that_o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n and_o the_o scripture_n testify_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n act_n 4.32_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o church_n be_v also_o twofold_a in_o time_n and_o in_o place_n this_o late_a be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n moses_n relate_v god_n promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n of_o a_o ample_a posterity_n and_o that_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o seed_n gen._n 22.18_o gal._n 3.8_o by_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n declare_v that_o god_n the_o father_n will_v give_v unto_o his_o son_n the_o heathen_a for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o his_o possession_n psal_n 2.8_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v dominion_n from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o river_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n psal_n 72.8_o and_o by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n affirm_v that_o all_o nation_n shall_v flow_v to_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n isa_n 2._o v._n 2._o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o these_o prophecy_n our_o bless_a saviour_n declare_v luke_n 24._o v._o 44._o that_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n aend_v in_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n concern_v he_o and_o v._o 47._o that_o repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o his_o name_n among_o all_o vation_n begin_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o the_o performance_n hereof_o he_o give_v a_o commission_n unto_o his_o apostle_n to_o teach_v all_o nation_n matth._n 28.19_o and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n mar._n 19_o v._n 15._o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v universal_a for_o time_n and_o continue_v perpetual_o unto_o the_o world_n end_n it_o be_v plain_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n who_o speak_v of_o our_o b._n saviour_n say_v that_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o government_n and_o peace_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n upon_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n and_o upon_o his_o kingdom_n shall_v he_o sit_v to_o order_v it_o and_o to_o establish_v it_o with_o judgement_n and_o with_o justice_n from_o henceforth_o even_o for_o ever_o and_o that_o no_o doubt_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o performance_n hereof_o the_o prophet_n add_v the_o zeal_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n will_v perform_v this_o and_o by_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n affirm_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o king_n shall_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n set_v up_o a_o kingdom_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o other_o people_n but_o it_o shall_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o consume_v all_o those_o kingdom_n and_o it_o shall_v stand_v for_o ever_o dan._n 2.44_o all_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n say_v the_o lord_n shall_v give_v unto_o christ_n the_o throne_n of_o his_o father_n david_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v over_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n luke_n 1._o ver_fw-la 32_o 33._o for_o the_o perpetual_a settlement_n and_o establish_n of_o this_o church_n christ_n say_v unto_o s._n peter_n upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o matth._n 16.18_o touch_v the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n god_n by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n say_v i_o will_v set_v my_o sanctuary_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o for_o evermore_o and_o the_o heathen_a shall_v know_v that_o i_o the_o lord_n do_v sanctify_v israel_n when_o my_o sanctuary_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o for_o evermore_o ezek_n 37._o v._n 26_o 28._o and_o by_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n mal._n 1.11_o from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o my_o name_n and_o a_o peace-offering_a unto_o this_o sanctity_n our_o bless_a saviour_n exhort_v we_o say_v let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 5.16_o and_o mark_v 7._o v._o 13_o 14._o enter_v you_o in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o and_o teach_v how_o to_o distinguish_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a he_o say_v v._o 20._o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o as_o for_o apostolical_a succession_n s._n paul_n say_v ephes_n 4._o v._n 11_o 12_o 13._o that_o christ_n give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v into_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v as_o doctor_n fulk_n against_o the_o rhem._n test_n in_o ephes_n 4._o sect_n 4._o fol._n 335._o and_o mr._n calvin_n in_o his_o instit_fw-la cap._n 8._o de_fw-la fide_fw-la sect_n 37_o 38._o pag._n 233._o 234._o do_v expound_v for_o ever_o as_o for_o the_o second_o point_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n can_v err_v or_o no_o s_n augustine_n say_v that_o neither_o the_o violence_n of_o heathen_n nor_o the_o subtlety_n of_o heretic_n can_v overthrow_v it_o which_o agree_v with_o our_o savionr_n promise_v matth._n 16.18_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o to_o preserve_v she_o from_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n christ_n promise_v to_o be_v always_o with_o she_o even_o to_o the_o world_n end_n matth._n 28.20_o and_o god_n make_v this_o covenant_n with_o she_o isa_n 59.21_o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n seed_n say_v the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o by_o which_o word_n say_v mr._n calvin_n in_o comment_n huius_fw-la loci_fw-la god_n promise_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o be_v deprive_v of_o this_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o be_v suport_v by_o heavenly_a doctrine_n and_o to_o this_o effect_n he_o send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o teach_v the_o church_n all_o truth_n and_o to_o remain_v with_o she_o for_o ever_o joh._n 16.13_o joh._n 14.16_o thus_o thou_o see_v how_o s._n augustine_n instruction_n for_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n be_v ground_v in_o scripture_n but_o more_o express_o in_o s._n paul_n doctrine_n who_o tell_v we_o rom._n 10.17_o that_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o we_o ask_v he_o how_o man_n may_v come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o answer_v v._o 14_o 15._o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v so_o that_o faith_n be_v breed_v in_o man_n by_o hear_v and_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v know_v unto_o they_o by_o preacher_n lawful_o send_v which_o preacher_n as_o he_o say_v to_o the_o ephesian_n ephes_n 4._o v._n 11_o 12_o 13._o be_v always_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v place_v there_o ver_fw-la 14._o that_o from_o henceforth_o we_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleigh_v of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v which_o be_v a_o office_n that_o can_v be_v perform_v by_o man_n that_o be_v frail_a and_o subject_a to_o error_n unless_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o divine_a assistance_n do_v preserve_v they_o from_o err_v doctor_n field_n have_v consider_v the_o facility_n and_o solidity_n of_o this_o method_n do_v advise_v all_o those_o to_o practice_v it_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o these_o term_n epist_n dedic_fw-la of_o the_o church_n see_v the_o controversy_n in_o our_o time_n be_v grow_v in_o number_n so_o many_o and_o in_o nature_n so_o intricate_a that_o few_o have_v time_n and_o leisure_n few_o strength_n of_o understanding_n to_o examine_v they_o what_o remain_v for_o man_n desirous_a
ecclesiastical_a decree_n do_v restrain_v we_o but_o the_o authority_n also_o of_o the_o apostle_n censure_n deter_v for_o all_o man_n know_v how_o grave_o how_o severe_o how_o serious_o the_o bless_a apostle_n s._n paul_n inveigh_v against_o certain_a which_o with_o great_a levity_n gal._n 1._o be_v so_o soon_o transfer_v from_o he_o that_o call_v they_o into_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n which_o be_v not_o another_o 2_o tim._n 4._o that_o have_v heap_v up_o to_o they_o solve_v master_n according_a to_o their_o own_o desire_n avert_v their_o ear_n from_o truth_n be_v convert_v to_o fable_n have_v damnation_n because_o they_o have_v make_v void_a their_o first_o faith_n 1_o tim._n 5._o who_o those_o man_n have_v deceive_v of_o who_o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n thus_o write_v i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n to_o mark_v they_o that_o make_v dissension_n and_o scandal_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learned_a and_o avoid_v they_o for_o such_o do_v not_o serve_v christ_n our_o lord_n but_o their_o own_o bolly_n and_o by_o sweet_a speech_n and_o benediction_n seduce_v the_o heart_n of_o innocent_n rom._n 16._o that_o enter_v into_o house_n and_o lead_v captive_a silly_a woman_n load_v with_o sin_n which_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o divers_a desire_n always_o learning_n and_o never_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n 2_o tim._n 3._o vain_a speaker_n and_o seducer_n who_o subvert_v whole_a house_n teach_v the_o thing_n they_o ought_v not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n tit._n 1._o man_n corrupt_v in_o their_o mind_n reprobate_n concern_v the_o faith_n 2_o tim._n 3._o proud_a and_o know_v nothing_o but_o languish_v about_o question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n that_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o truth_n that_o esteem_v gain_v to_o be_v piety_n 1_o tim_n 6._o 1_o tim._n 5._o and_o with_o all_o idle_a they_o learn_v to_o go_v from_o house_n to_o house_n not_o only_o idle_a but_o also_o full_a of_o word_n and_o curious_a speak_v thing_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o 1_o tim._n 1._o which_o repel_v a_o good_a conscience_n have_v make_v shâ—pwrak_fw-mi about_o the_o faith_n who_o profane_a speech_n do_v much_o grow_v to_o impiety_n and_o their_o speech_n spread_v as_o a_o cancre_n but_o that_o be_v also_o worth_a the_o note_n which_o be_v write_v of_o they_o but_o they_o shall_v prosper_v no_o further_o for_o their_o folly_n shall_v be_v manifest_a to_o all_o as_o they_o also_o be_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 2_o tim._n 3_o when_o therefore_o such_o kind_n of_o man_n wander_v up_o and_o down_o through_o province_n and_o city_n to_o set_v their_o error_n to_o sale_n come_v also_o unto_o the_o galathian_o who_o after_o they_o have_v hear_v they_o and_o be_v delight_v with_o the_o filthy_a drug_n of_o heretical_a novelty_n cast_v up_o again_o the_o heavenly_a manna_n of_o the_o apostolic_a and_o catholic_n doctrine_n the_o apolstle_n use_v his_o authority_n decree_a very_o severe_o in_o this_o sort_n but_o although_o quoth_v he_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n evangelise_v unto_o you_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o have_v evangelize_v be_v he_o anathema_n gal._n 1._o what_o mean_v this_o that_o he_o say_v but_o although_o we_o why_o do_v he_o not_o rather_o say_v but_o although_o i_o that_o be_v to_o say_v although_o peter_n although_o andrew_n although_o john_n yea_o final_o although_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o apostle_n evangelise_v unto_o you_o otherwise_o then_o we_o have_v evangelize_v be_v he_o accurse_v a_o terrible_a censure_n for_o maintain_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o first_o faith_n not_o to_o have_v spare_v himself_o nor_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n but_o this_o be_v a_o small_a matter_n although_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n quoth_v he_o evangelize_n unto_o you_o beside_o that_o which_o i_o have_v evangelize_v be_v he_o anathema_n he_o be_v not_o content_v for_o keep_v the_o faith_n once_o plant_v to_o make_v mention_n of_o man_n weak_a nature_n unless_o also_o he_o include_v those_o excellent_a creature_n the_o angel_n although_o we_o quoth_v he_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n not_o because_o the_o holy_a angel_n of_o heaven_n can_v now_o sin_v but_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o he_o say_v although_o quoth_v he_o that_o may_v be_v which_o can_v be_v whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o go_v about_o to_o change_v the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o plant_v be_v he_o accurse_v but_o peradventure_o he_o utter_v those_o word_n slight_o and_o cast_v they_o forth_o rather_o of_o humane_a affection_n then_o decree_v they_o by_o any_o reason_n ground_v in_o god_n word_n god_n forbid_v for_o it_o follow_v and_o that_o very_o earnest_o urge_v very_o often_o repeat_v as_o i_o have_v foretell_v you_o quoth_v he_o and_o now_o again_o i_o tell_v you_o if_o any_o body_n evangelise_v unto_o you_o beside_o that_o which_o you_o have_v receive_v be_v he_o anathema_n he_o say_v not_o if_o any_o man_n preach_v unto_o you_o beside_o that_o which_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v bless_v let_v he_o be_v commend_v let_v he_o be_v receive_v but_o anathema_n that_o be_v separated_z thrust_v out_o excommunicate_v lest_o the_o cruel_a infection_n of_o one_o sheep_n with_o his_o poison_a company_n corrupt_v the_o sound_a flock_n of_o christ_n but_o peradventure_o this_o be_v give_v in_o commandment_n only_o to_o the_o galathian_o then_o likewise_o be_v these_o precept_n follow_v command_v only_o to_o the_o galathian_o to_o wit_n if_o we_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o spirit_n also_o let_v we_o walk_v let_v we_o not_o be_v make_v desirous_a of_o vain_a glory_n provoke_v one_o a_o other_o envy_v one_o another_o gal._n 5._o &_o such_o like_o which_o if_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v and_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v indifferent_o command_v to_o all_o then_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o as_o these_o precept_n touch_v manner_n include_v all_o so_o likewise_o those_o concern_v faith_n and_o doctrine_n except_o none_o and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o envy_v one_o another_o even_o so_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o to_o admit_v or_o to_o receive_v any_o other_o faith_n or_o religion_n then_o that_o which_o the_o catholic_n church_n every_v where_o teach_v or_o happy_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o mad_a to_o say_v that_o then_o it_o be_v command_v to_o curse_v and_o anathematise_v he_o that_o preach_v any_o otherwise_o then_o before_o have_v be_v preach_v and_o that_o now_o it_o be_v not_o command_v then_o be_v that_o likewise_o which_o be_v there_o say_v but_o i_o say_v walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n then_o only_o command_v but_o now_o be_v not_o which_o if_o it_o be_v impious_a &_o dangerous_a so_o to_o believe_v then_o of_o necessity_n it_o follow_v that_o as_o these_o precept_n of_o life_n &_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v of_o all_o age_n so_o likewise_o those_o set_v down_o against_o innovate_a of_o religion_n and_o change_v of_o faith_n be_v command_v to_o all_o posterity_n wherefore_o to_o preach_v unto_o christian_a catholic_n man_n beside_o that_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v never_o be_v lawful_a no_o where_n be_v lawful_a nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v lawful_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o say_v anathema_n and_o curse_v those_o which_o teach_v otherwise_o then_o once_o have_v be_v receive_v be_v at_o all_o time_n needful_a be_v every_o where_o convenient_a &_o ever_o shall_v be_v requisite_a which_o be_v so_o be_v there_o any_o man_n either_o so_o bold_a that_o dare_v teach_v that_o which_o in_o the_o church_n have_v not_o be_v teach_v or_o of_o such_o levity_n that_o will_v receive_v aught_o beside_o that_o which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n let_v that_o vessel_n of_o election_n that_o master_n of_o the_o gentile_n that_o trump_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o preacher_n of_o the_o world_n he_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o heavenly_a affair_n cry_v out_o and_o again_o cry_v out_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o all_o man_n to_o all_o time_n to_o all_o place_n that_o whosoever_o preach_v a_o new_a doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v accurse_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a part_n let_v certain_a frog_n corruptible_a gnat_n and_o fly_n such_o as_o the_o pelagian_o be_v reclaim_v and_o that_o to_o catholic_n we_o be_v your_o author_n quoth_v they_o we_o be_v your_o leader_n we_o be_v your_o interpreter_n condemn_v that_o which_o before_o you_o do_v hold_v hold_v that_o which_o before_o you_o condemn_v cast_v away_o your_o old_a faith_n your_o forefather_n law_n your_o elder_n constitution_n and_o receive_v what_o a_o god_n name_n i_o tremble_v to_o speak_v for_o they_o be_v so_o proud_a and_o presumptuous_a that_o as_o they_o can_v be_v
