do_v not_o as_o yet_o full_o know_v nor_o understand_v we_o be_v vindicate_v and_o defend_v from_o the_o rashness_n and_o temerity_n of_o opinative_a man_n as_o for_o they_o that_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o we_o kâ—ow_o they_o have_v â—nely_a regard_n to_o the_o name_n of_o opinion_n which_o i_o confess_v be_v but_o base_a and_o ignominious_a but_o if_o any_o one_o will_v consider_v attentive_o that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o thing_n whither_o a_o man_n think_v that_o he_o know_v a_o thing_n or_o whither_o be_v move_v by_o some_o authority_n he_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o understand_v that_o he_o know_v not_o he_o shall_v certain_o shun_v and_o avoid_v the_o crime_n both_o of_o error_n inhumanity_n and_o pride_n observation_n s._n aâ—gâ—stine_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o retractation_n and_o fourteen_o chapter_n will_v have_v those_o word_n the_o one_o which_o have_v already_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v most_o happy_a aâ—d_fw-mi most_o bless_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o they_o be_v most_o bless_v not_o in_o this_o life_n bâ—t_v in_o that_o which_o we_o hope_v for_o and_o unto_o which_o we_o go_v by_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n for_o say_v he_o they_o be_v to_o be_v conceive_v to_o have_v find_v out_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o who_o be_v there_o alreadyâ—_z whither_o we_o by_o seek_v and_o believingâ—_n that_o be_v by_o embrace_v the_o way_n of_o faith_n do_v desire_n to_o arrive_v and_o again_o he_o affirm_v that_o those_o word_n to_o understand_v great_a and_o worthy_a and_o divine_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o most_o bless_a thingâ—_n ought_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o eternal_a beatitude_n and_o upon_o these_o word_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n whither_o any_o thing_n be_v comprehend_v by_o certain_a reason_n of_o mind_n which_o we_o â—ay_v be_v to_o understand_v or_o whither_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o common_a fame_n or_o write_v to_o be_v proâ—itably_o believe_v by_o posterity_n and_o upon_o these_o that_o we_o understand_v we_o attribute_v it_o to_o reason_n that_o we_o believe_v to_o authority_n he_o make_v this_o explication_n this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o in_o common_a discourse_n we_o shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o say_v we_o know_v that_o which_o we_o beliâ—ve_v by_o credible_a witness_n for_o when_o â—e_z speak_v proper_o we_o be_v only_o say_v to_o know_v that_o which_o we_o comprehend_v by_o firm_a reason_n of_o mind_n but_o when_o we_o speak_v with_o word_n more_o fit_a to_o be_v common_o use_v as_o the_o scripture_n also_o speak_v we_o make_v no_o doubt_n to_o say_v that_o we_o know_v both_o that_o which_o we_o perceive_v by_o our_o corporal_a sense_n and_o which_o we_o believe_v upon_o the_o report_n of_o credible_a witness_n but_o yet_o so_o that_o we_o understand_v what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o chap._n xii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o believe_v wise_a man_n if_o that_o which_o be_v not_o know_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v i_o ask_v then_o how_o can_v child_n obey_v parent_n and_o embrace_v they_o with_o mutual_a love_n and_o affection_n who_o they_o may_v believe_v not_o to_o be_v their_o parent_n for_o that_o who_o be_v their_o father_n it_o can_v be_v know_v by_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o mother_n and_o as_o for_o the_o mother_n she_o often_o be_v not_o believe_v but_o midwife_n nurse_n and_o servant_n for_o if_o her_o child_n may_v be_v steal_v from_o she_o and_o another_o put_v in_o the_o place_n can_v she_o deceive_v be_v deceive_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o believe_v and_o that_o without_o any_o doubt_n and_o stagger_v at_o all_o that_o which_o we_o confess_v we_o can_v know_v and_o unless_o this_o be_v so_o who_o see_v not_o but_o that_o piety_n the_o most_o holy_a tie_n and_o bond_n of_o mankind_n will_v be_v violate_v and_o defile_v by_o a_o most_o proud_a wickedness_n and_o offence_n for_o