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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
authority_n church_n ground_n infallible_a 2,090 5 9.9023 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A92744 The Christian life wheren is shew'd, I. The worth and excellency of the soul. II. The divinity and incarnation of our Saviour III. The authority of the Holy Scripture. IV. A dissuasive from apostacy. Vol. V. and last. By John Scott, D.D. late rector of St. Giles's in the Fields.; Christian life. Vol. 5 Scott, John, 1639-1695.; White, Robert, 1645-1703, engraver.; Zouch, Humphrey. 1700 (1700) Wing S2060; ESTC R230772 251,294 440

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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 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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 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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 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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
church_n the_o apostleship_n of_o the_o twelve_o by_o this_o visible_a glory_n which_o he_o derive_v upon_o they_o for_o now_o according_a to_o john_n the_o baptist_n prediction_n of_o he_o he_o baptize_v they_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n luke_n 3.16_o that_o be_v by_o the_o outward_a sign_n of_o that_o visible_a glory_n which_o rest_v like_o fire_n upon_o they_o he_o solemn_o initiate_v they_o into_o their_o apostleship_n and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v the_o herald_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n and_o as_o this_o visible_a glory_n with_o which_o he_o baptize_v they_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o their_o be_v send_v from_o and_o commissionated_a by_o he_o to_o bear_v his_o authority_n and_o represent_v his_o person_n so_o that_o visible_a glory_n with_o which_o he_o be_v baptize_v from_o heaven_n first_o in_o the_o river_n jordan_n and_o afterward_o upon_o mount_n tabor_n be_v a_o undoubted_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o above_o to_o be_v his_o father_n representative_a in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o their_o shine_a uviht_n his_o glory_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o their_o be_v invest_v with_o his_o authority_n than_o his_o shine_a with_o his_o father_n glory_n must_v be_v a_o equal_a evidence_n of_o his_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o father_n and_o as_o this_o visible_a glory_n be_v always_o the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o god_n immediate_a representative_a and_o the_o royal_a crown_n and_o robe_n as_o it_o be_v with_o which_o the_o most_o high_o adorn_v he_o at_o his_o inauguration_n and_o investment_n with_o his_o own_o kingly_a authority_n so_o st._n peter_n express_o tell_v cornelius_n and_o his_o company_n that_o god_n have_v anoint_v he_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n act_v 10.13_o that_o be_v by_o that_o outward_a sign_n of_o the_o visible_a glory_n in_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o he_o he_o have_v invest_v he_o with_o regal_a power_n and_o depute_a and_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v king_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o forbid_v his_o disciple_n to_o declare_v his_o transfiguration_n till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a mark_v 9.9_o because_o he_o know_v that_o if_o they_o do_v the_o jew_n will_v not_o believe_v it_o but_o will_v malicious_o interpret_v it_o to_o be_v a_o false_a pretence_n of_o he_o to_o the_o title_n of_o god_n immediate_a representative_a and_o viceroy_n that_o visible_a glory_n in_o which_o he_o appear_v be_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o that_o divine_a king_n by_o who_o the_o most_o high_a god_n have_v former_o govern_v they_o and_o therefore_o in_o all_o the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n you_o find_v he_o do_v industrious_o avoid_v open_o to_o avow_v his_o regal_a authority_n and_o only_o insinuate_v it_o by_o consequence_n and_o obseure_fw-fr intimation_n for_o so_o violent_o be_v they_o prejudice_v against_o his_o be_v their_o king_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o obscure_a parentage_n and_o mean_a condition_n that_o he_o can_v not_o but_o foresee_v how_o unseasonable_a it_o will_v yet_o be_v public_o to_o own_o his_o regal_a authority_n and_o consequent_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o transfiguration_n which_o do_v so_o apparent_o infer_v it_o till_o by_o more_o miraculous_a effect_n and_o particular_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o demonstrate_v it_o and_o then_o he_o open_o declare_v without_o any_o reserve_v that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n matth._n 28.18_o since_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_a by_o this_o characteristical_a glory_n in_o which_o his_o person_n be_v inrobe_v and_o which_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o they_o see_v he_o invest_v with_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o most_o high_a god_n have_v depute_v he_o to_o be_v king_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n 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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 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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 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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 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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
