man_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v so_o the_o relation_n grow_v as_o monstrous_a as_o such_o a_o heap_n of_o incoherent_a fancy_n can_v make_v it_o 20._o if_o to_o this_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o happen_v only_o in_o trivial_a secular_a matter_n but_o that_o in_o the_o weighty_a concern_v of_o religion_n mankind_n be_v certain_o more_o serious_a and_o sincere_a i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o they_o be_v since_o it_o be_v obvious_a in_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n be_v postpone_v to_o every_o little_a worldly_a concern_v and_o therefore_o when_o a_o temporal_a advantage_n require_v the_o bend_n and_o warp_a of_o religion_n there_o will_v never_o be_v want_v some_o that_o will_v attemt_fw-mi it_o 21._o beside_o there_o be_v still_o leave_v in_o human_a nature_n so_o much_o of_o the_o venom_n of_o the_o serpent_n first_o temptation_n that_o though_o man_n can_v be_v as_o god_n yet_o they_o love_v to_o be_v prescribe_v to_o he_o and_o to_o be_v their_o own_o assessor_n as_o to_o that_o worship_n and_o homage_n they_o be_v to_o pay_v he_o 22._o but_o above_o all_o it_o be_v considerable_a that_o in_o this_o case_n satan_n have_v a_o more_o peculiar_a concern_v and_o can_v serve_v himself_o more_o by_o a_o falsification_n here_o then_o in_o temporal_a affair_n for_o if_o he_o can_v but_o corrupt_a religion_n it_o cease_v to_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o become_v one_o of_o his_o most_o useful_a engine_n as_o sufficient_o appear_v in_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n we_o have_v therefore_o no_o cause_n to_o think_v this_o a_o exempt_a case_n but_o to_o presume_v it_o may_v be_v influence_v by_o the_o same_o pravity_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o prevail_v in_o other_o and_o consequent_o be_v oblige_v to_o bless_v god_n that_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v our_o spiritual_a concern_v to_o such_o hazard_n but_o have_v lodge_v they_o in_o a_o more_o secure_a repository_n the_o write_a word_n 23._o but_o i_o foresee_v it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o whilst_o i_o thus_o disparage_v tradition_n i_o do_v virtual_o invalidate_v the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o come_v to_o we_o upon_o its_o credit_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o since_o god_n have_v with-drawn_a immediate_a revelation_n from_o the_o world_n tradition_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o first_o notice_n that_o this_o book_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n he_o afford_v we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o depend_v on_o his_o goodness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v that_o to_o be_v evacuate_v to_o we_o and_o that_o how_o liable_a soever_o tradition_n may_v be_v to_o err_v yet_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o actual_o err_v in_o this_o particular_a 24._o but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o tradition_n seem_v not_o so_o liable_a to_o falsification_n as_o other_o it_o be_v so_o very_o short_a and_o simple_a a_o proposition_n such_o and_o such_o write_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a room_n for_o sophistry_n or_o mistake_n to_o pervert_v the_o sense_n the_o only_a possible_a deception_n must_v be_v to_o change_v the_o subject_n and_o obtrude_v supposititious_a write_n in_o room_n of_o the_o true_a under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o this_o have_v already_o appear_v to_o be_v unpracticable_a because_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n which_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o world_n by_o which_o such_o a_o attemt_a will_v soon_o have_v be_v detect_v there_o appear_v more_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o more_o necessity_n to_o rely_v upon_o tradition_n in_o this_o then_o in_o most_o other_o particular_n 25._o neither_o yet_o do_v i_o so_o far_o decry_v oral_a tradition_n in_o any_o as_o to_o conclude_v it_o impossible_a it_o shall_v derive_v any_o truth_n to_o posterity_n i_o only_o look_v on_o it_o as_o more_o casual_a and_o consequent_o a_o less_o fit_a conveyance_n of_o the_o most_o important_a and_o necessary_a verity_n than_o the_o write_v word_n in_o which_o i_o conceive_v myself_o justify_v by_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n who_o use_n to_o commit_v those_o thing_n to_o writing_n which_o they_o be_v most_o solicitous_a to_o derive_v to_o posterity_n do_v any_o nation_n trust_v their_o fundamental_a law_n only_o to_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o take_v no_o other_o course_n to_o transmit_v they_o