who_o though_o he_o be_v a_o mad_a man_n can_v think_v he_o worthy_a of_o blame_n who_o do_v perform_v his_o oblige_a duty_n unto_o those_o who_o he_o beheuâ—s_v to_o be_v his_o parent_n although_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o on_o the_o coâ—trary_n who_o will_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o have_v he_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o society_n of_o man_n who_o will_v not_o love_v those_o which_o perhaps_o be_v his_o true_a parent_n for_o fear_v lesâ—_n he_o shall_v love_v those_o that_o be_v false_a one_o many_o argument_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o show_v that_o nothing_o at_o all_o remain_v safe_a and_o secure_a in_o human_a society_n if_o once_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o believâ—_z nothing_o which_o we_o can_v know_v nor_o understand_v but_o now_o hear_v thaâ—_z whereby_o i_o be_o confident_a i_o shall_v at_o the_o present_a more_o easy_o draw_v and_o persuade_v thou_o that_o seeinâ—_z the_o question_n be_v concerning_o religion_n that_o be_v about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n those_o be_v lesâ—e_n to_o be_v follow_v and_o harken_v unto_o who_o most_o ready_o promise_v reason_n do_v forbid_v and_o prohibit_v we_o to_o believe_v no_o man_n doubt_n but_o that_o all_o man_n be_v either_o fool_n or_o wise_a man_n i_o call_v not_o those_o wiseman_n here_o that_o be_v prudent_a ingenious_a and_o witty_a but_o those_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o as_o firm_a and_o certain_a a_o knowledge_n both_o of_o divine_a and_o humaâ—e_n thing_n as_o man_n be_v capable_a to_o receive_v and_o do_v lead_v their_o life_n and_o frame_v their_o manner_n conformable_a thereunto_o but_o as_o for_o other_o how_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a soever_o they_o beâ—_z or_o whither_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v praise_v or_o dâ—spraised_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o livesâ—_n i_o repute_v and_o account_v they_o in_o the_o number_n of_o fool_n which_o be_v so_o what_o man_n though_o but_o of_o a_o slender_a understanding_n do_v not_o plain_o see_v that_o it_o be_v more_o wholesome_a and_o profitable_a for_o fool_n to_o obey_v the_o precept_n and_o command_n of_o wise_a man_n then_o to_o frame_v and_o order_v their_o life_n according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o fancy_n for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v if_o it_o be_v not_o right_o do_v it_o be_v a_o fault_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v by_o any_o mean_n right_o do_v which_o do_v not_o flow_v and_o proceed_v from_o right_a reason_n now_o right_a reason_n be_v virtue_n itself_o but_o among_o what_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v virtue_n to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n wherefore_o the_o wiseman_n only_o offend_v not_o but_o every_o fool_n offend_v unless_o it_o be_v in_o those_o action_n wherein_o he_o do_v obey_v a_o wise_a man_n for_o such_o action_n do_v proceed_v from_o right_a reasonâ—_n nor_o be_v the_o fool_n to_o be_v accounred_n master_n as_o i_o may_v say_v of_o his_o own_o actionsâ—_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v but_o the_o instrument_n or_o servant_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n wherefore_o if_o it_o be_v better_o for_o all_o man_n not_o to_o offend_v then_o to_o offendâ—_z verily_a â—â—l_n fool_n will_v live_v better_a if_o they_o can_v be_v servant_n to_o wise_a man_n and_o if_o this_o without_o doubt_n be_v â—â—t_v and_o expedient_a in_o thing_n of_o less_o moment_n as_o in_o buy_v or_o till_v a_o field_n in_o marry_v a_o wiâ—e_n in_o the_o education_n and_o breed_n of_o child_n and_o final_o in_o the_o managiâ—g_n of_o private_a affair_n much_o more_o be_v it_o expedient_a in_o matter_n of_o relâ—gion_n for_o huâ—ane_a thing_n be_v both_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v then_o divine_a and_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o holy_a and_o more_o exceâ—lent_a we_o sin_v so_o much_o the_o more_o gâ—ievously_o and_o dangerouslyâ—_z by_o how_o much_o we_o owâ—_n unto_o they_o a_o great_a honour_n reverence_n and_o reâ—pect_v wherefore_o