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
persuade_v by_o that_o which_o they_o allow_v for_o irresistible_a conviction_n though_o one_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a luke_n 16.31_o the_o lively_a oracle_n give_v to_o we_o or_o the_o christian_n birthright_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o custody_n and_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sect_n i._o the_o several_a method_n of_o god_n communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o god_n as_o he_o be_v invisible_a to_o human_a eye_n so_o be_v he_o unfathomable_a by_o human_a understanding_n the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o impotency_n of_o we_o set_v we_o at_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n to_o have_v any_o clear_a perception_n of_o he_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o a_o full_a comprehension_n that_o we_o can_v discern_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o he_o but_o by_o his_o own_o light_n those_o discovery_n he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o 2._o those_o have_v be_v of_o several_a sort_n the_o first_o be_v by_o infusion_n in_o man_n creation_n when_o god_n interweave_v into_o man_n very_a constitution_n and_o be_v the_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n when_o he_o breathe_v into_o he_o a_o live_a soul_n impress_v on_o it_o that_o native_a religion_n which_o teach_v he_o to_o know_v and_o reverence_v his_o creator_n which_o we_o may_v call_v the_o instinct_n of_o humanity_n nor_o be_v those_o principle_n dark_a and_o confuse_a but_o clear_a and_o evident_a proportionable_a to_o the_o end_n they_o be_v design_v to_o which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o contemplate_v the_o nature_n but_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n practice_n be_v even_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n preferable_a before_o a_o unactive_a speculation_n 3._o but_o this_o light_n be_v soon_o eclipse_v by_o adam_n disobedience_n there_o remain_v to_o his_o benight_a posterity_n only_o some_o faint_a glimmering_n which_o be_v utter_o insufficient_a to_o guide_v they_o to_o their_o end_n without_o fresh_a aid_n and_o renew_v manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o they_o it_o please_v god_n therefore_o to_o repair_v this_o ruin_n and_o by_o frequent_a revelation_n to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o patriarch_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n afterward_o to_o prophet_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n till_o at_o last_o he_o reveal_v himself_o yet_o more_o illustrious_o in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4.6_o 4._o this_o be_v the_o one_o great_a comprehensive_a revelation_n wherein_o all_o the_o former_a be_v involve_v and_o to_o which_o they_o point_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v comprise_v in_o this_o of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o consequent_n thereof_o 1_o tim._n 3.16_o whereby_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o effect_v our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n so_o he_o declare_v both_o that_o and_o all_o thing_n else_o that_o it_o concern_v man_n to_o know_v in_o order_n to_o bliss_n in_o his_o doctrine_n and_o holy_a life_n and_o this_o teacher_n be_v not_o only_o send_v from_o god_n jo._n 3._o but_o be_v himself_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o it_o can_v be_v that_o his_o instruction_n can_v want_v any_o supplement_n yet_o that_o they_o may_v not_o want_v attestation_n neither_o to_o the_o incredulous_a world_n he_o confirm_v they_o by_o the_o repeted_a miracle_n of_o his_o life_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o see_v the_o more_o irrefragable_a conviction_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n and_o that_o they_o also_o may_v not_o want_v credit_n and_o enticement_n the_o holy_a spirit_n set_v to_o his_o seal_n and_o by_o his_o miraculous_a descent_n upon_o the_o apostle_n both_o assert_v their_o commission_n and_o enable_v they_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o by_o all_o gift_n necessary_a for_o the_o propagate_a the_o faith_n of_o christ_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n 5._o these_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o revele_v himself_o to_o the_o forefather_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o their_o sake_n but_o we_o also_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o derive_v those_o divine_a dictate_v they_o have_v receive_v saint_n stephen_n tell_v we_o those_o under_o the_o law_n receive_v the_o lively_a oracle_n to_o deliver_v down_o to_o their_o posterity_n act_v 7.38_o and_o those_o under_o the_o gospel_n who_o receive_v yet_o more_o lively_a oracle_n from_o he_o who_o be_v both_o the_o word_n and_o the_o life_n do_v it_o for_o the_o like_a purpose_n to_o transmit_v it_o to_o we_o upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v by_o this_o all_o need_n of_o repeted_a revelation_n be_v supersede_v the_o faithful_a derive_v of_o the_o former_a be_v sufficient_a to_o we_o for_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 6._o and_o for_o this_o god_n who_o care_n be_v equal_a for_o all_o succession_n of_o man_n have_v gracious_o provide_v by_o cause_v holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v by_o which_o he_o have_v derive_v on_o every_o succeed_a age_n the_o illumination_n of_o the_o former_a and_o for_o that_o purpose_n endow_v the_o writer_n not_o only_o with_o that_o moral_a fidelity_n requisite_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o history_n but_o with_o a_o divine_a spirit_n proportionable_a to_o the_o great_a design_n of_o fix_v a_o immutable_a rule_n for_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o to_o give_v we_o the_o full_a security_n herein_o he_o have_v choose_v no_o other_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o those_o who_o be_v the_o first_o oral_a promulger_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o they_o have_v leave_v to_o we_o the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o he_o that_o acknowledge_v they_o divine_o inspire_v in_o what_o they_o preach_v can_v doubt_v they_o to_o be_v so_o in_o what_o they_o write_v so_o that_o we_o all_o may_v enjoy_v virtual_o and_o effective_o that_o wish_n of_o the_o devout_a father_n who_o desire_v to_o be_v saint_n paul_n auditor_n for_o he_o that_o hear_v any_o of_o his_o epistle_n read_v be_v as_o real_o speak_v to_o by_o saint_n paul_n as_o those_o who_o be_v within_o the_o sound_n of_o his_o voice_n thus_o god_n who_o in_o time_n past_a speak_v at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o diverse_a manner_n to_o our_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n by_o his_o son_n heb._n 1.1_o 2._o continue_v still_o to_o speak_v to_o we_o by_o these_o inspire_a writer_n and_o what_o christ_n once_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n in_o relation_n to_o their_o preach_n be_v no_o less_o true_a of_o their_o write_n he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o luke_n 10.16_o all_o the_o contemt_a that_o be_v at_o any_o time_n fling_v on_o these_o sacred_a write_n rebound_v high_a and_o final_o devolve_v on_o the_o first_o author_n of_o those_o doctrine_n whereof_o these_o be_v the_o register_n and_o transcript_n 7._o but_o this_o be_v a_o guilt_n which_o one_o will_v think_v peculiar_a to_o infidel_n and_o pagan_n and_o not_o incident_a to_o any_o who_o have_v in_o their_o baptism_n list_v themselves_o under_o christ_n banner_n yet_o i_o fear_v i_o may_v say_v of_o the_o two_o party_n the_o scripture_n have_v meet_v with_o the_o worst_a treatment_n from_o the_o late_a for_o if_o we_o measure_n by_o the_o frequency_n and_o variety_n of_o injury_n i_o fear_v