increase_v day_n by_o day_n chap._n xvi_o of_o those_o which_o study_v nothing_o but_o controversy_n what_o sort_n of_o controversy_n may_v teach_v we_o most_o doctrine_n what_o point_v of_o doctrine_n be_v the_o most_o difficult_a among_o christian_n what_o expedient_a may_v weak_a one_o take_v in_o the_o high_a question_n a_o rule_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o reform_a religion_n of_o miracle_n of_o martyr_n concern_v the_o question_n where_o be_v the_o church_n before_o the_o reformation_n some_o seek_v no_o other_o instruction_n but_o that_o of_o controversy_n a_o study_n true_o which_o be_v necessary_a for_o to_o furnish_v antidote_n in_o place_n or_o in_o time_n infect_v with_o heresy_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v incapable_a to_o give_v unto_o the_o soul_n a_o full_a reflection_n he_o shall_v true_o be_v a_o fool_n who_o will_v take_v no_o other_o nourishment_n but_o from_o the_o treacle_n or_o the_o rhubarb_n controversy_n show_v not_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o part_n thereof_o which_o be_v in_o dispute_n and_o this_o be_v but_o by_o accident_n for_o our_o faith_n be_v affirmative_a not_o negative_a and_o our_o knowledge_n have_v for_o its_o object_n the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n not_o the_o disguise_n of_o error_n who_o will_v come_v by_o this_o way_n to_o a_o more_o universal_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n he_o must_v study_v not_o only_o all_o whatsoever_o we_o dispute_v with_o the_o roman_a catholic_n but_o also_o whatsoever_o the_o christian_a church_n debate_v against_o a_o infinite_a of_o sect_n who_o rob_v she_o of_o her_o title_n nay_o more_o all_o the_o difference_n which_o we_o have_v to_o decide_v with_o the_o jew_n mahometan_n indian_n and_o other_o pagan_n and_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o with_o a_o multitude_n of_o atheist_n if_o there_o be_v a_o controversy_n in_o which_o a_o christian_a arm_v to_o the_o proof_n against_o blasphemy_n may_v learn_v rare_a and_o excellent_a thing_n it_o be_v in_o that_o which_o we_o have_v with_o the_o jew_n i_o understand_v for_o to_o have_v a_o exact_a knowledge_n and_o not_o to_o consider_v only_o the_o trunk_n but_o also_o all_o the_o branch_n the_o juice_n and_o the_o marrow_n from_o the_o low_a of_o the_o root_n to_o the_o high_a of_o the_o leaf_n to_o see_v the_o depth_n of_o this_o controversy_n be_v more_o painful_a than_o all_o the_o other_o it_o have_v but_o very_o few_o philosophical_a argument_n all_o therein_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o deep_a fountain_n of_o the_o ancient_a testament_n and_o you_o must_v lift_v all_o the_o curtain_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o pass_v through_o many_o veil_n before_o that_o one_o can_v see_v the_o holy_a of_o holies_n this_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n for_o their_o first_o dispute_n begin_v by_o the_o jew_n and_o except_v necessity_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o turn_v head_n to_o other_o adversary_n this_o controversy_n will_v be_v more_o fruitful_a than_o any_o other_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o matter_n in_o which_o lie_v the_o hard_a controversy_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n and_o the_o most_o difficult_a to_o manage_v 1._o those_o which_o touch_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n as_o the_o prevision_n or_o prescience_n prudence_n predestination_n reprobation_n etc._n etc._n second_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v it_o in_o nature_n or_o be_v it_o in_o grace_n freewill_n certainty_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n why_o these_o two_o point_n be_v more_o difficult_a than_o the_o other_o be_v evident_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o divine_a decree_n be_v infinite_o distant_a from_o our_o sight_n as_o be_v elevate_v above_o all_o time_n and_o enclose_v in_o a_o volume_n of_o which_o we_o see_v nothing_o but_o a_o few_o character_n hard_a to_o be_v discern_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n many_o who_o think_v they_o read_v there_o distinct_o draw_v most_o dangerous_a construction_n but_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n in_o the_o other_o point_n that_o so_o many_o difficulty_n be_v find_v see_v that_o the_o subject_n be_v so_o near_o our_o eye_n nay_o that_o it_o be_v within_o ourselves_o our_o intellect_n be_v in_o trouble_n to_o know_v whether_o our_o intellect_n and_o the_o will_v be_v faculty_n real_o different_a whether_o grant_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o intellect_n the_o will_n must_v necessary_a follow_v or_o if_o it_o remain_v in_o balance_n and_o in_o power_n to_o suspend_v its_o action_n if_o our_o faith_n be_v place_v in_o the_o intellect_n or_o in_o our_o will_n our_o soul_n so_o little_o know_v thereof_o that_o she_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v herself_o be_v ignorant_a whether_o she_o reside_v in_o the_o blood_n or_o in_o any_o other_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o body_n