duty_n of_o man_n 255._o man_n cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o christianity_n cap._n 9_o pag._n 255._o which_o may_v improve_v our_o reason_n exalt_v the_o man_n and_o depress_v the_o beast_n in_o we_o yet_o sure_o we_o shall_v derogate_v very_o impious_o from_o christ_n prophetic_a office_n if_o we_o allow_v not_o divinity_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o noble_a science_n such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v serve_v and_o attend_v not_o regulate_v and_o govern_v by_o those_o inferior_a but_o that_o just_a order_n seem_v now_o to_o be_v invert_v divine_a learning_n be_v bring_v down_o to_o humane_a and_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n so_o perplex_v and_o confound_v with_o philosophical_a nicety_n that_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n be_v become_v the_o umpire_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o we_o must_v go_v ask_v heathen_n how_o far_o we_o shall_v be_v christian_n those_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o 1_o cor._n 2.10_o and_o of_o which_o he_o pronounce_v the_o natural_a man_n a_o incompetent_a judge_n be_v yet_o bring_v before_o that_o tribunal_n subject_v to_o be_v scan_v by_o rule_n of_o art_n but_o alas_o our_o line_n be_v too_o short_a to_o sound_v those_o depth_n thus_o far_o he_o madam_n this_o book_n which_o be_v dedicate_v to_o your_o honour_n treat_v of_o the_o right_a use_n and_o abuse_v of_o reason_n in_o divine_a matter_n there_o be_v two_o extreme_n which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o run_v into_o some_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n in_o religious_a concernment_n and_o other_o ascribe_v too_o little_a as_o we_o shall_v give_v to_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n matth._n 22.21_o so_o we_o shall_v give_v to_o faith_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o faith_n and_o to_o reason_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o reason_n and_o herein_o madam_n you_o may_v meet_v with_o some_o passage_n in_o this_o treatise_n if_o you_o please_v to_o peruse_v it_o which_o may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n minister_v some_o light_n and_o direction_n to_o you._n of_o the_o right_n use_v &_o abuse_v of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n chap._n i._o of_o distinguish_v between_o faith_n and_o reason_n as_o it_o require_v much_o spiritual_a skill_n and_o judgement_n right_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o give_v the_o law_n its_o due_a and_o the_o gospel_n its_o due_a whereupon_o luther_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o he_o who_o can_v thus_o distinguish_v be_v the_o best_a divine_a so_o true_o it_o require_v much_o spiritual_a skill_n and_o wisdom_n right_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n between_o reason_n and_o faith_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o as_o christ_n bid_v we_o render_v unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n so_o we_o shall_v give_v unto_o faith_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v faith_n and_o to_o reason_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v reason_n to_o faith_n her_o full_a scope_n and_o latitude_n and_o to_o reason_n also_o her_o just_a bound_n and_o right_n may_v we_o not_o wish_v that_o many_o great_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v but_o equalise_v in_o their_o practice_n as_o to_o moral_a justice_n and_o faithfulness_n some_o heathen_n that_o be_v only_o endue_v with_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o moral_a virtue_n do_v not_o these_o go_v further_o with_o their_o candle-light_n than_o the_o other_o do_v with_o their_o sunbeam_n and_o will_v they_o not_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o that_o do_v so_o gross_o abuse_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n perhaps_o this_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o some_o vain_a scribbler_n in_o our_o day_n place_n religion_n chief_o in_o natural_a improvement_n and_o moral_a virtue_n because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a moral_a justice_n and_o honesty_n among_o man_n yea_o among_o many_o forward_a professor_n morality_n will_v go_v very_o far_o but_o yet_o though_o man_n be_v unjust_a and_o exceed_v defective_a in_o their_o moral_n we_o shall_v not_o therefore_o derogate_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v not_o confound_v nature_n and_o grace_n divinity_n and_o philosophy_n faith_n and_o humane_a reason_n christ_n and_o socrates_n paul_n and_o plato_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o school_n of_o aristotle_n for_o this_o sinful_a mixture_n and_o composition_n the_o schoolman_n be_v worthy_o blame_v who_o by_o advance_v aristotle_n in_o their_o write_n and_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o moral_a virtue_n have_v exceed_o darken_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n quite_o exclude_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n and_o the_o gracious_a powerful_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n erasmus_n himself_o speak_v of_o the_o arian_n say_v erasmus_fw-la say_v hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la fuere_fw-la pestilentiores_fw-la quod_fw-la aristotelicis_fw-la argutiis_fw-la essent_fw-la instructi_fw-la erasmus_fw-la that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a and_o pestilent_a because_o they_o be_v so_o much_o acquaint_v with_o the_o aristotelian_a subtlety_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o some_o curious_a philosophical_a wit_n and_o pen_n in_o this_o divide_a church_n and_o nation_n who_o have_v in_o effect_n transform_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n into_o