be_v believer_n already_o and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o constant_a read_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o they_o so_o to_o who_o st._n peter_n write_v nay_o the_o apostle_n be_v then_o alive_a to_o instruct_v they_o by_o word_n as_o well_o as_o by_o write_v and_o moreover_o daily_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n yet_o they_o do_v well_o in_o take_v diligent_a heed_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o do_v so_o too_o who_o can_v find_v apostle_n and_o miracle_n no_o where_n but_o there_o we_o believe_v already_o but_o have_v we_o all_o of_o we_o that_o steadfast_a faith_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v which_o be_v not_o ground_v mere_o upon_o education_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n but_o upon_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n have_v we_o that_o faith_n which_o will_v bear_v examination_n and_o encounter_v opposition_n if_o we_o have_v a_o very_a little_a exhortation_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n to_o make_v we_o persevere_v in_o read_v god_n book_n whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v yet_o more_o strong_o build_v up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith._n but_o if_o not_o our_o want_n of_o faith_n will_v not_o be_v admit_v at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o a_o excuse_n of_o the_o badness_n of_o our_o life_n when_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n lay_v before_o we_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o say_v which_o if_o they_o have_v be_v diligent_o and_o honest_o read_v by_o we_o will_v have_v furnish_v we_o with_o such_o a_o immovable_a ground_n of_o our_o christian_a belief_n as_o will_v have_v support_v we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n nay_o if_o our_o faith_n be_v grow_v never_o so_o strong_a yet_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o make_v the_o precept_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o the_o motive_n and_o reason_n of_o practise_v they_o daily_o present_a in_o our_o mind_n for_o the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n be_v always_o present_a the_o snare_n of_o hell_n be_v still_o round_o about_o we_o we_o be_v ever_o in_o some_o danger_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n by_o have_v a_o constant_a sense_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n upon_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v our_o great_a defence_n and_o security_n and_o i_o see_v not_o how_o this_o can_v be_v if_o we_o neglect_v to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o that_o ever_o necessary_a treasure_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o holy_a word_n of_o god._n st._n chrysostom_n therefore_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v and_o i_o wish_v we_o may_v all_o well_o consider_v that_o earnest_a say_n of_o so_o wise_a and_o holy_a a_o man_n as_o he_o be_v it_o can_v be_v say_v he_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v attain_v salvation_n unless_o he_o be_v diligent_o conversant_a in_o spiritual_a read_n himself_o be_v so_o excellent_a and_o constant_a a_o preacher_n that_o if_o any_o one_o man_n not_o extraordinary_o inspire_v can_v have_v make_v it_o needless_a for_o his_o hearer_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n at_o home_n he_o i_o shall_v reckon_v be_v the_o man_n and_o yet_o i_o observe_v he_o often_o complain_v to_o they_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o most_o of_o they_o gain_v little_a profit_n by_o what_o he_o say_v either_o as_o to_o improvement_n of_o knowledge_n or_o good_a practice_n be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n he_o explain_v to_o they_o either_o before_o or_o after_o his_o sermon_n and_o say_v he_o it_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o this_o read_n that_o cause_v all_o heresy_n and_o corrupt_a life_n now_o i_o beseech_v you_o how_o much_o time_n do_v we_o spend_v in_o other_o thing_n of_o little_a concern_v to_o we_o either_o as_o to_o our_o health_n or_o wealth_n or_o our_o worldly_a calling_n and_o what_o a_o shame_n and_o a_o sin_n be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o find_v so_o little_a time_n as_o general_o we_o do_v to_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o with_o pious_a affection_n towards_o the_o do_n of_o his_o will_n out_o of_o god_n holy_a book_n what_o a_o great_a matter_n be_v it_o if_o we_o borrow_v some_o time_n for_o this_o purpose_n from_o our_o recreation_n or_o even_o from_o our_o ordinary_a business_n for_o what_o be_v this_o life_n to_o life_n everlasting_a what_o be_v the_o wealth_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n to_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o therefore_o the_o forementioned_a excellent_a person_n argue_v with_o his_o hearer_n in_o this_o manner_n perhaps_o some_o may_v say_v that_o they_o be_v otherwise_o employ_v in_o their_o worldly_a calling_n and_o other_o that_o they_o have_v not_o money_n to_o spare_v to_o buy_v the_o scripture_n but_o say_v he_o what_o a_o ridiculous_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n of_o a_o secular_a employment_n to_o neglect_v it_o upon_o pretence_n that_o he_o have_v not_o time_n for_o it_o or_o that_o he_o have_v not_o