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authority_n believe_v faith_n scripture_n 10,448 5 6.7135 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62616 Sermons, and discourses some of which never before printed / by John Tillotson ... ; the third volume.; Sermons. Selections Tillotson, John, 1630-1694. 1687 (1687) Wing T1253; ESTC R18219 203,250 508

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so_o false_a a_o doctrine_n and_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o monstrous_a absurdity_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o plain_a method_n i._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o pretend_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o this_o doctrine_n ii_o i_o shall_v produce_v our_o objection_n against_o it_o and_o if_o i_o can_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o tolerable_a ground_n for_o it_o and_o that_o there_o be_v invincible_a objection_n against_o it_o than_o every_o man_n be_v not_o only_o in_o reason_n excuse_v from_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n but_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n first_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o pretend_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o this_o doctrine_n which_o must_v be_v one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o five_o either_o 1_o st_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o 2_o lie_v the_o perpetual_a belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o a_o evidence_n that_o they_o always_o understand_v and_o interpret_v our_o saviour_n word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n in_o this_o sense_n or_o 3_o lie_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n to_o make_v and_o declare_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o 4_o lie_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o such_o a_o change_n as_o this_o in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o those_o who_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n or_o 5_o lie_v to_o magnify_v the_o power_n of_o the_o priest_n in_o be_v able_a to_o work_v so_o great_a a_o miracle_n one_a they_o pretend_v for_o this_o doctrine_n the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v my_o body_n now_o to_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o this_o pretence_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o 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cardinal_n de_fw-fr sacram_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 3._o contarenus_n and_o 3._o and_o loc._n theolog._n l._n 3._o c._n 3._o melchior_n canus_n one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o judicious_a writer_n that_o church_n ever_o have_v reckon_v this_o doctrine_n among_o those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o express_o find_v in_o scripture_n i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o more_o of_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o repute_a martyr_n 2._o martyr_n contra_fw-la captiv_fw-la babylon_n c._n 10._o n._n 2._o fisher_n bishop_n of_o rochester_n who_o ingenuous_o confess_v that_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o institution_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n from_o whence_o the_o true_a presence_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o mass_n can_v be_v prove_v so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o much_o contend_v that_o this_o doctrine_n have_v no_o certain_a foundation_n in_o scripture_n when_o this_o be_v so_o full_o and_o frank_o acknowledge_v by_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o 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grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o concern_v our_o duty_n towards_o one_o another_o that_o it_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o abridgement_n the_o accomplishment_n and_o fulfil_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n that_o without_o this_o whatever_o we_o pretend_v to_o in_o christianity_n we_o be_v nothing_o and_o our_o religion_n be_v vain_a that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n great_a than_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o of_o perpetual_a use_n and_o duration_n charity_n never_o fail_v and_o therefore_o they_o exhort_v we_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o endeavour_v after_o it_o as_o the_o crown_n of_o all_o other_o virtue_n above_o all_o thing_n have_v fervent_a charity_n among_o yourselves_o say_v st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n have_v enumerate_v most_o other_a christian_a virtue_n exhort_v we_o above_o all_o to_o strive_v after_o this_o and_o above_o all_o these_o thing_n put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n this_o st._n john_n make_v one_o of_o the_o 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quality_n in_o the_o world_n which_o upon_o a_o sober_a and_o impartial_a consideration_n be_v of_o a_o more_o solid_a and_o intrinsic_a value_n and_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n the_o christian_n be_v very_o eminent_a for_o this_o virtue_n and_o particular_o note_v for_o it_o nobis_fw-la notam_fw-la inurit_fw-la apud_fw-la quosdam_fw-la it_o be_v a_o mark_n and_o brand_v set_v upan_v we_o by_o some_o say_v tertullian_n and_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v proverbial_o say_v among_o the_o heathen_a behold_v how_o these_o christian_n love_v one_o another_o lucian_n that_o great_a scoffer_n at_o all_o religion_n acknowledge_v