christian_n will_v appear_v to_o have_v outvie_v heathen_n these_o blunt_o disbelieve_v they_o neglect_n nay_o perhaps_o scornful_o deride_v they_o alas_o christian_n do_v this_o and_o more_o they_o not_o only_o put_v contemt_n but_o trick_n upon_o the_o scripture_n wrest_v and_o distort_v it_o to_o justify_v all_o their_o wild_a fancy_n or_o secular_a design_n and_o suborn_v its_o patronage_n to_o those_o thing_n it_o forbid_v and_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n abhor_v 8._o indeed_o so_o many_o be_v the_o abuse_v we_o offer_v it_o that_o he_o that_o consider_v they_o will_v scarce_o think_v we_o own_a it_o for_o the_o word_n of_o a_o sensible_a man_n much_o less_o of_o the_o great_a omniscient_a god_n and_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v hard_a to_o assign_v any_o one_o so_o comprehensive_a and_o efficacious_a cause_n of_o the_o universal_a depravation_n of_o manner_n as_o the_o disvalue_v of_o this_o divine_a book_n which_o be_v design_v to_o regulate_v they_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o work_n worthy_a another_o inspire_a writing_n to_o attemt_a the_o rescue_n of_o this_o and_o recover_v it_o to_o its_o just_a estimate_n yet_o alas_o can_v we_o hope_v for_o that_o we_o have_v scoffer_n who_o will_v as_o well_o despise_v the_o new_a as_o the_o old_a and_o like_o the_o husbandman_n in_o the_o gospel_n mat._n 21.36_o will_v answer_v such_o a_o succession_n of_o message_n by_o repete_v the_o same_o injury_n 9_o to_o such_o as_o these_o it_o be_v
i_o confess_v vain_a for_o man_n to_o address_v nay_o it_o be_v insolence_n to_o expect_v that_o human_a oratory_n shall_v succeed_v where_o the_o divine_a fail_n yet_o the_o spread_a infection_n of_o these_o render_v it_o necessary_a to_o administer_v antidote_n to_o other_o and_o beside_o though_o god_n be_v blessed_v all_o be_v not_o of_o this_o form_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o who_o though_o not_o arrive_v to_o this_o contemt_a yet_o want_v some_o degree_n of_o that_o just_a reverence_n they_o owe_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n who_o give_v a_o confuse_a general_a assent_n to_o they_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o afford_v they_o not_o a_o consideration_n and_o respect_n answerable_a to_o such_o a_o acknowledgement_n to_o such_o as_o these_o i_o shall_v hope_v it_o may_v not_o be_v utter_o vain_a to_o attemt_a the_o exciting_a of_o those_o drowsy_a notion_n that_o lie_v unactive_a in_o they_o by_o present_v to_o they_o some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o excellence_n and_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v all_o but_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o that_o principle_n they_o be_v suppose_v to_o own_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v god_n word_n i_o can_v much_o question_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o speculative_a part_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v as_o probable_o assure_v myself_o of_o the_o practic_a 10._o indeed_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o be_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o holy_a writ_n but_o that_o it_o be_v god_n word_n that_o be_v enough_o to_o command_v the_o most_o awful_a regard_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o just_a we_o make_v that_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a consideration_n in_o our_o present_a discourse_n but_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o that_o can_v want_v other_o to_o attend_v it_o since_o whatsoever_o god_n say_v be_v in_o all_o respect_v complete_o good_a i_o shall_v therefore_o to_o that_o of_o its_o divine_a original_n add_v second_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o subject_a matter_n three_o of_o its_o excellent_a and_o no_o less_o diffusive_a end_n and_o design_n and_o four_a of_o its_o exact_a propriety_n and_o fitness_n to_o that_o design_n which_o be_v all_o such_o qualification_n that_o where_o they_o concur_v nothing_o more_o can_v be_v require_v to_o commend_v a_o writing_n to_o the_o esteem_n of_o rational_a man_n and_o upon_o all_o these_o test_n notwithstanding_o the_o cavil_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o other_o who_o force_n we_o shall_v examine_v with_o the_o unhappy_a issue_n of_o contrary_a counsel_n this_o law_n of_o god_n will_v be_v find_v to_o answer_v the_o psalmist_n character_n of_o it_o ps_n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a and_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o custody_n and_o use_n thereof_o be_v the_o birthright_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a all_o which_o several_n be_v faithful_o deduce_v it_o will_v only_o remain_v that_o i_o add_v such_o caution_n as_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a duty_n and_o our_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n render_v perfect_a as_o this_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o author_n thereof_o himself_o be_v perfect_a mat._n 5.48_o sect_n ii_o the_o divine_a original_a endearment_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n man_n judgement_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v biased_n by_o their_o affection_n that_o we_o often_o find_v they_o ready_a to_o consider_v who_o speak_v than_o what_o be_v speak_v a_o temper_n very_o unsafe_a and_o the_o principle_n of_o great_a injustice_n in_o our_o inferior_a transaction_n with_o man_n yet_o here_o there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o we_o that_o can_v whole_o divest_v ourselves_o of_o it_o whereas_o when_o we_o deal_v with_o god_n in_o who_o alone_o a_o implicit_a faith_n may_v secure_o be_v repose_v we_o be_v nice_a and_o wary_a bring_v our_o scale_n and_o mesure_n will_v take_v nothing_o upon_o his_o word_n which_o hold_v not_o weight_n in_o our_o own_o balance_n it_o be_v true_a he_o need_v not_o our_o partiality_n to_o be_v justify_v in_o his_o say_n psal_n 51.4_o his_o word_n be_v pure_a even_o as_o the_o silver_n try_v seven_o time_n in_o the_o fire_n psal_n 12.6_o able_a to_o pass_v the_o strict_a test_n that_o right_a reason_n true_o so_o call_v can_v put_v they_o to_o yet_o it_o show_v a_o great_a perverseness_n in_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o who_o so_o easy_o resign_v our_o understanding_n to_o fallible_a man_n stand_v thus_o upon_o our_o guard_n against_o god_n make_v he_o dispute_v for_o every_o inch_n he_o gain_v on_o we_o nor_o will_v afford_v he_o what_o we_o daily_o grant_v to_o any_o credible_a man_n to_o receive_v a_o affirmation_n upon_o trust_n of_o his_o veracity_n 2._o i_o be_o far_o from_o contradict_v our_o savior_n precept_n of_o search_n the_o scripture_n jo._n 7._o or_o saint_n paul_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n 1_o thes_n 5.21_o we_o can_v be_v too_o industrious_a in_o our_o inquest_n after_o truth_n provide_v we_o still_o reserve_v to_o god_n the_o decisive_a vote_n and_o humble_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o sense_n how_o distant_a soever_o from_o our_o own_o so_o that_o when_o we_o consult_v scripture_n i_o may_v add_v reason_n either_o it_o be_v not_o to_o resolve_v we_o whether_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o no_o in_o what_o he_o have_v say_v but_o whether_o he_o have_v say_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o be_v convince_v he_o have_v reason_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n command_v our_o assent_n 3._o whatever_o therefore_o god_n have_v say_v we_o be_v to_o pay_v it_o a_o reverence_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o author_n over_o and_o above_o what_o the_o excellence_n of_o the_o matter_n exact_v and_o to_o this_o we_o have_v all_o inducement_n as_o well_o as_o obligation_n there_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o