the_o most_o effectual_a they_o say_v he_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o own_o blindness_n since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o it_o but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o shall_v apply_v themselves_o to_o that_o and_o they_o can_v miss_v of_o a_o cure._n which_o be_v enough_o to_o prove_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o church_n custom_n or_o authority_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n at_o least_o second_o neither_o will_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n be_v of_o any_o force_n in_o this_o particular_a for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v full_a of_o knowledge_n and_o sufficient_o able_a to_o instruct_v we_o but_o what_o say_v s._n austin_n of_o himself_o i_o be_o 119._o aug._n ep_v 119._o not_o only_o ignorant_a say_v he_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n but_o even_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o i_o be_o yet_o to_o learn_v more_o than_o i_o know_v already_o and_o thus_o he_o elsewhere_o hiâ—â—_n ep._n ad_fw-la hiâ—â—_n express_v himself_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n only_o which_o be_v call_v canonical_a do_v i_o owe_v this_o honour_n that_o i_o firm_o believe_v that_o none_o of_o their_o penman_n have_v err_v in_o any_o thing_n they_o have_v write_v but_o i_o esteem_v other_o writer_n according_a to_o their_o sanctity_n and_o learning_n i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o thing_n true_a mere_o because_o it_o be_v their_o opinion_n which_o very_o well_o agree_v with_o that_o axiom_n of_o tertullian_n if_o say_v he_o a_o bishop_n haeret_fw-la tertul._n de_fw-fr praescr_n haeret_fw-la or_o deacon_n if_o a_o widow_n or_o maid_n if_o a_o doctor_n or_o even_o a_o martyr_n shall_v err_v from_o the_o rule_n will_v the_o error_n be_v ever_o the_o true_a or_o better_a for_o their_o sake_n we_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o faith_n by_o the_o person_n but_o the_o person_n by_o the_o faith._n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o biel_n be_v to_o the_o 41._o bieâ—_n sup_v can._n miss_n l._n 41._o same_o purpose_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n compel_v no_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o their_o say_n unless_o they_o build_v on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o divine_a revelation_n on_o this_o account_n therefore_o s._n austin_n may_v well_o cry_v out_o 57_o aug._n in_o psal_n 57_o let_v our_o write_n be_v withdraw_v that_o the_o book_n of_o god_n may_v be_v introduce_v and_o as_o for_o apostolical_a tradition_n let_v the_o testimony_n 1._o iren._n l._n 3._o c._n 1._o of_o irenaeus_n serve_v for_o all_o by_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o the_o gospel_n come_v down_o to_o we_o which_o they_o then_o preach_v and_o afterward_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n what_o be_v to_o be_v the_o future_a foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith._n now_o if_o neither_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n nor_o tradition_n can_v be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n no_o more_o can_v all_o these_o unite_a in_o a_o general_n council_n be_v so_o for_o a_o rule_n must_v be_v in_o every_o respect_n perfect_a but_o we_o have_v see_v that_o the_o church_n be_v in_o many_o respect_v defective_a and_o the_o father_n subject_n to_o ignorance_n and_o error_n and_o if_o irenaeus_n may_v be_v credit_v the_o apostle_n preach_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o have_v leave_v we_o in_o write_v and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o place_n for_o apostolical_a tradition_n so_o that_o a_o rule_n which_o be_v imperfect_a and_o defective_a in_o every_o part_n must_v needs_o be_v so_o in_o the_o whole_a and_o bellarmin_n himself_o have_v prove_v 12._o bellarm._n de_fw-fr council_n l._n 2._o c._n 12._o that_o the_o decree_n of_o general_a council_n can_v be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n because_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o immediate_a divine_a revelation_n that_o they_o may_v err_v in_o some_o thing_n and_o in_o many_o of_o their_o definition_n they_o conclude_v only_a probably_n but_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v every_o way_n perfect_a and_o to_o conclude_v necessary_o and_o such_o a_o absolute_a perfect_a rule_n the_o scripture_n appear_v to_o be_v not_o only_o from_o their_o own_o testimony_n but_o from_o testimony_n of_o the_o great_a pillar_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o second_o third_z four_o and_o five_o century_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n interest_n have_v lead_v he_o to_o a_o contrary_a judgement_n in_o the_o late_a age_n of_o the_o church_n his_o opinion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v set_v up_o as_o a_o standard_n against_o antiquity_n join_v with_o truth_n from_o hence_o then_o