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
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
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
not_o according_a to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isaiah_n 8.20_o so_o that_o the_o veneration_n which_o they_o have_v before_o acquire_v be_v still_o anew_o excite_v by_o fresh_a inspiration_n which_o both_o attest_v the_o old_a and_o become_v new_a part_n of_o their_o canon_n 27._o nor_o can_v it_o be_v esteem_v a_o small_a confirmation_n to_o the_o scripture_n to_o find_v in_o succeed_a age_n the_o signal_n accomplishment_n of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o be_v long_o before_o register_v in_o those_o book_n for_o nothing_o less_o than_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n can_v foretell_v and_o also_o verify_v they_o upon_o these_o ground_n the_o jew_n universal_o through_o all_o succession_n receive_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o divine_a oracle_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o great_a trust_n that_o can_v be_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o according_o be_v so_o scrupulous_o vigilant_a in_o conserve_n they_o that_o their_o masorit_n number_v not_o only_o the_o section_n but_o the_o very_a word_n nay_o letter_n that_o no_o fraud_n or_o inadvertency_n may_v corrupt_v or_o defalk_v the_o least_o iota_fw-la of_o what_o they_o esteem_v so_o sacred_a a_o far_a testimony_n and_o sepiment_n to_o which_o be_v the_o samaritan_n chaldee_n and_o greek_a version_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o synagogs_n of_o jew_n in_o their_o dispersion_n and_o the_o samaritan_n at_o sichem_n can_v not_o at_o those_o distance_n receive_v a_o uniform_a alteration_n and_o any_o other_o will_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o original_a exemplar_n of_o the_o law_n be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n that_o the_o prince_n be_v to_o have_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o always_o by_o he_o and_o transcribe_v it_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o every_o jew_n be_v to_o make_v it_o his_o constant_a discourse_n and_o meditation_n teach_v it_o his_o child_n and_o wear_v part_n of_o it_o upon_o his_o hand_n and_o forehead_n and_o now_o sure_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imagine_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v more_o careful_o deduce_v or_o irrefragable_o testify_v nor_o any_o thing_n believe_v upon_o strong_a evidence_n 28._o that_o all_o this_o be_v true_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o do_v thus_o own_o these_o write_n as_o divine_a appear_v not_o only_o by_o the_o record_n of_o past_a age_n but_o by_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o present_a who_o still_o own_v they_o and_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o combination_n with_o the_o christian_n and_o if_o these_o be_v reasonable_a ground_n of_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n as_o he_o must_v be_v most_o absurd_o sceptical_a that_o shall_v deny_v they_o must_v be_v so_o to_o we_o christian_n also_o who_o derive_v they_o from_o they_o and_o that_o with_o this_o far_a advantage_n to_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o see_v the_o clear_a completion_n of_o those_o evangelical_n prophecy_n which_o remain_v dark_a to_o they_o and_o consequent_o have_v a_o far_a argument_n to_o confirm_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v certain_o divine_a 29._o the_o new_a have_v also_o the_o like_a mean_n of_o probation_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v if_o true_o relate_v be_v acknowlege_v no_o less_o divine_a than_o what_o they_o oral_o deliver_v so_o that_o they_o who_o doubt_v its_o be_v divine_a must_v either_o deny_v what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o be_v so_o or_o else_o distrust_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o relation_n the_o former_a strike_v at_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n which_o if_o only_o of_o man_n must_v not_o only_o be_v fallible_a but_o be_v actual_o a_o deceit_n whilst_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o to_o such_o objector_n we_o have_v to_o oppose_v those_o stupendous_a miracle_n with_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v attest_v such_o as_o demonstrate_v a_o more_o than_o human_a efficacy_n and_o that_o god_n shall_v lend_v his_o omnipotence_n to_o abet_v the_o false_a pretension_n of_o man_n be_v a_o conceit_n too_o unworthy_a even_o for_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n to_o entertain_v 30._o it_o be_v true_a there_o have_v be_v by_o god_n permit_v lie_v miracle_n as_o well_o as_o true_a one_o have_v be_v do_v by_o he_o such_o as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o magician_n in_o egypt_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o of_o moses_n but_o then_o the_o difference_n between_o both_o be_v so_o conspicuous_a that_o he_o must_v be_v more_o partial_a and_o disingenuous_a then_o even_o those_o magician_n be_v who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o disparity_n and_o confess_v in_o those_o which_o be_v true_o supernatural_a the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n 8.19_o therefore_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v predict_v that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o do_v sign_n and_o wonder_n deut._n 13.1_o mat._n 24.11.24_o as_o a_o trial_n of_o their_o fidelity_n who_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o will_v prefer_v the_o few_o and_o trivial_a sleight_n which_o recommend_v a_o deceiver_n before_o those_o great_a and_o numberless_a miracle_n which_o attest_v the_o sacred_a oracle_n deliver_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n whether_o the_o trick_n of_o a_o barchochebas_n to_o hold_v fire_n in_o his_o mouth_n that_o of_o marcus_n the_o heretic_n to_o make_v the_o wine_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n appear_v blood_n or_o that_o of_o mahomet_n to_o bring_v a_o pigeon_n to_o his_o ear_n aught_o to_o be_v put_v in_o balance_n against_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o the_o silly_a story_n which_o jamblichus_n solemn_o relate_v of_o pythagoras_n or_o those_o philostratus_n tell_v of_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n deserve_v to_o rival_n those_o of_o the_o evangelist_n it_o be_v a_o most_o just_a judgement_n and_o according_o threaten_v by_o almighty_a god_n that_o they_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n 2_o thes_n 2.11_o but_o still_o the_o almighty_a where_o any_o man_n or_o devil_n do_v proud_o be_v evident_o above_o he_o exod._n 18.11_o will_v be_v justify_v in_o his_o say_n and_o be_v clear_a when_o he_o be_v judge_v rom._n 3.4_o 31._o but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v sceptic_n and_o doubt_v every_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o matter_n call_v into_o question_n be_v of_o a_o nature_n that_o admit_v but_o two_o way_n of_o solution_n probability_n and_o testimony_n first_o for_o probability_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v who_o be_v the_o first_o promulger_n of_o christ_n miracle_n in_o his_o life_n time_n they_o be_v either_o the_o patient_n on_o who_o his_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v or_o the_o common_a people_n that_o be_v spectator_n the_o former_a as_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o but_o must_v needs_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v cure_v or_o no_o so_o what_o imaginable_a design_n can_v they_o have_v to_o deceive_v other_o many_o indeed_o have_v pretend_a impotency_n as_o a_o motive_n of_o compassion_n but_o what_o can_v they_o gain_v by_o own_v a_o cure_n they_o have_v not_o as_o for_o the_o spectator_n as_o their_o multitude_n add_v to_o their_o credibility_n it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o so_o many_o shall_v at_o once_o be_v delude_v in_o a_o matter_n obvious_a to_o their_o sense_n so_o do_v it_o also_o acquit_v they_o from_o fraud_n and_o combination_n cheat_n and_o forgery_n be_v always_o hatch_v in_o the_o dark_a in_o close_a cabal_n and_o private_a juncto_n that_o