wherewhithal_o to_o purchase_v the_o necessary_a tool_n of_o his_o call_v these_o thing_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o plead_v but_o by_o idle_a person_n and_o do_v you_o not_o all_o know_v that_o you_o be_v profess_a christian_n and_o call_v to_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o diligent_a read_n and_o hear_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o your_o christian_a call_v as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v to_o the_o successful_a management_n of_o your_o secular_a profession_n i_o shall_v add_v this_o one_o thing_n that_o beside_o that_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v natural_o consequent_a upon_o much_o converse_v with_o god_n book_n they_o that_o do_v so_o have_v a_o peculiar_a title_n to_o god_n supernatural_a blessing_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o reward_v a_o pious_a and_o reverend_a use_n of_o holy_a thing_n with_o great_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o one_o word_n by_o other_o study_v we_o may_v grow_v wise_a for_o this_o world_n but_o if_o we_o add_v this_o to_o the_o rest_n we_o shall_v yet_o grow_v wise_a for_o this_o world_n by_o take_v heed_n to_o those_o incomparable_a instruction_n that_o the_o holy_a bible_n abound_v with_o and_o which_o be_v something_o more_o we_o shall_v grow_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n the_o ten_o sermon_n 1_o cor._n xii_o 13._o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n after_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v a_o continual_a communication_n of_o supernatural_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n to_o other_o believer_n for_o a_o long_a time_n to_o one_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o faith_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v by_o the_o same_o spirie_n to_o another_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o another_o discern_v of_o spirit_n to_o another_o divers_a kind_n of_o tongue_n to_o another_o the_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n but_o all_o these_o work_v that_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will._n and_o this_o manisestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o i._n e._n to_o profit_n the_o whole_a body_n whereof_o himself_o be_v a_o member_n for_o though_o that_o one_o spirit_n which_o distribute_v his_o wonderful_a gift_n among_o the_o faithful_a can_v have_v give_v they_o all_o to_o the_o same_o man_n so_o as_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n shall_v have_v have_v the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o healing_n and_o the_o work_v of_o miracle_n and_o a_o prophetic_a power_n and_o discern_v of_o spirit_n and_o divers_a kind_n of_o tongue_n yet_o to_o maintain_v a_o mutual_a dependence_n and_o a_o charitable_a serviceableness_n of_o the_o member_n one_o among_o another_o he_o give_v to_o one_o one_o gift_n to_o another_o another_z divide_v several_o to_o every_o man_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v one_o will_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o another_o and_o each_o member_n will_v be_v oblige_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o rest_n know_v that_o he_o also_o want_v the_o supply_n of_o that_o assistance_n which_o the_o rest_n be_v able_a to_o give_v he_o whereas_o if_o one_o man_n have_v all_o gift_n he_o will_v not_o be_v under_o so_o sensible_a a_o obligation_n of_o consult_v for_o the_o common_a good_a want_v no_o assistance_n from_o any_o other_o but_o god_n order_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n like_o that_o of_o the_o natural_a body_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n elegant_o
come_v to_o pass_v afterward_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o only_o to_o believe_v that_o can_v believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o casual_a hit_n of_o atom_n to_o name_v these_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o confute_v they_o 2._o all_o that_o can_v be_v far_o desire_v be_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o these_o prophecy_n be_v not_o forge_v by_o the_o follower_n of_o jesus_n but_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a write_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o the_o jew_n of_o our_o saviour_n time_n by_o their_o ancestor_n and_o the_o constant_a testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o who_o be_v most_o bitter_a enemy_n to_o jesus_n and_o to_o his_o doctrine_n be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o this_o point_n 4_o and_o last_o whereas_o these_o prediction_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n the_o meaning_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v a_o more_o convince_a testimony_n to_o jesus_n than_o any_o other_o take_v by_o its_o self_n they_o be_v indeed_o a_o more_o permanent_a testimony_n and_o withal_o less_o liable_a to_o cavil_v and_o objection_n i_o can_v stand_v to_o show_v this_o by_o make_v particular_a comparison_n but_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o prophecy_n include_v all_o other_o testimony_n and_o add_v strength_n to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o it_o comprehend_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o doctrine_n because_o these_o be_v all_o foretold_a it_o include_v