rom._n 15._o 4._o and_o for_o our_o admonition_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 11._o and_o as_o for_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o it_o be_v write_v that_o we_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 we_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n joh._n 20._o 31._o and_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o write_v both_o his_o epistle_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o pure_a mind_n of_o christian_n by_o way_n of_o remembrance_n and_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v speak_v before_o by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 1._o and_o st._n john_n give_v we_o this_o account_n of_o his_o write_v his_o epistle_n these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v to_o you_o that_o you_o sin_v not_o 1_o joh._n 2._o â—_o and_o st._n jude_n this_o of_o he_o belove_v when_o i_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o write_v unto_o you_o of_o the_o common_a salvation_n it_o be_v needful_a for_o i_o to_o write_v unto_o you_o and_o exhort_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n v_o 3._o these_o be_v the_o end_v for_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v but_o how_o can_v the_o write_n of_o it_o contribute_v to_o these_o end_n if_o we_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o read_v what_o be_v write_v for_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v to_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o clergy_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v by_o and_o by_o but_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v it_o be_v write_v to_o the_o people_n to_o instruct_v and_o admonish_v they_o if_o the_o people_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o read_v its_o instruction_n and_o admonition_n what_o influence_n can_v the_o write_v it_o have_v upon_o the_o people_n belief_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o they_o have_v be_v debar_v from_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o what_o be_v write_v concern_v he_o how_o can_v it_o stir_v up_o their_o remembrance_n if_o they_o may_v not_o read_v what_o it_o suggest_v to_o their_o memory_n by_o what_o other_o way_n can_v it_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o sin_v but_o by_o motive_n and_o persuasion_n but_o how_o shall_v its_o motive_n and_o persuasion_n affect_v their_o mind_n if_o they_o be_v not_o allow_v to_o consult_v and_o understand_v they_o upon_o what_o account_n can_v it_o move_v the_o people_n earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n if_o they_o be_v not_o allow_v to_o learn_v from_o it_o either_o what_o that_o faith_n be_v or_o what_o those_o reason_n be_v which_o oblige_v they_o to_o contend_v for_o it_o so_o that_o to_o write_v to_o the_o people_n on_o purpose_n to_o instruct_v and_o reform_v they_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o purpose_n to_o debar_v they_o from_o read_v it_o be_v either_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o write_n will_v operate_v like_o a_o charm_n or_o to_o purpose_v a_o downright_a contradiction_n for_o how_o odd_o will_v it_o have_v look_v if_o in_o the_o afore_o cite_v passage_n the_o apostle_n have_v express_v themselves_o thus_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o your_o learning_n and_o admonition_n but_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_v you_o shall_v learn_v from_o they_o what_o they_o teach_v and_o admonish_v you_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o shall_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o they_o be_v not_o write_v that_o you_o shall_v inquire_v of_o they_o whether_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n or_o the_o son_n of_o god_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o they_o be_v not_o write_v that_o you_o may_v acquaint_v yourselves_o by_o they_o what_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n speak_v these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o shall_v not_o sin_n but_o beware_v you_o do_v not_o read_v they_o lest_o the_o bad_a example_n record_v in_o they_o occasion_n you_o to_o sin_n in_o short_a these_o thing_n be_v write_v to_o excite_v you_o earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n but_o you_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v to_o inquire_v into_o they_o lest_o you_o shall_v misunderstand_v they_o and_o so_o instead_o of_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n you_o shall_v contend_v for_o heresy_n and_o false_a doctrine_n have_v the_o apostle_n thus_o express_v themselves_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o reasonable_a man_n whether_o these_o passage_n will_v not_o have_v startle_v his_o understanding_n and_o tempt_v he_o to_o question_v whether_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v well_o in_o their_o wit_n and_o yet_o this_o must_v have_v be_v their_o meaning_n suppose_v that_o they_o mean_v that_o the_o people_n shall_v not_o read_v what_o they_o write_v 4._o from_o the_o direction_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n to_o the_o people_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o the_o people_n be_v still_o oblige_v to_o read_v or_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o they_o for_o so_o we_o find_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v deliver_v by_o god_n to_o all_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o to_o he_o and_o aaron_n and_o as_o be_v show_v before_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o command_v to_o search_v and_o inquire_v into_o it_o and_o so_o also_o be_v the_o sermon_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v usual_o prefaced_a with_o a_o hear_v o_o israel_n hear_v o_o house_n of_o judah_n hear_v o_o house_n of_o jacob_n and_o hear_v all_o you_o of_o judah_n so_o also_o our_o bless_a saviour_n preach_v his_o sermon_n and_o parable_n not_o only_o to_o his_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n but_o also_o to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o the_o multitude_n and_o so_o also_o his_o apostle_n direct_v their_o epistle_n not_o only_o to_o the_o saint_n to_o the_o faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o the_o belove_a which_o in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n include_v every_o christian_a but_o also_o to_o all_o that_o be_v at_o rome_n to_o all_o that_o in_o every_o place_n call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v in_o achaia_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v at_o philippi_n to_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n which_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o to_o the_o stranger_n scatter_v through_o pontus_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o they_o which_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n with_o we_o that_o be_v to_o all_o the_o jewish_a christian_n disperse_v over_o the_o world_n see_v therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v direct_v to_o all_o as_o well_o laity_n as_o clergy_n this_o not_o only_o give_v a_o right_a to_o all_o to_o read_v they_o but_o also_o lay_v a_o obligation_n npon_o all_o to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o they_o for_o the_o very_a direct_v such_o a_o write_n or_o epistle_n to_o such_o or_o such_o person_n do_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o the_o world_n imply_v that_o he_o who_o write_v do_v design_n and_o intend_v that_o they_o to_o who_o he_o direct_v it_o shall_v read_v and_o peruse_v it_o and_o therefore_o since_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v to_o all_o that_o be_v a_o plain_a intimation_n that_o it_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o writer_n that_o all_o shall_v read_v they_o and_o for_o we_o not_o to_o read_v what_o god_n have_v write_v and_o direct_v to_o we_o be_v by_o implication_n of_o fact_n a_o profane_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o look_v as_o if_o we_o either_o think_v he_o such_o a_o insignificant_a be_v or_o ourselves_o so_o little_o concern_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v say_v or_o write_v to_o we_o as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v worth_a our_o while_n to_o receive_v and_o peruse_v the_o content_n of_o those_o sacred_a epistle_n which_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o holy_a penman_n he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o direct_v to_o we_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o our_o contempt_n to_o say_v that_o in_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o proneness_n to_o err_v and_o mistake_v we_o ought_v to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o this_o that_o our_o spiritual_a guide_n shall_v read_v god_n write_n for_o we_o and_o deliver_v the_o sense_n and_o content_n of_o they_o to_o we_o for_o to_o be_v sure_a have_v god_n intend_v that_o the_o priest_n only_o shall_v read_v they_o he_o will_v have_v direct_v they_o only_o to_o the_o priest_n and_o order_v they_o only_o to_o deliver_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o to_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o since_o he_o have_v direct_v they_o to_o both_o this_o necessary_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v his_o intention_n that_o both_o shall_v read_v they_o for_o if_o god_n have_v not_o
the_o christian_a life_n wherein_o be_v show_v i._o the_o worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o the_o soul_n ii_o the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n iii_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n iv._o a_o dissuasive_a from_o apostasy_n vol._n v._o and_o last_o by_o john_n scott_n d._n d._n late_a rector_n of_o st._n gile_n in_o the_o field_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxcix_o to_o the_o honourable_a susanna_n noel_n mother_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a baptist_n earl_n of_o gainsborough_n this_o last_o volume_n of_o the_o work_n of_o my_o dear_a decease_a friend_n the_o reverend_a dr._n scott_n be_v humble_o and_o grateful_o dedicate_v by_o her_o honour_n most_o oblige_v and_o most_o devote_a servant_n humphrey_z zouch_n the_o content_n discourse_n i._o of_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o connexion_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o text_n p._n 1_o 2._o the_o inestimable_a price_n and_o value_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o own_o natural_a capacity_n represent_v under_o 4_o head_n viz._n it_o be_v capacity_n of_o understanding_n p._n 5_o 6._o of_o moral_a perfection_n p._n 7_o 8_o 9_o of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n p._n 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o of_o immortality_n p._n 14._o to_o p._n 19_o of_o what_o esteem_v the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o best_a know_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o whole_a world_n of_o spirit_n p._n 20._o to_o p._n 32._o four_o inference_n from_o hence_o p._n 33._o to_o p._n 43._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o lose_v one_o soul_n explain_v p._n 44._o the_o soul_n liable_a to_o a_o sevenfold_a damage_n in_o the_o other_o world_n p._n 45._o to_o p._n 65._o seven_o cause_n of_o the_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o of_o incur_v this_o damage_n p._n 66._o to_o p._n 89._o man_n may_v