eye_n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o wilful_o shut_v they_o we_o can_v but_o read_v it_o to_o our_o infinite_a satisfaction_n for_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n say_v our_o lord_n himself_o that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n for_o god_n send_v not_o his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o world_n but_o that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v iii_o john_n 16_o 17._o and_o so_o st._n paul_n write_v but_o god_n who_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n for_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o even_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n have_v quicken_v we_o together_o with_o christ_n jesus_n by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v and_o have_v raise_v we_o up_o together_o and_o make_v we_o sit_v together_o in_o heavenly_a place_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v he_o may_v show_v the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o his_o kindness_n towards_o we_o through_o christ_n jesus_n ii_o ephes_n 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o who_o can_v doubt_v at_o all_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n his_o exceed_a great_a and_o rich_a favour_n towards_o we_o who_o do_v but_o cast_v his_o eye_n on_o such_o word_n as_o these_o and_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v write_v for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o in_o all_o future_a age_n of_o the_o world_n after_o the_o apostle_n be_v go_v man_n may_v discern_v how_o abundant_a the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v in_o his_o kindness_n manifest_v towards_o we_o in_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o therefore_o we_o in_o this_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o all_o that_o be_v before_o we_o may_v conclude_v without_o any_o scruple_n that_o god_n be_v love_n as_o st._n john_n speak_v and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v good_a to_o we_o for_o christ_n sake_n though_o we_o have_v great_o offend_v his_o majesty_n six_o for_o that_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n the_o kindness_n of_o god_n towards_o sinful_a man_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o favour_n and_o love_v again_o be_v here_o also_o so_o perspicuous_o reveal_v that_o there_o need_v be_v no_o question_n make_v of_o it_o in_o this_o be_v manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o because_o that_o god_n send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o herein_o be_v love_n not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n 1_o john_n iu_o 9_o 10._o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n write_v st._n paul_n after_o the_o kindness_n and_o love_n or_o pity_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n towards_o man_n appear_v not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n that_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v justify_v by_o his_o grace_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v heir_n according_a to_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n iii_o tit._n 4_o 5._o nay_o for_o this_o very_a end_n he_o say_v god_n show_v mercy_n to_o he_o though_o a_o very_a great_a sinner_n a_o blasphemer_n of_o christ_n a_o persecutor_n of_o his_o disciple_n that_o man_n may_v be_v encourage_v to_o hope_v in_o god_n if_o they_o will_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o he_o as_o he_o do_v 1_o tim._n i._n 14_o 15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n read_v the_o place_n and_o you_o will_v see_v that_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v devise_v plain_a and_o clear_a word_n to_o express_v the_o exceed_a grace_n of_o god_n towards_o all_o man_n which_o be_v declare_v so_o full_o as_o well_o as_o familiar_o that_o his_o word_n need_v no_o commentary_n to_o explain_v they_o and_o make_v they_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v seven_o with_o the_o same_o evidence_n the_o gospel_n speak_v of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o this_o forgiveness_n be_v procure_v for_o we_o and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o death_n and_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v deliver_v say_v the_o apostle_n for_o our_o offence_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n iu._n rom._n ult_n in_o who_o we_o have_v redemption_n through_o his_o blood_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n i._o ephes_n 7._o it_o be_v god_n that_o justify_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v yea_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o who_o be_v even_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o also_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n viii_o rom._n 34_o 35_o etc._n etc._n it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o recite_v all_o that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v on_o this_o subject_n in_o term_n as_o plain_a and_o clear_a as_o these_o so_o that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o doubt_v if_o we_o believe_v