we_o may_v infer_v what_o have_v be_v already_o assert_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o themselves_o a_o perfect_a and_o un-erring_a rule_n nothing_o must_v be_v put_v to_o or_o take_v from_o they_o to_o which_o purpose_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v produce_v already_o the_o reader_n may_v give_v himself_o the_o trouble_n of_o peruse_v the_o follow_a text_n deut._n 12._o 32._o josh_n 1._o 7._o prov._n 30._o 6._o gal._n 1._o 8._o and_o 3._o 15._o rev._n 22._o 18_o 19_o and_o let_v he_o learn_v the_o danger_n of_o add_v or_o take_v away_o that_o be_v do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n from_o these_o leu._n 10._o 2._o isai_n 1._o 12_o 13_o 14_o and_o 66._o 3._o hos_fw-la 9_o 15._o matth._n 15._o 6_o 9_o mark_v 7._o 9_o gal._n 4._o 10._o from_o all_o which_o text_n will_v evident_o appear_v the_o invalidity_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o true_a foundation_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o such_o vanity_n and_o so_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o vindicate_v my_o reliance_n on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o business_n of_o the_o follow_a undertake_n i_o shall_v only_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o two_o or_o three_o necessary_a caution_n concern_v the_o right_a use_n and_o understanding_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n and_o then_o give_v he_o his_o liberty_n to_o proceed_v i._o if_o any_o man_n will_v make_v choice_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o his_o guide_n in_o matter_n that_o concern_v his_o wellbeing_a here_o and_o hereafter_o he_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o believe_v every_o spirit_n we_o must_v not_o take_v thing_n of_o such_o moment_n on_o trust_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v assert_v by_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o great_a learning_n or_o inspiration_n for_o we_o be_v to_o look_v on_o the_o gentleman_n of_o these_o time_n as_o such_o as_o will_v make_v the_o best_a they_o can_v of_o every_o word_n when_o they_o meet_v with_o one_o of_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n therefore_o ii_o it_o behove_v every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o his_o own_o safety_n to_o search_v into_o these_o thing_n himself_o to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n diligent_o that_o so_o he_o may_v learn_v from_o they_o whether_o such_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o no._n but_o as_o i_o be_o now_o write_v to_o those_o of_o the_o mean_a rank_n in_o learning_n lat_fw-ge east_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o i_o caution_n such_o reader_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o lay_v too_o much_o stress_n on_o the_o literal_a interpretation_n of_o a_o text_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n very_o often_o make_v use_n of_o metaphor_n and_o other_o obscurity_n wherein_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n and_o though_o as_o s._n austin_n say_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o obscure_a in_o one_o place_v which_o in_o another_o be_v not_o make_v plain_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o suppose_v that_o a_o ordinary_a reader_n know_v how_o to_o find_v that_o place_n out_o or_o if_o he_o do_v that_o he_o have_v judgement_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o for_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o a_o soul_n and_o a_o body_n the_o body_n be_v the_o letter_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o true_a interpretation_n every_o man_n therefore_o say_v origen_n that_o 4._o de_fw-fr princip_n lib._n 4._o desire_v to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n must_v have_v his_o eye_n on_o every_o word_n for_o every_o nation_n have_v a_o different_a way_n of_o speak_v let_v he_o therefore_o mind_n rather_o what_o be_v signify_v than_o with_o what_o word_n it_o be_v express_v for_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o no_o human_a word_n can_v explain_v but_o they_o be_v only_o conceivable_a in_o a_o honest_a understanding_n by_o which_o rule_n also_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o what_o we_o read_v be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n but_o according_a to_o the_o divinity_n of_o that_o holy_a spirit_n which_o inspire_v it_o wherefore_o the_o honest_a reader_n will_v do_v well_o to_o take_v care_n that_o he_o be_v not_o draw_v by_o the_o letter_n out_o of_o the_o right_a
