foundation_n as_o their_o master_n speak_v upon_o which_o all_o the_o precept_n depend_v be_v this_o precept_n of_o learning_n the_o law_n which_o no_o man_n can_v imagine_v how_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o such_o perfection_n as_o moses_n require_v unless_o they_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o look_v into_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n as_o often_o as_o they_o please_v of_o which_o that_o they_o may_v be_v put_v in_o mind_n he_o take_v care_n also_o that_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v read_v to_o they_o public_o every_o sabbath_n day_n whereby_o likewise_o they_o that_o can_v not_o read_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o among_o they_o may_v be_v assist_v to_o inform_v their_o child_n by_o hear_v god_n word_n read_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o the_o synagogue_n where_o they_o meet_v not_o for_o the_o ceremonial_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v perform_v only_o at_o the_o temple_n but_o for_o his_o moral_a service_n moses_n have_v those_o that_o preach_v he_o or_o pronounce_v his_o law_n with_o a_o loud_a voice_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o ancient_a age_n or_o generation_n be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o st._n james_n in_o the_o first_o christian_a council_n xv._o act_n 21._o where_o grotius_n observe_v that_o it_o be_v believe_v moses_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o practice_n which_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v have_v be_v from_o old_a time_n i._n e._n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o josephus_n express_o write_v in_o his_o second_o book_n against_o appion_n where_o he_o show_v how_o moses_n propound_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o most_o excellent_a and_o the_o most_o necessary_a of_o all_o other_o learning_n viz._n the_o law_n not_o by_o let_v they_o hear_v it_o once_o or_o twice_o or_o thrice_o but_o every_o seven_o day_n lay_v aside_o their_o other_o work_n he_o command_v they_o to_o assemble_v together_o for_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o learn_v it_o thorough_o and_o exact_o for_o which_o end_n his_o five_o book_n be_v ancient_o divide_v into_o so_o many_o section_n as_o there_o be_v week_n in_o the_o year_n that_o the_o whole_a by_o read_v one_o section_n every_o week_n may_v be_v read_v over_o once_o in_o a_o year_n end_v at_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n at_o which_o feast_n in_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o year_n of_o release_n which_o be_v correspondent_a to_o the_o sabbath_n because_o it_o be_v the_o seven_o of_o year_n as_o that_o be_v of_o day_n moses_n require_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o more_o general_a assembly_n of_o all_o israel_n call_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n that_o the_o law_n may_v be_v read_v to_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o learn_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n as_o he_o speak_v xxxi_o deut._n 10_o 11_o 12._o where_o moses_n declare_v what_o god_n have_v command_v he_o about_o this_o matter_n the_o hebrew_n doctor_n understand_v those_o word_n v._n 11._o thou_o shall_v read_v this_o law_n before_o all_o israel_n in_o their_o hear_n to_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o moses_n himself_o require_v he_o as_o he_o do_v the_o elder_n and_o priest_n under_o he_o to_o read_v the_o law_n at_o this_o great_a solemnity_n as_o the_o ordinary_a levite_n do_v every_o sabbath_n day_n and_o thence_o they_o consequent_o enough_o conclude_v that_o joshua_n after_o his_o time_n and_o the_o judge_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n in_o succeed_a age_n be_v bind_v to_o read_v public_o in_o this_o great_a assembly_n to_o as_o many_o as_o the_o large_a court_n of_o the_o temple_n will_v hold_v the_o principal_a thing_n in_o the_o book_n of_o deuteronomy_n that_o the_o people_n may_v be_v move_v to_o have_v a_o high_a esteem_n of_o their_o law_n and_o more_o reverent_o attend_v unto_o it_o for_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a force_n to_o excite_v the_o people_n to_o religion_n when_o the_o chief_a authority_n in_o the_o nation_n not_o only_o own_v it_o but_o commend_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o because_o all_o israel_n can_v not_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o court_n of_o the_o temple_n therefore_o while_o the_o king_n be_v thus_o read_v there_o the_o levite_n who_o be_v special_o appoint_v for_o this_o work_n do_v the_o same_o in_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o notice_n have_v be_v give_v of_o their_o intention_n by_o a_o solemn_a sound_n of_o trumpet_n thus_o care_n be_v take_v that_o what_o he_o have_v enjoin_v chap._n vi_o 7._o shall_v not_o be_v neglect_v for_o if_o they_o do_v forget_v to_o whet_v the_o law_n as_o the_o word_n there_o signify_v upon_o their_o child_n mind_n they_o themselves_o be_v excite_v and_o whet_v to_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o trumpet_n by_o this_o solemn_a convocation_n by_o the_o royal_a majesty_n appear_v to_o awaken_v their_o attention_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n press_v the_o law_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o conscience_n this_o be_v the_o constant_a work_n also_o it_o may_v be_v show_v of_o the_o prophet_n out_o of_o who_o book_n there_o be_v lesson_n also_o add_v in_o aftertime_n to_o be_v read_v together_o with_o those_o out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n how_o ancient_a this_o be_v we_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v for_o some_o derive_v it_o from_o the_o time_n of_o ezra_n other_o think_v it_o begin_v after_o the_o persecution_n by_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n who_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n in_o their_o synagogue_n they_o choose_v some_o portion_n out_o of_o the_o prophetical_a book_n as_o near_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o section_n which_o shall_v have_v be_v read_v out_o of_o the_o law_n as_o can_v be_v find_v to_o be_v read_v in_o its_o stead_n which_o when_o that_o persecution_n be_v over_o they_o think_v not_o fit_a to_o lay_v aside_o but_o continue_v the_o read_n of_o they_o both_o but_o however_o that_o be_v this_o be_v a_o know_a truth_n that_o when_o our_o lord_n himself_o come_v and_z as_o his_o custom_n be_v go_v into_o the_o synagogue_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o stand_v up_o to_o read_v he_o take_v a_o lesson_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o first_o sermon_n at_o nazareth_n iu._n luke_n 16_o 17._o and_o that_o it_o be_v after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n that_o st._n paul_n stand_v up_o and_o preach_v to_o the_o jew_n at_o antioch_n xiii_o act_n 15._o from_o which_o example_n the_o custom_n of_o read_v two_o lesson_n one_o out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o another_o out_o of_o the_o new_a be_v very_o early_o take_v up_o by_o christian_n in_o their_o holy_a assembly_n and_o continue_v so_o long_o in_o the_o church_n it_o appear_v by_o isidore_n and_o gratian_n that_o it_o be_v most_o worthy_o restore_v by_o our_o learned_a and_o pious_a reformer_n who_o study_n it_o be_v to_o form_v such_o a_o order_n of_o divine_a service_n as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n which_o public_a read_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o hinder_v their_o private_a but_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o unto_o it_o insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n among_o the_o hebrew_n that_o although_o a_o man_n have_v hear_v the_o law_n read_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n on_o the_o sabbath_n yet_o he_o be_v bind_v also_o to_o read_v himself_o the_o parascha_n or_o section_n appoint_v for_o that_o week_n for_o this_o be_v the_o character_n which_o david_n give_v of_o that_o bless_a man_n who_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o ungodly_a his_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o law_n do_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n psal_n i._o 2._o that_o be_v say_v the_o commentary_n under_o the_o name_n of_o st._n hierom_n read_v the_o scripture_n perpetual_o that_o he_o may_v do_v the_o thing_n contain_v therein_o and_o thus_o isaiah_n call_v upon_o they_o in_o after_z age_n say_v seek_v you_o out_o the_o book_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o read_v no_o one_o of_o these_o shall_v fail_v etc._n etc._n that_o be_v when_o you_o shall_v hereafter_o see_v some_o of_o these_o thing_n fulfil_v get_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o prophetical_a book_n if_o you_o want_v one_o seek_v it_o diligent_o as_o the_o word_n denote_v till_o you_o find_v it_o and_o read_v and_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o be_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o event_n shall_v exact_o answer_v to_o these_o prediction_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o moses_n himself_o in_o the_o very_a beginning_n take_v particular_a care_n that_o the_o
presumption_n that_o god_n bless_v these_o pious_a endeavour_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a understanding_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o search_n into_o the_o scripture_n according_a as_o it_o there_o follow_v therefore_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v and_o thus_o st._n peter_n also_o in_o this_o very_a epistle_n chap._n i._n 19_o commend_v his_o countryman_n who_o attentive_o read_v and_o consider_v the_o prophetical_a write_n we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o which_o word_n to_o i_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o praiseworthy_a thing_n in_o those_o jewish_a convert_v to_o who_o he_o write_v who_o as_o yet_o be_v but_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n that_o they_o do_v give_v heed_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sure_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o in_o they_o they_o will_v sin_v the_o lord_n jesus_n plain_o descrihe_v if_o they_o compare_v what_o the_o apostle_n preach_v with_o that_o which_o they_o foretell_v as_o the_o beraean_o do_v those_o write_n indeed_o of_o the_o prophet_n do_v but_o obscure_o treat_v of_o christ_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o discovery_n of_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o apostolical_a write_n which_o he_o compare_v to_o the_o daystar_n and_o the_o old_a prophet_n but_o to_o a_o candle_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n yet_o the_o one_o will_v lead_v they_o to_o the_o other_o and_o by_o take_v attentive_a heed_n to_o the_o prophetical_a write_n they_o will_v in_o time_n find_v the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o be_v arrive_v by_o degree_n at_o clear_a demonstration_n and_o a_o full_a and_o bright_a knowledge_n of_o christian_a truth_n deliver_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n give_v light_n even_o to_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o discourage_v any_o christian_n in_o their_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o they_o commend_v those_o who_o read_v even_o the_o hard_a book_n among_o they_o those_o word_n be_v very_o remarkable_a i._o revel_v 3._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v therein_o which_o comfortable_a encouragement_n i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o we_o may_v not_o with_o the_o great_a satisfaction_n apply_v to_o ourselves_o now_o as_o they_o do_v then_o to_o quicken_v we_o to_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o thing_n contain_v therein_o for_o though_o we_o do_v not_o certain_o understand_v every_o one_o of_o those_o prophecy_n yet_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o most_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o admonition_n encouragement_n and_o consolation_n intersperse_v throughout_o that_o book_n which_o make_v it_o sit_v to_o be_v read_v by_o christian_a people_n for_o their_o direction_n and_o support_v and_o we_o may_v likewise_o from_o hence_o take_v the_o confidence_n to_o argue_v in_o this_o manner_n if_o a_o blessedness_n be_v pronounce_v to_o those_o that_o read_v or_o hear_v that_o prophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v therein_o then_o they_o can_v be_v accurse_v who_o for_o the_o same_o end_n read_v other_o holy_a book_n where_o such_o instruction_n and_o comfort_n be_v more_o plentiful_o and_o plain_o and_o on_o purpose_n deliver_v nor_o can_v they_o expect_v god_n blessing_n who_o prohibit_v the_o read_n even_o of_o those_o easy_a and_o more_o familiar_a scripture_n which_o be_v accommodate_v by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o most_o vulgar_a capacity_n every_o one_o ought_v to_o drink_v of_o these_o fountain_n nor_o will_v i_o forbid_v say_v erasmus_n very_o pious_o those_o that_o thirst_n after_o christian_a knowledge_n to_o read_v even_o those_o book_n which_o be_v not_o so_o open_a but_o like_o a_o fountain_n seal_v up_o because_o they_o will_v reap_v this_o fruit_n at_o least_o that_o they_o will_v come_v more_o sit_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o sermon_n which_o touch_v upon_o or_o allude_v to_o those_o more_o obscure_a passage_n they_o will_v hear_v also_o those_o thing_n more_o willing_o of_o which_o they_o have_v already_o some_o knowledge_n and_o understand_v those_o thing_n more_o easy_o of_o which_o they_o have_v a_o small_a taste_n vi_o and_o there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o our_o complete_a spiritual_a armour_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v lie_v so_o open_a to_o the_o assault_n of_o our_o enemy_n that_o it_o will_v very_o much_o hazard_v our_o salvation_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v expose_v to_o any_o danger_n when_o we_o may_v defend_v ourselves_o by_o the_o use_n of_o those_o weapon_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v provide_v for_o we_o or_o how_o can_v they_o be_v friend_n to_o our_o soul_n who_o will_v expose_v we_o by_o take_v those_o weapon_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n read_v the_o vi_o ephes_n 11._o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n or_o complete_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o all_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n enumerate_v the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o armour_n and_o the_o last_o piece_n of_o it_o but_o one_o be_v v._n 17_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o show_v that_o as_o while_o we_o have_v enemy_n to_o fight_v withal_o and_o very_o powerful_a subtle_a enemy_n we_o have_v need_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o weapon_n that_o god_n have_v furnish_v we_o withal_o for_o our_o defence_n so_o we_o be_v not_o complete_o appoint_v for_o our_o defence_n without_o this_o weapon_n the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o more_o than_o a_o soldier_n be_v without_o his_o sword_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o go_v about_o to_o deprive_v we_o of_o this_o leave_v we_o in_o great_a part_n naked_a to_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n by_o wrest_v that_o weapon_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n whereby_o we_o shall_v beat_v they_o off_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o devil_n temptation_n you_o may_v observe_v iu._n st._n matth._n but_o our_o saviour_n vanquish_v it_o by_o this_o weapon_n tell_v he_o it_o be_v so_o and_o so_o write_v and_o the_o tempter_n have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v nor_o know_v what_o to_o oppose_v thereunto_o and_o therefore_o our_o safety_n lie_v in_o the_o same_o divine_a armoury_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n unto_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v resort_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o there_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o such_o holy_a precept_n example_n promise_n and_o threaten_n as_o we_o may_v have_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o oppose_v to_o every_o temptation_n it_o be_v usual_o say_v as_o i_o note_v in_o the_o beginning_n that_o man_n may_v wound_v themselves_o with_o a_o sword_n as_o soon_o as_o their_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o let_v every_o body_n take_v this_o weapon_n into_o his_o hand_n but_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n as_o much_o aware_a of_o this_o as_o we_o be_v not_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v then_o as_o now_o and_o we_o by_o this_o reason_n shall_v leave_v neither_o sun_n in_o heaven_n nor_o any_o good_a creature_n here_o upon_o earth_n as_o a_o great_a man_n of_o our_o own_o somewhere_o speak_v for_o they_o have_v be_v all_o wretched_o abuse_v to_o very_o ill_a purpose_n by_o evil_a man_n and_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o man_n may_v as_o soon_o hurt_v themselves_o as_o their_o enemy_n with_o this_o sword_n for_o who_o but_o mad_a man_n or_o desperate_a person_n run_v that_o weapon_n into_o their_o own_o body_n wherewith_o they_o shall_v defend_v their_o life_n and_o who_o but_o they_o that_o be_v distract_v themselves_o will_v suppose_v the_o generality_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v such_o a_o frantic_a fort_n of_o people_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o preservation_n but_o must_v have_v even_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n take_v from_o they_o for_o fear_v they_o surfeit_v of_o it_o but_o this_o will_v be_v more_o full_o answer_v hereafter_o and_o that_o which_o i_o have_v next_o to_o represent_v to_o your_o consideration_n will_v give_v great_a satisfaction_n to_o it_o which_o be_v this_o vii_o that_o the_o great_a doctor_n in_o the_o church_n have_v most_o earnest_o exhort_v the_o people_n with_o all_o the_o rhetoric_n they_o can_v invent_v to_o give_v themselves_o leisure_n
