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be_v prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o as_o for_o the_o scripture_n they_o prove_v and_o evidence_n themselves_o sufficient_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a by_o their_o own_o light_n manifest_v their_o divine_a original_a they_o be_v primum_fw-la visibile_fw-la not_o like_o colour_n that_o can_v be_v see_v till_o light_v make_v it_o apparent_a but_o like_o light_n itself_o which_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n manifest_a and_o itself_o too_o by_o its_o own_o proper_a quality_n now_o than_o if_o a_o true_a believer_n shall_v be_v ask_v why_o he_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o may_v true_o answer_v thus_o because_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o it_o be_v further_o demand_v how_o he_o can_v assure_v himself_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o may_v answer_v that_o he_o know_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enlighten_v his_o understanding_n 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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
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 revelation_n as_o be_v above_o its_o own_o sphere_n though_o it_o can_v grasp_v they_o or_o pierce_v into_o they_o yet_o it_o shall_v ever_o resolve_v with_o all_o humility_n and_o gratitude_n to_o admire_v they_o to_o bow_v its_o head_n and_o adore_v they_o one_o light_n shall_v not_o oppose_v another_o lumen_fw-la fidei_fw-la and_o lumen_fw-la rationis_fw-la may_v shine_v both_o together_o though_o in_o several_a orb_n and_o with_o far_o different_a brightness_n this_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o be_v impatient_a of_o a_o superior_a light_n of_o a_o bright_a sun_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n shall_v no_o more_o prejudice_v the_o light_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n do_v prejudice_v the_o light_n of_o a_o star_n or_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n why_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o strife_n between_o faith_n and_o reason_n see_v they_o be_v brethren_n both_o spring_a from_o the_o same_o father_n of_o light_n though_o the_o one_o be_v much_o superior_a to_o the_o other_o indeed_o there_o be_v such_o infinite_a treasure_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n display_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o do_v far_o transcend_v man_n reason_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v apprehend_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o sufficient_o proportion_v to_o such_o high_a and_o transcendent_a object_n here_o be_v such_o depth_n such_o pleonasm_n such_o weight_n of_o glory_n as_o do_v opprimere_fw-la ingenium_fw-la humanum_fw-la if_o the_o son_n of_o man_n can_v have_v extract_v all_o the_o spirit_n of_o reason_n and_o make_v they_o meet_v in_o one_o head_n nay_o if_o angel_n and_o man_n can_v have_v unite_v and_o concentricate_v all_o their_o reason_n and_o knowledge_n yet_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o and_o discover_v such_o profound_a and_o mysterious_a excellency_n as_o the_o eye_n of_o true_a evangelical_n faith_n behold_v in_o a_o instant_n reveal_v truth_n shine_v with_o their_o own_o beam_n and_o brightness_n and_o do_v not_o borrow_v their_o lustre_n from_o the_o dim_a candle_n of_o our_o reason_n whatsoever_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o reveal_v must_v needs_o be_v true_a reason_n be_v so_o modest_a that_o it_o will_v not_o contradict_v this_o for_o it_o do_v acknowledge_v a_o deity_n and_o the_o unquestionable_a truth_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o all_o believe_a there_o be_v a_o assent_n a_o yield_n to_o he_o that_o speak_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n though_o he_o do_v not_o prove_v and_o evince_v it_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o mere_a testimony_n reason_n itself_o dictate_v thus_o much_o to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v such_o a_o one_o who_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o distrust_v for_o without_o some_o faith_n there_o will_v be_v no_o commerce_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o trade_n without_o some_o trust_n a_o general_a and_o total_a incredulity_n will_v threaten_v a_o present_a and_o fatal_a dissolution_n to_o human_a society_n man_n may_v deceive_v we_o for_o none_o of_o they_o be_v infallible_a but_o god_n be_v truth_n itself_o a_o eternal_a immutable_a truth_n and_o all_o revelation_n flow_v from_o he_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a like_o himself_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o his_o naked_a word_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v a_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o atheist_n yea_o in_o some_o respect_n he_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o devil_n for_o the_o devil_n believe_v and_o tremble_v though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o comprehension_n of_o reason_n yet_o come_v to_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o bear_v the_o stamp_n and_o signature_n of_o divine_a authority_n it_o be_v not_o contrary_a but_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o and_o assent_v to_o they_o some_o there_o be_v that_o endeavour_n to_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n that_o reveal_v truth_n though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v find_v out_o by_o reason_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v once_o reveal_v reason_n can_v evince_v and_o demonstrate_v they_o but_o i_o rather_o incline_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o aquinas_n that_o humane_a reason_n when_o it_o have_v stretch_v itself_o to_o the_o uttermost_a be_v not_o at_o all_o proportion_v to_o they_o but_o at_o the_o best_a only_o can_v give_v some_o weak_a adumbration_n of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v honour_n enough_o for_o reason_n to_o submit_v unto_o divine_a revelation_n and_o to_o captivate_v itself_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o withal_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o faith_n do_v not_o oppose_v reason_n indeed_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o far_o more_o compendious_a way_n longum_fw-la iter_fw-la per_fw-la rationem_fw-la breve_fw-la per_fw-la fidem_fw-la that_o which_o reason_n will_v have_v be_v sweat_v for_o these_o many_o year_n faith_n sup_v up_o the_o very_a quintessence_n of_o it_o in_o a_o moment_n god_n have_v choose_v this_o way_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v stain_v the_o pride_n and_o glory_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v confound_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o maintain_v in_o man_n great_a apprehension_n of_o himself_o of_o his_o divine_a revelation_n truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o keep_v the_o creature_n in_o a_o continual_a posture_n of_o dependency_n upon_o himself_o and_o humble_a submission_n to_o his_o own_o testimony_n and_o authority_n four_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v lumen_fw-la ascendens_fw-la a_o ascendant_n light_n reason_n be_v soon_o weary_a with_o flutter_v up_o and_o down_o among_o the_o creature_n and_o perish_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n this_o candle_n do_v but_o waste_v itself_o to_o no_o purpose_n in_o search_v for_o true_a happiness_n here_o below_o after_o a_o diligent_a search_n your_o own_o reason_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la the_o chief_a good_a lie_v not_o in_o the_o riches_n honour_n pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n no_o nor_o in_o moral_a virtue_n and_o excellency_n though_o some_o man_n far_o above_o other_o have_v snuff_v their_o candle_n with_o more_o