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THE SECOND BOOKE 143
sufficient-worthie man, and endowed with sundrie other
excellent qualities. The first thing he is reproved for
in his Booke is, that Christians wrong themselve much,
in that they ground their beleefe upon humane reasons,
which is conceived but by faith and by a particular
inspiration of God. Which objection seemetn to containe
some zeale of pietie; by reason whereof we ought,
with so much more mildnes and regard, endevour to
satisfie them that propose it. It were a charge moro
befitting a man conversant, and sutable to one acquainted
with the holy Scriptures, than me, who am altogether
ignorant in them. Neverthelcsse I thinke, that even
as to a matter so divine and high, and so much exceeding
al humane understanding, as is this verity, wherwith
it hath pleased the goodness of God to enlighten
as, it is most requisit that he affoord and lend us his
helpe; And that, with an extraordinary and privileged
favour, that so we may the better conceive and entertaine
the same: For, I suppose that meanes meerely
humane can no way be capable of it; which if they
were, so many rare and excellent mindes, and so
plenteously stored with naturall faculties, as have
beene in times past, would never by their discourse
have mist the attayning of this knowledge. It is faith
onely which lively and assuredly embraceth the high
mysteries of our Religion. And no man can doubt
but that it is a most excellent and commendable
enterprise, properly to accommodate and fit to the
service of our faith, the natural helpes and humane
implements which God hath bestowed upon us. And
no question is to be made but that it is the most
honourable employment we can put them unto; and
that there is no occupation or intent more worthy a
good Christian, than by all meanes, studies, and
imaginations, carefully to endevour how to embellish,
amplifie, and extend the truth of his beleefe and
religion. It is not enough for us to serve God in spirit
and soule; we owe him besides, and wee yeeld unto
him, a corporall worshipping; we applie our limbs,
our motions, and all external things, to honour him.