more_o plain_o than_o to_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a and_o that_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o fear_n god_n so_o likewise_o to_o honour_v the_o king_n and_o his_o minister_n and_o to_o obey_v those_o that_o watch_n over_o our_o soul_n nay_o to_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n which_o will_v dispose_v we_o most_o certain_o if_o we_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o pride_n or_o any_o other_o vicious_a affection_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o in_o dubious_a thing_n and_o as_o it_o there_o follow_v in_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thess_n v._o 13._o to_o be_v at_o peace_n among_o ourselves_o i_o must_v beseech_v therefore_o every_o member_n of_o this_o church_n both_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o be_v as_o careful_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o i_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n take_v your_o guide_n along_o with_o you_o do_v not_o think_v yourselves_o safe_a without_o their_o conduct_n be_v not_o only_o willing_a but_o desirous_a to_o learn_v of_o they_o reverence_v their_o instruction_n do_v not_o easy_o dissent_v from_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o oppose_v they_o especial_o when_o you_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v they_o to_o be_v serious_a studious_a know_v and_o conscientious_a man_n who_o take_v care_n to_o inform_v themselves_o aright_o that_o they_o may_v not_o misinform_v you_o for_o such_o man_n look_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v bind_v as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o treatise_n of_o tradition_n pag._n 24._o to_o guide_v themselves_o in_o their_o direction_n of_o other_o by_o what_o the_o catholic_n father_n and_o ancient_a bishop_n have_v teach_v out_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o thereby_o preserve_v their_o flock_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n also_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v which_o by_o their_o subscription_n they_o own_v to_o have_v authority_n in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v no_o less_o preserve_v they_o in_o unity_n and_o in_o peace_n to_o conclude_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o every_o body_n must_v reap_v great_a fruit_n by_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o they_o read_v they_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o they_o may_v go_v away_o better_o from_o the_o read_n of_o they_o than_o they_o come_v to_o it_o and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o accommodate_v they_o to_o their_o own_o affection_n but_o correct_v all_o their_o affection_n and_o desire_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n by_o this_o exact_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n according_a to_o which_o if_o we_o square_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v present_o learn_v in_o difficult_a thing_n to_o be_v wise_a unto_o sobriety_n and_o in_o plain_a thing_n to_o be_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n that_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o do_v what_o we_o certain_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o only_a wisdom_n that_o the_o scripture_n magnify_v which_o will_v be_v the_o sure_a way_n both_o to_o know_v more_o and_o to_o know_v it_o better_o that_o be_v to_o feel_v the_o comfort_n of_o what_o we_o know_v in_o a_o bless_a and_o assure_a hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o part._n part_n ii_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n that_o those_o word_n of_o st_n peter_n 2._o iii_o 16._o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v allege_v against_o the_o read_n of_o holy_a scripture_n do_v plain_o suppose_v that_o the_o people_n do_v then_o read_v they_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o deter_v man_n from_o read_v they_o by_o represent_v the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o the_o danger_n of_o wrest_v they_o for_o he_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o consequent_o liable_a to_o be_v wrest_v but_o only_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n in_o treat_v of_o which_o three_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v consider_v i._n first_o that_o most_o thing_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v that_o they_o be_v easy_a nay_o all_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a for_o we_o be_v very_o easy_a ii_o second_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a may_v be_v understand_v though_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o it_o that_o be_v they_o will_v require_v some_o pain_n to_o understand_v they_o which_o shall_v not_o deter_v we_o from_o read_v but_o only_o make_v we_o laborious_a to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o we_o read_v iii_o three_o when_o we_o do_v thorough_o understand_v and_o hearty_o believe_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v easy_a it_o will_v abate_v much_o of_o that_o difficulty_n and_o make_v other_o thing_n more_o easy_a i._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o apostle_n only_o say_v some_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o suppose_v that_o most_o be_v not_o but_o rather_o easy_a as_o all_o those_o thing_n especial_o be_v which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v and_o do_v for_o the_o obtain_n salvation_n that_o which_o make_v thing_n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v the_o plain_a and_o perspicuous_a delivery_n of_o they_o in_o the_o word_n wherein_o they_o be_v write_v or_o speak_v now_o nothing_o a_o be_v plain_a or_o clear_a than_o the_o word_n wherein_o all_o the_o great_a christian_a truth_n be_v reveal_v and_o deliver_v to_o we_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v obscure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o see_v the_o light_n than_o it_o be_v to_o apprehend_v and_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o some_o particular_n and_o have_v a_o eye_n all_o the_o way_n upon_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o which_o s._n peter_n be_v common_o think_v to_o have_v respect_n wherein_o though_o some_o thing_n be_v difficult_a yet_o these_o be_v most_o clear_o discover_v first_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n as_o he_o express_o write_v 1_o cor._n viii_o 6._o second_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n remember_v we_o out_o of_o moses_n iu._n matt._n 10._o be_v the_o great_a thing_n press_v in_o his_o very_a entrance_n into_o any_o place_n where_o he_o preach_v 1_o thess_n l._n 9_o 10._o xvii_o act_n 23_o 24._o three_o as_o our_o lord_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v engage_v by_o our_o baptism_n to_o worship_v one_o god_n in_o three_o person_n xxviii_o matth._n 19_o so_o s._n paul_n affirm_v the_o same_o plain_o enough_o in_o that_o solemn_a prayer_n for_o the_o corinthian_n 2._o xiii_o ult_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v with_o you_o all_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o place_n wherein_o he_o affirm_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o ix_o rom._n 5._o and_o the_o spirit_n to_o search_v even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o know_v his_o mind_n exact_o for_o so_o it_o follow_v 1_o cor._n ii_o 10_o 11._o that_o as_o none_o can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o plain_o tell_v we_o if_o we_o mind_v it_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v in_o god_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v in_o man_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n be_v god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o full_o acquaint_v with_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n there_o be_v some_o little_a labour_n indeed_o in_o make_v this_o deduction_n but_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a if_o we_o consider_v all_o these_o place_n together_o four_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n none_o can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o who_o do_v but_o look_v into_o the_o holy_a book_n where_o he_o will_v immediate_o see_v he_o represent_v to_o be_v almighty_a most_o wise_a most_o gracious_a faithful_a to_o his_o word_n and_o the_o live_a god_n who_o endure_v for_o ever_o which_o be_v truth_n write_v there_o in_o such_o great_a letter_n that_o every_o one_o who_o run_v as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v and_o do_v but_o cast_v a_o transient_a eye_n upon_o they_o may_v easy_o read_v they_o five_o particular_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o kindness_n towards_o we_o the_o child_n of_o man_n lie_v before_o we_o so_o fair_o and_o shine_v so_o bright_o in_o our_o
king_n shall_v be_v furnish_v with_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n and_o keep_v it_o by_o he_o that_o he_o may_v read_v therein_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n and_o learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o to_o keep_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n and_o these_o statute_n to_o do_v they_o xvii_o deut._n 18_o 19_o nay_o the_o more_o to_o imprint_v the_o word_n of_o this_o book_n upon_o his_o mind_n the_o law_n enjoin_v this_o as_o a_o duty_n belong_v to_o the_o king_n himself_o say_v he_o shall_v write_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o this_o law_n in_o a_o book_n out_o of_o that_o which_o be_v before_o the_o priest_n the_o levite_n which_o though_o some_o be_v please_v to_o think_v a_o privilege_n indulge_v only_o to_o the_o king_n the_o jew_n who_o be_v willing_a enough_o to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o such_o laborious_a thing_n constant_o affirm_v that_o every_o private_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o that_o though_o the_o king_n have_v do_v it_o before_o as_o other_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v yet_o be_v exalt_v to_o the_o throne_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o over_o again_o out_o of_o the_o most_o authentic_a record_n that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o more_o imprint_v on_o his_o mind_n and_o work_v in_o he_o a_o great_a reverence_n thereof_o this_o maimonides_n ground_n upon_o those_o word_n xxxi_o deut._n 19_o which_o concern_v they_o all_o now_o therefore_o write_v you_o this_o song_n for_o you_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v write_v the_o law_n for_o yourselves_o of_o which_o this_o song_n be_v a_o part_n for_o they_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o write_v the_o law_n by_o parcel_n wherein_o perhaps_o they_o go_v too_o far_o but_o there_o be_v little_a doubt_n to_o be_v make_v that_o pious_a king_n take_v care_v the_o people_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o law_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o imitate_v that_o pious_a prince_n josiah_n who_o after_o a_o long_a forgetfulness_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n bring_v to_o he_o which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o temple_n not_o only_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o people_n but_o as_o the_o jew_n with_o great_a reason_n affirm_v command_v the_o priest_n and_o scribe_n to_o write_v copy_n of_o it_o and_o deliver_v they_o to_o the_o people_n for_o how_o shall_v they_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v the_o word_n of_o the_o covenantwritten_a in_o that_o book_n unto_o which_o josiah_n engage_v they_o 2_o kings_z xxiii_o 2_o 3._o unless_o they_o know_v they_o and_o how_o shall_v they_o know_v they_o more_o than_o they_o have_v do_v former_o if_o they_o do_v only_o once_o bare_o hear_v they_o which_o may_v give_v they_o some_o present_a sense_n of_o their_o duty_n but_o can_v not_o be_v remember_v unless_o they_o have_v the_o word_n they_o be_v to_o perform_v constant_o before_o their_o eye_n there_o may_v much_o more_o be_v add_v on_o this_o subject_n but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o introduce_v what_o follow_v ii_o that_o what_o be_v thus_o enjoin_v by_o moses_n and_o practise_v by_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n our_o saviour_n confirm_v by_o his_o command_n or_o at_o least_o by_o his_o approbation_n say_v v._o john_n 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o some_o indeed_o translate_v the_o word_n thus_o you_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o they_o be_v a_o plain_a acknowledgement_n of_o what_o be_v then_o in_o use_n nay_o a_o approbation_n if_o not_o commendation_n of_o their_o diligence_n in_o turn_v over_o the_o holy_a book_n wherein_o they_o hope_v to_o find_v so_o great_a a_o treasure_n as_o eternal_a life_n but_o if_o they_o be_v render_v as_o we_o and_o as_o many_o of_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o translate_v they_o search_v the_o scripture_n than_o they_o be_v a_o command_n wherein_o our_o bless_a saviour_n require_v what_o moses_n have_v former_o do_v and_o charge_v they_o not_o to_o neglect_v this_o duty_n of_o make_v a_o diligent_a inquiry_n into_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n for_o there_o they_o will_v find_v plain_a testimony_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n who_o they_o expect_v and_o i_o can_v see_v how_o this_o precept_n may_v be_v safe_o disobey_v but_o as_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n xvi_o luke_n 29._o bring_v in_o abraham_n send_v the_o rich_a man_n brethren_n unto_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n i._n e._n to_o their_o write_n for_o they_o themselves_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v for_o their_o instruction_n from_o who_o they_o may_v learn_v enough_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o come_v into_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n so_o we_o in_o like_a manner_n aught_o to_o tell_v man_n if_o they_o will_v know_v how_o to_o be_v save_v they_o must_v repair_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o out_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o apostolical_a instruction_n learn_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o how_o to_o escape_v eternal_a damnation_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o good_a reason_n allege_v why_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v permit_v nay_o command_v to_o read_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o we_o not_o be_v allow_v but_o forbid_v to_o read_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o we_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v or_o rather_o more_o in_o these_o as_o they_o be_v in_o they_o and_o they_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o than_o the_o old_a scripture_n be_v by_o they_o we_o have_v the_o same_o mean_n the_o same_o help_n that_o they_o have_v if_o not_o far_o better_a to_o prosit_fw-la by_o they_o and_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o our_o preacher_n now_o but_o a_o honest_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o say_v to_o their_o people_n as_o origen_n do_v to_o his_o in_o his_o second_o homily_n upon_o isaiah_n will_v to_o god_n we_o do_v all_o practice_n that_o which_o be_v write_v search_v the_o scripture_n and_o as_o st._n basil_n in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o baptism_n cap._n 4._o let_v we_o obey_v our_o lord_n who_o say_v search_v the_o scripture_n and_o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o apostle_n who_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n himself_o the_o interpretation_n of_o his_o own_o word_n learn_v the_o truth_n and_o wholesomeness_n of_o what_o he_o say_v in_o one_o place_n by_o what_o he_o speak_v in_o another_o so_o far_o be_v these_o great_a and_o holy_a man_n from_o discountenance_v the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o they_o most_o earnest_o press_v every_o body_n to_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o full_o before_o i_o have_v do_v iii_o let_v we_o now_o further_o consider_v that_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v concern_v that_o what_o they_o write_v concern_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v read_v not_o only_o by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o their_o write_n be_v direct_v but_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o who_o be_v under_o their_o instruction_n this_o appear_v from_o st._n paul_n most_o solemn_a charge_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v to_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n 1._o v._o 27._o who_o shall_v read_v it_o to_o they_o but_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o no_o doubt_n first_o receive_v it_o but_o be_v not_o to_o keep_v it_o to_o themselves_o but_o impart_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a community_n and_o if_o they_o read_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a society_n we_o can_v think_v they_o refuse_v to_o give_v copy_n of_o it_o to_o they_o if_o any_o desire_v it_o that_o they_o may_v read_v it_o themselves_o or_o rather_o they_o take_v care_n to_o disperse_v this_o letter_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n among_o their_o flock_n as_o they_o do_v also_o send_v it_o to_o other_o church_n whereby_o by_o it_o become_v common_a to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o great_a importance_n that_o all_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o sense_n that_o his_o charge_n be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o adjuration_n that_o if_o they_o neglect_v he_o the_o command_n shall_v be_v obey_v for_o the_o adjuration_n sake_n for_o adjuration_n be_v dreadful_a to_o the_o ancient_a christian_n though_o now_o alas_o woe_n be_v to_o we_o they_o be_v little_o regard_v they_o be_v word_n of_o theophylact._n and_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n theodoret_n gloss_n he_o add_v a_o adjuration_n contrive_v that_o all_o may_v have_v the_o
