their_o posterity_n then_o to_o follow_v that_o of_o their_o ancestor_n some_o have_v interest_n and_o design_n which_o will_v be_v better_o serve_v by_o new_a tenet_n and_o some_o be_v ignorant_a and_o mistake_v and_o may_v unaware_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n they_o shall_v bare_o deliver_v and_o of_o this_o last_o sort_n we_o may_v guess_v there_o may_v be_v many_o since_o it_o fall_v common_o to_o the_o mother_n lot_n to_o imbue_v child_n with_o the_o first_o rudiment_n 19_o now_o in_o all_o these_o case_n how_o possible_a be_v it_o that_o primitive_a tradition_n may_v be_v either_o lose_v or_o adulterate_v and_o consequent_o and_o in_o proportion_n to_o that_o possibility_n our_o confidence_n of_o it_o must_v be_v stagger_v i_o be_o sure_a according_a to_o the_o common_a estimate_n in_o secular_o it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o he_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o credit_v a_o relation_n which_o come_v from_o a_o eie-witness_n then_o at_o the_o three_o or_o four_o much_o more_o at_o the_o hundred_o rebound_n as_o in_o this_o case_n and_o daily_a experience_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o true_a and_o probable_a story_n by_o pass_v through_o many_o hand_n often_o grow_v to_o a_o improbable_a lie_n this_o man_n think_v he_o can_v add_v one_o become_v circumstance_n that_o man_n another_o and_o whilst_o most_o man_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v so_o the_o relation_n grow_v as_o monstrous_a as_o such_o a_o heap_n of_o incoherent_a fancy_n can_v make_v it_o 20._o if_o to_o this_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o happen_v only_o in_o trivial_a secular_a matter_n but_o that_o in_o the_o weighty_a concern_v of_o religion_n mankind_n be_v certain_o more_o serious_a and_o sincere_a i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o they_o be_v since_o it_o be_v obvious_a in_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n be_v postpone_v to_o every_o little_a worldly_a concern_v and_o therefore_o when_o a_o temporal_a advantage_n require_v the_o bend_n and_o warp_a of_o religion_n there_o will_v never_o be_v want_v some_o that_o will_v attemt_fw-mi it_o 21._o beside_o there_o be_v still_o leave_v in_o human_a nature_n so_o much_o of_o the_o venom_n of_o the_o serpent_n first_o temptation_n that_o though_o man_n can_v be_v as_o god_n yet_o they_o love_v to_o be_v prescribe_v to_o he_o and_o to_o be_v their_o own_o assessor_n as_o to_o that_o worship_n and_o homage_n they_o be_v to_o pay_v he_o 22._o but_o above_o all_o it_o be_v considerable_a that_o in_o this_o case_n satan_n have_v a_o more_o peculiar_a concern_v and_o can_v serve_v himself_o more_o by_o a_o falsification_n here_o then_o in_o temporal_a affair_n for_o if_o he_o can_v but_o corrupt_a religion_n it_o cease_v to_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o become_v one_o of_o his_o most_o useful_a engine_n as_o sufficient_o appear_v in_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n we_o have_v therefore_o no_o cause_n to_o think_v this_o a_o exempt_a case_n but_o to_o presume_v it_o may_v be_v influence_v by_o the_o same_o pravity_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o prevail_v in_o other_o and_o consequent_o be_v oblige_v to_o bless_v god_n that_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v our_o spiritual_a concern_v to_o such_o hazard_n but_o have_v lodge_v they_o in_o a_o more_o secure_a repository_n the_o write_a word_n 23._o but_o i_o foresee_v it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o whilst_o i_o thus_o disparage_v tradition_n i_o do_v virtual_o invalidate_v the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o come_v to_o we_o upon_o its_o credit_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o since_o god_n have_v with-drawn_a immediate_a revelation_n from_o the_o world_n tradition_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o first_o notice_n that_o this_o book_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n he_o afford_v we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o depend_v on_o his_o goodness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v that_o to_o be_v evacuate_v to_o we_o and_o that_o how_o liable_a soever_o tradition_n may_v be_v to_o err_v yet_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o actual_o err_v in_o this_o particular_a 24._o but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o tradition_n seem_v not_o so_o liable_a to_o falsification_n as_o other_o it_o be_v so_o very_o short_a and_o simple_a a_o proposition_n such_o and_o such_o write_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a room_n for_o sophistry_n or_o mistake_n to_o pervert_v the_o sense_n the_o only_a possible_a deception_n must_v be_v to_o change_v the_o subject_n and_o obtrude_v suppositious_a write_n in_o room_n of_o the_o true_a under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o this_o have_v already_o appear_v to_o be_v unpracticable_a because_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n which_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o world_n by_o which_o such_o a_o attemt_a will_v soon_o have_v be_v detect_v there_o appear_v therefore_o more_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o more_o necessity_n to_o rely_v upon_o tradition_n in_o this_o then_o in_o most_o other_o particular_n 25._o neither_o yet_o do_v i_o so_o far_o decry_v oral_a tradition_n in_o any_o as_o to_o conclude_v it_o impossible_a it_o shall_v derive_v any_o truth_n to_o posterity_n i_o only_o look_v on_o it_o as_o more_o casual_a and_o consequent_o a_o less_o fit_a conveyance_n of_o the_o most_o important_a and_o necessary_a verity_n than_o the_o write_v word_n in_o which_o i_o conceive_v myself_o justify_v by_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n who_o use_n to_o commit_v those_o thing_n to_o writing_n which_o they_o be_v most_o solicitous_a to_o derive_v to_o posterity_n do_v any_o nation_n trust_v their_o fundamental_a law_n only_o to_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o take_v no_o other_o course_n to_o transmit_v they_o to_o the_o future_a do_v any_o man_n purchase_v a_o estate_n and_o leave_v no_o way_n for_o his_o child_n to_o lay_v claim_n to_o it_o but_o the_o tradition_n the_o present_a witness_n shall_v leave_v of_o it_o nay_o do_v any_o consider_a man_n ordinary_o make_v any_o important_a pact_n or_o bargain_n though_o without_o relation_n to_o posterity_n without_o put_v the_o article_n in_o writing_n and_o whence_o be_v all_o this_o caution_n but_o from_o a_o universal_a consent_n that_o writing_n be_v the_o sure_a way_n of_o transmit_v 26._o but_o we_o have_v yet_o a_o high_a appeal_n in_o this_o matter_n then_o to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o man_n god_n himself_o seem_v to_o have_v determine_v it_o and_o what_o his_o decision_n be_v it_o be_v our_o next_o business_n to_o inquire_v 27._o and_o first_o he_o have_v give_v the_o most_o real_a and_o comprehensive_a attestation_n to_o this_o way_n of_o writing_n by_o have_v himself_o choose_v it_o for_o he_o be_v too_o wise_a to_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o estimate_n of_o better_a and_o worse_o and_o too_o kind_a to_o choose_v the_o worst_a for_o we_o and_o yet_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o writing_n and_o have_v sum_v up_o all_o the_o eternal_a concern_v of_o mankind_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o leave_v those_o sacred_a record_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v both_o inform_v and_o govern_v which_o if_o oral_a tradition_n will_v infallible_o have_v do_v have_v be_v utter_o needless_a and_o god_n sure_o be_v not_o so_o prodigal_a of_o his_o spirit_n as_o to_o inspire_v the_o author_n of_o scripture_n to_o write_v that_o who_o use_n be_v supersede_v by_o a_o former_a more_o certain_a expedient_a 28._o nay_o under_o the_o mosaic_a oeconomy_n when_o he_o make_v use_v of_o other_o way_n of_o revel_v himself_o yet_o to_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n even_o of_o those_o revelation_n he_o choose_v to_o have_v they_o write_v at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n god_n speak_v then_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-mi and_o with_o that_o pomp_n of_o dreadful_a solemnity_n as_o certain_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o deep_a impression_n yet_o god_n foresee_v that_o through_o every_o succeed_a age_n that_o stamp_n will_v grow_v more_o dim_a and_o in_o a_o long_a revolution_n may_v at_o last_o be_v extinct_a and_o therefore_o how_o warm_a soever_o the_o israelite_n apprehension_n then_o be_v he_o will_v not_o trust_v to_o they_o for_o the_o perpetuate_a his_o law_n but_o commit_v it_o to_o writing_n ex._n 13._o 18._o nay_o write_v it_o twice_o himself_o 29._o yet_o far_o even_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n though_o not_o intend_v to_o be_v of_o perpetual_a obligation_n be_v not_o yet_o refer_v to_o the_o traditionary_a way_n but_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n and_o deposit_v with_o the_o priest_n deut._n 31._o 9_o and_o after-event_n show_v this_o be_v no_o needless_a caution_n for_o when_o under_o manasses_n idolatry_n have_v prevail_v in_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v not_o by_o any_o dormant_a
or_o to_o read_v therein_o be_v subject_v to_o severe_a penalty_n 2._o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o put_v to_o shame_v those_o unhappy_a innovator_n who_o amid_o great_a pretence_n to_o antiquity_n and_o veneration_n to_o the_o scripture_n prevaricat_a from_o both_o i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o show_v plain_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n herein_o and_o that_o in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o the_o matter_n will_v admit_v 3._o first_o i_o premise_v that_o ireneus_fw-la and_o tertullian_n have_v to_o do_v with_o heretic_n who_o boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v emendator_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o wise_a than_o they_o despise_v their_o authority_n reject_v several_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o obtrude_a other_o write_n in_o their_o steed_n have_v have_v recourse_n unto_o tradition_n with_o a_o seem_a preference_n of_o it_o unto_o scripture_n their_o adversary_n have_v no_o common_a principle_n beside_o the_o own_n the_o name_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o convince_v they_o but_o by_o a_o recourse_n to_o such_o a_o medium_n which_o they_o will_v allow_v but_o these_o father_n be_v to_o set_v down_o and_o establish_v their_o faith_n be_v most_o express_a in_o resolve_v it_o into_o scripture_n and_o when_o they_o recommend_v tradition_n ever_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v also_o apostolical_a 4._o ireneus_fw-la in_o the_o second_o book_n 47._o c._n tell_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_a as_o dictate_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o same_o father_n begin_v his_o three_o book_n in_o this_o manner_n the_o disposition_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v no_o otherwise_o know_v by_o we_o then_o by_o those_o by_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v to_o we_o which_o indeed_o they_o first_o preach_v but_o afterward_o deliver_v it_o to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o may_v we_o imagine_v that_o 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ephesus_n in_o asia_n publish_v his_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n in_o his_o four_o book_n c._n 66._o he_o direct_v all_o the_o heretic_n with_o who_o he_o deal_v to_o read_v diligent_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o also_o read_v diligent_o the_o prophet_n assure_v they_o shall_v there_o find_v every_o action_n every_o doctrine_n and_o every_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n declare_v by_o they_o 5._o thus_o tertullian_n in_o his_o book_n of_o prescription_n c._n 6._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o introduce_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o own_o will_n nor_o make_v any_o choice_n upon_o our_o arbitrement_n we_o have_v the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o our_o author_n who_o themselves_o take_v up_o nothing_o on_o their_o own_o will_n or_o choice_n but_o faithful_o impart_v to_o the_o nation_n the_o discipline_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o christ._n so_o that_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v another_o doctrine_n he_o be_v to_o be_v accurse_v and._n c._n 25._o it_o be_v madness_n say_v he_o of_o the_o heretic_n when_o they_o confess_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o nor_o teach_v thing_n different_a to_o think_v that_o they_o do_v not_o revele_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o which_o he_o enforce_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n in_o his_o book_n against_o hermogenes_n c._n 23._o he_o discourse_v thus_o i_o adore_v the_o plenitude_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o discover_v to_o i_o the_o creator_n and_o what_o be_v create_v also_o