five_o treatise_n viz._n the_o golden_a treatise_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o learned_a father_n vincentius_n lirinensis_n the_o verity_n of_o christian_a faith_n the_o felicity_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n write_a by_o hierome_n savonarola_n the_o profit_n of_o believe_v by_o saint_n augustine_n s._n avgvstin_n book_n de_fw-fr cura_fw-la pro_fw-la mortuis_fw-la *_o âŽ_o *_o print_v anno_fw-la dom._n mdcli_o the_o golden_a treatise_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o learned_a father_n vincentius_n lirinensis_n write_a about_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n since_o for_o the_o antiquity_n and_o universality_n of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n against_o the_o profane_a novelty_n of_o all_o heresy_n translate_v into_o english_a by_o a._n p._n very_o profitable_a for_o all_o such_o as_o desire_v in_o these_o dangerous_a time_n to_o embrace_v the_o true_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o remain_v free_a from_o all_o infection_n of_o false_a doctrine_n as_o in_o the_o preface_n more_o at_o large_a be_v declare_v *_o âŽ_o *_o print_a anno_fw-la dom._n 1651._o to_o the_o christian_a reader_n zealous_a of_o truth_n and_o desirous_a of_o salvation_n a._n p._n wish_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o fruition_n of_o the_o other_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v i_o present_v thou_o here_o gentle_a reader_n the_o ancient_a father_n vincentius_n lirinensis_n native_a indeed_o of_o france_n but_o clothe_v in_o a_o english_a habit_n a_o book_n though_o little_a yet_o learned_a &_o no_o less_o profitable_a than_o pleasant_a of_o small_a volume_n if_o thou_o respect_v the_o quantity_n but_o of_o rare_a price_n if_o thou_o consider_v the_o quality_n the_o discourse_n be_v not_o of_o gather_v and_o scrape_v together_o the_o pelf_n of_o this_o world_n which_o choke_v the_o heavenly_a seed_n of_o god_n word_n and_o put_v man_n in_o a_o dangerous_a state_n if_o we_o credit_v he_o who_o be_v rich_a for_o our_o sake_n become_v poor_a mat_n 13.22_o and_o 19.24_o it_o dispute_v not_o of_o attire_n nor_o of_o the_o art_n of_o pamper_v this_o corruptible_a carcase_n which_o bring_v that_o gay_a belly-god_n of_o who_o we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n luc._n 16._o to_o the_o furious_a flame_n and_o endless_a torment_n of_o hell_n fire_n it_o prosecute_v not_o wicked_a and_o wanton_a discourse_n which_o corrupt_v good_a manner_n be_v in_o very_a deed_n the_o bellows_n to_o kindle_v the_o coal_n of_o carnality_n the_o nurse_n of_o unchaste_a thought_n and_o the_o very_a bait_n with_o which_o the_o devil_n do_v daily_a angle_n and_o catch_v the_o unfortunate_a soul_n of_o man_n but_o it_o handle_v that_o which_o redound_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o soul_n create_v to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n how_o we_o may_v so_o govern_v this_o frail_a vessel_n of_o we_o in_o the_o tempestuous_a sea_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n that_o at_o last_o we_o may_v safe_o arrive_v at_o the_o port_n and_o barber_n of_o celestial_a happiness_n for_o if_o the_o first_o step_n to_o heaven_n be_v to_o believe_v aright_o and_o the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o salvation_n be_v faith_n as_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o god_n or_o truth_n at_o all_o then_o can_v this_o golden_a treatise_n but_o be_v acceptable_a to_o all_o such_o as_o love_n jesus_n christ_n and_o tender_a the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o heavenly_a pillar_n of_o fire_n that_o may_v guide_v we_o through_o the_o desert_n of_o this_o world_n unto_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n exod._n 13._o and_o that_o glitter_a star_n to_o lead_v we_o unto_o the_o new_a bear_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n mat._n 2._o but_o to_o the_o end_n that_o thou_o may_v more_o plain_o and_o particular_o view_v the_o excellency_n and_o great_a necessity_n of_o this_o rare_a book_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o moses_n from_o the_o top_n of_o mount_n nebo_n contemplate_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n deut._n 34._o i_o will_v brief_o set_v down_o such_o motive_n as_o invite_v i_o to_o the_o labour_n of_o translate_n it_o for_o the_o self_n same_o as_o i_o very_o think_v can_v but_o in_o flame_n thou_o to_o the_o diligent_a read_n of_o it_o also_o three_o principal_a reason_n then_o especial_o move_v i_o the_o first_o be_v because_o it_o be_v very_o ancient_a be_v write_v above_o eleven_o hundred_o year_n past_a for_o it_o be_v compose_v three_o year_n after_o the_o general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n as_o appeareth_z in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o book_n and_o as_o the_o author_n himself_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n so_o be_v his_o doctrine_n more_o ancient_a be_v the_o self_n same_o which_o flourish_v in_o his_o time_n and_o come_v from_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n which_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v never_o of_o any_o good_a man_n doubt_v of_o so_o it_o be_v also_o most_o apparent_a first_o by_o sound_a reason_n ground_v in_o god_n word_n because_o when_o any_o man_n write_v aught_o concern_v faith_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o same_o be_v not_o control_v of_o any_o of_o that_o time_n it_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v consonant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n then_o general_o teach_v and_o receive_v otherwise_o those_o prestour_n and_o doctor_n which_o god_n as_o s._n paul_n say_v have_v give_v that_o we_o he_o not_o little_a one_o waver_v and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o blast_n of_o doctrine_n ephes_n 4._o can_v never_o have_v hold_v their_o peace_n but_o will_v as_o the_o prophet_n admonish_v have_v cry_v out_o exalt_v their_o voice_n like_o a_o trumpet_n esa_n 58._o as_o we_o find_v in_o like_a case_n the_o licentious_a nicholaiâ—s_n note_v by_o s._n joâ—â—_n for_o their_o false_a doctrine_n apoc._n 2._o himoneus_n and_o philetus_n reprove_v by_o s._n paul_n for_o a_o error_n about_o the_o resurrection_n 2._o tim._n 2._o second_o because_o the_o author_n himself_o do_v not_o only_o confess_v the_o same_o in_o sert_v down_o the_o answer_n of_o many_o excellent_a holy_a and_o learned_a man_n which_o live_v in_o his_o day_n not_o only_o because_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o he_o have_v here_o write_v he_o receive_v it_o from_o his_o ancestor_n and_o forefather_n both_o which_o he_o do_v be_v the_o very_a first_o entrance_n and_o general_o throughout_o the_o whole_a book_n but_o especial_o for_o that_o towards_o the_o late_a end_n he_o so_o high_o commend_v the_o general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n that_o be_v the_o parliament_n of_o the_o world_n which_o sure_o he_o never_o will_v have_v do_v have_v he_o not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o opinion_n concern_v faith_n and_o religion_n and_o what_o their_o opinion_n be_v himself_o record_v for_o he_o say_v that_o those_o father_n inspire_v by_o god_n decree_v that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o that_o which_o the_o sacred_a antiquity_n of_o out_o forefather_n agree_v together_o be_v christ_n have_v hold_v and_o believe_v which_o sure_o be_v a_o notable_a argument_n that_o what_o faith_n be_v by_o christ_n plant_v and_o his_o disciple_n preach_v be_v by_o they_o careful_o keep_v and_o maintain_v which_o thing_n be_v especial_o of_o we_o englishman_n to_o be_v note_v because_o the_o first_o four_o general_n counsel_n among_o which_o this_o of_o ephesus_n be_v one_o and_o the_o three_o in_o order_n be_v worthy_o allow_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1._o eliz._n wherefore_o move_v with_o such_o reason_n we_o may_v without_o all_o scruple_n or_o doubt_n not_o only_o read_v this_o book_n but_o also_o embrace_v and_o entertain_v it_o as_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o that_o time_n as_o the_o religion_n practise_v and_o reverence_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o the_o faith_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o ephesine_n council_n &_o so_o consequent_o as_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n now_o then_o see_v we_o live_v in_o those_o day_n in_o which_o so_o many_o new_a sect_n and_o doctrine_n such_o strange_a and_o monstrous_a opinion_n such_o superstitious_a and_o new-fangled_a devise_n fly_v up_o &_o down_o the_o world_n &_o see_v we_o be_v fall_v into_o the_o late_a time_n in_o which_o man_n shall_v heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o master_v according_a to_o their_o own_o desire_n and_o shall_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o avert_v their_o ear_n from_o truth_n and_o be_v convert_v to_o fable_n 2_o tim._n 4._o in_o which_o they_o shall_v love_v pleasure_n more_o than_o god_n have_v a_o show_n of_o godliness_n but_o yet_o deny_v the_o virtue_n thereof_o 2_o tim._n 3._o in_o which_o many_o scoffer_n shall_v come_v walk_v according_a to_o their_o own_o desire_n whodevide_v themselves_o sensual_a not_o have_v the_o spirit_n in_o which_o many_o false_a christ_n &_o many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v &_o seduct_v many_o
maintain_v without_o sin_n so_o neither_o impugn_a without_o some_o blot_n of_o offence_n chap._n v._n but_o some_o man_n will_v say_v why_o then_o do_v god_n very_o often_o permit_v certain_a notable_a and_o excellent_a man_n in_o the_o church_n to_o preach_v unto_o catholic_n a_o new_a religion_n a_o very_a good_a question_n and_o such_o as_o deserve_v a_o more_o diligent_a and_o ample_a discourse_n unto_o which_o notwithstanding_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v out_o of_o my_o own_o head_n but_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o notable_a master_n in_o god_n church_n let_v we_o then_o hear_v holy_a moses_n let_v he_o give_v we_o the_o reason_n why_o learned_a man_n and_o such_o as_o for_o their_o great_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n be_v call_v of_o the_o apostle_n prophet_n be_v sometime_o permit_v to_o preach_v new_a doctrine_n which_o the_o old_a testament_n allegorical_o call_v strange_a god_n because_o their_o opinion_n be_v so_o observe_v and_o honour_v of_o heretic_n as_o the_o god_n be_v of_o the_o gentile_n thus_o then_o write_v bless_v moses_n in_o deuteron_n 13._o if_o there_o shall_v arise_v quoth_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o a_o prophet_n or_o one_o which_o say_v he_o have_v see_v a_o dream_n that_o be_v some_o master_n of_o the_o church_n who_o disciple_n or_o follower_n suppose_v to_o teach_v by_o some_o revelation_n from_o god_n what_o then_o and_o shall_v foretell_v quoth_v he_o some_o sign_n or_o miracle_n and_o that_o shall_v happen_v which_o he_o have_v say_v some_o great_a master_n be_v here_o sure_o mean_v and_o one_o of_o so_o deep_a knowledge_n who_o his_o follower_n imagine_v not_o only_o to_o know_v thing_n humane_a but_o also_o to_o foresee_v future_a and_o such_o as_o shall_v happen_v which_o be_v far_o above_o man_n reach_n as_o the_o scholar_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o valentinus_n donatus_n photinus_n apollinaris_n and_o such_o like_a do_v brag_v that_o their_o master_n be_v what_o follow_v and_o shall_v quoth_v he_o say_v unto_o thou_o let_v we_o go_v and_o follow_v strange_a god_n which_o thou_o know_v not_o and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o strange_a god_n but_o foreign_a error_n which_o thou_o know_v not_o that_o be_v new_a and_o never_o hear_v of_o before_o and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o that_o be_v believe_v they_o follow_v they_o what_o then_o thou_o shall_v not_o quoth_v he_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o dreamer_n and_o why_o i_o pray_v you_o be_v not_o that_o forbid_a by_o god_n to_o be_v teach_v which_o be_v by_o god_n forbid_v to_o be_v hear_v because_o quoth_v he_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n do_v tempt_v you_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v whether_o you_o love_v he_o or_o no_o in_o your_o whole_a heart_n and_o in_o your_o whole_a soul_n the_o reason_n than_o be_v more_o clear_a than_o day_n why_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v sometime_o suffer_v certain_a teacher_n and_o master_n of_o the_o church_n to_o preach_v certain_a new_a opinion_n that_o your_o lord_n god_n quoth_v he_o may_v tempt_v you_o and_o sure_o a_o great_a tentation_n it_o be_v when_o as_o he_o who_o you_o think_v a_o prophet_n a_o diseiple_a of_o the_o prophet_n who_o you_o esteem_v a_o doctor_n and_o maintainer_n of_o the_o truth_n who_o you_o have_v high_o reverence_v and_o most_o entire_o love_v when_o he_o sudden_o and_o privy_o bring_v in_o pernicious_a error_n which_o neither_o you_o can_v quick_o spy_v lead_v away_o with_o prejudice_n of_o your_o old_a teacher_n nor_o easy_o condemn_v hinder_v with_o love_n to_o your_o old_a master_n chap._n vi_o here_o some_o man_n haply_o do_v earnest_o desire_v to_o see_v that_o prove_v by_o some_o ecclesiastical_a example_n which_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n have_v already_o be_v avouch_v the_o demand_n be_v reasonable_a and_o therefore_o of_o reason_n not_o long_o to_o be_v defer_v wherefore_o to_o begin_v with_o those_o which_o be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o memory_n and_o to_o the_o world_n best_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o tentation_n think_v you_o be_v that_o of_o late_a day_n when_o that_o ungracious_a and_o curse_a nestorius_n sudden_o from_o a_o sheep_n transform_v into_o a_o wolf_n begin_v to_o devour_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n at_o such_o time_n as_o those_o which_o be_v spoil_v common_o take_v he_o for_o a_o sheep_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o subject_n to_o his_o cruelty_n for_o who_o will_v have_v easy_o imagine_v he_o to_o have_v err_v who_o every_o man_n know_v to_o have_v be_v choose_v with_o such_o judgement_n of_o the_o empire_n who_o be_v so_o high_o in_o grace_n with_o the_o clergy_n so_o much_o belove_v of_o all_o holy_a man_n so_o great_o in_o favour_n with_o the_o people_n who_o open_o expound_v the_o scripture_n and_o also_o confute_v the_o pestiferous_a error_n of_o the_o jew_n why_o can_v not_o this_o man_n by_o such_o mean_n easy_o persuade_v any_o that_o he_o teach_v aright_o preach_v aright_o believe_v aright_o who_o to_o smooth_a the_o way_n and_o make_v entrance_n for_o his_o own_o heresy_n persecute_v and_o preach_v against_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o all_o other_o but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o moses_n say_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n do_v tempt_v you_o if_o you_o love_v he_o or_o no._n and_o to_o pass_v over_o nestorius_n in_o who_o be_v always_o more_o admiration_n than_o profit_n more_o fame_n than_o experience_n who_o for_o some_o time_n humane_a favour_n have_v make_v great_a than_o god_n grace_v exalt_v let_v we_o rather_o speak_v of_o they_o which_o endow_v with_o many_o gift_n and_o man_n of_o great_a industry_n have_v be_v no_o small_a tentation_n to_o catholic_n as_o among_o the_o pannonian_n in_o our_o father_n memory_n photinus_n be_v record_v to_o have_v tempt_v the_o church_n of_o sirminum_n in_o which_o be_v prefer_v with_o the_o like_n of_o all_o man_n unto_o the_o dignity_n of_o priesthood_n for_o sometime_o he_o behave_v himself_o very_o catholick_o but_o sudden_o like_o that_o naughty_a prophet_n or_o dreamer_n of_o who_o moses_n speak_v he_o begin_v to_o persuade_v the_o people_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n to_o follow_v other_o god_n that_o be_v strange_a and_o unknown_a error_n which_o before_o they_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o but_o as_o this_o be_v usual_a so_o that_o be_v very_o pernicious_a that_o he_o have_v so_o great_a help_n and_o furtherance_n for_o the_o advance_n of_o so_o great_a wickedness_n for_o he_o be_v both_o of_o a_o excellent_a wit_n and_o singular_o well_o learned_a and_o pass_v eloquent_a as_o he_o which_o both_o in_o disputation_n and_o writing_n be_v copious_a and_o grave_a in_o either_o language_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o book_n which_o he_o write_v partly_o in_o greek_a and_o partly_o in_o the_o latin_a tongue_n but_o it_o happen_v well_o that_o christ_n sheep_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n very_o vigilant_a and_o careful_a in_o keep_v the_o catholic_n faith_n do_v speedy_o remember_v moses_n warning_n and_o therefore_o albeit_o they_o admire_v much_o the_o eloquence_n of_o their_o prophet_n and_o pastor_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o temptation_n and_o therefore_o who_o before_o they_o follow_v as_o the_o chief_a leader_n of_o the_o flock_n the_o same_o very_a man_n afterward_o they_o avoid_v as_o a_o raven_a wolf_n neither_o do_v we_o learn_v only_o by_o photinus_n but_o also_o by_o the_o example_n of_o apollinaris_n the_o danger_n of_o this_o ecclesiastical_a tentation_n and_o thereby_o also_o be_v admonish_v diligent_o to_o keep_v and_o retain_v our_o faith_n and_o religion_n for_o this_o apollinaris_n procure_v his_o auditor_n great_a trouble_n &_o anguish_n of_o mind_n while_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n draw_v they_o one_o way_n and_o the_o acquaintance_n of_o their_o master_n hale_v they_o another_o so_o that_o waver_a and_o totter_v betwixt_o both_o they_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o part_n be_v best_a to_o be_v follow_v but_o haply_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o easy_o deserve_v to_o be_v contemn_v nay_o he_o be_v so_o famous_a and_o worthy_a a_o man_n that_o in_o very_a many_o thing_n he_o win_v credit_n to_o fast_o for_o who_o surpass_v he_o in_o sharpness_n of_o wit_n in_o exercise_n in_o learning_n how_o many_o heresy_n in_o many_o and_o great_a book_n have_v he_o overthrow_v how_o many_o error_n against_o the_o faith_n have_v he_o confute_v that_o most_o notable_a and_o great_a work_n of_o thirty_o book_n in_o which_o with_o great_a weight_n of_o reason_n he_o confound_v the_o frantic_a cavil_v of_o porphirius_fw-la do_v give_v credit_n to_o my_o report_n and_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o relation_n it_o be_v too_o long_o to_o rehearse_v up_o all_o his_o work_n for_o which_o he_o may_v have_v be_v compare_v to_o the_o chief_a pillour_n of_o god_n church_n
