flourish_v more_o in_o prince_n court_n than_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n why_o do_v not_o one_o or_o other_o step_v forth_o to_o vanquish_v or_o convict_v they_o before_o the_o magistrate_n origen_n not_o to_o mention_v here_o other_o learned_a man_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christ_n be_v himself_o a_o great_a philosopher_n and_o fellow-disciple_n to_o plotinus_n who_o be_v high_o commend_v by_o the_o philosopher_n can_v any_o sober_a man_n imagine_v that_o he_o and_o other_o of_o great_a judgement_n and_o ability_n will_v suffer_v themselves_o like_o so_o many_o fool_n and_o mad_a man_n to_o be_v lead_v with_o vain_a illusion_n or_o to_o attribute_v those_o thing_n to_o god_n special_a miraculous_a operation_n which_o depend_v whole_o upon_o natural_a cause_n especial_o see_v that_o both_o origen_n and_o also_o cyprian_n before_o their_o conversion_n to_o christ_n have_v profess_v the_o art_n of_o magic_n if_o it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v influence_v by_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n in_o do_v what_o they_o do_v how_o happen_v it_o then_o that_o each_o of_o they_o do_v not_o cause_v himself_o to_o be_v worship_v and_o adore_v as_o the_o idol-god_n and_o mahomet_n do_v if_o they_o be_v so_o vainglorious_a in_o their_o work_n as_o be_v pretend_v why_o do_v they_o not_o make_v use_n of_o their_o own_o name_n and_o exalt_v themselves_o but_o refer_v all_o to_o jesus_n and_o give_v he_o the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o all_o who_o be_v so_o much_o despise_v by_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o world_n sure_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v from_o god_n and_o from_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o not_o from_o satan_n nor_o from_o men._n four_o let_v a_o man_n but_o rational_o consider_v the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o he_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o verity_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o what_o be_v the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o jesus_n upon_o earth_n even_o by_o the_o confession_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o the_o very_a pattern_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n what_o be_v it_o but_o the_o very_a body_n of_o the_o legal_a type_n and_o shadow_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o prediction_n and_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n how_o wise_a how_o patient_a how_o meek_a and_o humble_a how_o love_a and_o compassionate_a to_o mankind_n how_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a mind_v how_o diligent_a faithful_a and_o impartial_a be_v he_o in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n he_o do_v neither_o flatter_v the_o great_a nor_o discourage_v the_o mean_a but_o deliver_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n what_o a_o public_a spirit_n what_o self-denial_n what_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o grace_n do_v jesus_n show_v forth_o both_o in_o his_o action_n and_o suffering_n his_o enemy_n themselves_o be_v judges_n insomuch_o that_o porphyry_n acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a man_n though_o say_v he_o the_o christian_n be_v to_o blame_v to_o worship_n he_o as_o god_n and_o pilat_n wife_n desire_v that_o her_o husband_n may_v not_o meddle_v with_o that_o just_a man_n to_o his_o painful_a death_n which_o he_o suffer_v for_o we_o he_o go_v as_o a_o sheep_n to_o the_o slaughter_n not_o open_v his_o mouth_n and_o pray_v most_o affectionate_o for_o his_o enemy_n upon_o the_o cross_n father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v never_o be_v there_o such_o a_o example_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n as_o jesus_n be_v and_o therefore_o how_o can_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n think_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o author_n or_o founder_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n as_o for_o his_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n there_o can_v be_v any_o find_v out_o or_o devise_v more_o excellent_a and_o precious_a never_o man_n speak_v as_o he_o speak_v what_o be_v the_o continual_a subject_n of_o his_o preach_a and_o discourse_n but_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o pardon_v the_o sinner_n the_o excellency_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n he_o teach_v not_o his_o disciple_n how_o to_o obtain_v the_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n how_o to_o be_v great_a among_o man_n and_o to_o seek_v the_o praise_n and_o applause_n of_o man_n how_o to_o conquer_v kingdom_n and_o subdue_v nation_n by_o the_o