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 a_o venture_n 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 2.14_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 29.11_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 13.17_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 spellingbook_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 call_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 1.15_o out_o of_o envy_n 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
universal_a while_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_a that_o far_o the_o the_o less_o part_n of_o christian_n be_v under_o her_o communion_n and_o if_o she_o be_v but_o a_o particular_a church_n she_o have_v no_o immunity_n from_o error_n nor_o those_o under_o she_o from_o have_v those_o error_n how_o pernicious_a soever_o impose_v upon_o they_o as_o to_o her_o have_v actual_o err_v and_o in_o diverse_a particular_n the_o proof_n of_o that_o have_v be_v the_o work_n of_o so_o many_o volume_n that_o it_o will_v be_v impertinent_a here_o to_o undertake_v it_o i_o shall_v only_o instance_n in_o that_o of_o image-worship_n a_o practice_n perfect_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o doubtless_o clear_o discern_v by_o she_o to_o be_v so_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o though_o by_o translation_n and_o paraphrase_n she_o wrest_v and_o mould_v other_o text_n to_o comply_v with_o her_o doctrine_n yet_o she_o dare_v not_o trust_v to_o those_o art_n for_o this_o but_o take_v a_o more_o compendious_a course_n and_o expunge_n the_o commandment_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o her_o catechism_n and_o other_o manual_n now_o a_o church_n that_o can_v thus_o sacrilegious_o purloin_v one_o commandment_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o god_n have_v own_a himself_o the_o most_o jealous_o concern_v in_o and_o to_o delude_v her_o child_n split_v another_o to_o make_v up_o the_o number_n may_v as_o she_o needs_o require_v subtract_v and_o divide_v what_o other_o she_o please_v and_o then_o whilst_o all_o resort_n to_o scripture_n be_v obstruct_v how_o fatal_a a_o hazard_n must_v those_o poor_a soul_n run_v who_o be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v these_o blind_a or_o rather_o these_o wink_a guide_n into_o the_o ditch_n 10._o but_o all_o these_o crimination_n she_o retort_v by_o object_v the_o danger_n of_o allow_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o vulgar_a which_o she_o accuse_v as_o the_o spring_n of_o all_o sect_n schism_n and_o heresy_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o suppose_v this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v certain_o fore-seen_a by_o god_n who_o notwithstanding_o lay_v no_o restraint_n probable_o as_o foreseeing_a that_o the_o danger_n of_o implicit_a faith_n to_o which_o such_o a_o restraint_n must_v subject_v man_n will_v be_v far_o great_a and_o if_o god_n see_v fit_a to_o indulge_v the_o liberty_n those_o that_o shall_v oppose_v it_o must_v certain_o think_v they_o do_v not_o only_o partake_v but_o have_v transplant_v infallibility_n from_o god_n to_o themselves_o 11._o but_o second_o it_o be_v not_o general_o true_a that_o sect_n schism_n and_o heresy_n be_v owe_v to_o this_o liberty_n all_o ecclesiastical_a story_n show_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o illiterate_a layman_n but_o the_o learned_a clerk_n who_o be_v usual_o the_o broacher_n of_o heresy_n and_o indeed_o many_o of_o they_o be_v so_o subtle_a and_o aerial_a as_o can_v never_o have_v be_v forge_v in_o grosser_n brain_n but_o be_v found_v not_o on_o scripture_n mere_o mistake_v but_o rack_v and_o distort_v with_o nice_a criticism_n and_o quirk_n of_o logic_n as_o several_a of_o the_o ancient_n complain_v some_o again_o spring_v from_o that_o ambition_n of_o attain_v or_o impatience_n of_o miss_v ecclesiastical_a dignity_n which_o appropriate_v they_o to_o the_o clergy_n so_o that_o if_o the_o abuse_n infer_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o the_o use_n the_o learned_a have_v of_o all_o other_o the_o least_o title_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o perhaps_o those_o who_o now_o engross_v they_o the_o least_o title_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a 12._o on_o the_o other_o side_n church-story_n indeed_o mention_n some_o lay-propugners_a of_o heresy_n but_o those_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v either_o so_o gross_a and_o bestial_a as_o disparage_v and_o confute_v themselves_o and_o author_n and_o rise_v rather_o from_o the_o brutish_a inclination_n of_o the_o man_n then_o from_o their_o mistake_n of_o scripture_n or_o else_o they_o be_v by_o the_o immediate_a infusion_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o back_v his_o heretical_a suggestion_n with_o sorcery_n and_o lie_a wonder_n as_o in_o simon_n magus_n menander_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o late_a time_n though_o sometime_o there_o happen_v among_o the_o vulgar_a a_o few_o pragmatic_n spirit_n that_o love_n to_o tamper_v with_o the_o obscurest_n text_n and_o will_v undertake_v to_o expound_v before_o they_o understand_v yet_o that_o be_v not_o their_o common_a temper_n the_o generality_n be_v rather_o in_o the_o other_o extreme_a stupid_a and_o unobservant_a even_o of_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n and_o if_o to_o this_o be_v object_v the_o multitude_n of_o quaker_n and_o fanatic_o who_o general_o be_v of_o the_o ignorant_a sort_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o first_o propugner_n of_o those_o tenet_n in_o germany_n be_v not_o seduce_v into_o they_o by_o mistake_n of_o scripture_n but_o industrious_o form_v they_o at_o once_o to_o disguise_n and_o promote_v their_o villainous_a design_n of_o sedition_n and_o rapine_n and_o as_o for_o those_o among_o we_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o certain_a that_o their_o first_o error_n be_v their_o own_o production_n there_o be_v