these_o book_n that_o by_o one_o offering_n of_o himself_o he_o have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n speak_v x._o 12_o 13_o 14._o this_o man_n after_o he_o have_v offer_v one_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n for_o ever_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n from_o henceforth_o expect_v till_o his_o enemy_n be_v make_v his_o footstool_n for_o by_o one_o offering_n he_o have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o etc._n etc._n they_o that_o will_v make_v any_o other_o satisfaction_n necessary_a by_o the_o merit_n of_o saint_n or_o any_o other_o oblation_n of_o christ_n necessary_a but_o that_o one_o which_o he_o himself_o offer_v direct_o contradict_v the_o express_a word_n of_o this_o book_n which_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o any_o that_o the_o most_o study_a invention_n of_o man_n can_v indite_v eight_o and_o so_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o these_o blessing_n thus_o purchase_v be_v communicate_v to_o we_o viz._n the_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n jesus_n on_o our_o behalf_n whereby_o he_o can_v save_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o vii_o heb._n 25._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o that_o can_v perform_v this_o office_n for_o we_o but_o he_o for_o as_o there_o be_v one_o god_n so_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n as_o st._n paul_n teach_v in_o so_o many_o word_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 4._o whereby_o we_o can_v but_o in_o reason_n think_v he_o mean_v there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o mediator_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o god_n who_o communicate_v his_o mind_n to_o we_o by_o this_o alone_a mediator_n as_o we_o must_v address_v ourselves_o to_o he_o by_o no_o other_o which_o st._n paul_n declare_v more_o full_o in_o 1_o cor._n viii_o 5_o 6._o where_o he_o say_v though_o there_o be_v many_o that_o be_v call_v god_n as_o there_o be_v god_n many_o and_o lord_n many_o yet_o to_o we_o christian_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o in_o or_o for_o or_o to_o he_o and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o that_o be_v as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sole_a fountain_n of_o all_o good_a unto_o who_o we_o be_v to_o direct_v our_o prayer_n and_o all_o we_o do_v for_o the_o first_o cause_n must_v be_v our_o last_o end_n so_o he_o derive_v all_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n alone_o by_o who_o therefore_o and_o by_o he_o alone_o we_o be_v to_o go_v to_o god_n the_o father_n for_o what_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o receive_v from_o he_o none_o else_o in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o honour_n but_o this_o great_a lord_n alone_o who_o the_o father_n love_v and_o have_v give_v all_o thing_n into_o his_o hand_n iii_o john_n 35._o as_o any_o one_o that_o read_v this_o place_n serious_o may_v easy_o discern_v and_o therefore_o they_o who_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o any_o other_o patron_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o heavenly_a grace_n be_v concern_v to_o hide_v this_o book_n from_o the_o people_n eye_n and_o to_o discourage_v they_o from_o read_v it_o by_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v obscure_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o they_o who_o do_v read_v it_o see_v this_o truth_n so_o full_o and_o express_o assert_v there_o that_o if_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o prejudice_v they_o can_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o in_o the_o heavenly_a court_n which_o apparent_o derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o
search_v the_o scripture_n a_o treatise_n show_v that_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n with_o direction_n to_o they_o therein_o in_o three_o part_n london_n print_v for_o r._n royston_n bookseller_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n 1685._o introduction_n the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o first_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n teach_v all_o its_o child_n in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o it_o be_v such_o a_o fountain_n and_o well_o of_o truth_n that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v desirous_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o right_n and_o perfect_a way_n unto_o god_n must_v apply_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o without_o which_o they_o can_v neither_o sufficient_o know_v god_n and_o his_o will_n nor_o their_o own_o office_n and_o duty_n for_o in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v full_o contain_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o eschew_v what_o to_o believe_v what_o to_o love_n and_o what_o to_o look_v for_o at_o god_n hand_n at_o length_n and_o therefore_o these_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v much_o in_o our_o hand_n in_o our_o eye_n in_o our_o ear_n in_o our_o mouth_n but_o most_o of_o all_o in_o our_o heart_n unto_o which_o sort_n of_o