write_v they_o down_o in_o order_n that_o he_o may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v instruct_v from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o suppose_v st._n luke_n perform_v what_o he_o promise_v his_o gospel_n must_v contain_v a_o full_a declaration_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o first_o by_o promise_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v sure_o believe_v among_o christian_n he_o engage_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o entire_a account_n of_o christianity_n unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o part_n of_o christianity_n which_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o time_n do_v not_o sure_o believe_v second_o in_o promise_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o have_v a_o perfect_a understanding_n from_o the_o first_o and_o in_o which_o his_o theophilus_n have_v be_v instruct_v he_o also_o engage_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o complete_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a religion_n unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o part_n of_o this_o religion_n which_o st._n luke_n do_v not_o perfect_o understand_v and_o in_o which_o theophilus_n have_v not_o be_v before_o instruct_v thus_o also_o st._n john_n testify_v of_o his_o gospel_n chap._n 20._o 31._o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o by_o these_o thing_n the_o apostle_n only_o mean_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o not_o his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o this_o be_v notorious_o false_a since_o by_o these_o thing_n st._n john_n mean_v his_o gospel_n in_o which_o not_o only_o the_o miracle_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v contain_v and_o therefore_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 5._o 13._o he_o say_v these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v unto_o you_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o that_o you_o may_v believe_v or_o continue_v to_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n where_o by_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o mean_v only_o that_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v throughout_o the_o whole_a epistle_n from_o which_o two_o place_n i_o argue_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n be_v write_v because_o he_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v beget_v and_o nourish_v in_o we_o that_o faith_n by_o which_o we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n but_o if_o that_o faith_n which_o these_o write_a thing_n be_v design_v to_o beget_v in_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o eternal_a life_n than_o be_v these_o thing_n write_v in_o vain_a and_o the_o end_n of_o write_v they_o which_o be_v that_o we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n by_o believe_v they_o be_v whole_o frustrate_v but_o if_o that_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o eternal_a life_n than_o these_o write_a thing_n which_o beget_v that_o faith_n and_o be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o must_v contain_v in_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n for_o how_o can_v they_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o faith_n that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o eternal_a life_n unless_o they_o propose_v to_o our_o faith_n all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a thereunto_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v from_o scripture_n itself_o which_o all_o agree_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o the_o most_o conclude_a authority_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v by_o what_o warrant_n or_o authority_n any_o man_n or_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n any_o unwritten_a tradition_n or_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n not_o record_v in_o scripture_n as_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o record_v in_o scripture_n and_o equal_o necessary_a to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o men._n for_o that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o bold_a imposer_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n irenaeus_n assure_v we_o in_o the_o 2d_o chapter_n of_o his_o second_o book_n against_o heresy_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o sort_n of_o heretic_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o those_o to_o who_o tradition_n be_v unknown_a for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v not_o deliver_v by_o write_v but_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o these_o heretic_n 25._o heretic_n de_fw-fr praescrip_n haeret_fw-la c._n 25._o as_o tertullian_n observe_v confess_v indeed_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v ignorant_a and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o preach_v but_o say_v they_o reveal_v not_o all_o thing_n unto_o all_o man_n some_o thing_n they_o teach_v open_o and_o to_o all_o some_o thing_n secret_o and_o to_o a_o few_o which_o secret_a thing_n be_v the_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o they_o seek_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o how_o far_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n tread_v in_o the_o footstep_n of_o these_o ancient_a heretic_n be_v but_o too_o notorious_a for_o thus_o in_o the_o preface_n of_o their_o catechism_n it_o be_v express_o affirm_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n to_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o faithful_a be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o word_n of_o god_n be_v distribute_v into_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n and_o in_o the_o council_n itself_o they_o declare_v and_o define_v that_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o unwritten_a tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o honour_v with_o equal_a pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n in_o which_o word_n they_o express_o own_o another_o word_n of_o god_n beside_o the_o scripture_n viz._n tradition_n which_o they_o equalise_v with_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v almost_o verbatim_o the_o very_a assertion_n which_o both_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n condemn_v for_o heresy_n and_o as_o they_o be_v the_o same_o so_o we_o find_v they_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o same_o authority_n for_o those_o very_a text_n of_o scripture_n which_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n urge_v for_o their_o tradition_n be_v urge_v by_o bellarmin_n for_o the_o tradition_n of_o his_o church_n thus_o for_o their_o tradition_n as_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n acquaint_v we_o they_o urge_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a and_o also_o o_o timothy_n keep_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o thy_o trust_n and_o again_o that_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o thou_o keep_v all_o which_o text_n be_v urge_v by_o bellarmin_n in_o his_o four_o and_o 5_o book_n de_fw-la verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la in_o behalf_n of_o that_o tradition_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n contend_v for_o and_o it_o be_v something_o hard_o that_o that_o which_o be_v damn_v for_o heresy_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o present_a roman_a not_o that_o we_o do_v disallow_v of_o tradition_n universal_o receive_v in_o all_o church_n and_o age_n for_o we_o frank_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v tradition_n before_o it_o be_v scripture_n as_o be_v first_o deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n before_o it_o be_v collect_v into_o write_v and_o therefore_o whensoever_o it_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v any_o unwritten_a doctrine_n bear_v the_o same_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n with_o those_o that_o be_v write_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v they_o with_o the_o same_o veneration_n as_o we_o do_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o for_o it_o be_v not_o their_o be_v write_v that_o do_v authorise_v they_o but_o their_o be_v from_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o when_o once_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v to_o we_o that_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n teach_v so_o and_o so_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o command_v our_o assent_n and_o submission_n whether_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v from_o scripture_n or_o tradition_n so_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o embrace_v some_o doctrine_n and_o reject_v other_o be_v not_o mere_o because_o the_o one_o be_v write_v and_o the_o other_o not_o but_o because_o to_o we_o who_o live_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o can_v never_o be_v make_v so_o evident_a that_o what_o be_v not_o write_v be_v teach_v by_o
they_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n so_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v they_o preach_v and_o deliver_v to_o the_o world_n for_o so_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o to_o go_v forth_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o teach_v all_o nation_n to_o observe_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v they_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o which_o injunction_n of_o his_o they_o strict_o observe_v for_o so_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o in_o obedience_n to_o it_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o mark_n 16.20_o and_o that_o their_o preach_v extend_v to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v evident_a from_o their_o own_o testimony_n for_o thus_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o ephesian_n that_o he_o have_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v unto_o they_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n act_v 20.27_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a in_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n must_v be_v include_v and_o concern_v that_o gospel_n which_o he_o have_v preach_v to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o thus_o pronounce_v by_o which_o also_o you_o be_v save_v if_o you_o keep_v in_o memory_n what_o i_o preach_v unto_o you_o unless_o you_o have_v believe_v in_o vain_a 1_o cor._n 15.1_o 2._o but_o how_o can_v they_o be_v save_v by_o that_o gospel_n he_o preach_v to_o they_o unless_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o this_o very_a gospel_n which_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o constant_a ministry_n propose_v to_o the_o world_n st._n james_n call_v the_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n jam._n 1.21_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o be_v also_o call_v the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n 2_o cor._n 5.19_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n act_v 13.26_o and_o the_o world_n of_o life_n act_v 5.20_o and_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n 2_o cor._n 2.16_o and_o also_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 1.17_o neither_o of_o which_o it_o can_v be_v just_o style_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v defective_a in_o any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o men._n 3._o and_o last_o that_o all_o those_o necessary_a truth_n which_o they_o preach_v be_v comprehend_v in_o those_o write_n of_o they_o of_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n consist_v it_o be_v true_a before_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v collect_v into_o those_o scripture_n of_o which_o the_o new_a testament_n now_o consist_v it_o be_v all_o convey_v by_o oral_a tradition_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o teacher_n to_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o disciple_n but_o in_o a_o little_a time_n those_o holy_a man_n who_o first_o preach_v it_o find_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v as_o a_o much_o sure_a way_n of_o preserve_v it_o uncorrupted_a and_o transmit_v it_o down_o to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n for_o thus_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o 15._o we_o hist_o eccles_n l._n 2._o c._n 15._o that_o the_o roman_n not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o st._n peter_n '_o s_z preach_v of_o christianity_n to_o they_o earnest_o desire_v st._n mark_n his_o companion_n that_o he_o will_v leave_v they_o in_o write_v a_o stand_a monument_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o st._n peter_n have_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n say_v he_o of_o the_o write_n of_o st._n mark_v '_o be_v gospel_n which_o thing_n st._n peter_n understand_v by_o a_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v high_o please_v with_o their_o earnest_a desire_n he_o confirm_v it_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n that_o it_o may_v afterward_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v in_o those_o day_n the_o roman_n do_v not_o think_v oral_a or_o unwritten_a tradition_n a_o sufficient_a conservatory_n of_o divine_a truth_n nor_o do_v their_o bishop_n then_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o laity_n in_o their_o own_o language_n after_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o 24._o we_o l._n 3_o c._n 24._o that_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n be_v the_o only_a disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o have_v leave_v write_v commentary_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v preach_v behind_o they_o and_o it_o be_v say_v he_o necessity_n that_o impel_v they_o to_o write_v for_o matthew_n have_v preach_v the_o