vehement_a presumtion_n that_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_v by_o great_a artificer_n who_o first_o business_n be_v to_o unhinge_v they_o from_o the_o church_n and_o then_o to_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o strange_a chimera_n of_o their_o privilege_n and_o perfection_n and_o by_o that_o intoxication_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n dispose_v they_o for_o all_o delusion_n and_o thereby_o render_v they_o like_o samson_n fox_n fit_a instrument_n to_o set_v all_o in_o combustion_n 13._o but_o admit_v this_o be_v but_o a_o conjecture_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o sole_a author_n of_o their_o own_o frenzy_n how_o appear_v it_o that_o the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o have_v these_o man_n be_v of_o the_o romish_a communion_n and_o so_o be_v interdict_v private_a read_n yet_o some_o break_a part_n of_o scripture_n will_v have_v be_v in_o sermon_n and_o book_n of_o devotion_n communicate_v to_o they_o have_v it_o not_o be_v as_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v wrest_v what_o they_o hear_v as_o what_o they_o read_v in_o one_o respect_n it_o seem_v rather_o more_o likely_a for_o in_o those_o loose_a and_o incidental_a quotation_n the_o connexion_n be_v sometime_o not_o so_o discernible_a and_o many_o text_n there_o be_v who_o sense_n be_v so_o interweave_v with_o the_o context_n that_o without_o consult_v that_o there_o may_v be_v very_o pernicious_a mistake_n on_o which_o account_n it_o be_v probable_o more_o safe_a that_o the_o auditor_n shall_v have_v bibles_n to_o consult_v so_o that_o this_o restraint_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o very_a fallible_a expedient_a of_o the_o infallible_a church_n and_o indeed_o themselves_o have_v in_o event_n find_v it_o so_o for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o sovereign_a a_o prophylactic_a against_o error_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o of_o their_o member_n who_o be_v under_o that_o discipline_n have_v revolt_v from_o they_o into_o that_o which_o they_o call_v heresy_n if_o they_o say_v the_o defection_n be_v make_v by_o some_o of_o the_o learned_a to_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v allow_v why_o do_v they_o not_o according_a to_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v take_v it_o from_o they_o also_o upon_o that_o experiment_n of_o its_o mischief_n and_o confine_v it_o only_o to_o the_o infallible_a chair_n but_o if_o they_o own_v they_o to_o have_v be_v unlearned_a as_o probable_o the_o albigenses_n and_o waldenses_n etc._n etc._n be_v they_o may_v see_v how_o insignificant_a a_o guard_n this_o restraint_n be_v against_o error_n and_o learn_v how_o little_a be_v get_v by_o that_o policy_n which_o control_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n 14._o nor_o can_v they_o take_v shelter_n in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o they_o in_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yield_v not_o unto_o the_o jew_n whereas_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o scripture_n read_v public_o to_o they_o every_o sabbath_n day_n which_o josephus_n against_o appion_n thus_o express_v moses_n propound_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o most_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a learning_n of_o the_o law_n not_o by_o hear_v it_o once_o or_o twice_o but_o every_o seven_o day_n lay_v aside_o their_o work_n he_o command_v they_o to_o assemble_v for_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o law_n and_o thorough_o and_o exact_o to_o learn_v it_o parallel_v to_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n perform_v by_o the_o lector_fw-la or_o reader_n of_o which_o justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o 2._o apol._n give_v this_o account_n on_o the_o day_n call_v sunday_n all_o that_o abide_v in_o town_n or_o the_o country_n about_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v read_v so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v place_n so_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apol_n
god_n have_v by_o his_o own_o choice_n of_o writing_n give_v the_o preference_n to_o it_o nor_o have_v he_o bare_o choose_v it_o but_o have_v make_v it_o the_o standard_n by_o which_o to_o measure_n all_o succeed_a pretence_n it_o be_v the_o mean_n he_o prescribe_v for_o distinguish_v divine_a from_o diabolical_a inspiration_n 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 this_o word_n there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isai_n 8.20_o and_o when_o the_o lawyer_n interrogated_a our_o saviour_n what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o inherit_v eternal_a life_n he_o send_v he_o not_o to_o ransac_fw-mi tradition_n or_o the_o cabalistical_a divinity_n of_o the_o rabbin_n but_o refer_v he_o to_o the_o law_n what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n how_o read_v thou_o luk._n 10.26_o and_o indeed_o throout_v the_o gospel_n we_o still_o find_v he_o in_o his_o discourse_n appeal_n to_o scripture_n and_o assert_v its_o authority_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n inveigh_v against_o those_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n which_o have_v evacuate_v the_o write_a word_n you_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o your_o tradition_n mat._n 15.6_o which_o as_o it_o abundant_o show_v christ_n adherence_n to_o the_o write_a word_n so_o it_o be_v a_o pregnant_a instance_n how_o possible_a it_o be_v for_o tradition_n to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o make_v the_o instrument_n of_o impose_v man_n fancy_n even_o in_o contradiction_n to_o god_n command_n 31._o and_o since_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v make_v scripture_n the_o test_n whereby_o to_o try_v tradition_n we_o may_v sure_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o decision_n and_o either_o embrace_n or_o reject_v tradition_n according_a as_o they_o correspond_v