suppose_v he_o mean_v believe_v they_o and_o by_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o to_o acquire_v they_o he_o must_v understand_v a_o rule_n or_o mean_n whereby_o to_o know_v what_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v and_o then_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n must_v be_v provide_v of_o some_o such_o rule_n or_o means_n to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v as_o can_v deceive_v they_o now_o whether_o this_o be_v in_o itself_o true_a or_o false_a it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o follow_v from_o what_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o before_o for_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n or_o proposition_n be_v so_o sure_a that_o as_o he_o wise_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v false_a yet_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o i_o believe_v these_o thing_n must_v necessary_o be_v as_o sure_a as_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o this_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n the_o disputer_n be_v well_o aware_a of_o but_o because_o i_o be_o sensible_a who_o they_o be_v who_o he_o design_n to_o pervert_v by_o this_o paper_n and_o for_o who_o sake_n i_o answer_v it_o i_o will_v explain_v this_o matter_n by_o a_o instance_n that_o will_v bring_v it_o down_o to_o all_o capacity_n if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o henry_n the_o 8_o it_o be_v certain_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o man_n but_o my_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n be_v ground_v upon_o such_o reason_n as_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o the_o contrary_a because_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o fallible_a man_n and_o yet_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o little_o better_o than_o a_o madman_n if_o i_o shall_v entertain_v the_o least_o doubt_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o i_o may_v have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v a_o thing_n without_o any_o evidence_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o overthrow_v his_o consequence_n i_o shall_v now_o inquire_v what_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o the_o conclusion_n itself_o to_o which_o end_n i_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o those_o word_n can_v deceive_v they_o either_o first_o that_o the_o rule_n itself_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o certain_a that_o no_o man_n who_o use_v it_o can_v be_v deceive_v by_o the_o rule_n or_o second_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o man_n shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o if_o he_o mean_v the_o former_a than_o i_o shall_v show_v he_o present_o that_o we_o have_v such_o a_o rule_n as_o he_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o he_o have_v say_v nothing_o to_o make_v we_o ashamed_a of_o it_o if_o he_o mean_v the_o latter_a than_o i_o say_v it_o be_v absolute_o false_a that_o those_o who_o without_o doubt_v believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n must_v have_v such_o a_o rule_n to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v as_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o mistake_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o make_v which_o plain_a to_o every_o body_n understanding_n i_o shall_v add_v another_o instance_n easy_a to_o be_v apply_v if_o a_o man_n skilful_a in_o arithmetic_n have_v a_o great_a many_o number_n before_o he_o and_o desire_n to_o know_v what_o sum_n they_o make_v when_o they_o be_v put_v together_o he_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o addition_n to_o do_v it_o by_o which_o rule_n can_v deceive_v he_o now_o there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v far_o which_o i_o think_v the_o disputer_n himself_o will_v not_o deny_v first_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n possible_a that_o this_o man_n may_v be_v mistake_v every_o time_n that_o he_o put_v these_o several_a number_n together_o to_o bring_v they_o all_o into_o one_o sum_n but_o second_o that_o notwithstanding_o this_o possibility_n of_o be_v mistake_v yet_o after_o he_o have_v try_v it_o over_o and_o over_o again_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a without_o the_o least_o doubt_n that_o he_o have_v do_v his_o work_n right_o even_o so_o we_o may_v have_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o can_v deceive_v we_o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o may_v for_o all_o that_o be_v assure_v and_o believe_v without_o the_o least_o doubt_v that_o we_o have_v learn_v what_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v by_o that_o rule_n for_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o it_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o contrary_a be_v bare_o possible_a pap._n to_o a_o parliamentary_a protestant_n the_o ancient_a father_n can_v be_v such_o a_o rule_n because_o they_o be_v account_v fallible_a ans_fw-fr we_o never_o say_v they_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n this_o therefore_o be_v impertinent_a pap._n nor_o counsel_n because_o they_o also_o be_v account_v fallible_a ans_fw-fr this_o be_v impertinent_a also_o for_o we_o never_o say_v they_o be_v our_o rule_n of_o faith._n but_o we_o have_v better_a reason_n to_o give_v why_o father_n and_o council_n can_v be_v our_o rule_n of_o faith_n than_o this_o that_o the_o disputer_n have_v make_v for_o we_o and_o one_o be_v this_o that_o we_o can_v make_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o by_o so_o do_v we_o must_v depart_v from_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o the_o ancient_a council_n in_o as_o much_o as_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o they_o make_v it_o they_o pap._n nor_o scripture_n sence_v by_o a_o fallible_a authority_n because_o all_o such_o interpretation_n may_v be_v false_a ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o place_n where_o i_o shall_v tell_v the_o disputer_n what_o we_o believe_v and_o why_o we_o believe_v it_o and_o when_o i_o have_v do_v i_o shall_v consider_v whether_o he_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o clause_n to_o shake_v our_o assurance_n we_o firm_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n into_o the_o profession_n whereof_o we_o have_v be_v baptise_a we_o moreover_o believe_v all_o other_o doctrine_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o holy_a scripture_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o our_o faith_n be_v these_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v record_v those_o testimony_n of_o divine_a revelation_n by_o which_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v be_v confirm_v that_o these_o testimony_n be_v too_o notorious_a and_o public_a to_o be_v gainsay_v in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o doctrine_n build_v upon_o they_o can_v not_o be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n engage_v against_o it_o that_o the_o holy_a book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o inspire_a preacher_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o contain_v and_o that_o for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o universal_a and_o uncontrollable_a tradition_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n credible_a of_o itself_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o that_o external_n evidence_n upon_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v ground_v in_o assign_v of_o which_o i_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n exclude_v that_o internal_a evidence_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o excellent_a goodness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o which_o show_v they_o to_o be_v worthy_a of_o god._n now_o whereas_o this_o disputer_n say_v that_o these_o scripture_n can_v be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o we_o because_o they_o be_v sense_v by_o a_o fallible_a authority_n that_o be_v because_o we_o who_o be_v fallible_a understand_v they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v i_o answer_v that_o no_o man_n needs_o to_o be_v infallible_a in_o order_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o plain_a scripture_n i_o who_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n be_o yet_o certain_a which_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o that_o i_o do_v find_v the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o many_o other_o doctrine_n beside_o which_o i_o do_v understand_v i_o be_o sure_a that_o i_o know_v what_o these_o word_n of_o st._n john_n signify_v 5.3_o 1_o john_n 2.25_o and_o chap._n 5.3_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o the_o like_a the_o ancient_a father_n think_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o argue_v out_o of_o they_o without_o pretend_v to_o a_o infallible_a authority_n of_o interpretation_n as_o i_o will_v show_v this_o disputer_n when_o he_o please_v if_o nothing_o less_o than_o infallibility_n will_v serve_v to_o understand_v or_o as_o he_o say_v to_o sense_n word_n why_o do_v this_o disputer_n put_v into_o my_o hand_n this_o paper_n of_o he_o which_o be_v none_o of_o the_o plain_a neither_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o do_v