in_o behalf_n of_o christian_n that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n which_o their_o master_n have_v instill_a into_o they_o and_o julian_n the_o bitter_a enemy_n that_o christianity_n ever_o have_v can_v not_o forbear_v to_o propound_v to_o the_o heathen_a for_o a_o example_n the_o charity_n of_o the_o galileans_n for_o so_o by_o way_n of_o reproach_n he_o call_v the_o christian_n who_o say_v he_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o humanity_n and_o kindness_n which_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v very_o much_o to_o the_o advantage_n and_o reputation_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o same_o letter_n to_o arsacius_n the_o heathen_a high_a priest_n of_o galatia_n he_o give_v this_o memorable_a testimony_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o their_o charity_n be_v not_o limit_v and_o confine_v only_o to_o themselves_o but_o extend_v even_o to_o their_o enemy_n which_o can_v not_o be_v say_v either_o of_o the_o jew_n or_o heathen_n his_o word_n be_v these_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n that_o when_o the_o jew_n suffer_v none_o of_o they_o to_o beg_v and_o the_o impious_a galileans_n relieve_v not_o only_o their_o own_o but_o those_o also_o of_o our_o religion_n that_o we_o only_o shall_v be_v defective_a in_o so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o love_n and_o charity_n be_v not_o only_o 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ear_n of_o all_o that_o hear_v it_o to_o tingle_v and_o render_v popery_n execrable_a and_o infamous_a a_o frightful_a and_o a_o hateful_a thing_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v now_o but_o too_o visible_a how_o gross_o this_o great_a commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v contradict_v not_o only_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o in_o that_o communion_n from_o the_o pope_n down_o to_o the_o mean_a friar_n but_o by_o the_o very_a doctrine_n and_o principle_n by_o the_o genius_n and_o spirit_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v whole_o calculate_v for_o cruelty_n and_o persecution_n where_o now_o be_v that_o mark_n of_o a_o disciple_n so_o much_o insist_v upon_o by_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o church_n and_o yet_o what_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n but_o the_o society_n and_o community_n of_o christ_n disciple_n sure_o in_o all_o reason_n that_o which_o our_o lord_n make_v the_o distinctive_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o his_o 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apostle_n creed_n to_o have_v one_o grain_n of_o true_a faith_n because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o true_a faith_n this_o be_v a_o most_o arrogant_a and_o vain_a pretence_n but_o admit_v it_o be_v true_a yet_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o st._n paul_n though_o they_o have_v all_o faith_n if_o they_o have_v not_o charity_n they_o be_v nothing_o the_o great_a wonder_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o they_o who_o hate_n and_o persecute_v christians_n most_o do_v all_o this_o while_n the_o most_o confident_o of_o all_o other_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v allow_v none_o to_o be_v so_o but_o themselves_o that_o church_n which_o excommunicate_v all_o other_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o she_o can_v will_v extirpate_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n will_v yet_o needs_o assume_v to_o herself_o to_o be_v the_o only_a 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this_o liberty_n to_o private_a person_n to_o judge_n for_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v use_v this_o privilege_n with_o much_o modesty_n and_o humility_n with_o great_a submission_n and_o deference_n to_o our_o spiritual_a ruler_n and_o guide_n who_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n and_o there_o be_v very_o great_a need_n of_o this_o caution_n since_o by_o experience_n we_o find_v this_o liberty_n so_o much_o abuse_v by_o many_o to_o the_o nourish_a of_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n of_o division_n and_o faction_n and_o those_o who_o be_v least_o able_a to_o judge_v to_o be_v frequent_o the_o most_o forward_o and_o confident_a the_o most_o peremptory_a and_o perverse_a and_o instead_o of_o demeaning_n themselves_o with_o the_o submission_n of_o learner_n to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o authority_n of_o judge_n even_o in_o the_o most_o doubtful_a and_o disputable_a matter_n the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n over_o the_o mind_n and_o 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and_o vers_fw-la 17._o these_o thing_n i_o command_v you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o if_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o his_o precept_n and_o of_o his_o whole_a doctrine_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o so_o st._n john_n the_o love_a and_o belove_a disciple_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o the_o great_a message_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v to_o deliver_v to_o mankind_n 1_o joh._n 3.11_o this_o be_v the_o message_n which_o you_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o beginning_n that_o you_o shall_v love_v one_o another_o and_o ver_fw-la 23._o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o love_v one_o another_o as_o he_o give_v we_o commandment_n and_o chap._n 4._o v._n 21._o this_o