v but_o half_a the_o use_n of_o their_o understanding_n to_o go_v then_o to_o try_v the_o christian_a religion_n when_o they_o can_v scarce_o cast_v up_o a_o intricate_a account_n nor_o be_v fit_a to_o judge_v of_o any_o great_a and_o difficult_a thing_n and_o then_o he_o have_v a_o advantage_n to_o confound_v they_o and_o fill_v they_o with_o blasphemous_a and_o unbelieving_a thought_n and_o if_o not_o to_o shake_v their_o habitual_a faith_n yet_o great_o to_o perplex_v they_o and_o disturb_v their_o peace_n the_o sound_a wit_n and_o most_o compose_v be_v fit_a for_o so_o great_a a_o task_n con_v 26._o when_o upon_o sober_a trial_n you_o have_v discern_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a verity_n record_v what_o you_o have_v find_v true_a and_o judge_v not_o the_o next_o time_n against_o those_o evidence_n till_o you_o have_v equal_a opportunity_n for_o a_o full_a consideration_n of_o they_o in_o this_o case_n the_o tempter_n much_o abuse_v many_o injudicious_a soul_n when_o by_o good_a advice_n and_o sober_a meditation_n they_o have_v see_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n in_o satisfy_a clearness_n he_o will_v after_o surprise_v they_o when_o their_o mind_n be_v dark_a or_o their_o thought_n more_o scatter_v or_o the_o former_a evidence_n be_v out_o of_o mind_n and_o push_v they_o on_o sudden_o then_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o immortality_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a cause_n that_o what_o he_o can_v get_v by_o truth_n of_o argument_n he_o may_v get_v by_o the_o incapacity_n of_o the_o disputant_n as_o if_o a_o man_n that_o once_o see_v a_o mountain_n some_o mile_n distant_a from_o he_o in_o a_o clear_a day_n shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v deceive_v because_o he_o see_v it_o not_o in_o a_o misty_a day_n or_o when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o valley_n or_o within_o the_o house_n or_o as_o if_o a_o man_n that_o in_o many_o day_n hard_a study_n have_v cast_v up_o a_o intricate_a large_a account_n and_o set_v it_o right_n under_o his_o hand_n shall_v be_v call_v sudden_o to_o give_v up_o the_o same_o account_n anew_o without_o look_v on_o that_o which_o he_o before_o cast_v up_o when_o as_o if_o his_o first_o account_n be_v lose_v he_o must_v have_v equal_a time_n and_o help_n and_o fitness_n before_o he_o can_v set_v it_o as_o right_v again_o take_v it_o not_o therefore_o as_o any_o disparagement_n to_o the_o christian_a truth_n if_o you_o can_v on_o a_o sudden_a give_v yourselves_o so_o satisfactory_a a_o account_n of_o it_o as_o former_o in_o more_o clearness_n and_o by_o great_a study_n you_o have_v do_v con_v 27._o gratify_v not_o satan_n so_o much_o as_o to_o question_v well_o resolve_v point_n as_o oft_o as_o he_o will_v move_v you_o to_o it_o though_o you_o must_v prove_v all_o thing_n till_o as_o learning_n you_o come_v to_o understand_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a evidence_n time_n and_o order_n yet_o you_o must_v record_v and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o you_o have_v prove_v and_o not_o suffer_v the_o devil_n to_o put_v you_o to_o the_o answer_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o question_n over_o and_o over_o as_o often_o as_o he_o please_v this_o be_v to_o give_v he_o our_o time_n and_o to_o admit_v he_o to_o debate_v his_o cause_n with_o we_o by_o temptation_n as_o frequent_o as_o he_o will_v which_o you_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o a_o ruffian_n to_o the_o debauch_v of_o your_o wife_n or_o servant_n and_o you_o provoke_v god_n to_o give_v you_o up_o to_o error_n when_o no_o resolution_n will_v serve_v your_o turn_n after_o just_a resolution_n the_o tempter_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v