of_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v well_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o person_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n moreover_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n to_o reform_v that_o man_n evil_a practice_n who_o persuasion_n make_v he_o secure_a and_o easy_a all_o the_o while_n so_o there_o be_v no_o little_a difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o try_v to_o undeceive_v he_o for_o man_n will_v hold_v comfortable_a error_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v find_v the_o least_o pretence_n for_o it_o and_o which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mischief_n of_o this_o offence_n though_o such_o error_n be_v not_o lay_v down_o without_o a_o great_a trouble_n yet_o they_o be_v take_v up_o with_o much_o readiness_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o spread_v far_o and_o wide_o and_o to_o this_o i_o believe_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n agree_v viz._n that_o although_o there_o be_v mistake_n that_o lead_v to_o trouble_v of_o mind_n and_o overmuch_o restraint_n yet_o for_o one_o that_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o such_o mistake_n a_o hundred_o there_o be_v that_o believe_v comfortable_a lie_n which_o either_o whole_o take_v off_o the_o restraint_n of_o religion_n or_o in_o such_o part_n as_o to_o render_v they_o ineffectual_a 3._o perverse_a dispute_n and_o a_o obstinate_a maintenance_n of_o error_n by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o sophistry_n have_v this_o lamentable_a evil_n common_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o render_v many_o person_n utter_o careless_a to_o examine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v perhaps_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n that_o be_v frame_v to_o a_o inquisitive_a spirit_n and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o so_o frame_v by_o nature_n or_o by_o education_n must_v force_v their_o temper_n to_o patience_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o themselves_o which_o be_v a_o employment_n that_o man_n soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o and_o common_o they_o break_v off_o pretend_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o search_v any_o far_o but_o that_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o and_o against_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v time_n for_o they_o to_o give_v over_o be_v judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o indeed_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v either_o real_o disputable_a or_o of_o less_o moment_n this_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v blame_v but_o in_o matter_n of_o high_a consequence_n and_o question_n that_o touch_v the_o very_a vital_n of_o religion_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o man_n grow_v weary_a of_o search_a truth_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o whole_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o after_o the_o controversy_n be_v stiff_o maintain_v for_o some_o time_n on_o both_o side_n and_o it_o be_v well_o in_o this_o case_n if_o it_o be_v a_o even_o lie_v whether_o they_o choose_v the_o true_a guide_n or_o not_o but_o when_o a_o guide_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o follow_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n the_o false_a guide_n have_v this_o advantage_n always_o that_o he_o exceed_v in_o confidence_n in_o lofty_a pretence_n in_o swell_a title_n in_o positive_a denounce_v damnation_n to_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o way_n and_o though_o a_o modest_a man_n that_o speak_v just_o of_o thing_n and_o claim_v not_o to_o be_v infallible_a deserve_v the_o most_o credit_n yet_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o that_o the_o other_o have_v most_o follower_n among_o those_o that_o understand_v not_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n 4._o the_o same_o cause_n have_v too_o often_o a_o yet_o worse_o effect_n and_o that_o be_v to_o run_v some_o person_n into_o infidelity_n and_o a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o no_o certainty_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n see_v there_o be_v so_o much_o controversy_n about_o it_o and_o some_o have_v say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v then_o time_n enough_o for_o they_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o when_o they_o that_o pretend_v to_o oblige_v they_o to_o it_o be_v agree_v about_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o secret_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v which_o god_n have_v leave_v upon_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o the_o monstrous_a error_n that_o have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n under_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o force_n and_o the_o fraud_n wherewith_o they_o have_v be_v maintain_v have_v let_v in_o atheism_n like_o a_o deluge_n upon_o the_o world_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v so_o full_a of_o zeal_n for_o their_o own_o way_n that_o they_o have_v no_o tenderness_n for_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o faith_n but_o be_v rather_o content_a that_o all_o shall_v sink_v together_o than_o that_o their_o own_o doctrine_n shall_v not_o stand_v we_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o hand_n that_o no_o assurance_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n and_o they_o that_o believe_v upon_o other_o ground_n have_v as_o good_a have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o propound_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o one_o article_n that_o be_v true_a that_o the_o same_o exception_n may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o story_n of_o latter_a miracle_n and_o final_o that_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o any_o of_o their_o tradition_n be_v reject_v the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v reject_v too_o and_o indeed_o we_o have_v live_v to_o see_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o wit_n and_o learning_n to_o diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n now_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o most_o dreadful_a offence_n and_o have_v do_v infinite_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n who_o be_v violent_o engage_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n of_o religion_n care_v not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n what_o they_o venture_v in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n for_o while_o they_o lay_v the_o same_o stress_n upon_o false_a or_o at_o least_o disputable_a point_n that_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o acknowledge_v principle_n of_o religion_n and_o bend_v all_o their_o wit_n to_o show_v that_o no_o difference_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v they_o give_v occasion_n to_o man_n that_o will_v fain_o be_v atheist_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o what_o they_o will_v be_v for_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n will_v serve_v to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o something_o