commandment_n have_v we_o from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o but_o beside_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o have_v precedent_a obligation_n 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god_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a charity_n that_o ever_o be_v how_o small_a be_v it_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o how_o great_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o give_v it_o i_o mean_v the_o widow_n be_v two_o mite_n which_o she_o cast_v into_o the_o treasury_n one_o can_v hardly_o give_v less_o and_o yet_o none_o can_v give_v more_o for_o she_o give_v all_o that_o she_o have_v all_o these_o excellency_n and_o advantage_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o i_o have_v brief_o recount_v be_v so_o many_o argument_n so_o many_o obligation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n v._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o great_a instance_n and_o example_n which_o be_v here_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o that_o you_o also_o love_v one_o another_o the_o son_n of_o god_n become_a man_n his_o whole_a life_n his_o bitter_a death_n and_o passion_n all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o all_o that_o he_o suffer_v be_v one_o great_a and_o 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that_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v some_o way_n to_o discern_v mere_a pretender_n to_o inspiration_n from_o those_o who_o be_v true_o and_o divine_o inspire_v and_o this_o be_v necessary_o imply_v in_o the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o make_v any_o trial_n if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o discern_v between_o pretend_a and_o real_a inspiration_n now_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o will_v give_v occasion_n to_o two_o very_a material_a inquiry_n and_o useful_a to_o be_v resolve_v i._o how_o we_o may_v discern_v between_o true_a and_o counterfeit_a doctrine_n those_o which_o real_o be_v from_o god_n and_o those_o which_o only_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o ii_o to_o who_o this_o judgement_n of_o discern_v do_v appertain_v i._o how_o we_o may_v discern_v between_o true_a and_o counterfeit_a doctrine_n and_o revelation_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o follow_a proposition_n 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assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n before_o we_o can_v know_v that_o he_o have_v make_v any_o revelation_n of_o himself_o and_o we_o must_v know_v that_o his_o word_n be_v true_a otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o revelation_n which_o he_o make_v to_o we_o and_o we_o must_v believe_v his_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o that_o he_o will_v reward_v our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o punish_v our_o breach_n of_o they_o otherwise_o there_o will_v neither_o be_v sufficient_a obligation_n nor_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n these_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v true_a and_o natural_o know_v to_o we_o antecedent_o to_o all_o supernatural_a revelation_n otherwise_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o nor_o be_v of_o any_o force_n with_o we_o 3._o all_o reason_v about_o divine_a revelation_n must_v necessary_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o be_v by_o 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god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o this_o be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o term_n so_o likewise_o to_o pretend_v a_o command_n from_o god_n that_o we_o be_v to_o hate_v and_o despise_v he_o because_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o god_n shall_v require_v any_o thing_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n so_o unsuitable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o to_o their_o obligation_n to_o he_o beside_o that_o such_o a_o law_n as_o this_o do_v tacit_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n because_o upon_o such_o a_o supposition_n to_o despise_v god_n will_v be_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o yet_o to_o obey_v he_o be_v certain_o to_o honour_v he_o so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n to_o honour_n god_n and_o to_o despise_v he_o will_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o equal_a contempt_n of_o he_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o will_v be_v vain_a to_o pretend_v any_o revelation_n from_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o life_n after_o this_o nor_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n because_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o those_o natural_a apprehension_n which_o have_v general_o possess_v mankind_n and_o will_v take_v away_o the_o main_a force_n and_o sanction_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v any_o pretend_a revelation_n from_o god_n which_o evident_o contradict_v those_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o that_o god_n shall_v command_v or_o allow_v sedition_n and_o rebellion_n perfidiousness_n and_o perjury_n because_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o will_v be_v apparent_o destructive_a of_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o will_v natural_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o world_n but_o god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n which_o st._n paul_n appeal_v to_o as_o