render_v the_o word_n of_o man_n estimable_a to_o we_o which_o be_v not_o eminent_o and_o transcendent_o appliable_a to_o those_o of_o god_n 4._o those_o motive_n we_o may_v reduce_v to_o four_o first_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n second_o his_o kindness_n three_o his_o wisdom_n and_o four_a his_o truth_n first_o for_o that_o of_o authority_n that_o may_v be_v either_o native_a or_o acquire_v the_o native_a be_v that_o of_o a_o parent_n which_o be_v such_o a_o charm_n of_o observance_n that_o we_o see_v solomon_n when_o he_o will_v impress_v his_o counsel_n assume_v the_o person_n of_o a_o father_n hear_v o_o my_o child_n the_o instruction_n of_o a_o father_n prov._n 4.1_o and_o general_o through_o that_o whole_a book_n he_o use_v the_o compellation_n of_o my_o son_n as_o the_o great_a endearment_n to_o engage_v attention_n and_o reverence_n nay_o so_o indispensible_a be_v the_o obligation_n of_o child_n in_o this_o respect_n that_o we_o see_v the_o contumacious_a child_n that_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o parent_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o adjudge_v to_o death_n deut._n 21.20_o 5._o nor_o have_v only_a god_n but_o man_n law_n exact_v that_o filial_a reverence_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o parent_n but_o certain_o no_o parent_n can_v pretend_v such_o a_o title_n to_o it_o as_o god_n who_o be_v not_o only_o the_o immediate_a father_n of_o our_o person_n but_o the_o original_a father_n of_o our_o very_a nature_n not_o only_o of_o our_o flesh_n but_o of_o our_o spirit_n also_o heb._n 12.9_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n antithesis_fw-la in_o that_o place_n be_v as_o proper_o apply_v to_o counsel_n as_o correction_n and_o we_o may_v as_o right_o infer_v that_o if_o we_o give_v reverence_n to_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o earthly_a parent_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o this_o father_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v the_o very_a same_o reason_n wherewith_o to_o enforce_v it_o for_o the_o father_n of_o our_o flesh_n do_v as_o often_o dictate_v as_o correct_v according_a to_o their_o own_o pleasure_n prescribe_v to_o their_o child_n not_o according_a to_o the_o exact_a mesure_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n but_o after_o that_o humour_n which_o most_o predominate_v in_o themselves_o but_o god_n always_o direct_v his_o admonition_n to_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n heb._n 12.11_o so_o that_o we_o be_v as_o unkind_a to_o ourselves_o as_o irreverent_a towards_o he_o whenever_o we_o let_v any_o of_o his_o word_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n who_o claim_n to_o this_o part_n of_o our_o reverence_n be_v much_o more_o irrefragable_a than_o that_o of_o our_o natural_a parent_n 6._o but_o beside_o this_o native_a authority_n there_o be_v also_o a_o acquire_v and_o that_o we_o may_v distinguish_v into_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o of_o dominion_n the_o other_o of_o reputation_n to_o the_o first_o kind_n belong_v that_o of_o prince_n magistrate_n master_n or_o any_o that_o have_v coercive_a power_n over_o we_o and_o our_o own_o interest_n teach_v we_o not_o to_o
slight_v the_o word_n of_o any_o of_o these_o who_o can_v so_o much_o to_o our_o cost_n second_v they_o with_o deed_n now_o god_n have_v all_o these_o title_n of_o jurisdiction_n he_o be_v the_o great_a king_n ps_n 48.2_o nor_o be_v it_o only_o a_o compliment_n of_o the_o psalmist_n for_o himself_o own_v the_o stile_n i_o be_o a_o great_a king_n mal._n 1._o he_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n gen._n 18._o yea_o that_o ancient_n of_o day_n before_o who_o the_o book_n be_v open_v dan._n 7.10_o he_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n by_o right_n both_o of_o creation_n and_o redemtion_n and_o this_o christ_n own_v even_o in_o his_o state_n of_o inanition_n yea_o when_o he_o be_v about_o the_o most_o servile_a employment_n the_o wash_v his_o disciple_n foot_n when_o he_o be_v most_o literal_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n yet_o he_o scruple_n not_o to_o assert_v his_o right_n to_o that_o opposite_a title_n you_o call_v i_o master_n and_o lord_n and_o you_o say_v well_o for_o so_o i_o be_o jo._n 13._o nor_o be_v these_o emty_a name_n but_o effective_o attend_v with_o all_o the_o power_n they_o denote_v yet_o so_o stupid_a be_v we_o that_o whilst_o we_o awful_o receive_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o earthly_a superior_n we_o slight_a and_o neglect_v the_o oracle_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n when_o a_o prince_n speak_v we_o be_v apt_a to_o cry_v out_o with_o herod_n flatterer_n the_o voice_n of_o a_o god_n and_o not_o of_o a_o man_n act._n 12._o yet_o when_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n we_o choose_v to_o listen_v to_o any_o thing_n else_o rather_o than_o it_o but_o let_v we_o sad_o remember_v that_o notwithstanding_o our_o contemt_n this_o word_n shall_v as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o judge_v we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n jo._n 12.48_o 7._o a_o second_o sort_n of_o acquire_v authority_n be_v that_o of_o reputation_n when_o a_o man_n be_v fame_v for_o some_o extraordinary_a excellency_n whether_o moral_a or_o intellectual_a man_n come_v with_o appetite_n to_o his_o discourse_n greedy_o suck_v they_o in_o nor_o need_v such_o a_o one_o bespeak_v attention_n his_o very_a name_n have_v do_v it_o for_o he_o and_o prepossess_v he_o of_o his_o auditor_n regard_n thus_o the_o rabbi_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o philosopher_n among_o the_o greek_n be_v listen_v to_o as_o oracle_n and_o to_o cite_v they_o be_v by_o their_o admire_a disciple_n think_v a_o conclude_a argument_n nay_o under_o christianity_n this_o admiration_n of_o man_n person_n have_v be_v so_o inordinate_a that_o it_o have_v crumble_v religion_n away_o in_o little_a insignificant_a party_n whilst_o not_o only_a paul_n apollo_n or_o cephas_n but_o name_n infinite_o inferior_a have_v become_v the_o distinctive_a character_n of_o sect_n and_o and_o separate_z communion_n so_o easy_o alas_o be_v we_o charm_v by_o our_o prepossession_n and_o with_o itch_a ear_n run_v in_o quest_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o the_o fame_n of_o their_o author_n rather_o than_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n commend_v to_o we_o 8._o and_o have_v god_n do_v nothing_o to_o get_v he_o a_o repute_n among_o we_o have_v he_o no_o excellency_n to_o deserve_v our_o esteem_n be_v he_o not_o worthy_a to_o prescribe_v to_o his_o own_o creature_n if_o we_o think_v yes_o why_o be_v he_o the_o only_a person_n to_o be_v disregard_v or_o why_o do_v we_o so_o unreasonable_o depart_v from_o our_o own_o humour_n as_o not_o to_o give_v his_o word_n a_o reverence_n proportionable_a to_o that_o we_o pretend_v for_o he_o nay_o which_o we_o actual_o pay_v to_o man_n of_o like_a passion_n with_o ourselves_o a_o contemt_fw-mi so_o absurd_a as_o well_o as_o impious_a that_o we_o have_v not_o the_o example_n of_o any_o the_o most_o barbarous_a people_n to_o countenance_v we_o for_o though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v make_v very_o wild_a mistake_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o deity_n yet_o they_o have_v all_o agree_v in_o this_o common_a principle_n that_o whatever_o those_o deity_n say_v be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o all_o possible_a veneration_n yea_o such_o a_o deference_n give_v they_o to_o all_o signification_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o as_o they_o will_v undertake_v no_o great_a enterprise_n without_o consult_v their_o augury_n so_o upon_o any_o inauspicious_a sign_n they_o relinquish_v their_o attemt_n and_o certain_o