most_o wicked_a superstition_n chap._n xii_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prove_v by_o reason_n the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v differ_v much_o from_o the_o law_n of_o man_n these_o command_n only_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o the_o divine_a law_n reach_v the_o spirit_n and_o command_v the_o inward_a man_n which_o law_n be_v record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n now_o that_o these_o holy_a write_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v contain_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o may_v convince_v a_o heathen_a or_o infidel_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a authority_n and_o efficacy_n in_o these_o write_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o first_o then_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v as_o it_o have_v be_v clear_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v one_o live_v and_o true_a god_n and_o that_o this_o god_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o adore_v by_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n with_o that_o service_n and_o worship_n which_o become_v he_o then_o it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v by_o god_n himself_o touch_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n wherein_o he_o will_v have_v we_o obey_v he_o this_o be_v practise_v by_o all_o wise_a prince_n and_o state_n who_o govern_v their_o subject_n in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o prudence_n for_o who_o can_v know_v what_o please_v god_n but_o he_o himself_o and_o they_o to_o who_o he_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n now_o then_o suppose_v some_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v in_o order_n to_o that_o service_n which_o he_o will_v accept_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o this_o revelation_n where_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v it_o let_v any_o man_n if_o he_o can_v show_v some_o other_o or_o better_a manifestation_n concern_v the_o will_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n than_o what_o he_o have_v make_v know_v in_o his_o write_a word_n nothing_o can_v be_v the_o stand_a unerring_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o what_o god_n himself_o have_v make_v so_o that_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n must_v be_v the_o law_n of_o our_o beleif_n and_o who_o can_v make_v a_o law_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o man_n or_o creature_n can_v prescribe_v to_o we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v god_n unless_o god_n himself_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o publish_v his_o law_n second_o as_o for_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v receive_v and_o embrace_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o by_o jew_n and_o christian_n let_v we_o rational_o consider_v how_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3.2_o have_v witness_v these_o book_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a have_v they_o not_o from_o time_n to_o time_n for_o many_o age_n together_o in_o their_o great_a misery_n and_o affliction_n constant_o acknowledge_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o whenas_o by_o only_o deny_v the_o same_o they_o may_v have_v have_v not_o only_a liberty_n but_o great_a preferment_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o observable_a that_o though_o the_o prince_n high_a priest_n and_o other_o among_o the_o jew_n persecute_v the_o prophet_n and_o despise_v their_o word_n whilst_o they_o live_v yet_o they_o receive_v their_o write_n as_o prophetical_a and_o divine_a when_o they_o where_o dead_a and_o since_o blindness_n and_o obstinacy_n come_v upon_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o their_o great_a enmity_n and_o hatred_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o yet_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o those_o very_a text_n that_o do_v evident_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v keep_v pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a among_o they_o three_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o embrace_v both_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v witness_v and_o do_v still_o witness_v to_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o even_o to_o the_o death_n the_o whole_a universal_a church_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o first_o pen_v of_o the_o scripture_n till_o this_o very_a day_n have_v all_o along_o profess_v that_o these_o book_n be_v divine_a and_o thousand_o of_o they_o have_v seal_v the_o same_o with_o their_o blood_n this_o testimony_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o force_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o infallible_a and_o effectual_a to_o persuade_v and_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n as_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o of_o all_o humane_a testimony_n whereby_o the_o author_n of_o any_o book_n that_o have_v be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v extant_a can_v be_v prove_v or_o evince_v so_o as_o to_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o god_n concern_v this_o book_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o satisfactory_a both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o