or_o whether_o she_o be_v universal_o diffuse_v through_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o the_o proximity_n itself_o of_o the_o subject_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o difficulty_n the_o soul_n no_o more_o than_o the_o eye_n can_v see_v itself_o except_o it_o be_v by_o a_o very_a obscure_a reflection_n and_o that_o false_a to_o for_o the_o most_o part_n which_o we_o call_v indirect_a knowledge_n for_o to_o disturb_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o common_a people_n you_o need_v but_o to_o set_v they_o on_o these_o two_o point_n which_o many_o have_v choose_v express_o as_o be_v full_a of_o labirinth_n he_o who_o have_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o these_o slight_n aught_o to_o remember_v that_o in_o each_o controversy_n truth_n lodge_v in_o a_o centre_n to_o which_o ought_v to_o bend_v all_o matter_n which_o be_v in_o dispute_n in_o these_o difference_n which_o concern_v the_o will_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n or_o the_o will_n of_o man_n towards_o god_n for_o all_o the_o controversy_n of_o election_n of_o universal_a grace_n of_o free_a will_n of_o perseverance_n and_o such_o like_a may_v have_v relation_n to_o these_o two_o thing_n these_o maxim_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o centre_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o good_a belong_v to_o god_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v ill_o proceed_v from_o man_n we_o must_v not_o attribute_v to_o god_n the_o ill_a that_o proceed_v from_o man_n nor_o to_o man_n the_o good_a which_o proceed_v from_o god_n one_o can_v take_v from_o god_n the_o small_a part_n of_o his_o glory_n without_o ravish_v it_o entire_o because_o that_o it_o be_v indivisible_a as_o a_o point_n that_o admit_v no_o part_n commutative_a justice_n can_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o god_n the_o creature_n attribute_v unto_o god_n all_o the_o good_a which_o be_v in_o she_o can_v fail_v in_o excess_n nor_o incur_v any_o danger_n thereby_o but_o in_o attribute_v some_o portion_n thereof_o to_o himself_o he_o may_v run_v some_o hazard_n in_o these_o principle_n which_o be_v as_o undoubtable_a as_o familiar_a as_o they_o may_v easy_o resolve_v all_o the_o subrilty_n will_v they_o or_o will_v they_o which_o may_v be_v produce_v on_o the_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o and_o the_o weak_a christian_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o line_n which_o end_v not_o in_o this_o centre_n or_o fall_v aside_o will_v easy_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v irregular_a this_o constant_a and_o universal_a rule_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o foe_o 〈…〉_o doctrine_n john_n 7.18_o and_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o of_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v none_o but_o the_o reform_a which_o attribute_n to_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o good_a especial_o in_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o certain_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o other_o but_o make_v profession_n to_o attribute_v to_o god_n this_o glory_n but_o examine_v they_o near_o you_o shall_v not_o find_v any_o but_o that_o take_v away_o some_o part_n to_o make_v thereof_o a_o present_a to_o man_n what_o they_o avow_v in_o general_a they_o steal_v by_o retail_v or_o deny_v it_o by_o their_o consequence_n to_o hinder_v god_n from_o possess_v of_o it_o in_o effect_n as_o to_o the_o rest_n the_o common_a people_n ought_v to_o distinguish_v the_o certain_a and_o the_o infallible_a proposition_n from_o prejudicate_a opinion_n which_o may_v be_v disputable_a it_o be_v a_o common_a opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v never_o more_o this_o negative_a be_v uncertain_a and_o the_o proof_n neither_o assure_v or_o necessary_a when_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o the_o jesuit_n do_v attest_v to_o have_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o indies_n shall_v be_v true_a they_o will_v not_o conclude_v the_o least_o of_o their_o error_n no_o more_o than_o the_o annual_a miracle_n at_o the_o pool_n of_o shiloa_n give_v authority_n to_o pharisaisme_n much_o less_o can_v they_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o the_o martyrdom_n which_o some_o of_o they_o have_v suffer_v by_o the_o hand_n