to_o the_o future_a do_v any_o man_n purchase_v a_o estate_n and_o leave_v no_o way_n for_o his_o child_n to_o lay_v claim_n to_o it_o but_o the_o tradition_n the_o present_a witness_n shall_v leave_v of_o it_o nay_o do_v any_o consider_a man_n ordinary_o make_v any_o important_a pact_n or_o bargain_n though_o without_o relation_n to_o posterity_n without_o put_v the_o article_n in_o writing_n and_o whence_o be_v all_o this_o caution_n but_o from_o a_o universal_a consent_n that_o writing_n be_v the_o sure_a way_n of_o transmit_v 26._o but_o we_o have_v yet_o a_o high_a appeal_n in_o this_o matter_n then_o to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o man_n god_n himself_o seem_v to_o have_v determine_v it_o and_o what_o his_o decision_n be_v it_o be_v our_o next_o business_n to_o inquire_v 27._o and_o first_o he_o have_v give_v the_o most_o real_a and_o comprehensive_a attestation_n to_o this_o way_n of_o writing_n by_o have_v himself_o choose_v it_o for_o he_o be_v too_o wise_a to_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o estimate_n of_o better_a and_o worse_o and_o too_o kind_a to_o choose_v the_o worst_a for_o we_o and_o yet_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o writing_n and_o have_v sum_v up_o all_o the_o eternal_a concern_v of_o mankind_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o leave_v those_o sacred_a record_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v both_o inform_v and_o govern_v which_o if_o oral_a tradition_n will_v infallible_o have_v do_v have_v be_v utter_o needless_a and_o god_n sure_o be_v not_o so_o prodigal_a of_o his_o spirit_n as_o to_o inspire_v the_o autor_n of_o scripture_n to_o write_v that_o who_o use_n be_v supersede_v by_o a_o former_a more_o certain_a expedient_a 28._o nay_o under_o the_o mosaic_a oeconomy_n when_o he_o make_v use_v of_o other_o way_n of_o revel_v himself_o yet_o to_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n even_o of_o those_o revelation_n he_o choose_v to_o have_v they_o write_v at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n god_n speak_v then_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-mi and_o with_o that_o pomp_n of_o dreadful_a solemnity_n as_o certain_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o deep_a impression_n yet_o god_n foresee_v that_o through_o every_o succeed_a age_n that_o stamp_n will_v grow_v more_o dim_a and_o in_o a_o long_a revolution_n may_v at_o last_o be_v extinct_a and_o therefore_o how_o warm_a soever_o the_o israelite_n apprehension_n then_o be_v he_o will_v not_o trust_v to_o they_o for_o the_o perpetuate_a his_o law_n but_o commit_v it_o to_o writing_n ex._n 31.18_o nay_o write_v it_o twice_o himself_o 29._o yet_o far_o even_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n though_o not_o intend_v to_o be_v of_o perpetual_a obligation_n be_v not_o yet_o refer_v to_o the_o traditionary_a way_n but_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n and_o deposit_v with_o the_o priest_n deut._n 31.9_o and_o after-event_n show_v this_o be_v no_o needless_a caution_n for_o when_o under_o manasses_n idolatry_n have_v prevail_v in_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v not_o by_o any_o dormant_a tradition_n but_o by_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n find_v in_o the_o temple_n that_o josiah_n be_v both_o excite_a to_o reform_v religion_n and_o instruct_v how_o to_o do_v it_o 2._o king_n 22.10_o and_o have_v not_o that_o or_o some_o other_o copy_n be_v produce_v they_o have_v be_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o the_o particular_n of_o their_o reformation_n which_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v convey_v by_o tradition_n appear_v by_o the_o sudden_a startle_v of_o the_o king_n upon_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v have_v he_o be_v before_o possess_v with_o the_o content_n of_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o find_v in_o nehemiah_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n be_v recover_v by_o consult_v the_o law_n the_o tradition_n whereof_o be_v whole_o wear_v out_o or_o else_o it_o have_v sure_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o can_v for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n have_v be_v intermit_v neh._n 8.18_o and_o yet_o man_n memory_n be_v common_o more_o retentive_a of_o a_o external_a visible_a rite_n than_o they_o be_v of_o speculative_a proposition_n or_o moral_a precept_n 30._o these_o instance_n show_v how_o fallible_a a_o expedient_a mere_a oral_a tradition_n be_v for_o transmission_n to_o posterity_n but_o admit_v no_o such_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v it_o be_v argument_n enough_o that_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