five_o thousand_o man_n at_o one_o time_n and_o four_o thousand_o at_o another_o shall_v conspire_v to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v miraculous_o feed_v when_o they_o be_v not_o and_o all_o prove_v true_a to_o the_o fiction_n and_o not_o betray_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n as_o irrational_a to_o be_v suppose_v as_o impossible_a to_o be_v parallel_v 32._o beside_o admit_v it_o possible_a that_o so_o many_o can_v have_v join_v in_o the_o deceit_n yet_o what_o imaginable_a end_n can_v they_o have_v in_o it_o have_v their_o lie_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o design_n of_o some_o potent_a prince_n that_o may_v have_v reward_v it_o there_o have_v be_v some_o temptation_n but_o what_o can_v they_o expect_v from_o the_o repute_a son_n of_o a_o carpenter_n who_o have_v not_o himself_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n nay_o who_o disclaim_v all_o secular_a power_n convey_v himself_o away_o from_o their_o importunity_n when_o they_o will_v have_v force_v he_o to_o be_v a_o king_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o be_v look_v on_o as_o one_o that_o will_v head_n a_o sedition_n or_o attemt_a to_o raise_v himself_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o reward_v his_o abettor_n upon_o all_o these_o consideration_n there_o appear_v not_o the_o
have_v be_v witness_v to_o by_o person_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o those_o not_o single_a but_o collective_a body_n and_o society_n even_o as_o many_o as_o there_o have_v be_v christian_a church_n throout_v the_o world_n and_o the_o same_o that_o be_v its_o attestor_n have_v be_v its_o guardian_n also_o and_o by_o their_o multitude_n make_v it_o a_o very_a difficult_a if_o not_o a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o falsify_v it_o in_o any_o considerable_a degree_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a as_o i_o show_v before_o from_o st._n austin_n all_o church_n shall_v combine_v to_o do_v it_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o the_o fraud_n can_v not_o pass_v undetect_v and_o if_o no_o eminent_a change_n can_v happen_v much_o less_o can_v any_o new_a any_o counterfeit_a gospel_n be_v obtrude_v after_o innumerable_a copy_n of_o the_o first_o have_v be_v translate_v into_o almost_o all_o language_n and_o disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n 52._o the_o imperial_a law_n compile_v by_o justinian_n be_v soon_o after_o his_o death_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o inroad_n of_o the_o goth_n and_o other_o barbarous_a nation_n utter_o lose_v in_o the_o western_a world_n and_o scarce_o once_o hear_v of_o for_o the_o space_n of_o five_o hundred_o year_n and_o then_o come_v casual_o to_o be_v retrieve_v upon_o the_o take_n of_o amalsis_n by_o the_o pisans_n one_o single_a copy_n be_v find_v there_o at_o the_o plunder_v of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o whole_a credit_n of_o those_o pandect_n which_o have_v ever_o since_o govern_v the_o western_a world_n depend_v in_o a_o manner_n on_o that_o single_a book_n former_o call_v the_o pisan_a and_o now_o after_o that_o pisa_n be_v take_v by_o the_o florentine_n the_o florentine_a copy_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o body_n of_o the_o civil_a law_n obtain_v and_o no_o man_n think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o question_v its_o be_v real_o what_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v notwithstanding_o its_o single_a and_o so_o long_o interrupt_v derivation_n i_o may_v draw_v this_o parallel_n through_o many_o other_o instance_n but_o these_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o if_o the_o scripture_n may_v find_v but_o so_o much_o equity_n as_o to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o common_a mesure_n of_o other_o thing_n it_o it_o will_v very_o well_o pass_v the_o test_n 53._o but_o man_n seem_v in_o this_o case_n like_o our_o late_a legislator_n to_o set_v up_o new_a extraregular_a court_n of_o justice_n to_o try_v those_o who_o no_o ordinary_a rule_n will_v cast_v yet_o their_o design_n re-require_a shall_v be_v condemn_v and_o we_o may_v conclude_v it_o be_v not_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n but_o of_o prejudice_n that_o make_v they_o so_o unequal_a to_o themselves_o as_o to_o reject_v the_o scripture_n when_o they_o receive_v every_o thing_n else_o upon_o far_o weak_a ground_n the_o bottom_n of_o it_o be_v they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o obey_v its_o precept_n and_o therefore_o think_v it_o the_o short_a cut_n to_o disavow_v its_o authority_n for_o shall_v they_o once_o own_o that_o they_o will_v find_v themselves_o entangle_v in_o the_o most_o inextricable_a dilemma_n that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n about_o john_n baptist_n if_o we_o say_v from_o heaven_n he_o will_v say_v why_o then_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v he_o mat._n 21.25_o if_o they_o confess_v the_o scripture_n divine_a they_o must_v be_v self-condemned_a in_o not_o obey_v they_o and_o true_o man_n that_o have_v such_o preingagement_n to_o their_o lust_n that_o they_o must_v admit_v nothing_o that_o will_v disturb_v they_o do_v but_o prevaricate_v when_o they_o call_v for_o great_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n for_o those_o bosom_n sophister_n will_v elude_v the_o most_o manifest_a conviction_n and_o like_o juggler_n make_v man_n disbelieve_v even_o their_o own_o sense_n so_o that_o any_o other_o way_n of_o evidence_n will_v be_v as_o disputable_a with_o they_o as_o those_o already_o offer_v which_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v 54._o it_o have_v be_v sometime_o see_v in_o popular_a mutiny_n that_o when_o blank_n have_v be_v send_v they_o they_o can_v not_o agree_v what_o to_o ask_v and_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o god_n shall_v so_o far_o court_v the_o infidelity_n of_o man_n as_o to_o allow_v they_o to_o make_v their_o own_o demand_n to_o set_v down_o what_o way_n of_o proof_n will_v persuade_v they_o i_o doubt_v not_o there_o be_v many_o have_v obstinacy_n enough_o to_o defeat_v their_o own_o method_n as_o well_o as_o they_o now_o do_v go_n it_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a way_n of_o conviction_n leave_v for_o they_o to_o ask_v god_n have_v already_o as_o have_v also_o be_v show_v afford_v that_o they_o must_v therefore_o resort_v to_o immediate_a revelation_n expect_v instant_a assurance_n from_o heaven_n that_o this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 55._o my_o first_o question_n than_o be_v in_o what_o manner_n this_o revelation_n must_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v credible_a to_o they_o the_o best_a account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o several_a way_n of_o revelation_n be_v from_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o god_n be_v please_v upon_o new_a emergency_n signal_o to_o revele_v himself_o these_o be_v first_o dream_n second_o vision_n by_o both_o which_o the_o prophet_n receive_v their_o inspiration_n three_o vrim_fw-he and_o thummim_n four_o the_o bath-col_a as_o they_o term_v it_o thunder_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n let_v we_o consider_v they_o distinct_o and_o see_v whether_o our_o sceptical_a man_n may_v not_o probable_o find_v somewhat_o to_o dispute_v in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o and_o first_o for_o dream_n it_o be_v among_o we_o so_o hard_o to_o distinguish_v between_o those_o that_o arise_v from_o constitution_n prepossession_n of_o fancy_n diabolical_a or_o divine_a infusion_n that_o those_o that_o have_v the_o most_o critical_o consider_v they_o do_v rather_o difference_n they_o by_o their_o matter_n than_o any_o certain_a discriminate_a circumstance_n and_o unless_o we_o have_v some_o infallible_a way_n of_o discern_v our_o dependence_n on_o they_o may_v more_o probable_o betray_v then_o direct_v we_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o usual_o fancy_n have_v the_o great_a stroke_n in_o they_o and_o if_o he_o that_o shall_v commit_v himself_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o wake_a fancy_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v