thou_o â—â—â—st_a that_o from_o hence_o forth_o there_o remain_v nothing_o more_o for_o we_o to_o do_v so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v foolsâ—_n but_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o lead_v a_o good_a and_o a_o religious_a life_n to_o seek_v out_o wiâ—e_n and_o prudent_a man_n that_o by_o obey_v of_o they_o we_o may_v not_o so_o much_o feel_v the_o dominion_n of_o â—olly_n whilst_o it_o be_v in_o we_o and_o at_o the_o length_n we_o may_v become_v wise_a man_n ourselves_o a_o observation_n s._n augustine_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o retraction_n and_o fourteen_o chapter_n advertise_v that_o his_o division_n of_o man_n into_o wise_a man_n and_o fool_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o man_n after_o they_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n whereby_o they_o be_v distinguish_v
the_o profit_n of_o believe_v very_o useful_a both_o for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o resolve_v what_o religion_n they_o ought_v to_o embrace_v and_o for_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v whither_o their_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o no_o write_a by_o s._n augustine_n london_n print_v by_o roger_n daniel_n in_o lovel_n court_n near_o paul_n churchyard_n 1651._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o well-disposed_a reader_n learned_a reader_n i_o know_v thou_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o of_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o business_n in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v none_o of_o that_o consequence_n and_o importance_n unto_o thou_o as_o the_o save_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o know_v best_a of_o all_o the_o inestimable_a value_n thereof_o and_o vouchâ—â—â—ed_v to_o redeem_v it_o at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o with_o his_o own_o pâ—etious_a blood_n plain_o declare_v the_o importance_n thereof_o when_o he_o say_v in_o the_o gospel_n mat._n 16._o 16._o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o world_n â—nd_v lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v he_o give_v in_o exchange_n therâ—of_o wherefore_o let_v i_o advise_v thou_o to_o seek_v out_o and_o embrace_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n for_o that_o without_o such_o a_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 11._o 6._o it_o be_v impossible_a toplease_v god_n and_o without_o please_v of_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v save_v if_o thou_o think_v that_o thou_o haâ—t_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n already_o and_o that_o thou_o do_v embrace_v it_o then_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v thou_o that_o the_o world_n at_o this_o present_a abound_v with_o a_o hundred_o hereâ—ies_n at_o least_o the_o embracer_n whereof_o shall_v not_o according_a to_o s._n paul_n doctrine_n gal._n 5._o 20._o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n do_v affirm_v ephes._n 4._o 5._o there_o be_v but_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o hundred_o to_o one_o but_o that_o thy_o faith_n and_o thy_o religion_n be_v false_a and_o thy_o salvation_n be_v in_o danger_n thereby_o be_v there_o not_o then_o great_a reason_n that_o thou_o shall_v well_o consider_v whither_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o thou_o embrace_v be_v true_a or_o no_o when_o upon_o this_o resolution_n depend_v thy_o frâ—â—tion_n of_o unspeakable_a bliss_n or_o intolerable_a suffering_n of_o endless_a paâ—ns_n for_o all_o eternity_n how_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o great_a difficulty_n not_o only_o by_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v many_o faith_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o these_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v false_a but_o also_o for_o that_o the_o controversy_n debate_v now_o adays_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o intricate_a that_o few_o have_v leisure_n to_o study_v they_o and_o few_o ability_n to_o conceive_v and_o understand_v they_o yet_o the_o zeal_n of_o learned_a writer_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o satisfy_v man_n herein_o