that_o the_o record_n we_o have_v to_o tâ—…_n day_n have_v in_o they_o all_o the_o mind_n god_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o orâ—…_n to_o our_o salvation_n they_o who_o maâ—…_n tain_v a_o reliâ—…ion_n that_o can_v be_v maâ—…_n good_a by_o scripture_n may_v well_o quarâ—…_n it_o as_o they_o have_v cause_n but_o all_o wâ—…_n believe_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v know_v much_o efficacy_n in_o it_o as_o they_o will_v nâ—…_n easy_o heed_n such_o flim-flam_n as_o â—…ome_v now_o adays_o be_v bâ—…zzing_v into_o people_n ear_n alâ—…s_n poor_a soul_n that_o have_v taste_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v in_o his_o word_n have_v a_o argument_n which_o all_o the_o world_n can_v never_o answer_v to_o they_o whatever_o it_o may_v do_v to_o other_o these_o man_n know_v and_o be_v sensible_a of_o a_o light_n within_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o they_o heed_n and_o attend_v it_o but_o they_o know_v too_o that_o scripture_n be_v a_o far_o more_o glorious_a light_n show_v they_o the_o way_n of_o life_n by_o faith_n in_o a_o saviouâ—…_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o light_n show_v the_o only_a way_n of_o life_n they_o find_v so_o to_o perfect_v all_o the_o natural_a light_n in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o scripture-revelation_n for_o no_o man_n ever_o deny_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o nature_n to_o be_v the_o impression_n of_o god_n except_v atheist_n of_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o now_o adays_o hence_o every_o civil_a and_o sober_a man_n consider_v serious_o how_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n and_o nature_n agree_v and_o that_o the_o one_o be_v superad_v not_o to_o eclipse_v but_o to_o clear_v the_o other_o by_o a_o more_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o a_o mediator_n for_o pardon_v and_o purge_v all_o sin_n which_o else_o can_v never_o have_v be_v he_o be_v therefore_o the_o more_o persuade_v of_o scâ—…iptures_n descent_n from_o god_n as_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n to_o give_v a_o lustre_n to_o the_o more_o obscure_a principle_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n within_o he_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v god_n word_n be_v know_v as_o his_o work_n be_v know_v and_o how_o be_v that_o even_o because_o none_o can_v do_v as_o god_n do_v he_o work_v like_o himself_o so_o that_o any_o man_n may_v say_v when_o he_o look_v on_o god_n work_n here_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n dent._n 3._o 24._o be_v not_o every_o work_n of_o god_n such_o as_o no_o creature_n can_v do_v the_o like_a and_o such_o be_v every_o word_n that_o god_n have_v speak_v as_o any_o man_n that_o have_v reason_n may_v say_v this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n who_o can_v thunder_v with_o a_o voice_n like_o he_o so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o scripture_n who_o but_o god_n can_v â—…eak_v such_o thing_n or_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n never_o man_n speak_v like_o this_o man_n say_v the_o officer_n who_o be_v send_v to_o apprehend_v christ_n john_n 7._o 46._o so_o say_v we_o never_o any_o creature_n do_v or_o can_v speak_v as_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o be_v thus_o persuade_v we_o infer_v what_o we_o think_v will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n for_o let_v papiâ—…_n say_v what_o they_o can_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n too_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v for_o that_o end_n what!_o shall_v man_n or_o any_o creature_n prescribe_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v the_o matter_n of_o god_n it_o be_v against_o all_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n so_o to_o imagine_v but_o i_o shall_v dispute_v the_o case_n in_o two_o consideration_n whereof_o one_o be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o a_o rule_n the_o other_o from_o the_o office_n and_o work_v of_o faith_n first_o a_o rule_n as_o it_o regulate_v or_o he_o that_o use_v it_o so_o it_o sway_v and_o command_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o that_o they_o stand_v or_o fall_v be_v allow_v or_o reject_v as_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o it_o or_o otherwise_o and_o this_o hold_v good_a in_o every_o rule_n whether_o proper_o or_o improper_o so_o call_v the_o standard_n of_o all_o weight_n and_o measure_n have_v as_o i_o may_v say_v a_o authority_n to_o allow_v or_o lay_v aside_o all_o other_o weight_n and_o measure_n that_o do_v not_o exact_o answer_v to_o it_o and_o so_o be_v scripture_n a_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o not_o but_o here_o i_o must_v prevent_v what_o will_v be_v object_v by_o papist_n viz._n that_o scripture_n be_v no_o complete_a rule_n 〈◊〉_d but_o some_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o it_o 1._o that_o popery_n have_v many_o such_o sol._n thing_n as_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n we_o believe_v but_o therefore_o we_o reject_v they_o because_o to_o make_v scripture_n a_o rule_n not_o complete_a be_v indeed_o to_o make_v it_o none_o at_o all_o who_o ever_o hear_v of_o a_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o usfficient_a to_o regulate_v all_o thing_n for_o which_o it_o be_v intend_v or_o if_o there_o be_v devise_v such_o a_o rule_n who_o can_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o call_v or_o count_v it_o so_o sure_o mason_n and_o carpenter_n make_v use_v of_o no_o rule_n but_o such_o as_o will_v serve_v to_o measure_v all_o the_o work_n which_o they_o take_v in_o hand_n 2._o whereas_o they_o say_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v some_o thing_n unwritten_a to_o pass_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n by_o tradition_n who_o shall_v believe_v this_o more_o than_o what_o the_o jew_n have_v say_v a_o long_a time_n and_o for_o many_o age_n that_o moses_n have_v some_o command_n give_v he_o to_o be_v write_v and_o other_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o father_n to_o son_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n alas_o we_o know_v what_o account_n our_o saviour_n make_v of_o their_o oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n which_o he_o call_v vain_a and_o so_o may_v we_o just_o account_v of_o these_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n 9_o and_o condemn_v all_o their_o tradition_n and_o why_o may_v not_o we_o take_v the_o same_o course_n and_o say_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isa._n 8._o 20._o 3._o let_v popish_a tradition_n give_v as_o much_o evidence_n for_o their_o descent_n from_o heaven_n as_o scripture_n do_v and_o we_o shall_v embrace_v both_o alike_o bâ—…t_v in_o this_o case_n we_o say_v as_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o another_o we_o know_v that_o god_n speak_v unto_o moses_n but_o for_o this_o fellow_n we_o 29_o know_v not_o whence_o he_o be_v we_o know_v by_o the_o content_n and_o matter_n of_o scripture_n the_o majesty_n of_o the_o dispensation_n the_o power_n it_o have_v upon_o conscience_n the_o certain_a fulfil_n of_o all_o the_o prophecy_n to_o a_o tittle_n and_o many_o other_o token_n and_o testim_fw-la ony_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o no_o other_o when_o tradition_n can_v produce_v such_o and_o the_o like_a evidence_n we_o may_v haply_o attend_v it_o more_o than_o we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n and_o can_v believe_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o unwritten_a word_n which_o papist_n count_v so_o much_o of_o to_o be_v of_o like_a authority_n because_o one_o contradict_v the_o other_o in_o many_o particular_n to_o instance_n scripture_n show_v a_o communion_n in_o both_o kind_n so_o institute_v as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o all_o the_o evangelist_n and_o so_o administer_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 23_o etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n but_o papist_n give_v only_a bread_n to_o the_o laity_n afâ—…er_v the_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v a_o while_n receive_v here_o be_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n of_o scripture_n by_o practical_a tradition_n and_o so_o there_o be_v in_o forbid_a priest_n marriage_n which_o scripture_n allow_v as_o honourable_a among_o all_o man_n except_v none_o heb._n 13._o 4._o and_o tax_n the_o prohibition_n as_o a_o depart_n from_o the_o faith_n &_o c._n 1_o tim._n 4._o 1_o 8._o what_o shall_v i_o mention_v abstinence_n from_o meat_n have_v public_a divine_a service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n worship_v god_n in_o and_o before_o a_o image_n and_o the_o like_a if_o these_o do_v not_o contradict_v scripture_n there_o be_v no_o thing_n contradictory_n to_o be_v sound_a upon_o
