court_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o practice_n he_o shall_v so_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o relate_v thereunto_o as_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n rom._n 14.5_o he_o shall_v so_o prove_v all_o thing_n as_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thes_n 5.21_o thus_o christ_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n have_v give_v two_o sort_n of_o judgement_n to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n one_o public_a belong_v to_o a_o assembly_n of_o godly_a pastor_n and_o elder_n for_o of_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n teach_v let_v the_o prophet_n judge_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n the_o other_o be_v a_o more_o private_a personal_a judgement_n which_o concern_v all_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n in_o both_o these_o judgement_n we_o shall_v remember_v that_o christ_n have_v commit_v nothing_o to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o ministry_n of_o give_v judgement_n for_o as_o touch_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o judgement_n and_o authority_n it_o belong_v only_o to_o he_o counsel_n may_v expound_v and_o declare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o they_o have_v no_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o make_v any_o new_a doctrine_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o every_o christian_n ought_v in_o a_o rational_a way_n to_o judge_v of_o their_o determination_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o yield_v blind_a obedience_n thereunto_o for_o this_o be_v to_o unchristian_a yea_o to_o unman_v himself_o of_o this_o opinion_n be_v all_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o general_a and_o particular_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 103._o england_n see_v rogers_n on_o 39_o article_n p._n 103._o who_o maintain_v that_o every_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n from_o christ_n to_o judge_v in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o to_o embrace_v truth_n and_o avoid_v error_n the_o church_n as_o a_o faithful_a witness_n shall_v give_v testimony_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v the_o word_n nor_o to_o judge_v otherwise_o then_o god_n word_n judge_v general_a counsel_n consist_v of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o infallible_a may_v err_v the_o thing_n therefore_o that_o be_v ordain_v by_o general_a counsel_n do_v so_o far_o bind_v as_o they_o be_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o no_o further_o for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o ground_v our_o faith_n upon_o they_o but_o only_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n now_o that_o such_o a_o rational_a judgement_n or_o a_o judgement_n in_o foro_fw-la interno_fw-la as_o have_v be_v assert_v belong_v to_o every_o christian_a so_o as_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o reason_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o determination_n be_v thus_o prove_v and_o demonstrate_v first_o from_o those_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o mat._n 24.4_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thes_n 5.21_o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a judge_v all_o thing_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2.15_o which_o text_n together_o with_o many_o other_o that_o may_v be_v allege_v do_v not_o only_o concern_v public_a minister_n but_o also_o private_a christian_n yea_o chief_a they_o as_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v seduce_v second_o this_o have_v be_v also_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a thus_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o exercise_v their_o spiritual_a sense_n that_o they_o may_v discern_v thing_n that_o differ_v heb._n 5.14_o the_o berean_o be_v count_v more_o noble_a than_o other_o because_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v paul_n doctrine_n by_o the_o scripture_n though_o he_o speak_v from_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n act_v 17.11_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v for_o try_v they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o find_v they_o liar_n and_o deceiver_n after_o trial_n rev._n 2.2_o and_o christ_n tell_v we_o that_o his_o true_a sheep_n will_v follow_v he_o for_o they_o know_v his_o voice_n but_o a_o stranger_n they_o will_v not_o follow_v but_o will_v flee_v from_o he_o joh._n 10.4_o 5._o now_o this_o they_o can_v not_o do_v unless_o they_o do_v exercise_v a_o rational_a judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n three_o every_o christian_n be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o practice_n to_o god_n yea_o he_o shall_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v he_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v in_o he_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o