forsake_v christ_n and_o thereby_o lose_v their_o soul_n 4_o way_n by_o a_o total_a apostasy_n p._n 90_o 91._o by_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o doctrine_n p._n 92_o 93._o by_o obstinate_a heresy_n p._n 93_o 94_o 95._o by_o a_o wilful_a course_n of_o disobedience_n of_o which_o there_o be_v three_o degree_n the_o first_o proceed_v from_o a_o wilful_a ignorance_n of_o christ_n law_n the_o 2d_o from_o a_o wilful_a inconsideration_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o they_o the_o 3d_o from_o a_o obstinacy_n in_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n p._n 95._o to_o 103._o four_o reason_n why_o our_o forsake_v of_o christ_n infer_v this_o fearful_a loss_n of_o our_o soul_n p._n 104._o to_o 115._o that_o god_n if_o he_o be_v so_o determine_v may_v without_o any_o injury_n either_o to_o his_o justice_n or_o goodness_n detain_v lose_v soul_n in_o the_o bondage_n of_o hell_n for_o ever_o prove_v in_o 6_o proposition_n p._n 117._o to_o 130._o that_o god_n be_v actual_o determine_v so_o to_o do_v demonstrate_v by_o 3_o argument_n p._n 131._o to_o 139._o a_o comparison_n between_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n in_o 6_o particular_n whereby_o be_v show_v of_o which_o side_n the_o advantage_n lie_v p._n 140._o to_o 164._o discourse_n ii_o of_o the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n a_o general_n explication_n of_o this_o term._n the_o word_n p._n 166._o a_o full_a account_n of_o it_o in_o 4_o proposition_n show_v that_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o theology_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n 167._o to_o 174._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o from_o that_o ancient_a theology_n p._n 174_o 176._o that_o in_o that_o theology_n it_o signify_v a_o vital_a and_o divine_a subsistence_n p._n 176._o to_o 180._o and_o that_o our_o saviour_n to_o who_o it_o be_v apply_v in_o the_o newtestament_n be_v that_o vital_a and_o divine_a subsistence_n p._n 180_o 181_o 182._o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n denote_v 4_o thing_n to_o be_v generate_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o father_n to_o be_v the_o perfect_a image_n of_o that_o mind_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o father_n mind_n and_o to_o be_v the_o executer_n of_o it_o and_o in_o these_o be_v found_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v call_v the_o word_n p._n 183._o to_o 196._o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n p._n 197_o 198._o five_o inference_n from_o this_o doctrine_n p._n 199._o to_o 213._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n dwell_v among_o we_o explain_v p._n 215._o to_o 225._o he_o be_v dwell_v among_o we_o full_a of_o grace_n explain_v in_o five_o particular_n p._n 226._o to_o 245._o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o full_a of_o truth_n explain_v in_o general_a p._n 246_o to_o 256._o four_o instance_n of_o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o full_a of_o truth_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o that_o obscure_a typical_a way_n of_o his_o tabernacle_v among_o the_o jew_n p._n 247._o to_o 270._o four_o inference_n the_o first_o from_o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o p._n 270._o to_o 277._o the_o second_o from_o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o full_a of_o grace_n and_o that_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o own_o personal_a disposition_n p._n 277._o to_o 280._o 2._o of_o his_o law_n p._n 281_o 282_o 283._o 3_o of_o the_o gracious_a pardon_n which_o he_o have_v procure_v for_o we_o and_o promise_v to_o we_o p._n 284_o 285_o 286._o 4._o of_o the_o abundant_a assistance_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o vouchsafe_v we_o p._n 287_o 288._o and_o 5._o of_o the_o glorious_a recompense_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o and_o prepare_v for_o we_o p._n 289_o 290._o the_o 3d_o from_o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o full_a of_o truth_n p._n 291._o to_o 296._o the_o four_o from_o all_o these_o lay_v together_o he_o dwell_v among_o we_o full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n p._n 297._o to_o 305._o the_o glory_n of_o the_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n behold_v consist_v in_o 4_o thing_n 1._o a_o visible_a splendour_n and_o brightness_n which_o encompass_v he_o at_o his_o baptism_n and_o transfiguration_n p._n 307._o to_o 311._o 2._o those_o great_a and_o stupendous_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v p._n 311_o 312_o 313._o 3._o the_o surpass_a excellency_n and_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n p._n 314._o to_o 317._o 4._o the_o incomparable_a sanctity_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o life_n p._n 317._o to_o 321._o this_o expression_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only-begotten_a son_n explain_v p._n 321_o 322._o that_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v such_o as_o become_v the_o only-begotten_a son_n of_o the_o father_n prove_v in_o the_o several_a particular_n â—â—herein_o it_o consist_v p._n 323._o to_o 336._o four_o inference_n from_o this_o fourfold_a glory_n of_o the_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n see_v p._n 337._o to_o the_o end_n dis._n 3._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o fullness_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n prove_v in_o 3_o proposition_n 1._o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inspire_v the_o writer_n of_o they_o with_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a 〈◊〉_d eternal_a life_n p._n 364._o 2._o that_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n all_o those_o necessary_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v p._n 365._o 3._o that_o all_o those_o necessary_a truth_n which_o they_o preach_v be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o scripture_n p._n 366._o to_o 380._o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o scripture_n prove_v 1._o from_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n p._n 381._o to_o 386._o 2._o from_o the_o avow_a design_n of_o write_v it_o p._n 387_o 388._o 3._o from_o the_o frequent_a command_v god_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o read_v it_o p._n 389_o 390._o 4._o from_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v and_o receive_v all_o those_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n contain_v in_o it_o p._n 391._o four_o consideration_n in_o answer_n to_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o reveal_v clear_o in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o since_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o condact_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n p._n 392._o to_o the_o end_n dis._n iu._n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o people_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o search_v and_o read_v the_o scripture_n prove_v 1._o from_o the_o obligation_n the_o jew_n be_v under_o to_o read_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a test_n p._n 408_o 409._o 2._o from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n apprebation_n of_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n p._n 410_o 411._o 3._o from_o the_o great_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n p._n 412_o 413._o
not_o perfect_o understand_v and_o in_o which_o theophilus_n have_v not_o be_v before_o instruct_v thus_o also_o st._n john_n testify_v of_o his_o gospel_n chap._n 20._o 31._o 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 and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o by_o these_o thing_n the_o apostle_n only_o mean_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o not_o his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o this_o be_v notorious_o false_a since_o by_o these_o thing_n st._n john_n mean_v his_o gospel_n in_o which_o not_o only_o the_o miracle_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v contain_v and_o therefore_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 5._o 13._o he_o say_v these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v unto_o you_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o that_o you_o may_v believe_v or_o continue_v to_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n where_o by_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o mean_v only_o that_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v throughout_o the_o whole_a epistle_n from_o which_o two_o place_n i_o argue_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n be_v write_v because_o he_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v beget_v and_o nourish_v in_o we_o that_o faith_n by_o which_o we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n but_o if_o that_o faith_n which_o these_o write_a thing_n be_v design_v to_o beget_v in_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o eternal_a life_n than_o be_v these_o thing_n write_v in_o vain_a and_o the_o end_n of_o write_v they_o which_o be_v that_o we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n by_o believe_v they_o be_v whole_o frustrate_v but_o if_o that_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o eternal_a life_n than_o these_o write_a thing_n which_o beget_v that_o faith_n and_o be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o must_v contain_v in_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n for_o how_o can_v they_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o faith_n that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o eternal_a life_n unless_o they_o propose_v to_o our_o faith_n all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a thereunto_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v from_o scripture_n itself_o which_o all_o agree_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o the_o most_o conclude_a authority_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v by_o what_o warrant_n or_o authority_n any_o man_n or_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n any_o unwritten_a tradition_n or_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n not_o record_v in_o scripture_n as_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o record_v in_o scripture_n and_o equal_o necessary_a to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o men._n for_o that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o bold_a imposer_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n irenaeus_n assure_v we_o in_o the_o 2d_o chapter_n of_o his_o second_o book_n against_o heresy_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o sort_n of_o heretic_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o those_o to_o who_o tradition_n be_v unknown_a for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v not_o deliver_v by_o write_v but_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o these_o heretic_n 25._o as_o tertullian_n observe_v confess_v indeed_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v ignorant_a and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o preach_v but_o say_v they_o reveal_v not_o all_o thing_n unto_o all_o man_n some_o thing_n they_o teach_v open_o and_o to_o all_o some_o thing_n secret_o and_o to_o a_o few_o which_o secret_a thing_n be_v the_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o they_o seek_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o