he_o be_v with_o all_o man_n in_o what_o glory_n in_o what_o credit_n &_o grace_n who_o more_o zealous_a in_o religion_n repair_v not_o to_o he_o from_o the_o further_a part_n of_o the_o world_n what_o christian_n do_v not_o almost_o worship_v he_o as_o a_o prophet_n what_o philosopher_n do_v not_o honour_v he_o as_o a_o master_n &_o how_o great_o he_o be_v reverence_v not_o only_o of_o private_a man_n but_o also_o of_o the_o empire_n itself_o history_n do_v speak_v which_o report_n that_o he_o be_v send_v for_o of_o alexander_n the_o emperor_n mother_n to_o wit_n for_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o heavenly_a wisdom_n with_o the_o grace_n and_o love_v whereof_o he_o be_v inflame_v his_o epistle_n also_o testify_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o christian_a master_n he_o write_v unto_o philip_n the_o emperor_n the_o first_o christian_n among_o all_o the_o roman_a prince_n and_o if_o any_o man_n upon_o our_o report_n admit_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o christian_a touch_v his_o wonderful_a knowledge_n and_o learning_n at_o least_o let_v he_o receive_v 〈◊〉_d confession_n of_o a_o heathen_a philosop_n for_o that_o impious_a porphyrieâ—h_n â—h_z that_o himself_o be_v but_o yet_o as_o be_v a_o boy_n move_v with_o his_o fame_n avail_v unto_o alexandria_n where_o 〈◊〉_d do_v see_v he_o be_v then_o old_a but_o 〈◊〉_d such_o a_o one_o and_o so_o learned_a as_o he_o â—t_a have_v attain_v to_o the_o perfection_n 〈◊〉_d all_o knowledge_n time_n will_v soonâ—â—_n fail_v i_o than_o i_o can_v touch_v though_o def_o those_o notable_a gift_n which_o â—â—re_v in_o that_o man_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o pertain_v not_o only_o to_o 〈◊〉_d glory_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o to_o 〈◊〉_d greatness_n of_o the_o temptation_n for_o â—ho_n be_v he_o that_o will_v willing_o â—â—ve_v forsake_v a_o man_n of_o such_o wit_n 〈◊〉_d so_o deep_a learning_n of_o so_o rare_a grace_n â—nd_n will_v not_o soon_o have_v use_v â—â—at_a say_n that_o he_o have_v rather_o err_v â—ith_n origen_n then_o believe_v aright_o â—â—th_v other_o and_o what_o shall_v i_o â—â—y_v more_o the_o matter_n come_v to_o that_o 〈◊〉_d that_o as_o the_o end_n show_v not_o a_o usual_a and_o common_a but_o a_o passâ—â—_n dangerous_a tentation_n of_o so_o worthy_a man_n so_o famous_a a_o doctor_n so_o nomble_a a_o prophet_n earry_v very_a manâ—_n from_o the_o true_a and_o sound_a faith_n of_o thâ—â—_n church_n for_o this_o origen_n so_o raâ—â—_n and_o singular_a a_o man_n abuse_v 〈◊〉_d grace_n of_o god_n too_o insolent_o flattâ—â—ing_v himself_o too_o much_o in_o his_o owâ—_n wit_n believe_v himself_o more_o thâ—_n reason_n will_v little_o esteem_v 〈◊〉_d old_a simplicity_n of_o christian_a religion_n presume_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o another_o contemn_v the_o tradition_n 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n and_o the_o old_a father_n document_n wade_v so_o far_o in_o expound_v certain_a chapter_n of_o the_o scriptuâ—â—_n after_o a_o new_a fashion_n that_o he_o deseâ—ed_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shouâ—â—_n also_o say_v of_o he_o if_o there_o arise_v up_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o a_o prophet_n aâ—â—_n a_o little_a after_o thou_o shall_v not_o hâ—â—_n quoth_v he_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n and_o again_o because_o quoth_v hâ—_n your_o lord_n god_n do_v tempt_v you_o whether_o you_o love_v he_o or_o no._n and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o tentation_n but_o also_o a_o great_a tentation_n when_o a_o man_n seduce_v secret_o and_o by_o little_a and_o little_a the_o church_n depend_v upon_o he_o admire_v his_o wit_n knowledge_n eloquence_n conversation_n and_o grace_n nothing_o suspect_v he_o nothing_o fear_v he_o sudden_o from_o the_o old_a religion_n to_o a_o profane_a and_o new_a doctrine_n but_o some_o will_v say_v that_o origen_n book_n be_v corrupt_v i_o will_v not_o gainsay_v it_o but_o rather_o wish_v it_o be_v so_o for_o that_o have_v both_o be_v say_v &_o write_v by_o some_o not_o only_a catholic_n but_o also_o heretic_n but_o this_o be_v now_o the_o point_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o although_o not_o he_o yet_o the_o book_n pass_v abroad_o under_o his_o name_n be_v a_o great_a tentation_n which_o stuff_v with_o many_o horrible_a blasphemy_n be_v read_v and_o use_v love_a and_o like_v not_o as_o the_o book_n of_o other_o but_o as_o his_o work_n so_o that_o although_o origen_n give_v no_o cause_n of_o erroneous_a doctrine_n yet_o his_o authority_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n why_o the_o error_n have_v be_v like_v and_o follow_v the_o case_n also_o of_o tertullian_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o the_o former_a for_o as_o origen_n be_v to_o be_v think_v the_o best_a among_o the_o greek_a doctor_n so_o tertullian_n without_o controversy_n be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o the_o latin_n for_o who_o be_v more_o learned_a than_o he_o who_o in_o divinity_n or_o humanity_n more_o practise_v for_o by_o his_o great_a and_o wonderful_a capacity_n of_o wit_n he_o attain_v to_o and_o understand_v all_o philosophy_n all_o the_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n all_o their_o author_n and_o patron_n all_o their_o learning_n all_o sort_n of_o history_n and_o study_n and_o for_o his_o wit_n be_v he_o not_o so_o excellent_a so_o grave_a so_o sharp_a that_o he_o almost_o undertake_v the_o overthrow_n of_o nothing_o which_o either_o by_o quickness_n of_o wit_n or_o weight_n of_o reason_n he_o crush_v not_o in_o piece_n now_o who_o be_v able_a to_o set_v down_o the_o commendation_n and_o praise_n which_o his_o stile_n and_o phrase_n of_o speech_n deserve_v which_o be_v so_o fraught_v i_o know_v not_o how_o with_o that_o force_n of_o reason_n that_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v be_v compel_v who_o almost_o so_o many_o word_n be_v so_o many_o sentence_n so_o many_o sense_n so_o many_o victory_n this_o be_v well_o know_v to_o martion_n and_o appelles_n well_o know_v to_o praxeas_n and_o hermogenes_n the_o jew_n understand_v this_o the_o gentile_n have_v try_v it_o the_o gnostic_n have_v prove_v it_o and_o divers_a other_o have_v feel_v it_o who_o blasphemous_a opinion_n he_o have_v overthrow_v with_o his_o many_o and_o great_a volume_n as_o it_o have_v be_v with_o thunder_n &_o lightning_n and_o yet_o this_o man_n after_o all_o this_o this_o tertullian_n i_o say_v not_o hold_v the_o catholic_a religion_n that_o be_v the_o universal_a &_o old_a faith_n be_v far_o more_o eloquent_a than_o faithful_a change_v afterward_o his_o mind_n do_v at_o last_o that_o which_o the_o bless_a confessor_n hilary_n in_o a_o certain_a place_n write_v of_o he_o he_o discredit_v quoth_v he_o with_o his_o late_a error_n his_o probable_a writing_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v also_o a_o great_a tentation_n in_o the_o church_n but_o hereof_o i_o will_v say_v no_o more_o only_o this_o i_o add_v that_o by_o his_o defend_n against_o the_o precept_n of_o moses_n for_o true_a prophecy_v the_o new_a madness_n of_o montanus_n spring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n and_o those_o mad_a dream_n of_o new_a doctrine_n of_o that_o frantic_a woman_n he_o deserve_v that_o we_o shall_v also_o say_v of_o he_o and_o his_o writing_n if_o a_o prophet_n shall_v rise_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o and_o straight_o after_o thou_o shall_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n why_o so_o because_o quoth_v he_o your_o lord_n god_n do_v tempt_v you_o whether_o you_o love_v he_o or_o no._n we_o ought_v therefore_o evident_o to_o note_v by_o these_o so_o many_o so_o great_a and_z divers_z other_o such_o weighty_a example_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o deuteronomie_n most_o clear_o to_o understand_v that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n any_o ecclesiastical_a teacher_n shay_v from_o the_o faith_n that_o god_n providence_n do_v suffer_v that_o for_o our_o trial_n whether_o we_o love_v he_o or_o no_o in_o our_o whole_a heart_n &_o in_o our_o whole_a soul_n chap._n xi_o which_o be_v so_o he_o be_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a sincere_a catholic_n that_o love_v god_n truth_n that_o love_v his_o body_n the_o church_n that_o prefer_v nothing_o before_o the_o religion_n of_o god_n nothing_o before_o the_o catholic_n faith_n not_o any_o man_n authority_n not_o love_n not_o will_n not_o eloquence_n not_o philosophy_n but_o contemn_v all_o these_o thing_n settle_v in_o faith_n stable_n and_o permanent_a whatsoever_o he_o know_v the_o catholic_n church_n universal_o in_o old_a time_n to_o have_v hold_v that_o he_o purpose_v with_o himself_o only_o to_o hold_v and_o believe_v and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o new_a doctrine_n and_o not_o before_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o one_o perceive_v to_o be_v bring_v in_o of_o some_o one_o man_n beside_z or_o contrary_n to_o the_o old_a saint_n and_o doctor_n let_v he_o know_v that_o doctrine_n do_v not_o pertain_v to_o religion_n but_o rather_o to_o tentation_n for_o his_o proof_n and_o trial_n especial_o be_v instruct_v with_o the_o say_n
doctrine_n in_o which_o likewise_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n follow_v universality_n antiquity_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o at_o any_o time_n a_o part_n rebel_n against_o the_o whole_a novelty_n against_o antiquity_n the_o dissension_n of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o seduce_v with_o error_n against_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o or_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o catholic_n in_o that_o case_n let_v they_o prefer_v the_o integrity_n of_o universality_n before_o the_o corruption_n of_o a_o part_n and_o in_o universality_n let_v they_o also_o prefer_v the_o religion_n of_o antiquity_n before_o profane_a novelty_n and_o again_o in_o antiquity_n let_v they_o prefer_v before_o the_o temerity_n of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o the_o decree_n of_o a_o general_a council_n if_o any_o be_v or_o if_o no_o such_o be_v find_v let_v they_o take_v that_o which_o be_v next_o hand_n that_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o opinion_n of_o many_o and_o great_a learned_a doctor_n agree_v together_o all_o which_o faithful_o sober_o diligent_o observe_v and_o keep_v by_o god_n grace_n we_o shall_v without_o any_o great_a difficulty_n discover_v the_o error_n of_o new_a upstart_n heretic_n chap._n fourteen_o here_o i_o perceive_v in_o order_n it_o follow_v to_o show_v by_o example_n how_o the_o profane_a novelty_n of_o heretic_n be_v by_o bring_v forth_o and_o compare_v the_o old_a doctor_n opinion_n agree_v together_o to_o be_v find_v out_o and_o condemn_v which_o ancient_a consent_n of_o holy_a father_n be_v not_o so_o careful_o and_o diligent_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o follow_v in_o every_o small_a question_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o only_o and_o that_o especial_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n neither_o yet_o always_o nor_o all_o heresy_n be_v after_o this_o sort_n to_o be_v impugn_a but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v new_a and_o upstart_a to_o wit_n at_o their_o first_o spring_v up_o and_o before_o they_o have_v as_o hinder_v by_o the_o shortness_n of_o time_n falsify_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o ancient_a faith_n and_o before_o the_o poison_n spread_v far_o abroad_o go_v about_o to_o corrupt_v the_o father_n work_n but_o those_o heresy_n which_o have_v already_o get_v ground_n and_o be_v of_o some_o continuance_n be_v not_o this_o way_n to_o be_v deal_v withal_o because_o by_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n they_o have_v have_v opportunity_n to_o steal_v truth_n and_o therefore_o such_o kind_n of_o profane_a schism_n and_o heresy_n which_o be_v of_o long_o stand_v we_o must_v not_o otherwise_o convince_v but_o either_o only_a if_o need_v be_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o else_o avoid_v and_o detest_v they_o be_v already_o convict_v and_o condemn_v in_o old_a time_n by_o general_a counsel_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n therefore_o so_o soon_o as_o any_o infectious_a error_n begin_v to_o break_v forth_o and_o for_o her_o defence_n to_o steal_v certain_a word_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o crafty_o and_o fraudulent_o to_o expound_v they_o straightway_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o the_o father_n opinion_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v together_o by_o which_o let_v any_o what_o soever_o new_a and_o therefore_o profane_a doctrine_n grow_v up_o with_o out_o all_o delay_n be_v deject_v &_o speedy_o condemn_v but_o those_o father_n opinion_n only_o be_v to_o be_v confer_v together_o which_o with_o holiness_n wisdom_n and_o constancy_n live_v teach_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o final_o deserve_v tody_n in_o christ_n or_o happy_o for_o christ_n to_o be_v martyr_v who_o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v with_o this_o condition_n that_o whatsoever_o either_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n with_o one_o mind_n plain_o common_o and_o constant_o as_o it_o be_v a_o council_n of_o doctor_n agree_v together_o have_v decree_v and_o set_v down_o receive_v it_o from_o their_o ancestor_n hold_v it_o for_o their_o time_n and_o deliver_v it_o to_o their_o posterity_n let_v that_o be_v have_v and_o account_v for_o undoubted_a for_o certain_a and_o firm_a truth_n and_o whatsoever_o any_o although_o holy_a and_o learned_a although_o a_o bishop_n although_o a_o confessor_n and_o martyr_n have_v hold_v otherwise_o then_o all_o or_o against_o all_o let_v that_o be_v put_v aside_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o common_a public_a and_o general_a faith_n and_o repute_v among_o his_o own_o proper_a private_a and_o fecret_a opinion_n lest_o with_o great_a danger_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n we_o do_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o sacrilegious_a heretic_n and_o schismatic_n forsake_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o universal_a faith_n and_o follow_v the_o novel_a error_n of_o some_o one_o man_n the_o holy_a &_o catholic_n mind_n of_o which_o bless_a father_n lest_o any_o man_n think_v that_o he_o may_v rash_o contemn_v the_o apostle_n say_v in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o some_o very_o have_v god_n set_v in_o his_o church_n first_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 12._o of_o which_o himself_o be_v one_o second_o prophet_n as_o agabus_n be_v of_o who_o we_o read_v in_o the_o act_n cap._n 11._o three_o doctor_n which_o now_o be_v call_v tractatour_n whem_o also_o this_o apostle_n some_o time_n narn_v prophet_n because_o their_o office_n be_v to_o expound_v and_o declare_v to_o the_o people_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o prophet_n these_o therefore_o dispose_v and_o place_v by_o god_n at_o divers_a time_n and_o sundry_a place_n agree_v and_o consent_v all_o in_o one_o mind_n in_o christ_n touch_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n whosoever_o contemn_v do_v not_o contemn_v man_n but_o god_n and_o that_o we_o disagree_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n from_o the_o perfect_a and_o true_a unity_n of_o those_o father_n the_o same_o apostle_n do_v earnest_o beseech_v all_o christian_n say_v i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n that_o you_o say_v all_o one_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_a in_o one_o sense_n and_o in_o one_o knowledge_n 1_o cor._n 1_o and_o if_o any_o man_n separate_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o opinion_n let_v he_o hear_v that_o say_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n he_o be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o dissension_n but_o of_o peace_n ch_z 14._o that_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o leave_v consent_n and_o unity_n but_o of_o they_o that_o remain_v in_o peace_n and_o agreement_n as_o i_o do_v quoth_v he_o teach_v in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v of_o the_o catholic_n which_o therefore_o be_v holy_a because_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o lest_o happy_o any_o one_o shall_v contemn_v other_o and_o proud_o require_v only_a to_o be_v hear_v only_o to_o be_v believe_v straight_o after_o he_o say_v what_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n quoth_v he_o proceed_v from_o you_o or_o have_v it_o only_o come_v unto_o you_o and_o lest_o this_o may_v be_v take_v as_o speak_v slight_o he_o add_v if_o any_o quoth_v he_o seem_v a_o prophet_n or_o spiritual_a that_o be_v a_o master_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n let_v he_o be_v a_o zealous_a lover_n of_o unity_n and_o peace_n in_o such_o wise_a that_o he_o neither_o prefer_v his_o own_o opinion_n before_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o neither_o leave_v or_o forsake_v the_o sense_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n the_o commandment_n of_o which_o thing_n he_o that_o be_v quoth_v he_o ignorant_a of_o that_o be_v he_o that_o learn_v not_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o yet_o know_v not_o or_o contemn_v those_o which_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v know_v that_o be_v he_o shall_v be_v think_v unworthy_a who_o among_o such_o as_o be_v unite_v in_o faith_n and_o equal_a humility_n god_n shall_v regard_v and_o look_v upon_o a_o great_a evil_n then_o which_o i_o doubt_v whether_o any_o man_n can_v invent_v or_o devise_v which_o yet_o notwithstanding_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n commination_n we_o see_v to_o have_v fall_v upon_o julian_n the_o pelagian_a who_o either_o contemn_v to_o be_v join_v at_o all_o in_o opinion_n with_o his_o fellow_n or_o else_o presume_v to_o separate_v himself_o from_o their_o society_n and_o communion_n but_o now_o it_o be_v time_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o example_n which_o we_o promise_v how_o and_o after_o what_o sort_n the_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o holy_a father_n be_v gather_v together_o that_o according_a to_o they_o by_o the_o decree_n &_o authority_n of_o a_o council_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v set_v down_o which_o to_o the_o end_n that_o i_o may_v more_o commodious_o do_v i_o will_v here_o make_v a_o end_n of_o this_o commonitorie_a and_o so_o take_v another_o beginning_n for_o declare_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v follow_v a_o recapitulation_n of_o all_o