care_n and_o exactness_n by_o improve_n their_o intellectual_n and_o refine_n their_o moral_n yet_o at_o length_n they_o sad_o perceive_v that_o when_o their_o candle_n be_v at_o the_o bright_a they_o burn_v but_o dim_o and_o blew_o and_o that_o for_o all_o their_o snuff_v they_o will_v relapse_n again_o into_o their_o former_a dimness_n and_o obscurity_n the_o improvement_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n will_v never_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_o happy_a this_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v flame_v and_o ascend_v upward_o towards_o heaven_n but_o be_v much_o weaken_v and_o darken_v by_o lust_n and_o passion_n so_o that_o it_o can_v mount_v up_o to_o god_n and_o attain_v that_o glorious_a end_n and_o reward_v which_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n nature_n eye_n can_v see_v it_o nature_n hand_n can_v reach_v it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o natural_a power_n or_o operation_n proportion_v to_o such_o a_o high_a transcendent_a object_n as_o the_o bless_a face_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n and_o therefore_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n must_v be_v advance_v above_o itself_o by_o a_o supernaturale_fw-la auxilium_fw-la before_o it_o can_v be_v bless_v with_o so_o great_a a_o perfection_n as_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o full_a end_n of_o its_o be_v nay_o god_n himself_o o_o wonderful_a mystery_n be_v please_v to_o assume_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o more_o capable_a of_o this_o perfection_n and_o by_o a_o strict_a love-knot_n and_o union_n make_v it_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n chap._n iu._n show_v that_o the_o best_a heathen_a philosopher_n be_v
the_o flesh_n and_o forforsake_v the_o good_a of_o this_o world_n which_o a_o man_n will_v not_o do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n in_o which_o he_o find_v the_o recompense_n of_o his_o loss_n yea_o this_o very_a persuasion_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n make_v some_o heathen_n willing_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o their_o country_n if_o our_o last_o end_n be_v only_o in_o this_o life_n than_o all_o that_o we_o do_v shall_v be_v for_o this_o last_o end_n to_o aim_v at_o it_o to_o procure_v it_o and_o never_o to_o cross_v it_o doubtless_o it_o be_v great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o man_n to_o undergo_v so_o many_o hard_a thing_n as_o they_o do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o a_o persuasion_n in_o their_o heart_n of_o this_o immortality_n and_o if_o their_o hope_n be_v only_o in_o this_o life_n of_o all_o man_n they_o shall_v be_v most_o miserable_a but_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o they_o find_v that_o this_o world_n wherein_o they_o now_o converse_v be_v too_o sterile_a and_o empty_a to_o fill_v the_o vastness_n and_o limit_v the_o desire_n thereof_o it_o must_v be_v the_o possession_n of_o a_o immortal_a infinite_a immutable_a good_a that_o must_v satisfy_v their_o understanding_n and_o will_n both_o which_o faculty_n aim_v at_o the_o chief_a and_o high_a object_n the_o understanding_n be_v carry_v ad_fw-la summam_fw-la causam_fw-la to_o the_o first_o of_o truth_n and_o the_o will_n ad_fw-la summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la to_o the_o last_o of_o end_n and_o therefore_o he_o only_o which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o can_v satisfy_v the_o vast_a desire_n of_o the_o soul_n six_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o soul_n must_v needs_o be_v immortal_a because_o god_n be_v just_a a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o as_o to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v unjust_a now_o than_o god_n be_v the_o just_a judge_n of_o all_o it_o behoove_v he_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o to_o reward_v the_o just_a but_o if_o god_n do_v not_o this_o in_o another_o life_n he_o shall_v never_o do_v it_o for_o in_o this_o life_n the_o wicked_a flourish_n and_o the_o just_a be_v oppress_v therefore_o as_o god_n be_v just_a there_o remain_v another_o life_n after_o this_o wherein_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o just_a shall_v be_v reward_v and_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v punish_v if_o the_o soul_n be_v mortal_a forasmuch_o as_o in_o this_o world_n wicked_a man_n prosper_v in_o their_o wickdeness_n and_o good_a man_n as_o to_o their_o outward_a be_v perish_v in_o a_o way_n of_o righteousness_n how_o shall_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a be_v and_o who_o way_n be_v way_n of_o righteousness_n be_v vindicate_v seven_o it_o may_v satisfy_v the_o reason_n of_o any_o man_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a since_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o one_o or_o other_o kind_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o some_o deity_n which_o be_v raise_v out_o of_o this_o hope_n that_o that_o god_n who_o they_o worship_v will_v reward_v their_o piety_n if_o not_o here_o yet_o in_o another_o life_n nulla_fw-la gens_fw-la adeò_fw-la extra_fw-la leges_fw-la est_fw-la projecta_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la aliquos_fw-la deos_fw-la credat_fw-la say_v seneca_n hence_o proceed_v those_o fiction_n of_o the_o poet_n touch_v the_o elysian_a field_n or_o place_n of_o happiness_n for_o man_n of_o honest_a and_o well_o order_v life_n and_o place_n of_o torment_n for_o the_o wicked_a and_o irreligious_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o visible_a character_n of_o a_o a_o deity_n imprint_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o irresistible_a principle_n in_o man_n nature_n that_o must_v constrain_v it_o unto_o those_o sundry_a religious_a ceremony_n observe_v among_o all_o nation_n wherein_o even_o in_o place_n of_o idolatry_n some_o be_v so_o irksome_a and_o repugnant_a to_o nature_n and_o other_o so_o void_a of_o reason_n as_o that_o nothing_o but_o a_o firm_a and_o deep_a persuasion_n of_o a_o divine_a judgement_n and_o of_o their_o own_o immortality_n can_v ever_o have_v impose_v they_o upon_o their_o conscience_n and_o beside_o this_o consent_n of_o man_n unto_o religion_n in_o general_n we_o find_v it_o also_o unto_o this_o one_o part_n thereof_o namely_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n all_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a repute_a philosopher_n for_o learning_n and_o honesty_n and_o even_o barbarian_n infidel_n and_o savage_a people_n have_v discern_v it_o by_o the_o glimmering_n of_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n chap._n xi_o the_o verity_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evince_v by_o reason_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o convince_v heathen_n and_o infidel_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v no_o religion_n at_o this_o day_n profess_v throughout_o the_o world_n that_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n in_o it_o and_o for_o it_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o way_n of_o cleanse_v and_o expiate_a sin_n by_o christ_n the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o mediator_n the_o exactness_n of_o divine_a justice_n which_o require_v satisfaction_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n prescribe_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o instruction_n thereof_o the_o exemplary_a life_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n how_o many_o thing_n in_o our_o religion_n be_v witness_v to_o and_o approve_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o rational_a and_o learned_a heathen_n and_o how_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o julian_n porphyry_n and_o other_o be_v once_o christian_n and_o come_v to_o renounce_v the_o same_o mere_o