how_o far_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n tread_v in_o the_o footstep_n of_o these_o ancient_a heretic_n be_v but_o too_o notorious_a for_o thus_o in_o the_o preface_n of_o their_o catechism_n it_o be_v express_o affirm_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n to_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o faithful_a be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o word_n of_o god_n be_v distribute_v into_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n and_o in_o the_o council_n itself_o they_o declare_v and_o define_v that_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o unwritten_a tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o honour_v with_o equal_a pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n in_o which_o word_n they_o express_o own_o another_o word_n of_o god_n beside_o the_o scripture_n viz._n tradition_n which_o they_o equalise_v with_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v almost_o verbatim_o the_o very_a assertion_n which_o both_o irenaeus_n and_o terullian_n condemn_v for_o heresy_n and_o as_o they_o be_v the_o same_o so_o we_o find_v they_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o same_o authority_n for_o those_o very_a text_n of_o scripture_n which_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n urge_v for_o their_o tradition_n be_v urge_v by_o bellarmin_n for_o the_o tradition_n of_o his_o church_n thus_o for_o their_o tradition_n as_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n acquaint_v we_o they_o urge_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a and_o also_o o_o timothy_n keep_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o thy_o trust_n and_o again_o that_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o thou_o keep_v all_o which_o text_n be_v urge_v by_o bellarmin_n in_o his_o four_o and_o 5_o book_n de_fw-la verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la in_o behalf_n of_o that_o tradition_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n contend_v for_o and_o it_o be_v something_o hard_o that_o that_o which_o be_v damn_v for_o heresy_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o present_a roman_a not_o that_o we_o do_v disallow_v of_o tradition_n universal_o receive_v in_o all_o church_n and_o age_n for_o we_o frank_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v tradition_n before_o it_o be_v scripture_n as_o be_v first_o deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n before_o it_o be_v collect_v into_o write_v and_o therefore_o whensoever_o it_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v any_o unwritten_a doctrine_n bear_v the_o same_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n with_o those_o that_o be_v write_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v they_o with_o the_o same_o veneration_n as_o we_o do_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o for_o it_o be_v not_o their_o be_v write_v that_o do_v authorise_v they_o but_o their_o be_v from_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o when_o once_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v to_o we_o that_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n teach_v so_o and_o so_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o command_v our_o assent_n and_o submission_n whether_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v from_o scripture_n or_o tradition_n so_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o embrace_v some_o doctrine_n and_o reject_v other_o be_v not_o mere_o because_o the_o one_o be_v write_v and_o the_o other_o not_o but_o because_o to_o we_o who_o live_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o can_v never_o be_v make_v so_o evident_a that_o what_o be_v not_o write_v be_v teach_v by_o they_o as_o what_o be_v what_o be_v write_v have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o unanimous_a tradition_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a can_v never_o be_v just_o pretend_v of_o any_o one_o of_o those_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o impose_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n let_v they_o but_o produce_v the_o same_o unanimous_a testimony_n that_o any_o one_o of_o those_o twelve_o article_n which_o they_o have_v think_v meet_a to_o superadd_a to_o the_o ancient_a creed_n be_v teach_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n as_o we_o do_v that_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v so_o and_o we_o will_v as_o ready_o embrace_v it_o as_o any_o proposition_n in_o scripture_n but_o if_o this_o article_n be_v neither_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n nor_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o as_o teach_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n by_o the_o unanimous_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n through_o all_o age_n we_o must_v crave_v their_o pardon_n if_o we_o can_v receive_v it_o as_o part_n
of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o prove_v by_o the_o unanimous_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n that_o any_o unwritten_a doctrine_n be_v part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n be_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o for_o several_a age_n after_o our_o saviour_n the_o church_n unanimous_o teach_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o for_o the_o same_o church_n at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o testify_v that_o this_o or_o that_o unwritten_a doctrine_n be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n word_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o yet_o that_o all_o doctrine_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v be_v write_v be_v plain_o to_o contradict_v itself_o and_o yet_o we_o find_v the_o primitive_a father_n unanimous_o attest_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n from_o whence_o we_o draw_v all_o the_o assertion_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o last_o will_n and_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o which_o all_o controversy_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v the_o boundary_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o to_o depart_v the_o touchstone_n of_o truth_n the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o the_o only_a certain_a principle_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o demonstration_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n these_o be_v their_o own_o expression_n and_o abundance_n more_o than_o these_o we_o meet_v with_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o which_o be_v very_o observable_a they_o not_o only_o assert_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o full_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o severe_o declaim_v against_o all_o addition_n to_o it_o thus_o eusebius_n pamphilus_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v believe_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o write_v neither_o think_v upon_o nor_o inquire_v after_o thus_o also_o st._n austin_n quicquid_fw-la inde_fw-la audieritis_fw-la è_fw-la scripturâ_fw-la sacrâ_fw-la hoc_fw-la vobis_fw-la bene_fw-la sapiat_fw-la quicquid_fw-la extra_fw-la est_fw-la respuite_o ne_fw-la erretis_fw-la in_o nebula_fw-la whatsoever_o you_o hear_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n let_v it_o savour_v well_o with_o you_o whatsoever_o be_v without_o they_o refuse_v lest_o you_o wander_v in_o a_o cloud_n st._n bazil_n declare_v that_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a fall_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o arrogancy_n either_o to_o reject_v any_o point_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v or_o to_o bring_v in_o any_o of_o those_o which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n to_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o not_o to_o dare_v either_o to_o reject_v or_o to_o add_v any_o thing_n thereunto_o thus_o tertullian_n advers._fw-la hermog_n si_fw-mi enim_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la scriptum_fw-la timeat_fw-la vae_fw-la illud_fw-la adjicientibus_fw-la aut_fw-la detrahentibus_fw-la destinatum_fw-la if_o what_o he_o pretend_v be_v not_o write_v let_v he_o fear_v that_o woe_n that_o be_v denounce_v against_o such_o as_o add_v or_o take_v away_o what_o likelihood_n therefore_o be_v there_o that_o they_o who_o thus_o severe_o forbid_v add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n do_v ever_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o another_o word_n of_o god_n consist_v of_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o indeed_o methinks_v it_o be_v very_o strange_a if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o other_o word_n of_o god_n beside_o what_o be_v write_v there_o shall_v no_o notice_n be_v take_v of_o it_o in_o that_o which_o be_v write_v especial_o consider_v that_o if_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o the_o roman_a church_n define_v it_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v direction_n where_o to_o find_v it_o and_o how_o to_o know_v it_o when_o we_o have_v it_o but_o of_o this_o we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n in_o scripture_n for_o as_o for_o those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n 2_o thess._n 2._o 15._o hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o by_o word_n or_o our_o epistle_n all_o that_o can_v be_v just_o infer_v from_o they_o be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o thessalonian_n at_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n have_v only_o a_o oral_a tradition_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o gospel_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v preach_v to_o they_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o yet_o either_o not_o collect_v into_o write_v or_o not_o disperse_v abroad_o into_o the_o church_n so_o that_o then_o this_o and_o his_o former_a epistle_n to_o they_o be_v perhaps_o the_o only_o write_v part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v yet_o arrive_v to_o their_o hand_n and_o if_o so_o than_o this_o command_n of_o hold_v the_o tradition_n by_o word_n do_v oblige_v no_o long_o than_o till_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o write_a gospel_n because_o then_o those_o tradition_n by_o word_n be_v all_o record_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v there_o record_v they_o be_v thenceforth_o oblige_v to_o hold_v they_o as_o scripture_n and_o no_o long_o as_o tradition_n by_o word_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v still_o unwritten_a tradition_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n but_o yet_o be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o be_v equal_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o the_o scripture_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o we_o who_o live_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n shall_v either_o know_v where_o to_o find_v or_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v such_o when_o we_o have_v they_o we_o know_v very_o well_o that_o even_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n there_o be_v sundry_a counterfeit_n tradition_n which_o heretic_n pretend_v to_o derive_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o counterfeit_v tradition_n then_o how_o much_o more_o easy_a be_v it_o now_o