by_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n page_n 32_o chap._n viii_o that_o christian_a doctrine_n contain_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v from_o god_n page_n 44_o chap._n ix_o christian_n faith_n prove_v true_a out_o of_o their_o use_n of_o prayer_n and_o contemplation_n page_n 58_o chap._n x._o the_o same_o verity_n prove_v out_o of_o the_o exterior_a worship_n of_o christian_n page_n 67_o chap._n xi_o the_o same_o verity_n prove_v out_o of_o the_o intrinsical_a effect_n of_o christian_a life_n page_n 77_o chap._n xii_o the_o same_o truth_n prove_v out_o of_o the_o extrinsecall_a effect_n of_o christian_a life_n page_n 90_o chap._n xiii_o the_o same_o confirm_v by_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o christ_n and_o first_o by_o his_o power_n page_n 101_o chap._n xiiii_o the_o same_o conclude_v out_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n page_n 125_o chap._n xv._o the_o same_o verity_n confirm_v out_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o christ_n page_n 144_o chap._n xvi_o the_o same_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o christ_n all_o together_o page_n 161_o the_o triumph_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o of_o the_o verity_n of_o faith_n by_o hierome_n savanocola_n of_o ferrara_n london_n print_v by_o r._n daniel_n 1651._o the_o preface_n have_v as_o far_o forth_o as_o i_o judge_v sufficient_a for_o my_o present_a purpose_n treat_v in_o the_o precedent_a book_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o themselves_o obvious_a to_o natural_a reason_n it_o remain_v now_o that_o i_o discuss_v those_o also_o which_o be_v above_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o i_o may_v thereby_o plain_o show_v the_o christian_a faith_n to_o be_v most_o true_a not_o only_o by_o natural_a motive_n but_o out_o of_o the_o very_a action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n christ_n jesus_n and_o because_o thing_n before_o our_o eye_n do_v more_o enforce_v our_o under_o stand_v to_o assent_v than_o thing_n which_o be_v past_a for_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o deny_v what_o we_o plain_o see_v before_o our_o eye_n then_o that_o which_o we_o receive_v at_o trust_n by_o tradition_n i_o shall_v lay_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o my_o proof_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v unquestionable_a unto_o all_o as_o be_v daily_o see_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v most_o apparent_a to_o sense_n itself_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o vice_n of_o evil_n christian_n who_o as_o such_o be_v sequester_v rather_o and_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o communication_n and_o mystical_a union_n of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o those_o good_a member_n of_o it_o which_o not_o only_o bear_v and_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n but_o also_o prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o by_o their_o virtuous_a life_n and_o action_n this_o do_v i_o shall_v produce_v reason_n ground_v in_o those_o action_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v most_o general_o receive_v and_o allow_v of_o by_o all_o so_o that_o the_o latter_a shall_v manifest_o confirm_v the_o former_a the_o thing_n present_a those_o which_o be_v past_a but_o because_o the_o chief_a effect_n at_o which_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n aim_v be_v justice_n and_o a_o irreprehensible_a and_o unspotted_a life_n our_o saviour_n say_v speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n ego_fw-la veni_fw-la ut_fw-la vitam_fw-la habeant_fw-la &_o abundantiùs_fw-la habeant_fw-la to_o this_o end_n i_o come_v that_o they_o may_v live_v and_o that_o they_o live_v more_o abundant_o first_o therefore_o i_o shall_v in_o due_a order_n prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o reason_n true_o ground_v in_o the_o virtuous_a life_n of_o good_a christian_n second_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o life_n and_o last_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o life_n wherein_o i_o shall_v comprise_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v daily_o exercise_v in_o the_o church_n militant_a of_o christ_n the_o triumph_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o of_o the_o verity_n of_o faith_n chap._n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n it_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a that_o every_o one_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n by_o religion_n we_o understand_v a_o due_a worship_n exhibit_v unto_o almighty_a god_n as_o he_o be_v the_o universal_a fountain_n source_n and_o moderator_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o every_o effect_n do_v exhibit_v a_o certain_a worship_n to_o its_o cause_n whilst_o convert_v its_o self_n unto_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v invocate_a it_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o subjection_n it_o strive_v to_o imitate_v and_o make_v itself_o like_a unto_o it_o which_o express_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o certain_a return_n of_o honour_n from_o the_o effect_n to_o its_o cause_n that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o perfect_v by_o it_o wherefore_o almighty_a god_n be_v the_o universal_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n of_o who_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o that_o have_v goodness_n in_o it_o have_v their_o whole_a be_v and_o dependence_n most_o clear_a it_o be_v that_o in_o man_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o engraft_a and_o natural_a instinct_n to_o convert_v itself_o to_o god_n and_o to_o invoke_v and_o subject_v himself_o unto_o he_o to_o do_v his_o uttermost_a to_o become_v like_a unto_o he_o and_o to_o be_v perfect_v by_o he_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o then_o to_o exhibit_v worship_n unto_o he_o now_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o natural_a inclination_n in_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o man_n to_o worship_v his_o creator_n and_o that_o this_o inclination_n can_v be_v superfluous_a or_o in_o vain_a we_o must_v of_o force_n conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n moreover_o see_v that_o man_n be_v natural_o incline_v to_o the_o divine_a worship_n as_o every_o effect_n be_v to_o its_o cause_n and_o that_o he_o be_v rational_a as_o not_o be_v necessitate_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o other_o brute_n and_o irrational_a thing_n be_v which_o be_v natural_o carry_v away_o by_o their_o appetite_n but_o have_v a_o true_a dominion_n over_o his_o action_n he_o free_o dispose_v of_o they_o as_o he_o listen_v now_o if_o all_o man_n as_o natural_a reason_n be_v oftentimes_o very_o defective_a shall_v fall_v into_o so_o general_a and_o gross_a a_o error_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a and_o divine_a worship_n find_v among_o they_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o will_v be_v so_o deprive_v of_o the_o divine_a providence_n that_o there_o will_v appear_v no_o divine_a care_n exercise_v towards_o they_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o all_o other_o most_o necessary_a and_o natural_a unto_o they_o see_v that_o this_o true_a divine_a worship_n be_v that_o by_o which_o man_n be_v to_o arrive_v to_o the_o fruition_n of_o his_o last_o end_n but_o this_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o plain_o refute_v i_o add_v that_o every_o country_n and_o nation_n in_o every_o age_n both_o past_a and_o present_a have_v be_v though_o in_o divers_a way_n addict_v unto_o the_o divine_a worship_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o this_o truth_n be_v whole_o ingraft_v and_o natural_a unto_o man_n for_o that_o be_v natural_a as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o show_v which_o agree_v unto_o all_o and_o at_o all_o time_n wherefore_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a divine_a worship_n find_v this_o natural_a inclination_n will_v be_v whole_o frustrate_a see_v it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o arrive_v unto_o the_o end_n which_o it_o be_v ordain_v for_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o almighty_a god_n execute_v his_o providence_n more_o towards_o unreasonable_a creature_n then_o towards_o man_n last_o see_v that_o every_o cause_n infuse_v its_o perfection_n and_o goodness_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a it_o may_v into_o its_o effect_n intend_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o attract_v it_o and_o make_v it_o as_o far_o as_o it_o have_v capacity_n like_a unto_o itself_o almighty_a god_n be_v superlative_o good_a and_o the_o first_o origin_n of_o all_o thing_n have_v questionless_a a_o special_a care_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o man_n for_o who_o sake_n and_o use_n he_o make_v all_o other_o inferior_a creature_n wherefore_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o man_n principal_o consist_v in_o the_o subject_n himself_o unto_o god_n and_o in_o the_o divine_a veneration_n in_o the_o which_o religion_n do_v chief_o consist_v it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n chap._n ii_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o divine_a worship_n man_n have_v a_o capacity_n to_o exhibit_v veneration_n unto_o almighty_a god_n two_o way_n corporal_o and_o spiritual_o we_o ought_v to_o distinguish_v two_o sort_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o he_o to_o wit_n interior_a and_o exterior_a interior_a be_v that_o which_o we_o perform_v by_o the_o act_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o will_n exterior_a be_v that_o which_o we_o
expect_v by_o faith_n hope_n and_o the_o true_a profession_n of_o they_o a_o true_a and_o solid_a good_a for_o as_o a_o man_n profit_v more_o in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o life_n so_o be_v he_o bring_v more_o into_o the_o knowledge_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o good_a which_o he_o seek_v by_o eschew_v the_o contrary_n and_o therefore_o if_o christian_n have_v not_o find_v a_o solid_a good_a in_o the_o perfection_n of_o their_o life_n their_o joy_n will_v not_o be_v increase_v by_o it_o but_o rather_o decrease_v as_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o deceive_v in_o it_o this_o be_v very_o well_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o religious_a for_o to_o omit_v example_n of_o past_a age_n which_o i_o can_v comprise_v in_o this_o short_a treatise_n we_o daily_o see_v innumerable_a both_o man_n and_o woman_n do_v betake_v themselves_o to_o strict_a cloister_n out_o of_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a life_n forsake_v their_o parent_n kindred_n friend_n riches_n and_o all_o pleasure_n together_o with_o their_o own_o liberty_n to_o live_v with_o stranger_n and_o extern_n to_o who_o they_o become_v so_o subject_a and_o obedient_a that_o as_o for_o exterior_a subsist_v and_o faculty_n they_o enjoy_v none_o but_o those_o which_o by_o the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n be_v permit_v they_o as_o precise_o necessary_a for_o their_o livelihood_n and_o those_o to_o be_v change_v and_o substract_v as_o thing_n though_o common_a to_o all_o yet_o uncertain_a to_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a but_o as_o for_o the_o corporal_a perfection_n they_o keep_v the_o chastity_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o body_n most_o incorrupted_a and_o entire_a subdue_a their_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a appetite_n by_o watch_v fast_a abstinence_n and_o other_o mortification_n and_o as_o for_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o which_o liberty_n be_v the_o chief_a they_o renounce_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n all_o the_o use_n of_o it_o with_o a_o perpetual_a and_o most_o strict_a obligation_n conform_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o will_n and_o disposition_n of_o their_o superior_n thus_o have_v forsake_v all_o the_o good_n which_o mortal_n be_v wont_a to_o call_v they_o to_o rejoice_v in_o and_o be_v delight_v with_o all_o these_o who_o aspire_v to_o this_o perfection_n live_v so_o content_v and_o joyful_a that_o one_o will_v think_v they_o have_v even_o the_o abundance_n of_o all_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n and_o by_o daily_o profit_v in_o this_o way_n they_o become_v more_o full_a of_o tranquillity_n and_o alacrity_n rejoice_v and_o triumph_v only_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o christ_n crucify_v and_o if_o one_o shall_v ask_v why_o they_o do_v so_o they_o all_o unanimous_o will_v answer_v that_o all_o their_o joy_n and_o delight_n be_v place_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v dependence_n of_o he_o first_o therefore_o i_o say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v with_o reason_n suspect_v that_o this_o shall_v proceed_v out_o of_o folly_n see_v it_o have_v be_v the_o continual_a practice_n not_o only_o of_o humble_a and_o simple_a man_n but_o of_o innumerable_a eminent_a saint_n and_o doctor_n who_o will_v easy_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o wisdom_n and_o sanctity_n discern_v the_o error_n and_o folly_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v vain_a and_o erroneous_a for_o deceit_n and_o error_n can_v any_o long_a time_n consist_v with_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n such_o man_n strive_v to_o attain_v unto_o the_o height_n of_o perfection_n there_o be_v none_o great_a than_o that_o which_o they_o aim_v at_o to_o wit_n a_o christian_a religious_a life_n of_o which_o that_o state_n be_v account_v the_o high_a and_o supreme_a degree_n certain_o there_o be_v none_o more_o apt_a than_o they_o to_o receive_v celestial_a illumination_n if_o therefore_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o true_a questionless_a the_o vanity_n and_o deceit_n of_o it_o in_o many_o age_n in_o so_o great_a a_o concourse_n of_o people_n of_o all_o condition_n especial_o by_o such_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a man_n have_v ere_o this_o be_v detect_v nor_o have_v such_o man_n be_v able_a in_o so_o holy_a a_o servitude_n to_o preserve_v so_o great_a a_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o perpetual_o to_o take_v such_o comfort_n and_o joy_n in_o it_o the_o contrary_a of_o which_o be_v manifest_a for_o these_o be_v they_o who_o by_o their_o word_n and_o experience_n have_v confirm_v and_o do_v confirm_v it_o by_o their_o write_n and_o as_o be_v set_v free_a and_o only_a subject_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o almighty_a god_n do_v enjoy_v a_o most_o perfect_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o therefore_o all_o kind_n of_o deceit_n be_v far_o distant_a from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n every_o cause_n move_v by_o its_o own_o goodness_n which_o it_o seek_v to_o extend_v and_o communicate_v do_v as_o much_o as_o it_o may_v possible_a direct_v its_o effect_n to_o its_o proper_a end_n especial_o when_o the_o effect_n be_v dispose_v for_o it_o to_o which_o the_o more_o it_o approach_v the_o more_o it_o be_v delight_v and_o do_v acquiesce_v in_o it_o now_o god_n be_v supreme_o good_a and_o a_o most_o liberal_a and_o bountiful_a dispenser_n of_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o he_o direct_v all_o his_o effect_n which_o be_v well_o dispose_v to_o their_o proper_a and_o deserve_a end_n that_o they_o may_v take_v up_o their_o final_a rest_n in_o they_o now_o there_o be_v no_o more_o intense_a disposition_n for_o the_o end_n of_o man_n than_o that_o of_o most_o approve_a and_o religious_a man_n he_o will_v questionless_a direct_v they_o unto_o their_o wish_a end_n in_o which_o they_o obtain_v their_o desire_a rest_n in_o the_o enjoy_n their_o end_n but_o these_o by_o their_o daily_a progress_n be_v more_o confirm_v in_o the_o orthodox_n faith_n rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n do_v bend_v their_o whole_a endeavour_n in_o gain_v he_o alone_o set_v all_o other_o thing_n at_o naught_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o error_n or_o falsity_n in_o this_o faith_n otherwise_o by_o the_o divine_a direction_n by_o forsake_v more_o and_o more_o this_o false_a delight_n of_o mind_n they_o will_v be_v direct_v to_o their_o true_a and_o wish_a for_o end_n and_o tranquillity_n all_o joy_n be_v ground_v in_o some_o love_n or_o other_o for_o love_n be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o will_n or_o rational_a appetite_n from_o which_o the_o other_o act_n have_v their_o influnce_n the_o joy_n therefore_o and_o jubilee_n of_o mind_n which_o do_v most_o unfeigned_o appear_v in_o the_o countenance_n of_o those_o man_n not_o consist_v in_o any_o transitory_a fade_a or_o natural_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o all_o of_o they_o affirm_v with_o one_o voice_n and_o common_a consent_n that_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n crucify_v can_v be_v ground_v in_o any_o error_n or_o vain_a affection_n because_o the_o more_o upright_o and_o holy_o such_o man_n do_v live_v the_o more_o it_o will_v decay_v in_o they_o for_o as_o i_o have_v say_v if_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v false_a they_o will_v daily_o more_o apparent_o perceive_v that_o in_o their_o preposterous_a affection_n they_o be_v whole_o deceive_v and_o thence_o they_o will_v become_v more_o heavy_a and_o sorrowful_a but_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o deportment_n the_o chearfulnesse_n of_o their_o countenance_n that_o refulgent_a kind_n of_o sanctity_n in_o their_o exterior_a for_o which_o they_o be_v in_o such_o reverence_n and_o veneration_n of_o all_o man_n show_v it_o to_o be_v far_o otherwise_o whilst_o we_o may_v see_v they_o always_o in_o all_o event_n more_o pleasant_a content_a and_o joyful_a chap._n xii_o the_o same_o truth_n prove_v out_o of_o the_o extrinsical_a effect_n of_o christian_a life_n another_o effect_n of_o christian_a life_n be_v gather_v from_o the_o exterior_a man_n from_o their_o manner_n and_o deportment_n which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n a_o sign_n and_o argument_n of_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o divinity_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o many_o be_v even_o enforce_v to_o esteem_v and_o reverence_v they_o whence_o the_o venerable_a aspect_n of_o humble_a man_n have_v blunt_v and_o affright_v the_o proud_a and_o fierce_a mind_n of_o tyrant_n which_o we_o read_v of_o that_o powerful_a and_o barbarous_a king_n of_o the_o hunns_n attila_n though_o he_o can_v be_v satisfy_v by_o no_o slaughter_n or_o massacre_v of_o man_n nor_o terrify_v by_o any_o power_n of_o enemy_n yet_o at_o ravenna_n a_o speech_n of_o s._n leo_n pope_n set_v he_o pack_v out_o of_o italy_n and_o he_o contrary_a to_o his_o wont_a custom_n and_o not_o without_o the_o great_a admiration_n of_o his_o follower_n seem_v not_o only_o to_o reverence_v the_o venerable_a bishop_n but_o to_o obey_v he_o in_o a_o manner_n command_v he_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n totilas_n the_o