for_o this_o holy_a employment_n of_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n s._n chrysostome_n for_o instance_n in_o a_o number_n of_o place_n maintain_v these_o three_o proposition_n with_o a_o extraordinary_a zeal_n and_o passionate_a concern_v to_o have_v they_o believe_v and_o practise_v first_o that_o all_o man_n of_o whatsoever_o rank_n and_o condition_n they_o be_v aught_o to_o read_v the_o bible_n not_o only_o at_o church_n but_o at_o home_n second_o that_o it_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o a_o mere_a layman_n as_o we_o speak_v to_o read_v it_o than_o it_o be_v for_o a_o monk_n or_o those_o that_o be_v whole_o sequester_v from_o the_o world_n three_o that_o neither_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o indeed_o any_o thing_n else_o aught_o to_o be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o man_n shall_v not_o read_v they_o i._o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o all_o man_n of_o whatsoever_o rank_n and_o condition_n they_o be_v shall_v read_v the_o scripture_n his_o word_n be_v very_o remarkable_a upon_o that_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n iii_o coloss_n 16._o let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o etc._n etc._n where_o he_o cry_v out_o with_o great_a vehemence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n harken_v to_o this_o as_o many_o of_o you_o as_o be_v man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v wife_n and_o child_n under_o your_o care_n how_o he_o command_v even_o you_o especial_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o net_n simple_o nor_o by_o the_o bye_n but_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o diligence_n which_o he_o press_v by_o compare_v the_o heavenly_a treasure_n here_o contain_v with_o all_o other_o riches_n and_o then_o return_v to_o his_o exhortation_n again_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n harken_v i_o beseech_v you_o all_o you_o that_o be_v secular_a man_n provide_v yourselves_o with_o bibles_n the_o medicine_n of_o your_o soul_n if_o not_o with_o the_o whole_a yet_o at_o least_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o apostle_n the_o act_n the_o gospel_n your_o perpetual_a instructor_n if_o any_o sadness_n befall_v thou_o look_v into_o these_o as_o into_o a_o repository_n or_o shop_n of_o spiritual_a remedy_n hence_o fetch_v consolation_n in_o all_o doleful_a case_n whether_o it_o be_v any_o damage_n in_o thy_o good_n or_o it_o be_v death_n or_o the_o loss_n of_o servant_n or_o rather_o do_v not_o look_v into_o they_o but_o take_v they_o all_o to_o thyself_o carry_v they_o about_o with_o thou_o in_o thy_o mind_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o evil_n not_o to_o know_v the_o scripture_n we_o go_v to_o war_n without_o our_o armour_n without_o weapon_n how_o can_v we_o be_v safe_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o overcome_v with_o these_o but_o not_o without_o they_o do_v not_o throw_v all_o upon_o our_o shoulder_n you_o be_v sheep_n but_o not_o irrational_a one_o but_o reasonable_a and_o many_o thing_n the_o apostle_n lay_v upon_o you_o who_o ought_v to_o learn_v of_o we_o and_o then_o your_o wife_n and_o your_o child_n ought_v to_o learn_v of_o you_o but_o you_o will_v leave_v all_o to_o we_o which_o give_v we_o no_o small_a trouble_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o discourse_n in_o other_o place_n of_o his_o work_n and_o maintain_v it_o by_o such_o argument_n as_o these_o first_o that_o every_o man_n have_v need_v of_o such_o instrument_n as_o belong_v to_o his_o art_n a_o blacksmith_n say_v he_o in_o his_o three_o sermon_n upon_o lazarus_n or_o goldsmith_n can_v work_v without_o their_o anvil_n their_o hammer_n and_o their_o tongue_n and_o such_o like_a tool_n which_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n part_v withal_o though_o they_o suffer_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n because_o than_o they_o give_v up_o their_o trade_n and_o all_o mean_n of_o their_o subsistence_n be_v go_v and_o even_o just_a so_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v dispose_v who_o can_v no_o more_o go_v to_o work_v without_o the_o apostolical_a and_o prophetical_a write_n and_o other_o divine_o inspire_v scripture_n than_o they_o without_o those_o tool_n for_o as_o by_o those_o instrument_n they_o form_n and_o fashion_v all_o the_o vessel_n they_o take_v in_o hand_n so_o we_o by_o these_o hammer_n as_o i_o may_v say_v our_o own_o soul_n amend_v and_o reform_v all_o that_o be_v amiss_o renew_v what_o be_v decay_v nay_o make_v ourselves_o quite_o other_o men._n for_o here_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o they_o they_o show_v their_o art_n only_o in_o the_o outward_a figure_n of_o a_o thing_n for_o they_o can_v alter_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o by_o turn_v silver_n for_o instance_n into_o gold_n but_o we_o by_o these_o divine_a instrument_n may_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o turn_v a_o earthen_a vessel_n into_o a_o golden_a a_o vessel_n unto_o honour_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v sanctify_a and_o meet_v for_o the_o master_n use_n and_o prepare_v unto_o every_o good_a work_n let_v we_o not_o neglect_v therefore_o the_o get_n of_o bibles_n nor_o let_v we_o dig_v for_o gold_n but_o rather_o treasure_n up_o these_o spiritual_a book_n for_o the_o more_o gold_n we_o have_v the_o more_o hurt_v it_o may_v do_v we_o but_o bibles_n if_o we_o get_v they_o will_v do_v those_o that_o have_v they_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a second_o he_o press_v this_o by_o this_o further_a consideration_n that_o as_o st_n paul_n will_v have_v we_o let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o rich_o and_o abundant_o so_o st_n peter_n require_v we_o to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o 1._o pet._n iii_o 15._o now_o what_o say_v our_o idle_a people_n more_o lazy_a than_o drone_n to_o this_o they_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o those_o word_n in_o the_o proverb_n bless_a be_v the_o simple_a soul_n for_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o evil_n that_o many_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o to_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o purpose_n for_o the_o wise_a man_n by_o the_o simple_a do_v not_o there_o mean_v a_o ignorant_a man_n that_o understand_v nothing_o but_o a_o harmless_a man_n that_o work_v no_o evil_a but_o have_v skill_n only_o to_o do_v goad_n thus_o he_o discourse_v in_o his_o xvii_o homily_n upon_o st_n john_n gospel_n where_o he_o show_v it_o be_v a_o unpardonable_a neglect_n not_o to_o be_v able_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o repel_v the_o assault_n of_o gentile_a philosopher_n for_o it_o be_v a_o most_o absurd_a thing_n that_o every_o physician_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o his_o art_n nay_o a_o currier_n or_o weaver_n or_o any_o other_o artist_n can_v do_v the_o same_o only_o he_o that_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o own_o faith_n three_o as_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n so_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o soul_n proficiency_n in_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o he_o can_v do_v unless_o he_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o holy_a write_n for_o what_o sensible_a food_n be_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o bodily_a strength_n that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o render_v the_o soul_n strong_a more_o constant_a and_o more_o philosophical_a not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o absurd_a imagination_n but_o make_v it_o pure_a and_o lightsome_a give_v it_o wing_n to_o carry_v it_o up_o to_o heaven_n much_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o speak_v in_o his_o xxix_o homily_n upon_o genesis_n and_o begin_v the_o xxxv_o in_o this_o manner_n great_a be_v the_o good_a my_o belove_a of_o skill_n in_o the_o divine_a write_n for_o this_o make_v a_o philosophical_a soul_n that_o be_v instruct_v it_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n this_o form_n a_o man_n to_o be_v acceptable_a this_o make_v he_o mind_n none_o of_o these_o thing_n present_a but_o to_o have_v his_o mind_n always_o in_o the_o other_o life_n that_o look_v at_o the_o recompense_n our_o lord_n will_v give_v we_o we_o may_v do_v all_o that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o and_o undertake_v the_o labour_n of_o virtue_n with_o great_a cheerfulness_n for_o from_o thence_o we_o may_v exact_o learn_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n speedy_a succour_n and_o help_v the_o fortitude_n of_o the_o righteous_a the_o goodness_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o greatness_n of_o his_o reward_n from_o thence_o we_o may_v be_v excite_v to_o a_o zealous_a imitation_n of_o the_o christian_a virtue_n of_o brave_a man_n that_o we_o may_v not_o flag_n in_o the_o combat_n of_o virtue_n but_o be_v confident_a and_o assure_v in_o the_o divine_a
search_v the_o scripture_n a_o treatise_n show_v that_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n with_o direction_n to_o they_o therein_o in_o three_o part_n london_n print_v for_o r._n royston_n bookseller_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n 1685._o introduction_n the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o first_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n teach_v all_o its_o child_n in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o it_o be_v such_o a_o fountain_n and_o well_o of_o truth_n that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v desirous_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o right_n and_o perfect_a way_n unto_o god_n must_v apply_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o without_o which_o they_o can_v neither_o sufficient_o know_v god_n and_o his_o will_n nor_o their_o own_o office_n and_o duty_n for_o in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v full_o contain_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o eschew_v what_o to_o believe_v what_o to_o love_n and_o what_o to_o look_v for_o at_o god_n hand_n at_o length_n and_o therefore_o these_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v much_o in_o our_o hand_n in_o our_o eye_n in_o our_o ear_n in_o our_o mouth_n but_o most_o of_o all_o in_o our_o heart_n unto_o which_o sort_n of_o discourse_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o vi_o article_n of_o our_o religion_n they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v a_o double_a exception_n one_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v there_o but_o must_v be_v receive_v from_o ancient_a tradition_n the_o other_o be_v that_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a that_o common_a people_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o read_n of_o they_o now_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o have_v be_v some_o time_n ago_o a_o plain_a answer_n make_v in_o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n therefore_o this_o treatise_n be_v intend_v only_o as_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o exception_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o which_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o allege_v among_o other_o place_n those_o remarkable_a word_n of_o st._n peter_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n the_o three_o chapter_n and_o sixteenth_o verse_n where_o have_v make_v mention_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n which_o treat_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n that_o he_o have_v just_a before_o explain_v he_o say_v in_o which_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n behold_v say_v they_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v for_o common_a people_n to_o meddle_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v compare_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o to_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n for_o fear_v they_o destroy_v themselves_o therewith_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n teach_v we_o rom._n xv._o 4._o that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o be_v profitable_a as_o he_o write_v elsewhere_o 2_o tim._n iii_o 16._o for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n but_o this_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v say_v they_o such_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o great_a apostle_n st._n peter_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v profitable_a for_o all_o people_n but_o rather_o hurtful_a to_o they_o that_o be_v ignorant_a who_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o read_v they_o by_o which_o single_a instance_n the_o reader_n may_v learn_v if_o he_o mark_v it_o well_o what_o sort_n of_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v like_a to_o have_v if_o we_o trust_v to_o they_o alone_o and_o do_v not_o see_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n when_o these_o very_a word_n of_o st._n peter_n do_v plain_o teach_v we_o the_o quite_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o that_o which_o they_o will_v establish_v by_o they_o i._o for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o contain_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n shall_v not_o read_v they_o that_o first_o they_o evident_o suppose_v the_o common_a people_n even_o the_o unlearned_a among_o they_o do_v in_o those_o day_n read_v the_o scripture_n else_o they_o can_v not_o have_v wrest_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o do_v and_o complain_v of_o that_o but_o not_o of_o their_o read_v they_o and_o ii_o second_o these_o word_n do_v not_o affirm_v the_o whole_a scripture_n to_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o only_o some_o part_n of_o it_o st._n paul_n epistle_n at_o the_o most_o or_o rather_o the_o thing_n of_o which_o st._n peter_n have_v be_v treat_v and_o not_o all_o of_o they_o neither_o but_o only_o some_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o few_o thing_n which_o will_v require_v pain_n and_o diligent_a attention_n of_o mind_n to_o comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o iii_o three_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o who_o read_v those_o difficult_a passage_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o wrest_v they_o but_o only_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a who_o abuse_v the_o plain_a truth_n to_o their_o own_o ruin_n as_o for_o other_o they_o may_v read_v even_o the_o hard_a place_n in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n safe_o enough_o nay_o receive_v great_a profit_n from_o thence_o as_o well_o as_o from_o other_o scripture_n and_o they_o who_o wrest_v they_o be_v not_o to_o leave_v read_v they_o but_o to_o grow_v in_o true_a christian_a knowledge_n and_o in_o stability_n of_o mind_n these_o be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n in_o treat_v and_o read_v of_o which_o let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o the_o second_o homily_n conclude_v that_o we_o may_v speak_v think_v believe_v live_v and_o depart_v hence_o according_a to_o the_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o verity_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n in_o this_o world_n have_v god_n defence_n favour_n and_o grace_n with_o the_o unspeakable_a solace_n of_o peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o conscience_n and_o after_o this_o miserable_a life_n enjoy_v the_o endless_a bliss_n and_o glory_n of_o heaven_n part_n i._n that_o the_o right_a of_o god_n people_n to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_v by_o these_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n appear_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o wrest_v of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a do_v suppose_v that_o even_o such_o person_n do_v then_o read_v they_o which_o overthrow_v the_o conclusion_n which_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n endeavour_v to_o draw_v from_o this_o place_n for_o there_o have_v be_v no_o possibility_n of_o pervert_v their_o sense_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n at_o that_o time_n as_o they_o be_v in_o we_o now_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o reprehend_v their_o meddle_v with_o they_o but_o their_o ignorance_n and_o their_o heedlesnes_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n they_o misunderstand_v they_o and_o may_v have_v be_v prevent_v by_o a_o little_a diligence_n and_o care_n without_o throw_v they_o quite_o away_o for_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o there_o but_o in_o themselves_o who_o come_v to_o the_o perusal_n of_o holy_a thing_n with_o unprepared_a mind_n now_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o then_o and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o be_v debar_v the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n which_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v unto_o his_o church_n as_o a_o common_a inheritance_n you_o may_v be_v please_v to_o weigh_v these_o thing_n follow_v which_o will_v full_o settle_v your_o mind_n in_o this_o persuasion_n i._o first_o that_o the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n be_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o require_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v so_o conversant_a in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v their_o child_n god_n commandment_n and_o for_o that_o end_n to_o talk_v of_o they_o when_o they_o sit_v in_o their_o house_n or_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n when_o they_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o they_o rise_v up_o nay_o to_o write_v they_o upon_o the_o door_n of_o their_o house_n and_o on_o their_o gate_n that_o whensoever_o they_o go_v out_o or_o come_v in_o they_o may_v have_v they_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o they_o deut._n vi_o 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o the_o lawgiver_n think_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n that_o a_o little_a after_o in_o the_o very_a same_o book_n he_o enjoin_v it_o over_o again_o for_o fear_v they_o shall_v neglect_v it_o chap._n xi_o 18_o 19_o 20._o for_o the_o very_a root_n and_o