i_o confess_v vincentius_n lirinensis_n give_v we_o a_o very_a good_a rule_n how_o to_o distinguish_v counterfeit_a from_o true_a tradition_n quod_fw-la ubique_fw-la quod_fw-la semper_fw-la quod_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la creditum_fw-la est_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la veer_fw-la proprieque_fw-la catholicum_fw-la that_o which_o be_v every_o where_o and_o always_o and_o by_o all_o christian_n believe_v that_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o catholic_n and_o by_o this_o rule_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o abide_v if_o they_o can_v show_v we_o any_o article_n of_o christianity_n not_o record_v in_o scripture_n which_o have_v be_v every_o where_o and_o always_o believe_v by_o all_o christian_n we_o will_v ready_o admit_v it_o as_o a_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o same_o respect_n and_o reverence_n as_o we_o do_v that_o which_o be_v write_v but_o this_o we_o be_v full_o assure_v they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v see_v as_o be_v show_v before_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v with_o one_o consent_n attest_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o entire_a rule_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o all_o the_o article_n of_o christianity_n be_v contain_v but_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o for_o these_o unwritten_a tradition_n we_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o present_a church_n of_o every_o age_n and_o receive_v as_o a_o divine_a tradition_n whatsoever_o she_o define_v to_o be_v so_o where_o by_o the_o present_a church_n be_v mean_v the_o present_a roman_a church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v whatsoever_o this_o church_n define_v we_o must_v believe_v it_o because_o she_o define_v it_o which_o we_o can_v but_o think_v be_v a_o hard_a case_n first_o because_o we_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o we_o know_v no_o right_n that_o any_o part_n have_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o whole_a and_o to_o oblige_v it_o to_o believe_v whatsoever_o she_o propose_v mere_o because_o she_o propose_v it_o second_o because_o in_o fact_n we_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sincere_a preserver_n of_o tradition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n have_v more_o studious_o attempt_v to_o counterfeit_v and_o deprave_v it_o of_o which_o innumerable_a instance_n be_v give_v by_o our_o author_n many_o of_o which_o be_v now_o acknowledge_v even_o by_o their_o author_n to_o be_v true_a for_o even_o their_o vulgar_a latin_a edition_n of_o the_o bible_n itself_o which_o they_o prefer_v before_o the_o original_n be_v confess_v by_o themselves_o to_o abound_v with_o manifest_a error_n and_o corruption_n and_o even_o to_o the_o very_a canon_n of_o the_o bible_n they_o have_v add_v sundry_a apocryphal_a book_n which_o we_o certain_o
of_o david_n be_v to_o excite_v and_o encourage_v man_n to_o study_v and_o observe_v the_o law_n but_o what_o though_o the_o law_n make_v the_o simple_a wise_a when_o they_o understand_v it_o what_o encouragement_n be_v this_o for_o the_o simple_a to_o study_v it_o if_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_a that_o they_o can_v understand_v it_o and_o since_o they_o must_v understand_v it_o before_o they_o can_v observe_v it_o what_o encouragement_n do_v this_o consideration_n give_v they_o to_o observe_v it_o that_o it_o will_v make_v they_o wise_a when_o they_o understand_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a enough_o for_o they_o to_o understand_v it_o but_o then_o that_o forecited_a passage_n of_o moses_n do_v in_o express_a word_n contradict_v this_o cavil_v of_o bellarmin_n for_o he_o tell_v the_o people_n that_o the_o commandment_n he_o give_v they_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o they_o whereas_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o obscure_o deliver_v to_o they_o by_o moses_n that_o upon_o their_o sincere_a and_o diligent_a enquiry_n they_o can_v not_o understand_v it_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o have_v be_v still_o hide_v from_o they_o how_o wise_a soever_o it_o may_v make_v they_o when_o they_o do_v understand_v it_o and_o to_o say_v that_o such_o a_o proposition_n will_v make_v i_o wise_a when_o i_o do_v understand_v it_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o that_o it_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o i_o if_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_o express_v as_o that_o upon_o my_o sincere_a enquiry_n i_o be_o not_o capable_a of_o understand_v it_o but_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n at_o least_o in_o all_o necessary_a matter_n be_v plain_a enough_o even_o to_o common_a capacity_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o frequent_a appeal_v our_o saviour_n make_v to_o it_o in_o he_o contest_v with_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n thus_o in_o the_o text_n he_o bid_v they_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o in_o other_o place_n what_o say_v the_o scripture_n and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v so_o and_o so_o now_o how_o impertinent_a will_v it_o have_v be_v for_o our_o saviour_n thus_o to_o appeal_v to_o it_o at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o people_n if_o he_o think_v it_o so_o obscure_a that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o understand_v it_o how_o trifle_a will_v it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o appeal_v to_o suarez'_v metaphysic_n in_o a_o controversy_n with_o a_o ploughman_n or_o to_o refer_v he_o to_o euclid_n element_n for_o the_o determine_v the_o bound_n and_o measure_n of_o a_o field_n and_o as_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v at_o least_o in_o all_o necessary_n plain_a and_o clear_a to_o the_o jew_n so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o to_o christian_n since_o it_o give_v the_o same_o testimony_n to_o itself_o of_o its_o own_o clearness_n as_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v for_o thus_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 2_o 3_o 4._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o do_v not_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v themselves_o to_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o suppose_v then_o that_o they_o write_v with_o the_o same_o plainness_n and_o clearness_n with_o which_o they_o speak_v which_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o then_o from_o these_o word_n it_o be_v evident_a first_o that_o they_o do_v neither_o in_o their_o preach_a nor_o write_n affect_v to_o discourse_v dubious_o or_o obscure_o but_o that_o their_o great_a design_n be_v so_o to_o manifest_v and_o make_v know_v the_o truth_n as_o that_o by_o their_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n they_o may_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o that_o hear_v or_o read_v they_o second_o that_o in_o fact_n they_o have_v in_o their_o sermon_n and_o write_n so_o clear_o teach_v the_o gospel_n that_o if_o after_o all_o it_o remain_v hide_v or_o obscure_a to_o any_o it_o be_v only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v lose_v and_o irrecoverable_a three_o that_o that_o which_o render_v the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v teach_v and_o write_v hide_a or_o obscure_a to_o such_o be_v not_o the_o obscurity_n either_o of_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o teach_v or_o of_o their_o manner_n of_o teach_v it_o but_o their_o own_o worldly_a affection_n which_o blind_v their_o eye_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o see_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v illustrious_o visible_a which_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a evidence_n of_o the_o clearness_n and_o plainness_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o all_o necessary_a thing_n for_o if_o they_o be_v clear_a to_o all_o but_o such_o as_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o they_o they_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o they_o need_v be_v to_o honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v clear_a enough_o to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o understand_v and_o according_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n be_v say_v to_o have_v appear_v or_o shine_v forth_o to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2._o 11._o now_o if_o the_o gospel_n do_v shine_v forth_o unto_o all_o man_n it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n of_o those_o that_o have_v preach_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o if_o they_o so_o preach_v it_o as_o that_o it_o shine_v forth_o to_o all_o man_n they_o must_v necessary_o have_v preach_v it_o very_o plain_o and_o clear_o either_o therefore_o it_o be_v write_v as_o it_o be_v preach_v or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v not_o write_v true_o and_o sincere_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v write_v very_o plain_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v and_o shine_v forth_o to_o all_o that_o read_v it_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o thing_n obscure_a both_o in_o the_o old_a scripture_n and_o new_a but_o then_o these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o necessary_n and_o essential_o of_o religion_n such_o thing_n as_o man_n may_v be_v safe_o ignorant_a of_o or_o be_v mistake_v about_o without_o any_o hazard_n of_o their_o eternal_a life_n for_o all_o that_o the_o forecited_n testimony_n prove_v be_v only_o this_o that_o that_o true_a religion_n by_o which_o god_n govern_v the_o faith_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v plain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v to_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o beside_o this_o all_o man_n agree_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n reveal_v in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o because_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o understand_v be_v many_o of_o they_o not_o so_o plain_o reveal_v as_o that_o all_o man_n may_v understand_v they_o but_o since_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v man_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o teach_v they_o most_o plain_o that_o which_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o that_o read_v it_o to_o be_v sure_a among_o these_o thing_n be_v contain_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v 2._o from_o the_o avow_a design_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a it_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a for_o thus_o concern_v the_o old_a testament_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v writtenafore_o time_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n rom._n 15._o 4._o and_o if_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o instruction_n to_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v so_o write_v as_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v we_o that_o be_v plain_o and_o clear_o especial_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o have_v most_o need_v to_o be_v instruct_v and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o new_a testament_n st._n luke_n tell_v his_o theophilus_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o writing_n his_o gospel_n be_v that_o he_o may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o