be_v false_a which_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o as_o a_o object_n of_o their_o faith._n and_o they_o know_v that_o they_o have_v then_o leave_v give_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v true_a 5._o there_o be_v another_o great_a mischief_n of_o offence_n that_o be_v give_v by_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o a_o mischief_n that_o often_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v that_o of_o run_v into_o a_o contrary_a extreme_a the_o church_n find_v this_o by_o sad_a experience_n in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o age_n when_o man_n of_o no_o small_a note_n dispute_v against_o one_o heresy_n fall_v into_o another_o of_o a_o opposite_a nature_n to_o the_o no_o small_a trouble_n of_o christendom_n truth_n sometime_o as_o well_o as_o virtue_n lie_v in_o the_o mean_a and_o they_o that_o transgress_v on_o any_o one_o side_n do_v not_o only_o this_o mischief_n to_o give_v what_o authority_n they_o can_v to_o the_o wrong_a side_n they_o be_v of_o but_o they_o do_v this_o mischief_n too_o of_o give_v occasion_n to_o other_o to_o offend_v on_o the_o other_o extreme_a thus_o the_o abuse_n of_o church-authority_n on_o the_o one_o side_n have_v breed_v in_o some_o man_n contempt_n of_o all_o such_o authority_n on_o the_o other_o the_o scandal_n that_o have_v be_v give_v by_o propagate_a opinion_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n have_v produce_v in_o many_o a_o fond_a persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o restraint_n whatsoever_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n superior_n have_v require_v unlawful_a thing_n in_o divine_a service_n and_o to_o be_v revenge_v upon_o that_o abuse_n it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v in_o matter_n of_o prudence_n and_o expedience_n religion_n have_v be_v make_v to_o run_v out_o into_o show_n and_o ceremony_n and_o this_o have_v beget_v prejudices_fw-la against_o all_o appearance_n of_o beauty_n and_o reverence_n in_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o god._n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o excess_n of_o man_n in_o depart_v from_o one_o extreme_a be_v scandalous_a to_o those_o who_o they_o leave_v and_o do_v confirm_v they_o
never_o offend_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v i_o say_v a_o title_n to_o the_o testimony_n god_n give_v to_o abraham_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god._n certain_o it_o will_v be_v no_o mean_a encouragement_n to_o we_o it_o will_v raise_v up_o our_o mind_n to_o very_o great_a degree_n of_o joy_n and_o triumph_n to_o have_v god_n say_v that_o to_o we_o that_o he_o do_v to_o abraham_n but_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o he_o once_o for_o all_o in_o behalf_n of_o all_o his_o child_n that_o shall_v tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o his_o faith_n this_o be_v not_o a_o honour_n give_v to_o abraham_n only_o though_o to_o he_o principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v do_v he_o also_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o joy_n of_o all_o religious_a and_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world._n wherefore_o my_o brethren_n that_o we_o may_v come_v in_o for_o some_o share_n in_o the_o praise_n and_o reward_n of_o abraham_n faith_n let_v there_o be_v in_o none_o of_o we_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n the_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n be_v the_o evil_a heart_n that_o cause_v unbelief_n i._n e._n some_o corrupt_a inclination_n some_o unmortified_a lust_n some_o carnal_a interest_n or_o other_o do_v thou_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n when_o thou_o have_v a_o eye_n upon_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n conceive_v how_o much_o thou_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v thy_o sin_n thy_o dear_o belove_a sin_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o slay_v it_o that_o be_v the_o first_o sacrifice_n thou_o can_v offer_v to_o god_n to_o wit_n a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n a_o heart_n clean_a from_o worldly_a and_o sinful_a lust_n do_v this_o and_o thou_o will_v find_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o god_n thy_o faith_n will_v then_o make_v thou_o to_o be_v entire_o at_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n it_o will_v justify_v and_o support_v thou_o in_o so_o do_v and_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n will_v be_v thy_o exceed_a great_a reward_n the_o seven_o sermon_n matth_n xv._o 1_o 2_o 3._o then_o come_v to_o jesus_n scribe_n and_o pharise_n which_o be_v of_o jerusalem_n say_v why_o do_v thy_o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n for_o they_o wash_v not_o their_o hand_n when_o they_o eat_v bread_n but_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o why_o do_v you_o also_o transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o your_o tradition_n though_o never_o man_n be_v so_o unreprovable_a in_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n yet_o never_o be_v man_n more_o oppose_v or_o cavil_v at_o as_o the_o evangelist_n do_v abundant_o testify_v that_o history_n of_o he_o which_o they_o have_v write_v for_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n make_v up_o of_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o he_o deliver_v the_o good_a work_n in_o which_o he_o be_v always_o employ_v and_o the_o contradiction_n which_o he_o continual_o meet_v with_o and_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o some_o instance_n of_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v record_v for_o our_o sake_n that_o they_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n shall_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a if_o they_o happen_v to_o meet_v with_o such_o opposition_n as_o their_o master_n do_v and_o likewise_o that_o by_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o cavil_n of_o his_o adversary_n they_o may_v be_v instruct_v how_o they_o shall_v defend_v themselves_o afterward_o against_o the_o like_a objection_n one_o instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o text_n i_o have_v now_o choose_v to_o speak_v to_o then_o come_v to_o jesus_n scribe_n and_o pharise_n which_o be_v of_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v much_o concern_v the_o person_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v to_o deal_v withal_o because_o their_o character_n be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o all_o that_o diligent_o read_v the_o gospel_n the_o scribe_n be_v the_o man_n that_o profess_v to_o teach_v the_o law_n and_o expect_v to_o have_v all_o their_o interpretation_n receive_v as_o oracle_n the_o pharise_n be_v the_o most_o subtle_a and_o prevail_a sect_n among_o the_o scribe_n for_o though_o as_o thing_n be_v in_o that_o age_n and_o for_o some_o time_n before_o the_o scribe_n general_o agree_v in_o corrupt_v the_o law_n and_o deceive_v the_o people_n yet_o they_o have_v their_o party_n and_o faction_n among_o themselves_o the_o pharise_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v a_o sect_n of_o the_o great_a power_n in_o the_o council_n and_o of_o the_o great_a reputation_n with_o the_o people_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharise_n or_o the_o scribe_n of_o the_o pharisaical_a party_n which_o be_v of_o jerusalem_n that_o come_v to_o jesus_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o keep_v their_o school_n in_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v therefore_o of_o the_o first_o rank_n among_o the_o pharise_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v discourse_v to_o you_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o of_o the_o objection_n which_o these_o man_n make_v against_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n second_o of_o the_o answer_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o the_o charge_n that_o be_v lay_v against_o they_o i._o of_o the_o objection_n which_o these_o man_n make_v against_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n why_o do_v thy_o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n for_o they_o wash_v not_o their_o hand_n when_o they_o eat_v bread_n a_o charge_n lay_v with_o as_o much_o