appointment_n but_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n who_o certain_o can_v foresee_v all_o these_o thing_n think_v it_o best_a to_o have_v his_o word_n write_v and_o yet_o make_v no_o extraordinary_a provision_n for_o transcribe_v they_o upon_o occasion_n or_o prevent_v such_o question_n as_o be_v now_o make_v by_o some_o sure_o we_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o jew_n to_o scripture_n and_o they_o do_v not_o excuse_v themselves_o by_o say_v they_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o have_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o it_o be_v first_o deliver_v nay_o they_o confess_v that_o god_n speak_v by_o moses_n and_o they_o know_v it_o and_o our_o saviour_n pu_o s_o the_o question_n whether_o he_o be_v the_o ch_z in_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n 39_o strange_a that_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n shall_v not_o foresee_v this_o quarrel_n miâ—…h_v be_v make_v in_o after_o age_n which_o pâ—…pists_n make_v now_o for_o may_v not_o the_o 〈◊〉_d the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v no_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o evidence_n their_o own_o certainty_n so_o as_o to_o ascertain_v they_o and_o how_o can_v they_o â—…icertain_v they_o then_o more_o than_o we_o new_a but_o tradition_n be_v it_o which_o must_v secure_v all_o by_o its_o affidavit_n make_v to_o oâ—…j_fw-la scripture_n and_o what_o do_v we_o then_o believe_v in_o sol._n believe_v scripture_n the_o authority_n of_o god_n or_o man_n if_o scripture_n authority_n as_o to_o we_o depend_v upon_o the_o church_n testimony_n in_o our_o belief_n of_o scripture_n we_o believe_v man_n and_o not_o god_n at_o least_o we_o believe_v god_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o what_o kind_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v let_v they_o who_o question_v we_o so_o much_o about_o scripture_n resolve_v we_o for_o the_o various_a reading_n that_o be_v in_o the_o original_n we_o acknowledge_v they_o and_o think_v they_o happen_v much_o through_o the_o mistake_v of_o those_o who_o transcribe_v the_o copy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n however_o they_o happen_v for_o we_o stand_v not_o much_o upon_o it_o papist_n know_v that_o the_o jew_n masore_v have_v well_o provide_v for_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o though_o the_o new_a have_v very_o many_o we_o stand_v to_o maintain_v that_o all_o those_o various_a reading_n put_v together_o let_v the_o worst_a be_v make_v of_o they_o can_v never_o be_v improve_v to_o prejudice_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n in_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n for_o all_o the_o write_v and_o print_v copy_n of_o the_o original_a bibles_n do_v concur_v in_o the_o whole_a main_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n throughout_o and_o thereupon_o we_o challenge_v papist_n to_o show_n any_o alteration_n that_o clash_n with_o the_o doctrine_n first_o deliver_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o various_a reading_n in_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o copy_n hence_o we_o conclude_v as_o a_o learned_a man_n have_v it_o that_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o ink_n and_o paper_n nor_o any_o writing_n or_o write_n whether_o original_n or_o translation_n but_o that_o substance_n of_o matter_n those_o gracious_a counsel_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v indeed_o represent_v and_o 〈◊〉_d both_o in_o translation_n and_o orginal_n but_o be_v real_o and_o 〈◊〉_d distinct_a from_o both_o and_o no_o way_n for_o their_o nature_n and_o being_n depend_v on_o either_o of_o they_o the_o writing_n as_o he_o say_v declare_v the_o nature_n or_o tenor_n of_o the_o bargain_n which_o be_v in_o reality_n and_o compleatness_n of_o be_v before_o the_o writing_n and_o consequent_o the_o wâ—…iting_n can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n concern_v man_n salvation_n bad_a its_o be_v in_o god_n himself_o long_o before_o any_o part_n of_o it_o be_v impart_v unto_o the_o world_n by_o any_o writing_n for_o it_o be_v saving_o impart_v first_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o god_n unto_o some_o man_n and_o secendly_a by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o these_o to_o many_o other_o long_o before_o any_o part_n of_o it_o be_v order_v by_o god_n to_o be_v set_v down_o in_o writing_n so_o that_o no_o book_n or_o writing_n whatsoever_o be_v either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n the_o word_n or_o will_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o no_o foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n unless_o we_o make_v some_o other_o foundation_n beside_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o for_o the_o original_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v entire_a and_o not_o defective_a as_o any_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o so_o long_o stand_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v bold_a to_o think_v that_o they_o who_o question_v we_o as_o they_o do_v in_o this_o kind_n may_v rather_o have_v question_v god_n himself_o for_o represent_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o writing_n when_o he_o can_v not_o but_o foresee_v that_o such_o manner_n of_o question_n may_v be_v put_v in_o after-age_n as_o be_v make_v now_o adays_o none_o dare_v say_v that_o god_n never_o order_v his_o will_n to_o be_v write_v and_o see_v it_o be_v so_o order_v by_o he_o why_o shall_v we_o question_v the_o wise_a and_o gracious_a hand_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o contrive_v the_o preservation_n of_o these_o ancient_a record_n unto_o all_o posterity_n for_o who_o he_o intend_v they_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o more_o direct_a course_n for_o our_o adversary_n to_o take_v if_o they_o will_v say_v downright_a that_o god_n never_o commit_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o writing_n then_o now_o to_o say_v as_o they_o do_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a that_o these_o write_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v at_o first_o for_o this_o seem_v to_o cast_v a_o aspersion_n upon_o god_n for_o take_v such_o a_o way_n of_o represent_v his_o mind_n unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o must_v leave_v those_o of_o these_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n under_o invincible_a doubt_n about_o his_o will_n that_o respect_v their_o great_a and_o only_a concernment_n as_o for_o their_o expedient_a of_o tradition_n what_o do_v it_o other_o then_o resolve_v all_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n for_o they_o say_v scripture_n can_v ascertain_v we_o concern_v itself_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o tradition_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o so_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n as_o to_o we_o must_v be_v less_o than_o that_o of_o man_n to_o the_o second_o querie_n we_o need_v not_o say_v much_o in_o way_n of_o answer_v it_o see_v the_o book_n account_v by_o we_o apocryphal_a do_v sufficient_o show_v what_o account_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v of_o they_o while_o they_o confute_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o content_n that_o the_o maccabee_n be_v a_o story_n of_o which_o there_o be_v good_a use_n we_o deny_v not_o and_o that_o ecclesiâ—…sticus_n and_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n etc._n etc._n contain_v many_o and_o sundry_a moral_a instruction_n we_o do_v not_o question_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o like_a be_v find_v in_o other_o book_n which_o yet_o pretend_v not_o to_o divine_a authority_n but_o this_o prove_v they_o not_o to_o be_v canonical_a as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v determine_v once_o the_o jewish_a church_n never_o own_v they_o for_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n nor_o be_v they_o ever_o write_v in_o their_o language_n as_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a 〈◊〉_d true_o they_o have_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v read_v in_o some_o church_n for_o instruction_n in_o manner_n but_o the_o christian_a church_n never_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n nor_o will_v it_o ever_o be_v prove_v the_o romish_a church_n indeed_o for_o what_o cause_n she_o best_a know_v have_v canonize_v these_o book_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o who_o can_v as_o easy_o distinguish_v in_o this_o case_n as_o we_o can_v between_o light_n and_o darkness_n but_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o church_n testimony_n and_o say_v that_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n have_v no_o other_o canonical_a book_n than_o what_o we_o own_o for_o such_o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o who_o question_v some_o particular_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testâ—…ment_n but_o that_o question_n continue_v not_o long_o and_o if_o some_o also_o give_v too_o much_o to_o these_o apocryphal_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o countervail_v the_o general_a vote_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o always_o reject_v they_o from_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o canon_n hence_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o we_o know_v what_o book_n be_v canonical_a by_o that_o light_n and_o lustre_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o shine_v out_o and_o show_v itself_o in_o
compare_v all_o together_o and_o let_v they_o show_v too_o if_o they_o can_v how_o the_o write_a word_n shall_v be_v privy_a to_o all_o their_o inmost_a thought_n if_o it_o be_v not_o pen_v by_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n can_v never_o frame_v a_o law_n to_o control_v more_o than_o the_o overt_a act_n but_o this_o law_n give_v a_o check_n to_o man_n inward_a thought_n and_o lust_n when_o no_o act_n appear_v and_o spit_v hell-fire_n in_o their_o face_n for_o what_o no_o creature_n know_v beside_o themselves_o to_o discourse_v it_o a_o little_a far_o where_o be_v such_o another_o law_n as_o that_o of_o the_o decalogue_n or_o who_o but_o god_n can_v frame_v a_o law_n all_o comprise_v in_o ten_o word_n to_o order_v the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o world_n end_n a_o law_n that_o discover_v and_o condemn_v all_o offence_n in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n and_o never_o have_v nor_o will_v have_v need_n to_o be_v alter_v in_o any_o the_o least_o tittle_n of_o it_o and_o where_o do_v we_o find_v this_o law_n be_v it_o not_o in_o scripture_n it_o be_v indeed_o all_o of_o it_o write_v in_o every_o man_n hearr_n â—…nless_a any_o please_v to_o except_v one_o commandment_n in_o it_o but_o how_o do_v scripture_n explain_v and_o clear_v up_o those_o inbred_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o moral_a righteousness_n imprint_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v very_o obscure_a and_o uncertain_a as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o heathen_n though_o nature_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o he_o to_o be_v serve_v and_o worship_v yet_o scripture_n alone_o teach_v the_o right_a way_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o it_o alone_o show_v we_o the_o right_a way_n of_o do_v all_o