through_o pride_n and_o discontent_n if_o these_o and_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o our_o religion_n be_v but_o due_o weigh_v it_o will_v appear_v even_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v much_o truth_n and_o excellency_n therein_o and_o that_o other_o religion_n be_v but_o fictitious_a and_o vain_a have_v no_o rational_a consistence_n in_o they_o but_o we_o will_v handle_v this_o matter_n more_o particular_o though_o with_o as_o much_o brevity_n as_o possible_o we_o can_v first_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n prima_fw-la sunt_fw-la vera_fw-la verum_fw-la est_fw-la prius_fw-la that_o be_v most_o true_a which_o be_v most_o ancient_a see_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v the_o way_n whereby_o man_n must_v come_v to_o god_n and_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o and_o be_v copula_fw-la relationis_fw-la between_o god_n and_o man_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o man_n be_v as_o for_o the_o write_n of_o most_o of_o the_o heathen_n unless_o it_o be_v those_o that_o be_v forge_v and_o suppositious_a they_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o in_o comparison_n of_o moses_n the_o lawgiver_n under_o god_n to_o the_o jew_n even_o orpheus_n the_o first_o heathen_a poet_n be_v eight_o hundred_o year_n after_o moses_n as_o strabo_n plutarch_n and_o diodorus_n siculus_n testify_v the_o most_o ancient_a record_n of_o the_o heathen_n begin_v in_o solon_n time_n which_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n the_o roman_n have_v their_o religion_n from_o the_o grecian_n and_o the_o grecian_n from_o caecrop_a a_o egyptian_a and_o the_o carthaginian_n have_v they_o from_o cadmus_n a_o phoenician_n now_o these_o two_o country_n egypt_n and_o phoenicia_n with_o the_o mediterranean_a sea_n do_v compass_n about_o judaea_n and_o therefore_o any_o man_n that_o be_v rational_a may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o all_o their_o religion_n come_v from_o the_o jew_n this_o be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v by_o several_a writer_n of_o we_o and_o particular_o by_o mr._n gale_n in_o his_o late_a book_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a for_o i_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o subject_n when_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o greece_n ask_v their_o god_n whence_o the_o knowledge_n of_o art_n and_o science_n shall_v come_v they_o receive_v this_o answer_n solus_fw-la utique_fw-la chaldaeus_n sapiens_fw-la and_o orpheus_n their_o ancient_a poet_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o god_n be_v angry_a he_o destroy_v the_o world_n commit_v the_o truth_n uni_fw-la chaldaeo_n and_o plato_n in_o his_o epimenides_n refer_v all_o uni_fw-la barbaro_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v who_o this_o chaldean_a this_o barbarian_a shall_v be_v the_o egyptian_n call_v he_o theut_n which_o signify_v a_o stranger_n meaning_n abraham_n for_o so_o origen_n against_o celsus_n and_o josephus_n against_o appian_n say_v plain_o that_o when_o the_o heathen_a nation_n use_v to_o conjure_v they_o will_v make_v use_n of_o abraham_n name_n say_v per_fw-la deum_fw-la abraham_n well_o then_o if_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v ancient_a we_o
this_o jesus_n their_o idol-god_n fall_v down_o and_o their_o oracle_n at_o delphos_n dodon_n and_o other_o place_n be_v strike_v dumb_a insomuch_o as_o porphyry_n himself_o confess_v and_o bewail_v that_o since_o the_o time_n that_o jesus_n be_v worship_v they_o have_v have_v no_o benefit_n at_o all_o by_o any_o of_o their_o god_n the_o voice_n that_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o air_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n caesar_n about_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n death_n command_v the_o master_n of_o the_o ship_n to_o cry_v aloud_o that_o the_o great_a god_n pan_n be_v dead_a upon_o which_o follow_v great_a screeching_n and_o lamentation_n in_o the_o air_n we_o find_v mention_v in_o divers_a credible_a author_n lactantius_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o the_o heathen_n offer_v sacrifice_n to_o their_o god_n the_o very_a presence_n of_o a_o christian_a will_v dash_v and_o spoil_v their_o mystery_n and_o thereupon_o come_v that_o speech_n which_o we_o read_v in_o lucian_n if_o there_o be_v any_o christian_n here_o let_v he_o depart_v hence_o this_o jesus_n have_v make_v such_o work_n among_o the_o idol-god_n that_o augustine_n cry_v out_o where_o be_v your_o god_n where_o be_v your_o prophet_n where_o be_v your_o oracle_n where_o be_v your_o sacrifice_n be_v they_o not_o cease_v if_o christ_n the_o ark_n of_o god_n come_v in_o place_n dagon_n the_o great_a idol_n must_v needs_o fall_v down_o now_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v three_o great_a enemy_n in_o the_o world_n heathen_n jew_n and_o mahumetan_n against_o who_o religion_n or_o rather_o superstition_n we_o will_v speak_v a_o few_o word_n to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n and_o absurdity_n thereof_o and_o first_o idolatry_n first_o i._o reason_n against_o the_o heathenish_a idolatry_n touch_v the_o heathen_a god_n we_o have_v this_o to_o say_v against_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n which_o may_v be_v much_o more_o enlarge_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v vain_a and_o even_o ridiculous_a since_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o their_o own_o learned_a writer_n these_o god_n or_o rather_o devil_n do_v command_v image_n to_o be_v erect_v to_o they_o and_o tell_v the_o fashion_n that_o they_o be_v of_o and_o be_v not_o this_o absurd_a and_o unbecoming_a the_o majesty_n of_o a_o deity_n see_v the_o true_a and_o infinite_a god_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o light_a inaccessible_a can_v be_v resemble_v by_o any_o shape_n what_o do_v these_o dunghil-god_n of_o they_o chief_o command_n and_o forbid_v but_o outward_a corporeal_a thing_n whereas_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o holy_a glorious_a spirit_n who_o command_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o chief_o require_v spiritual_a worship_n and_o obedience_n these_o god_n of_o they_o be_v not_o of_o universal_a use_n nor_o be_v they_o good_a for_o all_o thing_n one_o forsooth_o be_v good_a for_o medicine_n and_o another_o for_o wisdom_n and_o another_o for_o war_n whereas_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o universal_a perfect_a good_a the_o religion_n of_o these_o heathen_a god_n consist_v only_o in_o offer_v frankincense_n and_o spice_n and_o outward_a oblation_n which_o can_v never_o cleanse_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n from_o its_o spot_n and_o defilement_n and_o therefore_o when_o cyril_n tell_v julian_n the_o apostata_fw-la that_o sin_n defile_v the_o soul_n and_o that_o outward_a and_o bodily_a thing_n can_v never_o wash_v away_o the_o inward_a filthiness_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o make_v julian_n stagger_v for_o he_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o to_o answer_v it_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v further_o be_v not_o the_o parent_n birth_n and_o manner_n of_o these_o goodly_a deity_n particular_o set_v down_o by_o their_o own_o poet_n and_o philosopher_n and_o by_o divers_a of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o our_o own_o modern_a writer_n and_o be_v it_o not_o ridiculous_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o these_o be_v true_a god_n nay_o true_o they_o be_v not_o only_a man_n who_o the_o heathen_n worship_v but_o wicked_a man_n the_o worst_a and_o vile_a of_o man_n give_v up_o to_o whoredom_n and_o drunkenness_n and_o cruelty_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n yea_o they_o be_v devil_n and_o wicked_a