a_o mere_a system_fw-la of_o morality_n indeed_o a_o true_a sincere_a christian_a be_v the_o most_o just_a and_o moral_a of_o any_o man_n but_o it_o be_v not_o his_o moral_a virtue_n and_o endowment_n but_o his_o spiritual_a union_n with_o christ_n that_o make_v he_o accept_v with_o god_n and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n let_v reason_n be_v permit_v with_o the_o gibeonite_n to_o hew_v wood_n and_o draw_v water_n for_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o let_v it_o not_o rush_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n into_o the_o bosom-secrets_a of_o god_n into_o the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n reason_n may_v not_o come_v into_o these_o sea_n except_o she_o strike_v her_o topsail_n here_o she_o must_v submit_v and_o captivate_v herself_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v reason_n indeed_o for_o that_o which_o faith_n believe_v god_n believe_v dr._n preston_n on_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o reason_n must_v be_v help_v by_o faith_n and_o raise_v up_o to_o spiritual_a object_n by_o divine_a revelation_n as_o one_o that_o have_v dim_a eye_n can_v see_v better_o by_o the_o help_n of_o spectacle_n and_o to_o choose_v a_o right_a jewel_n we_o use_v the_o skill_n of_o a_o lapidary_n so_o if_o we_o will_v yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o divine_a truth_n and_o principle_n we_o must_v be_v help_v with_o light_n from_o above_o even_o with_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v give_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o doubtful_a assent_n thereunto_o which_o we_o call_v opinion_n the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n enable_v we_o to_o discern_v the_o character_n of_o god_n stamp_v upon_o the_o creature_n will_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v but_o as_o for_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v mere_o supernatural_a as_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n the_o hypostatical_a union_n in_o christ_n and_o other_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o be_v only_o know_v by_o revelation_n and_o have_v no_o print_n or_o footstep_n in_o the_o creature_n to_o discern_v they_o by_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o full_o and_o particular_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n chap._n ii_o show_v that_o reason_n though_o much_o weaken_v be_v of_o good_a use_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o divine_a thing_n let_v it_o be_v grant_v which_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o sober_a christian_n 1._o that_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v exceed_o darken_a and_o cloud_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n be_v weaken_v and_o vitiate_a that_o with_o leah_n she_o be_v blear-eyed_a that_o this_o daughter_n of_o the_o morning_n be_v fall_v from_o her_o primitive_a beauty_n from_o her_o original_a vigour_n and_o perfection_n and_o so_o fall_v that_o she_o can_v saving_o apprehend_v or_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n yea_o 2._o reason_n as_o it_o be_v now_o corrupt_v and_o pervert_v in_o man_n do_v oppose_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o wrangle_v against_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n which_o it_o do_v not_o understand_v 3._o that_o the_o foul_a and_o black_a error_n that_o ever_o be_v broach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v shroud_v themselves_o under_o the_o fair_a
apply_v to_o the_o heathen_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n you_o may_v read_v of_o in_o his_o apology_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n represent_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v not_o yet_o determine_v nor_o do_v she_o think_v fit_a to_o determine_v this_o question_n whether_o the_o moral_a heathen_n may_v be_v save_v by_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n among_o those_o of_o the_o reform_a religion_n zuinglius_fw-la be_v of_o this_o opinion_n that_o the_o best_a of_o the_o heathen_n be_v actual_o save_v and_o that_o christ_n do_v communicate_v himself_o to_o they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o this_o be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o he_o or_o any_o other_o and_o herein_o not_o only_a gualther_n and_o bullinger_n but_o all_o our_o divine_n general_o do_v dissent_n from_o he_o aquinas_n mention_n a_o inscription_n find_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n of_o a_o heathen_a in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n the_o greek_a emperor_n and_o irene_n his_o mother_n with_o these_o word_n christus_fw-la nascitur_fw-la ex_fw-la virgin_n &_o ego_fw-la credo_fw-la in_o eum_fw-la o_o sol_fw-mi sub_fw-la irenae_n &_o constantini_n temporibus_fw-la iterum_fw-la i_o videbit_fw-la whence_o he_o infer_v that_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_n be_v not_o altogether_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n that_o say_v of_o erasmus_n whether_o in_o jest_n or_o in_o earnest_n i_o know_v not_o vix_fw-la possum_fw-la i_o continere_fw-la quin_fw-la dicam_fw-la sancte_fw-la socrates_n ora_fw-la pro_fw-la nobis_fw-la may_v be_v see_v and_o read_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o one_o of_o cicero_n book_n nego_fw-la hanc_fw-la propositionem_fw-la say_v a_o fierce_a arminian_n nemo_fw-la potest_fw-la salvus_fw-la fieri_fw-la qui_fw-la christo_fw-la per_fw-la veram_fw-la fidem_fw-la non_fw-la sit_fw-la insitus_fw-la i_o deny_v this_o proposition_n that_o none_o can_v be_v save_v but_o such_o as_o be_v ingraff_v into_o christ_n by_o true_a faith_n and_o there_o be_v some_o that_o have_v coin_v a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a distinction_n of_o