alphabet_n without_o know_v how_o to_o join_v they_o to_o make_v entire_a word_n thereof_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o consist_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o matter_n confuse_o heap_v together_o in_o the_o mind_n without_o symmetry_n or_o proportion_n without_o any_o form_n either_o of_o building_n or_o body_n the_o head_n and_o foot_n be_v confound_v some_o of_o our_o controversy_n concern_v the_o same_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o point_n the_o roman_a catholic_n come_v to_o contend_v with_o we_o begin_v voluntary_o with_o the_o question_n of_o the_o church_n give_v it_o the_o high_a place_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v make_v it_o pass_v as_o a_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n hold_v not_o the_o first_o rank_n in_o the_o creed_n chap._n four_o of_o those_o which_o believe_v the_o truth_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o false_a principle_n or_o of_o some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o touch_v not_o the_o question_n many_o believe_v the_o truth_n by_o a_o false_a faith_n the_o turk_n believe_v god_n the_o creation_n providence_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n christ_n bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n a_o great_a prophet_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o the_o koran_n say_v it_o these_o point_n be_v true_a in_o themselves_o but_o the_o belief_n which_o he_o have_v thereby_o can_v be_v formal_o true_a because_o it_o depend_v on_o a_o false_a principle_n truth_n may_v not_o be_v believe_v for_o a_o lie_v sake_n one_o may_v not_o commend_v they_o which_o endeavour_n to_o amplify_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o sibyl_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v make_v they_o speak_v more_o advantageous_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o the_o pious_a fraud_n of_o they_o which_o under_o colour_n of_o prove_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v suppose_v fabulous_a apparition_n it_o import_v not_o only_o what_o we_o believe_v but_o also_o why_o we_o believe_v it_o a_o man_n which_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o philosophy_n or_o natural_a reason_n teach_v he_o so_o have_v not_o a_o theologick_n faith_n although_o the_o belief_n which_o he_o have_v touch_v god_n be_v true_a in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o principle_n he_o that_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o christianity_n because_o great_a doctor_n believe_v they_o or_o only_o because_o the_o church_n hold_v they_o for_o true_a have_v build_v his_o faith_n upon_o man_n testimony_n it_o be_v a_o complaint_n of_o a_o person_n eminent_a in_o humane_a learning_n that_o be_v orthodox_n in_o the_o article_n of_o christ_n divinity_n notwithstanding_o in_o his_o interpretation_n and_o paraprase_n upon_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o do_v enervate_a or_o allude_v asmuch_o as_n be_v possible_a for_o he_o all_o the_o most_o manifest_a passage_n which_o authorise_v the_o belief_n of_o this_o point_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o people_n which_o upon_o every_o sort_n of_o matter_n allege_v a_o multitude_n of_o text_n though_o oft_o time_n the_o twenty_o part_n suit_v not_o to_o the_o subject_n they_o which_o believe_v a_o truth_n but_o ground_n it_o upon_o a_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o make_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n believe_v the_o truth_n false_o that_o which_o they_o believe_v be_v very_o true_a but_o that_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o they_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o the_o scripture_n ill_o apply_v be_v no_o more_o scripture_n but_o a_o pervert_n thereof_o although_o it_o be_v allege_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n which_o it_o teach_v in_o other_o passage_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o many_o will_v bring_v hither_o as_o much_o fear_n and_o discretion_n as_o they_o abound_v in_o impertinent_a quotation_n but_o the_o vulgar_a often_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v lead_v more_o by_o passage_n which_o come_v by_o the_o by_o then_o by_o those_o which_o lead_v straight_o to_o the_o mark_n i_o have_v see_v a_o man_n which_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v from_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n for_o any_o text_n allege_v unto_o he_o unless_o when_o one_o quote_v to_o he_o the_o passage_n of_o esay_n 63._o for_o 16._o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o the_o most_o conclude_v of_o all_o those_o which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o this_o controversy_n a_o rabbin_z convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o who_o have_v write_v against_o those_o of_o his_o nation_n find_v the_o trinity_n and_o the_o two_o nature_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o four_o hebrew_n letter_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n and_o make_v almost_o more_o esteem_n of_o this_o cabbalistick_a proof_n then_o of_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n infinite_o more_o clear_a and_o express_v upon_o this_o subject_n that_o which_o remain_v to_o be_v say_v require_v another_o parenthesis_n chap._n v._o every_o point_n of_o religion_n have_v its_o peculiar_a reason_n example_n and_o consideration_n to_o this_o purpose_n all_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o the_o lesser_a branch_n of_o they_o have_v every_o one_o their_o particular_a reason_n and_o the_o scripture_n say_v not_o only_o that_o it_o be_v so_o but_o also_o how_o and_o why_o it_o be_v so_o it_o give_v we_o not_o simple_a position_n but_o teach_v by_o demonstration_n and_o argument_n even_o to_o the_o resolve_v of_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v move_v to_o the_o contrary_n this_o be_v not_o then_o sufficient_a when_o a_o man_n know_v all_o his_o religion_n by_o proposition_n or_o maxim_n though_o conceive_v in_o proper_a scripture_n term_n if_o he_o know_v not_o also_o the_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o to_o allege_v the_o scripture_n which_o affirm_v such_o or_o such_o point_n but_o also_o to_o show_v why_o these_o point_n which_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v be_v such_o and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a divinity_n be_v all_o full_a of_o demonstrative_a argument_n they_o which_o have_v but_o a_o naked_a knowledge_n of_o conclusion_n see_v well_o the_o face_n and_o external_a shape_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o beat_n of_o its_o artery_n the_o spirit_n which_o move_v it_o and_o the_o faculty_n which_o stir_v within_o it_o be_v visible_a to_o they_o who_o know_v the_o reason_n wherewith_o it_o be_v animate_v it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n to_o allege_v that_o one_o ought_v not_o to_o demand_v a_o reason_n what_o god_n say_v and_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o believe_v what_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v be_v true_a this_o objection_n be_v of_o value_n as_o touch_v point_v the_o search_n whereof_o be_v forbid_v we_o as_o why_o god_n show_v mercy_n more_o to_o one_o then_o to_o another_o and_o for_o other_o matter_n which_o we_o may_v call_v transcendent_a which_o god_n have_v bound_v with_o praecipice_n &_o environ_v with_o high_a barricado_n which_o hinder_v we_o from_o enter_v in_o thereat_o but_o in_o those_o whereof_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o the_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o foolish_a modesty_n to_o reason_n against_o his_o command_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o learn_v they_o nay_o this_o be_v a_o manifest_a arrogance_n to_o will_v the_o ignorance_n of_o those_o reason_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o thereof_o under_o pretence_n of_o believe_v the_o scripture_n simple_o for_o the_o scripture_n itself_o teach_v we_o to_o reason_n upon_o many_o point_n infinite_o raise_v above_o we_o when_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o god_n permit_v that_o sin_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o hinder_v it_o many_o reason_n of_o this_o permission_n may_v be_v find_v full_a of_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o save_v the_o matter_n we_o have_v except_v there_o be_v not_o any_o point_n of_o religion_n nay_o any_o particle_n whereof_o one_o may_v not_o find_v some_o reason_n either_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o due_o aver_v by_o lawful_a consequence_n or_o result_v from_o the_o property_n of_o the_o subject_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v out_o of_o all_o enquiry_n they_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o nature_n as_o for_o example_n the_o prohibition_n of_o marriage_n between_o brother_n and_o sister_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o nature_n which_o have_v no_o need_n to_o be_v prop_v with_o reason_n since_o it_o be_v reason_n itself_o and_o though_o one_o may_v always_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n will_v oblige_v man_n to_o search_v the_o alliance_n of_o the_o remote_a raze_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o affection_n &_o correspondency_n of_o humane_a society_n may_v be_v multiply_v which_o will_v not_o be_v if_o marriage_n shall_v be_v always_o contract_v within_o the_o same_o family_n which_o will_v by_o this_o shame_n restrain_v the_o licence_n which_o may_v grow_v from_o the_o facility_n