in_o the_o gospel_n i_o find_v the_o word_n be_v the_o arbiter_n and_o agent_n in_o the_o creation_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v of_o preexistent_a matter_n i_o never_o read_v let_v hermogenes_n and_o his_o journeyman_n show_v that_o it_o be_v write_v if_o it_o be_v not_o write_v let_v he_o fear_v the_o woe_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o thad_z add_v or_o detract_v and_o in_o the_o 39_o ch_z of_o his_o prescript_n we_o feed_v our_o faith_n raise_v our_o hope_n and_o establish_v our_o reliance_n with_o the_o sacred_a word_n 6._o in_o like_a manner_n hippolytus_n in_o the_o homily_n against_o noetus_n declare_v that_o we_o acknowledge_v only_o from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o whereas_o secular_a philosophy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v but_o from_o the_o read_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o philosopher_n so_o whosoever_o of_o we_o will_v preserve_v piety_n towards_o god_n he_o can_v otherwise_o learn_v it_o then_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n according_o origen_n in_o the_o five_o homily_n on_o leviticus_n say_v in_o the_o scripture_n every_o word_n appertain_v to_o god_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v and_o discuss_v and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v 7._o what_o saint_n cyprian_n opinion_n be_v in_o this_o point_n we_o learn_v at_o large_a from_o his_o epistle_n to_o pompey_n for_o when_o tradition_n be_v object_v to_o he_o he_o answer_v whence_o be_v this_o tradition_n be_v it_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o gospel_n or_o come_v it_o from_o the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n almighty_a god_n declare_v that_o what_o be_v write_v shall_v be_v obey_v and_o practise_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n say_v he_o in_o joshua_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thy_o mouth_n but_o thou_o shall_v meditate_v in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n that_o you_o may_v observe_v and_o keep_v all_o that_o be_v write_v therein_o so_o our_o lord_n send_v his_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v command_v again_o what_o obstinacy_n and_o presumption_n be_v it_o to_o prefer_v human_a tradition_n to_o divine_a command_n not_o consider_v that_o god_n wrath_n be_v kindle_v as_o often_o as_o his_o precept_n be_v dissolve_v and_o neglect_v by_o reason_n of_o human_a tradition_n thus_o god_n warn_v and_o speak_v by_o isaiah_n this_o people_n honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o but_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n also_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n check_v and_o reprove_v say_v you_o reject_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v establish_v your_o tradition_n of_o which_o precept_n the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n be_v mindful_a admonish_v and_o instruct_v say_v if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o hearken_v not_o to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o from_o such_o we_o must_v depart_v and_o again_o he_o add_v there_o be_v a_o compendious_a way_n for_o religious_a and_o sincere_a mind_n both_o to_o deposit_v their_o error_n and_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n for_o if_o we_o return_v to_o the_o source_n and_o original_n of_o divine_a tradition_n human_a error_n will_v cease_v and_o the_o ground_n of_o heavenly_a mystery_n be_v see_v what_o soever_o be_v hide_v with_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n will_v be_v manifest_a by_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n if_o a_o pipe_n that_o bring_v plentiful_a supply_n of_o water_n fail_v on_o the_o sudden_a do_v not_o man_n look_v to_o the_o fountain_n and_o thence_o learn_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o defect_n whether_o the_o spring_n itself_o be_v dry_a or_o if_o run_v free_o the_o water_n be_v stop_v in_o its_o passage_n that_o if_o by_o interrupt_a or_o break_a conveyance_n it_o be_v hinder_v to_o pass_v they_o be_v repair_v it_o may_v again_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o city_n with_o the_o same_o plenty_n as_o it_o flow_v from_o the_o spring_n and_o this_o god_n priest_n ought_v to_o do_v at_o this_o time_n obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o if_o truth_n have_v swerve_v or_o fail_v in_o any_o particular_a we_o go_v backward_o to_o the_o source_n of_o the_o evangelical_n
on_o the_o first_o of_o the_o thessaly_n assert_n that_o from_o the_o alone_a read_n or_o hear_v of_o the_o scripture_n one_o may_v learn_v all_o thing_n necessary_a so_o hom._n 34._o on_o act._n 15._o he_o declare_v a_o heathen_a come_v and_o say_v i_o will_v willing_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o i_o know_v not_o who_o to_o join_v myself_o to_o for_o there_o be_v many_o contention_n among_o you_o many_o sedition_n and_o tumult_n so_o that_o i_o be_o in_o doubt_n what_o opinion_n i_o shall_v choose_v each_o man_n say_v what_o y_o say_v be_v true_a and_o i_o know_v not_o who_o to_o believe_v each_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n which_o i_o be_o ignorant_a of_o it_o be_v very_o well_o the_o issue_n be_v put_v here_o for_o if_o the_o appeal_n be_v to_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n there_o will_v be_v just_a occasion_n of_o be_v trouble_v but_o when_o we_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o they_o be_v simple_a and_o certain_a you_o may_v easy_o yourself_o judge_v he_o that_o agree_v with_o the_o 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cyril_n of_o alex._n against_o jul._n l._n 7._o say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o who_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o endue_v with_o most_o ample_a knowledge_n 21._o thâ—odoret_n dial._n 1_o i_o be_o persuade_v only_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o dial._n 2._o i_o be_o not_o so_o bold_a to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n not_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o again_o qu._n 45._o upon_o genes_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o inquire_v after_o what_o be_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n but_o acquiesce_v in_o what_o be_v write_v 22._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o enlarge_v this_o discourse_n into_o a_o volume_n but_o have_v take_v as_o they_o offer_v themselves_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o four_o first_o century_n i_o shall_v not_o proceed_v to_o those_o that_o follow_v if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o all_o christian_n heretofore_o we_o may_v reasonable_o 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successor_n in_o the_o western_a church_n to_o take_v away_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o testament_n itself_o and_o cut_v of_o not_o only_o the_o efficacy_n but_o very_a possession_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o their_o tradition_n sure_o this_o have_v be_v exceed_v criminal_a from_o any_o hand_n but_o that_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o universal_a and_o infallible_a pastor_n of_o it_o who_o claim_v the_o office_n to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n exhort_v unto_o and_o assist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o man_n who_o thus_o rob_v the_o people_n of_o they_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o high_a aggravation_n both_o of_o cruelty_n and_o breach_n of_o trust_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v take_v away_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n of_o this_o prophecy_n say_v saint_n john_n revel_v 22._o 19_o god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o part_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a city_n and_o from_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n what_o vengeance_n therefore_o await_v those_o who_o have_v take_v away_o not_o only_o from_o one_o book_n but_o at_o once_o the_o book_n themselves_o even_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n sect_n vii_o historical_a reflection_n upon_o the_o event_n which_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o church_n since_o the_o withdraw_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o will_v in_o this_o place_n be_v no_o useless_a contemplation_n to_o observe_v after_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v ravish_v from_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n what_o pitiful_a pretender_n be_v admit_v to_o succeed_v and_o first_o because_o layman_n be_v presume_v to_o be_v illiterate_a and_o easy_o seducible_a by_o those_o write_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o difficult_a and_o will_v be_v wrest_v by_o the_o unlearned_a to_o their_o own_o destruction_n picture_n be_v recommend_v in_o their_o steed_n and_o complemented_a as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o laity_n which_o soon_o emprove_v into_o a_o necessity_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o that_o gross_a superstition_n which_o render_v christianity_n abominate_v by_o turk_n and_o jew_n and_o heathen_n unto_o this_o day_n 2._o i_o will_v not_o be_v hasty_a in_o charge_v idolatry_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o all_o in_o her_o communion_n but_o that_o their_o image-worship_n be_v a_o most_o fatal_a snare_n in_o which_o vast_a number_n of_o unhappy_a soul_n be_v take_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v who_o have_v with_o any_o regard_n travail_v in_o popish_a country_n i_o myself_o and_o thousand_o of_o other_o who_o the_o late_a trouble_n or_o other_o occasion_n send_v abroad_o be_v and_o have_v be_v witness_n thereof_o charity_n it_o be_v true_a believe_v all_o thing_n but_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v man_n to_o disbelieve_v their_o eye_n it_o be_v the_o outcry_n of_o micah_n against_o the_o danite_n jud._n 18._o 24._o you_o have_v take_v away_o my_o god_n which_o i_o have_v make_v 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imprimatur_fw-la jo._n nicholas_n vice_n cancel_v oxon._n junii_fw-la 10._o 1678._o the_o lively_a oracle_n give_v to_o we_o or_o the_o christian_n birthright_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o custody_n and_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n search_v the_o scripture_n jo._n 5._o 39_o at_o the_o theater_n in_o oxford_n 1678._o the_o lively_a oracle_n give_v to_o we_o or_o the_o christian_n birthright_n &_o duty_n in_o the_o custody_n &_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o preface_n in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o tongue_n publish_v by_o i_o heretofore_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n among_o the_o exorbitance_n of_o that_o unruly_a part_n which_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o nature_n and_o its_o self_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n from_o hell_n jam._n 3._o 6._o of_o the_o impious_a vanity_n prevail_v in_o this_o age_n whereby_o man_n play_v with_o sacred_a thing_n 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of_o unintelligible_a quotation_n and_o keep_v myself_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o te_fw-fr unlearned_a christian_a reader_n to_o who_o use_n my_o labour_n have_v be_v ever_o dedicate_v all_o that_o i_o require_v be_v that_o man_n will_v bring_v as_o much_o readiness_n to_o entertain_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o read_v profane_a author_n i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o say_v as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o incentives_n of_o vice_n and_o folly_n nay_o to_o the_o libel_n and_o invective_n that_o be_v level_v against_o the_o scripture_n if_o i_o obtain_v this_o i_o will_v make_v no_o doubt_n that_o i_o shall_v gain_v a_o far_a point_n that_o from_o the_o perusal_n of_o my_o imperfect_a conception_n the_o reader_n will_v proceed_v to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o there_o taste_n and_o see_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v ps._n 34._o 8._o and_o as_o the_o angel_n command_v saint_n john_n rev._n 10._o 9_o eat_v the_o book_n where_o he_o will_v experimental_o find_v the_o word_n of_o david_n verify_v ps._n 19_o 7._o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o undefiled_a law_n convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a and_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a and_o give_v light_a to_o the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clean_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v be_v they_o then_o gold_n yea_o than_o much_o fine_a gold_n sweet_a also_o than_o honey_n and_o the_o hony-comb_n moreover_o by_o they_o be_v thy_o servant_n teach_v and_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n it_o be_v say_v of_o moses_n ex._n 34._o 29._o that_o have_v receive_v the_o law_n from_o god_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o mount_n sina_n forty_o day_n together_o his_o face_n shine_v and_o have_v a_o brightness_n fix_v upon_o it_o that_o dazzle_a the_o beholder_n a_o pledge_n and_o short_a