office_n of_o love_n to_o man_n so_o as_o our_o charity_n and_o righteousness_n may_v be_v more_o than_o a_o outside_n show_v of_o fair_a deal_n when_o the_o inside_n be_v 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for_o what_o be_v it_o more_o to_o they_o than_o a_o playbook_n or_o a_o romance_n certaâ—…nly_o it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n care_v so_o little_a for_o scripture_n read_v or_o open_v and_o apply_v no_o scripture_n search_v thâ—…ir_a sore_n even_o to_o the_o bottom_n and_o far_o by_o far_a than_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v discover_v to_o other_o or_o themselves_o and_o now_o let_v the_o world_n be_v judge_n if_o the_o uâ—…st_n of_o man_n be_v not_o most_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o scripture_n this_o be_v enough_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o prove_v scripture_n descent_n and_o pedigree_n as_o i_o may_v say_v to_o be_v from_o above_o let_v i_o add_v this_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o a_o man_n may_v read_v a_o philosiphical_a discourse_n or_o any_o book_n that_o treat_v of_o any_o civil_a and_o worldly_a matter_n and_o nâ—…ver_o be_v tempt_v as_o man_n common_o be_v about_o scripture_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v thus_o if_o i_o may_v judge_v i_o must_v proâ—…ess_v from_o my_o heart_n i_o can_v think_v of_o none_o so_o probable_a as_o this_o that_o scripture_n be_v of_o god_n for_o certain_a the_o devil_n be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v tooth_n and_o nail_n against_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v of_o man_n the_o devil_n will_v cherish_v as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o lie_n but_o now_o when_o all_o book_n almost_o be_v own_a and_o receive_v under_o the_o name_n of_o their_o respective_a author_n it_o show_v scripture_n to_o be_v of_o god_n who_o name_n only_o it_o bâ—…ars_v because_o there_o be_v so_o much_o ado_n about_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o another_o beam_n of_o light_a to_o show_v scripture_n divine_a authority_n be_v its_o antiquity_n beyond_o all_o record_n that_o make_v the_o fair_a pretence_n to_o it_o as_o have_v be_v show_v of_o lare_fw-la by_o a_o emineâ—…t_a scholâ—…r_n in_o his_o labour_n this_o way_n the_o gray_a hâ—…rs_n as_o one_o say_v which_o be_v upon_o the_o hand_n of_o scripture_n show_v it_o to_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o the_o ancient_a of_o day_n and_o this_o writing_n have_v the_o preeminency_n to_o be_v in_o this_o respect_n the_o first_o bear_v of_o all_o its_o brethren_n what_o book_n dare_v to_o compare_v with_o it_o as_o to_o antiquity_n and_o that_o not_o only_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o content_n which_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n from_o eternity_n but_o as_o to_o the_o writing_n which_o now_o paste_n up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n and_o may_v be_v see_v and_o read_v of_o all_o let_v the_o world_n show_v if_o it_o can_v any_o book_n of_o so_o long_o stand_v as_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n alas_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o all_o the_o ancient_n be_v but_o novice_n in_o comparison_n and_o how_o uncertain_a and_o confuse_a any_o of_o they_o be_v in_o their_o discovery_n be_v to_o be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o learned_a author_n of_o orig._n sâ—…cr_n abovesaid_a have_v any_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n and_o begin_n such_o as_o we_o have_v in_o moses_n sure_o any_o that_o will_v be_v at_o pain_n to_o compare_v all_o together_o will_v soon_o perceive_v the_o difference_n and_o vote_v our_o bible_n as_o most_o transcendent_a to_o say_v no_o more_o unumquodque_fw-la sapit_fw-la authorem_fw-la and_o scripture_n in_o this_o be_v a_o resemblence_n of_o god_n who_o be_v call_v the_o ancient_a of_o day_n yea_o scripture_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o its_o content_n eternal_a 7_o as_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o everlasting_a counsel_n of_o god_n what_o book_n ever_o pretend_v to_o such_o discovery_n heathen_n have_v talk_v ridiculous_o and_o absurd_o enough_o of_o the_o feat_n and_o famous_a exploit_n of_o some_o of_o their_o dunghill_n deity_n but_o never_o any_o dream_v of_o their_o counsel_n whereas_o scripture_n show_v we_o the_o only_a live_n and_o true_a god_n not_o only_o in_o his_o effect_n and_o property_n but_o also_o acquaint_v we_o with_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n as_o it_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n once_o the_o long_o stand_v of_o scripture_n show_v that_o it_o bathe_v outstand_v all_o trial_n while_o the_o world_n have_v have_v so_o much_o opportunity_n to_o inquire_v into_o it_o and_o prove_v it_o unsound_a and_o vain_a if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o still_o it_o retain_v and_o keep_v up_o its_o reputation_n though_o there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o in_o all_o age_n that_o will_v glad_o if_o they_o know_v how_o have_v fasten_v on_o it_o absurdity_n vanity_n or_o contradiction_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o their_o wit_n or_o malice_n can_v devise_v so_o we_o see_v in_o it_o as_o a_o experiment_n how_o truth_n be_v everlasting_a while_o man_n opinion_n vary_v and_o alter_v much_o and_o as_o the_o leaf_n of_o tree_n spring_n and_o flourish_v awhile_o and_o then_o fade_v and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n so_o a_o lie_n be_v never_o long_o live_v but_o as_o paint_v or_o varnish_n wear_v out_o or_o wash_v off_o because_o it_o have_v no_o substance_n to_o uphold_v it_o but_o great_a be_v the_o truth_n and_o shall_v prevaâ—…le_v this_o truth_n especial_o when_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v fall_v and_o this_o argument_n have_v the_o more_o force_n because_o that_o scripture_n have_v meet_v with_o so_o much_o opposition_n and_o conquer_v notwithstanding_o for_o what_o else_o but_o a_o almighty_a power_n coâ—…ld_v preserve_v it_o when_o all_o the_o ungoâ—…ly_a that_o ever_o be_v can_v look_v upon_o it_o no_o otherwise_o than_o a_o engine_n frame_v to_o batter_v and_o overthrow_v all_o their_o fleshly_a and_o filthy_a interest_n and_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o design_n of_o scripture_n to_o throw_v
to_o multiply_v argument_n in_o this_o kind_n as_o so_o many_o evidence_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o â—…he_a scripture_n but_o i_o shall_v forbear_v â—…nd_v proceed_v to_o somewhat_o that_o come_v near_a to_o the_o question_n concern_v â—…he_a rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o this_o question_n have_v be_v much_o dispute_v between_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n for_o many_o year_n and_o that_o two_o thing_n especial_o have_v be_v insist_v on_o by_o they_o to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n no_o competent_a rule_n of_o faith_n viz._n the_o obscurity_n and_o the_o imperfection_n 〈◊〉_d it_o in_o this_o dispute_n they_o have_v labour_v to_o puzzle_v and_o plunge_v we_o by_o put_v we_o to_o show_v how_o scripture_n proveâ—…_n itself_o to_o be_v what_o we_o account_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o this_o we_o may_v just_o think_v it_o 〈◊〉_d sufficient_a answer_n to_o say_v as_o one_o yea_o many_o have_v say_v long_o since_o thaâ—…_n in_o every_o profession_n the_o principle_n aâ—…_n indemonstrable_a assent_v to_o without_o discourse_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v thâ—…_n principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n anâ—…_n therefore_o first_o we_o must_v grant_v they_o to_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n and_o therâ—…_n say_v they_o contain_v all_o point_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v and_o since_o scripture_n avouch_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o 2_o pâ—…t_fw-la 1._o 20_o 21_o luke_n 1._o 70._o it_o be_v rational_a in_o we_o to_o believe_v it_o notwithstanding_o our_o adversary_n be_v not_o satisfy_v but_o insisâ—…_n much_o on_o this_o question_n viz._n how_o we_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n that_o say_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o in_o very_a deed_n to_o this_o the_o protestant_n have_v long_a since_o answer_v that_o they_o know_v this_o first_o and_o principal_o by_o the_o illumination_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o the_o inward_a mean_n and_o then_o by_o the_o restimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o as_o the_o outward_a mean_n and_o last_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n induce_v we_o to_o assent_v here_o we_o say_v not_o that_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v in_o any_o particular_a place_n or_o book_n of_o it_o but_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n that_o show_v itself_o in_o every_o line_n and_o leaf_n of_o the_o bible_n proclaim_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n and_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n discern_v the_o voice_n and_o light_v thereof_o as_o man_n discern_v light_a from_o darkness_n and_o as_o child_n be_v know_v by_o their_o face_n and_o favour_n resemble_v their_o parent_n as_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o many_o particular_n else_o some_o of_o which_o i_o have_v hint_v before_o and_o whoever_o will_v see_v they_o more_o full_o may_v find_v they_o in_o a_o large_a and_o learned_a discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o name_v the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v a_o book_n which_o the_o vulgar_a may_v better_v understand_v than_o many_o other_o that_o handle_v this_o question_n though_o the_o ground_n i_o have_v hint_v and_o other_o which_o i_o have_v omit_v induce_v we_o strong_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n divine_a authority_n and_o we_o may_v count_v they_o sufficient_a to_o fence_v we_o against_o the_o cavil_n of_o our_o adversary_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o answer_v the_o argument_n of_o man_n and_o another_o