experience_n sufficient_o teach_v that_o concord_n be_v good_a among_o brethren_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o render_v to_o every_o one_o what_o belong_v unto_o he_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v to_o other_o what_o we_o will_v not_o have_v do_v to_o we_o and_o the_o like_a proposition_n which_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n teach_v the_o most_o barbarous_a that_o he_o that_o be_v invite_v to_o a_o feast_n choose_v not_o the_o high_a place_n that_o he_o which_o ought_v shall_v agree_v with_o his_o creditor_n to_o shun_v the_o prison_n and_o other_o instruction_n of_o prudence_n of_o well_o be_v and_o administration_n which_o every_o man_n know_v without_o scripture_n god_n give_v a_o commission_n to_o the_o prophet_n to_o publish_v a_o oracle_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o be_v that_o all_o flesh_n be_v as_o grass_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o as_o grass_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v sufficient_o know_v of_o itself_o without_o extraordinary_a revelation_n the_o 49._o psal_n call_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o hear_v thing_n rare_a and_o excellent_a which_o it_o promise_v to_o discover_v unto_o they_o the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o that_o every_o man_n be_v mortal_a that_o the_o wise_a man_n die_v as_o well_o as_o the_o fool_n that_o riches_n exempt_v no_o man_n from_o the_o grave_n and_o other_o sentence_n which_o the_o very_a idiot_n sufficient_o know_v though_o they_o never_o have_v be_v write_v from_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o the_o ignorant_a admire_v not_o the_o scripture_n because_o they_o believe_v it_o tell_v they_o nothing_o new_a and_o in_o truth_n if_o the_o word_n thereof_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o appear_v manifest_a these_o matter_n will_v be_v pure_o vulgar_a but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o deceive_v the_o great_a part_n of_o reader_n or_o rather_o their_o ignorance_n deceive_v they_o in_o that_o they_o think_v these_o proposition_n of_o scripture_n have_v no_o other_o sense_n then_o that_o which_o be_v common_a and_o natural_a to_o the_o gross_a person_n these_o be_v as_o for_o the_o term_n the_o same_o sentence_n which_o be_v dictate_v unto_o we_o either_o by_o nature_n or_o by_o reason_n or_o by_o experience_n or_o by_o the_o universal_a voice_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o sense_n which_o they_o have_v in_o scripture_n reach_v much_o further_a that_o which_o seem_v there_o to_o be_v trivial_a be_v full_a of_o rarity_n which_o be_v not_o perceivable_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o spirit_n if_o there_o be_v question_n of_o a_o passage_n which_o speak_v of_o death_n the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o preacher_n which_o will_v give_v a_o description_n thereof_o which_o will_v declaim_v in_o a_o pathetic_a manner_n and_o will_v say_v all_o that_o which_o the_o simple_a know_v well_o enough_o but_o this_o be_v but_o to_o touch_v the_o superficies_n of_o scripture_n sometime_o it_o pronounce_v proverb_n take_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o common_a people_n nay_o of_o pagan_a author_n but_o it_o heightn_v the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o refer_v to_o a_o end_n far_o more_o noble_a many_o philosopher_n may_v have_v conceive_v the_o same_o moral_a precept_n nay_o in_o the_o same_o term_n with_o scrcipture_n but_o not_o to_o animate_v they_o with_o a_o sense_n so_o high_a and_o so_o complete_a this_o be_v the_o admirable_a art_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o hide_v the_o rare_a mystery_n under_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o most_o common_a matter_n we_o reserve_v the_o example_n hereof_o to_o another_o discourse_n the_o ignorant_a who_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o substance_n of_o a_o passage_n consist_v in_o that_o which_o be_v therein_o vulgar_a the_o understanding_n whereof_o be_v easy_a imagine_v they_o understand_v it_o very_o well_o and_o think_v they_o comprehend_v all_o the_o sense_n thereof_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v of_o this_o easiness_n abuse_v they_o when_o one_o find_v a_o passage_n which_o seem_v so_o easy_a one_o may_v assure_v himself_o that_o there_o be_v some_o notable_a difficulty_n in_o it_o those_o which_o seem_v most_o clear_a be_v very_o often_o most_o obscure_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v clear_a and_o intelligible_a such_o be_v similitude_n take_v from_o common_a and_o sensible_a thing_n as_o of_o a_o sour_a of_o a_o net_n cast_v into_o the_o sea_n of_o agrain_a of_o mustardseed_n of_o leaven_n put_v in_o meal_n etc._n etc._n those_o