a_o threefold_a piety_n judaica_n christiana_n &_o ethnica_fw-la bold_o affirm_v that_o what_o moses_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n christ_n to_o the_o christian_n the_o same_o be_v philosophy_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o nature_n to_o the_o heathen_n but_o this_o be_v to_o frustrate_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o grant_v by_o we_o first_o that_o some_o person_n have_v a_o more_o clear_a explicit_a distinct_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n ethnicorum_fw-la mediator_n vid._n dr._n prid._n lect._n 8._o de_fw-fr salute_n ethnicorum_fw-la than_o other_o according_a to_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o they_o be_v under_o and_o yet_o both_o may_v be_v save_v second_o that_o there_o be_v some_o of_o all_o sort_n among_o the_o gentile_n noble_a and_o ignoble_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o who_o do_v reap_v some_o benefit_n by_o his_o death_n three_o god_n may_v and_o sometime_o do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n unknown_a to_o we_o reveal_v his_o grace_n to_o and_o work_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o some_o person_n this_o he_o may_v do_v in_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v deaf_a and_o dumb_a among_o christian_n and_o this_o he_o may_v also_o do_v in_o some_o heathen_n if_o god_n will_v work_v whether_o in_o a_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a way_n whether_o by_o mean_n or_o without_o mean_n who_o can_v hinder_v he_o yea._n four_o god_n may_v if_o he_o please_v reveal_v his_o save_a grace_n in_o christ_n to_o a_o poor_a heathen_a even_o at_o the_o last_o gasp_n by_o the_o secret_a inspiration_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o he_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n but_o that_o any_o heathen_a though_o never_o so_o rational_a and_o moral_a can_v be_v eternal_o save_v by_o the_o improvement_n of_o his_o natural_a ability_n or_o moral_a virtue_n without_o be_v implant_v into_o christ_n and_o unite_v to_o he_o as_o the_o head_n and_o mediator_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n this_o we_o utter_o deny_v and_o that_o upon_o these_o follow_a ground_n and_o consideration_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o corruption_n and_o wickedness_n which_o be_v in_o every_o man_n heart_n and_o nature_n god_n see_v that_o the_o whole_a imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v only_o evil_a and_o that_o continual_o the_o hebrew_a word_n signify_v not_o only_o the_o imagination_n but_o also_o the_o purpose_n and_o desire_n of_o man_n heart_n gen._n 6.5_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o natural_a man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a jer._n 17.9_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o enemy_n but_o enmity_n against_o god_n rom._n 8.7_o by_o nature_n man_n be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n ephes_n 2.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o take_v captive_a by_o satan_n at_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n 2_o tim._n 2.26_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n without_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n as_o mediator_n second_o the_o best_a work_n and_o high_a attainment_n of_o the_o unregenerate_a who_o still_o remain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v not_o implant_v into_o christ_n be_v sinful_a and_o unprofitable_a the_o very_a prayer_n and_o plough_v of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n no_o man_n say_v our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o unregenerate_a matth._n 7.16_o 17_o 18._o can_v gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n or_o fig_n of_o thistle_n nor_o can_v a_o corrupt_a tree_n bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n the_o church_n herself_o confess_v isai_n 64.6_o that_o all_o her_o righteousness_n even_o her_o best_a work_n and_o righteousness_n be_v as_o filthy_a rag_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o if_o any_o man_n may_v have_v confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n he_o much_o more_o yet_o count_v all_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o best_a work_n but_o loss_n and_o dung_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n phil._n 3.4_o 8._o and_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o paul_n and_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o righteousness_n and_o work_n then_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o the_o work_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o most_o rational_a and_o moral_a heathen_n sure_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o augustine_n say_v of_o the_o great_a virtue_n of_o the_o moral_a heathen_n that_o they_o be_v but_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la three_o faith_n in_o christ_n true_a gospel_n faith_n be_v indispensable_o require_v at_o least_o in_o all_o adult_n person_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o christ_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v the_o believer_n have_v everlasting_a life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o the_o unbeliever_n john_n 3.18_o 36._o he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o son_n have_v not_o life_n 1_o john_n 5.12_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o general_a faith_n in_o god_n as_o a_o creator_n or_o rewarder_n thrt_n will_v save_v a_o man_n but_o there_o must_v be_v faith_n in_o christ_n as_o redeemer_n and_o mediator_n for_o no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o he_o john_n 14.6_o and_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v john_n 17.3_o four_o god_n will_v have_v his_o dear_o belove_a