but_o how_o can_v he_o do_v this_o rational_o and_o understand_o without_o trial_n and_o examination_n if_o he_o be_v find_v to_o embrace_v whatever_o his_o superior_n shall_v impose_v upon_o he_o true_o then_o the_o blind_a implicit_a faith_n of_o the_o collier_n will_v serve_v well_o enough_o be_v this_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o can_v true_o believe_v unless_o we_o have_v knowledge_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concern_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o practice_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n four_o how_o shall_v a_o christian_a cleanse_v his_o heart_n and_o way_n but_o by_o take_v heed_n thereto_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n psal_n 119.9_o how_o shall_v he_o walk_v as_o a_o child_n of_o light_n unless_o the_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n to_o his_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n to_o his_o path_n psal_n 119.105_o how_o can_v he_o walk_v wise_o and_o circumspect_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 5.17_o if_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v he_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o discern_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o so_o he_o may_v try_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n five_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o private_a christian_n to_o receive_v all_o doctrine_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o by_o his_o superior_n without_o trial_n and_o examination_n then_o can_v not_o he_o be_v just_o charge_v with_o sin_n and_o guilt_n who_o receive_v error_n in_o stead_n of_o truth_n from_o those_o that_o be_v above_o he_o in_o dignity_n and_o authority_n but_o we_o find_v that_o this_o will_v not_o excuse_v he_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_n the_o blind_a both_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o pit_n luk._n 6.39_o and_o we_o be_v to_o fly_v from_o stranger_n and_o not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o those_o prophet_n that_o speak_v the_o vision_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o not_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n jer._n 23.16_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o seducer_n which_o no_o christian_n can_v avoid_v upon_o good_a ground_n unless_o he_o pass_v a_o rational_a judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n why_o be_v ephraim_n oppress_v and_o break_v in_o judgement_n but_o because_o he_o willing_o walk_v after_o the_o commandment_n of_o his_o ruler_n and_o governor_n corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o impartial_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o same_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n hos_fw-la 5.11_o six_o god_n have_v furnish_v a_o christian_a with_o ability_n for_o this_o end_n with_o reason_n as_o man_n he_o have_v a_o reflexive_a faculty_n which_o beast_n have_v not_o he_o have_v a_o rational_a understand_a soul_n which_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o enable_v he_o to_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o and_o to_o deduce_v genuine_a inference_n and_o conclusion_n from_o such_o premise_n as_o be_v lay_v down_o and_o propound_v and_o then_o further_o god_n have_v not_o only_o give_v his_o people_n the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o rational_a man_n but_o have_v also_o infuse_v into_o they_o a_o principle_n of_o divine_a light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o christian_n to_o search_v and_o try_v the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a god_n have_v give_v they_o a_o spiritual_a unction_n or_o understanding_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o john_n 2.27_o &_o chap._n 5.20_o that_o they_o may_v know_v he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o they_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n teach_v they_o but_o as_o this_o anoint_v teach_v they_o which_o be_v truth_n and_o be_v no_o lie_n if_o any_o man_n
or_o inflict_v eternal_a death_n and_o condemnation_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n but_o the_o eternal_a god_n nine_o the_o end_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v divine_a namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n not_o so_o much_o corporal_n and_o temporal_a as_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a the_o doctrine_n precept_n promise_n prohibition_n narration_n threaten_n punishment_n and_o reward_n thereof_o be_v all_o refer_v final_o and_o ultimate_o to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a be_v and_o chief_a good_a which_o show_v plain_o that_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o from_o above_o and_o to_o speak_v truth_n and_o reason_n what_o be_v more_o equal_a and_o just_a then_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v return_v thither_o from_o whence_o they_o have_v