multitude_n wisdom_n honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o likelihood_n constancy_n and_o uninterrupted_a continuance_n of_o the_o testimony_n itself_o be_v it_o probable_a in_o a_o way_n of_o reason_n that_o so_o good_a and_o wise_a a_o god_n shall_v suffer_v so_o many_o honest_a well_o mean_v people_n to_o be_v so_o long_o abuse_v and_o deceive_v by_o a_o false_a or_o feign_a book_n father_v upon_o himself_o such_o a_o horrid_a imposture_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n will_v not_o endure_v to_o lie_v hide_v and_o undiscovered_a for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n christian_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n noble_a and_o ignoble_a rich_a and_o poor_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a marry_a and_o unmarried_a old_a and_o young_a throughout_o the_o world_n for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o have_v endure_v the_o most_o grievous_a and_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o the_o devil_n can_v invent_v or_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n find_v out_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o that_o with_o great_a constancy_n and_o alacrity_n with_o a_o undaunted_a heart_n and_o merry_a countenance_n and_o can_v any_o sober_a man_n think_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o person_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o great_a quality_n learning_n and_o prudence_n that_o may_v have_v live_v brave_o and_o carry_v a_o great_a part_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v suffer_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a thing_n out_o of_o mere_a weakness_n pride_n vain_a glory_n discontent_a or_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v for_o a_o fable_n that_o have_v no_o truth_n nor_o reality_n in_o it_o this_o testimony_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o great_a suffering_n christian_a patience_n joy_n and_o courage_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v not_o mere_o humane_a for_o that_o courage_n and_o cheerfulness_n which_o they_o show_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n be_v not_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v from_o above_o and_o supernatural_a four_o god_n have_v confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n by_o many_o great_a wonder_n and_o miracle_n from_o heaven_n such_o as_o satan_n himself_o can_v imitate_v such_o as_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o any_o yea_o of_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o the_o most_o malicious_a subtle_a enemy_n of_o god_n truth_n can_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v divine_a these_o miracle_n have_v the_o lord_n open_o wrought_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o as_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o they_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n thereof_o so_o the_o undoubted_a and_o clear_a narration_n of_o they_o be_v to_o we_o a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o the_o word_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v from_o heaven_n and_o not_o from_o man_n the_o lord_n witness_v thereunto_o both_o by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n heb._n 2.4_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o which_o of_o all_o write_n and_o doctrine_n that_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o publish_v be_v the_o most_o ancient_a in_o all_o other_o write_n and_o record_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o fall_v of_o man_n be_v omit_v which_o yet_o be_v particular_o and_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o true_o it_o be_v admirable_a to_o consider_v how_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v in_o preserve_v his_o write_a word_n and_o law_n to_o this_o day_n notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n and_o
animosity_n supplanting_n disorder_n and_o inconsistency_n among_o we_o if_o the_o soft_a and_o sober_a voice_n of_o reason_n be_v more_o attend_v to_o reason_n will_v make_v some_o difference_n kiss_v and_o be_v friend_n it_o will_v quench_v many_o a_o flame_n and_o bound_v up_o many_o a_o wound_n it_o will_v end_v many_o petty_a personal_a quarrel_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o community_n the_o soul_n be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o with_o passion_n and_o groundless_a suspicion_n but_o anchor_n upon_o judgement_n and_o reason_n this_o calmness_n and_o quietness_n of_o reason_n do_v never_o commend_v itself_o more_o than_o in_o comply_v with_o faith_n in_o not_o oppose_v those_o high_a and_o transcendent_a mystery_n which_o be_v above_o its_o own_o reach_n and_o capacity_n such_o a_o modesty_n and_o humility_n our_o reason_n shall_v always_o have_v and_o practice_v namely_o to_o submit_v and_o subordinate_a itself_o to_o all_o such_o divine_a revelation_n as_o be_v above_o its_o own_o sphere_n though_o it_o can_v grasp_v they_o or_o pierce_v into_o they_o yet_o it_o shall_v ever_o resolve_v with_o all_o humility_n and_o gratitude_n to_o admire_v they_o to_o bow_v its_o head_n and_o adore_v they_o one_o light_n shall_v not_o oppose_v another_o lumen_fw-la fidei_fw-la and_o lumen_fw-la rationis_fw-la may_v shine_v both_o together_o though_o in_o several_a orb_n