all_o other_o proof_n as_o well_o as_o the_o thing_n prove_v and_o those_o proof_n be_v the_o more_o convince_a because_o they_o also_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n from_o all_o this_o it_o follow_v that_o allow_v the_o scripture_n that_o tradition_n which_o other_o good_a history_n have_v and_o which_o they_o have_v more_o of_o than_o any_o other_o ancient_a write_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a do_v prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n and_o well_o be_v it_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v prove_v without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n for_o otherwise_o christianity_n must_v never_o look_v a_o infidel_n in_o the_o face_n since_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n at_o all_o till_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o i_o will_v make_v bold_a to_o add_v that_o when_o all_o those_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v put_v into_o this_o form_n of_o book_n from_o the_o light_a oversight_n of_o transcriber_n from_o various_a reading_n and_o all_o the_o cavil_n upon_o any_o part_n of_o it_o be_v put_v together_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o run_v through_o it_o all_o will_v bear_v all_o this_o reckon_n and_o still_o remain_v a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o the_o first_o author_n be_v inspire_v that_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o that_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n well_o therefore_o might_n st._n peter_n commend_v the_o jewish_a convert_v for_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n since_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o come_v to_o a_o well-grounded_n faith_n indeed_o and_o to_o grow_v every_o day_n to_o great_a assurance_n and_o steadfastness_n therein_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n let_v we_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v exhort_v to_o like_a diligence_n in_o converse_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v more_o enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o that_o every_o doubt_n if_o any_o there_o be_v that_o shake_v our_o faith_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o this_o exhortation_n be_v so_o needful_a that_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n in_o their_o objection_n against_o it_o who_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o exclude_v all_o but_o the_o clergy_n and_o those_o that_o have_v special_a licence_n from_o read_v the_o scripture_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o say_v be_v this_o that_o the_o promiscuous_a liberty_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n lead_v the_o people_n into_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n make_v they_o insolent_a and_o ungovernable_a and_o ready_a to_o throw_v off_o all_o respect_n to_o their_o lawful_a guide_n that_o almost_o all_o heresy_n have_v proceed_v from_o misinterpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a place_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o to_o translate_v the_o bible_n into_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o people_n to_o read_v it_o be_v to_o betray_v they_o into_o the_o danger_n of_o infinite_a error_n which_o they_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o fall_v into_o by_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a text_n which_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o laity_n as_o we_o will_v keep_v child_n from_o meddle_v with_o edge_a tool_n and_o lay_v sword_n out_o of_o mad-men_n way_n now_o if_o this_o charge_n be_v true_a the_o bible_n be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a book_n if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a there_o be_v some_o other_o reason_n doubtless_o why_o they_o that_o pretend_v this_o have_v no_o kindness_n for_o the_o bible_n i_o shall_v omit_v several_a advantage_n that_o may_v be_v take_v against_o this_o flourish_n because_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v show_v very_o brief_o that_o it_o pretend_v thing_n that_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n hang_v well_o together_o that_o it_o take_v thing_n for_o grant_v that_o be_v not_o true_a and_o that_o it_o conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v by_o the_o clergy_n as_o by_o the_o laity_n it_o pretend_v some_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o hang_v well_o together_o on_o the_o one_o side_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o bible_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o people_n throw_v off_o all_o dependence_n upon_o the_o priest_n as_o to_z instruction_n on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o there_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a passage_n in_o it_o by_o mistake_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o which_o they_o will_v be_v lead_v into_o heresy_n and_o consequent_o into_o the_o way_n of_o damnation_n now_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n say_v this_o of_o themselves_o that_o there_o be_v diverse_a thing_n hard_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o they_o which_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a man_n have_v wrest_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n but_o