Selected quad for the lemma: scripture_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n apostle_n great_a word_n 2,778 5 3.7624 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A92744 The Christian life wheren is shew'd, I. The worth and excellency of the soul. II. The divinity and incarnation of our Saviour III. The authority of the Holy Scripture. IV. A dissuasive from apostacy. Vol. V. and last. By John Scott, D.D. late rector of St. Giles's in the Fields.; Christian life. Vol. 5 Scott, John, 1639-1695.; White, Robert, 1645-1703, engraver.; Zouch, Humphrey. 1700 (1700) Wing S2060; ESTC R230772 251,294 440

There are 18 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

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.e._n those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v believe_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o witten_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 audieritisè_fw-la scriptura_fw-la sacra_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 2.15_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_o 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_n 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 coristianity_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
then_o to_o be_v sure_a our_o saviour_n here_o mention_n it_o at_o least_o with_o approbation_n and_o what_o he_o approve_v when_o do_v that_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v have_v we_o do_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o command_n or_o of_o a_o bare_a assertion_n it_o be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o command_n it_o be_v at_o least_o a_o assertion_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o he_o approve_v and_o consequent_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o practise_v but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o numerous_a party_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o do_v not_o only_o forbid_v the_o people_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n but_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o practice_n of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n it_o be_v hereby_o become_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o assert_v but_o prove_v their_o obligation_n to_o it_o which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v very_o needless_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a and_o evident_a in_o itself_o now_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o search_n and_o read_v the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v as_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 underto_a 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 the_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 6.6_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 shatl_n 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 1.8_o and_o again_o you_o shall_v lay_v lip_n 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 11.18_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 1.3_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 indispensible_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 saviou's_fw-mi 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 3.15_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 1.5_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 berean_o 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
344._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 p_o 345_o 346._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 347_o 348._o 4._o from_o the_o direction_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n to_o the_o people_n p._n 349._o to_o 352._o 5._o from_o the_o great_a concernmènt_n the_o people_n have_v in_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n p._n 352._o to_o 356._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 p._n 355._o to_o 359._o a_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o a_o general_a permission_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n must_v necessary_o open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o error_n and_o heresy_n p._n 360._o to_o 366._o another_o objection_n that_o it_o will_v prove_v a_o unavoidable_a occasion_n of_o great_a corruption_n in_o manner_n answer_v p._n 367._o to_o 371._o two_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a p._n 372._o to_o the_o end_n dis_n v._o a_o dissuasive_a from_o apostasy_n a_o explication_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n p._n 385._o to_o p._n 388._o the_o general_a proposition_n p._n 389._o six_o instance_n of_o the_o mighty_a tendency_n there_o be_v in_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n to_o error_n and_o apostasy_n from_o true_a religion_n as_o 1._o it_o corrupt_v man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n p._n 390_o 391._o 2._o it_o render_v the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n uneasy_a to_o their_o mind_n p._n 392_o 393_o 394._o 3._o it_o deprive_v man_n of_o the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o religion_n p._n 395._o 4._o it_o weaken_v the_o natural_a force_n of_o man_n conscience_n p._n 396._o to_o p._n 399._o 5._o it_o strengthen_v and_o enforce_v the_o temptation_n to_o apostasy_n p._n 400._o to_o 402._o 6._o it_o provoke_v god_n to_o give_v we_o up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n p._n 403._o to_o p._n 406._o two_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a p._n 406._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n part_n iv_o matth_n xuj_o 26._o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n in_o the_o 24_o verse_n our_o saviour_n urge_v his_o disciple_n to_o that_o necessary_a duty_n of_o deny_v themselves_o that_o be_v of_o surrender_v up_o their_o will_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o he_o and_o renounce_v all_o their_o worldly_a interest_n when_o it_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o that_o be_v of_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o endure_v persecution_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o to_o persist_v courageous_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o religion_n whatsoever_o opposition_n they_o shall_v meet_v with_o from_o the_o world_n and_o to_o press_v they_o hereunto_o he_o urge_v this_o argument_n ver._n 25._o for_o whosoever_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o whosoever_o will_v lose_v his_o life_n shall_v find_v it_o where_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v life_n may_v perhaps_o be_v better_o render_v himself_o it_o be_v familiar_a both_o with_o hebrew_n and_o syrian_n to_o call_v a_o man_n life_n and_o soul_n himself_o so_o the_o psalmist_n thou_o shall_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n that_o be_v thou_o shall_v not_o leave_v i_o perish_v in_o my_o grave_n psal_n 16.10_o and_o levit._n 20.25_o you_o shall_v not_o make_v your_o soul_n abominable_a i._n e._n yourselves_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o render_v here_o be_v evident_a because_o st._n luke_n so_o expound_v it_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v himself_o or_o be_v cast_v away_o luke_n 9.25_o and_o indeed_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o a_o man_n and_o that_o which_o advance_v he_o into_o a_o species_n of_o be_v above_o that_o of_o a_o mere_a animal_n may_v very_o well_o be_v call_v himself_o according_a to_o that_o of_o hierecles_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thy_o soul_n be_v thou_o thy_o body_n thou_o and_o thy_o outward_a good_n thy_o body_n and_o if_o instead_o of_o life_n we_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d himself_o the_o word_n will_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a for_o whosoever_o will_v save_v himself_o by_o renounce_v i_o and_o my_o religion_n shall_v lose_v himself_o for_o ever_o and_o whosoever_o will_v be_v content_a to_o lose_v himself_o for_o my_o sake_n shall_v save_v himself_o for_o ever_o and_o this_o he_o far_o enforce_v in_o the_o text_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n that_o be_v what_o will_v it_o avail_v a_o man_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n if_o he_o for_o ever_o ruin_v himself_o by_o it_o and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o ruin_v himself_o what_o will_v he_o give_v if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o save_v and_o recover_v himself_o again_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v i_o shall_v resolve_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o into_o these_o five_o proposition_n i._o that_o a_o man_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o inestimable_a price_n and_o value_n for_o our_o saviour_n here_o weigh_v it_o against_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o be_v against_o all_o the_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o honour_n that_o this_o inferior_a world_n can_v afford_v and_o declare_v that_o in_o the_o just_a balance_n of_o his_o esteem_n it_o outweigh_v they_o all_o and_o certain_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v exceed_v precious_a who_o worth_a the_o whole_a world_n can_v counter-poise_n ii_o that_o this_o precious_a soul_n may_v be_v lose_v this_o our_o saviour_n plain_o suppose_v in_o these_o word_n if_o he_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n iii_o that_o our_o renounce_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n will_v most_o certain_o infer_v this_o loss_n for_o these_o word_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o our_o saviour_n urge_v as_o a_o argument_n to_o dissuade_v man_n from_o apostasy_n but_o if_o without_o lose_v our_o soul_n we_o may_v renounce_v he_o and_o apostatise_v from_o he_o there_o will_v be_v no_o force_n in_o all_o this_o argument_n to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o it_o iv_o that_o when_o this_o soul_n be_v lose_v it_o be_v lose_v irrecoverable_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n where_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v exchange_n be_v use_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o price_n of_o redemption_n denote_v that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v or_o can_v give_v never_o so_o much_o to_o buy_v his_o soul_n from_o perdition_n yet_o no_o price_n of_o redemption_n will_v be_v take_v for_o it_o v._o that_o this_o irrecoverable_a loss_n of_o a_o soul_n be_v of_o such_o a_o vast_a moment_n that_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o compensate_a it_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v that_o be_v he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o profit_v nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o he_o be_v a_o vast_a loser_n i._o that_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o a_o inestimable_a price_n and_o value_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o proposition_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o represent_v to_o you_o of_o what_o vast_a worth_n it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o its_o own_o natural_a capacity_n second_o to_o show_v you_o of_o what_o vast_a esteem_v it_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o those_o who_o as_o we_o must_v needs_o suppose_v do_v best_a understand_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o 1._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o of_o what_o vast_a worth_n it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o its_o own_o natural_a capacity_n particular_o in_o these_o four_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o its_o capacity_n of_o understanding_n 2._o of_o moral_a perfection_n 3._o of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n 4._o of_o immortality_n 1._o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v of_o vast_a worth_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o capacity_n of_o understanding_n for_o certain_o to_o understand_v be_v the_o great_a and_o noble_a operation_n that_o a_o be_v be_v capable_a of_o for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o give_v beauty_n and_o excellence_n to_o all_o our_o other_o operation_n whether_o they_o be_v natural_a or_o moral_a it_o be_v this_o that_o propose_v the_o end_n and_o direct_v the_o course_n and_o prescribe_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o our_o other_o action_n and_o though_o we_o have_v never_o so_o much_o force_n or_o
together_o by_o a_o triumvirate_n of_o arian_n jew_n and_o pagan_n who_o be_v all_o of_o they_o know_v impostor_n in_o the_o age_n wherein_o they_o live_v so_o that_o to_o confront_v christianity_n with_o any_o of_o these_o be_v to_o light_v up_o a_o rush_n candle_n and_o resolve_v to_o outface_v the_o sun_n with_o it_o for_o as_o for_o christianity_n it_o be_v a_o religion_n make_v up_o of_o the_o most_o divine_a and_o godlike_a institution_n its_o precept_n be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o god_n enjoin_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v either_o true_a godliness_n and_o most_o generous_a morality_n or_o what_o be_v the_o most_o efficacious_a mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o promote_a they_o and_o as_o for_o its_o doctrine_n it_o partly_o consist_v of_o those_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o all_o wise_a man_n of_o whatsoever_o nation_n or_o religion_n have_v own_v and_o acknowledge_v such_o as_o the_o existence_n unity_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o imortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n together_o with_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n wherein_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o even_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n which_o be_v the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o all_o our_o religion_n have_v be_v own_v and_o profess_v by_o the_o great_a and_o most_o famous_a philosopher_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o as_o for_o those_o doctrine_n that_o be_v pure_o christian_a such_o as_o the_o birth_n and_o life_n and_o death_n the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n together_o with_o his_o sit_v on_o the_o right-hand_a of_o god_n and_o come_v at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o excellent_o contrive_v to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n so_o wonderful_o pregnant_a with_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o engage_v man_n to_o the_o great_a purity_n and_o goodness_n that_o by_o their_o own_o native_a beauty_n and_o excellent_a contrivance_n they_o manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a pretence_n to_o contemn_v christianity_n either_o because_o it_o be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n or_o because_o it_o contain_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v any_o way_n unworthy_a of_o the_o revealer_n and_o that_o there_o want_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n to_o demonstrate_v it_o to_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v in_o