among_o the_o unbaptised_a and_o heathen_a multitude_n and_o learn_v again_o the_o element_n of_o that_o holy_a faith_n from_o which_o he_o have_v prevaricate_v and_o so_o in_o time_n be_v render_v capable_a of_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o afterward_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o eucharist_n but_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v think_v useless_a or_o dangerous_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o hear_v it_o be_v consequent_a that_o the_o state_n of_o audience_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o penance_n and_o that_o the_o next_o to_o it_o upon_o the_o selfsame_a principle_n shall_v be_v dismiss_v and_o so_o the_o long_a probation_n former_o require_v shall_v be_v supplant_v and_o the_o compendious_a way_n of_o pardon_v first_o and_o repent_v afterward_o the_o endless_a circle_n of_o sin_v and_o be_v absolve_v and_o then_o sin_v and_o be_v absolve_v again_o shall_v prevail_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o still_o obtain_v notwithstanding_o the_o complaint_n and_o irrefragable_a demonstration_n of_o learned_a man_n even_o of_o the_o romish_a communion_n who_o plain_o show_v this_o now_o receive_a method_n to_o be_v a_o innovation_n groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o most_o pernicious_a in_o its_o consequent_n 9_o and_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v not_o only_o by_o the_o learned_a but_o mean_a christian_a and_o the_o interest_n they_o have_v therein_o then_o be_v the_o ancient_a course_n of_o penance_n establish_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o first_o age_n and_o almost_o as_o many_o council_n whether_o general_a or_o local_a as_o have_v decree_v any_o thing_n concern_v discipline_n with_o the_o penitentiary_n book_n and_o canon_n which_o be_v write_v for_o the_o first_o eleven_o hundred_o year_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n for_o if_o even_o the_o unbaptised_a catechumen_n and_o the_o lapse_v sinner_n notwithstanding_o their_o slender_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n or_o frail_a pretence_n to_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o state_n of_o audience_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v the_o scripture_n read_v sure_o the_o mean_a unobnoxious_a laic_a be_v in_o as_o advantageous_a circumstance_n and_o may_v not_o only_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o read_n of_o those_o sacred_a book_n but_o may_v claim_v they_o as_o his_o birthright_n 10._o i_o may_v just_o over_o and_o above_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o allege_v impute_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o their_o withhold_v from_o the_o laity_n the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o many_o dangerous_a error_n gross_a ignorances_n and_o scandalous_a immorality_n which_o have_v prevail_v among_o they_o both_o it_o be_v no_o new_a method_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v like_o people_n like_o priest_n hos._n 4._o 9_o and_o that_o the_o idol_n shepherd_n who_o lead_v his_o flock_n into_o the_o ditch_n shall_v fall_v therein_o himself_o mat._n 15._o 14._o and_o as_o the_o prophet_n zachary_n describe_v it_o c._n 11._o 17._o the_o sword_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o arm_n and_o upon_o his_o right_a eye_n his_o arm_n shall_v be_v clean_o dry_v up_o and_o his_o right_a eye_n shall_v be_v utter_o darken_v 11._o but_o no_o consequence_n can_v be_v more_o obvious_o deducible_a from_o that_o practice_n than_o that_o man_n shall_v justify_v the_o withhold_a of_o the_o scripture_n by_o lessen_v its_o credit_n and_o depreciate_a its_o worth_a which_o have_v occasion_v those_o reproach_n which_o by_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o best_a note_n have_v be_v cast_v upon_o it_o as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o nose_n of_o wax_n a_o leaden_a rule_n a_o deaf_a and_o useless_a deputy_n to_o god_n in_o the_o office_n of_o a_o judge_n of_o less_o authority_n than_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o of_o no_o more_o credit_n than_o esop_n fable_n but_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o say_a church_n that_o they_o contain_v thing_n apt_a to_o raise_v laughter_n or_o indignation_n that_o the_o latin_a translation_n in_o the_o complutensian_a bible_n be_v place_v between_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o the_o septuagint_n version_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v at_o his_o crucifixion_n between_o two_o thief_n and_o that_o the_o vulgar_a edition_n be_v of_o such_o authority_n that_o the_o original_n ought_v to_o be_v mend_v by_o it_o rather_o than_o it_o shall_v be_v mend_v from_o they_o which_o be_v the_o compliment_n of_o cardinal_n bellarmin_n hosius_n eckius_fw-la perron_n ximenes_n coqueus_fw-la and_o other_o of_o that_o communion_n word_n to_o be_v answer_v by_o a_o thunderbolt_n and_o fit_a for_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o celsus_n or_o a_o porphyry_n then_o of_o the_o pious_a son_n and_o zealous_a champion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n 12._o it_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v that_o the_o romanist_n shall_v now_o wipe_v their_o mouth_n and_o plead_v not_o guilty_a tell_v we_o that_o they_o permit_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o laity_n in_o their_o mother_n tongue_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n the_o father_n of_o rheims_n and_o douai_n have_v publish_v a_o english_a bible_n for_o those_o of_o their_o communion_n i_o shall_v therefore_o give_v a_o short_a and_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a affair_n as_o real_o it_o stand_v and_o then_o on_o god_n name_n let_v the_o romanist_n make_v the_o best_a of_o their_o apology_n 13._o the_o four_o rule_n of_o the_o index_n of_o prohibit_v book_n compose_v upon_o the_o command_n and_o auspice_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o publish_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o pius_n the_o four_o sixtus_n the_o five_o and_o clement_n the_o eight_o run_v thus_o since_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o experience_n that_o if_o the_o holy_a bible_n be_v suffer_v promiscuous_o in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n such_o be_v the_o temerity_n of_o man_n that_o great_a detriment_n than_o advantage_n will_v thence_o arise_v in_o this_o