to_o the_o supreme_a rule_n the_o write_a word_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o very_a unwarrantable_a attemt_fw-mi to_o set_v up_o tradition_n in_o competition_n with_o much_o more_o in_o contradiction_n to_o that_o to_o which_o christ_n himself_o have_v subject_v it_o 32._o saint_n paul_n reckon_v it_o as_o the_o principal_a privilege_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n that_o it_o have_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o it_o i.e._n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v deposit_v and_o put_v in_o its_o custody_n and_o in_o this_o the_o christian_a church_n succeed_v it_o and_o be_v the_o guardian_n and_o conservator_fw-la of_o holy_a writ_n i_o ask_v then_o have_v the_o jewish_a church_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o be_v keeper_n a_o power_n to_o supersede_n any_o part_n of_o those_o oracle_n entrust_v to_o they_o if_o so_o saint_n paul_n be_v much_o out_o in_o his_o estimate_n and_o aught_o to_o have_v reckon_v that_o as_o their_o high_a privilege_n but_o indeed_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o trust_n imply_v the_o contrary_a and_o beside_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o be_v the_o very_a crime_n christ_n charge_v upon_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v and_o if_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v no_o such_o right_a upon_o what_o account_n can_v the_o christian_a claim_n any_o have_v christ_n enlarge_v its_o charter_n have_v he_o leave_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n with_o she_o not_o to_o preserve_v and_o practice_n but_o to_o regulate_v and_o reform_v to_o fill_v up_o its_o vacancy_n and_o supply_v its_o defect_n by_o her_o own_o tradition_n if_o so_o let_v the_o commission_n be_v produce_v but_o if_o her_o office_n be_v only_o that_o of_o guardianship_n and_o trust_n she_o must_v neither_o subtract_v from_o nor_o by_o any_o superaddition_n of_o her_o own_o evacuate_v its_o meaning_n and_o efficacy_n and_o to_o do_v so_o will_v be_v the_o same_o guilt_n that_o it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o person_n entrust_v with_o the_o fundamental_a record_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o foist_v in_o such_o clause_n as_o himself_o please_v 33._o in_o short_a god_n have_v in_o the_o scripture_n lay_v down_o exact_a rule_n for_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n and_o have_v entrust_v the_o church_n to_o convey_v they_o to_o we_o if_o she_o vary_v or_o any_o way_n enervate_v they_o she_o be_v false_a to_o that_o trust_n but_o can_v by_v it_o oblige_v we_o to_o recede_v from_o that_o rule_n she_o shall_v deliver_v to_o comply_v with_o that_o she_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o the_o case_n may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o a_o easy_a resemblance_n suppose_v a_o king_n have_v a_o foreign_a principality_n for_o which_o he_o compose_v a_o body_n of_o law_n annex_n to_o they_o reward_n and_o penalty_n and_o require_v a_o exact_a and_o indispensable_a conformity_n to_o they_o these_o be_v put_v in_o writing_n he_o send_v by_o a_o select_a messenger_n now_o suppose_v this_o messenger_n deliver_v they_o yet_o say_v withal_o that_o himself_o have_v authority_n from_o the_o king_n to_o supersede_n these_o law_n at_o his_o pleasure_n so_o that_o their_o last_o resort_n must_v be_v to_o his_o dictate_v yet_o produce_v no_o other_o testimony_n but_o his_o own_o bare_a affirmation_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o man_n in_o their_o wit_n shall_v be_v so_o stupid_o credulous_a as_o to_o incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o those_o law_n upon_o so_o improbable_a a_o indemnity_n and_o sure_o it_o will_v be_v no_o whit_n less_o madness_n in_o christian_n to_o violate_v any_o precept_n of_o god_n on_o a_o ungrounded_a supposal_n of_o the_o church_n power_n to_o dispense_v with_o they_o 34._o and_o if_o the_o church_n universal_a have_v not_o this_o power_n nor_o indeed_o ever_o claim_v it_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a insolence_n for_o any_o particular_a church_n to_o pretend_v to_o it_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v owe_v to_o her_o tradition_n all_o our_o scripture_n and_o all_o our_o faith_n insomuch_o that_o without_o the_o supply_n which_o she_o afford_v from_o the_o oracle_n of_o her_o chair_n our_o religion_n be_v imperfect_a and_o our_o salvation_n insecure_a upon_o which_o wild_a dictate_v i_o shall_v take_v liberty_n in_o a_o distinct_a section_n far_o to_o animadvert_v sect_n vi_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n concern_v the_o propriety_n and_o fitness_n which_o the_o scripture_n hat_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o excellent_a end_n against_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o oppose_v itself_o as_o we_o have_v already_o intimate_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v only_o a_o imperfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n say_v in_o the_o four_o session_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o christian_a faith_n and_o discipline_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n write_v and_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o in_o the_o four_o rule_n of_o the_o index_n put_v forth_o by_o command_n of_o the_o say_a council_n the_o scripture_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o useful_a that_o its_o read_n be_v pernicious_a if_o permit_v promiscuous_o in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v withhold_v insomuch_o that_o the_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n be_v common_o by_o person_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n impute_v to_o protestant_n as_o part_v of_o their_o heresy_n they_o be_v call_v by_o they_o in_o contemt_a the_o evangelical_n man_n and_o scripturarians_n and_o the_o bible_n in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n of_o any_o nation_n be_v common_o reckon_v among_o prohibit_v book_n and_o as_o such_o public_o burn_v when_o meet_v with_o by_o the_o inquisitor_n and_o the_o person_n who_o be_v find_v with_o it_o 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