man_n to_o scorn_n yea_o our_o lord_n shall_v have_v they_o inderifion_n for_o indeed_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o seem_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o understand_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v but_o the_o true_a christion_n the_o man_n that_o have_v supernatural_a light_n in_o he_o shall_v discern_v they_o and_o if_o with_o pure_a intention_n and_o a_o humble_a heart_n he_o set_v himself_o to_o the_o read_n of_o holy_a scripture_n meditate_v or_o consider_v well_o what_o he_o read_v and_o beg_v the_o grace_n of_o divine_a illumination_n with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n from_o god_n this_o man_n i_o say_v shall_v doubtless_o be_v wonderful_o elevate_v by_o read_v and_o fit_v for_o divine_a favour_n and_o shall_v find_v those_o endless_a and_o immortal_a pleasure_n in_o they_o which_o do_v incomparable_o exceed_v the_o great_a of_o this_o world_n for_o this_o be_v certain_a every_o thing_n be_v best_a delight_v with_o that_o which_o be_v connaturall_a unto_o it_o as_o different_z humour_n do_v always_o affect_v different_a recreation_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o poet_n trahit_fw-la sva_fw-la quemque_fw-la voluptas_fw-la every_o man_n have_v his_o own_o fancy_n but_o unto_o he_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o supernatur_fw-la all_o light_n the_o most_o natural_a that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a study_n of_o all_o be_v certain_o the_o study_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o proceed_v from_o that_o same_o fountain_n of_o light_n therefore_o also_o in_o the_o read_n and_o contemplation_n of_o they_o the_o true_a christian_a find_v his_o great_a content_n beside_o every_o thing_n be_v best_a please_v in_o such_o kind_n of_o action_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o itself_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a for_o a_o christian_a then_o the_o contemplation_n of_o christ_n crucify_v by_o the_o study_n of_o scripture_n for_o shall_v he_o go_v about_o to_o conceive_v or_o meditate_v of_o he_o mere_o according_a to_o natural_a reason_n or_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n neglect_v scripture_n he_o will_v certain_o find_v less_o proficiency_n and_o perhaps_o run_v himself_o into_o some_o hazard_n of_o dangerous_a error_n for_o such_o contemplation_n be_v pure_o natural_a imperfect_a and_o by_o which_o he_o shall_v never_o attain_v unto_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n of_o which_o thing_n we_o have_v example_n in_o our_o modern_a divine_n who_o seem_v to_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o aristotle_n and_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n be_v become_v general_o less_o devout_a less_o contemplative_a than_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n beside_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o understanding_n the_o high_a it_o be_v the_o great_a delight_n it_o cause_v in_o the_o acquisition_n now_o the_o veritye_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o most_o high_a and_o mysterious_a of_o all_o other_o because_o they_o treat_v principal_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v undiscernible_a by_o natural_a light_n again_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o man_n nature_n which_o be_v never_o long_o delight_v with_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o always_o affect_v variety_n and_o change_n of_o pleasure_n the_o sacred_a scripture_n do_v become_v a_o most_o agreeable_a exercise_n to_o our_o spirit_n for_o how_o admirable_a how_o ravish_v be_v that_o variety_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o they_o of_o history_n of_o sense_n of_o type_n of_o figure_n and_o yet_o a_o most_o exquisite_a harmony_n between_o they_o all_o all_o the_o part_n all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n exact_o consent_v in_o one_o and_o point_v unto_o the_o same_o general_a and_o supreme_a verity_n or_o end_n which_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n of_o which_o while_n they_o treat_v sometime_o historical_o and_o plain_o sometime_o more_o mystical_o and_o profound_o they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v present_v a_o nosegay_n of_o celestial_a and_o various_a flower_n unto_o our_o soul_n which_o continual_o change_v do_v yet_o most_o constant_o increase_v spiritual_a content_n we_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o in_o the_o read_n and_o meditation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n most_o exquisite_a delight_n be_v find_v the_o xvii_o conclusion_n that_o a_o good_a christian_a the_o more_o simple_o that_o be_v to_o say_v sincere_o he_o live_v the_o great_a consolation_n he_o have_v from_o god_n from_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o from_o the_o study_n of_o holy_a scripture_n this_o be_v true_a whither_o we_o speak_v of_o simplicity_n only_o interior_a or_o that_o of_o the_o heart_n for_o the_o understanding_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n together_o with_o his_o affection_n the_o more_o pure_a and_o sincere_a they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v they_o render_v he_o fit_a and_o capable_a of_o divine_a illustration_n for_o this_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n do_v indeed_o require_v that_o we_o be_v altogether_o purge_v from_o terrene_a and_o gross_a affection_n to_o the_o end_n that_o a_o man_n spirit_n may_v be_v entire_o set_v upon_o god_n and_o by_o this_o simplicity_n or_o purity_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v make_v like_o unto_o he_o it_o be_v true_a also_o in_o regard_n of_o simplicity_n exterior_a or_o that_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o action_n and_o conversation_n of_o man_n as_o be_v manifest_a for_o to_o contemplate_v well_o divine_a mystery_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v in_o great_a rest_n and_o very_o well_o compose_v in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o we_o see_v common_o that_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o partake_v of_o divine_a illumination_n do_v retire_v themselves_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o the_o noise_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o world_n as_o of_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n it_o be_v say_v i_o will_v lead_v she_o into_o the_o wilderness_n say_v he_o that_o be_v into_o solitude_n and_o there_o will_v i_o speak_v to_o her_o heart_n and_o in_o a_o other_o place_n he_o shall_v sit_v alone_o and_o keep_v silence_n because_o by_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v be_v lift_v up_o above_o himself_o and_o contrariwise_o we_o see_v the_o rich_a a_o man_n be_v and_o more_o encumber_v with_o worldly_a affair_n the_o less_o be_v he_o affect_v unto_o contemplation_n but_o where_o a_o man_n outward_a affair_n be_v few_o or_o none_o there_o be_v always_o less_o distraction_n of_o mind_n therefore_o our_o holy_a father_n and_o predecessor_n in_o the_o contemplative_a life_n be_v always_o wont_a to_o renounce_v their_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o retire_v themselves_o into_o solitude_n thereby_o more_o prompt_o and_o ready_o to_o attend_v divine_a meditation_n every_o man_n therefore_o in_o his_o particular_a degree_n and_o quality_n shall_v find_v the_o more_o simple_o and_o upright_o he_o endeavour_v to_o live_v the_o great_a consolation_n he_o shall_v receive_v from_o god_n and_o from_o christ_n the_o xviii_o conclusion_n that_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v the_o only_o bless_a life_n never_o be_v there_o nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v find_v out_o any_o kind_n of_o life_n more_o happy_a than_o that_o because_o none_o better_o if_o therefore_o the_o life_n of_o any_o man_n may_v be_v account_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v certain_o that_o of_o christian_n for_o if_o we_o observe_v it_o comprehend_v all_o those_o perfection_n wherein_o the_o philosopher_n ancient_o place_v happiness_n and_o so_o have_v whatsoever_o they_o judge_v good_a and_o desirable_a as_o for_o example_n if_o we_o place_v happiness_n as_o some_o of_o they_o do_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o thing_n divine_a there_o be_v none_o more_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a then_o those_o which_o the_o christian_a life_n afford_v if_o we_o place_v it_o in_o moral_a virtue_n and_o in_o the_o life_n active_a that_o be_v in_o good_a government_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o there_o be_v no_o better_a to_o be_v desire_v by_o man_n then_o that_o which_o christian_a philosophy_n prescribe_v if_o we_o place_v it_o in_o riches_n honour_n power_n dignity_n or_o other_o good_n of_o the_o body_n though_o this_o may_v seem_v hard_a yet_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v not_o altogether_o uncapable_a of_o these_o and_o have_v no_o absolute_a repugnance_n to_o they_o for_o we_o say_v whatsoever_o perfection_n appear_v in_o the_o effect_n be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o in_o the_o cause_n as_o the_o sun_n which_o cause_v heat_n in_o all_o inferior_a body_n be_v itself_o also_o at_o least_o virtual_o hot_a it_o be_v not_o indeed_o necessary_a the_o cause_n shall_v contain_v every_o particular_a perfection_n of_o the_o effect_n formal_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o effect_n do_v it_o suffice_v that_o it_o be_v contain_v eminent_o as_o we_o say_v or_o by_o some_o more_o excellent_a way_n than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o effect_n so_o in_o proportion_n we_o also_o say_v that_o the_o christian_a life_n do_v
glory_n and_o dominion_n through_o all_o age_n for_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la the_o profit_n of_o believe_v very_o useful_a both_o for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o resolve_v what_o religion_n they_o ought_v to_o embrace_v and_o for_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v whither_o their_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o no._n write_a by_o s._n augustine_n london_n print_v by_o roger_n daniel_n in_o lovel_n court_n near_o paul_n churchyard_n 1651._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o well-disposed_a reader_n learned_a reader_n i_o know_v thou_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o of_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o business_n in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v none_o of_o that_o consequence_n and_o importance_n unto_o thou_o as_o the_o save_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o know_v best_a of_o all_o the_o mestimable_a value_n thereof_o and_o vouchsafe_v to_o redeem_v it_o at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o with_o his_o own_o precious_a blood_n plain_o declare_v the_o importance_n thereof_o when_o he_o say_v in_o the_o gospel_n mat._n 16.16_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o world_n nnd_v loose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v he_o give_v in_o exchange_n thereof_o wherefore_o let_v i_o advise_v thou_o to_o seek_v out_o and_o embrace_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n for_o that_o without_o such_o a_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 11.6_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o without_o please_v of_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v save_v if_o thou_o think_v that_o thou_o have_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n already_o and_o that_o thou_o do_v embrace_v it_o then_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v thou_o that_o the_o world_n at_o this_o present_a abound_v with_o a_o hundred_o heresy_n at_o least_o the_o embracer_n whereof_o shall_v not_o according_a to_o s._n paul_n doctrine_n gal._n 5.20_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n do_v affirm_v ephes_n 4.5_o there_o be_v but_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o hundred_o to_o one_o but_o that_o thy_o faith_n and_o thy_o religion_n be_v false_a and_o thy_o salvation_n be_v in_o danger_n thereby_o be_v there_o not_o then_o great_a reason_n that_o thou_o shall_v well_o consider_v whither_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o thou_o embrace_v be_v true_a or_o no_o when_o upon_o this_o resolution_n depend_v thy_o fruition_n of_o unspeakable_a bliss_n or_o intolerable_a suffering_n of_o endless_a pain_n for_o all_o eternity_n how_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a faith_n &_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o great_a difficulty_n not_o only_o by_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v many_o faith_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o these_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v false_a but_o also_o for_o that_o the_o controversy_n debate_v now_o adays_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o intricate_a that_o few_o have_v leisure_n to_o study_v they_o and_o few_o ability_n to_o conceive_v and_o understand_v they_o yet_o the_o zeal_n of_o learned_a writer_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o satisfy_v man_n herein_o but_o what_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n have_v bring_v forth_o any_o man_n so_o able_a to_o perform_v so_o great_a a_o task_n as_o be_v that_o incomparable_a doctor_n s._n augustine_n lib._n 3._o de_fw-fr eccles_n fol._n 170._o who_o as_o doctor_n field_n assert_v be_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o the_o most_o famous_a of_o all_o the_o divine_n which_o the_o church_n have_v have_v since_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o as_o doctor_n covell_n affirm_v in_o his_o answer_n to_o master_n burges_n pag._n 3._o have_v far_o excel_v all_o other_o that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v like_a to_o be_v hereafter_o those_o only_o except_v that_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n both_o in_o divine_a and_o humane_a knowledge_n what_o man_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n can_v ever_o so_o well_o discern_v true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a truth_n from_o error_n and_o true_a faith_n from_o heresy_n as_o can_v that_o great_a s._n augustine_n who_o do_v not_o only_o like_o another_o david_n fight_v against_o the_o goliath_n of_o one_o heresy_n but_o like_o another_o joshua_n fight_v the_o battle_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o all_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o heresy_n in_o his_o day_n for_o forty_o year_n together_o wherefore_o if_o this_o great_a doctor_n shall_v have_v leave_v any_o advice_n or_o instruction_n behind_o he_o unto_o any_o of_o his_o dear_a friend_n that_o be_v then_o heretic_n whereby_o he_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n among_o so_o many_o heresy_n ought_v not_o such_o instruction_n to_o be_v great_o desire_v and_o if_o any_o such_o can_v be_v find_v to_o be_v high_o esteem_v and_o diligent_o peruse_v sure_o thou_o will_v say_v that_o come_v from_o so_o great_a a_o doctor_n and_o be_v so_o proper_a and_o necessary_a fot_o these_o time_n without_o doubt_n they_o ought_v why_o then_o learned_a reader_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o present_v unto_o thou_o a_o learned_a treatise_n of_o he_o which_o he_o send_v unto_o his_o dear_a and_o learned_a friend_n honoratus_n to_o draw_v he_o from_o the_o manichean_a heresy_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n i_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o tender_v it_o unto_o thou_o in_o this_o poor_a english_a habit_n be_v i_o not_o confident_a that_o thou_o seek_v more_o after_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o save_n of_o thy_o soul_n then_o after_o vain_a eloquence_n &_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o but_o i_o will_v assure_v thou_o under_o this_o poor_a attire_n thou_o will_v find_v a_o rich_a and_o a_o learned_a discourse_n of_o great_a s._n augustine_n not_o only_o very_o profitable_a for_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o resolve_v in_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o for_o they_o that_o dear_a to_o be_v satisfy_v whither_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o embrace_v be_v true_a or_o no._n if_o the_o stile_n be_v displease_v and_o ungrateful_a unto_o thou_o know_v that_o very_o many_o of_o the_o african_a father_n have_v harsh_a style_n beside_o consider_v how_o hard_o a_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v a_o native_a african_n to_o speak_v true_a english_a in_o this_o work_n first_o he_o show_v how_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v expound_v and_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o against_o the_o manichee_n that_o reject_v it_o second_o he_o overthrow_v that_o manichean_a principle_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o first_o by_o reason_n make_v manifest_a and_o evident_a unto_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o three_o place_n he_o advise_v fervent_a and_o frequent_a prayer_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o sequestration_n of_o affection_n from_o terrene_a thing_n as_o aid_n necessary_a for_o the_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n then_o declare_v that_o christ_n have_v raise_v a_o very_a great_a and_o a_o famous_a church_n consist_v of_o all_o nation_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v very_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a even_o to_o the_o world_n end_n he_o exhort_v honoratus_n to_o address_v himself_o unto_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n thereof_o and_o to_o learn_v of_o they_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n this_o way_n of_o proceed_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n be_v far_o more_o short_a and_o easy_a then_o by_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o the_o point_n of_o controvert_v doctrine_n by_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o consist_v in_o two_o point_n only_o first_o in_o seek_v out_o which_o of_o all_o the_o church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o second_o whither_o this_o church_n can_v err_v or_o no._n for_o the_o find_n out_o of_o the_o church_n s_o augustine_n propose_v four_o mark_n unto_o honoratus_n unity_n universality_n sanctity_n and_o apostolical_a succession_n the_o which_o be_v set_v down_o very_o plain_o in_o scripture_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v twofold_a in_o body_n and_o in_o faith_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o first_o our_o saviour_n say_v his_o church_n be_v one_o fold_n and_o have_v one_o shepherd_a joh._n 10.16_o and_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o second_o s._n paul_n earnest_o exhort_v the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1.10_o to_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o he_o beseech_v the_o ephesian_n to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n ephes_n 4.3_o 4_o 5._o affirm_v