son_n honour_v and_o exalt_v in_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n whether_o they_o be_v moral_a or_o profane_a they_o need_v a_o saviour_n a_o sacrifice_n to_o appease_v the_o wrath_n and_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o they_o he_o that_o honour_v not_o the_o son_n honour_v not_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v he_o john_n 5.23_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o beside_o christ_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o we_o can_v be_v save_v act_v 4.12_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v then_o what_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.11_o unless_o the_o moralist_n with_o all_o his_o virtue_n and_o endowment_n be_v build_v upon_o this_o rock_n and_o foundation_n he_o must_v needs_o perish_v everlasting_o christ_n be_v the_o way_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o way_n by_o which_o only_a man_n can_v enter_v into_o eternal_a blessedness_n he_o be_v the_o life_n the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o eternal_a life_n john_n 14.6_o john_n 11.25_o
lay_v aside_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o to_o be_v whole_o conclude_v by_o humane_a authority_n and_o the_o name_n of_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o in_o other_o point_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o lie_n and_o contradiction_n will_v impose_v upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o have_v neither_o sense_n nor_o reason_n in_o we_o so_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o corporal_a carnal_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v against_o sense_n against_o reason_n and_o against_o faith_n first_o it_o be_v against_o sense_n now_o of_o all_o demonstration_n among_o man_n whereby_o we_o prove_v thing_n of_o this_o kind_n nothing_o be_v more_o firm_a then_o that_o which_o be_v take_v from_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n in_o divinity_n that_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o sense_n sense_n be_v a_o complete_a judge_n understand_v it_o of_o object_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o sense_n otherwise_o we_o say_v the_o eye_n be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o sound_n nor_o the_o ear_n of_o colour_n thus_o christ_n when_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o real_a body_n he_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o their_o sense_n a_o spirit_n have_v not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o you_o see_v i_o have_v reach_v hither_o thy_o hand_n and_o thrust_v it_o into_o my_o side_n in_o turn_v water_n into_o wine_n sense_n may_v easy_o judge_v of_o the_o change_n you_o will_v think_v it_o a_o strange_a and_o incredible_a thing_n if_o christ_n shall_v have_v come_v to_o to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n require_v he_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v wine_n though_o he_o see_v and_o taste_v nothing_o but_o water_n or_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v say_v thus_o to_o moses_n well_o thou_o see_v nothing_o but_o a_o rod_n yet_o thou_o must_v believe_v notwithstanding_o that_o it_o be_v change_v and_o be_v real_o a_o serpent_n so_o in_o this_o case_n of_o the_o sacrament_n when_o all_o the_o sense_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v bread_n which_o we_o see_v and_o touch_v and_o taste_v why_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v so_o foolish_a and_o vain_a as_o to_o say_v with_o the_o papist_n that_o the_o bread_n cease_v to_o be_v true_o bread_n and_o be_v transubstantiate_v into_o the_o very_a body_n of_o christ_n again_o second_o as_o this_o doctrine_n be_v against_o sense_n so_o it_o be_v against_o reason_n namely_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o have_v but_o one_o body_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o have_v ten_o thousand_o body_n on_o earth_n that_o his_o body_n shall_v be_v a_o true_a body_n as_o we_o be_v and_o yet_o without_o circumscription_n and_o other_o inseparable_a property_n of_o a_o true_a body_n that_o the_o substance_n of_o bread_n shall_v be_v abolish_v so_o as_o it_o shall_v remain_v no_o long_o bread_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v the_o very_a quantity_n taste_n whiteness_n substance_n and_o nourish_a virtue_n of_o bread_n if_o you_o ask_v they_o after_o all_o this_o whether_o it_o do_v nourish_v the_o body_n or_o no_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o with_o impudence_n enough_o if_o they_o be_v true_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o it_o do_v not_o nourish_v quite_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o experience_n this_o monstruous_a opinion_n of_o they_o be_v so_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a that_o the_o most_o learned_a among_o they_o be_v puzzle_v and_o not_o satisfy_v therewith_o but_o leave_v it_o as_o a_o miracle_n i_o have_v take_v some_o pain_n say_v a_o learned_a judicious_a man_n in_o his_o late_a sermon_n against_o popery_n to_o consider_v other_o religion_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o must_v free_o declare_v that_o i_o never_o yet_o in_o any_o of_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o article_n or_o proposition_n impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o man_n half_o so_o unreasonable_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o this_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v three_o as_o it_o be_v against_o sense_n and_o reason_n so_o it_o be_v against_o faith_n which_o though_o it_o be_v beyond_o sense_n or_o reason_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a thereunto_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v god_n work_n as_o