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scripture_n church_n read_v tongue_n 2,635 5 7.5388 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A56691 Search the Scriptures a treatise shewing that all Christians ought to read the Holy Books : with directions to them therein : in three parts. Patrick, Simon, 1626-1707. 1685 (1685) Wing P835; ESTC R23033 72,298 205

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promise_n before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v therefore_o let_v we_o i_o beseech_v you_o with_o great_a diligence_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o read_n of_o holy_a write_n for_o thereby_o we_o shall_v be_v furnish_v with_o divine_a knowledge_n if_o we_o frequent_o make_v they_o our_o study_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v neglect_v by_o god_n who_o with_o earnest_a diligence_n and_o fervent_a desire_n employ_v himself_o in_o these_o divine_a thing_n but_o if_o no_o man_n can_v be_v find_v to_o teach_v we_o the_o lord_n himself_o will_v come_v from_o above_o into_o our_o heart_n and_o inlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o shine_v into_o our_o understanding_n and_o reveal_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v hide_v and_o instruct_v we_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v ignorant_a provide_v we_o will_v contribute_v all_o that_o lie_v in_o we_o to_o the_o business_n four_o this_o he_o illustrate_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o eunuch_n in_o the_o viii_o of_o the_o act_n who_o he_o magnify_v in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o work_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o observe_v upon_o several_a account_n belong_v to_o this_o matter_n particular_o here_o for_o not_o neglect_v to_o read_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n though_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o barbarian_a and_o ignorant_a what_o the_o prophet_n say_v but_o because_o he_o do_v what_o he_o can_v and_o with_o all_o the_o diligence_n he_o be_v able_a he_o obtain_v a_o guide_n from_o god_n consider_v here_o i_o beseech_v you_o how_o beneficial_a it_o be_v to_o this_o man_n that_o he_o do_v not_o omit_v read_v no_o though_o he_o be_v in_o a_o journey_n on_o the_o highway_n let_v those_o hearken_v to_o this_o who_o will_v not_o do_v so_o much_o at_o home_n but_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o by-business_n because_o they_o cohabit_v with_o a_o wife_n or_o be_v list_v soldier_n and_o have_v the_o care_n of_o child_n and_o must_v look_v after_o their_o servant_n and_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o business_n in_o the_o world_n which_o they_o imagine_v sufficient_o excuse_v they_o from_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o read_v the_o holy_a script_n res_fw-la for_o see_v here_o all_o this_o confute_v in_o this_o barbarian_a a_o man_n of_o business_n and_o in_o his_o journey_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v so_o studious_a and_o intent_n upon_o his_o read_n that_o nothing_o can_v divert_v he_o from_o it_o as_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v in_o that_o homily_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o eloquence_n which_o will_v be_v more_o pertinent_o allege_v under_o some_o of_o the_o other_o general_a head_n i_o only_o observe_v one_o thing_n more_o under_o this_o five_o that_o he_o urge_v this_o obligation_n they_o have_v upon_o they_o to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o this_o argument_n that_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o family_n as_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v from_o the_o forename_a precept_n of_o st._n paul_n let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n observe_v say_v he_o how_o the_o apostle_n decline_v all_o that_o may_v deter_v they_o from_o this_o business_n because_o there_o be_v great_a pain_n to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o read_n some_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v a_o laborious_a business_n to_o understand_v they_o therefore_o he_o commend_v the_o psalm_n that_o he_o may_v at_o once_o delight_v their_o mind_n and_o make_v the_o labour_n easy_a to_o they_o now_o your_o child_n be_v acquaint_v with_o satanical_a song_n and_o dance_n like_v to_o those_o who_o keep_v victualling-house_n and_o dancing-master_n but_o none_o of_o they_o know_v so_o much_o as_o one_o psalm_n hence_o all_o our_o mischiess_n for_o like_a to_o the_o soil_n in_o which_o the_o plant_n be_v set_v will_v be_v the_o fruit_n teach_v thy_o child_n therefore_o to_o chant_v the_o psalm_n those_o that_o be_v full_a of_o philosophy_n for_o example_n those_o straightway_o that_o teach_v temperance_n or_o rather_o before_o all_o those_o about_o avoid_v ill_a company_n with_o which_o the_o book_n begin_v for_o upon_o this_o score_n the_o prophet_n enter_v upon_o his_o work_n with_o this_o admonition_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o ungodly_a etc._n etc._n and_o again_o 26.4_o i_o have_v not_o sit_v with_o vain_a person_n and_o again_o xv_o 4_o in_o who_o eye_n a_o vile_a person_n be_v contemn_v but_o he_o honour_v they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n like_o to_o these_o thou_o will_v find_v many_o more_o concern_v bridle_v the_o appetite_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o belly_n concern_v keep_v the_o hand_n from_o theft_n against_o covetousness_n and_o that_o riches_n be_v nothing_o nor_o glory_n neither_o nor_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o like_a nature_n if_o from_o a_o child_n thou_o accustom_v he_o to_o these_o notion_n by_o little_a and_o little_o thou_o will_v advance_v he_o to_o sublime_a apprehension_n for_o than_o he_o will_v understand_v the_o hymn_n which_o have_v nothing_o humane_a in_o they_o but_o be_v thing_n more_o divine_a for_o the_o heavenly_a power_n sing_v hymn_n not_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o repeat_v exhortation_n it_o appear_v these_o be_v not_o hasty_a thought_n which_o on_o a_o sudden_a spring_v up_o in_o he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o discourse_n but_o the_o deliberate_a constant_a and_o settle_a sense_n of_o his_o mind_n which_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o bring_v all_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o his_o charge_n to_o a_o more_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o will_v still_o more_o full_o appear_v in_o the_o second_o proposition_n which_o he_o maintain_v and_o that_o be_v such_o as_o may_v perfect_o put_v to_o shame_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n for_o it_o be_v this_o ii_o that_o it_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o a_o layman_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n than_o for_o a_o monk_n or_o those_o that_o be_v sequester_v from_o the_o world_n to_o this_o purpose_n he_o discourse_n in_o his_o second_o sermon_n upon_o st._n matthew_n this_o be_v the_o plague_n that_o now_o infest_v we_o and_o corrupt_v all_o that_o you_o imagine_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n belong_v to_o monk_n only_o and_o not_o to_o you_o that_o have_v wife_n and_o child_n and_o worldly_a business_n whereas_o it_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o you_o than_o for_o they_o for_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o world_n be_v most_o expose_v to_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v wound_v have_v most_o need_v of_o medicine_n to_o preserve_v they_o that_o be_v or_o to_o cure_v they_o thus_o likewise_o in_o the_o three_o sermon_n upon_o lazarus_n before_o mention_v he_o discourse_v to_o this_o effect_n let_v no_o man_n tell_v i_o i_o be_o engage_v in_o plead_v cause_n the_o public_a business_n lie_v upon_o i_o i_o have_v a_o trade_n i_o must_v live_v by_o my_o handy_a work_n i_o have_v a_o wife_n and_o family_n in_o short_a i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v not_o for_o i_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o for_o those_o who_o have_v bid_v a_o adieu_n to_o it_o what_o do_v thou_o say_v man_n be_v it_o not_o thy_o business_n to_o turn_v over_o the_o scripture_n because_o thou_o be_v distract_v with_o worldly_a care_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n it_o be_v more_o thy_o business_n than_o they_o for_o they_o have_v less_o need_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o we_o have_v who_o be_v toss_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o wave_n of_o business_n they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o haven_n they_o be_v secure_a and_o enjoy_v perfect_a tranquillity_n it_o be_v we_o who_o fluctuate_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n who_o be_v obnoxious_a whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o to_o innumerable_a sin_n and_o therefore_o have_v perpetual_a need_n of_o the_o comfort_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o can_v more_o effectual_o represent_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n than_o this_o unless_o it_o be_v what_o follow_v out_o of_o the_o xxi_o homily_n upon_o genesis_n upon_o those_o word_n noah_n beget_v three_o son_n let_v we_o not_o bring_v forth_o those_o frigid_a word_n i_o be_o a_o worldly_a man_n i_o have_v a_o wife_n the_o care_n of_o child_n lie_v upon_o i_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o many_o be_v to_o excuse_v themselves_o when_o we_o bid_v they_o labour_n to_o be_v good_a and_o apply_v their_o study_n to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o i_o say_v they_o have_v i_o renounce_v the_o world_n be_o i_o a_o monk_n what_o do_v thou_o say_v man_n do_v this_o belong_v to_o monk_n only_o to_o study_v