matter_n let_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o inquisitor_n be_v stand_v to_o that_o with_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o curate_n or_o confessor_n they_o may_v give_v leave_n for_o the_o read_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n translate_v by_o catholic_o to_o such_o as_o they_o know_v will_v not_o receive_v damage_n but_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n thereby_o which_o faculty_n they_o shall_v have_v in_o writing_n and_o whosoever_o without_o such_o faculty_n shall_v presume_v to_o have_v or_o to_o read_v the_o bible_n he_o shall_v not_o till_o he_o have_v deliver_v it_o up_o receive_v absolution_n of_o his_o sin_n now_o to_o pass_v over_o the_o iniquity_n of_o oblige_a man_n to_o ask_v leave_n to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n almighty_a command_n when_o it_o be_v consider_v how_o few_o of_o the_o laity_n can_v make_v mean_n to_o the_o bishop_n or_o inquisitor_n or_o convince_v they_o or_o the_o curate_n or_o confessor_n that_o they_o be_v such_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v damage_n but_o increase_v of_o faith_n and_o piety_n by_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o also_o have_v interest_n to_o prevail_v with_o they_o for_o their_o favour_n herein_o and_o after_o all_o can_v and_o will_v be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o take_v out_o the_o faculty_n which_o be_v so_o penal_o require_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o guess_v what_o thin_a number_n of_o the_o laity_n be_v likely_a or_o indeed_o capable_a of_o reap_v benefit_n by_o this_o indulgence_n pretend_v to_o be_v allow_v they_o 14._o but_o beside_o all_o this_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v if_o the_o power_n itself_o of_o give_v licence_n be_v a_o mere_a show_n and_o real_o signify_v just_o nothing_o in_o the_o observation_n subjoin_v to_o this_o four_o rule_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o impression_n and_o edition_n thereof_o give_v no_o new_a faculty_n to_o bishop_n or_o inquisitor_n or_o superior_n of_o regular_o to_o grant_v licence_n of_o buy_v read_v or_o retain_v bibles_n publish_v in_o a_o vulgar_a tongue_n since_o hitherto_o by_o the_o command_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a roman_a and_o universal_a inquisition_n the_o power_n of_o give_v such_o faculty_n to_o read_v or_o retain_v vulgar_a bibles_n or_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n in_o any_o vulgar_a tongue_n or_o also_o summary_n or_o historical_a compendium_n of_o the_o say_v bibles_n or_o book_n of_o scripture_n in_o whatsoever_o tongue_n they_o be_v write_v have_v be_v take_v away_o and_o sure_a if_o a_o layman_n can_v read_v the_o bible_n without_o a_o faculty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o in_o any_o one_o power_n to_o grant_v it_o it_o will_v evident_o follow_v that_o he_o can_v read_v it_o and_o so_o the_o pretence_n of_o give_v liberty_n own_v the_o shame_n of_o open_o refuse_v it_o but_o have_v no_o other_o effect_n
imprimatur_fw-la jo._n nicholas_n vice_n cancel_v oxon._n junii_fw-la 10._o 1678._o the_o lively_a oracle_n give_v to_o we_o or_o the_o christian_n birthright_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o custody_n and_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n search_v the_o scripture_n jo._n 5._o 39_o at_o the_o theater_n in_o oxford_n 1678._o the_o lively_a oracle_n give_v to_o we_o or_o the_o christian_n birthright_n &_o duty_n in_o the_o custody_n &_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o preface_n in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o tongue_n publish_v by_o i_o heretofore_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n among_o the_o exorbitance_n of_o that_o unruly_a part_n which_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o nature_n and_o its_o self_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n from_o hell_n jam._n 3._o 6._o of_o the_o impious_a vanity_n prevail_v in_o this_o age_n whereby_o man_n play_v with_o sacred_a thing_n and_o exercise_v their_o wit_n upon_o those_o scripture_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n joh._n 12._o 48._o but_o that_o holy_a book_n not_o only_o suffer_v by_o the_o petulancy_n of_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o heart_n out_o of_o the_o abundance_n whereof_o the_o mouth_n speak_v mat._n 12._o 34._o and_o also_o from_o that_o irreligion_n prepossession_n and_o supiness_n which_o the_o pursuit_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n certain_o produce_v the_o mischief_n be_v too_o much_o diffuse_v and_o deep_o root_v to_o be_v control_v by_o a_o few_o casual_a reflection_n i_o have_v therefore_o think_v it_o necessary_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o subject_n as_o also_o the_o prevalence_n of_o the_o opposition_n to_o attemt_a a_o profess_a and_o particular_a vindication_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o display_v their_o native_a excellence_n and_o beauty_n and_o enforce_v the_o veneration_n and_o obedience_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pay_v unto_o they_o this_o i_o design_v to_o do_v in_o my_o usual_a method_n by_o a_o address_n to_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o reader_n solicit_v the_o several_a passion_n of_o love_n hope_v fear_v shame_n and_o sorrow_n which_o either_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n in_o his_o sublime_a be_v his_o goodness_n derive_v to_o we_o or_o our_o ingratitude_n return_v to_o he_o can_v actuate_v in_o person_n not_o utter_o obdurate_a but_o where_o as_o man_n when_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o do_v amiss_o quick_o dispute_v and_o dictate_v i_o find_v myself_o concern_v to_o pass_v sometime_o within_o the_o verge_n of_o controversy_n and_o to_o discourse_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o deduction_n from_o testimony_n which_o in_o the_o most_o important_a transaction_n of_o human_a life_n be_v just_o take_v for_o evidence_n in_o which_o whole_a performance_n i_o have_v study_v to_o avoid_v the_o entanglement_n of_o sophistry_n and_o the_o ambition_n of_o unintelligible_a quotation_n and_o keep_v myself_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o te_fw-fr unlearned_a christian_a reader_n to_o who_o use_n my_o labour_n have_v be_v ever_o dedicate_v all_o that_o i_o require_v be_v that_o man_n will_v bring_v as_o much_o readiness_n