a_o letter_n to_o a_o lady_n furnish_v she_o with_o scripture_n testimony_n against_o the_o principal_a point_n and_o doctrine_n of_o popery_n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 17._o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 19_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o search_v the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n john_n 5._o 39_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v etc._n etc._n rev._n 1._o 3._o license_v july_n 6._o 1688._o london_n print_v for_o john_n taylor_n at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n m_n dc_o lxxx_o viii_o admonition_n to_o the_o reader_n concern_v the_o authority_n and_o use_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o follow_a paper_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o a_o private_a satisfaction_n and_o not_o for_o the_o public_a view_n be_v write_v in_o a_o style_n agreeable_a to_o the_o sex_n to_o which_o they_o be_v dedicate_v and_o the_o few_o argument_n here_o and_o there_o add_v either_o to_o explain_v or_o illustrate_v a_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o be_v more_o obvious_a to_o a_o female_a capacity_n than_o perhaps_o the_o common_a way_n of_o argue_v use_v by_o one_o great_a disputant_n against_o another_o be_v for_o it_o be_v no_o more_o my_o intent_n than_o it_o be_v my_o business_n in_o write_v to_o woman_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o general_a want_n of_o learning_n understand_v nothing_o of_o logical_a reason_v and_o as_o little_a of_o syllogismal_a inference_n to_o endeavour_v to_o make_v a_o thing_n plain_a by_o render_v it_o more_o unintelligible_a but_o to_o make_v every_o thing_n as_o obvious_a and_o plain_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a understanding_n as_o i_o may_v though_o my_o word_n be_v never_o so_o homely_a and_o though_o it_o be_v confess_v the_o lady_n to_o who_o these_o paper_n be_v especial_o direct_v be_v a_o person_n endue_v with_o better_a part_n and_o more_o learning_n than_o other_o of_o her_o sex_n general_o be_v yet_o i_o consider_v that_o many_o more_o of_o her_o society_n or_o acquaintance_n may_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o read_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v as_o a_o plain_a method_n will_v not_o be_v unpleasant_a to_o the_o lady_n herself_o so_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v both_o more_o acceptable_a and_o profitable_a to_o other_o not_o load_v with_o so_o much_o sagacity_n and_o understanding_n but_o since_o in_o this_o undertake_n i_o have_v whole_o rely_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v draw_v all_o my_o argument_n from_o they_o i_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o vindicate_v my_o proceed_v that_o way_n by_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o cursory_a account_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n consist_v in_o two_o particular_n the_o first_o be_v their_o contain_v full_o all_o thing_n needful_a for_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o second_o their_o be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v point_n of_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n in_o both_o which_o i_o shall_v still_o make_v my_o appeal_n to_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o likewise_o intermix_v a_o few_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n not_o for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n for_o that_o be_v evident_a enough_o in_o itself_o but_o to_o show_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o great_a pillar_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o matter_n about_o which_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o disagreement_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o begin_v therefore_o with_o the_o first_o evidence_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n their_o contain_v full_o all_o thing_n needful_a for_o our_o salvation_n the_o evangelist_n joh._n 20._o 30._o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n do_v many_o sign_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o this_o book_n but_o these_o say_v he_o be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n and_o johan_n cyril_n in_o praef._n in_o johan_n this_o gospel_n by_o s._n john_n may_v without_o injury_n be_v think_v to_o excel_v the_o other_o three_o say_v s._n cyril_n and_o he_o give_v no_o weak_a reason_n for_o it_o one_o of_o which_o be_v that_o it_o contain_v all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o truth_n which_o the_o other_o do_v also_o but_o not_o in_o so_o high_a a_o strain_n for_o whereas_o the_o rest_n do_v most_o exquisite_o describe_v the_o genealogy_n of_o our_o saviour_n either_o descend_v from_o abraham_n to_o joseph_n or_o ascend_v from_o joseph_n to_o adam_n s._n john_n have_v not_o much_o labour_v in_o these_o matter_n but_o with_o a_o aspire_a mind_n seem_v to_o soar_v beyond_o human_a possibility_n and_o be_v not_o afraid_a in_o express_a word_n to_o set_v down_o his_o ineffable_a generation_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god._n the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n and_o so_o aspire_v direct_o to_o the_o foundation_n of_o divine_a truth_n where_o by_o the_o way_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v that_o this_o evangelist_n be_v the_o belove_a disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v he_o will_v conceal_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o reveal_v more_o to_o he_o than_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v set_v down_o in_o some_o particular_n whereof_o he_o be_v command_v to_o be_v silent_a as_o may_v be_v see_v rev._n 10._o 4._o but_o when_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v know_v he_o be_v to_o declare_v it_o chap._n 22._o 10._o and_o chap._n 1._o 3._o they_o be_v bless_v who_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n with_o a_o intent_n to_o keep_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v therein_o so_o then_o though_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o thing_n yet_o by_o what_o be_v write_v we_o may_v sufficient_o be_v acquaint_v with_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v s._n paul_n act_v 20._o after_o he_o have_v tell_v the_o ephesian_n verse_n 30_o that_o of_o their_o own_o self_n shall_v arise_v man_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o at_o the_o 32_o verse_n he_o commend_v they_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o he_o tell_v they_o be_v able_a to_o build_v they_o up_o and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v and_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v that_o he_o have_v broach_v some_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o his_o own_o he_o profess_v chap._n 26._o 22._o that_o have_v obtain_v help_v of_o god_n he_o still_o continue_v witness_v both_o to_o small_a and_o great_a but_o say_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o those_o which_o the_o prophet_n and_o moses_n do_v say_v shall_v come_v according_o he_o tell_v the_o roman_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o they_o chap._n 1._o 16._o that_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v and_o chap._n 15._o 4._o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n and_o say_v s._n chrysostom_n wherefore_o be_v these_o thing_n write_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v athan._n in_o rom._n hom_n 9_o in_o 2_o cor._n hom_n 13._o in_o synop_n athan._n learn_v they_o for_o say_v he_o the_o scripture_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o all_o the_o most_o exact_a balance_n guide_n and_o rule_n and_o according_a to_o s._n athanasius_n they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o anchor_n and_o support_v of_o our_o faith._n and_o irenaeus_n call_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o iren._n l._n 3._o c._n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o immovable_a canon_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith._n and_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 17._o that_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o 41._o canonem_fw-la fidei_fw-la in_o prophetarum_fw-la &_o apostolorum_fw-la libris_fw-la figi_fw-la atque_fw-la terminari_fw-la aug_n de_fw-fr c._n d._n l._n 11._o c._n 41._o all_o good_a work_n may_v safe_o conclude_v with_o s._n austin_n
just_o charge_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v a_o refutation_n of_o most_o of_o those_o tenet_n in_o one_o short_a essay_n will_v be_v more_o profitable_a as_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n so_o that_o upon_o this_o account_n as_o you_o will_v hereby_o with_o more_o ease_n be_v furnish_v with_o what_o you_o may_v be_v sure_o be_v true_a be_v draw_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n you_o will_v i_o hope_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o induce_v to_o pardon_v my_o undertake_n as_o design_v nothing_o but_o honesty_n i_o have_v choose_v this_o way_n of_o write_v to_o you_o madam_n first_o because_o i_o know_v you_o delight_n in_o converse_v with_o the_o holy_a write_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v be_v more_o conformable_a to_o your_o inclination_n and_o second_o though_o i_o reverence_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o general_a council_n due_o assemble_v and_o not_o sway_v by_o popular_a insolence_n yet_o as_o i_o once_o object_v to_o one_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n without_o receive_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v that_o we_o have_v false_a copy_n of_o the_o father_n and_o we_o answer_v that_o they_o have_v corrupt_v the_o true_a so_o that_o one_o of_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o without_o compare_v they_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o as_o for_o general_a council_n they_o have_v of_o late_a be_v purge_v or_o rather_o pervert_v by_o the_o overrule_v power_n of_o pope_n and_o their_o popular_a faction_n insomuch_o that_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o act_v against_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n though_o never_o so_o just_o they_o be_v no_o long_o allow_v the_o liberty_n due_a to_o general_n council_n and_o then_o what_o dependence_n can_v we_o have_v from_o they_o and_o