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
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 lively_a oracle_n give_v to_o we_o or_o the_o christian_n birthright_n &_o duty_n in_o the_o custody_n &_o use_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n burg_n sculp_v the_o lively_a oracle_n give_v to_o we_o or_o the_o christian_n birthright_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o custody_n and_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n search_v the_o scripture_n jo._n 5.39_o at_o the_o theater_n in_o oxford_n 1678._o and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o william_n leak_n at_o the_o crown_n in_o fleetstreet_n lond._n beilby_n thompson_n of_o escrick_n imprimatur_fw-la jo._n nicholas_n vice_n cancel_v oxon._n junii_fw-la 10._o 1678._o the_o preface_n in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o tongue_n publish_v by_o i_o heretofore_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n among_o the_o exorbitance_n of_o that_o unruly_a part_n which_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o nature_n and_o its_o self_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n from_o hell_n jam._n 3.6_o of_o the_o impious_a vanity_n prevail_v in_o this_o age_n whereby_o man_n play_v with_o sacred_a thing_n and_o exercise_v their_o wit_n upon_o those_o scripture_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n joh._n 12.48_o but_o that_o holy_a book_n not_o only_o suffer_v by_o the_o petulancy_n of_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o heart_n out_o of_o the_o abundance_n whereof_o the_o mouth_n speak_v mat._n 12.34_o and_o also_o from_o that_o irreligion_n prepossession_n and_o supiness_n which_o the_o pursuit_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n certain_o produce_v the_o mischief_n be_v too_o much_o diffuse_v and_o deep_o root_v to_o be_v control_v by_o a_o few_o casual_a reflection_n i_o have_v therefore_o think_v it_o necessary_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o subject_n as_o also_o the_o prevalence_n of_o the_o opposition_n to_o attemt_a a_o profess_a and_o particular_a vindication_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o display_v their_o native_a excellence_n and_o beauty_n and_o enforce_v the_o veneration_n and_o obedience_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pay_v unto_o they_o this_o i_o design_v to_o do_v in_o my_o usual_a method_n by_o a_o address_n to_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o reader_n solicit_v the_o several_a passion_n of_o love_n hope_v fear_v shame_n and_o sorrow_n which_o either_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n in_o his_o sublime_a be_v his_o goodness_n derive_v to_o we_o or_o our_o ingratitude_n return_v to_o he_o can_v actuate_v in_o person_n not_o utter_o obdurate_a but_o whereas_o man_n when_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o do_v amiss_o quick_o dispute_v and_o dictate_v i_o find_v myself_o concern_v to_o pass_v sometime_o within_o the_o verge_n of_o controversy_n and_o to_o discourse_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o deduction_n from_o testimony_n which_o in_o the_o most_o important_a transaction_n of_o human_a life_n be_v just_o take_v for_o evidence_n in_o which_o whole_a performance_n i_o have_v study_v to_o avoid_v the_o entanglement_n of_o sophistry_n and_o the_o ambition_n of_o unintelligible_a quotation_n and_o keep_v myself_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o unlearned_a christian_a reader_n to_o who_o use_n my_o labour_n have_v be_v ever_o dedicate_v all_o that_o i_o require_v be_v that_o man_n will_v bring_v as_o much_o readiness_n to_o entertain_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o read_v profane_a author_n i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o say_v as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o incentives_n of_o vice_n and_o folly_n nay_o to_o the_o libel_n and_o invective_n that_o be_v level_v against_o the_o scripture_n if_o i_o obtain_v this_o i_o will_v make_v no_o doubt_n that_o i_o shall_v gain_v a_o far_a point_n that_o from_o the_o perusal_n of_o my_o imperfect_a conception_n the_o reader_n will_v proceed_v to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o there_o taste_n and_o see_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v ps_n 34.8_o and_o as_o the_o angel_n command_v saint_n john_n rev._n 10.9_o eat_v the_o book_n where_o he_o will_v experimental_o find_v the_o word_n of_o david_n verify_v ps_n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o undefiled_a law_n convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a and_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a