essay_n not_o only_o of_o the_o appearance_n at_o mount_n tabor_n mat._n 17._o 1._o where_o at_o the_o transfiguration_n he_o again_o be_v see_v in_o glory_n but_o of_o that_o great_a and_o yet_o future_a change_n when_o he_o shall_v see_v indeed_o his_o god_n face_n to_o face_n and_o share_v his_o glory_n unto_o all_o eternity_n the_o same_o divine_a goodness_n give_v still_o his_o law_n to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o let_v we_o receive_v it_o with_o due_a regard_n and_o veneration_n converse_v with_o he_o therein_o instead_o of_o forty_o day_n during_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o so_o anticipate_v and_o certain_o assure_v our_o interest_n in_o that_o great_a transfiguration_n when_o all_o the_o faithful_a shall_v put_v of_o their_o mortal_a flesh_n be_v translate_v from_o glory_n to_o glory_n eternal_o behold_v their_o god_n see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o so_o enjoy_v he_o conversation_n have_v every_o where_o a_o assimilate_v power_n we_o be_v general_o such_o as_o be_v the_o man_n and_o book_n and_o business_n that_o we_o deal_v with_o but_o sure_o no_o familiarity_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n on_o life_n and_o manner_n as_o when_o man_n hear_v god_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o his_o word_n that_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 4._o 12._o declare_v to_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o all_o our_o book_n however_o recommend_v for_o subtlety_n of_o discourse_n exactness_n of_o method_n variety_n of_o matter_n or_o eloquence_n of_o language_n when_o all_o our_o curious_a act_n like_o those_o mention_v act._n 19_o 19_o shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o and_o burn_v before_o all_o man_n when_o the_o great_a book_n of_o nature_n and_o heaven_n itself_o shall_v depart_v as_o a_o scroul_n roll_v together_o rev._n 6._o 14._o at_o which_o important_a season_n it_o will_v be_v more_o to_o purpose_n to_o have_v study_v well_o that_o be_v transcribe_v in_o practice_n this_o one_o book_n then_o to_o have_v run_v through_o all_o beside_o for_o then_o the_o dead_a small_a and_o great_a shall_v stand_v before_o god_n and_o the_o book_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o another_o book_n shall_v be_v open_v which_o be_v the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o dead_a shall_v be_v judge_v out_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n according_a to_o their_o work_n rev._n 20._o 12._o in_o vain_a shall_v man_n allege_v the_o want_n of_o due_a conviction_n that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v how_o penal_a it_o will_v be_v to_o disregard_n the_o sanction_n of_o god_n law_n which_o they_o will_v have_v have_v enforce_v by_o immediate_a miracle_n the_o apparition_n of_o one_o send_v from_o the_o other_o world_n who_o may_v testify_v of_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n this_o expectation_n the_o scripture_n charge_v every_o where_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o temt_a god_n and_o indeed_o it_o real_o involve_v this_o insolent_a proposal_n that_o the_o almighty_a shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o break_v his_o own_o law_n that_o man_n may_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o keep_v he_o but_o shall_v he_o think_v fit_a to_o comply_v herein_o the_o condescension_n will_v be_v as_o successless_a in_o the_o event_n as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a in_o the_o offer_n our_o saviour_n assure_v that_o they_o who_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o instruction_n and_o command_n lay_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n will_v not_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o any_o other_o method_n will_v not_o be_v persuade_v by_o that_o which_o they_o allow_v for_o irresistible_a conviction_n
nay_o make_v it_o the_o test_n by_o which_o to_o try_v true_a inspiration_n from_o false_a to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isaiah_n 8._o 20._o so_o that_o the_o veneration_n which_o they_o have_v before_o acquire_v be_v still_o anew_o excite_v by_o fresh_a inspiration_n which_o both_o attest_v the_o old_a and_o become_v new_a part_n of_o their_o canon_n 27._o nor_o can_v it_o be_v esteem_v a_o small_a confirmation_n to_o the_o scripture_n to_o find_v in_o succeed_a age_n the_o signal_n accomplishment_n of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o be_v long_o before_o register_v in_o those_o book_n for_o nothing_o less_o than_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n can_v foretell_v and_o also_o verify_v they_o upon_o these_o ground_n the_o jew_n universal_o through_o all_o succession_n receive_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o divine_a oracle_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o great_a trust_n that_o can_v be_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o according_o be_v so_o scrupulous_o vigilant_a in_o conserve_n they_o that_o their_o masorit_n number_v not_o only_o the_o section_n but_o the_o very_a word_n nay_o letter_n that_o no_o fraud_n or_o inadvertency_n may_v corrupt_v or_o defalk_v the_o least_o iota_fw-la of_o what_o they_o esteem_v so_o sacred_a a_o far_a testimony_n and_o sepiment_n to_o which_o be_v the_o samaritan_n chaldee_n and_o greek_a version_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o synagogs_n oâ—_n jew_n in_o their_o dispersion_n and_o the_o samaritanâ—_n at_o sichem_n can_v not_o at_o those_o distance_n receive_v a_o uniform_a alteration_n and_o any_o other_o will_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o original_a exemplar_n of_o the_o law_n be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n that_o the_o prince_n be_v to_o have_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o always_o by_o he_o and_o transcribe_v it_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o every_o jew_n be_v to_o make_v it_o his_o constant_a discourse_n and_o meditation_n teach_v it_o his_o child_n and_o wear_v part_n of_o it_o upon_o his_o hand_n and_o forehead_n and_o now_o sure_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imagine_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v more_o careful_o deduce_v or_o irrefragable_o testify_v nor_o any_o thing_n believe_v upon_o strong_a evidence_n 28._o that_o all_o this_o be_v true_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o do_v thus_o own_o these_o write_n as_o divine_a appear_v not_o only_o by_o the_o record_n of_o past_a age_n but_o by_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o present_a who_o still_o own_v they_o and_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o combination_n with_o the_o christian_n and_o if_o these_o be_v reasonable_a ground_n of_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n as_o he_o must_v be_v most_o absurd_o sceptical_a that_o shall_v deny_v they_o must_v be_v so_o to_o christian_n also_o who_o derive_v they_o â—â—om_n they_o and_o that_o with_o this_o far_a advantage_n to_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o see_v the_o clear_a completion_n of_o those_o evangelical_n prophecy_n â—hich_v remain_v dark_a to_o they_o and_o consequent_o have_v a_o far_a argument_n to_o confirm_v â—s_n that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n â—re_n certain_o divine_a 29._o the_o new_a have_v also_o the_o like_a mean_n of_o probation_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v if_o true_o relate_v be_v acknowledge_v no_o less_o divine_a than_o what_o they_o oral_o deliver_v so_o that_o they_o who_o doubt_v its_o be_v divine_a must_v either_o deny_v what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o be_v so_o or_o else_o distrust_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o relation_n the_o former_a strike_v at_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n which_o if_o only_o of_o man_n must_v not_o only_o be_v fallible_a but_o be_v actual_o a_o deceit_n whilst_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o to_o such_o objector_n we_o have_v to_o oppose_v those_o stupendous_a miracle_n with_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v attest_v such_o as_o demonstrate_v a_o more_o than_o human_a efficacy_n and_o that_o god_n shall_v lend_v his_o omnipotence_n to_o abet_v the_o false_a pretension_n of_o man_n be_v a_o conceit_n too_o unworthy_a even_o for_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n to_o entertain_v 30._o it_o be_v true_a there_o have_v be_v by_o god_n permit_v lie_v miracle_n as_o well_o as_o true_a one_o have_v be_v do_v by_o he_o such_o as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o magician_n in_o egypt_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o of_o moses_n but_o then_o the_o difference_n between_o both_o be_v so_o conspicuous_a that_o he_o must_v be_v more_o partial_a and_o disingenuous_a then_o even_o those_o magician_n be_v who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o disparity_n and_o confess_v in_o those_o which_o be_v true_o supernatural_a the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n 8._o 19_o therefore_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v predict_v that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o do_v sign_n and_o wonder_n deut._n 13._o 1._o mat._n 24._o 11._o 24._o as_o a_o trial_n of_o their_o fidelity_n who_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o will_v prefer_v the_o few_o and_o trivial_a sleight_n which_o recommend_v a_o deceiver_n before_o those_o great_a and_o numberless_a miracle_n which_o attest_v the_o sacred_a oracle_n deliver_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n whether_o the_o trick_n of_o a_o barchochebas_n to_o hold_v fire_n in_o his_o mouth_n that_o of_o marcus_n the_o heretic_n to_o make_v the_o wine_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n appear_v blood_n or_o that_o of_o mahomet_n to_o bring_v a_o pigeon_n to_o his_o ear_n aught_o to_o be_v put_v in_o balance_n against_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o the_o silly_a story_n which_o jamblichus_n solemn_o relate_v of_o pythagoras_n or_o those_o philostratus_n tell_v of_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n deserve_v to_o rival_n those_o of_o the_o evangelist_n it_o be_v a_o most_o just_a judgement_n and_o according_o threaten_v by_o almighty_a god_n that_o they_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n 2_o thes._n 2._o 11._o but_o still_o the_o almighty_a where_o any_o man_n or_o devil_n do_v proud_o be_v evident_o above_o he_o exod._n 18._o 11._o will_v be_v justify_v in_o his_o say_n and_o be_v clear_a when_o he_o be_v judge_v rom._n 3._o 4._o 31._o but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v sceptic_n and_o doubt_v every_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o matter_n call_v into_o question_n be_v of_o a_o nature_n that_o admit_v but_o two_o way_n of_o solution_n probability_n and_o testimony_n first_o for_o probability_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v who_o be_v the_o first_o promulger_n of_o christ_n miracle_n in_o his_o life_n time_n they_o be_v either_o the_o patient_n on_o who_o his_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v or_o the_o common_a people_n that_o be_v spectator_n the_o former_a as_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o but_o must_v needs_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v cure_v or_o no_o so_o what_o imaginable_a design_n can_v they_o have_v to_o deceive_v other_o many_o indeed_o have_v pretend_a impotency_n as_o a_o motive_n of_o compassion_n but_o what_o can_v they_o gain_v by_o own_v a_o cure_n they_o have_v not_o as_o for_o the_o spectator_n as_o their_o multitude_n add_v to_o their_o credibility_n it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o so_o many_o shall_v at_o once_o be_v delude_v in_o a_o matter_n so_o obvious_a to_o their_o sense_n so_o do_v it_o also_o acquit_v they_o from_o fraud_n and_o combination_n cheat_n and_o forgery_n be_v always_o hatch_v in_o the_o dark_a in_o close_a cabal_n and_o private_a juncto_n that_o five_o thousand_o man_n at_o one_o time_n and_o four_o thousand_o at_o another_o shall_v conspire_v to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v miraculous_o feed_v when_o they_o be_v not_o and_o all_o prove_v true_a to_o the_o fiction_n and_o not_o betray_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n as_o irrational_a to_o be_v suppose_v as_o impossible_a to_o be_v parallel_v 32._o beside_o admit_v it_o possible_a that_o so_o many_o can_v have_v join_v in_o the_o deceit_n yet_o what_o imaginable_a end_n can_v they_o have_v in_o it_o have_v their_o lie_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o design_n of_o some_o potent_a prince_n that_o may_v have_v reward_v it_o there_o have_v be_v some_o temptation_n but_o what_o can_v they_o expect_v from_o the_o repute_a son_n of_o a_o carpenter_n who_o have_v not_o himself_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n nay_o who_o disclaim_v all_o secular_a power_n convey_v himself_o away_o from_o their_o importunity_n when_o they_o will_v have_v force_v he_o to_o be_v a_o king_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o be_v