comparison_n because_o they_o be_v familiar_a be_v even_o contemptible_a to_o the_o very_a ideor_n and_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o which_o attribute_n not_o to_o himself_o the_o understanding_n thereof_o notwithstanding_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v sew_v man_n that_o comprehend_v the_o full_a sense_n thereof_o not_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o potter_n that_o of_o the_o wild_a olive_n use_v by_o saint_n paul_n upon_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n have_v divers_a branch_n marvellous_o high_a whereunto_o all_o can_v attain_v one_o may_v refer_v hither_o divers_a subject_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v within_o the_o cognisance_n of_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n as_o the_o pleyade_n and_o other_o celestial_a sign_n mention_v in_o job_n for_o astrology_n the_o remedy_n apply_v upon_o the_o carbuncle_n of_o ezekiah_n and_o the_o three_o day_n observe_v for_o the_o most_o painful_a in_o the_o wound_n of_o the_o sichemite_n for_o physic_n the_o statue_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n for_o burial_n the_o temple_n and_o royal_a house_n of_o solomon_n for_o architecture_n &_o a_o infiniteness_n of_o point_n which_o belong_v to_o natural_a philosophy_n in_o effect_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o scripture_n contain_v in_o it_o many_o admirable_a secret_n of_o this_o quality_n but_o this_o be_v but_o the_o bark_n of_o a_o marrow_n more_o substantial_a and_o wholesome_a chap._n 2._o of_o matter_n which_o seem_v unprofitable_a in_o scripture_n consideration_n upon_o chronologie_n upon_o the_o genealogy_n proper_a name_n ceremonial_a law_n rule_n particularity_n little_a considerable_a in_o appearance_n and_o history_n of_o enormous_a acts._n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o know_v what_o it_o say_v it_o be_v necessary_a also_o to_o know_v why_o it_o say_v it_o for_o the_o discourse_n thereof_o tend_v oftentimes_o to_o about_o the_o word_n express_v not_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o clear_a as_o the_o moral_a law_n the_o precept_n thereof_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o brutish_a which_o understand_v not_o very_o well_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o honour_v father_n and_o mother_n of_o abstain_v from_o homicide_n from_o false_a witness_n etc._n etc._n notwithstanding_o saint_n paul_n say_v this_o law_n be_v cover_v with_o a_o veil_n and_o that_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o see_v moses_n face_n they_o do_v comprehend_v well_o the_o sense_n thereof_o but_o see_v not_o the_o aim_n thereof_o which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v eve_o the_o language_n and_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o for_o the_o law_n promise_v life_n to_o he_o that_o fulfil_v it_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o be_v not_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o law_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o search_v for_o life_n by_o the_o fulfil_n thereof_o our_o lord_n say_v if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o notwithstanding_o this_o proposition_n tend_v to_o a_o end_n quite_o different_a to_o wit_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o hope_v for_o salvation_n by_o observation_n of_o the_o commandment_n the_o same_o aught_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o divers_a other_o passage_n the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o a_o infinity_n of_o matter_n which_o consider_v in_o themselves_o seem_v to_o be_v whole_o unprofitable_a or_o at_o least_o of_o very_o little_a importance_n if_o one_o take_v not_o heed_n at_o what_o they_o aim_v at_o it_o be_v true_a that_o some_o be_v either_o more_o profitable_a or_o more_o considerable_a than_o other_o our_o lord_n himself_o distinguish_v the_o great_a commandment_n from_o the_o lesser_a without_o doubt_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n passion_n be_v more_o necessary_a than_o that_o of_o samson_n or_o the_o victory_n of_o david_n or_o the_o description_n of_o solomon_n palace_n if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v nothing_o superfluous_a there_o be_v neither_o a_o attach_v nor_o a_o goat_n hair_n in_o all_o the_o tabernacle_n which_o serve_v not_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o account_n of_o the_o year_n which_o the_o scripture_n observe_v so_o punctual_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a brutishness_n to_o be_v ignorant_a whether_o the_o world_n harh_n continue_v a_o long_a time_n and_o how_o the_o day_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o follow_a age_n which_o the_o holy_a history_n calculate_v so_o exact_o give_v we_o their_o chronology_n the_o 430_o year_n which_o expire_v the_o very_a night_n the_o hebrew_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n publish_v