faith_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o intend_v to_o go_v from_o they_o to_o other_o nation_n write_v his_o gospel_n in_o his_o own_o country-language_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o his_o presence_n to_o those_o who_o he_o leave_v behind_o he_o and_o afterward_o when_o mark_n and_o luke_n have_v publish_v their_o gospel_n john_n who_o have_v hitherto_o only_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n be_v at_o length_n move_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n betake_v himself_o to_o write_v and_o the_o three_o former_a gospel_n say_v he_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o man_n and_o particular_o of_o st._n john_n he_o approve_v they_o and_o with_o his_o own_o testimony_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o from_o which_o relation_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o that_o which_o move_v those_o holy_a man_n to_o commit_v their_o gospel_n to_o write_v be_v this_o that_o they_o judge_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o so_o these_o in_o their_o absence_n may_v be_v stand_v monument_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o preach_v that_o gospel_n to_o man_n eye_n which_o they_o have_v preach_v to_o their_o ear_n and_o if_o they_o write_v to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n to_o be_v sure_a they_o will_v leave_v no_o necessary_a or_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o unwritten_a there_o be_v several_a proposition_n in_o these_o gospel_n which_o though_o very_o useful_a be_v far_o from_o be_v essential_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o those_o holy_a man_n who_o write_v on_o purpose_n to_o conserve_v christianity_n shall_v take_v so_o much_o care_n to_o write_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a part_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n omit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v eusebius_n tell_v we_o of_o st_n mark_v in_o particular_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n he_o take_v great_a care_n of_o this_o more_o especial_o not_o to_o pretermit_v any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v even_o from_o st._n peter_n nor_o to_o affix_v any_o thing_n to_o they_o that_o be_v false_a and_o if_o he_o be_v so_o careful_a not_o to_o omit_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v be_v particular_o careful_a not_o to_o omit_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o judge_v necessary_a to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o men._n but_o what_o need_v we_o depend_v upon_o humane_a authority_n when_o as_o if_o we_o consult_v those_o sacred_a write_n themselves_o which_o so_o far_o as_o they_o go_v all_o christian_n allow_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o give_v this_o testimony_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o comprehend_v in_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n for_o thus_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n testify_v of_o the_o old_a that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o if_o the_o old_a testament_n alone_o be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o then_o much_o more_o the_o old_a and_o new_a together_o but_o how_o can_v they_o make_v man_n wise_a to_o salvation_n if_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o any_o article_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o then_o the_o same_o author_n go_v on_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n v._o 16_o 17._o and_o if_o the_o old_a scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o to_o furnish_v he_o thorough_o unto_o all_o good_a work_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o new_a and_o old_a together_o shall_v not_o be_v defective_a for_o that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o old_a contain_v in_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n they_o themselves_o do_v plain_o testify_v of_o themselves_o for_o thus_o st._n luke_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o gospel_n tell_v his_o theophilus_n to_o who_o he_o write_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o many_o have_v set_v forth_o a_o declaration_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v sure_o believe_v among_o christian_n it_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o also_o have_v have_v a_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o first_o to_o
know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o we_o know_v no_o right_n that_o any_o part_n have_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o whole_a and_o to_o oblige_v it_o to_o believe_v whatsoever_o she_o propose_v mere_o because_o she_o propose_v it_o second_o because_o in_o fact_n we_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sincere_a preserver_n of_o tradition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n have_v more_o studious_o attempt_v to_o counterfeit_v and_o deprave_v it_o of_o which_o innumerable_a instance_n be_v give_v by_o our_o author_n many_o of_o which_o be_v now_o acknowledge_v even_o by_o their_o author_n to_o be_v true_a for_o even_o their_o vulgar_a latin_a edition_n of_o the_o bible_n itself_o which_o they_o prefer_v before_o the_o original_n be_v confess_v by_o themselves_o to_o abound_v with_o manifest_a error_n and_o corruption_n and_o even_o to_o the_o very_a canon_n of_o the_o bible_n they_o have_v add_v sundry_a apocryphal_a book_n which_o we_o certain_o know_v the_o primitive_a tradition_n never_o admit_v as_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o it_o be_v notorious_a to_o all_o the_o world_n how_o many_o book_n and_o write_n they_o have_v forge_v and_o how_o many_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n they_o have_v geld_v and_o interpolate_v to_o defend_v and_o support_v those_o pretend_a tradition_n which_o they_o have_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o after_o she_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o so_o many_o apparent_a falsification_n we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o we_o shall_v still_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v she_o upon_o her_o own_o bare_a word_n for_o in_o the_o three_o place_n at_o this_o rate_n of_o proceed_v we_o must_v in_o many_o instance_n condemn_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o compliment_n to_o those_o of_o the_o present_a roman_a which_o if_o we_o believe_v our_o own_o eye_n and_o the_o most_o authentic_a history_n and_o record_n of_o those_o time_n do_v express_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o since_o if_o we_o will_v never_o so_o fain_o we_o can_v never_o believe_v both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n we_o must_v in_o believe_v the_o one_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o the_o other_o nay_o four_o and_o last_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v persuade_v as_o we_o think_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v that_o many_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o only_o not_o mention_v in_o scripture_n but_o direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n their_o perform_v divine_a service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n which_o we_o think_v be_v as_o contrary_a to_o 1_o cor._n 14._o as_o one_o proposition_n can_v be_v to_o another_o yet_o if_o that_o church_n definition_n do_v by_o their_o own_o authority_n oblige_v our_o faith_n we_o must_v believe_v she_o against_o scripture_n itself_o and_o this_o we_o think_v intolerable_a that_o any_o church_n or_o christian_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o upon_o the_o most_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n they_o be_v very_o persuade_v it_o contradict_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o one_o or_o tother_o must_v be_v make_v void_a we_o think_v it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o the_o voice_n of_o her_o pretend_a unwritten_a word_n shall_v be_v silence_v by_o that_o more_o certain_a one_o of_o the_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n but_o after_o all_o if_o what_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v be_v prove_v viz._n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o conduct_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n this_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o evacuate_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v for_o this_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n for_o god_n and_o nature_n we_o know_v do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a and_o therefore_o if_o one_o word_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a viz._n that_o which_o be_v write_v what_o need_n have_v we_o of_o this_o other_o which_o be_v unwritten_a and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o necessary_a property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v full_a and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o as_o to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o ii_o the_o second_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o intelligible_a to_o those_o who_o faith_n and_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a to_o all_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n that_o it_o be_v throughout_o so_o in_o all_o its_o proposal_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n not_o only_o in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n but_o also_o in_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n hard_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o exceed_v the_o apprehension_n of_o common_a capacity_n but_o also_o puzzle_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o most_o acute_a and_o profound_a enquirer_n but_o that_o which_o i_o assert_v be_v this_o that_o all_o those_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o manner_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o practice_v in_o order_n to_o their_o attainment_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v so_o plain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v no_o honest_a teachable_a mind_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v common_a sense_n but_o may_v from_o thence_o receive_v full_a information_n of_o they_o upon_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a enquiry_n and_o though_o in_o some_o text_n these_o necessary_n be_v not_o so_o plain_o propose_v as_o in_o other_o yet_o in_o some_o text_n or_o other_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o plain_o propose_v that_o no_o man_n can_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o still_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o without_o be_v wilful_o blind_a for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o out_o of_o it_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v 1._o from_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n 2._o from_o the_o avow_a design_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n 3._o from_o the_o frequent_a command_v god_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n 4._o from_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v and_o receive_v all_o those_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n contain_v in_o it_o 1._o from_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n at_o least_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a for_o to_o be_v sure_a if_o in_o any_o thing_n the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a it_o be_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o know_v and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v obscure_a in_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v reasonable_a presume_v it_o be_v plain_a in_o nothing_o but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o many_o thing_n plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v evident_a from_o its_o own_o testimony_n for_o thus_o of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n it_o be_v express_o affirm_v by_o moses_n this_o commandment_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n it_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o neither_o be_v it_o far_o off_o deut._n 30.11_o where_o moses_n speak_v not_o only_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n which_o consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v upon_o that_o account_n more_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o of_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o moses_n in_o general_a whether_o ceremonial_a judicial_a or_o natural_a for_o so_o v._o 16._o this_o commandment_n we_o find_v contain_v as_o well_o the_o statute_n and_o judgement_n as_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n all_o which_o must_v take_v in_o the_o whole_a mosaic_a institution_n and_o according_o ps_n 119.105_o david_n call_v this_o word_n of_o god_n a_o lamp_n unto_o his_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o his_o path_n which_o how_o can_v it_o be_v if_o it_o do_v not_o burn_v clear_a enough_o to_o guide_v and_o direct_v he_o and_o if_o it_o do_v then_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o burn_v clear_a enough_o to_o direct_v he_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o be_v direct_v again_o in_o the_o 19_o ps_n v._o 7_o 8_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a make_v wise_a the_o simple_a and_o that_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n but_o how_o can_v any_o law_n make_v