to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_n and_o fear_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n therefore_o we_o stand_v to_o this_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v effectual_o persuade_v of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o order_n to_o a_o sound_n and_o save_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n therein_o contain_v unless_o he_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n by_o the_o teach_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o alone_o teach_v to_o know_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n god_n we_o say_v be_v the_o best_a witness_n to_o his_o own_o word_n and_o his_o spirit_n the_o best_a seal_n that_o can_v be_v put_v to_o it_o in_o the_o particular_n forementioned_a and_o many_o other_o we_o see_v evident_a token_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o faith_n that_o save_v we_o must_v have_v this_o foundation_n viz._n god_n seal_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v then_o be_v a_o man_n full_o persuade_v and_o confident_a indeed_o so_o as_o he_o can_v say_v and_o swear_v too_o if_o there_o be_v need_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o scripture_n be_v that_o which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o lead_v and_o guide_v i_o to_o my_o happiness_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o then_o and_o not_o before_o a_o man_n have_v comfort_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v have_v not_o only_o a_o grant_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n put_v to_o it_o such_o a_o man_n so_o assure_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o spirit_n unless_o in_o a_o fit_a of_o temptation_n never_o trouble_v himself_o about_o this_o question_n whether_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o trouble_n be_v most_o about_o his_o own_o deceitful_a and_o unbelieving_a heart_n that_o he_o can_v trust_v god_n no_o better_o when_o he_o have_v so_o good_a security_n for_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a in_o order_n to_o his_o happiness_n he_o never_o think_v what_o some_o have_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v corrupt_v and_o be_v not_o what_o once_o they_o be_v he_o know_v that_o god_n word_n be_v pure_a and_o perfect_a and_o be_v only_o trouble_v at_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n papist_n to_o show_v what_o good_a will_n and_o respect_n they_o have_v to_o scripture_n have_v a_o long_a time_n be_v quarrel_v it_o as_o if_o some_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n be_v lose_v and_o some_o of_o we_o seem_v to_o yield_v somewhat_o to_o this_o think_v no_o prejudice_n to_o come_v thereby_o to_o it_o but_o other_o conceive_v that_o no_o part_n or_o member_n of_o scripture_n that_o ever_o be_v canonical_a be_v lose_v buâ—…_n that_o we_o have_v it_o as_o whole_a and_o compieat_a as_o ever_o it_o be_v indeed_o aâ—…_n one_o faith_n if_o any_o book_n be_v lose_v oâ—…_n those_o which_o be_v commend_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o must_v argue_v a_o strange_a conspiâ—…acy_n of_o this_o whole_a church_n iâ—…_n carelessness_n and_o negligence_n such_o aâ—…_n be_v not_o light_o incident_a to_o this_o generation_n of_o man_n we_o grant_v that_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o single_a person_n have_v doubt_v some_o part_n oâ—…_n scripture_n now_o general_o acknowledge_v for_o canonical_a but_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v ever_o do_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o for_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o can_v just_o suspect_v â—…he_a jew_n for_o corrupt_v they_o when_o â—…heir_a zeal_n for_o they_o even_o almost_o to_o â—…uperstition_n have_v be_v so_o notorious_a â—…n_n all_o age_n and_o be_v so_o still_o even_o to_o this_o â—…ay_n our_o saviour_n blame_v they_o â—…uch_o and_o often_o for_o their_o vain_a traâ—…itions_n but_o never_o speak_v one_o word_n â—…out_v their_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n â—…hich_v questionless_a he_o will_v have_v â—…ne_v have_v there_o be_v cause_n since_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o high_a concernent_fw-la and_o if_o any_o have_v attempt_v it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o accomplish_v it_o when_o there_o be_v so_o any_o copy_n disperse_v in_o all_o place_n â—…d_v country_n which_o be_v many_o â—…erein_o the_o jew_n dwell_v if_o any_o â—…ereticks_n have_v assay_v it_o since_o the_o â—…w_a testament_n be_v write_v how_o â—…uld_v one_o party_n have_v observe_v anoâ—…er_o and_o so_o prevenâ—…ed_v the_o design_n â—…d_a to_o say_v no_o more_o it_o be_v impossible_a â—…ess_v we_o imagine_v that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o who_o have_v a_o bible_n shall_v at_o once_o with_o one_o consent_n in_o all_o place_n oâ—…_n the_o world_n resolve_v to_o corrupt_v those_o ancient_a record_n commend_v to_o mankind_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o clear_v this_o further_a have_v insert_v it_o here_o occasional_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v write_v in_o parchment_n and_o papeâ—…_n which_o be_v thing_n perishable_a and_o ic_fw-mi be_v subject_n to_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n but_o who_o know_v not_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o paper_n and_o parchment_n anâ—…_n ink_n which_o have_v be_v use_v to_o preserve_v and_o convey_v it_o to_o we_o god_n woâ—…_n must_v and_o shall_v stand_v when_o all_o theâ—…_n parchment_n and_o paper_n record_v shâ—…_n be_v no_o more_o and_o whatever_o alteâ—…_n tion_n there_o have_v be_v we_o stand_v to_o iâ—…_n
it_o much_o rather_o then_o aâ—…y_a thing_n else_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o care_v so_o little_a sore_a tradition_n because_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n for_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n to_o save_v we_o but_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o know_v not_o how_o we_o can_v have_v faith_n in_o god_n but_o by_o receive_v the_o testimony_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v when_o papist_n attribute_v so_o much_o to_o tradition_n for_o ascertain_v scripture_n we_o can_v yield_v to_o they_o in_o it_o because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n so_o speak_v to_o man_n as_o they_o may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v if_o he_o do_v not_o it_o be_v because_o he_o will_v not_o or_o because_o he_o can_v that_o he_o can_v no_o man_n can_v say_v without_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v he_o will_v not_o be_v little_o better_a for_o he_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a but_o open_o and_o plain_o so_o as_o they_o to_o who_o he_o have_v speak_v have_v know_v certain_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n not_o only_o to_o declâ—…re_v the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o to_o ascertain_v those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o such_o be_v scripture_n uz._n a_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v so_o make_v as_o man_n may_v know_v that_o god_n have_v speak_v wherefore_o though_o papist_n say_v of_o scripture_n as_o the_o jew_n say_v of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o bear_v record_v of_o thyself_o thy_o record_n be_v not_o true_a we_o answer_v as_o christ_n answer_v for_o himself_o though_o it_o bear_v record_n of_o itself_o yet_o its_o record_n be_v true_a for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v understand_v his_o mind_n so_o he_o speak_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o they_o may_v know_v it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v and_o not_o man_n or_o any_o creature_n for_o what_o can_v be_v say_v or_o think_v more_o unworthy_a of_o god_n then_o that_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o man_n but_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o can_v be_v understand_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o other_o to_o ascertain_v they_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v we_o can_v speak_v to_o one_o another_o either_o by_o word_n or_o writing_n so_o as_o to_o know_v who_o speak_v as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v speak_v but_o god_n it_o seem_v to_o papist_n must_v have_v some_o other_o to_o pass_v their_o word_n for_o he_o before_o he_o can_v have_v any_o credit_n with_o man_n and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o must_v ascertain_v we_o beyond_o all_o further_a question_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n only_o tradition_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n successive_o convey_v down_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o need_v or_o desire_v it_o we_o shall_v enlarge_v in_o our_o answer_n yet_o not_o to_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o our_o intend_a breviy_n 1._o we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v testimony_n to_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o true_a church_n have_v so_o do_v in_o all_o age_n we_o protestant_n do_v believe_v but_o we_o say_v withal_o that_o the_o church_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a instrument_n or_o mean_n in_o give_v this_o testimony_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n such_o as_o papist_n plead_v for_o or_o dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o we_o stand_v to_o affirm_v we_o do_v not_o beâ—…ieve_v the_o scripture_n because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o we_o believe_v it_o such_o for_o its_o own_o and_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n though_o no_o man_n bear_v witness_n to_o it_o for_o what_o be_v the_o church_n make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n more_o or_o less_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o have_v these_o man_n this_o doctrine_n or_o how_o come_v then_o by_o it_o have_v they_o it_o not_o in_o scripture_n christ_n indeed_o deliver_v it_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o they_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n but_o i_o hope_v