their_o first_o rise_n and_o original_a for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o everlasting_a glory_n be_v due_a from_o all_o creature_n rom._n 11.36_o the_o scripture_n plain_o point_v out_o to_o man_n what_o true_a blessedness_n be_v wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o where_o and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o enjoy_v namely_o in_o the_o everlasting_a vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n which_o man_n may_v attain_v unto_o by_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o god_n be_v reconcile_v and_o well_o please_v and_o this_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o what_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n bounty_n mercy_n goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n then_o to_o restore_v man_n fall_v and_o to_o make_v he_o partaker_n of_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n and_o who_o can_v show_v to_o man_n how_o he_o may_v be_v restore_v and_o admit_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n have_v offend_v his_o glorious_a majesty_n who_o can_v direct_v and_o lead_v he_o in_o the_o way_n to_o true_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n but_o god_n who_o be_v wisdom_n and_o goodness_n itself_o and_o who_o have_v effectual_o do_v it_o in_o and_o by_o his_o son_n the_o essential_a word_n and_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n these_o argument_n and_o demonstration_n whether_o they_o be_v several_o or_o joint_o consider_v by_o we_o do_v as_o strong_o prove_v and_o evince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o any_o reason_n can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v any_o true_a religion_n or_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o matter_n that_o concern_v religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o therefore_o may_v serve_v to_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v the_o reason_n of_o any_o sober_a man_n touch_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n every_o christian_n shall_v so_o far_o improve_v his_o reason_n as_o not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o mere_a dictate_v of_o man_n be_v they_o prince_n be_v they_o pope_n be_v they_o counsel_n be_v they_o never_o so_o learned_a or_o pious_a he_o ought_v not_o in_o aliorum_fw-la sententias_fw-la pedibus_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la cordibus_fw-la ire_n reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o these_o matter_n shall_v go_v before_o and_o make_v way_n for_o his_o practice_n as_o there_o be_v some_o that_o vain_o magnify_v and_o lift_v up_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n above_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o authority_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o there_o be_v other_o and_z more_z especial_o that_o bestial_a antichristian_a kingdom_n of_o the_o papacy_n that_o will_v transform_v reasonable_a man_n and_o christian_n into_o sensitive_a and_o irrational_a creature_n by_o the_o deceit_n and_o legerdemain_n of_o a_o popish_a implicit_a credulity_n which_o command_v man_n to_o put_v out_o their_o lamp_n to_o pluck_v out_o their_o eye_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n to_o renounce_v their_o sense_n reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o so_o to_o follow_v their_o leader_n blindfold_a wheresoever_o they_o go_v and_o i_o can_v wish_v there_o be_v not_o too_o much_o of_o this_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a devotion_n among_o protestant_n yea_o and_o among_o some_o that_o seem_v more_o forward_o and_o zealous_a than_o other_o at_o least_o for_o a_o party_n the_o rant_a romanist_n tell_v we_o with_o noise_n and_o clamour_n enough_o of_o a_o visible_a supreme_a tribunal_n and_o a_o infallible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n here_o upon_o earth_n who_o be_v to_o regulate_v all_o person_n and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n though_o never_o so_o much_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n other_o of_o they_o more_o prudent_a and_o moderate_a resolve_v the_o final_a judgement_n of_o controversy_n into_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o general_a council_n and_o all_o of_o they_o general_o make_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o church_n hence_o be_v that_o impudent_a say_n of_o bayly_n the_o jesuit_n that_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n he_o will_v believe_v st._n matthew_n no_o more_o than_o titus_n livius_n a_o heathen_a author_n and_o stapleton_n be_v so_o much_o for_o a_o blind_a implicit_a obedience_n in_o contempt_n of_o reason_n that_o he_o tell_v we_o plain_o the_o people_n be_v so_o subject_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o their_o pastor_n that_o if_o their_o pastor_n err_v in_o any_o thing_n the_o people_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o err_v in_o obedience_n