certain_a prophet_n tell_v paul_n that_o bond_n do_v attend_v he_o at_o jerusalem_n but_o the_o counsel_n they_o give_v he_o not_o to_o go_v thither_o be_v a_o motion_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a spirit_n proceed_v from_o their_o humane_a affection_n all_o the_o dream_n which_o come_v to_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o prophetical_a they_o have_v mark_n by_o which_o they_o discern_v the_o celestial_a vision_n from_o natural_a impression_n to_o which_o they_o be_v subject_a as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o divine_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v separate_v that_o which_o be_v write_v by_o their_o particular_a motion_n from_o that_o which_o be_v transmit_v unto_o we_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o spirit_n which_o dictate_v the_o letter_n of_o david_n write_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o poor_a uria_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o indite_v the_o psalm_n nathan_n counsel_v the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n seem_v speak_v like_o a_o godly_a man_n but_o the_o consequence_n show_v he_o speak_v not_o like_o a_o prophet_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o neither_o sagacity_n nor_o humane_a affection_n reduce_v into_o a_o just_a temper_n be_v not_o incompatible_a with_o spiritual_a wisdom_n contrary_o they_o serve_v for_o a_o help_n to_o our_o weakness_n all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v equal_o true_a but_o our_o belief_n embrace_v they_o not_o with_o equal_a facility_n we_o have_v less_o trouble_n to_o believe_v a_o divine_a essence_n than_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o reason_n be_v that_o in_o the_o one_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o in_o the_o other_o we_o be_v moreover_o sustain_v by_o humane_a reason_n which_o strengthen_v this_o faith_n so_o our_o obedience_n be_v more_o voluntary_a in_o thing_n to_o which_o we_o have_v beside_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n some_o natural_a or_o personal_a inclination_n then_o in_o those_o which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o our_o affection_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o abraham_n obey_v more_o joyful_o when_o it_o be_v bid_v he_o not_o to_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o isaac_n then_o when_o he_o be_v command_v to_o slay_v he_o but_o in_o this_o concurrence_n namely_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n with_o our_o spirit_n we_o must_v mark_v these_o two_o principal_n the_o one_o of_o which_o be_v always_o regular_a and_o the_o other_o have_v still_o some_o spice_n of_o obliquity_n a_o man_n addict_v to_o his_o sense_n and_o that_o adore_v his_o own_o opinion_n will_v very_o hardly_o give_v place_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ordinary_o prophecy_n and_o revelation_n come_v unto_o man_n then_o when_o they_o be_v asleep_a where_o god_n send_v they_o those_o ecstasy_n whilst_o they_o last_v they_o be_v as_o if_o deprive_v of_o all_o sense_n which_o be_v because_o the_o soul_n be_v then_o disintangled_n from_o many_o function_n and_o free_v from_o a_o infinity_n of_o thought_n and_o of_o object_n which_o possess_v it_o wake_v be_v then_o less_o glue_v to_o their_o natural_a judgement_n and_o so_o more_o susceptible_a of_o the_o influencie_n of_o heaven_n and_o more_o capable_a to_o receive_v the_o impression_n thereof_o chap._n four_o concern_v the_o sense_n and_o of_o the_o imagination_n vulgar_a meditation_n matter_n which_o seem_v better_a in_o paint_v then_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n why_o the_o corporal_a figure_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o delineate_v in_o the_o gospel_n why_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o place_n esteem_v holy_a take_v away_o the_o admiration_n thereof_o religion_n contain_v divers_a matter_n which_o for_o a_o simple_a historical_a knowledge_n be_v intelligible_a to_o the_o external_a sense_n the_o star_n which_o appear_v to_o the_o wise_a man_n the_o manger_n at_o bethlehem_n the_o crown_n of_o thorn_n the_o punishment_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o sepulchre_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o come_n out_o thereof_o the_o scar_n of_o his_o wound_n his_o ascension_n to_o heaven_n be_v object_n perceptible_a to_o the_o imagination_n nay_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o christ_n but_o under_o a_o imaginable_a and_o sensible_a form_n but_o the_o internal_a form_n of_o all_o these_o theological_a truth_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o apprehensible_a but_o to_o the_o intellect_n the_o divinity_n resident_a in_o christ_n the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o intercession_n the_o interest_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o this_o satisfaction_n the_o eternal_a election_n the_o interior_a vocation_n justification_n the_o essence_n of_o the_o faith_n the_o regeneration_n be_v matter_n pure_o intellectual_a in_o every_o narration_n principal_o in_o each_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o history_n there_o be_v ever_o two_o thing_n requisite_a to_o the_o intelligence_n thereof_o 1._o the_o action_n with_o its_o circumstance_n second_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o now_o the_o first_o point_n be_v better_a study_v and_o more_o seek_v into_o by_o the_o common_a people_n as_o be_v more_o delectable_a to_o the_o imagination_n and_o far_o easy_a to_o be_v conceive_v then_o the_o other_o which_o touch_v not_o the_o sense_n and_o require_v a_o more_o spiritual_a and_o more_o laborious_a exercise_n of_o the_o understanding_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o science_n the_o conception_n the_o