of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n shall_v not_o say_v to_o his_o neighbour_n know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a and_o so_o st._n paul_n i_o come_v not_o to_o you_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o speech_n or_o of_o wisdom_n show_v you_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o again_o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n and_o again_o we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a yet_o 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 that_o come_v to_o nought_o etc._n etc._n and_o last_o he_o prove_v this_o from_o the_o intention_n for_o which_o they_o write_v these_o book_n which_o be_v that_o all_o may_v find_v a_o remedy_n here_o of_o whatsoever_o trouble_v they_o this_o he_o admirable_o prosecute_v in_o these_o word_n because_o thou_o be_v engage_v in_o family-affair_n and_o a_o world_n of_o business_n therefore_o thou_o have_v the_o great_a need_n of_o more_o medicine_n for_o not_o only_o thy_o wife_n provoke_v thou_o but_o thy_o child_n make_v thou_o sad_a and_o thy_o servant_n anger_v thou_o and_o thy_o enemy_n devise_v mischief_n against_o thou_o and_o thy_o friend_n envy_v thou_o and_o thy_o neighbour_n do_v thou_o damage_n and_o thy_o fellow-soldier_n supplant_v thou_o nay_o perhaps_o he_o that_o sit_v in_o judgement_n threatten_v thou_o and_o poverty_n make_v thou_o sorrowful_a and_o the_o run_v away_o of_o thy_o servant_n fetch_v tear_n from_o thy_o eye_n in_o short_a either_o prosperity_n puff_v thou_o up_o or_o adversity_n pinch_v thou_o sore_o and_o make_v thou_o shrink_v there_o be_v many_o occasion_n of_o anger_n many_o of_o thoughtfulness_n many_o of_o sadness_n and_o sorrow_n and_o many_o also_o of_o vainglory_n and_o senslless_a pride_n strait_n and_o difficulty_n encompass_v we_o on_o every_o side_n and_o a_o thousand_o dart_n from_o all_o side_n come_v fly_v at_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v perpetual_a need_n of_o that_o panoply_n complete_a armour_n which_o be_v to_o be_v setcht_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n a_o great_a deal_n more_o there_o follow_v which_o i_o shall_v not_o transcribe_v to_o show_v what_o a_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o these_o divine_a remedy_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n we_o receive_v or_o rather_o to_o keep_v off_o the_o blow_n that_o give_v they_o and_o to_o beat_v back_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o a_o frequent_a read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o conclude_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n for_o it_o can_v be_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v that_o enjoy_v not_o continual_o the_o benefit_n of_o spiritual_a read_n but_o after_o he_o have_v thus_o answer_v the_o objection_n about_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v altogether_o true_a he_o proceed_v further_a to_o show_v that_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v true_a they_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o not_o to_o be_v read_v by_o we_o first_o because_o by_o often_o read_v that_o which_o be_v obscure_a may_v become_v plain_a so_o he_o discourse_v in_o the_o often_o name_v sermon_n upon_o lazarus_n do_v thou_o not_o understand_v what_o be_v in_o these_o book_n no_o how_o shall_v thou_o understand_v when_o thou_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o look_v into_o they_o take_v the_o bible_n into_o thy_o hand_n read_v the_o whole_a history_n and_o retain_v what_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a read_v what_o be_v obscure_a and_o uncertain_a over_o and_o over_o again_o second_o suppose_v thou_o can_v not_o with_o frequent_a read_n find_v out_o the_o sense_n then_o go_v to_o one_o that_o be_v wise_a than_o thyself_o come_v to_o the_o teacher_n and_o instructor_n as_o a_o scholar_n to_o his_o master_n communicate_v with_o he_o concern_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v demonstrate_v a_o great_a diligence_n and_o desire_n to_o learn_v and_o if_o god_n see_v this_o forwardness_n and_o readiness_n of_o mind_n in_o thou_o he_o will_v not_o overlook_v thy_o watchfulness_n and_o solicitous_a care_n but_o if_o no_o man_n can_v be_v find_v to_o teach_v thou_o he_o will_v reveal_v his_o mind_n himself_o to_o thou_o this_o he_o explain_v by_o the_o example_n often_o already_o name_v say_v remember_v the_o eunuch_n of_o the_o queen_n of_o ethiopia_n who_o be_v a_o barbarian_a and_o engage_v in_o a_o thousand_o care_n and_o surround_v with_o abundance_n of_o business_n and_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o he_o read_v yet_o notwithstanding_o continue_v read_v as_o he_o sit_v in_o his_o chariot_n if_o he_o show_v such_o diligence_n upon_o the_o highway_n consider_v what_o kind_n of_o man_n he_o be_v at_o home_n if_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o time_n of_o his_o travel_n to_o pass_v away_o without_o read_v how_o much_o more_o diligent_a may_v we_o well_o think_v he_o be_v when_o he_o sit_v in_o his_o house_n if_o when_o he_o understand_v not_o what_o he_o read_v he_o will_v not_o omit_v read_v how_o much_o more_o do_v he_o use_v it_o after_o he_o have_v learn_v something_o for_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o he_o read_v his_o answer_n to_o philip_n show_v when_o he_o ask_v he_o understand_v thou_o what_o thou_o read_v he_o do_v not_o blush_v nor_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v his_o ignorance_n but_o say_v how_o can_v i_o unless_o i_o have_v some_o body_n to_o guide_v i_o because_o therefore_o he_o thus_o employ_v his_o time_n in_o read_v when_o he_o have_v none_o to_o guide_v he_o therefore_o straightway_o one_o be_v send_v to_o conduct_v and_o lead_v he_o god_n see_v his_o forwardness_n and_o accept_v his_o diligence_n and_o present_o send_v he_o a_o teacher_n but_o philip_n be_v not_o here_o present_a with_o i_o to_o instruct_v i_o when_o i_o read_v true_a but_o the_o spirit_n which_o move_v philip_n be_v present_a let_v we_o not_o my_o belove_a despise_v our_o own_o salvation_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripure_a be_v a_o great_a security_n against_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n of_o they_o be_v a_o great_a precipice_n a_o deep_a pit_n or_o rather_o bottomless_a gulf_n a_o manifest_a betray_n of_o salvation_n to_o know_v nothing_o out_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n this_o have_v both_o bring_v forth_o heresy_n and_o lead_v to_o corruption_n of_o manner_n this_o have_v turn_v all_o thing_n topsy-turvy_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a utter_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o go_v away_o from_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o some_o fruit_n if_o he_o read_v they_o with_o care_n i_o shall_v tire_v my_o reader_n if_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o all_o that_o this_o great_a and_o holy_a man_n have_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_n which_o he_o press_v you_o see_v with_o such_o vehemence_n as_o if_o he_o think_v it_o impossible_a for_o his_o people_n to_o be_v save_v unless_o they_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o contrary_a be_v the_o doctrine_n then_o to_o what_o be_v now_o current_a in_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o teach_v that_o people_n will_v rather_o endanger_v their_o salvation_n by_o the_o read_n of_o they_o and_o one_o thing_n i_o can_v pass_v by_o without_o a_o particular_a remark_n before_o i_o have_v do_v with_o this_o that_o he_o give_v that_o very_a reason_n in_o the_o word_n just_a now_o quote_v why_o the_o people_n shall_v read_v the_o scripture_n which_o the_o romanist_n give_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o read_v they_o viz._n the_o danger_n of_o run_v into_o error_n and_o heresy_n therefore_o say_v they_o the_o people_n ought_v not_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n no_o such_o matter_n say_v he_o but_o quite_o contrary_a they_o will_v run_v into_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o read_v they_o from_o hence_o spring_v up_o miriads_o of_o evil_n even_o from_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o hence_o pernicious_a heresy_n negligent_a life_n and_o corruption_n of_o manner_n for_o as_o they_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o light_n can_v make_v straight_o path_n so_o such_o as_o do_v not_o take_v along_o with_o they_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n in_o many_o thing_n necessary_o offend_v and_o stumble_v as_o walk_v in_o utter_a darkness_n they_o be_v his_o word_n in_o his_o xxxii_o sermon_n upon_o st._n john_n and_o in_o his_o viii_o sermon_n upon_o the_o hebrew_n he_o make_v a_o sad_a complaint_n about_o the_o growth_n of_o one_o particular_a heresy_n that_o of_o the_o manichee_n and_o tell_v his_o people_n it_o be_v because_o they_o neglect_v the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o attend_v to_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o preserve_v ourselves_o from_o the_o deceit_n
but_o deliver_v other_o also_o that_o be_v deceive_v and_o draw_v they_o out_o of_o the_o danger_n but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o this_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v these_o few_o memorable_a word_n of_o he_o out_o of_o his_o second_o sermon_n upon_o st._n matthew_n that_o you_o may_v see_v how_o faithful_o they_o follow_v the_o father_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v whole_o guide_v by_o they_o if_o there_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n than_o that_o of_o not_o read_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v this_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o we_o need_v not_o read_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o these_o be_v word_n of_o a_o satanical_a suggestion_n the_o study_a invention_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o upon_o this_o head_n because_o some_o be_v more_o move_v by_o a_o great_a authority_n than_o by_o bare_a reason_n and_o i_o have_v allege_v this_o father_n authority_n alone_o not_o for_o want_v of_o other_o which_o be_v ready_a at_o hand_n in_o great_a abundance_n but_o because_o it_o be_v deserve_o very_a weighty_a and_o as_o he_o be_v full_a and_o express_v in_o his_o judgement_n about_o this_o matter_n so_o he_o intermix_v his_o discourse_n upon_o it_o with_o many_o excellent_a instruction_n but_o if_o we_o have_v neither_o his_o testimony_n nor_o any_o other_o to_o produce_v there_o be_v one_o piece_n of_o history_n remain_v which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o have_v a_o bible_n and_o of_o a_o apostate_n to_o deliver_v his_o bible_n to_o be_v burn_v when_o the_o inquisitor_n come_v to_o search_v for_o it_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n as_o they_o do_v particular_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o maxentius_n and_o of_o dioclesian_n when_o they_o seek_v to_o destroy_v all_o bibles_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o they_o think_v will_v fall_v when_o these_o book_n be_v go_v and_o that_o layman_n general_o have_v bibles_n as_o well_o as_o priest_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o foul_a crime_n of_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o the_o persecutor_n appear_v by_o optatus_n in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o parmenio_n quid_fw-la commemorem_fw-la laicos_fw-la etc._n etc._n what_o need_v i_o stand_v to_o mention_v the_o lay-people_n who_o then_o have_v no_o dignity_n in_o the_o church_n or_o many_o minister_n he_o mean_v inferior_a officer_n or_o deacon_n in_o the_o three_o order_n or_o presbyter_n in_o the_o second_o priesthood_n when_o the_o very_a supreme_a some_o bishop_n in_o those_o time_n impious_o deliver_v up_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n he_o name_v several_a and_o among_o the_o rest_n donatus_n and_o the_o same_o we_o find_v in_o st._n austin_n epist_n xlviii_o and_o clxxi_o and_o other_o place_n where_o he_o relate_v how_o some_o deliver_v up_o the_o holy_a book_n to_o the_o persecutor_n and_o other_o who_o do_v not_o communicate_v with_o they_o that_o do_v mix_v with_o the_o church_n traditorum_n plebem_fw-la congregatam_fw-la a_o whole_a congregation_n of_o people_n that_o be_v traditor_n which_o show_v that_o bibles_n be_v then_o as_o common_a as_o they_o be_v now_o and_o that_o s._n chrysostom_n complaint_n be_v very_o just_a against_o those_o who_o be_v grow_v so_o cold_a and_o negligent_a in_o provide_v themselves_o these_o holy_a book_n as_o if_o they_o still_o have_v be_v under_o persecution_n and_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o have_v they_o now_o that_o they_o live_v under_o christian_a emperor_n viii_o but_o now_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o common_a reason_n say_v as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o they_o such_o great_a light_n as_o he_o now_o name_v and_o that_o teach_v we_o that_o since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o all_o all_o shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o read_v they_o they_o be_v write_v for_o all_o it_o be_v plain_a for_o that_o which_o they_o teach_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o that_o which_o they_o promise_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o all_o and_o if_o any_o one_o say_v it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v they_o shall_v be_v read_v by_o all_o because_o the_o people_n may_v be_v teach_v by_o other_o without_o look_v into_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o they_o render_v themselves_o suspect_v that_o they_o intend_v not_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n sincere_o what_o be_v write_v but_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o authority_n instead_o of_o that_o of_o the_o divine_a write_n for_o otherwise_o why_o shall_v they_o not_o rather_o when_o they_o pretend_v to_o teach_v other_o bid_v they_o look_v into_o their_o bibles_n and_o there_o satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o do_v not_o abuse_v they_o assure_v they_o it_o be_v a_o faithful_a translation_n of_o god_n book_n which_o they_o have_v in_o their_o hand_n who_o meaning_n it_o be_v their_o business_n to_o help_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o be_v why_o do_v they_o not_o imitate_v god_n himself_o who_o command_v his_o prophet_n to_o proclaim_v he_o to_o be_v the_o only_a god_n among_o the_o babylonian_n and_o that_o the_o god_n which_o make_v not_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n shall_v perish_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o from_o under_o these_o heaven_n order_v he_o to_o do_v it_o in_o their_o own_o language_n that_o they_o may_v read_v and_o understand_v it_o x._o jer._n 11._o where_o when_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n be_v hebrew_n this_o message_n be_v deliver_v in_o the_o chaldee_n tongue_n which_o we_o may_v just_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o praeludium_n to_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n among_o the_o gentile_n in_o their_o own_o language_n in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n when_o as_o theodoret_n witness_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v turn_v into_o the_o language_n of_o the_o roman_n egyptian_n persian_n indian_n armenian_n scythian_n and_o sauromatans_n and_o all_o the_o language_n that_o any_o other_o nation_n use_v and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v not_o we_o now_o have_v they_o in_o english_a and_o have_v they_o why_o shall_v not_o all_o read_v that_o they_o may_v learn_v the_o way_n to_o be_v happy_a here_o and_o eternal_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sure_o they_o be_v not_o lead_v into_o a_o wrong_a way_n and_o abuse_v by_o pretend_a authority_n from_o god_n who_o perhaps_o say_v the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o his_o name_n this_o be_v the_o people_n right_n and_o it_o it_o their_o duty_n to_o use_v it_o as_o that_o great_a man_n s._n chrysostom_n who_o word_n let_v i_o set_v down_o once_o more_o teach_v his_o church_n upon_o 2_o corinth_n vii_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o xiii_o sermon_n for_o how_o can_v we_o think_v it_o not_o to_o be_v absurd_a that_o have_v to_o deal_v in_o money-matter_n man_n will_v not_o trust_v to_o other_o but_o the_o counter_n be_v bring_v out_o and_o they_o cast_v up_o the_o sum_n but_o in_o the_o business_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v bare_o lead_v and_o draw_v aside_o by_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o man_n and_o this_o even_o when_o they_o have_v a_o exact_a scale_n wherein_o to_o weigh_v all_o thing_n a_o exact_a rule_n or_o square_a whereby_o to_o measure_v they_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o divine_a law_n therefore_o i_o beseech_v and_o entreat_v you_o all_o that_o not_o mind_v what_o such_o or_o such_o a_o man_n say_v about_o these_o thing_n you_o will_v consult_v the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v they_o all_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o you_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o auditor_n christ_n have_v you_o may_v soon_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o learn_v from_o thence_o what_o his_o intention_n be_v be_v they_o not_o the_o promiscuous_a multitude_n people_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n and_o will_v he_o take_v it_o ill_o to_o be_v read_v of_o those_o by_o who_o he_o will_v be_v hear_v some_o will_v say_v there_o be_v danger_n in_o read_v the_o word_n may_v be_v mistake_v or_o pervert_v and_o may_v they_o not_o be_v so_o in_o hear_v can_v any_o preacher_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n so_o frame_v his_o discourse_n that_o he_o can_v warrant_v not_o a_o word_n he_o say_v shall_v be_v misunderstand_v or_o misinterpret_v and_o turn_v to_o another_o sense_n than_o he_o mean_v it_o by_o this_o reason_n the_o poor_a people_n shall_v be_v teach_v nothing_o at_o all_o if_o we_o must_v do_v they_o no_o good_a because_o some_o may_v possible_o abuse_v it_o and_o turn_v it_o to_o their_o hurt_n nay_o if_o god_n himself_o may_v not_o be_v hear_v by_o the_o people_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n i_o see_v far_o less_o reason_n why_o man_n shall_v who_o can_v say_v nothing_o but_o what_o
eye_n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o wilful_o shut_v they_o we_o can_v but_o read_v it_o to_o our_o infinite_a satisfaction_n for_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n say_v our_o lord_n himself_o that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n for_o god_n send_v not_o his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o world_n but_o that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v iii_o john_n 16_o 17._o and_o so_o st._n paul_n write_v but_o god_n who_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n for_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o even_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n have_v quicken_v we_o together_o with_o christ_n jesus_n by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v and_o have_v raise_v we_o up_o together_o and_o make_v we_o sit_v together_o in_o heavenly_a place_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v he_o may_v show_v the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o his_o kindness_n towards_o we_o through_o christ_n jesus_n ii_o ephes_n 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o who_o can_v doubt_v at_o all_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n his_o exceed_a great_a and_o rich_a favour_n towards_o we_o who_o do_v but_o cast_v his_o eye_n on_o such_o word_n as_o these_o and_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v write_v for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o in_o all_o future_a age_n of_o the_o world_n after_o the_o apostle_n be_v go_v man_n may_v discern_v how_o abundant_a the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v in_o his_o kindness_n manifest_v towards_o we_o in_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o therefore_o we_o in_o this_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o all_o that_o be_v before_o we_o may_v conclude_v without_o any_o scruple_n that_o god_n be_v love_n as_o st._n john_n speak_v and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v good_a to_o we_o for_o christ_n sake_n though_o we_o have_v great_o offend_v his_o majesty_n six_o for_o that_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n the_o kindness_n of_o god_n towards_o sinful_a man_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o favour_n and_o love_v again_o be_v here_o also_o so_o perspicuous_o reveal_v that_o there_o need_v be_v no_o question_n make_v of_o it_o in_o this_o be_v manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o because_o that_o god_n send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o herein_o be_v love_n not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n 1_o john_n iu_o 9_o 10._o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n write_v st._n paul_n after_o the_o kindness_n and_o love_n or_o pity_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n towards_o man_n appear_v not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n that_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v justify_v by_o his_o grace_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v heir_n according_a