and_o with_o far_o different_a brightness_n this_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o be_v impatient_a of_o a_o superior_a light_n of_o a_o bright_a sun_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n shall_v no_o more_o prejudice_v the_o light_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n do_v prejudice_v the_o light_n of_o a_o star_n or_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n why_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o strife_n between_o faith_n and_o reason_n see_v they_o be_v brethren_n both_o spring_a from_o the_o same_o father_n of_o light_n though_o the_o one_o be_v much_o superior_a to_o the_o other_o indeed_o there_o be_v such_o infinite_a treasure_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n display_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o do_v far_o transcend_v man_n reason_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v apprehend_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o sufficient_o proportion_v to_o such_o high_a and_o transcendent_a object_n here_o be_v such_o depth_n such_o pleonasm_n such_o weight_n of_o glory_n as_o do_v opprimere_fw-la ingenium_fw-la humanum_fw-la if_o the_o son_n of_o man_n can_v have_v extract_v all_o the_o spirit_n of_o reason_n and_o make_v they_o meet_v in_o one_o head_n nay_o if_o angel_n and_o man_n can_v have_v unite_v and_o concentricate_v all_o their_o reason_n and_o knowledge_n yet_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o and_o discover_v such_o profound_a and_o mysterious_a excellency_n as_o the_o eye_n of_o true_a evangelical_n faith_n behold_v in_o a_o instant_n reveal_v truth_n shine_v with_o their_o own_o beam_n and_o brightness_n and_o do_v not_o borrow_v their_o lustre_n from_o the_o dim_a candle_n of_o our_o reason_n whatsoever_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o reveal_v must_v needs_o be_v true_a reason_n be_v so_o modest_a that_o it_o will_v not_o contradict_v this_o for_o it_o do_v acknowledge_v a_o deity_n and_o the_o unquestionable_a truth_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o all_o believe_a there_o be_v a_o assent_n a_o yield_n to_o he_o that_o speak_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n though_o he_o do_v not_o prove_v and_o evince_v it_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o mere_a testimony_n reason_n itself_o dictate_v thus_o much_o to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v such_o a_o one_o who_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o distrust_v for_o without_o some_o faith_n there_o will_v be_v no_o commerce_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o trade_n without_o some_o trust_n a_o general_a and_o total_a incredulity_n will_v threaten_v a_o present_a and_o fatal_a dissolution_n to_o human_a society_n man_n may_v deceive_v we_o for_o none_o of_o they_o be_v infallible_a but_o god_n be_v truth_n itself_o a_o eternal_a immutable_a truth_n and_o all_o revelation_n flow_v from_o he_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a like_o himself_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o his_o naked_a word_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v a_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o atheist_n yea_o in_o some_o respect_n he_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o devil_n for_o the_o devil_n believe_v and_o tremble_v though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o comprehension_n of_o reason_n yet_o come_v to_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o bear_v the_o stamp_n and_o signature_n of_o divine_a authority_n it_o be_v not_o contrary_a but_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o and_o assent_v to_o they_o some_o there_o be_v that_o endeavour_n to_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n that_o reveal_v truth_n though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v find_v out_o by_o reason_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v once_o reveal_v reason_n can_v evince_v and_o demonstrate_v they_o but_o i_o rather_o incline_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o aquinas_n that_o humane_a reason_n when_o it_o have_v stretch_v itself_o to_o the_o uttermost_a be_v not_o at_o all_o proportion_v to_o they_o but_o at_o the_o best_a only_o can_v give_v some_o weak_a adumbration_n of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v honour_n enough_o for_o reason_n to_o submit_v unto_o divine_a revelation_n and_o to_o captivate_v itself_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o withal_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o faith_n do_v not_o oppose_v reason_n indeed_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o far_o more_o compendious_a way_n longum_fw-la iter_fw-la per_fw-la rationem_fw-la breve_fw-la per_fw-la fidem_fw-la that_o which_o reason_n will_v have_v be_v sweat_v for_o these_o many_o year_n faith_n sup_v up_o the_o very_a quintessence_n of_o it_o in_o a_o moment_n god_n have_v choose_v this_o way_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v stain_v the_o pride_n and_o glory_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v confound_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o maintain_v in_o man_n great_a apprehension_n of_o himself_o of_o his_o divine_a revelation_n truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o keep_v the_o