if_o we_o have_v the_o same_o reverence_n for_o the_o true_a god_n which_o they_o have_v for_o the_o false_a we_o shall_v as_o frequent_o consult_v he_o we_o may_v do_v it_o with_o much_o more_o ease_n and_o certainty_n we_o need_v not_o trust_v to_o the_o entrail_n of_o beast_n or_o motion_n of_o bird_n we_o need_v not_o go_v to_o delphos_n or_o the_o lybian_a hammon_n for_o the_o resolve_v our_o doubt_n but_o what_o moses_n say_v to_o israel_n be_v very_o applicable_a to_o we_o the_o word_n be_v nigh_o thou_o deut._n 30.14_o that_o word_n which_o david_n make_v his_o counsellor_n psal_n 119.24_o his_o comforter_n ver_fw-la 50._o his_o treasure_n ver_fw-la 72._o his_o study_n ver_fw-la 99_o and_o have_v we_o those_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v we_o shall_v pay_v the_o like_a reverence_n to_o his_o word_n do_v we_o well_o ponder_v how_o many_o title_n of_o authority_n he_o have_v over_o we_o we_o shall_v sure_o be_v ashamed_a to_o deny_v that_o respect_n to_o he_o in_o who_o they_o all_o conspire_v which_o we_o dare_v not_o deny_v to_o they_o separately_z in_o human_a superior_n 9_o a_o second_o motive_n to_o esteem_v man_n word_n be_v the_o kindness_n of_o the_o speaker_n this_o have_v such_o a_o fascinate_a power_n as_o nothing_o but_o extreme_a ill_a nature_n can_v resist_v when_o a_o man_n be_v assure_v of_o the_o kindness_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v whatever_o be_v speak_v be_v take_v in_o good_a part_n this_o be_v it_o that_o distinguish_v the_o admonition_n of_o a_o friend_n from_o the_o reproach_n of_o a_o enemy_n and_o we_o daily_a in_o common_a conversation_n receive_v those_o thing_n with_o contentment_n and_o applause_n from_o a_o intimte_n and_o familiar_a which_o if_o speak_v by_o a_o stranger_n or_o enemy_n will_v be_v despise_v or_o stomach_v so_o insinuate_v a_o thing_n be_v kindness_n that_o where_o it_o have_v once_o get_v itself_o believe_v nothing_o it_o say_v after_o be_v dispute_v it_o supple_v the_o mind_n and_o make_v it_o ductile_a and_o pliant_a to_o any_o impression_n 10._o but_o what_o human_a kindness_n be_v there_o that_o can_v come_v in_o any_o competition_n with_o the_o divine_a it_o surpass_v that_o of_o the_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n mother_n may_v forget_v yet_o will_v not_o i_o forget_v thou_o isa_n 49.15_o and_o the_o psalmist_n find_v it_o experimental_o true_a when_o my_o father_n and_o my_o mother_n forsake_v i_o the_o lord_n take_v i_o up_o ps_n 27.10_o the_o tender_a bowel_n compare_v to_o his_o be_v adamant_n and_o flint_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o proper_a epithet_n the_o wise_a man_n give_v he_o o_o lord_n thou_o lover_n of_o soul_n wis_v 11.26_o nor_o be_v this_o affection_n mere_o mental_a but_o it_o atte_v itself_o by_o innumerable_a effect_n the_o effect_n of_o love_n be_v all_o reducible_a to_o two_o head_n do_v and_o suffer_v and_o by_o both_o these_o god_n have_v most_o eminent_o attest_v his_o love_n to_o we_o 11._o for_o the_o first_o we_o can_v look_v either_o on_o our_o body_n or_o our_o soul_n on_o the_o whole_a universe_n about_o we_o or_o that_o better_a world_n above_o we_o but_o we_o shall_v in_o each_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o we_o psal_n 114._o nay_o not_o only_o our_o enjoiment_n but_o even_o the_o capacity_n to_o enjoy_v be_v his_o bounty_n have_v not_o he_o draw_v mankind_n out_o of_o his_o original_a clay_n what_o have_v we_o be_v concern_v in_o all_o the_o other_o work_v of_o his_o creation_n so_o that_o if_o we_o put_v any_o value_n either_o upon_o what_o we_o have_v or_o what_o we_o be_v we_o can_v but_o account_v ourselves_o so_o much_o indebt_v to_o this_o his_o active_a love_n and_o though_o the_o passive_a be_v not_o practicable_a by_o the_o divine_a nature_n simple_o and_o apart_o yet_o that_o we_o may_v not_o want_v all_o imaginable_a evidence_n of_o his_o love_n he_o who_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o ever_o link_v his_o impassable_a to_o our_o passable_a nature_n assume_v our_o humanity_n that_o he_o may_v espouse_v our_o sorrow_n and_o be_v bear_v on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v die_v for_o we_o so_o that_o sure_o we_o may_v say_v in_o his_o own_o word_n great_a love_n than_o this_o have_v no_o man_n io._n 15.13_o 12._o and_o now_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a if_o such_o a_o unparalleled_a love_n in_o god_n may_v not_o as_o much_o affect_v we_o
representative_a of_o his_o numerous_a offspring_n gen._n 15.5_o when_o he_o teach_v we_o that_o high_a and_o yet_o most_o certain_a alchemy_n of_o refine_n and_o multiply_v our_o enjoyment_n and_o then_o perpetuate_a they_o 20._o all_o this_o god_n do_v in_o scripture_n and_o we_o must_v be_v stupid_o improvident_a if_o we_o will_v take_v no_o advantage_n by_o it_o it_o be_v once_o the_o complaint_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o jew_n i_o be_o come_v in_o my_o father_n name_n and_o you_o receive_v i_o not_o if_o another_o shall_v come_v in_o his_o own_o name_n him_z you_o will_v receive_v jo._n 5.43_o and_o what_o be_v say_v by_o he_o the_o eternal_a essential_a word_n be_v no_o less_o applicable_a to_o the_o write_v which_o come_v in_o the_o name_n and_o upon_o the_o message_n of_o god_n be_v despise_v and_o slight_v and_o every_o the_o light_a composure_n of_o man_n prefer_v before_o it_o as_o if_o that_o signature_n of_o divinity_n it_o carry_v serve_v rather_o as_o a_o brand_n to_o stigmatize_v and_o defame_v then_o adorn_v and_o recommend_v it_o a_o contemt_fw-mi which_o strike_v immediate_o at_o god_n himself_o who_o resentment_n of_o it_o though_o for_o the_o present_a suppress_v by_o his_o long-suffering_a will_v at_o last_o break_v out_o upon_o all_o who_o persevere_v so_o to_o affront_v he_o in_o a_o judgement_n worthy_a of_o god_n wis_v 12.26_o 21._o but_o after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o foresee_v some_o may_v say_v that_o i_o have_v all_o this_o while_n but_o beat_v the_o air_n have_v build_v upon_o a_o principle_n which_o some_o flat_o deny_v other_o doubt_v of_o and_o have_v run_v away_o with_o a_o supposition_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v of_o divine_a original_a without_o any_o attemt_fw-mi of_o proof_n to_o such_o as_o these_o i_o may_v just_o enough_o object_v the_o extreme_a hard_a measure_n they_o offer_v to_o divinity_n above_o all_o other_o science_n for_o in_o those_o they_o still_o allow_v some_o fundamental_a maxim_n which_o be_v presuppose_v without_o proof_n but_o in_o this_o they_o admit_v of_o no_o postulata_fw-la no_o grant_a principle_n on_o which_o to_o superstruct_v if_o the_o same_o rigour_n shall_v be_v extend_v to_o secular_a case_n what_o a_o damp_n will_v it_o strike_v upon_o commerce_n for_o example_n a_o man_n expect_v fair_a deal_n from_o his_o neighbour_n upon_o the_o strength_n of_o those_o common_a notion_n of_o justice_n he_o presume_v write_v in_o all_o man_n heart_n but_o according_a to_o this_o measure_n he_o must_v first_o prove_v to_o every_o man_n he_o deal_v with_o that_o such_o notion_n there_o be_v and_o that_o they_o be_v obligatory_a that_o the_o ware_n expose_v to_o sale_n be_v his_o own_o that_o dominion_n be_v not_o found_v in_o grace_n or_o that_o he_o be_v in_o that_o state_n and_o so_o have_v a_o property_n to_o confer_v upon_o another_o that_o the_o person_n deal_v with_o pay_v a_o just_a price_n do_v it_o in_o good_a money_n and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o own_o or_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o needs_o not_o be_v so_o to_o justify_v his_o purchase_n and_o at_o this_o rate_n the_o market_n will_v be_v as_o full_a of_o nice_a question_n as_o the_o school_n but_o because_o complaint_n and_o retortion_n be_v the_o common_a refuge_n of_o cause_n that_o want_v better_a