to_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v obscure_a and_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a and_o of_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n either_o the_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n must_v be_v plain_o and_o clear_o express_v in_o scripture_n or_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o and_o to_o say_v god_n will_v damn_v we_o for_o not_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o give_v we_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v be_v to_o charge_v he_o with_o the_o most_o outrageous_a oppression_n and_o injustice_n but_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o though_o god_n have_v not_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n yet_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o for_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o all_o age_n who_o he_o have_v authorize_v to_o explain_v and_o define_v to_o we_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v which_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v upon_o her_o authority_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o if_o we_o firm_o believe_v what_o she_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o those_o of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n rely_v on_o i_o desire_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v serious_o consider_v 1._o that_o before_o we_o can_v reasonable_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n that_o we_o must_v believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n 2._o that_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v believe_v from_o scripture_n before_o we_o can_v rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n be_v at_o least_o as_o obscure_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n as_o any_o other_o article_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n 3._o that_o after_o all_o these_o thing_n upon_o our_o rely_v on_o that_o church_n authority_n we_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o same_o or_o great_a uncertainty_n than_o upon_o our_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n 4._o that_o in_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v leave_v to_o no_o other_o uncertainty_n than_o just_a what_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v our_o faith_n virtuous_a and_o rewardable_a whereas_o by_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o certain_a ground_n as_o it_o be_v pretend_v our_o faith_n will_v have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o virtue_n in_o it_o 1._o that_o before_o we_o can_v reasonable_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n in_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n that_o we_o must_v believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n as_o for_o instance_n we_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n or_o incorporate_v by_o a_o peculiar_a divine_a charter_n now_o whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n or_o no_o be_v a_o question_n that_o must_v be_v resolve_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o by_o the_o church_n because_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n because_o the_o church_n say_v there_o be_v a_o church_n be_v to_o take_v that_o for_o grant_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n second_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o this_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o must_v also_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v believe_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o of_o the_o church_n for_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n that_o have_v authority_n to_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o how_o can_v i_o believe_v this_o upon_o the_o church_n authority_n unless_o i_o can_v believe_v it_o before_o i_o do_v believe_v it_o three_o before_o we_o can_v rely_v upon_o this_o church_n authority_n in_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o this_o church_n be_v infallible_a for_o if_o she_o be_v not_o infallible_a how_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v she_o see_v in_o so_o do_v he_o must_v oblige_v we_o whensoever_o she_o err_v to_o believe_v her_o error_n but_o that_o she_o be_v infallible_a be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v upon_o she_o own_o authority_n for_o than_o her_o infallible_a authority_n must_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n that_o she_o be_v infallible_a that_o be_v we_o must_v believe_v her_o infallible_a because_o we_o believe_v her_o infallible_a see_v then_o we_o can_v believe_v it_o on_o her_o own_o authority_n if_o we_o believe_v it_o at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n four_o before_o we_o can_v rely_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n authority_n to_o define_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v believe_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v this_o infallible_a church_n but_o see_v this_o be_v no_o self-evident_a principle_n we_o must_v have_v some_o other_o evidence_n beside_o herself_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o what_o else_o can_v that_o be_v but_o scripture_n we_o be_v tell_v indeed_o by_o some_o of_o her_o great_a divine_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a mark_n and_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v her_o the_o true_a church_n such_o as_o antiquity_n universality_n holiness_n of_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n but_o see_v no_o doctrine_n can_v be_v holy_a that_o be_v not_o true_a we_o must_v be_v satisfy_v that_o that_o church_n be_v true_a before_o we_o can_v know_v that_o it_o be_v holy_a so_o that_o before_o we_o can_v reasonable_o submit_v to_o her_o authority_n we_o must_v be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o her_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o this_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o by_o her_o authority_n because_o that_o as_o yet_o be_v the_o matter_n in_o qustion_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o assure_v of_o it_o but_o only_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o when_o we_o be_v assure_v beforehand_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n that_o her_o doctrine_n be_v true_a her_o authority_n come_v too_o late_o to_o assure_v we_o see_v therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v some_o if_o not_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o roman_a faith_n that_o must_v be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n before_o we_o can_v safe_o rely_v upon_o her_o authority_n to_o define_v they_o to_o we_o how_o can_v we_o be_v oblige_v to_o settle_v our_o faith_n upon_o her_o authority_n when_o as_o before_o we_o can_v reasonable_o admit_v her_o authority_n we_o must_v believe_v several_a of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v be_v these_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o no_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n that_o this_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o define_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o in_o so_o define_v this_o church_n be_v infallible_a and_o that_o this_o infallible_a church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o they_o be_v as_o they_o themselves_o own_o they_o be_v than_o there_o be_v some_o article_n it_o seem_v that_o must_v be_v believe_v without_o the_o church_n authority_n upon_o the_o single_a authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o some_o why_o not_o all_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o sufficient_a to_o authorise_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o rest_n as_o these_o since_o its_o authority_n be_v as_o great_a in_o one_o text_n as_o in_o another_o especial_o consider_v 2._o that_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v believe_v from_o scripture_n before_o we_o can_v rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v at_o least_o as_o obscure_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n as_o any_o other_o article_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n the_o great_a reason_n urge_v by_o the_o romanist_n against_o our_o reliance_n upon_o the_o scripture_n for_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o obscurity_n of_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n it_o prove_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o they_o will_v have_v it_o
viz._n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o rely_v upon_o scripture_n even_o for_o those_o article_n without_o believe_v of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v be_v it_o clear_a and_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o the_o present_a catholic_n church_n of_o every_o age_n have_v authority_n to_o define_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o in_o all_o its_o definition_n it_o be_v infallible_a and_o that_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v this_o catholic_n church_n if_o so_o how_o come_v those_o text_n upon_o which_o those_o article_n be_v found_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o quite_o different_a sense_n not_o only_o by_o we_o but_o by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o primitive_a father_n as_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o protestant_a writer_n suppose_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o blind_v by_o our_o partiality_n to_o our_o own_o tenet_n as_o to_o misapprehend_v plain_a and_o clear_a expression_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a methinks_v that_o the_o father_n who_o be_v never_o engage_v in_o the_o controversy_n and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v biased_a either_o one_o way_n or_o tother_o shall_v yet_o misapprehend_v they_o too_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o say_v that_o let_v man_n be_v never_o so_o indifferent_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v easy_o mistake_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o very_a plain_a and_o clear_a expression_n and_o if_o so_o what_o signify_v either_o speak_v or_o write_v but_o to_o proceed_v to_o some_o instance_n will_v any_o modest_a man_n in_o the_o world_n affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n infallibility_n in_o define_v article_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n be_v more_o plain_o express_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n than_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o first_o chaper_fw-fr of_o st._n john_n gospel_n where_o it_o be_v express_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v god_n whereas_o in_o the_o other_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n either_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o of_o infallibility_n or_o define_v article_n of_o faith_n why_o may_v we_o not_o then_o as_o well_o depend_v upon_o the_o one_o text_n for_o the_o article_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n as_o upon_o the_o other_o for_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n infallibility_n again_o be_v there_o not_o innumerable_a text_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o article_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a