well_o as_o grace_n and_o faith_n now_o one_o work_n of_o god_n do_v not_o destroy_v another_o for_o if_o so_o this_o will_v argue_v imperfection_n in_o the_o workman_n faith_n feed_v on_o christ_n spiritual_o in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v now_o if_o christ_n be_v corporal_o present_a in_o the_o sacrament_n what_o need_v the_o receiver_n feed_v on_o he_o spiritual_o by_o faith_n as_o be_v absent_a what_o need_v he_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o till_o he_o come_v let_v we_o in_o this_o and_o other_o thing_n show_v ourselves_o man_n and_o not_o beast_n let_v we_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o of_o that_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v we_o that_o believe_v and_o act_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n whoever_o require_v the_o same_o of_o we_o these_o be_v our_o act_n if_o therefore_o we_o will_v show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v man_n endue_v with_o reason_n and_o understanding_n we_o must_v examine_v what_o be_v propound_v and_o offer_v to_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v assent_v or_o dissent_v upon_o judicious_a ground_n we_o be_v man_n and_o shall_v do_v thing_n as_o man_n we_o be_v christian_n and_o shall_v do_v thing_n as_o christian_n blind_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n shall_v be_v utter_o banish_v out_o of_o christian_a assembly_n nor_o shall_v we_o pin_v our_o faith_n upon_o any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n be_v they_o never_o so_o godly_a and_o learned_a for_o this_o be_v to_o wrong_v god_n and_o to_o set_v man_n in_o his_o throne_n and_o attribute_n that_o to_o man_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n alone_o hereby_o also_o we_o exceed_o prejudice_v and_o wrong_v our_o own_o soul_n and_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n when_o we_o adhere_v to_o a_o opinion_n or_o way_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o rational_o and_o know_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n what_o be_v this_o else_o but_o to_o comply_v with_o a_o way_n or_o party_n out_o of_o faction_n and_o partiality_n not_o out_o of_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n which_o therefore_o can_v have_v any_o true_a consistence_n or_o constancy_n in_o it_o they_o rather_o bring_v their_o foot_n then_o their_o heart_n into_o a_o way_n of_o religion_n that_o adhere_v to_o it_o without_o due_a trial_n and_o examination_n herein_o we_o shall_v use_v our_o own_o eye_n and_o judgement_n and_o not_o whole_o trust_v to_o other_o herein_o we_o shall_v diligent_o exercise_v our_o own_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v judicious_o and_o profitable_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v judge_v of_o the_o high_a gospel_n mystery_n according_a to_o natural_a corrupt_a reason_n but_o yet_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o god_n in_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o that_o so_o our_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n may_v not_o be_v fluctuate_a and_o uncertain_a but_o steady_a and_o stable_a it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o if_o every_o man_n may_v judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o his_o reason_n than_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o mind_n which_o will_v breed_v endless_a confusion_n every_o man_n pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o one_o man_n think_v his_o reason_n to_o be_v as_o good_a or_o better_a than_o another_o man_n and_o so_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o order_n no_o settlement_n in_o the_o church_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v much_o danger_n on_o this_o hand_n especial_o where_o people_n be_v run_v headlong_o into_o confusion_n and_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o government_n yet_o this_o shall_v not_o make_v man_n throw_v away_o their_o reason_n and_o believe_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n only_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a judgement_n a_o judgement_n in_o foro_fw-la externo_fw-la or_o publico_fw-la and_o a_o judgement_n in_o foro_fw-la interno_fw-la or_o privato_fw-la the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v a_o authoritative_a judgement_n belong_v to_o christian_a synod_n and_o counsel_n due_o and_o lawful_o assemble_v where_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n preside_v such_o counsel_n debate_v and_o determine_v matter_n in_o difference_n either_o as_o to_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n have_v be_v of_o excellent_a use_n from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v belong_v to_o every_o christian_a a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n or_o discern_a a_o rational_a self_n directive_n judgement_n in_o the_o
five_o god_n have_v in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n concatenate_v and_o knit_v together_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n in_o the_o link_n of_o that_o golden_a chain_n of_o salvation_n rom._n 8.30_o so_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o glorify_v but_o such_o as_o be_v predestinate_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n such_o as_o be_v effectual_o call_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v through_o christ_n and_o again_o whosoever_o shall_v call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v how_o then_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v man_n preach_v except_o they_o be_v send_v rom._n 10.13_o 14._o so_o then_o those_o moral_a heathen_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o send_v who_o be_v not_o effectual_o call_v and_o convert_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o