god_n so_o that_o my_o work_n be_v to_o let_v other_o see_v the_o light_n wherein_o scripture_n show_v itself_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o in_o this_o undertake_n charge_n papist_n as_o deny_v in_o term_n the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v for_o they_o grant_v it_o in_o a_o sort_n when_o they_o say_v the_o church_n testimony_n make_v it_o not_o authentical_a and_o canonical_a in_o itself_o but_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la in_o respect_n to_o we_o who_o can_v otherwise_o be_v ascertain_v of_o its_o divine_a authority_n 3._o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v expect_v from_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n so_o as_o to_o silence_v all_o gainsayers_a since_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o prove_v as_o there_o will_v not_o be_v some_o to_o make_v exception_n what_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o god_n existence_n and_o yet_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o deny_v or_o question_n i._o christ_n come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n and_o what_o 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incite_v to_o a_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v show_v in_o many_o particular_n if_o we_o be_v put_v to_o it_o but_o how_o dim_a and_o dark_a be_v nature_n light_n as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o god_n when_o it_o teach_v nothing_o at_o all_o about_o it_o the_o heathen_n have_v their_o offering_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o appease_v their_o god_n and_o in_o these_o for_o aught_o any_o can_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v light_a from_o god_n people_n who_o have_v the_o divine_a oracle_n but_o all_o those_o offering_n of_o they_o be_v lie_v vanity_n because_o they_o have_v not_o any_o the_o least_o apprebension_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v a_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n and_o what_o revelation_n have_v god_n make_v of_o his_o mind_n about_o this_o great_a concernment_n beside_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n do_v ever_o any_o of_o the_o learned_a heathen_n so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o such_o a_o work_n as_o god_n reconcile_a the_o world_n to_o himself_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o papist_n i_o hope_v will_v acknowledge_v with_o we_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o propitiation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n now_o how_o come_v we_o and_o they_o to_o know_v this_o great_a mystery_n if_o we_o learn_v it_o not_o from_o scripture_n and_o can_v any_o but_o god_n reveal_v it_o to_o we_o and_o since_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n have_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n for_o the_o only_a way_n of_o purge_a sin_n and_o sanctify_v our_o sinful_a nature_n what_o have_v any_o heathen_n do_v by_o their_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o their_o natural_a light_n they_o have_v indeed_o many_o of_o they_o commend_a virtue_n to_o the_o sky_n and_o exhort_v other_o to_o it_o but_o what_o be_v that_o moral_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o the_o philosopher_n and_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v labour_v to_o promote_v among_o man_n be_v it_o not_o of_o a_o far_o inferior_a nature_n and_o quite_o another_o thing_n from_o that_o true_a holiness_n which_o be_v teach_v in_o scripture_n for_o this_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o a_o learned_a discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n not_o long_o since_o print_v and_o only_o say_v though_o many_o heathen_n by_o their_o natural_a light_n discover_v many_o vice_n to_o shun_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o be_v sober_a just_a and_o temperate_a in_o comparison_n of_o other_o yet_o all_o this_o moral_a righteousness_n in_o they_o be_v far_o short_a of_o god_n image_n and_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o those_o who_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o different_a as_o a_o live_a man_n and_o his_o statue_n or_o picture_n though_o draw_v as_o we_o say_v to_o the_o life_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o true_a holiness_n consist_v especial_o in_o the_o inward_a impression_n and_o disposition_n which_o make_v a_o man_n meet_v for_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o in_o the_o inclination_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n immediate_o such_o as_o meet_v moralist_n never_o know_v there_o be_v a_o fountain_n and_o root_n within_o from_o whence_o spring_v all_o that_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n and_o purity_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o outward_a conversation_n and_o all_o be_v from_o a_o man_n be_v ingraft_v into_o christ_n and_o receive_v from_o he_o a_o continual_a supply_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v papist_n will_v not_o deny_v viz._n that_o all_o spiritual_a good_a be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o this_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v teach_v we_o in_o scripture_n we_o conclude_v scripture_n to_o be_v write_v with_o god_n finger_n because_o no_o other_o than_o god_n can_v reveal_v such_o glorious_a truth_n to_o we_o let_v it_o be_v show_v we_o how_o these_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v write_v where_o we_o find_v they_o and_o who_o write_v they_o if_o god_n do_v not_o once_o we_o think_v it_o a_o rational_a and_o unquestionable_a conclusion_n that_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n because_o we_o find_v in_o it_o the_o only_a way_n of_o our_o access_n to_o and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o only_a way_n of_o purify_n we_o so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v meet_a for_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o ever_o and_o why_o even_o because_o god_n alone_o can_v teach_v we_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v conceive_v all_o this_o while_n we_o grant_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o some_o man_n before_o they_o be_v record_v in_o the_o write_a word_n but_o we_o expect_v papist_n will_v not_o send_v we_o