of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n shall_v not_o say_v to_o his_o neighbour_n know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a and_o so_o st._n paul_n i_o come_v not_o to_o you_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o speech_n or_o of_o wisdom_n show_v you_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o again_o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n and_o again_o we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a yet_o not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n that_o come_v to_o nought_o etc._n etc._n and_o last_o he_o prove_v this_o from_o the_o intention_n for_o which_o they_o write_v these_o book_n which_o be_v that_o all_o may_v find_v a_o remedy_n here_o of_o whatsoever_o trouble_v they_o this_o he_o admirable_o prosecute_v in_o these_o word_n because_o thou_o be_v engage_v in_o family-affair_n and_o a_o world_n of_o business_n therefore_o thou_o have_v the_o great_a need_n of_o more_o medicine_n for_o not_o only_o thy_o wife_n provoke_v thou_o but_o thy_o child_n make_v thou_o sad_a and_o thy_o servant_n anger_v thou_o and_o thy_o enemy_n devise_v mischief_n against_o thou_o and_o thy_o friend_n envy_v thou_o and_o thy_o neighbour_n do_v thou_o damage_n and_o thy_o fellow-soldier_n supplant_v thou_o nay_o perhaps_o he_o that_o sit_v in_o judgement_n threatten_v thou_o and_o poverty_n make_v thou_o sorrowful_a and_o the_o run_v away_o of_o thy_o servant_n fetch_v tear_n from_o thy_o eye_n in_o short_a either_o prosperity_n puff_v thou_o up_o or_o adversity_n pinch_v thou_o sore_o and_o make_v thou_o shrink_v there_o be_v many_o occasion_n of_o anger_n many_o of_o thoughtfulness_n many_o of_o sadness_n and_o sorrow_n and_o many_o also_o of_o vainglory_n and_o senslless_a pride_n strait_n and_o difficulty_n encompass_v we_o on_o every_o side_n and_o a_o thousand_o dart_n from_o all_o side_n come_v fly_v at_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v perpetual_a need_n of_o that_o panoply_n complete_a armour_n which_o be_v to_o be_v setcht_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n a_o great_a deal_n more_o there_o follow_v which_o i_o shall_v not_o transcribe_v to_o show_v what_o a_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o these_o divine_a remedy_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n we_o receive_v or_o rather_o to_o keep_v off_o the_o blow_n that_o give_v they_o and_o to_o beat_v back_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o a_o frequent_a read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o conclude_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n for_o it_o can_v be_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v that_o enjoy_v not_o continual_o the_o benefit_n of_o spiritual_a read_n but_o after_o he_o have_v thus_o answer_v the_o objection_n about_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v altogether_o true_a he_o proceed_v further_a to_o show_v that_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v true_a they_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o not_o to_o be_v read_v by_o we_o first_o because_o by_o often_o read_v that_o which_o be_v obscure_a may_v become_v plain_a so_o he_o discourse_v in_o the_o often_o name_v sermon_n upon_o lazarus_n do_v thou_o not_o understand_v what_o be_v in_o these_o book_n no_o how_o shall_v thou_o understand_v when_o thou_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o look_v into_o they_o take_v the_o bible_n into_o thy_o hand_n read_v the_o whole_a history_n and_o retain_v what_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a read_v what_o be_v obscure_a and_o uncertain_a over_o and_o over_o again_o second_o suppose_v thou_o can_v not_o with_o frequent_a read_n find_v out_o the_o sense_n then_o go_v to_o one_o that_o be_v wise_a than_o thyself_o come_v to_o the_o teacher_n and_o instructor_n as_o a_o scholar_n to_o his_o master_n communicate_v with_o he_o concern_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v demonstrate_v a_o great_a diligence_n and_o desire_n to_o learn_v and_o if_o god_n see_v this_o forwardness_n and_o readiness_n of_o mind_n in_o thou_o he_o will_v not_o overlook_v thy_o watchfulness_n and_o solicitous_a care_n but_o if_o no_o man_n can_v be_v find_v to_o teach_v thou_o he_o will_v reveal_v his_o mind_n himself_o to_o thou_o this_o he_o explain_v by_o the_o example_n often_o already_o name_v say_v remember_v the_o eunuch_n of_o the_o queen_n of_o ethiopia_n who_o be_v a_o barbarian_a and_o engage_v in_o a_o thousand_o care_n and_o surround_v with_o abundance_n of_o business_n and_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o he_o read_v yet_o notwithstanding_o continue_v read_v as_o he_o sit_v in_o his_o chariot_n if_o he_o show_v such_o diligence_n upon_o the_o highway_n consider_v what_o kind_n of_o man_n he_o be_v at_o home_n if_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o time_n of_o his_o travel_n to_o pass_v away_o without_o read_v how_o much_o more_o diligent_a may_v we_o well_o think_v he_o be_v when_o he_o sit_v in_o his_o house_n if_o when_o he_o understand_v not_o what_o he_o read_v he_o will_v not_o omit_v read_v how_o much_o more_o do_v he_o use_v it_o after_o he_o have_v learn_v something_o for_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o he_o read_v his_o answer_n to_o philip_n show_v when_o he_o ask_v he_o understand_v thou_o what_o thou_o read_v he_o do_v not_o blush_v nor_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v his_o ignorance_n but_o say_v how_o can_v i_o unless_o i_o have_v some_o body_n to_o guide_v i_o because_o therefore_o he_o thus_o employ_v his_o time_n in_o read_v when_o he_o have_v none_o to_o guide_v he_o therefore_o straightway_o one_o be_v send_v to_o conduct_v and_o lead_v he_o god_n see_v his_o forwardness_n and_o accept_v his_o diligence_n and_o present_o send_v he_o a_o teacher_n but_o philip_n be_v not_o here_o present_a with_o i_o to_o instruct_v i_o when_o i_o read_v true_a but_o the_o spirit_n which_o move_v philip_n be_v present_a let_v we_o not_o my_o belove_a despise_v our_o own_o salvation_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripure_a be_v a_o great_a security_n against_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n of_o they_o be_v a_o great_a precipice_n a_o deep_a pit_n or_o rather_o bottomless_a gulf_n a_o manifest_a betray_n of_o salvation_n to_o know_v nothing_o out_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n this_o have_v both_o bring_v forth_o heresy_n and_o lead_v to_o corruption_n of_o manner_n this_o have_v turn_v all_o thing_n topsy-turvy_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a utter_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o go_v away_o from_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o some_o fruit_n if_o he_o read_v they_o with_o care_n i_o shall_v tire_v my_o reader_n if_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o all_o that_o this_o great_a and_o holy_a man_n have_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_n which_o he_o press_v you_o see_v with_o such_o vehemence_n as_o if_o he_o think_v it_o impossible_a for_o his_o people_n to_o be_v save_v unless_o they_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o contrary_a be_v the_o doctrine_n then_o to_o what_o be_v now_o current_a in_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o teach_v that_o people_n will_v rather_o endanger_v their_o salvation_n by_o the_o read_n of_o they_o and_o one_o thing_n i_o can_v pass_v by_o without_o a_o particular_a remark_n before_o i_o have_v do_v with_o this_o that_o he_o give_v that_o very_a reason_n in_o the_o word_n just_a now_o quote_v why_o the_o people_n shall_v read_v the_o scripture_n which_o the_o romanist_n give_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o read_v they_o viz._n the_o danger_n of_o run_v into_o error_n and_o heresy_n therefore_o say_v they_o the_o people_n ought_v not_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n no_o such_o matter_n say_v he_o but_o quite_o contrary_a they_o will_v run_v into_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o read_v they_o from_o hence_o spring_v up_o miriads_o of_o evil_n even_o 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more_o plain_o than_o to_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a and_o that_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o fear_n god_n so_o likewise_o to_o honour_v the_o king_n and_o his_o minister_n and_o to_o obey_v those_o that_o watch_n over_o our_o soul_n nay_o to_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n which_o will_v dispose_v we_o most_o certain_o if_o we_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o pride_n or_o any_o other_o vicious_a affection_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o in_o dubious_a thing_n and_o as_o it_o there_o follow_v in_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thess_n v._o 13._o to_o be_v at_o peace_n among_o ourselves_o i_o must_v beseech_v therefore_o every_o member_n of_o this_o church_n both_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o be_v as_o careful_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o i_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n take_v your_o guide_n along_o with_o you_o do_v not_o think_v yourselves_o safe_a without_o their_o conduct_n be_v not_o only_o willing_a but_o desirous_a to_o learn_v of_o they_o reverence_v their_o instruction_n do_v not_o easy_o dissent_v from_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o oppose_v they_o especial_o when_o you_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v they_o to_o be_v serious_a studious_a know_v and_o conscientious_a man_n who_o take_v care_n to_o inform_v themselves_o aright_o that_o they_o may_v not_o misinform_v you_o for_o such_o man_n look_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v bind_v as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o treatise_n of_o tradition_n pag._n 24._o to_o guide_v themselves_o in_o their_o direction_n of_o other_o by_o what_o the_o catholic_n father_n and_o ancient_a bishop_n have_v teach_v out_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o thereby_o preserve_v their_o flock_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n also_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v which_o by_o their_o subscription_n they_o own_v to_o have_v authority_n in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v no_o less_o preserve_v they_o in_o unity_n and_o in_o peace_n to_o conclude_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o every_o body_n must_v reap_v great_a fruit_n by_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o they_o read_v they_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o they_o may_v go_v away_o better_o from_o the_o read_n of_o they_o than_o they_o come_v to_o it_o and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o accommodate_v they_o to_o their_o own_o affection_n but_o correct_v all_o their_o affection_n and_o desire_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n by_o this_o exact_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n according_a to_o which_o if_o we_o square_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v present_o learn_v in_o difficult_a thing_n to_o be_v wise_a unto_o sobriety_n and_o in_o plain_a thing_n to_o be_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n that_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o do_v what_o we_o certain_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o only_a wisdom_n that_o the_o scripture_n magnify_v which_o will_v be_v the_o sure_a way_n both_o to_o know_v more_o and_o to_o know_v it_o better_o that_o be_v to_o feel_v the_o comfort_n of_o what_o we_o know_v in_o a_o bless_a and_o assure_a hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o part._n part_n ii_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n that_o those_o word_n of_o st_n peter_n 2._o iii_o 16._o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v allege_v against_o the_o read_n of_o holy_a scripture_n do_v plain_o suppose_v that_o the_o people_n do_v then_o read_v they_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o deter_v man_n from_o read_v they_o by_o represent_v the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o the_o danger_n of_o wrest_v they_o for_o he_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o consequent_o liable_a to_o be_v wrest_v but_o only_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n in_o treat_v of_o which_o three_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v consider_v i._n first_o that_o most_o thing_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v that_o they_o be_v easy_a nay_o all_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a for_o we_o be_v very_o easy_a ii_o second_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a may_v