it_o seem_v the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a enough_o for_o a_o well-disposed_a child_n to_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o so_o far_o forth_o at_o least_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o we_o desire_v if_o therefore_o god_n require_v we_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n as_o timothy_n do_v the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v know_v and_o understand_v it_o as_o he_o do_v then_o either_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o by_o read_v it_o or_o else_o god_n require_v we_o to_o read_v it_o in_o vain_a 4._o and_o last_o from_o the_o obligation_n we_o lie_v under_o upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v and_o receive_v those_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n contain_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o as_o to_o all_o those_o necessary_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n all_o that_o the_o scriture_n propose_v as_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n but_o how_o can_v man_n be_v just_o oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v obscure_a and_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a and_o of_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n either_o the_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n must_v be_v plain_o and_o clear_o express_v in_o scripture_n or_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o and_o to_o say_v god_n will_v damn_v we_o for_o not_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o give_v we_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v be_v to_o charge_v he_o with_o the_o most_o outrageous_a oppression_n and_o injustice_n but_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o though_o god_n have_v not_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n yet_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o for_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o all_o age_n who_o he_o have_v authorize_v to_o explain_v and_o define_v to_o we_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v which_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v upon_o her_o authority_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o if_o we_o firm_o believe_v what_o she_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o those_o of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n rely_v on_o i_o desire_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v serious_o consider_v 1._o that_o before_o we_o can_v reasonable_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n that_o we_o must_v believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n 2._o that_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v believe_v from_o scripture_n before_o we_o can_v rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n be_v at_o least_o as_o obscure_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n as_o any_o other_o article_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n 3._o that_o after_o all_o these_o thing_n upon_o our_o rely_v on_o that_o church_n authority_n we_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o same_o or_o great_a uncertainty_n than_o upon_o our_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n 4._o that_o in_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v leave_v to_o no_o other_o uncertainity_n than_o just_a what_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v our_o faith_n virtuous_a and_o rewardable_a whereas_o by_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o certain_a ground_n as_o it_o be_v pretend_v our_o faith_n will_v have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o virtue_n in_o it_o 1._o that_o before_o we_o can_v reasonable_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n in_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n that_o we_o must_v believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n as_o for_o instance_n we_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n or_o incorporate_v by_o a_o peculiar_a divine_a charter_n now_o whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n or_o no_o be_v a_o question_n that_o must_v be_v resolve_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o by_o the_o church_n because_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n because_o the_o church_n say_v there_o be_v a_o church_n be_v to_o take_v that_o for_o grant_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n second_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o this_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o must_v also_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v believe_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o of_o the_o church_n for_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n that_o have_v authority_n to_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o how_o can_v i_o believe_v this_o upon_o the_o church_n authority_n unless_o i_o can_v believe_v it_o before_o i_o do_v believe_v it_o three_o before_o we_o can_v rely_v upon_o this_o church_n authority_n in_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o this_o church_n be_v infallible_a for_o if_o she_o be_v not_o infallible_a how_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v she_o see_v in_o so_o do_v he_o must_v oblige_v we_o whensoever_o she_o err_v to_o believe_v her_o error_n but_o that_o she_o be_v infallible_a be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v upon_o she_o own_o authority_n for_o than_o her_o infallible_a authority_n must_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n that_o she_o be_v infallible_a that_o be_v we_o must_v believe_v her_o infallible_a because_o we_o believe_v her_o infallible_a see_v then_o we_o can_v believe_v it_o on_o her_o own_o authority_n if_o we_o believe_v it_o at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n four_o before_o we_o can_v rely_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n authority_n to_o define_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v believe_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v this_o infallible_a church_n but_o see_v this_o be_v no_o self-evident_a principle_n we_o must_v have_v some_o other_o evidence_n beside_o herself_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o what_o else_o can_v that_o be_v but_o scripture_n we_o be_v tell_v indeed_o by_o some_o of_o her_o great_a divine_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a mark_n and_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v her_o the_o true_a church_n such_o as_o antiquity_n universality_n holiness_n of_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n but_o see_v no_o doctrine_n can_v be_v holy_a that_o be_v not_o true_a we_o must_v be_v satisfy_v that_o that_o church_n be_v true_a before_o we_o can_v know_v that_o it_o be_v holy_a so_o that_o before_o we_o can_v reasonable_o submit_v to_o her_o authority_n we_o must_v be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o her_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o this_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o by_o her_o authority_n because_o that_o as_o yet_o be_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o assure_v of_o it_o but_o only_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o when_o we_o be_v assure_v beforehand_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n that_o her_o doctrine_n be_v true_a her_o authority_n come_v too_o late_o to_o assure_v we_o see_v therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v some_o if_o not_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o roman_a faith_n that_o must_v be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n before_o we_o can_v safe_o rely_v upon_o her_o authority_n to_o define_v they_o to_o we_o how_o can_v we_o be_v oblige_v to_o settle_v our_o faith_n upon_o her_o authority_n when_o as_o before_o we_o can_v reasonable_o admit_v her_o authority_n we_o must_v believe_v several_a of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v be_v these_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o no_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n that_o this_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o define_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o in_o so_o define_v this_o church_n be_v infallible_a and_o that_o
this_o infallible_a church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o they_o be_v as_o they_o themselves_o own_o they_o be_v than_o there_o be_v some_o article_n it_o seem_v that_o must_v be_v believe_v without_o the_o church_n authority_n upon_o the_o single_a authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o some_o why_o not_o all_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o sufficient_a to_o authorise_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o rest_n as_o these_o since_o its_o authority_n be_v as_o great_a in_o one_o text_n as_o in_o another_o especial_o consider_v 2._o that_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v believe_v from_o scripture_n before_o we_o can_v rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v at_o least_o as_o obscure_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n as_o any_o other_o article_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n the_o great_a reason_n urge_v by_o the_o romanist_n against_o our_o reliance_n upon_o the_o scripture_n for_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o obscurity_n of_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n it_o prove_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o they_o will_v have_v it_o viz._n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o rely_v upon_o scripture_n even_o for_o those_o article_n without_o believe_v of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v be_v it_o clear_a and_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o the_o present_a catholic_n church_n of_o every_o age_n have_v authority_n to_o define_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o in_o all_o its_o definition_n it_o be_v infallbile_a and_o that_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v this_o catholic_n church_n if_o so_o how_o come_v those_o text_n upon_o which_o those_o article_n be_v found_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o quite_o different_a sense_n not_o only_o by_o we_o but_o by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o primitive_a father_n as_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o protestant_a writer_n suppose_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o blind_v by_o our_o partiality_n to_o our_o own_o tenet_n as_o to_o misapprehend_v plain_a and_o clear_a expression_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a methinks_v that_o the_o father_n who_o be_v never_o engage_v in_o the_o controversy_n and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v biased_a either_o one_o way_n or_o tother_o shall_v yet_o misapprehend_v they_o too_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o say_v that_o let_v man_n be_v never_o so_o indifferent_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v easy_o mistake_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o very_a plain_a and_o clear_a expression_n and_o if_o so_o what_o signify_v either_o speak_v or_o write_v but_o to_o proceed_v to_o some_o instance_n will_v any_o modest_a man_n in_o the_o world_n affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n infallibility_n in_o define_v article_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n be_v more_o plain_o express_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n than_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n where_o it_o be_v express_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v god_n whereas_o in_o the_o other_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n either_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o of_o infallibility_n or_o define_v article_n of_o faith_n why_o may_v we_o not_o then_o as_o well_o depend_v upon_o the_o one_o text_n for_o the_o article_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n as_o upon_o the_o other_o for_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n infallibility_n again_o be_v there_o not_o innumerable_a text_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o article_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a the_o last_o judgement_n and_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v at_o least_o as_o plain_o express_v as_o the_o present_a church_n for_n rome_n infallibility_n be_v in_o any_o of_o those_o text_n that_o be_v urge_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o late_a upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n notwithstanding_o the_o pretend_a obscurity_n of_o it_o why_o may_v we_o not_o as_o well_o upon_o the_o same_o authority_n believe_v all_o the_o former_a since_o the_o former_a be_v at_o least_o as_o plain_o express_v as_o the_o late_a either_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a enough_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o to_o this_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n infallibility_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o our_o dependence_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o her_o definition_n and_o proposal_n if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v plain_a enough_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o in_o all_o other_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n since_o these_o be_v all_o as_o plain_o at_o least_o express_v in_o scripture_n as_o that_o for_o if_o we_o may_v not_o rely_v upon_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a then_o where_o it_o be_v equal_o plain_a it_o be_v equal_o to_o be_v rely_v on_o 3._o that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o rely_v upon_o this_o church_n authority_n we_o be_v expose_v to_o far_o great_a uncertainty_n than_o while_o we_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o be_v of_o all_o side_n agree_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v infallible_a and_o that_o such_o and_o such_o write_n be_v part_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o be_v absolute_o secure_a that_o if_o we_o