confidence_n as_o anger_n and_o therefore_o they_o scorn_v to_o put_v any_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o answer_v it_o and_o think_v fit_a to_o challenge_v the_o master_n himself_o about_o it_o now_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o be_v consider_v here_o be_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o charge_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o general_a one_o illustrate_v by_o one_o particular_a instance_n the_o general_a charge_n be_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n the_o particular_a instance_n be_v that_o they_o transgress_v such_o tradition_n in_o not_o wash_v their_o hand_n before_o meat_n as_o to_o the_o general_a charge_n they_o have_v transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n but_o what_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n be_v the_o doctrine_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v and_o the_o rule_n that_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o by_o wise_a and_o great_a man_n and_o universal_o receive_v in_o former_a age_n one_o will_v think_v therefore_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v command_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v deliver_v down_o by_o a_o uncontrollable_a tradition_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n for_o near_o two_o thousand_o year_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o meaning_n under_o these_o word_n as_o they_o use_v they_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o by_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o wise_a and_o great_a man_n they_o mean_v no_o doctrine_n or_o rule_n for_o faith_n or_o practice_n that_o be_v express_v in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o such_o doctrine_n as_o not_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n be_v deliver_v down_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o by_o constant_a usage_n from_o father_n to_o son_n and_o so_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o and_o thus_o josephus_n tell_v we_o antiq._n 13.13_o that_o the_o first_o and_o main_a principle_n of_o the_o pharise_n be_v that_o they_o deny_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o be_v write_v which_o concern_v religion_n the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o their_o sect_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o double_a law_n a_o oral_a law_n and_o a_o write_a law_n a_o law_n deliver_v from_o age_n to_o age_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n as_o well_o as_o a_o law_n deliver_v in_o such_o book_n as_o have_v authority_n from_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o gain_v reverence_n to_o these_o tradition_n they_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o though_o they_o be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o law_n yet_o they_o be_v deliver_v to_o moses_n by_o god_n himself_o to_o joshua_n by_o moses_n to_o the_o prophet_n by_o joshua_n to_o esdras_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o school_n of_o who_o they_o be_v the_o successor_n and_o they_o be_v the_o guardian_n of_o these_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o equal_a or_o rather_o superior_a regard_n to_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v
to_o be_v hold_v in_o claim_v also_o a_o absolute_a obedience_n from_o the_o people_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v a_o say_n among_o they_o if_o the_o scribe_n say_v that_o the_o right_a hand_n be_v the_o left_a or_o the_o left_a hand_n the_o right_a you_o be_v to_o believe_v they_o now_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o pharise_n upon_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n be_v not_o that_o they_o have_v transgress_v any_o tradition_n that_o appear_v to_o have_v a_o divine_a original_a by_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o that_o they_o have_v transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n as_o they_o use_v to_o call_v they_o such_o tradition_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o pretence_n than_o that_o they_o be_v convey_v down_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o father_n to_o son_n among_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o the_o master_n and_o the_o scribe_n the_o particular_a instance_n to_o explain_v the_o general_a charge_n be_v this_o that_o the_o disciple_n do_v not_o wash_v their_o hand_n before_o they_o eat_v bread_n for_o one_o of_o those_o many_o traditionary_a doctrine_n for_o which_o they_o be_v so_o zealous_a be_v this_o that_o if_o a_o stranger_n or_o a_o uncircumcised_a person_n shall_v but_o touch_v a_o jew_n the_o jew_n be_v forthwith_o defile_v or_o if_o he_o have_v but_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o a_o jew_n afterward_o touch_v he_o be_v unclean_a and_o if_o the_o jew_n shall_v in_o that_o state_n take_v any_o meat_n to_o eat_v that_o meat_n be_v render_v unclean_a and_o will_v defile_v his_o mind_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o which_o danger_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n to_o wash_v before_o eat_v and_o thus_o for_o a_o idle_a fancy_n they_o invent_v a_o idle_a relief_n and_o place_v so_o much_o religion_n in_o it_o that_o say_v one_o of_o they_o he_o that_o eat_v bread_n with_o unwashen_n hand_n sin_n as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v lie_v with_o a_o whore_n and_o say_v another_o it_o be_v the_o high_a point_n of_o holiness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o vulgar_a and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o touch_v they_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o eat_v or_o drink_v with_o they_o and_o the_o next_o to_o this_o be_v to_o wash_v away_o the_o impurity_n that_o be_v contract_v thereby_o you_o may_v see_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o this_o senseless_a superstition_n of_o they_o in_o mark_n 7._o the_o pharise_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n except_o they_o wash_v their_o hand_n oft_o eat_v not_o hold_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o when_o they_o come_v from_o the_o market_n except_o they_o wash_v they_o eat_v not_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o they_o have_v receive_v to_o hold_v as_o the_o wash_n of_o cup_n and_o pot_n brazen_a vessel_n and_o of_o table_n that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o only_o wash_v their_o own_o hand_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v touch_v some_o stranger_n or_o one_o less_o pure_a than_o themselves_o but_o least_o some_o stranger_n shall_v have_v touch_v the_o cup_n in_o which_o they_o drink_v or_o the_o dish_n in_o which_o their_o meat_n be_v or_o the_o table_n upon_o which_o the_o cup_n be_v to_o stand_v these_o be_v wash_v with_o all_o care_n not_o for_o cleanliness_n for_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n but_o for_o holiness-sake_n as_o if_o their_o mind_n be_v make_v pure_a by_o wash_v their_o hand_n and_o cup_n and_o all_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n this_o be_v one_o kind_a of_o their_o traditionary_a doctrine_n for_o transgress_v of_o which_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v accuse_v by_o the_o pharise_n ii_o we_o may_v observe_v these_o two_o thing_n employ_v in_o the_o charge_n 1._o the_o concern_v which_o the_o scribe_n have_v for_o their_o tradition_n and_o 2._o the_o reverence_n in_o which_o the_o people_n hold_v they_o 1._o the_o concern_v of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharise_n to_o have_v they_o observe_v it_o be_v so_o great_a that_o a_o man_n may_v with_o less_o danger_n from_o they_o break_v a_o plain_a law_n of_o god_n than_o transgress_v one_o of_o their_o tradition_n and_o they_o will_v soon_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o this_o latter_a than_o for_o the_o former_a if_o they_o can_v have_v charge_v our_o lord_n disciple_n with_o break_v the_o five_o commandment_n as_o jesus_n charge_v they_o with_o it_o present_o after_o of_o this_o they_o will_v have_v say_v nothing_o but_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o neglect_n of_o the_o disciple_n to_o wash_v before_o eat_v for_o conscience-sake_n and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v