a_o principle_n natural_o knowu_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v entertain_v as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a 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he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o ver_fw-la 5._o because_o he_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o to_o turn_v you_o away_o from_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n which_o bring_v you_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n here_o be_v a_o case_n wherein_o a_o false_a prophet_n be_v suppose_v to_o work_v a_o true_a miracle_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o his_o doctrine_n which_o in_o other_o case_n the_o scripture_n make_v the_o sign_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n but_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o impostor_n because_o the_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v will_v draw_v man_n off_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n who_o be_v natural_o know_v and_o have_v manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o so_o miraculous_a a_o manner_n by_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n so_o that_o a_o miracle_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o a_o
and_o clear_a enough_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o his_o providence_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o there_o be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o though_o neither_o pope_n nor_o council_n have_v ever_o declare_v any_o thing_n about_o these_o matter_n and_o for_o reveal_v doctrine_n we_o may_v be_v certain_a enough_o of_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a if_o it_o be_v true_a which_o the_o father_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n four_o a_o infallible_a judge_n if_o there_o be_v one_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n to_o end_v controversy_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v likewise_o infallible_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o judge_n and_o who_o he_o be_v for_o till_o man_n be_v sure_a of_o both_o these_o there_o will_v still_o be_v a_o controversy_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o who_o he_o be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a which_o 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infallibility_n no_o though_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n though_o he_o be_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n s._n paul_n put_v the_o case_n so_o high_a gal._n 1.8_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v which_o plain_o suppose_v that_o christian_n may_v and_o can_v judge_v when_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n what_o not_o believe_v a_o apostle_n nor_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n if_o he_o shall_v teach_v any_o thing_n evident_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o he_o shall_v determine_v virtue_n to_o be_v vice_n and_o vice_n to_o be_v virtue_n no_o not_o a_o apostle_n nor_o a_o angel_n because_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o will_v confound_v and_o overturn_v all_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o yet_o bellarmin_n put_v this_o very_a case_n and_o say_v if_o the_o pope_n shall_v so_o determine_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v he_o unless_o we_o will_v sin_v against_o conscience_n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n by_o put_v a_o very_a plain_a and_o familiar_a case_n by_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v what_o credit_n and_o authority_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v give_v to_o a_o guide_n and_o what_o not_o suppose_v i_o come_v a_o stranger_n into_o england_n and_o land_v at_o dover_n take_v a_o guide_n there_o to_o conduct_v i_o in_o my_o way_n to_o york_n which_o i_o know_v before_o by_o the_o map_n to_o lie_v north_n of_o dover_n have_v commit_v myself_o to_o he_o if_o he_o lead_v i_o for_o two_o or_o three_o day_n together_o out_o of_o any_o plain_a road_n and_o many_o time_n over_o hedge_n and_o ditch_n i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o in_o a_o civil_a and_o well_o inhabit_v country_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o highway_n from_o one_o part_n of_o it_o to_o another_o yet_o thus_o far_o i_o submit_v to_o he_o though_o not_o without_o some_o regret_n and_o impatience_n but_o then_o if_o after_o this_o for_o two_o or_o three_o day_n more_o he_o lead_v i_o direct_o south_n and_o with_o my_o face_n full_a upon_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n and_o at_o last_o bring_v i_o back_o again_o to_o dover_n pere_n and_o still_o bid_v i_o follow_v he_o then_o certain_o no_o modesty_n do_v oblige_v a_o man_n not_o to_o dispute_v with_o his_o guide_n and_o to_o tell_v he_o sure_o that_o can_v be_v no_o way_n because_o it_o be_v sea_n now_o though_o he_o set_v never_o so_o bold_a a_o face_n upon_o the_o matter_n and_o tell_v i_o with_o all_o the_o gravity_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o sea_n but_o dry_a land_n under_o the_o species_n and_o appearance_n of_o water_n and_o that_o whatever_o my_o eye_n tell_v i_o have_v once_o commit_v myself_o to_o his_o guidance_n i_o must_v not_o trust_v my_o own_o sense_n in_o the_o case_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a sort_n of_o infidelity_n for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v his_o own_o eye_n rather_o than_o his_o faithful_a and_o infallible_a guide_n all_o this_o move_v i_o not_o but_o i_o begin_v to_o expostulate_v roundly_o with_o he_o and_o to_o let_v he_o understand_v that_o if_o i_o must_v not_o believe_v what_o i_o see_v he_o be_v like_a to_o be_v of_o no_o far_o use_v to_o i_o because_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a at_o this_o rate_n to_o know_v whether_o i_o have_v a_o guide_n and_o whether_o i_o follow_v he_o or_o not_o in_o short_a i_o tell_v he_o plain_o that_o when_o i_o take_v he_o for_o my_o guide_n i_o do_v not_o take_v he_o to_o tell_v i_o the_o difference_n between_o north_n and_o south_n between_o a_o hedge_n and_o a_o highway_n between_o sea_n and_o dry_a land_n all_o this_o i_o know_v before_o as_o well_o as_o he_o