proof_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o vulgar_a be_v more_o imaginative_a than_o intellectual_a a_o death_n head_n the_o spectacle_n of_o a_o carcase_n or_o of_o a_o die_a man_n will_v represent_v our_o humane_a fragility_n more_o lively_a than_o can_v do_v all_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o the_o supernatural_a cause_n of_o this_o corruption_n and_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o from_o whence_o result_v the_o true_a intelligence_n of_o our_o mortality_n they_o be_v not_o read_v in_o such_o character_n a_o picture_n may_v give_v knowledge_n of_o a_o action_n but_o the_o reason_n and_o the_o motive_n in_o which_o lie_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o story_n ask_v another_o pencil_n a_o crucifix_n tell_v we_o not_o why_o jesus_n christ_n die_v never_o man_n be_v yet_o convert_v by_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o picture_n if_o that_o be_v painter_n and_o sculptor_n will_v be_v the_o great_a theologian_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n reduce_v into_o a_o tragedy_n and_o elevate_v by_o the_o high_a colour_n of_o eloquence_n what_o tear_n soever_o it_o may_v draw_v from_o the_o auditor_n will_v never_o suffice_v for_o a_o save_a knowledge_n if_o the_o true_a portrait_n of_o jesus_n christ_n represent_v his_o natural_a face_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n i_o will_v never_o blame_v the_o curiosity_n of_o those_o who_o will_v seek_v the_o possession_n and_o who_o all_o superstition_n set_v apart_o will_v preserve_v it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o precious_a jewel_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n can_v behold_v many_o have_v think_v that_o they_o have_v the_o original_n in_o a_o epistle_n of_o lentulus_n to_o the_o senate_n of_o rome_n of_o which_o i_o will_v say_v no_o more_o but_o that_o it_o be_v no_o roman_a stile_n some_o other_o have_v draw_v the_o copy_n from_o the_o monument_n of_o a_o fabulous_a history_n which_o speak_v of_o a_o statue_n erect_v in_o memory_n of_o our_o saviour_n howsoever_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o the_o scripture_n which_o paint_v forth_o the_o stature_n of_o saul_n the_o hair_n of_o absalon_n the_o colour_n and_o visage_n of_o david_n express_v not_o any_o figure_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o find_v not_o therein_o the_o least_o idea_n nor_o any_o lineament_n neither_o of_o his_o face_n colour_n aspect_n stature_n or_o yet_o of_o his_o voice_n but_o that_o by_o which_o he_o be_v discernible_a from_o other_o man_n consist_v not_o in_o his_o visible_a form_n or_o in_o any_o extraordinary_a difference_n of_o lineament_n otherwise_o judas_n have_v not_o need_v a_o sign_n to_o make_v he_o to_o be_v know_v so_o that_o the_o representation_n of_o he_o at_o this_o day_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o flesh_n will_v make_v he_o contemptible_a to_o he_o that_o will_v not_o conceive_v a_o divine_a majesty_n under_o a_o common_a and_o indifferent_a appearance_n or_o it_o will_v be_v a_o patron_n of_o idolatry_n which_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o multiply_v under_o so_o favourable_a a_o pretext_n our_o humane_a vanity_n will_v have_v add_v there_o to_o some_o frivolous_a and_o impertinent_a speculation_n of_o physiognomy_n or_o superstition_n will_v cast_v its_o sight_n upon_o each_o man_n who_o shall_v have_v some_o seem_a resemblance_n of_o such_o a_o
so_o great_a importance_n but_o in_o the_o essence_n itself_o and_o in_o the_o right_a conception_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o so_o some_o measure_n the_o sin_n of_o adam_n the_o justice_n of_o his_o punishment_n the_o quality_n of_o grace_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n the_o damnation_n of_o infidel_n by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o civil_a right_n or_o by_o natural_a equity_n have_v as_o sleight_v a_o foundation_n as_o popular_a spirit_n who_o conceive_v always_o some_o point_n of_o their_o religion_n under_o maxim_n of_o their_o art_n or_o of_o the_o condition_n they_o profess_v employ_v they_o not_o as_o simple_a comparison_n for_o to_o inlighten_v but_o as_o demonstrative_a proof_n chap._n 7._o why_o learned_a man_n receive_v the_o truth_n with_o more_o difficulty_n than_o other_o man_n and_o if_o the_o promptitude_n of_o belief_n be_v always_o most_o praise_v worthy_a tthe_o same_o which_o we_o have_v write_v of_o the_o most_o pierce_a spirit_n happen_v also_o to_o man_n of_o eminent_a knowledge_n which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n slow_a of_o belief_n in_o a_o point_n of_o religion_n then_o ordinary_a man_n &_o there_o must_v be_v more_o powerful_a operation_n and_o a_o long_a time_n for_o to_o draw_v they_o to_o the_o term_n of_o a_o entire_a persuasion_n on_o which_o i_o will_v only_o say_v the_o most_o prompt_a belief_n be_v not_o always_o the_o most_o firm_a the_o faith_n of_o a_o man_n who_o receive_v the_o gospel_n with_o a_o precipitate_v and_o easy_a approbation_n ought_v to_o be_v suspect_v of_o