to_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n iii_o tit._n 4_o 5._o nay_o for_o this_o very_a end_n he_o say_v god_n show_v mercy_n to_o he_o though_o a_o very_a great_a sinner_n a_o blasphemer_n of_o christ_n a_o persecutor_n of_o his_o disciple_n that_o man_n may_v be_v encourage_v to_o hope_v in_o god_n if_o they_o will_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o he_o as_o he_o do_v 1_o tim._n i._n 14_o 15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n read_v the_o place_n and_o you_o will_v see_v that_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v devise_v plain_a and_o clear_a word_n to_o express_v the_o exceed_a grace_n of_o god_n towards_o all_o man_n which_o be_v declare_v so_o full_o as_o well_o as_o familiar_o that_o his_o word_n need_v no_o commentary_n to_o explain_v they_o and_o make_v they_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v seven_o with_o the_o same_o evidence_n the_o gospel_n speak_v of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o this_o forgiveness_n be_v procure_v for_o we_o and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o death_n and_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v deliver_v say_v the_o apostle_n for_o our_o offence_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n iu._n rom._n ult_n in_o who_o we_o have_v redemption_n through_o his_o blood_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n i._o ephes_n 7._o it_o be_v god_n that_o justify_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v yea_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o who_o be_v even_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o also_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n viii_o rom._n 34_o 35_o etc._n etc._n it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o recite_v all_o that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v on_o this_o subject_n in_o term_n as_o plain_a and_o clear_a as_o these_o so_o that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o doubt_v if_o we_o believe_v these_o book_n that_o by_o one_o offering_n of_o himself_o he_o have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n speak_v x._o 12_o 13_o 14._o this_o man_n after_o he_o have_v offer_v one_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n for_o ever_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n from_o henceforth_o expect_v till_o his_o enemy_n be_v make_v his_o footstool_n for_o by_o one_o offering_n he_o have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o etc._n etc._n they_o that_o will_v make_v any_o other_o satisfaction_n necessary_a by_o the_o merit_n of_o saint_n or_o any_o other_o oblation_n of_o christ_n necessary_a but_o that_o one_o which_o he_o himself_o offer_v direct_o contradict_v the_o express_a word_n of_o this_o book_n which_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o any_o that_o the_o most_o study_a invention_n of_o man_n can_v indite_v eight_o and_o so_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o these_o blessing_n thus_o purchase_v be_v communicate_v to_o we_o viz._n the_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n jesus_n on_o our_o behalf_n whereby_o he_o can_v save_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o vii_o heb._n 25._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o that_o can_v perform_v this_o office_n for_o we_o but_o he_o for_o as_o there_o be_v one_o god_n so_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n as_o st._n paul_n teach_v in_o so_o many_o word_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 4._o whereby_o we_o can_v but_o in_o reason_n think_v he_o mean_v there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o mediator_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o god_n who_o communicate_v his_o mind_n to_o we_o by_o this_o alone_a mediator_n as_o we_o must_v address_v ourselves_o to_o he_o by_o no_o other_o which_o st._n paul_n declare_v more_o full_o in_o 1_o cor._n viii_o 5_o 6._o where_o he_o say_v though_o there_o be_v many_o that_o be_v call_v god_n as_o there_o be_v god_n many_o and_o lord_n many_o yet_o to_o we_o christian_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o in_o or_o for_o or_o to_o he_o and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o that_o be_v as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sole_a fountain_n of_o all_o good_a unto_o who_o we_o be_v to_o direct_v our_o prayer_n and_o all_o we_o do_v for_o the_o first_o cause_n must_v be_v our_o last_o end_n so_o he_o derive_v all_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n alone_o by_o who_o therefore_o and_o by_o he_o alone_o we_o be_v to_o go_v to_o god_n the_o father_n for_o what_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o receive_v from_o he_o none_o else_o in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o honour_n but_o this_o great_a lord_n alone_o who_o the_o father_n love_v and_o have_v give_v all_o thing_n into_o his_o hand_n iii_o john_n 35._o as_o any_o one_o that_o read_v this_o place_n serious_o may_v easy_o discern_v and_o therefore_o they_o who_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o any_o other_o patron_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o heavenly_a grace_n be_v concern_v to_o hide_v this_o book_n from_o the_o people_n eye_n and_o to_o discourage_v they_o from_o read_v it_o by_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v obscure_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o they_o who_o do_v read_v it_o see_v this_o truth_n so_o full_o and_o express_o assert_v there_o that_o if_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o prejudice_v they_o can_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o in_o the_o heavenly_a court_n which_o apparent_o derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o
and_o easy_a to_o such_o as_o faithful_o practice_v their_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a precept_n but_o hard_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v aright_o of_o such_o as_o wilful_o transgress_v they_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o perspicuous_o set_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n than_o this_o as_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v if_o it_o will_v not_o enlarge_v this_o book_n too_o much_o from_o such_o word_n as_o those_o of_o st._n peter_n god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o therefore_o shall_v we_o admit_v of_o any_o authority_n equivalent_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o question_n will_v still_o remain_v whether_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o authority_n can_v take_v away_o that_o blindness_n of_o heart_n which_o by_o god_n just_a judgement_n fall_v upon_o all_o those_o who_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o vnrighteousness_n if_o for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o evident_a and_o plain_a truth_n god_n punish_v they_o with_o such_o spiritual_a darkness_n that_o they_o discern_v not_o his_o will_n reveal_v in_o his_o write_a word_n no_o other_o infallible_a authority_n can_v inlighten_v they_o and_o make_v those_o scale_n fall_v from_o their_o eye_n which_o hinder_v their_o sight_n in_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n they_o will_v everlasting_o go_v on_o in_o darkness_n because_o have_v light_o present_v to_o they_o they_o prefer_v darkness_n before_o it_o those_o naughty_a affection_n which_o have_v keep_v the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n from_o shine_v into_o they_o will_v close_v their_o eye_n so_o fast_o that_o no_o other_o light_n will_v open_v they_o but_o they_o must_v either_o receive_v and_o follow_v the_o plain_a direction_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o recover_v their_o sight_n by_o a_o sincere_a practice_n of_o know_a duty_n or_o walk_v on_o still_o in_o darkness_n and_o remain_v in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o day_n unto_o which_o plain_a direction_n if_o man_n will_v unfeigned_o submit_v if_o thereby_o they_o be_v not_o lead_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o hard_a scripture_n they_o will_v however_o have_v this_o benefit_n that_o they_o will_v be_v secure_v from_o misunderstand_v they_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o by_o understanding_n believe_a and_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o knowledge_n of_o the_o easy_a and_o evident_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o put_v any_o dangerous_a interpretation_n upon_o those_o place_n which_o be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a ignorant_a of_o they_o we_o may_v continue_v or_o perhaps_o mistake_v their_o meaning_n but_o still_o innocent_o so_o as_o not_o to_o do_v hurt_v to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o by_o they_o a_o illustrious_a example_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o st._n augustine_n book_n de_n fide_fw-la &_o operibus_fw-la where_o discourse_v chap._n xv._o upon_o that_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n iii_o 12_o 13._o which_o he_o take_v to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o which_o st._n peter_n say_v be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o his_o epistle_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o understand_v the_o build_a gold_n silver_z precious_a stone_n upon_o this_o foundation_n to_o be_v mean_v of_o add_v good_a work_n to_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o build_v wood_n hay_n stubble_n upon_o it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o those_o that_o hold_v the_o same_o faith_n but_o do_v evil_a from_o whence_o they_o fancy_v that_o by_o certain_a pain_n of_o fire_n such_o evil_a man_n may_v be_v purge_v to_o obtain_v salvation_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o foundation_n that_o be_v by_o a_o right_a faith_n only_o because_o the_o apostle_n say_v v._o 15._o they_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n say_v that_o excellent_a father_n than_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v no_o obscurity_n no_o ambiguity_n in_o they_o must_v be_v take_v to_o be_v false_a as_o for_o example_n that_o of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o same_o epistle_n though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n so_o that_o i_o can_v remove_v mountain_n and_o have_v no_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o and_o that_o of_o st._n james_n what_o do_v it_o profit_n brethren_n if_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n but_o have_v no_o work_n can_v faith_n save_v he_o and_o that_o place_n also_o will_v be_v false_a be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o they_o that_o serve_v idol_n nor_o adulterer_n etc._n etc._n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o that_o also_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a which_o be_v adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n etc._n etc._n of_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o again_o as_o i_o have_v do_v former_o that_o they_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n these_o be_v all_o false_a if_o that_o interpretation_n be_v true_a st._n paul_n contradict_v himself_o and_o in_o this_o obscure_a place_n clash_n with_o his_o plain_a word_n for_o according_a to_o this_o exposition_n if_o man_n only_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o fire_n though_o they_o persevere_v in_o such_o wicked_a course_n as_o those_o now_o mention_v and_o then_o i_o do_v not_o see_v to_o what_o purpose_n our_o lord_n say_v if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n tell_v he_o what_o belong_v unto_o good_a manner_n and_o how_o will_v that_o be_v true_a which_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o will_v say_v to_o they_o on_o his_o left_a hand_n go_v you_o curse_v etc._n etc._n who_o he_o send_v to_o hell-fire_n not_o because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o do_v good_a work_n thus_o that_o father_n go_v on_o heap_v up_o a_o great_a many_o other_o place_n which_o evident_o speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o then_o conclude_v if_o therefore_o these_o thing_n and_o innumerable_a other_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o any_o ambiguity_n be_v false_a then_o that_o sense_n may_v be_v true_a concern_v the_o wood_n hay_n and_o stubble_n viz._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o sire_n who_o only_o hold_v faith_n in_o christ_n have_v neglect_v good_a work_n si_fw-mi autem_fw-la &_o vera_fw-la &_o clara_fw-la sunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v both_o true_a and_o also_o clear_a then_o without_o doubt_n another_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o number_n of_o those_o which_o s._n peter_n say_v be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o pervert_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n by_o endeavour_v from_o they_o against_o the_o most_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v the_o most_o lewd_a people_n secure_a of_o obtain_v salvation_n though_o they_o pertinacious_o continue_v in_o their_o wickedness_n not_o at_o all_o change_v by_o amendment_n or_o repentance_n as_o for_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o that_o scripture_n though_o he_o venture_v at_o it_o yet_o he_o say_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n he_o have_v rather_o be_v inform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v more_o learned_a and_o more_o understanding_n who_o can_v so_o expound_v it_o as_o to_o let_v all_o those_o thing_n above_o mention_v remain_v true_a and_o unshaken_a in_o which_o the_o scripture_n most_o open_o avow_v that_o faith_n profit_v nothing_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n define_v that_o be_v faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n but_o without_o work_n can_v save_v man_n neither_o without_o fire_n nor_o by_o fire_n still_o he_o stick_v to_o this_o rule_n as_o most_o certain_a and_o unmoveable_a that_o whatsoever_o sense_n be_v give_v of_o a_o obscure_a scripture_n it_o contradict_v not_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v more_o plain_a especial_o those_o which_o teach_v we_o to_o live_v well_o and_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o which_o none_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n will_v ever_o prejudice_v by_o any_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v out_o of_o my_o way_n to_o attempt_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o place_n now_o mention_v have_v no_o other_o business_n in_o hand_n at_o present_a but_o to_o show_v that_o by_o adhere_v as_o this_o holy_a man_n do_v to_o the_o evident_a truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v never_o permit_v we_o to_o put_v any_o bad_a and_o pernicious_a sense_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v less_o evident_a let_v we_o stick_v as_o he_o do_v to_o this_o rule_n and_o we_o shall_v either_o put_v a_o harmless_a sense_n upon_o they_o or_o none_o at_o all_o but_o then_o we_o must_v as_o i_o say_v be_v hearty_o in_o love_n with_o these_o plain_a truth_n and_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o
time_n and_o one_o let_v we_o ever_o be_v tell_v ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n in_o these_o holy_a book_n that_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v that_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v before_o god_n according_a as_o we_o keep_v these_o say_n that_o nothing_o be_v comparable_a to_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n nothing_o so_o desirable_a as_o to_o have_v our_o faith_n find_v to_o honour_n and_o praise_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v deny_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o desire_n commodity_n and_o interest_n that_o god_n will_n may_v be_v do_v by_o we_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v seem_v inconsiderable_a in_o our_o eye_n and_o we_o shall_v easy_o forgo_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o keep_v according_a to_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o our_o religion_n he_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v can_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o i_o conclude_v this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n with_o the_o word_n of_o one_o of_o the_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n to_o the_o read_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o concern_v the_o hardness_n of_o scripture_n he_o that_o be_v so_o weak_a that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o brook_v strong_a meat_n yet_o he_o may_v suck_v the_o sweet_a and_o tender_a milk_n and_o defer_v the_o rest_n till_o he_o wax_v strong_a and_o come_v to_o more_o knowledge_n for_o god_n receive_v the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a and_o cast_v away_o none_o but_o be_v indifferent_a unto_o all_o and_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a as_o well_o of_o low_a valley_n plain_a way_n and_o easy_a for_o every_o man_n to_o use_v and_o to_o walk_v in_o as_o also_o of_o high_a hill_n and_o mountain_n which_o few_o man_n can_v climb_v unto_o and_o whosoever_o give_v his_o mind_n to_o holy_a scripture_n with_o delight_n study_n and_o burn_a desire_n it_o can_v be_v say_v st._n chrysostom_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v leave_v without_o help_n he_o that_o ask_v shall_v have_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v shall_v find_v and_o he_o that_o knock_v shall_v have_v the_o door_n open_a if_o we_o read_v once_o twice_o or_o thrice_o and_o understand_v not_o let_v we_o not_o cease_v so_o but_o still_o continue_v read_v pray_v ask_v of_o other_o and_o so_o by_o still_o knock_v at_o the_o last_o the_o door_n shall_v be_v open_v as_o st._n augustine_n say_v although_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v speak_v in_o obscure_a mysterics_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o speak_v under_o dark_a mystery_n in_o one_o place_n but_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n in_o other_o place_n be_v speak_v more_o familiar_o and_o plain_o to_o the_o capacity_n both_o of_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a and_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v plain_a to_o understand_v and_o necessary_a for_o salvation_n every_o man_n duty_n be_v to_o learn_v they_o to_o print_v they_o in_o memory_n and_o effectual_o to_o exercise_v they_o and_o as_o for_o the_o dark_a mystery_n to_o be_v content_v to_o be_v ignorant_a in_o they_o until_o such_o time_n as_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o open_v they_o unto_o he_o but_o not_o lay_v aside_o the_o read_n of_o the_o whole_a because_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o such_o place_n and_o brief_o to_o conclude_v as_o st._n augustine_n say_v by_o the_o scripture_n all_o man_n may_v be_v amend_v the_o weak_a be_v strengthen_v and_o the_o strong_a be_v