shall_v we_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o or_o that_o translation_n sol._n we_o grant_v that_o some_o have_v err_v and_o any_o may_v unless_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a spirit_n to_o aâ—…st_v what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o who_o maintain_v not_o this_o or_o that_o translation_n but_o the_o scripture_n well_o and_o faithful_o translate_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n true_o our_o translation_n have_v be_v alter_v but_o this_o alteration_n have_v be_v in_o word_n more_o than_o matter_n and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sense_n may_v be_v express_v divers_a way_n so_o we_o may_v have_v different_a translation_n without_o any_o error_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o doctrine_n nay_o further_o what_o if_o one_o translation_n shall_v differ_v from_o another_o in_o sense_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o bind_v to_o quit_v our_o english_a bibles_n unless_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o we_o have_v not_o in_o they_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o châ—…istian_a doctrine_n and_o here_o we_o require_v it_o be_v show_v and_o prove_v that_o our_o various_a translation_n do_v not_o all_o agree_v exact_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v in_o they_o all_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n the_o difference_n in_o all_o our_o translation_n be_v not_o such_o or_o so_o many_o as_o that_o we_o shall_v need_v the_o church_n authority_n to_o assure_v and_o settle_v we_o for_o god_n open_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n to_o know_v his_o voice_n from_o other_o while_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n give_v testimony_n to_o itself_o and_o receive_v authority_n from_o no_o other_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v see_v by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o as_o we_o discern_v sweet_a from_o sour_a by_o its_o own_o taste_n however_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n have_v say_v we_o deny_v not_o that_o there_o be_v divers_a mean_n whereby_o our_o conscience_n may_v be_v assure_v some_o private_a as_o skill_n in_o tongue_n learning_n labour_n prayer_n conference_n etc._n etc._n some_o public_a as_o the_o ministry_n which_o act_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o authority_n to_o secure_v but_o ministry_n to_o show_v we_o that_o which_o shall_v secure_v we_o which_o ministry_n be_v found_v on_o the_o scripture_n itself_o in_o that_o from_o thence_o it_o fetch_v the_o reason_n that_o may_v pâ—…rswade_v we_o and_o shâ—…weth_v the_o light_n that_o do_v infallible_o assure_v we_o and_o the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o be_v this_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o inward_a mean_n the_o teach_n of_o the_o church_n a_o outward_a the_o spirit_n secure_v we_o by_o kiss_v own_o authority_n the_o church_n direct_v we_o by_o her_o ministry_n the_o spirit_n have_v light_a in_o itself_o the_o church_n borrow_v she_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o certain_a god_n never_o since_o his_o people_n have_v his_o law_n write_v to_o they_o have_v leave_v they_o without_o a_o ministry_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o that_o ministry_n to_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o how_o this_o can_v be_v do_v among_o our_o vulgar_a unless_o by_o translate_n the_o scripture_n let_v they_o show_v that_o can_v for_o we_o can_v whereas_o our_o adversary_n take_v occasion_n hence_o to_o quarrel_v scripture_n as_o no_o competent_a rule_n of_o faith_n because_o the_o unlearned_a vulgar_a want_n a_o rule_n and_o can_v have_v no_o other_o than_o a_o bible_n translate_v which_o be_v liable_a to_o many_o and_o great_a mistake_n we_o may_v just_o question_v they_o about_o their_o translation_n for_o they_o know_v there_o be_v a_o latin_a translation_n not_o the_o original_a for_o certain_a which_o be_v with_o they_o commend_v as_o authentical_a to_o say_v no_o more_o only_o we_o desire_v they_o first_o to_o answer_v for_o themselves_o however_o we_o may_v just_o marvel_v that_o they_o send_v we_o to_o tradition_n for_o our_o assurance_n about_o translation_n 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absolute_a necessity_n of_o translation_n unless_o we_o know_v of_o any_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a way_n of_o bring_v our_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o his_o write_a word_n and_o what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v or_o what_o can_v we_o do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o poor_a soul_n there_o be_v some_o perhaps_o who_o can_v resolve_v this_o otherwise_o then_o we_o dare_v and_o say_v let_v they_o alone_o to_o be_v as_o ignorant_a as_o may_v be_v and_o believe_v only_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v right_a or_o wrong_n but_o for_o our_o part_n we_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n that_o our_o people_n will_v never_o grope_v out_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n while_o they_o be_v blindfolded_a nor_o can_v we_o be_v persuade_v that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n though_o we_o know_v it_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o superstition_n god_n 〈◊〉_d mâ—…n_n from_o darkness_n uâ—…to_fw-la light_n when_o he_o turn_v they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n 〈◊〉_d himself_o act._n 26._o 18_o and_o why_o come_v our_o saviour_n a_o lighâ—…_n into_o the_o world_n if_o we_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n as_o blind_a as_o we_o be_v bear_v what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v while_o we_o be_v here_o â—…pon_o earth_n more_o than_o to_o get_v grace_n and_o knowledge_n and_o grow_v in_o it_o more_o and_o more_o heaven_n be_v call_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o hell_n be_v call_v utter_a darkness_n to_o say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n translate_v into_o english_a because_o the_o great_a number_n of_o our_o people_n who_o soul_n be_v as_o precious_a as_o other_o can_v otherwise_o understand_v they_o without_o a_o miracle_n and_o we_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n we_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o make_v our_o people_n know_v god_n mind_n and_o will_n in_o 〈◊〉_d write_v word_n and_o for_o tradition_n we_o know_v no_o use_n of_o it_o unless_o iâ—…_n be_v fiâ—…st_o resolve_v beyond_o all_o exception_n that_o we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v whatever_o the_o scripture_n say_v what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a query_n may_v serve_v in_o part_n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d hand_n last_o qâ—…ery_n about_o the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n however_o we_o shall_v say_v what_o we_o thâ—…nk_v about_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n not_o sense_v and_o to_o be_v sense_v now_o the_o sense_n of_o 〈◊〉_d that_o scripture_n have_v word_n and_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o they_o read_v it_o as_o any_o mâ—…n_n read_v his_o friend_n or_o correspondent_o letter_n to_o know_v his_o mind_n in_o