the_o former_a inference_n so_o that_o after_o all_o the_o lewd_a talk_n of_o these_o confident_a man_n it_o be_v apparent_a there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o reason_n for_o their_o impious_a censure_n of_o christianity_n but_o alas_o its_o evident_a that_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o quarrel_n against_o it_o lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o their_o reason_n as_o their_o lust_n christianity_n lay_v they_o under_o severe_a restraint_n and_o will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v wicked_a in_o quiet_a which_o provoke_v they_o to_o arm_v their_o wit_n and_o the_o little_a reason_n that_o they_o have_v against_o it_o that_o so_o have_v baffle_v or_o rather_o laugh_v themselves_o out_o of_o their_o religion_n they_o may_v be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o play_v the_o fool_n and_o madman_n without_o control_v or_o disturbance_n and_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o if_o instead_o of_o that_o strict_a piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o christianity_n enjoin_v it_o have_v but_o indulge_v to_o they_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n so_o that_o they_o can_v have_v but_o act_v all_o their_o wickedness_n with_o devotion_n sacrifice_v to_o the_o god_n in_o drunken_a bowl_n and_o worship_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o a_o strumpet_n there_o be_v no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v more_o zealous_a christian_n than_o they_o but_o let_v no_o man_n be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n by_o laugh_v at_o they_o or_o that_o christianity_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v true_a in_o compliance_n with_o our_o wicked_a interest_n and_o desire_n no_o no_o thing_n will_v be_v as_o they_o be_v in_o despite_n of_o we_o and_o howsever_v we_o will_v please_v to_o fancy_v they_o and_o if_o after_o all_o our_o rude_a contempt_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v find_v to_o be_v true_a as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v we_o shall_v be_v sensible_a when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o that_o it_o have_v be_v more_o for_o our_o safety_n to_o have_v play_v before_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o cannon_n while_o it_o be_v spit_a fire_n or_o to_o have_v catch_v hold_v of_o a_o thunderbolt_n as_o it_o come_v roar_v down_o from_o the_o cloud_n than_o to_o have_v play_v with_o religion_n and_o make_v it_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o impious_a scorn_n and_o buffoonery_n 4._o and_o last_o they_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o immaculate_a holiness_n and_o purity_n from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o holiness_n and_o true_a goodness_n be_v the_o great_z glory_n and_o honour_n to_o humane_a nature_n for_o this_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o when_o he_o assume_v our_o nature_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o glorious_a in_o christ_n than_o his_o goodness_n and_o notwithstanding_o those_o excellent_a doctrine_n that_o he_o preach_v those_o stupendous_a miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v and_o that_o visible_a splendour_n in_o which_o he_o be_v inrobe_v he_o have_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o great_a and_o glorious_a man_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v just_a and_o charitable_a temperate_a and_o humble_a and_o heavenly-minded_n and_o eminent_a in_o all_o those_o divine_a and_o humane_a virtue_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a glory_n and_o ornament_n of_o humane_a nature_n for_o that_o which_o make_v a_o man_n more_o honourable_a than_o a_o mere_a animal_n and_o advance_v we_o into_o the_o next_o degree_n of_o being_n to_o angel_n be_v our_o reason_n by_o which_o alone_o we_o border_n upon_o the_o divinity_n and_o do_v claim_v kindred_n with_o the_o angelical_a nature_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v true_o our_o honour_n and_o glory_n consist_v in_o live_v according_a to_o that_o reason_n by_o which_o we_o be_v advance_v above_o all_o sublunary_a nature_n that_o be_v in_o govern_v our_o passion_n and_o appetite_n word_n and_o action_n according_a to_o those_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n which_o right_a reason_n dictate_v to_o we_o and_o if_o instead_o of_o do_v thus_o we_o whole_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o dominion_n of_o our_o brutish_a and_o unreasonable_a inclination_n we_o thereby_o render_v ourselves_o more_o despicable_a and_o infamous_a than_o the_o most_o beastly_a brute_n in_o all_o the_o creation_n and_o even_o those_o goat_n and_o wolf_n and_o swine_n and_o tiger_n who_o we_o resemble_v in_o our_o beastly_a manner_n can_v they_o see_v our_o shame_n will_v doubtless_o hiss_v at_o we_o and_o reproach_v we_o for_o great_a beast_n than_o themselves_o for_o they_o all_o live_v up_o to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o nature_n and_o regular_o pursue_v the_o high_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v create_v whereas_o we_o who_o be_v ally_v to_o the_o noble_a of_o being_n and_o be_v create_v and_o design_v for_o the_o most_o glorious_a end_n do_v by_o our_o base_a and_o unreasonable_a condescension_n shameful_o undervalue_n ourselves_o in_o pursue_v no_o end_n but_o what_o be_v extreme_o unworthy_a of_o we_o so_o that_o it_o have_v be_v much_o more_o for_o our_o honour_n and_o reputation_n to_o have_v assume_v the_o shape_n and_o nature_n of_o brute_n when_o we_o assume_v their_o manner_n and_o custom_n for_o than_o our_o action_n will_v have_v very_o well_o become_v we_o and_o neither_o god_n nor_o man_n can_v have_v just_o upbraid_v we_o for_o they_o but_o to_o lead_v the_o live_v of_o brute_n in_o the_o shape_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v monstrous_a it_o be_v to_o advance_v the_o beast_n above_o the_o man_n to_o place_v our_o heel_n where_o nature_n have_v place_v our_o head_n and_o become_v our_o own_o reverse_n and_o antipode_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n john_n v._n 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n by_o the_o scripture_n here_o must_v be_v mean_v the_o old_a testament_n for_o as_o yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o new_a be_v unrevealed_a and_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o unwritten_a they_o be_v those_o very_a scripture_n be_v now_o preach_v own_a and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o in_o they_o say_v our_o saviour_n you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n which_o its_o certain_a they_o do_v not_o think_v of_o any_o other_o scripture_n but_o only_o those_o
write_v they_o down_o in_o order_n that_o he_o may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v instruct_v from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o suppose_v st._n luke_n perform_v what_o he_o promise_v his_o gospel_n must_v contain_v a_o full_a declaration_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o first_o by_o promise_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v sure_o believe_v among_o christian_n he_o engage_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o entire_a account_n of_o christianity_n unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o part_n of_o christianity_n which_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o time_n do_v not_o sure_o believe_v second_o in_o promise_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o have_v a_o perfect_a understanding_n from_o the_o first_o and_o in_o which_o his_o theophilus_n have_v be_v instruct_v he_o also_o engage_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o complete_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a religion_n unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o part_n of_o this_o religion_n which_o st._n luke_n do_v 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 heretic_n de_fw-fr praescrip_n haeret_fw-la c._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 tertullian_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
johannes_n scott_n s._n t._n p._n print_a for_o s._n manship_n at_o the_o ship_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n the_o christian_a life_n wheren_n 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 giles_n in_o the_o field_n the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o s._n manship_n and_o r._n wilkin_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o w._n davis_n at_o the_o black_a bull_n in_o cornhill_n and_o i._o bonwick_n at_o the_o hat_n and_o star_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._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 its_o capacity_n of_o understanding_n p._n 4_o 5._o of_o moral_a perfection_n p._n 6_o 7._o of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n p._n 8_o 9_o 10._o of_o immortality_n p._n 11_o to_o p._n 15._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 know_v the_o best_a worth_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o whole_a world_n of_o spirit_n p._n 15._o to_o p._n 25._o four_o inference_n from_o hence_o p._n 26._o to_o p._n 34._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o lose_v one_o soul_n explain_v p._n 34._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 35._o to_o p._n 50._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 51._o to_o p._n 69._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 70_o 71._o by_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o doctrine_n p._n 72._o by_o obstinate_a heresy_n p._n 73._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._n from_o a_o obstinacy_n in_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n p._n 74._o to_o 80._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 81._o to_o p._n 90._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 91._o to_o 101._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 102._o to_o p._n 108._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 it_o be_v show_v of_o which_o side_n the_o advantage_n lie_v p._n 109._o to_o p._n 128._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 130._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 131._o to_o 135._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 136_o 137._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 138_o to_o 139._o and_o that_o our_o saviour_n to_o who_o it_o be_v apply_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o vital_a and_o divine_a subsistence_n p._n 140_o 141_o 142._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 executor_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 143._o to_o 153._o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n p._n 153_o 154._o five_o inference_n from_o this_o doctrine_n p._n 155_o 166._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n be_v dwell_v among_o we_o explain_v p._n 167._o to_o 174._o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o full_a of_o grace_n explain_v in_o five_o particular_n p._n 175._o to_o 190._o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o full_a of_o truth_n explain_v in_o general_a 191._o to_o 198._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 199._o to_o p._n 229._o four_o inference_n the_o first_o from_o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o p._n 229_o to_o 234._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 235._o to_o 238._o 2._o of_o his_o law_n p._n 238._o 239._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 240_o 241._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 242_o 243._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 244_o 245_o the_o 3d_o from_o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o full_a of_o truth_n p._n 246._o to_o 249._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 250_o to_o 256._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 258_o 259._o 2._o those_o great_a and_o stupendous_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v p._n 260_o 261_o 262._o 3._o the_o surpass_a excellency_n and_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n p._n 263_o 264._o 4._o the_o incomparable_a sanctity_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o life_n p._n 265_o 266_o 267._o this_o expression_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only-begotten_a son_n explain_v p._n 268_o 269_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 wherein_o it_o consist_v p._n 270._o to_o 279._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 280._o to_o the_o end_n dis_n iii_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 to_o eternal_a life_n p._n 301._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 302._o 3._o that_o all_o these_o necessary_a truth_n which_o they_o preach_v be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o scripture_n p._n 303._o to_o p._n 316._o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o scripture_n prove_v 1_o from_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n p._n 317._o to_o p._n 321._o 2._o from_o the_o avow_a design_n of_o write_v it_o p._n 322_o 323._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 324_o 325._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 326._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 conduct_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n p._n 327._o to_o the_o end_n dis_n iv_o 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 343_o