that_o for_o our_o great_a assurance_n and_o comfort_n god_n have_v confirm_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o by_o a_o oath_n condescend_v herein_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n who_o when_o they_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o a_o doubtful_a matter_n confirm_v what_o they_o say_v by_o a_o oath_n and_o general_o when_o any_o doubt_n or_o controversy_n arise_v between_o party_n concern_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n one_o side_n affirm_v and_o the_o other_o deny_v a_o end_n be_v put_v to_o this_o contest_v by_o a_o oath_n a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o great_a assurance_n and_o establishment_n of_o a_o thing_n not_o that_o a_o oath_n be_v always_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a decision_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o truth_n and_o right_n but_o that_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a credit_n that_o we_o can_v give_v to_o any_o thing_n and_o the_o last_o resort_n of_o truth_n and_o confidence_n among_o man_n after_o this_o we_o can_v go_v no_o far_o for_o if_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o oath_n will_v not_o oblige_v man_n to_o speak_v truth_n nothing_o will_n this_o be_v the_o utmost_a secutity_n that_o man_n can_v give_v and_o must_v therefore_o be_v the_o final_a decision_n of_o all_o contest_v a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n now_o from_o this_o assertion_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o great_a use_n and_o end_n of_o oath_n among_o man_n i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n 1._o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o 2._o to_o show_v the_o great_a use_n and_o even_a necessity_n of_o oath_n in_o many_o case_n 3._o to_o vindicate_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o where_o they_o be_v necessary_a 4._o to_o show_v the_o sacred_a obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n i_o shall_v be_v as_o brief_a in_o these_o as_o the_o just_a handle_n of_o they_o will_v bear_v i._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o invocation_n of_o god_n or_o a_o appeal_n to_o he_o as_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o say_v so_o that_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o sacred_a thing_n as_o be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o this_o whether_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v express_o mention_v in_o it_o or_o not_o if_o a_o man_n only_o say_v i_o swear_v or_o i_o take_v my_o oath_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o be_v not_o so_o or_o so_o or_o that_o i_o will_v or_o will_v not_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n or_o if_o a_o man_n answer_n upon_o his_o oath_n be_v adjure_v and_o require_v so_o to_o do_v or_o if_o a_o man_n swear_v by_o heaven_n or_o by_o earth_n or_o by_o any_o other_o thing_n that_o have_v relation_n to_o god_n in_o all_o these_o case_n a_o man_n do_v virtual_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o do_v by_o consequence_n invoke_v he_o as_o a_o judge_n and_o a_o avenger_n in_o case_n what_o he_o swear_v be_v not_o true_a and_o if_o this_o be_v express_v the_o oath_n be_v a_o formal_a imprecation_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v or_o not_o a_o curse_n upon_o ourselves_o be_v always_o imply_v in_o case_n of_o perjury_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o oath_n assertory_n and_o promissory_a a_o assertory_n oath_n be_v when_o a_o man_n affirm_v or_o deny_v upon_o oath_n a_o matter_n of_o fact_n past_a or_o present_v when_o he_o swear_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o be_v so_o or_o not_o so_o a_o promissory_a oath_n be_v a_o promise_n confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n which_o always_o respect_v something_o that_o be_v future_a and_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v direct_o and_o immediate_o to_o god_n than_o it_o be_v call_v a_o vow_n if_o to_o man_n a_o oath_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o great_a use_n and_o even_a necessity_n of_o oath_n in_o many_o case_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o humane_a society_n can_v very_o hardly_o if_o at_o all_o subsist_v long_o without_o they_o government_n will_v many_o time_n be_v very_o insecure_a and_o for_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o office_n of_o great_a trust_n in_o which_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o public_a be_v near_o concern_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o find_v any_o security_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o a_o oath_n because_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o reach_v to_o the_o most_o secret_a and_o hide_a practice_n of_o