they_o or_o as_o factouâ—…s_n beyond_o sea_n come_v to_o know_v their_o merchant_n order_n give_v they_o in_o and_o by_o their_o letter_n sometime_o a_o difference_n arise_v among_o these_o and_o â—…hen_o what_o can_v a_o factor_n do_v to_o clear_v himself_o more_o then_o to_o produce_v his_o merchant_n leâ—…ters_n and_o say_v here_o be_v the_o order_n you_o give_v i_o and_o i_o have_v follow_v it_o so_o do_v we_o when_o we_o be_v question_v about_o our_o faith_n we_o know_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o this_o that_o we_o have_v order_n give_v we_o in_o scripture_n to_o believe_v so_o and_o so_o and_o not_o otherwise_o we_o can_v in_o this_o case_n abstract_n the_o leâ—…ter_n from_o the_o sense_n scholar_n indeed_o in_o their_o contemplation_n may_v make_v such_o abstraction_n but_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o they_o in_o practical_a use_n or_o about_o moral_a action_n for_o in_o such_o case_n we_o must_v as_o all_o sober_a man_n do_v take_v word_n and_o sense_n together_o word_n and_o letter_n as_o far_o as_o we_o ever_o learn_v serve_v only_o to_o signifiâ—…_n man_n sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o so_o do_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n signify_v god_n mind_n
2._o cor._n 5._o 14._o that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o such_o and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o manifestation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o love_n to_o our_o soul_n as_o we_o can_v never_o be_v thankful_a as_o we_o ought_v but_o in_o a_o full_a and_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o we_o have_v to_o his_o service_n and_o glory_n 2._o i_o advise_v yet_o farâ—…her_o that_o in_o our_o great_a inlargement_n we_o walk_v humble_o with_o god_n as_o know_v that_o his_o power_n alone_o be_v all_o the_o strength_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o stand_v peter_n preâ—…umptuous_a confidence_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n wrought_v nothing_o but_o repentance_n for_o his_o saint_n in_o a_o evil_a day_n by_o his_o own_o strength_n shall_v 9_o no_o man_n prevail_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n eph._n 6._o 10._o and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n v_o ii_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o keep_v the_o foot_n of_o his_o saint_n 1_o sam._n 2._o 9_o there_o need_v no_o motive_n i_o hope_v to_o persuade_v however_o consider_v 1._o what_o we_o have_v believe_v not_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n but_o a_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n 9_o seem_v to_o prefer_v if_o the_o comparative_a be_v sense_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n before_o vision_n and_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o he_o may_v so_o call_v they_o because_o the_o prophecy_n may_v be_v more_o sure_a to_o the_o godly_a jew_n through_o long_a use_n and_o acquaintance_n we_o know_v the_o jew_n at_o berea_n examine_v paul_n doctrine_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v not_o tax_v but_o commend_v for_o it_o and_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o those_o bless_a spirit_n indeed_o never_o do_v it_o nor_o ever_o will_n but_o we_o make_v the_o supposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v gal._n 1._o for_o the_o more_o emphasis_n for_o scripture-truth_n they_o be_v of_o long_o stand_v and_o approve_v by_o their_o abide_n the_o test_n and_o trial_n of_o so_o many_o age_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n make_v the_o old_a testament_n the_o standard_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o appeal_v to_o it_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v more_o to_o be_v heed_v then_o if_o a_o man_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a luk._n 16._o 31._o and_o they_o who_o hear_v not_o the_o one_o will_v never_o regard_v the_o other_o if_o our_o saviour_n say_v true_a be_v it_o ever_o hear_v that_o any_o doctrine_n so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n antiquity_n or_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o thing_n but_o certain_a truth_n shall_v outstand_v the_o sift_n and_o winnowing_n of_o so_o many_o age_n special_o when_o it_o have_v have_v so_o many_o profess_a enemy_n shall_v we_o now_o call_v in_o question_n what_o be_v never_o question_v before_o have_v not_o all_o christian_n who_o deserve_v that_o name_n unanimous_o agree_v in_o believe_v the_o faith_n and_o truth_n deliver_v in_o scripture_n or_o do_v protestant_n now_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o believe_v by_o all_o saint_n ever_o since_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v pen_v we_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o and_o this_o doctrine_n we_o have_v in_o mosâ—…s_n who_o be_v the_o first_o penman_n of_o scripture_n and_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v 46_o write_v of_o he_o must_v we_o now_o call_v in_o question_n all_o that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v yea_o and_o cry_v it_o down_o as_o no_o rule_n of_o faith_n then_o farewell_n all_o our_o christianity_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o once_o for_o where_o have_v we_o learn_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 3._o fin_n who_o or_o what_o have_v give_v we_o to_o know_v what_o have_v be_v all_o the_o transaction_n of_o god_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n from_o the_o beginning_n will_v our_o adversary_n say_v roundly_o once_o for_o all_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n let_v they_o speak_v out_o if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o say_v so_o and_o then_o we_o know_v what_o to_o answer_v they_o but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o avow_v this_o as_o indeed_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o in_o plain_a term_n we_o have_v this_o to_o say_v for_o ourselves_o that_o we_o believe_v what_o they_o deny_v not_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n that_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o otherwise_o then_o by_o tradition_n have_v be_v already_o answer_v and_o no_o more_o needs_o to_o be_v say_v about_o it_o for_o man_n tradition_n we_o know_v it_o will_v serve_v nothing_o better_a to_o usher_v in_o and_o establish_v man_n invention_n but_o shall_v we_o renounce_v our_o own_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o to_o appeal_v to_o man_n who_o be_v all_o liar_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v by_o he_o that_o can_v lie_v oh_o consider_v and_o remember_v that_o in_o believe_a scripture_n we_o believe_v not_o prophecy_n or_o prodigy_n not_o hear_v of_o till_o yesterday_o no_o we_o believe_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n