over-wise_o govern_v what_o can_v we_o expect_v from_o his_o sleep_n all_o this_o and_o more_o may_v doubtless_o be_v sober_o enough_o object_v against_o the_o validity_n of_o our_o common_a dream_n 56._o but_o admit_v there_o be_v now_o such_o divine_a dream_n as_o bring_v their_o evidence_n along_o with_o they_o yet_o sure_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o prejudice_v man_n to_o resist_v even_o the_o clear_a conviction_n for_o do_v we_o not_o see_v some_o that_o have_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o extinguish_v that_o natural_a light_n those_o notion_n which_o be_v interweave_v into_o the_o very_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o their_o mind_n that_o so_o they_o may_v sin_v more_o at_o ease_n and_o without_o reluctancy_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o close_v their_o eye_n against_o all_o ray_n from_o without_o too_o to_o resist_v revelation_n as_o well_o as_o instinct_n and_o more_o likely_a by_o how_o much_o a_o transient_a cause_n be_v natural_o less_o operative_a than_o a_o permanent_a a_o instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o balaam_n who_o be_v in_o these_o nightly_a visitation_n prohibit_v by_o god_n to_o go_v to_o balack_n and_o though_o he_o know_v then_o what_o he_o afterward_o say_v num._n 23.19_o that_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v nor_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o take_v god_n at_o his_o first_o word_n but_o upon_o a_o fresh_a bait_n to_o his_o covetousness_n try_v again_o for_o a_o answer_n more_o indulgent_a to_o his_o interest_n beside_o if_o god_n shall_v thus_o revele_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a person_n yet_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o precedent_n or_o imagination_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o to_o every_o man_n and_o then_o how_o shall_v those_o who_o have_v these_o dream_n be_v able_a to_o convince_v other_o that_o they_o be_v divine_a 57_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o guess_v what_o reception_n a_o man_n that_o produce_v no_o other_o authority_n will_v have_v in_o this_o ludicrous_a age_n he_o will_v certain_o be_v think_v rather_o to_o want_v sleep_n then_o to_o have_v have_v revelation_n in_o it_o and_o if_o jacob_n and_o the_o patriarch_n who_o be_v themselves_o acquaint_v with_o divine_a dream_n yet_o do_v not_o believe_v joseph_n any_o man_n that_o shall_v now_o pretend_v in_o that_o kind_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o fall_v under_o the_o same_o irony_n that_o he_o do_v to_o be_v entertain_v with_o a_o behold_v this_o dreamer_n come_v gen._n 37.19_o 58._o the_o second_o
estimate_n when_o he_o pronounce_v they_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v then_o gold_n yea_o than_o much_o fine_a gold_n psal_n 19.10_o 2._o to_o speak_v first_o of_o the_o historical_a part_n the_o thing_n which_o chiefl_o recommend_v a_o history_n be_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o subject_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n and_o those_o pleasant_a or_o profitable_a observation_n which_o be_v interweave_v with_o it_o and_o first_o for_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o subject_n the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o excel_v all_o other_o those_o show_v the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o some_o one_o people_n or_o empire_n this_o show_v we_o the_o original_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n and_o particular_o of_o man_n for_o who_o use_n and_o benefit_v the_o whole_a creation_n be_v design_v by_o this_o mankind_n be_v bring_v into_o acquaintance_n with_o itself_o make_v to_o know_v the_o element_n of_o its_o constitution_n and_o teach_v to_o put_v a_o differ_a value_n upon_o that_o spirit_n which_o be_v breathe_v into_o it_o by_o god_n gen._n 2.7_o and_o the_o flesh_n who_o foundation_n be_v in_o the_o dust_n job_n 4.19_o and_o when_o this_o historical_a part_n of_o scripture_n contract_n and_o draw_v into_o a_o narrow_a channel_n when_o it_o record_v the_o concern_v but_o of_o one_o nation_n yet_o it_o be_v that_o which_o god_n have_v dignify_v above_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n mark_v it_o out_o for_o his_o own_o peculiar_a make_v it_o the_o repository_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o the_o visible_a stock_n from_o whence_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v gen._n 18.18_o so_o that_o in_o this_o one_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v virtual_o enfold_v the_o high_a and_o most_o important_a interest_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v no_o story_n can_v have_v a_o noble_a subject_n to_o treat_v of_o 3._o second_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n though_o to_o those_o who_o own_o it_o god_n word_n there_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n yet_o it_o want_v not_o human_a argument_n to_o confirm_v it_o the_o most_o undoubted_a symtome_n of_o sincerity_n in_o a_o historian_n be_v impartiality_n now_o this_o be_v very_o eminent_a in_o scripture_n writer_n they_o do_v not_o record_v other_o fault_n and_o balk_v their_o own_o but_o indifferent_o accuse_v themselves_o as_o well_o as_o other_o moses_n mention_n his_o own_o diffidence_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o go_v on_o god_n message_n ex._n 4.13_o his_o provocation_n of_o god_n at_o the_o water_n of_o meribah_n num._n 20._o jonah_n record_v his_o own_o sullen_a behaviour_n towards_o god_n with_o as_o great_a aggravation_n as_o any_o of_o his_o enemy_n can_v have_v do_v peter_n in_o his_o dictating_a saint_n mark_v gospel_n neither_o omit_v nor_o extenuate_v his_o sin_n all_o he_o seem_v to_o speak_v short_a in_o be_v his_o repentance_n saint_n paul_n register_n himself_o as_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n 4._o and_o as_o they_o be_v not_o indulgent_a to_o their_o own_o personal_a fault_n so_o neither_o do_v any_o nearness_n of_o relation_n any_o respect_n of_o quality_n bribe_v they_o to_o a_o concelement_n moses_n relate_v the_o offence_n of_o his_o sister_n miriam_n in_o mutine_a num._n 12.1_o of_o his_o brother_n aaron_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o calf_n ex._n 32.4_o with_o as_o little_a disguise_n as_o that_o of_o korah_n and_o his_o company_n david_n though_o a_o king_n have_v his_o adultery_n and_o murder_n display_v in_o the_o black_a character_n and_o king_n hezekiahs_n little_a vanity_n of_o show_v his_o tresure_n do_v not_o escape_v a_o remark_n nay_o even_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o nation_n can_v not_o bias_n the_o sacred_a writer_n but_o they_o free_o tax_v their_o crime_n the_o israelite_n murmur_n in_o the_o wilderness_n their_o idolatry_n in_o canaan_n be_v set_v down_o without_o any_o palliation_n or_o excuse_n and_o they_o be_v as_o frequent_o brand_v for_o their_o stubborness_n and_o ingratitude_n as_o the_o canaanite_n be_v for_o their_o abomination_n so_o that_o certain_o no_o history_n in_o the_o world_n do_v better_a attest_v its_o truth_n by_o this_o evidence_n of_o impartiality_n 5._o in_o the_o last_o place_n it_o commend_v itself_o both_o by_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n it_o yield_v the_o rarity_n of_o those_o event_n it_o record_v surprise_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o delightful_a admiration_n and_o that_o mixture_n of_o sage_a discourse_n and_o well-coucht_a parable_n wherewith_o it_o abound_v do_v at_o once_o please_v and_o instruct_v how_o ingenuous_o apt_a be_v nathan_n apologue_n to_o david_n whereby_o with_o holy_a artifice_n he_o ensnare_v he_o into_o repentance_n and_o it_o remain_v still_o matter_n of_o instruction_n to_o we_o to_o show_v we_o with_o what_o unequal_a scale_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o weigh_v the_o same_o crime_n in_o other_o and_o ourselves_o so_o also_o that_o long_a train_n of_o smart_a calamity_n which_o succeed_v his_o sin_n be_v set_v out_o with_o such_o particularity_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v exact_o the_o crime_n reverse_v his_o own_o lust_n with_o bathsheba_n be_v answer_v with_o amnons_n towards_o thamar_n his_o