papist_n will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o pen_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n or_o that_o the_o next_o church_n receive_v any_o doctrine_n other_o than_o be_v therein_o record_v so_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v mention_v ephes._n 2._o 20._o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o scripture_n and_o not_o scripture_n upon_o the_o church_n indeed_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o believe_v scripture_n and_o make_v it_o the_o ground_n work_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v it_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o society_n the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v or_o frame_v the_o scripture_n but_o receive_v it_o make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n god_n have_v his_o secretary_n who_o write_v his_o will_n and_o command_n and_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o man_n have_v be_v call_v and_o such_o as_o submit_v and_o come_v in_o have_v be_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n hence_o the_o church_n we_o say_v have_v more_o need_n of_o scripture_n testimony_n than_o scripture_n have_v of_o the_o church_n and_o according_o protestant_n judge_v of_o the_o church_n by_o scripture_n and_o not_o of_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n questionless_a when_o god_n shall_v judge_v all_o by_o the_o man_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v he_o will_v try_v all_o church_n and_o man_n by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o where_o those_o law_n be_v we_o leave_v papist_n to_o inquire_v for_o we_o know_v none_o but_o such_o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n they_o tell_v we_o a_o very_a fair_a tale_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o the_o first_o church_n which_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v so_o unnatural_a as_o witting_o to_o hide_v it_o from_o posterity_n and_o deliver_v over_o to_o the_o next_o generation_n such_o lie_n as_o will_v unavoidable_o damn_v they_o now_o we_o suppose_v as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o all_o parent_n and_o progenitor_n have_v so_o much_o natural_a affection_n as_o not_o to_o procure_v willing_o or_o witting_o the_o damnation_n of_o their_o child_n but_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v say_v we_o tradition_n to_o be_v so_o infallible_a as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o for_o tradition_n or_o deliver_v any_o matter_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n be_v and_o must_v be_v uncertain_a yea_o and_o soon_o fail_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o record_n whereupon_o to_o bottom_v it_o and_o for_o this_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o in_o the_o first_o age_n god_n be_v please_v to_o let_v his_o will_v be_v make_v know_v from_o father_n to_o son_n after_o he_o have_v once_o declare_v and_o reveal_v it_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o leave_v all_o to_o tradition_n but_o ever_o and_o anon_o renew_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n as_o occasion_v require_v and_o this_o he_o do_v when_o those_o patriarch_n live_v ten_o time_n so_o long_o as_o any_o have_v ordinary_o live_v for_o very_a many_o age_n and_o when_o afterward_o abraham_n seed_n be_v grow_v into_o a_o multitude_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o have_v the_o lively_a oracle_n enroll_v and_o commit_v to_o writing_n hence_o we_o think_v it_o rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n think_v his_o will_n write_v to_o be_v more_o infallible_a and_o certain_a then_o as_o deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n once_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o while_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v deliver_v without_o write_v it_o all_o the_o world_n be_v corrupt_v so_o as_o all_o flesh_n have_v pervert_v their_o way_n in_o the_o time_n of_o noah_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o at_o first_o the_o doctrine_n which_o god_n reveal_v to_o adam_n and_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v corrupt_v as_o they_o be_v if_o tradition_n can_v possible_o fail_v or_o how_o come_v the_o world_n after_o the_o flood_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o idol_n so_o as_o abraham_n must_v be_v call_v out_o from_o the_o posterity_n of_o shem_n who_o posterity_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n deliver_v to_o they_o if_o tradition_n be_v so_o faithful_a in_o the_o delivery_n of_o what_o be_v commit_v to_o it_o we_o wonder_v how_o true_a religion_n shall_v fail_v so_o soon_o and_o that_o not_o among_o a_o few_o but_o all_o the_o world_n over_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o heretic_n have_v rise_v
it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n we_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o show_v how_o tradition_n which_o they_o so_o much_o commend_v and_o magnify_v may_v fail_v and_o so_o prove_v no_o infallible_a testimony_n and_o who_o be_v our_o forefather_n from_o who_o we_o learn_v our_o faith_n we_o have_v show_v already_o and_o now_o shall_v name_v some_o of_o they_o viz._n the_o reformer_n in_o the_o last_o age_n and_o jo._n hu_o and_o hiâ—…rome_n of_o prague_n and_o before_o they_o wickliff_n and_o before_o he_o the_o waldenses_n and_o all_o that_o protest_v against_o the_o church_n corruption_n in_o all_o age_n upward_o as_o may_v be_v show_v if_o it_o be_v pertinent_a jo._n whites_n way_n p._n 336._o §_o 45._o &_o 337._o digress_v 48._o 2._o tradition_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n let_v papist_n first_o ascertain_v we_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n who_o testimony_n we_o must_v believe_v for_o our_o part_n we_o know_v none_o upon_o earth_n that_o pretend_v to_o christianity_n that_o do_v not_o account_v themselves_o the_o true_a church_n and_o that_o avow_v not_o themselves_o to_o have_v the_o true_a faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v now_o there_o be_v so_o many_o pretender_n we_o be_v at_o as_o great_a a_o loss_n which_o tradition_n as_o without_o it_o since_o all_o say_v they_o hold_v the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o yet_o extreme_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o not_o in_o few_o matter_n or_o small_a at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v say_v and_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v dissenter_n and_o of_o these_o some_o be_v ignorant_a and_o some_o obstinate_a and_o some_o sceptic_n and_o we_o know_v too_o many_o profess_v christian_n who_o be_v in_o their_o way_n and_o do_n no_o better_o than_o infidel_n now_o may_v not_o any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o question_n tradition_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o they_o know_v not_o which_o be_v the_o church_n who_o testimony_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v say_v as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o some_o that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o know_v the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v just_o reply_v that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o know_v the_o scripture_n as_o well_o for_o all_o that_o own_o not_o scripture_n we_o may_v just_o disow_v they_o as_o be_v no_o christian_n a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o christian_n it_o be_v confess_v though_o he_o never_o see_v a_o bible_n if_o he_o have_v hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o many_o gentile_n yea_o all_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v do_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n but_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o not_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o pure_a contradiction_n now_o how_o we_o shall_v know_v which_o church_n give_v the_o true_a testimony_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n if_o not_o by_o scripture_n let_v papist_n resolve_v we_o for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o answer_v we_o think_v among_o so_o many_o pretender_n there_o will_v be_v difference_n such_o as_o extradition_n will_v no_o better_o reconcile_v then_o scripture_n and_o that_o as_o protestant_n can_v agree_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o some_o interpret_v it_o one_o way_n and_o some_o another_o so_o they_o and_o other_o will_v agree_v no_o better_o about_o the_o church_n and_o its_o tradition_n for_o as_o i_o have_v say_v there_o be_v many_o church_n and_o those_o huge_o differ_v in_o some_o thing_n and_o yet_o all_o pretend_v to_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n therefore_o we_o have_v need_n of_o somewhat_o to_o ascertain_v we_o of_o that_o church_n which_o have_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v down_o all_o along_o the_o same_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v for_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n we_o believe_v it_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o its_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o age_n but_o we_o protestant_n can_v own_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o such_o though_o we_o know_v there_o be_v there_o one_o sound_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n papist_n indeed_o pretend_v and_o boast_v great_a thing_n of_o their_o church_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o who_o can_v well_o distinguish_v between_o a_o roman-catholick_n and_o a_o catholic_n christian._n here_o than_o we_o protestant_n resolve_v to_o believe_v the_o church_n for_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o we_o allow_v what_o that_o ancient_a father_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v scripture_n but_o for_o the_o church_n for_o we_o know_v that_o after_o he_o come_v once_o to_o learn_v the_o scripture_n he_o then_o believe_v it_o not_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n but_o it_o be_v own_o only_a the_o church_n we_o grant_v may_v at_o first_o persuade_v infidel_n to_o attend_v and_o heed_n