consideration_n and_o partly_o because_o these_o can_v be_v argumentative_a to_o none_o who_o be_v not_o qualify_v to_o discern_v they_o let_v those_o who_o doubt_v the_o divine_a original_a of_o scripture_n well_o digest_v the_o former_a ground_n which_o be_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o reason_n and_o when_o by_o those_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o read_v it_o with_o due_a reverence_n they_o will_v not_o want_v argument_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o confirm_v their_o veneration_n of_o it_o 45._o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o evince_v how_o proper_a the_o former_a discourse_n be_v to_o find_v a_o rational_a belief_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v compare_v it_o with_o those_o mesure_n of_o credibilty_a upon_o which_o all_o human_a transaction_n move_v and_o upon_o which_o man_n trust_v their_o great_a concern_v without_o diffidence_n or_o dispute_n 46._o that_o we_o must_v in_o many_o thing_n trust_v the_o report_n of_o other_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o humane_a society_n can_v subsist_v what_o a_o multitude_n of_o subject_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n who_o never_o see_v their_o prince_n nor_o be_v at_o the_o make_n of_o any_o law_n if_o all_o these_o shall_v deny_v their_o obedience_n because_o they_o have_v it_o only_o by_o hear-say_n there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n and_o such_o law_n what_o will_v become_v of_o government_n so_o also_o for_o property_n if_o nothing_o of_o testimony_n may_v be_v admit_v how_o shall_v any_o man_n prove_v his_o right_n to_o any_o thing_n all_o plea_n must_v be_v decide_v by_o the_o sword_n and_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o that_o state_n which_o some_o have_v fancy_v the_o primitive_a of_o universal_a hostility_n in_o like_a manner_n for_o traffic_n and_o commerce_n how_o shall_v any_o merchant_n first_fw-mi attemt_fw-mi a_o trade_n to_o any_o foreign_a part_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o place_n there_o be_v and_o how_o can_v he_o believe_v that_o but_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v there_o nay_o indeed_o how_o can_v any_o man_n first_o attemt_a to_o go_v but_o to_o the_o next_o market_n town_n if_o he_o do_v not_o from_o the_o report_n of_o other_o conclude_v that_o such_o a_o one_o there_o be_v so_o that_o if_o this_o universal_a diffidence_n shall_v prevail_v every_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o plantagnus_fw-la fix_v to_o the_o soil_n he_o first_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o absurdity_n be_v indeed_o so_o infinite_a and_o so_o obvious_a that_o i_o need_v not_o dilate_v upon_o they_o 47._o but_o it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v say_v that_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v tell_v we_o by_o our_o contemporary_n and_o that_o relate_v to_o our_o own_o time_n man_n will_v be_v less_o apt_a to_o deceive_v we_o because_o they_o know_v it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o examine_v and_o discover_v the_o truth_n to_o this_o i_o may_v say_v that_o in_o many_o instance_n it_o will_v scarce_o quit_v cost_v to_o do_v so_o and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o trial_n will_v exceed_v those_o of_o belief_n but_o i_o shall_v willing_o admit_v this_o probable_a argument_n and_o only_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o our_o main_a question_n by_o consider_v whether_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o divine_v have_v not_o the_o same_o security_n of_o not_o be_v deceive_v who_o have_v as_o great_a opportunity_n of_o examine_v and_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o do_v it_o throly_a since_o they_o be_v to_o engage_v not_o only_o their_o future_a hope_n in_o another_o world_n but_o that_o which_o to_o nature_n be_v much_o more_o sensible_a all_o their_o present_a enjoiment_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 48._o but_o because_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o we_o who_o be_v so_o many_o age_n remove_v from_o they_o have_v not_o their_o mean_n of_o assurance_n let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v whether_o a_o assent_n to_o those_o testimony_n they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o mankind_n in_o other_o case_n who_o be_v there_o that_o question_n there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o william_n the_o conqueror_n in_o this_o island_n or_o to_o lay_v the_o scene_n far_o who_o doubt_v there_o be_v a_o alexander_n a_o julius_n caesar_n a_o augustus_n now_o what_o have_v we_o to_o found_v this_o confidence_n on_o beside_o the_o faith_n of_o history_n and_o i_o presume_v even_o those_o who_o exact_v the_o severe_a demonstration_n for_o ecclesiastic_a story_n will_v think_v he_o a_o very_a impertinent_a sceptic_a that_o shall_v do_v the_o like_a in_o these_o so_o also_o as_o to_o the_o author_n of_o book_n who_o dispute_v whether_o homer_n write_v the_o iliad_n or_o virgil_n the_o aeneid_n or_o caesar_n the_o commentary_n that_o pass_v under_o their_o name_n yet_o none_o of_o these_o have_v be_v attest_v in_o any_o degree_n like_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o that_o caesar_n venture_v his_o own_o life_n to_o save_v his_o commentary_n employ_v one_o hand_n to_o hold_v that_o above_o the_o water_n when_o it_o shall_v have_v assist_v he_o in_o swim_v but_o who_o ever_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o attestation_n of_o that_o or_o any_o human_a composure_n as_o multitude_n of_o man_n have_v do_v for_o the_o bible_n 49._o but_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o the_o small_a concern_v man_n have_v who_o write_v these_o