and_o not_o dispute_v with_o as_o a_o troublesome_a fellow_n that_o will_v interrupt_v we_o in_o our_o work_n con_v 28._o where_o you_o find_v your_o own_o understanding_n insufficient_a have_v recourse_n for_o help_v to_o some_o true_o wise_a judicious_a divine_a not_o to_o every_o weak_a christian_a nor_o unskilful_a minister_n who_o be_v not_o well_o ground_v in_o his_o own_o religion_n but_o to_o those_o that_o have_v thorough_o study_v it_o themselves_o you_o may_v meet_v with_o many_o difficulty_n in_o theology_n and_o in_o the_o text_n which_o you_o think_v can_v never_o be_v well_o solve_v which_o be_v nothing_o to_o they_o that_o understand_v the_o thing_n no_o novice_n in_o the_o study_n of_o logic_n astronomy_n geometry_n or_o any_o art_n or_o science_n will_v think_v that_o every_o difficulty_n that_o he_o meet_v with_o do_v prove_v that_o his_o author_n be_v deceive_v unless_o he_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v it_o of_o himself_o but_o he_o will_v ask_v his_o tutor_n or_o some_o one_o verse_v in_o those_o matter_n to_o resolve_v it_o and_o then_o he_o will_v see_v that_o his_o ignorance_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o his_o doubt_n con_v 29._o labour_v faithful_o to_o receive_v all_o holy_a truth_n with_o a_o practical_a intent_n and_o to_o work_v they_o on_o your_o heart_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n weight_n and_o use_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v scientia_fw-la affectiva_fw-la practica_fw-la a_o doctrine_n for_o head_n heart_n and_o life_n and_o if_o that_o which_o be_v make_v for_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o root_v there_o it_o be_v half_o reject_v while_o it_o seem_v receive_v and_o be_v not_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o soil_n if_o you_o be_v yet_o in_o doubt_n of_o any_o of_o the_o supernatural_a verity_n admit_v those_o truth_n to_o your_o heart_n which_o you_o be_v convince_v of_o else_o you_o be_v false_a to_o they_o and_o to_o yourselves_o and_o forfeit_v all_o further_a help_n of_o grace_n object_n this_o be_v but_o a_o trick_n of_o deceit_n to_o engage_v the_o affection_n when_o you_o want_v argument_n to_o convince_v the_o judgement_n perit_n omne_fw-la 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require_v it_o or_o as_o if_o all_o our_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o useful_a to_o we_o as_o a_o signpost_n nor_o we_o be_v not_o to_o learn_v of_o they_o or_o of_o our_o parent_n any_o thing_n that_o god_n either_o by_o nature_n or_o scripture_n ever_o teach_v we_o or_o as_o if_o a_o child_n or_o subject_n who_o be_v require_v to_o learn_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o ruler_n law_n to_o judge_v of_o they_o judicio_fw-la privatae_fw-la discretionis_fw-la be_v thereby_o allow_v to_o mis-understand_a they_o and_o to_o say_v that_o they_o command_v we_o that_o which_o they_o forbid_v we_o and_o because_o the_o king_n forbid_v we_o to_o murder_v he_o allow_v we_o to_o say_v you_o propose_v it_o to_o my_o understanding_n and_o i_o understand_v it_o that_o you_o bid_v i_o murder_v and_o therefore_o you_o may_v not_o punish_v i_o as_o if_o he_o that_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v by_o a_o bare_a discern_v what_o be_v command_v he_o and_o what_o forbid_v be_v allow_v to_o judge_v in_o partem_fw-la utramlibet_fw-la that_o it_o be_v or_o it_o be_v not_o as_o please_v himself_o as_o if_o when_o the_o king_n have_v print_v his_o statute_n he_o have_v forfeit_v all_o his_o authority_n by_o so_o do_v and_o his_o subject_n may_v say_v why_o do_v you_o punish_v we_o for_o disobey_v your_o law_n when_o you_o promulgate_v they_o to_o we_o as_o rational_a creature_n to_o discern_v their_o sense_n will_v it_o