of_o satisfaction_n in_o thing_n of_o such_o consequence_n but_o diligent_o to_o search_v out_o which_o among_o all_o the_o society_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v that_o bless_a company_n of_o holy_a one_o that_o household_n of_o faith_n that_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n that_o so_o they_o may_v embrace_v her_o commwion_n follow_v her_o direction_n and_o rest_n in_o her_o judgement_n now_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o follow_v this_o wholesome_a counsel_n let_v i_o advise_v thou_o with_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o peruse_v this_o ensue_a treatise_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v receive_v much_o benefit_n thereby_o for_o thy_o soul_n health_n thou_o have_v already_o the_o prayer_n of_o s._n augustine_n and_o thou_o shall_v have_v the_o hearty_a wish_n and_o desire_n of_o thy_o charitable_a wellwisher_n a._n p._n the_o table_n chap._n i._n how_o s._n augustine_n come_v to_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o manichee_n page_n 1_o chap._n ii_o that_o the_o manichee_n do_v condemn_v the_o old_a testament_n page_n 11_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o four_o way_n of_o expound_v the_o old_a testament_n page_n 15_o chap._n iu_o 3._o way_n whereby_o man_n fall_v into_o error_n page_n 31_o chap._n five_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n page_n 37_o chap._n vi_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v first_o to_o be_v love_v before_o it_o can_v be_v learned_a page_n 42_o chap._n vii_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v rash_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o how_o and_o with_o what_o care_n and_o diligence_n the_o true_a religion_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o page_n 49_o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o way_n to_o the_o instruction_n of_o piety_n and_o of_o the_o wonderful_a pain_n s._n augustine_n take_v to_o find_v it_o out_o page_n 63_o chap._n ix_o of_o credulity_n page_n 68_o chap._n x._o why_o credulity_n be_v the_o way_n to_o religion_n page_n 75_o chap._n xi_o of_o understanding_n belief_n and_o opinion_n page_n 83_o chap._n xii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o believe_v wise_a man_n page_n 93_o chap._n xiii_o that_o religion_n take_v her_o beginning_n from_o believe_v page_n 98_o chap._n fourteen_o that_o christ_n chief_o exact_v belief_n page_n 104_o chap._n xv._o of_o the_o most_o commodious_a way_n to_o religion_n page_n 114_o chap._n xvi_o that_o miracle_n do_v procure_v belief_n page_n 117_o chap._n xvii_o the_o consent_n of_o nation_n believingin_n christ_n page_n 124_o chap._n xviii_o the_o conclusion_n by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n page_n 129_o the_o profit_n of_o believe_v chap._n i._n how_o saint_n augustine_n come_v to_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o manichee_n o_o honoratus_n if_o any_o heretic_n and_o a_o man_n believe_v heretic_n do_v seem_v unto_o i_o to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v silent_a at_o this_o present_a and_o to_o abstain_v both_o from_o speak_v and_o write_v in_o this_o cause_n but_o now_o whereas_o they_o do_v verymuch_o differ_v for_o he_o be_v a_o heretic_n according_a to_o my_o opinion_n who_o for_o some_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o chief_o for_o glory_n and_o his_o own_o preferment_n either_o broach_v or_o follow_v false_a and_o new_a opinion_n but_o a_o man_n believe_v heretic_n be_v one_o that_o be_v delude_v with_o a_o certain_a imagination_n of_o piety_n and_o truth_n i_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o deliver_v thou_o my_o opinion_n touch_v the_o find_v out_o and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n with_o the_o love_n whereof_o we_o have_v both_o as_o thou_o know_v be_v great_o inflame_v even_o from_o our_o youth_n truth_n be_v a_o thing_n far_o differ_v from_o that_o which_o vain_a man_n do_v conceive_v who_o have_v too_o deep_o settle_v their_o affection_n upon_o these_o bodily_a and_o corporal_a thing_n do_v hold_n and_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o what_o they_o do_v perceive_v and_o discern_v by_o those_o five_o most_o know_a messenger_n of_o the_o body_n and_o they_o to_o sse_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o rerevolve_v in_o their_o mind_n the_o impression_n and_o image_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o these_o thing_n even_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o disbelieve_v their_o sense_n and_o by_o a_o deadly_a and_o a_o most_o deceitful_a rule_v take_v from_o thence_o they_o think_v that_o they_o do_v frame_v a_o right_n and_o perfect_a judgement_n of_o the_o inefffable_a secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_a my_o most_o dear_a friend_n then_o for_o a_o man_n not_o only_o to_o say_v but_o also_o to_o think_v that_o he_o have_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o how_o extreme_a hard_a it_o be_v to_o find_v it_o out_o indeed_o thou_o will_v as_o i_o hope_v acknowledge_v and_o confess_v upon_o the_o perusal_n of_o these_o my_o writing_n which_o that_o they_o may_v prove_v beneficial_a unto_o thou_o or_o at_o least_o not_o hurtful_a and_o unto_o all_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n they_o may_v chance_v to_o light_n i_o have_v beseech_v the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o i_o do_v beseech_v he_o and_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v if_o my_o own_o conscience_n can_v but_o bear_v i_o witness_v that_o i_o come_v to_o write_v they_o not_o with_o a_o desire_n of_o vain_a renown_n or_o frivolous_a ostentation_n but_o with_o a_o pious_a and_o a_o serviceable_a mind_n my_o intent_n therefore_o be_v to_o prove_v unto_o thou_o if_o i_o can_v that_o it_o be_v sacrilegious_o and_o rash_o do_v of_o the_o manichee_n to_o speak_v bitter_a word_n and_o inveigh_v against_o those_o who_o follow_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v fortify_v and_o strengthen_v beforehand_o by_o believe_v and_o be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o light_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n before_o they_o can_v behold_v that_o verity_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v see_v and_o behold_v with_o a_o pure_a and_o clean_a mind_n for_o thou_o know_v o_o honoratus_n that_o we_o put_v ourselves_o into_o the_o company_n of_o such_o man_n for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o for_o that_o they_o say_v that_o the_o terror_n of_o authority_n be_v set_v aside_o they_o will_v with_o plain_a and_o admirable_a reason_n bring_v their_o hearer_n and_o follower_n unto_o god_n and_o free_v they_o from_o all_o error_n for_o what_o else_o be_v it_o that_o enforce_v i_o to_o follow_v they_o and_o to_o hearken_v to_o they_o attentive_o almost_o for_o the_o space_n of_o nine_o year_n have_v despise_v and_o contemn_v the_o religion_n which_o by_o my_o parent_n be_v ingraff_v in_o i_o be_v a_o little_a child_n but_o for_o that_o they_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v terrify_v with_o superstition_n and_o command_v to_o believe_v before_o any_o reason_n be_v give_v we_o of_o belief_n and_o that_o they_o importune_v and_o urge_v none_o to_o believe_v until_o the_o truth_n be_v first_o discuss_v and_o make_v manifest_a unto_o they_o who_o will_v not_o be_v allure_v with_o these_o promise_n especial_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o young_a man_n desirous_a of_o truth_n a_o babbler_n and_o one_o that_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o pride_n upon_o disputation_n have_v with_o some_o skilful_a and_o learned_a schoolman_n and_o such_o a_o one_o they_o find_v i_o then_o to_o be_v namely_o who_o despise_v my_o former_a religion_n like_o old_a wife_n tale_n and_o desire_v to_o embrace_v and_o with_o greediness_n to_o receive_v the_o manifest_a and_o sincere_a truth_n which_o they_o promise_v to_o teach_v and_o deliver_v but_o again_o what_o reason_n withdraw_v i_o and_o call_v i_o back_o that_o i_o do_v not_o whole_o adhere_v unto_o they_o but_o keep_v myself_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o hearer_n as_o they_o use_v to_o call_v they_o and_o do_v not_o forgo_v the_o hope_n and_o affair_n which_o i_o have_v in_o this_o world_n but_o for_o that_o i_o also_o note_v and_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v more_o eloquent_a and_o copious_a in_o confute_v other_o then_o firm_a and_o certain_a in_o prove_v and_o maintain_v their_o own_o ground_n but_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o myself_o who_o be_v now_o become_v a_o catholic_n christian_n who_o be_v almost_o exhaust_v and_o greedy_a after_o a_o very_a long_a thirst_n be_v now_o with_o a_o ardent_a affection_n return_v again_o to_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o church_n which_o i_o shake_v and_o wring_v much_o weep_v and_o lament_v to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v not_o only_o draw_v from_o thence_o sufficient_a comfort_n for_o my_o misery_n and_o affliction_n but_o may_v also_o recover_v my_o former_a hope_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n what_o then_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o myself_o and_o as_o for_o thou_o thou_o do_v so_o vehement_o hate_v and_o detest_v they_o that_o i_o can_v hardly_o draw_v thou_o by_o entreaty_n and_o exhortation_n to_o
reason_n to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v unheard_a of_o million_o of_o fable_n and_o tale_n chap._n vii_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v rash_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o how_o and_o with_o what_o care_n and_o diligence_n the_o true_a religion_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o but_o now_o if_o i_o can_v i_o will_v accomplish_v that_o which_o i_o have_v begin_v and_o i_o will_v treat_v with_o thou_o after_o such_o a_o sort_n that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o will_v not_o expound_v the_o catholic_n faith_n but_o i_o will_v show_v unto_o they_o that_o have_v a_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n some_o hope_n of_o divine_a fruit_n and_o of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v search_v out_o the_o great_a mystery_n and_o secret_n of_o faith_n he_o that_o seek_v after_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v without_o doubt_n either_o believe_v already_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a unto_o who_o that_o religion_n may_v be_v commodious_a and_o profitable_a or_o he_o desire_v to_o find_v she_o to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o same_o religion_n and_o therefore_o all_o religion_n be_v for_o the_o soul_n sake_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o body_n howsoever_o it_o do_v put_v he_o to_o no_o care_n and_o solicitude_n especial_o after_o death_n who_o soul_n have_v take_v a_o course_n by_o which_o it_o may_v become_v bless_v wherefore_o true_a religion_n if_o there_o be_v any_o be_v either_o only_a one_o chief_o institute_v for_o the_o soul_n sake_n and_o this_o soul_n err_v and_o be_v foolish_a as_o we_o see_v until_o she_o get_v and_o possess_v wisdom_n and_o that_o perhaps_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n if_o i_o seek_v out_o and_o inquire_v the_o cause_n of_o her_o err_a i_o find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v extreme_o hide_a and_o obscure_a but_o do_v i_o send_v thou_o to_o fable_n or_o do_v i_o enforce_v thou_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n rash_o i_o say_v our_o soul_n be_v entangle_v and_o drown_v in_o error_n and_o folly_n seek_v after_o the_o way_n of_o venty_n and_o truth_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o to_o be_v find_v if_o thou_o find_v not_o thyself_o thus_o incline_v and_o dispose_v pardon_v i_o and_o make_v i_o i_o pray_v thou_o partaker_n of_o thy_o wisdom_n but_o if_o thou_o do_v let_v we_o i_o beseech_v thou_o both_o together_o seek_v out_o the_o truth_n imagine_v with_o thyself_o that_o no_o not_o ce_fw-fr have_v as_o yet_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o nor_o no_o insinuation_n make_v unto_o we_o of_o any_o religion_n what_o soever_o behold_v we_o undertake_v a_o new_a work_n and_o a_o new_a business_n professor_n of_o religion_n be_v i_o believe_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n suppose_v then_o that_o we_o have_v find_v man_n of_o divers_a opinion_n and_o in_o that_o diversity_n seek_v to_o draw_v every_o one_o unto_o they_o but_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n some_o among_o these_o do_v surpass_v the_o rest_n in_o renown_n of_o fame_n and_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o almost_o all_o people_n whether_o they_o embrace_v the_o truth_n or_o no_o it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n but_o be_v they_o not_o first_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o try_v that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o err_v for_o as_o man_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n we_o may_v seem_v to_o err_v with_o mankind_n itself_o but_o thou_o will_v say_v truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v but_o among_o a_o few_o certain_a man_n if_o thou_o know_v among_o who_o it_o be_v why_o then_o thou_o know_v already_o what_o it_o be_v do_v not_o i_o say_v a_o little_a before_o that_o we_o will_v seek_v after_o the_o truth_n as_o though_o we_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a thereof_o but_o if_o by_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n thou_o do_v conjecture_v that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o embrace_v it_o and_o yet_o thou_o know_v not_o who_o they_o be_v what_o if_o those_o few_o do_v lead_v and_o rule_v the_o multitude_n by_o their_o authority_n and_o can_v dive_v into_o the_o secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o can_v make_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n plain_a and_o manifest_v do_v we_o not_o see_v how_o few_o attain_n to_o the_o height_n of_o eloquence_n and_o yet_o the_o school_n of_o rhetorician_n do_v make_v a_o great_a noise_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n with_o company_n of_o young_a man_n do_v all_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o become_v good_a orator_n be_v terrify_v with_o the_o multitude_n of_o unskilful_a man_n think_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o addict_v themselves_o rather_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o oration_n of_o coccilius_n and_o erucius_n then_o to_o those_o of_o tullius_n cicero_n all_o man_n affect_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o ancestor_n the_o simple_a sort_n of_o people_n endeavour_n to_o learn_v those_o thing_n which_o a_o few_o learned_a man_n have_v deliver_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v learn_v but_o very_o few_o there_o be_v that_o attain_v unto_o great_a eloquence_n few_o there_o be_v that_o practice_n it_o but_o few_o of_o all_o that_o grow_v eminent_a and_o be_v famous_a what_o if_o true_a religion_n be_v some_o such_o thing_n what_o if_o a_o multitude_n of_o ignorant_a people_n frequent_v the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o proof_n nor_o argument_n that_o therefore_o none_o be_v make_v perfect_a by_o those_o mystery_n and_o yet_o if_o so_o few_o shall_v study_v eloquence_n as_o there_o be_v few_o that_o become_v eloquent_a our_o parent_n will_v never_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o have_v we_o recommend_v unto_o such_o master_n when_o as_o therefore_o the_o multitude_n which_o abound_v with_o a_o number_n of_o unskilful_a people_n invite_v we_o to_o these_o study_n and_o make_v we_o earnest_o to_o affect_v that_o which_o few_o do_v obtain_v why_o will_v we_o not_o admit_v that_o we_o have_v the_o like_a cause_n in_o religion_n the_o which_o peradventure_o we_o contemn_v and_o despise_v to_o the_o great_a peril_n and_o hazard_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o if_o the_o most_o true_a and_o most_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v but_o among_o a_o few_o yet_o it_o be_v among_o those_o with_o who_o the_o multitude_n though_o whole_o addict_v to_o their_o appetite_n and_o desire_n and_o far_o from_o the_o purity_n of_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n do_v consent_n and_o agree_v which_o without_o all_o doubt_n may_v come_v to_o pass_v i_o ask_v what_o answer_n be_v we_o able_a to_o give_v if_o any_o one_o shall_v reprove_v our_o rashness_n &_o folly_n for_o that_o have_v a_o great_a care_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n we_o do_v not_o diligent_o search_v it_o out_o among_o the_o master_n and_o teacher_n thereof_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v the_o multitude_n have_v discourage_v i_o why_o then_o have_v it_o not_o disheartened_a man_n from_o the_o study_n of_o the_o liberal_a science_n which_o hardly_o yield_v any_o profit_n to_o this_o present_a life_n why_o not_o from_o seek_v after_o money_n and_o get_v wealth_n why_o not_o from_o obtain_v dignity_n and_o honour_n moreover_o why_o not_o from_o recover_v and_o preserve_v health_n final_o why_o not_o from_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o bless_a &_o a_o happy_a life_n in_o all_o which_o affair_n though_o many_o man_n be_v employ_v yet_o few_o there_o be_v that_o be_v eminent_a and_o excel_v you_o will_v say_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n seem_v to_o contain_v absurd_a thing_n who_o be_v they_o that_o affirm_v it_o namely_o enemy_n for_o what_o cause_n or_o reason_n they_o do_v it_o be_v not_o now_o the_o question_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v enemy_n you_o will_v say_v when_o you_o read_v they_o you_o understand_v so_o much_o by_o your_o own_o read_n be_v it_o so_o indeed_o if_o thou_o have_v no_o skill_n in_o poetry_n at_o all_o thou_o dare_v not_o take_v in_o hand_n terentianus_n maurus_n without_o a_o master_n asper_n cornutus_n donatus_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o author_n be_v think_v requisite_a for_o the_o understanding_n of_o any_o poet_n who_o verse_n deserve_v no_o great_a esteem_n than_o the_o approbation_n and_o applause_n of_o a_o stage_n and_o thou_o without_o a_o guide_n do_v undertake_v to_o read_v those_o book_n and_o without_o a_o master_n dare_v pass_v thy_o judgement_n upon_o they_o which_o howsoever_o they_o be_v be_v notwithstanding_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o almost_o all_o mankind_n publish_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o replenish_v with_o divine_a matter_n nor_o if_o thou_o find_v some_o thing_n therein_o which_o seem_v unto_o thou_o absurd_a do_v thou_o rather_o accuse_v the_o dulness_n of_o thy_o wit_n and_o thy_o mind_n corrupt_v with_o the_o infection_n of_o this_o world_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o fool_n be_v than_o those_o book_n which_o peradventure_o by_o such_o kind_n of_o man_n can_v