to_o entertain_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o read_v profane_a author_n i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o say_v as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o incentives_n of_o vice_n and_o folly_n nay_o to_o the_o libel_n and_o invective_n that_o be_v level_v against_o the_o scripture_n if_o i_o obtain_v this_o i_o will_v make_v no_o doubt_n that_o i_o shall_v gain_v a_o far_a point_n that_o from_o the_o perusal_n of_o my_o imperfect_a conception_n the_o reader_n will_v proceed_v to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o there_o taste_n and_o see_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v ps._n 34._o 8._o and_o as_o the_o angel_n command_v saint_n john_n rev._n 10._o 9_o eat_v the_o book_n where_o he_o will_v experimental_o find_v the_o word_n of_o david_n verify_v ps._n 19_o 7._o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o undefiled_a law_n convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a and_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a and_o give_v light_a to_o the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clean_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v be_v they_o then_o gold_n yea_o than_o much_o fine_a gold_n sweet_a also_o than_o honey_n and_o the_o hony-comb_n moreover_o by_o they_o be_v thy_o servant_n teach_v and_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n it_o be_v say_v of_o moses_n ex._n 34._o 29._o that_o have_v receive_v the_o law_n from_o god_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o mount_n sina_n forty_o day_n together_o his_o face_n shine_v and_o have_v a_o brightness_n fix_v upon_o it_o that_o dazzle_a the_o beholder_n a_o pledge_n and_o short_a essay_n not_o only_o of_o the_o appearance_n at_o mount_n tabor_n mat._n 17._o 1._o where_o at_o the_o transfiguration_n he_o again_o be_v see_v in_o glory_n but_o of_o that_o great_a and_o yet_o future_a change_n when_o he_o shall_v see_v indeed_o his_o god_n face_n to_o face_n and_o share_v his_o glory_n unto_o all_o eternity_n the_o same_o divine_a goodness_n give_v still_o his_o law_n to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o let_v we_o receive_v it_o with_o due_a regard_n and_o veneration_n converse_v with_o he_o therein_o instead_o of_o forty_o day_n during_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o so_o anticipate_v and_o certain_o assure_v our_o interest_n in_o that_o great_a transfiguration_n when_o all_o the_o faithful_a shall_v put_v of_o their_o mortal_a flesh_n be_v translate_v from_o glory_n to_o glory_n eternal_o behold_v their_o god_n see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o so_o enjoy_v he_o conversation_n have_v every_o where_o a_o assimilate_v power_n we_o be_v general_o such_o as_o be_v the_o man_n and_o book_n and_o business_n that_o we_o deal_v with_o but_o sure_o no_o familiarity_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n on_o life_n and_o manner_n as_o when_o man_n hear_v god_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o his_o word_n that_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 4._o 12._o declare_v to_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o all_o our_o book_n however_o recommend_v for_o subtlety_n of_o discourse_n exactness_n of_o method_n variety_n of_o matter_n or_o eloquence_n of_o language_n when_o all_o our_o curious_a act_n like_o those_o mention_v act._n 19_o 19_o shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o and_o burn_v before_o all_o man_n when_o the_o great_a book_n of_o nature_n and_o heaven_n itself_o shall_v depart_v as_o a_o scroul_n roll_v together_o rev._n 6._o 14._o at_o which_o important_a season_n it_o will_v be_v more_o to_o purpose_n to_o have_v study_v well_o that_o be_v transcribe_v in_o practice_n this_o one_o book_n then_o to_o have_v run_v through_o all_o beside_o for_o then_o the_o dead_a small_a and_o great_a shall_v stand_v before_o god_n and_o the_o book_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o another_o book_n shall_v be_v open_v which_o be_v the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o dead_a shall_v be_v judge_v out_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n according_a to_o their_o work_n rev._n 20._o 12._o in_o vain_a shall_v man_n allege_v the_o want_n of_o due_a conviction_n that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v how_o penal_a it_o will_v be_v to_o disregard_n the_o sanction_n of_o god_n law_n which_o they_o will_v have_v have_v enforce_v by_o immediate_a miracle_n the_o apparition_n of_o one_o send_v from_o the_o other_o world_n who_o may_v testify_v of_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n this_o expectation_n the_o scripture_n charge_v every_o where_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o temt_a god_n and_o indeed_o it_o real_o involve_v this_o insolent_a proposal_n that_o the_o almighty_a shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o break_v his_o own_o law_n that_o man_n may_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o keep_v he_o but_o shall_v he_o think_v fit_a to_o comply_v herein_o the_o condescension_n will_v be_v as_o successless_a in_o the_o event_n as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a in_o the_o offer_n our_o saviour_n assure_v that_o they_o who_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o instruction_n and_o command_n lay_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n will_v not_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o any_o other_o method_n will_v not_o be_v persuade_v by_o that_o which_o they_o allow_v for_o irresistible_a conviction_n