be_v make_v conformable_a to_o his_o image_n can_v be_v save_v by_o all_o their_o moral_a virtue_n and_o improvement_n six_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a god_n of_o pure_a eye_n then_o to_o behold_v the_o least_o iniquity_n with_o approbation_n he_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v sin_n nor_o will_v he_o justify_v any_o person_n at_o his_o tribunal_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o either_o have_v a_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o which_o no_o man_n have_v or_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n clothe_v with_o his_o righteousness_n who_o be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 5.21_o now_o this_o way_n of_o justification_n be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a far_o transcend_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o moral_a heathen_n adam_n himself_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n look_v for_o justification_n by_o work_n and_o by_o his_o own_o personal_a righteousness_n and_o not_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o another_o so_o that_o indeed_o this_o gospel-way_n of_o justification_n be_v not_o only_o opposite_a to_o man_n fall_v but_o to_o man_n before_o the_o fall_n it_o be_v never_o in_o man_n nature_n or_o reason_n to_o seek_v for_o justification_n by_o a_o righteousness_n without_o he_o and_o therefore_o if_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o way_n of_o justification_n in_o and_o by_o his_o gospel_n we_o nor_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v never_o have_v think_v of_o it_o that_o the_o most_o virtuous_a man_n that_o be_v if_o ever_o they_o be_v true_o justify_v and_o accept_v as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o vicious_a person_n must_v be_v justify_v before_o god_n not_o by_o work_v but_o by_o believe_v not_o by_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o moral_a virtue_n but_o by_o faith_n in_o a_o cruc_fw-la fie_v christ_n rest_v whole_o upon_o he_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n for_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n the_o true_a gospel_n righteousness_n as_o it_o be_v whole_o of_o god_n procure_v so_o it_o be_v also_o of_o his_o reveal_n and_o as_o other_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v far_o above_o the_o reason_n and_o capacity_n of_o a_o natural_a or_o moral_a man_n so_o be_v this_o also_o all_o the_o aristotle_n and_o plato_n all_o the_o learned_a rational_a philosopher_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o have_v think_v of_o such_o a_o way_n as_o this_o for_o the_o justification_n of_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o this_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o look_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n rom._n 1.17_o seven_o no_o mere_a rational_a or_o moral_a man_n can_v be_v save_v unless_o he_o be_v reconcile_v and_o reunite_v to_o god_n from_o who_o he_o be_v separate_v by_o sin_n now_o this_o reconciliation_n and_o reunion_n must_v be_v by_o and_o through_o christ_n or_o not_o at_o all_o for_o he_o be_v the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n who_o take_v on_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o so_o join_v it_o to_o god_n by_o the_o indissolvable_a tie_n of_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n and_o whoever_o will_v be_v save_v must_v be_v unite_v to_o god_n through_o he_o by_o the_o mystical_a bond_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o christ_n receive_v for_o and_o communicate_v to_o all_o the_o elect_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v so_o that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v he_o jew_n or_o gentile_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o raise_v christ_n from_o the_o grave_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o rom._n 8.9_o 11._o unless_o he_o be_v transplant_v out_o of_o the_o old_a stock_n the_o first_o adam_n and_o make_v one_o spirit_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o second_o adam_n it_o be_v not_o all_o his_o moral_a virtue_n and_o endowment_n if_o he_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o virtuous_a than_o he_o be_v that_o will_v bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n eight_o to_o hold_v that_o a_o heathen_a may_v be_v save_v by_o the_o improvement_n of_o his_o moral_a virtue_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n be_v such_o a_o opinion_n as_o be_v attend_v with_o many_o absurdity_n for_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o shall_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n partly_o consist_v of_o such_o member_n as_o have_v no_o faith_n nor_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n at_o all_o or_o else_o such_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v stranger_n to_o it_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n add_v unto_o his_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act_v 2.47_o it_o will_v also_o follow_v from_o this_o absurd_a opinion_n that_o christ_n die_v in_o vain_a and_o that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o doctrine_n of_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n be_v in_o vain_a as_o to_o a_o number_n of_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v if_o they_o may_v attain_v salvation_n by_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n which_o certain_o be_v not_o reveal_v in_o and_o by_o the_o moral_a virtue_n and_o writing_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n much_o less_o by_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n but_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o this_o opinion_n another_o way_n and_o much_o easy_a