discourse_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o vi_o article_n of_o our_o religion_n they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v a_o double_a exception_n one_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v there_o but_o must_v be_v receive_v from_o ancient_a tradition_n the_o other_o be_v that_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a that_o common_a people_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o read_n of_o they_o now_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o have_v be_v some_o time_n ago_o a_o plain_a answer_n make_v in_o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n therefore_o this_o treatise_n be_v intend_v only_o as_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o exception_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o which_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o allege_v among_o other_o place_n those_o remarkable_a word_n of_o st._n peter_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n the_o three_o chapter_n and_o sixteenth_o verse_n where_o have_v make_v mention_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n which_o treat_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n that_o he_o have_v just_a before_o explain_v he_o say_v in_o which_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n behold_v say_v they_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v for_o common_a people_n to_o meddle_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v compare_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o to_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n for_o fear_v they_o destroy_v themselves_o therewith_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n teach_v we_o rom._n xv._o 4._o that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o be_v profitable_a as_o he_o write_v elsewhere_o 2_o tim._n iii_o 16._o for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n but_o this_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v say_v they_o such_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o great_a apostle_n st._n peter_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v profitable_a for_o all_o people_n but_o rather_o hurtful_a to_o they_o that_o be_v ignorant_a who_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o read_v they_o by_o which_o single_a instance_n the_o reader_n may_v learn_v if_o he_o mark_v it_o well_o what_o sort_n of_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v like_a to_o have_v if_o we_o trust_v to_o they_o alone_o and_o do_v not_o see_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n when_o these_o very_a word_n of_o st._n peter_n do_v plain_o teach_v we_o the_o quite_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o that_o which_o they_o will_v establish_v by_o they_o i._o for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o contain_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n shall_v not_o read_v they_o that_o first_o they_o evident_o suppose_v the_o common_a people_n even_o the_o unlearned_a among_o they_o do_v in_o those_o day_n read_v the_o scripture_n else_o they_o can_v not_o have_v wrest_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o do_v and_o complain_v of_o that_o but_o not_o of_o their_o read_v they_o and_o ii_o second_o these_o word_n do_v not_o affirm_v the_o whole_a scripture_n to_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o only_o some_o part_n of_o it_o st._n paul_n epistle_n at_o the_o most_o or_o rather_o the_o thing_n of_o which_o st._n peter_n have_v be_v treat_v and_o not_o all_o of_o they_o neither_o but_o only_o some_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o few_o thing_n which_o will_v require_v pain_n and_o diligent_a attention_n of_o mind_n to_o comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o iii_o three_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o who_o read_v those_o difficult_a passage_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o wrest_v they_o but_o only_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a who_o abuse_v the_o plain_a truth_n to_o their_o own_o ruin_n as_o for_o other_o they_o may_v read_v even_o the_o hard_a place_n in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n safe_o enough_o nay_o receive_v great_a profit_n from_o thence_o as_o well_o as_o from_o other_o scripture_n and_o they_o who_o wrest_v they_o be_v not_o to_o leave_v read_v they_o but_o to_o grow_v in_o true_a christian_a knowledge_n and_o in_o stability_n of_o mind_n these_o be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n in_o treat_v and_o read_v of_o which_o let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o the_o second_o homily_n conclude_v that_o we_o may_v speak_v think_v believe_v live_v and_o depart_v hence_o according_a to_o the_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o verity_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n in_o this_o world_n have_v god_n defence_n favour_n and_o grace_n with_o the_o unspeakable_a solace_n of_o peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o conscience_n and_o after_o this_o miserable_a life_n enjoy_v