and_o the_o good_a old_a way_n to_o rest_n and_o peace_n the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o practical_a godliness_n and_o moral_a righteousness_n teach_v we_o in_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v but_o assent_v unto_o it_o as_o agree_v with_o and_o approve_v by_o our_o natural_a light_n so_o as_o we_o must_v forfeit_v out_o reason_n ere_o we_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o question_v scripture_n authority_n read_v but_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o psalm_n and_o the_o proverb_n and_o paul_n epistle_n or_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n and_o consider_v the_o precept_n of_o sobriety_n temperance_n righteousness_n justice_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v there_o so_o many_o and_o will_v not_o our_o conscience_n say_v these_o be_v all_o of_o god_n and_o we_o know_v they_o be_v divine_a by_o the_o natural_a light_n which_o be_v in_o we_o who_o can_v have_v clear_v up_o the_o inbred_a notion_n and_o impression_n that_o be_v upon_o all_o man_n heart_n so_o as_o they_o be_v clear_v in_o scripture_n but_o that_o light_a in_o which_o alone_o we_o see_v light_n for_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n we_o know_v it_o be_v altogether_o of_o supernatural_a divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v such_o what_o need_n be_v there_o or_o can_v there_o be_v of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n authority_n to_o confirm_v it_o to_o say_v no_o more_o let_v reason_n judge_v and_o determine_v whether_o the_o faith_n of_o man_n can_v authoritative_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o it_o must_v if_o we_o can_v be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o yea_o and_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n testimony_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n as_o yield_v to_o we_o the_o great_a certainty_n beyond_o all_o doubt_n or_o question_n consider_v i_o say_v what_o we_o have_v believe_v viz._n the_o ancient_a yea_o eternal_a word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n and_o this_o word_n always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o god_n be_v only_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n it_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o these_o last_o time_n to_o we_o by_o the_o son_n himself_o and_o such_o as_o he_o have_v send_v 2._o consider_v that_o in_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o write_a word_n we_o believe_v and_o receive_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o forefather_n who_o suffer_v for_o their_o close_a adhere_n to_o scripture_n doctrine_n and_o can_v not_o be_v part_v from_o it_o but_o rather_o choose_v to_o part_v with_o their_o life_n for_o it_o and_o herein_o they_o approve_v themselves_o the_o genuine_a and_o kindly_a issue_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a martyr_n who_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n we_o shall_v too_o much_o wrong_v ourselves_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o yield_v that_o which_o our_o adversary_n will_v never_o be_v able_a by_o dint_n of_o argument_n to_o force_v from_o we_o viz._n that_o we_o be_v upstart_n new_o sâ—…rung_v out_o of_o the_o ash_n of_o our_o late_a reformer_n they_o be_v as_o we_o call_v they_o reformer_n that_o repair_v the_o desolation_n which_o
it_o much_o rather_o then_o aâ—…y_a thing_n else_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o care_v so_o little_a sore_a tradition_n because_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n for_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n to_o save_v we_o but_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o know_v not_o how_o we_o can_v have_v faith_n in_o god_n but_o by_o receive_v the_o testimony_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v when_o papist_n attribute_v so_o much_o to_o tradition_n for_o ascertain_v scripture_n we_o can_v yield_v to_o they_o in_o it_o because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n so_o speak_v to_o man_n as_o they_o may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v if_o he_o do_v not_o it_o be_v because_o he_o will_v not_o or_o because_o he_o can_v that_o he_o can_v no_o man_n can_v say_v without_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v he_o will_v not_o be_v little_o better_a for_o he_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a but_o open_o and_o plain_o so_o as_o they_o to_o who_o he_o have_v speak_v have_v know_v certain_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n not_o only_o to_o declâ—…re_v the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o to_o ascertain_v those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o such_o be_v scripture_n uz._n a_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v so_o make_v as_o man_n may_v know_v that_o god_n have_v speak_v wherefore_o though_o papist_n say_v of_o scripture_n as_o the_o jew_n say_v of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o bear_v record_v of_o thyself_o thy_o record_n be_v not_o true_a we_o answer_v as_o christ_n answer_v for_o himself_o though_o it_o bear_v record_n of_o itself_o yet_o its_o record_n be_v true_a for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v understand_v his_o mind_n so_o he_o speak_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o they_o may_v know_v it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v and_o not_o man_n or_o any_o creature_n for_o what_o can_v be_v say_v or_o think_v more_o unworthy_a of_o god_n then_o that_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o man_n but_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o can_v be_v understand_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o other_o to_o ascertain_v they_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v we_o can_v speak_v to_o one_o another_o either_o by_o word_n or_o writing_n so_o as_o to_o know_v who_o speak_v as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v speak_v but_o god_n it_o seem_v to_o papist_n must_v have_v some_o other_o to_o pass_v their_o word_n for_o he_o before_o he_o can_v have_v any_o credit_n with_o man_n and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o must_v ascertain_v we_o beyond_o all_o further_a question_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n only_o tradition_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n successive_o convey_v down_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o need_v or_o desire_v it_o we_o shall_v enlarge_v in_o our_o answer_n yet_o not_o to_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o our_o intend_a breviy_n 1._o we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v testimony_n to_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o