picture_n or_o certain_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n in_o stead_n of_o know_v christ_n in_o spirit_n and_o adore_v he_o spiritual_o will_v always_o have_v his_o imagination_n tie_v to_o the_o corporal_a object_n and_o his_o spirit_n disturb_v with_o the_o fancy_n thereof_o of_o thousand_o of_o man_n who_o return_v from_o jerusalem_n or_o from_o mount_n sina_n or_o from_o the_o river_n of_o jordan_n and_o many_o other_o famous_a place_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n scarce_o can_v you_o find_v one_o which_o bring_v back_o the_o admiration_n which_o he_o have_v conceive_v before_o he_o have_v see_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n have_v always_o a_o more_o reverend_a opinion_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v ancient_a then_o of_o modern_a of_o those_o which_o be_v far_a off_o then_o of_o those_o which_o be_v near_o the_o object_n the_o most_o excellent_a and_o sacred_a become_v contemptible_a by_o the_o facility_n and_o proximity_n of_o access_n but_o those_o who_o go_v out_o of_o a_o devout_a affection_n to_o visit_v palestine_n or_o arabia_n carry_v with_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n exorbitant_a imagination_n which_o sometime_o pass_v to_o a_o excess_n impossible_a in_o nature_n think_v to_o find_v the_o three_o heaven_n in_o a_o cave_n not_o consider_v that_o the_o innoble_n of_o those_o place_n proceed_v not_o from_o any_o quality_n which_o render_v they_o either_o more_o holy_a or_o more_o full_a of_o majesty_n than_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o from_o the_o sole_a reputation_n of_o the_o wonder_n pass_v under_o that_o climate_n so_o that_o the_o sight_n take_v away_o the_o esteem_n thereof_o because_o it_o answer_v not_o to_o the_o imagination_n with_o which_o they_o be_v preoccupy_v chap._n v._o of_o the_o difference_n and_o capacity_n of_o spirit_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o who_o promise_v themselves_o to_o believe_v so_o that_o they_o have_v proof_n and_o do_v assure_v themselves_o they_o shall_v have_v believe_v in_o christ_n if_o they_o have_v see_v his_o miracle_n of_o those_o who_o limit_n god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o wisdom_n or_o believe_v the_o truth_n because_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o their_o own_o opinion_n to_o dispute_v whether_o there_o be_v spirit_n more_o capable_a of_o theology_n than_o other_o or_o whether_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v prevalent_a in_o this_o study_n be_v question_n remore_n from_o our_o intention_n without_o controversy_n the_o intellect_n be_v the_o true_a place_n of_o this_o science_n although_o the_o vulgar_a imagine_v that_o there_o be_v more_o trouble_n to_o retain_v a_o point_n of_o religion_n then_o to_o conceive_v it_o and_o wish_v rather_o the_o gift_n of_o memory_n then_o that_o of_o the_o understanding_n the_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o grace_n only_o a_o single_a historical_a and_o speculative_a culative_a knowledge_n proceed_v from_o a_o particular_a favour_n of_o god_n but_o this_o grace_n destroy_v neither_o the_o natural_a difference_n nor_o essence_n of_o spirit_n god_n employ_v for_o our_o instruction_n the_o object_n the_o sense_n and_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o as_o he_o be_v man_n become_v more_o know_v by_o experience_n a_o man_n which_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o hear_v from_o whence_o come_v faith_n have_v a_o manifest_a advantage_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o preach_v above_o that_o man_n who_o god_n have_v strike_v with_o deafness_n so_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o a_o good_a natural_a understanding_n presuppose_v the_o light_n of_o grace_n know_v better_o how_o to_o conceive_v a_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o weigh_v the_o importance_n thereof_o and_o search_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o consequence_n than_o a_o spirit_n natural_o stupid_a and_o blockish_a the_o great_a brain_n be_v ordinary_o more_o slow_a to_o believe_v than_o those_o which_o have_v but_o mean_a one_o as_o the_o high_a planet_n have_v the_o slow_a motion_n but_o their_o belief_n be_v more_o solid_a when_o once_o they_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n for_o god_n employ_v the_o same_o faculty_n for_o to_o produce_v a_o effect_n for_o which_o they_o have_v nothing_o but_o a_o natural_a repugnancy_n so_o that_o the_o most_o violent_a persecutor_n become_v ofttimes_o the_o great_a zealot_n of_o the_o faith_n whether_o the_o faculty_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v