murder_n of_o vriah_n with_o that_o of_o amnon_n his_o treacherous_a contrivance_n of_o that_o murder_n with_o absoloms_n traitorous_a conspiracy_n against_o he_o so_o that_o every_o circumstance_n of_o his_o punishment_n be_v the_o very_a echo_n and_o reverberation_n of_o his_o guilt_n a_o multitude_n of_o the_o like_a instance_n may_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o holy_a writ_n all_o concur_v to_o admonish_v we_o that_o god_n exact_o mark_n and_o will_v repay_v our_o crime_n and_o that_o common_o with_o such_o propriety_n that_o we_o need_v no_o other_o clue_n to_o guide_v we_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o suffering_n than_o the_o very_a suffering_n themselves_o indeed_o innumerable_a be_v the_o profitable_a observation_n arise_v from_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o scripture_n that_o flow_v so_o easy_o and_o unconstrein_v that_o nothing_o but_o a_o stupid_a inadvertence_n in_o the_o reader_n can_v make_v he_o balk_v they_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v impertinent_a here_o to_o multiply_v instance_n 6._o let_v we_o next_o consider_v the_o prophetic_a part_n of_o scripture_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o no_o less_o excellent_a in_o its_o kind_n the_o prophetic_a book_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n make_v up_o as_o the_o prophetic_a office_n be_v of_o two_o part_n prediction_n and_o instruction_n when_o god_n raise_v up_o prophet_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o acquaint_v man_n with_o future_a event_n but_o to_o reform_v their_o present_a manner_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v call_v seer_n in_o one_o respect_n so_o they_o be_v watchman_n and_o shepherd_n in_o another_o nay_o indeed_o the_o former_a be_v often_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o other_o as_o to_o the_o noble_a end_n their_o gift_n of_o foretell_v be_v to_o gain_v they_o authority_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o their_o commission_n to_o convince_v man_n that_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n and_o so_o to_o render_v they_o the_o more_o pliant_a to_o their_o reproof_n and_o admonition_n and_o the_o very_a matter_n of_o their_o prophecy_n be_v usual_o adapt_v to_o this_o end_n the_o denounce_v of_o judgement_n be_v the_o most_o frequent_a theme_n and_o that_o design_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n as_o appear_v experimental_o in_o the_o case_n of_o nineveh_n and_o in_o this_o latter_a part_n of_o their_o office_n the_o prophet_n act_v with_o the_o great_a incitation_n and_o vehemence_n 7._o with_o what_o liberty_n and_o zeal_n do_v elijah_n arraign_v ahab_n of_o naboth_n murder_n and_o foretell_v the_o fatal_a event_n of_o it_o without_o any_o fear_n of_o his_o power_n or_o reverence_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o samuel_n when_o he_o deliver_v saul_n the_o fatal_a message_n of_o his_o rejection_n do_v passionate_o and_o convince_o expostulate_v with_o he_o concern_v his_o sin_n 1_o sam._n 15.17_o now_o the_o very_a same_o spirit_n still_o breathe_v in_o all_o the_o prophetic_a write_n the_o same_o truth_n of_o prediction_n and_o the_o same_o zeal_n against_o vice_n 8._o first_o for_o the_o prediction_n what_o signal_n completion_n do_v we_o find_v how_o exact_o be_v all_o the_o denunciation_n of_o judgement_n fulfil_v where_o repentance_n have_v not_o intervene_v he_o that_o read_v the_o 28._o chap._n of_o deut._n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o jew_n calamity_n both_o under_o the_o assyrian_n and_o babylonian_n and_o especial_o under_o the_o roman_n will_v think_v their_o oppressor_n have_v consult_v it_o and_o transcribe_v their_o severity_n thence_o and_o even_o these_o nation_n who_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o accomplish_v those_o dismal_a presage_n have_v their_o own_o ruin_n foretell_v and_o as_o punctual_o execute_v and_o as_o in_o kingdom_n and_o
thankfulness_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o design_n 76._o nor_o need_v we_o borrow_v the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n to_o weigh_v they_o in_o we_o may_v do_v it_o in_o our_o own_o scale_n for_o they_o exact_o answer_v the_o two_o property_n above_o mention_v of_o profit_n and_o diffusiveness_n which_o in_o secular_a concern_v be_v the_o standard_n rule_v of_o good_a design_n for_o first_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a scope_n and_o aim_n of_o scripture_n the_o very_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v write_v to_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n man_n and_o that_o second_o not_o only_o some_o small_a select_a number_n some_o little_a angle_n or_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n the_o entire_a universe_n and_o he_o that_o can_v imagine_v a_o more_o diffusive_a design_n must_v imagine_v more_o world_n also_o 77._o now_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o benefit_v man_n we_o need_v appeal_v but_o to_o scripture_n itself_o which_o sure_o can_v give_v the_o best_a account_n to_o what_o end_v it_o be_v direct_v and_o that_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o in_o which_o be_v comprehend_v the_o great_a benefit_n that_o man_n nature_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o make_v we_o wise_a while_o we_o live_v here_o and_o the_o save_v we_o eternal_o and_o this_o sure_a be_v the_o most_o generous_a the_o most_o oblige_a design_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a even_o for_o the_o creator_n to_o have_v upon_o the_o creature_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n negotiate_v with_o we_o 78._o and_o first_o the_o make_v we_o wise_a be_v so_o invite_v a_o proposal_n to_o humanity_n that_o we_o see_v when_o that_o be_v much_o wise_a than_o now_o it_o be_v it_o catch_v at_o a_o fallacious_a tender_a of_o it_o the_o very_a sound_n of_o it_o though_o out_o of_o the_o devil_n mouth_n fascinated_a our_o first_o parent_n and_o hurry_v they_o to_o the_o high_a disobedience_n and_o certain_a ruin_n and_o therefore_o now_o god_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v we_o a_o offer_n as_o much_o more_o safe_a as_o it_o be_v more_o sincere_a when_o he_o send_v his_o word_n thus_o to_o be_v a_o lamp_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n to_o our_o path_n ps_n 119.105_o to_o teach_v we_o all_o that_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o know_v our_o affectation_n of_o ignorance_n will_v be_v more_o culpable_a than_o they_o of_o knowledge_n if_o we_o do_v not_o admire_v the_o kindness_n &_o embrace_v the_o bounty_n of_o such_o a_o tender_a 79._o now_o the_o make_v we_o wise_a must_v be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o wisdom_n which_o be_v not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n which_o come_v to_o nought_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 2.5_o but_o that_o wisdom_n which_o descend_v from_o above_o ja._n 3.17_o which_o he_o there_o describe_v to_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n indeed_o the_o scripture_n usual_o comprehend_v these_o and_o all_o other_o grace_n under_o wisdom_n for_o it_o make_v it_o synonymous_a to_o that_o which_o include_v they_o all_o viz._n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o we_o find_v throout_v the_o whole_a book_n of_o proverb_n these_o use_v as_o term_n convertible_a in_o short_a wisdom_n be_v that_o practical_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o which_o engage_v we_o to_o obedience_n and_o duty_n and_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o definition_n the_o wise_a man_n give_v of_o it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prudent_a be_v to_o understand_v his_o way_n pro._n 14.8_o without_o this_o all_o the_o most_o refine_a and_o aerial_a speculation_n be_v but_o like_o thales_n stargazing_a which_o secure_v he_o not_o from_o fall_v in_o the_o water_n nay_o betray_v he_o to_o it_o in_o this_o be_v all_o solid_a wisdom_n comprise_v 80._o the_o utmost_a all_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v pretend_v to_o be_v but_o to_o know_v what_o true_a happiness_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o and_o what_o