creature_n in_o a_o continual_a posture_n of_o dependency_n upon_o himself_o and_o humble_a submission_n to_o his_o own_o testimony_n and_o authority_n four_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v lumen_fw-la ascendens_fw-la a_o ascendant_n light_n reason_n be_v soon_o weary_a with_o flutter_v up_o and_o down_o among_o the_o creature_n and_o perish_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n this_o candle_n do_v but_o waste_v itself_o to_o no_o purpose_n in_o search_v for_o true_a happiness_n here_o below_o after_o a_o diligent_a search_n your_o own_o reason_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la the_o chief_a good_a lie_v not_o in_o the_o riches_n honour_n pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n no_o nor_o in_o moral_a virtue_n and_o excellency_n though_o some_o man_n far_o above_o other_o have_v snuff_v their_o candle_n with_o more_o care_n and_o exactness_n by_o improve_n their_o intellectual_n and_o refine_n their_o moral_n yet_o at_o length_n they_o sad_o perceive_v that_o when_o their_o candle_n be_v at_o the_o bright_a they_o burn_v but_o dim_o and_o blew_o and_o that_o for_o all_o their_o snuff_v they_o will_v relapse_n again_o into_o their_o former_a dimness_n and_o obscurity_n the_o improvement_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n will_v never_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_o happy_a this_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v flame_v and_o ascend_v upward_o towards_o heaven_n but_o be_v much_o weaken_v and_o darken_v by_o lust_n and_o passion_n so_o that_o it_o can_v mount_v up_o to_o god_n and_o attain_v that_o glorious_a end_n and_o reward_v which_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n nature_n eye_n can_v see_v it_o nature_n hand_n can_v reach_v it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o natural_a power_n or_o operation_n proportion_v to_o such_o a_o high_a transcendent_a object_n as_o the_o bless_a face_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n and_o therefore_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n must_v be_v advance_v above_o itself_o by_o a_o supernaturale_fw-la auxilium_fw-la before_o it_o can_v be_v bless_v with_o so_o great_a a_o perfection_n as_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o full_a end_n of_o its_o be_v nay_o god_n himself_o o_o wonderful_a mystery_n be_v please_v to_o assume_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o more_o capable_a of_o this_o perfection_n and_o by_o a_o strict_a love-knot_n and_o union_n make_v it_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n chap._n iu._n show_v that_o the_o best_a heathen_a philosopher_n be_v
the_o flesh_n and_o forforsake_v the_o good_a of_o this_o world_n which_o a_o man_n will_v not_o do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n in_o which_o he_o find_v the_o recompense_n of_o his_o loss_n yea_o this_o very_a persuasion_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n make_v some_o heathen_n willing_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o their_o country_n if_o our_o last_o end_n be_v only_o in_o this_o life_n than_o all_o that_o we_o do_v shall_v be_v for_o this_o last_o end_n to_o aim_v at_o it_o to_o procure_v it_o and_o never_o to_o cross_v it_o doubtless_o it_o be_v great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o man_n to_o undergo_v so_o many_o hard_a thing_n as_o they_o do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o a_o persuasion_n in_o their_o heart_n of_o this_o immortality_n and_o if_o their_o hope_n be_v only_o in_o this_o life_n of_o all_o man_n they_o shall_v be_v most_o miserable_a but_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o they_o find_v that_o this_o 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that_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n in_o it_o and_o for_o it_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o way_n of_o cleanse_v and_o expiate_a sin_n by_o christ_n the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o mediator_n the_o exactness_n of_o divine_a justice_n which_o require_v satisfaction_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n prescribe_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o instruction_n thereof_o the_o exemplary_a life_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n how_o many_o thing_n in_o our_o religion_n be_v witness_v to_o and_o approve_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o rational_a and_o learned_a heathen_n and_o how_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o julian_n porphyry_n and_o other_o be_v once_o christian_n and_o come_v to_o renounce_v the_o same_o mere_o through_o pride_n and_o discontent_n if_o these_o and_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o our_o religion_n be_v 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where_o and_o in_o what_o measure_n he_o please_v so_o that_o holy_a man_n partaker_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o several_a degree_n may_v err_v and_o mistake_v in_o some_o thing_n and_o dissent_v one_o from_o another_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o fundamental_a and_o thus_o we_o have_v give_v you_o some_o rule_n to_o prevent_v mistake_v touch_v the_o inward_a testimony_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o now_o to_o reflect_v a_o little_a yet_o without_o any_o