a_o topic_a of_o raillery_n dress_v their_o profane_a and_o scurrilous_a jest_n in_o its_o language_n and_o study_v it_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o abuse_v it_o and_o whilst_o we_o treat_v it_o at_o this_o vile_a rate_n no_o wonder_n we_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o it_o for_o alas_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v we_o to_o have_v the_o most_o sovereign_a balsam_n in_o our_o possession_n if_o instead_o of_o apply_v it_o to_o our_o wound_n we_o trample_v it_o under_o our_o foot_n 92_o but_o though_o we_o may_v frustrate_v the_o use_n we_o can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n god_n design_n in_o give_v we_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o make_v we_o as_o happy_a as_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v and_o the_o scripture_n be_v excellent_o adapt_v to_o this_o end_n for_o as_o to_o our_o eternal_a felicity_n all_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o state_n must_v acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n chalk_v we_o out_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o it_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v dictate_v by_o god_n who_o infallible_o know_v it_o but_o also_o by_o its_o prescribe_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o best_a and_o which_o a_o sober_a heathen_a will_v adjudge_v fit_a to_o be_v reward_v and_o as_o to_o our_o temporal_a happiness_n i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o unprejudiced_a man_n whether_o any_o thing_n can_v contribute_v more_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o real_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n than_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o scripture_n rule_n will_v do_v will_v god_n we_o will_v all_o conspire_v to_o make_v the_o experiment_n and_o then_o doubtless_o not_o only_o our_o reason_n but_o our_o sense_n too_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o 93._o and_o as_o the_o design_n be_v thus_o beneficial_a so_o in_o the_o second_o place_n be_v it_o as_o extensive_a also_o time_n be_v when_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o enclosure_n of_o divine_a revelation_n when_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v their_o peculiar_a depositum_fw-la and_o the_o heathen_a have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n ps._n 147._o ult_n but_o since_o that_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o gentile_n be_v become_v fellow-heir_n eph._n 3._o 6._o he_o have_v also_o deliver_v into_o their_o hand_n the_o deed_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o future_a state_n give_v they_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o exact_a and_o authentic_a registres_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o these_o not_o to_o be_v like_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n appropriate_v to_o some_o one_o or_o two_o particular_a place_n so_o that_o they_o can_v be_v consult_v but_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o a_o pilgrimage_n but_o lay_v open_a to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o that_o will_v believe_v themselves_o concern_v 94._o it_o be_v a_o large_a commission_n our_o saviour_n give_v his_o disciple_n go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n mar._n 16._o 15._o which_o in_o the_o narrow_a acception_n must_v be_v the_o gentile_a world_n and_o yet_o their_o oral_a gospel_n do_v not_o reach_v far_o than_o the_o write_v for_o wherever_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v plant_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v leave_v as_o the_o record_n of_o it_o nay_o as_o the_o conserver_n of_o it_o too_o the_o stand_a rule_n by_o which_o all_o corruption_n be_v to_o be_v detect_v it_o be_v true_a the_o entire_a canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o be_v not_o all_o at_o once_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n be_v successive_o write_v as_o the_o need_v of_o christian_n and_o the_o encroachment_n of_o heretic_n give_v occasion_n but_o at_o last_o they_o become_v all_o together_o the_o common_a magazine_n of_o the_o church_n to_o furnish_v arm_n both_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a for_o as_o the_o gospel_n put_v in_o our_o hand_n the_o shield_n of_o faith_n so_o the_o epistle_n help_v we_o to_o hold_v it_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v wrest_v out_o of_o our_o hand_n again_o either_o by_o the_o force_n of_o persecution_n or_o the_o sly_a insinuation_n of_o vice_n or_o heresy_n 95._o thus_o the_o apostle_n like_o prudent_a leader_n have_v beat_v up_o the_o ambush_n discover_v the_o snare_n that_o be_v lay_v for_o we_o and_o by_o discomfit_v satan_n forlorn_a hope_n that_o early_a set_a of_o false_a teacher_n and_o corrupt_a practice_n which_o then_o invade_v the_o church_n have_v lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o victory_n to_o the_o succeed_a age_n if_o they_o will_v but_o keep_v close_a to_o their_o conduct_n adhere_v to_o those_o sacred_a write_n they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o in_o every_o church_n for_o that_o purpose_n 96._o now_o what_o be_v there_o deposit_v be_v design_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o that_o church_n the_o bible_n be_v not_o commit_v like_o the_o regalia_z or_o rarity_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o be_v keep_v under_o lock_n and_o key_n and_o consequent_o to_o constitute_v a_o profitable_a office_n for_o the_o keeper_n but_o expose_v like_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n for_o universal_a view_n and_o benefit_n that_o sacred_a book_n like_o the_o common_a air_n be_v every_o man_n propriety_n yet_o no_o man_n enclosure_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n who_o eye_n have_v be_v evil_a because_o god_n have_v be_v good_a who_o have_v seal_v up_o this_o spring_n monopolise_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o will_v allow_v none_o to_o partake_v of_o it_o but_o such_o person_n and_o in_o such_o proportion_n as_o they_o please_v to_o retail_v it_o a_o attemt_a very_o insolent_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n who_o purpose_n they_o contradict_v and_o very_o injurious_a in_o respect_n of_o man_n who_o advantage_n they_o obstruct_v the_o iniquity_n of_o it_o will_v be_v very_o apparent_a if_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o follow_a section_n sect_n iv._o the_o custody_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o privilege_n and_o right_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o which_o can_v without_o impiety_n to_o god_n and_o injustice_n unto_o it_o and_o they_o be_v take_v away_o or_o impeach_v beside_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o be_v obsequious_a and_o import_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o all_o its_o precept_n common_o express_v in_o scripture_n by_o keep_v the_o commandment_n harken_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o observe_v and_o do_v his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n there_o be_v a_o possessory_a keep_n it_o in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o in_o respect_n whereof_o almighty_a god_n deut._n 6._o and_o elsewhere_o frequent_o have_v enjoin_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o that_o the_o word_n which_o he_o command_v they_o shall_v be_v in_o their_o heart_n he_o add_v that_o they_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o their_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o they_o sit_v down_o in_o their_o house_n and_o when_o they_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o they_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o they_o rise_v up_o and_o that_o they_o bind_v they_o for_o a_o sign_n upon_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o froutlet_n between_o their_o eye_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v write_v they_o upon_o the_o post_n of_o their_o house_n and_o on_o their_o gate_n so_o just_o be_v the_o law_n call_v the_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o they_o and_o wear_v upon_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o body_n inscribe_v upon_o the_o wall_n of_o their_o house_n the_o entrance_n of_o their_o door_n and_o gate_n of_o their_o city_n and_o in_o a_o word_n place_v before_o their_o eye_n wherever_o they_o converse_v 2._o and_o this_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o matter_n of_o privilege_n and_o favour_n to_o they_o say_v saint_n paul_n rom._n 9_o 4._o pertain_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o same_o saint_n paul_n at_o the_o 3._o chap._n 2._o v._n of_o that_o epistle_n unto_o the_o question_n what_o advantage_n have_v the_o jew_n or_o what_o prosit_fw-la be_v there_o of_o circumcision_n answer_n that_o it_o be_v much_o every_o way_n chief_o because_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n this_o depositum_fw-la or_o trust_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o father_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v continue_v down_o unto_o their_o child_n he_o make_v a_o covenant_n say_v david_n ps._n 78._o v._n 5._o with_o jacob_n and_o give_v israel_n a_o law_n which_o he_o command_v our_o forefather_n to_o teach_v their_o child_n that_o their_o posterity_n may_v know_v it_o and_o the_o child_n which_o be_v yet_o unborn_a to_o the_o intent_n that_o when_o
and_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o there_o find_v our_o act_n from_o whence_o their_o order_n and_o origation_n begin_v 8._o it_o be_v true_a bellarmine_n reproach_n this_o discourse_n as_o erroneous_a but_o whatever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o inference_n which_o saint_n cyprian_a draw_v from_o it_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o saint_n austin_n though_o sufficient_o engage_v against_o saint_n cyprian_n conclusion_n allow_v the_o position_n as_o most_o orthodox_n say_v in_o the_o four_o book_n of_o baptism_n c._n 35._o whereas_o he_o admonish_v to_o go_v back_o to_o the_o fountain_n that_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o thence_o bring_v the_o stream_n down_o to_o our_o time_n it_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o without_o doubt_n to_o be_v do_v 9_o thus_o eusebius_n express_v himself_o in_o his_o second_o book_n against_o sabellius_n as_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o sloth_n not_o to_o seek_v into_o those_o thing_n whereof_o one_o may_v inquire_v so_o it_o be_v insolence_n to_o be_v inquisitive_a in_o other_o but_o what_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o inquire_v into_o even_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o there_o to_o be_v find_v let_v we_o not_o seek_v after_o for_o if_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o omit_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n 10._o athanasius_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o incarnation_n say_v it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o relinquish_v it_o think_v by_o syllogism_n to_o evade_v what_o be_v there_o clear_o deliver_v again_o in_o his_o tract_n to_o serap_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ask_v not_o say_v he_o concern_v the_o trinity_n but_o learn_v only_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o instruction_n which_o you_o will_v find_v there_o be_v sufficient_a and_o in_o his_o oration_n against_o the_o gentile_n declare_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n 11._o agreeable_a to_o these_o be_v optatus_n in_o his_o 5._o book_n against_o parman_n who_o reason_n thus_o you_o say_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o rebaptize_v we_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a betwixt_o your_o say_n and_o our_o gainsaying_n the_o people_n mind_n be_v amuse_v let_v no_o man_n believe_v either_o you_o or_o we_o all_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v contentious_a therefore_o judge_n be_v to_o be_v call_v in_o christian_n they_o can_v be_v for_o they_o will_v be_v party_n and_o thereby_o partial_a therefore_o a_o judge_n be_v to_o be_v look_v out_o from_o abroad_o if_o a_o pagan_a he_o know_v not_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n if_o a_o jew_n he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o our_o baptism_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o earthly_a judge_n but_o one_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v from_o heaven_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o resort_n to_o heaven_n when_o we_o have_v in_o the_o gospel_n a_o testament_n and_o in_o this_o case_n celestial_a thing_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o earthly_a so_o it_o be_v as_o with_o a_o father_n who_o have_v many_o child_n while_o he_o be_v present_a he_o order_v they_o all_o and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o write_a will_n according_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v present_a upon_o earth_n from_o time_n to_o time_n command_v the_o apostle_n whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a