the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n even_o as_o the_o woman_n persuade_v her_o neighbour_n to_o come_v and_o see_v christ._n but_o as_o they_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v he_o themselves_o 44._o believe_v not_o because_o of_o her_o say_n but_o because_o of_o his_o own_o word_n even_o so_o be_v â—…in_o the_o case_n that_o now_o be_v in_o question_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o office_n of_o ministry_n to_o hold_v out_o the_o light_n that_o other_o who_o be_v in_o darkeness_n may_v see_v it_o but_o this_o will_v never_o prove_v the_o church_n to_o have_v such_o a_o authority_n as_o papist_n plead_v for_o and_o much_o less_o that_o their_o church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n which_o only_o hold_v the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o when_o they_o have_v say_v all_o they_o can_v they_o say_v no_o more_o than_o any_o church_n never_o so_o corrupt_a will_v say_v for_o itself_o viz._n that_o it_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v hence_o we_o say_v again_o that_o tradition_n leave_v we_o at_o a_o irrecoverable_a loss_n and_o that_o we_o must_v have_v somewhat_o more_o certain_a than_o the_o church_n testimony_n which_o any_o company_n of_o never_o so_o corrupt_a principle_n may_v pretend_v unto_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 3._o we_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v down_o be_v true_a because_o the_o church_n have_v deliver_v it_o or_o that_o the_o church_n have_v deliver_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n for_o we_o think_v the_o church_n ought_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v the_o truth_n only_o and_o to_o deliver_v that_o and_o nothing_o else_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o other_o and_o if_o it_o receive_v other_o than_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v deceive_v and_o if_o it_o deliver_v other_o it_o be_v not_o only_o deceive_v but_o deceive_v other_o also_o the_o church_n can_v make_v nothing_o to_o be_v true_a but_o what_o be_v such_o before_o of_o itself_o and_o all_o it_o can_v do_v be_v to_o declare_v the_o truth_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v and_o persuade_v other_o to_o believe_v it_o therefore_o when_o papist_n press_v we_o as_o they_o do_v about_o our_o be_v assure_v of_o scripture_n we_o say_v that_o we_o believe_v it_o upon_o account_n of_o its_o own_o authority_n because_o it_o speak_v itself_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o when_o a_o place_n of_o trust_n and_o honour_n be_v confer_v upon_o a_o person_n by_o his_o prince_n and_o assure_v to_o he_o under_o the_o great_a seal_n though_o the_o messenger_n that_o bring_v the_o patent_n may_v avow_v it_o to_o be_v the_o prince_n act_n yet_o that_o which_o give_v assurance_n to_o the_o person_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o that_o office_n and_o honour_n be_v the_o patent_n itself_o and_o the_o seal_v annex_v so_o we_o know_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o even_o so_o have_v the_o true_a church_n in_o all_o age_n receive_v scripture_n as_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n and_o commend_v it_o to_o other_o for_o such_o as_o a_o patent_n seal_v from_o heaven_n 4._o we_o desire_v to_o know_v when_o the_o church_n first_o resolve_v the_o case_n in_o question_n and_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d council_n we_o count_v they_o of_o a_o latter_a date_n and_o but_o of_o yesterday_o in_o comparison_n for_o our_o part_n we_o think_v under_o correction_n of_o better_a judgement_n that_o the_o canon_n be_v agree_v upon_o very_o early_o because_o two_o eminent_a one_o among_o the_o ancient_n â—…counted_v upon_o 5._o the_o same_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n which_o we_o now_o do_v and_o one_o of_o they_o say_v that_o the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v confirm_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o that_o
for_o this_o be_v confess_v and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o deny_v that_o scripture_n be_v pen_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o in_o the_o several_a language_n of_o all_o people_n but_o in_o two_o only_a which_o few_o now_o adays_o in_o compâ—…on_n do_v understand_v hence_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o translate_n and_o inâ—…erpreting_v scripture_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n have_v give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o these_o gift_n we_o use_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o need_v our_o adversary_n quarrel_v we_o about_o what_o we_o can_v help_v but_o we_o know_v what_o lie_v at_o bottom_n they_o will_v fain_o have_v we_o go_v down_o to_o they_o to_o sharpen_v our_o share_n and_o our_o coulter_n &_o c._n which_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o do_v so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v smith_n enough_o at_o home_n to_o make_v we_o sword_n and_o spear_n i_o shall_v now_o conclude_v our_o answer_n with_o that_o which_o we_o count_v the_o pillar_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o as_o i_o may_v say_v the_o sure-footing_a of_o our_o faith_n in_o scripture_n we_o do_v indeed_o make_v the_o scripture_n our_o only_a rule_n and_o believe_v that_o in_o they_o alone_o be_v prescribe_v to_o we_o whatever_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o know_v and_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n and_o in_o this_o our_o faith_n we_o own_o the_o divine_a authority_n whereof_o we_o see_v so_o many_o evident_a token_n in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o but_o yet_o we_o say_v that_o as_o god_n only_o be_v a_o competent_a witness_n of_o himself_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n so_o his_o word_n be_v never_o well_o root_v in_o our_o heart_n till_o it_o be_v seal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o spirit_n which_o speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n pierâ—…ing_v our_o heart_n and_o persuade_v we_o that_o what_o god_n command_v have_v be_v faithful_o deliver_v to_o we_o according_o and_o this_o promise_n we_o have_v isa._n 59_o 21._o not_o his_o word_n only_o but_o his_o spirit_n also_o to_o seal_v it_o upon_o the_o soul_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n to_o this_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o owe_v all_o that_o acquiescency_n we_o have_v in_o scripture_n for_o when_o we_o be_v therewith_o enlighten_v and_o enliven_v we_o do_v no_o more_o trust_v our_o own_o or_o other_o judgement_n but_o be_v carry_v up_o above_o whatever_o be_v of_o man_n and_o so_o we_o resolve_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n and_o fear_n that_o scripture_n be_v of_o god_n alone_o then_o we_o look_v no_o more_o after_o proof_n or_o probability_n but_o submit_v our_o reason_n and_o all_o we_o have_v to_o that_o authority_n which_o we_o dare_v not_o any_o long_a to_o deny_v or_o dispute_v for_o than_o we_o have_v a_o inward_a lively_a sense_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v effectual_o draw_v witting_o and_o willing_o to_o submit_v to_o our_o master_n in_o heaven_n so_o we_o account_v as_o we_o have_v reason_n that_o only_o to_o be_v faith_n unfeigned_a which_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n seal_v upon_o our_o heart_n in_o our_o hear_n and_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o this_o may_v seem_v strange_a doctrine_n to_o such_o as_o know_v nothing_o of_o these_o matter_n by_o experience_n therefore_o i_o shall_v discourse_v it_o a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v if_o possible_a make_v it_o manifest_v even_o to_o reason_n the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n be_v about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n this_o faith_n iâ—…_n be_v grant_v be_v such_o as_o lead_v we_o to_o our_o bliss_n hence_o we_o protestant_n conclude_v that_o this_o faith_n can_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o alone_o work_v all_o spiriâ—…ual_a good_a and_o this_o alâ—…o_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v it_o ordinary_o at_o least_o by_o the_o word_n as_o its_o most_o proper_a instrument_n will_v any_o put_v we_o to_o prove_v this_o sure_o they_o must_v have_v too_o much_o of_o the_o aâ—…heist_n that_o question_n it_o for_o how_o be_v all_o the_o world_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o christ_n word_n and_o his_o spirit_n open_v their_o heart_n to_o receive_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o do_v not_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n open_a and_o expound_v the_o old_a teslament_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n luke_n 24._o 27._o act_n 26._o 22._o and_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n work_v that_o faith_n whereby_o thousand_o believe_v that_o truth_n but_o this_o be_v scâ—…ipture_n and_o it_o must_v not_o be_v allow_v if_o our_o adversary_n be_v judge_n to_o give_v evidence_n for_o we_o in_o this_o case_n we_o shall_v therefore_o require_v they_o to_o show_v what_o service_n tradition_n do_v when_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n pâ—…eached_v the_o gospel_n we_o hope_v they_o viz._n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v assure_v some_o other_o way_n that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o they_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o open_v the_o blind_a eye_n we_o may_v be_v excuse_v for_o say_v that_o god_n work_v faith_n in_o man_n by_o his_o word_n as_o the_o most_o usual_a instrument_n and_o if_o this_o also_o be_v question_v let_v papist_n show_v how_o faith_n which_o save_v our_o soul_n be_v or_o can_v be_v wrought_v by_o their_o oâ—…al_n or_o practical_a tradition_n we_o know_v well_o that_o child_n be_v apt_a enough_o to_o take_v up_o what_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v their_o progenâ—…tors_n do_v or_o say_v before_o they_o and_o so_o they_o common_o p_o ofess_v the_o religion_n whatever_o it_o be_v which_o they_o find_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n yea_o it_o be_v with_o many_o the_o great_a argument_n for_o their_o religion_n that_o their_o forefather_n be_v so_o mind_v but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o bring_v we_o unto_o a_o sound_n believe_v on_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o save_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o believe_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v the_o witness_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o himself_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v any_o other_o way_n of_o receive_v any_o testimony_n nor_o our_o adversary_n neither_o as_o we_o think_v we_o know_v too_o that_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o that_o faith_n which_o will_v bring_v he_o to_o his_o happiness_n the_o devil_n it_o be_v say_v cite_v and_o urge_v scripture_n 6._o as_o god_n word_n though_o to_o a_o very_a bad_a purpose_n certain_o that_o faith_n which_o bring_v man_n to_o their_o happiness_n be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a belief_n of_o scripture-truth_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o receive_n of_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o promise_n such_o as_o cause_n we_o to_o account_v all_o but_o loss_n and_o dung_n for_o christ._n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o now_o it_o almost_o amaze_v we_o to_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o faith_n wrought_v by_o tradition_n what!