if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o best_a way_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o modest_a dependence_n upon_o the_o instruction_n of_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n be_v to_o lay_v the_o bible_n before_o they_o and_o not_o to_o keep_v it_o from_o they_o since_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o convince_a argument_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o attend_v to_o their_o pastor_n in_o order_n to_o far_a instruction_n than_o the_o several_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o warning_n that_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o have_v give_v of_o the_o danger_n that_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a man_n be_v in_o of_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o experience_n show_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o neither_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o argument_n can_v make_v people_n modest_a if_o they_o be_v geneal_o permit_v to_o have_v the_o scripture_n i_o add_v 2._o that_o this_o argue_v take_v thing_n for_o grant_v which_o be_v not_o true_a in_o point_n of_o fact_n all_o the_o faithful_n ancient_o have_v the_o scripture_n but_o we_o find_v little_a complaint_n by_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n then_o of_o the_o wantonness_n and_o insolence_n of_o the_o people_n so_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a exhortation_n that_o all_o will_v diligent_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o christian_n people_n that_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o allow_v then_o but_o require_v to_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o yet_o they_o modest_o attend_v upon_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n for_o far_a instruction_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o therefore_o if_o some_o man_n in_o late_a age_n have_v gross_o misinterpret_v the_o scripture_n and_o will_v not_o be_v set_v right_o by_o those_o that_o have_v more_o skill_n to_o interpret_v they_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o people_n ungovernable_a for_o than_o it_o must_v always_o have_v
to_o be_v hold_v in_o claim_v also_o a_o absolute_a obedience_n from_o the_o people_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v a_o say_n among_o they_o if_o the_o scribe_n say_v that_o the_o right_a hand_n be_v the_o left_a or_o the_o left_a hand_n the_o right_a you_o be_v to_o believe_v they_o now_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o pharise_n upon_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n be_v not_o that_o they_o have_v transgress_v any_o tradition_n that_o appear_v to_o have_v a_o divine_a original_a by_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o that_o they_o have_v transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n as_o they_o use_v to_o call_v they_o such_o tradition_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o pretence_n than_o that_o they_o be_v convey_v down_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o father_n to_o son_n among_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o the_o master_n and_o the_o scribe_n the_o particular_a instance_n to_o explain_v the_o general_a charge_n be_v this_o that_o the_o disciple_n do_v not_o wash_v their_o hand_n before_o they_o eat_v bread_n for_o one_o of_o those_o many_o traditionary_a doctrine_n for_o which_o they_o be_v so_o zealous_a be_v this_o that_o if_o a_o stranger_n or_o a_o uncircumcised_a person_n shall_v but_o touch_v a_o jew_n the_o jew_n be_v forthwith_o defile_v or_o if_o he_o have_v but_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o a_o jew_n afterward_o touch_v he_o be_v unclean_a and_o if_o the_o jew_n shall_v in_o that_o state_n take_v any_o meat_n to_o eat_v that_o meat_n be_v render_v unclean_a and_o will_v defile_v his_o mind_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o which_o danger_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n to_o wash_v before_o eat_v and_o thus_o for_o a_o idle_a fancy_n they_o invent_v a_o idle_a relief_n and_o place_v so_o much_o religion_n in_o it_o that_o say_v one_o of_o they_o he_o that_o eat_v bread_n with_o unwashen_n hand_n sin_n as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v lie_v with_o a_o whore_n and_o say_v another_o it_o be_v the_o high_a point_n of_o holiness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o vulgar_a and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o touch_v they_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o eat_v or_o drink_v with_o they_o and_o the_o next_o to_o this_o be_v to_o wash_v away_o the_o impurity_n that_o be_v contract_v thereby_o you_o may_v see_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o this_o senseless_a superstition_n of_o they_o in_o mark_n 7._o the_o pharise_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n except_o they_o wash_v their_o hand_n oft_o eat_v not_o hold_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o when_o they_o come_v from_o the_o market_n except_o they_o wash_v they_o eat_v not_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o they_o have_v receive_v to_o hold_v as_o the_o wash_n of_o cup_n and_o pot_n brazen_a vessel_n and_o of_o table_n that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o only_o wash_v