or_o other_o the_o like_a book_n incline_v they_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o common_a opinion_n to_o this_o i_o must_v say_v that_o many_o thing_n inconsiderable_a to_o mankind_n have_v oft_o be_v very_o laborious_o discuss_v as_o appear_v by_o many_o unedifying_a volume_n both_o of_o philosopher_n and_o schoolman_n but_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v in_o this_o instance_n it_o be_v manifest_a there_o be_v other_o wherein_o man_n real_a and_o great_a interest_n be_v entrust_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o former_a age_n for_o example_n a_o man_n possess_v a_o estate_n which_o be_v buy_v by_o his_o great_a grandfather_n or_o perhaps_o elder_a progenitor_n he_o chary_o preserve_v that_o deed_n of_o purchase_n and_o never_o look_v for_o far_a security_n of_o his_o title_n yet_o alas_o at_o the_o rate_n that_o man_n object_n against_o the_o bible_n what_o numberless_a cavil_n may_v be_v raise_v against_o such_o a_o deed_n how_o shall_v it_o be_v know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o either_o seller_n or_o purchaser_n if_o by_o the_o witness_n they_o be_v as_o liable_a to_o doubt_v as_o the_o other_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o forge_v the_o attestation_n as_o the_o main_a writing_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o possible_a deceit_n nothing_o but_o a_o positive_a proof_n of_o forgery_n can_v invalidate_v this_o deed_n let_v but_o the_o scripture_n have_v the_o same_o measure_n be_v allow_v to_o stand_v in_o force_n to_o be_v what_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v till_o the_o contrary_n be_v not_o by_o surmise_n and_o possible_a conjecture_n but_o by_o evident_a proof_n evince_v and_o its_o great_a advocat_n will_v ask_v no_o more_o 50._o a_o like_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v in_o public_a concern_v the_o immunity_n and_o right_n of_o any_o nation_n particular_o here_o of_o our_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la grant_v many_o age_n since_o and_o deposit_v among_o the_o public_a record_n to_o make_v this_o signify_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o this_o be_v without_o falsification_n preserve_v to_o our_o time_n yet_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o suggest_v that_o in_o so_o long_a a_o succession_n of_o its_o keeper_n some_o may_v have_v be_v prevail_v on_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o prince_n to_o abridge_v and_o curtail_v its_o concession_n other_o by_o a_o prevail_a faction_n of_o the_o people_n to_o amplify_v and_o extend_v it_o nay_o if_o man_n be_v as_o great_a sceptic_n in_o law_n as_o they_o be_v in_o divinity_n they_o may_v exact_v demonstration_n that_o the_o whole_a thing_n be_v not_o a_o forgery_n yet_o for_o all_o these_o possible_a surmise_n we_o still_o build_v upon_o it_o and_o shall_v think_v he_o argue_v very_o fallacious_o that_o shall_v go_v to_o evacuate_v it_o upon_o the_o force_n of_o such_o remote_a supposition_n 51._o now_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v whether_o our_o security_n concern_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o as_o great_a nay_o great_a than_o it_o can_v be_v of_o this_o for_o first_o this_o be_v a_o concern_v only_o of_o a_o particular_a nation_n and_o so_o can_v expect_v no_o foreign_a attestation_n and_o second_o it_o have_v all_o along_o rest_v on_o the_o fidelity_n of_o its_o keeper_n which_o have_v either_o be_v a_o single_a person_n or_o at_o best_a some_o small_a number_n at_o a_o time_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n
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 they_o begin_v to_o preach_v to_o other_o before_o they_o themselves_o have_v perfect_a knowledge_n as_o some_o be_v bold_a to_o say_v boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v emendator_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o after_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n they_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o on_o high_a and_o have_v perfect_a knowledge_n go_v forth_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n and_o celestial_a praise_n unto_o man_n each_o and_o all_o of_o who_o have_v the_o gospel_n of_o god_n so_o saint_n matthew_n write_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o their_o tongue_n saint_n peter_n and_o saint_n paul_n preach_v at_o rome_n and_o there_o found_v a_o church_n mark_v the_o disciple_n and_o interpreter_n of_o peter_n deliver_v in_o write_v what_o he_o have_v preach_v and_o luke_n the_o follower_n of_o paul_n set_v down_o in_o his_o book_n the_o gospel_n he_o have_v deliver_v afterwards_o saint_n john_n at_o 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_o 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 that_o 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 that_o 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 whatsoever_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 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 origination_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 though_o one_o be_v holy_a after_o the_o apostle_n though_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 tract_n of_o the_o good_a of_o widowhood_n he_o say_v to_o julian_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 settle_v 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 sober_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 any_o 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 presumptuous_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 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 abuse_v each_o man_n say_v what_o i_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 scripture_n be_v a_o christian_n he_o that_o resist_v they_o be_v far_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o on_o ps_n 95._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v say_v without_o the_o scripture_n the_o mind_n halt_v between_o different_a opinion_n sometime_o incline_v as_o to_o what_o be_v probable_a anon_o reject_v as_o what_o be_v frivolous_a but_o when_o the_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n