profit_v the_o world_n to_o write_v confutation_n of_o such_o stuff_n as_o this_o or_o must_v a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o condemn_v to_o stage-playing_a or_o ballad-making_a thus_o waste_v his_o time_n do_v the_o people_n need_v to_o be_v save_v from_o such_o stuff_n as_o this_o if_o so_o what_o remedy_n but_o to_o pity_v they_o and_o say_v quos_fw-la perdere_fw-la vult_fw-la jupiter_n hos_fw-la dementat_fw-la &_o si_fw-la populus_fw-la vult_fw-la decipi_fw-la decipiatur_fw-la and_o yet_o to_o do_v no_o more_o wrong_a to_o the_o scripture_n than_o to_o 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single_a priest_n himself_o any_o assurance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o council_n the_o canon_n the_o pope_n decreetal_n and_o bull_n but_o by_o the_o way_n of_o writing_n and_o so_o the_o poor_a people_n must_v instead_o of_o the_o church_n believe_v only_o that_o priest_n that_o oral_o speak_v to_o they_o though_o he_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o the_o matter_n himself_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v make_v good_a once_o it_o will_v spoil_v the_o printer_n trade_n and_o the_o clark_n and_o court_n of_o record_n and_o the_o post-office_n too_o but_o page_n 51._o he_o make_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n to_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a communication_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n yea_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o present_a age_n concern_v the_o former_a but_o how_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n shall_v be_v certain_o know_v to_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n when_o no_o writing_n can_v certain_o make_v know_v any_o man_n mind_n be_v hard_o to_o tell_v a_o man_n that_o expect_v reason_n and_o that_o you_o may_v see_v how_o much_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v concern_v in_o such_o discourse_n he_o add_v that_o if_o the_o church_n have_v at_o any_o time_n be_v small_a its_o testimony_n have_v be_v doubtful_a but_o say_v he_o it_o testify_v of_o itself_o that_o christian_n be_v never_o few_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o we_o will_v have_v no_o such_o prevaricate_a defence_n of_o christianity_n the_o major_n be_v the_o infidel_n erroneous_a cavil_n the_o minor_a be_v a_o false_a defence_n of_o the_o faith_n the_o church_n never_o say_v that_o christian_n be_v never_o few_o it_o have_v ever_o confess_v the_o contrary_a that_o once_o they_o be_v few_o and_o yet_o it_o have_v prove_v against_o the_o infidel_n that_o its_o testimony_n be_v not_o doubtful_a have_v better_a evidence_n of_o their_o veracity_n than_o number_n you_o may_v perceive_v by_o these_o stricture_n upon_o this_o one_o discourse_n what_o a_o endless_a task_n it_o will_v be_v to_o write_v confutation_n of_o every_o man_n that_o have_v leisure_n to_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n his_o opinion_n which_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o christian_a verity_n and_o therefore_o no_o sober_a reader_n will_v expect_v that_o i_o or_o he_o must_v be_v so_o tire_v before_o he_o can_v be_v satisfy_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o truth_n finis_fw-la non_fw-la tam_fw-la authoritatis_fw-la in_o disputando_fw-la quam_fw-la rationis_fw-la momenta_fw-la quaerenda_fw-la sunt_fw-la cicer._n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n 1._o p._n 6._o animo_fw-la ipso_fw-la animus_n videtur_fw-la &_o nimirum_fw-la hanc_fw-la habet_fw-la vim_o praeceptum_fw-la apollinis_fw-la quo_fw-la monet_fw-la ut_fw-la see_fw-la cuique_fw-la noscat_fw-la non_fw-la enim_fw-la credo_fw-la id_fw-la praecipit_fw-la ut_fw-la membra_fw-la nostra_fw-la aut_fw-la