be_v understand_v though_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o it_o that_o be_v they_o will_v require_v some_o pain_n to_o understand_v they_o which_o shall_v not_o deter_v we_o from_o read_v but_o only_o make_v we_o laborious_a to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o we_o read_v iii_o three_o when_o we_o do_v thorough_o understand_v and_o hearty_o believe_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v easy_a it_o will_v abate_v much_o of_o that_o difficulty_n and_o make_v other_o thing_n more_o easy_a i._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o apostle_n only_o say_v some_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o suppose_v that_o most_o be_v not_o but_o rather_o easy_a as_o all_o those_o thing_n especial_o be_v which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v and_o do_v for_o the_o obtain_n salvation_n that_o which_o make_v thing_n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v the_o plain_a and_o perspicuous_a delivery_n of_o they_o in_o the_o word_n wherein_o they_o be_v write_v or_o speak_v now_o nothing_o a_o be_v plain_a or_o clear_a than_o the_o word_n wherein_o all_o the_o great_a christian_a truth_n be_v reveal_v and_o deliver_v to_o we_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v obscure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o see_v the_o light_n than_o it_o be_v to_o apprehend_v and_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o some_o particular_n and_o have_v a_o eye_n all_o the_o way_n upon_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o which_o s._n peter_n be_v common_o think_v to_o have_v respect_n wherein_o though_o some_o thing_n be_v difficult_a yet_o these_o be_v most_o clear_o discover_v first_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n as_o he_o express_o write_v 1_o cor._n viii_o 6._o second_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n remember_v we_o out_o of_o moses_n iu._n matt._n 10._o be_v the_o great_a thing_n press_v in_o his_o very_a entrance_n into_o any_o place_n where_o he_o preach_v 1_o thess_n l._n 9_o 10._o xvii_o act_n 23_o 24._o three_o as_o our_o lord_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v engage_v by_o our_o baptism_n to_o worship_v one_o god_n in_o three_o person_n xxviii_o matth._n 19_o so_o s._n paul_n affirm_v the_o same_o plain_o enough_o in_o that_o solemn_a prayer_n for_o the_o corinthian_n 2._o xiii_o ult_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v with_o you_o all_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o place_n wherein_o he_o affirm_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o ix_o rom._n 5._o and_o the_o spirit_n to_o search_v even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o know_v his_o mind_n exact_o for_o so_o it_o follow_v 1_o cor._n ii_o 10_o 11._o that_o as_o none_o can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o plain_o tell_v we_o if_o we_o mind_v it_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v in_o god_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v in_o man_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n be_v god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o full_o acquaint_v with_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n there_o be_v some_o little_a labour_n indeed_o in_o make_v this_o deduction_n but_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a if_o we_o consider_v all_o these_o place_n together_o four_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n none_o can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o who_o do_v but_o look_v into_o the_o holy_a book_n where_o he_o will_v immediate_o see_v he_o represent_v to_o be_v almighty_a most_o wise_a most_o gracious_a faithful_a to_o his_o word_n and_o the_o live_a god_n who_o endure_v for_o ever_o which_o be_v truth_n write_v there_o in_o such_o great_a letter_n that_o every_o one_o who_o run_v as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v and_o do_v but_o cast_v a_o transient_a eye_n upon_o they_o may_v easy_o read_v they_o five_o particular_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o kindness_n towards_o we_o the_o child_n of_o man_n lie_v before_o we_o so_o fair_o and_o shine_v so_o bright_o in_o our_o
obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_a but_o glory_n honour_n and_o peace_n to_o every_o man_n that_o work_v good_a to_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o gentile_a for_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n ii_o rom._n 6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n if_o these_o word_n be_v not_o intelligible_a there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o plain_o speak_v in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_o and_o intelligible_o write_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n xvii_o act_n 31._o when_o he_o will_v make_v good_a all_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o that_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v that_o great_a person_n by_o who_o he_o will_v judge_v it_o all_o our_o labour_n all_o our_o art_n can_v never_o make_v a_o proposition_n to_o be_v understand_v if_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o obvious_a and_o clear_a to_o all_o who_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consider_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o do_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o care_n and_o love_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n who_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v we_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_v the_o people_n shall_v look_v into_o they_o for_o fear_n of_o mistake_v and_o run_v themselves_o into_o dangerous_a error_n and_o heresy_n they_o may_v do_v so_o though_o they_o do_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n by_o follow_v their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n and_o by_o dream_v upon_o that_o which_o they_o hear_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o which_o start_v up_o in_o their_o own_o fancy_n but_o if_o they_o look_v into_o the_o scripture_n to_o know_v how_o to_o be_v save_v and_o have_v no_o other_o end_n nor_o neglect_v humble_o to_o implore_v the_o divine_a guidance_n they_o can_v mistake_v but_o may_v be_v easy_o and_o full_o satisfy_v for_o god_n have_v tell_v usall_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o saviour_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o and_o his_o commandment_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v he_o as_o they_o be_v not_o grievous_a so_o they_o be_v obvious_a and_o may_v be_v meet_v withal_o every_o where_o if_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o learn_v they_o and_o he_o have_v set_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n etc._n etc._n iv_o ephes_n 11_o 12_o 13._o so_o that_o no_o man_n have_v such_o director_n can_v miss_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o eternal_a life_n unless_o both_o he_o and_o they_o will_v wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o on_o purpose_n turn_v aside_o from_o the_o path_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n show_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o the_o word_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o bright_a as_o a_o lamp_n to_o give_v light_n unto_o our_o foot_n may_v be_v mistake_v or_o abuse_v then_o no_o man_n no_o company_n of_o man_n no_o interpreter_n no_o council_n can_v draw_v up_o any_o word_n but_o they_o may_v be_v pervert_v by_o those_o who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o they_o but_o be_v concern_v to_o put_v another_o sense_n than_o they_o intend_v upon_o they_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o slight_a argument_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o our_o instruction_n because_o god_n will_v have_v all_o even_o the_o mean_a capacity_n to_o read_v they_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o forego_n part_n of_o this_o work_n beyond_o any_o reasonable_a contradiction_n it_o will_v have_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o require_v man_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n as_o not_o only_a god_n but_o his_o church_n in_o ancient_a time_n do_v if_o they_o can_v not_o ready_o there_o meet_v with_o satisfaction_n the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o know_v argue_v the_o quite_o contrary_a way_n therefore_o you_o shall_v not_o read_v they_o because_o they_o be_v obscure_a but_o which_o will_v you_o choose_v to_o believe_v god_n who_o bid_v you_o read_v they_o from_o whence_o you_o may_v conclude_v they_o be_v not_o obscure_a or_o man_n who_o bid_v you_o not_o read_v they_o because_o they_o be_v obscure_a you_o may_v most_o safe_o conclude_v they_o be_v not_o obscure_a because_o god_n bid_v you_o read_v they_o for_o this_o be_v a_o right_a conclusion_n from_o divine_a premise_n whereas_o the_o other_o conclusion_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o read_v they_o be_v draw_v from_o a_o false_a supposition_n direct_o contradictory_n to_o what_o follow_v from_o the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o obscure_a but_o in_o thing_n necessary_a we_o may_v easy_o understand_v they_o otherwise_o our_o bless_a lord_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n will_v not_o have_v bid_v man_n search_v they_o nor_o will_v his_o apostle_n have_v cease_v to_o employ_v their_o pain_n till_o they_o have_v make_v such_o thing_n plain_o if_o they_o have_v not_o think_v they_o have_v set_v they_o down_o so_o plain_o in_o their_o write_n that_o no_o man_n who_o will_v read_v can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o that_o be_v another_o thing_n worthy_a observation_n that_o the_o very_a end_n for_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v this_o pretence_n of_o obscurity_n st._n john_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v that_o we_o may_v believe_v xx._n joh._n ult_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n by_o who_o authority_n do_v st._n john_n write_v or_o by_o who_o assistance_n do_v he_o perform_v this_o work_n be_v it_o not_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o by_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v he_o inspire_v but_o to_o work_v faith_n in_o those_o man_n soul_n who_o read_v his_o write_n and_o what_o faith_n be_v this_o only_o the_o belief_n of_o some_o few_o thing_n which_o be_v clear_a enough_o but_o not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n no_o such_o matter_n he_o write_v that_o we_o may_v have_v so_o much_o faith_n as_o shall_v give_v we_o eternal_a life_n through_o christ_n jesus_n now_o who_o can_v believe_v that_o he_o who_o write_v by_o that_o spirit_n which_o perfect_o know_v the_o several_a temper_n and_o capacity_n of_o every_o age_n and_o with_o a_o intention_n to_o breed_v save_v faith_n in_o their_o soul_n shall_v yet_o write_v so_o obscure_o that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o they_o for_o who_o good_a and_o benefit_n he_o write_v nothing_o but_o interest_n that_o be_v nothing_o but_o that_o very_o wicked_a temper_n which_o blind_v the_o jew_n and_o make_v they_o deny_v our_o saviour_n and_o crucify_v he_o can_v induce_v a_o man_n to_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n it_o will_v be_v reply_v i_o know_v by_o some_o that_o however_o here_o be_v a_o confession_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v best_o to_o keep_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n because_o they_o may_v do_v themselves_o hurt_v by_o those_o thing_n unto_o which_o i_o have_v answer_v already_o that_o if_o they_o seek_v for_o nothing_o but_o salvation_n and_o how_o to_o please_v god_n in_o order_n thereunto_o they_o will_v not_o do_v themselves_o hurt_v by_o any_o thing_n they_o meet_v withal_o in_o the_o holy_a write_n but_o for_o further_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o be_v consider_v which_o be_v ii_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o say_v some_o thing_n can_v be_v understand_v but_o that_o they_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v there_o be_v some_o labour_n require_v to_o the_o understanding_n they_o which_o if_o we_o will_v take_v we_o may_v comprehend_v their_o meaning_n it_o will_v be_v a_o long_a work_n to_o examine_v what_o thing_n in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n may_v be_v think_v to_o point_v at_o as_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o the_o inquiry_n may_v be_v very_o much_o shorten_v by_o one_o