and_o give_v light_a to_o the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clean_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v be_v they_o then_o gold_n yea_o than_o much_o fine_a gold_n sweet_a also_o than_o honey_n and_o the_o hony-comb_n moreover_o by_o they_o be_v thy_o servant_n teach_v and_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n it_o be_v say_v of_o moses_n ex._n 34.29_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o law_n from_o god_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o mount_n sina_n forty_o day_n together_o his_o face_n shine_v and_o have_v a_o brightness_n fix_v upon_o it_o that_o dazzle_a the_o beholder_n a_o pledge_n and_o short_a essay_n not_o only_o of_o the_o appearance_n at_o mount_n tabor_n mat._n 17.1_o where_o at_o the_o transfiguration_n he_o again_o be_v see_v in_o glory_n but_o of_o that_o great_a and_o yet_o future_a change_n when_o he_o shall_v see_v indeed_o his_o god_n face_n to_o face_n and_o share_v his_o glory_n unto_o all_o eternity_n the_o same_o divine_a goodness_n give_v still_o his_o law_n to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o let_v we_o receive_v it_o with_o due_a regard_n and_o veneration_n converse_v with_o he_o therein_o instead_o of_o forty_o day_n during_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o so_o anticipate_v and_o certain_o assure_v our_o interest_n in_o that_o great_a transfiguration_n when_o all_o the_o faithful_a shall_v put_v off_o their_o mortal_a flesh_n be_v translate_v from_o glory_n to_o glory_n eternal_o behold_v their_o god_n see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o so_o enjoy_v he_o conversation_n have_v every_o where_o a_o assimilate_v power_n we_o be_v general_o such_o as_o be_v the_o man_n and_o book_n and_o business_n that_o we_o deal_v with_o but_o sure_o no_o familiarity_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n on_o life_n and_o manner_n as_o when_o man_n hear_v god_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o his_o word_n that_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 4.12_o declare_v to_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o all_o our_o book_n however_o recommend_v for_o subtlety_n of_o discourse_n exactness_n of_o method_n variety_n of_o matter_n or_o eloquence_n of_o language_n when_o all_o our_o curious_a act_n like_o those_o mention_v act._n 19.19_o shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o and_o burn_v before_o all_o man_n when_o the_o great_a book_n of_o nature_n and_o heaven_n itself_o shall_v depart_v as_o a_o scroul_n roll_v together_o rev._n 6.14_o at_o which_o important_a season_n it_o will_v be_v more_o to_o purpose_n to_o have_v study_v well_o that_o be_v transcribe_v in_o practice_n this_o one_o book_n then_o to_o have_v run_v through_o all_o beside_o for_o then_o the_o dead_a small_a and_o great_a shall_v stand_v before_o god_n and_o the_o book_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o another_o book_n shall_v be_v open_v which_o be_v the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o dead_a shall_v be_v judge_v out_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n according_a to_o their_o work_n rev._n 20.12_o in_o vain_a shall_v man_n allege_v the_o want_n of_o due_a conviction_n that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v how_o penal_a it_o will_v be_v to_o disregard_n the_o sanction_n of_o god_n law_n which_o they_o will_v have_v have_v enforce_v by_o immediate_a miracle_n the_o apparition_n of_o one_o send_v from_o the_o other_o world_n who_o may_v testify_v of_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n this_o expectation_n the_o scripture_n charge_v every_o where_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o temt_a god_n and_o indeed_o it_o real_o involve_v this_o insolent_a proposal_n that_o the_o almighty_a shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o break_v his_o own_o law_n that_o man_n may_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o keep_v he_o but_o shall_v he_o think_v fit_a to_o comply_v herein_o the_o condescension_n will_v be_v as_o successless_a in_o the_o event_n as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a in_o the_o offer_n our_o saviour_n assure_v that_o they_o who_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o instruction_n and_o command_n lay_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n will_v not_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o any_o other_o method_n will_v not_o be_v
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
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