the_o endless_a bliss_n and_o glory_n of_o heaven_n part_n i._n that_o the_o right_a of_o god_n people_n to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_v by_o these_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n appear_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o wrest_v of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a do_v suppose_v that_o even_o such_o person_n do_v then_o read_v they_o which_o overthrow_v the_o conclusion_n which_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n endeavour_v to_o draw_v from_o this_o place_n for_o there_o have_v be_v no_o possibility_n of_o pervert_v their_o sense_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n at_o that_o time_n as_o they_o be_v in_o we_o now_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o reprehend_v their_o meddle_v with_o they_o but_o their_o ignorance_n and_o their_o heedlesnes_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n they_o misunderstand_v they_o and_o may_v have_v be_v prevent_v by_o a_o little_a diligence_n and_o care_n without_o throw_v they_o quite_o away_o for_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o there_o but_o in_o themselves_o who_o come_v to_o the_o perusal_n of_o holy_a thing_n with_o unprepared_a mind_n now_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o then_o and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o be_v debar_v the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n which_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v unto_o his_o church_n as_o a_o common_a inheritance_n you_o may_v be_v please_v to_o weigh_v these_o thing_n follow_v which_o will_v full_o settle_v your_o mind_n in_o this_o persuasion_n i._o first_o that_o the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n be_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o require_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v so_o conversant_a in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v their_o child_n god_n commandment_n and_o for_o that_o end_n to_o talk_v of_o they_o when_o they_o sit_v in_o their_o house_n or_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n when_o they_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o they_o rise_v up_o nay_o to_o write_v they_o upon_o the_o door_n of_o their_o house_n and_o on_o their_o gate_n that_o whensoever_o they_o go_v out_o or_o come_v in_o they_o may_v have_v they_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o they_o deut._n vi_o 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o the_o lawgiver_n think_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n that_o a_o little_a after_o in_o the_o very_a same_o book_n he_o enjoin_v it_o over_o again_o for_o fear_v they_o shall_v neglect_v it_o chap._n xi_o 18_o 19_o 20._o for_o the_o very_a root_n and_o
obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_a but_o glory_n honour_n and_o peace_n to_o every_o man_n that_o work_v good_a to_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o gentile_a for_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n ii_o rom._n 6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n if_o these_o word_n be_v not_o intelligible_a there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o plain_o speak_v in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_o and_o intelligible_o write_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n xvii_o act_n 31._o when_o he_o will_v make_v good_a all_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o that_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v that_o great_a person_n by_o who_o he_o will_v judge_v it_o all_o our_o labour_n all_o our_o art_n can_v never_o make_v a_o proposition_n to_o be_v understand_v if_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o obvious_a and_o clear_a to_o all_o who_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consider_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o do_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o care_n and_o love_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n who_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v we_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_v the_o people_n shall_v look_v into_o they_o for_o fear_n of_o mistake_v and_o run_v themselves_o into_o dangerous_a error_n and_o heresy_n they_o may_v do_v so_o though_o they_o do_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n by_o follow_v their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n and_o by_o dream_v upon_o that_o which_o they_o hear_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o which_o start_v up_o in_o their_o own_o fancy_n but_o if_o they_o look_v into_o the_o scripture_n to_o know_v how_o to_o be_v save_v and_o have_v no_o other_o end_n nor_o neglect_v humble_o to_o implore_v the_o divine_a guidance_n they_o can_v mistake_v but_o may_v be_v easy_o and_o full_o satisfy_v for_o god_n have_v tell_v usall_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o saviour_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o and_o his_o commandment_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v he_o as_o they_o be_v not_o grievous_a