against_o vain_a philosophy_n ii_o col._n 8._o from_o whence_o we_o may_v note_v that_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o assign_v the_o original_a of_o heresy_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o it_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o lead_v we_o into_o they_o three_o and_o there_o be_v a_o three_o cause_n of_o they_o mention_v in_o scripture_n also_o viz._n the_o tradition_n of_o man_n vii_o mark_z 7_o 8._o and_o thus_o firmilian_a observe_v in_o his_o letter_n to_o st._n cyprian_n that_o martion_n the_o disciple_n of_o cerdo_n a_o great_a while_n after_o the_o apostle_n induxit_fw-la sacrilegaem_fw-la adversus_fw-la deum_fw-la traditionem_fw-la bring_v in_o a_o sacrilegious_a tradition_n against_o god_n apelles_n also_o consent_v to_o his_o blasphemy_n add_v multa_fw-la alia_fw-la nova_fw-la many_o other_o novelty_n which_o be_v more_o grievous_a and_o direct_o opposite_a to_o faith_n and_o truth_n and_o so_o do_v valentinus_n and_o basilides_n who_o rebel_v against_o god_n church_n by_o their_o wicked_a forgery_n and_o thus_o st._n hierom_n introduce_v heretic_n maintain_v their_o error_n in_o the_o very_a dialect_n of_o the_o now_o roman_a doctor_n we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o those_o wise_a man_n who_o from_o the_o beginning_n deliver_v unto_o we_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n etc._n etc._n lib._n vii_o in_o esaiam_n cap._n xix_o but_o s._n cyprian_n every_o where_o appeal_v from_o all_o pretend_a tradition_n whatsoever_o unto_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n i._n e._n unto_o scripture-tradition_n particular_o in_o that_o famous_a epistle_n of_o he_o to_o pompeius_n all_o religious_a and_o simple_a mind_n have_v a_o compendious_a mean_n both_o to_o lay_v aside_o error_n and_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n nam_fw-la si_fw-la ad_fw-la divinae_fw-la traditionis_fw-la caput_fw-la &_o originem_fw-la revertamur_fw-la cessat_fw-la error_n humanus_fw-la for_o if_o we_o go_v back_o to_o the_o head_n and_o original_a of_o divine_a tradition_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o humane_a error_n and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o this_o divine_a tradition_n when_o he_o say_v if_o there_o be_v any_o doubt_n any_o waver_a about_o the_o truth_n let_v we_o return_v ad_fw-la originem_fw-la dominicam_fw-la &_o evangelicam_fw-la &_o apostolicam_fw-la traditionem_fw-la to_o our_o lord_n be_v original_a or_o beginning_n both_o the_o evangelical_n and_o apostolical_a tradition_n that_o be_v to_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n four_o another_o spring_n of_o heresy_n be_v pretend_v revelation_n thus_o the_o cataphrygae_n as_o the_o same_o firmilian_a tell_v we_o &_o novas_fw-la prophetias_fw-la usurpare_fw-la conantur_fw-la endeavour_v also_o to_o make_v use_n of_o new_a prophecy_n and_o a_o little_a after_o we_o know_v they_o can_v have_v christ_n who_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o their_o false_a prophecy_n against_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o whence_o they_o have_v their_o illumination_n who_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n invent_v a_o five_o gospel_n which_o threaten_v the_o overthrow_n of_o our_o four_a be_v not_o hard_a to_o resolve_v not_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a and_o therefore_o the_o take_v away_o they_o from_o the_o people_n will_v not_o prevent_v all_o heresy_n but_o they_o will_v start_v up_o as_o they_o have_v do_v from_o other_o cause_n and_o they_o will_v the_o soon_o start_v up_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v neglect_v ii_o but_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o as_o heresy_n will_v spring_v up_o from_o other_o cause_n though_o man_n do_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n so_o layman_n have_v not_o be_v always_o the_o deviser_n of_o they_o but_o they_o to_o who_o none_o deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n for_o the_o most_o pernicious_a heresy_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n have_v their_o beginning_n from_o priest_n as_o appear_v by_o arius_n and_o nestorius_n and_o indeed_o no_o man_n can_v frame_v a_o heresy_n but_o he_o that_o be_v of_o excellent_a part_n as_o st._n hierom_n opinion_n be_v who_o word_n be_v these_o upon_o the_o x._o of_o hosea_n no_o man_n can_v devise_v and_o set_v up_o a_o heresy_n but_o he_o that_o be_v arden_n ingenii_fw-la of_o a_o extraordinary_a wit_n and_o have_v gift_n of_o nature_n create_v by_o god_n the_o great_a artificer_n such_o be_v valentinus_n such_o be_v martion_n who_o we_o read_v to_o have_v be_v most_o learned_a such_o be_v bardesanes_n who_o wit_n the_o philosopher_n themselves_o admire_v and_o therefore_o either_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v whole_o lay_v aside_o the_o great_a man_n for_o learning_n and_o part_n be_v apt_a to_o abuse_v they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o humble_a and_o thorough_o good_a or_o man_n must_v be_v teach_v how_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o read_n of_o they_o and_o what_o to_o seek_v for_o there_o and_o then_o any_o body_n may_v safe_o take_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n and_o make_v they_o their_o constant_a companion_n iii_o it_o must_v likewise_o be_v further_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v something_o else_o to_o be_v fear_v beside_o heresy_n and_o that_o be_v stupid_a ignorance_n or_o gross_a infidelity_n which_o experience_n show_v we_o have_v follow_v upon_o the_o take_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n even_o as_o darkness_n come_v and_o cover_v the_o earth_n when_o the_o light_n be_v withdraw_v from_o it_o and_o ought_v we_o not_o in_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v as_o studious_a and_o solicitous_a to_o prevent_v these_o as_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n since_o they_o be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a or_o rather_o more_o dangerous_a by_o far_o even_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o they_o make_v man_n liable_a to_o fall_v into_o the_o most_o sottish_a superstition_n if_o not_o into_o downright_a idolatry_n which_o be_v a_o worse_a thing_n than_o heresy_n how_o image_n come_v to_o be_v layman_n book_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o relate_v the_o matter_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o how_o image-worship_n thence_o arise_v and_o how_o fatal_a this_o have_v be_v to_o the_o vulgar_a people_n i_o have_v not_o room_n to_o discourse_v nor_o how_o legend_n of_o saint_n be_v invent_v full_a of_o absurd_a and_o incredible_a story_n which_o have_v disgrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o tempt_v many_o to_o disbelieve_v the_o true_a history_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n miraculous_a operation_n but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v devise_v to_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n may_v have_v something_o to_o entertain_v they_o when_o they_o be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n at_o least_o of_o that_o these_o fabulous_a story_n be_v recommend_v to_o the_o people_n affection_n when_o they_o be_v fright_v from_o meddle_v with_o the_o bible_n as_o a_o dangerous_a book_n nay_o when_o it_o be_v credit_n be_v disgrace_v by_o many_o word_n of_o reproach_n which_o we_o in_o this_o church_n think_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o wipe_v off_o by_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o people_n best_a affection_n and_o constant_a perusal_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o sottish_a ignorance_n and_o stupid_a imposture_n and_o all_o vain_a superstition_n and_o false_a worship_n iu._n nor_o be_v it_o easy_a for_o our_o people_n by_o this_o mean_n to_o fall_v into_o heresy_n because_o they_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o interpret_v to_o they_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o they_o be_v teach_v continual_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o by_o sundry_a tract_n exposition_n and_o paraphrase_n allow_v by_o public_a authority_n particular_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n care_n be_v take_v that_o erasmus_n his_o paraphrase_n shall_v be_v place_v in_o every_o parish-church_n of_o the_o realm_n in_o which_o he_o do_v not_o follow_v his_o own_o private_a fancy_n but_o like_o a_o true_o great_a man_n represent_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n v._o now_o if_o after_o all_o this_o man_n do_v fall_v into_o heresy_n it_o must_v be_v impute_v to_o some_o other_o cause_n than_o their_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o if_o they_o have_v mind_v they_o they_o will_v have_v learn_v to_o be_v humble_a modest_a peaceable_a tractable_a to_o their_o guide_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o those_o who_o cause_n division_n and_o be_v proud_a and_o dote_v about_o question_n and_o strise_n of_o word_n and_o that_o creep_v into_o house_n to_o instill_v private_a doctrine_n and_o very_o frequent_o lead_v man_n from_o the_o scripture_n to_o pretend_a revelation_n or_o tradition_n that_o be_v they_o will_v not_o have_v fall_v into_o any_o sort_n of_o heresy_n but_o keep_v unto_o the_o wholesome_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v