the_o last_o judgement_n and_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v at_o least_o as_o plain_o express_v as_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n infallibility_n be_v in_o any_o of_o those_o text_n that_o be_v urge_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o late_a upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n notwithstanding_o the_o pretend_a obscurity_n of_o it_o why_o may_v we_o not_o as_o well_o upon_o the_o same_o authority_n believe_v all_o the_o former_a since_o the_o former_a be_v at_o least_o as_o plain_o express_v as_o the_o late_a either_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a enough_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o to_o this_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n infallibility_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o our_o dependence_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o her_o definition_n and_o proposal_n if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v plain_a enough_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o in_o all_o other_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n since_o these_o be_v all_o as_o plain_o at_o least_o express_v in_o scripture_n as_o that_o for_o if_o we_o may_v not_o rely_v upon_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a then_o where_o it_o be_v equal_o plain_a it_o be_v equal_o to_o be_v rely_v on_o 3._o that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o rely_v upon_o this_o church_n authority_n we_o be_v expose_v to_o far_o great_a uncertainty_n than_o while_o we_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o be_v of_o all_o side_n agree_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v infallible_a and_o that_o such_o and_o such_o write_n be_v part_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o be_v absolute_o secure_a that_o if_o we_o follow_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o it_o can_v mislead_v we_o but_o the_o much_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n deny_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v infallible_a even_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o own_v the_o authority_n we_o rely_v on_o to_o be_v infallible_a but_o all_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o beside_o those_o of_o she_o own_o communion_n disallow_v she_o to_o be_v so_o and_o to_o forsake_v our_o dependence_n upon_o a_o infallibility_n which_o all_o own_o to_o rely_v upon_o a_o infallibility_n which_o but_o few_o in_o comparison_n admit_v be_v certain_o a_o very_a dangerous_a venture_n and_o then_o second_o as_o for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v certain_a where_o to_o find_v it_o viz._n in_o every_o text_n and_o in_o every_o proposition_n therein_o contain_v which_o be_v all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v all_o infallible_a but_o as_o for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o they_o have_v handle_v the_o matter_n it_o be_v almost_o as_o difficult_a to_o find_v as_o to_o prove_v it_o some_o cry_n lo_o it_o be_v here_o and_o some_o lo_o it_o be_v there_o some_o place_n it_o in_o the_o pope_n only_o other_o in_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o college_n of_o cardinal_n some_o in_o the_o pope_n preside_v in_o a_o general_n council_n other_o in_o a_o general_n council_n whether_o the_o pope_n preside_v in_o it_o or_o no._n so_o that_o in_o this_o church_n it_o seem_v there_o be_v infallibility_n somewhere_o but_o what_o be_v we_o the_o better_a for_o it_o if_o we_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v it_o if_o we_o go_v to_o the_o pope_n for_o it_o there_o have_v be_v two_o or_o three_o pope_n at_o once_o that_o have_v decree_v against_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o one_o or_o tother_o of_o they_o to_o be_v sure_o be_v mistake_v how_o then_o shall_v we_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a infallible_a one_o and_o when_o i_o have_v find_v the_o true_a pope_n other_o tell_v i_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o arrive_v at_o the_o seat_n of_o infallibility_n until_o i_o have_v find_v he_o in_o his_o college_n of_o cardinal_n and_o when_o i_o have_v find_v he_o here_o i_o be_o still_o to_o seek_v see_v i_o find_v the_o same_o pope_n eugenius_n the_o four_o for_o instance_n decree_a one_o thing_n in_o his_o college_n of_o cardinal_n and_o the_o quite_o contrary_a in_o a_o general_a council_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v not_o be_v infallible_a in_o both_o therefore_o other_o send_v i_o to_o the_o pope_n in_o a_o general_n council_n but_o when_o i_o come_v thither_o i_o find_v myself_o at_o a_o loss_n again_o because_o i_o meet_v with_o several_a instance_n of_o one_o pope_n define_v one_o thing_n in_o one_o general_n council_n and_o another_o pope_n the_o quite_o contrary_a in_o another_o and_o therefore_o in_o one_o or_o other_o council_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o one_o or_o other_o pope_n be_v mistake_v and_o as_o for_o general_a council_n themselves_o there_o be_v sundry_a of_o they_o which_o be_v own_v by_o some_o and_o reject_v by_o other_o of_o the_o principal_a doctor_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n and_o even_o when_o council_n be_v legal_o assemble_v there_o be_v so_o many_o nice_a dispute_n among_o they_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v they_o general_n and_o when_o it_o be_v that_o they_o act_n conciliariter_fw-la as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o be_v so_o as_o to_o render_v their_o decree_n perpetual_o and_o universal_o oblige_v that_o though_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o church_n yet_o if_o we_o will_v use_v that_o caution_n in_o believe_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o involve_v in_o great_a uncertainty_n concern_v these_o thing_n than_o we_o be_v concern_v the_o sense_n even_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n but_o than_o three_o when_o we_o be_v pass_v over_o all_o these_o difficulty_n we_o be_v still_o at_o as_o great_a a_o loss_n to_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o as_o what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o deliver_v her_o sense_n to_o we_o but_o either_o by_o oral_a tradition_n that_o be_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o by_o write_v if_o she_o deliver_v her_o sense_n to_o i_o by_o
brief_o as_o i_o can_v argue_v the_o point_n from_o these_o follow_a topic_n 1._o from_o the_o obligation_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o to_o read_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n 2._o from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n approbation_n of_o their_o practice_n in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o their_o obligation_n 3._o from_o the_o great_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n 4._o from_o the_o direction_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n to_o the_o people_n 5._o from_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o 6._o from_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o this_o matter_n 1._o from_o the_o general_a obligation_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o to_o read_v and_o search_v their_o scripture_n for_o so_o god_n require_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o word_n which_o he_o command_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o their_o child_n and_o to_o talk_v of_o they_o as_o they_o sit_v in_o their_o house_n and_o as_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n and_o when_o they_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o they_o rise_v up_o and_o to_o bind_v they_o as_o a_o sign_n upon_o their_o hand_n deut._n 6._o 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o elsewhere_o this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n but_o thou_o shall_v meditate_v therein_o day_n and_o night_n speak_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o general_a jos._n 1._o 8._o and_o again_o you_o shall_v lay_v up_o these_o my_o word_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o in_o your_o soul_n that_o your_o day_n may_v be_v multiply_v and_o the_o day_n of_o your_o child_n in_o the_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n swear_v unto_o your_o father_n to_o give_v they_o as_o the_o day_n of_o heaven_n upon_o the_o earth_n deut._n 11._o 18_o 21._o and_o to_o meditate_v on_o god_n law_n day_n and_o night_n david_n make_v a_o part_n of_o the_o character_n of_o the_o bless_a man_n psal._n 1._o 3._o now_o if_o they_o can_v not_o keep_v god_n law_n in_o their_o heart_n as_o most_o certain_o they_o can_v not_o if_o they_o can_v not_o teach_v they_o to_o their_o child_n if_o they_o can_v not_o talk_v of_o they_o upon_o all_o just_a and_o proper_a occasion_n and_o in_o a_o word_n if_o they_o can_v not_o meditate_v on_o they_o day_n and_o night_n without_o be_v very_o well_o acquaint_v with_o they_o by_o diligent_a search_n and_o read_v they_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o to_o read_v and_o search_v into_o they_o be_v their_o indispensable_a duty_n now_o if_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v read_v the_o scripture_n as_o there_o be_v why_o the_o jew_n shall_v than_o the_o obligation_n of_o these_o command_n must_v extend_v to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o because_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o law_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a even_o beyond_o contradiction_n that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n assignable_a for_o the_o one_o which_o be_v not_o of_o equal_a force_n for_o the_o other_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v object_v by_o our_o adversary_n in_o this_o point_n against_o our_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v of_o equal_a validity_n against_o the_o jew_n read_v they_o it_o be_v object_v that_o our_o read_v they_o through_o our_o incapacity_n to_o understand_v they_o must_v occasion_v a_o great_a many_o error_n and_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n and_o why_o shall_v not_o their_o read_v they_o occasion_n the_o same_o since_o neither_o their_o understanding_n be_v large_a than_o we_o nor_o their_o scripture_n clear_a and_o more_o intelligible_a than_o we_o it_o be_v far_a object_v that_o because_o of_o the_o many_o ill_a example_n record_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o the_o people_n to_o read_v it_o because_o of_o their_o aptness_n to_o be_v mislead_v and_o corrupt_v by_o example_n but_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v there_o not_o more_o bad_a example_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n than_o in_o the_o new_a and_o be_v not_o the_o jew_n as_o apt_a to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o they_o as_o we_o christian_n and_o therefore_o since_o these_o objection_n do_v press_v as_o much_o against_o their_o read_v the_o scripture_n as_o we_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o ought_v to_o keep_v both_o from_o it_o or_o neither_o see_v therefore_o notwithstanding_o these_o objection_n god_n oblige_v the_o jew_n to_o read_v they_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v not_o of_o force_n enough_o to_o disoblige_v we_o from_o do_v the_o same_o 2._o from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n approbation_n