their_o own_o hand_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v touch_v some_o stranger_n or_o one_o less_o pure_a than_o themselves_o but_o least_o some_o stranger_n shall_v have_v touch_v the_o cup_n in_o which_o they_o drink_v or_o the_o dish_n in_o which_o their_o meat_n be_v or_o the_o table_n upon_o which_o the_o cup_n be_v to_o stand_v these_o be_v wash_v with_o all_o care_n not_o for_o cleanliness_n for_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n but_o for_o holiness-sake_n as_o if_o their_o mind_n be_v make_v pure_a by_o wash_v their_o hand_n and_o cup_n and_o all_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n this_o be_v one_o kind_a of_o their_o traditionary_a doctrine_n for_o transgress_v of_o which_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v accuse_v by_o the_o pharise_n ii_o we_o may_v observe_v these_o two_o thing_n employ_v in_o the_o charge_n 1._o the_o concern_v which_o the_o scribe_n have_v for_o their_o tradition_n and_o 2._o the_o reverence_n in_o which_o the_o people_n hold_v they_o 1._o the_o concern_v of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharise_n to_o have_v they_o observe_v it_o be_v so_o great_a that_o a_o man_n may_v with_o less_o danger_n from_o they_o break_v a_o plain_a law_n of_o god_n than_o transgress_v one_o of_o their_o tradition_n and_o they_o will_v soon_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o this_o latter_a than_o for_o the_o former_a if_o they_o can_v have_v charge_v our_o lord_n disciple_n with_o break_v the_o five_o commandment_n as_o jesus_n charge_v they_o with_o it_o present_o after_o of_o this_o they_o will_v have_v say_v nothing_o but_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o neglect_n of_o the_o disciple_n to_o wash_v before_o eat_v for_o conscience-sake_n and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v the_o multitude_n a_o plain_a account_n of_o this_o neglect_n neither_o can_v they_o bear_v that_o but_o be_v offend_v at_o he_o v._o 12._o hence_o in_o their_o talmud_n a_o book_n that_o pretend_v to_o have_v gather_v up_o their_o oral_a tradition_n it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v more_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scribe_n than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o the_o write_a law_n be_v the_o foundation_n but_o the_o unwritten_a and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o elder_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n and_o weight_n than_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n so_o blind_a be_v their_o zeal_n for_o their_o tradition_n that_o one_o of_o the_o rabbi_n be_v once_o cast_v into_o prison_n and_o water_n be_v give_v he_o to_o wash_v and_o to_o drink_v and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v spill_v he_o rather_o choose_v to_o wash_v his_o hand_n than_o to_o drink_v say_v it_o be_v better_a to_o die_v than_o to_o transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o no_o wonder_n that_o they_o be_v thus_o concern_v when_o it_o be_v by_o these_o doctrine_n that_o they_o keep_v up_o a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o the_o people_n for_o if_o the_o people_n will_v be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o unwritten_a law_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n than_o the_o write_v and_o that_o the_o scribe_n be_v the_o guardian_n and_o oracle_n of_o the_o unwritten_a law_n nothing_o can_v be_v better_o contrive_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o the_o scribe_n 2._o the_o charge_n do_v likewise_o imply_v a_o universal_a regard_n of_o these_o tradition_n in_o the_o people_n why_o do_v thy_o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n i._n e._n why_o do_v they_o only_o do_v it_o and_o we_o hear_v from_o st._n mark_n that_o the_o pharise_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n except_o they_o wash_v their_o hand_n oft_o eat_v not_o whatever_o become_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n here_o be_v very_o good_a care_n take_v that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v keep_v nay_o it_o be_v so_o fix_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o lord_n disciple_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o set_v they_o right_o in_o these_o thing_n present_o for_o after_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v they_o not_o that_o which_o go_v into_o the_o mouth_n defile_v the_o man_n but_o that_o which_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n v._o 11._o peter_n ask_v he_o v._o 15._o to_o declare_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o parable_n or_o as_o he_o think_v it_o hard_o say_v and_o jesus_n say_v v._o 16._o be_v you_o also_o yet_o without_o understanding_n and_o so_o he_o go_v on_o show_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o cleanness_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v defile_v by_o evil_a thought_n murder_n adultery_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v not_o yet_o get_v rid_v of_o those_o superstitious_a fancy_n that_o reign_v among_o the_o people_n and_o be_v so_o prejudice_v by_o they_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o understand_v the_o plain_a truth_n on_o the_o other_o side_n nay_o when_o after_o this_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o say_v to_o they_o as_o