the_o multitude_n a_o plain_a account_n of_o this_o neglect_n neither_o can_v they_o bear_v that_o but_o be_v offend_v at_o he_o v._o 12._o hence_o in_o their_o talmud_n a_o book_n that_o pretend_v to_o have_v gather_v up_o their_o oral_a tradition_n it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v more_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scribe_n than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o the_o write_a law_n be_v the_o foundation_n but_o the_o unwritten_a and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o elder_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n and_o weight_n than_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n so_o blind_a be_v their_o zeal_n for_o their_o tradition_n that_o one_o of_o the_o rabbi_n be_v once_o cast_v into_o prison_n and_o water_n be_v give_v he_o to_o wash_v and_o to_o drink_v and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v spill_v he_o rather_o choose_v to_o wash_v his_o hand_n than_o to_o drink_v say_v it_o be_v better_a to_o die_v than_o to_o transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o no_o wonder_n that_o they_o be_v thus_o concern_v when_o it_o be_v by_o these_o doctrine_n that_o they_o keep_v up_o a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o the_o people_n for_o if_o the_o people_n will_v be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o unwritten_a law_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n than_o the_o write_v and_o that_o the_o scribe_n be_v the_o guardian_n and_o oracle_n of_o the_o unwritten_a law_n nothing_o can_v be_v better_o contrive_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o the_o scribe_n 2._o the_o charge_n do_v likewise_o imply_v a_o universal_a regard_n of_o these_o tradition_n in_o the_o people_n why_o do_v thy_o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n i._n e._n why_o do_v they_o only_o do_v it_o and_o we_o hear_v from_o st._n mark_n that_o the_o pharise_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n except_o they_o wash_v their_o hand_n oft_o eat_v not_o whatever_o become_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n here_o be_v very_o good_a care_n take_v that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v keep_v nay_o it_o be_v so_o fix_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o lord_n disciple_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o set_v they_o right_o in_o these_o thing_n present_o for_o after_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v they_o not_o that_o which_o go_v into_o the_o mouth_n defile_v the_o man_n but_o that_o which_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n v._o 11._o peter_n ask_v he_o v._o 15._o to_o declare_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o parable_n or_o as_o he_o think_v it_o hard_o say_v and_o jesus_n say_v v._o 16._o be_v you_o also_o yet_o without_o understanding_n and_o so_o he_o go_v on_o show_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o cleanness_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v defile_v by_o evil_a thought_n murder_n adultery_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v not_o yet_o get_v rid_v of_o those_o superstitious_a fancy_n that_o reign_v among_o the_o people_n and_o be_v so_o prejudice_v by_o they_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o understand_v the_o plain_a truth_n on_o the_o other_o side_n nay_o when_o after_o this_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o say_v to_o they_o as_o you_o find_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n ver_fw-la 6._o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharise_n and_o of_o the_o sadducee_n how_o do_v we_o think_v they_o understand_v this_o say_n and_o they_o reason_v among_o themselves_o say_v it_o be_v because_o we_o have_v take_v no_o bread_n which_o show_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o cure_v of_o this_o pharisaical_a superstition_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o understand_v our_o saviour_n as_o if_o he_o have_v forbid_v they_o to_o eat_v any_o bread_n which_o the_o pharise_n have_v touch_v as_o the_o pharise_n will_v eat_v nothing_o that_o have_v be_v touch_v by_o a_o gentile_a when_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v be_v that_o they_o shall_v beware_v of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o no_o wonder_n that_o these_o traditionary_a invention_n have_v take_v such_o root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o they_o do_v not_o serve_v more_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o guide_n than_o for_o the_o ease_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n that_o follow_v they_o
that_o defile_v a_o man_n but_o to_o eat_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n defile_v not_o a_o man_n i._n e._n do_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n affect_v his_o soul_n or_o his_o conscience_n for_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o be_v neither_o better_o for_o wash_v nor_o worse_o for_o let_v it_o alone_o and_o to_o think_v otherwise_o be_v a_o superstition_n hurtful_a to_o yourselves_o and_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o of_o very_o bad_a consequence_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o impudent_a and_o notorious_a a_o abuse_n as_o the_o make_v void_a of_o god_n law_n by_o the_o other_o lewd_a tradition_n that_o i_o mention_v before_o it_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o method_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n in_o this_o place_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o pharise_n bring_v against_o the_o disciple_n from_o which_o answer_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v gather_v well_o worth_a our_o observation_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o pretend_a tradition_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god._n 2._o that_o if_o there_o be_v one_o traditionary_a doctrine_n that_o notorious_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o one_o instance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o overturn_v the_o credit_n of_o that_o tradition_n which_o pretend_v to_o deliver_v unwritten_a doctrine_n of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o that_o be_v write_v 3._o that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o some_o one_o age_n or_o more_o that_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n many_o age_n before_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v so_o deliver_v 4._o that_o we_o have_v a_o great_a reason_n to_o stick_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o examine_v all_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n by_o that_o rule_n and_o to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o unwritten_a tradition_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o pretend_a tradition_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o if_o when_o tradition_n be_v pretend_v for_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o show_v that_o the_o same_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o what_o be_v plain_o require_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o to_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o than_o our_o saviour_n use_v a_o insufficient_a argument_n against_o the_o pretend_a tradition_n of_o not_o suffer_v the_o son_n that_o be_v under_o a_o vow_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o relieve_v his_o father_n or_o mother_n that_o it_o make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god._n but_o doubtless_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o use_v a_o bad_a argument_n that_o he_o use_v the_o best_a and_o most_o convince_a of_o all_o and_o true_o if_o we_o do_v not_o in_o this_o case_n consider_v our_o saviour_n authority_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o monstrous_a prejudice_n that_o keep_v any_o man_n from_o discern_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o unwritten_a doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o be_v write_v for_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o that_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a and_o yet_o they_o must_v be_v true_a if_o that_o doctrine_n for_o which_o unwritten_a