follow_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o it_o can_v mislead_v we_o but_o the_o much_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n deny_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v infallible_a even_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o own_v the_o authority_n we_o rely_v on_o to_o be_v infallible_a but_o all_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o beside_o those_o of_o she_o own_o communion_n disallow_v she_o to_o be_v so_o and_o to_o forsake_v our_o dependence_n upon_o a_o infallibility_n which_o all_o own_o to_o rely_v upon_o a_o infallibility_n which_o but_o few_o in_o comparison_n admit_v be_v certain_o a_o very_a dangerous_a venture_n and_o then_o second_o as_o for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v certain_a where_o to_o find_v it_o viz_o in_o every_o text_n and_o in_o every_o proposition_n therein_o contain_v which_o be_v all_o the_o world_n of_o god_n must_v be_v all_o infallbile_n but_o as_o for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o they_o have_v handle_v the_o matter_n it_o be_v almost_o as_o difficult_a to_o find_v as_o to_o prove_v it_o some_o cry_n lo_o it_o be_v here_o and_o some_o lo_o it_o be_v there_o some_o place_n it_o in_o the_o pope_n only_o other_o in_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o college_n of_o cardinal_n some_o in_o the_o pope_n preside_v in_o a_o general_n council_n other_o in_o a_o general_n council_n whether_o the_o pope_n preside_v in_o it_o or_o no._n so_o that_o in_o this_o church_n it_o seem_v there_o be_v infallibility_n somewhere_o but_o what_o be_v we_o the_o better_a for_o it_o if_o we_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v it_o if_o we_o go_v to_o the_o pope_n for_o it_o there_o have_v be_v two_o or_o three_o pope_n at_o once_o that_o have_v decree_v against_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o one_o or_o tother_o of_o they_o to_o be_v sure_o be_v mistake_v how_o then_o shall_v we_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a infallible_a one_o and_o when_o i_o have_v find_v the_o true_a pope_n other_o tell_v i_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o arrive_v at_o the_o seat_n of_o infallibility_n until_o i_o have_v find_v he_o in_o his_o college_n of_o cardinal_n and_o when_o i_o have_v find_v he_o here_o i_o be_o still_o to_o seek_v see_v i_o find_v the_o same_o pope_n eugenius_n the_o four_o for_o instance_n decree_a one_o thing_n in_o his_o college_n of_o cardinal_n and_o the_o quite_o contrary_a in_o a_o general_a council_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v not_o be_v infallible_a in_o both_o therefore_o otehrs_n send_n i_o to_o the_o pope_n in_o a_o general_n council_n but_o when_o i_o come_v thither_o i_o find_v myself_o at_o a_o loss_n again_o because_o i_o meet_v with_o several_a instance_n of_o one_o pope_n define_v one_o thing_n in_o one_o general_n council_n and_o another_o pope_n the_o quite_o contrary_a in_o another_o and_o therefore_o in_o one_o or_o other_o council_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o one_o or_o other_o pope_n be_v mistake_v and_o as_o for_o general_a council_n themselves_o there_o be_v sundry_a of_o they_o which_o be_v own_v by_o some_o and_o reject_v by_o other_o of_o the_o principal_a doctor_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n and_o even_o when_o council_n be_v legal_o assemble_v there_o be_v so_o many_o nice_a dispute_n among_o they_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v they_o general_n and_o when_o it_o be_v that_o they_o
of_o faith_n which_o in_o reality_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o while_o a_o man_n believe_v as_o that_o church_n believe_v which_o infallible_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n he_o infallible_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o true_a that_o while_o a_o man_n believe_v as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v which_o infallible_o teach_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n he_o infallible_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o be_v both_o be_v equal_o false_a for_o no_o man_n can_v infallible_o believe_v either_o the_o church_n or_o scripture_n because_o infallibility_n exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o humane_a nature_n no_o man_n can_v so_o believe_v either_o but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v mistake_v and_o if_o he_o may_v be_v mistake_v its_o possible_a he_o may_v not_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n whether_o he_o ground_n his_o faith_n upon_o the_o church_n or_o the_o scripture_n but_o because_o this_o church_n pretend_v so_o to_o secure_v my_o faith_n while_o i_o depend_v upon_o her_o authority_n as_o that_o i_o can_v be_v mistake_v for_o this_o very_a reason_n i_o can_v depend_v upon_o it_o because_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o this_o that_o god_n never_o design_v for_o i_o any_o such_o mean_n of_o believe_v as_o shall_v render_v my_o faith_n infallible_a for_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v he_o require_v i_o to_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o care_n to_o secure_v my_o faith_n from_o error_n if_o he_o have_v furnish_v i_o with_o any_o certain_a mean_n of_o be_v infallible_a it_o will_v be_v but_o apply_v that_o mean_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o my_o danger_n will_v be_v immediate_o over_o and_o then_o i_o need_v trouble_v my_o head_n no_o further_o be_v now_o so_o secure_v as_o that_o i_o can_v be_v mistake_v after_o which_o it_o will_v be_v very_o impertinent_a methinks_v for_o god_n to_o trouble_v i_o with_o those_o unecessary_a injunction_n of_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a of_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o take_v heed_n whilst_o i_o stand_v lest_o i_o fall_v what_o need_v a_o man_n be_v at_o the_o expense_n of_o all_o this_o labour_n and_o caution_n who_o faith_n be_v already_o secure_v see_v therefore_o god_n require_v these_o thing_n at_o our_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o he_o never_o intend_v we_o any_o method_n how_o to_o be_v infallbile_a in_o believe_v and_o therefore_o since_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n authority_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v such_o a_o method_n for_o that_o reason_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v reject_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o god_n intend_v that_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v a_o grace_n and_o a_o virtue_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o act_n of_o our_o will_n as_o well_o as_o of_o our_o understanding_n which_o suppose_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o to_o be_v irresistible_a for_o what_o virtue_n be_v it_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v when_o it_o glare_v full_a in_o our_o eye_n since_o therefore_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a assent_n upon_o such_o motive_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o honest_a mind_n but_o not_o to_o compel_v either_o a_o obstinate_a infidel_n or_o self-deceived_n hypocrite_n god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a so_o to_o secure_v our_o faith_n as_o to_o leave_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o err_v damnable_o and_o indeed_o if_o he_o have_v it_o will_v have_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o we_o to_o believe_v saving_o for_o what_o virtue_n be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o not_o to_o do_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o can_v err_v damnable_o in_o our_o faith_n without_o some_o damnable_a fault_n in_o our_o will_n but_o if_o we_o eithre_o refuse_v to_o inquire_v into_o this_o revelation_n for_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v or_o will_v only_o inquire_v into_o it_o with_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v bias_v with_o wicked_a and_o sinful_a prejudices_fw-la or_o will_v not_o submit_v our_o understanding_n to_o it_o upon_o the_o clear_a conviction_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o we_o may_v be_v ignorant_a and_o we_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o it_o be_v but_o just_a and_o fit_a that_o we_o shall_v and_o if_o notwithstanding_o these_o fault_n we_o can_v not_o err_v for_o god_n sake_n what_o virtue_n will_v it_o be_v to_o be_v orthodox_n but_o if_o with_o honest_a humble_a and_o teachable_a mind_n we_o will_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o divine_a revelation_n we_o shall_v there_o find_v all_o the_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n so_o clear_o and_o plain_o propose_v to_o we_o that_o it_o will_v be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o we_o either_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o deceive_v about_o they_o so_o that_o by_o rely_v on_o scripture_n you_o see_v we_o be_v expose_v to_o no_o other_o uncertainty_n than_o just_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v our_o faith_n a_o virtue_n and_o god_n do_v as_o much_o require_v that_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v virtuous_a as_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v orthodox_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o honest_a humble_a diligent_a and_o teachable_a mind_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v extend_v to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n now_o our_o faith_n may_v be_v orthodox_n without_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n but_o it_o can_v be_v virtuous_a and_o rewardable_a with_o it_o to_o what_o purpose_n then_o do_v the_o romanist_n talk_v of_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n in_o believe_v be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v more_o certainty_n than_o god_n ever_o intend_v to_o give_v he_o have_v give_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o honest_a mind_n and_o no_o more_o and_o whether_o knave_n and_o hypocrite_n believe_v right_a or_o wrong_n be_v of_o no_o great_a concernment_n if_o therefore_o our_o faith_n be_v liable_a to_o no_o other_o uncertainty_n than_o just_a what_o be_v necessary_a to_o try_v our_o honesty_n that_o be_v much_o better_a for_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o our_o faith_n than_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n suppose_v therefore_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v as_o infallible_a as_o it_o pretend_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o infallible_a as_o that_o but_o whether_o we_o rely_v upon_o one_o or_o tother_o we_o be_v fallible_a still_o and_o can_v that_o church_n render_v we_o as_o infallible_o certain_a as_o it_o pretend_v it_o will_v thereby_o preserve_v indeed_o the_o orthodoxy_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o then_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o will_v destroy_v the_o virtue_n of_o it_o for_o to_o believe_v right_a when_o we_o can_v believe_v wrong_a be_v fatal_a and_o necessary_a but_o to_o believe_v right_a when_o through_o our_o own_o default_n we_o may_v be_v believe_v wrong_a this_o be_v virtuous_a and_o remwardable_a by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v therefore_o i_o think_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o rely_v and_o not_o upon_o the_o church_n especial_o upon_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o since_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v these_o thing_n upon_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v be_v plain_a and_o clear_a and_o scripture_n otherwise_o we_o can_v not_o be_v just_o so_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o great_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o that_o as_o such_o it_o be_v both_o full_a and_o clear_a as_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o propose_v they_o so_o plain_o and_o clear_o as_o that_o upon_o a_o honest_a and_o diligent_a enquiry_n all_o man_n may_v find_v and_o discover_v they_o a_o second_o discourse_n upon_o john_n v._n 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n whether_o these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v render_v indicative_o you_o do_v search_v the_o scripture_n as_o some_o will_v have_v they_o or_o imperative_o search_v the_o scripture_n as_o our_o translation_n render_v they_o amount_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o render_v they_o indicative_o you_o do_v search_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v speak_v with_o approbation_n you_o do_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o you_o do_v very_o well_o in_o so_o do_v for_o thus_o we_o find_v the_o berean_o commend_v for_o scarch_v the_o scripture_n and_o timothy_n for_o know_v they_o from_o a_o child_n and_o if_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o commendable_a practice_n