more_o prompt_o be_v more_o worthy_a of_o praise_n it_o be_v a_o point_n we_o will_v not_o as_o yet_o touch_v the_o vulgar_a presuppose_v that_o the_o science_n of_o religion_n require_v nothing_o but_o a_o single_a apprehension_n or_o reception_n of_o truth_n presuppose_v without_o any_o mixtion_n of_o the_o discursive_a faculty_n and_o without_o any_o act_n of_o the_o judgement_n many_o make_v scruple_n of_o reason_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n oâ—_n faith_n because_o that_o reason_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o natural_a faculty_n but_o this_o maxim_n in_o the_o sense_n they_o give_v unto_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n by_o the_o same_o consequence_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o bring_v to_o church_n neither_o their_o ear_n nor_o common_a sense_n for_o to_o discern_v the_o voice_n and_o accent_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v preach_v unto_o they_o noâ—_n their_o memory_n to_o retain_v the_o impression_n for_o these_o faculty_n as_o well_o as_o reason_v arâ—_n pure_o natural_a i_o will_v leave_v what_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v upon_o this_o subject_a to_o come_v to_o some_o remarke_n scarce_o can_v a_o man_n be_v find_v doubt_v of_o some_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o promise_v himself_o firm_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n so_o that_o he_o may_v see_v manifest_a and_o conclude_a proof_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o common_a as_o this_o voice_n if_o i_o see_v the_o proof_n i_o will_v believe_v it_o but_o they_o promise_v that_o which_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n for_o every_o historical_a faith_n itself_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o save_v faith_n proceed_v from_o a_o particular_a favour_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o attribute_v unto_o themselves_o the_o power_n think_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o faith_n may_v as_o easy_o be_v insinuate_v into_o our_o belief_n as_o philosophical_a proposition_n which_o have_v no_o need_n but_o of_o a_o moral_a persuasion_n or_o of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o sense_n for_o to_o introduce_v they_o into_o our_o spirit_n whereas_o theological_a truth_n the_o most_o clear_a and_o palpable_a be_v always_o obscure_a unto_o we_o without_o a_o particular_a illumination_n with_o a_o like_a vanity_n many_o assure_v themselves_o that_o if_o they_o have_v see_v the_o miracle_n that_o god_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n or_o that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v in_o judea_n they_o will_v not_o have_v fail_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o they_o wonder_v at_o the_o stupidity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o think_v that_o if_o such_o wonder_n have_v be_v present_v to_o their_o eye_n they_o shall_v have_v be_v far_o from_o be_v incredulous_a but_o certain_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v see_v all_o the_o river_n convert_v into_o blood_n the_o sea_n cleave_v in_o sunder_o the_o heaven_n open_v his_o gate_n the_o mountain_n to_o remove_v themselves_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o the_o dead_a to_o come_v forth_o of_o their_o grave_n the_o rock_n to_o melt_v into_o water_n when_o he_o himself_o shall_v have_v be_v in_o heaven_n or_o shall_v have_v return_v from_o hell_n he_o will_v not_o have_v return_v better_a if_o god_n give_v he_o not_o another_o understanding_n capable_a of_o this_o faith_n now_o the_o idolatry_n which_o form_n god_n after_o the_o resemblance_n of_o man_n consist_v not_o always_o in_o statue_n or_o material_a picture_n neither_o in_o the_o gross_a conception_n of_o idiot_n who_o never_o think_v of_o god_n but_o in_o imagine_v some_o figure_n apprehensible_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o place_n in_o heaven_n a_o fantasme_n for_o the_o object_n of_o their_o contemplation_n but_o there_o be_v one_o far_o more_o subtle_a which_o indeed_o consider_v god_n as_o a_o spirit_n but_o bound_v he_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o restrain_v he_o to_o the_o same_o law_n which_o serve_v for_o bound_n to_o the_o humane_a spirit_n or_o confine_v his_o wisdom_n to_o the_o maxim_n of_o moral_a and_o intellectual_a virtue_n two_o thing_n among_o all_o other_o have_v seem_v most_o absurd_a in_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o one_o under_o the_o ancient_a testament_n to_o wit_n the_o circumcision_n the_o other_o under_o the_o new_a to_o wit_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n the_o one_o ordain_v for_o a_o sacrament_n the_o other_o for_o the_o foundation_n proper_o of_o the_o alliance_n both_o of_o they_o shameful_a in_o themselves_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o quality_n the_o scripture_n give_v they_o for_o god_n will_v oblige_v the_o wise_a to_o search_v their_o salvation_n by_o a_o way_n