christian_a and_o the_o interest_n they_o have_v therein_o then_o be_v the_o ancient_a course_n of_o penance_n establish_v by_o the_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o first_o age_n and_o almost_o as_o many_o council_n whether_o general_a or_o local_a as_o have_v decree_v any_o thing_n concern_v discipline_n with_o the_o penitentiary_n book_n and_o canon_n which_o be_v write_v for_o the_o first_o eleven_o hundred_o year_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n for_o if_o even_o the_o unbaptised_a catechumen_n and_o the_o lapse_v sinner_n notwithstanding_o their_o slender_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n or_o frail_a pretence_n to_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o state_n of_o audience_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v the_o scripture_n read_v sure_o the_o mean_a unobnoxious_a laic_a be_v in_o as_o advantageous_a circumstance_n and_o may_v not_o only_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o read_n of_o those_o sacred_a book_n but_o may_v claim_v they_o as_o his_o birthright_n 10._o i_o may_v just_o over_o and_o above_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o allege_v impute_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o their_o withhold_v from_o the_o laity_n the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o many_o dangerous_a error_n gross_a ignorances_n and_o scandalous_a immorality_n which_o have_v prevail_v among_o they_o both_o it_o be_v no_o new_a method_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v like_o people_n like_o priest_n hos_n 4.9_o and_o that_o the_o idol_n shepherd_n who_o lead_v his_o flock_n into_o the_o ditch_n shall_v fall_v therein_o himself_o mat._n 15.14_o and_o as_o the_o prophet_n zachary_n describe_v it_o c._n 11.17_o the_o sword_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o arm_n and_o upon_o his_o right_a eye_n his_o arm_n shall_v be_v clean_o dry_v up_o and_o his_o right_a eye_n shall_v be_v utter_o darken_v 11._o but_o no_o consequence_n can_v be_v more_o obvious_o deducible_a from_o that_o practice_n than_o that_o man_n shall_v justify_v the_o withhold_a of_o the_o scripture_n by_o lessen_v its_o credit_n and_o depreciate_a its_o worth_a which_o have_v occasion_v those_o reproach_n which_o by_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o best_a note_n have_v be_v cast_v upon_o it_o as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o nose_n of_o wax_n a_o leaden_a rule_n a_o deaf_a and_o useless_a deputy_n to_o god_n in_o the_o office_n of_o a_o judge_n of_o less_o authority_n than_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o of_o no_o more_o credit_n than_o esop_n fable_n but_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o say_a church_n that_o they_o contain_v thing_n apt_a to_o raise_v laughter_n or_o indignation_n that_o the_o latin_a translation_n in_o the_o complutensian_a bible_n be_v place_v between_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o the_o septuagint_n version_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v at_o his_o crucifixion_n between_o two_o thief_n and_o that_o the_o vulgar_a edition_n be_v of_o such_o authority_n that_o the_o original_n ought_v to_o be_v mend_v by_o it_o rather_o than_o it_o shall_v be_v mend_v from_o they_o which_o be_v the_o compliment_n of_o cardinal_n bellarmin_n hosius_n eckius_fw-la perron_n ximenes_n coqueus_fw-la and_o other_o of_o that_o communion_n word_n to_o be_v answer_v by_o a_o thunderbolt_n and_o fit_a for_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o celsus_n or_o a_o porphyry_n then_o of_o the_o pious_a son_n and_o zealous_a champion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 12._o it_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v that_o the_o romanist_n shall_v now_o wipe_v their_o mouth_n and_o plead_v not_o guilty_a tell_v we_o that_o they_o permit_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o laity_n in_o their_o mother_n tongue_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n the_o father_n of_o rheims_n and_o douai_n have_v publish_v a_o english_a bible_n for_o those_o of_o their_o communion_n i_o shall_v therefore_o give_v a_o short_a and_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a affair_n as_o real_o it_o stand_v and_o then_o on_o god_n name_n let_v the_o romanist_n make_v the_o best_a of_o their_o apology_n 13._o the_o four_o rule_n of_o the_o index_n of_o prohibit_v book_n compose_v upon_o the_o command_n and_o auspice_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o publish_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o pius_n the_o four_o sixtus_n the_o five_o and_o clement_n the_o eight_o run_v thus_o since_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o experience_n that_o if_o the_o holy_a bible_n be_v suffer_v promiscuous_o in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n such_o be_v the_o temerity_n of_o man_n that_o great_a detriment_n than_o advantage_n will_v thence_o arise_v in_o this_o matter_n let_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o inquisitor_n be_v stand_v to_o that_o with_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o curate_n or_o confessor_n they_o may_v give_v leave_n for_o the_o read_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n translate_v by_o catholic_o to_o such_o as_o they_o know_v will_v not_o receive_v damage_n but_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n thereby_o which_o faculty_n they_o shall_v have_v in_o writing_n and_o whosoever_o without_o such_o faculty_n shall_v presume_v to_o have_v or_o to_o read_v the_o bible_n he_o shall_v not_o till_o he_o have_v deliver_v it_o up_o receive_v absolution_n of_o his_o sin_n now_o to_o pass_v over_o the_o iniquity_n of_o oblige_a man_n to_o ask_v leave_n to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n