they_o what_o need_v they_o have_v be_v record_v what_o be_v there_o in_o the_o mere_a story_n of_o noah_n drunkenness_n and_o incest_n and_o david_n adultery_n consider_v abstract_o from_o the_o good_a instruction_n it_o give_v that_o shall_v move_v god_n to_o deliver_v it_o down_o to_o all_o future_a posterity_n if_o it_o serve_v no_o good_a end_n it_o be_v record_v to_o a_o bad_a purpose_n and_o therefore_o if_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o corrupt_v man_n mind_n the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o conceal_v it_o now_o for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n god_n be_v oblige_v to_o have_v conceal_v it_o for_o ever_o either_o therefore_o we_o must_v say_v that_o god_n do_v very_o ill_o in_o publish_v it_o or_o that_o the_o church_n do_v very_o ill_a in_o suppress_v it_o for_o god_n can_v have_v no_o other_o end_n in_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o world_n but_o only_o to_o instruct_v the_o world_n by_o it_o if_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o instructive_a god_n be_v mistake_v but_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v fit_a the_o world_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o 3._o that_o this_o objection_n do_v express_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n itself_o for_o whereas_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o bad_a example_n record_v in_o scripture_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o deprave_v the_o people_n mind_n and_o manner_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o quite_o contrary_a these_o thing_n be_v our_o example_n to_o the_o intent_n we_o shall_v not_o lust_n after_o evil_a thing_n as_o they_o i._n e._n the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n lust_v neither_o be_v you_o idolater_n as_o be_v some_o of_o they_o neither_o let_v we_o commit_v fornication_n as_o some_o of_o they_o commit_v and_o sell_v in_o one_o day_n three_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o neither_o let_v we_o tempt_v christ_n as_o some_o of_o they_o also_o tempt_v and_o be_v destroy_v of_o serpent_n neither_o murmur_v you_o as_o some_o of_o they_o also_o murmur_v and_o be_v destroy_v of_o the_o destroyer_n now_o all_o these_o thing_n happen_v unto_o they_o for_o ensample_n and_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v 1_o cor._n 10.6_o 7_o 8.9_o 10_o 11._o whereas_o this_o objection_n urge_v that_o there_o be_v sundry_a passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o shall_v the_o people_n read_v will_v excite_v evil_a thought_n in_o their_o mind_n the_o same_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o scripture_n be_v profitable_a not_o only_o for_o doctrine_n and_o reproof_n but_o also_o for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o whereas_o this_o objection_n pretend_v that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o unsafe_a for_o young_a people_n especial_o to_o be_v allow_v the_o scripture_n because_o there_o be_v several_a amorous_a story_n and_o passage_n in_o it_o which_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o suggest_v wanton_a thought_n to_o their_o gay_a and_o amorous_a fancy_n david_n it_o be_v plain_a be_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a mind_n for_o wherewith_o say_v he_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n cleanse_v his_o way_n by_o take_v heed_n thereto_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n psal_n 119.9_o than_o which_o two_o passage_n what_o assertion_n can_v be_v more_o contrary_a one_o to_o another_o 4._o and_o last_o that_o suppose_v this_o objection_n to_o be_v thus_o far_o true_a that_o there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o may_v sometime_o occasional_o excite_v bad_a thought_n in_o man_n mind_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n why_o the_o use_v of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v forbid_v to_o the_o people_n for_o every_o thing_n which_o the_o people_n occasional_o make_v bad_a uses_n of_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n to_o be_v forbid_v to_o they_o even_o prayer_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n ought_v to_o be_v for_o bid_v they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n see_v of_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o other_o many_o people_n do_v occasional_o make_v very_o bad_a uses_n so_o long_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o and_o apt_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o instruct_v and_o edify_v those_o that_o read_v it_o this_o be_v sufficient_a not_o only_o to_o warrant_v the_o people_n use_n of_o it_o but_o to_o enjoin_v and_o require_v it_o and_o if_o it_o sometime_o occasion_n corrupt_a thought_n in_o corrupt_a mind_n this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o light_n of_o it_o than_o some_o bad_a man_n make_v ill_a use_v of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v why_o the_o sun_n shall_v be_v extinguish_v or_o why_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o shut_v up_o from_o the_o light_n of_o it_o in_o dark_a and_o dismal_a dungeon_n but_o as_o for_o those_o very_a passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o do_v sometime_o occasion_v ill_a thought_n in_o man_n mind_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v it_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n that_o as_o they_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o natural_o apt_a to_o repress_v bad_a thought_n and_o to_o arm_n and_o fortify_v man_n mind_n against_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o bad_a example_n record_v in_o scripture_n be_v general_o deliver_v with_o infamous_a character_n severe_a prohibition_n and_o dreadful_a instance_n of_o god_n vengeance_n attend_v they_o which_o render_v they_o much_o more_o apt_a to_o repress_v than_o to_o excite_v evil_a thought_n in_o man_n mind_n to_o quicken_v they_o to_o prayer_n and_o watchfulness_n against_o temptation_n and_o when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o have_v be_v overcome_v by_o they_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o repentance_n or_o when_o they_o have_v overcome_v they_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o that_o prevent_n and_o assist_v grace_n of_o god_n by_o which_o they_o have_v be_v enable_v to_o resist_v and_o repel_v they_o these_o be_v the_o natural_a uses_n of_o those_o bad_a example_n record_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o if_o instead_o of_o make_v these_o uses_n of_o they_o some_o man_n pervert_v they_o to_o bad_a purpose_n that_o be_v their_o fault_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o bad_a example_n in_o scripture_n as_o they_o be_v there_o record_v be_v in_o themselves_o of_o excellent_a use_n to_o the_o people_n but_o shall_v man_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o use_n of_o every_o good_a thing_n they_o abuse_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o one_o good_a thing_n will_v be_v leave_v free_a to_o their_o enjoyment_n and_o now_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a the_o people_n right_a and_o obligation_n to_o use_v and_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o answer_v the_o main_a objection_n against_o it_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o these_o two_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a 1._o if_o he_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o scripture_n than_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n those_o divine_a truth_n which_o it_o propose_v to_o their_o belief_n for_o to_o what_o other_o end_n shall_v we_o be_v oblige_v to_o read_v and_o consult_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o it_o what_o be_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o learn_v from_o scripture_n what_o god_n mind_n be_v if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v what_o he_o therein_o declare_v upon_o scripture_n authority_n if_o i_o must_v not_o believe_v when_o i_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o this_o be_v god_n mind_n because_o the_o scripture_n say_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a i_o shall_v ever_o learn_v god_n mind_n by_o read_v it_o and_o consequent_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o read_v it_o to_o no_o purpose_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v teach_v i_o what_o god_n mind_n be_v but_o that_o which_o give_v i_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o what_o it_o teach_v be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n when_o therefore_o i_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o find_v such_o a_o proposition_n plain_o assert_v in_o it_o be_v this_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n or_o no_o for_o i_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v than_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o my_o belief_n if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o the_o scripture_n can_v teach_v i_o what_o god_n mind_n be_v because_o it_o can_v give_v i_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v any_o one_o proposition_n in_o it_o to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n we_o be_v tell_v indeed_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o receive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o church_n who_o alone_o have_v authority_n to_o expound_v it_o to_o we_o and_o who_o exposition_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v infallible_a but_o if_o this_o be_v so_o to_o what_o
end_n shall_v we_o read_v the_o scripture_n see_v the_o only_a end_n of_o reading_n be_v to_o learn_v the_o sense_n of_o what_o we_o read_v which_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v learn_v from_o scripture_n so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o wise_a end_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o only_o to_o learn_v from_o it_o what_o it_o mean_v yet_o it_o seem_v for_o man_n to_o read_v it_o for_o this_o end_n be_v a_o perfect_a labour_n in_o vain_a see_v it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v to_o learn_v the_o mean_v of_o scripture_n for_o as_o for_o the_o scripture_n if_o these_o man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o heap_n of_o unsense_v character_n so_o they_o express_o term_v it_o but_o what_o do_v they_o mean_v by_o it_o be_v it_o that_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o a_o company_n of_o letter_n and_o syllable_n and_o word_n that_o carry_v with_o they_o no_o determinate_a sense_n that_o god_n almighty_n have_v write_v and_o publish_v a_o book_n to_o the_o world_n that_o mean_v nothing_o if_o so_o then_o when_o the_o church_n by_o its_o infallible_a authority_n pretend_v to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n her_o meaning_n be_v not_o to_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o to_o impose_v a_o sense_n on_o it_o which_o be_v never_o in_o it_o for_o how_o can_v she_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o book_n which_o have_v no_o sense_n in_o it_o if_o the_o church_n be_v to_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n must_v have_v a_o certain_a determinate_a sense_n in_o it_o before_o she_o expound_v it_o for_o to_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o which_o have_v no_o sense_n be_v nonsense_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o certain_a sense_n in_o it_o antcedent_o to_o the_o church_n exposition_n of_o it_o why_o do_v they_o call_v it_o a_o parcel_n of_o vnsense_v character_n if_o their_o mean_v be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o ambiguous_a that_o without_o the_o infallible_a exposition_n of_o the_o church_n we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a what_o it_o be_v beside_o that_o this_o be_v notorious_o false_a the_o scripture_n in_o all_o necessary_a point_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n be_v so_o very_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o any_o man_n that_o read_v it_o with_o a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n may_v be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o he_o can_v be_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o write_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o write_a exposition_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o whatever_o these_o man_n pretend_v it_o be_v not_o mere_o because_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o scripture_n that_o they_o oblige_v man_n to_o ground_n their_o faith_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o own_o as_o well_o as_o we_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o clear_a and_o yet_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v man_n to_o ground_n their_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o all_o must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o all_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o the_o plain_a scripture_n they_o will_v still_o contend_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n rely_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o they_o contend_v for_o it_o be_v not_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a but_o because_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o advance_v their_o church_n authority_n we_o own_o as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o authoty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o free_o allow_v to_o be_v the_o best_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o be_v this_o that_o whereas_o we_o require_v plain_a man_n to_o judge_v of_o plain_a thing_n with_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o all_o man_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o content_v themselves_o to_o see_v with_o the_o church_n eye_n where_o they_o be_v able_a to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v these_o man_n but_o to_o have_v all_o man_n as_o well_o wise_a as_o simple_a surrender_v up_o their_o faith_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o church_n and_o wink_v hard_a and_o believe_v whatever_o the_o church_n believe_v pure_o because_o the_o church_n believe_v it_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v we_o to_o believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n not_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a though_o this_o they_o pretend_v for_o be_v it_o never_o so_o plain_a the_o case_n will_v be_v the_o same_o but_o because_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o this_o will_v inevitable_o subvert_v their_o usurp_a dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n but_o we_o must_v believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o who_o be_v this_o church_n i_o beseech_v you_o why_o they_o