to_o they_o and_o again_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o believe_v christ_n say_v he_o so_o be_v we_o simple_o and_o in_o every_o thing_n to_o believe_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n whether_o it_o teach_v truth_n or_o error_n o_o monstrous_a be_v not_o this_o a_o base_a tyranny_n a_o brutish_a unreasonable_a act_n of_o they_o when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v white_a which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v black_a that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v false_a there_o be_v some_o indeed_o among_o they_o more_o rational_a and_o sober_a who_o will_v not_o have_v private_a christian_n put_v out_o their_o eye_n but_o make_v use_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n the_o examination_n and_o trial_n of_o doctrine_n concern_v faith_n say_v gerson_n belong_v not_o only_o to_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n but_o to_o every_o christian_a also_o that_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n because_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o fit_a judge_n of_o that_o which_o he_o know_v and_o the_o say_n of_o panormitan_n another_o of_o their_o doctor_n be_v well_o know_v that_o one_o faithful_a man_n though_o he_o be_v but_o a_o private_a man_n be_v more_o to_o be_v believe_v then_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o whole_a council_n if_o he_o have_v better_a reason_n and_o scripture_n authority_n on_o his_o side_n chrisostome_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a dissension_n among_o christian_n that_o we_o know_v not_o of_o what_o opinion_n to_o be_v of_o nor_o who_o to_o believe_v have_v these_o remarkable_a word_n tell_v i_o have_v thou_o any_o reason_n or_o judgement_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o part_n of_o a_o man_n bare_o to_o receive_v whatsoever_o he_o hear_v but_o if_o thou_o diligent_o mark_v the_o meaning_n thou_o may_v thorough_o know_v that_o which_o be_v good_a when_o thou_o buy_v a_o garment_n though_o thou_o have_v no_o skill_n in_o weave_v yet_o thou_o say_v not_o i_o can_v buy_v it_o they_o deceive_v i_o but_o thou_o do_v what_o thou_o can_v to_o come_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o it_o say_v not_o then_o i_o be_o no_o scholar_n and_o will_v be_v no_o judge_n i_o can_v condemn_v no_o opinion_n for_o this_o be_v but_o a_o shift_n and_o a_o cavil_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o use_v it_o for_o these_o thing_n be_v easy_a to_o they_o that_o endeavour_n after_o true_a knowledge_n have_v not_o every_o christian_a a_o reasonable_a soul_n a_o understand_a faculty_n which_o god_n have_v endue_v he_o with_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v search_v and_o try_v and_o discern_v the_o thing_n that_o differ_v to_o what_o end_n have_v god_n set_v up_o this_o light_n in_o man_n soul_n if_o he_o must_v not_o use_v it_o in_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v doctrine_n but_o must_v give_v way_n to_o sloth_n and_o ignorance_n be_v not_o this_o to_o transform_v man_n into_o a_o beast_n and_o be_v it_o not_o brutish_a ness_n and_o folly_n in_o he_o thus_o to_o
animosity_n supplanting_n disorder_n and_o inconsistency_n among_o we_o if_o the_o soft_a and_o sober_a voice_n of_o reason_n be_v more_o attend_v to_o reason_n will_v make_v some_o difference_n kiss_v and_o be_v friend_n it_o will_v quench_v many_o a_o flame_n and_o bound_v up_o many_o a_o wound_n it_o will_v end_v many_o petty_a personal_a quarrel_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o community_n the_o soul_n be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o with_o passion_n and_o groundless_a suspicion_n but_o anchor_n upon_o judgement_n and_o reason_n this_o calmness_n and_o quietness_n of_o reason_n do_v never_o commend_v itself_o more_o than_o in_o comply_v with_o faith_n in_o not_o oppose_v those_o high_a and_o transcendent_a mystery_n which_o be_v above_o its_o own_o reach_n and_o capacity_n such_o a_o modesty_n and_o humility_n our_o reason_n shall_v always_o have_v and_o practice_v namely_o to_o submit_v and_o subordinate_a itself_o to_o all_o such_o divine_a 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spirit_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o thus_o how_o know_v you_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o same_o to_o my_o heart_n and_o conscience_n but_o how_o know_v you_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o scripture_n which_o testify_v that_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o but_o then_o further_o how_o know_v you_o this_o and_o the_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o know_v it_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n and_o thus_o they_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v catch_v we_o in_o a_o circle_n but_o they_o great_o mistake_v we_o though_o we_o do_v not_o mistake_v their_o doctrine_n we_o teach_v indeed_o