know_v it_o but_o also_o by_o its_o prescribe_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o best_a and_o which_o a_o sober_a heathen_a will_v adjudge_v fit_a to_o be_v reward_v and_o as_o to_o our_o temporal_a happiness_n i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o unprejudiced_a man_n whether_o any_o thing_n can_v contribute_v more_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o real_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n than_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o scripture_n rule_n will_v do_v will_v god_n we_o will_v all_o conspire_v to_o make_v the_o experiment_n and_o then_o doubtless_o not_o only_o our_o reason_n but_o our_o sense_n too_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o 93._o and_o as_o the_o design_n be_v thus_o beneficial_a so_o in_o the_o second_o place_n be_v it_o as_o extensive_a also_o time_n be_v when_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o enclosure_n of_o divine_a revelation_n when_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v their_o peculiar_a depositum_fw-la and_o the_o heathen_a have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n ps_n 147._o ult_n but_o since_o that_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o gentile_n be_v become_v fellow-heir_n eph._n 3.6_o he_o have_v also_o deliver_v into_o their_o hand_n the_o deed_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o future_a state_n give_v they_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o exact_a and_o authentic_a register_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o these_o not_o to_o be_v like_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n appropriate_v to_o some_o one_o or_o two_o particular_a place_n so_o that_o they_o can_v be_v consult_v but_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o a_o pilgrimage_n but_o lay_v open_a to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o that_o will_v believe_v themselves_o concern_v 94._o it_o be_v a_o large_a commission_n our_o saviour_n give_v his_o disciple_n go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n mar._n 16.15_o which_o in_o the_o narrow_a acception_n must_v be_v the_o gentile_a world_n and_o yet_o their_o oral_a gospel_n do_v not_o reach_v far_o than_o the_o write_v for_o wherever_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v plant_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v leave_v as_o the_o record_n of_o it_o nay_o as_o the_o conserver_n of_o it_o too_o the_o stand_a rule_n by_o which_o all_o corruption_n be_v to_o be_v detect_v it_o be_v true_a the_o entire_a canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o be_v not_o all_o at_o once_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n be_v successive_o write_v as_o the_o need_v of_o christian_n and_o the_o encroachment_n of_o heretic_n give_v occasion_n but_o at_o last_o they_o become_v all_o together_o the_o common_a magazine_n of_o the_o church_n to_o furnish_v arm_n both_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a for_o as_o the_o gospel_n put_v in_o our_o hand_n the_o shield_n of_o faith_n so_o the_o epistle_n help_v we_o to_o hold_v it_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v wrest_v out_o of_o our_o hand_n again_o either_o by_o the_o force_n of_o persecution_n or_o the_o sly_a insinuation_n of_o vice_n or_o heresy_n 95._o thus_o the_o apostle_n like_o prudent_a leader_n have_v beat_v up_o the_o ambush_n discover_v the_o snare_n that_o be_v lay_v for_o we_o and_o by_o discomfit_v satan_n forlorn_a hope_n that_o early_a set_a of_o false_a teacher_n and_o corrupt_a practice_n which_o then_o invade_v the_o church_n have_v lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o victory_n to_o the_o succeed_a age_n if_o they_o will_v but_o keep_v close_a to_o their_o conduct_n adhere_v to_o those_o sacred_a write_n they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o in_o every_o church_n for_o that_o purpose_n 96._o now_o what_o be_v there_o deposit_v be_v design_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o that_o church_n the_o bible_n be_v not_o commit_v like_o the_o regalia_z or_o rarity_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o be_v keep_v under_o lock_n and_o key_n and_o consequent_o to_o constitute_v a_o profitable_a office_n for_o the_o keeper_n but_o expose_v like_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n for_o universal_a view_n and_o benefit_n that_o sacred_a book_n like_o the_o common_a air_n be_v every_o man_n propriety_n yet_o no_o man_n enclosure_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n who_o eye_n have_v be_v evil_a because_o god_n have_v be_v good_a who_o have_v seal_v up_o this_o spring_n monopolise_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o will_v allow_v none_o to_o partake_v of_o it_o