themselves_o be_v this_o church_n so_o that_o whereas_o god_n have_v publish_v a_o book_n call_v the_o bible_n on_o purpose_n to_o declare_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n here_o be_v start_v up_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n who_o very_o grave_o tell_v we_o sir_n you_o must_v not_o so_o much_o as_o look_v into_o this_o book_n or_o if_o you_o do_v must_v not_o believe_v any_o one_o word_n in_o it_o upon_o its_o own_o credit_n and_o authority_n for_o though_o we_o do_v confess_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o be_v the_o sole_a judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o we_o decalre_a be_v its_o sense_n how_o unlikely_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o you_o you_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o receive_v and_o believe_v it_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o wedeclare_v it_o in_o short_a you_o must_v resign_v up_o your_o eye_n your_o faith_n your_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o we_o and_o see_v only_o with_o our_o eye_n and_o believe_v only_o with_o our_o faith_n and_o judge_v only_o with_o our_o judgement_n and_o whithersoever_o we_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o lead_v you_o you_o must_v tame_o follow_v we_o without_o presume_v to_o examine_v whether_o we_o lead_v you_o right_n or_o wrong_n but_o yet_o after_o all_o to_o induce_v we_o thus_o to_o enslave_v our_o understanding_n to_o they_o they_o themselves_o be_v fain_o to_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o allow_v we_o in_o some_o thing_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o to_o believe_v those_o thing_n upon_o its_o authority_n for_o no_o wise_a and_o honest_a man_n will_v ever_o believe_v either_o that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n or_o the_o infallible_a judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n without_o some_o proof_n and_o evidence_n and_o for_o this_o this_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o produce_v several_a text_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n now_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v notorious_o false_a viz._n that_o those_o text_n do_v necessary_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a true_a catholic_n church_n and_o that_o as_o such_o they_o be_v constitute_v by_o god_n infallible_a judge_n of_o scripture_n yet_o before_o i_o can_v believe_v so_o i_o must_v judge_v for_o myself_o whether_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o or_o no_o and_o if_o i_o judge_v it_o be_v i_o must_v believe_v that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o infallible_a upon_o the_o scripture_n authority_n and_o not_o they_o for_o their_o authority_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o debate_n and_o i_o can_v believe_v upon_o it_o before_o i_o believe_v it_o so_o then_o though_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o else_o upon_o scripture_n authority_n yet_o upon_o this_o very_a authority_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o be_v infallible_a which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v we_o must_v believe_v as_o much_o upon_o scripture_n authority_n as_o will_v sever_v their_o turn_n and_o no_o more_o but_o may_v i_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o two_o fundamental_a principle_n upon_o scripture_n authority_n or_o no_o if_o i_o may_v why_o may_v i_o not_o as_o well_o be_v infallible_o certain_a upon_o the_o same_o authority_n
of_o other_o principle_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o those_o see_v there_o be_v no_o common_a principle_n of_o chrstian_a religion_n but_o what_o be_v at_o least_o as_o plain_o reeal_v in_o scripture_n as_o these_o but_o this_o will_v spoil_v all_o for_o if_o man_n may_v be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n upon_o scripture_n authority_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n rely_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o this_o principle_n that_o man_n can_v arrive_v at_o no_o infallible_a certainty_n in_o religion_n by_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o indeed_o any_o other_o authority_n but_o the_o church_n but_o if_o i_o can_v be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o those_o two_o principle_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o infallible_a by_o those_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o urge_v to_o prove_v they_o how_o can_v i_o be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o declare_v and_o define_v for_o if_o i_o be_o not_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n for_o all_o i_o know_v the_o church_n may_v be_v infallible_a and_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v and_o if_o i_o be_o not_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v infallible_a for_o all_o i_o know_v they_o may_v be_v the_o church_n and_o yet_o still_o be_v mistake_v in_o short_a no_o authority_n can_v render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a but_o that_o which_o be_v infallible_a no_o infallibility_n can_v render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a but_o that_o of_o which_o i_o have_v a_o infallible_a certainty_n either_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n can_v render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n and_o if_o it_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o can_v or_o it_o can_v if_o it_o can_v why_o may_v it_o not_o as_o well_o render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a of_o other_o principle_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v at_o least_o as_o plain_o reveal_v in_o it_o as_o that_o if_o i_o can_v how_o can_v i_o be_v infallible_o certain_a that_o any_o thing_n she_o define_v and_o declare_v to_o i_o be_v true_a if_o then_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n can_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n we_o have_v as_o just_a a_o pretence_n to_o it_o as_o they_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o authority_n that_o we_o ground_n our_o faith_n if_o it_o can_v neither_o they_o nor_o we_o can_v just_o pretend_v to_o it_o because_o they_o can_v otherwise_o be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o their_o own_o infallibility_n but_o by_o scripture_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v god_n never_o intend_v either_o that_o they_o or_o we_o shall_v be_v infallible_o certain_a in_o the_o mtter_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o after_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o certainty_n that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o he_o still_o suppose_v that_o we_o may_v err_v and_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o that_o even_o from_o among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n where_o infallible_a certainty_n be_v if_o it_o be_v any_o where_n there_o shall_v arise_v false_a teacher_n who_o shall_v bring_v in_o damnable_a doctrine_n which_o can_v never_o have_v happen_v if_o he_o have_v leave_v any_o such_o mean_n to_o his_o church_n as_o shall_v render_v her_o child_n infallible_o certain_a all_o that_o he_o design_v be_v to_o leave_v we_o such_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o certainty_n in_o religion_n as_o that_o we_o may_v not_o err_v either_o dangerous_o or_o damnable_o without_o our_o own_o fault_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o his_o word_n and_o in_o that_o have_v plain_o discover_v to_o we_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o a_o stand_a ministry_n in_o his_o church_n to_o explain_v his_o word_n to_o we_o and_o to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n but_o still_o he_o require_v we_o to_o search_v the_o one_o and_o attend_v to_o the_o other_o with_o honest_a humble_a and_o teachable_a mind_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o may_v err_v not_o only_o dangerous_o but_o damnable_o and_o it_o be_v but_o fit_a and_o just_a we_o shall_v but_o if_o we_o diligent_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o faithful_o rely_v upon_o its_o authority_n without_o do_v of_o which_o we_o search_v it_o in_o vain_a if_o we_o sincere_o attend_v to_o the_o public_a ministry_n with_o mind_n prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o though_o we_o may_v possible_o err_v in_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n yet_o as_o to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a salvaion_n our_o faith_n shall_v be_v inviolable_o secure_v and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o honest_a man_n needs_o or_o as_o any_o honest_a church_n can_v promise_v 2._o from_o hence_o also_o i_o infer_v that_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o religion_n god_n do_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n for_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v he_o put_v we_o upon_o search_v the_o scripture_n but_o that_o thereby_o we_o may_v inform_v ourselves_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o he_o have_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o practice_v but_o if_o it_o be_v his_o mind_n that_o we_o shall_v whole_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o church_n or_o of_o our_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o submit_v our_o faith_n to_o their_o dictate_v without_o any_o examination_n what_o a_o needless_a and_o impertinent_a employment_n will_v this_o be_v for_o we_o to_o search_v and_o consult_v the_o scripture_n consult_v they_o for_o what_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v their_o guidance_n and_o direction_n and_o to_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o manner_n from_o they_o and_o if_o for_o this_o end_n god_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o consult_v they_o as_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o can_v be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o employ_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n to_o consider_v what_o they_o say_v and_o inquire_v what_o they_o mean_v otherwise_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o consult_v they_o to_o no_o purpose_n it_o be_v as_o evident_a therefore_o that_o god_n will_v have_v we_o use_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o discern_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o what_o not_o in_o religion_n and_o not_o lazy_o rely_v upon_o other_o to_o see_v and_o discern_v and_o believe_v for_o we_o as_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o search_v and_o consult_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o i_o think_v be_v evident_a enough_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o any_o one_o that_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o admit_v of_o a_o conviction_n and_o indeed_o see_v our_o reason_n be_v the_o noble_a faculty_n we_o have_v it_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a if_o god_n shall_v not_o allow_v it_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o high_a and_o most_o important_a affair_n wherein_o he_o have_v engage_v we_o and_o see_v it_o be_v our_o reason_n only_o that_o render_v we_o capable_a of_o religion_n what_o a_o odd_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v for_o god_n to_o for_o bid_v we_o make_v use_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o most_o important_a concern_v of_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o distinguish_v what_o be_v true_a religion_n from_o what_o be_v false_a and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v from_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o reject_v i_o know_v it_o be_v pretend_v by_o those_o who_o urge_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o submit_v our_o reason_n to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o allow_v man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o discover_v which_o the_o true_a church_n be_v and_o that_o all_o they_o contend_v for_o be_v only_o this_o that_o when_o once_o man_n have_v find_v the_o true_a church_n they_o ought_v to_o inquire_v no_o far_o but_o immediate_o to_o deliver_v up_o their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o it_o and_o believe_v every_o thing_n it_o believe_v without_o any_o far_a examination_n so_o that_o before_o man_n come_v into_o their_o church_n it_o seem_v they_o be_v allow_v to_o see_v for_o themselves_o but_o after_o they_o be_v in_o they_o must_v wink_v and_o follow_v their_o guide_n and_o depute_v they_o to_o see_v and_o understand_v for_o they_o which_o to_o such_o man_n as_o be_v not_o quite_o sick_a of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n shall_v methinks_v be_v a_o great_a temptation_n to_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o their_o church_n for_o ever_o for_o if_o i_o may_v judge_v for_o myself_o while_o i_o be_o out_o of_o it_o but_o must_v not_o while_o i_o be_o in_o it_o i_o must_v be_v very_o fond_a of_o part_v with_o my_o own_o eye_n and_o reason_n if_o ever_o i_o come_v into_o it_o at_o all_o but_o suppose_v i_o be_v always_o in_o it_o