will_v not_o be_v worth_a our_o while_n to_o receive_v and_o peruse_v the_o content_n of_o those_o sacred_a epistle_n which_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o holy_a penman_n he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o direct_v to_o we_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o our_o contempt_n to_o say_v that_o in_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o proneness_n to_o err_v and_o mistake_v we_o ought_v to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o this_o that_o our_o spiritual_a guide_n shall_v read_v god_n write_n for_o we_o and_o deliver_v the_o sense_n and_o content_n of_o they_o to_o we_o for_o to_o be_v sure_a have_v god_n intend_v that_o the_o priest_n only_o shall_v read_v they_o he_o will_v have_v direct_v they_o only_o to_o the_o priest_n and_o order_v they_o only_o to_o deliver_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o to_o the_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o since_o he_o have_v direct_v they_o to_o both_o this_o necessary_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v his_o intention_n that_o both_o shall_v read_v they_o for_o if_o god_n have_v not_o direct_v they_o to_o man_n neither_o priest_n nor_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o read_v they_o and_o therefore_o see_v the_o great_a reason_n why_o any_o man_n ought_v to_o read_v they_o be_v because_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o man_n this_o reason_n oblige_v all_o man_n to_o read_v they_o because_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o all_o men._n for_o not_o to_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n write_v to_o we_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o have_v a_o very_a mean_a regard_n both_o of_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n but_o to_o be_v sure_o whosoever_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o know_v what_o such_o a_o write_n contain_v will_n if_o he_o can_v be_v very_o curious_a to_o peruse_v it_o with_o his_o own_o eye_n at_o least_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o give_v that_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n as_o the_o information_n of_o his_o own_o sense_n so_o that_o for_o man_n wilful_o to_o neglect_v read_v the_o scripture_n which_o god_n have_v so_o express_o direct_v to_o they_o and_o thereby_o not_o only_o license_v but_o oblige_v they_o to_o read_v it_o argue_v a_o very_a profane_a disregard_n both_o of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o matter_n it_o contain_v and_o for_o any_o man_n or_o society_n of_o man_n to_o forbid_v the_o people_n to_o read_v what_o god_n have_v write_v and_o direct_v to_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o a_o right_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o but_o also_o to_o acquit_v they_o of_o a_o duty_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v upon_o they_o for_o st._n paul_n in_o those_o epistle_n which_o he_o write_v to_o the_o christian_a people_n in_o general_n of_o such_o and_o such_o church_n still_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o will_v read_v they_o as_o be_v not_o only_o warrant_v but_o oblige_v thereunto_o by_o his_o write_v they_o for_o so_o ephes_n 3.3_o 4._o speak_v of_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o call_n the_o gentile_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o he_o concern_v which_o say_v he_o i_o write_v afore_o in_o few_o word_n whereby_o when_o you_o read_v you_o may_v understand_v my_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n so_o also_o 2_o cor._n 1.13_o we_o write_v no_o other_o thing_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o you_o read_v that_o be_v than_o what_o you_o may_v at_o least_o and_o be_v oblige_v to_o read_v by_o virtue_n of_o our_o write_v they_o to_o you_o and_o as_o for_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o which_o he_o write_v to_o that_o whole_a church_n he_o give_v charge_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v to_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n 1_o thes_n 5.27_o so_o also_o for_o that_o of_o the_o colossian_n when_o this_o epistle_n be_v or_o have_v be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o be_v read_v also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n where_o you_o see_v he_o all_o