but_o what_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n have_v bring_v forth_o any_o man_n so_o able_a to_o perform_v so_o great_a a_o task_n as_o be_v that_o incomparable_a doctor_n s._n augustine_n lib._n 3._o de_fw-fr eccles._n fol._n 170._o who_o as_o doctor_n field_n assert_v be_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o the_o most_o famous_a of_o all_o the_o divine_n which_o the_o church_n have_v have_v since_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o as_o doctor_n covell_n affirm_v in_o his_o answer_n to_o master_n burges_n pag._n 3._o have_v far_o excel_v all_o other_o that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v like_a to_o be_v hereafter_o those_o only_o except_v that_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n both_o in_o divine_a and_o human_a knowledge_n what_o man_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n can_v ever_o so_o well_o discem_fw-la true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a truth_n from_o error_n and_o true_a faith_n from_o heresy_n as_o can_v that_o great_a s._n augustine_n who_o do_v not_o only_o like_o another_o david_n fight_v against_o the_o goliath_n of_o one_o heresy_n but_o like_o another_o joshua_n fight_v the_o battle_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o all_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o heresy_n in_o his_o day_n for_o forty_o year_n together_o wherefore_o if_o this_o great_a doctor_n shall_v have_v leave_v any_o advice_n or_o instruction_n behind_o he_o unto_o any_o of_o his_o dear_a friend_n that_o be_v then_o heretic_n whereby_o he_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n among_o so_o many_o heresiesâ—_n ought_v not_o such_o instruction_n to_o be_v great_o desire_v and_o if_o any_o such_o can_v be_v find_v to_o be_v high_o esteem_v and_o diligent_o peruse_v sure_o thou_o will_v say_v that_o come_v from_o so_o great_a a_o doctor_n and_o be_v so_o proper_a and_o necessary_a fot_o these_o time_n without_o doubt_n they_o ought_v why_o then_o learned_a reader_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o preâ—ent_a unto_o thou_o a_o learned_a treatise_n of_o his_o which_o he_o send_v unto_o his_o dear_a and_o learned_a friend_n honoratus_n to_o draw_v he_o from_o the_o manichean_a herâ—sie_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n i_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o tender_v it_o unto_o thou_o in_o this_o poor_a english_a habit_n be_v i_o not_o confident_a that_o thou_o seek_v more_o after_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o save_n of_o thy_o soul_n then_o after_o vain_a eloquence_n and_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o human_a wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 4._o but_o i_o will_v assure_v thou_o under_o this_o poor_a attire_n thou_o will_v find_v a_o rich_a and_o a_o learned_a discourse_n of_o great_a s._n augustine_n not_o only_o very_o profitable_a for_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o resolve_v in_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o for_o they_o that_o dear_a to_o be_v satisfy_v whither_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o embrace_v be_v true_a or_o no_o if_o the_o stile_n be_v displease_v and_o ungrateful_a unto_o thou_o know_v that_o very_o many_o of_o the_o african_a father_n have_v harsh_a style_n beside_o consider_v how_o hard_o a_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v a_o native_a african_a to_o speak_v true_a english_a in_o this_o work_n first_o he_o show_v how_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v expouâ—ded_v and_o defend_v the_o authority_n or_o it_o against_o the_o manichee_n that_o reject_v it_o second_o he_o overthrow_v that_o manichean_a principle_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o first_o by_o reason_n make_v manifeâ—t_v and_o evident_a unto_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o three_o place_n he_o advise_v â—ervent_a and_o frequent_a prayer_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o sequestration_n of_o affection_n from_o terrene_a thing_n as_o aid_n necessary_a â—or_n the_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n then_o declare_v that_o christ_n have_v raise_v