_o have_v god_n no_o word_n at_o all_o or_o have_v he_o give_v no_o testimony_n nor_o witness_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o scripture_n if_o this_o strange_a doctrine_n take_v place_n for_o say_v our_o adversary_n tradition_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o have_v admirable_a strength_n by_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nay_o further_o we_o must_v be_v all_o fanatic_n if_o we_o hold_v to_o scripture_n and_o let_v go_v tradition_n but_o this_o need_v no_o answer_n with_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o word_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o his_o will_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o god_n there_o may_v be_v we_o grant_v and_o question_n nor_o some_o force_n of_o tradition_n for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n unless_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n while_o by_o it_o and_o not_o by_o his_o word_n he_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v alas_o what_o faith_n do_v our_o adversary_n count_v upon_o do_v they_o dream_v of_o be_v save_v only_o by_o a_o certain_a persuasion_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o truth_n and_o no_o lie_n if_o they_o do_v let_v they_o keep_v their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o we_o count_v upon_o somewhat_o else_o which_o we_o be_v sure_a can_v never_o be_v effectual_o
2._o cor._n 5._o 14._o that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o such_o and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o manifestation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o love_n to_o our_o soul_n as_o we_o can_v never_o be_v thankful_a as_o we_o ought_v but_o in_o a_o full_a and_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o we_o have_v to_o his_o service_n and_o glory_n 2._o i_o advise_v yet_o farâ—…her_o that_o in_o our_o great_a inlargement_n we_o walk_v humble_o with_o god_n as_o know_v that_o his_o power_n alone_o be_v all_o the_o strength_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o stand_v peter_n preâ—…umptuous_a confidence_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n wrought_v nothing_o but_o repentance_n for_o his_o saint_n in_o a_o evil_a day_n by_o his_o own_o strength_n shall_v 9_o no_o man_n prevail_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n eph._n 6._o 10._o and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n v_o ii_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o keep_v the_o foot_n of_o his_o saint_n 1_o sam._n 2._o 9_o there_o need_v no_o motive_n i_o hope_v to_o persuade_v however_o consider_v 1._o what_o we_o have_v believe_v not_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n but_o a_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n 9_o seem_v to_o prefer_v if_o the_o comparative_a be_v sense_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n before_o vision_n and_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o he_o may_v so_o call_v they_o because_o the_o prophecy_n may_v be_v more_o sure_a to_o the_o godly_a jew_n through_o long_a use_n and_o acquaintance_n we_o know_v the_o jew_n at_o berea_n examine_v paul_n doctrine_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v not_o tax_v but_o commend_v for_o it_o and_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o those_o bless_a spirit_n indeed_o never_o do_v it_o nor_o ever_o will_n but_o we_o make_v the_o supposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v gal._n 1._o for_o the_o more_o emphasis_n for_o scripture-truth_n they_o be_v of_o long_o stand_v and_o approve_v by_o their_o abide_n the_o test_n and_o trial_n of_o so_o many_o age_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n make_v the_o old_a testament_n the_o standard_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o appeal_v to_o it_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v more_o to_o be_v heed_v then_o if_o a_o man_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a luk._n 16._o 31._o and_o they_o who_o hear_v not_o the_o one_o will_v never_o regard_v the_o other_o if_o our_o saviour_n say_v true_a be_v it_o ever_o hear_v that_o any_o doctrine_n so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n antiquity_n or_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o thing_n but_o certain_a truth_n shall_v outstand_v the_o sift_n and_o winnowing_n of_o so_o many_o age_n special_o when_o it_o have_v have_v so_o many_o profess_a enemy_n shall_v we_o now_o call_v in_o question_n what_o be_v never_o question_v before_o have_v not_o all_o christian_n who_o deserve_v that_o name_n unanimous_o agree_v in_o believe_v the_o faith_n and_o truth_n deliver_v in_o scripture_n or_o do_v protestant_n now_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o believe_v by_o all_o saint_n ever_o since_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v pen_v we_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o and_o this_o doctrine_n we_o have_v in_o mosâ—…s_n who_o be_v the_o first_o penman_n of_o scripture_n and_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v 46_o write_v of_o he_o must_v we_o now_o call_v in_o question_n all_o that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v yea_o and_o cry_v it_o down_o as_o no_o rule_n of_o faith_n then_o farewell_n all_o our_o christianity_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o once_o for_o where_o have_v we_o learn_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 3._o fin_n who_o or_o what_o have_v give_v we_o to_o know_v what_o have_v be_v all_o the_o transaction_n of_o god_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n from_o the_o beginning_n will_v our_o adversary_n say_v roundly_o once_o for_o all_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n let_v they_o speak_v out_o if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o say_v so_o and_o then_o we_o know_v what_o to_o answer_v they_o but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o avow_v this_o as_o indeed_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o in_o plain_a term_n we_o have_v this_o to_o say_v for_o ourselves_o that_o we_o believe_v what_o they_o deny_v not_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n that_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o otherwise_o then_o by_o tradition_n have_v be_v already_o answer_v and_o no_o more_o needs_o to_o be_v say_v about_o it_o for_o man_n tradition_n we_o know_v it_o will_v serve_v nothing_o better_a to_o usher_v in_o and_o establish_v man_n invention_n but_o shall_v we_o renounce_v our_o own_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o to_o appeal_v to_o man_n who_o be_v all_o liar_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v by_o he_o that_o can_v lie_v oh_o consider_v and_o remember_v that_o in_o believe_a scripture_n we_o believe_v not_o prophecy_n or_o prodigy_n not_o hear_v of_o till_o yesterday_o no_o we_o believe_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n and_o the_o good_a old_a way_n to_o rest_n and_o peace_n the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o practical_a godliness_n and_o moral_a righteousness_n teach_v we_o in_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v but_o assent_v unto_o it_o as_o agree_v with_o and_o approve_v by_o our_o natural_a light_n so_o as_o we_o must_v forfeit_v out_o reason_n ere_o we_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o question_v scripture_n authority_n read_v but_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o psalm_n and_o the_o proverb_n and_o paul_n epistle_n or_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n and_o consider_v the_o precept_n of_o sobriety_n temperance_n righteousness_n justice_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v there_o so_o many_o and_o will_v not_o our_o conscience_n say_v these_o be_v all_o of_o god_n and_o we_o know_v they_o be_v divine_a by_o the_o natural_a light_n which_o be_v in_o we_o who_o can_v have_v clear_v up_o the_o inbred_a notion_n and_o impression_n that_o be_v upon_o all_o man_n heart_n so_o as_o they_o be_v clear_v in_o scripture_n but_o that_o light_a in_o which_o alone_o we_o see_v light_n for_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n we_o know_v it_o be_v altogether_o of_o supernatural_a divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v such_o what_o need_n be_v there_o or_o can_v there_o be_v of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n authority_n to_o confirm_v it_o to_o say_v no_o more_o let_v reason_n judge_v and_o determine_v whether_o the_o faith_n of_o man_n can_v authoritative_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o it_o must_v if_o we_o can_v be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o yea_o