so_o great_a importance_n but_o in_o the_o essence_n itself_o and_o in_o the_o right_a conception_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o so_o some_o measure_n the_o sin_n of_o adam_n the_o justice_n of_o his_o punishment_n the_o quality_n of_o grace_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n the_o damnation_n of_o infidel_n by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o civil_a right_n or_o by_o natural_a equity_n have_v as_o sleight_v a_o foundation_n as_o popular_a spirit_n who_o conceive_v always_o some_o point_n of_o their_o religion_n under_o maxim_n of_o their_o art_n or_o of_o the_o condition_n they_o profess_v employ_v they_o not_o as_o simple_a comparison_n for_o to_o inlighten_v but_o as_o demonstrative_a proof_n chap._n 7._o why_o learned_a man_n receive_v the_o truth_n with_o more_o difficulty_n than_o other_o man_n and_o if_o the_o promptitude_n of_o belief_n be_v always_o most_o praise_v worthy_a tthe_o same_o which_o we_o have_v write_v of_o the_o most_o pierce_a spirit_n happen_v also_o to_o man_n of_o eminent_a knowledge_n which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n slow_a of_o belief_n in_o a_o point_n of_o religion_n then_o ordinary_a man_n &_o there_o must_v be_v more_o powerful_a operation_n and_o a_o long_a time_n for_o to_o draw_v they_o to_o the_o term_n of_o a_o entire_a persuasion_n on_o which_o i_o will_v only_o say_v the_o most_o prompt_a belief_n be_v not_o always_o the_o most_o firm_a the_o faith_n of_o a_o man_n who_o receive_v the_o gospel_n with_o a_o precipitate_v and_o easy_a approbation_n ought_v to_o be_v suspect_v of_o nullity_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v it_o be_v rather_o credulity_n then_o solid_a faith_n sure_o our_o lord_n speak_v of_o certain_a auditor_n who_o easy_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o gladness_n but_o leave_v it_o with_o the_o same_o facility_n which_o they_o have_v bring_v to_o its_o reception_n the_o truth_n be_v always_o open_a and_o never_o hide_v her_o face_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o who_o receive_v she_o may_v see_v what_o manner_n of_o guest_n he_o be_v to_o receive_v so_o when_o a_o man_n begin_v to_o be_v illuminate_v in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o this_o faith_n he_o meet_v with_o a_o infinity_n of_o objection_n which_o hinder_v his_o resolution_n to_o a_o entire_a belief_n but_o he_o which_o find_v no_o obstacle_n therein_o never_o consider_v thereof_o in_o good_a earnest_n far_o from_o have_v conceive_v the_o faith_n a_o man_n who_o will_v sound_v the_o depth_n of_o religion_n and_o know_v the_o bottom_n as_o far_o as_o man_n can_v discover_v he_o who_o will_v learn_v all_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o know_v the_o dimension_n and_o the_o proportion_n and_o weigh_v all_o the_o reason_n which_o forbid_v the_o entrance_n and_o those_o which_o invite_v he_o thereto_o his_o pace_n will_v not_o be_v very_o fast_o and_o will_v not_o come_v very_o soon_o to_o the_o altar_n but_o if_o once_o he_o be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n the_o slowness_n thereof_o redound_v to_o his_o advantage_n for_o belief_n be_v far_o more_o clear_a be_v receive_v upon_o solid_a ground_n more_o sound_a as_o lodging_n in_o a_o spirit_n refine_v from_o all_o that_o surcharge_v it_o and_o more_o solid_a as_o have_v prevent_v by_o a_o ripe_a deliberation_n whatsoever_o may_v come_v to_o shake_v it_o in_o this_o trial_n of_o religion_n the_o learned_a have_v always_o help_v which_o facilitate_v their_o understanding_n and_o where_o they_o know_v to_o make_v use_n thereof_o they_o understand_v better_o the_o importance_n of_o a_o point_n of_o the_o law_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n the_o enormity_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o excellency_n of_o redem_fw-la prion_n far_o better_o than_o the_o common_a people_n that_o as_o they_o have_v more_o trouble_n to_o be_v persuade_v so_o they_o have_v more_o objection_n to_o be_v resolve_v then_o those_o which_o see_v not_o the_o difficulty_n thereof_o but_o the_o persuasion_n be_v form_v in_o they_o possess_v all_o those_o advantage_n which_o i_o have_v relate_v and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o universal_o true_a that_o the_o learned_a be_v the_o more_o difficult_a to_o believe_v the_o truth_n the_o conversion_n of_o a_o idiot_n prove_v oftentimes_o more_o painful_a and_o troublesome_a a_o gross_a ignorance_n incapable_a to_o comprehend_v the_o easy_a matter_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o