a_o very_a great_a and_o a_o famous_a church_n consist_v of_o all_o nation_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v very_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a even_o to_o the_o world_n end_n he_o exhort_v honoratus_n to_o address_v himself_o unto_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n thereof_o and_o to_o learn_v of_o they_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n this_o way_n of_o proceed_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n be_v far_o more_o short_a and_o easy_a then_o by_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o the_o point_n of_o controvert_a doctrine_n by_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o holy_a scripâ—ures_n for_o it_o consist_v in_o two_o point_n only_o first_o in_o seek_v out_o which_o of_o all_o the_o church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o second_o whither_o this_o church_n can_v err_v or_o no_o for_o the_o find_v out_o of_o the_o church_n s._n augustine_n propose_v four_o mark_n unto_o honoratus_n unity_n universality_n sanctity_n and_o apostolical_a succession_n the_o which_o be_v set_v down_o very_o plain_o in_o scripture_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v twofold_a in_o body_n and_o in_o faith_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o first_o our_o saviour_n faith_n his_o church_n be_v one_o fold_n and_o have_v one_o shepherd_n joh._n 10._o 16._o and_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o second_o s._n paul_n earnest_o exhort_v the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o to_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgâ—ment_n and_o he_o beseech_v the_o ephesian_n to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n ephes._n 4â—_z 3_o 4â—_z 5._o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v
of_o million_o of_o fable_n and_o â—ales_n chap._n vii_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v rash_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o how_o and_o with_o what_o care_n and_o diligence_n the_o true_a religion_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o but_o now_o if_o i_o can_v i_o will_v accomplish_v that_o which_o i_o have_v begin_v and_o i_o will_v treat_v with_o thou_o after_o such_o a_o sort_n that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o will_v not_o expound_v the_o catholic_n faith_n but_o i_o will_v show_v unto_o they_o that_o have_v a_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n some_o hope_n of_o divine_a fruit_n and_o of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v search_v out_o the_o great_a mystery_n and_o secret_n of_o faith_n he_o that_o seek_v after_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v without_o doubt_n either_o believe_v already_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a unto_o who_o that_o religion_n may_v be_v commodious_a and_o profitable_a or_o he_o desire_v to_o find_v she_o to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o same_o religion_n and_o therefore_o all_o religion_n be_v for_o the_o soul_n sake_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o body_n howsoever_o it_o do_v put_v he_o to_o no_o care_n and_o solicitude_n especial_o after_o â—eath_n who_o soul_n have_v take_v a_o course_n by_o which_o it_o may_v become_v bless_v wherefore_o true_a religion_n if_o there_o be_v any_o be_v either_o only_a one_o chief_o institute_v for_o the_o soul_n sake_n and_o this_o soul_n err_v and_o be_v foolish_a as_o we_o see_v until_o she_o get_v and_o possess_v wisdom_n and_o that_o perhaps_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n if_o i_o seek_v out_o and_o inquire_v the_o cause_n of_o her_o err_a i_o find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v extreme_o hide_a and_o obscure_a but_o do_v i_o send_v thou_o to_o fable_n or_o do_v i_o enforce_v thou_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n rash_o i_o say_v our_o soul_n be_v entangle_v and_o drown_v in_o error_n and_o folly_n seek_v after_o the_o way_n of_o verity_n and_o truth_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o to_o be_v find_v if_o thou_o find_v not_o thyself_o thus_o incline_v and_o dispose_v pardon_v i_o and_o make_v i_o i_o pray_v thou_o partaker_n of_o