solicit_v to_o evil_a they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o preingage_v our_o affection_n to_o they_o before_o we_o arrive_v to_o the_o use_v of_o our_o reason_n for_o in_o our_o tender_a year_n these_o be_v the_o only_a good_n that_o we_o can_v relish_v they_o be_v these_o that_o do_v feed_v clothe_v and_o furnish_v we_o in_o hand_n with_o whatsoever_o our_o natural_a appetite_n do_v gape_v for_o that_o be_v the_o sole_a entertainment_n of_o our_o childish_a fanices_n and_o the_o only_a object_n our_o yet_o unfledged_a thought_n and_o desire_n can_v reach_v at_o and_o our_o youth_n be_v thus_o entire_o enure_v to_o they_o by_o that_o time_n we_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o the_o age_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o capacity_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n we_o have_v general_o contract_v such_o a_o excessive_a inclination_n towards_o they_o and_o be_v so_o strong_o biased_a with_o the_o love_n of_o they_o that_o whensoever_o they_o beckon_v to_o we_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o follow_v they_o through_o all_o the_o forbid_a tract_n that_o lead_v to_o everlasting_a ruin_n for_o our_o nature_n be_v thus_o vitiate_v the_o temptation_n without_o we_o have_v a_o strong_a party_n within_o we_o a_o party_n of_o traitorous_a inclination_n which_o upon_o every_o summons_n solicit_v we_o to_o yield_v and_o surrender_v up_o our_o virtue_n and_o innocence_n and_o no_o soon_o can_v any_o temptation_n from_o without_o give_v the_o alarm_n but_o present_o our_o own_o lust_n be_v up_o raise_v a_o mutiny_n within_o we_o and_o with_o the_o heat_n of_o our_o corrupt_a fancy_n do_v many_o time_n so_o disorder_v our_o understanding_n that_o it_o can_v rally_v up_o its_o consideration_n against_o they_o for_o before_o ever_o our_o understanding_n can_v be_v furnish_v with_o consideration_n our_o heart_n be_v prepossess_v with_o such_o a_o excessive_a degree_n of_o ambitious_a covetous_a and_o luxurious_a inclination_n that_o when_o afterward_o the_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o honour_n without_o begin_v to_o hold_v forth_o their_o grateful_a lure_n to_o we_o and_o to_o tempt_v we_o away_o to_o fraud_n or_o treachery_n to_o vanity_n or_o licentiousness_n those_o deprave_a inclination_n have_v get_v such_o head_n within_o we_o that_o they_o prove_v most_o common_o too_o strong_a for_o all_o our_o consideration_n and_o with_o their_o impetuous_a current_n carry_v we_o away_o and_o drive_v we_o headlong_o down_o towards_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o unless_o we_o put_v forth_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o resolution_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n also_o come_v in_o to_o our_o aid_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o stem_v such_o a_o furious_a tide_n when_o it_o be_v drive_v by_o the_o wind_n of_o a_o outward_a temptation_n when_o therefore_o our_o own_o inclination_n do_v so_o vigorous_o conspire_v with_o the_o temptation_n without_o to_o thrust_v we_o on_o into_o sin_n and_o perdition_n how_o we_o can_v be_v insensible_a of_o the_o eminent_a danger_n we_o be_v in_o of_o miscarry_v for_o ever_o but_o 5_o we_o be_v liable_a also_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o sinful_a state_n and_o from_o thence_o into_o eternal_a misery_n from_o the_o unwearied_a diligence_n and_o great_a subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o make_v use_n of_o and_o apply_v these_o temptation_n to_o we_o for_o that_o the_o devil_n do_v common_o as_o a_o assistant_n genius_n to_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n excite_v and_o provoke_v man_n to_o wickedness_n be_v very_o evident_a from_o scripture_n where_o he_o be_v say_v to_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n eph._n 2.2_o to_o fill_v the_o heart_n of_o ananias_n to_o lie_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 5.3_o and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o word_n out_o of_o man_n heart_n lest_o they_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v luke_n 8.12_o all_o which_o expression_n do_v plain_o imply_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o constant_a agent_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o men._n and_o be_v a_o spiritual_a agent_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v a_o near_a access_n to_o the_o soul_n than_o any_o material_a cause_n whatsoever_o for_o though_o he_o be_v total_o debar_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o intercouse_n with_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o can_v no_o more_o look_v into_o the_o thought_n than_o we_o can_v into_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o he_o can_v easy_o get_v into_o the_o fancy_n which_o stand_v next_o to_o that_o mysterious_a chamber_n that_o be_v open_a to_o no_o eye_n but_o god_n and_o make_v what_o use_n he_o please_v of_o the_o infinite_a image_n and_o phantasm_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o dispose_v and_o order_n and_o distinguish_v they_o into_o the_o picture_n of_o what_o object_n he_o please_v just_a as_o the_o painter_n do_v his_o numerous_a cojours_fw-fr that_o lie_v confuse_o before_o he_o in_o their_o several_a shell_n and_o continue_v and_o repeat_v those_o picture_n and_o representation_n as_o long_o and_o as_o oft_o as_o he_o please_v and_o then_o consider_v what_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o the_o fancy_n be_v both_o to_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n how_o it_o prompt_v the_o one_o with_o matter_n of_o invention_n and_o supply_v it_o with_o variety_n of_o object_n to_o work_v on_o and_o draw_v forth_o and_o excite_v the_o other_o to_o choose_v or_o reject_v those_o object_n it_o present_v according_a as_o they_o be_v please_v or_o displease_v we_o must_v needs_o suppose_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v a_o vast_a advantage_n of_o insinuate_a his_o black_a suggestion_n into_o the_o soul_n by_o have_v such_o free_a access_n into_o the_o fancy_n and_o according_o he_o be_v say_v to_o put_v it_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o judas_n to_o betray_v christ_n john_n 13.2_o but_o then_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o spiritual_a but_o also_o a_o intellectual_a agent_n of_o a_o vast_a and_o capacious_a understanding_n by_o nature_n and_o particular_o improve_v in_o the_o black_a art_n of_o temp_v by_o a_o long_a experience_n of_o its_o wiles_n and_o stratagem_n have_v be_v a_o tempter_n almost_o ever_o since_o he_o have_v be_v a_o angel_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v wonderful_o expert_a and_o fagacious_a in_o it_o that_o after_o have_v have_v five_o thousand_o year_n experience_n of_o the_o method_n of_o seduce_a soul_n to_o increase_v and_o perfect_v his_o natural_a subtlety_n he_o must_v by_o this_o be_v full_o instruct_v when_o and_o how_o to_o apply_v himself_o to_o every_o age_n and_o constitution_n for_o this_o have_v be_v his_o sole_a business_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v infinite_o intent_n and_o active_a ever_o since_o he_o become_v a_o devil_n and_o if_o from_o a_o man_n then_o much_o more_o from_o a_o devil_n of_o one_o business_n good_a lord_n deliver_v i_o from_o a_o devil_n that_o for_o five_o thousand_o year_n have_v be_v continual_o make_v experiment_n of_o temptation_n and_o draw_v they_o into_o rule_n to_o direct_v and_o order_v his_o mischievous_a practice_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n but_o beside_o as_o the_o devil_n be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o ingelligent_a nature_n so_o he_o have_v a_o vast_a number_n of_o his_o black_a angel_n continual_o rove_a about_o the_o world_n to_o seduce_v and_o captivate_v we_o into_o sin_n and_o ruin_n and_o though_o these_o malignant_a spirit_n have_v no_o ligament_n of_o natural_a love_n between_o they_o to_o tie_v and_o oblige_v they_o to_o one_o another_o yet_o by_o that_o perfect_a hatred_n which_o they_o all_o bear_v to_o god_n and_o man_n they_o be_v unite_v together_o in_o a_o inviolable_a league_n and_o go_v hand_n in_o hand_n with_o one_o another_o in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o desperate_a design_n to_o involve_v our_o wretched_a soul_n in_o the_o same_o eternal_a ruin_n with_o themselves_o which_o render_v their_o force_n so_o much_o the_o more_o formidable_a and_o when_o we_o have_v so_o many_o spiritual_a subtle_a and_o powerful_a adversary_n combine_v against_o and_o continual_o wander_v to_o and_o fro_o like_a roar_a lion_n to_o devour_v we_o we_o can_v but_o apprehend_v our_o danger_n exceed_v great_a especial_o consider_v the_o infinite_a temptation_n from_o without_o that_o this_o world_n afford_v the_o great_a variety_n of_o sensual_a good_n and_o evil_n which_o they_o have_v to_o object_v to_o our_o carnalize_v mind_n for_o these_o mischievous_a spirit_n have_v so_o great_a insight_n into_o our_o temper_n and_o so_o great_a a_o choice_n of_o object_n to_o suggest_v to_o our_o fancy_n can_v never_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n how_o they_o may_v nick_v we_o with_o a_o convenient_a temptation_n and_o that_o which_o give_v their_o temptation_n a_o vast_a advantage_n over_o we_o be_v that_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n for_o can_v we_o see_v the_o devil_n at_o our_o elbow_n or_o hear_v he_o whisper_v at_o our_o
into_o mystical_a sense_n or_o grope_v after_o truth_n among_o shadow_n and_o vmbrage_n as_o the_o good_a jew_n be_v fain_o to_o do_v under_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n be_v write_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o very_a surface_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o open_o expose_v to_o our_o view_n in_o plain_a and_o literal_a proposal_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v too_o many_o '_o both_o among_o ourselves_o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o have_v industrious_o set_v themselves_o to_o resolve_v all_o its_o doctrine_n again_o into_o darkness_n and_o unintelligible_a mystery_n have_v instead_o of_o the_o plain_a proposition_n of_o our_o saviour_n introduce_v a_o new-fashioned_a mystical_a divinity_n make_v up_o of_o nothing_o but_o certain_a empty_a scheme_n of_o effeminate_a folly_n and_o wild_a enthusiasm_n which_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o understand_v that_o can_v conjure_v for_o the_o mean_v of_o they_o and_o those_o doctrine_n which_o our_o saviour_n purposely_o deliver_v in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o literal_a sense_n that_o so_o the_o mean_a understanding_n may_v be_v instruct_v by_o they_o these_o man_n have_v blow_v up_o like_o so_o many_o bubble_n into_o swell_a mystery_n which_o be_v strip_v of_o those_o glitter_a allusion_n and_o pompous_a metaphor_n wherein_o they_o be_v clothe_v vanish_v immediate_o into_o air_n or_o sink_v into_o flat_a and_o empty_a nonsense_n for_o thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o justification_n which_o lie_v as_o plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n as_o word_n can_v make_v they_o be_v by_o their_o divinity_n render_v more_o obscure_a and_o mysterious_a than_o ever_o they_o be_v whilst_o they_o be_v couch_v under_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o law_n more_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n be_v discover_v in_o circumcision_n and_o the_o legal_a wash_n and_o atonement_n than_o in_o a_o hundred_o volume_n of_o modern_a system_n of_o divinity_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v intelligible_a they_o look_v upon_o as_o carnal_a and_o till_o they_o have_v subtilise_v it_o into_o some_o unaccountable_a mystery_n it_o be_v not_o spiritual_a enough_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o their_o system_fw-la of_o divinity_n as_o if_o they_o think_v it_o below_o the_o majesty_n of_o religion_n to_o expose_v itself_o to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o secure_v it_o from_o contempt_n but_o to_o lock_v it_o up_o in_o mystery_n and_o obscurity_n for_o else_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o wrap_v it_o round_o with_o cloud_n as_o they_o do_v unless_o they_o design_v to_o make_v a_o trade_n of_o it_o and_o so_o draw_v a_o curtain_n before_o it_o as_o man_n do_v before_o their_o puppet-play_n that_o so_o they_o may_v get_v money_n by_o show_v it_o for_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o religion_n itself_o suffer_v extreme_o by_o it_o for_o whilst_o they_o thus_o spiritualise_v it_o into_o air_n and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v juggle_v it_o out_o of_o sight_n in_o the_o cloud_n of_o their_o mystical_a nonsense_n they_o render_v it_o extreme_o suspicious_a to_o all_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o inquisitive_a and_o will_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o train_n of_o their_o mysterious_a gibberish_n and_o as_o for_o their_o more_o credulous_a follower_n whilst_o they_o thus_o lead_v they_o by_o the_o nose_n through_o a_o valley_n of_o shade_n and_o darkness_n they_o utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o vigorous_a warmth_n and_o comfort_n of_o religion_n for_o how_o shall_v they_o know_v how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n of_o christianity_n when_o those_o excellent_a doctrine_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v deduce_v be_v wrap_v in_o unintelligible_a mysteriw_n for_o how_o shall_v they_o draw_v forth_o from_o the_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n those_o practical_a principle_n that_o be_v lodge_v in_o they_o when_o those_o article_n be_v convert_v into_o riddle_n which_o they_o do_v not_o nor_o can_v understand_v thus_o by_o turn_v christianity_n into_o a_o mystery_n they_o do_v not_o only_o thwart_v the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v to_o bring_v it_o forth_o from_o under_o the_o mysterious_a representation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o propose_v it_o to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a manner_n but_o they_o also_o dispirit_v religion_n itself_o who_o life_n and_o energy_n consist_v in_o be_v understand_v and_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n of_o those_o that_o have_v wit_n enough_o to_o detect_v the_o folly_n of_o their_o enthusiastical_a mystery_n 4thly_a and_o last_o he_o dwell_v among_o we_o full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n from_o hence_o i_o infer_v the_o inexcusabeness_n of_o those_o man_n that_o persist_v in_o their_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n now_o that_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v express_v so_o much_o grace_n towards_o and_o so_o clear_o make_v know_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o we_o what_o excuse_v can_v we_o urge_v to_o palliate_v our_o wretched_a disobedience_n if_o you_o will_v but_o imagine_v yourselves_o for_o a_o little_a while_n to_o be_v stand_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o your_o saviour_n where_o ever_o it_o be_v long_a you_o must_v all_o appear_v i_o will_v brief_o draw_v up_o what_o in_o probability_n will_v be_v your_o plea_n and_o what_o may_v be_v reasonable_o presume_v will_v be_v his_o answer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n then_o let_v i_o demand_v of_o you_o what_o can_v you_o plead_v for_o yourselves_o why_o that_o fearful_a doom_n which_o he_o have_v pronounce_v against_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v pass_v upon_o you_o why_o lord_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v it_o a_o austere_a man_n that_o thou_o will_v exact_v of_o we_o to_o the_o utmost_a punctilio_n and_o that_o if_o ever_o we_o fail_v in_o the_o least_o circumstance_n of_o our_o duty_n thou_o will_v immediate_o let_v loose_a thy_o implacable_a vengeance_n upon_o we_o and_o this_o utter_o dishearten_v we_o from_o thy_o service_n consider_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o please_v thou_o ah_o wretched_a creature_n can_v you_o have_v the_o face_n to_o charge_v i_o with_o rigour_n and_o severity_n who_o have_v have_v so_o many_o notorious_a experiment_n of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o my_o nature_n and_o tenderness_n of_o my_o affection_n towards_o you_o what_o one_o action_n be_v i_o ever_o guilty_a of_o in_o all_o my_o conversation_n among_o you_o that_o can_v give_v you_o the_o least_o suspicion_n that_o ever_o i_o will_v prove_v a_o austere_a master_n to_o you_o or_o that_o i_o will_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o construe_v