spirit_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o command_v themselves_o to_o be_v worship_v so_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a be_v some_o of_o these_o poor_a heathen_n that_o they_o do_v not_o only_a worship_n wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n but_o even_o beast_n also_o a_o ox_n a_o dog_n a_o crocodile_n yea_o onion_n and_o garlic_n o_o monstrous_a folly_n and_o madness_n how_o do_v the_o devil_n bewitch_v they_o what_o horrid_a cruelty_n do_v he_o exercise_v upon_o they_o command_v they_o to_o sacrifice_v man_n and_o woman_n to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v grievous_o offend_v with_o they_o as_o he_o do_v at_o this_o day_n in_o some_o heathenish_a country_n but_o when_o he_o be_v more_o mild_a and_o gentle_a then_o forsooth_o he_o must_v have_v stage-play_n music_n dance_v and_o the_o like_a pastime_n to_o make_v he_o merry_a behold_v here_o the_o vanity_n and_o brutishness_n of_o the_o heathenish_a idolatry_n second_o as_o for_o the_o jew_n religion_n jew_n ii_o against_o the_o jewish_a religion_n they_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a in_o their_o enmity_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o by_o we_o though_o they_o do_v not_o right_o and_o spiritual_o understand_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o veil_n which_o be_v upon_o their_o heart_n to_o this_o day_n so_o blind_a and_o so_o delude_v they_o be_v as_o to_o hold_v that_o the_o true_a messiah_n be_v yet_o to_o come_v that_o jesus_n be_v not_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o when_o the_o messiah_n first_o come_v he_o shall_v be_v great_a in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v a_o princely_a court_n and_o attendant_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v subdue_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o jew_n now_o true_o these_o be_v but_o vain_a dream_n and_o fancy_n of_o they_o and_o quite_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n in_o jacob_n prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n gen._n 49.10_o we_o read_v that_o the_o sceptre_n be_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o a_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n till_o shiloh_n come_v by_o which_o shiloh_n be_v mean_v the_o true_a messiah_n but_o the_o sceptre_n be_v then_o new_o depart_v when_o jesus_n come_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v the_o true_a shiloh_n or_o messiah_n the_o sceptre_n as_o be_v well_o know_v be_v in_o judah_n till_o the_o captivity_n and_o after_o the_o captivity_n it_o continue_v till_o aristobulus_n and_o hircanus_n who_o contend_v for_o it_o be_v both_o of_o they_o dispossess_v of_o it_o and_o herod_n a_o idumaean_a and_o a_o stranger_n be_v invest_v with_o the_o royal_a dignity_n and_o then_o come_v christ_n as_o be_v long_o before_o prophesy_v after_o who_o come_v the_o jew_n be_v disperse_v and_o scatter_v throughout_o the_o earth_n so_o that_o now_o there_o be_v no_o distinct_a tribe_n of_o judah_n but_o they_o be_v all_o mingle_a one_o with_o another_o the_o roman_a emperor_n still_o labour_v to_o root_v out_o the_o jew_n and_o especial_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n which_o make_v they_o to_o confound_v their_o genealogy_n that_o the_o seventy_o week_n refer_v to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n dan._n 9.24_o be_v long_o since_o determine_v he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o and_o yet_o the_o messiah_n not_o come_v if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o obstinate_a jew_n in_o their_o talmud_n we_o read_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o hillel_n who_o they_o high_o esteem_v perceive_v the_o first_o seven_o week_n in_o daniel_n to_o fall_v out_o so_o just_o they_o look_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o those_o day_n be_v long_o before_o the_o full_a time_n because_o they_o have_v read_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v shorten_v those_o day_n 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subtlety_n of_o antiochus_n nero_n dioclesian_n julian_n the_o apostate_n and_o other_o cruel_a and_o subtle_a persecutor_n and_o notwithstanding_o that_o egyptian_a darkness_n of_o popery_n error_n and_o ignorance_n which_o overspread_v the_o world_n for_o some_o hundred_o year_n since_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n during_o which_o time_n these_o sacred_a write_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o contemn_v and_o blind_a ignorance_n extol_v as_o the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n five_o the_o very_a style_n of_o the_o scripture_n argue_v the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o by_o the_o style_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o external_a superficies_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n but_o the_o whole_a order_n contexture_n and_o frame_n thereof_o which_o fit_o agree_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n treat_v of_o and_o be_v excellent_o and_o wise_o temper_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o condition_n of_o they_o for_o who_o sake_n it_o be_v write_v indeed_o every_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n almost_o have_v a_o peculiar_a style_n god_n make_v use_n of_o their_o several_a faculty_n and_o ability_n isaiah_n be_v eloquent_a and_o sweet_a david_n affectionate_a solomon_n accurate_a jeremiah_n vehement_a and_o more_o rough_a and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o several_a apostle_n and_o evangelist_n that_o their_o style_n be_v somewhat_o different_a but_o all_o of_o they_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a the_o majesty_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o style_n appear_v in_o that_o majestic_a title_n and_o dignity_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v just_o challenge_v to_o himself_o the_o which_o import_v independency_n of_o nature_n and_o essence_n supereminency_n of_o power_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o excellency_n both_o of_o property_n and_o work_n and_o be_v further_o display_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o teach_v which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n command_v promise_a and_o threaten_a thing_n 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gibbet_n but_o with_o eternal_a death_n and_o torment_n if_o they_o disobey_v neither_o let_v any_o man_n be_v offend_v with_o the_o low_a and_o humble_a manner_n of_o speech_n use_v in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v pen_v for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o unlearned_a as_o well_o as_o the_o learned_a for_o those_o of_o weak_a part_n as_o well_o as_o for_o those_o of_o strong_a part_n and_o ability_n and_o though_o the_o phrase_n or_o manner_n of_o speech_n be_v plain_a yet_o the_o matter_n be_v high_a and_o excellent_a profound_a and_o unutterable_a plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n do_v best_a become_v the_o truth_n a_o pearl_n need_v no_o paint_n true_a beauty_n need_v not_o a_o whorish_a dress_n to_o set_v it_o forth_o nor_o need_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o be_v support_v or_o underpropt_v with_o foreign_a aid_n for_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o uphold_v and_o sustain_v itself_o it_o become_v not_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o prince_n to_o play_v the_o orator_n this_o will_v be_v more_o pedantic_a in_o he_o then_o in_o a_o person_n more_o inferior_a though_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o be_v plain_a in_o word_n and_o phrase_n yet_o it_o be_v great_a in_o power_n no_o writing_n of_o man_n be_v they_o never_o so_o well_o set_v forth_o with_o wit_n learning_n and_o ornament_n of_o rhetoric_n can_v so_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n move_v the_o will_n