and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n then_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n self-denial_n and_o resignation_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o he_o will_v be_v find_v out_o for_o man_n salvation_n and_o then_o we_o need_v no_o long_o admire_v the_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o vain_a man_n in_o our_o day_n be_v so_o affect_v and_o transport_v with_o the_o moral_a virtue_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n that_o they_o make_v little_a or_o no_o difference_n in_o their_o book_n and_o sermon_n between_o these_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o saint_n as_o if_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o exhort_v christian_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n faith_n repentance_n love_n and_o other_o grace_n be_v only_o to_o read_v unto_o they_o a_o lecture_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n morality_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o christianity_n be_v another_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o go_v about_o by_o their_o moral_a virtue_n and_o work_n to_o appease_v the_o just_a and_o holy_a god_n or_o to_o comprehend_v he_o out_o of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n will_v be_v dazzle_v with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o overwhelm_v with_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o power_n for_o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v reveal_v he_o john_n 1.18_o but_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v answer_v say_v objection_n answer_v that_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n it_o be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n rom._n 2.14_o and_o therefore_o they_o may_v be_v save_v if_o we_o apply_v these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o unconverted_a gentile_n for_o there_o be_v those_o that_o expound_v the_o text_n of_o the_o convert_a gentile_n than_o we_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o a_o supernatural_a inscription_n or_o writing_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o one_o be_v ratione_fw-la luminis_fw-la naturalis_fw-la by_o mean_n of_o that_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n that_o be_v in_o man_n which_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 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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
the_o galatian_n have_v many_o notable_a say_n touch_v faith_n and_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n of_o believe_v the_o gospel_n say_v he_o we_o must_v silence_v reason_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o faith_n which_o also_o in_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n lean_v not_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n for_o thereof_o it_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a but_o to_o her_o own_o righteousness_n now_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n join_v together_o faith_n lose_v her_o virginity_n for_o nothing_o fight_v more_o strong_o against_o faith_n then_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n the_o gospel_n lead_v we_o beyond_o and_o above_o the_o light_n of_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n into_o the_o deep_a secret_n of_o faith_n where_o the_o law_n and_o reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v again_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v reason_n reason_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v be_v impossible_a foolish_a weak_a absurd_a thing_n what_o more_o absurd_a foolish_a and_o impossible_a then_o that_o abraham_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n in_o his_o old_a age_n of_o the_o barren_a and_o dead_a body_n of_o sarah_n but_o now_o faith_n kill_v reason_n and_o slay_v that_o beast_n which_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o creature_n can_v kill_v thus_o abraham_n kill_v it_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o promise_v he_o a_o son_n to_o this_o word_n reason_n yield_v not_o straightway_o but_o fight_v against_o faith_n in_o he_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o absurd_a impossible_a thing_n but_o faith_n wrestle_v with_o reason_n and_o at_o length_n get_v the_o victory_n abraham_n kill_v and_o sacrifice_v reason_n that_o most_o pestilent_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o so_o must_v all_o the_o godly_a do_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n that_o be_v quite_o cross_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o subdue_v and_o captivate_v our_o reason_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5._o be_v mighty_a through_o god_n for_o the_o pull_n down_o of_o strong_a hold_n cast_v down_o reason_v and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n those_o strong_a hold_n that_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o gospel_n be_v especial_o two_o namely_o the_o greatness_n and_o power_n of_o worldly_a prince_n and_o ruler_n and_o also_o the_o reason_n and_o argumentation_n of_o the_o learned_a orator_n and_o philosopher_n both_o these_o must_v be_v subdue_v and_o captivate_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n man_n must_v be_v lead_v away_o like_o captive_n say_v judicious_a calvin_n on_o the_o text_n from_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o will_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d reason_v be_v very_o emphatical_a quo_fw-la vocabulo_fw-la 5._o vocabulo_fw-la estius_n in_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5._o significantur_fw-la non_fw-la qualescunque_fw-la cogitationes_fw-la sed_fw-la quae_fw-la fiunt_fw-la ratiocinando_fw-la &_o disceptando_fw-la dum_fw-la adhibito_fw-la