man_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o they_o in_o many_o case_n where_o the_o penalty_n of_o no_o humane_a law_n can_v have_v any_o awe_n or_o force_v upon_o they_o and_o especial_o it_o be_v as_o the_o civil_a law_n express_v it_o maximum_fw-la expediendarum_fw-la litium_fw-la remedium_fw-la the_o best_a mean_n of_o end_a controversy_n and_o where_o man_n estate_n or_o life_n be_v concern_v no_o evidence_n but_o what_o be_v assure_v by_o a_o oath_n will_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o decide_v the_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o give_v full_a and_o general_a satisfaction_n to_o mankind_n for_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n when_o man_n have_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o can_v be_v have_v and_o not_o till_o then_o they_o be_v content_v to_o sit_v down_o and_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o it_o and_o among_o all_o nation_n a_o oath_n have_v always_o be_v think_v the_o only_a peremptory_a and_o satisfactory_a way_n of_o decide_v such_o controversy_n iii_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n where_o they_o be_v necessary_a and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a inducement_n to_o believe_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o that_o the_o unavoidable_a condition_n of_o humane_a affair_n have_v make_v they_o so_o necessary_a the_o apostle_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v not_o only_o of_o great_a use_n in_o humane_a affair_n but_o in_o many_o case_n of_o great_a necessity_n to_o confirm_v a_o doubtful_a thing_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o controversy_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v decide_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o party_n contend_v a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v hardly_o imaginable_a that_o god_n shall_v not_o have_v leave_v that_o lawful_a which_o be_v so_o evident_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o security_n of_o mankind_n but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o sect_n spring_v up_o in_o our_o memory_n which_o have_v call_v in_o question_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o oath_n to_o the_o great_a mischief_n and_o disturbance_n of_o humane_a society_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o search_v this_o matter_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o to_o manifest_v how_o unreasonable_a and_o groundless_a this_o opinion_n be_v and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v first_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o text_n and_o from_o the_o reason_n plain_o contain_v or_o strong_o imply_v in_o it_o second_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n whether_o from_o reason_n or_o from_o scripture_n which_o last_o they_o principal_o rely_v upon_o and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v out_o from_o thence_o will_v determine_v the_o case_n 1._o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o text_n and_o the_o reason_n plain_o contain_v or_o strong_o imply_v in_o it_o because_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o speak_v of_o the_o use_n of_o oath_n among_o man_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o censure_n and_o reproof_n but_o as_o a_o commendable_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o in_o many_o case_n necessary_a for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o doubtful_a matter_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o final_a decision_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n among_o man_n for_o first_o he_o speaks_z of_o it_o as_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o mankind_n to_o confirm_v thing_n by_o a_o oath_n in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o difference_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o have_v more_o universal_o obtain_v in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n than_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o certain_a indication_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o best_a reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o degenerate_a practice_n of_o mankind_n like_o that_o of_o idolatry_n be_v from_o hence_o evident_a that_o when_o god_n separate_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o it_o be_v practise_v among_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o be_v afterward_o not_o only_o allow_v but_o in_o many_o case_n command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v it_o
pretend_a demonstration_n of_o reason_n against_o plain_a experience_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n this_o be_v just_a zenoe_n demonstration_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o motion_n against_o diogenes_n walk_v before_o his_o eye_n for_o this_o be_v to_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o impossible_a to_o have_v be_v which_o most_o certain_o be_v just_o thus_o the_o servant_n in_o the_o parable_n may_v have_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o tare_n be_v wheat_n because_o they_o be_v sure_a none_o but_o good_a seed_n be_v sow_o at_o first_o and_o no_o man_n can_v give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o punctual_a time_n when_o any_o tare_n be_v sow_o or_o by_o who_o and_o if_o a_o enemy_n have_v come_v to_o do_v it_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v meet_v with_o great_a resistance_n and_o opposition_n but_o no_o such_o