you_o in_o the_o most_o favourable_a sense_n and_o to_o pity_n and_o pardon_v you_o wheresoever_o you_o be_v excusable_a do_v i_o ever_o give_v you_o any_o occasion_n to_o think_v that_o i_o be_v of_o a_o peevish_a or_o captious_a nature_n apt_a to_o be_v provoke_v with_o trifle_n yea_o have_v you_o not_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o conclude_v from_o the_o sweetness_n of_o my_o temper_n that_o i_o will_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o consider_v your_o infirmity_n and_o pity_v your_o weakness_n and_o judge_v you_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o a_o friend_n and_o do_v you_o now_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v the_o dread_a of_o my_o severity_n that_o dishearten_v you_o from_o my_o service_n but_o lord_n the_o law_n which_o thou_o give_v we_o be_v so_o intolerable_o burden_n some_o that_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o forefather_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v they_o we_o will_v willing_o have_v obey_v thou_o if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a but_o when_o we_o see_v thy_o burden_n exceed_v our_o strength_n we_o conclude_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o we_o to_o attempt_v the_o bear_v it_o o_o ungrateful_a rebel_n darenot_v you_o accuse_v i_o of_o tyranny_n when_o you_o know_v in_o your_o own_o conscience_n i_o never_o impose_v any_o law_n upon_o you_o but_o what_o have_v a_o necessary_a tendency_n to_o your_o happiness_n and_o be_v so_o far_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n from_o be_v a_o burden_n to_o you_o that_o it_o command_v nothing_o but_o what_o will_v have_v be_v a_o ease_n and_o refreshment_n and_o if_o you_o can_v produce_v any_o one_o of_o my_o command_n that_o oblige_v you_o to_o any_o thing_n but_o to_o be_v kind_a to_o yourselves_o or_o convince_v i_o that_o i_o can_v have_v enjoin_v less_o upon_o you_o without_o be_v less_o kind_a or_o merciful_a to_o you_o i_o will_v free_o admit_v of_o your_o plea_n as_o just_a and_o immediate_o pardon_v all_o your_o disobedience_n against_o i_o but_o when_o all_o my_o law_n be_v instance_n of_o my_o love_n to_o you_o and_o expression_n of_o my_o zeal_n for_o your_o welfare_n who_o but_o such_o monster_n of_o ingratitude_n as_o yourselves_o
of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o they_o be_v they_o say_v he_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o other_o scripture_n which_o can_v testfy_v of_o christ_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n but_o only_o those_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o prephet_n these_o be_v the_o only_a scripture_n who_o testimony_n they_o credit_v but_o yet_o the_o reason_n which_o our_o saviour_n urge_v to_o move_v they_o to_o read_v the_o old_a testament_n do_v as_o much_o oblige_v we_o to_o read_v the_o new_a as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a as_o it_o do_v they_o to_o read_v the_o old_a for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n that_o be_v in_o they_o yet_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n promise_v and_o all_o the_o necessary_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v by_o you_o in_o order_n to_o your_o obtain_n it_o propose_v to_o you_o and_o indeed_o as_o they_o think_v so_o it_o be_v they_o have_v eternal_a life_n propose_v to_o they_o in_o hieroglyphic_n for_o that_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o their_o holy_a of_o holies_n that_o be_v the_o interpretation_n of_o their_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o all_o their_o general_a promise_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v they_o have_v all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o duty_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o attainment_n of_o eternal_a life_n exhibit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o write_n of_o their_o prophet_n and_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o their_o law_n for_o it_o be_v by_o this_o rule_n alone_o that_o all_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n do_v live_v and_o believe_v and_o either_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o eternal_a life_n or_o they_o be_v leave_v under_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o do_v enlighten_v their_o eye_n and_o rejoice_v their_o heart_n and_o convert_v their_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v in_o keep_v it_o that_o they_o find_v great_a reward_n ps_n 19.7_o 8_o 11._o and_o therefore_o either_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n notwithstanding_o this_o their_o illumination_n and_o conversion_n or_o they_o find_v it_o in_o keep_v that_o law_n by_o which_o they_o be_v illuminate_v and_o convert_v and_o if_o in_o keep_v their_o law_n they_o find_v eternal_a life_n then_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o their_o law_n they_o have_v it_o so_o that_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n do_v not_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o think_v so_o or_o at_o least_o they_o only_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o think_v to_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n by_o adber_v to_o the_o prime_n and_o literal_a sense_n of_o their_o law_n without_o pursue_v the_o mystery_n and_o spiritual_a mean_v of_o it_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o error_n of_o the_o pharisee_n with_o who_o our_o saviour_n be_v here_o discourse_v for_o the_o internal_a sense_n and_o mystery_n of_o their_o law_n be_v the_o gospel_n all_o who_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o precept_n of_o duty_n be_v though_o dark_o and_o obscure_o express_v and_o represent_v in_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n tell_v that_o both_o the_o priest_n and_o their_o oblation_n do_v serve_v unto_o the_o example_n and_o shadow_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n heb._n 8.5_o so_o that_o the_o heavenly_a thing_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o substantial_a idea_n which_o those_o legal_a type_n and_o pattern_n contain_v and_o represent_v and_o the_o same_o author_n call_v that_o law_n a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v heb._n 10.1_o that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o obscure_a scheme_n or_o prefiguration_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o eternal_a life_n be_v a_o principal_a part._n since_o therefore_o the_o law_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o only_o the_o gospel_n in_o dark_a and_o obscure_a cipher_n if_o in_o this_o we_o christian_n have_v eternal_a life_n in_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v it_o also_o and_o therefore_o the_o reason_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o urge_v to_o oblige_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v have_v eternal_a life_n do_v at_o least_o equal_o oblige_v we_o christian_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a for_o if_o they_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o think_v they_o have_v eternal_a life_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o be_v thereupon_o oblige_v to_o search_v into_o it_o we_o have_v rather_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o we_o have_v eternal_a life_n in_o the_o new_a since_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o only_o the_o old_a deciphered_a and_o unriddle_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o only_o have_v eternal_a life_n in_o this_o as_o they_o have_v in_o that_o but_o we_o must_v also_o have_v it_o far_o more_o express_o than_o they_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o to_o show_v you_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o have_v eternal_a life_n ii_o that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a forcible_a reason_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o search_v they_o i._n first_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o have_v eternal_a life_n that_o be_v that_o in_o they_o we_o have_v eternal_a life_n propose_v to_o we_o together_o with_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_n it_o or_o in_o other_o word_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o this_o be_v one_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o we_o be_v require_v to_o explain_v to_o the_o people_n for_o so_o in_o her_o six_o article_n our_o church_n profess_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o read_v therein_o or_o may_v be_v prove_v thence_o be_v not_o require_v of_o any_o man_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v believe_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o be_v think_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n now_o to_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o sufficient_a rule_n as_o to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n necessary_a first_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v full_a and_o second_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v clear_a both_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n as_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o will_v evident_o appear_v from_o these_o three_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inspire_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n 2._o that_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n all_o those_o necessary_n with_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inspire_v they_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 those_o sacred_a write_n of_o they_o of_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n consist_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n infpire_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n for_o first_o our_o saviour_n by_o who_o they_o be_v original_o instruct_v declare_v that_o as_o the_o father_n love_v he_o and_o show_v he_o all_o thing_n that_o himself_o do_v joh._n 5.20_o so_o he_o have_v make_v know_v to_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o his_o father_n job_n 17.8_o and_o then_o when_o he_o go_v from_o they_o and_o cease_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o his_o own_o person_n he_o promise_v that_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v say_v unto_o they_o job_n 14.26_o and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n he_o will_v guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n job_n 16.13_o if_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n do_v perform_v this_o promise_n to_o they_o as_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o do_v than_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o do_v teach_v they_o over_o again_o whatsoever_o christ_n have_v teach_v they_o before_o and_o if_o christ_n have_v teach_v they_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o his_o father_n as_o he_o declare_v he_o have_v than_o it_o be_v certain_a either_o that_o he_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n or_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v not_o hear_v from_o his_o father_n all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a thereunto_o 2._o that_o as_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 know_v the_o primitive_a tradition_n never_o admit_v as_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o it_o be_v notorious_a to_o all_o the_o world_n how_o many_o book_n and_o write_n they_o have_v forge_v and_o how_o many_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n they_o have_v geld_v and_o interpolate_v to_o defend_v and_o support_v those_o pretend_a tradition_n which_o they_o have_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o after_o she_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o so_o many_o apparent_a falsification_n we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o we_o shall_v still_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v she_o upon_o her_o own_o bare_a word_n for_o in_o the_o three_o place_n at_o this_o rate_n of_o proceed_v we_o must_v in_o many_o instance_n condemn_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o compliment_n to_o those_o of_o the_o present_a roman_a which_o if_o we_o believe_v our_o own_o eye_n and_o the_o most_o authentic_a history_n and_o record_n of_o those_o time_n do_v express_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o since_o if_o we_o will_v never_o so_o fain_o we_o can_v never_o believe_v both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n we_o must_v in_o believe_v the_o one_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o the_o other_o nay_o four_o and_o last_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v persuade_v as_o we_o think_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v that_o many_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o only_o not_o mention_v in_o scripture_n but_o direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n their_o perform_v divine_a service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n which_o we_o think_v be_v as_o contrary_a to_o 1_o cor._n 14._o as_o one_o proposition_n can_v be_v to_o another_o yet_o if_o that_o church_n definition_n do_v by_o their_o own_o authority_n oblige_v our_o faith_n we_o must_v believe_v she_o against_o scripture_n itself_o and_o this_o we_o think_v intolerable_a that_o any_o church_n or_o christian_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o upon_o the_o most_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n they_o be_v very_o persuade_v it_o contradict_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o one_o or_o tother_o must_v be_v make_v void_a we_o think_v it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o the_o voice_n of_o her_o pretend_a unwritten_a word_n shall_v be_v silence_v by_o that_o more_o certain_a one_o of_o the_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n but_o after_o all_o if_o what_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v be_v prove_v viz._n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o conduct_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n this_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o evacuate_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v for_o this_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n for_o god_n and_o nature_n we_o know_v do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a and_o therefore_o if_o one_o word_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a viz._n that_o which_o be_v write_v what_o need_n have_v we_o of_o this_o other_o which_o be_v unwritten_a and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o necessary_a property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v full_a and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o as_o to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o ii_o the_o second_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o intelligible_a to_o those_o who_o faith_n and_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a to_o all_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n that_o it_o be_v