search_v the_o scripture_n a_o treatise_n show_v that_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n with_o direction_n to_o they_o therein_o in_o three_o part_n london_n print_v for_o r._n royston_n bookseller_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n 1685._o introduction_n the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o first_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n teach_v all_o its_o child_n in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o it_o be_v such_o a_o fountain_n and_o well_o of_o truth_n that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v desirous_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o right_n and_o perfect_a way_n unto_o god_n must_v apply_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o without_o which_o they_o can_v neither_o sufficient_o know_v god_n and_o his_o will_n nor_o their_o own_o office_n and_o duty_n for_o in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v full_o contain_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o eschew_v what_o to_o believe_v what_o to_o love_n and_o what_o to_o look_v for_o at_o god_n hand_n at_o length_n and_o therefore_o these_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v much_o in_o our_o hand_n in_o our_o eye_n in_o our_o ear_n in_o our_o mouth_n but_o most_o of_o all_o in_o our_o heart_n unto_o which_o sort_n of_o discourse_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o vi_o article_n of_o our_o religion_n they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v a_o double_a exception_n one_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v there_o but_o must_v be_v receive_v from_o ancient_a tradition_n the_o other_o be_v that_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a that_o common_a people_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o read_n of_o they_o now_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o have_v be_v some_o time_n ago_o a_o plain_a answer_n make_v in_o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n therefore_o this_o treatise_n be_v intend_v only_o as_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o exception_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o which_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o allege_v among_o other_o place_n those_o remarkable_a word_n of_o st._n peter_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n the_o three_o chapter_n and_o sixteenth_o verse_n where_o have_v make_v mention_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n which_o treat_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n that_o he_o have_v just_a before_o explain_v he_o say_v in_o which_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n behold_v say_v they_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v for_o common_a people_n to_o meddle_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v compare_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o to_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n for_o fear_v they_o destroy_v themselves_o therewith_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n teach_v we_o rom._n xv._o 4._o that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o be_v profitable_a as_o he_o write_v elsewhere_o 2_o tim._n iii_o 16._o for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n but_o this_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v say_v they_o such_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o great_a apostle_n st._n peter_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v profitable_a for_o all_o people_n but_o rather_o hurtful_a to_o they_o that_o be_v ignorant_a who_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o read_v they_o by_o which_o single_a instance_n the_o reader_n may_v learn_v if_o he_o mark_v it_o well_o what_o sort_n of_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v like_a to_o have_v if_o we_o trust_v to_o they_o alone_o and_o do_v not_o see_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n when_o these_o very_a word_n of_o st._n peter_n do_v plain_o teach_v we_o the_o quite_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o that_o which_o they_o will_v establish_v by_o they_o i._o for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o contain_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n shall_v not_o read_v they_o that_o first_o they_o evident_o suppose_v the_o common_a people_n even_o the_o unlearned_a among_o they_o do_v in_o those_o day_n read_v the_o scripture_n else_o they_o can_v not_o have_v wrest_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o do_v and_o complain_v of_o that_o but_o not_o of_o their_o read_v they_o and_o ii_o second_o these_o word_n do_v not_o affirm_v the_o whole_a scripture_n to_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o only_o some_o part_n of_o it_o st._n paul_n epistle_n at_o the_o most_o or_o rather_o the_o thing_n of_o which_o st._n peter_n have_v be_v treat_v and_o not_o all_o of_o they_o neither_o but_o only_o some_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o few_o thing_n which_o will_v require_v pain_n and_o diligent_a attention_n of_o mind_n to_o comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o iii_o three_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o who_o read_v those_o difficult_a passage_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o wrest_v they_o but_o only_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a who_o abuse_v the_o plain_a truth_n to_o their_o own_o ruin_n as_o for_o other_o they_o may_v read_v even_o the_o hard_a place_n in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n safe_o enough_o nay_o receive_v great_a profit_n from_o thence_o as_o well_o as_o from_o other_o scripture_n and_o they_o who_o wrest_v they_o be_v not_o to_o leave_v read_v they_o but_o to_o grow_v in_o true_a christian_a knowledge_n and_o in_o stability_n of_o mind_n these_o be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n in_o treat_v and_o read_v of_o which_o let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o the_o second_o homily_n conclude_v that_o we_o may_v speak_v think_v believe_v live_v and_o depart_v hence_o according_a to_o the_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o verity_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n in_o this_o world_n have_v god_n defence_n favour_n and_o grace_n with_o the_o unspeakable_a solace_n of_o peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o conscience_n and_o after_o this_o miserable_a life_n enjoy_v the_o endless_a bliss_n and_o glory_n of_o heaven_n part_n i._n that_o the_o right_a of_o god_n people_n to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_v by_o these_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n appear_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o wrest_v of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a do_v suppose_v that_o even_o such_o person_n do_v then_o read_v they_o which_o overthrow_v the_o conclusion_n which_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n endeavour_v to_o draw_v from_o this_o place_n for_o there_o have_v be_v no_o possibility_n of_o pervert_v their_o sense_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n at_o that_o time_n as_o they_o be_v in_o we_o now_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o reprehend_v their_o meddle_v with_o they_o but_o their_o ignorance_n and_o their_o heedlesnes_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n they_o misunderstand_v they_o and_o may_v have_v be_v prevent_v by_o a_o little_a diligence_n and_o care_n without_o throw_v they_o quite_o away_o for_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o there_o but_o in_o themselves_o who_o come_v to_o the_o perusal_n of_o holy_a thing_n with_o unprepared_a mind_n now_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o then_o and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o be_v debar_v the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n which_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v unto_o his_o church_n as_o a_o common_a inheritance_n you_o may_v be_v please_v to_o weigh_v these_o thing_n follow_v which_o will_v full_o settle_v your_o mind_n in_o this_o persuasion_n i._o first_o that_o the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n be_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o require_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v so_o conversant_a in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v their_o child_n god_n commandment_n and_o for_o that_o end_n to_o talk_v of_o they_o when_o they_o sit_v in_o their_o house_n or_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n when_o they_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o they_o rise_v up_o nay_o to_o write_v they_o upon_o the_o door_n of_o their_o house_n and_o on_o their_o gate_n that_o whensoever_o they_o go_v out_o or_o come_v in_o they_o may_v have_v they_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o they_o deut._n vi_o 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o the_o lawgiver_n think_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n that_o a_o little_a after_o in_o the_o very_a same_o book_n he_o enjoin_v it_o over_o again_o for_o fear_v they_o shall_v neglect_v it_o chap._n xi_o 18_o 19_o 20._o for_o the_o very_a root_n and_o
time_n and_o one_o let_v we_o ever_o be_v tell_v ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n in_o these_o holy_a book_n that_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v that_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v before_o god_n according_a as_o we_o keep_v these_o say_n that_o nothing_o be_v comparable_a to_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n nothing_o so_o desirable_a as_o to_o have_v our_o faith_n find_v to_o honour_n and_o praise_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v deny_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o desire_n commodity_n and_o interest_n that_o god_n will_n may_v be_v do_v by_o we_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v seem_v inconsiderable_a in_o our_o eye_n and_o we_o shall_v easy_o forgo_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o keep_v according_a to_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o our_o religion_n he_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v can_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o i_o conclude_v this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n with_o the_o word_n of_o one_o of_o the_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n to_o the_o read_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o concern_v the_o hardness_n of_o scripture_n he_o that_o be_v so_o weak_a that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o brook_v strong_a meat_n yet_o he_o may_v suck_v the_o sweet_a and_o tender_a milk_n and_o defer_v the_o rest_n till_o he_o wax_v strong_a and_o come_v to_o more_o knowledge_n for_o god_n receive_v the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a and_o cast_v away_o none_o but_o be_v indifferent_a unto_o all_o and_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a as_o well_o of_o low_a valley_n plain_a way_n and_o easy_a for_o every_o man_n to_o use_v and_o to_o walk_v in_o as_o also_o of_o high_a hill_n and_o mountain_n which_o few_o man_n can_v climb_v unto_o and_o whosoever_o give_v his_o mind_n to_o holy_a scripture_n with_o delight_n study_n and_o burn_a desire_n it_o can_v be_v say_v st._n chrysostom_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v leave_v without_o help_n he_o that_o ask_v shall_v have_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v shall_v find_v and_o he_o that_o knock_v shall_v have_v the_o door_n open_a if_o we_o read_v once_o twice_o or_o thrice_o and_o understand_v not_o let_v we_o not_o cease_v so_o but_o still_o continue_v read_v pray_v ask_v of_o other_o and_o so_o by_o still_o knock_v at_o the_o last_o the_o door_n