true_a church_n have_v so_o do_v in_o all_o age_n we_o protestant_n do_v believe_v but_o we_o say_v withal_o that_o the_o church_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a instrument_n or_o mean_n in_o give_v this_o testimony_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n such_o as_o papist_n plead_v for_o or_o dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o we_o stand_v to_o affirm_v we_o do_v not_o beâ—…ieve_v the_o scripture_n because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o we_o believe_v it_o such_o for_o its_o own_o and_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n though_o no_o man_n bear_v witness_n to_o it_o for_o what_o be_v the_o church_n make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n more_o or_o less_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o have_v these_o man_n this_o doctrine_n or_o how_o come_v then_o by_o it_o have_v they_o it_o not_o in_o scripture_n christ_n indeed_o deliver_v it_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o they_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n but_o i_o hope_v papist_n will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o pen_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n or_o that_o the_o next_o church_n receive_v any_o doctrine_n other_o than_o be_v therein_o record_v so_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v mention_v ephes._n 2._o 20._o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o scripture_n and_o not_o scripture_n upon_o the_o church_n indeed_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o believe_v scripture_n and_o make_v it_o the_o ground_n work_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v it_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o society_n the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v or_o frame_v the_o scripture_n but_o receive_v it_o make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n god_n have_v his_o secretary_n who_o write_v his_o will_n and_o command_n and_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o man_n have_v be_v call_v and_o such_o as_o submit_v and_o come_v in_o have_v be_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n hence_o the_o church_n we_o say_v have_v more_o need_n of_o scripture_n testimony_n than_o scripture_n have_v of_o the_o church_n and_o according_o protestant_n judge_v of_o the_o church_n by_o scripture_n and_o not_o of_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n questionless_a when_o god_n shall_v judge_v all_o by_o the_o man_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v he_o will_v try_v all_o church_n and_o man_n by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o where_o those_o law_n be_v we_o leave_v papist_n to_o inquire_v for_o we_o know_v none_o but_o such_o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n they_o tell_v we_o a_o very_a fair_a tale_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o the_o first_o church_n which_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v so_o unnatural_a as_o witting_o to_o hide_v it_o from_o posterity_n and_o deliver_v over_o to_o the_o next_o generation_n such_o lie_n as_o will_v unavoidable_o damn_v they_o now_o we_o suppose_v as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o all_o parent_n and_o progenitor_n have_v so_o much_o natural_a affection_n as_o not_o to_o procure_v willing_o or_o witting_o the_o damnation_n of_o their_o child_n but_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v say_v we_o tradition_n to_o be_v so_o infallible_a as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o for_o tradition_n or_o deliver_v any_o matter_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n be_v and_o must_v be_v uncertain_a yea_o and_o soon_o fail_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o record_n whereupon_o to_o bottom_v it_o and_o for_o this_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o in_o the_o first_o age_n god_n be_v please_v to_o let_v his_o will_v be_v make_v know_v from_o father_n to_o son_n after_o he_o have_v once_o declare_v and_o reveal_v it_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o leave_v all_o to_o tradition_n but_o ever_o and_o anon_o renew_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n as_o occasion_v require_v and_o this_o he_o do_v when_o those_o patriarch_n live_v ten_o time_n so_o long_o as_o any_o have_v ordinary_o live_v for_o very_a many_o age_n and_o when_o afterward_o abraham_n seed_n be_v grow_v into_o a_o multitude_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o have_v the_o lively_a oracle_n enroll_v and_o commit_v to_o writing_n hence_o we_o think_v it_o rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n think_v his_o will_n write_v to_o be_v more_o infallible_a and_o certain_a then_o as_o deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n once_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o while_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v deliver_v without_o write_v it_o all_o the_o world_n be_v corrupt_v so_o as_o all_o flesh_n have_v pervert_v their_o way_n in_o the_o time_n of_o noah_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o at_o first_o the_o doctrine_n which_o god_n reveal_v to_o adam_n and_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v corrupt_v as_o they_o be_v if_o tradition_n can_v possible_o fail_v or_o how_o come_v the_o world_n after_o the_o flood_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o idol_n so_o as_o abraham_n must_v be_v call_v out_o from_o the_o posterity_n of_o shem_n who_o posterity_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n deliver_v to_o they_o if_o tradition_n be_v so_o faithful_a in_o the_o delivery_n of_o what_o be_v commit_v to_o it_o we_o wonder_v how_o true_a religion_n shall_v fail_v so_o soon_o and_o that_o not_o among_o a_o few_o but_o all_o the_o world_n over_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o heretic_n have_v rise_v