but_o such_o person_n and_o in_o such_o proportion_n as_o they_o please_v to_o retail_v it_o a_o attemt_a very_o insolent_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n who_o purpose_n they_o contradict_v and_o very_o injurious_a in_o respect_n of_o man_n who_o advantage_n they_o obstruct_v the_o iniquity_n of_o it_o will_v be_v very_o apparent_a if_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o follow_a section_n sect_n iv._o the_o custody_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o privilege_n and_o right_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o which_o can_v without_o impiety_n to_o god_n and_o injustice_n unto_o it_o and_o they_o be_v take_v away_o or_o impeach_v beside_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o be_v obsequious_a and_o import_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o all_o its_o precept_n common_o express_v in_o scripture_n by_o keep_v the_o commandment_n harken_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o observe_v and_o do_v his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n there_o be_v a_o possessory_a keep_n it_o in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o in_o respect_n whereof_o almighty_a god_n deut._n 6._o and_o elsewhere_o frequent_o have_v enjoin_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o that_o the_o word_n which_o he_o command_v they_o shall_v be_v in_o their_o heart_n he_o add_v that_o they_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o their_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o they_o sit_v down_o in_o their_o house_n and_o when_o they_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o they_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o they_o rise_v up_o and_o that_o they_o bind_v they_o for_o a_o sign_n upon_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o frontlet_n between_o their_o eye_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v write_v they_o upon_o the_o post_n of_o their_o house_n and_o on_o their_o gate_n so_o just_o be_v the_o law_n call_v the_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o they_o and_o wear_v upon_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o body_n inscribe_v upon_o the_o wall_n of_o their_o house_n the_o entrance_n of_o their_o door_n and_o gate_n of_o their_o city_n and_o in_o a_o word_n place_v before_o their_o eye_n wherever_o they_o converse_v 2._o and_o this_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o matter_n of_o privilege_n and_o favour_n to_o they_o say_v saint_n paul_n rom._n 9.4_o pertain_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o same_o saint_n paul_n at_o the_o 3._o chap._n 2._o v._n of_o that_o epistle_n unto_o the_o question_n what_o advantage_n have_v the_o jew_n or_o what_o profit_n be_v there_o of_o circumcision_n answer_n that_o it_o be_v much_o every_o way_n chief_o because_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n this_o depositum_fw-la or_o trust_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o father_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v continue_v down_o unto_o their_o child_n he_o make_v a_o covenant_n say_v david_n ps_n 78._o v._n 5._o with_o jacob_n and_o give_v israel_n a_o law_n which_o he_o command_v our_o forefather_n to_o teach_v their_o child_n that_o their_o posterity_n may_v know_v it_o and_o the_o child_n which_o be_v yet_o unborn_a to_o the_o intent_n that_o when_o they_o come_v up_o they_o may_v show_v their_o child_n the_o same_o which_o scripture_n by_o a_o perpetual_a succession_n be_v to_o be_v hand_v down_o unto_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o apostle_n on_o all_o occasion_n appeal_n unto_o they_o as_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n act._n 13.27_o and_o also_o private_o in_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o they_o may_v at_o pleasure_n search_v into_o they_o jo._n 5.39_o act._n 17.11_o hereupon_o the_o jew_n be_v by_o saint_n austin_n call_v the_o capsarii_fw-la or_o servant_n that_o carry_v the_o christian_n book_n and_o athanasius_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o incarnation_n say_v the_o law_n be_v not_o for_o the_o jew_n only_o nor_o be_v the_o prophet_n send_v for_o they_o alone_o but_o that_o nation_n be_v the_o divinity-schole_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v to_o fetch_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n of_o spiritual_a live_n which_o amount_v to_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v galat._n 3.24_o that_o the_o law_n be_v a_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v we_o unto_o
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
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