last_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v be_v no_o better_o a_o decider_n of_o controversy_n than_o the_o other_o two_o because_o that_o must_v be_v prove_v if_o possible_a from_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o when_o all_o other_o instrument_n have_v be_v try_v the_o scripture_n will_v prove_v the_o only_a infallible_a touch_n stone_n from_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n this_o piece_n be_v at_o first_o conceive_v and_o be_v now_o produce_v for_o your_o service_n and_o for_o such_o of_o your_o female_a companion_n or_o acquaintance_n as_o you_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o communicate_v it_o to_o and_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v give_v satisfaction_n be_v please_v therefore_o to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o read_v and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o though_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n deny_v the_o read_n of_o they_o to_o the_o laity_n pretend_v that_o the_o vulgation_n of_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o many_o heresy_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n yet_o by_o the_o leave_n of_o the_o father_n assemble_v in_o that_o particular_a general_n council_n we_o can_v conceive_v how_o a_o country_n plough-job_a shall_v by_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o opinion_n either_o orthodox_n or_o erroneous_a but_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v if_o it_o be_v to_o the_o present_a purpose_n the_o original_a of_o all_o sect_n be_v man_n who_o to_o show_v their_o part_n and_o learning_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o scrutinise_v and_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o so_o spread_v the_o prime_a infection_n i_o will_v trouble_v you_o with_o but_o a_o instance_n or_o two_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o so_o proceed_v arius_n that_o know_v heretic_n as_o well_o for_o his_o learning_n as_o the_o many_o proselyte_n he_o gain_v to_o his_o party_n meet_v with_o that_o text_n joh._n 17._o 3._o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v think_v of_o a_o trick_n by_o misplace_v a_o point_n to_o seclude_v christ_n from_o be_v true_a god._n in_o the_o original_a it_o be_v this_o be_v life_n eternal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n to_o know_v thou_o only_o to_o be_v true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v but_o he_o put_v the_o comma_n after_o the_o particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d only_o and_o so_o corrupt_v the_o sense_n by_o misplace_v the_o point_n a_o trick_n which_o certain_o none_o but_o a_o scholar_n can_v have_v think_v on_o thus_o we_o find_v gregory_n the_o great_a open_o assert_v that_o whoever_o shall_v call_v himself_o universal_a bishop_n be_v antichrist_n but_o the_o succeed_a bishop_n of_o rome_n dispute_v the_o contrary_a and_o arrogate_a to_o themselves_o the_o title_n i_o may_v likewise_o urge_v the_o feud_n of_o the_o franciscan_n and_o dominican_n and_o other_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o prove_v that_o all_o quarrelling_n and_o jangle_v dispute_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v broach_v by_o man_n of_o learning_n but_o to_o come_v near_a home_n will_v it_o not_o be_v very_o absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o such_o a_o silly_a fancy_n as_o quakerism_n can_v ever_o have_v be_v hear_v of_o or_o so_o long_o uphold_v among_o we_o if_o some_o such_o man_n as_o penn_n who_o be_v think_v no_o great_a stranger_n in_o a_o college_n of_o fame_n have_v not_o at_o first_o insinuate_v it_o into_o some_o poor_a ignorant_a people_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v his_o logic_n or_o it_o may_v be_v be_v more_o take_v up_o in_o their_o worldly_a employment_n than_o the_o study_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o one_o who_o be_v better_o skill_a in_o the_o management_n of_o a_o plough_n than_o a_o logical_a argument_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o define_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n it_o may_v be_v soon_o prove_v that_o the_o principal_a author_n and_o abetter_n of_o most_o of_o our_o division_n come_v from_o rome_n than_o that_o they_o spring_v from_o ignorant_a people_n read_v the_o scripture_n and_o if_o you_o please_v to_o peruse_v these_o paper_n you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o that_o council_n have_v other_o end_n in_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o common_a people_n than_o the_o suppress_v of_o sectary_n as_o they_o pretend_v i_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o business_n i_o propose_v to_o your_o consideration_n the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o every_o christian_a to_o read_v and_o understand_v the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o i_o present_v to_o your_o meditation_n in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o