comfort_v so_o that_o sure_o none_o be_v enemte_n to_o the_o read_n of_o god_n word_n but_o such_o as_o either_o be_v so_o ignorant_a that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o wholesome_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v or_o else_o so_o sick_a that_o they_o hate_v the_o most_o comfortable_a medicine_n that_o shall_v heal_v they_o or_o so_o ungodly_a that_o they_o will_v wish_v the_o people_n still_o to_o continue_v in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o god_n the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o part._n part_n iii_o i_o be_o arrive_v now_o at_o the_o last_o of_o those_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o book_n that_o all_o who_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o in_o danger_n to_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o hurt_n but_o only_o the_o unlearned_a and_o the_o unstable_a such_o man_n will_v wrest_v they_o from_o their_o true_a meaning_n but_o so_o they_o will_v other_o discourse_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a thing_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o dissicult_a in_o this_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v if_o we_o consider_v briedy_a who_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n mean_v by_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a which_o will_v also_o clear_o direct_v we_o what_o course_n we_o be_v to_o take_v that_o we_o may_v not_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n as_o such_o man_n do_v now_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o know_v who_o these_o be_v if_o we_o mind_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o word_n and_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v use_v i._o unlearned_a and_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o unlearned_a the_o apostle_n can_v be_v think_v to_o have_v respect_n to_o such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a in_o those_o part_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v now_o common_o call_v learning_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v general_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a iu_o act_n 13._o but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n treat_v of_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v learn_v by_o all_o christian_n this_o i_o think_v all_o will_v allow_v and_o then_o they_o be_v more_o particular_o mean_v who_o be_v not_o skill_v in_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n man_n that_o know_v not_o or_o mind_v not_o those_o common_a natural_a truth_n upon_o which_o all_o religion_n be_v build_v nor_o be_v acquaint_v with_o those_o plain_a unquestionable_a principle_n of_o christianity_n before_o mention_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n these_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o speak_v of_o who_o have_v not_o learn_v so_o much_o as_o the_o first_o element_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v vi_o heb._n 1._o the_o word_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o christ_n who_o want_v the_o foundation_n of_o true_a knowledge_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o wrest_v every_o thing_n they_o read_v from_o its_o proper_a meaning_n such_o there_o be_v even_o in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n as_o st._n paul_n himself_o teach_v we_o who_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2_o tim._n iii_o 7._o they_o frequent_v that_o be_v the_o christian_a assembly_n where_o they_o receive_v good_a instruction_n but_o their_o nanghty_a affection_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o know_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n to_o find_v entertainment_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o doctrine_n be_v such_o as_o these_o that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n who_o be_v perfect_o just_a and_o perfect_o good_a and_o know_v the_o very_a thought_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o change_v not_o and_o that_o he_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a beget_v son_n the_o eternal_a word_n who_o be_v before_o all_o world_n to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o to_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n to_o rise_v again_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o that_o he_o have_v send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o the_o father_n to_o teach_v we_o those_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o holy_a life_n whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n when_o he_o will_v raise_v up_o our_o dead_a body_n and_o give_v to_o those_o who_o have_v do_v good_a everlasting_a life_n but_o send_v those_o who_o have_v do_v evil_a into_o everlasting_a fire_n these_o and_o such_o like_a which_o depend_v on_o these_o and_o be_v coherent_a with_o they_o be_v the_o christian_a learning_n which_o they_o that_o do_v not_o know_v and_o believe_v and_o according_o practice_v as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o great_a stranger_n to_o the_o holy_a book_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o reap_v any_o profit_n by_o they_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o corrupt_v and_o abuse_v they_o to_o the_o support_n of_o their_o own_o uncertain_a vain_a or_o absurd_a imagination_n nor_o be_v they_o secure_v from_o this_o danger_n when_o they_o have_v learn_v they_o unless_o they_o be_v likewise_o so_o fix_v in_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v constant_o guide_v by_o they_o for_o the_o apostle_n here_o teach_v we_o that_o
word_n of_o holy_a scripture_n to_o give_v they_o countenance_n by_o its_o great_a authority_n and_o press_v it_o against_o its_o will_n to_o come_v to_o their_o service_n at_o every_o turn_n they_o will_v be_v interpose_v their_o inclination_n and_o prove_v a_o bias_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o carry_v they_o aside_o from_o the_o mark_n and_o the_o full_a we_o be_v of_o these_o and_o the_o more_o desirous_a to_o have_v they_o confirm_v the_o more_o hasty_o shall_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v in_o their_o favour_n and_o proffer_v itself_o as_o a_o witness_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o conceit_n let_v we_o provide_v therefore_o by_o a_o due_a vigilance_n and_o attentive_a consideration_n that_o they_o be_v not_o form_v by_o our_o own_o private_a imagination_n but_o by_o the_o common_a stand_a rule_n of_o natural_a honesty_n justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o by_o all_o other_o certain_a principle_n ingraft_v in_o we_o or_o reveal_v to_o we_o which_o serve_v as_o a_o index_n to_o point_v we_o which_o way_n our_o thought_n shall_v run_v and_o where_o they_o shall_v six_o themselves_o ii_o the_o necessity_n of_o which_o care_n be_v the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o be_v brief_o consider_v and_o here_o two_o thing_n more_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v due_o weigh_v first_o that_o without_o this_o care_n the_o plain_a scripture_n will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v pervert_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o most_o difficult_a second_o the_o very_a same_o place_n of_o scripture_n will_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v shameful_o wrest_v to_o serve_v different_a purpose_n i._n first_o i_o say_v the_o plain_a scripture_n will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v pervert_v and_o very_o dangerous_o too_o as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o difficult_a for_o it_o be_v not_o their_o difficulty_n that_o make_v they_o be_v pervert_v but_o man_n own_o easiness_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o their_o private_a desire_n will_v have_v to_o be_v true_a though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o sound_v reason_n and_o religion_n which_o if_o they_o have_v regard_v will_v have_v direct_v they_o to_o make_v another_o construction_n of_o holy_a write_n all_o the_o metaphor_n for_o instance_n and_o resemblance_n borrow_v from_o thing_n visible_a to_o represent_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n heavenly_a kingdom_n make_v the_o miserable_a jew_n as_o their_o forefather_n do_v before_o they_o still_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o pleasant_a dream_n of_o a_o glorious_a pompous_a monarchy_n here_o on_o earth_n though_o the_o prophet_n in_o as_o plain_a word_n as_o can_v be_v devise_v represent_v christ_n their_o king_n as_o a_o man_n of_o suffering_n who_o shall_v endure_v great_a indignity_n than_o any_o man_n ever_o do_v and_o at_o last_o die_v and_o so_o rise_v again_o to_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n from_o thence_o to_o fill_v all_o the_o earth_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o thereby_o make_v they_o pious_a subject_n of_o a_o divine_a kingdom_n this_o drowsiness_n be_v so_o hereditary_a to_o their_o nation_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o their_o slumber_n by_o consider_v how_o much_o more_o the_o soul_n be_v god_n care_n than_o the_o body_n and_o what_o the_o prophet_n speak_v concern_v christ_n government_n over_o man_n mind_n and_o conscience_n and_o the_o reformation_n he_o shall_v come_v to_o make_v in_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n some_o christian_n have_v be_v delude_v with_o the_o same_o fancy_n as_o if_o they_o have_v dream_v upon_o their_o pillow_n but_o there_o be_v more_o palpable_a instance_n of_o the_o abuse_v commit_v among_o they_o not_o by_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o forbid_v but_o by_o not_o observe_v the_o rule_n i_o be_o now_o establish_v it_o be_v usual_a for_o people_n even_o in_o the_o ancient_a time_n of_o christianity_n to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n according_a to_o their_o fancy_n mere_o to_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n just_a as_o many_o make_v it_o do_v now_o for_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o who_o after_o their_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n still_o follow_v the_o trade_n of_o make_v idol_n and_o image_n for_o the_o heathen_a to_o worship_n defend_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v reprehend_v for_o it_o by_o a_o say_v in_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n vii_o 20._o which_o they_o thus_o contract_v ut_fw-la cuique_fw-la fuerit_fw-la inventus_fw-la ita_fw-la &_o perseveret_fw-la as_o every_o man_n be_v find_v when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o christianity_n so_o let_v he_o continue_v there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o read_v what_o follow_v but_o plain_o see_v if_o he_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o shut_v his_o eye_n against_o all_o that_o contradict_v his_o desire_n the_o apostle_n design_v nothing_o but_o that_o all_o man_n shall_v remain_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o condition_n in_o which_o they_o be_v when_o convert_v to_o christ_n that_o if_o they_o be_v mere_a slave_n they_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o continue_v so_o and_o not_o depart_v from_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n unless_o they_o will_v give_v they_o their_o liberty_n which_o he_o grant_v be_v much_o to_o be_v desire_v but_o if_o the_o follow_a word_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n yet_o the_o rule_n before_o mention_v will_v have_v sufficient_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o ill_a use_n they_o make_v of_o his_o word_n for_o as_o tertullian_n well_o observe_v in_o his_o book_n of_o idolatry_n cap._n v._o where_o he_o treat_v of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v a_o interpretation_n that_o direct_o lead_v to_o all_o wickedness_n possumus_fw-la igitur_fw-la omnes_fw-la in_o peccatis_fw-la perseverare_fw-la ex_fw-la ista_fw-la interpretatione_n etc._n etc._n as_o his_o word_n be_v we_o may_v all_o then_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o this_o interpretation_n for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o we_o who_o be_v not_o find_v a_o sinner_n when_o he_o be_v call_v into_o christ_n service_n who_o come_v down_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n but_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n they_o also_o abuse_v he_o observe_v there_o some_o other_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n wherein_o he_o require_v that_o after_o his_o example_n every_o man_n shall_v work_v and_o get_v his_o live_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n 1_o cor._n iu_o 10._o 2_o thess_n iii_o 9_o 10._o by_o which_o precept_n if_o all_o that_o man_n wrought_v with_o their_o hand_n may_v be_v defend_v then_o thief_n and_o highway_n man_n and_o coiner_n of_o false_a money_n and_o all_o other_o wicked_a person_n will_v be_v justify_v by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o these_o image-maker_n who_o allege_v they_o in_o a_o word_n let_v the_o gate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v set_v wide_o open_a say_v he_o for_o all_o comer_n who_o live_v by_o their_o labour_n if_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n of_o such_o art_n and_o trade_n as_o the_o discipline_n of_o god_n do_v not_o receive_v and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n itself_o teach_v we_o this_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o difficult_a place_n only_o which_o man_n wrest_v to_o their_o destruction_n but_o the_o plain_a also_o when_o thereby_o they_o can_v have_v some_o colour_n for_o their_o evil_a practice_n as_o for_o example_n what_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n never_o give_v any_o encouragement_n by_o his_o doctrine_n for_o man_n to_o say_v much_o less_o say_v thus_o himself_o let_v we_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v that_o be_v a_o good_a end_n will_v warrant_v evil_a action_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v so_o audacious_a as_o to_o affirm_v he_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n who_o he_o content_v himself_o to_o confute_v with_o these_o few_o word_n and_o vouchsafe_v they_o no_o other_o answer_n who_o damnation_n be_v just_a iii_o rome_n 8._o there_o be_v no_o ground_n that_o be_v for_o such_o a_o interpretation_n of_o his_o word_n but_o only_o their_o own_o evil_a principle_n and_o affection_n which_o lead_v they_o to_o make_v this_o conclusion_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n and_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v for_o such_o man_n but_o they_o will_v perish_v and_o nothing_o be_v more_o just_a than_o that_o god_n shall_v leave_v they_o under_o condemnation_n who_o pervert_v holy_a word_n to_o a_o meaning_n so_o cross_a to_o all_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v truth_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o occumenius_n upon_o this_o very_a text_n of_o st._n peter_n gives_z another_z such_o like_a instance_n of_o wrest_v st._n paul_n word_n which_o he_o say_v may_v serve_v instead_o of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v v._o rom._n 20._o where_o sin_n abound_v grace_n do_v much_o more_o abound_v ungodly_a man_n
pervert_v his_o sense_n say_v we_o have_v paul_n on_o our_o side_n who_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o sin_v the_o more_o abundant_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o abundant_o pardon_v which_o they_o do_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n say_v st._n peter_n for_o they_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o that_o destrey_n and_o takeaway_n their_o word_n by_o a_o perverse_a interpretation_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o condemnation_n because_o they_o slay_v they_o that_o the_o world_n may_v be_v no_o long_o teach_v by_o they_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n wrest_v or_o put_v upon_o the_o rack_n their_o word_n that_o none_o by_o they_o may_v work_v out_o their_o salvation_n again_o what_o be_v there_o clear_a in_o the_o apostolical_a write_n than_o that_o they_o every_o where_n teach_v god_n will_v raise_v the_o dead_a at_o the_o last_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v those_o who_o wrest_v these_o word_n so_o foul_o that_o some_o say_v the_o resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o of_o who_o be_v hymenaeus_n and_o philetas_n 2_o tim._n ii_o 17_o 18._o and_o other_o say_v there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n 1_o cor._n xv._o 12._o and_o other_o say_v christ_n will_v never_o come_v again_o but_o laugh_v at_o his_o promise_n of_o come_v to_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o at_o his_o threaten_n of_o come_v to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o in_o this_o very_a chapter_n v._o 3_o 4._o know_v this_o first_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n there_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o scoff_a saying_n where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n for_o since_o the_o first_o man_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v have_v the_o impudence_n to_o affirm_v it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o disprove_v they_o have_v they_o not_o affect_v as_o he_o show_v v._o 5._o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v as_o plain_o record_v in_o the_o holy_a book_n as_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o that_o there_o have_v already_o be_v long_o ago_o a_o great_a change_n make_v by_o the_o flood_n which_o sweep_v away_o the_o world_n of_o the_o ungodly_a which_o if_o they_o have_v be_v serious_a will_v have_v keep_v they_o from_o mock_v at_o another_o destruction_n threaten_v to_o the_o wicked_a with_o a_o promise_n of_o salvation_n to_o the_o godly_a at_o our_o saviour_n second_n come_v and_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o what_o be_v past_a as_o a_o example_n of_o the_o like_a future_a judgement_n i_o may_v give_v more_o numerous_a instance_n which_o will_v prove_v something_o beyond_o this_o that_o unpurged_a mind_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a soul_n will_v not_o only_o wrest_v plain_a truth_n to_o serve_v their_o lust_n and_o humour_n but_o thereby_o be_v apt_a to_o grow_v more_o wicked_a and_o more_o prejudice_v against_o god_n and_o goodness_n for_o the_o opinion_n or_o presumption_n as_o be_v excellent_o observe_v by_o a_o great_a man_n that_o any_o of_o our_o evil_a action_n or_o disposition_n be_v countenance_v from_o god_n word_n do_v mighty_o heighten_v they_o in_o a_o degree_n of_o evil_n more_o than_o usual_a the_o covetous_a niggardly_a and_o unmerciful_a for_o instance_n if_o they_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o precept_n of_o frugality_n and_o diligence_n be_v exceed_o stiffen_a and_o root_v in_o those_o sin_n with_o the_o pleasure_n they_o take_v in_o their_o conceit_a conformity_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o avoid_v riot_n