nay_o make_v it_o the_o test_n by_o which_o to_o try_v true_a inspiration_n from_o false_a to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isaiah_n 8._o 20._o so_o that_o the_o veneration_n which_o they_o have_v before_o acquire_v be_v still_o anew_o excite_v by_o fresh_a inspiration_n which_o both_o attest_v the_o old_a and_o become_v new_a part_n of_o their_o canon_n 27._o nor_o can_v it_o be_v esteem_v a_o small_a confirmation_n to_o the_o scripture_n to_o find_v in_o succeed_a age_n the_o signal_n accomplishment_n of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o be_v long_o before_o register_v in_o those_o book_n for_o nothing_o less_o than_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n can_v foretell_v and_o also_o verify_v they_o upon_o these_o ground_n the_o jew_n universal_o through_o all_o succession_n receive_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o divine_a oracle_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o great_a trust_n that_o can_v be_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o according_o be_v so_o scrupulous_o vigilant_a in_o conserve_n they_o that_o their_o masorit_n number_v not_o only_o the_o section_n but_o the_o very_a word_n nay_o letter_n that_o no_o fraud_n or_o inadvertency_n may_v corrupt_v or_o defalk_v the_o least_o iota_fw-la of_o what_o they_o esteem_v so_o sacred_a a_o far_a testimony_n and_o sepiment_n to_o which_o be_v the_o samaritan_n chaldee_n and_o greek_a version_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o synagogs_n oâ—_n jew_n in_o their_o dispersion_n and_o the_o samaritanâ—_n at_o sichem_n can_v not_o at_o those_o distance_n receive_v a_o uniform_a alteration_n and_o any_o other_o will_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o original_a exemplar_n of_o the_o law_n be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n that_o the_o prince_n be_v to_o have_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o always_o by_o he_o and_o transcribe_v it_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o every_o jew_n be_v to_o make_v it_o his_o constant_a discourse_n and_o meditation_n teach_v it_o his_o child_n and_o wear_v part_n of_o it_o upon_o his_o hand_n and_o forehead_n and_o now_o sure_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imagine_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v more_o careful_o deduce_v or_o irrefragable_o testify_v nor_o any_o thing_n believe_v upon_o strong_a evidence_n 28._o that_o all_o this_o be_v true_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o do_v thus_o own_o these_o write_n as_o divine_a appear_v not_o only_o by_o the_o record_n of_o past_a age_n but_o by_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o present_a who_o still_o own_v they_o and_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o combination_n with_o the_o christian_n and_o if_o these_o be_v reasonable_a ground_n of_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n as_o he_o must_v be_v most_o absurd_o sceptical_a that_o shall_v deny_v they_o must_v be_v so_o to_o christian_n also_o who_o derive_v they_o â—â—om_n they_o and_o that_o with_o this_o far_a advantage_n to_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o see_v the_o clear_a completion_n of_o those_o evangelical_n prophecy_n â—hich_v remain_v dark_a to_o they_o and_o consequent_o have_v a_o far_a argument_n to_o confirm_v â—s_n that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n â—re_n certain_o divine_a 29._o the_o new_a have_v also_o the_o like_a mean_n of_o probation_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v if_o true_o relate_v be_v acknowledge_v no_o less_o divine_a than_o what_o they_o oral_o deliver_v so_o that_o they_o who_o doubt_v its_o be_v divine_a must_v either_o deny_v what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o be_v so_o or_o else_o distrust_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o relation_n the_o former_a strike_v at_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n which_o if_o only_o of_o man_n must_v not_o only_o be_v fallible_a but_o be_v actual_o a_o deceit_n whilst_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o to_o such_o objector_n we_o have_v to_o oppose_v those_o stupendous_a miracle_n with_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v attest_v such_o as_o demonstrate_v a_o more_o than_o human_a efficacy_n and_o that_o god_n shall_v lend_v his_o omnipotence_n to_o abet_v the_o false_a pretension_n of_o man_n be_v a_o conceit_n too_o unworthy_a even_o for_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n to_o entertain_v 30._o it_o be_v true_a there_o have_v be_v by_o god_n permit_v lie_v miracle_n as_o well_o as_o true_a one_o have_v be_v do_v by_o he_o such_o as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o magician_n in_o egypt_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o of_o moses_n but_o then_o the_o difference_n between_o both_o be_v so_o conspicuous_a that_o he_o must_v be_v more_o partial_a and_o disingenuous_a then_o even_o those_o magician_n be_v who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o disparity_n and_o confess_v in_o those_o which_o be_v true_o supernatural_a the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n 8._o 19_o therefore_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v predict_v that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o do_v sign_n and_o wonder_n deut._n 13._o 1._o mat._n 24._o 11._o 24._o as_o a_o trial_n of_o their_o fidelity_n who_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o will_v prefer_v the_o few_o and_o trivial_a sleight_n which_o recommend_v a_o deceiver_n before_o those_o great_a and_o numberless_a miracle_n which_o attest_v the_o sacred_a oracle_n deliver_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n whether_o the_o trick_n of_o a_o barchochebas_n to_o hold_v fire_n in_o his_o mouth_n that_o of_o marcus_n the_o heretic_n to_o make_v the_o wine_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n appear_v blood_n or_o that_o of_o mahomet_n to_o bring_v a_o pigeon_n to_o his_o ear_n aught_o to_o be_v put_v in_o balance_n against_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o the_o silly_a story_n which_o jamblichus_n solemn_o relate_v of_o pythagoras_n or_o those_o philostratus_n tell_v of_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n deserve_v to_o rival_n those_o of_o the_o evangelist_n it_o be_v a_o most_o just_a judgement_n and_o according_o threaten_v by_o almighty_a god_n that_o they_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n 2_o thes._n 2._o 11._o but_o still_o the_o almighty_a where_o any_o man_n or_o devil_n do_v proud_o be_v evident_o above_o he_o exod._n 18._o 11._o will_v be_v justify_v in_o his_o say_n and_o be_v clear_a when_o he_o be_v judge_v rom._n 3._o 4._o 31._o but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v sceptic_n and_o doubt_v every_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o matter_n call_v into_o question_n be_v of_o a_o nature_n that_o admit_v but_o two_o way_n of_o solution_n probability_n and_o testimony_n first_o for_o probability_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v who_o be_v the_o first_o promulger_n of_o christ_n miracle_n in_o his_o life_n time_n they_o be_v either_o the_o patient_n on_o who_o his_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v