rankor_n or_o bitterness_n against_o the_o person_n of_o man_n upon_o their_o opinion_n that_o derogate_a from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a revelation_n and_o set_v up_o reason_n as_o a_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o resolve_v their_o faith_n final_o into_o reason_n chap._n xv._o brief_o show_v when_o reason_n be_v right_o use_v and_o when_o abuse_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n in_o the_o scripture_n no_o discreet_a 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what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v the_o text_n and_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n do_v come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o be_v command_v as_o man_n that_o have_v reason_n in_o we_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o to_o judge_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v these_o be_v act_n of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n by_o the_o help_n whereof_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o give_v a_o sober_a rational_a account_n of_o our_o own_o faith_n and_o to_o convince_v the_o adversary_n and_o gainsayers_a if_o you_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o adversary_n that_o hate_v the_o christian_a religion_n how_o can_v you_o think_v to_o persuade_v he_o to_o christianity_n unless_o you_o show_v he_o a_o reason_n as_o indeed_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o wise_a and_o most_o rational_a religion_n if_o you_o say_v your_o church_n be_v the_o true_a church_n you_o must_v give_v a_o reason_n for_o it_o or_o else_o no_o discreet_a man_n will_v believe_v you_o see_v many_o pretend_v to_o the_o true_a church_n that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o it_o if_o you_o urge_v a_o scripture_n for_o your_o opinion_n sober_a man_n will_v rational_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o your_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n or_o not_o and_z according_o will_v embrace_v or_o reject_v your_o opinion_n it_o concern_v every_o man_n as_o he_o tender_v the_o peace_n and_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n to_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o opinion_n and_o such_o variety_n of_o persuasion_n in_o the_o world_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o consider_v which_o persuasion_n have_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a ground_n for_o it_o that_o we_o may_v with_o peace_n and_o safety_n venture_v our_o soul_n upon_o it_o now_o this_o we_o can_v well_o do_v unless_o we_o make_v use_v of_o our_o reason_n in_o compare_v one_o thing_n 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become_v we_o that_o be_v rational_a creature_n to_o believe_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n though_o what_o he_o speak_v seem_v never_o so_o unreasonable_a never_o so_o contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o this_o that_o all_o that_o god_n speak_v for_o from_o this_o pure_a fountain_n can_v proceed_v nothing_o but_o pure_a stream_n be_v true_a and_o good_a divine_a and_o heavenly_a whatever_o our_o corruption_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_a so_o then_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n and_o our_o reason_n captivate_v and_o subject_v unto_o this_o high_a principle_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o find_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o come_v from_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n that_o can_v lie_v three_o as_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o god_n speak_v in_o general_a as_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n so_o i_o 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of_o the_o christian_a religion_n why_o i_o believe_v the_o incarnation_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n i_o answer_v because_o god_n word_n testify_v of_o they_o as_o thing_n most_o certain_a and_o true_a if_o he_o ask_v i_o further_o how_o know_v you_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n i_o answer_v by_o infallible_a sign_n and_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n beyond_o all_o humane_a power_n as_o have_v be_v show_v chap._n 12._o of_o this_o treatise_n by_o which_o man_n reason_n may_v be_v convince_v that_o those_o writing_n be_v of_o god_n and_o so_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o a_o christian_n have_v more_o reason_n for_o his_o religion_n then_o any_o other_o whether_o jew_n or_o turk_n or_o heathen_a four_o though_o in_o these_o respect_n that_o have_v be_v mention_v our_o reason_n may_v be_v of_o very_o good_a use_n in_o reference_n to_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o make_v our_o reason_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o matter_n that_o be_v beyond_o our_o reason_n as_o for_o example_n there_o be_v a_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o matth._n 28.19_o 1_o john_n 5.7_o shall_v i_o now_o reject_v this_o great_a mystery_n because_o it_o correspond_v not_o with_o the_o dictate_v of_o my_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o say_v with_o those_o self-willed_a socinian_o that_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reason_n that_o three_o shall_v be_v one_o god_n therefore_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v