of_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o it_o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o same_o that_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v ordinary_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o the_o text_n search_v the_o scripture_n which_o if_o you_o take_v they_o indicative_o be_v a_o express_a declaration_n that_o they_o do_v read_v they_o and_o if_o you_o take_v they_o imperative_o necessary_o imply_v that_o they_o themselves_o own_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o read_v they_o but_o also_o from_o those_o question_n which_o our_o saviour_n frequent_o ask_v they_o in_o his_o conference_n with_o they_o such_o as_o have_v you_o not_o read_v have_v you_o never_o read_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v so_o and_o so_o which_o question_n will_v be_v very_o impertinent_a if_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o then_o ordinary_o practise_v by_o that_o people_n and_o that_o even_o their_o holy_a woman_n be_v then_o so_o well_o instruct_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v their_o child_n timothy_n be_v a_o signal_n instance_n who_o though_o his_o father_n be_v a_o heathen_a have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o a_o child_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 10._o which_o knowledge_n he_o must_v necessary_o have_v derive_v from_o his_o grandmother_n lois_fw-fr and_o his_o mother_n eunice_n who_o faith_n st._n paul_n celebrate_v 2_o tim._n 1._o 10._o and_o this_o practice_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v so_o common_a among_o that_o people_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v discontinue_v either_o by_o himself_o or_o his_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v always_o mention_v by_o they_o with_o applause_n and_o approbation_n thus_o the_o bâ—reans_n be_v commend_v as_o a_o people_n of_o a_o noble_a strain_n than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n because_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v preach_v to_o they_o be_v so_o or_o no._n and_o st._n paul_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reprehend_v timothy_n for_o meddle_v with_o the_o scripture_n whilst_o he_o be_v a_o layman_n that_o he_o mention_n it_o to_o his_o honour_n that_o he_o have_v know_v the_o scripture_n from_o a_o child_n and_o in_o all_o those_o passage_n wherein_o our_o saviour_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v read_v the_o scripture_n we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o his_o dislike_n of_o their_o practice_n which_o we_o shall_v certain_o have_v have_v have_v he_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v either_o dangerous_a or_o unwarrantable_a see_v therefore_o neither_o our_o saviour_n nor_o his_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o least_o disallow_v of_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v by_o the_o common_a people_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v express_o commend_v it_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v their_o intention_n to_o perpetuate_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o future_a age_n for_o see_v the_o jew_n read_v the_o scripture_n in_o obedience_n to_o a_o express_a command_n of_o god_n as_o be_v show_v before_o have_v our_o saviour_n intend_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o continue_v it_o he_o will_v doubtless_o have_v repeal_v that_o command_n by_o some_o countermand_n which_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v that_o he_o not_o only_o every_o where_o allow_v of_o their_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o also_o express_o approve_v and_o commend_v it_o whereby_o he_o plain_o establish_v the_o obligation_n of_o that_o ancient_a command_n in_o obedience_n to_o which_o they_o do_v read_v they_o 3._o from_o the_o great_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o the_o people_n be_v still_o oblige_v to_o read_v they_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a religion_n for_o thus_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v afore-time_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n
pilgrimage_n or_o the_o like_a this_o be_v a_o religion_n for_o your_o tooth_n with_o which_o your_o naughty_a heart_n will_v be_v ready_a enough_o to_o fall_v in_o love_n upon_o the_o first_o interview_n and_o when_o once_o it_o have_v gain_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n if_o we_o do_v not_o take_v the_o great_a heed_n they_o will_v quick_o gain_v our_o faith_n and_o judgement_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v angry_a with_o his_o own_o religion_n because_o it_o sit_v uneasy_a on_o his_o conscience_n if_o a_o more_o easy_a religion_n present_v itself_o to_o he_o he_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v wish_v it_o be_v true_a though_o as_o yet_o he_o have_v no_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o then_o a_o very_a slender_a evidence_n will_v suffice_v to_o induce_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o a_o man_n earnest_o wish_n and_o desire_n if_o in_o this_o ill_a temper_n of_o mind_n therefore_o you_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o change_v your_o religion_n it_o concern_v you_o as_o much_o as_o your_o soul_n be_v worth_a to_o look_v about_o you_o for_o you_o have_v a_o seducer_n in_o your_o breast_n a_o prevalent_a insinuate_a seducer_n viz._n some_o vile_a and_o sinful_a affection_n who_o if_o you_o listen_v to_o his_o charm_a persuasion_n will_v certain_o betray_v you_o into_o a_o most_o damnable_a apostasy_n wherefore_o before_o you_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n consider_v serious_o with_o yourselves_o that_o that_o disturbance_n which_o your_o present_a religion_n give_v to_o your_o vicious_a affection_n for_o which_o you_o be_v so_o angry_a with_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n to_o suspect_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o real_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o its_o holiness_n which_o be_v a_o inseparable_a concomitant_a of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o for_o you_o to_o desert_n it_o upon_o this_o motive_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o pronounce_v it_o a_o false_a religion_n because_o it_o give_v you_o a_o sensible_a experiment_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o reality_n 3._o when_o you_o fall_v under_o any_o temptation_n to_o change_v your_o religion_n consider_v whether_o that_o which_o give_v you_o the_o first_o inclination_n to_o change_n be_v not_o some_o temporal_a interest_n whether_o before_o ever_o you_o admit_v any_o thought_n of_o a_o change_n you_o do_v not_o perceive_v another_o religion_n appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n attend_v with_o all_o the_o fair_a hope_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n and_o whether_o this_o prospect_n do_v not_o first_o suggest_v to_o you_o a_o great_a inclination_n to_o enter_v into_o its_o retinue_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o even_o worldly_a consideration_n may_v so_o far_a influence_n honest_a mind_n as_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o a_o more_o severe_a and_o impartial_a scrutiny_n of_o their_o present_a persuasion_n in_o religion_n and_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o case_n of_o palpable_a truth_n or_o falsehood_n it_o be_v but_o honest_a prudence_n when_o a_o man_n be_v temporal_a interest_n lie_v at_o stake_n to_o take_v care_n that_o he_o be_v sure_a of_o his_o hand_n that_o he_o do_v not_o throw_v it_o away_o upon_o a_o false_a persuasion_n in_o a_o fit_a of_o blind_a humour_n or_o obstinacy_n and_o sacrifice_n that_o to_o a_o erroneus_fw-la judgement_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o no_o other_o altar_n but_o truth_n be_v and_o indeed_o before_o i_o throw_v myself_o upon_o any_o suffer_a whether_o it_o be_v loss_n or_o pain_n i_o be_o bind_v in_o conscience_n diligent_o to_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v for_o truth_n or_o righteousness_n sake_n lest_o instead_o of_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n i_o be_o send_v away_o to_o seek_v my_o reward_n in_o the_o paradise_n of_o fool_n but_o if_o mere_o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o present_a loss_n or_o advantage_n i_o find_v myself_o strong_o incline_v to_o change_v my_o religion_n before_o ever_o i_o enter_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n to_o examine_v the_o reason_n pro_fw-la and_o con_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o that_o loss_n or_o advantage_n that_o incline_v i_o have_v a_o more_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o i_o than_o my_o religion_n that_o i_o love_v the_o world_n better_o than_o god_n and_o do_v prefer_v my_o earthly_a expectation_n before_o all_o my_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o if_o in_o this_o ill_a temper_n of_o mind_n i_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o a_o present_a change_n it_o concern_v i_o as_o much_o as_o my_o soul_n be_v worth_a to_o be_v very_o careful_a what_o i_o do_v for_o i_o stand_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o a_o precipice_n the_o foul_a and_o fatal_a precipice_n of_o apostasy_n into_o which_o if_o i_o fall_v i_o be_o ruin_v for_o ever_o for_o if_o in_o change_v my_o religion_n it_o be_v find_v that_o i_o follow_v this_o my_o wicked_a inclination_n more_o than_o any_o sincere_a conviction_n i_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v treat_v by_o god_n as_o a_o apostate_n and_o renegado_n as_o a_o wilful_a deserter_n of_o his_o cause_n and_o betrayer_n of_o his_o sacred_a truth_n but_o if_o i_o change_v while_o i_o stand_v thus_o incline_v it_o be_v fearful_o hazardous_a but_o this_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n for_o in_o all_o probability_n my_o wicked_a inclination_n will_v cast_v a_o mist_n before_o my_o understanding_n and_o so_o darken_v its_o prospect_n that_o it_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v the_o gross_a sophistry_n from_o the_o clear_a reason_n so_o that_o now_o those_o arguing_n which_o before_o i_o see_v through_o with_o half_a a_o eye_n and_o look_v upon_o as_o most_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a will_v appear_v to_o my_o abuse_a and_o bias_v mind_n in_o the_o colour_n of_o clear_a evidence_n and_o plain_a demonstration_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o surrender_v up_o my_o faith_n to_o those_o trifle_a pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o authority_n which_o before_o i_o laugh_v at_o and_o despise_v now_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n will_v seem_v a_o very_a pregnant_a proof_n that_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n from_o st._n peter_n be_v ordain_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v in_o it_o no_o nor_o from_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o now_o this_o be_v my_o body_n look_v like_o a_o substantial_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o of_o all_o those_o wild_a absurdity_n it_o contain_v though_o those_o form_n of_o speech_n i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n and_o i_o be_o the_o door_n do_v as_o substantial_o prove_v that_o christ_n bear_v grape_n and_o turn_v upon_o hinge_n now_o every_o thing_n will_v