stubborness_n nay_o more_o of_o presumption_n the_o enemy_n of_o all_o knowledge_n many_o refuse_v instruction_n because_o they_o believe_v they_o have_v knowledge_n enough_o so_o that_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o christian_a liberty_n a_o artificer_n censure_n what_o he_o understand_v not_o chap._n 8._o why_o the_o learned_a be_v subject_a to_o more_o doubt_n then_o the_o simple_a people_n we_o find_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n among_o the_o common_a people_n who_o never_o doubt_v of_o any_o point_n of_o faith_n nor_o of_o any_o other_o matter_n approve_v by_o the_o orthodoxal_a church_n whereas_o that_o ordinary_o the_o most_o know_a man_n be_v full_a of_o doubt_n now_o its_o true_a that_o believe_v and_o doubt_v be_v act_n formal_o contrary_a for_o distrust_n although_o many_o teach_v it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n no_o more_o than_o vice_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o virtue_n and_o every_o sort_n of_o doubt_n be_v a_o testimony_n of_o our_o weakness_n and_o a_o mark_n of_o ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v from_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o popular_a spirit_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o so_o many_o doubt_n as_o the_o great_a theologian_n for_o as_o their_o sight_n extend_v not_o itself_o so_o far_o so_o they_o see_v not_o all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o the_o other_o discover_v in_o the_o study_n of_o religion_n as_o for_o those_o who_o have_v never_o doubt_v of_o any_o point_n it_o be_v of_o necessity_n that_o this_o great_a security_n of_o spirit_n proceed_v from_o one_o of_o those_o two_o cause_n either_o of_o a_o perfect_a and_o transcendent_a faith_n incompatible_a with_o all_o species_n of_o doubt_n or_o from_o a_o extreme_a stupidity_n which_o never_o comprehend_v the_o importance_n of_o a_o doctrine_n nor_o ever_o sound_v the_o depth_n thereof_o a_o man_n who_o have_v always_o have_v a_o absolute_a and_o unvariable_a persuasion_n of_o all_o point_n of_o religion_n without_o any_o contradict_a thought_n must_v necessary_o be_v either_o an_fw-mi ange_fw-fr or_o a_o beast_n this_o stupid_a confidence_n deceive_v a_o infinity_n of_o soul_n especial_o in_o the_o personal_a application_n of_o their_o belief_n many_o hold_v themselves_o so_o assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n that_o their_o spirit_n be_v incapable_a of_o doubt_v but_o not_o through_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n which_o require_v a_o more_o exact_a trial_n but_o through_o a_o excess_n of_o self_n love_n from_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v they_o willing_o believe_v whatsoever_o make_v for_o their_o advantage_n but_o if_o they_o have_v no_o pertinent_a reason_n it_o be_v a_o most_o gross_a presumption_n chap._n 9_o of_o common_a proverb_n in_o general_a and_o of_o certain_a maxim_n in_o favour_n of_o ignorance_n the_o vulgar_a people_n govern_v themselves_o by_o certain_a maxim_n esteem_v for_o oracle_n but_o which_o be_v indeed_o as_o many_o approve_a error_n the_o proverb_n which_o belong_v to_o oeconomie_n exterior_a policy_n and_o to_o natural_a prudence_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o life_n be_v nothing_o to_o our_o purpose_n there_o be_v some_o which_o touch_v religion_n that_o be_v hold_v for_o assure_a principal_n which_o have_v nothing_o but_o a_o abusive_a and_o fraudulent_a appearance_n whosoever_o will_v make_v the_o inventory_n shall_v discover_v a_o thousand_o absurdity_n for_o all_o the_o proverbial_a sentence_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o use_n have_v not_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o wise_a or_o from_o reason_n common_a to_o all_o man_n or_o from_o universal_a experience_n ignorance_n have_v bring_v forth_o many_o which_o be_v authorise_v only_o by_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o every_o man_n who_o desire_v to_o understand_v very_o well_o his_o religion_n aught_o to_o take_v of_o these_o prejudicate_v proverb_n which_o at_o this_o time_n have_v course_n such_o be_v the_o follow_a maxim_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o with_o the_o will_n which_o be_v false_a original_a sin_n in_o little_a child_n omission_n proceed_v from_o forgetfulness_n the_o first_o motion_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n extravagant_a dream_n wander_v and_o idle_a thought_n doubtless_o which_o trouble_v the_o spirit_n be_v not_o voluntary_a and_o notwithstanding_o be_v still_o sin_n idiot_n imagine_v that_o sin_n reside_v not_o but_o in_o the_o will_n not_o consider_v that_o it_o have_v its_o place_n in_o the_o intellect_n itself_o but_o this_o be_v to_o justify_v that_o opinion_n which_o some_o hold_v that_o ignorance_n be_v