or_o the_o common_a people_n that_o be_v spectator_n the_o former_a as_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o but_o must_v needs_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v cure_v or_o no_o so_o what_o imaginable_a design_n can_v they_o have_v to_o deceive_v other_o many_o indeed_o have_v pretend_a impotency_n as_o a_o motive_n of_o compassion_n but_o what_o can_v they_o gain_v by_o own_v a_o cure_n they_o have_v not_o as_o for_o the_o spectator_n as_o their_o multitude_n add_v to_o their_o credibility_n it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o so_o many_o shall_v at_o once_o be_v delude_v in_o a_o matter_n so_o obvious_a to_o their_o sense_n so_o do_v it_o also_o acquit_v they_o from_o fraud_n and_o combination_n cheat_n and_o forgery_n be_v always_o hatch_v in_o the_o dark_a in_o close_a cabal_n and_o private_a juncto_n that_o five_o thousand_o man_n at_o one_o time_n and_o four_o thousand_o at_o another_o shall_v conspire_v to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v miraculous_o feed_v when_o they_o be_v not_o and_o all_o prove_v true_a to_o the_o fiction_n and_o not_o betray_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n as_o irrational_a to_o be_v suppose_v as_o impossible_a to_o be_v parallel_v 32._o beside_o admit_v it_o possible_a that_o so_o many_o can_v have_v join_v in_o the_o deceit_n yet_o what_o imaginable_a end_n can_v they_o have_v in_o it_o have_v their_o lie_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o design_n of_o some_o potent_a prince_n that_o may_v have_v reward_v it_o there_o have_v be_v some_o temptation_n but_o what_o can_v they_o expect_v from_o the_o repute_a son_n of_o a_o carpenter_n who_o have_v not_o himself_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n nay_o who_o disclaim_v all_o secular_a power_n convey_v himself_o away_o from_o their_o importunity_n when_o they_o will_v have_v force_v he_o to_o be_v a_o king_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o be_v
mank_v with_o the_o particular_n wherein_o that_o obedience_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v this_o sure_a be_v so_o disagreeable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o it_o can_v be_v charge_v upon_o his_o will_n and_o consequent_o they_o who_o own_v not_o that_o he_o have_v make_v any_o such_o revelation_n must_v tacit_o tax_v he_o of_o impotence_n that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v it_o but_o if_o any_o man_n will_v say_v he_o have_v and_o yet_o reject_v all_o this_o which_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n receive_v as_o such_o let_v he_o produce_v his_o testimony_n for_o the_o other_o or_o rather_o to_o retort_v his_o own_o measure_n his_o demonstration_n and_o then_o let_v it_o appear_v whether_o his_o scheme_n of_o doctrine_n or_o we_o will_v need_v the_o great_a aid_n of_o that_o easy_a credulity_n he_o reproach_n we_o with_o 64._o i_o have_v now_o go_v through_o the_o method_n i_o propose_v for_o evince_v the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o shall_v not_o descend_v to_o examine_v those_o more_o minute_n and_o particular_a cavil_n which_o profane_a man_n make_v against_o they_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o virtual_o supersede_v all_o those_o for_o if_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v reasonable_a also_o to_o believe_v it_o of_o perfection_n proportionable_a to_o the_o author_n and_o then_o certain_o it_o must_v be_v advance_v beyond_o all_o our_o objection_n for_o to_o those_o who_o except_o to_o the_o stile_n the_o incoherence_n the_o contradiction_n or_o whatever_o else_o in_o scripture_n i_o shall_v only_o ask_v this_o one_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o much_o more_o possible_a that_o they_o who_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v nothing_o above_o fallible_a man_n may_v misjudg_v then_o that_o the_o infallible_a god_n shall_v dictate_v any_o thing_n just_o liable_a to_o those_o charge_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o must_v depart_v as_o much_o from_o reason_n as_o religion_n to_o affirm_v the_o contrary_n but_o alas_o instead_o of_o this_o implicit_a submission_n to_o god_n word_n man_n take_v up_o explicit_a prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o condemn_v it_o without_o ever_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o allegation_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o a_o write_n of_o such_o antiquity_n who_o original_a language_n have_v idiom_n and_o phrase_n so_o peculiar_a who_o country_n have_v custom_n so_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o judge_n of_o it_o without_o reference_n to_o all_o those_o circumstance_n add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o hebrew_n have_v be_v a_o dead_a language_n for_o well_o nigh_o two_o thousand_o year_n nowhere_o in_o common_a use_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o ancient_a book_n now_o extant_a in_o it_o beside_o those_o yet_o not_o all_o neither_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n 65._o now_o of_o those_o many_o who_o defame_v holy_a writ_n how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o have_v the_o industry_n to_o inquire_v into_o those_o particular_n and_o when_o for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n some_o passage_n seem_v improper_a or_o perhaps_o contradictory_n the_o scripture_n must_v bear_v the_o blame_n of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o be_v accuse_v as_o absurd_a and_o unintelligible_a because_o themselves_o be_v stupid_a and_o negligent_a it_o be_v therefore_o methinks_v but_o a_o reasonable_a proposal_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v arraign_v it_o till_o they_o have_v use_v all_o honest_a diligence_n take_v in_o all_o probable_a help_n for_o the_o understanding_n it_o and_o if_o this_o may_v be_v obtain_v i_o believe_v most_o of_o its_o accuser_n will_v like_v those_o of_o the_o woman_n in_o the_o gospel_n jo._n 8._o 9_o drop_n away_o as_o conscious_a of_o their_o own_o incompetency_n the_o loud_a out-cry_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o be_v common_o of_o those_o who_o fall_v upon_o it_o only_o as_o a_o fashionable_a theme_n of_o discourse_n and_o hope_v to_o acquire_v themselves_o the_o reputation_n of_o wit_n by_o thus_o charge_v god_n foolish_o but_o he_o that_o will_v candid_o and_o upright_o endeavour_v to_o comprehend_v before_o he_o judge_n and_o to_o