so_o they_o be_v obvious_a and_o may_v be_v meet_v withal_o every_o where_o if_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o learn_v they_o and_o he_o have_v set_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n etc._n etc._n iv_o ephes_n 11_o 12_o 13._o so_o that_o no_o man_n have_v such_o director_n can_v miss_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o eternal_a life_n unless_o both_o he_o and_o they_o will_v wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o on_o purpose_n turn_v aside_o from_o the_o path_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n show_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o the_o word_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o bright_a as_o a_o lamp_n to_o give_v light_n unto_o our_o foot_n may_v be_v mistake_v or_o abuse_v then_o no_o man_n no_o company_n of_o man_n no_o interpreter_n no_o council_n can_v draw_v up_o any_o word_n but_o they_o may_v be_v pervert_v by_o those_o who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o they_o but_o be_v concern_v to_o put_v another_o sense_n than_o they_o intend_v upon_o they_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o slight_a argument_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o our_o instruction_n because_o god_n will_v have_v all_o even_o the_o mean_a capacity_n to_o read_v they_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o forego_n part_n of_o this_o work_n beyond_o any_o reasonable_a contradiction_n it_o will_v have_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o require_v man_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n as_o not_o only_a god_n but_o his_o church_n in_o ancient_a time_n do_v if_o they_o can_v not_o ready_o there_o meet_v with_o satisfaction_n the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o know_v argue_v the_o quite_o contrary_a way_n therefore_o you_o shall_v not_o read_v they_o because_o they_o be_v obscure_a but_o which_o will_v you_o choose_v to_o believe_v god_n who_o bid_v you_o read_v they_o from_o whence_o you_o may_v conclude_v they_o be_v not_o obscure_a or_o man_n who_o bid_v you_o not_o read_v they_o because_o they_o be_v obscure_a you_o may_v most_o safe_o conclude_v they_o be_v not_o obscure_a because_o god_n bid_v you_o read_v they_o for_o this_o be_v a_o right_a conclusion_n from_o divine_a premise_n whereas_o the_o other_o conclusion_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o read_v they_o be_v draw_v from_o a_o false_a supposition_n direct_o contradictory_n to_o what_o follow_v from_o the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o obscure_a but_o in_o thing_n necessary_a we_o may_v easy_o understand_v they_o otherwise_o our_o bless_a lord_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n will_v not_o have_v bid_v man_n search_v they_o nor_o will_v his_o apostle_n have_v cease_v to_o employ_v their_o pain_n till_o they_o have_v make_v such_o thing_n plain_o if_o they_o have_v not_o think_v they_o have_v set_v they_o down_o so_o plain_o in_o their_o write_n that_o no_o man_n who_o will_v read_v can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o that_o be_v another_o thing_n worthy_a observation_n that_o the_o very_a end_n for_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v this_o pretence_n of_o obscurity_n st._n john_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v that_o we_o may_v believe_v xx._n joh._n ult_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n by_o who_o authority_n do_v st._n john_n write_v or_o by_o who_o assistance_n do_v he_o perform_v this_o work_n be_v it_o not_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o by_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v he_o inspire_v but_o to_o work_v faith_n in_o those_o man_n soul_n who_o read_v his_o write_n and_o what_o faith_n be_v this_o only_o the_o belief_n of_o some_o few_o thing_n which_o be_v clear_a enough_o but_o not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n no_o such_o matter_n he_o write_v that_o we_o may_v have_v so_o much_o faith_n as_o shall_v give_v we_o eternal_a life_n through_o christ_n jesus_n now_o who_o can_v believe_v that_o he_o who_o write_v by_o that_o spirit_n which_o perfect_o know_v the_o several_a temper_n and_o capacity_n of_o every_o age_n and_o with_o a_o intention_n to_o breed_v save_v faith_n in_o their_o soul_n shall_v yet_o write_v so_o obscure_o that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o they_o for_o who_o good_a and_o benefit_n he_o write_v nothing_o but_o interest_n that_o be_v nothing_o but_o that_o very_o wicked_a temper_n which_o blind_v the_o jew_n and_o make_v they_o deny_v our_o saviour_n and_o crucify_v he_o can_v induce_v a_o man_n to_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n it_o will_v be_v reply_v i_o know_v by_o some_o that_o however_o here_o be_v a_o confession_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v best_o to_o keep_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n because_o they_o may_v do_v themselves_o hurt_v by_o those_o thing_n unto_o which_o i_o have_v answer_v already_o that_o if_o they_o seek_v for_o nothing_o but_o salvation_n and_o