nullity_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v it_o be_v rather_o credulity_n then_o solid_a faith_n sure_o our_o lord_n speak_v of_o certain_a auditor_n who_o easy_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o gladness_n but_o leave_v it_o with_o the_o same_o facility_n which_o they_o have_v bring_v to_o its_o reception_n the_o truth_n be_v always_o open_a and_o never_o hide_v her_o face_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o who_o receive_v she_o may_v see_v what_o manner_n of_o guest_n he_o be_v to_o receive_v so_o when_o a_o man_n begin_v to_o be_v illuminate_v in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o this_o faith_n he_o meet_v with_o a_o infinity_n of_o objection_n which_o hinder_v his_o resolution_n to_o a_o entire_a belief_n but_o he_o which_o find_v no_o obstacle_n therein_o never_o consider_v thereof_o in_o good_a earnest_n far_o from_o have_v conceive_v the_o faith_n a_o man_n who_o will_v sound_v the_o depth_n of_o religion_n and_o know_v the_o bottom_n as_o far_o as_o man_n can_v discover_v he_o who_o will_v learn_v all_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o know_v the_o dimension_n and_o the_o proportion_n and_o weigh_v all_o the_o reason_n which_o forbid_v the_o entrance_n and_o those_o which_o invite_v he_o thereto_o his_o pace_n will_v not_o be_v very_o fast_o and_o will_v not_o come_v very_o soon_o to_o the_o altar_n but_o if_o once_o he_o be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n the_o slowness_n thereof_o redound_v to_o his_o advantage_n for_o belief_n be_v far_o more_o clear_a be_v receive_v upon_o solid_a ground_n more_o sound_a as_o lodging_n in_o a_o spirit_n refine_v from_o all_o that_o surcharge_v it_o and_o more_o solid_a as_o have_v prevent_v by_o a_o ripe_a deliberation_n whatsoever_o may_v come_v to_o shake_v it_o in_o this_o trial_n of_o religion_n the_o learned_a have_v always_o help_v which_o facilitate_v their_o understanding_n and_o where_o they_o know_v to_o make_v use_n thereof_o they_o understand_v better_o the_o importance_n of_o a_o point_n of_o the_o law_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n the_o enormity_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o excellency_n of_o redem_fw-la prion_n far_o better_o than_o the_o common_a people_n that_o as_o they_o have_v more_o trouble_n to_o be_v persuade_v so_o they_o have_v more_o objection_n to_o be_v resolve_v then_o those_o which_o see_v not_o the_o difficulty_n thereof_o but_o the_o persuasion_n be_v form_v in_o they_o possess_v all_o those_o advantage_n which_o i_o have_v relate_v and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o universal_o true_a that_o the_o learned_a be_v the_o more_o difficult_a to_o believe_v the_o truth_n the_o conversion_n of_o a_o idiot_n prove_v oftentimes_o more_o painful_a and_o troublesome_a a_o gross_a ignorance_n incapable_a to_o comprehend_v the_o easy_a matter_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o stubborness_n nay_o more_o of_o presumption_n the_o enemy_n of_o all_o knowledge_n many_o refuse_v instruction_n because_o they_o believe_v they_o have_v knowledge_n enough_o so_o that_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o christian_a liberty_n a_o artificer_n censure_n what_o he_o understand_v not_o chap._n 8._o why_o the_o learned_a be_v subject_a to_o more_o doubt_n then_o the_o simple_a people_n we_o find_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n among_o the_o common_a people_n who_o never_o doubt_v of_o any_o point_n of_o faith_n nor_o of_o any_o other_o matter_n approve_v by_o the_o orthodoxal_a church_n whereas_o that_o ordinary_o the_o most_o know_a man_n be_v full_a of_o doubt_n now_o its_o true_a that_o believe_v and_o doubt_v be_v act_n formal_o contrary_a for_o distrust_n although_o many_o teach_v it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n no_o more_o than_o vice_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o virtue_n and_o every_o sort_n of_o doubt_n be_v a_o testimony_n of_o our_o weakness_n and_o a_o mark_n of_o ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v from_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o popular_a spirit_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o so_o many_o doubt_n as_o the_o great_a theologian_n for_o as_o their_o sight_n extend_v not_o itself_o so_o far_o so_o they_o see_v not_o all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o the_o other_o discover_v in_o the_o study_n of_o religion_n as_o for_o those_o who_o have_v never_o doubt_v of_o any_o point_n it_o be_v of_o necessity_n that_o this_o great_a security_n of_o spirit_n proceed_v from_o one_o of_o those_o two_o cause_n either_o of_o a_o perfect_a and_o transcendent_a faith_n incompatible_a with_o all_o species_n of_o doubt_n or_o from_o a_o extreme_a stupidity_n which_o never_o comprehend_v the_o importance_n of_o a_o doctrine_n nor_o ever_o sound_v the_o depth_n thereof_o a_o man_n who_o have_v always_o have_v a_o absolute_a and_o unvariable_a persuasion_n of_o all_o point_n of_o religion_n without_o any_o contradict_a thought_n must_v necessary_o be_v either_o an_fw-mi ange_fw-fr