staturam_fw-la figurámve_fw-la noscamus_fw-la neque_fw-la nos_fw-la corpora_fw-la sumus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d neque_fw-la ego_fw-la tibi_fw-la dicens_fw-la hoc_fw-la corpori_fw-la tuo_fw-la dico_fw-la cum_fw-la igitur_fw-la nosce_fw-la te_fw-la dicit_fw-la hoc_fw-la dicit_fw-la nosce_fw-la animum_fw-la tuum_fw-la nam_fw-la corpus_fw-la quidem_fw-la quasi_fw-la vas_fw-la est_fw-la aut_fw-la aliquod_fw-la animi_fw-la receptaculum_fw-la ab_fw-la animo_fw-la tuo_fw-la quicquid_fw-la agitur_fw-la id_fw-la agitur_fw-la à _fw-la te_fw-la hunc_fw-la igitur_fw-la nosce_fw-la nisi_fw-la divinum_fw-la esset_fw-la non_fw-la esset_fw-la hoc_fw-la acrioris_fw-la cujusdam_fw-la animi_fw-la praeceptum_fw-la sic_fw-la ut_fw-la tributum_fw-la deo_fw-la sit_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la seipsum_fw-la posse_fw-la cognoscere_fw-la sed_fw-la fi_fw-la qualis_fw-la sit_fw-la animus_n ipse_fw-la animus_n nesciat_fw-la dic_fw-la quaeso_fw-la ne_fw-la esse_fw-la quidem_fw-la se_fw-la sciet_fw-la cicero_n tuscul_fw-la quast_n l._n 1._o pag._n mihi_fw-la 226_o 227._o patet_fw-la aeternum_fw-la id_fw-la esse_fw-la quod_fw-la seipsum_fw-la movet_fw-la &_o quis_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la hanc_fw-la naturam_fw-la animus_fw-la tributam_fw-la neget_fw-la inanimum_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la omne_fw-la quod_fw-la pulsu_fw-la agitatur_fw-la externo_fw-la sentit_fw-la igitur_fw-la animus_n se_fw-la moveri_fw-la quod_fw-la cum_fw-la sentit_fw-la illud_fw-la una_fw-la sentit_fw-la se_fw-la vi_fw-la suâ_fw-la non_fw-la aliena_fw-la moveri_fw-la nec_fw-la accidere_fw-la posse_fw-la ut_fw-la ipse_fw-la unquam_fw-la à _fw-la se_fw-la deseratur_fw-la ex_fw-la quo_fw-la efficitur_fw-la aeternitas_fw-la id._n ibid._n obj._n age_n ostende_v mihi_fw-la deum_fw-la tuum_fw-la resp_n age_n ostende_v mihi_fw-la hominem_fw-la tuum_fw-la fac_fw-la te_fw-la hominem_fw-la esse_fw-la cognoscam_fw-la &_o quis_fw-la meus_fw-la sit_fw-la deus_fw-la demonstrare_fw-la non_fw-la morabor_fw-la theophil_n antioch_n ad_fw-la autolycum_n lib._n 1._o initio_fw-la cum_fw-la despicere_fw-la coeperimus_fw-la &_o sentire_fw-la quid_fw-la simus_fw-la &_o quid_fw-la ab_fw-la animantibus_fw-la caeteris_fw-la differamus_fw-la tum_fw-la ea_fw-la insequi_fw-la incipiemus_fw-la ad_fw-la quae_fw-la nati_fw-la sumus_fw-la cicer._n 5._o the_o fin_n qui_fw-la seipsum_fw-la cognoverit_fw-la cognoscet_fw-la in_o se_fw-la omne_fw-la deum_fw-la ad_fw-la cujus_fw-la imaginem_fw-la factus_fw-la est_fw-la mundum_fw-la cujus_fw-la simulachrum_fw-la gerit_fw-la creaturas_fw-la omnes_fw-la cum_fw-la quibus_fw-la symbolum_fw-la habet_fw-la paulus_n dom._n de_fw-la scala_fw-la thess_n pag._n 722._o ut_fw-la deum_fw-la noris_fw-la &_o si_fw-la ignores_fw-la &_o locum_fw-la &_o faciem_fw-la sic_fw-la animum_fw-la tibi_fw-la tuum_fw-la notum_fw-la esse_fw-la oportet_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la ignores_fw-la &_o locum_fw-la &_o formam_fw-la cicer._n 1._o tuscul_fw-la non_fw-fr two_o sumus_fw-la quibus_fw-la nihil_fw-la verum_fw-la esse_fw-la videatur_fw-la sed_fw-la two_o qui_fw-la omnibus_fw-la veris_fw-la falsa_fw-la quaedam_fw-la adjuncta_fw-la esse_fw-la dicamus_fw-la tanta_fw-la similitudine_fw-la ut_fw-la etc._n etc._n cicer._n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n 1._o p._n 7._o lege_fw-la pisonis_fw-la dicta_fw-la de_fw-la ment_fw-la &_o corpore_fw-la in_o cicer._n de_fw-fr finib_fw-la l._n 5._o p._n 189._o omnes_fw-la ad_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la bonum_fw-la videtur_fw-la omnes_fw-la svas_fw-la actiones_fw-la referunt_fw-la aristot_n de_fw-fr republ._n 1._o c._n 1._o in_o homine_fw-la optimum_fw-la quidem_fw-la ratio_fw-la haec_fw-la antecedit_fw-la