that_o we_o know_v the_o scripture_n infallible_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n inward_o reveal_v and_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o to_o our_o conscience_n but_o what_o kind_n of_o revelation_n or_o testimony_n be_v this_o it_o be_v not_o any_o inward_a suggestion_n or_o immediate_a inspiration_n different_z from_o those_o revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o as_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v by_o a_o second_o private_a immediate_a revelation_n assure_v i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o former_a revelation_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o this_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n reveal_v and_o testify_v to_o our_o conscience_n the_o divine_a authority_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o remove_v those_o impediment_n that_o hinder_v as_o namely_o our_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n and_o by_o bestow_v upon_o we_o those_o grace_n that_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o
want_v this_o clear_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n have_v no_o further_a assurance_n of_o what_o it_o believe_v then_o that_o which_o reason_n suggest_v which_o may_v rather_o be_v term_v a_o conviction_n that_o such_o thing_n must_v be_v than_o a_o evidence_n what_o they_o be_v whereby_o it_o plain_o appear_v which_o yet_o may_v be_v more_o large_o and_o full_o prove_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o true_a justify_v faith_n and_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v only_o temporary_a and_o historical_a differ_v not_o only_o gradual_o in_o respect_n of_o degree_n but_o specifical_o in_o nature_n and_o kind_n the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n on_o which_o they_o be_v build_v be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a nature_n four_o this_o difference_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o effectual_a faith_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n rest_v and_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v ultimate_o and_o final_o resolve_v into_o a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o natural_a or_o mere_a rational_a man_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o humane_a testimony_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o revelation_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n matth._n 16.17_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o other_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o spiritual_a man_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 10_o 14_o 15._o to_o who_o they_o be_v manifest_v and_o who_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o which_o enable_v they_o spiritual_o to_o understand_v that_o manifestation_n or_o revelation_n this_o way_n of_o spiritual_a demonstration_n to_o the_o spiritual_a mind_n of_o the_o true_a believer_n be_v far_o different_a from_o and_o do_v far_o transcend_v that_o way_n of_o conviction_n which_o be_v only_o by_o reason_n or_o rational_a discourse_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o divine_a then_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n which_o be_v not_o chief_o ground_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n or_o authority_n but_o rely_v upon_o and_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o a_o humane_a testimony_n or_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n the_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o can_v never_o be_v find_v out_o by_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o yet_o they_o be_v consonant_n to_o right_a reason_n and_o therefore_o man_n reason_n do_v assent_v thereunto_o as_o for_o example_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a these_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o man_n reason_n to_o be_v possible_a upon_o suppositinn_n of_o god_n almighty_a power_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n yea_o and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o who_o great_a design_n be_v to_o make_v know_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v so_o that_o howsoever_o these_o truth_n be_v mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v believe_v yet_o see_v reason_n which_o be_v a_o humane_a testimony_n may_v approve_v they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o a_o historical_a faith_n believe_v these_o thing_n only_o for_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o be_v but_o a_o humane_a faith_n and_o rest_v upon_o a_o humane_a testimony_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o if_o a_o rational_a man_n believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n chief_o upon_o the_o church_n testimony_n of_o they_o or_o upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o truth_n therein_o mention_v or_o upon_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o sacred_a