throughout_o so_o in_o all_o its_o proposal_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n not_o only_o in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n but_o also_o in_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n hard_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o exceed_v the_o apprehension_n of_o common_a capacity_n but_o also_o puzzle_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o most_o acute_a and_o profound_a enquirer_n but_o that_o which_o i_o assert_v be_v this_o that_o all_o those_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o manner_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o practice_v in_o order_n to_o their_o attainment_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v so_o plain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v no_o honest_a teachable_a mind_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v common_a sense_n but_o may_v from_o thence_o receive_v full_a information_n of_o they_o upon_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a enquiry_n and_o though_o in_o some_o text_n these_o necessary_n be_v not_o so_o plain_o propose_v as_o in_o other_o yet_o in_o some_o text_n or_o other_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o plain_o propose_v that_o no_o man_n can_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o still_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o without_o be_v wilful_o blind_a for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o out_o of_o it_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v 1._o from_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n 2._o from_o the_o avow_a design_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n 3._o from_o the_o frequent_a command_v god_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n 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 1._o from_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n at_o least_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a for_o to_o be_v sure_a if_o in_o any_o thing_n the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a it_o be_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o know_v and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v obscure_a in_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v reasonable_a presume_v it_o be_v plain_a in_o nothing_o but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o many_o thing_n plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v evident_a from_o its_o own_o testimony_n for_o thus_o of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n it_o be_v express_o affirm_v by_o moses_n this_o commandment_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n it_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o neither_o be_v it_o far_o off_o deut._n 30.11_o where_o moses_n speak_v not_o only_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n which_o consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v upon_o that_o account_n more_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o of_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o moses_n in_o general_a whether_o ceremonial_a judicial_a or_o natural_a for_o so_o v._o 16._o this_o commandment_n we_o find_v contain_v as_o well_o the_o statute_n and_o judgement_n as_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n all_o which_o must_v take_v in_o the_o whole_a mosaic_a institution_n and_o according_o ps_n 119.105_o david_n call_v this_o word_n of_o god_n a_o lamp_n unto_o his_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o his_o path_n which_o how_o can_v it_o be_v if_o it_o do_v not_o burn_v clear_a enough_o to_o guide_v and_o direct_v he_o and_o if_o it_o do_v then_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o burn_v clear_a enough_o to_o direct_v he_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o be_v direct_v again_o in_o the_o 19_o ps_n v._o 7_o 8_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a make_v wise_a the_o simple_a and_o that_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n but_o how_o can_v any_o law_n make_v
the_o simple_a wise_a or_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n unless_o it_o be_v so_o plain_o and_o clear_o deliver_v as_o that_o the_o simple_a may_v be_v capable_a of_o apprehend_v and_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n of_o discern_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o i_o know_v it_o be_v object_v by_o bellarmin_n that_o these_o word_n do_v only_o imply_v that_o this_o law_n indeed_o be_v understand_v do_v enlighten_v man_n eye_n and_o direct_v their_o practice_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n that_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a cavil_v for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v by_o understand_v the_o law_n that_o the_o simple_a be_v make_v wise_a and_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n enlighten_v if_o therefore_o this_o law_n be_v so_o obscure_a in_o its_o self_n as_o that_o it_o can_v make_v itself_o understand_v by_o all_o that_o sincere_o inquire_v into_o it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o it_o shall_v make_v they_o wise_a or_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o mind_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o intent_n of_o those_o passage_n 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 4.2_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 its_o self_n 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 2.11_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 write_v afore_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 15.4_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 those_o thing_n that_o be_v sure_o believe_v among_o christian_n and_o wherein_o he_o himself_o have_v be_v instruct_v and_o if_o it_o be_v to_o ascertain_v we_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n that_o he_o write_v his_o gospel_n certain_o he_o will_v take_v care_n to_o write_v it_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o those_o that_o read_v it_o may_v understand_v it_o otherwise_o he_o must_v run_v counter_a to_o his_o own_o design_n thus_o also_o st._n john_n say_v that_o he_o write_v his_o gospel_n that_o man_n may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o how_o can_v his_o gospel_n induce_v man_n to_o believe_v this_o unless_o it_o be_v so_o write_v as_o that_o man_n may_v understand_v it_o and_o so_o also_o for_o his_o epistle_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o write_v they_o that_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o jesus_n may_v know_v that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o that_o they_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 and_o if_o this_o be_v his_o end_n to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v take_v care_n to_o write_v so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v understand_v otherwise_o how_o can_v they_o know_v by_o his_o write_n that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n or_o be_v move_v thereby_o to_o continue_v to_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v create_v in_o man_n either_o knowledge_n or_o faith_n but_o what_o they_o understand_v see_v therefore_o the_o great_a end_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o instruct_v the_o world_n in_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n either_o we_o must_v say_v that_o both_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o inspire_v they_o be_v defective_a in_o skill_n or_o in_o care_n so_o to_o write_v as_o to_o obtain_v this_o end_n or_o that_o their_o write_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v unless_o they_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a as_o to_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n in_o short_a every_o wise_a agent_n pursue_v his_o end_n by_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o to_o write_v plain_o or_o obscure_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a mean_n to_o instruct_v man_n by_o write_v if_o to_o write_v plain_o then_o either_o the_o apostle_n write_v so_o or_o they_o be_v not_o wise_a agent_n since_o to_o instruct_v be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o their_o write_n the_o most_o natural_a way_n of_o convey_v to_o man_n mind_n the_o notice_n of_o thing_n be_v by_o word_n either_o speak_v or_o write_v and_o see_v whatsoever_o can_v be_v speak_v in_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a word_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o word_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o those_o word_n will_v be_v as_o intelligible_a when_o they_o be_v write_v as_o when_o they_o be_v speak_v for_o why_o shall_v the_o same_o word_n be_v more_o obscure_a when_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o our_o eye_n than_o when_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o our_o ear_n see_v then_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v as_o plain_o convey_v by_o word_n write_v as_o by_o word_n speak_v and_o see_v that_o even_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o plainness_n of_o scripture_n do_v yet_o allow_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o may_v be_v plain_o convey_v by_o word_n speak_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n oral_a tradition_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o plain_a it_o can_v be_v resolve_v into_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o this_o that_o god_n will_v not_o have_v it_o so_o for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o can_v have_v speak_v as_o plain_o as_o man_n and_o have_v write_v as_o plain_o as_o he_o speak_v and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o it_o be_v because_o he_o will_v not_o but_o to_o say_v that_o he_o will_v not_o write_v those_o thing_n plain_o which_o he_o think_v necessary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o know_v and_o which_o he_o write_v on_o purpose_n that_o all_o man_n may_v know_v be_v to_o say_v that_o he_o will_v and_o will_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o that_o he_o write_v they_o on_o purpose_n that_o man_n may_v know_v they_o and_o yet_o that_o he_o write_v so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o know_v they_o 3._o from_o the_o frequent_a command_v god_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o in_o all_o necessary_a thing_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o will_v and_o rquire_v we_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v show_v at_o large_a hereafter_o when_o i_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o search_v the_o scripture_n suppose_v therefore_o at_o present_a the_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a i_o will_v fain_o know_v to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v god_n require_v we_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n if_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n to_o know_v and_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a do_v god_n require_v we_o to_o read_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o read_v it_o or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o understand_v it_o if_o the_o former_a read_v any_o other_o book_n may_v as_o well_o have_v answer_v god_n end_n as_o read_v the_o scripture_n because_o read_v be_v read_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o we_o read_v if_o the_o late_a then_o either_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a as_o to_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v we_o to_o understand_v or_o he_o require_v we_o to_o read_v it_o in_o vain_a for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v we_o read_v that_o we_o may_v understand_v if_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o read_v be_v not_o plain_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o berean_o act_n 17.11_o be_v high_o commend_v for_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v be_v this_o a_o virtue_n in_o they_o or_o be_v it_o not_o if_o not_o why_o be_v they_o commend_v for_o it_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v certain_o their_o duty_n what_o be_v the_o intendment_n of_o it_o be_v it_o only_o that_o they_o may_v be_v expert_a reader_n why_o be_v they_o so_o commend_v for_o read_v the_o scripture_n above_o any_o other_o book_n see_v that_o read_v any_o other_o book_n will_v have_v do_v as_o well_o for_o that_o purpose_n as_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o the_o text_n itself_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o intendment_n of_o their_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v that_o they_o may_v know_v whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o which_o st._n paul_n have_v preach_v to_o they_o but_o how_o shall_v they_o know_v this_o by_o read_v the_o scripture_n if_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o read_v be_v not_o plain_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o again_o st._n paul_n give_v this_o as_o a_o great_a commendation_n of_o his_o son_n timothy_n that_o from_o a_o child_n he_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n whence_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o reproach_n to_o our_o church_n as_o the_o romanist_n intend_v it_o for_o that_o we_o permit_v woman_n and_o child_n tinker_n and_o cobbler_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o i_o pray_v what_o be_v the_o mean_v of_o timothy_n know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o a_o child_n be_v it_o that_o he_o know_v the_o word_n of_o it_o only_o or_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o also_o if_o the_o former_a a_o parrot_n may_v be_v teach_v as_o much_o as_o timothy_n have_v learn_v and_o consequent_o deserve_v as_o high_a a_o commendation_n as_o he_o if_o the_o late_a than_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 oral_a tradition_n how_o can_v i_o know_v what_o that_o be_v who_o never_o hear_v she_o speak_v either_o in_o its_o diffuse_a body_n or_o in_o a_o general_n council_n or_o in_o any_o other_o representative_a unless_o it_o be_v that_o of_o my_o own_o parish-priest_n perhaps_o who_o for_o all_o i_o know_v may_v be_v ignorant_a or_o heretical_a and_o so_o either_o not_o understand_v himself_o the_o church_n oral_a tradition_n or_o whilful_o pervert_v it_o to_o a_o contrary_n mean_v and_o if_o the_o church_n deliver_v here_o sense_n to_o i_o by_o write_v as_o she_o have_v do_v in_o the_o write_a decreesof_n her_o general_n council_n must_v i_o read_v over_o all_o her_o decree_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v that_o who_o understand_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o language_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v or_o suppose_v they_o be_v translate_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o they_o be_v faithful_o render_v any_o more_o than_o i_o do_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o but_o suppose_v i_o be_v certain_a of_o this_o and_o shall_v thereupon_o proceed_v