preparatory_a to_o that_o which_o be_v to_o follow_v it_o be_v my_o intent_n in_o this_o undertake_n to_o have_v to_o do_v with_o nothing_o but_o scripture_n quotation_n and_o so_o i_o begin_v deut._n 6._o 6._o and_o these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o unto_o thy_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o thou_o sit_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o when_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o and_o thou_o shall_v bind_v they_o for_o a_o sign_n upon_o thy_o hand_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o frontlet_n between_o thy_o eye_n and_o thou_o shall_v write_v they_o upon_o the_o door_n post_v of_o thy_o house_n and_o on_o thy_o gate_n the_o word_n be_v speak_v to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o israel_n and_o need_v not_o be_v explain_v deut._n 17._o 18._o and_o it_o shall_v be_v when_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o he_o shall_v write_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o this_o law_n in_o a_o book_n out_o of_o that_o which_o be_v before_o the_o priest_n the_o levite_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v read_v therein_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n etc._n etc._n where_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o more_o ingenious_a gentry_n they_o have_v be_v furnish_v with_o a_o vulgar_a latin_a translation_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o they_o call_v though_o false_o enough_o st._n jerome_n and_o lest_o the_o corruption_n wherewith_o they_o have_v prudent_o load_v it_o shall_v be_v discover_v pope_n sixtus_n the_o v._o in_o the_o year_n 1578_o publish_v a_o greek_a copy_n purposely_o forge_v by_o cardinal_n carapha_n to_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o the_o latin_a be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o original_a josh_n 1._o 8._o this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n but_o thou_o shall_v meditate_v therein_o day_n and_o
night_n that_o thou_o may_v observe_v to_o do_v all_o that_o be_v write_v therein_o this_o be_v the_o psalmist_n character_n of_o a_o good_a man_n psal_n 1._o 2._o his_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o law_n do_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n this_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o apollo_n act_v 18._o 24._o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o eloquent_a man_n but_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o be_v the_o confidence_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o roman_n rom._n 15._o after_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o verse_n 4._o that_o whatever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n at_o the_o 14._o verse_n he_o conclude_v and_o i_o myself_o also_o be_o persuade_v of_o you_o my_o brethren_n that_o you_o also_o be_v full_a of_o goodness_n fill_v with_o all_o knowledge_n and_o able_a to_o admonish_v one_o another_o col._n 3._o 16._o let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n etc._n etc._n and_o ch._n 4._o 16._o when_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o be_v read_v also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n parallel_v to_o which_o be_v his_o command_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o 1_o epist_n 5._o 27._o i_o charge_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n that_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v to_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v some_o comfort_n if_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v but_o have_v the_o gospel_n read_v in_o the_o congregation_n pure_o and_o without_o adulteration_n in_o a_o tongue_n understand_v by_o the_o common_a people_n this_o will_v be_v much_o more_o to_o edification_n than_o a_o few_o story_n out_o of_o the_o golden_a legend_n or_o the_o history_n of_o s._n george_n kill_v the_o dragon_n which_o i_o assure_v you_o madam_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o his_o day_n and_o in_o their_o prayer_n to_o he_o they_o solemn_o commemorate_v this_o act_n of_o he_o as_o if_o it_o be_v as_o true_a as_o the_o gospel_n but_o last_o s._n peter_n speak_v of_o the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v say_v we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n know_v this_o first_o that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o 20._o i_o give_v you_o both_o verse_n because_o i_o know_v some_o man_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o object_v the_o last_o to_o the_o first_o but_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o if_o s._n peter_n do_v condemn_v the_o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n he_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o private_a read_n of_o they_o but_o say_v that_o all_o man_n will_v do_v well_o if_o they_o take_v good_a heed_n to_o they_o as_o to_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n