writing_n in_o most_o thing_n which_o make_v he_o therefore_o rational_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v true_a in_o all_o if_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n of_o his_o belief_n by_o way_n of_o rational_a inference_n from_o such_o premise_n then_o true_o he_o believe_v upon_o a_o humane_a and_o not_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o a_o clear_a spiritual_a demonstration_n of_o divine_a truth_n make_v evident_a by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n five_o and_o last_o true_a justify_v faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n differ_v from_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n in_o the_o object_n of_o it_o historical_a faith_n though_o it_o may_v assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_v of_o reconciliation_n pardon_v and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n yea_o and_o may_v believe_v the_o goodness_n of_o they_o in_o general_a yet_o it_o do_v not_o embrace_v and_o apply_v the_o goodness_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a as_o true_a justify_v faith_n do_v which_o count_v all_o other_o thing_n loss_n that_o it_o may_v gain_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o phil._n 3.8_o 9_o and_o which_o enable_v a_o man_n hearty_o and_o real_o to_o close_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o to_o apply_v he_o particular_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a this_o be_v my_o friend_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o small_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o faith_n knowledge_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n and_o the_o faith_n knowledge_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o mere_a rational_a man_n in_o and_z about_o christ_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o if_o such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v some_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o come_v short_a of_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n then_o certain_o no_o man_n that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n though_o he_o improve_v it_o never_o so_o much_o can_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n but_o of_o this_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n xvii_o show_v that_o none_o can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o mere_a improvement_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n what_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o best_a heathen_n be_v and_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o everlasting_a concernment_n of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n we_o can_v certain_o determine_v nor_o dare_v we_o confident_o pronounce_v that_o they_o be_v all_o in_o hell_n though_o we_o say_v not_o with_o the_o pelagian_o that_o the_o improvement_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n or_o that_o light_n that_o be_v in_o every_o man_n as_o other_o phrase_v it_o can_v make_v man_n everlasting_a happy_a nor_o yet_o with_o the_o semipelagian_o that_o natural_a preparation_n and_o predisposition_n do_v bespeak_v and_o procure_v grace_n nor_o yet_o with_o the_o papist_n that_o work_v flow_v from_o grace_n do_v meritorious_o contribute_v to_o more_o grace_n and_o glory_n yet_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o as_o god_n give_v the_o heathen_n natural_a light_n and_o ability_n and_o to_o some_o of_o they_o the_o improvement_n thereof_o more_o than_o to_o other_o so_o he_o may_v as_o free_o give_v they_o in_o a_o way_n that_o we_o know_v not_o supernatural_a grace_n and_o strength_n and_o reveal_v his_o son_n to_o they_o if_o it_o please_v he_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o notwithstanding_o to_o hold_v that_o a_o man_n may_v get_v to_o heaven_n by_o those_o mere_a improvement_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o nature_n foundation_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v accurate_o and_o punctual_o observe_v every_o jot_n and_o tittle_n of_o nature_n law_n which_o the_o exact_a naturalist_n or_o moralist_n do_v not_o yet_o this_o natural_a obedience_n will_v not_o at_o all_o be_v commensurate_a to_o a_o supernatural_a happiness_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a way_n that_o new_a and_o live_a way_n by_o which_o god_n assume_v humane_a nature_n to_o himself_o and_o make_v it_o everlasting_o happy_a by_o which_o we_o have_v access_n to_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o this_o make_v augustine_n say_v qui_fw-la dicit_fw-la hominem_fw-la seruari_fw-la posse_fw-la sine_fw-la christo_fw-la dubito_fw-la a_o ipse_fw-la per_fw-la christum_fw-la seruari_fw-la possit_fw-la whether_o the_o gentile_n can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o question_n i_o confess_v much_o debate_v both_o in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o some_o modern_a author_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n divers_a of_o the_o ancient_n as_o justin_n martyr_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o chrysostome_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o moral_a heathen_n may_v be_v save_v by_o a_o general_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o justin_n martyr_n think_v they_o may_v be_v save_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n 2._o reason_n justin_n martyr_n apol._n 2._o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o dictamen_fw-la rationis_fw-la