to_o read_v they_o alas_o i_o find_v in_o they_o a_o great_a many_o difficult_a and_o dubious_a expression_n yea_o and_o at_o least_o seem_a contradiction_n to_o each_o other_o how_o then_o can_v i_o be_v more_o certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o these_o write_n then_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o write_n of_o scripture_n but_o you_o will_v say_v the_o church_n have_v digest_v her_o sense_n of_o all_o her_o article_n of_o faith_n into_o a_o plain_a creed_n and_o catechism_n viz._n that_o of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n whereby_o the_o plain_a reader_n may_v without_o any_o laborious_a inquiry_n be_v ready_a instruct_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o believe_v this_o i_o confess_v be_v something_o but_o as_o for_o those_o article_n of_o faith_n wherein_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v agree_v we_o find_v they_o as_o plain_o express_v in_o scripture_n as_o in_o that_o creed_n and_o catechism_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o if_o those_o article_n wherein_o we_o disagree_v have_v ever_o be_v intend_v for_o article_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v have_v be_v as_o plain_o express_v there_o as_o these_o but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v they_o plain_o express_v there_o when_o we_o can_v find_v they_o express_v there_o at_o all_o but_o do_v we_o not_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n even_o in_o the_o plain_a expression_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n have_v yet_o be_v pervert_v by_o heretic_n into_o a_o contrary_n mean_v and_o what_o then_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o council_n as_o liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v into_o a_o contrary_n mean_v as_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n for_o do_v not_o the_o roman_a doctor_n differ_v as_o much_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o council_n as_o we_o do_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o scripture_n yea_o and_o have_v we_o not_o a_o notorious_a instance_n of_o it_o at_o this_o very_a day_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a than_o belarmine_n exposition_n of_o the_o trent_n faith_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o condom_n and_o yet_o both_o allow_v by_o the_o pope_n who_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o council_n be_v make_v sole_a arbitrator_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o than_o four_o and_o last_o as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n our_o reliance_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n leave_v we_o at_o as_o great_a a_o uncertainty_n as_o it_o find_v we_o for_o where_o the_o scripture_n design_n to_o speak_v plain_o as_o it_o do_v in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o church_n can_v speak_v plain_a and_o therefore_o there_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n as_o well_o without_o the_o church_n as_o with_o it_o but_o where_o it_o do_v not_o speak_v plain_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v leave_v we_o not_o infallible_a commentary_n whereby_o to_o understand_v it_o so_o that_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a she_o have_v not_o make_v it_o plain_o and_o where_o it_o be_v obscure_a she_o have_v leave_v it_o as_o obscure_a as_o ever_o so_o that_o after_o all_o the_o noise_n that_o be_v make_v of_o infallibility_n her_o doctor_n be_v fain_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o method_n of_o understanding_n scripture_n that_o be_v to_o consult_v the_o sense_n of_o antiquity_n and_o compare_v text_n with_o text_n and_o the_o like_a that_o we_o fallible_a protestant_n do_v and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o be_v as_o liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v as_o we_o nay_o they_o themselves_o confess_v that_o even_o general_a council_n themselves_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o their_o application_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v that_o they_o may_v misapply_v they_o to_o wrong_v purpose_n which_o they_o can_v do_v without_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o of_o which_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o notorious_a instance_n in_o the_o second_o council_n of_o nice_a which_o to_o prove_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o worship_v image_n urge_v god_n take_v clay_n and_o make_v man_n after_o his_o own_o image_n and_o likewise_o that_o of_o esay_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o sign_n and_o testimony_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o also_o those_o passage_n of_o david_n confession_n and_o beauty_n be_v before_o he_o lord_n i_o have_v love_v the_o beauty_n of_o thy_o house_n o_o lord_n my_o face_n have_v seek_v for_o thou_o o_o lord_n i_o will_v seek_v after_o thy_o countenance_n o_o lord_n the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n be_v seal_v over_o we_o and_o from_o that_o passage_n as_o we_o have_v see_v so_o have_v we_o hear_v they_o argue_v that_o there_o must_v be_v image_n to_o look_v on_o and_o because_o it_o be_v say_v god_n be_v marvellous_a in_o his_o saint_n they_o conclude_v that_o the_o church_n must_v be_v deck_v with_o picture_n and_o from_o no_o man_n light_v a_o candle_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n they_o wise_o infer_v that_o image_n must_v be_v set_v upon_o the_o altar_n all_o which_o be_v as_o remote_a from_o their_o sense_n as_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n what_o great_a certainty_n have_v they_o with_o their_o infallibility_n than_o we_o without_o it_o we_o can_v know_v as_o well_o the_o sense_n of_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n as_o of_o plain_a text_n of_o council_n or_o creed_n or_o catechism_n and_o we_o can_v as_o easy_o pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v not_o plain_a even_o genreal_a council_n you_o see_v for_o all_o their_o infallibility_n may_v be_v mistake_v about_o they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o so_o that_o when_o all_o come_v to_o all_o by_o forsake_v the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o scripture_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o that_o church_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o arrive_v at_o a_o great_a certainty_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o be_v involve_v in_o great_a uncertainty_n than_o ever_o but_o then_o 4._o and_o last_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_o 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 the_o church_n of_o rome_n suppose_v it_o be_v as_o sure_a a_o ground_n of_o faith_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 it_o be_v pretend_v though_o false_o you_o see_v that_o that_o church_n authority_n be_v so_o sure_a a_o ground_n of_o faith_n that_o while_o a_o man_n depend_v upon_o it_o he_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o any_o necessary_a article_n
of_o faith_n which_o in_o reality_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o while_o a_o man_n believe_v as_o that_o church_n believe_v which_o infallible_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n he_o infallible_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o true_a that_o while_o a_o man_n believe_v as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v which_o infallible_o teach_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n he_o infallible_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o be_v both_o be_v equal_o false_a for_o no_o man_n can_v infallible_o believe_v either_o the_o church_n or_o scripture_n because_o infallibility_n exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o humane_a nature_n no_o man_n can_v so_o believe_v either_o but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v mistake_v and_o if_o he_o may_v be_v mistake_v its_o possible_a he_o may_v not_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n whether_o he_o ground_n his_o faith_n upon_o the_o church_n or_o the_o scripture_n but_o because_o this_o church_n pretend_v so_o to_o secure_v my_o faith_n while_o i_o depend_v upon_o her_o authority_n as_o that_o i_o can_v be_v mistake_v for_o this_o very_a reason_n i_o can_v depend_v upon_o it_o because_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o this_o that_o god_n never_o design_v for_o i_o any_o such_o mean_n of_o believe_v as_o shall_v render_v my_o faith_n infallible_a for_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v he_o require_v i_o to_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o care_n to_o secure_v my_o faith_n from_o error_n if_o he_o have_v furnish_v i_o with_o any_o certain_a mean_n of_o be_v infallible_a it_o will_v be_v but_o apply_v that_o mean_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o my_o danger_n will_v be_v immediate_o over_o and_o then_o i_o need_v trouble_v my_o head_n no_o further_o be_v now_o so_o secure_v as_o that_o i_o can_v be_v mistake_v after_o which_o it_o will_v be_v very_o impertinent_a methinks_v for_o god_n to_o trouble_v i_o with_o those_o unecessary_a injunction_n of_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a of_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o take_v heed_n whilst_o i_o stand_v lest_o i_o fall_v what_o need_v a_o man_n be_v at_o the_o expense_n of_o all_o this_o labour_n and_o caution_n who_o faith_n be_v already_o secure_v see_v therefore_o god_n require_v these_o thing_n at_o our_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o he_o never_o intend_v we_o any_o method_n how_o to_o be_v infallbile_a in_o believe_v and_o therefore_o since_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n authority_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v such_o a_o method_n for_o that_o reason_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v reject_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o god_n intend_v that_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v a_o grace_n and_o a_o virtue_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o act_n of_o our_o will_n as_o well_o as_o of_o our_o understanding_n which_o suppose_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o to_o be_v irresistible_a for_o what_o virtue_n be_v it_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v when_o it_o glare_v full_a in_o our_o eye_n since_o therefore_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a assent_n upon_o such_o motive_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o honest_a mind_n but_o not_o to_o compel_v either_o a_o obstinate_a infidel_n or_o self-deceived_n hypocrite_n god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a so_o to_o secure_v our_o faith_n as_o to_o leave_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o err_v damnable_o and_o indeed_o if_o he_o have_v it_o will_v have_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o we_o to_o believe_v saving_o for_o what_o virtue_n be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o not_o to_o do_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o can_v err_v damnable_o in_o our_o faith_n without_o some_o damnable_a fault_n in_o our_o will_n but_o if_o we_o eithre_o refuse_v to_o inquire_v into_o this_o revelation_n for_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v or_o will_v only_o inquire_v into_o it_o with_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v bias_v with_o wicked_a and_o sinful_a prejudices_fw-la or_o will_v not_o submit_v our_o understanding_n to_o it_o upon_o the_o clear_a conviction_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o we_o may_v be_v ignorant_a and_o we_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o it_o be_v but_o just_a and_o fit_a that_o we_o shall_v and_o if_o notwithstanding_o these_o fault_n we_o can_v not_o err_v for_o god_n sake_n what_o virtue_n will_v it_o be_v to_o be_v orthodox_n but_o if_o with_o honest_a humble_a and_o teachable_a mind_n we_o will_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o divine_a revelation_n we_o shall_v there_o find_v all_o the_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n so_o clear_o and_o plain_o propose_v to_o we_o that_o it_o will_v be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o we_o either_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o deceive_v about_o they_o so_o that_o by_o rely_v on_o scripture_n you_o see_v we_o be_v expose_v to_o no_o other_o uncertainty_n than_o just_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v our_o faith_n a_o virtue_n and_o god_n do_v as_o much_o require_v that_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v virtuous_a as_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v orthodox_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o honest_a humble_a diligent_a and_o teachable_a mind_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v extend_v to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n now_o our_o faith_n may_v be_v orthodox_n without_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n but_o it_o can_v be_v virtuous_a and_o rewardable_a with_o it_o to_o what_o purpose_n then_o do_v the_o romanist_n talk_v of_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n in_o believe_v be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v more_o certainty_n than_o god_n ever_o intend_v to_o give_v he_o have_v give_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o honest_a mind_n and_o no_o more_o and_o whether_o knave_n and_o hypocrite_n believe_v right_a or_o wrong_n be_v of_o no_o great_a concernment_n if_o therefore_o our_o faith_n be_v liable_a to_o no_o other_o uncertainty_n than_o just_a what_o be_v necessary_a to_o try_v our_o honesty_n that_o be_v much_o better_a for_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o our_o faith_n than_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n suppose_v therefore_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v as_o infallible_a as_o it_o pretend_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o infallible_a as_o that_o but_o whether_o we_o rely_v upon_o one_o or_o tother_o we_o be_v fallible_a still_o and_o can_v that_o church_n render_v we_o as_o infallible_o certain_a as_o it_o pretend_v it_o will_v thereby_o preserve_v indeed_o the_o orthodoxy_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o then_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o will_v destroy_v the_o virtue_n of_o it_o for_o to_o believe_v right_a when_o we_o can_v believe_v wrong_a be_v fatal_a and_o necessary_a but_o to_o believe_v right_a when_o through_o our_o own_o default_n we_o may_v be_v believe_v wrong_a this_o be_v virtuous_a and_o remwardable_a by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v therefore_o i_o think_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o rely_v and_o not_o upon_o the_o church_n especial_o upon_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o since_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v these_o thing_n upon_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v be_v plain_a and_o clear_a and_o scripture_n otherwise_o we_o can_v not_o be_v just_o so_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o great_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o that_o as_o such_o it_o be_v both_o full_a and_o clear_a as_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o propose_v they_o so_o plain_o and_o clear_o as_o that_o upon_o a_o honest_a and_o diligent_a enquiry_n all_o man_n may_v find_v and_o discover_v they_o a_o second_o discourse_n upon_o john_n v._n 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n whether_o these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v render_v indicative_o you_o do_v search_v the_o scripture_n as_o some_o will_v have_v they_o or_o imperative_o search_v the_o scripture_n as_o our_o translation_n render_v they_o amount_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o render_v they_o indicative_o you_o do_v search_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v speak_v with_o approbation_n you_o do_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o you_o do_v very_o well_o in_o so_o do_v for_o thus_o we_o find_v the_o berean_o commend_v for_o scarch_v the_o scripture_n and_o timothy_n for_o know_v they_o from_o a_o child_n and_o if_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o commendable_a practice_n