they_o seek_v with_o so_o much_o study_n and_o so_o little_a success_n the_o scripture_n present_v we_o with_o in_o the_o great_a certainty_n and_o plain_a character_n such_o as_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v hab._n 2.2_o it_o acquaint_v we_o with_o that_o supreme_a felicity_n that_o chief_a good_a whereof_o philosophy_n can_v only_o give_v we_o a_o name_n and_o it_o show_v we_o the_o mean_n mark_v we_o out_o a_o path_n which_o will_v infallible_o lead_v we_o to_o it_o according_o we_o find_v that_o solomon_n after_o all_o the_o accurate_a search_n he_o have_v make_v to_o find_v what_o be_v that_o good_a for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o shut_v up_o his_o inquest_n in_o this_o plain_a conclusion_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o god_n shall_v bring_v every_o work_n unto_o judgement_n eccles_n 12.13_o 14._o the_o regulate_v our_o life_n so_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o piety_n as_o may_v acquit_v we_o at_o our_o final_a account_n be_v the_o most_o eligible_a thing_n that_o fall_v within_o human_a cognizance_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o superlative_a happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n but_o even_o to_o the_o quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o for_o alas_o we_o be_v impotent_a giddy_a creature_n sway_v sometime_o by_o one_o passion_n sometime_o by_o another_o nay_o often_o the_o inter_fw-la fear_v of_o our_o appetite_n make_v we_o irresolute_a which_o we_o be_v to_o gratify_v whilst_o in_o the_o interim_n their_o struggle_a agitate_v and_o turmoil_v the_o mind_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o desirable_a in_o such_o a_o case_n then_o to_o put_v ourselves_o under_o a_o wise_a conduct_n than_o our_o own_o and_o as_o oppress_v state_n use_v to_o defeat_v all_o lesser_a pretender_n by_o become_a homager_n to_o some_o more_o potent_a so_o for_o we_o to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o our_o lust_n by_o give_v up_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o who_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n 81._o be_v there_o no_o other_o advantage_n of_o the_o exchange_n but_o the_o bring_v we_o under_o fix_a and_o determinat_fw-la law_n it_o be_v very_o considerable_a every_o man_n will_v glad_o know_v the_o term_n of_o his_o subjection_n and_o have_v some_o stand_a rule_n to_o guide_v himself_o by_o and_o god_n law_n be_v so_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v what_o he_o require_v of_o we_o but_o the_o mandate_n of_o our_o passion_n be_v arbitrary_a and_o extemporary_a what_o please_v they_o to_o day_n disgust_n they_o to_o morrow_n and_o we_o must_v always_o be_v in_o readiness_n to_o do_v we_o know_v not_o what_o and_o of_o all_o the_o arbitrary_a government_n that_o man_n either_o feel_v or_o fear_n this_o be_v doubtless_o the_o most_o miserable_a i_o wish_v our_o apprehension_n of_o it_o be_v but_o as_o sensible_a and_o then_o we_o shall_v think_v the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v we_o the_o office_n of_o a_o patriot_n in_o offer_v we_o a_o rescue_n from_o so_o vile_a a_o slavery_n 82._o and_o that_o it_o do_v make_v we_o this_o offer_n be_v manifest_a by_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n for_o first_o it_o rouse_v and_o awake_v we_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o condition_n show_v we_o that_o what_o we_o call_v liberty_n be_v indeed_o the_o sad_a servitude_n that_o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n jo._n 8.34_o that_o those_o vice_n which_o pretend_v to_o serve_v and_o gratify_v we_o do_v real_o subdue_v and_o enslave_v we_o and_o fetter_v when_o they_o seem_v to_o embrace_v and_o whereas_o the_o will_n in_o all_o other_o oppression_n retain_v its_o liberty_n this_o tyranny_n bring_v that_o also_o into_o vassalage_n render_v our_o spirit_n so_o mean_a and_o servile_a that_o we_o choose_v bondage_n be_v apt_a to_o say_v with_o the_o israelite_n let_v we_o alone_o that_o we_o may_v serve_v the_o egyptian_n ex._n 14.12_o 83._o and_o what_o great_a kindness_n can_v be_v do_v for_o people_n in_o this_o forlorn_a abject_a condition_n then_o to_o animate_v they_o to_o cast_v off_o this_o yoke_n and_o recover_v their_o freedom_n and_o to_o this_o be_v most_o of_o the_o scripture_n exhortation_n address_v as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o a_o multitude_n of_o place_n particular_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n the_o whole_a scope_n whereof_o be_v direct_o to_o this_o purpose_n 84._o nor_o do_v it_o only_o sound_v the_o alarm_n put_v we_o upon_o the_o contest_v with_o our_o enemy_n but_o it_o assist_v we_o in_o it_o furnish_v we_o with_o that_o whole_a
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
describe_v the_o office_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n we_o feed_v our_o faith_n with_o the_o sacred_a word_n we_o raise_v our_o hope_n and_o establish_v our_o reliance_n 15._o and_o as_o the_o jew_n think_v it_o indecent_a for_o person_n profess_v piety_n to_o let_v three_o day_n pass_v without_o the_o office_n thereof_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o meet_v in_o their_o synagogue_n upon_o every_o tuesday_n and_o thursday_n in_o the_o week_n and_o there_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o fast_v prayer_n and_o hear_v the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v which_o be_v the_o boast_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi luk._n 18.12_o in_o conformity_n hereto_o the_o christian_n also_o their_o sabbath_n be_v bring_v forward_o from_o the_o saturday_n to_o the_o day_n follow_v that_o the_o like_a number_n of_o day_n may_v not_o pass_v they_o without_o perform_v the_o aforesaid_a duty_n in_o the_o congregation_n meet_v together_o on_o the_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n which_o be_v the_o day_n of_o station_n so_o frequent_o mention_v in_o tertullian_n and_o other_o the_o first_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n tertullian_n express_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n dedicate_v to_o the_o office_n of_o piety_n the_o four_o and_o six_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o clemens_n alex._n say_v of_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o understand_v the_o secret_a reason_n of_o their_o weekly_a fast_n to_o wit_n those_o of_o the_o four_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o that_o of_o preparation_n before_o the_o sabbath_n common_o call_v wednesday_n and_o friday_n where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n what_o ground_n there_o be_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n in_o our_o church_n and_o the_o litany_n then_o appoint_v so_o much_o neglect_v in_o this_o profligate_v age._n 16._o but_o second_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v diligent_a in_o the_o private_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v teach_v it_o from_o their_o infancy_n which_o custom_n saint_n paul_n refer_v to_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o whereof_o josephus_n against_o appion_n say_v that_o if_o a_o man_n ask_v any_o jew_n concern_v the_o law_n he_o will_v tell_v every_o thing_n ready_a than_o his_o name_n for_o learn_v they_o from_o the_o first_o time_n they_o have_v sense_n of_o any_o thing_n they_o retain_v they_o imprint_v in_o their_o mind_n so_o be_v the_o first_o christian_n equal_o industrious_a in_o improve_n their_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o whole_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a say_v clem._n alex._n strom._n l._n 7._o be_v a_o holy_a solemnity_n there_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v prayer_n and_o praise_n before_o every_o meal_n he_o have_v the_o reading_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o meal_n which_o tertullian_n also_o describe_v in_o his_o apol._n and_o saint_n cyprian_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epist_n to_o donatus_n 17._o and_o this_o be_v far_o evidence_v by_o the_o early_a and_o numerous_a version_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o all_o vulgar_a language_n concern_v which_o theodoret_n speak_v