shall_v be_v open_v as_o st._n augustine_n say_v although_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v speak_v in_o obscure_a mysterics_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o speak_v under_o dark_a mystery_n in_o one_o place_n but_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n in_o other_o place_n be_v speak_v more_o familiar_o and_o plain_o to_o the_o capacity_n both_o of_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a and_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v plain_a to_o understand_v and_o necessary_a for_o salvation_n every_o man_n duty_n be_v to_o learn_v they_o to_o print_v they_o in_o memory_n and_o effectual_o to_o exercise_v they_o and_o as_o for_o the_o dark_a mystery_n to_o be_v content_v to_o be_v ignorant_a in_o they_o until_o such_o time_n as_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o open_v they_o unto_o he_o but_o not_o lay_v aside_o the_o read_n of_o the_o whole_a because_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o such_o place_n and_o brief_o to_o conclude_v as_o st._n augustine_n say_v by_o the_o scripture_n all_o man_n may_v be_v amend_v the_o weak_a be_v strengthen_v and_o the_o strong_a be_v comfort_v so_o that_o sure_o none_o be_v enemte_n to_o the_o read_n of_o god_n word_n but_o such_o as_o either_o be_v so_o ignorant_a that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o wholesome_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v or_o else_o so_o sick_a that_o they_o hate_v the_o most_o comfortable_a medicine_n that_o shall_v heal_v they_o or_o so_o ungodly_a that_o they_o will_v wish_v the_o people_n still_o to_o continue_v in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o god_n the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o part._n part_n iii_o i_o be_o arrive_v now_o at_o the_o last_o of_o those_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o book_n that_o all_o who_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o in_o danger_n to_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o hurt_n but_o only_o the_o unlearned_a and_o the_o unstable_a such_o man_n will_v wrest_v they_o from_o their_o true_a meaning_n but_o so_o they_o will_v other_o discourse_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a thing_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o dissicult_a in_o this_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v if_o we_o consider_v briedy_a who_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n mean_v by_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a which_o will_v also_o clear_o direct_v we_o what_o course_n we_o be_v to_o take_v that_o we_o may_v not_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n as_o such_o man_n do_v now_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o know_v who_o these_o be_v if_o we_o mind_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o word_n and_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v use_v i._o unlearned_a and_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o unlearned_a the_o apostle_n can_v be_v think_v to_o have_v respect_n to_o such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a in_o those_o part_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v now_o common_o call_v learning_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v general_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a iu_o act_n 13._o but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n treat_v of_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v learn_v by_o all_o christian_n this_o i_o think_v all_o will_v allow_v and_o then_o they_o be_v more_o particular_o mean_v who_o be_v not_o skill_v in_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n man_n that_o know_v not_o or_o mind_v not_o those_o common_a natural_a truth_n upon_o which_o all_o religion_n be_v build_v nor_o be_v acquaint_v with_o those_o plain_a unquestionable_a principle_n of_o christianity_n before_o mention_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n these_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o speak_v of_o who_o have_v not_o learn_v so_o much_o as_o the_o first_o element_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v vi_o heb._n 1._o the_o word_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o christ_n who_o want_v the_o foundation_n of_o true_a knowledge_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o wrest_v every_o thing_n they_o read_v from_o its_o proper_a meaning_n such_o there_o be_v even_o in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n as_o st._n paul_n himself_o teach_v we_o who_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2_o tim._n iii_o 7._o they_o frequent_v that_o be_v the_o christian_a assembly_n where_o they_o receive_v good_a instruction_n but_o their_o nanghty_a affection_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o know_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n to_o find_v entertainment_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o doctrine_n be_v such_o as_o these_o that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n who_o be_v perfect_o just_a and_o perfect_o good_a and_o know_v the_o very_a thought_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o change_v not_o and_o that_o he_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a beget_v son_n the_o eternal_a word_n who_o be_v before_o all_o world_n to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o to_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n to_o rise_v again_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o that_o he_o have_v send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o the_o father_n to_o teach_v we_o those_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o holy_a life_n whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n when_o he_o will_v raise_v up_o our_o dead_a body_n and_o give_v to_o those_o who_o have_v do_v good_a everlasting_a life_n but_o send_v those_o who_o have_v do_v evil_a into_o everlasting_a fire_n these_o and_o such_o like_a which_o depend_v on_o these_o and_o be_v coherent_a with_o they_o be_v the_o christian_a learning_n which_o they_o that_o do_v not_o know_v and_o believe_v and_o according_o practice_v as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o great_a stranger_n to_o the_o holy_a book_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o reap_v any_o profit_n by_o they_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o corrupt_v and_o abuse_v they_o to_o the_o support_n of_o their_o own_o uncertain_a vain_a or_o absurd_a imagination_n nor_o be_v they_o secure_v from_o this_o danger_n when_o they_o have_v learn_v they_o unless_o they_o be_v likewise_o so_o fix_v in_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v constant_o guide_v by_o they_o for_o the_o apostle_n here_o teach_v we_o that_o
word_n of_o holy_a scripture_n to_o give_v they_o countenance_n by_o its_o great_a authority_n and_o press_v it_o against_o its_o will_n to_o come_v to_o their_o service_n at_o every_o turn_n they_o will_v be_v interpose_v their_o inclination_n and_o prove_v a_o bias_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o carry_v they_o aside_o from_o the_o mark_n and_o the_o full_a we_o be_v of_o these_o and_o the_o more_o desirous_a to_o have_v they_o confirm_v the_o more_o hasty_o shall_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v in_o their_o favour_n and_o proffer_v itself_o as_o a_o witness_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o conceit_n let_v we_o provide_v therefore_o by_o a_o due_a vigilance_n and_o attentive_a consideration_n that_o they_o be_v not_o form_v by_o our_o own_o private_a imagination_n but_o by_o the_o common_a stand_a rule_n of_o natural_a honesty_n justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o by_o all_o other_o certain_a principle_n ingraft_v in_o we_o or_o reveal_v to_o we_o which_o serve_v as_o a_o index_n to_o point_v we_o which_o way_n our_o thought_n shall_v run_v and_o where_o they_o shall_v six_o themselves_o ii_o the_o necessity_n of_o which_o care_n be_v the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o be_v brief_o consider_v and_o here_o two_o thing_n more_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v due_o weigh_v first_o that_o without_o this_o care_n the_o plain_a scripture_n will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v pervert_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o most_o difficult_a second_o the_o very_a same_o place_n of_o scripture_n will_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v shameful_o wrest_v to_o serve_v different_a purpose_n i._n first_o i_o say_v the_o plain_a scripture_n will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v pervert_v and_o very_o dangerous_o too_o as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o difficult_a for_o it_o be_v not_o their_o difficulty_n that_o make_v they_o be_v pervert_v but_o man_n own_o easiness_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o their_o private_a desire_n will_v have_v to_o be_v true_a though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o sound_v reason_n and_o religion_n which_o if_o they_o have_v regard_v will_v have_v direct_v they_o to_o make_v another_o construction_n of_o holy_a write_n all_o the_o metaphor_n for_o instance_n and_o resemblance_n borrow_v from_o thing_n visible_a to_o represent_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n heavenly_a kingdom_n make_v the_o miserable_a jew_n as_o their_o forefather_n do_v before_o they_o still_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o pleasant_a dream_n of_o a_o glorious_a pompous_a monarchy_n here_o on_o earth_n though_o the_o prophet_n in_o as_o plain_a word_n as_o can_v be_v devise_v represent_v christ_n their_o king_n as_o a_o man_n of_o suffering_n who_o shall_v endure_v great_a indignity_n than_o any_o man_n ever_o do_v and_o at_o last_o die_v and_o so_o rise_v again_o to_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n from_o thence_o to_o fill_v all_o the_o earth_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o thereby_o make_v they_o pious_a subject_n of_o a_o divine_a kingdom_n this_o drowsiness_n be_v so_o hereditary_a to_o their_o nation_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o their_o slumber_n by_o consider_v how_o much_o more_o the_o soul_n be_v god_n care_n than_o the_o body_n and_o what_o the_o prophet_n speak_v concern_v christ_n government_n over_o man_n mind_n and_o conscience_n and_o the_o reformation_n he_o shall_v come_v to_o make_v in_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n some_o christian_n have_v be_v delude_v with_o the_o same_o fancy_n as_o if_o they_o have_v dream_v upon_o their_o pillow_n but_o there_o be_v more_o palpable_a instance_n of_o the_o abuse_v commit_v among_o they_o not_o by_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o forbid_v but_o by_o not_o observe_v the_o rule_n i_o be_o now_o establish_v it_o be_v usual_a for_o people_n even_o in_o the_o ancient_a time_n of_o christianity_n to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n according_a to_o their_o fancy_n mere_o to_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n just_a as_o many_o make_v it_o do_v now_o for_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o who_o after_o