this_o great_a truth_n but_o only_o interpret_v it_o thus_o that_o these_o three_o agree_v in_o one_o and_o be_v one_o by_o consent_n of_o mind_n and_o will_n for_o so_o a_o thousand_o man_n may_v be_v one_o and_o again_o if_o because_o i_o can_v conceive_v or_o comprehend_v by_o my_o reason_n how_o christ_n and_o his_o father_n can_v be_v one_o in_o substance_n and_o essence_n therefore_o i_o will_v find_v out_o another_o interpretation_n which_o may_v agree_v with_o my_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n true_o this_o be_v to_o set_v reason_n in_o the_o chair_n or_o throne_n above_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n or_o divine_a testimony_n shall_v vail_v bonnet_n to_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o we_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n now_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o curious_a proud_a wit_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n be_v it_o never_o so_o sublime_a and_o mysterious_a unless_o forsooth_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o their_o shallow_a understanding_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o consult_v with_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n about_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o according_o expound_v they_o or_o rather_o pervert_v they_o deny_v and_o reject_v the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n the_o doctrine_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o propitiation_n by_o christ_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o individual_a body_n the_o absolute_a decree_n of_o god_n and_o other_o mystery_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o so_o at_o length_n god_n leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o vain_a reason_n and_o the_o wicked_a imagination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o become_v mere_a atheist_n indeed_o every_o christian_a as_o have_v be_v say_v aught_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o he_o but_o we_o must_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v and_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v i_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n that_o christ_n be_v consubstantial_a and_o coessential_a with_o the_o father_n that_o he_o be_v incarnate_a and_o bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n that_o jacob_n be_v love_v and_o esau_n reject_v before_o they_o have_v do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o my_o belief_n be_v because_o the_o same_o be_v write_v in_o the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n but_o now_o to_o demonstrate_v and_o evidence_n these_o high_a truth_n and_o mystery_n to_o humane_a reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o otherwise_o to_o disbelieve_v they_o this_o be_v a_o course_n destructive_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v evident_a in_o themselves_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o geometry_n that_o every_o whole_a and_o entire_a thing_n be_v big_a than_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o like_a but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o evident_a in_o themselves_o but_o be_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v to_o we_o both_o that_o they_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v by_o a_o foreign_a medium_n without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o by_o the_o report_n of_o other_o and_o this_o be_v that_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o in_o themselves_o appear_v not_o to_o we_o nor_o be_v see_v of_o we_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n faith_n be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v a_o assent_n without_o evidence_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o revealer_n in_o these_o thing_n our_o reason_n reach_v but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o such_o thing_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v hide_v from_o we_o we_o can_v show_v a_o reason_n how_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v thus_o to_o tie_v our_o faith_n to_o reason_n and_o form_v our_o belief_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n so_o as_o to_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n without_o evidence_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o demonstrate_v and_o make_v know_v to_o our_o reason_n argue_v much_o pride_n and_o selfconfidence_n set_v up_o our_o reason_n above_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reason_n god_n against_o subject_v the_o scripture_n to_o reason_n reveal_v and_o arraign_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o our_o reason_n now_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v but_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o ground_n and_o consideration_n first_o because_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o shallow_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n and_o we_o be_v much_o more_o ignorant_a and_o blind_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a john_n 1.5_o 1_o cor._n 1.19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 2.11.14_o 1_o cor._n 13.12_o when_o the_o world_n by_o all_o its_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n know_v not_o god_n in_o christ_n it_o please_v