in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o greek_n serm._n 5._o we_o christian_n say_v he_o be_v enable_v to_o show_v the_o power_n of_o apostolic_a and_o prophetic_a doctrine_n which_o have_v fill_v all_o country_n under_o heaven_n for_o that_o which_o be_v former_o utter_v in_o hebrew_n be_v not_o only_o translate_v into_o the_o language_n of_o the_o grecian_n but_o also_o the_o roman_n egyptian_n persian_n indian_n armenian_n scythian_n samaritan_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o all_o the_o language_n that_o be_v use_v by_o any_o nation_n the_o same_o be_v say_v by_o saint_n chrysostom_n in_o his_o first_o homily_n upon_o saint_n john_n 18._o nor_o be_v this_o don_n by_o the_o blind_a zeal_n of_o inconsiderable_a man_n but_o the_o most_o eminent_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v herein_o such_o as_o origen_n who_o with_o infinite_a labour_n contrive_v the_o hexapla_n saint_n chrysostom_n who_o translate_v the_o new_a testament_n psalm_n and_o some_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n into_o the_o armenian_a tongue_n as_o witness_n geor._n alex._n in_o the_o life_n of_o chrysost_n so_o vlphilas_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o goth_n translate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n into_o the_o gothic_n as_o socrat._v eccl._n hist_n l._n 4._o cap._n 33._o and_o other_o testify_v saint_n jerom_n who_o translate_v they_o not_o only_o into_o latin_a from_o the_o hebrew_n the_o old_a italic_a version_n have_v be_v from_o the_o greek_a but_o also_o into_o his_o native_a vulgar_a dalmatic_n which_o he_o say_v himself_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o sophronius_n 19_o but_o the_o people_n have_v they_o for_o their_o private_a and_o constant_a use_n appear_v far_o by_o the_o heathen_n make_v the_o extort_n of_o they_o a_o part_n of_o their_o persecution_n and_o when_o diverse_a do_v faint_a in_o that_o trial_n and_o base_o surrender_v they_o we_o find_v the_o church_n level_v her_o severity_n only_o against_o the_o offend_a person_n do_v not_o according_a to_o the_o romish_a equity_n punish_v the_o innocent_a by_o deprive_v they_o of_o that_o sacred_a book_n because_o the_o other_o have_v so_o unworthy_o prostitute_v it_o though_o the_o prevention_n of_o such_o a_o profanation_n for_o the_o future_a have_v be_v as_o fair_a a_o plea_n for_o it_o as_o the_o romanist_n do_v now_o make_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o primitive_a father_n be_v frequent_a nay_o indeed_o importunat_a in_o their_o exhortation_n to_o the_o private_a study_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o recommend_v to_o christian_n of_o all_o rank_n age_n and_o sex_n 20._o as_o a_o instance_n hereof_o let_v we_o hear_v clemens_n of_o alex._n in_o his_o exhort_v the_o word_n say_v he_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o any_o it_o be_v a_o common_a light_n that_o shine_v to_o all_o man_n there_o be_v no_o obscurity_n in_o it_o hear_v it_o you_o that_o be_v far_o off_o and_o hear_v it_o you_o that_o be_v nigh_o 21._o to_o this_o purpose_n st._n jerom_n speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o leta_fw-la who_o he_o direct_v in_o the_o education_n of_o her_o young_a daughter_n and_o advise_v that_o instead_o of_o gem_n and_o silk_n she_o be_v enamour_a with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o not_o gold_n or_o skin_n or_o babylonian_a embroidery_n but_o a_o correct_a and_o beautiful_a variety_n produce_v faith_n will_v recommend_v its_o self_n let_v she_o first_o learn_v the_o psalter_n and_o be_v entertain_v with_o those_o song_n then_o be_v instruct_v unto_o life_n by_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n let_v she_o learn_v from_o ecclesiaste_n to_o despise_v worldly_a thing_n transcribe_v from_o job_n the_o practice_n of_o patience_n and_o virtue_n let_v she_o pass_v then_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o never_o let_v they_o be_v out_o of_o her_o hand_n and_o then_o imbibe_n with_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o epistle_n when_o she_o have_v enrich_v the_o store-house_n of_o her_o breast_n with_o these_o tresure_n let_v she_o learn_v the_o prophet_n the_o heptateuch_n or_o book_n of_o moses_n joshua_n and_o judge_n the_o book_n of_o king_n and_o chronicle_n the_o volume_n of_o ezra_n and_o esther_n and_o last_o the_o canticle_n and_o indeed_o this_o father_n be_v so_o concern_v to_o have_v the_o unlettered_a female_a sex_n skilful_a in_o the_o scripture_n that_o though_o he_o sharp_o rebuke_n their_o pride_n and_o overwening_a he_o not_o only_o frequent_o resolve_v their_o doubt_n concern_v difficult_a place_n in_o the_o say_a scripture_n but_o dedicate_v several_a of_o his_o commentary_n to_o they_o 22._o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o saint_n austin_n who_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o unlettered_a laic_n encourage_v their_o inquiry_n concern_v the_o scripture_n assure_v volusianus_n ep._n 3._o that_o it_o speak_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_a to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a as_o a_o familiar_a friend_n in_o the_o mysterious_a mount_v not_o up_o into_o high_a phrase_n which_o may_v deter_v a_o slow_a and_o unlearned_a mind_n as_o the_o poor_a be_v in_o their_o address_n to_o the_o rich_a but_o invite_v all_o with_o lowly_a speech_n feed_v with_o manifest_a truth_n and_o exercise_v with_o secret_a and_o ep._n 1.21_o tell_v the_o devout_a proba_n that_o in_o this_o world_n where_o we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n and_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n the_o soul_n be_v to_o think_v itself_o desolate_a and_o never_o cease_v from_o prayer_n and_o the_o word_n of_o divine_a and_o holy_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n 23._o saint_n chrysostom_n in_o his_o three_o homily_n of_o lazarus_n thus_o address_v himself_o to_o marry_a person_n householders_n and_o people_n engage_v in_o trade_n and_o secular_a profession_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o
great_a defensative_a against_o sin_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o ignorance_n thereof_o be_v a_o deep_a and_o headlong_a precipice_n that_o not_o to_o know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o utter_a loss_n of_o salvation_n that_o this_o have_v cause_v heresy_n and_o corruption_n of_o life_n and_o have_v confound_v the_o order_n of_o thing_n for_o it_o can_v be_v by_o any_o mean_n that_o his_o labour_n shall_v be_v fruitless_a who_o employ_v himself_o in_o a_o daily_a and_o attentive_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n 24._o i_o be_o not_o say_v the_o same_o st._n chry._n hom._n 9_o on_o colos_n 3._o a_o monk_n i_o have_v wife_n and_o child_n and_o the_o care_n of_o a_o family_n but_o it_o be_v a_o destructive_a opinion_n that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n pertain_v only_o to_o those_o who_o have_v addict_v themselves_o to_o a_o monastic_a life_n when_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n be_v much_o more_o necessary_a for_o secular_a person_n for_o they_o who_o converse_v abroad_o and_o receive_v frequent_a wound_n be_v in_o great_a need_n of_o remedy_n and_o preservative_n so_o hom._n 2._o on_o mat._n harken_v all_o you_o that_o be_v secular_a how_o you_o ought_v to_o order_v your_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o how_o you_o be_v particular_o enjoin_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o not_o perfunctory_o or_o by_o chance_n but_o very_o diligent_o 25._o likewise_o hom._n 3._o on_o laz._n what_o say_v thou_o o_o man_n it_o be_v not_o thy_o business_n to_o turn_v over_o the_o scripture_n be_v distract_v by_o innumerable_a care_n no_o thou_o have_v therefore_o the_o great_a obligation_n other_o do_v not_o so_o much_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o they_o who_o be_v conversant_a in_o much_o business_n far_o hom._n 8._o on_o heb._n 5._o i_o beseech_v you_o neglect_v not_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o whether_o we_o comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v or_o not_o let_v we_o always_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o for_o daily_a meditation_n