their_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n still_o follow_v the_o trade_n of_o make_v idol_n and_o image_n for_o the_o heathen_a to_o worship_n defend_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v reprehend_v for_o it_o by_o a_o say_v in_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n vii_o 20._o which_o they_o thus_o contract_v ut_fw-la cuique_fw-la fuerit_fw-la inventus_fw-la ita_fw-la &_o perseveret_fw-la as_o every_o man_n be_v find_v when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o christianity_n so_o let_v he_o continue_v there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o read_v what_o follow_v but_o plain_o see_v if_o he_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o shut_v his_o eye_n against_o all_o that_o contradict_v his_o desire_n the_o apostle_n design_v nothing_o but_o that_o all_o man_n shall_v remain_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o condition_n in_o which_o they_o be_v when_o convert_v 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not_o find_v a_o sinner_n when_o he_o be_v call_v into_o christ_n service_n who_o come_v down_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n but_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n they_o also_o abuse_v he_o observe_v there_o some_o other_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n wherein_o he_o require_v that_o after_o his_o example_n every_o man_n shall_v work_v and_o get_v his_o live_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n 1_o cor._n iu_o 10._o 2_o thess_n iii_o 9_o 10._o by_o which_o precept_n if_o all_o that_o man_n wrought_v with_o their_o hand_n may_v be_v defend_v then_o thief_n and_o highway_n man_n and_o coiner_n of_o false_a money_n and_o all_o other_o wicked_a person_n will_v be_v justify_v by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o these_o image-maker_n who_o allege_v they_o in_o a_o word_n let_v the_o gate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v set_v wide_o open_a say_v he_o for_o all_o comer_n who_o live_v by_o their_o labour_n if_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n of_o such_o art_n and_o trade_n as_o the_o discipline_n of_o god_n do_v not_o receive_v and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n itself_o teach_v we_o this_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o difficult_a place_n only_o which_o man_n wrest_v to_o their_o destruction_n but_o the_o plain_a also_o when_o thereby_o they_o can_v have_v some_o colour_n for_o their_o evil_a practice_n as_o for_o example_n what_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n never_o give_v any_o encouragement_n by_o his_o doctrine_n for_o man_n to_o say_v much_o less_o say_v thus_o himself_o let_v we_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v that_o be_v a_o good_a end_n will_v warrant_v evil_a action_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v so_o audacious_a as_o to_o affirm_v he_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n who_o he_o content_v himself_o to_o confute_v with_o these_o few_o word_n and_o vouchsafe_v they_o no_o other_o answer_n who_o damnation_n be_v just_a iii_o rome_n 8._o there_o be_v no_o ground_n that_o be_v for_o such_o a_o interpretation_n of_o his_o word_n but_o only_o their_o own_o evil_a principle_n and_o affection_n which_o lead_v they_o to_o make_v this_o conclusion_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n and_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v for_o such_o man_n but_o they_o will_v perish_v and_o nothing_o be_v more_o just_a than_o that_o god_n shall_v leave_v they_o under_o condemnation_n who_o pervert_v holy_a word_n to_o a_o meaning_n so_o cross_a to_o all_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v truth_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o occumenius_n upon_o this_o very_a text_n of_o st._n peter_n gives_z another_z such_o like_a instance_n of_o wrest_v st._n paul_n word_n which_o he_o say_v may_v serve_v instead_o of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v v._o rom._n 20._o where_o sin_n abound_v grace_n do_v much_o more_o abound_v ungodly_a man_n
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at_o least_o guide_v we_o so_o even_o that_o we_o shall_v pass_v safe_o by_o they_o which_o be_v the_o three_o general_n truth_n i_o propound_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n iii_o among_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o learn_v there_o be_v none_o thought_n more_o difficult_a than_o several_a passage_n in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n some_o part_n of_o which_o st._n peter_n have_v in_o his_o eye_n when_o he_o conclude_v his_o second_o epistle_n but_o i_o may_v be_v confident_a that_o if_o we_o will_v admit_v or_o take_v up_o no_o sense_n of_o they_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o such_o know_v and_o confess_v truth_n as_o be_v on_o all_o side_n embrace_v we_o may_v give_v a_o fair_a account_n of_o they_o at_o least_o preserve_v ourselves_o from_o make_v any_o dangerous_a construction_n of_o they_o that_o which_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v think_v to_o be_v of_o great_a difficulty_n be_v his_o doctrine_n of_o election_n and_o 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and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n faith_n be_v suppose_v to_o this_o and_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o sanctity_n and_o holiness_n they_o be_v not_o choose_v to_o salvation_n but_o through_o these_o though_o they_o be_v choose_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n before_o these_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v reprobate_v or_o reject_v man_n which_o sometime_o plain_o concern_v whole_a nation_n and_o sometime_o particular_a person_n and_o sometime_o be_v only_o from_o the_o privilege_n they_o former_o enjoy_v sometime_o from_o eternal_a life_n both_o of_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o former_a the_o national_a rejection_n from_o their_o former_a privilege_n be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o prevent_v the_o latter_a viz._n the_o final_a destruction_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o which_o he_o do_v not_o desire_v thus_o god_n reprobate_v or_o reject_v and_o cast_v away_o israel_n as_o st._n paul_n teach_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n but_o it_o be_v not_o with_o a_o intention_n that_o they_o shall_v utter_o perish_v no_o he_o say_v more_o than_o once_o god_n forbid_v i._n e._n he_o abhor_v such_o a_o thought_n he_o disclaim_v any_o such_o meaning_n for_o quite_o contrary_a by_o their_o be_v reject_v from_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n they_o former_o have_v the_o gentile_n be_v bring_v to_o christianity_n and_o the_o end_n of_o that_o be_v to_o provoke_v the_o jew_n also_o to_o jealousy_n and_o move_v they_o at_o last_o to_o bethink_v themselves_o better_a and_o to_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o be_v save_v let_v any_o man_n read_v serious_o the_o ten_o and_o eleven_o chapter_n of_o that_o epistle_n and_o he_o will_v be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o reprobation_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n be_v such_o that_o they_o may_v notwithstanding_o be_v restore_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v final_o save_v that_o be_v they_o be_v reject_v from_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n as_o they_o have_v be_v but_o not_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o his_o mercy_n if_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v a_o disobedient_a and_o gainsay_v people_n for_o the_o apostle_n still_o pray_v for_o they_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o begin_v the_o eleven_o in_o this_o manner_n i_o say_v then_o have_v god_n cast_v away_o his_o people_n god_n forbid_v that_o be_v will_v any_o man_n infer_v then_o from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o god_n have_v utter_o reprobate_v they_o never_o to_o receive_v they_o more_o no_o such_o matter_n none_o ought_v to_o interpret_v my_o word_n to_o such_o a_o sense_n which_o i_o disow_v nor_o do_v it_o ever_o come_v into_o my_o mind_n for_o i_o myself_o be_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o contrary_a be_v a_o israelite_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o he_o say_v afterward_o that_o god_n have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o give_v they_o a_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n eye_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v and_o ear_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o hear_v according_a to_o that_o of_o david_n let_v their_o table_n be_v make_v a_o snare_n and_o a_o trap_n and_o a_o stumbling-block_n etc._n etc._n v._n 8_o 9_o 10._o but_o what_o then_o have_v they_o stumble_v that_o they_o shall_v fall_v and_o be_v utter_o ruin_v god_n forbid_v but_o rather_o through_o their_o fall_n salvation_n be_v come_v to_o the_o gentile_n to_o provoke_v they_o to_o jealousy_n v._o 11._o for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o abide_v still_o in_o unbelief_n he_o show_v they_o may_v be_v graft_v into_o the_o church_n again_o v._o 23._o and_o explain_v his_o mind_n still_o more_o full_o in_o this_o matter_n v._o 25._o that_o blindness_n be_v happen_v only_o in_o part_n to_o israel_n till_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v in_o and_o so_o all_o israel_n shall_v be_v save_v for_o though_o they_o be_v as_o concern_v the_o gospel_n enemy_n for_o our_o sake_n yet_o as_o touch_v the_o election_n they_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o father_n sake_n they_o be_v not_o absolute_o and_o final_o reprobate_v but_o for_o the_o present_a do_v not_o believe_v that_o through_o the_o mercy_n show_v to_o we_o gentile_n they_o may_v also_o obtain_v mercy_n for_o god_n conclude_v they_o all_o in_o unbelief_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o v._o 28_o 31_o 32._o all_o these_o expression_n and_o a_o number_n more_o in_o that_o chapter_n evident_o demonstrate_v it_o be_v not_o a_o irrecoverable_a rejection_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o much_o less_o a_o rejection_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o their_o sin_n but_o such_o a_o rejection_n for_o their_o reject_v christ_n as_o in_o the_o design_n of_o god_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o faith_n in_o christ_n when_o they_o see_v what_o they_o have_v lose_v and_o other_o have_v gain_v by_o their_o infidelity_n he_o now_o that_o will_v interpret_v the_o nine_o chapter_n according_a to_o the_o plain_a declare_v sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o will_v have_v no_o hard_a work_n to_o undertake_v but_o easy_o see_v that_o as_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n so_o he_o do_v not_o think_v they_o to_o be_v utter_o lose_v but_o design_v even_o their_o reprobation_n for_o their_o recovery_n and_o now_o i_o may_v proceed_v to_o show_v if_o it_o will_v not_o enlarge_v this_o treatise_n too_o much_o how_o the_o difficulty_n which_o be_v raise_v about_o faith_n and_o work_n be_v not_o so_o great_a neither_o as_o they_o seem_v if_o we_o firm_o adhere_v to_o common_a truth_n which_o lead_v every_o man_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o enter_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o justification_n do_v include_v in_o it_o a_o hearty_a purpose_n of_o well-doing_n and_o