resistance_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o tare_n in_o the_o field_n but_o that_o which_o they_o call_v tare_n be_v certain_o good_a wheat_n at_o the_o same_o rate_n a_o man_n may_v demonstrate_v that_o our_o king_n his_o majesty_n of_o great_a britain_n be_v not_o return_v into_o england_n nor_o restore_v to_o his_o crown_n because_o there_o be_v so_o great_a and_o powerful_a a_o army_n possess_v of_o his_o land_n and_o therefore_o oblige_v by_o interest_n to_o keep_v he_o out_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v ever_o come_v in_o without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o fight_v and_o bloodshed_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n therefore_o he_o be_v not_o return_v and_o restore_v to_o his_o crown_n and_o by_o the_o like_a kind_n of_o demonstration_n one_o may_v prove_v that_o the_o turk_n do_v not_o invade_v christendom_n last_o year_n and_o besiege_v vienna_n because_o if_o he_o have_v the_o most_o christian_n king_n who_o have_v the_o great_a army_n in_o christendom_n in_o a_o readiness_n will_v certain_o have_v employ_v it_o against_o he_o but_o mounseur_fw-fr arnauld_n certain_o know_v no_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o therefore_o according_a to_o his_o way_n of_o demonstration_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o common_o report_v and_o believe_v concern_v the_o turk_n invasion_n of_o christendom_n and_o besiege_v vienna_n last_o year_n be_v a_o perfect_a mistake_n but_o a_o man_n may_v demonstrate_v till_o his_o head_n and_o heart_n ache_v before_o he_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o which_o certain_o be_v or_o be_v never_o to_o have_v be_v for_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o impossibles_fw-fr nothing_o be_v more_o evident_o so_o than_o to_o make_v that_o which_o have_v be_v not_o to_o have_v be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o cope_v with_o so_o tough_a and_o obstinate_a a_o difficulty_n and_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v how_o a_o man_n of_o mounseur_fw-fr arnauld_n great_a wit_n and_o sharp_a judgement_n can_v prevail_v with_o himself_o to_o engage_v in_o so_o bad_a and_o baffle_v a_o cause_n or_o can_v think_v to_o defend_v it_o with_o so_o wooden_a a_o dagger_n as_o his_o demonstration_n of_o reason_n against_o certain_a experience_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n a_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a of_o equal_a absurdity_n with_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v transubstantiation_n itself_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o pretend_v ground_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o that_o be_v the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n to_o make_v and_o declare_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o in_o truth_n be_v the_o ground_n into_o which_o the_o most_o of_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o their_o church_n do_v heretofore_o and_o many_o do_v still_o resolve_v their_o belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v do_v plain_o say_v that_o they_o see_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n either_o from_o scripture_n or_o tradition_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v believe_v the_o contrary_n have_v not_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n oblige_v they_o otherwise_o but_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o council_n under_o pope_n gregory_n the_o vii_o the_o or_o of_o the_o lateran_n council_n under_o innocent_a the_o iii_o then_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a innovation_n in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o a_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o if_o any_o church_n have_v this_o power_n the_o christian_a faith_n may_v be_v enlarge_v and_o change_v as_o often_o as_o man_n please_v and_o that_o which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n nay_o any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a may_v become_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o whenever_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o stamp_v her_o authority_n upon_o it_o which_o will_v make_v christianity_n a_o most_o uncertain_a and_o endless_a thing_n the_o four_o pretend_v ground_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o change_n as_o this_o in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o those_o who_o receive_v it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o this_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v right_o consider_v because_o the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o sacrament_n depend_v upon_o the_o blessing_n annex_v to_o the_o institution_n and_o as_o water_n in_o baptism_n without_o any_o substantial_a change_n make_v in_o that_o element_n may_v by_o the_o divine_a blessing_n accompany_v the_o institution_n be_v effectual_a to_o the_o wash_n away_o of_o sin_n and_o spiritual_a regeneration_n so_o there_o can_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n be_v give_v why_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n may_v not_o by_o the_o same_o divide_v blessing_n accompany_v this_o institution_n make_v the_o worthy_a receiver_n partaker_n of_o 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the_o scribe_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o law_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n have_v pervert_v they_o and_o keep_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o they_o