or_o a_o beast_n this_o stupid_a confidence_n deceive_v a_o infinity_n of_o soul_n especial_o in_o the_o personal_a application_n of_o their_o belief_n many_o hold_v themselves_o so_o assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n that_o their_o spirit_n be_v incapable_a of_o doubt_v but_o not_o through_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n which_o require_v a_o more_o exact_a trial_n but_o through_o a_o excess_n of_o self_n love_n from_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v they_o willing_o believe_v whatsoever_o make_v for_o their_o advantage_n but_o if_o they_o have_v no_o pertinent_a reason_n it_o be_v a_o most_o gross_a presumption_n chap._n 9_o of_o common_a proverb_n in_o general_a and_o of_o certain_a maxim_n in_o favour_n of_o ignorance_n the_o vulgar_a people_n govern_v themselves_o by_o certain_a maxim_n esteem_v for_o oracle_n but_o which_o be_v indeed_o as_o many_o approve_a error_n the_o proverb_n which_o belong_v to_o oeconomie_n exterior_a policy_n and_o to_o natural_a prudence_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o life_n be_v nothing_o to_o our_o purpose_n there_o be_v some_o which_o touch_v religion_n that_o be_v hold_v for_o assure_a principal_n which_o have_v nothing_o but_o a_o abusive_a and_o fraudulent_a appearance_n whosoever_o will_v make_v the_o inventory_n shall_v discover_v a_o thousand_o absurdity_n for_o all_o the_o proverbial_a sentence_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o use_n have_v not_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o wise_a or_o from_o reason_n common_a to_o all_o man_n or_o from_o universal_a experience_n ignorance_n have_v bring_v forth_o many_o which_o be_v authorise_v only_o by_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o every_o man_n who_o desire_v to_o understand_v very_o well_o his_o religion_n aught_o to_o take_v of_o these_o prejudicate_v proverb_n which_o at_o this_o time_n have_v course_n such_o be_v the_o follow_a maxim_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o with_o the_o will_n which_o be_v false_a original_a sin_n in_o little_a child_n omission_n proceed_v from_o forgetfulness_n the_o first_o motion_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n extravagant_a dream_n wander_v and_o idle_a thought_n doubtless_o which_o trouble_v the_o spirit_n be_v not_o voluntary_a and_o notwithstanding_o be_v still_o sin_n idiot_n imagine_v that_o sin_n reside_v not_o but_o in_o the_o will_n not_o consider_v that_o it_o have_v its_o place_n in_o the_o intellect_n itself_o but_o this_o be_v to_o justify_v that_o opinion_n which_o some_o hold_v that_o ignorance_n be_v
from_o the_o merit_n of_o so_o many_o learned_a pen_n ancient_a and_o modern_a which_o have_v travel_v to_o set_v we_o at_o ease_n their_o work_n have_v convert_v many_o soul_n the_o writing_n of_o a_o man_n powerful_a in_o spirit_n preach_v as_o well_o as_o his_o voice_n but_o this_o eulogy_n appertain_v not_o to_o all_o they_o who_o undertake_v to_o write_v and_o all_o the_o author_n even_o those_o which_o be_v worth_a the_o read_n be_v not_o for_o the_o vulgar_a beside_o the_o book_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o instruct_v the_o common_a people_n be_v make_v hurtful_a by_o their_o quantity_n the_o number_n be_v become_v so_o exorbitant_a and_o still_o multiply_v daily_o in_o such_o abundance_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n employ_v ten_o time_n as_o much_o time_n in_o this_o read_n as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o bible_n that_o famous_a doctor_n luther_n have_v in_o hatred_n his_o own_o book_n and_o wish_v that_o they_o be_v bury_v for_o fear_v the_o reader_n shall_v spend_v that_o time_n in_o they_o they_o ought_v in_o the_o scripture_n i_o be_o not_o of_o their_o opinion_n who_o regret_n the_o loss_n of_o so_o many_o book_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o other_o writing_n which_o time_n have_v cause_v to_o vanish_v on_o the_o contrary_a i_o think_v that_o this_o loss_n be_v a_o great_a gain_n to_o we_o and_o a_o discharge_n of_o many_o unprofitable_a burden_n the_o natural_a history_n dictate_v by_o solomon_n and_o divers_a other_o writing_n mention_v in_o scripture_n itself_o be_v never_o lose_v without_o the_o particular_a providence_n of_o god_n which_o will_v not_o that_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v overcharge_v with_o so_o many_o volume_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v but_o six_o who_o writing_n have_v be_v preserve_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v no_o less_o careful_a to_o write_v to_o their_o flock_n nay_o it_o be_v credible_a that_o those_o who_o epistle_n we_o have_v write_v many_o other_o which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v suppress_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o write_v not_o nor_o will_v that_o all_o his_o miracle_n shall_v be_v comprise_v in_o the_o history_n lest_o their_o prolixity_n shall_v exceed_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o capacity_n of_o our_o memory_n the_o read_v the_o father_n be_v not_o a_o