that_o be_v thus_o enter_v we_o can_v continue_v in_o that_o state_n unless_o according_a to_o our_o holy_a purpose_n we_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n what_o he_o say_v of_o god_n harden_v man_n heart_n be_v not_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o those_o who_o be_v not_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a but_o be_v skilful_a in_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o of_o true_a christianity_n and_o who_o be_v root_v in_o they_o so_o that_o they_o hold_v they_o fast_o whatscever_o expression_n there_o may_v be_v that_o seem_v to_o contradict_v they_o but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o draw_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o treatise_n which_o shall_v end_v as_o it_o begin_v the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n it_o appear_v be_v most_o pure_a and_o sincere_a in_o this_o point_n and_o most_o conformable_a to_o what_o we_o find_v deliver_v by_o the_o holy_a doctor_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o best_a age_n and_o therefore_o no_o member_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v persuade_v for_o any_o reason_n to_o lay_v aside_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o there_o be_v a_o more_o pious_a course_n to_o which_o they_o themselves_o direct_v we_o which_o be_v to_o learn_v those_o thing_n well_o which_o we_o can_v misapprehend_v if_o we_o mind_v they_o and_o which_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o misapprehend_v all_o other_o thing_n if_o we_o stick_v to_o they_o and_o will_v not_o desert_v they_o let_v that_o be_v your_o first_o business_n to_o learn_v all_o general_n truth_n which_o comprehend_v the_o particular_a in_o they_o and_o when_o you_o have_v learn_v they_o receive_v no_o particular_a opinion_n which_o cross_v those_o general_a truth_n for_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v false_a because_o one_o truth_n can_v cross_v another_o and_o all_o conclusion_n must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o prime_a truth_n which_o ought_v to_o stand_v unmoveable_a but_o above_o all_o let_v we_o establish_v 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shall_v give_v something_o full_a satisfaction_n i._o and_o first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o all_o heresy_n have_v spring_v from_o man_n read_v the_o scripture_n or_o from_o their_o misunderstand_v they_o but_o rather_o from_o their_o not_o read_v they_o as_o st._n chrysostom_n you_o have_v hear_v be_v of_o opinion_n who_o word_n i_o have_v quote_v more_o than_o once_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n xxii_o matth._n 29._o you_o do_v err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o what_o natural_a reason_n teach_v concern_v god_n omnipotency_n as_o well_o as_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v about_o the_o resurrection_n here_o it_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o observe_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o father_n observe_v all_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n do_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o st._n austin_n lib._n iii_o cap._n 9_o de_fw-fr genesi_fw-la ad_fw-la literam_fw-la for_o neither_o do_v all_o heretic_n read_v the_o catholic_n scripture_n nor_o be_v they_o heretic_n for_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o not_o understand_v they_o aright_o pertinacious_o assert_v their_o own_o false_a opinion_n against_o their_o truth_n and_o thus_o st._n hierom_n in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o vii_o of_o hosea_n all_o the_o question_n of_o the_o heretic_n and_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v the_o same_o because_o they_o follow_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o sense_n of_o humane_a reason_n second_o they_o observe_v that_o the_o man_n who_o pretend_v most_o to_o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o heresy_n viz._n the_o philosopher_n thus_o tertullian_n in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o martion_n speak_v of_o the_o professor_n of_o wisdom_n say_v de_fw-fr quorum_fw-la ingeniis_fw-la omnis_fw-la haeresis_fw-la animatur_fw-la from_o who_o wit_n all_o heresy_n be_v beget_v and_o encourage_v and_o more_o full_o in_o his_o book_n of_o prescription_n cap._n 7._o ipsae_fw-la denique_fw-la haereses_fw-la à_fw-la philosophia_fw-la animantur_fw-la heresy_n themselves_o have_v life_n give_v they_o from_o philosophy_n for_o the_o aeones_n come_v out_o of_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n marcion_n god_n come_v from_o the_o stoic_n and_o the_o soul_n mortality_n from_o the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n be_v take_v from_o one_o school_n of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v show_v how_o the_o fable_n the_o endless_a genealogy_n the_o unprofitable_a question_n and_o dispute_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n come_v out_o of_o the_o same_o forge_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o when_o he_o give_v the_o colossian_n a_o caveat_n
presumption_n that_o god_n bless_v these_o pious_a endeavour_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a understanding_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o search_n into_o the_o scripture_n according_a as_o it_o there_o follow_v therefore_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v and_o thus_o st._n peter_n also_o in_o this_o very_a epistle_n chap._n i._n 19_o commend_v his_o countryman_n who_o attentive_o read_v and_o consider_v the_o prophetical_a write_n we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o which_o word_n to_o i_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o praiseworthy_a thing_n in_o those_o jewish_a convert_v to_o who_o he_o write_v who_o as_o yet_o be_v but_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n that_o they_o do_v give_v heed_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sure_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o in_o they_o they_o will_v sin_v the_o lord_n jesus_n plain_o descrihe_v if_o they_o compare_v what_o the_o apostle_n preach_v with_o that_o which_o they_o foretell_v as_o the_o beraean_o do_v those_o write_n indeed_o of_o the_o prophet_n do_v but_o obscure_o treat_v of_o christ_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o discovery_n of_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o apostolical_a write_n which_o he_o compare_v to_o the_o daystar_n and_o the_o old_a prophet_n but_o to_o a_o candle_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n yet_o the_o one_o will_v lead_v they_o to_o the_o other_o and_o by_o take_v attentive_a heed_n to_o the_o prophetical_a write_n they_o will_v in_o time_n find_v the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o be_v arrive_v by_o degree_n at_o clear_a demonstration_n and_o a_o full_a and_o bright_a knowledge_n of_o christian_a truth_n deliver_v 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admonition_n encouragement_n and_o consolation_n intersperse_v throughout_o that_o book_n which_o make_v it_o sit_v to_o be_v read_v by_o christian_a people_n for_o their_o direction_n and_o support_v and_o we_o may_v likewise_o from_o hence_o take_v the_o confidence_n to_o argue_v in_o this_o manner_n if_o a_o blessedness_n be_v pronounce_v to_o those_o that_o read_v or_o hear_v that_o prophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v therein_o then_o they_o can_v be_v accurse_v who_o for_o the_o same_o end_n read_v other_o holy_a book_n where_o such_o instruction_n and_o comfort_n be_v more_o plentiful_o and_o plain_o and_o on_o purpose_n deliver_v nor_o can_v they_o expect_v god_n blessing_n who_o prohibit_v the_o read_n even_o of_o those_o easy_a and_o more_o familiar_a scripture_n which_o be_v accommodate_v by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o most_o vulgar_a capacity_n every_o one_o ought_v to_o drink_v of_o these_o fountain_n nor_o will_v i_o forbid_v say_v erasmus_n very_o pious_o those_o that_o thirst_n after_o christian_a knowledge_n to_o read_v even_o those_o book_n which_o be_v not_o so_o open_a but_o like_o a_o fountain_n seal_v up_o because_o they_o will_v reap_v this_o fruit_n at_o least_o that_o they_o will_v come_v more_o sit_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o sermon_n which_o touch_v upon_o or_o allude_v to_o those_o more_o obscure_a passage_n they_o will_v hear_v also_o those_o thing_n more_o willing_o of_o which_o they_o have_v already_o some_o knowledge_n and_o understand_v those_o thing_n more_o easy_o of_o which_o they_o have_v a_o small_a taste_n vi_o and_o there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o our_o complete_a spiritual_a armour_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v lie_v so_o open_a to_o the_o assault_n of_o our_o enemy_n that_o it_o will_v very_o much_o hazard_v our_o salvation_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v expose_v to_o any_o danger_n when_o we_o may_v defend_v ourselves_o by_o the_o use_n of_o those_o weapon_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v provide_v for_o we_o or_o how_o can_v they_o be_v friend_n to_o our_o soul_n who_o will_v expose_v we_o by_o take_v those_o weapon_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n read_v the_o vi_o ephes_n 11._o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n or_o complete_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o all_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n enumerate_v the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o armour_n and_o the_o last_o piece_n of_o it_o but_o one_o be_v v._n 17_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o show_v that_o as_o while_o we_o have_v enemy_n to_o fight_v withal_o and_o very_o powerful_a subtle_a enemy_n we_o have_v need_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o weapon_n that_o god_n have_v furnish_v we_o withal_o for_o our_o defence_n so_o we_o be_v not_o 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have_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o oppose_v to_o every_o temptation_n it_o be_v usual_o say_v as_o i_o note_v in_o the_o beginning_n that_o man_n may_v wound_v themselves_o with_o a_o sword_n as_o soon_o as_o their_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o let_v every_o body_n take_v this_o weapon_n into_o his_o hand_n but_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n as_o much_o aware_a of_o this_o as_o we_o be_v not_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v then_o as_o now_o and_o we_o by_o this_o reason_n shall_v leave_v neither_o sun_n in_o heaven_n nor_o any_o good_a creature_n here_o upon_o earth_n as_o a_o great_a man_n of_o our_o own_o somewhere_o speak_v for_o they_o have_v be_v all_o wretched_o abuse_v to_o very_o ill_a purpose_n by_o evil_a man_n and_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o man_n may_v as_o soon_o hurt_v themselves_o as_o their_o enemy_n with_o this_o sword_n for_o who_o but_o mad_a man_n or_o desperate_a person_n run_v that_o weapon_n 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