than_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o thus_o madam_n i_o think_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o read_v and_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n but_o if_o after_o all_o it_o be_v object_v as_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v dark_a and_o hard_o to_o be_v understand_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v with_o i_o these_o few_o text_n deut_n 30._o 11._o this_o commandment_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o neither_o be_v it_o far_o off_o it_o be_v not_o in_o heaven_n that_o thou_o shall_v say_v who_o shall_v go_v up_o for_o we_o to_o heaven_n and_o bring_v it_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o neither_o be_v it_o beyond_o the_o sea_n that_o thou_o shall_v say_v who_o shall_v go_v over_o the_o sea_n for_o we_o and_o bring_v it_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o but_o the_o word_n be_v very_o nigh_o unto_o thou_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n that_o thou_o may_v do_v it_o psalm_n 119._o 130._o the_o entrance_n of_o thy_o word_n give_v light_a it_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a prov._n 14._o 6._o a_o scorner_n seek_v wisdom_n and_o find_v it_o not_o but_o knowledge_n be_v easy_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v i_o take_v these_o to_o be_v sufficient_a indication_n of_o the_o plainness_n and_o intelligibleness_n of_o the_o law._n but_o we_o have_v god_n own_o word_n if_o he_o may_v be_v believe_v that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v jer._n 31._o 33._o but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n into_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o unto_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o reserve_v for_o the_o more_o learned_a of_o mankind_n only_o be_v plain_a from_o our_o saviour_n own_o word_n matth._n 11._o 25._o i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n even_o so_o father_n for_o so_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n and_o when_o his_o disciple_n ask_v he_o why_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o parable_n he_o answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o because_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o you_o to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o give_v matth._n 13._o 11._o and_o we_o know_v that_o his_o disciple_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n poor_a ignorant_a unlearned_a and_o among_o the_o jew_n come_v very_o often_o the_o scribe_n pharisee_n and_o great_a doctor_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v add_v at_o present_a to_o complete_a this_o subject_n be_v that_o ignorance_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o dangerous_a 1._o because_o it_o be_v general_o the_o cause_n of_o man_n commit_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n isai_n 1._o 3._o the_o ox_n know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o ass_n his_o master_n crib_n but_o israel_n do_v not_o know_v my_o people_n do_v not_o consider_v god_n almighty_n have_v be_v so_o gracious_a to_o they_o as_o to_o give_v they_o his_o law_n first_o for_o they_o to_o read_v and_o the_o prophet_n afterward_o to_o explain_v it_o that_o they_o may_v know_v and_o understand_v his_o will_n therein_o but_o they_o will_v neither_o read_v the_o one_o nor_o give_v ear_n to_o the_o other_o and_o this_o without_o doubt_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n cry_v out_o how_o long_o shall_v i_o see_v the_o standard_n and_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o the_o trumpet_n for_o my_o people_n be_v foolish_a they_o have_v not_o know_v i_o they_o be_v sottish_a child_n and_o they_o have_v no_o understanding_n they_o be_v wise_a to_o do_v evil_a but_o to_o do_v good_a they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n jer._n 4._o 21._o and_o chap._n 5._o 21._o hear_v now_o this_o o_o foolish_a peopole_n and_o without_o understanding_n which_o have_v eye_n and_o see_v not_o ear_n and_o hear_v not_o because_o they_o will_v neither_o read_v the_o law_n nor_o give_v ear_n to_o the_o prophet_n therefore_o they_o be_v just_o call_v sottish_a child_n a_o foolish_a people_n and_o without_o understanding_n therefore_o they_o be_v wise_a to_o do_v evil_a but_o not_o to_o do_v good_a for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o devil_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v his_o best_a of_o ignorance_n and_o use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o it_o because_o the_o more_o light_a man_n have_v the_o more_o work_n they_o can_v do_v and_o the_o better_a they_o be_v inform_v the_o better_a they_o will_v act_v here_o and_o so_o he_o will_v be_v like_a to_o lose_v their_o company_n hereafter_o i_o think_v then_o that_o s._n augustine_n tolle_fw-la lege_fw-la will_v be_v good_a advice_n to_o all_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o live_v virtuous_a life_n and_o as_o luther_n advice_n to_o governor_n