but_o as_o the_o earthly_a father_n find_v himself_o to_o be_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n and_o fear_v that_o after_o his_o departure_n his_o child_n shall_v quarrel_v among_o themselves_o he_o call_v witness_n and_o put_v his_o mind_n in_o writing_n and_o if_o any_o difference_n arise_v among_o the_o brethren_n they_o go_v not_o to_o their_o father_n sepulchre_n but_o repair_v to_o his_o will_n and_o testament_n and_o he_o who_o rest_v in_o his_o grave_n speak_v still_o in_o his_o writing_n as_o if_o he_o be_v alive_a our_o lord_n who_o leave_v his_o will_n among_o we_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n therefore_o let_v we_o seek_v his_o command_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o in_o his_o will._n 12._o thus_o cyril_n of_o jerus_n cat._n 4._o nothing_o no_o not_o the_o least_o concernment_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v without_o the_o holy_a scripture_n believe_v not_o i_o unless_o i_o give_v you_o a_o demonstration_n of_o what_o i_o say_v from_o the_o scripture_n 13._o saint_n basil_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n say_v if_o god_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o say_n his_o word_n and_o work_n they_o remain_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v do_v in_o truth_n and_o equity_n it_o must_v be_v a_o evident_a sign_n of_o infidelity_n and_o pride_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v reject_v what_o be_v write_v and_o introduce_v what_o be_v not_o write_v in_o which_o book_n he_o general_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v write_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o he_o abhor_v from_o take_v it_o elsewhere_o in_o his_o 29._o homily_n against_o the_o antitrinit_a believe_v say_v he_o those_o which_o be_v write_v seek_v not_o those_o which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o in_o his_o eth._n reg_fw-la 26._o every_o word_n and_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_o inspire_v scripture_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o good_a and_o reproof_n of_o the_o wicked_a 14._o saint_n ambrose_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o offic._n say_v how_o can_v we_o make_v use_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o his_o instit._n of_o virgin_n i_o read_v he_o be_v the_o first_o but_o read_v not_o he_o be_v the_o second_o let_v they_o who_o say_v he_o be_v second_o show_v it_o from_o the_o read_n 15._o greg._n nyssen_n in_o his_o dial._n of_o the_o soul_n and_o resurrect_v say_v it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o truth_n be_v there_o only_o to_o be_v place_v where_o there_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o scripture_n testimony_n 16._o saint_n jerom_n against_o helvidius_n declare_v as_o we_o deny_v not_o that_o which_o be_v write_v so_o we_o refuse_v those_o which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o 98._o ps._n every_o thing_n that_o we_o assert_v we_o must_v show_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v have_v not_o that_o authority_n as_o god_n precept_n and_o on_o the_o 87._o ps._n whatever_o be_v say_v after_o the_o apostle_n let_v it_o be_v cut_v off_o nor_o have_v afterward_o authority_n the_o one_o be_v holy_a after_o the_o apostle_n the_o one_o be_v eloquent_a yet_o have_v he_o not_o authority_n 17._o saint_n austin_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n c._n 12._o acknowledge_v that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v convince_v but_o by_o the_o scripture_n of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o add_v they_o be_v read_v with_o such_o manifestation_n that_o he_o who_o believe_v they_o must_v confess_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v most_o true_a in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n c._n 9_o he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n be_v find_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v faith_n and_o manner_n and_o in_o epist._n 42._o all_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v exhibit_v heretofore_o as_o don_v to_o mankind_n and_o what_o we_o now_o see_v and_o deliver_v to_o our_o posterity_n the_o scripture_n have_v not_o pass_v they_o in_o silence_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o concern_v the_o search_n or_o defence_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o his_o â—ract_n of_o the_o good_a of_o widowhood_n he_o say_v to_o â—ulian_n the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o address_v what_o shall_v i_o teach_v you_o more_o than_o that_o we_o read_v in_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n settlos_fw-la the_o rule_n of_o our_o doctrine_n that_o we_o think_v not_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v soâ—erly_o as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n therefore_o my_o teach_n be_v only_o to_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o this_o doctor_n ep._n 157._o where_o â—ny_a subject_n be_v obscure_a and_o pass_v our_o comprehension_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o plain_o afford_v its_o help_n there_o human_a conjecture_n be_v presumâ—â—ous_a in_o define_v 18._o theophilus_n of_o alex._n in_o his_o second_o paschal_n homily_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o suggestion_n of_o a_o diabolical_a spirit_n to_o think_v that_o any_o thing_n beside_o the_o scripture_n have_v divine_a authority_n and_o in_o his_o three_o he_o add_v that_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n lay_v firm_a foundation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n 19_o chrysostom_n in_o his_o three_o homily_n
conquest_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n with_o those_o that_o succeed_v under_o the_o judge_n and_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o juda_n as_o also_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o menace_n of_o prophet_n ever_o and_o anon_o fall_v to_o downright_a idolatry_n but_o after_o their_o return_n unto_o this_o day_n have_v keep_v themselves_o from_o fall_v into_o that_o sin_n though_o they_o have_v no_o prophet_n to_o instruct_v they_o no_o miracle_n or_o government_n to_o encourage_v or_o constrain_v they_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o a_o very_a learned_a man_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n take_v to_o be_v the_o reading_z and_o teach_v of_o the_o law_n in_o their_o synagogue_n which_o be_v perform_v with_o great_a exactness_n after_o the_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n but_o be_v not_o so_o perform_v before_o and_o may_v we_o not_o invert_v the_o observation_n and_o impute_v the_o image-worship_n now_o set_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o church_n and_o interdict_v the_o private_a use_n and_o institution_n in_o they_o 4._o for_o a_o far_a supplement_n in_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o history_n be_v think_v not_o edify_v enough_o the_o legend_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v introduce_v story_n so_o stupid_a that_o one_o will_v imagine_v they_o design_v as_o a_o experiment_n how_o far_o credulity_n can_v be_v impose_v upon_o or_o else_o frame_v to_o a_o worse_a intent_n that_o christianity_n by_o they_o may_v be_v make_v ridiculous_a yet_o these_o be_v recommend_v to_o use_v and_o veneration_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v utter_o forbid_v whereby_o the_o party_n to_o this_o unhappy_a practice_n that_o i_o may_v speak_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n jerem._n 2._o 13._o have_v commit_v two_o evil_n they_o have_v for_o saken_a the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n and_o hew_v they_o out_o cistern_n break_a cistern_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n 5._o far_o yet_o the_o same_o unreasonable_a tyranny_n which_o permit_v not_o the_o laity_n to_o understand_v almighty_a god_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n hinder_v they_o from_o be_v suffer_v to_o understand_v the_o church_n or_o themselves_o speak_v to_o he_o in_o their_o prayer_n whilst_o the_o whole_a roman_a office_n be_v so_o dispose_v that_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n 1_o cor._n 14._o he_o that_o occupy_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a must_v say_v amen_o to_o those_o prayer_n and_o praise_n which_o he_o have_v no_o comprehension_n of_o and_o by_o his_o endless_a repetition_n of_o pater_n ave_n and_o credo's_n fall_v into_o that_o battology_n reprove_v by_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 6._o 7._o and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n jo._n 4._o 22._o know_v not_o what_o he_o worship_v yet_o this_o unaccountable_a practice_n be_v so_o much_o the_o darling_n of_o that_o church_n that_o when_o in_o france_n about_o eighteen_o year_n since_o the_o roman_a missal_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o publish_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o several_a of_o their_o bishop_n the_o clergy_n of_o france_n rise_v up_o in_o great_a fury_n against_o the_o attemt_a anathematise_v in_o their_o circular_a epistle_n all_o that_o sell_v read_v or_o use_v the_o say_a book_n and_o upon_o complaint_n unto_o pope_n alex._n the_o 7._o he_o resent_v the_o matter_n so_o deep_o as_o to_o issue_v out_o his_o bull_n against_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n 6._o whereas_o son_n of_o perdition_n endevor_v the_o destruction_n of_o soul_n have_v translate_v the_o roman_a missal_n into_o the_o french_a tongue_n and_o so_o attemt_v to_o throw_v down_o and_o trample_v upon_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o holy_a rite_n comprehend_v in_o latin_a word_n as_o we_o abominate_a and_o detest_v the_o novelty_n which_o will_v deform_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o produce_v disobedience_n temerity_n boldness_n sedition_n and_o schism_n so_o we_o condemn_v reprobate_a and_o forbid_v the_o say_a and_o all_o other_o such_o translation_n and_o interdict_v the_o read_n and_o keep_v to_o all_o and_o singular_a the_o faithful_a of_o whatever_o sex_n degree_n order_n condition_n dignity_n honour_n or_o preeminence_n etc._n etc._n under_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n and_o we_o command_v the_o copy_n to_o be_v immediate_o burn_v etc._n etc._n so_o mortal_a a_o sin_n it_o seem_v it_o be_v teach_v for_o the_o laity_n to_o understand_v the_o prayer_n in_o which_o they_o must_v communicate_v 7._o nor_o be_v this_o all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o other_o attemt_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o bold_a insolence_n of_o make_v a_o new_a authentic_a text_n in_o that_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o which_o the_o office_n of_o prayer_n have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v disguise_v which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o the_o four_o session_n but_o when_o the_o council_n have_v give_v this_o prerogative_n to_o the_o version_n which_o it_o call_v vulgar_a the_o succeed_a pope_n begin_v to_o consider_v what_o that_o version_n be_v and_o this_o work_n pius_n the_o four_o and_o five_o set_v upon_o but_o prevent_v by_o death_n fail_v to_o complete_a it_o so_o that_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o performance_n fall_v to_o sixtus_n the_o five_o who_o in_o the_o plenitude_n of_o his_o apostolic_a power_n the_o translation_n be_v reform_v to_o his_o mind_n command_v it_o to_o be_v that_o genuine_a ancient_a edition_n which_o the_o trent_n father_n have_v before_o make_v authentic_a and_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n require_v it_o to_o be_v so_o receive_v which_o he_o do_v in_o this_o form_n of_o our_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o the_o plenitude_n of_o apostolic_a power_n we_o order_n and_o declare_v that_o vulgar_a edition_n which_o have_v hin_n receive_v for_o authentic_a by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v without_o doubt_n or_o controversy_n to_o be_v esteem_v this_o very_a one_o which_o be_v amend_v as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o print_v at_o the_o vatican_n press_n we_o publish_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o whole_a christian_a republic_n and_o in_o all_o church_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n decree_v that_o it_o have_v be_v approve_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o holy_a universal_a church_n and_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o then_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o general_a council_n of_o trent_n and_o now_o by_o the_o apostolic_a authority_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o true_a legitimate_a authentic_a and_o undoubted_a which_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o hold_v in_o all_o public_a and_o private_a disputation_n lecture_n preach_n and_o exposition_n etc._n etc._n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o plenitude_n of_o apostolic_a power_n soon_o after_o come_v clement_n the_o eight_o and_o again_o resume_v the_o work_n of_o his_o predecessor_n sixtus_n discover_v great_a and_o many_o error_n in_o it_o and_o put_v out_o one_o more_o reform_v yet_o confess_v by_o himself_o to_o be_v imperfect_a which_o now_o stand_v for_o the_o authentic_a text_n and_o carry_v the_o title_n of_o the_o bible_n put_v forth_o by_o sixtus_n notwithstanding_o all_o its_o alteration_n so_o well_o do_v the_o roman_a church_n deserve_v the_o honour_n which_o she_o pretend_v to_o of_o be_v the_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o so_o infallible_a be_v the_o holy_a chair_n in_o its_o determination_n and_o last_o so_o authentic_a a_o transcript_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v which_o it_o be_v say_v mat._n 5._o 18._o one_o jot_n or_o one_o title_n shall_v not_o fail_v be_v that_o which_o she_o establish_v and_o that_o have_v receive_v so_o many_o and_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o infallible_a corrector_n want_v still_o more_o alteration_n 8._o dependent_a upon_o this_o and_o as_o great_a a_o mischief_n as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a consequent_a to_o the_o withdraw_a of_o the_o scripture_n i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o step_n it_o make_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o most_o useful_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o point_n of_o penance_n who_o rigour_n always_o heretofore_o precede_v the_o possibility_n of_o have_v absolution_n now_o of_o this_o we_o know_v a_o solemn_a part_n be_v the_o state_n of_o audience_n when_o the_o lapse_v person_n be_v receive_v after_o long_a attendance_n without_o door_n prostration_n and_o lamentation_n there_o within_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v permit_v with_o the_o catechuman_n or_o candidat_n of_o baptism_n to_o hear_v the_o reading_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o stay_v till_o prayer_n begin_v but_o then_o depart_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o threat_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n to_o stand_v