along_o either_o suppose_n or_o require_v that_o what_o he_o write_v to_o all_o shall_v be_v read_v by_o all_o and_o to_o all_o if_o therefore_o this_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v sufficient_a to_o over_o rule_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o pretend_a successor_n of_o st._n peter_n then_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v still_o the_o duty_n of_o layman_n notwithstanding_o any_o papal_a prohibition_n to_o the_o contrary_n 5._o from_o the_o great_a concernment_n the_o people_n have_v in_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v oblige_v if_o they_o be_v able_a to_o read_v it_o and_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o it_o for_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n which_o the_o scripture_n contain_v they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o everlasting_a moment_n to_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o clergy_n the_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o people_n as_o by_o the_o clergy_n the_o precept_n of_o life_n which_o the_o scripture_n prescribe_v be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o people_n as_o by_o the_o clergy_n the_o promise_n and_o threat_n with_o which_o the_o scripture_n enforce_v those_o precept_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v by_o the_o people_n as_o by_o the_o clergy_n and_o see_v both_o be_v equal_o concern_v in_o the_o great_a matter_n which_o the_o scripture_n contain_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o both_o shall_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o they_o i_o know_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o study_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o for_o themselves_o and_o that_o therefore_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o trust_n from_o their_o teacher_n without_o make_v any_o far_a enquiry_n but_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v you_o sure_a that_o your_o teacher_n be_v infallible_a that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o be_v most_o certain_a it_o be_v notorious_a that_o most_o of_o the_o prevail_a heresy_n of_o christendom_n be_v first_o set_v on_o broach_n by_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v infallible_a who_o have_v so_o often_o actual_o err_v even_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n suppose_v then_o what_o be_v fair_o supposable_a that_o your_o teacher_n shall_v mislead_v you_o and_o not_o only_o into_o dangerous_a but_o damnable_a error_n be_v you_o sure_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v damn_v for_o you_o and_o that_o you_o shall_v escape_v if_o so_o then_o heresy_n in_o the_o laity_n can_v never_o be_v damnable_a if_o they_o receive_v it_o upon_o trust_n from_o their_o teacher_n and_o consequent_o their_o soul_n be_v as_o safe_a under_o the_o conduct_n of_o false_a teacher_n as_o true_a provide_v always_o that_o right_a or_o wrong_n they_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o but_o if_o yourselves_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n as_o well_o for_o your_o faith_n as_o for_o your_o manner_n and_o be_v liable_a in_o your_o own_o person_n to_o eternal_a damnation_n as_o most_o certain_o you_o be_v as_o well_o for_o heresy_n as_o immorality_n than_o it_o be_v the_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o you_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v your_o teacher_n upon_o trust_n for_o at_o this_o rate_n a_o man_n may_v be_v eternal_o damn_v mere_o for_o believe_v what_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o particular_a pastor_n teach_v but_o what_o the_o church_n teach_v they_o and_o the_o church_n can_v err_v though_o their_o particular_a pastor_n may_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o shall_v the_o people_n be_v otherwise_o inform_v what_o the_o church_n teach_v they_o than_o by_o the_o exposition_n of_o their_o particular_a pastor_n they_o be_v at_o least_o as_o incapable_a of_o inform_v themselves_o what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v and_o therefore_o if_o their_o pastor_n shall_v err_v damnable_o in_o expound_v to_o they_o what_o the_o church_n teach_v as_o it_o be_v supposable_a he_o may_v if_o he_o be_v not_o infallible_a there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o they_o must_v err_v damnable_o in_o believe_v whatsoever_o their_o pastor_n teach_v but_o we_o be_v far_o tell_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o people_n that_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o gross_a that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n teach_v be_v true_a and_o that_o as_o for_o the_o particular_n there_o