it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n we_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o show_v how_o tradition_n which_o they_o so_o much_o commend_v and_o magnify_v may_v fail_v and_o so_o prove_v no_o infallible_a testimony_n and_o who_o be_v our_o forefather_n from_o who_o we_o learn_v our_o faith_n we_o have_v show_v already_o and_o now_o shall_v name_v some_o of_o they_o viz._n the_o reformer_n in_o the_o last_o age_n and_o jo._n hu_o and_o hiâ—…rome_n of_o prague_n and_o before_o they_o wickliff_n and_o before_o he_o the_o waldenses_n and_o all_o that_o protest_v against_o the_o church_n corruption_n in_o all_o age_n upward_o as_o may_v be_v show_v if_o it_o be_v pertinent_a jo._n whites_n way_n p._n 336._o §_o 45._o &_o 337._o digress_v 48._o 2._o tradition_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n let_v papist_n first_o ascertain_v we_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n who_o testimony_n we_o must_v believe_v for_o our_o part_n we_o know_v none_o upon_o earth_n that_o pretend_v to_o christianity_n that_o do_v not_o account_v themselves_o the_o true_a church_n and_o that_o avow_v not_o themselves_o to_o have_v the_o true_a faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v now_o there_o be_v so_o many_o pretender_n we_o be_v at_o as_o great_a a_o loss_n which_o tradition_n as_o without_o it_o since_o all_o say_v they_o hold_v the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o yet_o extreme_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o not_o in_o few_o matter_n or_o small_a at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v say_v and_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v dissenter_n and_o of_o these_o some_o be_v ignorant_a and_o some_o obstinate_a and_o some_o sceptic_n and_o we_o know_v too_o many_o profess_v christian_n who_o be_v in_o their_o way_n and_o do_n no_o better_o than_o infidel_n now_o may_v not_o any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o question_n tradition_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o they_o know_v not_o which_o be_v the_o church_n who_o testimony_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v say_v as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o some_o that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o know_v the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v just_o reply_v that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o know_v the_o scripture_n as_o well_o for_o all_o that_o own_o not_o scripture_n we_o may_v just_o disow_v they_o as_o be_v no_o christian_n a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o christian_n it_o be_v confess_v though_o he_o never_o see_v a_o bible_n if_o he_o have_v hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o many_o gentile_n yea_o all_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v do_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n but_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o not_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o pure_a contradiction_n now_o how_o we_o shall_v know_v which_o church_n give_v the_o true_a testimony_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n if_o not_o by_o scripture_n let_v papist_n resolve_v we_o for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o answer_v we_o think_v among_o so_o many_o pretender_n there_o will_v be_v difference_n such_o as_o extradition_n will_v no_o better_o reconcile_v then_o scripture_n and_o that_o as_o protestant_n can_v agree_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o some_o interpret_v it_o one_o way_n and_o some_o another_o so_o they_o and_o other_o will_v agree_v no_o better_o about_o the_o church_n and_o its_o tradition_n for_o as_o i_o have_v say_v there_o be_v many_o church_n and_o those_o huge_o differ_v in_o some_o thing_n and_o yet_o all_o pretend_v to_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n therefore_o we_o have_v need_n of_o somewhat_o to_o ascertain_v we_o of_o that_o church_n which_o have_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v down_o all_o along_o the_o same_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v for_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n we_o believe_v it_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o its_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o age_n but_o we_o protestant_n can_v own_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o such_o though_o we_o know_v there_o be_v there_o one_o sound_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n papist_n indeed_o pretend_v and_o boast_v great_a thing_n of_o their_o church_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o who_o can_v well_o distinguish_v between_o a_o roman-catholick_n and_o a_o catholic_n christian._n here_o than_o we_o protestant_n resolve_v to_o believe_v the_o church_n for_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o we_o allow_v what_o that_o ancient_a father_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v scripture_n but_o for_o the_o church_n for_o we_o know_v that_o after_o he_o come_v once_o to_o learn_v the_o scripture_n he_o then_o believe_v it_o not_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n but_o it_o be_v own_o only_a the_o church_n we_o grant_v may_v at_o first_o persuade_v infidel_n to_o attend_v and_o heed_n the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n even_o as_o the_o woman_n persuade_v her_o neighbour_n to_o come_v and_o see_v christ._n but_o as_o they_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v he_o themselves_o 44._o believe_v not_o because_o of_o her_o say_n but_o because_o of_o his_o own_o word_n even_o so_o be_v â—…in_o the_o case_n that_o now_o be_v in_o question_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o office_n of_o ministry_n to_o hold_v out_o the_o light_n that_o other_o who_o be_v in_o darkeness_n may_v see_v it_o but_o this_o will_v never_o prove_v the_o church_n to_o have_v such_o a_o authority_n as_o papist_n plead_v for_o and_o much_o less_o that_o their_o church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n which_o only_o hold_v the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o when_o they_o have_v say_v all_o they_o can_v they_o say_v no_o more_o than_o any_o church_n never_o so_o corrupt_a will_v say_v for_o itself_o viz._n that_o it_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v hence_o we_o say_v again_o that_o tradition_n leave_v we_o at_o a_o irrecoverable_a loss_n and_o that_o we_o must_v have_v somewhat_o more_o certain_a than_o the_o church_n testimony_n which_o any_o company_n of_o never_o so_o corrupt_a principle_n may_v pretend_v unto_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 3._o we_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v down_o be_v true_a because_o the_o church_n have_v deliver_v it_o or_o that_o the_o church_n have_v deliver_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n for_o we_o think_v the_o church_n ought_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v the_o truth_n only_o and_o to_o deliver_v that_o and_o nothing_o else_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o other_o and_o if_o it_o receive_v other_o than_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v deceive_v and_o if_o it_o deliver_v other_o it_o be_v not_o only_o deceive_v but_o deceive_v other_o also_o the_o church_n can_v make_v nothing_o to_o be_v true_a but_o what_o be_v such_o before_o of_o itself_o and_o all_o it_o can_v do_v be_v to_o declare_v the_o truth_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v and_o persuade_v other_o to_o believe_v it_o therefore_o when_o papist_n press_v we_o as_o they_o do_v