tradition_n be_v pretend_v can_v be_v of_o god_n though_o it_o contradict_v the_o write_a tradition_n which_o be_v by_o all_o acknowledge_a to_o be_v divine_a but_o as_o plain_a as_o this_o argument_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v very_o well_o for_o we_o that_o we_o find_v our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v such_o authority_n to_o it_o because_o there_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n bear_v up_o themselves_o upon_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v loath_a to_o admit_v this_o argument_n which_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v amaze_v at_o because_o it_o be_v a_o utter_a confutation_n of_o all_o their_o pretence_n we_o charge_v they_o with_o have_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n new_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o new_a doctrine_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o only_o very_o different_a from_o what_o be_v teach_v at_o first_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o some_o of_o they_o contrary_a thereunto_o as_o we_o can_v show_v they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v do_v by_o no_o mean_n content_v they_o and_o they_o insist_v upon_o it_o that_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v try_v otherwise_o for_o say_v they_o you_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o church_n be_v once_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o teach_v the_o gospel_n sincere_o but_o if_o as_o you_o say_v she_o depart_v from_o the_o pure_a faith_n and_o worship_n which_o the_o apostle_n leave_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o this_o must_v have_v be_v very_o notorious_a because_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v without_o opposition_n and_o resistance_n from_o some_o that_o must_v needs_o observe_v it_o tell_v we_o therefore_o when_o be_v these_o new_a and_o false_a doctrine_n introduce_v who_o be_v the_o man_n that_o bring_v they_o in_o who_o be_v the_o first_o that_o make_v the_o discovery_n what_o council_n condemn_v they_o after_o they_o be_v discover_v for_o if_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v show_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v that_o any_o such_o alteration_n shall_v have_v be_v as_o you_o say_v which_o reason_v amount_n to_o thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o in_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o thousand_o year_n there_o be_v a_o great_a alteration_n happen_v in_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n unless_o withal_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o it_o come_v about_o and_o just_a when_o it_o come_v about_o the_o precise_a time_n and_o the_o punctual_a manner_n and_o circumstance_n thereof_o which_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o man_n almost_o desperate_o sick_a of_o a_o disease_n that_o have_v be_v for_o some_o year_n grow_v upon_o he_o shall_v prove_v to_o his_o friend_n that_o he_o be_v as_o well_o as_o ever_o he_o be_v in_o his_o life_n for_o say_v he_o you_o know_v i_o be_v well_o once_o and_o if_o i_o be_o now_o so_o ill_o as_o you_o say_v pray_v show_v i_o the_o time_n when_o this_o disease_n first_o happen_v the_o manner_n how_o and_o what_o physician_n be_v call_v about_o i_o which_o kind_n of_o argue_v will_v certain_o prove_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o disease_n have_v take_v his_o head_n when_o the_o servant_n come_v and_o tell_v their_o lord_n that_o the_o tare_n come_v up_o with_o the_o wheat_n it_o be_v excusable_a in_o they_o to_o say_v we_o sow_v good_a seed_n whence_o have_v it_o these_o tare_n but_o when_o their_o master_n tell_v they_o a_o enemy_n have_v do_v this_o if_o they_o have_v dispute_v and_o tell_v he_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o tare_n at_o all_o because_o he_o can_v not_o tell_v punctual_o that_o very_a night_n when_o they_o be_v sow_o and_o who_o the_o person_n be_v that_o take_v the_o malicious_a pain_n to_o sow_v they_o then_o they_o have_v be_v very_o inexcusable_a thus_o to_o renounce_v their_o own_o certain_a knowledge_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o vain_a speculation_n now_o we_o be_v very_o sure_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v at_o first_o sow_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n but_o good_a and_o true_a doctrine_n our_o father_n that_o live_v about_o fourteen_o hundred_o year_n after_o find_v quite_o another_o sort_n of_o doctrine_n get_v into_o the_o church_n and_o some_o of_o they_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n teach_v as_o the_o scripture_n manifest_o show_v and_o yet_o there_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n and_o still_o there_o be_v certain_a disputer_n that_o go_v about_o to_o stagger_v other_o with_o such_o like_a question_n as_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o and_o teach_v they_o to_o defy_v all_o reason_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n till_o these_o question_n be_v satisfy_v what_o age_n what_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v these_o error_n bring_v into_o the_o church_n who_o be_v they_o that_o bring_v they_o in_o and_o who_o first_o complain_v of_o they_o now_o although_o a_o very_a reasonable_a account_n both_o may_v be_v and_o have_v be_v give_v of_o the_o person_n the_o time_n and_o the_o manner_n and_o the_o degree_n by_o which_o such_o corruption_n get_v into_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o every_o christian_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o answer_v these_o question_n punctual_o because_o it_o require_v more_o labour_n and_o read_n than_o general_o they_o have_v either_o leisure_n or_o ability_n to_o go_v through_o with_o but_o withal_o it_o be_v very_o needless_a because_o
there_o be_v a_o short_a and_o a_o sure_a way_n to_o determine_v this_o matter_n and_o that_o by_o compare_v those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n with_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o more_o certain_a tradition_n than_o any_o of_o those_o history_n that_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o revolution_n of_o church_n affair_n since_o the_o beginning_n and_o now_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o if_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o such_o and_o such_o corruption_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n sometime_o or_o other_o after_o the_o apostle_n because_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n teach_v and_o leave_v in_o their_o write_n though_o i_o can_v tell_v just_o the_o year_n when_o or_o the_o person_n by_o who_o they_o first_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n i_o will_v very_o fain_o know_v of_o any_o man_n that_o when_o our_o saviour_n set_v himself_o to_o overthrow_v that_o wicked_a tradition_n which_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o whether_o he_o can_v not_o if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v give_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o person_n that_o begin_v it_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o of_o the_o time_n when_o it_o begin_v and_o of_o every_o circumstance_n that_o attend_v its_o entrance_n into_o the_o world_n and_o its_o growth_n and_o increase_v afterward_o but_o do_v he_o go_v this_o way_n to_o work_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o pharise_n pretend_v the_o tradition_n which_o they_o teach_v the_o people_n be_v deliver_v from_o god_n to_o moses_n and_o that_o through_o several_a age_n they_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o they_o successive_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o i_o grant_v that_o if_o our_o lord_n have_v with_o many_o word_n show_v they_o that_o they_o be_v such_o and_o such_o man_n who_o first_o bring_v they_o in_o this_o have_v be_v a_o confutation_n of_o their_o pretence_n but_o for_o all_o that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o use_v a_o better_a and_o a_o short_a argument_n against_o they_o and_o tell_v they_o what_o the_o commandment_n be_v in_o the_o law_n which_o their_o pretend_a tradition_n make_v void_a and_o this_o be_v instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o argument_n