to_o lend_v they_o light_n to_o judge_n of_o they_o but_o aid_n to_o back_n and_o defend_v they_o 7._o of_o this_o there_o be_v no_o book_n of_o controversy_n that_o do_v not_o give_v notorious_a proof_n the_o socinian_n can_v easy_o overlook_a the_o begin_n of_o saint_n john_n that_o say_v the_o word_n be_v god_n jo._n 1._o 1._o and_o all_o those_o other_o place_n which_o plain_o assert_v the_o deity_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o he_o can_v but_o divert_v to_o that_o other_o more_o agreeable_a text_n that_o the_o father_n be_v great_a than_o i_o among_o the_o romanist_n peter_n be_v say_v to_o be_v first_o among_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 10._o 2_o and_o that_o on_o that_o rock_n christ_n will_v build_v his_o church_n mat._n 16._o 18._o carry_v away_o all_o attention_n from_o those_o other_o place_n where_o saint_n paul_n say_v he_o be_v not_o behind_o the_o very_o chief_a of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 5._o that_o upon_o he_o lay_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 28._o and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o some_o one_o but_o all_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n revel_v 21._o 14._o so_o it_o fare_v in_o the_o business_n of_o the_o eucharist_n this_o be_v my_o body_n mat._n 26._o 26._o carry_v it_o away_o clear_a for_o transubstantiation_n when_o our_o savior_n call_v that_o which_o he_o drink_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n mat._n 26._o 29._o and_o then_o saint_n paul_n name_v the_o element_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n several_a time_n over_o bread_n and_o wine_n the_o bread_n that_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o cup_n that_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n &_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 16._o and_o again_o he_o that_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n unworthy_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 11._o 29._o can_v make_v no_o appearance_n of_o a_o argument_n 8._o thus_o man_n once_o engage_v ransac_n for_o text_n that_o carry_v some_o correspondency_n to_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v imbibe_v and_o those_o how_o do_v they_o rack_v and_o serve_v to_o bring_v to_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n and_o improve_v every_o little_a probability_n into_o a_o demonstration_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o contrary_a text_n they_o look_v on_o as_o enemy_n and_o consider_v they_o no_o far_o than_o to_o provide_v fence_n and_o guard_n against_o they_o so_o they_o bring_v text_n not_o into_o the_o scale_n to_o weigh_v but_o into_o the_o field_n to_o skirmish_v as_o partisan_n and_o auxiliary_n of_o such_o or_o such_o opinion_n 9_o by_o this_o force_n of_o prepossession_n it_o be_v that_o that_o sacred_a rule_n which_o be_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o all_o rectitude_n be_v itself_o bow_v and_o distort_v to_o countenance_n and_o abet_v the_o most_o contrary_a tenet_n and_o like_o a_o variable_a picture_n represent_v differ_v shape_n according_a to_o the_o light_n in_o which_o you_o view_v it_o and_o sure_o we_o can_v do_v it_o a_o worse_a office_n then_o to_o represent_v it_o thus_o dissonant_n to_o itself_o yet_o thus_o it_o must_v still_o be_v till_o man_n come_v unbiased_a to_o the_o read_n of_o it_o and_o certain_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v do_v so_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v but_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 9_o and_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a the_o scripture_n can_v best_o direct_v we_o what_o faith_n it_o be_v which_o will_v lead_v we_o to_o that_o end_n 10._o why_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o have_v the_o same_o indifference_n which_o a_o traveller_n have_v whether_o his_o way_n lie_v on_o this_o hand_n or_o that_o so_o as_o it_o be_v the_o direct_a road_n to_o his_o journey_n end_n for_o although_o it_o be_v infinite_o material_a that_o i_o embrace_v right_a principle_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v right_o rather_o than_o the_o other_o and_o our_o wish_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o proceed_v only_o from_o our_o prepossession_n and_o fondness_n of_o our_o own_o conception_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o intercept_v the_o clear_a view_n of_o truth_n it_o therefore_o near_o concern_v we_o to_o deposit_v they_o and_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o without_o reserve_n to_o the_o guidance_n of_o god_n word_n and_o give_v it_o equal_a credit_n when_o it_o thwart_v as_o when_o it_o comply_v with_o our_o own_o notion_n 11._o without_o this_o though_o we_o may_v call_v scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a we_o make_v it_o not_o so_o but_o reserve_v still_o the_o last_o appeal_n to_o our_o own_o prejudicate_v fancy_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n though_o we_o fall_v under_o the_o same_o occaecation_n which_o our_o saviour_n upbraid_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o see_v we_o see_v not_o neither_o do_v we_o understand_v mat._n 13._o 14._o for_o he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v save_v god_n way_n will_v hardly_o be_v so_o by_o his_o own_o he_o that_o resolve_v not_o impartial_o to_o embrace_v all_o the_o scripture_n dictate_v come_v to_o they_o as_o unsincere_o as_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v to_o jeremiah_n to_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o which_o he_o no_o soon_o have_v do_v but_o they_o protest_v against_o his_o message_n jer._n 42._o 20._o and_o may_v expect_v as_o fatal_a a_o event_n 12._o but_o there_o be_v a_o set_v of_o man_n who_o deal_v yet_o more_o insincere_o with_o the_o word_n that_o read_v it_o insidious_o on_o purpose_n to_o collect_v matter_n of_o objection_n and_o cavil_n that_o with_o a_o malicious_a diligence_n compare_v text_n in_o hope_n to_o find_v contradiction_n and_o read_v attentive_o but_o to_o no_o other_o end_n then_o to_o remark_n incoherence_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o stile_n which_o when_o they_o think_v they_o have_v start_v they_o have_v their_o design_n and_o never_o will_v use_v a_o quarter_n of_o the_o same_o diligence_n in_o consider_v how_o they_o may_v be_v solve_v or_o consult_v with_o those_o who_o may_v assist_v they_o in_o it_o for_o i_o think_v i_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o have_v raise_v the_o loud_a clamour_n against_o the_o scripture_n whether_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o render_v themselves_o competent_a judge_n of_o it_o by_o inquire_v into_o the_o original_n or_o inform_v themselves_o of_o those_o local_a custom_n peculiar_a idiom_n and_o many_o other_o circumstance_n by_o which_o obscure_a text_n be_v to_o be_v clear_v and_o though_o i_o do_v not_o affirm_v it_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v do_v this_o yet_o i_o may_v affirm_v it_o necessary_a to_o he_o that_o will_v pretend_v to_o judge_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o he_o that_o without_o this_o condem_n it_o do_v it_o as_o manifest_a injury_n as_o a_o judge_n that_o shall_v pass_v sentence_n only_o upon_o the_o indictment_n without_o hear_v the_o defence_n 13._o and_o certain_o there_o can_v be_v any_o thing_n more_o unmanly_a and_o disingenuous_a then_o for_o man_n to_o inveigh_v and_o condemn_v before_o they_o inquire_v and_o examine_v yet_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n upon_o which_o so_o many_o value_n themselves_o assume_v to_o be_v man_n of_o reason_n for_o that_o for_o which_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v they_o brute_n beast_n viz._n the_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 12._o will_v man_n use_v due_a diligence_n no_o doubt_n many_o of_o those_o seem_a contradiction_n will_v be_v reconcile_v and_o the_o obscurity_n clear_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v after_o all_o remain_n he_o may_v find_v twenty_o thing_n fit_a to_o charge_v it_o on_o then_o want_v of_o verity_n or_o discourse_n in_o the_o inspire_a writer_n 14._o alas_o what_o human_a writing_n be_v there_o of_o near_o that_o antiquity_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o many_o passage_n unintelligible_a and_o indeed_o unless_o modern_a time_n know_v all_o those_o national_a custom_n obsolete_a law_n particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n phrase_n and_o proverbial_a say_n to_o which_o such_o ancient_a book_n refer_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o some_o passage_n must_v remain_v obscure_a yet_o in_o these_o we_o ordinary_o have_v so_o much_o candour_n as_o to_o impute_v their_o unintelligibleness_n to_o our_o own_o ignorance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v clear_v they_o the_o impropriety_n of_o stile_n to_o the_o variation_n that_o time_n make_v in_o dialect_n or_o to_o the_o error_n of_o scribe_n and_o do_v not_o present_o exclaim_v against_o the_o author_n as_o false_a or_o impertinent_a or_o discard_v the_o whole_a book_n for_o some_o such_o passage_n 15._o and_o sure_o what_o allowance_n we_o make_v to_o other_o book_n may_v with_o more_o reason_n be_v make_v to_o the_o