thy_o wiâ—dome_n but_o if_o thou_o do_v let_v uâ—_n i_o beseech_v thou_o both_o together_o seek_v out_o the_o truth_n imagiâ—e_n with_o thyself_o that_o no_o noâ—â—câ—_z have_v as_o yet_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o nor_o no_o insinuation_n make_v unto_o we_o of_o any_o religion_n whatsoever_o behold_v we_o undertake_v a_o new_a work_n and_o a_o new_a business_n professor_n of_o religion_n be_v i_o believe_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n suppose_v then_o that_o we_o have_v find_v man_n of_o divers_a opinion_n and_o in_o that_o diversity_n seek_v to_o draw_v every_o one_o unto_o they_o but_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n some_o among_o these_o do_v surpass_v the_o rest_n in_o renown_n of_o â—ame_n and_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o almost_o all_o people_n whether_o they_o embrace_v the_o truth_n or_o no_o it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n but_o be_v they_o not_o first_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o try_v that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o err_v for_o as_o man_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n we_o may_v seem_v to_o err_v with_o mankind_n itself_o but_o thou_o will_v say_v truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v but_o among_o a_o few_o certain_a man_n if_o thou_o know_v among_o who_o it_o be_v why_o then_o thou_o know_v already_o what_o it_o be_v do_v not_o i_o say_v a_o little_a before_o that_o we_o will_v seek_v after_o the_o truth_n as_o though_o we_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a thereof_o but_o if_o by_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n thou_o do_v conjecture_v that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o embrace_v it_o and_o yet_o thou_o know_v not_o who_o they_o be_v what_o if_o those_o few_o do_v lead_v and_o rule_v the_o multitude_n by_o their_o authority_n and_o can_v dive_v into_o the_o secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o can_v make_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n plain_a and_o manifest_a do_v we_o not_o see_v how_o few_o attain_v to_o the_o height_n of_o eloquence_n and_o yet_o the_o school_n of_o rhetorician_n do_v make_v a_o great_a noise_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n witâ—_n company_n of_o young_a man_n do_v all_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o become_v good_a orator_n be_v terrify_v with_o the_o multitude_n of_o unskilful_a man_n think_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o addict_v themselves_o rather_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o oration_n of_o coâ—cilius_n and_o erucius_n then_o to_o those_o of_o tullius_n cicero_n all_o man_n affect_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o ancestor_n the_o simple_a sort_n of_o people_n endeavour_v to_o learn_v those_o thing_n which_o a_o few_o learned_a man_n have_v deliver_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v learn_v but_o very_o few_o there_o be_v that_o attain_v unto_o great_a eloquence_n few_o there_o be_v that_o practice_n it_o but_o few_o of_o all_o that_o grow_v eminent_a and_o be_v famous_a what_o if_o true_a religion_n be_v some_o such_o thing_n what_o if_o a_o multitude_n of_o ignorant_a people_n frequent_v the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o proof_n nor_o argâ—ment_n that_o therefore_o none_o be_v make_v perfect_a by_o those_o mystery_n and_o yet_o if_o so_o fâ—w_o shall_v study_v eloquence_n as_o there_o be_v few_o that_o become_v â—loquent_a our_o parent_n will_v never_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o have_v we_o recommend_v unto_o such_o master_n when_o as_o therefore_o the_o multitude_n which_o abound_v with_o a_o number_n of_o unskâ—lfull_a people_n invite_v we_o to_o these_o studiesâ—_n and_o make_v we_o earnest_o to_o affect_v that_o which_o few_o do_v obtain_v why_o will_v we_o not_o admit_v that_o we_o have_v the_o like_a cause_n iâ—_z religion_n the_o which_o peradventure_o we_o contemn_v and_o despise_v to_o the_o great_a peril_n and_o hazard_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o if_o the_o most_o true_a and_o most_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v