task_n of_o the_o vulgar_a to_o understand_v they_o you_o must_v know_v the_o history_n of_o their_o time_n there_o occur_v in_o this_o field_n a_o infinite_a number_n of_o particular_n and_o matter_n which_o serve_v for_o no_o use_n at_o this_o day_n and_o even_o many_o which_o be_v full_a of_o thorn_n which_o the_o common_a people_n can_v handle_v without_o prick_v themselves_o to_o the_o blood_n if_o the_o fruit_n which_o be_v find_v scatter_v in_o this_o vast_a extension_n of_o the_o father_n be_v collect_v a_o part_n and_o heap_v together_o in_o one_o volume_n this_o abridgement_n will_v be_v of_o great_a profit_n but_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o modern_a writer_n the_o multitude_n whereof_o be_v prodigious_a many_o book_n be_v repute_v learned_a which_o be_v more_o fill_v with_o word_n than_o matter_n if_o from_o all_o the_o book_n in_o divinity_n which_o go_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n there_o be_v take_v away_o the_o repetition_n the_o amplification_n the_o superfluous_a allegation_n and_o a_o million_o of_o entire_a volume_n great_a and_o small_a which_o declare_v nothing_o but_o what_o so_o many_o other_o have_v say_v before_o the_o residue_n will_v be_v very_o few_o one_o may_v say_v of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o that_o whosoever_o have_v read_v one_o have_v read_v they_o all_o there_o be_v always_o the_o same_o conception_n the_o same_o reason_n save_v that_o the_o word_n be_v different_a that_o which_o one_o call_v dirt_n the_o other_o name_v dung_n where_o they_o differ_v only_o in_o the_o order_n transpose_v what_o other_o have_v say_v and_o disguise_v it_o with_o other_o transision_n conjunction_n or_o with_o some_o please_a point_n all_o this_o with_o a_o new_a title_n make_v man_n think_v that_o this_o book_n be_v altogether_o new_a the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o writer_n and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o pedant_n which_o will_v not_o be_v one_o for_o so_o that_o a_o man_n fill_v up_o much_o paper_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o get_v a_o great_a reputation_n i_o know_v one_o that_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o use_v the_o follow_a method_n which_o be_v common_a to_o he_o with_o many_o other_o to_o make_v a_o treatise_n of_o controversy_n or_o commentary_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n as_o a_o bridge_n for_o ass_n he_o have_v upon_o the_o table_n five_o or_o six_o divers_a author_n take_v one_o line_n from_o one_o and_o another_o from_o a_o other_o and_o beat_v all_o together_o then_o add_v thereto_o some_o hebrew_n word_n transcribe_v out_o of_o the_o dictionary_n and_o a_o long_a three_o of_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o father_n make_v a_o composition_n upon_o which_o he_o write_v his_o name_n and_o the_o ignorant_a say_v behold_v the_o commentary_n of_o n._n upon_o the_o psalm_n or_o upon_o some_o of_o the_o small_a prophet_n it_o be_v a_o great_a good_a for_o the_o public_a that_o none_o shall_v write_v but_o he_o that_o have_v very_o rare_a conception_n or_o so_o little_a common_a that_o they_o may_v be_v hold_v for_o new_a one_o only_o extraordinary_a observation_n comprehend_v in_o ten_o or_o twelve_o line_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o all_o the_o great_a tome_n out_o of_o which_o nothing_o that_o be_v new_a can_v be_v learn_v all_o the_o book_n that_o can_v be_v write_v in_o divinity_n be_v either_o doctrinal_a or_o moral_a or_o historical_a or_o of_o prophecy_n or_o of_o controversy_n or_o mix_v and_o compose_v of_o all_o these_o together_o or_o of_o many_o of_o they_o the_o form_n whereof_o be_v divers_a commentary_n common_a place_n meditation_n form_n of_o prayer_n homily_n discourse_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o the_o like_a particular_a treatise_n as_o for_o controversy_n i_o have_v thereof_o say_v my_o opinion_n also_o for_o commentary_n two_o or_o three_o for_o the_o most_o part_n suffice_v take_v from_o among_o the_o rest_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v more_o of_o grammar_n than_o divinity_n and_o sound_v of_o nothing_o but_o repetition_n the_o same_o choice_n be_v necessary_a among_o author_n which_o handle_v all_o religion_n heap_v together_o in_o a_o body_n among_o so_o many_o book_n of_o meditation_n there_o be_v scarce_o two_o which_o contain_v any_o rarity_n there_o be_v see_v many_o word_n set_v out_o to_o say_v that_o which_o the_o world_n know_v already_o well_o enough_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o sermon_n which_o run_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n the_o vulgar_a often_o admire_v preacher_n who_o put_v what_o they_o say_v in_o writing_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o have_v say_v nothing_o extraordinary_a we_o have_v see_v homily_n dictate_v by_o great_a personage_n in_o who_o beside_o the_o wide_a and_o rampant_a style_n you_o meet_v with_o even_o childish_a discourse_n but_o the_o world_n will_v be_v deceive_v the_o exposition_n upon_o the_o decalogue_n the_o creed_n and_o lord_n