that_o their_o doctrine_n never_o come_v from_o moses_n but_o be_v invent_v some_o time_n afterward_o and_o i_o beseech_v you_o let_v none_o of_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o use_v that_o kind_n of_o argument_n which_o our_o saviour_n think_v fit_a to_o confute_v those_o people_n withal_o and_o which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v he_o use_v that_o he_o may_v show_v we_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v ourselves_o from_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o by_o a_o pretence_n of_o have_v receive_v such_o doctrine_n from_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o never_o deliver_v when_o therefore_o we_o be_v ask_v if_o transubstantiation_n be_v a_o error_n and_o not_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n when_o do_v it_o come_v in_o if_o service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n be_v a_o innocation_n when_o do_v it_o come_v in_o if_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n be_v a_o corruption_n when_o do_v it_o come_v in_o let_v we_o account_v it_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v for_o so_o our_o saviour_n think_v it_o in_o the_o like_a case_n that_o transubstantiation_n make_v void_a those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o express_o affirm_v that_o by_o eat_v of_o bread_n we_o show_v forth_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o body_n that_o service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n make_v void_a the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o that_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n make_v void_a the_o seven_o and_o the_o ten_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n can_v be_v offer_v no_o more_o and_o that_o there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o they_o do_v come_v in_o sometime_o or_o other_o since_o the_o apostle_n but_o whether_o they_o come_v in_o soon_o or_o late_a be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o certain_o nothing_o aught_o ever_o to_o have_v come_v in_o that_o make_v void_a any_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o if_o any_o such_o thing_n have_v get_v in_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v throw_v out_o again_o they_o may_v well_o be_v ashamed_a that_o can_v bear_v this_o sort_n of_o argue_v but_o most_o certain_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o use_v it_o since_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v use_v it_o before_o we_o for_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o overthrow_v the_o credit_n of_o these_o doctrine_n for_o which_o they_o pretend_v a_o constant_a tradition_n in_o the_o church_n he_o think_v it_o sufficient_a for_o his_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o they_o void_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o make_v his_o word_n of_o none_o effect_n 2._o if_o there_o be_v one_o traditionary_a doctrine_n that_o notorious_o contradict_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a credit_n of_o that_o tradition_n which_o pretend_v to_o bring_v down_o unwritten_a doctrine_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v receive_v for_o thus_o we_o find_v that_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o single_a instance_n of_o that_o tradition_n which_o void_v the_o five_o commandment_n overthrow_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o pharise_n against_o his_o disciple_n why_o do_v thy_o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n i._n e._n their_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o they_o ought_v all_o of_o they_o to_o be_v religious_o observe_v because_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o authority_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o produce_v a_o instance_n of_o their_o tradition_n that_o take_v away_o all_o authority_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o therefore_o among_o their_o unwritten_a doctrine_n 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betray_v they_o into_o the_o danger_n of_o infinite_a error_n which_o they_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o fall_v into_o by_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a text_n which_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o laity_n as_o we_o will_v keep_v child_n from_o meddle_v with_o edge_a tool_n and_o lay_v sword_n out_o of_o mad-men_n way_n now_o if_o this_o charge_n be_v true_a the_o bible_n be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a book_n if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a there_o be_v some_o other_o reason_n doubtless_o why_o they_o that_o pretend_v this_o have_v no_o kindness_n for_o the_o bible_n i_o shall_v omit_v several_a advantage_n that_o may_v be_v take_v against_o this_o flourish_n because_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v show_v very_o brief_o that_o it_o pretend_v thing_n that_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n hang_v well_o together_o that_o it_o take_v thing_n for_o grant_v that_o be_v not_o true_a and_o that_o it_o conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o the_o scripture_n be_v 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before_o they_o and_o not_o to_o keep_v it_o from_o they_o since_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o convince_a argument_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o attend_v to_o their_o pastor_n in_o order_n to_o far_a instruction_n than_o the_o several_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o warning_n that_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o have_v give_v of_o the_o danger_n that_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a man_n be_v in_o of_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o experience_n show_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o neither_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o argument_n can_v make_v people_n modest_a if_o they_o be_v geneal_o permit_v to_o have_v the_o scripture_n i_o add_v 2._o that_o this_o argue_v take_v thing_n for_o grant_v which_o be_v not_o true_a in_o point_n of_o fact_n all_o the_o faithful_n ancient_o have_v the_o scripture_n but_o we_o find_v little_a complaint_n by_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n then_o of_o the_o wantonness_n and_o insolence_n of_o the_o people_n so_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a exhortation_n that_o all_o will_v diligent_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o christian_n people_n that_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o allow_v then_o but_o require_v to_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o yet_o they_o modest_o attend_v upon_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n for_o far_a instruction_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o therefore_o if_o some_o man_n in_o late_a age_n have_v gross_o misinterpret_v the_o scripture_n and_o will_v not_o be_v set_v right_o by_o those_o that_o have_v more_o skill_n to_o interpret_v they_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o people_n ungovernable_a for_o than_o it_o must_v always_o have_v