material_a sword_n but_o he_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o how_o to_o be_v crucify_a to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n to_o lay_v up_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n to_o forgive_v their_o enemy_n and_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v they_o be_v there_o ever_o such_o heavenly_a doctrine_n such_o excellent_a instruction_n as_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o precept_n in_o man_n law_n as_o those_o among_o the_o lacedaemonian_n athenian_n roman_n they_o neither_o command_v all_o good_a nor_o forbid_v all_o evil_a the_o law_n of_o man_n be_v limit_v according_a to_o time_n place_n and_o person_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o persia_n answer_v the_o king_n who_o will_v have_v marry_v his_o own_o sister_n that_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o law_n that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o marry_v his_o own_o sister_n but_o yet_o they_o find_v another_o law_n that_o the_o king_n may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o shall_v have_v more_o liberty_n to_o sin_n than_o his_o subject_n but_o now_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o law_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v command_v all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o forbid_v and_o restrain_v all_o that_o be_v evil_a the_o precept_n thereof_o be_v general_a and_o impartial_a to_o all_o person_n to_o the_o king_n as_o well_o as_o the_o subject_a to_o the_o master_n as_o well_o as_o the_o servant_n to_o the_o rich_a as_o well_o as_o the_o poor_a without_o exception_n no_o other_o religion_n or_o doctrine_n reach_v the_o heart_n and_o inward_a man_n but_o only_o this_o where_o can_v we_o find_v another_o law_n that_o have_v in_o it_o non_fw-la concupisces_fw-la thou_o shall_v not_o lust_n which_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a root_n and_o core_n of_o corruption_n other_o law_n teach_v man_n to_o advance_v and_o enlarge_v their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o power_n and_o to_o be_v in_o favour_n with_o prince_n but_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o to_o forsake_v the_o world_n and_o not_o seek_v great_a thing_n for_o ourselves_o nor_o be_v ambitious_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o great_a man_n but_o to_o live_v above_o it_o and_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o do_v chief_o require_v the_o heart_n so_o that_o worship_n which_o please_v he_o must_v be_v spiritual_a and_o such_o a_o worship_n be_v prescribe_v and_o command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n whereas_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o proceed_v from_o man_n so_o man_n himself_o be_v corporeal_a the_o worship_n that_o he_o chief_o prescribe_v must_v be_v corporeal_a also_o and_o not_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a as_o the_o christian_a religion_n chief_o require_v other_o religion_n attribute_v the_o praise_n to_o man_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n attribute_v all_o to_o god_n as_o the_o high_a truth_n the_o chief_a good_a and_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o five_o the_o nature_n and_o success_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n may_v serve_v to_o convince_v any_o man_n reason_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a by_o what_o weak_a mean_n by_o what_o contemptible_a instrument_n have_v christ_n advance_v and_o enlarge_v his_o kingdom_n how_o have_v he_o from_o time_n to_o time_n confound_v thing_n that_o be_v by_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o whereas_o man_n will_v have_v apt_a instrument_n to_o every_o action_n and_o the_o matter_n also_o well_o dispose_v to_o work_v upon_o christ_n choose_v weak_a and_o unapt_a instrument_n for_o carry_v on_o his_o work_n in_o the_o world_n not_o the_o wise_a and_o noble_a and_o learned_a of_o the_o world_n but_o poor_a simple_a man_n to_o be_v his_o apostle_n and_o ambassador_n and_o then_o for_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o be_v to_o work_v upon_o namely_o the_o world_n it_o be_v altogether_o unprepared_a both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n hate_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ulpian_n the_o chief_a lawyer_n galen_n the_o chief_a physician_n porphyry_n and_o plotinus_n the_o chief_a philosopher_n then_o live_v be_v desperate_a enemy_n to_o they_o and_o write_v book_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n julian_n the_o emperor_n forbid_v school_n of_o learning_n to_o the_o christian_n in_o hatred_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o
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