about_o our_o be_v assure_v of_o scripture_n we_o say_v that_o we_o believe_v it_o upon_o account_n of_o its_o own_o authority_n because_o it_o speak_v itself_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o when_o a_o place_n of_o trust_n and_o honour_n be_v confer_v upon_o a_o person_n by_o his_o prince_n and_o assure_v to_o he_o under_o the_o great_a seal_n though_o the_o messenger_n that_o bring_v the_o patent_n may_v avow_v it_o to_o be_v the_o prince_n act_n yet_o that_o which_o give_v assurance_n to_o the_o person_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o that_o office_n and_o honour_n be_v the_o patent_n itself_o and_o the_o seal_v annex_v so_o we_o know_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o even_o so_o have_v the_o true_a church_n in_o all_o age_n receive_v scripture_n as_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n and_o commend_v it_o 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it_o be_v so_o agree_v very_o early_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v because_o coâ—…stantine_n in_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n will_v not_o else_o have_v persuade_v the_o father_n assemble_v to_o examine_v and_o try_v all_o question_n and_o controversy_n by_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n for_o have_v it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o have_v be_v rational_a to_o move_v they_o first_o to_o resolve_v what_o the_o canon_n be_v once_o we_o know_v the_o christian_a church_n have_v need_v to_o be_v resolve_v of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n at_o least_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v depart_v this_o life_n for_o if_o any_o thing_n sure_o this_o be_v of_o concernment_n to_o the_o church_n viz._n to_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n state_v as_o the_o standard_n whereby_o all_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v weigh_v and_o measure_v and_o this_o we_o think_v be_v do_v even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o determination_n which_o they_o have_v make_v so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o such_o question_n of_o old_a about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o papist_n have_v make_v of_o late_a that_o some_o have_v question_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o know_v but_o we_o say_v they_o be_v only_o some_o and_o not_o the_o whole_a church_n beside_o to_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o few_o book_n be_v not_o to_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o indeed_o this_o question_n be_v never_o make_v till_o of_o latter_a time_n when_o papist_n can_v no_o more_o defend_v their_o tenet_n by_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n 5._o we_o will_v know_v how_o the_o church_n come_v to_o know_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o this_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o question_n because_o papist_n make_v so_o much_o of_o the_o church_n testimony_n as_o if_o scripture_n have_v no_o authority_n as_o to_o we_o at_o least_o without_o it_o whatâ—…_n do_v the_o church_n devise_v the_o whole_a model_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n out_o of_o her_o own_o heart_n no_o certain_o this_o will_v never_o be_v say_v by_o any_o that_o be_v sober_a what_o then_o questionless_a she_o be_v teach_v it_o of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o i_o hope_v we_o all_o agree_v well_o and_o how_o be_v she_o teach_v it_o be_v it_o not_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o where_o be_v this_o revelation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n but_o i_o proceed_v and_o say_v the_o christian_a church_n learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n from_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n work_v with_o the_o word_n for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n bring_v to_o light_v what_o have_v never_o be_v hear_v of_o or_o think_v on_o before_o but_o they_o only_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n the_o performance_n of_o what_o god_n have_v foretell_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n and_o make_v under_o the_o law_n when_o once_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v and_o so_o the_o apostle_n avow_v act_v 26._o 22._o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v signify_v before_o and_o do_v not_o christ_n come_v to_o fulfil_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o father_n which_o promise_n be_v record_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o and_o christ_n himself_o expound_v the_o scripture_n concern_v himself_o lukâ—…_n 24._o 27._o and_o vers_fw-la 25._o he_o up_o 〈◊〉_d he_o two_o disciple_n with_o their_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v 〈◊〉_d iâ—…_n the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d themselves_o know_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o christ_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v we_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n once_o 〈◊〉_d if_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n 〈◊〉_d let_v papist_n tell_v we_o what_o it_o serve_v â—…or_a true_o we_o be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o know_v no_o use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o that_o be_v grant_v which_o our_o adversary_n plead_v for_o why_o may_v we_o not_o hearken_v to_o the_o church_n and_o her_o tradition_n and_o never_o look_v on_o scripture_n more_o for_o they_o have_v of_o late_o frame_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v all-sufficient_a and_o tell_v we_o plain_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o sure_o if_o we_o thus_o let_v go_v the_o word_n and_o take_v up_o tradition_n we_o have_v best_o let_v god_n go_v also_o and_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o church_n but_o there_o be_v some_o question_n to_o be_v answer_v and_o till_o this_o be_v do_v we_o talk_v to_o no_o purpose_n whatever_o we_o say_v of_o scripture_n or_o against_o tradition_n for_o how_o know_v we_o 1._o whether_o the_o original_n be_v entire_a and_o the_o same_o with_o those_o which_o be_v first_o pon_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n 2._o what_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v canonical_a and_o 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and_o the_o same_o to_o continue_v unto_o all_o genera_fw-la lion_z they_o can_v have_v prompt_v god_n and_o tell_v he_o what_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v of_o viz._n that_o those_o book_n may_v decay_v in_o time_n and_o the_o copy_n be_v corrupt_v in_o the_o transcribe_v of_o they_o or_o they_o may_v be_v lose_v and_o hide_v aside_o for_o so_o they_o be_v in_o josiahs_n time_n when_o 8â—…_n one_o copy_n be_v light_v on_o by_o chance_n and_o count_v as_o a_o jewel_n for_o its_o rarity_n and_o that_o in_o after_o age_n there_o may_v be_v much_o question_n about_o they_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o under_o the_o revolution_n of_o many_o age_n be_v alter_v from_o what_o they_o be_v at_o first_o by_o his_o