judicio_fw-la rationis_fw-la animus_n examinat_fw-la aliquid_fw-la &_o de_fw-la eo_fw-la pronuntiat_fw-la sit_fw-la ne_fw-la verum_fw-la a_o falsum_fw-la bonum_fw-la a_o malum_fw-la here_o we_o may_v see_v plain_o that_o our_o reason_n must_v be_v conquer_v and_o captivate_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a faith_n indeed_o reason_n and_o faith_n may_v well_o walk_v together_o provide_v that_o reason_n give_v faith_n the_o upperhand_n we_o must_v not_o say_v they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o noble_a writer_n who_o make_v great_a use_n of_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n religio_fw-la religion_n morney_n de_fw-fr veritat_fw-la christi_fw-la religio_fw-la that_o because_o reason_n do_v not_o comprehend_v this_o or_o that_o point_n of_o religion_n therefore_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v it_o for_o this_o be_v a_o measure_n of_o faith_n by_o reason_n whereas_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n that_o be_v beyond_o our_o reason_n to_o believe_v on_o god_n through_o christ_n what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o to_o submit_v our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o god_n and_o thus_o our_o reason_n must_v be_v a_o servant_n to_o faith_n and_o must_v stoop_v to_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n faith_n must_v not_o be_v abase_v and_o stoop_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o reason_n now_o when_o and_o wherein_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v and_o so_o come_v to_o be_v prejudicial_a and_o dangerous_a shall_v be_v here_o brief_o represent_v in_o a_o ewe_n particular_n and_o so_o we_o will_v shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n of_o the_o right_a use_n and_o abuse_v of_o reason_n pervert_v reason_n how_o and_o wherein_o humane_a reason_n be_v abuse_v and_o pervert_v first_o it_o be_v then_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o divine_a purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o the_o opinion_n and_o sentiment_n of_o some_o learned_a philosopher_n and_o rationalist_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v impose_v upon_o we_o as_o true_a as_o namely_o the_o world_n eternity_n the_o stoical_a fate_n purgatory_n after_o this_o life_n the_o denial_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n worship_v of_o angel_n and_o the_o like_a have_v a_o show_n of_o reason_n wisdom_n and_o humility_n col._n 2_o 18_o 23._o second_o when_o those_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n which_o be_v true_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v to_o the_o reject_v of_o those_o gospel-truth_n that_o be_v above_o nature_n these_o maxim_n and_o position_n of_o philosopher_n that_o of_o nothing_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v that_o of_o privation_n to_o a_o habit_n there_o be_v no_o regression_n that_o a_o virgin_n can_v conceive_v though_o they_o be_v natural_o and_o physical_o true_a yet_o in_o divinity_n and_o christianity_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v god_n create_v the_o world_n of_o nothing_o our_o bless_a saviour_n without_o the_o help_n of_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o god_n call_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v rom._n 4.17_o these_o body_n of_o we_o after_o they_o be_v resolve_v into_o dust_n shall_v be_v raise_v up_o again_o and_o make_v like_o to_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a even_o to_o subdue_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o phil._n 3.21_o here_o faith_n in_o god_n omnipotency_n must_v be_v exercise_v and_o reason_n must_v give_v way_n to_o faith_n indeed_o man_n reason_n as_o now_o it_o stand_v be_v so_o far_o from_o take_v the_o just_a measure_n of_o faith_n which_o transcend_v natural_a strength_n and_o reason_n that_o it_o can_v so_o much_o as_o take_v the_o just_a and_o full_a measure_n of_o nature_n nor_o of_o the_o least_o of_o god_n creature_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n that_o be_v in_o every_o one_o of_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a error_n to_o believe_v no_o further_o than_o reason_n can_v measure_v and_o comprehend_v for_o what_o a_o great_a way_n do_v the_o truth_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n extend_v beyond_o our_o reason_n and_o even_o reason_n itself_o will_v lead_v we_o to_o this_o point_n namely_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v beyond_o reason_n i_o mean_v those_o thing_n which_o no_o mere_a natural_a understanding_n or_o capacity_n can_v reach_v or_o attain_v to_o and_o that_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n to_o man_n which_o reason_n can_v never_o have_v comprehend_v no_o not_o even_o when_o it_o be_v at_o the_o best_a the_o same_o reason_n which_o can_v never_o have_v find_v they_o out_o make_v we_o to_o allow_v of_o they_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o be_v true_a and_o herein_o reason_n teach_v we_o that_o which_o she_o herself_o neither_o know_v nor_o believe_v namely_o by_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o most_o infallible_a teacher_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o hear_v and_o believe_v three_o it_o be_v then_o dangerous_a when_o a_o christian_a boast_n of_o his_o humane_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n and_o be_v elate_v and_o puff_v up_o therewith_o undervalue_v and_o slight_v all_o other_o as_o if_o their_o reason_n and_o knowledge_n be_v not_o comparable_a to_o he_o and_o so_o it_o become_v a_o vain_a windy_a thing_n knowledge_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 8.1_o puff_v up_o but_o love_n edifi_v vain_a man_n will_v be_v wise_a as_o it_o be_v in_o job_n 11.12_o though_o he_o