but_o among_o a_o few_o yet_o it_o be_v among_o those_o with_o who_o the_o multitude_n though_o whole_o addict_v to_o their_o appetitâ—s_fw-la and_o desire_n and_o far_o from_o the_o purity_n of_o knowledge_n and_o understandingâ—_n do_v conâ—ent_a and_o agree_v which_o without_o all_o doubt_n may_v come_v to_o pass_v i_o ask_v what_o answer_n be_v we_o able_a to_o give_v if_o any_o one_o shall_v râ—prove_v our_o â—ashnes_n and_o folly_n for_o that_o have_v a_o great_a care_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n we_o do_v not_o diligent_o search_v it_o out_o among_o the_o master_n and_o teacher_n thereof_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v the_o multitude_n have_v discourage_v i_o why_o then_o have_v it_o not_o dishearten_v man_n from_o the_o study_n of_o the_o liberal_a science_n which_o hardly_o yield_v any_o profit_n to_o this_o present_a life_n why_o not_o from_o seek_v after_o money_n and_o get_v wealth_n why_o not_o from_o obtain_v dignity_n and_o honour_n moreover_o why_o not_o from_o recover_v and_o preserve_v health_n final_o why_o not_o from_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o bless_a and_o a_o happy_a life_n in_o all_o which_o affair_n though_o many_o man_n be_v employ_v yet_o few_o there_o be_v that_o eat_v eminent_a and_o excel_v you_o will_v say_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n seem_v to_o contain_v absurd_a thing_n who_o be_v they_o that_o affirm_v it_o namely_o enemy_n for_o what_o cause_n or_o reason_n they_o do_v it_o be_v not_o now_o the_o question_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v enemy_n you_o will_v say_v when_o you_o read_v they_o you_o understand_v so_o much_o by_o your_o own_o read_n be_v it_o so_o indeed_o if_o thou_o have_v no_o skill_n in_o poetry_n at_o all_o thou_o dare_v not_o take_v in_o hanâ—terentianus_n maurus_n without_o a_o master_n asper_n cornutusâ—_n donatus_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o author_n be_v think_v requisite_a for_o the_o understanding_n of_o any_o poet_n who_o verse_n deserve_v no_o great_a esteem_n than_o the_o approbation_n and_o applause_n of_o a_o stage_n and_o thou_o without_o a_o guide_n do_v undertake_v to_o read_v those_o book_n and_o without_o a_o master_n dare_v pass_v thy_o judgement_n upon_o they_o which_o howsoever_o they_o be_v be_v notwithstanding_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o almost_o all_o mankind_n publish_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o replenish_v with_o divine_a matter_n nor_o if_o thoâ—_n find_v some_o thing_n therein_o which_o seem_v unto_o thâ—e_n absurd_a do_v thou_o rather_o accuse_v the_o dulness_n of_o thy_o witâ—_n and_o thy_o mind_n corrupt_v with_o the_o infection_n of_o this_o world_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o fool_n be_v than_o those_o book_n which_o peradventure_o by_o such_o kind_n of_o man_n can_v be_v well_o conceive_v and_o understand_v thou_o
word_n will_v serve_v to_o confute_v it_o if_o in_o the_o three_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n at_o all_o go_v to_o then_o and_o hereafter_o consider_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o for_o what_o do_v they_o object_v against_o the_o book_n which_o be_v call_v the_o old_a testament_n do_v they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v good_a but_o that_o we_o do_v not_o well_o and_o right_o understand_v they_o but_o they_o themselves_o receive_v they_o not_o do_v they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o right_o understand_v by_o we_o but_o this_o be_v sufficient_o â—onvinced_v by_o the_o former_a defence_n or_o will_v they_o say_v that_o we_o right_o understand_v they_o but_o that_o the_o book_n be_v nought_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o acquit_v and_o absolve_v their_o live_a adversary_n with_o who_o they_o be_v in_o debate_n and_o to_o accuse_v those_o that_o be_v former_o dead_a with_o who_o they_o have_v no_o contention_n nor_o strife_n very_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o all_o the_o work_n which_o those_o man_n leave_v to_o posterity_n be_v profitable_o write_v and_o that_o they_o be_v great_a and_o very_a holy_a man_n and_o that_o that_o law_n be_v make_v