how_o to_o please_v god_n in_o order_n thereunto_o they_o will_v not_o do_v themselves_o hurt_v by_o any_o thing_n they_o meet_v withal_o in_o the_o holy_a write_n but_o for_o further_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o be_v consider_v which_o be_v ii_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o say_v some_o thing_n can_v be_v understand_v but_o that_o they_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v there_o be_v some_o labour_n require_v to_o the_o understanding_n they_o which_o if_o we_o will_v take_v we_o may_v comprehend_v their_o meaning_n it_o will_v be_v a_o long_a work_n to_o examine_v what_o thing_n in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n may_v be_v think_v to_o point_v at_o as_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o the_o inquiry_n may_v be_v very_o much_o shorten_v by_o one_o
and_o easy_a to_o such_o as_o faithful_o practice_v their_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a precept_n but_o hard_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v aright_o of_o such_o as_o wilful_o transgress_v they_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o perspicuous_o set_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n than_o this_o as_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v if_o it_o will_v not_o enlarge_v this_o book_n too_o much_o from_o such_o word_n as_o those_o of_o st._n peter_n god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o therefore_o shall_v we_o admit_v of_o any_o authority_n equivalent_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o question_n will_v still_o remain_v whether_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o authority_n can_v take_v away_o that_o blindness_n of_o heart_n which_o by_o god_n just_a judgement_n fall_v upon_o all_o those_o who_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o vnrighteousness_n if_o for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o evident_a and_o plain_a truth_n god_n punish_v they_o with_o such_o spiritual_a darkness_n that_o they_o discern_v not_o his_o will_n reveal_v in_o his_o write_a word_n no_o other_o infallible_a authority_n can_v inlighten_v they_o and_o make_v those_o scale_n fall_v from_o their_o eye_n which_o hinder_v their_o sight_n in_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n they_o will_v everlasting_o go_v on_o in_o darkness_n because_o have_v light_o present_v to_o they_o they_o prefer_v darkness_n before_o it_o those_o naughty_a affection_n which_o have_v keep_v the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n from_o shine_v into_o they_o will_v close_v their_o eye_n so_o fast_o that_o no_o other_o light_n will_v open_v they_o but_o they_o must_v either_o receive_v and_o follow_v the_o plain_a direction_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o recover_v their_o sight_n by_o a_o sincere_a practice_n of_o know_a duty_n or_o walk_v on_o still_o in_o darkness_n and_o remain_v in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o day_n unto_o which_o plain_a direction_n if_o man_n will_v unfeigned_o submit_v if_o thereby_o they_o be_v not_o lead_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o hard_a scripture_n they_o will_v however_o have_v this_o benefit_n that_o they_o will_v be_v secure_v from_o misunderstand_v they_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o by_o understanding_n believe_a and_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o knowledge_n of_o the_o easy_a and_o evident_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o put_v any_o dangerous_a interpretation_n upon_o those_o place_n which_o be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a ignorant_a of_o they_o we_o may_v continue_v or_o perhaps_o mistake_v their_o meaning_n but_o still_o innocent_o so_o as_o not_o to_o do_v hurt_v to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o by_o they_o a_o illustrious_a example_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o st._n augustine_n book_n de_n fide_fw-la &_o operibus_fw-la where_o discourse_v chap._n xv._o upon_o that_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n iii_o 12_o 13._o which_o he_o take_v to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o which_o st._n peter_n say_v be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o his_o epistle_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o understand_v the_o build_a gold_n silver_z precious_a stone_n upon_o this_o foundation_n to_o be_v mean_v of_o add_v good_a work_n to_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o build_v wood_n hay_n stubble_n upon_o it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o those_o that_o hold_v the_o same_o faith_n but_o do_v evil_a from_o whence_o they_o fancy_v that_o by_o certain_a pain_n of_o fire_n such_o evil_a man_n may_v be_v purge_v to_o obtain_v salvation_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o foundation_n that_o be_v by_o a_o right_a faith_n only_o because_o the_o apostle_n say_v v._o 15._o they_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n say_v that_o excellent_a father_n than_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v