be_v well_o conceive_v and_o understand_v thou_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o seek_v out_o a_o man_n both_o pious_a and_o learned_a or_o one_o that_o be_v esteem_v and_o repute_v so_o to_o be_v by_o the_o approbation_n and_o consent_n of_o many_o by_o who_o instruction_n thou_o may_v become_v better_o and_o more_o expert_a and_o skilful_a by_o his_o learning_n such_o a_o one_o say_v thou_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v find_v it_o will_v be_v some_o labour_n and_o trouble_v to_o seek_v he_o there_o be_v none_o such_o in_o the_o land_n wherein_o thou_o do_v dwell_v if_o so_o what_o cause_n can_v more_o profitable_o enforce_v thou_o to_o travel_v if_o he_o lay_v hide_v in_o the_o continent_n or_o firm_a land_n or_o be_v not_o there_o at_o all_o thou_o shall_v sail_v beyond_o sea_n if_o he_o be_v not_o there_o to_o be_v find_v by_o the_o shore_n thou_o shall_v make_v a_o voyage_n even_o unto_o those_o land_n wherein_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o book_n be_v say_v and_o report_v to_o have_v be_v do_v o_o honoratus_n have_v we_o do_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o yet_o when_o we_o be_v but_o most_o wretched_a and_o silly_a boy_n we_o do_v at_o our_o own_o pleasure_n and_o in_o our_o own_o judgement_n condemn_v a_o religion_n and_o that_o perhaps_o a_o most_o holy_a one_o for_o i_o speak_v as_o yet_o as_o though_o some_o doubt_n be_v to_o be_v make_v thereof_o who_o fame_n and_o renown_n have_v already_o possess_v the_o whole_a world_n what_o if_o the_o thing_n which_o seem_v in_o those_o scripture_n offensive_a to_o some_o that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o unskilful_a be_v for_o this_o cause_n so_o write_v and_o set_v down_o that_o when_o such_o thing_n be_v read_v as_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o much_o less_o with_o they_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o wise_a we_o may_v with_o more_o care_n and_o diligence_n seek_v out_o a_o secret_a and_o hide_a meaning_n thereof_o do_v thou_o not_o see_v how_o man_n labour_v to_o interpret_v the_o pastoral_a catamite_n upon_o who_o the_o rough_a shepherd_n pour_v out_o his_o affection_n and_o how_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o boy_n alexis_n upon_o who_o plato_n be_v also_o say_v to_o have_v make_v some_o love-verse_n signify_v i_o know_v not_o what_o great_a and_o mysterious_a matter_n but_o that_o it_o surpass_v the_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n of_o unskilful_a man_n when_o as_o indeed_o that_o poet_n abound_v in_o his_o invention_n may_v without_o any_o detestable_a crime_n or_o offence_n be_v conceive_v to_o have_v publish_v lascivious_a song_n but_o be_v we_o indeed_o hinder_v and_o withdraw_v from_o seek_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n either_o by_o the_o publish_n of_o some_o law_n against_o it_o or_o by_o the_o power_n of_o they_o that_o oppose_v it_o or_o by_o the_o contemptible_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o man_n dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n or_o by_o any_o base_a or_o dishonest_a report_n or_o by_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o institution_n or_o by_o some_o hide_a profession_n thereof_o no_o no_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v withdraw_v and_o hinder_v we_o all_o law_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a do_v permit_v man_n to_o seek_v out_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v lawful_a according_a to_o humane_a law_n to_o hold_v &_o embrace_v it_o if_o so_o long_o as_o we_o err_v we_o be_v uncertain_a of_o the_o divine_a law_n we_o have_v no_o enemy_n that_o put_v any_o fright_n or_o terror_n into_o our_o weakness_n although_o truth_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n if_o it_o be_v seek_v after_o where_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o seek_v it_o with_o most_o safety_n and_o it_o can_v be_v find_v aught_o to_o be_v inquire_v for_o with_o any_o danger_n and_o hazard_n whatsoever_o the_o degree_n of_o all_o power_n &_o dignity_n do_v most_o devout_o impart_v their_o service_n unto_o this_o sacred_a and_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o very_a name_n of_o religion_n be_v most_o honourable_a and_o have_v a_o very_a great_a esteem_n and_o renown_n what_o hinder_v we_o then_o at_o last_o to_o seek_v out_o careful_o and_o to_o examine_v with_o a_o pious_a and_o diligent_a search_n whether_o here_o be_v that_o truth_n which_o though_o few_o do_v know_v and_o retain_v after_o the_o sincere_a manner_n yet_o the_o favour_n and_o good_a will_n of_o all_o nation_n do_v conspire_v therein_o all_o this_o be_v so_o imagine_v as_o i_o say_v that_o we_o now_o make_v our_o first_o enquiry_n what_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o embrace_v both_o for_o the_o cleanse_n and_o reform_v of_o our_o soul_n without_o doubt_n we_o must_v take_v our_o beginning_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o there_o be_v now_o more_o christian_n then_o if_o the_o jew_n be_v join_v with_o the_o worshipper_n of_o idol_n and_o whereas_o of_o the_o same_o christian_n there_o be_v divers_a heresy_n and_o all_o will_v have_v themselves_o think_v to_o be_v catholic_n and_o do_v call_v other_o beside_o themselves_o heretic_n the_o church_n be_v one_o as_o all_o do_v grant_v great_a in_o multitude_n if_o thou_o consider_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o as_o those_o that_o know_v do_v affirm_v more_o sincere_a in_o truth_n then_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o as_o for_o truth_n it_o be_v another_o question_n but_o that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o those_o that_o seek_v it_o be_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v one_o upon_o which_o other_o heresy_n do_v impose_v divers_a name_n when_o as_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v call_v by_o its_o proper_a name_n which_o it_o dare_v not_o deny_v whereby_o we_o may_v understand_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o arbitratour_n not_o hinder_v by_o any_o favour_n unto_o who_o the_o name_n catholic_n which_o all_o seek_v after_o aught_o to_o be_v attribute_v but_o lest_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v that_o this_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v debate_v with_o much_o babble_n or_o superfluous_a discourse_n there_o be_v one_o church_n indeed_o wherein_o even_o the_o humane_a law_n be_v after_o a_o sort_n christian_n yet_o i_o will_v have_v no_o preocupation_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o hence_o but_o i_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o most_o fit_a beginning_n for_o the_o seek_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n for_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n lest_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n rely_v upon_o no_o proper_a force_n of_o its_o own_o shall_v seem_v to_o stand_v in_o need_n to_o be_v uphold_v and_o support_v by_o they_o who_o it_o ought_v to_o sustain_v and_o support_v but_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a happiness_n if_o the_o truth_n can_v there_o be_v find_v where_o with_o most_o fecurity_n it_o may_v be_v seek_v and_o retain_v but_o if_o it_o can_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o in_o another_o place_n what_o danger_n and_o peril_n soever_o be_v incur_v chap._n viii_o of_o the_o way_n to_o the_o instruction_n of_o piety_n and_o of_o the_o wonderful_a paint_n saint_n augustine_n take_v to_o find_v it_o out_o have_v thus_o resolve_v and_o determine_v these_o thing_n which_o in_o my_o opinion_n be_v so_o right_a and_o just_a that_o i_o ought_v to_o prevail_v in_o that_o cause_n with_o thou_o whosoever_o be_v against_o it_o i_o will_v recount_v unto_o thou_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v what_o course_n i_o take_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n when_o as_o i_o seek_v it_o with_o such_o a_o mind_n and_o resolution_n as_o i_o have_v now_o declare_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o when_o i_o be_v depart_v from_o thou_o beyond_o the_o sea_n now_o stagger_v and_o doubt_v what_o i_o ought_v to_o embrace_v and_o what_o to_o reject_v which_o doubt_v daily_o increase_v in_o i_o from_o the_o time_n that_o i_o give_v ear_n unto_o that_o man_n who_o come_v unto_o we_o be_v as_o thou_o know_v promise_v as_o from_o heaven_n for_o the_o resolve_v of_o all_o the_o difficulty_n wherewith_o we_o be_v trouble_v and_o i_o know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n like_o other_o man_n but_o only_o that_o he_o be_v eloquent_a i_o hold_v a_o great_a debate_n and_o deliberation_n with_o myself_o be_v now_o in_o italy_n not_o whether_o i_o shall_v continue_v in_o that_o sect_n into_o which_o i_o be_v sorry_a and_o grieve_a that_o i_o have_v fall_v but_o by_o what_o mean_v i_o may_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o love_n whereof_o thou_o can_v bear_v i_o witness_v how_o i_o sigh_v and_o groan_v i_o be_v often_o of_o a_o opinion_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v find_v out_o and_o the_o great_a wave_n of_o my_o thought_n and_o cogitation_n move_v i_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o academic_n oftentimes_o again_o when_o i_o consider_v as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o such_o vivacity_n and_o
natural_a strength_n with_o such_o wisdom_n and_o sharpness_n of_o wit_n and_o with_o such_o quickness_n of_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o truth_n can_v lie_v hide_v and_o be_v conceal_v but_o only_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o seek_v it_o be_v hide_v and_o unknown_a and_o that_o that_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v from_o some_o divine_a authority_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o shall_v inquire_v what_o that_o authority_n be_v when_o as_o in_o so_o great_a dissension_n and_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n every_o one_o do_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v teach_v and_o deliver_v it_o whereupon_o there_o occur_v unto_o i_o a_o intricate_a wood_n or_o labyrinth_n into_o which_o it_o be_v very_o tedious_a and_o irksome_a to_o enter_v and_o my_o mind_n remain_v restless_a among_o these_o thing_n be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o a_o great_a desire_n of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n yet_o nevertheless_o by_o little_a and_o little_o i_o break_v off_o from_o their_o company_n more_o and_o more_o who_o i_o have_v already_o purpose_v to_o forsake_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o now_o remain_v in_o so_o great_a peril_n and_o danger_n but_o that_o with_o tear_n and_o pitiful_a word_n i_o shall_v beseech_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o assist_v and_o help_v i_o and_o this_o i_o do_v deliver_v gentle_o and_o careful_o and_o now_o i_o be_v almost_o shake_v by_o some_o disputation_n have_v with_o the_o bishop_n of_o milan_n s._n ambrose_n l._n 5._o conf_n c._n 14._o so_o that_o not_o without_o some_o hope_n i_o desire_v to_o inquire_v many_o thing_n touch_v the_o old_a testament_n which_o as_o thou_o know_v be_v discommend_v and_o dispraise_v unto_o we_o we_o abhor_v and_o detest_a and_o i_o have_v resolve_v to_o remain_v so_o long_o a_o catechumen_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o which_o i_o be_v deliver_v by_o my_o parent_n until_o i_o can_v find_v out_o that_o which_o i_o desire_v or_o can_v persuade_v myself_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o wherefore_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o one_o then_o that_o can_v have_v teach_v i_o he_o may_v have_v find_v i_o a_o most_o apt_a scholar_n and_o very_o docible_a after_o this_o manner_n and_o with_o the_o like_a care_n and_o anxiety_n of_o thy_o soul_n thou_o see_v that_o thou_o have_v be_v long_o trouble_v and_o afflict_a and_o if_o thou_o seem_v to_o thyself_o to_o have_v be_v already_o sufficient_o toss_v and_o will_v make_v a_o end_n of_o these_o labour_n and_o pain_n follow_v the_o way_n of_o the_o catholic_n discipline_n which_o have_v proceed_v from_o christ_n himself_o by_o his_o apostle_n even_o unto_o we_o and_o from_o hence_o shall_v descend_v and_o be_v convey_v to_o posterity_n chap._n ix_o of_o credulity_n thou_o say_v my_o advice_n be_v foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a see_v that_o all_o man_n do_v make_v it_o their_o profession_n to_o embrace_v and_o deliver_v catholic_n doctrine_n that_o all_o heretic_n do_v profess_v this_o i_o can_v deny_v but_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o unto_o those_o which_o they_o entice_v and_o allure_v unto_o they_o they_o promise_v to_o give_v a_o reason_n for_o the_o most_o hide_a and_o most_o obscure_a thing_n and_o chief_o for_o this_o cause_n they_o blame_v and_o reprehend_v the_o catholic_n church_n because_o those_o that_o approach_n and_o come_v unto_o she_o be_v command_v to_o believe_v but_o they_o glory_n and_o boast_v that_o they_o impose_v not_o upon_o their_o follower_n the_o yoke_n of_o faith_n and_o believe_v but_o open_a unto_o they_o the_o fountain_n itself_o of_o teach_v and_o instruction_n what_o say_v thou_o can_v be_v utter_v or_o speak_v more_o redound_v to_o their_o praise_n and_o commendation_n it_o be_v not_o so_o this_o they_o promise_v have_v no_o power_n nor_o ability_n to_o perform_v it_o but_o that_o by_o the_o name_n and_o pretence_n of_o reason_n they_o may_v win_v and_o allure_v much_o company_n unto_o they_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n natural_o rejoice_v at_o the_o promise_n of_o reason_n and_o not_o have_v regard_n to_o her_o own_o force_n and_o weakness_n by_o a_o desire_n she_o have_v to_o eat_v the_o meat_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o health_n which_o be_v not_o prudent_o give_v to_o the_o infirm_a she_o hasty_o fall_v upon_o the_o poison_n of_o the_o deceiver_n but_o as_o for_o true_a religion_n it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v well_o and_o right_o receive_v without_o some_o weighty_a command_n and_o force_v of_o authority_n unless_o those_o thing_n be_v first_o believe_v which_o every_o one_o may_v afterward_o attain_v unto_o and_o learn_v if_o he_o carry_v himself_o well_o and_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o it_o perhaps_o thou_o require_v some_o reason_n hereof_o whereby_o thou_o may_v be_v induce_v and_o persuade_v to_o believe_v that_o thou_o ought_v not_o soon_o to_o be_v teach_v by_o reason_n then_o by_o faith_n and_o belief_n which_o i_o can_v easy_o give_v unto_o thou_o if_o thou_o will_v accept_v and_o receive_v it_o from_o i_o with_o a_o equal_a and_o impartial_a mind_n but_o that_o it_o may_v commodious_o be_v do_v i_o will_v have_v thou_o as_o it_o be_v answer_v to_o such_o question_n as_o i_o shall_v propose_v unto_o thou_o and_o first_o of_o all_o i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o tell_v i_o why_o do_v thou_o conceive_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v because_o say_v thou_o credulity_n itself_o from_o whence_o man_n be_v call_v credulous_a seem_v unto_o i_o to_o be_v a_o certain_a vice_n else_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o custom_n to_o object_v this_o name_n by_o way_n of_o reproach_n for_o if_o a_o suspicious_a man_n be_v culpable_a and_o faulty_a because_o he_o suspect_v thing_n not_o certain_o know_v much_o more_o do_v a_o credulous_a man_n deserve_v to_o be_v blame_v who_o differ_v herein_o from_o a_o suspicious_a man_n that_o he_o that_o be_v suspicious_a make_v some_o doubt_n in_o unknown_a thing_n but_o he_o that_o be_v credulous_a make_v none_o at_o all_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o admit_v of_o this_o opinion_n and_o this_o distinction_n but_o thou_o know_v also_o that_o we_o do_v not_o say_v a_o man_n be_v curious_a but_o by_o way_n of_o taunt_n and_o reproach_n but_o when_o we_o call_v a_o man_n studious_a we_o speak_v it_o in_o his_o praise_n and_o commendation_n wherefore_o if_o you_o please_v mark_v what_o difference_n you_o conceive_v to_o be_v between_o these_o two_o thou_o answer_v that_o although_o both_o be_v move_v with_o a_o great_a desire_n of_o know_v yet_o in_o this_o they_o differ_v that_o the_o curious_a man_n inquire_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v not_o unto_o he_o but_o the_o studious_a on_o the_o contrary_a after_o his_o own_o affair_n but_o we_o grant_v that_o a_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o their_o welfare_n do_v belong_v unto_o a_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o one_o be_v go_v a_o far_o off_o out_o of_o his_o native_a soil_n shall_v make_v a_o diligent_a enquiry_n of_o those_o that_o come_v from_o his_o part_n how_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n do_v he_o have_v certain_o a_o great_a desire_n to_o know_v it_o and_o yet_o we_o call_v not_o this_o a_o studious_a man_n although_o he_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v and_o even_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v chief_o belong_v and_o appertain_v unto_o he_o wherefore_o now_o thou_o understand_v that_o that_o definition_n of_o a_o studious_a man_n be_v herein_o defective_a and_o imperfect_a that_o every_o studious_a man_n desire_v to_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o he_o but_o that_o every_o man_n that_o have_v such_o a_o desire_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v a_o studious_a man_n but_o he_o who_o exceed_o seek_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o excellent_a breed_n and_o to_o the_o adorn_v of_o the_o mind_n we_o right_o call_v in_o latin_a a_o student_n that_o be_v a_o desirous_a man_n especial_o if_o we_o add_v what_o he_o desire_v to_o hear_v for_o we_o call_v one_o also_o studious_a of_o his_o friend_n that_o love_v his_o friend_n only_o yet_o nevertheless_o we_o think_v he_o not_o worthy_a of_o the_o common_a name_n of_o studious_a man_n without_o any_o addition_n but_o one_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v how_o his_o friend_n do_v i_o will_v not_o call_v he_o studious_a or_o desirous_a of_o hear_v unless_o have_v a_o good_a fame_n and_o credit_n he_o shall_v often_o desire_v to_o hear_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v but_o once_o desire_v to_o hear_v it_o i_o will_v call_v he_o a_o student_n or_o desire_v man_n now_o reflect_v upon_o a_o curious_a man_n and_o tell_v i_o whether_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v willing_o hear_v a_o short_a tale_n not_o conduce_v at_o all_o unto_o his_o profit_n that_o be_v of_o thing_n not_o belong_v unto_o he_o and_o this_o not_o with_o great_a eagerness_n