and_o publish_v by_o god_n will_n and_o command_v and_o although_o my_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n be_v but_o very_o little_a in_o book_n of_o that_o kind_n yet_o this_o i_o can_v easy_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a unto_o one_o that_o bear_v a_o equal_a and_o a_o impartial_a and_o not_o a_o obstinate_a and_o a_o refractory_a mind_n and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o when_o thou_o will_v afford_v i_o a_o attentive_a and_o a_o courteous_a hear_n and_o my_o own_o occasion_n will_v permit_v but_o now_o be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a for_o i_o howsoever_o that_o business_n go_v not_o to_o have_v be_v beguile_v nor_o deceive_v chap._n vi_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v first_o to_o be_v love_v before_o it_o can_v be_v learn_v ohonoratus_n i_o call_v i_o own_o conscience_n and_o god_n who_o inhabit_v pure_a soul_n to_o witness_v that_o i_o judge_v and_o esteem_v nothing_o to_o be_v more_o 〈◊〉_d nothing_o more_o chaste_a nothing_o more_o relâ—gious_a than_o all_o those_o scripture_n be_v which_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v hold_v and_o embrace_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n i_o know_v thou_o admire_v to_o hear_v i_o talk_v thus_o for_o i_o can_v disguise_v nor_o dissemble_v the_o matter_n we_o have_v be_v exhort_v and_o persuade_v to_o believe_v far_o otherwise_o but_o true_o a_o rasher_n act_n can_v be_v commit_v rashness_n be_v a_o fault_n unto_o which_o we_o be_v addict_v be_v yet_o but_o child_n then_o to_o forsake_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o expositor_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o book_n who_o profess_v that_o they_o can_v receive_v they_o and_o can_v teach_v and_o deliver_v they_o to_o their_o disciple_n and_o to_o require_v their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o they_o who_o be_v constrain_v i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o cause_n have_v denounce_v a_o most_o sharp_a and_o bitter_a war_n agâ—inst_v their_o author_n and_o compiler_n and_o that_o i_o may_v speak_v of_o those_o scieâ—ces_n wheâ—ein_o perhaps_o a_o reader_n may_z 〈◊〉_d without_o any_o heinous_a crime_n or_o offâ—â—ce_n who_o euâ—r_v think_v that_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o profound_a and_o obscure_a book_n of_o aristotle_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v from_o his_o enemy_n or_o who_o be_v desirous_a to_o learn_v the_o geometry_n of_o archimedes_n will_v take_v epicurus_n to_o be_v his_o master_n against_o which_o he_o dispute_v very_o stiâ—fely_o and_o eagâ—â—ly_o and_o yet_o as_o â—_z conceive_v he_o understand_v nothing_o thereof_o be_v those_o scâ—iptures_n of_o the_o law_n most_o plain_a and_o easy_a against_o which_o they_o proceed_v with_o violence_n in_o vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n as_o though_o they_o be_v expose_v and_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o common_a people_n i_o think_v these_o man_n be_v like_o to_o that_o woman_n which_o they_o themselves_o do_v laugh_v at_o and_o deride_v who_o be_v angry_a to_o hear_v the_o praise_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o to_o have_v it_o recommend_v unto_o she_o by_o a_o certain_a manichean_a woman_n to_o be_v worship_v as_o she_o be_v religious_o simple_a start_v up_o upon_o a_o sudden_a and_o stamp_v often_o upon_o the_o place_n which_o the_o sun_n with_o his_o beam_n have_v enlighten_v through_o a_o window_n begin_v to_o cry_v out_o behold_v i_o contemn_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o sun_n and_o thy_o god_n that_o this_o be_v do_v altogether_o foolish_o and_o like_o unto_o a_o woman_n no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o do_v not_o those_o man_n seem_v to_o resemble_v she_o who_o cast_v forth_o violent_a speech_n and_o curse_n against_o the_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o neither_o why_o they_o be_v write_v nor_o what_o manner_n of_o thing_n they_o be_v which_o seem_v as_o tâ—â—â—gâ—_n 〈◊〉_d â—ere_o low_a and_o contemptible_a but_o to_o they_o that_o understand_v they_o they_o be_v subtle_a and_o 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