and_o luxury_n sloth_n and_o negligence_n and_o thus_o the_o stubborn_a and_o self-willed_a be_v encourage_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n by_o the_o commendation_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o constant_a and_o the_o well-resolved_n and_o the_o malicious_a turbulent_a and_o seditious_a spirit_n justify_v their_o bitterness_n fury_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n from_o the_o example_n of_o excessive_a zeal_n or_o indignation_n swell_v in_o holy_a man_n upon_o just_a occasion_n and_o that_o perhaps_o by_o a_o special_a divine_a incitation_n which_o be_v not_o by_o any_o man_n to_o be_v now_o imitate_v but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o leave_v this_o and_o to_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o other_o ii_o it_o be_v no_o less_o usual_a for_o want_v of_o observe_v this_o plain_a rule_n to_o press_v one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o scripture_n to_o serve_v for_o different_a purpose_n unto_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a oracle_n which_o man_n from_o hence_o imagine_v have_v a_o uncertain_a find_v i_o may_v instance_n in_o some_o very_a ancient_a abuse_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n x._o matth._n 25._o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o disciple_n that_o he_o be_v as_o his_o master_n may_v be_v strain_v to_o prove_v no_o body_n know_v how_o many_o absurdity_n you_o may_v guess_v at_o the_o rest_n by_o this_o one_o that_o it_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o ebionite_n to_o prove_v that_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v circumcise_v because_o christ_n their_o master_n be_v as_o epiphanius_n express_o remember_v and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n may_v be_v urge_v to_o prove_v that_o no_o christian_n ought_v to_o marry_v because_o christ_n their_o master_n never_o marry_v but_o there_o be_v modern_a instance_n more_o than_o enough_o of_o this_o such_o as_o show_v that_o not_o only_o ignorant_a people_n but_o the_o most_o instruct_v in_o humane_a learning_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n notorious_o if_o they_o keep_v not_o close_o to_o principle_n of_o know_a morality_n and_o piety_n from_o those_o two_o word_n pasce_fw-la oves_fw-la feed_v my_o sheep_n i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o thing_n be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n if_o you_o ask_v how_o they_o prove_v the_o pope_n monarchy_n and_o supreme_a dominion_n in_o the_o church_n the_o answer_n be_v christ_n say_v to_o peter_n simon_n bar-jona_n feed_v my_o sheep_n i._n e._n say_v bellarmine_n regio_fw-la more_fw-it impera_fw-la command_v after_o a_o regal_a manner_n if_o you_o ask_v again_o by_o what_o right_o he_o challenge_v to_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n which_o ancient_o be_v think_v to_o belong_v to_o general_n council_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o same_o doctor_n tell_v you_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o same_o word_n feed_v my_o sheep_n hence_o he_o prove_v also_o his_o infallibility_n or_o that_o he_o can_v err_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n because_o christ_n say_v feed_v my_o sheep_n nay_o by_o the_o same_o word_n a_o four_o prerogative_n be_v establish_v which_o be_v a_o power_n to_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o think_v good_a they_o be_v allege_v also_o for_o a_o five_o purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o have_v a_o treasure_n make_v up_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o saint_n which_o he_o dispense_v as_o he_o please_v to_o the_o faithful_a for_o so_o the_o same_o doctor_n teach_v in_o his_o book_n of_o indulgence_n because_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n by_o which_o wonderful_a word_n also_o he_o and_o other_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o pope_n can_v transfer_v kingdom_n absolve_v subject_n from_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o depose_v they_o from_o their_o throne_n and_o becanus_n from_o the_o same_o word_n still_o gather_v that_o he_o may_v inflict_v temporal_a punishment_n as_o they_o call_v they_o not_o except_v death_n upon_o those_o prince_n that_o be_v disobedient_a to_o he_o so_o strange_o be_v man_n bend_v to_o force_v the_o meaning_n of_o holy_a writ_n though_o they_o have_v never_o so_o good_a part_n and_o great_a learning_n when_o they_o have_v once_o forsake_v the_o guidance_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o the_o obvious_a notion_n of_o christianity_n nay_o the_o more_o witty_a they_o be_v the_o worse_o they_o be_v if_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o conscience_n and_o keep_v not_o strict_o to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n there_o be_v another_o example_n to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n from_o those_o word_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n etc._n etc._n one_o be_v content_a to_o prove_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o the_o universal_a church_n can_v err_v but_o another_o from_o hence_o affirm_v that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o present_a church_n can_v err_v which_o will_v not_o satisfy_v other_o who_o conclude_v from_o the_o same_o word_n that_o the_o pope_n can_v err_v and_o there_o be_v those_o who_o
that_o be_v thus_o enter_v we_o can_v continue_v in_o that_o state_n unless_o according_a to_o our_o holy_a purpose_n we_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n what_o he_o say_v of_o god_n harden_v man_n heart_n be_v not_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o those_o who_o be_v not_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a but_o be_v skilful_a in_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o of_o true_a christianity_n and_o who_o be_v root_v in_o they_o so_o that_o they_o hold_v they_o fast_o whatscever_o expression_n there_o may_v be_v that_o seem_v to_o contradict_v they_o but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o draw_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o treatise_n which_o shall_v end_v as_o it_o begin_v the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n it_o appear_v be_v most_o pure_a and_o sincere_a in_o this_o point_n and_o most_o conformable_a to_o what_o we_o find_v deliver_v by_o the_o holy_a doctor_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o best_a age_n and_o therefore_o no_o member_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v persuade_v for_o any_o reason_n to_o lay_v aside_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o there_o be_v a_o more_o pious_a course_n to_o which_o they_o themselves_o direct_v we_o which_o be_v to_o learn_v those_o thing_n well_o which_o we_o can_v misapprehend_v if_o we_o mind_v they_o and_o which_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o misapprehend_v all_o other_o thing_n if_o we_o stick_v to_o they_o and_o will_v not_o desert_v they_o let_v that_o be_v your_o first_o business_n to_o learn_v all_o general_n truth_n which_o comprehend_v the_o particular_a in_o they_o and_o when_o you_o have_v learn_v they_o receive_v no_o particular_a opinion_n which_o cross_v those_o general_a truth_n for_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v false_a because_o one_o truth_n can_v cross_v another_o and_o all_o conclusion_n must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o prime_a truth_n which_o ought_v to_o stand_v unmoveable_a but_o above_o all_o let_v we_o establish_v those_o truth_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o be_v good_a for_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n about_o this_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v devout_o religious_a and_o sober_a and_o just_a and_o temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n meek_a also_o humble_a patient_a ready_a to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o forgive_v and_o if_o we_o exercise_v ourselves_o continual_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a virtue_n which_o be_v evident_o teach_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a book_n they_o will_v preserve_v we_o from_o make_v any_o ill_a use_n of_o any_o thing_n we_o read_v there_o and_o teach_v we_o to_o turn_v all_o we_o read_v into_o our_o nourishment_n and_o increase_n in_o true_a godliness_n hear_v the_o first_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o in_o read_v god_n word_n he_o most_o profit_v not_o always_o that_o be_v most_o ready_a in_o turn_v of_o the_o book_n or_o in_o say_v of_o it_o without_o book_n but_o he_o that_o be_v most_o turn_v into_o it_o that_o be_v most_o inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n most_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n alter_v and_o change_v into_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o read_v he_o that_o be_v daily_o less_o and_o less_o proud_a less_o wrathful_a less_o covetous_a and_o less_o desirous_a of_o worldly_a and_o vain_a pleasure_n he_o that_o daily_o for_o sake_z his_o old_a vicious_a life_n increase_v in_o virtue_n more_o and_o more_o and_o to_o be_v short_a there_o be_v nothing_o that_o more_o maintain_v godliness_n of_o mind_n and_o drive_v away_o ungodliness_n than_o do_v the_o continual_a read_n or_o hear_v of_o god_n word_n if_o it_o be_v join_v with_o a_o godly_a mind_n and_o a_o good_a affection_n to_o know_v and_o follow_v god_n will._n for_o without_o a_o single_a eye_n pure_a intent_n and_o good_a mind_n nothing_o be_v allow_v for_o good_a before_o god_n objection_n the_o great_a objection_n against_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v that_o notwithstanding_o these_o direction_n layman_n we_o see_v do_v abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o which_o be_v more_o the_o reading_z of_o they_o have_v breed_v infinite_a heresy_n and_o therefore_o the_o safe_a course_n be_v to_o forbid_v they_o to_o be_v read_v by_o the_o common_a people_n answer_n i._n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o which_o a_o answer_n have_v be_v return_v already_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n so_o useful_a and_o necessary_a but_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v and_o yet_o it_o must_v not_o therefore_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o vulgar_a people_n for_o their_o common_a benefit_n what_o more_o useful_a nay_o necessary_a than_o fire_n and_o yet_o malicious_a or_o negligent_a people_n may_v burn_v the_o best_a house_n that_o be_v with_o it_o which_o they_o shall_v only_o warm_v but_o beside_o this_o i_o have_v one_o short_a reply_n more_o to_o make_v that_o none_o have_v be_v more_o guilty_a of_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n than_o they_o who_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v guide_n to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n by_o a_o sound_a interpretation_n thereof_o example_n of_o which_o i_o be_o not_o dispose_v to_o name_n unless_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o untoward_a as_o to_o deny_v it_o and_o then_o a_o great_a many_o may_v be_v produce_v like_v to_o that_o of_o he_o who_o because_o moses_n say_v if_o a_o beast_n touch_v the_o mountain_n let_v it_o be_v stone_v conclude_v that_o no_o simple_a or_o unlearned_a man_n aught_o to_o presume_v to_o meddle_v with_o the_o sublimity_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n a_o hard_a case_n this_o that_o vulgar_a people_n shall_v be_v treat_v like_o beast_n but_o thus_o learned_a man_n will_v misinterpret_v scripture_n when_o they_o be_v incline_v only_o to_o serve_v their_o cause_n and_o be_v as_o forward_o if_o they_o be_v not_o disinterest_v to_o mislead_v the_o people_n as_o the_o people_n be_v to_o mislead_v themselves_o answer_v ii_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n i_o shall_v give_v something_o full_a satisfaction_n i._o and_o first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o all_o heresy_n have_v spring_v from_o man_n read_v the_o scripture_n or_o from_o their_o misunderstand_v they_o but_o rather_o from_o their_o not_o read_v they_o as_o st._n chrysostom_n you_o have_v hear_v be_v of_o opinion_n who_o word_n i_o have_v quote_v more_o than_o once_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n xxii_o matth._n 29._o you_o do_v err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o what_o natural_a reason_n teach_v concern_v god_n omnipotency_n as_o well_o as_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v about_o the_o resurrection_n here_o it_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o observe_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o father_n observe_v all_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n do_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o st._n austin_n lib._n iii_o cap._n 9_o de_fw-fr genesi_fw-la ad_fw-la literam_fw-la for_o neither_o do_v all_o heretic_n read_v the_o catholic_n scripture_n nor_o be_v they_o heretic_n for_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o not_o understand_v they_o aright_o pertinacious_o assert_v their_o own_o false_a opinion_n against_o their_o truth_n and_o thus_o st._n hierom_n in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o vii_o of_o hosea_n all_o the_o question_n of_o the_o heretic_n and_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v the_o same_o because_o they_o follow_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o sense_n of_o humane_a reason_n second_o they_o observe_v that_o the_o man_n who_o pretend_v most_o to_o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o heresy_n viz._n the_o philosopher_n thus_o tertullian_n in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o martion_n speak_v of_o the_o professor_n of_o wisdom_n say_v de_fw-fr quorum_fw-la ingeniis_fw-la omnis_fw-la haeresis_fw-la animatur_fw-la from_o who_o wit_n all_o heresy_n be_v beget_v and_o encourage_v and_o more_o full_o in_o his_o book_n of_o prescription_n cap._n 7._o ipsae_fw-la denique_fw-la haereses_fw-la à _fw-la philosophia_fw-la animantur_fw-la heresy_n themselves_o have_v life_n give_v they_o from_o philosophy_n for_o the_o aeones_n come_v out_o of_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n marcion_n god_n come_v from_o the_o stoic_n and_o the_o soul_n mortality_n from_o the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n be_v take_v from_o one_o school_n of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v show_v how_o the_o fable_n the_o endless_a genealogy_n the_o unprofitable_a question_n and_o dispute_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n come_v out_o of_o the_o same_o forge_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o when_o he_o give_v the_o colossian_n a_o caveat_n
against_o vain_a philosophy_n ii_o col._n 8._o from_o whence_o we_o may_v note_v that_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o assign_v the_o original_a of_o heresy_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o it_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o lead_v we_o into_o they_o three_o and_o there_o be_v a_o three_o cause_n of_o they_o mention_v in_o scripture_n also_o viz._n the_o tradition_n of_o man_n vii_o mark_z 7_o 8._o and_o thus_o firmilian_a observe_v in_o his_o letter_n to_o st._n cyprian_n that_o martion_n the_o disciple_n of_o cerdo_n a_o great_a while_n after_o the_o apostle_n induxit_fw-la sacrilegaem_fw-la adversus_fw-la deum_fw-la traditionem_fw-la bring_v in_o a_o sacrilegious_a tradition_n against_o god_n apelles_n also_o consent_v to_o his_o blasphemy_n add_v multa_fw-la alia_fw-la nova_fw-la many_o other_o novelty_n which_o be_v more_o grievous_a and_o direct_o opposite_a to_o faith_n and_o truth_n and_o so_o do_v valentinus_n and_o basilides_n who_o rebel_v against_o god_n church_n by_o their_o wicked_a forgery_n and_o thus_o st._n hierom_n introduce_v heretic_n maintain_v their_o error_n in_o the_o very_a dialect_n of_o the_o now_o roman_a doctor_n we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o those_o wise_a man_n who_o from_o the_o beginning_n deliver_v unto_o we_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n etc._n etc._n lib._n vii_o in_o esaiam_n cap._n xix_o but_o s._n cyprian_n every_o where_o appeal_v from_o all_o pretend_a tradition_n whatsoever_o unto_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n i._n e._n unto_o scripture-tradition_n particular_o in_o that_o famous_a epistle_n of_o he_o to_o pompeius_n all_o religious_a and_o simple_a mind_n have_v a_o compendious_a mean_n both_o to_o lay_v aside_o error_n and_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n nam_fw-la si_fw-la ad_fw-la divinae_fw-la traditionis_fw-la caput_fw-la &_o originem_fw-la revertamur_fw-la cessat_fw-la error_n humanus_fw-la for_o if_o we_o go_v back_o to_o the_o head_n and_o original_a of_o divine_a tradition_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o humane_a error_n and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o this_o divine_a tradition_n when_o he_o say_v if_o there_o be_v any_o doubt_n any_o waver_a about_o the_o truth_n let_v we_o return_v ad_fw-la originem_fw-la dominicam_fw-la &_o evangelicam_fw-la &_o apostolicam_fw-la traditionem_fw-la to_o our_o lord_n be_v original_a or_o beginning_n both_o the_o evangelical_n and_o apostolical_a tradition_n that_o be_v to_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n four_o another_o spring_n of_o heresy_n be_v pretend_v revelation_n thus_o the_o cataphrygae_n as_o the_o same_o firmilian_a tell_v we_o &_o novas_fw-la prophetias_fw-la usurpare_fw-la conantur_fw-la endeavour_v also_o to_o make_v use_n of_o new_a prophecy_n and_o a_o little_a after_o we_o know_v they_o can_v have_v christ_n who_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o their_o false_a prophecy_n against_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o whence_o they_o have_v their_o illumination_n who_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n invent_v a_o five_o gospel_n which_o threaten_v the_o overthrow_n of_o our_o four_a be_v not_o hard_a to_o resolve_v not_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a and_o therefore_o the_o take_v away_o they_o from_o the_o people_n will_v not_o prevent_v all_o heresy_n but_o they_o will_v start_v up_o as_o they_o have_v do_v from_o other_o cause_n and_o they_o will_v the_o soon_o start_v up_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v neglect_v ii_o but_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o as_o heresy_n will_v spring_v up_o from_o other_o cause_n though_o man_n do_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n so_o layman_n have_v not_o be_v always_o the_o deviser_n of_o they_o but_o they_o to_o who_o none_o deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n for_o the_o most_o pernicious_a heresy_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n have_v their_o beginning_n from_o priest_n as_o appear_v by_o arius_n and_o nestorius_n and_o indeed_o no_o man_n can_v