pierce_v the_o heart_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o affection_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n want_v eloquence_n if_o the_o matter_n be_v well_o weigh_v no_o other_o writing_n can_v equalise_v they_o the_o song_n of_o moses_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n and_o other_o portion_n of_o scripture_n in_o variety_n and_o force_n of_o divine_a eloquence_n do_v far_o exceed_v and_o transcendall_n other_o author_n greek_a or_o latin_a that_o be_v extant_a though_o never_o so_o excellent_o indict_v and_o pen_v yet_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v that_o the_o one_o be_v write_v by_o a_o divine_a the_o other_o by_o a_o humane_a spirit_n six_o the_o wonderful_a powerful_a effect_n of_o this_o doctrine_n more_o than_o any_o other_o do_v clear_o demonstrate_v even_o to_o a_o eye_n of_o reason_n the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o for_o it_o inlighten_v the_o understanding_n discover_v clear_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n convert_v the_o soul_n convince_v the_o gainsayer_n terrifi_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n quicken_v and_o revive_v the_o wound_a spirit_n manife_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n man_n cast_v down_o strong_a hold_n and_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o remain_v invincible_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n for_o though_o the_o nature_n thereof_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o world_n yet_o still_o it_o have_v prevail_v and_o overcome_v the_o enemy_n that_o have_v oppose_v this_o doctrine_n be_v many_o and_o mighty_a and_o subtle_a the_o devil_n the_o roman_a emperor_n the_o learned_a philosopher_n the_o zealous_a jew_n and_o the_o common_a people_n be_v stir_v up_o by_o they_o have_v with_o incredible_a fury_n and_o falsehood_n and_o vigilancy_n endeavour_v the_o utter_a abolition_n of_o it_o but_o can_v never_o do_v it_o this_o doctrine_n conquer_v where_o it_o come_v either_o it_o convert_v or_o destroy_v its_o adversary_n and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n be_v they_o who_o god_n choose_v as_o his_o herald_n and_o ambassador_n to_o publish_v this_o doctrine_n be_v they_o great_a and_o many_o be_v they_o learn_v and_o wise_a be_v they_o potent_a and_o mighty_a in_o the_o world_n no_o no_o they_o be_v in_o number_n but_o few_o in_o outward_a appearance_n simple_a rude_a poor_a and_o weak_a despise_v of_o man_n thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n by_o these_o god_n have_v confound_v thing_n that_o be_v and_o through_o their_o preach_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n have_v subdue_v many_o nation_n to_o himself_o in_o a_o little_a time_n a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o habitable_a world_n be_v convert_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o paul_n fill_v all_o place_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o illyricum_n with_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v forget_v that_o the_o jew_n though_o waste_v with_o many_o and_o great_a slaughter_v and_o though_o they_o have_v and_o still_o have_v a_o desperate_a enmity_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v always_o remain_v safe_a and_o entire_a in_o their_o custody_n even_o when_o the_o hebrew_n language_n do_v lie_v almost_o unknown_a and_o have_v perish_v altogether_o have_v not_o god_n provide_v for_o the_o true_a religion_n by_o the_o care_n of_o those_o jew_n so_o that_o will_v they_o will_v they_o they_o shall_v be_v instrumental_a
in_o maintain_v and_o promote_a the_o doctrine_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n seven_o that_o sweet_a and_o admirable_a harmony_n and_o consent_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n can_v be_v rational_o ascribe_v to_o any_o but_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n each_o part_n agree_v so_o exact_o with_o itself_o and_o with_o the_o whole_a which_o sufficient_o appear_v by_o compare_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n touch_v christ_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o reception_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o remarkable_a thing_n with_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o as_o the_o same_o be_v plain_o declare_v and_o reveal_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n such_o exact_a consent_n and_o agreement_n as_o be_v here_o to_o be_v find_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v feign_v of_o man_n or_o angel_n from_o who_o the_o thing_n foretell_v be_v hide_v till_o they_o be_v reveal_v nor_o can_v there_o be_v forgery_n in_o these_o writing_n if_o we_o consider_v in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n the_o length_n of_o time_n in_o which_o these_o writing_n have_v continue_v and_o be_v judge_v authentic_a that_o they_o be_v not_o write_v in_o one_o or_o two_o but_o in_o many_o age_n that_o there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o book_n and_o of_o writer_n employ_v in_o this_o service_n and_o that_o these_o writer_n be_v distant_a in_o place_n one_o from_o another_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o confer_v together_o and_o withal_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o deep_a silence_n of_o the_o adversary_n who_o in_o all_o that_o long_a time_n whilst_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o writing_n can_v never_o detect_v any_o thing_n in_o those_o book_n as_o false_a or_o forge_a who_o silence_n in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o great_a importance_n because_o they_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n teach_v do_v and_o suffer_v according_a as_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o so_o that_o they_o know_v the_o prophecy_n see_v the_o 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harmony_n and_o consent_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o importance_n may_v in_o reason_n convince_v we_o that_o they_o write_v by_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o truth_n if_o they_o have_v all_o write_v one_o thing_n they_o may_v seem_v superfluous_a if_o each_o have_v write_v a_o new_a history_n there_o can_v not_o have_v be_v such_o a_o full_a harmony_n and_o agreement_n when_o they_o relate_v the_o same_o story_n with_o the_o same_o circumstance_n they_o have_v their_o use_n and_o benefit_n one_o sometime_o speak_v more_o plain_o than_o the_o other_o and_o when_o they_o agree_v in_o matter_n and_o only_o seem_v to_o dissent_v in_o some_o circumstance_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o more_o confirm_v and_o a_o argument_n of_o full_a credit_n and_o certainty_n may_v be_v draw_v out_o of_o that_o seem_a dissent_n for_o as_o it_o be_v true_o and_o wise_o observe_v too_o exact_a diligence_n in_o every_o little_a circumstance_n be_v neither_o approve_v by_o all_o nor_o do_v it_o want_v suspicion_n there_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o a_o learned_a man_n write_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o authority_n say_v a_o majestic_a kind_n of_o security_n under_o many_o seem_a contradiction_n which_o yet_o neither_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o truth_n nor_o that_o harmony_n which_o they_o have_v in_o and_o with_o themselves_o do_v or_o shall_v at_o all_o suffer_v by_o nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n stand_v to_o excuse_v and_o purge_v themselves_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o cause_n to_o suspect_v they_o of_o any_o contrariety_n or_o contradiction_n no_o they_o speak_v from_o place_n to_o place_n whatever_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o say_v with_o that_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v by_o they_o elsewhere_o that_o either_o be_v like_a to_o suffer_v the_o least_o prejudice_n