to_o plunge_v ourselves_o into_o all_o those_o endless_a misery_n which_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o soul_n imply_v what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o be_v serious_o affect_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o danger_n we_o present_o awake_v out_o of_o our_o security_n and_o with_o the_o deep_a concern_v for_o our_o immortal_a soul_n cry_v out_o with_o st._n peter_n auditor_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v veris_o when_o i_o reflect_v upon_o the_o strange_a unconcernedness_n of_o man_n about_o their_o future_a condition_n i_o be_o tempt_v to_o think_v either_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n in_o they_o or_o that_o if_o they_o do_v they_o believe_v it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v for_o ever_o miscarry_v for_o how_o be_v it_o conceivable_a that_o man_n who_o in_o other_o matter_n be_v so_o solicitous_a when_o their_o interest_n be_v at_o stake_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o least_o hazard_n shall_v believe_v that_o they_o have_v soul_n in_o danger_n of_o perish_v for_o ever_o and_o yet_o take_v no_o more_o care_n or_o regard_v of_o they_o but_o like_o the_o forgetful_a mother_n who_o when_o her_o house_n be_v on_o fire_n to_o save_v her_o good_n forget_v her_o child_n lie_v out_o all_o their_o thought_n upon_o the_o little_a concern_v of_o this_o frail_a and_o mortal_a life_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n forget_v their_o precious_a soul_n and_o leave_v they_o perish_v in_o the_o flame_n of_o perdition_n o_o stupid_a creature_n what_o be_v thou_o make_v of_o that_o can_v consider_v that_o thou_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n surround_v with_o so_o many_o danger_n of_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o and_o yet_o be_v no_o more_o concern_v for_o its_o preservation_n methinks_v if_o thou_o have_v any_o sense_n in_o thou_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o such_o endless_a misery_n before_o thou_o the_o remote_a possibility_n of_o fall_v into_o they_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o startle_v and_o awake_v thou_o but_o when_o thou_o be_v so_o near_o the_o brink_n of_o those_o misery_n and_o have_v so_o many_o cause_n round_o about_o thou_o shove_v thou_o forward_o and_o thrust_v thou_o headlong_o down_o into_o they_o and_o yet_o be_v no_o more_o concern_v at_o it_o be_v such_o a_o prodigy_n of_o senseless_a stupidity_n as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n may_v just_o be_v astonish_v at_o it_o be_v true_a if_o the_o danger_n thou_o be_v in_o be_v such_o as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v evade_v it_o will_v then_o be_v the_o wise_a course_n thou_o can_v take_v to_o concern_v thyself_o as_o little_a as_o may_v be_v about_o it_o but_o rather_o to_o live_v merry_o whilst_o thou_o may_v and_o not_o antedate_v thy_o misery_n by_o think_v of_o the_o dismal_a futurity_n but_o god_n be_v praise_v this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n though_o our_o condition_n be_v dangerous_a yet_o it_o be_v far_o from_o desperate_a for_o if_o we_o will_v use_v our_o honest_a endeavour_n and_o vigorous_o exert_v the_o faculty_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o not_o only_o may_v but_o shall_v escape_v there_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a many_o cause_n of_o our_o danger_n a_o great_a many_o enemy_n concur_v to_o our_o ruin_n but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v it_o unless_o we_o ourselves_o join_v hand_n in_o the_o fatal_a conspiracy_n if_o we_o will_v be_v but_o faithful_a friend_n to_o ourselves_o and_o true_a to_o our_o own_o eternal_a interest_n it_o will_v be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o all_o those_o cause_n together_o to_o do_v we_o any_o material_a injury_n for_o bless_a be_v the_o good_a god_n those_o that_o be_v for_o we_o be_v far_o great_a and_o mighty_a than_o those_o that_o be_v against_o we_o against_o we_o we_o have_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n the_o weak_a of_o which_o be_v i_o confess_v a_o dangerous_a and_o puissant_a enemy_n but_o for_o we_o we_o have_v god_n and_o angel_n and_o our_o own_o reason_n assist_v with_o the_o most_o invincible_a motive_n with_o vast_a and_o glorious_a promise_n that_o stand_v beckon_v to_o we_o with_o crown_n of_o immortality_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o call_v we_o off_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o our_o lust_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n with_o direful_a threaten_n that_o be_v continual_o alarm_v and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o dreadful_a consequent_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o sundry_a other_o such_o mighty_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v almighty_a motive_n as_o if_o we_o will_v serious_o attend_v to_o will_v certain_o render_v our_o soul_n impregnable_a against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o vice_n and_o beside_o our_o reason_n thus_o arm_v and_o accounter_v we_o have_v on_o our_o side_n the_o holy_a angel_n of_o god_n who_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o prompt_v we_o to_o and_o assist_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n and_o to_o second_v we_o in_o all_o our_o spiritual_a combat_n against_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o we_o have_v with_o we_o the_o almighty_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o upon_o our_o sincere_a desire_n and_o honest_a endeavour_n be_v engage_v to_o aid_v we_o and_o cooperate_v with_o we_o in_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n who_o grace_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o strengthen_v we_o in_o our_o weakness_n to_o support_v we_o under_o our_o great_a difficulty_n and_o carry_v we_o on_o victorious_o through_o the_o most_o violent_a temptation_n and_o be_v back_v with_o such_o mighty_a auxiliary_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v miscarry_v unless_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o betray_v ourselves_o and_o give_v fire_n to_o the_o fatal_a train_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o if_o we_o be_v so_o bend_v there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o our_o obstinacy_n and_o it_o be_v just_a and_o fit_a we_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o dismal_a and_o pitiless_a effect_n of_o our_o own_o folly_n and_o madness_n for_o if_o when_o we_o see_v our_o sleve_n in_o so_o much_o danger_n and_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o our_o power_n to_o escape_v if_o we_o please_v we_o will_v notwithstanding_o precipitate_v ourselves_o into_o ruin_n all_o the_o world_n must_v agree_v upon_o a_o impartial_a inquisition_n for_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o murder_v ourselves_o that_o god_n be_v just_a and_o that_o his_o hand_n be_v clean_a from_o any_o stain_n of_o our_o blood_n and_o that_o our_o own_o ruin_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o our_o own_o invincible_a obstinacy_n iii_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o proposition_n that_o our_o renounce_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n will_v most_o certain_o infer_v the_o loss_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o these_o word_n be_v urge_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o motive_n to_o deter_v his_o disciple_n from_o forsake_v he_o as_o be_v plain_a from_o ver._n 24_o 25._o which_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o upon_o their_o forsake_v he_o this_o loss_n will_v most_o certain_o and_o inevitable_o follow_v in_o the_o prosecution_n therefore_o of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o show_v you_o what_o that_o forsake_v of_o christ_n be_v which_o infer_v this_o loss_n 2._o upon_o what_o account_v our_o thus_o forsake_v he_o infer_v it_o 1._o what_o that_o forsake_v of_o christ_n be_v which_o infer_v this_o loss_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v a_o fourfold_a forsake_v of_o christ_n which_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o as_o capital_a and_o damnable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n 1._o when_o we_o forsake_v he_o by_o a_o total_a apostasy_n 2_o when_o we_o cowardly_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o we_o still_o believe_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 3._o when_o by_o obstinate_a heresy_n we_o either_o add_v to_o or_o subtract_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n 4_o when_o by_o any_o wilful_a course_n of_o disobedience_n we_o do_v virtual_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n 1._o we_o lose_v and_o forfeit_v our_o soul_n when_o we_o forsake_v christ_n by_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o he_o when_o after_o we_o have_v be_v baptise_a into_o his_o name_n and_o thereby_o have_v make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n and_o obey_v his_o law_n we_o turn_v runagadoe_n and_o cast_v off_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o one_o and_o disow_v our_o obligation_n to_o the_o other_o we_o do_v most_o just_o incur_v the_o loss_n and_o forfeiture_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o so_o strong_a and_o cogent_a be_v the_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o any_o profess_a christian_n can_v be_v either_o innocent_o or_o excusable_o seduce_v into_o a_o disbelief_n of_o it_o for_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o vast_a moment_n and_o concern_v
recompense_n which_o he_o have_v so_o plain_o and_o clear_o promise_v to_o his_o subject_n for_o this_o he_o also_o obscure_o typify_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o hint_v by_o that_o canaan_n which_o he_o bestow_v upon_o they_o after_o their_o tedious_a travel_n through_o the_o wilderness_n he_o do_v dark_o represent_v to_o they_o that_o canaan_n above_o flow_v with_o infinite_a delight_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o bestow_v upon_o his_o faithful_a servant_n after_o they_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o wilderness_n of_o this_o world_n so_o also_o by_o their_o sabbaoth_n and_o especial_o their_o year_n of_o jubilee_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o rest_v from_o all_o their_o labour_n and_o keep_v a_o perpetual_a festivity_n he_o do_v obscure_o decipher_v to_o they_o that_o sabbaoth_v of_o rest_n and_o jubilee_n of_o endless_a pleasure_n which_o virtuous_a soul_n shall_v enjoy_v in_o heaven_n after_o they_o have_v finish_v their_o labour_n here_o on_o earth_n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a heb._n 4._o now_o by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a shadow_n of_o their_o law_n which_o possible_o the_o prophet_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n may_v expound_v to_o they_o those_o who_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a among_o they_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a be_v instruct_v in_o the_o article_n of_o eternal_a life_n hence_o it_o may_v be_v may_v arise_v that_o famous_a controversy_n among_o the_o jew_n concern_v the_o write_a and_o oral_a law_n which_o they_o call_v the_o cabala_n or_o the_o law_n by_o tradition_n not_o that_o this_o traditional_a contain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o write_a law_n but_o because_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v obscure_o contain_v in_o the_o type_n of_o the_o write_a law_n be_v explain_v and_o interpret_v in_o this_o their_o traditional_a law_n but_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o type_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v not_o full_o explain_v in_o this_o traditional_a law_n till_o after_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n after_o which_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n and_o after_o he_o ezekiel_n begin_v to_o speak_v more_o plain_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o eternal_a life_n begin_v to_o be_v more_o open_o teach_v among_o the_o common_a people_n till_o about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n when_o it_o be_v bring_v forth_o into_o the_o light_n from_o under_o those_o type_n in_o which_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_o represent_v and_o become_v a_o principle_n even_o of_o the_o popular_a religion_n and_o a_o article_n of_o the_o jewish_a faith_n as_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o record_n of_o those_o time_n particular_o 2_o macc._n 7.23_o 26._o compare_v with_o heb._n 11.35_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o then_o this_o article_n shall_v be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v to_o fortify_v the_o jew_n against_o those_o many_o persecution_n whereunto_o they_o be_v expose_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v terrify_v to_o apostatise_v from_o it_o by_o those_o cruel_a martyrdom_n which_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n they_o many_o of_o they_o endure_v and_o beside_o now_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v approach_v and_o consequent_o its_o mystery_n like_o the_o light_n of_o the_o rise_a sun_n begin_v to_o break_v forth_o clear_a and_o clear_a from_o under_o that_o cloud_n of_o type_n wherein_o it_o be_v wrap_v and_o involve_v till_o at_o last_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n himself_o arise_v and_o disperse_v those_o cloud_n and_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o as_o for_o the_o sadducee_n who_o give_v no_o heed_n to_o the_o cabala_n or_o traditional_a law_n in_o which_o this_o doctrine_n be_v first_o discover_v and_o adhere_v only_o to_o the_o write_a law_n of_o moses_n they_o still_o continue_v infidel_n in_o this_o point_n and_o believe_v neither_o angel_n nor_o spirit_n nor_o the_o life_n to_o come_v so_o very_o obscure_o be_v it_o represent_v in_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o write_a law_n but_o when_o once_o the_o eternal_a word_n come_v to_o tabernacle_n in_o our_o flesh_n he_o reveal_v this_o great_a article_n so_o plain_o and_o clear_o to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o not_o to_o believe_v it_o that_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o incarnate_a word_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v by_o all_o these_o instance_n what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o truth_n between_o christ_n tabernacle_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o moses_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o