frame_v a_o heresy_n but_o he_o that_o be_v of_o excellent_a part_n as_o st._n hierom_n opinion_n be_v who_o word_n be_v these_o upon_o the_o x._o of_o hosea_n no_o man_n can_v devise_v and_o set_v up_o a_o heresy_n but_o he_o that_o be_v arden_n ingenii_fw-la of_o a_o extraordinary_a wit_n and_o have_v gift_n of_o nature_n create_v by_o god_n the_o great_a artificer_n such_o be_v valentinus_n such_o be_v martion_n who_o we_o read_v to_o have_v be_v most_o learned_a such_o be_v bardesanes_n who_o wit_n the_o philosopher_n themselves_o admire_v and_o therefore_o either_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v whole_o lay_v aside_o the_o great_a man_n for_o learning_n and_o part_n be_v apt_a to_o abuse_v they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o humble_a and_o thorough_o good_a or_o man_n must_v be_v teach_v how_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o read_n of_o they_o and_o what_o to_o seek_v for_o there_o and_o then_o any_o body_n may_v safe_o take_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n and_o make_v they_o their_o constant_a companion_n iii_o it_o must_v likewise_o be_v further_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v something_o else_o to_o be_v fear_v beside_o heresy_n and_o that_o be_v stupid_a ignorance_n or_o gross_a infidelity_n which_o experience_n show_v we_o have_v follow_v upon_o the_o take_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n even_o as_o darkness_n come_v and_o cover_v the_o earth_n when_o the_o light_n be_v withdraw_v from_o it_o and_o ought_v we_o not_o in_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v as_o studious_a and_o solicitous_a to_o prevent_v these_o as_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n since_o they_o be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a or_o rather_o more_o dangerous_a by_o far_o even_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o they_o make_v man_n liable_a to_o fall_v into_o the_o most_o sottish_a superstition_n if_o not_o into_o downright_a idolatry_n which_o be_v a_o worse_a thing_n than_o heresy_n how_o image_n come_v to_o be_v layman_n book_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o relate_v the_o matter_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o how_o image-worship_n thence_o arise_v and_o how_o fatal_a this_o have_v be_v to_o the_o vulgar_a people_n i_o have_v not_o room_n to_o discourse_v nor_o how_o legend_n of_o saint_n be_v invent_v full_a of_o absurd_a and_o incredible_a story_n which_o have_v disgrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o tempt_v many_o to_o disbelieve_v the_o true_a history_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n miraculous_a operation_n but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v devise_v to_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n may_v have_v something_o to_o entertain_v they_o when_o they_o be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n at_o least_o of_o that_o these_o fabulous_a story_n be_v recommend_v to_o the_o people_n affection_n when_o they_o be_v fright_v from_o meddle_v with_o the_o bible_n as_o a_o dangerous_a book_n nay_o when_o it_o be_v credit_n be_v disgrace_v by_o many_o word_n of_o reproach_n which_o we_o in_o this_o church_n think_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o wipe_v off_o by_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o people_n best_a affection_n and_o constant_a perusal_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o sottish_a ignorance_n and_o stupid_a imposture_n and_o all_o vain_a superstition_n and_o false_a worship_n iu._n nor_o be_v it_o easy_a for_o our_o people_n by_o this_o mean_n to_o fall_v into_o heresy_n because_o they_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o interpret_v to_o they_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o they_o be_v teach_v continual_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o by_o sundry_a tract_n exposition_n and_o paraphrase_n allow_v by_o public_a authority_n particular_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n care_n be_v take_v that_o erasmus_n his_o paraphrase_n shall_v be_v place_v in_o every_o parish-church_n of_o the_o realm_n in_o which_o he_o do_v not_o follow_v his_o own_o private_a fancy_n but_o like_o a_o true_o great_a man_n represent_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n v._o now_o if_o after_o all_o this_o man_n do_v fall_v into_o heresy_n it_o must_v be_v impute_v to_o some_o other_o cause_n than_o their_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o if_o they_o have_v mind_v they_o they_o will_v have_v learn_v to_o be_v humble_a modest_a peaceable_a tractable_a to_o their_o guide_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o those_o who_o cause_n division_n and_o be_v proud_a and_o dote_v about_o question_n and_o strise_n of_o word_n and_o that_o creep_v into_o house_n to_o instill_v private_a doctrine_n and_o very_o frequent_o lead_v man_n from_o the_o scripture_n to_o pretend_a revelation_n or_o tradition_n that_o be_v they_o will_v not_o have_v fall_v into_o any_o sort_n of_o heresy_n but_o keep_v unto_o the_o wholesome_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v
according_a unto_o godliness_n unto_o which_o if_o man_n will_v not_o attend_v there_o be_v no_o remedy_n they_o will_v fall_v into_o heresy_n or_o worse_a whether_o they_o read_v the_o scripture_n or_o read_v they_o not_o the_o scripture_n itself_o tell_v we_o as_o much_o that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n 1_o cor._n xi_o 19_o that_o be_v god_n will_v not_o hinder_v it_o unless_o man_n will_v be_v guide_v by_o he_o and_o be_v true_o good_a but_o he_o have_v a_o very_a good_a end_n as_o it_o there_o follow_v in_o permit_v it_o which_o be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v manifest_a who_o be_v honest-hearted_a christian_n sincere_o in_o love_n with_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o who_o be_v not_o and_o that_o must_v be_v the_o care_n of_o every_o good_a man_n not_o to_o take_v or_o throw_v away_o the_o scripture_n to_o prevent_v heresy_n but_o if_o heresy_n do_v arise_v to_o endeavour_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o approve_v his_o integrity_n unto_o god_n by_o steadfast_a continuance_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n must_v he_o govern_v himself_o if_o the_o guide_n of_o his_o soul_n do_v not_o perform_v their_o duty_n which_o i_o shall_v represent_v in_o the_o word_n of_o erasmus_n out_o of_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n before_o his_o annotation_n on_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v the_o pastor_n office_n to_o distribute_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n to_o the_o people_n but_o what_o if_o they_o do_v not_o their_o duty_n what_o must_v the_o people_n do_v they_o must_v implore_v the_o help_n of_o the_o supreme_a pastor_n christ_n jesus_n who_o still_o live_v and_o have_v not_o forsake_v the_o care_n of_o his_o flock_n but_o be_v solicit_v by_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o his_o people_n will_v do_v what_o be_v promise_v in_o ezekiel_n behold_v i_o will_v both_o search_v my_o sheep_n and_o seek_v they_o out_o as_o a_o shepherd_n seek_v out_o his_o flock_n in_o the_o day_n that_o they_o be_v scatter_v so_o will_v i_o seek_v out_o my_o sheep_n and_o will_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o all_o place_n where_o they_o have_v be_v scatter_v in_o the_o cloudy_a and_o dark_a day_n with_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o there_o follow_v xxx_o ezek._n 12_o 13_o etc._n etc._n the_o vulgar_a people_n be_v sheep_n but_o endue_v with_o reason_n and_o out_o of_o those_o sheep_n be_v pastor_n make_v and_o sometime_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o sheep_n may_v know_v more_o than_o his_o pastor_n as_o a_o layman_n therefore_o ought_v not_o seditious_o to_o rebel_v against_o the_o priest_n lest_o that_o order_n be_v confound_v which_o st._n paul_n will_v have_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o the_o priest_n ought_v not_o to_o exercise_v tyranny_n over_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o they_o do_v the_o sedition_n will_v lie_v at_o their_o door_n when_o the_o pastor_n do_v their_o duty_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reverent_o hear_v as_o angel_n of_o god_n by_o who_o christ_n speak_v to_o we_o and_o when_o they_o teach_v unsincere_o the_o people_n must_v pick_v out_o all_o that_o be_v good_a if_o there_o be_v any_o mix_v with_o it_o but_o if_o they_o teach_v not_o at_o all_o or_o teach_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_o repugnant_a to_o the_o gospel_n let_v every_o man_n refresh_v his_o soul_n with_o private_a read_n and_o christ_n who_o promise_v to_o be_v present_a when_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n will_v not_o be_v want_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o one_o soul_n that_o meditate_v pious_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n in_o vain_a be_v six_o thousand_o gather_v together_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o name_n now_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n who_o have_v respect_n to_o nothing_o but_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n conclusion_n i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o great_a man_n st._n athanasius_n who_o write_v a_o little_a treatise_n on_o purpose_n to_o reprove_v the_o audaciousness_n as_o he_o call_v it_o of_o those_o who_o say_v that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o look_v into_o the_o scripture_n and_o bad_a man_n not_o to_o search_v into_o they_o nor_o to_o speak_v out_o of_o they_o but_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v receive_v for_o search_v into_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o do_v but_o make_v thing_n more_o obscure_a to_o which_o he_o reply_v many_o thing_n which_o i_o may_v digest_v into_o head_n but_o i_o shall_v present_v they_o to_o the_o reader_n just_a as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o second_o tome_n of_o his_o work_n pag._n 295._o of_o the_o paris_n edition_n mdcxxvii_o this_o very_a assertion_n say_v he_o show_v the_o inconsistency_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o that_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o support_v it_o he_o mean_v they_o will_v not_o be_v afraid_a man_n shall_v search_v into_o the_o scripture_n if_o they_o think_v what_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o will_v be_v there_o justify_v but_o we_o trust_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o mystery_n i._n e._n the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o help_n of_o he_o who_o can_v lie_v who_o say_v every_o one_o that_o seek_v shall_v find_v therefore_o we_o seek_v as_o we_o ought_v and_o we_o find_v what_o we_o ought_v and_o we_o speak_v with_o demonstration_n and_o we_o hear_v with_o a_o genuine_a intention_n that_o we_o may_v persuade_v our_o domestics_n and_o that_o we_o may_v confute_v our_o adversary_n and_o that_o we_o may_v by_o our_o search_n be_v gainer_n ourselves_o and_o not_o propound_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a unto_o other_o will_v you_o have_v i_o neglect_v the_o scripture_n whence_o then_o shall_v i_o have_v knowledge_n will_v you_o not_o have_v i_o to_o mind_n knowledge_n but_o whence_o then_o shall_v i_o have_v faith_n paul_n cry_v how_o shall_v they_o believe_v unless_o they_o hear_v and_o again_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o then_o who_o forbid_v the_o word_n obstruct_v hear_v and_o throw_v out_o faith_n no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o roman_a law_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o empire_n without_o danger_n they_o then_o who_o forbid_v we_o to_o study_v and_o learn_v the_o great_a oracle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n what_o kind_n of_o mischief_n do_v they_o not_o crafty_o contrive_v against_o we_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o food_n of_o the_o soul_n cease_v then_o o_o man_n to_o starve_v the_o inward_a man_n and_o to_o kill_v it_o with_o hunger_n introduce_v a_o famine_n not_o of_o bread_n nor_o of_o water_n but_o of_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v one_o that_o inflict_v wound_n and_o do_v thou_o forbid_v the_o application_n of_o medicine_n for_o shame_n do_v not_o talk_v as_o if_o the_o various_a wisdom_n in_o the_o book_n of_o physician_n be_v vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n one_o may_v as_o well_o he_o mean_v bid_v people_n not_o mind_n their_o prescription_n though_o there_o be_v many_o disease_n in_o the_o world_n as_o not_o read_v the_o scripture_n when_o their_o soul_n be_v in_o danger_n reverence_n that_o lover_n of_o god_n word_n the_o eunuch_n who_o do_v not_o neglect_v read_v upon_o the_o road_n who_o good_a intention_n our_o lord_n accept_v send_v he_o straightway_o a_o instructor_n who_o make_v he_o understand_v what_o he_o read_v and_z by_o the_o scripture_n bring_v he_o to_o his_o saviour_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n command_v search_v the_o scripture_n by_o search_v mean_v careful_a and_o sober_a inquiry_n into_o hide_a thing_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o thing_n obscure_a the_o confirmation_n of_o hope_n the_o event_n of_o promise_n the_o find_v of_o our_o saviour_n according_a to_o that_o we_o have_v find_v he_o of_o who_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n write_v paul_n himself_o use_v scripture_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o if_o he_o that_o hear_v ineffable_a thing_n he_o that_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o secret_n he_o that_o have_v christ_n speak_v in_o he_o do_v not_o simple_o use_v his_o own_o private_a authority_n without_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n how_o can_v we_o with_o safety_n now_o neglect_v the_o divine_a legislation_n and_o speak_v what_o we_o think_v good_a out_o of_o our_o own_o heart_n but_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n transcend_v our_o conception_n i_o say_v so_o too_o and_o this_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o thing_n be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o seek_v after_o as_o be_v attainable_a for_o it_o be_v neither_o pious_a to_o venture_v upon_o all_o thing_n nor_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o holiness_n to_o neglect_v all_o thing_n what_o we_o worship_v we_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v write_v we_o know_v what_o we_o worship_v but_o how_o great_a or_o what_o kind_n or_o after_o what_o manner_n or_o where_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o madman_n to_o inquire_v they_o that_o will_v have_v none_o to_o judge_v of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o themselves_o deter_v man_n from_o read_v the_o scripture_n pretend_v it_o be_v immodest_a to_o pry_v into_o such_o inaccessible_a thing_n but_o in_o truth_n fear_v to_o be_v convince_v out_o of_o they_o of_o hold_v bad_a opinion_n i_o omit_v the_o rest_n which_o be_v but_o little_o more_o than_o i_o have_v represent_v and_o shall_v end_v all_o with_o his_o word_n to_o macarius_n in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o his_o work_n against_o the_o gentile_n the_o holy_a and_o divine_o inspire_v scripture_n be_v sufficient_a of_o themselves_o for_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v many_o book_n compose_v about_o the_o same_o thing_n by_o our_o teacher_n of_o bless_a memory_n which_o if_o any_o man_n peruse_v he_o will_v know_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n he_o desire_v the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o part._n the_o end_n a_o catalogue_n of_o some_o book_n print_v for_o r._n royston_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o amen-corner_n book_n write_v by_o the_o reverend_a doctor_n patrick_n the_o christian_a sacrifice_n a_o treatise_n show_v the_o necessity_n end_n and_o manner_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n together_o with_o suitable_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n for_o every_o month_n in_o the_o year_n and_o for_o the_o principal_a festival_n in_o memory_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o four_o part_n the_o eight_o edition_n correct_v in_o octavo_n the_o devout_a christian_a instruct_v how_o to_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n or_o a_o book_n of_o devotion_n for_o family_n and_o particular_a person_n in_o most_o of_o the_o concern_v of_o humane_a life_n the_o five_o edition_n in_o twelves_o a_o advice_n to_o a_o friend_n the_o four_o edition_n in_o twelves_o jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n justify_v by_o witness_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n in_o two_o part_n in_o octavo_n the_o book_n of_o job_n paraphrase_v in_o octavo_n the_o book_n of_o psalm_n paraphrase_v in_o octavo_n the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o octavo_n the_o glorious_a epiphany_n with_o the_o devout_a christian_n love_n to_o it_o in_o octavo_n the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n paraphrase_a with_o the_o argument_n of_o each_o chapter_n which_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o comment_v in_o octavo_n a_o paraphrase_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n and_o the_o song_n of_o solomon_n with_o argument_n to_o each_o chapter_n and_o annotation_n thereupon_o in_o octavo_n new_a a_o book_n for_o beginner_n or_o a_o help_n to_o young_a communicant_n that_o they_o may_v be_v sit_v for_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o receive_v it_o with_o profit_n a_o friendly_a debate_n between_o a_o conformist_n and_o a_o nonconformist_a in_o two_o part_n the_o six_o edition_n correct_v and_o englarge_v a_o treatise_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o frequency_n of_o rece_n ving_z the_o holy_a communion_n with_o a_o resolution_n of_o doubt_n about_o it_o in_o three_o discourse_n begin_v upon_o whitsunday_n in_o the_o cathedral_n church_n of_o peterburgh_n new_a winter-evening_n conference_n between_o neighbour_n in_o two_o part_n the_o second_o edition_n correct_v in_o octavo_n the_o old_a religion_n demonstrate_v in_o its_o principle_n and_o describe_v in_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n thereof_o in_o twelves_o new_a 22_o sermon_n preach_v partly_o before_o his_o majesty_n at_o whitehall_n and_o partly_o before_o anne_n duchess_n of_o york_n at_o the_o chapel_n at_o st_n james_n by_o henry_n killigrew_n d._n d._n master_n of_o the_o savoy_n and_o almoner_n to_o his_o royal_a highness_n new_a in_o quarto_n animadversion_n upon_o a_o book_n entitle_v fanaticism_n fanatical_o impute_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o dr._n stillingfleet_n and_o the_o imputation_n refute_v and_o retort_v by_o s._n c._n by_o a_o person_n of_o honour_n the_o three_o edition_n in_o octavo_n the_o end_n of_o the_o catalogue_n