that_o end_n industrious_o use_v those_o mean_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o labour_n of_o pious_a man_n have_v afford_v he_o will_v certain_o find_v cause_n to_o acquit_v the_o scripture_n of_o those_o imputation_n which_o our_o bold_a critic_n have_v cast_v upon_o it_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v all_o the_o obscurity_n of_o it_o perfect_o clear_a 〈◊〉_d to_o he_o but_o he_o shall_v have_v so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o be_v for_o his_o real_a advantage_n and_o shall_v discern_v such_o reason_n why_o the_o rest_n remain_v unfathomable_a as_o may_v make_v he_o not_o only_o justify_v but_o celebrate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o author_n 66._o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v only_o upon_o the_o forementioned_a condition_n viz._n that_o he_o come_v with_o sincere_a and_o honest_a intention_n foâ—_n as_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o the_o scripture_n with_o design_n and_o wish_n to_o find_v matter_n of_o cavil_n and_o accusation_n there_o be_v little_a doubt_n but_o thaâ—_n spirit_n of_o impiety_n and_o profaneness_n which_o senâ—_n he_o thither_o will_v meet_v he_o there_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o occecation_n that_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n will_v cast_v such_o mist_n raise_v such_o black_a vapour_n that_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o shine_v unto_o he_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o indeed_o be_v such_o a_o man_n leave_v only_o to_o the_o natural_a efficacy_n of_o prejudice_n that_o be_v of_o itself_o so_o blind_a so_o infatuate_a a_o thing_n as_o common_o fortify_v against_o all_o conviction_n we_o see_v it_o in_o all_o the_o common_a instance_n of_o life_n mens_fw-la very_a sense_n be_v often_o enslave_v by_o it_o the_o prepossession_n of_o a_o strong_a fancy_n will_v make_v the_o object_n of_o sight_n or_o hear_n appear_v quite_o different_a from_o what_o they_o be_v but_o in_o the_o present_a case_n when_o this_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o satanical_a illusion_n and_o both_o leave_v to_o their_o operation_n by_o god_n withdraw_a his_o illuminate_a grace_n the_o case_n of_o such_o a_o man_n answer_v that_o description_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o have_v eye_n and_o see_v not_o ear_n have_v they_o and_o hear_v not_o rom._n 11._o 8._o and_o that_o god_n will_v so_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o believe_v he_o have_v promise_v it_o only_o to_o the_o meek_a to_o those_o who_o come_v with_o malleable_a ductile_a spirit_n to_o learn_v not_o to_o deride_v or_o cavil_v saint_n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 15._o and_o if_o god_n permit_v such_o to_o do_v so_o much_o more_o will_v he_o the_o proud_a malicious_a 67._o i_o say_v not_o this_o to_o deter_v any_o from_o the_o study_n of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o only_o to_o caution_n they_o to_o bring_v a_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n along_o with_o they_o god_n word_n be_v like_o a_o generous_a sovereign_a medicament_n which_o if_o simple_o and_o regular_o take_v be_v of_o the_o great_a benefit_n but_o if_o mix_v with_o poison_n serve_v only_o to_o make_v that_o more_o fatal_o operative_a to_o conclude_v he_o that_o will_v have_v his_o doubt_n solve_v concern_v scripture_n let_v he_o follow_v the_o method_n our_o bless_a lord_n have_v describe_v let_v he_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n jo._n 7._o 17._o let_v he_o bring_v with_o he_o a_o probity_n of_o mind_n a_o willingness_n to_o assent_v to_o all_o conviction_n he_o shall_v there_o meet_v with_o and_o then_o he_o will_v find_v ground_n sufficient_a to_o assure_v he_o that_o it_o be_v god_n word_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o all_o the_o submission_n and_o reverence_n that_o its_o be_v so_o exact_v sect_n iii_o the_o subject_a matter_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v excellent_a as_o be_v also_o its_o end_n and_o design_n we_o have_v hitherto_o consider_v the_o holy_a scripture_n only_o under_o one_o notion_n as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o come_v now_o to_o view_v it_o in_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o it_o the_o several_a part_n whereof_o it_o consist_v which_o be_v so_o various_a and_o comprehensive_a as_o show_v the_o whole_a be_v derive_v from_o he_o who_o be_v all_o in_o all_o 1_o cor._n 19_o 28._o but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o speak_v only_o loose_o and_o at_o â—overs_n we_o will_v take_v this_o excellent_a frame_n in_o piece_n and_o consider_v its_o most_o eminent_a part_n distinct_o now_o the_o part_n of_o holy_a writ_n seem_v to_o branch_n themselves_o into_o these_o
threaten_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o yet_o more_o severe_a wilful_a impenitent_a sinner_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n nor_o bare_o so_o but_o look_v upon_o as_o despiser_n of_o it_o and_o that_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o which_o it_o be_v seal_v heb._n 10._o 29._o nay_o as_o those_o murderous_a wretch_n that_o shed_v it_o they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o heb._n 6._o 6._o and_o this_o be_v the_o fataly_a sentence_n that_o can_v fall_v on_o any_o man_n in_o this_o life_n to_o be_v thus_o disfranchise_v of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o rank_v as_o well_o in_o punishment_n as_o guilt_n with_o the_o most_o criminous_a of_o mankind_n 67._o from_o hence_o it_o be_v consequent_a that_o the_o mind_n remain_v not_o only_o in_o its_o native_a impurity_n but_o in_o a_o great_a and_o more_o incurable_a one_o whilst_o that_o blood_n which_o alone_o can_v cleanse_v it_o serve_v but_o to_o imbrue_v and_o pollute_v it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v flush_a and_o excite_v it_o to_o all_o immanities_n and_o vileness_n and_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o filthy_a it_o be_v the_o doom_n pronounce_v against_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v filthy_a still_o rev._n 22._o 11._o 68_o and_o then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o calm_a can_v there_o be_v to_o such_o a_o mind_n what_o remain_v to_o such_o a_o person_n but_o that_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o wrath_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o the_o apostle_n mention_n