argument_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v here_o but_o proceed_v to_o a_o defence_n of_o the_o question_a assertion_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 22._o in_o which_o i_o shall_v proceed_v by_o these_o degree_n first_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o plain_a ground_n upon_o which_o christian_n believe_v it_o second_o i_o shall_v compare_v those_o with_o those_o of_o less_o credibility_n which_o have_v general_o satisfy_v mankind_n in_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o three_o i_o shall_v consider_v whether_o those_o who_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o those_o ground_n will_v not_o be_v equal_o so_o with_o any_o other_o way_n of_o attestation_n 23._o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o rigorous_a demonstrative_a evidence_n as_o mathematical_a proposition_n be_v to_o render_v a_o thing_n fit_a for_o rational_a belief_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v but_o that_o the_o motive_n for_o it_o do_v over_o poise_v those_o against_o it_o and_o in_o that_o degree_n they_o do_v so_o so_o be_v the_o belief_n strong_a or_o weak_a 24._o now_o the_o motive_n of_o our_o belief_n in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v such_o as_o be_v extrinsic_n or_o intrinsic_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o which_o the_o extrinsic_n be_v first_o and_o preparative_n to_o the_o other_o and_o indeed_o all_o that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v insist_v on_o to_o a_o gainsaier_n who_o must_v be_v suppose_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o late_a but_o as_o to_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v adventure_v to_o say_v that_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n have_v as_o great_a ground_n of_o credibility_n as_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n for_o whether_o god_n inspire_v the_o penman_n of_o holy_a writ_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o be_v so_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o other_o external_a evidence_n but_o that_o of_o testimony_n and_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v also_o in_o point_n of_o time_n so_o remote_a from_o we_o can_v be_v judge_v of_o only_a by_o a_o series_n of_o testimony_n derive_v from_o that_o age_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v to_o this_o and_o the_o more_o credible_a the_o testifier_n and_o the_o more_o universal_a the_o testimony_n so_o much_o the_o more_o convince_a be_v they_o to_o all_o consider_v man_n 25._o and_o this_o attestation_n the_o scripture_n have_v in_o the_o high_a circumstance_n it_o have_v be_v witness_v to_o in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o those_o age_n by_o all_o person_n that_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o thus_o 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if_o indeed_o they_o be_v eie-witness_n of_o those_o miracle_n they_o may_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n conclude_v that_o the_o same_o moses_n who_o be_v by_o god_n impower_v to_o work_v they_o be_v so_o also_o for_o the_o relate_v they_o as_o also_o all_o those_o precedent_a event_n from_o the_o creation_n down_o to_o that_o time_n which_o be_v record_v by_o he_o 26._o so_o also_o for_o the_o preceptive_a part_n of_o those_o book_n those_o that_o see_v those_o formidable_a solemnity_n with_o which_o they_o be_v first_o publish_v have_v sure_o little_a temptation_n to_o doubt_v that_o they_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o god_n when_o write_v now_o if_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o it_o be_v yet_o less_o imaginable_a that_o they_o shall_v conspire_v to_o impose_v a_o cheat_n upon_o their_o posterity_n nor_o indeed_o be_v the_o jew_n of_o so_o easy_a a_o credulity_n that_o it_o be_v at_o all_o probable_a the_o succeed_a generation_n will_v have_v be_v so_o impose_v on_o their_o humour_n be_v stubborn_a enough_o and_o the_o precept_n of_o their_o law_n severe_a and_o burdensome_a enough_o to_o have_v temt_v they_o to_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n have_v it_o not_o be_v bind_v upon_o they_o by_o irresistible_a conviction_n of_o its_o come_n from_o god_n but_o beside_o this_o tradition_n of_o their_o elder_n they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o live_v under_o a_o theocracy_n the_o immediate_a guidance_n of_o god_n prophet_n daily_o raise_v up_o among_o they_o to_o foretell_v event_n to_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o reprove_v their_o backslide_n yet_o even_o these_o give_v the_o deference_n to_o the_o write_a word_n nay_o make_v it_o the_o test_n by_o which_o to_o try_v true_a inspiration_n from_o false_a to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v
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
upon_o or_o else_o frame_v to_o a_o worse_a intent_n that_o christianity_n by_o they_o may_v be_v make_v ridiculous_a yet_o these_o be_v recommend_v to_o use_v and_o veneration_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v utter_o forbid_v whereby_o the_o party_n to_o this_o unhappy_a practice_n that_o i_o may_v speak_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n jerem._n 2.13_o have_v commit_v two_o evil_n they_o have_v forsake_v the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n and_o hew_v they_o out_o cistern_n break_a cistern_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n 5._o far_o yet_o the_o same_o unreasonable_a tyranny_n which_o permit_v not_o the_o laity_n to_o understand_v almighty_a god_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n hinder_v they_o from_o be_v suffer_v to_o understand_v the_o church_n or_o themselves_o speak_v to_o he_o in_o their_o prayer_n whilst_o the_o whole_a roman_a office_n be_v so_o dispose_v that_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n 1_o cor._n 14._o he_o that_o occupy_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a must_v say_v amen_o to_o those_o prayer_n and_o praise_n which_o he_o have_v no_o comprehension_n of_o and_o by_o his_o endless_a repetition_n of_o pater_n ave_n and_o credo's_n fall_v into_o that_o battology_n reprove_v by_o our_o saviour_n mat_n 6.7_o and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n jo._n 4.22_o know_v not_o what_o he_o worship_v yet_o this_o unaccountable_a practice_n be_v so_o much_o the_o darling_n of_o that_o church_n that_o when_o in_o france_n about_o eighteen_o year_n since_o the_o roman_a missal_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o publish_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o several_a of_o their_o bishop_n the_o clergy_n of_o france_n rise_v up_o in_o great_a fury_n against_o the_o attemt_a anathematise_v in_o their_o circular_a epistle_n all_o that_o sell_v read_v or_o use_v the_o say_a book_n and_o upon_o complaint_n unto_o pope_n alex._n the_o 7._o he_o resent_v the_o matter_n so_o deep_o as_o to_o issue_v out_o his_o bull_n against_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n 6._o whereas_o son_n of_o perdition_n endevor_v the_o destruction_n of_o soul_n have_v translate_v the_o roman_a missal_n into_o the_o french_a tongue_n and_o so_o attemt_v to_o throw_v down_o and_o trample_v upon_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o holy_a rite_n comprehend_v in_o latin_a word_n as_o we_o abominate_a and_o detest_v the_o novelty_n which_o will_v deform_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o produce_v disobedience_n temerity_n boldness_n sedition_n and_o schism_n so_o we_o condemn_v reprobate_a and_o forbid_v the_o say_a and_o all_o other_o such_o translation_n and_o interdict_v the_o read_n and_o keep_v to_o all_o and_o singular_a the_o faithful_a of_o whatever_o sex_n degree_n order_n condition_n dignity_n honour_n or_o preeminence_n etc._n etc._n