from_o beast_n as_o we_o say_v all_o man_n desire_v to_o be_v bless_v wherein_o little_a child_n can_v be_v include_v for_o they_o can_v yet_o desire_n it_o chap._n xiii_o that_o religion_n take_v her_o beginning_n from_o believe_v here_o again_o arise_v a_o question_n of_o great_a difficulty_n for_o how_o shall_v we_o that_o be_v fool_n be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o a_o wise_a man_n see_v that_o divers_a do_v indifferent_o challenge_v that_o name_n unto_o themselves_o although_o almost_o none_n dare_v presume_v to_o do_v it_o open_o when_o as_o they_o do_v so_o disagree_v among_o themselves_o about_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o wisdom_n do_v consist_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o think_v that_o either_o none_o of_o they_o be_v wise_a man_n or_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o certain_a wiseman_n but_o when_o a_o fool_n inquire_v who_o that_o be_v true_o i_o fee_v not_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o can_v be_v plain_o discern_v and_o perceive_v for_o a_o man_n can_v know_v any_o thing_n by_o any_o sign_n whatsoever_o unless_o he_o know_v the_o thing_n itself_o whereof_o these_o be_v the_o sign_n but_o a_o fool_n know_v not_o wisdom_n for_o wisdom_n be_v not_o like_a gold_n and_o silver_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n which_o thou_o may_v both_o know_v when_o thou_o see_v and_o yet_o not_o enjoy_v and_o possess_v they_o he_o that_o want_v wisdom_n can_v see_v nor_o behold_v it_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o mind_n for_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o perceive_v with_o our_o corporal_a sense_n be_v outward_o propose_v and_o present_v unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v behold_v strange_a and_o external_a thing_n with_o our_o eye_n albeit_o we_o have_v not_o any_o of_o the_o thing_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n but_o that_o which_o be_v perceive_v by_o the_o understanding_n be_v inward_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o have_v it_o but_o to_o see_v and_o behold_v it_o but_o a_o fool_n want_v wisdom_n and_o therefore_o know_v it_o not_o for_o he_o can_v see_v it_o with_o his_o eye_n for_o he_o can_v see_v it_o and_o not_o have_v it_o and_o he_o can_v have_v it_o and_o still_o continue_v and_o remain_v a_o fool_n wherefore_o he_o know_v it_o not_o and_o whilst_o he_o know_v it_o not_o he_o can_v know_v it_o in_o another_o place_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n so_o long_o as_o he_o remain_v a_o fool_n can_v by_o most_o certain_a knowledge_n find_v out_o a_o wise_a man_n by_o obey_v of_o who_o precept_n and_o command_n he_o may_v be_v free_v from_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a as_o folly_n be_v now_o it_o be_v god_n only_o that_o can_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o this_o mighty_a difficulty_n and_o afford_v remedy_n for_o this_o great_a evil_n and_o because_o our_o question_n be_v about_o religion_n unless_o we_o both_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o give_v assistance_n to_o humane_a mind_n we_o ought_v not_o indeed_o to_o inquire_v and_o seek_v for_o true_a religion_n for_o what_o do_v we_o desire_v to_o find_v out_o at_o length_n by_o so_o great_a a_o endeavour_n what_o wish_v we_o to_o attain_v unto_o whither_o do_v we_o long_a to_o arrive_v be_v it_o unto_o that_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v not_o to_o have_v a_o be_v nor_o to_o belong_v and_o appertain_v unto_o we_o nothing_o be_v more_o perverse_a than_o such_o a_o mind_n when_o thou_o dare_v not_o beg_v a_o favour_n of_o i_o or_o with_o impudence_n dare_v crave_v one_o do_v thou_o come_v to_o demand_v how_o religion_n may_v be_v find_v out_o when_o thou_o think_v not_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o we_o care_v not_o whither_o there_o be_v any_o or_o no_o what_o if_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o matter_n that_o unless_o it_o be_v diligent_o seek_v for_o and_o with_o all_o might_n and_o power_n it_o can_v be_v find_v out_o what_o if_o the_o extreme_a difficulty_n of_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n and_o understand_v of_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v find_v out_o do_v vex_v and_o trouble_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o seeker_n for_o what_o be_v more_o pleasant_a and_o familiar_a to_o our_o eye_n than_o this_o light_n be_v and_o yet_o after_o long_a obscurity_n and_o darkness_n they_o can_v endure_v it_o what_o be_v more_o fit_a and_o commodious_a for_o a_o body_n that_o be_v consume_v and_o exhaust_v with_o sickness_n than_o meat_n and_o drink_v yet_o we_o see_v that_o those_o that_o be_v upon_o recovery_n be_v restrame_v and_o keep_v back_o that_o they_o may_v not_o presume_v to_o feed_v so_o plentiful_o as_o well_o man_n do_v lest_o by_o a_o full_a diet_n they_o shall_v return_v to_o their_o former_a disease_n i_o speak_v of_o those_o that_o be_v recover_v their_o health_n but_o what_o do_v we_o not_o enforce_v the_o sick_a man_n themselves_o to_o eat_v something_o which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o trouble_n unto_o they_o that_o certain_o they_o will_v not_o obey_v we_o do_v they_o not_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v escape_v that_o sickness_n thereby_o when_o therefore_o will_v thou_o settle_v thyself_o to_o a_o most_o painful_a and_o laborious_a search_n when_o will_v thou_o adventure_v to_o take_v so_o great_a care_n and_o labour_n upon_o thou_o as_o this_o business_n do_v deserve_v when_o as_o thou_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o that_o which_o thou_o seek_v wherefore_o it_o be_v right_o institute_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o majesty_n of_o catholic_n discipline_n that_o before_o all_o thing_n they_o shall_v be_v induce_v and_o persuade_v to_o believe_v that_o come_v to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v religion_n chap._n fourteen_o that_o christ_n himself_o chief_o exact_v belief_n see_v my_o discourse_n be_v concern_v those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v call_v christian_n i_o pray_v tell_v i_o what_o reason_n can_v that_o heretic_n allege_v unto_o i_o what_o can_v he_o say_v to_o draw_v i_o from_o believe_v as_o from_o a_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a thing_n if_o he_o command_v i_o to_o believe_v nothing_o then_o do_v i_o not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o because_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n i_o do_v not_o seek_v after_o it_o but_o he_o as_o i_o conceive_v will_v show_v it_o to_o the_o seeker_n for_o so_o it_o be_v write_v he_o that_o seek_v shall_v find_v wherefore_o i_o will_v not_o come_v to_o he_o that_o forbid_v i_o to_o believe_v unless_o i_o believe_v something_o be_v there_o any_o great_a madness_n then_o that_o i_o shall_v displease_v they_o only_o with_o a_o belief_n which_o be_v support_v by_o no_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o that_o belief_n alone_o have_v bring_v i_o to_o the_o self_n same_o man_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v but_o that_o all_o heretic_n do_v exhort_v we_o to_o believe_v christ_n can_v they_o be_v more_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a to_o themselves_o wherein_o they_o be_v to_o be_v press_v two_o manner_n of_o way_n first_o they_o be_v to_o be_v ask_v where_o be_v the_o reason_n which_o they_o promise_v where_o the_o reprehension_n and_o blame_v of_o rashness_n where_o the_o presumption_n of_o science_n and_o knowledge_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o believe_v anyone_o without_o reason_n why_o do_v thou_o expect_v why_o do_v thou_o go_v about_o to_o have_v i_o believe_v any_o one_o without_o reason_n that_o i_o may_v more_o easy_o be_v lead_v by_o thy_o reason_n will_v thy_o reason_n build_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v firm_a &_o stable_a upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o temerity_n &_o rashness_n i_o speak_v according_a to_o they_o who_o we_o discontent_a &_o displease_v by_o believe_v for_o to_o believe_v before_o reason_n when_o thou_o be_v not_o yet_o fit_a to_o conceive_v and_o understand_v it_o and_o by_o faith_n itself_o to_o prepare_v the_o mind_n to_o receive_v the_o seed_n of_o verity_n and_o truth_n i_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o most_o wholesome_a and_o profitable_a thing_n but_o also_o so_o necessary_a that_o those_o that_o have_v sick_a and_o feeble_a mind_n can_v recover_v their_o health_n without_o it_o which_o because_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n and_o full_a of_o rashness_n it_o be_v impudent_o do_v of_o they_o to_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v we_o to_o believe_v christ_n moreover_o i_o confess_v that_o i_o have_v already_o believe_v christ_n and_o have_v persuade_v myself_o that_o that_o be_v true_a which_o he_o have_v say_v although_o this_o my_o belief_n be_v support_v by_o no_o reason_n this_o be_v the_o first_o lesson_n o_o heretic_n which_o thou_o will_v teach_v i_o but_o because_o i_o have_v not_o see_v christ_n himself_o how_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o appear_v among_o man_n who_o be_v public_o report_v to_o have_v be_v see_v
that_o beast_n his_o soul_n shall_v also_o be_v pluck_v away_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n no_o we_o see_v the_o lion_n which_o kill_v he_o become_v instant_o his_o guardian_n and_o defend_v his_o body_n from_o the_o raven_a of_o other_o beast_n yea_o the_o very_a ass_n on_o which_o he_o ride_v remain_v untouched_a seem_v to_o assist_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o undaunted_a presence_n at_o the_o funeral_n of_o his_o master_n which_o certain_o be_v not_o without_o miracle_n and_o a_o evident_a sign_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n in_o that_o case_n be_v correct_v only_o unto_o a_o temporal_a death_n and_o not_o at_o all_o punish_v afterward_o not_o much_o unlike_a to_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n 11.31_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o where_o have_v commemorate_a the_o infirmity_n yea_o death_n of_o many_o of_o the_o people_n for_o some_o particular_a offence_n among_o they_o he_o conclude_v at_o last_o thus_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v by_o our_o lord_n but_o when_o we_o be_v judge_v we_o be_v chastise_v by_o our_o lord_n lest_o we_o shall_v be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n and_o true_o he_o who_o have_v deceive_v this_o prophet_n bury_v he_o afterward_o in_o his_o own_o monument_n with_o sufficient_a honour_n yea_o and_o take_v order_v beside_o that_o himself_o may_v be_v afterward_o bury_v as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v unto_o his_o corpse_n hope_v as_o we_o may_v probable_o suppose_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v his_o own_o bone_n may_v be_v spare_v when_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v according_a to_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o this_o very_a man_n of_o god_n that_o the_o good_a king_n josias_n shall_v cause_v the_o bone_n of_o many_o dead_a people_n to_o be_v dis-interred_n and_o those_o idolatrous_a altar_n which_o have_v be_v build_v unto_o strange_a god_n in_o and_o about_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v defile_v therewith_o for_o so_o indeed_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o monument_n wherein_o this_o prophet_n be_v bury_v who_o foretell_v those_o thing_n three_o hundred_o year_n before_o and_o the_o sepulchre_n of_o he_o who_o deceive_v he_o be_v spare_v and_o so_o we_o see_v out_o of_o that_o natural_a affection_n by_o which_o every_o man_n love_v his_o own_o flesh_n 23.12_o 4_o reg._n 23.12_o this_o prophet_n be_v careful_a to_o provide_v for_o the_o temporal_a security_n of_o his_o body_n even_o after_o death_n who_o yet_o by_o a_o lie_n so_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lay_v care_v not_o to_o hazard_v his_o soul_n for_o ever_o in_o this_o respect_n therefore_o that_o every_o one_o natural_o love_v his_o own_o flesh_n it_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o punishment_n for_o the_o one_o to_o know_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o come_v to_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n of_o his_o father_n and_o in_o the_o other_o if_o that_o have_v be_v all_o a_o providence_n not_o unworthy_a of_o commendation_n viz._n to_o lay_v his_o bone_n in_o a_o sepulchre_n which_o he_o be_v sure_a none_o will_v violate_v chap._n viii_o the_o martyr_n indeed_o while_o they_o fight_v for_o the_o truth_n vanquish_v this_o affection_n and_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n they_o shall_v for_o they_o who_o can_v not_o be_v overcome_v with_o any_o torment_n they_o suffer_v alive_a it_o have_v be_v very_o strange_a shall_v they_o have_v shrink_v at_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o follow_v after_o death_n whereof_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o sense_n doubtless_o god_n almighty_a who_o suffer_v not_o the_o lion_n so_o much_o as_o to_o touch_v the_o prophet_n after_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o as_o it_o be_v command_v he_o to_o guard_v that_o body_n which_o he_o have_v slay_v can_v as_o easy_o if_o he_o have_v so_o please_v have_v keep_v off_o those_o dog_n from_o the_o body_n of_o his_o servant_n he_o can_v have_v terrify_v by_o a_o hundred_o way_n the_o cruel_a mind_n of_o those_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v dare_v either_o to_o burn_v their_o body_n or_o to_o throw_v about_o their_o ash_n but_o this_o be_v a_o trial_n of_o those_o saint_n not_o fit_a to_o be_v want_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o suffering_n that_o the_o fortitude_n of_o their_o confession_n which_o be_v already_o well_o see_v in_o not_o yield_v to_o any_o torture_n to_o save_v their_o life_n may_v yet_o be_v consummate_v as_o it_o be_v and_o perfect_v in_o this_o that_o for_o christ_n sake_n they_o regard_v as_o little_a the_o honour_n of_o sepulture_n remain_v through_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o resurrection_n as_o secure_v of_o their_o body_n as_o they_o be_v of_o their_o soul_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n also_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v permit_v to_o be_v do_v that_o the_o martyr_n themselves_o by_o such_o glorious_a combat_n shall_v become_v fervent_a witness_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o from_o our_o saviour_n they_o have_v learn_v namely_o that_o they_o which_o thus_o cruel_o tyrannize_v over_o their_o body_n after_o death_n have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v see_v that_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v attempt_v upon_o the_o body_n once_o dead_a will_v be_v nothing_o nothing_o i_o say_v either_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o only_o have_v sense_n and_o be_v already_o depart_v or_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o creator_n who_o providence_n be_v such_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v lose_v which_o he_o have_v make_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o while_o these_o martyr_n themselves_o with_o infinite_a courage_n suffer_v such_o thing_n not_o care_v for_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n what_o become_v of_o their_o body_n dead_a or_o alive_a their_o fellow-brethren_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o christian_n have_v great_a sorrow_n at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v much_o afflict_v that_o by_o reason_n hereof_o and_o of_o the_o extreme_a vigilance_n of_o their_o persecutor_n they_o can_v not_o perform_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o funeral_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o procure_v private_o the_o least_o relic_n of_o they_o saint_n christian_n in_o old_a time_n use_v diligence_n to_o get_v any_o small_a relic_n of_o saint_n as_o the_o same_o history_n show_v so_o as_o when_o no_o evil_a at_o all_o touch_v they_o who_o be_v kill_v either_o that_o their_o body_n be_v tear_v in_o piece_n or_o their_o bone_n burn_v or_o their_o ash_n cast_v abroad_o yet_o in_o the_o live_n we_o see_v there_o be_v much_o sorrow_n and_o affliction_n because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v that_o for_o their_o friend_n which_o this_o natural_a affection_n seem_v to_o require_v that_o be_v there_o be_v in_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o fence_n for_o that_o of_o which_o the_o dead_a have_v no_o sense_n and_o much_o compassion_n as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v where_o indeed_o be_v no_o passion_n at_o all_o chap._n ix_o according_a unto_o which_o kind_n of_o miserable_a compassion_n as_o it_o may_v be_v call_v we_o read_v those_o man_n be_v high_o commend_v by_o king_n david_n who_o have_v bury_v that_o be_v 2.5_o 2_o reg_n 2.5_o show_v such_o pity_n unto_o the_o dry_a bone_n of_o saul_n and_o jonathan_n but_o can_v any_o pity_n be_v show_v to_o they_o who_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o misery_n or_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o this_o agree_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o virgil_n that_o decease_a people_n can_v pass_v that_o river_n of_o hell_n can_v come_v at_o the_o elysian_a field_n nor_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o their_o body_n be_v bury_v god_n forbid_v that_o christianity_n shall_v admit_v such_o a_o paradox_n if_o that_o be_v true_a million_o of_o martyr_n be_v in_o a_o miserable_a case_n who_o body_n be_v never_o bury_v yea_o and_o the_o truth_n itself_o have_v much_o deceive_v they_o say_v fear_v not_o they_o who_o kill_v the_o body_n and_o afterward_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v if_o they_o can_v do_v they_o so_o great_a mischief_n yet_o after_o death_n as_o to_o hinder_v their_o pass_n unto_o their_o desire_a rest_n but_o see_v this_o be_v so_o undoubted_o false_a and_o that_o for_o certain_a the_o want_n of_o burial_n hurt_v faithful_a soul_n no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v advantage_v a_o infidel_n to_o be_v bury_v sumptuous_o what_o may_v the_o reason_n then_o be_v that_o the_o good_a and_o religious_a king_n david_n shall_v so_o high_o commend_v they_o who_o bury_v saul_n and_o his_o son_n certain_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o this_o viz._n the_o good_a affection_n with_o which_o their_o heart_n be_v touch_v who_o bury_v they_o and_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v affliction_n to_o they_o that_o such_o calamity_n shall_v befall_v the_o body_n of_o other_o as_o out_o of_o that_o natural_a love_n which_o all_o man_n bear_v to_o themselves_o they_o will_v never_o wish_v to_o their_o own_o and_o that_o they_o be_v content_a yea_o studious_a while_o they_o live_v and_o know_v what_o they_o do_v to_o