god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1.21_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v yea_o not_o only_o in_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n but_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n there_o be_v still_o much_o blindness_n in_o their_o understanding_n and_o much_o perverseness_n in_o their_o will_n and_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o heart_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n now_o these_o vain_a and_o carnal_a and_o foolish_a reason_n of_o we_o shall_v be_v regulate_v and_o correct_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n man_n reason_n shall_v not_o presume_v to_o regulate_v the_o word_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v regulate_v and_o correct_v man_n reason_n the_o word_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o not_o our_o reason_n for_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v can_v be_v the_o rule_n to_o regulate_v second_o to_o bring_v scripture_n to_o the_o bar_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o so_o make_v reason_n the_o judge_n in_o divine_a mystery_n be_v exceed_v preposterous_a for_o this_o be_v to_o subordinate_a and_o make_v subject_a that_o which_o be_v much_o superior_a to_o that_o which_o be_v far_o inferior_a that_o which_o be_v perfect_a and_o without_o error_n to_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a and_o erroneous_a now_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v weak_a and_o corrupt_a be_v not_o fit_a to_o judge_v that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a nor_o be_v that_o which_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o mistake_n as_o man_n reason_n be_v fit_a to_o regulate_v and_o judge_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o light_n and_o all_o truth_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n say_v to_o christ_n 28._o christ_n mr._n lyford_n on_o heb._n 5.13_o 14._o cap._n 1._o pag._n 28._o i_o have_v need_n to_o be_v baptize_v of_o thou_o and_o come_v thou_o to_o i_o that_o be_o
the_o reasonable_a service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n and_o yet_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o christian_a worship_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n administration_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v a_o more_o teasonable_a service_n whereof_o a_o better_a reason_n may_v be_v render_v then_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o unreasonable_a beast_n under_o the_o law_n and_o withal_o that_o those_o christian_n who_o by_o good_a advice_n and_o reason_n do_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n be_v they_o that_o offer_v up_o a_o reasonable_a service_n to_o god_n four_o those_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n that_o be_v leave_v in_o man_n do_v not_o enable_v they_o exact_o and_o perfect_o to_o perform_v natural_a and_o civil_a action_n without_o the_o general_a assistance_n of_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o then_o as_o for_o action_n spiritual_o and_o evangelical_o good_a man_n by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v whole_o unable_a to_o perform_v they_o for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n this_o plain_o appear_v by_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o declare_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o corruption_n of_o every_o unregenerate_a man_n nature_n and_o estate_n and_o also_o by_o those_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o grace_n and_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n as_o the_o sole_a work_n of_o god_n almighty_a power_n and_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v put_v forth_o and_o manifest_v in_o all_o those_o that_o true_o believe_v ephes_n 1.19_o the_o natural_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n here_o as_o calvin_n and_o other_o true_o observe_v he_o mean_v not_o proper_o a_o man_n addict_v to_o gross_a and_o sensual_a lust_n but_o every_o man_n that_o be_v endue_v only_o with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o he_o yea_o the_o most_o rational_a improve_v natural_a man_n this_o be_v evident_a because_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o spiritual_a man_n or_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v proper_o not_o such_o a_o man_n as_o be_v exceed_v carnal_a and_o gross_a in_o sin_n and_o sensuality_n but_o sou_o man_n a_o improve_v rational_a man_n or_o a_o man_n make_v up_o only_o of_o reason_n one_o that_o do_v ex_fw-la colere_fw-la animam_fw-la such_o as_o plato_n aristotle_n and_o tully_n be_v it_o be_v mean_v of_o every_o unregenerate_a man_n who_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o who_o can_v spiritual_o discern_v and_o receive_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v offend_v therewith_o nay_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v in_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o reason_n the_o vain_a they_o be_v and_o the_o more_o opposite_a to_o the_o grace_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o other_o day_n say_v chrysostome_n i_o hear_v a_o certain_a christian_a discourse_v ridiculous_o with_o a_o greek_a each_o of_o they_o in_o their_o discourse_n prejudice_v his_o own_o cause_n for_o the_o greek_a speak_v that_o which_o the_o christian_a shall_v have_v say_v