under_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n and_o we_o command_v the_o copy_n to_o be_v immediate_o burn_v etc._n etc._n so_o mortal_a a_o sin_n it_o seem_v it_o be_v think_v for_o the_o laity_n to_o understand_v the_o prayer_n in_o which_o they_o must_v communicate_v 7._o nor_o be_v this_o all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o other_o attemt_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o bold_a insolence_n of_o make_v a_o new_a authentic_a text_n in_o that_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o which_o the_o office_n of_o prayer_n have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v disguise_v which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o the_o four_o session_n but_o when_o the_o council_n have_v give_v this_o prerogative_n to_o the_o version_n which_o it_o call_v vulgar_a the_o succeed_a pope_n begin_v to_o consider_v what_o that_o version_n be_v and_o this_o work_n pius_n the_o four_o and_o five_o set_v upon_o but_o prevent_v by_o death_n fail_v to_o complete_a it_o so_o that_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o performance_n fall_v to_o sixtus_n the_o five_o who_o in_o the_o plenitude_n of_o his_o apostolic_a power_n the_o translation_n be_v reform_v to_o his_o mind_n command_v it_o to_o be_v that_o genuine_a ancient_a edition_n which_o the_o trent_n father_n have_v before_o make_v authentic_a and_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n require_v it_o to_o be_v so_o receive_v which_o he_o do_v in_o this_o form_n of_o our_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o the_o plenitude_n of_o apostolic_a power_n we_o order_n and_o declare_v that_o vulgar_a edition_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v for_o authentic_a by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v without_o doubt_n or_o controversy_n to_o be_v esteem_v this_o very_a one_o which_o be_v amend_v as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o print_v at_o the_o vatican_n press_n we_o publish_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o whole_a christian_a republic_n and_o in_o all_o church_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n decree_v that_o it_o have_v be_v approve_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o holy_a universal_a church_n and_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o then_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o general_a council_n of_o trent_n and_o now_o by_o the_o apostolic_a authority_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o true_a legitimate_a authentic_a and_o undoubted_a which_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o hold_v in_o all_o public_a and_o private_a disputation_n lecture_n preach_n and_o exposition_n etc._n etc._n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o plenitude_n of_o apostolic_a power_n soon_o after_o come_v clement_n the_o eight_o and_o again_o resume_v the_o work_n of_o his_o predecessor_n sixtus_n discover_v great_a and_o many_o error_n in_o it_o and_o put_v out_o one_o more_o reform_v yet_o confess_v by_o himself_o to_o be_v imperfect_a which_o now_o stand_v for_o the_o authentic_a text_n and_o carry_v the_o title_n of_o the_o bible_n put_v forth_o by_o sixtus_n notwithstanding_o all_o its_o alteration_n so_o well_o do_v the_o roman_a church_n deserve_v the_o honour_n which_o she_o pretend_v to_o of_o be_v the_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o so_o infallible_a be_v the_o holy_a chair_n in_o its_o determination_n and_o last_o so_o authentic_a a_o transcript_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v which_o it_o be_v say_v mat._n 5.18_o one_o jot_n or_o one_o title_n shall_v not_o fail_v be_v that_o which_o she_o establish_v and_o that_o have_v receive_v so_o many_o and_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o infallible_a corrector_n want_v still_o more_o alteration_n 8._o dependent_a upon_o this_o and_o as_o great_a a_o mischief_n as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a consequent_a to_o the_o withdraw_a of_o the_o scripture_n i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o step_n it_o make_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o most_o useful_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o point_n of_o penance_n who_o rigour_n always_o heretofore_o precede_v the_o possibility_n of_o have_v absolution_n now_o of_o this_o we_o know_v a_o solemn_a part_n be_v the_o state_n of_o audience_n when_o the_o lapse_v person_n be_v receive_v after_o long_a attendance_n without_o door_n prostration_n and_o lamentation_n there_o within_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v permit_v with_o the_o catechuman_n or_o candidat_n of_o baptism_n to_o hear_v the_o reading_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o stay_v till_o prayer_n begin_v but_o then_o depart_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o threat_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n to_o stand_v among_o the_o unbaptised_a and_o heathen_a multitude_n and_o learn_v again_o the_o element_n of_o that_o holy_a faith_n from_o which_o he_o have_v prevaricate_v and_o so_o in_o time_n be_v render_v capable_a of_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o afterward_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o eucharist_n but_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v think_v useless_a or_o dangerous_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o hear_v it_o be_v consequent_a that_o the_o state_n of_o audience_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o penance_n and_o that_o the_o next_o to_o it_o upon_o the_o selfsame_a principle_n shall_v be_v dismiss_v and_o so_o the_o long_a probation_n former_o require_v shall_v be_v supplant_v and_o the_o compendious_a way_n of_o pardon_v first_o and_o repent_v afterward_o the_o endless_a circle_n of_o sin_v and_o be_v absolve_v and_o then_o sin_v and_o be_v absolve_v again_o shall_v prevail_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o still_o obtain_v notwithstanding_o the_o complaint_n and_o irrefragable_a demonstration_n of_o learned_a man_n even_o of_o the_o romish_a communion_n who_o plain_o show_v this_o now_o receive_a method_n to_o be_v a_o innovation_n groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o most_o pernicious_a in_o its_o consequent_n 9_o and_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v not_o only_o by_o the_o learned_a but_o mean_a
wine_n the_o bread_n that_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o cup_n that_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o and_o again_o he_o that_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n unworthy_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 11.29_o can_v make_v no_o appearance_n of_o a_o argument_n 8._o thus_o man_n once_o engage_v ransac_n for_o text_n that_o carry_v some_o correspondency_n to_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v imbibe_v and_o those_o how_o do_v they_o rack_v and_o serve_v to_o bring_v to_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n and_o improve_v every_o little_a probability_n into_o a_o demonstration_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o contrary_a text_n they_o look_v on_o as_o enemy_n and_o consider_v they_o no_o far_o than_o to_o provide_v fence_n and_o guard_n against_o they_o so_o they_o bring_v text_n not_o into_o the_o scale_n to_o weigh_v but_o into_o the_o field_n to_o skirmish_v as_o partisan_n and_o auxiliary_n of_o such_o or_o such_o opinion_n 9_o by_o this_o force_n of_o prepossession_n it_o be_v that_o that_o sacred_a rule_n which_o be_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o all_o rectitude_n be_v itself_o bow_v and_o distort_v to_o countenance_n and_o abet_v the_o most_o contrary_a tenet_n and_o like_o a_o variable_a picture_n represent_v differ_v shape_n according_a