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 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 aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n rom._n 15.4_o and_o for_o our_o admonition_n 1_o cor._n 10.11_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 20.31_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 3.1_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 2.1_o and_o st._n judas_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 persuastion_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 aforecited_a 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_z 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 upon_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
be_v no_o necessity_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v inform_v about_o they_o because_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o the_o church_n teach_v be_v true_a implicit_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a see_v the_o church_n teach_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a but_o the_o mischief_n of_o it_o be_v that_o this_o compendious_a way_n of_o belief_n be_v utter_o insignificant_a and_o do_v no_o way_n comport_v with_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n for_o god_n do_v not_o require_v our_o faith_n mere_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o in_o order_n to_o a_o far_a end_n that_o it_o may_v purify_v our_o heart_n and_o influence_n our_o life_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v that_o the_o matter_n which_o we_o believe_v might_n by_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o affect_v our_o will_n and_o continual_o move_v and_o persuade_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o if_o our_o faith_n have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o we_o st._n james_n assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dead_a faith_n and_o will_v profit_v we_o nothing_o but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o our_o believe_v such_o and_o such_o proposition_n shall_v move_v and_o persuade_v we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o those_o proposition_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o they_o what_o man_n can_v be_v persuade_v by_o such_o proposal_n as_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o of_o which_o he_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o explicit_a knowledge_n a_o heathen_a that_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o god_n teach_v be_v true_a do_v implicit_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v from_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n teach_v this_o but_o what_o be_v he_o the_o better_a for_o this_o his_o implicit_a belief_n what_o influence_n can_v it_o have_v upon_o his_o herd_n and_o manner_n who_o perhaps_o never_o hear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o of_o any_o one_o proposition_n which_o he_o reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o so_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n teach_v be_v true_a do_v implicit_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o future_a judgement_n a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o a_o everlasting_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n after_o death_n because_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o church_n teach_v but_o if_o he_o never_o hear_v of_o they_o or_o have_v no_o explicit_a knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o they_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v operate_v on_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n or_o ever_o persuade_v he_o to_o be_v the_o better_a man_n or_o the_o better_a christian_a and_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o other_o article_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o either_o we_o must_v believe_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o insignificant_a faith_n that_o will_v not_o at_o all_o avail_v we_o or_o take_v up_o our_o faith_n upon_o trust_n from_o fallible_a teacher_n who_o may_v mislead_v we_o into_o damnable_a error_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v we_o must_v be_v liable_a to_o answer_v for_o it_o in_o our_o person_n and_o at_o our_o own_o eternal_a peril_n or_o which_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n we_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o inquire_v and_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o at_o least_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n see_v therefore_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o the_o scripture_n itself_o oblige_v i_o upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v it_o hence_o necessary_o follow_v that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v what_o it_o teach_v it_o oblige_v i_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o teach_v otherwise_o i_o must_v believe_v i_o know_v not_o what_o which_o be_v impossible_a and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v i_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o teach_v it_o must_v oblige_v i_o to_o search_v inquire_v and_o judge_v what_o it_o teach_v because_o i_o can_v understand_v without_o inquire_v and_o judge_v but_o how_o can_v i_o inquire_v what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v if_o i_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o read_v and_o consult_v the_o scripture_n and_o so_o again_o there_o be_v many_o duty_n in_o scripture_n which_o the_o scripture_n itself_o oblige_v i_o to_o practice_v upon_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o how_o can_v it_o oblige_v i_o to_o practise_v what_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v i_o to_o understand_v or_o how_o can_v it_o oblige_v i_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v i_o to_o inquire_v after_o but_o how_o can_v i_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v i_o to_o practise_v when_o i_o be_o forbid_v all_o access_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v lock_v up_o from_o i_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o short_a therefore_o see_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v of_o the_o high_a moment_n to_o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o their_o soul_n be_v worth_a not_o to_o believe_v and_o practise_v what_o it_o teach_v and_o see_v they_o can_v neither_o believe_v nor_o practise_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o be_v of_o infinite_a concern_v to_o they_o so_o far_o at_o least_o to_o read_v consult_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n as_o they_o stand_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o practise_v its_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n 6._o and_o last_o from_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o read_v or_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o above_o six_o hundred_o year_n be_v so_o far_o from_o debar_v the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o continual_o urge_v and_o press_v it_o upon_o they_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o indispensable_a obligation_n for_o so_o origen_n wish_n that_o all_o will_v do_v as_o it_o be_v write_v viz._n search_v the_o scripture_n so_o also_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n harken_v you_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o harken_v you_o that_o be_v near_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v hide_v from_o no_o man_n it_o be_v a_o light_n common_a to_o all_o man_n and_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n in_o it_o so_o also_o st._n austin_n gent._n austin_n in_o orat._n adhort_a ad_fw-la gent._n think_v it_o not_o sufficient_a that_o you_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o church_n but_o do_v you_o also_o read_v the_o scripture_n yourselves_o in_o your_o own_o house_n or_o get_v some_o other_o to_o read_v they_o to_o you_o so_o also_o st._n jerom_n 86._o jerom_n in_o psal_n 86._o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o gospel_n not_o that_o a_o few_o but_o all_o shall_v understand_v and_o elsewhere_o speak_v of_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v at_o bethlehem_n with_o paula_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a say_v he_o for_o any_o one_o of_o all_o the_o sister_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o psalm_n nor_o to_o pass_v over_o any_o day_n without_o learning_n some_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o elsewhere_o 3._o elsewhere_o ep._n ad_fw-la coloss_n c._n 3._o we_o be_v teach_v say_v he_o that_o the_o lay-people_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o only_o sufficient_o but_o also_o with_o abundance_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v and_o counsel_v other_o so_o also_o st._n chrysostome_n 9_o chrysostome_n ep._n ad_fw-la colos_n hom._n 9_o hear_v i_o o_o laity_n get_v you_o the_o bible_n the_o most_o wholesome_a remedy_n for_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o you_o will_v no_o more_o at_o least_o get_v the_o new_a testament_n st._n paul_n epistle_n and_o the_o act_n that_o they_o may_v be_v your_o continual_a and_o earnest_a teacher_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o affirm_v 3._o affirm_v in_o matth._n hom._n 3._o that_o it_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o the_o lay-people_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n than_o either_o for_o the_o monk_n or_o priest_n or_o any_o other_o and_o to_o cite_v no_o more_o of_o the_o infinite_a authority_n of_o the_o father_n to_o this_o purpose_n st._n basil_n observe_v 1._o observe_v in_o psal_n 1._o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n be_v like_o a_o apothecary_n shop_n full_a of_o medicine_n of_o sundry_a sort_n that_o so_o every_o man_n may_v there_o choose_v a_o convenient_a remedy_n for_o his_o disease_n and_o that_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o priest_n be_v then_o allow_v the_o use_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v evident_a from_o a_o notorious_a matter_n of_o face_n for_o when_o the_o roman_a emperor_n endeavour_v to_o force_v the_o christian_n by_o persecution_n and_o torment_n to_o deliver_v up_o their_o bibles_n to_o be_v burn_v that_o so_o by_o extinguish_v those_o sacred_a record_n they_o may_v
they_o what_o need_v they_o have_v be_v record_v what_o be_v there_o in_o the_o mere_a story_n of_o noah_n drunkenness_n and_o incest_n and_o david_n adultery_n consider_v abstract_o from_o the_o good_a instruction_n it_o give_v that_o shall_v move_v god_n to_o deliver_v it_o down_o to_o all_o future_a posterity_n if_o it_o serve_v no_o good_a end_n it_o be_v record_v to_o a_o bad_a purpose_n and_o therefore_o if_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o corrupt_v man_n mind_n the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o conceal_v it_o now_o for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n god_n be_v oblige_v to_o have_v conceal_v it_o for_o ever_o either_o therefore_o we_o must_v say_v that_o god_n do_v very_o ill_o in_o publish_v it_o or_o that_o the_o church_n do_v very_o ill_a in_o suppress_v it_o for_o god_n can_v have_v no_o other_o end_n in_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o world_n but_o only_o to_o instruct_v the_o world_n by_o it_o if_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o instructive_a god_n be_v mistake_v but_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v fit_a the_o world_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o 3._o that_o this_o objection_n do_v express_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n itself_o for_o whereas_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o bad_a example_n record_v in_o scripture_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o deprave_v the_o people_n mind_n and_o manner_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o quite_o contrary_a these_o thing_n be_v our_o example_n to_o the_o intent_n we_o shall_v not_o lust_n after_o evil_a thing_n as_o they_o i._n e._n the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n lust_v neither_o be_v you_o idolater_n as_o be_v some_o of_o they_o neither_o let_v we_o commit_v fornication_n as_o some_o of_o they_o commit_v and_o sell_v in_o one_o day_n three_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o neither_o let_v we_o tempt_v christ_n as_o some_o of_o they_o also_o tempt_v and_o be_v destroy_v of_o serpent_n neither_o murmur_v you_o as_o some_o of_o they_o also_o murmur_v and_o be_v destroy_v of_o the_o destroyer_n now_o all_o these_o thing_n happen_v unto_o they_o for_o ensample_n and_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v 1_o cor._n 10.6_o 7_o 8.9_o 10_o 11._o whereas_o this_o objection_n urge_v that_o there_o be_v sundry_a passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o shall_v the_o people_n read_v will_v excite_v evil_a thought_n in_o their_o mind_n the_o same_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o scripture_n be_v profitable_a not_o only_o for_o doctrine_n and_o reproof_n but_o also_o for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o whereas_o this_o objection_n pretend_v that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o unsafe_a for_o young_a people_n especial_o to_o be_v allow_v the_o scripture_n because_o there_o be_v several_a amorous_a story_n and_o passage_n in_o it_o which_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o suggest_v wanton_a thought_n to_o their_o gay_a and_o amorous_a fancy_n david_n it_o be_v plain_a be_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a mind_n for_o wherewith_o say_v