by_o it_o or_o to_o cast_v the_o least_o prejudice_n on_o it_o to_o that_o sweet_a agreement_n and_o consent_n that_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o itself_o we_o may_v further_o add_v that_o it_o agree_v with_o all_o other_o truth_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a in_o divinity_n which_o be_v false_a in_o true_a philosophy_n nothing_o in_o philosophy_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o truth_n in_o divinity_n but_o it_o may_v be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a and_o true_a philosophy_n which_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o divinity_n eight_o the_o matter_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v divine_a and_o wonderful_a which_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n it_o open_v and_o reveal_v the_o great_a and_o most_o glorious_a mystery_n as_o the_o nature_n property_n attribute_n and_o high_a act_n of_o god_n and_o how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o adore_v it_o describe_v the_o person_n nature_n virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n so_o full_o so_o clear_o that_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n consider_v it_o attentive_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v that_o it_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o a_o finite_a understanding_n and_o humane_a capacity_n it_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o corruption_n and_o misery_n of_o man_n by_o nature_n the_o great_a and_o unparalled_a love_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n towards_o lose_a man_n and_o the_o happy_a agreement_n of_o his_o infinite_a justice_n mercy_n and_o wisdom_n in_o ordain_v christ_n to_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o reveal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n make_v with_o man_n after_o the_o fall_n for_o restore_v he_o again_o to_o god_n favour_n all_o which_o can_v be_v derive_v from_o no_o other_o fountain_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n 1_o cor._n 2.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o eph._n 1.17_o 18._o the_o scripture_n also_o contain_v the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n in_o the_o precept_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v divers_a note_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n as_o first_o the_o surpass_a excellency_n of_o the_o act_n require_v of_o we_o namely_o that_o we_o shall_v deny_v ourselves_o and_o conform_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o image_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o the_o wonderful_a equity_n that_o do_v appear_v in_o every_o commandment_n three_o the_o admirable_a strangeness_n of_o some_o act_n and_o duty_n as_o regeneration_n self-abasement_n the_o renounce_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o part_v with_o all_o we_o have_v for_o christ_n which_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n will_v count_v foolishness_n and_o madness_n yet_o prescribe_v as_o necessary_a four_o the_o manner_n how_o obedience_n be_v require_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o it_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a principle_n even_o from_o a_o pure_a heart_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a five_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n command_v and_o allow_v all_o good_a and_o forbid_v and_o condemn_v all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n whatsoever_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n not_o only_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o also_o the_o filthiness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o with_o reference_n to_o all_o person_n time_n and_o place_n without_o exception_n bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o reach_v the_o very_a thought_n and_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o do_v not_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o will_v fill_v a_o great_a volume_n if_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o they_o at_o large_a clear_o and_o convince_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v no_o other_o author_n of_o those_o sacred_a writing_n but_o god_n himself_o for_o who_o can_v contrive_v these_o thing_n but_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_a in_o power_n and_o wisdom_n who_o can_v give_v eternal_a life_n
lay_v aside_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o to_o be_v whole_o conclude_v by_o humane_a authority_n and_o the_o name_n of_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o in_o other_o point_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o lie_n and_o contradiction_n will_v impose_v upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o have_v neither_o sense_n nor_o reason_n in_o we_o so_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o corporal_a carnal_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v against_o sense_n against_o reason_n and_o against_o faith_n first_o it_o be_v against_o sense_n now_o of_o all_o demonstration_n among_o man_n whereby_o we_o prove_v thing_n of_o this_o kind_n nothing_o be_v more_o firm_a then_o that_o which_o be_v take_v from_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n in_o divinity_n that_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o sense_n sense_n be_v a_o complete_a judge_n understand_v it_o of_o object_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o sense_n otherwise_o we_o say_v the_o eye_n be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o sound_n nor_o the_o ear_n of_o colour_n thus_o christ_n when_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o real_a body_n he_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o their_o sense_n a_o spirit_n have_v not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o you_o see_v i_o have_v reach_v hither_o thy_o hand_n and_o thrust_v it_o into_o my_o side_n in_o turn_v water_n into_o wine_n sense_n may_v easy_o judge_v of_o the_o change_n you_o will_v think_v it_o a_o strange_a and_o incredible_a thing_n if_o christ_n shall_v have_v come_v to_o to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n require_v he_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v wine_n though_o he_o see_v and_o taste_v nothing_o but_o water_n or_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v say_v thus_o to_o moses_n well_o thou_o see_v nothing_o but_o a_o rod_n yet_o thou_o must_v believe_v notwithstanding_o that_o it_o be_v change_v and_o be_v real_o a_o serpent_n so_o in_o this_o case_n of_o the_o sacrament_n when_o all_o the_o sense_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v bread_n which_o we_o see_v and_o touch_v and_o taste_v why_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v so_o foolish_a and_o vain_a as_o to_o say_v with_o the_o papist_n that_o the_o bread_n cease_v to_o be_v true_o bread_n and_o be_v transubstantiate_v into_o the_o very_a body_n of_o christ_n again_o second_o as_o this_o doctrine_n be_v against_o sense_n so_o it_o be_v against_o reason_n namely_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o have_v but_o one_o body_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o have_v ten_o thousand_o body_n on_o earth_n that_o his_o body_n shall_v be_v a_o true_a body_n as_o we_o be_v and_o yet_o without_o circumscription_n and_o other_o inseparable_a property_n of_o a_o true_a body_n that_o the_o substance_n of_o bread_n shall_v be_v abolish_v so_o as_o it_o shall_v remain_v no_o long_o bread_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v the_o very_a quantity_n taste_n whiteness_n substance_n and_o nourish_a virtue_n of_o bread_n if_o you_o ask_v they_o after_o all_o this_o whether_o it_o do_v nourish_v the_o body_n or_o no_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o with_o impudence_n enough_o if_o they_o be_v