religion_n that_o will_v permit_v you_o to_o sin_n in_o quiet_a or_o at_o least_o prove_v more_o indulgent_a to_o your_o lust_n for_o if_o this_o be_v your_o temper_n you_o be_v in_o very_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v betray_v by_o it_o into_o any_o false_a and_o corrupt_a religion_n that_o shall_v be_v tender_v you_o in_o exchange_n for_o your_o own_o for_o if_o this_o other_o religion_n offer_v but_o any_o fair_a term_n to_o your_o vicious_a affection_n or_o propose_v but_o any_o expedient_a how_o to_o accommodate_v the_o vexatious_a quarrel_n between_o they_o and_o your_o conscience_n if_o it_o do_v but_o any_o way_n reconcile_v your_o hope_n of_o heaven_n to_o your_o vicious_a manner_n by_o direct_v you_o to_o some_o easy_a term_n of_o salvation_n than_o that_o of_o forsake_v all_o unrighteousness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n if_o it_o will_v but_o admit_v of_o any_o commutation_n of_o that_o unsufferable_a penance_n of_o godliness_n for_o bodily_a exercise_n of_o inward_a mortification_n for_o a_o long_a fast_a or_o a_o sound_a whip_n of_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n for_o put_v on_o a_o hair_n shirt_n of_o run_v the_o race_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o a_o santr_a pilgrimage_n or_o the_o like_a this_o be_v a_o religion_n for_o your_o tooth_n with_o which_o your_o naughty_a heart_n will_v be_v ready_a enough_o to_o fall_v in_o love_n upon_o the_o first_o interview_n and_o when_o once_o it_o have_v gain_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n if_o we_o do_v not_o take_v the_o great_a heed_n they_o will_v quick_o gain_v our_o faith_n and_o judgement_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v angry_a with_o his_o own_o religion_n because_o it_o sit_v uneasy_a on_o his_o conscience_n if_o a_o more_o easy_a religion_n present_v itself_o to_o he_o he_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v wish_v it_o be_v true_a though_o as_o yet_o he_o have_v no_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o then_o a_o very_a slender_a evidence_n will_v suffice_v to_o induce_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o a_o man_n earnest_o wish_n and_o desire_n if_o in_o this_o ill_a temper_n of_o mind_n therefore_o you_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o change_v your_o religion_n it_o concern_v you_o as_o much_o as_o your_o soul_n be_v worth_a to_o look_v about_o you_o for_o you_o have_v a_o seducer_n in_o your_o breast_n a_o prevalent_a insinuate_a seducer_n viz._n some_o vile_a and_o sinful_a affection_n who_o if_o you_o listen_v to_o his_o charm_a persuasion_n will_v certain_o betray_v you_o into_o a_o most_o damnable_a apostasy_n wherefore_o before_o you_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n consider_v serious_o with_o yourselves_o that_o that_o disturbance_n which_o your_o present_a religion_n give_v to_o your_o vicious_a affection_n for_o which_o you_o be_v so_o angry_a with_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n to_o suspect_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o real_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o its_o holiness_n which_o be_v a_o inseparable_a concomitant_a of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o for_o you_o to_o desert_n it_o upon_o this_o motive_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o pronounce_v it_o a_o false_a religion_n because_o it_o give_v you_o a_o sensible_a experiment_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o reality_n 3._o when_o you_o fall_v under_o any_o temptation_n to_o change_v your_o religion_n consider_v whether_o that_o which_o give_v you_o the_o first_o inclination_n to_o change_n be_v not_o some_o temporal_a interest_n whether_o before_o ever_o you_o admit_v any_o thought_n of_o a_o change_n you_o do_v not_o perceive_v another_o religion_n appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n attend_v with_o all_o the_o fair_a hope_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n and_o whether_o this_o prospect_n do_v not_o first_o suggest_v to_o you_o a_o great_a inclination_n to_o enter_v into_o its_o retinue_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o even_o worldly_a consideration_n may_v so_o far_a influence_n honest_a mind_n as_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o a_o more_o severe_a and_o impartial_a scrutiny_n of_o their_o present_a persuasion_n in_o religion_n and_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o case_n of_o palpable_a truth_n or_o falsehood_n it_o be_v but_o honest_a prudence_n when_o a_o man_n be_v temporal_a interest_n lie_v at_o stake_n to_o take_v care_n that_o he_o be_v sure_a of_o his_o hand_n that_o he_o do_v not_o throw_v it_o away_o upon_o a_o false_a persuasion_n in_o a_o fit_a of_o blind_a humour_n or_o obstinacy_n and_o sacrifice_n that_o to_o a_o erroneus_fw-la judgement_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o no_o other_o altar_n but_o truth_n be_v and_o indeed_o before_o i_o throw_v myself_o upon_o any_o suffer_a whether_o it_o be_v loss_n or_o pain_n i_o be_o bind_v in_o conscience_n diligent_o to_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v for_o truth_n or_o righteousness_n sake_n lest_o instead_o of_o receive_v the_o crown_n 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