heb._n 10._o 27._o indeed_o be_v there_o none_o but_o temporal_a mischief_n to_o fear_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o unplesant_a to_o think_v one_o self_n like_a cain_n outlaw_v from_o the_o presence_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n to_o be_v afraid_a that_o every_o man_n that_o meet_v we_o shall_v slay_v we_o gen._n 4._o 14._o nay_o those_o confuse_a indistinct_a fear_n of_o indefinite_a evil_n which_o attend_v guilt_n be_v very_o unquiet_a uneasy_a inmate_n in_o the_o mind_n this_o be_v excellent_o describe_v by_o moses_n the_o lord_n shall_v give_v thou_o a_o tremble_a heart_n and_o fail_v of_o eye_n and_o sorrow_n of_o mind_n and_o thy_o life_n shall_v â—ang_v in_o doubt_n before_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v fear_v day_n and_o night_n in_o the_o morning_n thou_o shall_v say_v will_v god_n it_o be_v evening_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n will_v god_n it_o be_v morning_n deut_n 28._o 65_o 66_o 67._o 69._o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o wretched_a then_o to_o have_v a_o mind_n thus_o agitate_a and_o toss_v rack_v and_o torture_v especial_o when_o through_o all_o these_o cloud_n it_o see_v a_o glimpse_n of_o the_o eternal_a toâ—het_n and_o know_v that_o from_o the_o billow_n of_o this_o uneasy_a state_n it_o must_v be_v toss_v into_o that_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o dregs_o of_o the_o cup_n of_o god_n wrath_n the_o dreadful_a and_o most_o astonish_a of_o all_o scripture_n denunciation_n this_o comprehend_v all_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o suffer_v divine_n distinguish_v it_o into_o the_o pain_n of_o sense_n and_o of_o loss_n that_o of_o sense_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o fire_n and_o that_o accend_v and_o render_v noisome_a as_o well_o as_o painful_a by_o brimstone_n that_o afflict_v the_o smell_n as_o well_o as_o the_o touch_n sometime_o by_o outer_a darkness_n wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n to_o grate_v the_o ear_n and_o consume_v the_o eye_n by_o intolerable_a thirst_n to_o torment_v the_o palate_n not_o that_o we_o be_v to_o think_v the_o sensitive_a pain_n of_o hell_n do_v not_o infinite_o exceed_v all_o these_o but_o because_o these_o be_v the_o high_a mesure_n our_o present_a capacity_n can_v make_v and_o be_v adequate_a to_o those_o sense_n for_o who_o carnal_a satisfaction_n we_o incur_v they_o 70._o the_o pain_n of_o loss_n be_v yet_o more_o dismal_a as_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o soul_n who_o spiritual_a nature_n will_v then_o serve_v it_o only_o to_o render_v its_o torment_n more_o refine_v and_o acute_a with_o what_o anguish_n will_v it_o then_o see_v itself_o banish_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o from_o all_o that_o may_v give_v satisfaction_n and_o bliss_n to_o the_o creature_n but_o yet_o with_o how_o much_o deep_a anguish_n will_v it_o reflect_v on_o itself_o as_o the_o author_n of_o that_o deprivation_n how_o will_v it_o recollect_v the_o many_o despise_a tender_n of_o grace_n the_o easy_a term_n on_o which_o salvation_n may_v have_v be_v have_v and_o how_o sad_o will_v conscience_n then_o revenge_v all_o it_o be_v stifle_v admonition_n by_o a_o unsilenceable_a clamour_n that_o worm_n which_o never_o die_v mar._n 9_o 48._o how_o wound_v will_v it_o then_o be_v to_o see_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n luk._n 13._o 28._o nay_o that_o poor_a lazarus_n who_o here_o man_n turn_v over_o to_o the_o charity_n of_o their_o dog_n and_o itself_o in_o the_o company_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n who_o will_v then_o upbraid_v what_o they_o once_o entice_v to_o 71._o nature_n abhor_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o have_v our_o misery_n insult_v over_o by_o those_o who_o draw_v we_o into_o it_o yet_o that_o no_o circumstance_n may_v be_v lack_v to_o their_o torment_n this_o must_v be_v the_o perpetual_a entertainment_n of_o damn_a soul_n and_o to_o all_o this_o eternity_n be_v the_o dismal_a adjunct_n which_o be_v of_o all_o other_o circumstance_n the_o most_o disconsolate_a as_o leave_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o glimpse_n of_o hope_n which_o here_o use_v still_o to_o be_v the_o reserve_n and_o last_o resort_n of_o the_o miserable_a 72._o this_o eternity_n be_v that_o which_o give_v a_o edge_n infuse_v a_o new_a acrimony_n into_o the_o torment_n and_o be_v the_o high_a strain_n the_o vertical_a point_n of_o misery_n these_o be_v those_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o which_o the_o scripture_n acquaint_v we_o and_o sure_o we_o can_v say_v that_o these_o be_v flat_a contemptible_a menace_n but_o such_o as_o suit_v the_o dreadful_a majesty_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n heb._n 12._o 29._o so_o that_o these_o be_v as_o apt_o accommodate_v for_o the_o exciting_a our_o dread_n as_o the_o promise_n be_v of_o our_o love_n both_o joint_o concur_v to_o awake_v our_o industry_n 73._o for_o god_n have_v be_v so_o good_a to_o mankind_n as_o to_o make_v the_o threat_n conditional_a as_o well_o as_o the_o promise_n so_o that_o we_o as_o well_o know_v the_o way_n to_o avoid_v the_o one_o as_o we_o do_v to_o attain_v the_o other_o nor_o have_v he_o any_o other_o intendment_n or_o end_n in_o propose_v they_o but_o that_o we_o may_v do_v so_o see_v to_o this_o purpose_n with_o what_o solemnity_n he_o protest_v it_o by_o moses_n i_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o record_v against_o you_o this_o day_n that_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v therefore_o choose_v life_n that_o both_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n may_v live_v deut._n 30._o 19_o 74._o i_o have_v now_o run_v through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v of_o and_o though_o i_o have_v in_o each_o give_v rather_o short_a instance_n and_o essay_n than_o a_o exact_a description_n yet_o even_o in_o these_o contract_a lineament_n the_o exquisite_a proportion_n may_v be_v discern_v and_o if_o the_o reader_n shall_v hence_o be_v encourage_v to_o extend_v his_o contemplation_n and_o as_o he_o read_v holy_a scripture_n observe_v it_o in_o all_o its_o grace_n and_o full_a dimension_n i_o doubt_v not_o he_o will_v pronounce_v from_o his_o experience_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o divine_a book_n be_v very_o correspondent_a to_o the_o author_n which_o be_v the_o high_a eulogy_n imaginable_a 