you_o find_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n ver_fw-la 6._o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharise_n and_o of_o the_o sadducee_n how_o do_v we_o think_v they_o understand_v this_o say_n and_o they_o reason_v among_o themselves_o say_v it_o be_v because_o we_o have_v take_v no_o bread_n which_o show_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o cure_v of_o this_o pharisaical_a superstition_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o understand_v our_o saviour_n as_o if_o he_o have_v forbid_v they_o to_o eat_v any_o bread_n which_o the_o pharise_n have_v touch_v as_o the_o pharise_n will_v eat_v nothing_o that_o have_v be_v touch_v by_o a_o gentile_a when_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v be_v that_o they_o shall_v beware_v of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o no_o wonder_n that_o these_o traditionary_a invention_n have_v take_v such_o root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o they_o do_v not_o serve_v more_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o guide_n than_o for_o the_o ease_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n that_o follow_v they_o
rule_n which_o be_v so_o many_o that_o to_o have_v provide_v express_o against_o they_o all_o will_v have_v make_v the_o bible_n a_o more_o voluminous_a book_n than_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o say_v the_o most_o odd_a and_o uncouth_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v see_v for_o whoever_o write_v or_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o provide_v against_o all_o possible_a way_n of_o be_v mistake_v or_o have_v his_o word_n pervert_v according_a to_o this_o rate_n a_o man_n must_v not_o expect_v to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o a_o sentence_n in_o a_o hour_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v his_o explication_n may_v be_v pervert_v too_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o god_n have_v not_o provide_v express_a caution_n against_o all_o possible_a mistake_v and_o abuse_v of_o this_o nature_n but_o think_v good_a to_o leave_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o worship_n which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v all_o honest_a person_n and_o lover_n of_o truth_n though_o not_o sufficient_a to_o exclude_v all_o cavil_v and_o abuse_v for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o pretend_v that_o all_o who_o see_v his_o work_n and_o hear_v his_o doctrine_n must_v necessary_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o he_o require_v constant_o a_o certain_a temper_n of_o mind_n consist_v of_o humility_n sincerity_n love_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o a_o word_n a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n be_v his_o true_a disciple_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n but_o there_o must_v be_v also_o a_o peculiar_a probity_n or_o teachable_a spirit_n a_o mind_n ready_a to_o believe_v all_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v all_o duty_n these_o be_v the_o sheep_n that_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o the_o ground_n that_o will_v receive_v his_o seed_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n such_o be_v the_o man_n that_o will_v hear_v and_o understand_v and_o know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god._n but_o as_o for_o other_o they_o will_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o reject_v it_o with_o some_o colour_n for_o so_o do_v or_o to_o pervert_v it_o if_o they_o once_o admit_v it_o this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v the_o temper_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o deliver_v truth_n that_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n gratify_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n or_o please_v their_o imagination_n or_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o particular_a person_n to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o all_o other_o and_o than_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v deliver_v in_o that_o way_n which_o though_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o instruct_v and_o convince_v all_o honest_a man_n yet_o will_v not_o infallible_o bear_v down_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n now_o to_o this_o we_o must_v add_v 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o general_a temper_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o sake_n the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v very_o corrupt_a and_o exceed_o prone_a to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o to_o error_n impatient_a of_o true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o therefore_o of_o true_a doctrine_n humane_a nature_n do_v affect_v a_o lawless_a liberty_n and_o can_v well_o bear_v to_o be_v confine_v and_o it_o be_v so_o disease_a that_o it_o do_v not_o take_v it_o well_o to_o be_v heal_v it_o be_v therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o remedy_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v have_v be_v so_o tamper_v withal_o by_o man_n as_o to_o make_v it_o ineffectual_a for_o that_o purpose_n for_o which_o he_o have_v send_v it_o to_o we_o and_o doctrine_n have_v be_v teach_v which_o give_v that_o liberty_n that_o truth_n