bible_n which_o have_v be_v write_v so_o many_o age_n since_o pass_v through_o infinite_a variety_n of_o hand_n and_o which_o be_v above_o all_o have_v be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n malice_n lie_v under_o great_a disadvantage_n than_o any_o human_a composure_n and_o doubtless_o man_n will_v be_v as_o equitable_a to_o that_o as_o they_o be_v to_o other_o be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o more_o wish_v to_o have_v that_o false_a or_o irrational_a than_o any_o other_o book_n the_o plain_a part_n of_o it_o the_o precept_n and_o threaten_n speak_v clear_a than_o they_o desire_v gall_n and_o fret_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v revenge_v themselves_o upon_o the_o obscurer_n and_o seem_v angry_a that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o when_o indeed_o their_o real_a displesure_n be_v at_o those_o they_o do_v 16._o a_o second_o qualification_n preparatory_a to_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v reverence_n when_o we_o take_v the_o bible_n in_o our_o hand_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o with_o other_o sentiment_n and_o apprehension_n then_o when_o we_o take_v a_o common_a book_n consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n or_o upon_o our_o abuse_n of_o it_o a_o promoter_n of_o our_o ruin_n 17._o and_o sure_o this_o if_o due_o apprehend_v can_v but_o strike_v we_o with_o a_o reverential_a awe_n make_v we_o to_o say_v with_o jacob_n gen._n 28._o 17._o sure_o god_n be_v in_o this_o place_n control_v all_o trifle_a fancy_n and_o make_v we_o read_v not_o for_o custom_n or_o divertisement_n but_o with_o those_o solemn_a and_o holy_a intention_n which_o become_v the_o dignity_n of_o its_o author_n according_o we_o find_v holy_a man_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v affect_v with_o it_o and_o some_o to_o the_o inward_a reverence_n of_o the_o mind_n have_v join_v the_o outward_a of_o the_o body_n also_o and_o never_o read_v it_o but_o upon_o their_o knee_n a_o example_n that_o may_v both_o instruct_v and_o reproach_v our_o profaneness_n who_o common_o read_v by_o chance_n and_o at_o aventure_o if_o a_o bible_n happen_v in_o our_o way_n we_o take_v it_o up_o as_o we_o will_v do_v a_o romance_n or_o playbook_n only_o herein_o we_o differ_v that_o we_o dismiss_v it_o much_o soon_o and_o retain_v less_o of_o its_o impression_n 18_o it_o be_v a_o law_n of_o numa_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v meddle_v with_o divine_a thing_n or_o worship_v the_o god_n in_o pass_v or_o by_o accident_n but_o make_v it_o a_o set_v and_o solemn_a business_n and_o every_o one_o know_v with_o how_o great_a ceremony_n and_o solemnity_n the_o heathen_a oracle_n be_v consult_v how_o great_a a_o shame_n be_v it_o then_o for_o christian_n to_o defalk_v that_o reverence_n from_o the_o true_a god_n which_o heathen_n allow_v their_o false_a one_o 19_o now_o this_o proceed_v sometime_o from_o the_o want_n of_o that_o habitual_a reverence_n we_o shall_v always_o have_v to_o it_o as_o god_n word_n and_o sometime_o from_o want_n of_o actual_a exciting_a it_o when_o we_o go_v to_o read_v for_o if_o the_o habit_n lie_v only_o dormant_a in_o we_o and_o be_v not_o awake_v by_o actual_a consideration_n it_o avail_v we_o as_o little_a in_o our_o read_n as_o the_o habitual_a strength_n of_o a_o man_n do_v towards_o labour_n when_o he_o will_v not_o exert_v it_o for_o that_o end_n 20._o we_o ought_v therefore_o as_o to_o make_v it_o our_o deliberate_a choice_n to_o read_v god_n word_n so_o when_o we_o do_v it_o to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o those_o solemn_a apprehension_n of_o its_o dignity_n and_o authority_n as_o may_v render_v we_o malleable_a and_o apt_a to_o receive_v its_o impression_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o reverence_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o genuine_a or_o last_a obedience_n 21._o saint_n austin_n in_o his_o tract_n to_o honoratus_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o believe_v make_v the_o first_o requisite_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o love_n of_o they_o believe_v i_o say_v he_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v sublime_a and_o divine_a its_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n be_v most_o accommodate_v to_o the_o refreshment_n and_o build_v up_o of_o our_o mind_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n so_o order_v that_o every_o one_o may_v draw_v thence_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o provide_v he_o approach_v it_o with_o devotion_n piety_n and_o religion_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o may_v require_v much_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o this_o i_o be_o first_o to_o persuade_v that_o you_o do_v not_o hate_v the_o author_n and_o then_o that_o you_o love_v they_o have_v we_o a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o virgil_n nay_o if_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o reputation_n he_o have_v gain_v with_o our_o predecessor_n we_o do_v not_o great_o love_v before_o we_o understand_v he_o we_o shall_v never_o patient_o go_v through_o all_o the_o difficult_a question_n grammarian_n raise_v about_o he_o many_o employ_v themselves_o in_o comment_v upon_o he_o we_o esteem_v he_o most_o who_o exposition_n most_o commend_v the_o book_n and_o show_v that_o the_o author_n not_o only_o be_v free_a from_o error_n but_o do_v excellent_o well_o where_o he_o be_v not_o understand_v and_o if_o such_o a_o account_n happen_v not_o to_o be_v give_v we_o impute_v it_o rather_o to_o the_o interpreter_n then_o the_o poet._n 22._o thus_o the_o good_a father_n who_o word_n i_o have_v transcribe_v at_o large_a as_o be_v remarkable_a to_o the_o present_a purpose_n he_o also_o show_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o no_o author_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v from_o one_o averse_a to_o his_o doctrine_n as_o that_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o inquire_v of_o aristotle_n book_n from_o one_o of_o a_o different_a sect_n or_o of_o archimedes_n from_o epicurus_n the_o discourse_n will_v be_v as_o displease_v as_o the_o speaker_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v esteem_v absurd_a which_o come_v from_o one_o that_o be_v envy_v or_o despise_v 23._o a_o three_o preparative_n to_o our_o read_n shall_v be_v prayer_n the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v dictate_v at_o first_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n so_o must_v still_o owe_v its_o effect_n and_o influence_n to_o its_o cooperation_n the_o thing_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o and_o though_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v well_o enough_o apprehend_v the_o letter_n and_o grammatical_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o its_o power_n and_o energy_n that_o insinuative_a persuasive_a force_n whereby_o it_o work_v on_o heart_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o without_o his_o aid_n the_o scripture_n whilst_o it_o lie_v open_a before_o our_o eye_n may_v still_o be_v as_o a_o book_n that_o be_v seal_v esai_n 29._o 11._o be_v as_o ineffective_a as_o if_o the_o character_n be_v illegible_a 24._o beside_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o the_o devil_n be_v still_o busy_a to_o steal_v away_o the_o seed_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v sow_v mat._n 13._o 17._o and_o unless_o we_o have_v some_o better_a guard_n than_o our_o own_o vigilance_n he_o be_v sure_a enough_o to_o prosper_v in_o his_o attemt_fw-mi let_v it_o therefore_o be_v our_o care_n to_o invoke_v the_o divine_a aid_n and_o when_o ever_o we_o take_v the_o bible_n into_o our_o hand_n to_o dart_v up_o at_o least_o a_o hearty_a ejaculation_n that_o we_o may_v find_v its_o effect_n in_o our_o heart_n let_v we_o say_v with_o holy_a david_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n o_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n bless_v be_v thou_o o_o lord_n o_o teach_v i_o thy_o statute_n ps._n 119._o nay_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v fit_a matter_n of_o a_o daily_a solemn_a devotion_n as_o our_o church_n have_v make_v it_o a_o annual_a in_o the_o collect_n on_o the_o second_o sunday_n in_o advent_n a_o prayer_n so_o apt_a and_o full_o expressive_a of_o what_o we_o shall_v desire_v in_o this_o particular_a that_o if_o we_o transcribe_v not_o only_o the_o example_n but_o the_o very_a word_n i_o know_v not_o how_o we_o can_v form_v that_o part_n of_o our_o devotion_n more_o advantageous_o 25._o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o at_o the_o time_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n which_o consist_v principal_o in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v attention_n which_o be_v so_o indispensable_o requisite_a that_o without_o it_o all_o book_n be_v alike_o and_o all_o equal_o insignificant_a for_o he_o that_o advert_v not_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o he_o read_v the_o wise_a discourse_n signify_v no_o more_o to_o he_o than_o the_o most_o exquisite_a music_n do_v to_o a_o man_n perfect_o deaf_a the_o letter_n and_o syllable_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v no_o more_o sacred_a than_o those_o
of_o another_o book_n it_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n only_o that_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o he_o that_o consider_v only_o the_o former_a may_v as_o well_o entertain_v himself_o with_o a_o spelling-book_n 26._o we_o must_v therefore_o keep_v our_o mind_n fix_v and_o attent_a to_o what_o we_o read_v it_o be_v a_o folly_n and_o lightness_n not_o to_o do_v so_o in_o human_a author_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o danger_n not_o to_o do_v so_o in_o this_o divine_a book_n we_o know_v there_o can_v scarce_o be_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o contemt_a and_o disvalue_n then_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n speak_v and_o not_o at_o all_o mind_n what_o he_o say_v yet_o this_o vile_a affront_n do_v all_o those_o put_v upon_o god_n who_o hear_v or_o read_v his_o word_n and_o give_v it_o no_o attention_n yet_o i_o fear_v the_o practice_n be_v not_o more_o impious_a than_o it_o be_v frequent_a for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o read_v the_o bible_n who_o if_o at_o the_o end_n of_o each_o chapter_n they_o shall_v be_v callâ—d_v to_o account_v i_o doubt_v they_o can_v produce_v very_o slender_a collection_n and_o true_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a consideration_n that_o that_o sacred_a book_n be_v read_v most_o attentive_o by_o those_o who_o read_v it_o as_o some_o preach_v the_o gospel_n phil._n 1._o 15._o out_o of_o â—â—vy_a and_o strife_n how_o curious_o do_v man_n inspect_v nay_o ransac_n and_o embowel_v a_o text_n to_o find_v a_o pretence_n for_o cavil_n and_o objection_n whilst_o man_n who_o profess_v to_o look_v there_o for_o life_n and_o salvation_n read_v with_o such_o a_o retchless_n heedlessness_n as_o if_o it_o can_v tell_v they_o nothing_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o and_o to_o such_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o their_o read_n bring_v no_o advantage_n god_n be_v not_o in_o this_o sense_n find_v of_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o esai_n 65._o 1._o it_o be_v satan_n part_n to_o serve_v himself_o of_o the_o bare_a word_n and_o character_n of_o holy_a writ_n for_o charm_n and_o amulet_n the_o virtue_n god_n have_v put_v there_o consist_v in_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o can_v never_o be_v draw_v out_o by_o drowsy_a inadvert_v reader_n 27._o this_o unattentiveness_n fore-stall_n all_o possibility_n of_o good_a how_o shall_v that_o convince_v the_o understanding_n or_o persuade_v the_o affection_n which_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o enter_v the_o imagination_n so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n the_o seed_n seem_v more_o cast_v away_o then_o in_o any_o of_o those_o instance_n the_o parable_n give_v mat._n 13._o in_o those_o it_o still_o fell_a upon_o the_o soil_n but_o in_o this_o it_o never_o reach_v that_o but_o be_v scatter_v and_o dissipate_v as_o with_o a_o mighty_a wind_n by_o those_o thought_n which_o have_v prepossess_v the_o mind_n let_v no_o man_n therefore_o take_v this_o sacred_a book_n into_o his_o hand_n till_o he_o have_v turn_v out_o all_o distract_n fancy_n and_o have_v his_o faculty_n free_a and_o vacant_a for_o those_o better_a object_n which_o will_v there_o present_v themselves_o and_o when_o he_o have_v so_o dispose_v himself_o for_o attention_n then_o let_v he_o contrive_v to_o improve_v that_o attention_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n 28._o to_o which_o purpose_n it_o may_v be_v very_o conducive_a to_o put_v it_o into_o some_o order_n and_o method_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o he_o read_v the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o scripture_n let_v he_o first_o and_o principal_o advert_v to_o those_o plain_a text_n which_o contain_v the_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v not_o owe_v his_o creed_n only_o to_o his_o education_n the_o institution_n of_o his_o parent_n or_o tutor_n but_o may_v know_v the_o true_a foundation_n on_o which_o it_o be_v bottom_v viz._n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o may_v thence_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v his_o faith_n and_o as_o saint_n peter_n exhort_v be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v he_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o he_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o for_o want_v of_o this_o it_o be_v that_o religion_n sit_v so_o loose_a upon_o man_n that_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n blow_v they_o into_o distinct_a and_o various_a form_n till_o at_o last_o their_o christianity_n itself_o vapour_n away_o and_o disappear_v 29._o but_o let_v man_n be_v careful_a thus_o to_o secure_v the_o foundation_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v commendable_a in_o they_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o to_o aspire_v to_o high_a degree_n of_o speculation_n yet_o even_o in_o these_o it_o will_v be_v their_o safe_a course_n chief_o to_o pursue_v such_o as_o have_v the_o most_o immediate_a influence_n on_o practice_n and_o be_v more_o industrious_a to_o make_v observation_n of_o that_o sort_n then_o curious_a and_o critical_a remark_n or_o bold_a conjecture_n upon_o those_o mystery_n on_o which_o god_n have_v spread_v a_o veil_n 30._o but_o beside_o a_o man_n own_o particular_a collection_n it_o will_v be_v prudence_n in_o he_o to_o advantage_n himself_o of_o those_o of_o other_o and_o to_o consult_v the_o learned_a and_o best_a expositor_n and_o that_o not_o only_o upon_o a_o present_a emergency_n when_o he_o be_v to_o dispute_v a_o point_n as_o most_o do_v but_o in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o this_o read_n wherein_o he_o will_v most_o sedat_o and_o dispassionat_o judge_v of_o