almighty_a command_n when_o it_o be_v consider_v how_o few_o of_o the_o laity_n can_v make_v mean_n to_o the_o bishop_n or_o inquisitor_n or_o convince_v they_o or_o the_o curate_n or_o confessor_n that_o they_o be_v such_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v damage_n but_o increase_v of_o faith_n and_o piety_n by_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o also_o have_v interest_n to_o prevail_v with_o they_o for_o their_o favour_n herein_o and_o after_o all_o can_v and_o will_v be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o take_v out_o the_o faculty_n which_o be_v so_o penal_o require_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o guess_v what_o thin_a number_n of_o the_o laity_n be_v likely_a or_o indeed_o capable_a of_o reap_v benefit_n by_o this_o indulgence_n pretend_v to_o be_v allow_v they_o 14._o but_o beside_o all_o this_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v if_o the_o power_n itself_o of_o give_v licence_n be_v a_o mere_a show_n and_o real_o signify_v just_o nothing_o in_o the_o observation_n subjoin_v to_o this_o four_o rule_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o impression_n and_o edition_n thereof_o give_v no_o new_a faculty_n to_o bishop_n or_o inquisitor_n or_o superïor_n of_o regular_o to_o grant_v licence_n of_o buy_v read_v or_o retain_v bibles_n publish_v in_o a_o vulgar_a tongue_n since_o hitherto_o by_o the_o command_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a roman_a and_o universal_a inquisition_n the_o power_n of_o give_v such_o faculty_n to_o read_v or_o retain_v vulgar_a bibles_n or_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n in_o any_o vulgar_a tongue_n or_o also_o summary_n or_o historical_a compendium_n of_o the_o say_v bibles_n or_o book_n of_o scripture_n in_o whatsoever_o tongue_n they_o be_v write_v have_v be_v take_v away_o and_o sure_a if_o a_o layman_n can_v read_v the_o bible_n without_o a_o faculty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o in_o any_o one_o power_n to_o grant_v it_o it_o will_v evident_o follow_v that_o he_o can_v read_v it_o and_o so_o the_o pretence_n of_o give_v liberty_n own_v the_o shame_n of_o open_o refuse_v it_o but_o have_v no_o other_o effect_n or_o consequence_n and_o if_o any_o romanist_n among_o we_o or_o in_o any_o other_o protestant_n country_n enjoy_v any_o liberty_n herein_o it_o be_v mere_o by_o connivance_n and_o owe_v to_o a_o fear_n least_o the_o votary_n will_v be_v lose_v and_o take_v the_o bible_n where_o it_o be_v without_o difficulty_n to_o be_v have_v if_o strictness_n shall_v be_v use_v and_o shall_v popery_n which_o god_n forbid_v become_v paramount_n the_o translation_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o our_o mother_n tongue_n will_v be_v no_o more_o endure_v here_o than_o they_o be_v in_o spain_n and_o they_o who_o have_v former_o be_v wary_a in_o communicate_v the_o scripture_n remember_v how_o thereby_o their_o error_n have_v be_v detect_v will_v upon_o a_o revolution_n effectual_o provide_v for_o the_o future_a and_o be_v sure_a to_o keep_v their_o people_n in_o a_o egyptian_a darkness_n that_o may_v itself_o be_v feel_v but_o that_o allow_v the_o notice_n of_o no_o other_o object_n they_o will_v not_o be_v content_a with_o that_o composition_n of_o the_o ammonite_n to_o thrust_v out_o all_o the_o right_a eye_n of_o those_o that_o submit_v to_o they_o 1_o sam._n 11.2_o but_o will_v put_v out_o both_o as_o the_o philistine_n do_v to_o samson_n that_o they_o may_v make_v their_o miserable_a captive_n for_o ever_o grind_v in_o their_o mill_n jud._n 16.21_o 15._o but_o this_o heavy_a of_o judgement_n will_v never_o fall_v upon_o the_o reform_a church_n till_o by_o their_o vicious_a
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 etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 10.16_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 11.29_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 1.9_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 occoecation_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 13.14_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 42.20_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 insiduous_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 disingenovos_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 2.12_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 still_o 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 28.17_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
the_o seed_n and_o parent_n of_o the_o great_a it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o sin_n the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n like_o that_o of_o god_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n mat._n 13.31_o which_o though_o little_a in_o itself_o be_v mighty_a in_o its_o increase_n 54._o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o begin_v at_o the_o top_n of_o villainy_n but_o the_o advance_n be_v still_o gradual_a from_o one_o degree_n to_o another_o each_o commission_n smooth_v and_o glib_v the_o way_n to_o the_o next_o he_o that_o accustom_n in_o his_o ordinary_a discourse_n to_o use_v the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n with_o as_o little_a sentiment_n and_o reverence_n as_o he_o do_v that_o of_o his_o neighbour_n or_o servant_n that_o make_v it_o his_o common_a byword_n and_o cry_v lord_n and_o god_n upon_o every_o the_o light_a occasion_n of_o exclamation_n or_o wonder_n this_o man_n have_v a_o very_a short_a step_n to_o the_o use_v it_o in_o oath_n and_o upon_o all_o frivolous_a occasion_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v vain_o be_v at_o no_o great_a distance_n from_o swear_v false_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o that_o indulge_v his_o wit_n to_o rally_v with_o they_o will_v soon_o come_v to_o think_v they_o such_o tame_a thing_n that_o he_o may_v downright_o scorn_v they_o and_o when_o he_o be_v arrive_v to_o that_o than_o he_o must_v pick_v quarrel_n to_o justify_v