true_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o it_o do_v not_o nourish_v quite_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o experience_n this_o monstruous_a opinion_n of_o they_o be_v so_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a that_o the_o most_o learned_a among_o they_o be_v puzzle_v and_o not_o satisfy_v therewith_o but_o leave_v it_o as_o a_o miracle_n i_o have_v take_v some_o pain_n say_v a_o learned_a judicious_a man_n in_o his_o late_a sermon_n against_o popery_n to_o consider_v other_o religion_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o must_v free_o declare_v that_o i_o never_o yet_o in_o any_o of_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o article_n or_o proposition_n impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o man_n half_o so_o unreasonable_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o this_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v three_o as_o it_o be_v against_o sense_n and_o reason_n so_o it_o be_v against_o faith_n which_o though_o it_o be_v beyond_o sense_n or_o reason_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a thereunto_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v god_n work_n as_o well_o as_o grace_n and_o faith_n now_o one_o work_n of_o god_n do_v not_o destroy_v another_o for_o if_o so_o this_o will_v argue_v imperfection_n in_o the_o workman_n faith_n feed_v on_o christ_n spiritual_o in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v now_o if_o christ_n be_v corporal_o present_a in_o the_o sacrament_n what_o need_v the_o receiver_n feed_v on_o he_o spiritual_o by_o faith_n as_o be_v absent_a what_o need_v he_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o till_o he_o come_v let_v we_o in_o this_o and_o other_o thing_n show_v ourselves_o man_n and_o not_o beast_n let_v we_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o of_o that_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v we_o that_o believe_v and_o act_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n whoever_o require_v the_o same_o of_o we_o these_o be_v our_o act_n if_o therefore_o we_o will_v show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v man_n endue_v with_o reason_n and_o understanding_n we_o must_v examine_v what_o be_v propound_v and_o offer_v to_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v assent_v or_o dissent_v upon_o judicious_a ground_n we_o be_v man_n and_o shall_v do_v thing_n as_o man_n we_o be_v christian_n and_o shall_v do_v thing_n as_o christian_n blind_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n shall_v be_v utter_o banish_v out_o of_o christian_a assembly_n nor_o shall_v we_o pin_v our_o faith_n upon_o any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n be_v they_o never_o so_o godly_a and_o learned_a for_o this_o be_v to_o wrong_v god_n and_o to_o set_v man_n in_o his_o throne_n and_o attribute_n that_o to_o man_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n alone_o hereby_o also_o we_o exceed_o prejudice_v and_o wrong_v our_o own_o soul_n and_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n when_o we_o adhere_v to_o a_o opinion_n or_o way_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o rational_o and_o know_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n what_o be_v this_o else_o but_o to_o comply_v with_o a_o way_n or_o party_n out_o of_o faction_n and_o partiality_n not_o out_o of_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n which_o therefore_o can_v have_v any_o true_a consistence_n or_o constancy_n in_o it_o they_o rather_o bring_v their_o foot_n then_o their_o heart_n into_o a_o way_n of_o religion_n that_o adhere_v to_o it_o without_o due_a trial_n and_o examination_n herein_o we_o shall_v use_v our_o own_o eye_n and_o judgement_n and_o not_o whole_o trust_v to_o other_o herein_o we_o shall_v diligent_o exercise_v our_o own_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v judicious_o and_o profitable_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v judge_v of_o the_o high_a gospel_n mystery_n according_a to_o natural_a corrupt_a reason_n but_o yet_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o god_n in_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o that_o so_o our_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n may_v not_o be_v fluctuate_a and_o uncertain_a but_o steady_a and_o stable_a it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o if_o every_o man_n may_v judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o his_o reason_n than_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o mind_n which_o will_v breed_v endless_a confusion_n every_o man_n pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o one_o man_n think_v his_o reason_n to_o be_v as_o good_a or_o better_a than_o another_o man_n and_o so_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o order_n no_o settlement_n in_o the_o church_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v much_o danger_n on_o this_o hand_n especial_o where_o people_n be_v run_v headlong_o into_o confusion_n and_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o government_n yet_o this_o shall_v not_o make_v man_n throw_v away_o their_o reason_n and_o believe_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n only_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a judgement_n a_o judgement_n in_o foro_fw-la externo_fw-la or_o publico_fw-la and_o a_o judgement_n in_o foro_fw-la interno_fw-la or_o privato_fw-la the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v a_o authoritative_a judgement_n belong_v to_o christian_a synod_n and_o counsel_n due_o and_o lawful_o assemble_v where_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n preside_v such_o counsel_n debate_v and_o determine_v matter_n in_o difference_n either_o as_o to_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n have_v be_v of_o excellent_a use_n from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v belong_v to_o every_o christian_a a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n or_o discern_a a_o rational_a self_n directive_n judgement_n in_o the_o
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 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or_o else_o no_o discreet_a man_n will_v believe_v you_o see_v many_o pretend_v to_o the_o true_a church_n that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o it_o if_o you_o urge_v a_o scripture_n for_o your_o opinion_n sober_a man_n will_v rational_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o your_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n or_o not_o and_z according_o will_v embrace_v or_o reject_v your_o opinion_n it_o concern_v every_o man_n as_o he_o tender_v the_o peace_n and_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n to_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o opinion_n and_o such_o variety_n of_o persuasion_n in_o the_o world_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o consider_v which_o persuasion_n have_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a ground_n for_o it_o that_o we_o may_v with_o peace_n and_o safety_n venture_v our_o soul_n upon_o it_o now_o this_o we_o can_v well_o do_v unless_o we_o make_v use_v of_o our_o reason_n in_o compare_v one_o thing_n 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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 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great_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o creature_n shall_v believe_v and_o rest_v in_o the_o divine_a infallible_a testimony_n and_o revelation_n of_o his_o creator_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o divinity_n mixt_o divine_a other_o thing_n be_v mere_o divine_a in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v mixt_o divine_a reason_n may_v be_v of_o use_n yet_o only_o in_o the_o second_o place_n primo_fw-la creduntur_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la