the_o notion_n they_o offer_v 31._o as_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o portion_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v read_v in_o course_n though_o i_o shall_v not_o condemn_v that_o of_o read_v the_o whole_a bible_n in_o order_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o some_o part_n of_o it_o as_o that_o of_o the_o levitical_a law_n be_v not_o so_o apt_o accommodate_v to_o our_o present_a state_n as_o other_o be_v and_o consequent_o not_o so_o edificatory_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v see_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v oblige_v himself_o to_o a_o equal_a frequency_n in_o read_v they_o and_o to_o this_o our_o church_n seem_v to_o give_v her_o suffrage_n by_o exclude_v such_o out_o of_o her_o public_a lesson_n and_o if_o we_o govern_v our_o private_a read_n by_o her_o mesure_n it_o will_v well_o express_v our_o deference_n to_o her_o judgement_n who_o have_v select_v some_o part_n of_o scripture_n not_o that_o she_o will_v keep_v her_o child_n in_o ignorance_n of_o any_o but_o because_o they_o tend_v most_o immediate_o to_o practice_n 32._o neither_o will_v the_o daily_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o rubric_n order_n hinder_v any_o man_n from_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o rest_n for_o he_o may_v take_v in_o the_o other_o part_n as_o supernumerary_n to_o his_o constant_a task_n and_o read_v they_o as_o his_o leisure_n and_o inclination_n shall_v promt_v so_o that_o all_o the_o hurt_n that_o can_v accrue_v to_o he_o by_o this_o method_n be_v the_o be_v invite_v to_o read_v sometime_o extraordinary_a proportion_n 33._o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o to_o those_o who_o daily_o hear_v the_o church_n service_n it_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o tautology_n first_o to_o read_v those_o lesson_n in_o private_a which_o soon_o after_o they_o shall_v hear_v read_v public_o i_o answer_v that_o whatever_o man_n may_v please_v to_o call_v it_o it_o will_v real_o be_v a_o advantage_n for_o he_o that_o shall_v read_v a_o chapter_n by_o himself_o with_o due_a consideration_n and_o consult_v of_o good_a paraphrast_n will_v have_v dive_v so_o far_o into_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o he_o will_v much_o better_o comprehend_v it_o when_o he_o hear_v it_o read_v as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o hear_n it_o read_v so_o immediate_o after_o will_v serve_v to_o confirm_v and_o rivet_v the_o sense_n in_o his_o mind_n the_o one_o be_v as_o the_o cunning_a the_o other_o the_o repeat_v the_o lesson_n which_o every_o schole-boy_n can_v tell_v we_o be_v best_o do_v at_o the_o near_a distance_n to_o each_o other_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o contend_v for_o this_o or_o any_o particular_a method_n let_v the_o scripture_n be_v read_v in_o proportion_n to_o every_o man_n leisure_n and_o capacity_n and_o read_v with_o attention_n and_o we_o need_v not_o be_v scrupulous_a about_o circumstance_n when_o the_o main_a duty_n be_v secure_v 34._o but_o as_o in_o the_o doctrinal_a so_o in_o the_o preceptive_a part_n there_o be_v a_o caution_n to_o be_v use_v in_o our_o attention_n for_o we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o those_o temporary_a precept_n that_o be_v adapt_v to_o particular_a time_n and_o occasion_n and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o perpetual_a obligation_n he_o that_o do_v not_o this_o may_v bring_v himself_o under_o the_o jewish_a law_n or_o believe_v a_o necessity_n of_o sell_v all_o and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a because_o it_o be_v christ_n command_n to_o the_o rich_a man_n mat._n 19_o or_o incur_v other_o
we_o no_o where_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v provide_v of_o a_o guard_n a_o scriptum_n est_fw-la which_o we_o see_v be_v the_o sole_a armour_n the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n use_v in_o his_o encounter_n with_o he_o mat._n 4._o ver_fw-la 4_o 7_o and_o 10._o and_o will_v be_v as_o successful_a to_o we_o if_o we_o will_v due_o manage_v it_o 45._o the_o last_o thing_n require_v as_o consequent_a to_o our_o read_n be_v practice_n this_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n to_o which_o all_o the_o foregoing_a qualification_n be_v direct_v and_o if_o we_o fail_v here_o the_o most_o assiduous_a diligence_n in_o all_o the_o former_a will_v be_v but_o lose_v labour_n let_v we_o mean_v never_o so_o well_o attend_v never_o so_o close_o recollect_v never_o so_o exact_o if_o after_o all_o we_o do_v not_o practice_v all_o the_o rest_n will_v serve_v but_o to_o enhance_v our_o guilt_n christianity_n be_v a_o active_a science_n and_o the_o bible_n be_v give_v we_o not_o mere_o for_o a_o theme_n of_o speculation_n but_o for_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n 46._o and_o alas_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v we_o that_o our_o opinion_n be_v right_a if_o our_o manner_n be_v crooked_a when_o the_o scripture_n have_v show_v we_o what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o nay_o have_v evince_v to_o we_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o injunction_n the_o great_a agreeableness_n which_o they_o have_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o have_v back_v this_o with_o the_o assurance_n that_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a reward_n ps._n 19_o 11._o if_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o importunate_a invitation_n to_o life_n we_o will_v choose_v death_n we_o be_v indeed_o worthy_a as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v to_o take_v part_n with_o it_o wis._n 1._o 16._o our_o crime_n be_v hereby_o increase_v to_o a_o monstrous_a bulk_n and_o also_o deprive_v of_o that_o veil_n and_o shelter_v which_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n will_v have_v give_v they_o and_o a_o vicious_a christian_a may_v have_v cause_n at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o wish_v that_o he_o have_v study_v the_o alcoran_n rather_o than_o the_o bible_n his_o sensuality_n may_v then_o have_v plead_v that_o they_o be_v but_o the_o anticipate_v his_o paradise_n take_v up_o that_o before_o hand_n which_o his_o religion_n propose_v to_o he_o as_o his_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la his_o final_a and_o high_a aim_n but_o with_o what_o confusion_n must_v a_o christian_a then_o appear_v who_o institution_n oblige_v he_o to_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o yet_o have_v make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o his_o life_n not_o only_o to_o satisfy_v but_o even_o to_o enrage_v and_o inflame_v its_o appetite_n that_o have_v set_v up_o a_o counter-discipline_n to_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n he_o profess_v and_o when_o that_o require_v austerity_n and_o self-denial_n to_o reduce_v corrupt_a nature_n to_o a_o tameness_n and_o subjection_n have_v not_o only_o pull_v off_o the_o bridle_n but_o use_v the_o spur_n contrive_v art_n to_o debauch_v even_o corruption_n itself_o and_o have_v force_v his_o reluct_a nature_n upon_o study_a and_o artificial_a lewdness_n such_o man_n may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n with_o no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o be_v sure_a to_o run_v counter_a to_o it_o that_o by_o inform_v themselves_o of_o god_n will_v they_o may_v know_v the_o more_o exact_o how_o to_o affront_v and_o contradict_v it_o 47._o nay_o so_o it_o be_v too_o many_o unto_o malice_n add_v contemt_a be_v not_o content_v only_o sullen_o to_o resist_v its_o precept_n but_o despise_v and_o revile_v they_o also_o arraign_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o pronounce_v the_o divine_a law_n to_o be_v weak_a and_o impertinent_a lay_v their_o scene_n of_o ridiculous_a mirth_n in_o the_o bible_n rally_v in_o the_o sacred_a dialect_n and_o play_v the_o buffoon_n with_o the_o most_o serious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o impious_a licentiousness_n which_o be_v now_o grow_v to_o that_o height_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o wonder_n of_o god_n long-suffering_a that_o there_o be_v not_o as_o many_o eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o vengeance_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o guilt_n i_o have_v former_o complain_v of_o it_o and_o must_v still_o crave_v leave_n to_o do_v so_o it_o be_v indeed_o so_o spread_v a_o infection_n that_o we_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o arm_v against_o it_o some_o degree_n of_o it_o have_v taint_v many_o who_o have_v not_o utter_o renounce_v their_o reverence_n for_o the_o bible_n there_o be_v those_o who_o in_o their_o solemn_a mood_n own_o it_o as_o god_n word_n and_o profess_v they_o must_v final_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o its_o verdict_n who_o yet_o in_o their_o jocular_a humour_n make_v light_a and_o irreverent_a application_n of_o its_o phrase_n and_o sentence_n furnish_v out_o their_o little_a jest_n in_o its_o attire_n and_o use_v it_o as_o if_o they_o think_v it_o good_a for_o nothing_o else_o 48._o and_o certain_o this_o abuse_n in_o man_n that_o own_o the_o bible_n be_v infinite_o more_o monstrous_a then_o in_o those_o who_o defy_v it_o the_o late_a look_n on_o it_o as_o a_o common_a thing_n and_o use_v it_o as_o such_o but_o for_o those_o who_o confess_v it_o sacred_a thus_o to_o prostitute_v it_o be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n as_o much_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o discourse_n as_o religion_n it_o be_v to_o offer_v the_o same_o abuse_n to_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n which_o the_o rude_a soldier_n do_v to_o his_o person_n to_o bow_v the_o knee_n before_o it_o and_o yet_o expose_v it_o as_o a_o object_n of_o scorn_n and_o laughter_n but_o sure_o there_o can_v be_v two_o thing_n more_o inconsistent_a than_o the_o avow_v it_o to_o be_v dictate_v by_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o most_o important_a concern_v of_o man_n and_o yet_o debase_v it_o to_o the_o vile_a purpose_n make_v it_o the_o drudge_n and_o hackney_n to_o our_o sportful_a humour_n and_o bring_v it_o out_o as_o the_o philistines_n do_v samson_n only_o to_o make_v we_o merry_a jud._n 16._o 25._o 49._o indeed_o one_o will_v wonder_v how_o that_o shall_v become_v a_o proper_a instrument_n for_o that_o purpose_n that_o those_o doctrine_n of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v every_o where_o scatter_v through_o that_o book_n which_o set_v heathen_a felix_n a_o tremble_a shall_v set_v christian_n a_o laugh_v and_o yet_o shall_v man_n cite_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o phrase_n out_o of_o another_o author_n there_o will_v be_v no_o jest_n in_o it_o it_o seem_v therefore_o that_o the_o spirit_n and_o essence_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o wit_n lie_v in_o the_o profaneness_n how_o absurd_a be_v it_o then_o for_o man_n that_o do_v not_o utter_o abjure_v religion_n to_o affect_v this_o impious_a sort_n of_o raillery_n which_o have_v nothing_o but_o dare_a wickedness_n to_o recommend_v it_o for_o certain_o of_o all_o the_o way_n of_o discourse_n that_o ever_o pretend_a to_o wit_n this_o have_v the_o least_o claim_n to_o it_o 50._o what_o strength_n of_o reason_n or_o height_n of_o fancy_n be_v there_o in_o repete_v of_o phrase_n and_o fragment_n of_o book_n when_o what_o they_o will_v say_v they_o may_v much_o more_o proper_o express_v in_o their_o own_o word_n in_o any_o other_o instance_n but_o this_o of_o the_o bible_n it_o will_v pass_v rather_o for_o a_o defect_n then_o a_o excess_n of_o wit_n but_o that_o which_o i_o suppose_v render_v it_o so_o take_v be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o cheap_a expedient_a for_o man_n to_o arrive_v to_o that_o reputation_n man_n that_o can_v go_v to_o the_o cost_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o ingenious_a can_v by_o this_o mean_n immediate_o commence_v wit_n if_o they_o can_v but_o charge_v their_o memory_n with_o half_a a_o dozen_o text_n they_o need_v no_o other_o furniture_n for_o the_o trade_n these_o mangle_a and_o transpose_v will_v be_v ready_a at_o all_o turn_n and_o render_v they_o applaud_v by_o those_o who_o have_v no_o other_o measure_n of_o wit_n but_o its_o opposition_n to_o piety_n but_o will_v god_n man_n will_v look_v a_o little_a before_o they_o and_o consider_v what_o the_o final_a reckon_n will_v be_v for_o such_o divertisement_n and_o if_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v a_o unequal_a exchange_n for_o a_o soul_n what_o a_o miserable_a merchant_n be_v he_o that_o barter_n he_o for_o a_o bald_a insipid_a jest_n such_o as_o a_o sober_a man_n will_v avoid_v be_v there_o no_o sin_n in_o it_o 51._o i_o know_v man_n be_v apt_a to_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o these_o light_a frolic_n will_v pass_v for_o nothing_o so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o serious_o and_o malicious_o oppose_v god_n word_n but_o i_o fear_v they_o will_v find_v god_n in_o earnest_n though_o they_o be_v in_o jest_n he_o that_o have_v magnify_v his_o word_n above_o all_o thing_n