no_o obscurity_n no_o ambiguity_n in_o they_o must_v be_v take_v to_o be_v false_a as_o for_o example_n that_o of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o same_o epistle_n though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n so_o that_o i_o can_v remove_v mountain_n and_o have_v no_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o and_o that_o of_o st._n james_n what_o do_v it_o profit_n brethren_n if_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n but_o have_v no_o work_n can_v faith_n save_v he_o and_o that_o place_n also_o will_v be_v false_a be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o they_o that_o serve_v idol_n nor_o adulterer_n etc._n etc._n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o that_o also_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a which_o be_v adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n etc._n etc._n of_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o again_o as_o i_o have_v do_v former_o that_o they_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n these_o be_v all_o false_a if_o that_o interpretation_n be_v true_a st._n paul_n contradict_v himself_o and_o in_o this_o obscure_a place_n clash_n with_o his_o plain_a word_n for_o according_a to_o this_o exposition_n if_o man_n only_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o fire_n though_o they_o persevere_v in_o such_o wicked_a course_n as_o those_o now_o mention_v and_o then_o i_o do_v not_o see_v to_o what_o purpose_n our_o lord_n say_v if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n tell_v he_o what_o belong_v unto_o good_a manner_n and_o how_o will_v that_o be_v true_a which_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o will_v say_v to_o they_o on_o his_o left_a hand_n go_v you_o curse_v etc._n etc._n who_o he_o send_v to_o hell-fire_n not_o because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o do_v good_a work_n thus_o that_o father_n go_v on_o heap_v up_o a_o great_a many_o other_o place_n which_o evident_o speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o then_o conclude_v if_o therefore_o these_o thing_n and_o innumerable_a other_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o any_o ambiguity_n be_v false_a then_o that_o sense_n may_v be_v true_a concern_v the_o wood_n hay_n and_o stubble_n viz._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o sire_n who_o only_o hold_v faith_n in_o christ_n have_v neglect_v good_a work_n si_fw-mi autem_fw-la &_o vera_fw-la &_o clara_fw-la sunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v both_o true_a and_o also_o clear_a then_o without_o doubt_n another_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o number_n of_o those_o which_o s._n peter_n say_v be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o pervert_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n by_o endeavour_v from_o they_o against_o the_o most_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v the_o most_o lewd_a people_n secure_a of_o obtain_v salvation_n though_o they_o pertinacious_o continue_v in_o their_o wickedness_n not_o at_o all_o change_v by_o amendment_n or_o repentance_n as_o for_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o that_o scripture_n though_o he_o venture_v at_o it_o yet_o he_o say_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n he_o have_v rather_o be_v inform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v more_o learned_a and_o more_o understanding_n who_o can_v so_o expound_v it_o as_o to_o let_v all_o those_o thing_n above_o mention_v remain_v true_a and_o unshaken_a in_o which_o the_o scripture_n most_o open_o avow_v that_o faith_n profit_v nothing_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n define_v that_o be_v faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n but_o without_o work_n can_v save_v man_n neither_o without_o fire_n nor_o by_o fire_n still_o he_o stick_v to_o this_o rule_n as_o most_o certain_a and_o unmoveable_a that_o whatsoever_o sense_n be_v give_v of_o a_o obscure_a scripture_n it_o contradict_v not_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v more_o plain_a especial_o those_o which_o teach_v we_o to_o live_v well_o and_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o which_o none_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n will_v ever_o prejudice_v by_o any_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v out_o of_o my_o way_n to_o attempt_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o place_n now_o mention_v have_v no_o other_o business_n in_o hand_n at_o present_a but_o to_o show_v that_o by_o adhere_v as_o this_o holy_a man_n do_v to_o the_o evident_a truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v never_o permit_v we_o to_o put_v any_o bad_a and_o pernicious_a sense_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v less_o evident_a let_v we_o stick_v as_o he_o do_v to_o this_o rule_n and_o we_o shall_v either_o put_v a_o harmless_a sense_n upon_o they_o or_o none_o at_o all_o but_o then_o we_o must_v as_o i_o say_v be_v hearty_o in_o love_n with_o these_o plain_a truth_n and_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o