the_o heart_n and_o the_o brain_n and_o in_o these_o god_n have_v place_v the_o natural_a vital_a and_o animal_n spirit_n these_o spirit_n be_v carry_v by_o the_o vein_n artery_n and_o nerve_n the_o vein_n carry_v the_o vital_a spirit_n from_o the_o liver_n the_o artery_n carry_v the_o natural_a spirit_n from_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o nerve_n carry_v the_o animal_n spirit_n from_o the_o brain_n the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v helpful_a and_o serviceable_a one_o to_o another_o the_o superior_a rule_n the_o inferior_a as_o the_o eye_n guide_v and_o direct_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o the_o inferior_a support_n and_o uphold_v the_o superior_a as_o the_o foot_n leg_n and_o thigh_n support_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o as_o for_o the_o middle_a member_n they_o defend_v the_o body_n and_o provide_v thing_n necessary_a for_o it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o hand_n and_o arms._n this_o variety_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n show_v the_o excellent_a wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o if_o all_o be_v a_o eye_n where_o will_v the_o see_v be_v 1_o cor._n 12.15_o so_o excellent_a be_v the_o body_n of_o man_n that_o there_o be_v sundry_a member_n thereof_o which_o god_n ascribe_v to_o himself_o as_o the_o head_n the_o heart_n the_o eye_n the_o ear_n the_o foot_n to_o express_v his_o attribute_n to_o we_o yea_o god_n have_v make_v the_o body_n of_o man_n a_o temple_n for_o himself_o to_o dwell_v in_o and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v assume_v the_o body_n of_o man_n in_o one_o person_n to_o his_o godhead_n a_o dignity_n which_o the_o angel_n be_v not_o call_v unto_o after_o the_o make_n of_o man_n he_o leave_v nothing_o unmake_v but_o to_o make_v himself_o man_n second_o man_n be_v curious_o wrought_v and_o contrive_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o rational_a immortal_a soul_n and_o those_o two_o noble_a faculty_n the_o understandtng_a and_o the_o will_n wherein_o man_n far_o excel_v all_o the_o sensitive_a creature_n the_o rational_a soul_n be_v the_o better_a part_n of_o man_n more_o worth_a than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o mark_v 8.36_o 37._o what_o be_v the_o body_n of_o man_n without_o the_o soul_n but_o a_o dead_a trunk_n a_o empty_a case_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o pearl_n or_o precious_a jewel_n the_o creation_n infusion_n and_o operation_n whereof_o be_v like_o a_o curious_a piece_n of_o embroidery_n well_o become_v the_o creator_n and_o contriver_n thereof_o who_o be_v a_o simple_a immaterial_a immortal_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o spirit_n the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a spirit_n the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o spirit_n numb_a 16.22_o bless_v god_n o_o man_n that_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o inspire_v thou_o with_o a_o immortal_a spirit_n wherein_o thou_o far_o excelle_v other_o creature_n for_o first_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n of_o man_n can_v conceive_v of_o thing_n by_o the_o light_n of_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o by_o sense_n yea_o it_o can_v conceive_v of_o thing_n that_o never_o be_v in_o the_o sense_n as_o thing_n absent_a which_o the_o sense_n never_o see_v nor_o apprehend_v it_o can_v conceive_v of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a as_o angel_n and_o spirit_n yea_o of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o be_v invisible_a by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v visible_a we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n who_o be_v invisible_a rom._n 1.20_o second_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v able_a to_o reflect_v upon_o its_o self_n and_o its_o own_o act_n and_o operation_n which_o no_o mere_a sensitive_a creature_n can_v do_v it_o understand_v that_o it_o do_v understand_v and_o know_v that_o it_o do_v know_v and_o this_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v large_a and_o extensive_a for_o it_o can_v in_o a_o moment_n go_v over_o almost_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o view_v it_o all_o as_o it_o be_v at_o once_o whereas_o the_o sense_n be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n three_o the_o rational_a soul_n can_v invent_v thing_n that_o be_v never_o