he_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n cleanse_v his_o way_n by_o take_v heed_n thereto_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n psal_n 119.9_o than_o which_o two_o passage_n what_o assertion_n can_v be_v more_o contrary_a one_o to_o another_o 4._o and_o last_o that_o suppose_v this_o objection_n to_o be_v thus_o far_o true_a that_o there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o may_v sometime_o occasional_o excite_v bad_a thought_n in_o man_n mind_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n why_o the_o use_v of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v forbid_v to_o the_o people_n for_o every_o thing_n which_o the_o people_n occasional_o make_v bad_a uses_n of_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n to_o be_v forbid_v to_o they_o even_o prayer_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n ought_v to_o be_v for_o bid_v they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n see_v of_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o other_o many_o people_n do_v occasional_o make_v very_o bad_a uses_n so_o long_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o and_o apt_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o instruct_v and_o edify_v those_o that_o read_v it_o this_o be_v sufficient_a not_o only_o to_o warrant_v the_o people_n use_n of_o it_o but_o to_o enjoin_v and_o require_v it_o and_o if_o it_o sometime_o occasion_n corrupt_a thought_n in_o corrupt_a mind_n this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o light_n of_o it_o than_o some_o bad_a man_n make_v ill_a use_v of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v why_o the_o sun_n shall_v be_v extinguish_v or_o why_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o shut_v up_o from_o the_o light_n of_o it_o in_o dark_a and_o dismal_a dungeon_n but_o as_o for_o those_o very_a passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o do_v sometime_o occasion_v ill_a thought_n in_o man_n mind_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v it_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n that_o as_o they_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o natural_o apt_a to_o repress_v bad_a thought_n and_o to_o arm_n and_o fortify_v man_n mind_n against_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o bad_a example_n record_v in_o scripture_n be_v general_o deliver_v with_o infamous_a character_n severe_a prohibition_n and_o dreadful_a instance_n of_o god_n vengeance_n attend_v they_o which_o render_v they_o much_o more_o apt_a to_o repress_v than_o to_o excite_v evil_a thought_n in_o man_n mind_n to_o quicken_v they_o to_o prayer_n and_o watchfulness_n against_o temptation_n and_o when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o have_v be_v overcome_v by_o they_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o repentance_n or_o when_o they_o have_v overcome_v they_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o that_o prevent_n and_o assist_v grace_n of_o god_n by_o which_o they_o have_v be_v enable_v to_o resist_v and_o repel_v they_o these_o be_v the_o natural_a uses_n of_o those_o bad_a example_n record_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o if_o instead_o of_o make_v these_o uses_n of_o they_o some_o man_n pervert_v they_o to_o bad_a purpose_n that_o be_v their_o fault_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o bad_a example_n in_o scripture_n as_o they_o be_v there_o record_v be_v in_o themselves_o of_o excellent_a use_n to_o the_o people_n but_o shall_v man_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o use_n of_o every_o good_a thing_n they_o abuse_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o one_o good_a thing_n will_v be_v leave_v free_a to_o their_o enjoyment_n and_o now_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a the_o people_n right_a and_o obligation_n to_o use_v and_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o answer_v the_o main_a objection_n against_o it_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o these_o two_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a 1._o if_o he_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o scripture_n than_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n those_o divine_a truth_n which_o it_o propose_v to_o their_o belief_n for_o to_o what_o other_o end_n shall_v we_o be_v oblige_v to_o read_v and_o consult_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o it_o what_o be_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o learn_v from_o scripture_n what_o god_n mind_n be_v if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v what_o he_o therein_o declare_v upon_o scripture_n authority_n if_o i_o must_v not_o believe_v when_o i_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o this_o be_v god_n mind_n because_o the_o scripture_n say_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a i_o shall_v ever_o learn_v god_n mind_n by_o read_v it_o and_o consequent_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o read_v it_o to_o no_o purpose_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v teach_v i_o what_o god_n mind_n be_v but_o that_o which_o give_v i_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o what_o it_o teach_v be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n when_o therefore_o i_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o find_v such_o a_o proposition_n plain_o assert_v in_o it_o be_v this_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n or_o no_o for_o i_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v than_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o my_o belief_n if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o the_o scripture_n can_v teach_v i_o what_o god_n mind_n be_v because_o it_o can_v give_v i_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v any_o one_o proposition_n in_o it_o to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n we_o be_v tell_v indeed_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o receive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o church_n who_o alone_o have_v authority_n to_o expound_v it_o to_o we_o and_o who_o exposition_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v infallible_a but_o if_o this_o be_v so_o to_o what_o
end_n shall_v we_o read_v the_o scripture_n see_v the_o only_a end_n of_o reading_n be_v to_o learn_v the_o sense_n of_o what_o we_o read_v which_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v learn_v from_o scripture_n so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o wise_a end_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o only_o to_o learn_v from_o it_o what_o it_o mean_v yet_o it_o seem_v for_o man_n to_o read_v it_o for_o this_o end_n be_v a_o perfect_a labour_n in_o vain_a see_v it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v to_o learn_v the_o mean_v of_o scripture_n for_o as_o for_o the_o scripture_n if_o these_o man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o heap_n of_o unsense_v character_n so_o they_o express_o term_v it_o but_o what_o do_v they_o mean_v by_o it_o be_v it_o that_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o a_o company_n of_o letter_n and_o syllable_n and_o word_n that_o carry_v with_o they_o no_o determinate_a sense_n that_o god_n almighty_n have_v write_v and_o publish_v a_o book_n to_o the_o world_n that_o mean_v nothing_o if_o so_o then_o when_o the_o church_n by_o its_o infallible_a authority_n pretend_v to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n her_o meaning_n be_v not_o to_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o to_o impose_v a_o sense_n on_o it_o which_o be_v never_o in_o it_o for_o how_o can_v she_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o book_n which_o have_v no_o sense_n in_o it_o if_o the_o church_n be_v to_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n must_v have_v a_o certain_a determinate_a sense_n in_o it_o before_o she_o expound_v it_o for_o to_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o which_o have_v no_o sense_n be_v nonsense_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o certain_a sense_n in_o it_o antcedent_o to_o the_o church_n exposition_n of_o it_o why_o do_v they_o call_v it_o a_o parcel_n of_o vnsense_v character_n if_o their_o mean_v be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o ambiguous_a that_o without_o the_o infallible_a exposition_n of_o the_o church_n we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a what_o it_o be_v beside_o that_o this_o be_v notorious_o false_a the_o scripture_n in_o all_o necessary_a point_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n be_v so_o very_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o any_o man_n that_o read_v it_o with_o a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n may_v be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o he_o can_v be_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o write_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o write_a exposition_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o whatever_o these_o man_n pretend_v it_o be_v not_o mere_o because_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o scripture_n that_o they_o oblige_v man_n to_o ground_n their_o faith_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o own_o as_o well_o as_o we_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o clear_a and_o yet_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v man_n to_o ground_n their_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o all_o must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o all_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o the_o plain_a scripture_n they_o will_v still_o contend_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n rely_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o they_o contend_v for_o it_o be_v not_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a but_o because_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o advance_v their_o church_n authority_n we_o own_o as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o authoty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o free_o allow_v to_o be_v the_o best_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o be_v this_o that_o whereas_o we_o require_v plain_a man_n to_o judge_v of_o plain_a thing_n with_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o all_o man_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o content_v themselves_o to_o see_v with_o the_o church_n eye_n where_o they_o be_v able_a to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v these_o man_n but_o to_o have_v all_o man_n as_o well_o wise_a as_o simple_a surrender_v up_o their_o faith_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o church_n and_o wink_v hard_a and_o believe_v whatever_o the_o church_n believe_v pure_o because_o the_o church_n believe_v it_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v we_o to_o believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n not_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a though_o this_o they_o pretend_v for_o be_v it_o never_o so_o plain_a the_o case_n will_v be_v the_o same_o but_o because_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o this_o will_v inevitable_o subvert_v their_o usurp_a dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n but_o we_o must_v believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o who_o be_v this_o church_n i_o beseech_v you_o why_o they_o themselves_o be_v this_o church_n so_o that_o whereas_o god_n have_v publish_v a_o book_n call_v the_o bible_n on_o purpose_n to_o declare_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n here_o be_v start_v up_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n who_o very_o grave_o tell_v we_o sir_n you_o must_v not_o so_o much_o as_o look_v into_o this_o book_n or_o if_o you_o do_v must_v not_o believe_v any_o one_o word_n in_o it_o upon_o its_o own_o credit_n and_o authority_n for_o though_o we_o do_v confess_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o be_v the_o sole_a judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o we_o decalre_a be_v its_o sense_n how_o unlikely_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o you_o you_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o receive_v and_o believe_v it_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o wedeclare_v it_o in_o short_a you_o must_v resign_v up_o your_o eye_n your_o faith_n your_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o we_o and_o see_v only_o with_o our_o eye_n and_o believe_v only_o with_o our_o faith_n and_o judge_v only_o with_o our_o judgement_n and_o whithersoever_o we_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o lead_v you_o you_o must_v tame_o follow_v we_o without_o presume_v to_o examine_v whether_o we_o lead_v you_o right_n or_o wrong_n but_o yet_o after_o all_o to_o induce_v we_o thus_o to_o enslave_v our_o understanding_n to_o they_o they_o themselves_o be_v fain_o to_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o allow_v we_o in_o some_o thing_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o to_o believe_v those_o thing_n upon_o its_o authority_n for_o no_o wise_a and_o honest_a man_n will_v ever_o believe_v either_o that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n or_o the_o infallible_a judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n without_o some_o proof_n and_o evidence_n and_o for_o this_o this_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o produce_v several_a text_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_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 now_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v notorious_o false_a viz._n that_o those_o text_n do_v necessary_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a true_a catholic_n church_n and_o that_o as_o such_o they_o be_v constitute_v by_o god_n infallible_a judge_n of_o scripture_n yet_o before_o i_o can_v believe_v so_o i_o must_v judge_v for_o myself_o whether_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o or_o no_o and_o if_o i_o judge_v it_o be_v i_o must_v believe_v that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o infallible_a upon_o the_o scripture_n authority_n and_o not_o they_o for_o their_o authority_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o debate_n and_o i_o can_v believe_v upon_o it_o before_o i_o believe_v it_o so_o then_o though_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o else_o upon_o scripture_n authority_n yet_o upon_o this_o very_a authority_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o be_v infallible_a which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v we_o must_v believe_v as_o much_o upon_o scripture_n authority_n as_o will_v sever_v their_o turn_n and_o no_o more_o but_o may_v i_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o two_o fundamental_a principle_n upon_o scripture_n authority_n or_o no_o if_o i_o may_v why_o may_v i_o not_o as_o well_o be_v infallible_o certain_a upon_o the_o same_o authority_n