appear_v to_o i_o in_o a_o quite_o different_a guise_n from_o what_o it_o do_v before_o and_o i_o shall_v fancy_v that_o i_o spy_v demonstration_n where_o before_o i_o can_v only_o discern_v probability_n for_o a_o good_a sum_n of_o money_n or_o a_o rich_a preferment_n be_v a_o strange_a clear_a of_o some_o man_n eyesight_n thus_o when_o a_o man_n begin_v to_o think_v of_o change_v his_o religion_n under_o the_o powerful_a influence_n of_o his_o worldly_a interest_n that_o be_v usual_o the_o only_a effectual_a reason_n that_o lead_v and_o persuade_v he_o as_o for_o other_o reason_n they_o only_o serve_v for_o form-sake_n to_o disguise_v the_o foul_a apostasy_n into_o some_o resemblance_n of_o a_o sincere_a conversion_n for_o till_o his_o interest_n strike_v in_o with_o they_o they_o signify_v nothing_o with_o he_o make_v not_o the_o least_o impression_n on_o his_o mind_n but_o be_v back_v with_o that_o all_o on_o a_o sudden_a they_o be_v wondrous_a cogent_n and_o persuasive_a from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o receive_v their_o strength_n and_o force_n from_o his_o interest_n without_o the_o air_n of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o operate_v and_o consequent_o that_o the_o change_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o overrule_a interest_n of_o his_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o prevalence_n of_o reason_n and_o sincere_a conviction_n for_o it_o be_v that_o interest_n that_o strong_o incline_v he_o to_o change_v before_o ever_o he_o know_v any_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o than_o it_o be_v that_o inclination_n that_o make_v his_o reason_n and_o create_v his_o conviction_n and_o let_v he_o talk_v what_o he_o please_v of_o reason_n scripture_n and_o authority_n if_o he_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o change_v before_o he_o be_v move_v to_o it_o by_o reason_n and_o evidence_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o prevail_a motive_n of_o his_o conversion_n be_v either_o the_o fear_n of_o lose_v
some_o good_a warm_a place_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o gain_v some_o important_a station_n or_o preferment_n and_o if_o this_o be_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o case_n when_o he_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n it_o have_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n better_o for_o he_o that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v for_o than_o he_o will_v be_v find_v a_o base_a deserter_n of_o his_o god_n a_o treacherous_a judas_n to_o his_o saviour_n and_o a_o perfidious_a renegado_n from_o his_o religion_n and_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o gild_n receive_v his_o portion_n of_o damnation_n 4._o consider_v whether_o before_o you_o entertain_v any_o intention_n to_o change_v you_o be_v full_o resolve_v impartial_o to_o consult_v both_o side_n of_o the_o question_n i_o doubt_v there_o be_v too_o many_o among_o we_o that_o first_o resolve_v to_o change_v their_o religion_n and_o then_o begin_v to_o inquire_v after_o reason_n and_o argument_n against_o it_o and_o that_o their_o resolution_n to_o change_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o sincere_a conviction_n that_o their_o conviction_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o resolution_n first_o some_o vile_a affection_n or_o some_o temporal_a interest_n recommend_v another_o religion_n to_o they_o that_o either_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o be_v wicked_a without_o remorse_n or_o disturbance_n or_o promise_v they_o gain_n and_o advancement_n upon_o which_o they_o resolve_v right_a or_o wrong_n to_o entertain_v and_o embrace_v it_o and_o then_o to_o excuse_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n or_o to_o vindicate_v their_o reputation_n to_o the_o world_n from_o the_o scandal_n of_o be_v downright_a apostate_n they_o fall_v a_o hunt_n after_o reason_n and_o argument_n to_o convince_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o interest_n but_o their_o conviction_n that_o turn_v they_o and_o when_o man_n thus_o resolve_v first_o and_o inquire_v afterward_o to_o be_v sure_a their_o enquiry_n will_v be_v very_o partial_a for_o be_v full_o resolve_v to_o change_v their_o religion_n upon_o some_o vicious_a or_o secular_a motive_n it_o be_v become_v their_o interest_n to_o pick_v holes_n in_o it_o and_o to_o reason_n or_o cavil_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o this_o make_v they_o shy_a of_o bring_v the_o matter_n under_o a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a examination_n lest_o while_o they_o be_v seek_v reason_n to_o overthrow_v their_o faith_n they_o shall_v find_v reason_n to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v it_o so_o that_o they_o begin_v their_o enquiry_n with_o these_o secret_a intention_n we_o will_v listen_v only_o to_o one_o side_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o leave_v the_o other_o to_o shift_v for_o itself_o and_o seek_v for_o as_o many_o argument_n as_o we_o can_v against_o our_o religion_n but_o none_o for_o it_o we_o will_v read_v the_o book_n and_o consult_v the_o teacher_n of_o one_o side_n only_o viz._n the_o opposite_a side_n to_o our_o present_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n and_o if_o among_o they_o we_o can_v but_o find_v argument_n enough_o to_o render_v the_o contrary_a persuasion_n any_o way_n probable_a we_o will_v submit_v our_o faith_n to_o it_o without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n and_o not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o examine_v the_o evidence_n on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o fear_v we_o shall_v be_v convince_v in_o spite_n of_o our_o tooth_n that_o the_o truth_n lie_v there_o and_o then_o our_o conscience_n will_v never_o let_v we_o be_v quiet_a but_o be_v perpetual_o clamour_v against_o we_o for_o base_a and_o impious_a apostate_n that_o this_o be_v the_o foul_a and_o hypocritical_a intention_n of_o too_o many_o among_o we_o be_v notorious_a enough_o by_o their_o practice_n they_o leap_v from_o church_n to_o church_n and_o from_o one_o communion_n to_o another_o without_o any_o pause_v or_o consideration_n they_o be_v with_o we_o to_o day_n and_o go_v from_o we_o to_o morrow_n and_o be_v such_o mushroom_n extemporary_a convert_v that_o before_o ever_o we_o hear_v they_o doubt_v of_o their_o own_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n in_o short_a they_o steal_v out_o of_o their_o religion_n so_o soft_o and_o with_o so_o little_a noise_n that_o they_o be_v common_o go_v before_o ever_o we_o hear_v they_o be_v go_v as_o if_o they_o be_v afraid_a we_o shall_v stop_v and_o detain_v they_o by_o better_a reason_n and_o full_a conviction_n whereas_o have_v these_o man_n any_o conscience_n or_o honesty_n in_o they_o they_o will_v consider_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n too_o sacred_a and_o serious_a to_o be_v thus_o dally_v and_o trifle_v with_o and_o that_o to_o change_v one_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n as_o require_v a_o long_a and_o through_o consideration_n and_o a_o very_a clear_a and_o full_a conviction_n of_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v too_o much_o depend_v upon_o it_o to_o part_v with_o it_o upon_o slight_a pretence_n and_o that_o it_o concern_v they_o as_o much_o as_o a_o eternity_n of_o bliss_n amount_v to_o not_o to_o desert_v it_o upon_o any_o other_o inducement_n but_o that_o of_o a_o through_o well-weighed_a persuasion_n of_o conscience_n and_o if_o they_o have_v have_v any_o such_o honest_a thought_n about_o they_o while_o they_o be_v under_o the_o temptation_n to_o change_v they_o will_v never_o have_v admit_v any_o doubt_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o upon_o great_a and_o palpable_a evidence_n and_o then_o they_o will_v have_v doubt_v long_o before_o they_o will_v have_v conclude_v against_o it_o and_o not_o have_v precipitate_v their_o judgement_n hand_n over_o head_n into_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n till_o they_o have_v first_o apply_v themselves_o for_o resolution_n again_o and_o again_o to_o their_o old_a guide_n and_o pastor_n and_o with_o all_o due_a deference_n to_o their_o authority_n have_v strict_o examine_v all_o their_o reason_n and_o answer_n till_o they_o have_v thorough_o inspect_v their_o argument_n pro_fw-la and_o con_v and_o equal_o hear_v both_o side_n of_o the_o cause_n till_o they_o have_v read_v advise_v and_o consult_v on_o both_o side_n and_o weigh_v the_o whole_a matter_n over_o and_o over_o with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o exactness_n but_o when_o man_n run_v away_o from_o their_o religion_n in_o a_o instant_a without_o ever_o observe_v this_o regular_a process_n of_o sincere_a inquiry_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o their_o will_n be_v resolve_v before_o their_o understanding_n and_o that_o they_o be_v convert_v before_o ever_o they_o be_v convince_v and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n and_o conviction_n that_o turn_v they_o but_o lust_n or_o interest_n for_o though_o when_o they_o be_v turn_v they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v very_o diligent_a to_o seek_v conviction_n yet_o this_o be_v only_o a_o aftergame_n which_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o play_v to_o save_v their_o conscience_n or_o their_o reputation_n 5._o consider_v before_o you_o entertain_v any_o intention_n to_o change_v whether_o it_o be_v your_o unfeigned_a intention_n whatever_o shall_v happen_v to_o you_o to_o adhere_v to_o that_o side_n which_o shall_v appear_v most_o reasonable_a perhaps_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o resolve_v right_a or_o wrong_n to_o change_v your_o religion_n whether_o you_o find_v it_o true_a or_o false_a upon_o a_o just_a and_o fair_a examination_n for_o this_o be_v such_o a_o horrible_a defiance_n of_o god_n such_o a_o express_a and_o absolute_a renunciation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v sacred_a and_o good_a as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o who_o be_v not_o utter_o abandon_v of_o all_o his_o natural_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o relish_v of_o good_a and_o evil._n but_o yet_o perhaps_o you_o may_v be_v tempt_v to_o change_v with_o the_o prospect_n of_o such_o advantage_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o calamity_n on_o the_o other_o which_o though_o it_o do_v not_o obtain_v of_o you_o that_o base_a and_o wicked_a resolution_n yet_o do_v so_o far_o prevail_v as_o to_o engage_v you_o upon_o a_o fresh_a enquiry_n to_o try_v whether_o upon_o second_o thought_n and_o better_a consideration_n you_o can_v satisfy_v your_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n you_o be_v invite_v to_o turn_v to_o that_o so_o you_o may_v if_o possible_a comply_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o secure_v your_o interest_n in_o do_v your_o duty_n and_o thus_o far_o you_o be_v safe_a enough_o but_o before_o you_o proceed_v any_o far_a it_o concern_v you_o as_o you_o tender_v your_o everlasting_a interest_n to_o look_v into_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o consider_v serious_o whether_o you_o be_v unfeigned_o resolve_v whatsoever_o the_o consequence_n of_o thing_n may_v be_v to_o cleave_v fast_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n on_o which_o side_n