before_o in_o be_v what_o strange_a thing_n for_o number_n and_o skill_n and_o variety_n be_v daily_o invent_v and_o contrive_v by_o man_n wit_n and_o reason_n by_o which_o also_o many_o great_a matter_n both_o civil_a military_a and_o ecclesiastical_a be_v order_v and_o regulate_v this_o be_v that_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o search_v all_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o belly_n prov._n 20.27_o and_o god_n have_v set_v the_o world_n in_o man_n heart_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o be_v in_o he_o eccles_n 3.11_o four_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n of_o man_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o his_o understanding_n after_o a_o sort_n be_v make_v one_o with_o and_o become_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v understand_v in_o that_o it_o conceive_v a_o true_a image_n and_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v understand_v and_o herein_o the_o rational_a soul_n do_v somewhat_o resemble_v god_n himself_o who_o have_v the_o perfect_a idea_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o himself_o so_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v as_o it_o be_v form_n world_n of_o thing_n within_o itself_o five_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n appear_v in_o that_o divine_a thing_n call_v conscience_n which_o be_v more_o than_o a_o thousand_o witness_n yet_o subordinate_a to_o a_o high_a tribunal_n being_n god_n deputy_n for_o god_n be_v great_a than_o conscience_n 1_o john_n 3.20_o no_o man_n be_v he_o never_o so_o great_a and_o potent_a can_v always_o bribe_v conscience_n but_o it_o will_v give_v a_o impartial_a verdict_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o either_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v he_o in_o these_o and_o other_o particular_n man_n may_v contemplate_v the_o excellency_n of_o reason_n and_o praise_n god_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o three_o and_o last_o the_o rational_a soul_n of_o man_n become_v much_o more_o excellent_a and_o be_v like_o a_o curious_a piece_n of_o embroidery_n by_o a_o new_a creation_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whereas_o by_o sin_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v corrupt_v and_o alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n yet_o now_o be_v bear_v again_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v spiritual_o form_v therein_o it_o recover_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o be_v restore_v to_o a_o holy_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o will_v be_v a_o curious_a excellent_a piece_n indeed_o when_o she_o be_v perfect_o transform_v as_o she_o shall_v be_v into_o the_o divine_a image_n and_o clothe_v with_o glory_n and_o immortality_n psal_n 45.14_o 2_o cor._n 5.2_o let_v we_o now_o brief_o recapitulate_v the_o head_n of_o this_o discourse_n head_n discourse_n a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o several_a head_n touch_v faith_n and_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v proceed_v it_o require_v much_o spiritual_a skill_n as_o have_v be_v say_v right_o to_o distinguish_v between_o they_o and_o give_v to_o each_o its_o due_a though_o man_n reason_n be_v much_o weaken_v and_o obscure_v yet_o a_o good_a use_n may_v be_v make_v thereof_o both_o in_o civil_a and_o divine_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o light_n in_o reason_n though_o far_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o faith_n how_o far_o this_o light_n of_o reason_n extend_v we_o have_v show_v the_o best_a heathen_a philosopher_n be_v sensible_a of_o great_a defect_n and_o languish_n in_o their_o natural_a reason_n and_o ability_n though_o they_o ascribe_v too_o much_o thereunto_o some_o there_o be_v among_o christian_n that_o give_v too_o little_a to_o reason_n in_o religious_a and_o ecclesiastical_a concern_v but_o other_o more_o general_o offend_v in_o give_v too_o much_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v here_o declare_v how_o and_o in_o what_o respect_v reason_n and_o moral_a prudence_n shall_v be_v exercise_v by_o we_o both_o in_o civil_a and_o church_n affair_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a and_o also_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n in_o compare_v and_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n but_o though_o reason_n be_v useful_a in_o these_o respect_n yet_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v principal_o witness_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o satisfy_v conscience_n touch_v the_o same_o here_o be_v show_v when_o it_o be_v that_o reason_n be_v right_o use_v and_o when_o abuse_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o likewise_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o mere_a rational_a and_o spiritual_a man_n and_o their_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o operation_n in_o and_o about_o