and_o the_o christian_a speak_v that_o which_o the_o greek_a shall_v have_v say_v for_o the_o question_n between_o they_o be_v about_o paul_n and_o plato_n the_o greek_a endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o paul_n be_v rude_a and_o unlearned_a but_o the_o christian_a through_o his_o simplicity_n will_v prove_v that_o paul_n be_v far_o more_o learned_a and_o eloquent_a than_o plato_n and_o so_o the_o greek_a will_v obtain_v the_o victory_n if_o the_o christian_n reason_n shall_v prevail_v for_o if_o paul_n be_v more_o learned_a than_o plato_n in_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n than_o may_v man_n object_v that_o he_o overcome_v not_o the_o world_n through_o grace_n but_o through_o humane_a eloquence_n therefore_o say_v this_o father_n when_o the_o greek_n shall_v object_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v rude_a and_o unlearned_a simple_a obscure_a person_n of_o no_o great_a reason_n nor_o part_n let_v we_o free_o acknowledge_v it_o as_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v not_o their_o reproach_n but_o their_o glory_n that_o be_v such_o they_o yet_o overcome_v the_o learned_a man_n the_o wise_a man_n the_o philosopher_n the_o rhetorician_n the_o orator_n the_o prince_n and_o all_o the_o world_n for_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n this_o do_v exceed_o set_v forth_o and_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n five_o a_o christian_n shall_v so_o far_o deny_v his_o natural_a reason_n and_o wisdom_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a that_o his_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v the_o assent_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o not_o the_o assent_n of_o mere_a reason_n the_o immediate_a ground_n of_o this_o assent_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o man_n reason_n but_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o god_n testify_v that_o which_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o school_n speak_v be_v the_o first_o truth_n or_o god_n himself_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o we_o suppose_v a_o truth_n teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v likewise_o demonstrate_v to_o my_o reason_n by_o philosophical_a argument_n as_o namely_o that_o god_n create_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a my_o assent_n to_o these_o truth_n be_v so_o far_o the_o assent_n of_o divine_a faith_n as_o it_o be_v ground_v and_o bottom_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n as_o for_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v mere_o ground_v upon_o philosophical_a reason_n and_o demonstration_n it_o be_v not_o divine_a faith_n but_o only_o humane_a faith_n and_o reason_n six_o our_o reason_n be_v so_o imperfect_a so_o defective_a so_o apt_a to_o mistake_v in_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n that_o we_o must_v not_o make_v our_o apprehension_n though_o under_o pretence_n of_o reason_n the_o rule_n of_o what_o we_o will_v receive_v for_o the_o word_n and_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o what_o we_o will_v reject_v but_o what_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o apprehension_n though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o same_o by_o our_o weak_a deprave_a reason_n and_o understanding_n otherwise_o we_o subject_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n truth_n to_o our_o own_o weak_a shallow_a apprehension_n and_o believe_v he_o not_o because_o he_o have_v say_v it_o but_o because_o we_o by_o our_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v it_o and_o this_o be_v dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o the_o scripture_n do_v reveal_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n what_o reason_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v ever_o have_v think_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o personal_a union_n of_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o mediator_n the_o imputation_n of_o adam_n sin_n to_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o glorious_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o poor_a sinner_n for_o their_o justification_n without_o all_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o but_o what_o great_a mystery_n be_v there_o in_o it_o if_o we_o by_o our_o shallow_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v it_o we_o must_v pray_v for_o grace_n say_v mr._n fox_n galatian_n fox_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o luther_n on_o the_o galatian_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n that_o we_o may_v right_o understand_v the_o gospel_n so_o strange_a be_v this_o doctrine_n to_o carnal_a reason_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o world_n so_o many_o enemy_n it_o have_v that_o except_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o above_o do_v powerful_o reveal_v it_o learning_n can_v reach_v it_o wisdom_n be_v offend_v nature_n be_v astonish_v devil_n and_o man_n do_v oppose_v and_o persecute_v it_o brief_o as_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o life_n so_o easy_a so_o there_o be_v none_o so_o hard_a easy_a to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v from_o above_o hard_o to_o carnal_a sense_n and_o reason_n not_o yet_o inspire_v and_o luther_n himself_o in_o his_o commentary_n on_o