from_o the_o people_n especial_o those_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v shut_v against_o man_n and_o they_o not_o only_o reject_v the_o truth_n themselves_o but_o by_o keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o hinder_v many_o from_o embrace_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n who_o be_v otherwise_o well_o enough_o dispose_v for_o it_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n i_o shall_v from_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o they_o observe_v to_o you_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o be_v call_v by_o our_o saviour_n the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n that_o which_o let_v man_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 2._o the_o great_a and_o inexcusable_a fault_n of_o those_o who_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n and_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o hinder_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n denounce_v so_o heavy_a a_o woe_n against_o they_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o these_o two_o observation_n and_o then_o apply_v they_o to_o those_o who_o be_v principal_o concern_v in_o they_o i._n first_o i_o observe_v hence_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n this_o be_v by_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n that_o which_o let_v man_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n knowledge_n be_v necessary_a to_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o it_o and_o necessary_a to_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o without_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n because_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v some_o knowledge_n and_o apprehension_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v to_o all_o act_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v necessary_o require_v some_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n so_o that_o without_o knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o devotion_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n no_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n religion_n begin_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o from_o thence_o descend_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n say_v our_o saviour_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o we_o must_v first_o know_v god_n before_o we_o can_v worship_v he_o and_o understand_v what_o be_v his_o will_n before_o we_o can_v do_v it_o this_o be_v so_o very_o evident_a that_o one_o will_v think_v there_o need_v no_o discourse_n about_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o in_o the_o world_n that_o cry_v up_o ignorance_n as_o the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n and_o to_o show_v that_o we_o do_v not_o wrong_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n mr._n rushworth_n in_o his_o dialogue_n a_o book_n in_o great_a vogue_n among_o the_o papist_n here_o in_o england_n do_v express_o reckon_v up_o ignorance_n among_o the_o parent_n of_o religion_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v say_v more_o absurd_o and_o more_o to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o derive_v the_o pedigree_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n from_o so_o obscure_a and_o ignoble_a a_o original_a and_o to_o make_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o knowledge_n to_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o ignorance_n and_o a_o child_n of_o darkness_n ignorance_n indeed_o may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n and_o the_o mother_n of_o folly_n and_o superstition_n but_o sure_o religion_n be_v of_o a_o noble_a extraction_n and_o be_v the_o issue_n and_o result_v of_o the_o best_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o descend_v from_o above_o from_o the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n even_o the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o as_o knowledge_n in_o general_n be_v necessary_a to_o religion_n so_o more_o particular_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n because_o these_o be_v the_o great_a and_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n concern_v our_o duty_n and_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n be_v full_o and_o plain_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o whence_o can_v we_o learn_v the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o well_o as_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n they_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o shall_v not_o every_o man_n be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o which_o alone_o can_v perfect_o instruct_v he_o what_o he_o must_v believe_v and_o what_o he_o must_v do_v that_o he_o may_v be_v save_v this_o be_v the_o testimony_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o fit_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v this_o wisdom_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o free_a use_n of_o that_o book_n from_o whence_o this_o wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v ii_o second_o i_o observe_v the_o great_a and_o inexcusable_a fault_n of_o those_o who_o keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n of_o religion_n and_o take_v away_o from_o they_o so_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a a_o mean_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n as_o the_o h._n scripture_n be_v this_o our_o saviour_n call_v take_v away_o the_o