intelliguntur_fw-la as_o a_o man_n first_o believe_v the_o soul_n immortality_n and_o then_o he_o begin_v to_o take_v up_o the_o same_o by_o reason_n here_o reason_n must_v not_o go_v before_o but_o follow_v faith_n for_o that_o which_o i_o believe_v i_o believe_v it_o ex_fw-la authoritate_fw-la dicentis_fw-la rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o he_o that_o say_v it_o and_o all_o the_o evidence_n i_o get_v by_o reason_n be_v nothing_o to_o this_o certitude_n if_o reason_n shall_v go_v before_o as_o a_o usher_n to_o make_v way_n to_o faith_n we_o shall_v never_o believe_v and_o hereupon_o the_o schoolman_n say_v well_o rationes_fw-la praecedentes_fw-la minuunt_fw-la fidem_fw-la sed_fw-la rationes_fw-la subsequentes_fw-la augent_fw-la fidem_fw-la reason_n go_v before_o faith_n weaken_v faith_n but_o come_v after_o it_o strengthen_v faith_n reason_n make_v not_o the_o matter_n more_o sure_a exit_fw-la parte_fw-la veritatis_fw-la dictantis_fw-la sed_fw-la ex_fw-la parte_fw-la inlectus_fw-la assentientis_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o speaker_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understanding_n for_o by_o this_o access_n of_o further_a knowledge_n it_o be_v more_o confirm_v but_o now_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_o and_o pure_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a quae_fw-la cadunt_fw-la directe_v sub_fw-la fide_fw-la which_o fall_v direct_o under_o faith_n as_o those_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n what_o can_v reason_n or_o philosophy_n do_v here_o but_o admire_v these_o depth_n which_o she_o can_v never_o reach_v unto_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o work_v effectual_o upon_o some_o learned_a infidel_n not_o by_o the_o eloquence_n and_o subtle_a reason_n of_o learned_a divine_n but_o by_o the_o plain_a downright_a discourse_n of_o christian_n of_o mean_a part_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o story_n be_v remarkable_a which_o we_o read_v of_o divers_a learned_a man_n have_v long_o endeavour_v by_o strength_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n to_o persuade_v a_o infidel_n to_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v learn_v also_o do_v evade_v all_o their_o argument_n at_o length_n a_o grave_a pious_a man_n among_o they_o of_o no_o repute_n for_o philosophical_a learning_n stand_v up_o and_o bespeak_v he_o with_o some_o downright_a affectionate_a expression_n which_o wrought_v so_o effectual_o upon_o he_o that_o he_o present_o submit_v to_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o word_n spiritui_fw-la word_n donec_fw-la audiebam_fw-la rationes_fw-la humanas_fw-la humanis_fw-la rationibus_fw-la repugnabam_fw-la caeterum_fw-la simul_fw-la atque_fw-la audivi_fw-la spiritum_fw-la loquentem_fw-la cessi_fw-la spiritui_fw-la whilst_o i_o hear_v only_o humane_a reason_n i_o oppose_v the_o same_o with_o humane_a reason_n but_o when_o i_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v powerful_o i_o present_o yield_v to_o that_o powerful_a voice_n it_o be_v also_o report_v of_o learned_a junius_n that_o before_o his_o conversion_n whilst_o as_o yet_o he_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o atheist_n meet_v a_o plain_a countryman_n and_o discourse_v with_o he_o about_o religion_n he_o observe_v he_o to_o speak_v so_o experimental_o and_o with_o so_o much_o affection_n as_o make_v he_o conclude_v that_o certain_o there_o be_v something_o more_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o his_o humane_a learning_n and_o reason_n have_v yet_o discover_v and_o this_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o his_o conversion_n iv_o consider_v that_o the_o same_o object_n may_v be_v and_o be_v know_v both_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o also_o by_o the_o light_n
the_o galatian_n have_v many_o notable_a say_n touch_v faith_n and_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n of_o believe_v the_o gospel_n say_v he_o we_o must_v silence_v reason_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o faith_n which_o also_o in_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n lean_v not_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n for_o thereof_o it_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a but_o to_o her_o own_o righteousness_n now_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n join_v together_o faith_n lose_v her_o virginity_n for_o nothing_o fight_v more_o strong_o against_o faith_n then_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n the_o gospel_n lead_v we_o beyond_o and_o above_o the_o light_n of_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n into_o the_o deep_a secret_n of_o faith_n where_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v again_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v reason_n reason_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v be_v impossible_a foolish_a weak_a absurd_a thing_n what_o more_o absurd_a foolish_a and_o impossible_a then_o that_o abraham_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n in_o his_o old_a age_n of_o the_o barren_a and_o dead_a body_n of_o sarah_n but_o now_o faith_n kill_v reason_n and_o slay_v that_o beast_n which_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o creature_n can_v kill_v thus_o abraham_n kill_v it_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o promise_v he_o a_o son_n to_o this_o word_n reason_n yield_v not_o straightway_o but_o fight_v against_o faith_n in_o he_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o absurd_a impossible_a thing_n but_o faith_n wrestle_v with_o reason_n and_o at_o length_n get_v the_o victory_n abraham_n kill_v and_o sacrifice_v reason_n that_o most_o pestilent_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o so_o must_v all_o the_o godly_a do_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n that_o be_v quite_o cross_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o subdue_v and_o captivate_v our_o reason_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5._o be_v mighty_a through_o god_n for_o the_o pull_n down_o of_o strong_a hold_n cast_v down_o reason_v and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n those_o strong_a hold_n that_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o gospel_n be_v especial_o two_o namely_o the_o greatness_n and_o power_n of_o worldly_a prince_n and_o ruler_n and_o also_o the_o reason_n and_o argumentation_n of_o the_o learned_a orator_n and_o philosopher_n both_o these_o must_v be_v subdue_v and_o captivate_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n man_n must_v be_v lead_v away_o like_o captive_n say_v judicious_a calvin_n on_o the_o text_n from_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o will_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d reason_v be_v very_o emphatical_a quo_fw-la vocabulo_fw-la 5._o vocabulo_fw-la estius_n in_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5._o significantur_fw-la non_fw-la qualescunque_fw-la cogitationes_fw-la sed_fw-la quae_fw-la fiunt_fw-la ratiocinando_fw-la &_o disceptando_fw-la dum_fw-la adhibito_fw-la judicio_fw-la rationis_fw-la animus_n examinat_fw-la aliquid_fw-la &_o de_fw-la eo_fw-la pronuntiat_fw-la sit_fw-la ne_fw-la verum_fw-la a_o falsum_fw-la bonum_fw-la a_o malum_fw-la here_o we_o may_v see_v plain_o that_o our_o reason_n must_v be_v conquer_v and_o captivate_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a faith_n indeed_o reason_n and_o faith_n may_v well_o walk_v together_o provide_v that_o reason_n give_v faith_n the_o upperhand_n we_o must_v not_o say_v they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o noble_a writer_n who_o make_v great_a use_n of_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n religio_fw-la religion_n morney_n de_fw-fr 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