strengthen_v the_o memory_n and_o it_o frequent_o happen_v that_o what_o you_o now_o can_v find_v out_o if_o you_o attemt_fw-mi it_o again_o you_o will_v the_o next_o day_n discover_v for_o god_n of_o his_o goodness_n will_v enlighten_v the_o mind_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o transcribe_v all_o the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n and_o father_n of_o the_o church_n they_o not_o only_o permit_v but_o earnest_o press_v upon_o all_o christian_n whatever_o their_o estate_n or_o condition_n be_v the_o constant_a read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o indeed_o be_v their_o restraint_n ever_o hear_v of_o till_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v espouse_v such_o doctrine_n as_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o test_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o as_o those_o who_o deal_v in_o false_a ware_n be_v use_v to_o do_v they_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o proportion_v their_o light_n according_o 26._o this_o peter_n suitor_n in_o his_o second_o book_n cap._n 22._o of_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o scripture_n honest_o confess_v say_v that_o whereas_o many_o thing_n be_v enjoin_v which_o be_v not_o express_o in_o scripture_n the_o unlearned_a observe_v this_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o murmur_v and_o complain_v that_o so_o heavy_a burden_n be_v lay_v upon_o they_o and_o their_o christian_a liberty_n infringe_v they_o will_v easy_o be_v with-drawn_a from_o observe_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o frivolous_a suggestion_n the_o desperate_a attemt_fw-mi of_o the_o romanist_n above_o mention_v in_o leave_v out_o the_o second_o commandment_n in_o their_o primer_n and_o catechism_n which_o they_o communicate_v to_o the_o people_n may_v pass_v for_o a_o irrefragable_a evidence_n for_o what_o layman_n will_v not_o be_v shockt_v to_o find_v almighty_a god_n command_v not_o to_o make_v any_o grave_a image_n nor_o the_o likeness_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o or_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o or_o in_o the_o water_n under_o the_o earth_n that_o no_o one_o shall_v bow_v down_o to_o they_o nor_o worship_v they_o when_o he_o see_v the_o contrary_a be_v practise_v and_o command_v by_o the_o church_n 27._o but_o will_v god_n none_o but_o the_o romamanist_n be_v impeachable_a of_o this_o detention_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v too_o many_o among_o we_o that_o be_v thus_o false_a and_o envious_a to_o themselves_o and_o what_o the_o former_a do_v upon_o policy_n and_o pretence_n of_o reverence_n those_o do_v upon_o mere_a oscitancy_n and_o avow_v profaneness_n which_o be_v much_o worse_a inducement_n and_o for_o such_o as_o these_o to_o declaim_v against_o detention_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v like_o the_o lawsuit_n of_o those_o who_o contend_v only_o about_o such_o little_a punctilio_n as_o themselves_o design_v no_o advantage_n from_o but_o only_o the_o wor_v their_o adversary_n and_o it_o will_v be_v much_o safe_a for_o they_o to_o lie_v under_o the_o interdict_v of_o other_o than_o thus_o to_o restrain_v themselves_o even_o as_o much_o as_o the_o error_n of_o obedience_n be_v more_o excusable_a than_o those_o of_o contemt_a and_o profaneness_n 28._o and_o here_o i_o will_v have_v it_o serious_o consider_v that_o the_o edict_n of_o diocletian_a for_o the_o demolish_n the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o burn_a their_o bibles_n become_v the_o character_n and_o particular_a aggravation_n of_o his_o most_o bloody_a persecution_n now_o shall_v almighty_a god_n call_v we_o to_o the_o like_a trial_n shall_v antichristian_a violence_n whether_o heathen_a or_o other_o take_v from_o we_o our_o church_n and_o our_o bibles_n what_o comfort_n can_v we_o have_v in_o that_o calamity_n if_o our_o contemt_fw-mi of_o those_o blessing_n drive_v they_o from_o we_o nay_o prevent_v persecution_n and_o bereave_v we_o of_o they_o even_o whilst_o we_o have_v they_o in_o our_o power_n he_o who_o neglect_v to_o make_v his_o constant_a resort_n unto_o the_o church_n which_o by_o god_n mercy_n now_o stand_v open_a or_o to_o read_v diligent_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o by_o the_o same_o divine_a goodness_n be_v free_a for_o he_o to_o use_v be_v his_o own_o diocletian_a and_o without_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n or_o torment_n have_v renounce_v if_o not_o the_o faith_n the_o great_a instrument_n of_o its_o conveyance_n and_o pledge_v of_o god_n almighty_n presence_n among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 29._o but_o what_o if_o man_n either_o upon_o the_o one_o motive_n or_o the_o other_o will_v not_o read_v yet_o the_o scripture_n continue_v still_o most_o worthy_a to_o be_v read_v they_o retain_v still_o their_o propriety_n for_o all_o those_o excellent_a end_n to_o which_o god_n design_v they_o and_o as_o the_o prophet_n tell_v the_o jew_n ez._n 2.5_o whether_o they_o will_v hear_v or_o whether_o they_o will_v forbear_v they_o shall_v know_v there_o have_v be_v a_o prophet_n among_o they_o so_o whether_o we_o will_v take_v the_o benefit_n or_o no_o we_o shall_v one_o day_n find_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v have_v make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n if_o through_o our_o fault_n alone_o they_o fail_v to_o do_v so_o they_o will_v one_o day_n assume_v a_o less_o grateful_a office_n and_o from_o guide_n and_o assistant_n become_v accuser_n and_o witness_n against_o we_o sect_n v._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 we_o be_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v how_o exact_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v adapt_v to_o those_o great_a end_n to_o which_o they_o be_v direct_v how_o sufficient_a they_o be_v for_o that_o important_a negotiation_n on_o which_o they_o be_v send_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v certain_o find_v they_o if_o we_o look_v on_o they_o either_o intrinsical_o or_o circumstantial_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o notion_n we_o need_v only_o to_o reflect_v on_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n where_o the_o scripture_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n be_v evince_v to_o be_v a_o system_fw-la of_o the_o most_o excellent_a law_n back_v with_o the_o most_o transcendent_a reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o confirm_v by_o such_o pregnant_a instance_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o vengeance_n in_o this_o world_n as_o be_v the_o sure_a gauge_n and_o earnest_n of_o what_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o expect_v in_o another_o 2._o now_o what_o method_n imaginable_a can_v there_o be_v use_v to_o rational_a creature_n of_o more_o force_n and_o energy_n nay_o it_o seem_v to_o descend_v even_o to_o our_o passion_n and_o accommodate_n itself_o to_o our_o several_a inclination_n and_o see_v how_o few_o proselyte_n there_o be_v to_o bare_a and_o naked_a virtue_n and_o how_o many_o to_o interest_n and_o
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