far_o thy_o inferior_a so_o may_v our_o reason_n say_v to_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n i_o be_o far_o inferior_a to_o thou_o and_o have_v need_n to_o be_v regulate_v and_o reform_v by_o thou_o and_o come_v thou_o to_o i_o no_o no_o it_o be_v my_o great_a honour_n to_o submit_v myself_o to_o thou_o and_o thy_o divine_a authority_n three_o upon_o this_o ground_n also_o man_n reason_n be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n because_o one_o man_n can_v prove_v infallible_o to_o another_o man_n that_o his_o reason_n be_v the_o right_a reason_n in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o pretend_v reason_n so_o do_v i_o a_o three_o man_n come_v and_o pretend_v to_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o either_o of_o we_o and_o experience_n show_v that_o divers_a man_n yea_o good_a man_n have_v different_a reason_n and_o different_a apprehension_n in_o many_o point_n of_o religion_n nor_o can_v a_o man_n be_v certain_a that_o this_o or_o that_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o a_o text_n if_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o assure_v he_o thereof_o but_o the_o appearance_n and_o probability_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n for_o other_o that_o differ_v from_o he_o think_v they_o have_v and_o may_v real_o have_v as_o much_o or_o more_o reason_n on_o their_o side_n then_o he_o indeed_o if_o we_o compare_v our_o own_o reason_n with_o the_o reason_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o man_n which_o have_v decree_v thus_o and_o thus_o then_o must_v we_o give_v the_o pre-eminence_n to_o our_o own_o reason_n when_o a_o clear_a evidence_n be_v propound_v and_o present_v to_o our_o reason_n for_o every_o one_o be_v to_o judge_v for_o himself_o with_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o discern_a as_o have_v be_v former_o prove_v and_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a for_o a_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o a_o lesser_a evidence_n when_o a_o clear_a evidence_n be_v propound_v to_o he_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v not_o many_o that_o be_v well_o able_a to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o controversy_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v provide_v spiritual_a guide_n and_o shepherd_n to_o go_v before_o they_o and_o help_v they_o but_o yet_o christian_n must_v not_o resign_v up_o their_o wit_n and_o sense_n to_o follow_v they_o wherever_o they_o go_v if_o they_o will_v lead_v we_o blindfold_a we_o shall_v not_o put_v out_o our_o eye_n to_o follow_v they_o but_o shall_v rational_o and_o impartial_o weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n do_v such_o a_o godly_a learned_a man_n tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v firm_a ground_n you_o may_v go_v safe_a upon_o it_o and_o do_v you_o see_v it_o to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o your_o reason_n enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n then_o you_o may_v follow_v he_o as_o a_o man_n of_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n and_o not_o like_o a_o beast_n that_o be_v lead_v he_o know_v not_o whither_o and_o herein_o you_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o of_o your_o own_o too_o chap._n xvi_o of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o mere_a rational_a and_o spiritual_a man_n and_o their_o knowledge_n and_o act_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n shall_v be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o improve_v by_o every_o christian_a in_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n yet_o so_o as_o we_o must_v not_o confound_v the_o principle_n knowledge_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n or_o mere_a rational_a man_n with_o the_o principle_n knowledge_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n a_o natural_a or_o rational_a knowledge_n and_o a_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a knowledge_n the_o former_a be_v but_o historical_a as_o when_o a_o man_n read_v of_o such_o a_o country_n in_o a_o history_n or_o see_v it_o only_o in_o a_o map_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n but_o be_v never_o there_o himself_o to_o take_v a_o full_a view_n of_o it_o and_o report_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v there_o of_o his_o own_o certain_a knowledge_n the_o latter_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n be_v intuitive_a or_o a_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a vision_n behold_v the_o thing_n themselves_o in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n spirit_n distinct_o and_o at_o hand_n no_o creature_n or_o create_v thing_n can_v go_v