appointment_n but_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n who_o certain_o can_v foresee_v all_o these_o thing_n think_v it_o best_a to_o have_v his_o word_n write_v and_o yet_o make_v no_o extraordinary_a provision_n for_o transcribe_v they_o upon_o occasion_n or_o prevent_v such_o question_n as_o be_v now_o make_v by_o some_o sure_o we_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o jew_n to_o scripture_n and_o they_o do_v not_o excuse_v themselves_o by_o say_v they_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o have_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o it_o be_v first_o deliver_v nay_o they_o confess_v that_o god_n speak_v by_o moses_n and_o they_o know_v it_o and_o our_o saviour_n pu_o s_o the_o question_n whether_o he_o be_v the_o ch_z in_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n 39_o strange_a that_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n shall_v not_o foresee_v this_o quarrel_n miâ—…h_v be_v make_v in_o after_o age_n which_o pâ—…pists_n make_v now_o for_o may_v not_o the_o 〈◊〉_d the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v no_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o evidence_n their_o own_o certainty_n so_o as_o to_o ascertain_v they_o and_o how_o can_v they_o â—…icertain_v they_o then_o more_o than_o we_o new_a but_o tradition_n be_v it_o which_o must_v secure_v all_o by_o its_o affidavit_n make_v to_o oâ—…j_fw-la scripture_n and_o what_o do_v we_o then_o believe_v in_o sol._n believe_v scripture_n the_o authority_n of_o god_n or_o man_n if_o scripture_n authority_n as_o to_o we_o depend_v upon_o the_o church_n testimony_n in_o our_o belief_n of_o scripture_n we_o believe_v man_n and_o not_o god_n at_o least_o we_o believe_v god_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o what_o kind_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v let_v they_o who_o question_v we_o so_o much_o about_o scripture_n resolve_v we_o for_o the_o various_a reading_n that_o be_v in_o the_o original_n we_o acknowledge_v they_o and_o think_v they_o happen_v much_o through_o the_o mistake_v of_o 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but_o foresee_v that_o such_o manner_n of_o question_n may_v be_v put_v in_o after-age_n as_o be_v make_v now_o adays_o none_o dare_v say_v that_o god_n never_o order_v his_o will_n to_o be_v write_v and_o see_v it_o be_v so_o order_v by_o he_o why_o shall_v we_o question_v the_o wise_a and_o gracious_a hand_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o contrive_v the_o preservation_n of_o these_o ancient_a record_n unto_o all_o posterity_n for_o who_o he_o intend_v they_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o more_o direct_a course_n for_o our_o adversary_n to_o take_v if_o they_o will_v say_v downright_a that_o god_n never_o commit_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o writing_n then_o now_o to_o say_v as_o they_o do_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a that_o these_o write_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v at_o first_o for_o this_o seem_v to_o cast_v a_o aspersion_n upon_o god_n for_o take_v such_o a_o way_n of_o represent_v his_o mind_n unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o must_v leave_v those_o of_o these_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n under_o invincible_a doubt_n about_o his_o will_n that_o respect_v their_o great_a and_o only_a concernment_n as_o for_o their_o expedient_a of_o tradition_n what_o do_v it_o other_o then_o resolve_v all_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n for_o they_o say_v scripture_n can_v ascertain_v we_o concern_v itself_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o tradition_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o so_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n as_o to_o we_o must_v be_v less_o than_o that_o of_o man_n to_o the_o second_o querie_n we_o need_v not_o say_v much_o in_o way_n of_o answer_v it_o see_v the_o book_n account_v by_o we_o apocryphal_a do_v sufficient_o show_v what_o account_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v of_o they_o while_o they_o confute_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o content_n that_o the_o maccabee_n be_v a_o story_n of_o which_o there_o be_v good_a use_n we_o deny_v not_o and_o that_o ecclesiâ—…sticus_n and_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n etc._n etc._n contain_v many_o and_o sundry_a moral_a instruction_n we_o do_v not_o question_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o like_a be_v find_v in_o other_o book_n which_o yet_o pretend_v not_o to_o divine_a authority_n but_o this_o prove_v they_o not_o to_o be_v canonical_a as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v determine_v once_o the_o jewish_a church_n never_o own_v they_o for_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n nor_o be_v they_o ever_o write_v in_o their_o language_n as_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a 〈◊〉_d true_o they_o have_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v read_v in_o some_o church_n for_o instruction_n in_o manner_n but_o the_o christian_a church_n never_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n nor_o will_v it_o ever_o be_v prove_v the_o romish_a church_n indeed_o for_o what_o cause_n she_o best_a know_v have_v canonize_v these_o book_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o who_o can_v as_o easy_o distinguish_v in_o this_o case_n as_o we_o can_v between_o light_n and_o darkness_n but_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o church_n testimony_n and_o say_v that_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n have_v no_o other_o canonical_a book_n than_o what_o we_o own_o for_o such_o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o who_o question_v some_o particular_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testâ—…ment_n but_o that_o question_n continue_v not_o long_o and_o if_o some_o also_o give_v too_o much_o to_o these_o apocryphal_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o countervail_v the_o general_a vote_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o always_o reject_v they_o from_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o canon_n hence_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o we_o know_v what_o book_n be_v canonical_a by_o that_o light_n and_o lustre_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o shine_v out_o and_o show_v itself_o in_o