to_o the_o light_n in_o which_o you_o view_v it_o and_o sure_o we_o can_v do_v it_o a_o worse_a office_n then_o to_o represent_v it_o thus_o dissonant_n to_o itself_o yet_o thus_o it_o must_v still_o be_v till_o man_n come_v unbiased_a to_o the_o read_n of_o it_o and_o certain_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v do_v so_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v but_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 1.9_o and_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a the_o scripture_n can_v best_o direct_v we_o what_o faith_n it_o be_v which_o will_v lead_v we_o to_o that_o end_n 10._o why_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o have_v the_o same_o indifference_n which_o a_o traveller_n have_v whether_o his_o way_n lie_v on_o this_o hand_n or_o that_o so_o as_o it_o be_v the_o direct_a road_n to_o his_o journey_n end_n for_o although_o it_o be_v infinite_o material_a that_o i_o embrace_v right_a principle_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v right_o rather_o than_o the_o other_o and_o our_o wish_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o proceed_v only_o from_o our_o prepossession_n and_o fondness_n of_o our_o own_o conception_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o intercept_v the_o clear_a view_n of_o truth_n it_o therefore_o near_o concern_v we_o to_o deposit_v they_o and_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o without_o reserve_n to_o the_o guidance_n of_o god_n word_n and_o give_v it_o equal_a credit_n when_o it_o thwart_v as_o when_o it_o comply_v with_o our_o own_o notion_n 11._o without_o this_o though_o we_o may_v call_v scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a we_o make_v it_o not_o so_o but_o reserve_v still_o the_o last_o appeal_n to_o our_o own_o prejudicate_v fancy_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n though_o we_o fall_v under_o the_o same_o occoecation_n which_o our_o saviour_n upbraid_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o see_v we_o see_v not_o neither_o do_v we_o understand_v mat._n 13.14_o for_o he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v save_v god_n way_n will_v hardly_o be_v so_o by_o his_o own_o he_o that_o resolve_v not_o impartial_o to_o embrace_v all_o the_o scripture_n dictate_v come_v to_o they_o as_o unsincere_o as_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v to_o jeremiah_n to_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o which_o he_o no_o soon_o have_v do_v but_o they_o protest_v against_o his_o message_n jer._n 42.20_o and_o may_v expect_v as_o fatal_a a_o event_n 12._o but_o there_o be_v a_o set_v of_o man_n who_o deal_v yet_o more_o insincere_o with_o the_o word_n that_o read_v it_o insiduous_o on_o purpose_n to_o collect_v matter_n of_o objection_n and_o cavil_n that_o with_o a_o malicious_a diligence_n compare_v text_n in_o hope_n to_o find_v contradiction_n and_o read_v attentive_o but_o to_o no_o other_o end_n then_o to_o remark_n incoherence_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o stile_n which_o when_o they_o think_v they_o have_v start_v they_o have_v their_o design_n and_o never_o will_v use_v a_o quarter_n of_o the_o same_o diligence_n in_o consider_v how_o they_o may_v be_v solve_v or_o consult_v with_o those_o who_o may_v assist_v they_o in_o it_o for_o i_o think_v i_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o have_v raise_v the_o loud_a clamour_n against_o the_o scripture_n whether_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o render_v themselves_o competent_a judge_n of_o it_o by_o inquire_v into_o the_o original_n or_o inform_v themselves_o of_o those_o local_a custom_n peculiar_a idiom_n and_o many_o other_o circumstance_n by_o which_o obscure_a text_n be_v to_o be_v clear_v and_o though_o i_o do_v not_o affirm_v it_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v do_v this_o yet_o i_o may_v affirm_v it_o necessary_a to_o he_o that_o will_v pretend_v to_o judge_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o he_o that_o without_o this_o condem_n it_o do_v it_o as_o manifest_a injury_n as_o a_o judge_n that_o shall_v pass_v sentence_n only_o upon_o the_o indictment_n without_o hear_v the_o defence_n 13._o and_o certain_o there_o can_v be_v any_o thing_n more_o unmanly_a and_o disingenovos_a then_o for_o man_n to_o inveigh_v and_o condemn_v before_o they_o inquire_v and_o examine_v yet_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n upon_o which_o so_o many_o value_n themselves_o assume_v to_o be_v man_n of_o reason_n for_o that_o for_o which_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v they_o brute_n beast_n viz._n the_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o 2_o pet._n 2.12_o will_v man_n use_v due_a diligence_n no_o doubt_n many_o of_o those_o seem_a contradiction_n will_v be_v reconcile_v and_o the_o obscurity_n clear_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v after_o all_o remain_n he_o may_v find_v twenty_o thing_n fit_a to_o charge_v it_o on_o then_o want_v of_o verity_n or_o discourse_n in_o the_o inspire_a writer_n 14._o alas_o what_o human_a writing_n be_v there_o of_o near_o that_o antiquity_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o many_o passage_n unintelligible_a and_o indeed_o unless_o modern_a time_n know_v all_o those_o national_a custom_n obsolete_a law_n particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n phrase_n and_o proverbial_a say_n to_o which_o such_o ancient_a book_n refer_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o some_o passage_n must_v still_o remain_v obscure_a yet_o in_o these_o we_o ordinary_o have_v so_o much_o candour_n as_o to_o impute_v their_o unintelligibleness_n to_o our_o own_o ignorance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v clear_v they_o the_o impropriety_n of_o stile_n to_o the_o variation_n that_o time_n make_v in_o dialect_n or_o to_o the_o error_n of_o scribe_n and_o do_v not_o present_o exclaim_v against_o the_o author_n as_o false_a or_o impertinent_a or_o discard_v the_o whole_a book_n for_o some_o such_o passage_n 15._o and_o sure_o what_o allowance_n we_o make_v to_o other_o book_n may_v with_o more_o reason_n be_v make_v to_o the_o bible_n which_o have_v be_v write_v so_o many_o age_n since_o pass_v through_o infinite_a variety_n of_o hand_n and_o which_o be_v above_o all_o have_v be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n malice_n lie_v under_o great_a disadvantage_n than_o any_o human_a composure_n and_o doubtless_o man_n will_v be_v as_o equitable_a to_o that_o as_o they_o be_v to_o other_o be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o more_o wish_v to_o have_v that_o false_a or_o irrational_a than_o any_o other_o book_n the_o plain_a part_n of_o it_o the_o precept_n and_o threaten_n speak_v clear_a than_o they_o desire_v gall_n and_o fret_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v revenge_v themselves_o upon_o the_o obscurer_n and_o seem_v angry_a that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o when_o indeed_o their_o real_a displesure_n be_v at_o those_o they_o do_v 16._o a_o second_o qualification_n preparatory_a to_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v reverence_n when_o we_o take_v the_o bible_n in_o our_o hand_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o with_o other_o sentiment_n and_o apprehension_n then_o when_o we_o take_v a_o common_a book_n consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n or_o upon_o our_o abuse_n of_o it_o a_o promoter_n of_o our_o ruin_n 17._o and_o sure_o this_o if_o due_o apprehend_v can_v but_o strike_v we_o with_o a_o reverential_a awe_n make_v we_o to_o say_v with_o jacob_n gen._n 28.17_o sure_o god_n be_v in_o this_o place_n control_v all_o trifle_a fancy_n and_o make_v we_o read_v not_o for_o custom_n or_o divertisement_n but_o with_o
