A69028:1211
The rule of faith, or, An exposition of the Apostles Creed so handled as…
The rule of faith, or, An exposition of the Apostles Creed so handled as it affordeth both milk for babes, and strong meat for such as are at full age / by ... Nicholas Bifield ; ... now published ... by his son, Adoniram Bifield.The rule of faith, or, An exposition of the Apostles Creed so handled as it affordeth both milke for babes, and strong meat for such as are at full age / by ... Nicholas Bifield ; ... now published ... by his sonne, Adoniram Bifield.
London: printed by G.M. for Philemon Stephens and Christopher Meredith, 1626
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
First, the Atheist might see reason to abhor himself, because every creature proves there is a God. The Beasts of the field may teach him. Yea, the meanest things, the creeping things of the earth prove there is a God: for who made Flies, Worms, Lice and other Vermin? He will say, the Sun and putrefaction: but they live, and move, and have senses, they have eyes feet, wings, did the Sun and putrefaction make these too? Why art thou silent now, tell, whence are these? Can the Sun and putrefaction give that which they have not themselves? The Sun is without life, how can it give life to other things?
First, the Atheist might see reason to abhor himselfe, because euery creature proues there is a God. The Beasts of the field may teach him. Yea, the meanest things, the creeping things of the earth proue there is a God: for who made Flyes, Wormes, Lice and other Vermine? He will say, the Sunne and putrifaction: but they liue, and moue, and haue senses, they haue eyes feet, wings, did the Sunne and putrifaction make these too? Why art thou silent now, tell, whence are these? Can the Sunne and putrifaction giue that which they haue not themselues? The Sunne is without life, how can it giue life to other things?
Secondly, seeing the Beasts are Gods creatures, we must make conscience of it, to show mercy even to the beasts we use. A good man is said to be merciful to his Beast, Deut. 22. 6. Prou. 12. 10.
Secondly, seeing the Beasts are Gods creatures, wee must make conscience of it, to shew mercy euen to the beasts wee vse. A good man is said to be mercifull to his Beast, Deut. 22. 6. Prou. 12. 10.