it_o till_o at_o last_o he_o arrive_v even_o to_o the_o height_n of_o enmity_n 55._o let_v every_o man_n therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o set_v so_o much_o as_o one_o step_n in_o this_o fatal_a circle_n guard_v himself_o against_o the_o first_o insinuation_n of_o this_o guilt_n and_o when_o a_o jest_n offer_v itself_o as_o a_o temptation_n let_v he_o balance_v that_o with_o a_o sober_a thought_n and_o consider_v whether_o the_o jest_n can_v quit_v the_o cost_n of_o the_o profanation_n let_v he_o possess_v his_o mind_n with_o a_o habitual_a awe_n take_v up_o the_o bible_n with_o solemner_n thought_n and_o other_o kind_n of_o apprehension_n than_o any_o human_a author_n and_o if_o he_o habituate_v himself_o to_o this_o reverence_n every_o clause_n and_o phrase_n of_o it_o that_o occur_v to_o his_o mind_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o excite_v he_o to_o devout_a ejaculation_n then_o vain_a laughter_n 56._o it_o be_v report_v of_o our_o excellent_a prince_n king_n edward_z the_o six_o that_o when_o in_o his_o council_n chamber_n a_o paper_n that_o be_v call_v for_o happen_v to_o lie_v out_o of_o reach_n and_o the_o person_n concern_v to_o produce_v it_o take_v a_o bible_n that_o lie_v by_o and_o stand_v upon_o it_o reach_v down_o the_o paper_n the_o king_n observe_v what_o be_v do_v run_v himself_o to_o the_o place_n and_o take_v the_o bible_n in_o his_o hand_n kiss_v it_o and_o lay_v it_o up_o again_o of_o this_o it_o be_v a_o very_a desirable_a moral_n that_o prince_n and_o all_o person_n in_o authority_n will_v take_v care_n not_o to_o permit_v any_o to_o raise_v themselves_o by_o either_o a_o hypocritical_a or_o profane_a trample_n upon_o holy_a thing_n but_o beside_o that_o a_o more_o general_a application_n offer_v its_o self_n that_o all_o man_n of_o what_o condition_n soever_o shall_v both_o themselves_o abstain_v from_o every_o action_n that_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o contemt_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o also_o when_o they_o observe_v it_o in_o other_o discountenance_v the_o insolence_n and_o by_o their_o word_n and_o action_n give_v testimony_n of_o the_o veneration_n which_o they_o have_v for_o that_o holy_a book_n they_o see_v other_o so_o wretched_o despise_v 57_o but_o above_o all_o let_v he_o who_o read_v the_o scripture_n serious_o set_v himself_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o daily_o examine_v how_o he_o proce_v in_o it_o he_o that_o diligent_o do_v this_o will_v not_o be_v much_o at_o leisure_n to_o sport_n with_o it_o he_o will_v scarce_o meet_v with_o a_o text_n which_o will_v not_o give_v he_o cause_n of_o reflection_n and_o provide_v he_o work_v within_o his_o own_o breast_n every_o duty_n enjoin_v will_n promt_v he_o to_o examine_v how_o he_o have_v perform_v every_o sin_n forbid_v will_v call_v he_o to_o recollect_v how_o guilty_a he_o have_v be_v every_o pathetic_a strain_n of_o devotion_n will_v kindle_v his_o zeal_n or_o at_o least_o upbraid_v his_o coldness_n every_o heroic_a example_n will_v excite_v his_o emulation_n in_o a_o word_n every_o part_n of_o scripture_n will_v if_o due_o apply_v contribute_v to_o some_o good_a and_o excellent_a end_n and_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v proper_a for_o such_o noble_a purpose_n can_v it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o apply_v it_o only_o to_o mean_v and_o trivial_a will_v any_o but_o a_o idiot_n be_v that_o sovereign_a liquor_n in_o the_o wash_n of_o his_o foot_n which_o be_v give_v he_o to_o expel_v poison_n from_o his_o heart_n and_o be_v not_o we_o guilty_a of_o the_o like_a folly_n when_o we_o apply_v god_n word_n to_o serve_v only_o a_o ludicrous_a humour_n and_o make_v ourselves_o merry_a with_o that_o which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o most_o important_a purpose_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o indeed_o who_o ever_o take_v any_o low_a aim_n than_o that_o and_o the_o virtue_n preparatory_a to_o it_o in_o his_o study_n of_o scripture_n extreme_o debase_v it_o 58._o let_v we_o therefore_o keep_v a_o steady_a eye_n upon_o that_o mark_n and_o press_v towards_o it_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v phil._n 3.14_o walk_v by_o that_o rule_n the_o holy_a scripture_n propose_v faithful_o and_o diligent_o observe_v its_o precept_n that_o we_o may_v final_o partake_v its_o promise_n to_o this_o end_n continual_o pray_v we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o holy_a mother_n the_o church_n unto_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v cause_v all_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o may_v in_o such_o wise_a hear_v they_o read_z mark_v learn_v and_o inward_o digest_v they_o that_o by_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n we_o may_v embrace_v and_o ever_o hold_v fast_o the_o bless_a hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o he_o have_v give_v in_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o content_n section_n sect._n 1_o the_o several_a method_n of_o god_n communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o pag._n 1._o sect._n 2._o the_o divine_a original_a endearment_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 9_o sect._n 3_o the_o subject_a matter_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v excellent_a as_o be_v also_o its_o end_n and_o design_n p._n 63._o sect._n 4._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 p._n 123._o sect._n 5._o the_o scripture_n have_v great_a propriety_n and_o fitness_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o excellent_a end_n p._n 145._o sect._n 6._o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n concern_v the_o propriety_n and_o fitness_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o excellent_a end_n p._n 165._o sect._n 7._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 p._n 180._o sect._n 8._o necessary_a caution_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 193._o finis_fw-la