the_o seed_n and_o parent_n of_o the_o great_a it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o sin_n the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n like_o that_o of_o god_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n mat._n 13.31_o which_o though_o little_a in_o itself_o be_v mighty_a in_o its_o increase_n 54._o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o begin_v at_o the_o top_n of_o villainy_n but_o the_o advance_n be_v still_o gradual_a from_o one_o degree_n to_o another_o each_o commission_n smooth_v and_o glib_v the_o way_n to_o the_o next_o he_o that_o accustom_n in_o his_o ordinary_a discourse_n to_o use_v the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n with_o as_o little_a sentiment_n and_o reverence_n as_o he_o do_v that_o of_o his_o neighbour_n or_o servant_n that_o make_v it_o his_o common_a byword_n and_o cry_v lord_n and_o god_n upon_o every_o the_o light_a occasion_n of_o exclamation_n or_o wonder_n this_o man_n have_v a_o very_a short_a step_n to_o the_o use_v it_o in_o oath_n and_o upon_o all_o frivolous_a occasion_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v vain_o be_v at_o no_o great_a distance_n from_o swear_v false_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o that_o indulge_v his_o wit_n to_o rally_v with_o they_o will_v soon_o come_v to_o think_v they_o such_o tame_a thing_n that_o he_o may_v downright_o scorn_v they_o and_o when_o he_o be_v arrive_v to_o that_o than_o he_o must_v pick_v quarrel_n to_o justify_v it_o till_o at_o last_o he_o arrive_v even_o to_o the_o height_n of_o enmity_n 55._o let_v every_o man_n therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o set_v so_o much_o as_o one_o step_n in_o this_o fatal_a circle_n guard_v himself_o against_o the_o first_o insinuation_n of_o this_o guilt_n and_o when_o a_o jest_n offer_v itself_o as_o a_o temptation_n let_v he_o balance_v that_o with_o a_o sober_a thought_n and_o consider_v whether_o the_o jest_n can_v quit_v the_o cost_n of_o the_o profanation_n let_v he_o possess_v his_o mind_n with_o a_o habitual_a awe_n take_v up_o the_o bible_n with_o solemner_n thought_n and_o other_o kind_n of_o apprehension_n than_o any_o human_a author_n and_o if_o he_o habituate_v himself_o to_o this_o reverence_n every_o clause_n and_o phrase_n of_o it_o that_o occur_v to_o his_o mind_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o excite_v he_o to_o devout_a ejaculation_n then_o vain_a laughter_n 56._o it_o be_v report_v of_o our_o excellent_a prince_n king_n edward_z the_o six_o that_o when_o in_o his_o council_n chamber_n a_o paper_n that_o be_v call_v for_o happen_v to_o lie_v out_o of_o reach_n and_o the_o person_n concern_v to_o produce_v it_o take_v a_o bible_n that_o lie_v by_o and_o stand_v upon_o it_o reach_v down_o the_o paper_n the_o king_n observe_v what_o be_v do_v run_v himself_o to_o the_o place_n and_o take_v the_o bible_n in_o his_o hand_n kiss_v it_o and_o lay_v it_o up_o again_o of_o this_o it_o be_v a_o very_a desirable_a moral_n that_o prince_n and_o all_o person_n in_o authority_n will_v take_v care_n not_o to_o permit_v any_o to_o raise_v themselves_o by_o either_o a_o hypocritical_a or_o profane_a trample_n upon_o holy_a thing_n but_o beside_o that_o a_o more_o general_a application_n offer_v its_o self_n that_o all_o man_n of_o what_o condition_n soever_o shall_v both_o themselves_o abstain_v from_o every_o action_n that_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o contemt_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o also_o when_o they_o observe_v it_o in_o other_o discountenance_v the_o insolence_n and_o by_o their_o word_n and_o action_n give_v testimony_n of_o the_o veneration_n which_o they_o have_v for_o that_o holy_a book_n they_o see_v other_o so_o wretched_o despise_v 57_o but_o above_o all_o let_v he_o who_o read_v the_o scripture_n serious_o set_v himself_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o daily_o examine_v how_o he_o proce_v in_o it_o he_o that_o diligent_o do_v this_o will_v not_o be_v much_o at_o leisure_n to_o sport_n with_o it_o he_o will_v scarce_o meet_v with_o a_o text_n which_o will_v not_o give_v he_o cause_n of_o reflection_n and_o provide_v he_o work_v within_o his_o own_o breast_n every_o duty_n enjoin_v will_n promt_v he_o to_o examine_v how_o he_o have_v perform_v every_o sin_n forbid_v will_v call_v he_o to_o recollect_v how_o guilty_a he_o have_v be_v every_o pathetic_a strain_n of_o devotion_n will_v kindle_v his_o zeal_n or_o at_o least_o upbraid_v his_o coldness_n every_o heroic_a example_n will_v excite_v his_o emulation_n in_o a_o word_n every_o part_n of_o scripture_n will_v if_o due_o apply_v contribute_v to_o some_o good_a and_o excellent_a end_n and_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v proper_a for_o such_o noble_a purpose_n can_v it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o apply_v it_o only_o to_o mean_v and_o trivial_a will_v any_o but_o a_o idiot_n be_v that_o sovereign_a liquor_n in_o the_o wash_n of_o his_o foot_n which_o be_v give_v he_o to_o expel_v poison_n from_o his_o heart_n and_o be_v not_o we_o guilty_a of_o the_o like_a folly_n when_o we_o apply_v god_n word_n to_o serve_v only_o a_o ludicrous_a humour_n and_o make_v ourselves_o merry_a with_o that_o which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o most_o important_a purpose_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o indeed_o who_o ever_o take_v any_o low_a aim_n than_o that_o and_o the_o virtue_n preparatory_a to_o it_o in_o his_o study_n of_o scripture_n extreme_o debase_v it_o 58._o let_v we_o therefore_o keep_v a_o steady_a eye_n upon_o that_o mark_n and_o press_v towards_o it_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v phil._n 3.14_o walk_v by_o that_o rule_n the_o holy_a scripture_n propose_v faithful_o and_o diligent_o observe_v its_o precept_n that_o we_o may_v final_o partake_v its_o promise_n to_o this_o end_n continual_o pray_v we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o holy_a mother_n the_o church_n unto_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v cause_v all_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o may_v in_o such_o wise_a hear_v they_o read_z mark_v learn_v and_o inward_o digest_v they_o that_o by_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n we_o may_v embrace_v and_o ever_o hold_v fast_o the_o bless_a hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o he_o have_v give_v in_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o content_n section_n sect._n 1_o the_o several_a method_n of_o god_n communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o pag._n 1._o sect._n 2._o the_o divine_a original_a endearment_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 9_o sect._n 3_o the_o subject_a matter_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v excellent_a as_o be_v also_o its_o end_n and_o design_n p._n 63._o sect._n 4._o the_o custody_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o privilege_n and_o right_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o which_o can_v without_o impiety_n to_o god_n and_o injustice_n unto_o it_o and_o they_o be_v take_v away_o or_o impeach_v p._n 123._o sect._n 5._o the_o scripture_n have_v great_a propriety_n and_o fitness_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o excellent_a end_n p._n 145._o sect._n 6._o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n concern_v the_o propriety_n and_o fitness_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o excellent_a end_n p._n 165._o sect._n 7._o historical_a reflection_n upon_o the_o event_n which_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o church_n since_o the_o withdraw_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 180._o sect._n 8._o necessary_a caution_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 193._o finis_fw-la