argument_n with_o two_o or_o three_o practical_a inference_n one_a he_o dwell_v or_o tabernacle_v among_o we_o from_o hence_o i_o infer_v the_o high_a authority_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o holy_a religion_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o for_o to_o tabernacle_n among_o we_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o signify_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o as_o the_o shechinah_n presence_n or_o representative_a of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n as_o one_o that_o act_v in_o his_o father_n person_n and_o be_v vest_v with_o his_o authority_n and_o consequent_o as_o one_o who_o have_v as_o great_a a_o right_a to_o exact_v our_o obedience_n as_o the_o eternal_a father_n himself_o shall_v he_o have_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n in_o his_o own_o person_n to_o give_v law_n to_o mankind_n for_o so_o when_o the_o eternal_a word_n go_v before_o the_o camp_n of_o israel_n as_o the_o shechinah_n or_o angel_n of_o god_n presence_n god_n require_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v obey_v he_o as_o himself_o beware_v of_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o voice_n say_v god_n provoke_v he_o not_o for_o he_o will_v not_o pardon_v your_o transgression_n for_o my_o name_n be_v in_o he_o exod._n 23.21_o and_o v._o 22._o to_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o this_o angel_n be_v interpret_v to_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n himself_o but_o if_o thou_o shall_v indeed_o obey_v his_o voice_n say_v god_n and_o do_v all_o that_o i_o speak_v than_o i_o will_v be_v a_o enemy_n to_o thy_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o for_o the_o israelite_n to_o disobey_v this_o angel_n who_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v to_o you_o be_v the_o eternal_a word_n or_o representative_a of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n to_o they_o be_v to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n the_o same_o thing_n as_o if_o they_o have_v disobey_v the_o most_o high_a himself_o and_o according_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o believe_v not_o on_o i_o but_o on_o the_o father_n that_o send_v i_o that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o mere_o believe_v on_o i_o but_o on_o the_o father_n too_o who_o authority_n i_o have_v and_o who_o person_n i_o reprefent_v for_o so_o he_o explain_v himself_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n he_o that_o see_v i_o see_v he_o that_o send_v i_o that_o be_v i_o be_v my_o father_n be_v shechinah_n or_o representative_a joh._n 12.44_o 45._o and_o therefore_o as_o every_o contempt_n of_o the_o deputy_n or_o vice-governor_n be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o sovereign_a prince_n who_o person_n he_o bear_v and_o by_o who_o authority_n he_o act_v so_o every_o rebellion_n against_o christ_n be_v a_o open_a defiance_n to_o the_o sovereign_a god_n who_o person_n he_o represent_v and_o by_o who_o authority_n he_o reign_v hence_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n job_n 5._o 23._o that_o he_o that_o honour_v not_o the_o son_n honour_v not_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v he_o which_o plain_o intimate_v that_o god_n the_o father_n resent_v those_o indignity_n which_o we_o offer_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o law_n as_o if_o they_o be_v do_v to_o his_o own_o person_n and_o that_o if_o himself_o shall_v speak_v to_o we_o from_o the_o battlement_n of_o heaven_n or_o proclaim_v his_o law_n to_o we_o in_o a_o voice_n of_o thunder_n he_o will_v not_o be_v more_o displease_v to_o hear_v we_o open_o declarethat_o we_o will_v not_o obey_v he_o than_o he_o be_v to_o see_v we_o trample_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o his_o son_n which_o he_o have_v stamp_v with_o his_o own_o sovereign_a authority_n so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o infinite_o foolhardy_a methinks_v we_o shall_v never_o dare_v to_o violate_v our_o religion_n in_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n be_v so_o immediate_o concern_v for_o whatsoever_o our_o religion_n require_v of_o we_o it_o require_v in_o his_o name_n who_o have_v a_o undoubted_a right_n and_o authority_n to_o command_v we_o for_o from_o all_o eternity_n he_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a power_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o unbecoming_a his_o divine_a perfection_n
excellent_a and_o divine_a doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v be_v such_o as_o become_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o certain_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o excellent_a frame_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o can_v but_o confess_v it_o to_o be_v most_o divine_a and_o godlike_a most_o worthy_a of_o that_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v derive_v for_o religion_n in_o general_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o advance_v rational_a being_n to_o that_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n for_o which_o the_o great_a creator_n have_v design_v and_o intend_v they_o and_o certain_o never_o be_v there_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n more_o adapt_v to_o advance_v this_o noble_a design_n of_o god_n than_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v for_o as_o for_o its_o agenda_fw-la what_o it_o require_v to_o be_v do_v '_o they_o all_o consist_v in_o act_v reasonable_o and_o according_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o think_v speak_a and_o practise_v in_o love_v and_o hate_v disire_v and_o delight_v hope_v and_o fear_v as_o become_v reasonable_a being_n place_v in_o our_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n and_o do_v require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v regulate_v our_o practice_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o direct_v all_o our_o faculty_n and_o affection_n to_o their_o proper_a end_n and_o object_n and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o this_o pitch_n always_o to_o think_v that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o always_o to_o practice_v what_o we_o think_v so_o than_o we_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o topmost_a round_n of_o our_o perfection_n in_o which_o be_v found_v the_o utmost_a happiness_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o that_o in_o all_o the_o course_n of_o our_o christian_a practice_n we_o be_v in_o a_o direct_a progression_n and_o tendency_n towards_o our_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n and_o as_o for_o the_o credenda_fw-la of_o christianity_n the_o doctrine_n it_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o pregnant_a with_o the_o most_o strong_a and_o vehement_a motive_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o it_o enjoin_v motive_n that_o have_v such_o a_o potent_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v omnipotent_a force_n in_o they_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n hearty_o to_o believe_v and_o thorough_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v they_o and_o not_o be_v effectual_o persuade_v by_o they_o since_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o high_o convenient_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o person_n shall_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n among_o we_o that_o so_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n may_v give_v authority_n to_o that_o religion_n by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o since_o he_o do_v come_v down_o upon_o this_o honourable_a errand_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o have_v teach_v any_o doctrine_n that_o can_v more_o effectual_o have_v promote_v the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n or_o more_o full_o express_v his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n htan_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v every_o way_n so_o adapt_v to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o happy_a so_o accommodate_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v better_v become_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o teach_v in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a of_o all_o those_o infinite_a perfection_n that_o be_v lodge_v in_o his_o nature_n and_o do_v speak_v he_o to_o be_v the_o most_o genuine_a offspring_n of_o the_o most_o high_a for_o so_o excellent_a be_v his_o doctrine_n that_o his_o very_a enemy_n be_v astonish_v at_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v give_v he_o mark_v 6.2_o 3._o and_o wonder_v at_o the_o gracious_a word_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n luke_n 4.22_o well_o therefore_o may_v he_o say_v of_o himself_o i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n joh._n 8.12_o 4thly_a and_o last_o the_o incomparable_a sanctity_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o life_n be_v such_o as_o very_o well_o become_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o as_o it_o be_v high_o convenient_a that_o he_o shall_v come_v down_o into_o the_o world_n and_o in_o his_o own_o person_n teach_v we_o that_o religion_n by_o which_o he_o intend_v to_o govern_v we_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v stamp_v it_o with_o a_o more_o awful_a authority_n so_o to_o render_v it_o more_o fuccessful_a it_o be_v no_o less_o convenient_a that_o he_o shall_v come_v down_o in_o our_o nature_n that_o therein_o he_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o practise_v what_o he_o teach_v we_o and_o set_v we_o a_o example_n of_o what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v that_o so_o we_o may_v see_v that_o he_o enjoin_v nothing_o upon_o we_o but_o what_o be_v practicable_a and_o what_o do_v become_v the_o most_o glorious_a person_n that_o ever_o do_v assume_v our_o nature_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o our_o duty_n and_o animate_v with_o a_o noble_a emulation_n of_o tread_v in_o his_o bless_a footstep_n since_o therefore_o all_o this_o be_v so_o high_o convenient_a and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o compliance_n with_o this_o convenience_n do_v actual_o assume_v our_o nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o lead_v a_o life_n that_o better_o comport_v with_o this_o design_n of_o his_o incarnation_n or_o better_a become_v the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n than_o he_o do_v for_o now_o that_o he_o be_v become_v a_o man_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o act_v suitable_o to_o his_o nature_n and_o shall_v he_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o state_n and_o circumstance_n of_o his_o nature_n he_o will_v not_o have_v act_v become_v himself_o so_o that_o it_o be_v high_o convenient_a that_o he_o shall_v become_v a_o man_n and_o be_v a_o man_n it_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v live_v like_o a_o wise_a and_o a_o good_a man_n in_o the_o condition_n and_o relation_n wherein_o he_o be_v place_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a of_o or_o become_v he_o than_o so_o to_o do_v though_o he_o be_v still_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o the_o father_n for_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n himself_o that_o he_o always_o act_n most_o reasonable_o according_a to_o the_o state_n and_o relation_n of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n become_v man_n by_o assume_v our_o nature_n to_o his_o own_o it_o be_v his_o glory_n to_o act_v most_o reasonable_o in_o the_o state_n and_o relation_n of_o a_o man._n and_o thus_o do_v the_o bless_a jesus_n do_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o conversation_n upon_o earth_n for_o his_o life_n be_v a_o most_o exact_a pattern_n of_o all_o humane_a virtue_n in_o which_o all_o that_o be_v ornamental_a to_o humane_a nature_n be_v represent_v in_o its_o fair_a colour_n there_o you_o may_v see_v a_o fair_a example_n of_o the_o most_o ardent_a love_n to_o and_o constant_a dependence_n upon_o god_n of_o the_o most_o profound_a humility_n and_o perfect_a resignation_n to_o his_o heavenly_a will._n there_o you_o may_v behold_v the_o moderation_n of_o humane_a passion_n and_o appetite_n set_v forth_o to_o the_o life_n and_o fair_o delineate_v in_o its_o most_o exquisite_a perfection_n in_o a_o word_n there_o you_o will_v find_v loyalty_n and_o submission_n to_o superior_n fidelity_n and_o justice_n to_o equal_n courtesy_n and_o candour_n and_o condescension_n to_o inferior_n universal_a love_n and_o a_o unbounded_a charity_n to_o all_o practise_v to_o the_o height_n and_o exactness_n and_o which_o way_n soever_o you_o turn_v your_o eye_n on_o this_o fair_a monument_n of_o virtue_n you_o can_v discover_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v lovely_a and_o adorable_a and_o infinite_o become_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o the_o father_n have_v thus_o explain_v and_o demonstrate_v the_o proposition_n to_o you_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o these_o four_o inference_n from_o this_o fourfold_a glory_n of_o the_o word_n which_o they_o see_v 1._o they_o see_v the_o glorious_a splendour_n which_o invest_v his_o person_n at_o his_o baptison_n and_o transfiguration_n from_o whence_o i_o infer_v his_o deputation_n from_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v his_o representative_a and_o viceroy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o this_o visible_a glory_n with_o which_o he_o be_v invest_v be_v always_o the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o the_o immediate_a representative_a of_o god_n and_o therefore_o by_o way_n of_o appropriation_n it_o be_v call_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o wheresover_v god_n as_o supreme_a monarch_n