prayer_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o infinite_a treatye_n wherein_o you_o shall_v scarce_o find_v any_o thing_n but_o repetition_n from_o some_o other_o and_o matter_n very_o common_a as_o for_o form_n of_o prayer_n fit_v to_o particular_n although_o their_o aim_n be_v rather_o to_o frame_v a_o christian_n practise_v in_o this_o exercise_n then_o to_o give_v he_o instruction_n if_o it_o appertain_v not_o to_o all_o to_o give_v their_o conception_n for_o rule_n and_o prescribe_v the_o form_n and_o word_n a_o other_o aught_o to_o use_v in_o speak_v to_o god_n but_o furthermore_o they_o which_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n in_o this_o kind_n of_o read_v shall_v abide_v always_o in_o a_o ignorant_a devotion_n this_o will_v be_v a_o inestimable_a good_a if_o instead_o of_o so_o many_o volume_n which_o steal_v away_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o life_n we_o have_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o rare_a secret_n in_o religion_n separate_v from_o all_o vulgar_a matter_n and_o free_v from_o all_o these_o mass_n of_o word_n such_o a_o work_n will_v teach_v we_o more_o in_o one_o day_n than_o so_o many_o other_o can_v do_v in_o a_o age_n i_o shall_v willing_o subscribe_v to_o their_o advice_n who_o have_v say_v that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o rich_a piece_n that_o have_v be_v put_v out_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n it_o be_v true_a that_o those_o have_v not_o observe_v the_o true_a field_n from_o whence_o these_o matter_n must_v be_v take_v but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v find_v chap._n xi_o great_a knowledge_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o quantity_n of_o matter_n but_o in_o their_o quality_n the_o title_n of_o great_a divine_n give_v false_o to_o many_o by_o the_o common_a voice_n that_o man_n be_v hold_v for_o a_o great_a divine_a who_o know_v the_o language_n necessary_a to_o this_o profession_n who_o understand_v philosophy_n who_o have_v read_v the_o father_n and_o can_v relate_v what_o they_o think_v upon_o every_o point_n of_o religion_n who_o be_v verse_v in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n who_o be_v ready_a in_o controversy_n in_o school_n distinction_n and_o subtlety_n beside_o the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o common_a place_n which_o be_v in_o use_n bordure_v with_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o stuff_v with_o other_o allegation_n but_o all_o these_o quality_n together_o can_v make_v a_o great_a divine_a but_o in_o reputation_n this_o be_v true_o a_o great_a advantage_n to_o hear_v the_o prophet_n and_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o same_o language_n wherein_o they_o speak_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v pure_a and_o more_o emphaticke_a in_o its_o original_a tongue_n then_o in_o any_o translation_n but_o the_o only_a knowledge_n of_o tongue_n supply_v but_o a_o grammatical_a understanding_n wherein_o many_o jew_n and_o greek_n may_v excel_v without_o deserve_v the_o title_n of_o divine_n good_a store_n of_o philosophy_n suffice_v not_o though_o a_o good_a divine_a aught_o to_o be_v a_o good_a philosopher_n to_o know_v what_o tertull._n say_v or_o what_o be_v st._n augustine_n opinion_n be_v not_o of_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o divinity_n so_o much_o do_v it_o come_v short_a of_o be_v the_o hige_a degree_n thereof_o many_o that_o live_v before_o all_o these_o father_n be_v in_o the_o world_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v as_o great_a divine_n as_o they_o which_o have_v employ_v at_o this_o day_n thirty_o year_n in_o this_o read_n of_o the_o father_n the_o same_o be_v of_o history_n before_o the_o subject_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o world_n divinity_n be_v complete_a a_o man_n endow_v with_o memory_n who_o can_v tell_v what_o beresy_n have_v reign_v what_o order_n be_v make_v in_o such_o counsel_n what_o dispute_v or_o diversity_n have_v arise_v in_o church_n policy_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v hold_v know_v in_o history_n but_o this_o be_v folly_n to_o hold_v he_o in_o this_o respect_n for_o a_o eminent_a divine_a the_o knowledge_n of_o controversy_n be_v accidental_a and_o embrace_v not_o all_o the_o dimension_n of_o religion_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o subtle_a point_n of_o divinity_n reduce_v to_o the_o form_n of_o art_n a_o promptuary_n of_o ordinary_a passage_n and_o argument_n upon_o all_o kind_n of_o subject_n be_v not_o sufficient_a neither_o to_o give_v we_o a_o great_a divine_a the_o idea_n thereof_o belong_v to_o another_o discourse_n whence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o matter_n as_o in_o the_o rarity_n of_o they_o i_o will_v now_o conclude_v this_o treatise_n of_o popular_a error_n that_o i_o may_v pass_v to_o a_o high_a subject_n and_o assay_v after_o this_o offering_n of_o goat_n hair_n to_o present_v you_o with_o scarlet_n for_o the_o ornament_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n amen_n finis_fw-la