and_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n testimony_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n as_o yield_v to_o we_o the_o great_a certainty_n beyond_o all_o doubt_n or_o question_n consider_v i_o say_v what_o we_o have_v believe_v viz._n the_o ancient_a yea_o eternal_a word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n and_o this_o word_n always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o god_n be_v only_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n it_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o these_o last_o time_n to_o we_o by_o the_o son_n himself_o and_o such_o as_o he_o have_v send_v 2._o consider_v that_o in_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o write_a word_n we_o believe_v and_o receive_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o forefather_n who_o suffer_v for_o their_o close_a adhere_n to_o scripture_n doctrine_n and_o can_v not_o be_v part_v from_o it_o but_o rather_o choose_v to_o part_v with_o their_o life_n for_o it_o and_o herein_o they_o approve_v themselves_o the_o genuine_a and_o kindly_a issue_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a martyr_n who_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n we_o shall_v too_o much_o wrong_v ourselves_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o yield_v that_o which_o our_o adversary_n will_v never_o be_v able_a by_o dint_n of_o argument_n to_o force_v from_o we_o viz._n that_o we_o be_v upstart_n new_o sâ—…rung_v out_o of_o the_o ash_n of_o our_o late_a reformer_n they_o be_v as_o we_o call_v they_o reformer_n that_o repair_v the_o desolation_n which_o
shall_v we_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o or_o that_o translation_n sol._n we_o grant_v that_o some_o have_v err_v and_o any_o may_v unless_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a spirit_n to_o aâ—…st_v what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o who_o maintain_v not_o this_o or_o that_o translation_n but_o the_o scripture_n well_o and_o faithful_o translate_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n true_o our_o translation_n have_v be_v alter_v but_o this_o alteration_n have_v be_v in_o word_n more_o than_o matter_n and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sense_n may_v be_v express_v divers_a way_n so_o we_o may_v have_v different_a translation_n without_o any_o error_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o doctrine_n nay_o further_o what_o if_o one_o translation_n shall_v differ_v from_o another_o in_o sense_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o bind_v to_o quit_v our_o english_a bibles_n unless_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o we_o have_v not_o in_o they_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o châ—…istian_a doctrine_n and_o here_o we_o require_v it_o be_v show_v and_o prove_v that_o our_o various_a translation_n do_v not_o all_o agree_v exact_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v in_o they_o all_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n the_o difference_n in_o all_o our_o translation_n be_v not_o such_o or_o so_o many_o as_o that_o we_o shall_v need_v the_o church_n authority_n to_o assure_v and_o settle_v we_o for_o god_n open_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n to_o know_v his_o voice_n from_o other_o while_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n give_v testimony_n to_o itself_o and_o receive_v authority_n from_o no_o other_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v see_v by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o as_o we_o discern_v sweet_a from_o sour_a by_o its_o own_o taste_n however_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n have_v say_v we_o deny_v not_o that_o there_o be_v divers_a mean_n whereby_o our_o conscience_n may_v be_v assure_v some_o private_a as_o skill_n in_o tongue_n learning_n labour_n prayer_n conference_n etc._n etc._n some_o public_a as_o the_o ministry_n which_o act_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o authority_n to_o secure_v but_o ministry_n to_o show_v we_o that_o which_o shall_v secure_v we_o which_o ministry_n be_v found_v on_o the_o scripture_n itself_o in_o that_o from_o thence_o it_o fetch_v the_o reason_n that_o may_v pâ—…rswade_v we_o and_o shâ—…weth_v the_o light_n that_o do_v infallible_o assure_v we_o and_o the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o be_v this_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o inward_a mean_n the_o teach_n of_o the_o church_n a_o outward_a the_o spirit_n secure_v we_o by_o kiss_v own_o authority_n the_o church_n direct_v we_o by_o her_o ministry_n the_o spirit_n have_v light_a in_o itself_o the_o church_n borrow_v she_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o certain_a god_n never_o since_o his_o people_n have_v his_o law_n write_v to_o they_o have_v leave_v they_o without_o a_o ministry_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o that_o ministry_n to_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o how_o this_o can_v be_v do_v among_o our_o vulgar_a unless_o by_o translate_n the_o scripture_n let_v they_o show_v that_o can_v for_o we_o can_v whereas_o our_o adversary_n take_v occasion_n hence_o to_o quarrel_v scripture_n as_o no_o competent_a rule_n of_o faith_n because_o the_o unlearned_a vulgar_a want_n a_o rule_n and_o can_v have_v no_o other_o than_o a_o bible_n translate_v which_o be_v liable_a to_o many_o and_o great_a mistake_n we_o may_v just_o question_v they_o about_o their_o translation_n for_o they_o know_v there_o be_v a_o latin_a translation_n not_o the_o original_a for_o certain_a which_o be_v with_o they_o commend_v as_o authentical_a to_o say_v no_o more_o only_o we_o desire_v they_o first_o to_o answer_v for_o themselves_o however_o we_o may_v just_o marvel_v that_o they_o send_v we_o to_o tradition_n for_o our_o assurance_n about_o translation_n 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absolute_a necessity_n of_o translation_n unless_o we_o know_v of_o any_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a way_n of_o bring_v our_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o his_o write_a word_n and_o what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v or_o what_o can_v we_o do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o poor_a soul_n there_o be_v some_o perhaps_o who_o can_v resolve_v this_o otherwise_o then_o we_o dare_v and_o say_v let_v they_o alone_o to_o be_v as_o ignorant_a as_o may_v be_v and_o believe_v only_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v right_a or_o wrong_n but_o for_o our_o part_n we_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n that_o our_o people_n will_v never_o grope_v out_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n while_o they_o be_v blindfolded_a nor_o can_v we_o be_v persuade_v that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n though_o we_o know_v it_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o superstition_n god_n 〈◊〉_d mâ—…n_n from_o darkness_n uâ—…to_fw-la light_n when_o he_o turn_v they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n 〈◊〉_d himself_o act._n 26._o 18_o and_o why_o come_v our_o saviour_n a_o lighâ—…_n into_o the_o world_n if_o we_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n as_o blind_a as_o we_o be_v bear_v what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v while_o we_o be_v here_o â—…pon_o earth_n more_o than_o to_o get_v grace_n and_o knowledge_n and_o grow_v in_o it_o more_o and_o more_o heaven_n be_v call_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o hell_n be_v call_v utter_a darkness_n to_o say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n translate_v into_o english_a because_o the_o great_a number_n of_o our_o people_n who_o soul_n be_v as_o precious_a as_o other_o can_v otherwise_o understand_v they_o without_o a_o miracle_n and_o we_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n we_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o make_v our_o people_n know_v god_n mind_n and_o will_n in_o 〈◊〉_d write_v word_n and_o for_o tradition_n we_o know_v no_o use_n of_o it_o unless_o iâ—…_n be_v fiâ—…st_o resolve_v beyond_o all_o exception_n that_o we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v whatever_o the_o scripture_n say_v what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a query_n may_v serve_v in_o part_n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d hand_n last_o qâ—…ery_n about_o the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n however_o we_o shall_v say_v what_o we_o thâ—…nk_v about_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n not_o sense_v and_o to_o be_v sense_v now_o the_o sense_n of_o 〈◊〉_d that_o scripture_n have_v word_n and_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o they_o read_v it_o as_o any_o mâ—…n_n read_v his_o friend_n or_o correspondent_o letter_n to_o know_v his_o mind_n in_o they_o or_o as_o factouâ—…s_n beyond_o sea_n come_v to_o know_v their_o merchant_n order_n give_v they_o in_o and_o by_o their_o letter_n sometime_o a_o difference_n arise_v among_o these_o and_o â—…hen_o what_o can_v a_o factor_n do_v to_o clear_v himself_o more_o then_o to_o produce_v his_o merchant_n leâ—…ters_n and_o say_v here_o be_v the_o order_n you_o give_v i_o and_o i_o have_v follow_v it_o so_o do_v we_o when_o we_o be_v question_v about_o our_o faith_n we_o know_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o this_o that_o we_o have_v order_n give_v we_o in_o scripture_n to_o believe_v so_o and_o so_o and_o not_o otherwise_o we_o can_v in_o this_o case_n abstract_n the_o leâ—…ter_n from_o the_o sense_n scholar_n indeed_o in_o their_o contemplation_n may_v make_v such_o abstraction_n but_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o they_o in_o practical_a use_n or_o about_o moral_a action_n for_o in_o such_o case_n we_o must_v as_o all_o sober_a man_n do_v take_v word_n and_o sense_n together_o word_n and_o letter_n as_o far_o as_o we_o ever_o learn_v serve_v only_o to_o signifiâ—…_n man_n sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o so_o do_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n signify_v god_n mind_n