the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n but_o to_o reprove_v that_o preposterous_a course_n many_o take_v who_o lie_v the_o great_a weight_n upon_o those_o thing_n on_o which_o god_n lay_v the_o least_o and_o have_v more_o zeal_n for_o oblique_a intimation_n then_o for_o express_v downright_a command_n nay_o think_v by_o the_o one_o to_o commute_v for_o the_o contemt_fw-mi of_o the_o other_o for_o example_n fast_v be_v recommend_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n but_o in_o a_o far_o low_a key_n then_o moral_a duty_n rather_o as_o a_o expedient_a and_o help_v to_o virtue_n then_o as_o proper_o a_o virtue_n itself_o and_o yet_o we_o may_v see_v man_n scrupulous_a in_o that_o who_o startle_v not_o at_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n that_o clamorous_a sin_n that_o cry_v to_o heaven_n who_o pretend_v to_o mortify_v their_o appetite_n by_o deny_v it_o its_o proper_a food_n or_o be_v luxurious_a in_o one_o sort_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o glut_v their_o avarice_n eat_v up_o the_o poor_a and_o devour_v widow_n house_n mat._n 23._o 37._o to_o such_o as_o these_o it_o will_v be_v good_a advice_n to_o fix_v their_o attention_n on_o the_o absolute_a command_n to_o study_v moral_a honesty_n and_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n to_o make_v a_o good_a progress_n there_o and_o do_v what_o god_n indispensable_o require_v and_o then_o it_o may_v be_v seasonable_a to_o think_v of_o voluntary_a oblation_n but_o till_o then_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o homage_n that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o reproachful_a flattery_n a_o attemt_a to_o bribe_v god_n against_o himself_o and_o a_o sacrilege_n like_o that_o of_o dionysius_n who_o take_v away_o apollo_n golden_a robe_n and_o give_v he_o a_o stuff_n one_o 38._o the_o second_o thing_n requisite_a in_o our_o read_n be_v application_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o our_o attention_n and_o without_o this_o we_o may_v be_v very_o busy_a to_o very_o little_a purpose_n the_o most_o laborious_a attention_n without_o it_o put_v we_o but_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o poor_a slave_n that_o labour_v in_o the_o mine_n who_o with_o infinite_a toil_n dig_v that_o ore_n of_o which_o they_o shall_v never_o partake_v if_o therefore_o we_o will_v appropriate_v that_o rich_a treasure_n we_o must_v apply_v and_o so_o make_v it_o our_o own_o 39_o let_v we_o then_o at_o every_o period_n of_o holy_a writ_n reflect_v and_o look_v on_o ourselves_o as_o the_o person_n speak_v to_o when_o we_o find_v philip_n give_v baptism_n to_o the_o eunuch_n upon_o this_o condition_n that_o he_o believe_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n act._n 8._o let_v we_o consider_v that_o unless_o we_o do_v so_o our_o baptism_n like_o a_o thing_n surreptitious_o obtain_v convei_v no_o title_n to_o we_o will_v avail_v we_o nothing_o 40._o when_o we_o read_v our_o saviour_n denunciation_n to_o the_o jew_n except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v lu._n 13.5_o we_o be_v to_o look_v on_o it_o as_o if_o address_v immediate_o to_o ourselves_o and_o conclude_v as_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o our_o repentance_n in_o those_o black_a catalogue_n of_o crime_n which_o the_o apostle_n mention_n 1_o cor._n 6.10_o and_o gal._n 5.19_o 20_o 21._o as_o exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o be_v to_o behold_v our_o own_o guilt_n arraign_v and_o to_o resolve_v that_o the_o same_o crime_n will_v as_o certain_o shut_v heaven_n gate_n against_o we_o as_o those_o to_o who_o those_o epistle_n be_v immediate_o direct_v in_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o good_a life_n and_o christian_a virtue_n we_o be_v to_o think_v ourselves_o as_o near_o and_o particular_o concern_v as_o if_o we_o have_v be_v christ_n auditor_n on_o the_o mount_n so_o proportionable_o in_o all_o the_o threat_n and_o promise_v we_o be_v either_o to_o tremble_v or_o hope_v according_a as_o we_o find_v ourselves_o adhere_v to_o those_o sin_n or_o virtue_n to_o which_o they_o be_v affix_v 41._o this_o close_a application_n will_v render_v what_o we_o read_v operative_a and_o effective_a which_o without_o it_o will_v be_v useless_a and_o insignificant_a we_o may_v see_v a_o instance_n of_o it_o in_o david_n who_o be_v not_o at_o all_o convince_v of_o his_o own_o guilt_n by_o nathan_n parable_n though_o the_o most_o apposite_a that_o be_v imaginable_a till_o he_o roundly_o apply_v it_o say_v thou_o be_v the_o man_n 2_o sam._n 12._o and_o unless_o we_o treat_v ourselves_o at_o the_o same_o rate_n the_o scripture_n may_v fill_v our_o head_n with_o high_a notion_n nay_o with_o many_o speculative_a truth_n which_o yet_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o the_o devil_n theology_n ja._n 2.19_o and_o will_v as_o little_a advantage_n we_o 42._o it_o now_o remain_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v after_o our_o read_n which_o may_v be_v sum_v up_o in_o two_o word_n recollect_v and_o practice_n our_o memory_n be_v very_o frail_a as_o to_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o impress_v they_o as_o deep_a as_o we_o can_v by_o reflect_v on_o what_o we_o have_v read_v it_o be_v a_o observation_n out_o of_o the_o levitical_a law_n that_o those_o beast_n only_o be_v clean_a and_o fit_a for_o sacrifice_v that_o chew_v the_o cud_n leu._n 11.4_o and_o though_o the_o ceremony_n be_v jewish_n the_o moral_n be_v christian_a and_o admonish_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v revolve_v and_o ruminate_v on_o spiritual_a instruction_n without_o this_o what_o we_o hear_v or_o read_v slip_n insensible_o from_o we_o and_o like_a letter_n write_v in_o chalk_n be_v wipe_v out_o by_o the_o next_o succeed_a thought_n but_o recollection_n engrave_v and_o indent_n the_o character_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o he_o that_o will_v due_o use_v it_o will_v find_v other_o manner_n of_o impression_n more_o affective_a and_o more_o last_a then_o bare_a read_n will_v leave_v 43._o we_o find_v it_o thus_o in_o all_o science_n he_o that_o only_o read_v over_o the_o rule_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o together_o with_o his_o book_n will_v make_v but_o a_o slow_a advance_v while_o he_o that_o plod_v and_o study_v upon_o they_o repete_n and_o reinforce_v they_o upon_o his_o mind_n soon_o arrive_v to_o a_o eminency_n by_o this_o it_o be_v that_o david_n attain_v to_o that_o perfection_n in_o god_n law_n as_o to_o outstrip_v his_o teacher_n and_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n psal_n 119.99_o 100_o because_o it_o be_v his_o meditation_n as_o himself_o tell_v we_o ver_fw-la 97.99_o 44._o let_v we_o therefore_o pursue_v the_o same_o method_n and_o when_o we_o have_v read_v a_o portion_n of_o scripture_n let_v we_o recollect_v what_o observable_a thing_n we_o have_v there_o meet_v with_o what_o exhortation_n to_o virtue_n or_o determent_n from_o vice_n what_o promise_v to_o obedience_n or_o menace_n for_o the_o contrary_a what_o example_n of_o god_n vengeance_n against_o such_o or_o such_o sin_n or_o what_o instance_n of_o his_o blessing_n upon_o duty_n if_o we_o do_v this_o daily_a we_o can_v but_o amass_o together_o a_o great_a stock_n of_o scripture_n document_n which_o will_v be_v ready_a for_o we_o to_o produce_v upon_o every_o occasion_n satan_n can_v assault_v we_o no_o where_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v provide_v of_o a_o guard_n a_o scriptum_n est_fw-la which_o we_o see_v be_v the_o sole_a armour_n the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n use_v in_o his_o encounter_n with_o he_o mat._n 4._o ver_fw-la 4.7_o and_o 10._o and_o will_v be_v as_o successful_a to_o we_o if_o we_o will_v due_o manage_v it_o 45._o the_o last_o thing_n require_v as_o consequent_a to_o our_o read_n be_v practice_n this_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n to_o which_o all_o the_o foregoing_a qualification_n be_v direct_v and_o if_o we_o fail_v here_o the_o most_o assiduous_a diligence_n in_o all_o the_o former_a will_v be_v but_o lose_v labour_n let_v we_o mean_v never_o so_o well_o attend_v never_o so_o close_o recollect_v never_o so_o exact_o if_o after_o all_o we_o do_v not_o practice_n all_o the_o rest_n will_v serve_v but_o to_o enhance_v our_o guilt_n christianity_n be_v a_o active_a science_n and_o the_o bible_n be_v give_v we_o not_o mere_o for_o a_o theme_n of_o speculation_n but_o for_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n 46._o and_o alas_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v we_o that_o our_o opinion_n be_v right_a if_o our_o manner_n be_v crooked_a when_o the_o scripture_n have_v show_v we_o what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o nay_o have_v evince_v to_o we_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o injunction_n the_o great_a agreeableness_n which_o they_o have_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o have_v back_v this_o with_o the_o assurance_n that_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a reward_n ps_n 19.11_o if_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o importunate_a invitation_n to_o life_n we_o will_v choose_v death_n we_o be_v
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