beyond_o its_o sphere_n or_o comprehend_v that_o which_o be_v beyond_o its_o capacity_n the_o vegetative_a creature_n can_v reach_v so_o far_o as_o the_o sensitive_a nor_o the_o sensitive_a so_o far_o as_o the_o rational_a nor_o can_v the_o mere_a rational_a creature_n comprehend_v that_o which_o the_o spiritual_a man_n do_v such_o as_o be_v alive_a to_o god_n and_o have_v spiritual_a union_n and_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n the_o quicken_a spirit_n live_v and_o act_v from_o a_o high_a principle_n and_o in_o another_o kind_n then_o mere_a natural_a or_o rational_a man_n do_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n act_v his_o body_n and_o the_o more_o he_o improve_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n the_o more_o rational_a and_o considerate_a he_o be_v in_o his_o act_n and_o operation_n but_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o glorious_a operation_n thereof_o and_o as_o far_o as_o god_n spirit_n be_v above_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n so_o far_o be_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n above_o that_o of_o nature_n it_o be_v true_a say_v luther_n 20._o luther_n luth._o com._n on_o gal._n cap._n 2._o v._n 20._o that_o i_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n but_o this_o life_n whatever_o it_o be_v i_o esteem_v as_o no_o life_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o true_a life_n but_o a_o shadow_n of_o life_n under_o that_o which_o another_o live_v that_o be_v to_o say_v christ_n who_o be_v my_o true_a spiritual_a life_n which_o life_n thou_o see_v not_o but_o only_o hear_v and_o i_o feel_v as_o thou_o hear_v the_o wind_n but_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o it_o come_v or_o whither_o it_o go_v even_o so_o thou_o see_v i_o speak_v eat_a walk_a sleep_a and_o do_v other_o thing_n as_o other_o man_n do_v and_o yet_o thou_o see_v not_o my_o true_a life_n this_o spiritual_a life_n which_o far_o transcend_v the_o mere_a natural_a or_o rational_a life_n must_v be_v discern_v spiritual_o the_o spiritual_a man_n have_v a_o white_a stone_n in_o which_o his_o name_n be_v write_v which_o none_o can_v read_v but_o himself_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n a_o heir_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o even_o as_o we_o know_v not_o the_o son_n of_o prince_n be_v they_o among_o we_o who_o dwell_v in_o country_n far_o remote_a from_o we_o but_o his_o life_n which_o now_o be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n shall_v full_o appear_v when_o christ_n appear_v in_o glory_n col._n 3.3_o 4._o first_o then_o the_o spiritual_a man_n have_v christ_n form_v in_o he_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n christ_n be_v in_o he_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n and_o he_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o a_o mere_a rational_a man_n do_v not_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a supernatural_a principle_n or_o ability_n plant_v in_o he_o which_o still_o remain_v and_o abide_v and_o which_o differ_v much_o from_o natural_a habit_n for_o these_o be_v partly_o and_o sometime_o whole_o acquire_v by_o use_n and_o frequent_a practice_n whereas_o this_o spiritual_a principle_n be_v not_o get_v or_o acquire_v but_o infuse_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v utter_o lose_v as_o natural_a habit_n may_v but_o abide_v for_o ever_o john_n 14.16_o sometime_o it_o be_v call_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v grow_v up_o to_o perfection_n 1_o john_n 3.9_o sometime_o a_o fountain_n yield_v continual_a supply_n of_o grace_n john_n 4.14_o sometime_o from_o the_o author_n from_o who_o it_o be_v derive_v it_o be_v call_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 4.10_o 11._o and_o sometime_o the_o new_a birth_n or_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o john_n 3.5_o 7._o doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o most_o powerful_a spiritual_a principle_n which_o raise_v and_o elevate_v the_o soul_n far_o above_o natural_a strength_n and_o reason_n those_o creature_n that_o have_v no_o high_a principle_n and_o faculty_n than_o sense_n use_v they_o sensual_o but_o as_o for_o man_n who_o enjoy_v the_o fame_n faculty_n under_o the_o command_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n he_o use_v they_o rational_o but_o when_o he_o be_v new_o bear_v and_o become_v a_o spiritual_a man_n those_o faculty_n of_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n which_o when_o they_o have_v no_o other_o command_n but_o reason_n have_v no_o more_o but_o rational_a operation_n be_v now_o govern_v and_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_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