not_o take_v i_o to_o be_v infallible_a and_o yet_o i_o be_o confident_a he_o will_v be_v angry_a if_o i_o shall_v say_v his_o paper_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n let_v he_o answer_v this_o if_o he_o can_v the_o reason_n he_o give_v why_o scripture_n sense_v by_o a_o fallible_a authority_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v because_o all_o such_o interpretation_n may_v be_v false_a that_o be_v to_o say_v because_o there_o be_v a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o any_o fallible_a man_n mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o plain_a text_n which_o kind_n of_o reason_v make_v impossible_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o be_v a_o believer_n unless_o himself_o be_v first_o infallible_a and_o this_o i_o shall_v demonstrate_v so_o plain_o that_o no_o man_n who_o have_v any_o share_n of_o understanding_n and_o modesty_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o deny_v it_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a way_n for_o any_o sort_n of_o christian_n to_o make_v know_v either_o the_o article_n or_o reason_n of_o faith_n to_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o they_o but_o by_o word_n or_o sentence_n write_v or_o speak_v he_o who_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n and_o sentence_n can_v tell_v either_o what_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o why_o he_o shall_v believe_v till_o he_o understand_v or_o in_o the_o disputer_n phrase_n till_o he_o sense_n those_o word_n and_o sentence_n but_o as_o yet_o his_o authority_n be_v but_o fallible_a and_o word_n sense_v by_o a_o fallible_a authority_n can_v never_o give_v a_o man_n certainty_n either_o of_o the_o rule_n or_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n if_o this_o disputer_n be_v in_o the_o right_n therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v he_o a_o believer_n unless_o you_o can_v make_v he_o infallible_a first_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o sensing_n the_o word_n which_o he_o hear_v or_o read_v and_o thus_o farewell_n to_o all_o advantage_n that_o any_o man_n can_v have_v by_o the_o infallibility_n of_o pope_n and_o council_n or_o oral_a tradition_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o scripture_n nay_o and_o to_o all_o possible_a mean_n of_o arrive_v to_o certainty_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o faith_n unless_o every_o body_n be_v infallible_a first_o so_o that_o upon_o supposition_n that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o therefore_o to_o believe_v it_o inavoidable_o follow_v from_o the_o wild_a reason_v of_o this_o man_n that_o god_n have_v make_v every_o man_n infallible_a but_o if_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o man_n be_v fallible_a creature_n than_o this_o disputer_n have_v advance_v a_o principle_n the_o most_o destructive_a to_o all_o certainty_n of_o faith_n that_o ever_o be_v hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o comfort_n be_v that_o it_o be_v so_o very_o absurd_a that_o no_o body_n well_o in_o his_o wit_n can_v be_v mislead_v by_o it_o pap._n and_o therefore_o faith_n can_v be_v obtain_v by_o any_o such_o mean_n ans_fw-fr which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o faith_n can_v be_v obtain_v till_o a_o man_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o infallibility_n and_o if_o every_o man_n have_v it_o before_o he_o can_v be_v teach_v to_o any_o purpose_n what_o need_n can_v there_o be_v of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n to_o teach_v he_o but_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v believer_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o infallible_a unless_o the_o disputer_n or_o his_o church_n have_v a_o way_n to_o make_v know_v the_o doctrine_n and_o reason_n of_o christian_a faith_n without_o word_n pap._n for_o that_o which_o be_v doubtful_a can_v only_o create_v opinion_n which_o be_v also_o doubtful_a ans_fw-fr therefore_o since_o all_o word_n be_v doubtful_a to_o he_o that_o have_v but_o a_o fallible_a authority_n to_o sense_n they_o as_o no_o man_n have_v more_o before_o he_o believe_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o disputer_n church_n to_o create_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o opinion_n which_o be_v also_o doubtful_a in_o those_o who_o she_o teach_v unless_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v she_o can_v make_v they_o infallible_a first_o and_o teach_v they_o afterward_o and_o even_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o teach_v they_o at_o all_o because_o they_o be_v now_o infallible_a themselves_o of_o all_o the_o paper_n that_o ever_o i_o read_v i_o never_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n more_o absurd_a and_o contradictious_a than_o the_o reason_v of_o this_o in_o which_o the_o disputer_n out_o of_o a_o vehement_a desire_n to_o overthrow_v our_o faith_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o have_v lay_v down_o principle_n that_o do_v effectual_o overthrow_v all_o way_n of_o make_v man_n sure_a of_o any_o thing_n and_o in_o particular_a the_o use_n of_o those_o very_a method_n by_o which_o his_o own_o church_n pretend_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o faith._n pap._n and_o he_o that_o doubt_v in_o faith_n the_o apostle_n say_v be_v infidelis_fw-la and_o a_o company_n of_o doubter_n be_v not_o a_o church_n of_o faithful_a but_o a_o society_n of_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v infidel_n ans_fw-fr what_o apostle_n say_v this_o if_o the_o disputer_n refer_v to_o rom._n 14.23_o as_o i_o think_v he_o do_v he_o have_v show_v his_o skill_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o his_o mastery_n in_o reason_v if_o in_o the_o infallible_a church_n they_o can_v interpret_v scripture_n no_o better_o than_o thus_o give_v i_o the_o honesty_n and_o industry_n of_o a_o fallible_a church_n before_o it_o the_o conclusion_n and_o now_o after_o all_o this_o paper_n be_v as_o absurd_a in_o the_o design_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o management_n for_o the_o business_n of_o it_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o faith_n but_o be_v infidel_n and_o that_o by_o this_o argument_n they_o be_v and_o must_v be_v doubter_n now_o whether_o i_o doubt_v or_o do_v not_o doubt_v be_v a_o question_n concern_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o i_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o than_o the_o disputer_n can_v possible_o have_v and_o if_o i_o know_v that_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v and_o he_o can_v yet_o prove_v that_o i_o do_v doubt_n he_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a man_n indeed_o for_o than_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v prove_v that_o truth_n not_o only_o may_v be_v but_o be_v false_a which_o perhaps_o such_o a_o man_n as_o he_o can_v reconcile_v with_o what_o he_o say_v at_o first_o that_o truth_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o this_o alone_o have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o his_o paper_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o frivolous_a than_o to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v to_o a_o man_n by_o fine_a reason_v that_o he_o do_v doubt_n of_o a_o thing_n when_o he_o be_v as_o sure_a that_o he_o do_v not_o doubt_n of_o it_o as_o he_o can_v be_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world._n but_o the_o design_n of_o this_o paper_n seem_v to_o be_v as_o impious_a as_o it_o be_v absurd_a and_o that_o be_v to_o bring_v weak_a person_n to_o infidelity_n first_o that_o they_o may_v afterward_o be_v settle_v upon_o romish_a ground_n i_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a way_n to_o bring_v we_o over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o make_v we_o infidel_n first_o but_o this_o they_o will_v not_o find_v so_o easy_a a_o matter_n for_o we_o trust_v that_o we_o be_v not_o of_o those_o who_o draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n but_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v to_o the_o save_v the_o soul._n i_o have_v omit_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a paper_n but_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o little_a and_o mean_a reflection_n in_o call_v the_o protestant_n a_o parliamentary_a protestant_n i_o have_v tell_v this_o disputer_n the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o we_o moreover_o be_v protect_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o will_v desire_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o popery_n and_o he_o will_v think_v never_o the_o worse_o of_o himself_o for_o be_v a_o parliamentary_a papist_n thus_o i_o have_v answer_v this_o paper_n through_o every_o clause_n of_o it_o and_o i_o be_o confident_a destroy_v all_o that_o little_a appearance_n of_o reason_v that_o it_o make_v let_v the_o disputer_n build_v it_o up_o again_o if_o he_o can_v i_o promise_v he_o by_o god_n grace_n that_o i_o will_v pull_v it_o down_o again_o finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o william_n rogers_n bishop_n wilkins_n fifteen_o sermon_n 8_o dr._n tillotson_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n the_o three_o volume_n 8_o dr._n wallis_n two_o sermon_n of_o regeneration_n 4_o his_o defence_n of_o the_o royal_a society_n 4_o mr._n hodges_n