deny_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n shall_v not_o effectual_o overcome_v those_o lust_n that_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n those_o lust_n will_v corrupt_v and_o pervert_v that_o doctrine_n and_o bring_v in_o heresy_n ambition_n and_o covetousness_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o worldly_a power_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n licentiousness_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n for_o make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n pride_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n though_o for_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n satisfaction_n and_o glory_n in_o draw_v many_o people_n into_o a_o party_n and_o become_v the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o the_o natural_a inconstancy_n and_o waver_v of_o some_o will_v carry_v they_o away_o from_o the_o truth_n the_o natural_a stiffness_n and_o inflexibility_n of_o other_o will_v detain_v they_o in_o error_n the_o very_a desire_n and_o love_n of_o novelty_n will_v at_o first_o help_n to_o bring_v in_o some_o and_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n will_v be_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o able_a to_o gain_v other_o final_o the_o unwillingness_n of_o most_o man_n to_o take_v pain_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o great_a ease_n of_o depend_v upon_o the_o absolute_a authority_n of_o other_o will_v give_v a_o far_a advantage_n to_o error_n which_o fear_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o examination_n and_o therefore_o discourage_v all_o person_n from_o give_v themselves_o so_o needless_a a_o trouble_n since_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o those_o for_o their_o security_n who_o can_v possible_o mislead_v they_o consider_v the_o disease_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o cure_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v but_o there_o will_v be_v faction_n and_o heresy_n against_o the_o truth_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v say_v there_o must_v be_v heresy_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o if_o he_o have_v say_v after_o all_o the_o care_n that_o god_n have_v take_v to_o restore_v mankind_n there_o will_v be_v pride_n and_o ambition_n there_o will_v be_v covetousness_n and_o injustice_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n there_o will_v be_v luxury_n and_o licentiousness_n there_o will_v be_v both_o inconstancy_n and_o stiffneckedness_n there_o will_v be_v laziness_n and_o slothfulness_n and_o unaptness_n for_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n for_o god_n have_v provide_v no_o infallible_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o as_o certain_o as_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o world_n will_v break_v out_o in_o the_o church_n so_o certain_o will_v error_n get_v into_o it_o by_o degree_n and_o usurp_v the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n if_o he_o please_v can_v absolute_o have_v hinder_v it_o by_o his_o overrule_a power_n but_o in_o this_o say_n it_o be_v imply_v that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v so_o and_o experience_n have_v show_v that_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o since_o he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o make_v all_o man_n good_a by_o a_o irresistible_a grace_n for_o there_o be_v less_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v all_o man_n orthodox_n by_o a_o irresistible_a illumination_n and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o concern_v the_o reason_n assign_v why_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v heresy_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a i._n e._n that_o it_o may_v most_o evident_o appear_v who_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a and_o who_o be_v not_o so_o for_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o way_n that_o be_v take_v to_o advance_v error_n do_v prove_v what_o man_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o distinguish_v between_o those_o that_o will_v appear_v all_o alike_o if_o the_o same_o truth_n be_v equal_o profess_v by_o all_o the_o great_a difference_n that_o break_v out_o be_v that_o between_o the_o probity_n of_o some_o man_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o falseness_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o other_o on_o the_o other_o side_n which_o appear_v in_o these_o instance_n 1._o in_o a_o more_o diligent_a search_n after_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n heresy_n have_v upon_o honest_a and_o godly_a man_n while_o they_o give_v occasion_n to_o hypocrite_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v most_o for_o their_o ease_n their_o safety_n their_o advantage_n in_o this_o world_n whilst_o the_o several_a party_n of_o christian_n be_v each_o of_o they_o eager_o contend_v for_o their_o own_o way_n man_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o examine_v their_o own_o persuasion_n more_o narrow_o and_o to_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o more_o careful_o so_o that_o if_o they_o apprehend_v a_o mistake_n in_o themselves_o they_o quit_v it_o without_o any_o more_o to_o do_v and_o come_v to_o establish_v themselves_o in_o the_o truth_n upon_o better_a ground_n