75._o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o relation_n to_o its_o end_n and_o design_n in_o proportion_n to_o which_o every_o thing_n be_v more_o or_o less_o valuable_a the_o most_o exquisite_a frame_n and_o curious_a contrivance_n that_o have_v no_o determinat_fw-la end_n or_o use_v be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o industrious_a folly_n a_o spider_n web_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v isa._n 59_o 5._o now_o those_o design_n have_v always_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o excellent_a that_o have_v have_v te_fw-la most_o worthy_a subject_n and_o be_v of_o the_o great_a extent_n according_o those_o who_o have_v project_v the_o oblige_a and_o benefit_v of_o other_o man_n though_o but_o within_o a_o private_a sphere_n have_v always_o be_v look_v on_o as_o man_n of_o generous_a and_o noble_a design_n those_o who_o have_v take_v their_o level_n high_a and_o direct_v their_o aim_n to_o a_o more_o public_a good_a
tradition_n but_o by_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n find_v in_o the_o temple_n that_o josiah_n be_v both_o excite_a to_o reform_v religion_n and_o instruct_v how_o to_o do_v it_o 2_o king_n 22._o 10._o and_o have_v not_o that_o or_o some_o other_o copy_n be_v produce_v they_o have_v be_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o the_o particular_n of_o their_o reformation_n which_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v convey_v by_o tradition_n appear_v by_o the_o sudden_a startle_v of_o the_o king_n upon_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v have_v he_o be_v before_o possess_v with_o the_o content_n of_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o find_v in_o nehemiah_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n be_v recover_v by_o consult_v the_o law_n the_o tradition_n whereof_o be_v whole_o wear_v out_o or_o else_o it_o have_v sure_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o can_v for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n have_v be_v intermit_v neh._n 8._o 18._o and_o yet_o man_n memory_n be_v common_o more_o retentive_a of_o a_o external_a visible_a rite_n than_o they_o be_v of_o speculative_a proposition_n or_o moral_a precept_n 30._o these_o instance_n show_v how_o fallible_a a_o expedient_a mere_a oral_a tradition_n be_v for_o transmission_n to_o posterity_n but_o admit_v no_o such_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v it_o be_v argument_n enough_o that_o god_n have_v by_o his_o own_o choice_n of_o writing_n give_v the_o preference_n to_o it_o nor_o have_v he_o bare_o choose_v it_o but_o have_v make_v it_o the_o standard_n by_o which_o to_o measure_n all_o succeed_a pretence_n it_o be_v the_o mean_n he_o prescribe_v for_o distinguish_v divine_a from_o diabolical_a inspiration_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isai._n 8._o 20._o and_o when_o the_o lawyer_n interrogated_a our_o saviour_n what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o inherit_v eternal_a life_n he_o send_v he_o not_o to_o ransac_fw-mi tradition_n or_o the_o cabalistical_a divinity_n of_o the_o rabbin_n but_o refer_v he_o to_o the_o law_n what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n how_o read_v thou_o luk._n 10._o 26._o and_o indeed_o throout_v the_o gospel_n we_o still_o find_v he_o in_o his_o discourse_n appeal_n to_o scripture_n and_o assert_v its_o authority_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n inveigh_v against_o those_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n which_o have_v evacuate_v the_o write_a word_n you_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o your_o tradition_n mat._n 15._o 6._o which_o as_o it_o abundant_o show_v christ_n adherence_n to_o the_o write_a word_n so_o it_o be_v a_o pregnant_a instance_n how_o possible_a it_o be_v for_o tradition_n to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o make_v the_o instrument_n of_o impose_v man_n fancy_n even_o in_o contradiction_n to_o god_n command_n 31._o and_o since_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v make_v scripture_n the_o test_n whereby_o to_o try_v tradition_n we_o may_v sure_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o decision_n and_o either_o embrace_v or_o reject_v tradition_n according_a as_o they_o correspond_v to_o the_o supreme_a rule_n the_o write_a word_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o very_a unwarrantable_a attemt_fw-mi to_o set_v up_o tradition_n in_o competition_n with_o much_o more_o in_o contradiction_n to_o that_o to_o which_o christ_n himself_o have_v subject_v it_o 32._o saint_n paul_n reckon_v it_o as_o the_o principal_a privilege_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n that_o it_o have_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o it_o i._n e._n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v deposit_v and_o put_v in_o its_o custody_n and_o in_o this_o the_o christian_a church_n succeed_v it_o and_o be_v the_o guardian_n and_o conservator_fw-la of_o holy_a writ_n i_o ask_v then_o have_v the_o jewish_a church_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o be_v keeper_n a_o power_n to_o supersede_n any_o part_n of_o those_o oracle_n entrust_v to_o they_o if_o so_o saint_n paul_n be_v much_o out_o in_o his_o estimate_n and_o aught_o to_o have_v reckon_v that_o as_o their_o high_a privilege_n but_o indeed_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o trust_n imply_v the_o contrary_a and_o beside_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o be_v the_o very_a crime_n christ_n charge_v upon_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v and_o if_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v no_o such_o right_a upon_o what_o account_n can_v the_o christian_a claim_n any_o have_v christ_n enlarge_v its_o charter_n have_v he_o leave_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n with_o she_o not_o to_o preserve_v and_o practice_n but_o to_o regulate_v and_o reform_v to_o fill_v up_o its_o vacancy_n and_o supply_v its_o defect_n by_o her_o own_o tradition_n if_o so_o let_v the_o commission_n be_v produce_v but_o if_o her_o office_n be_v only_o that_o of_o guardianship_n and_o trust_n she_o must_v neither_o subtract_v from_o nor_o by_o any_o superaddition_n of_o her_o own_o evacuate_v its_o meaning_n and_o efficacy_n and_o to_o do_v so_o will_v be_v the_o same_o guilt_n that_o it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o person_n entrust_v with_o the_o fundamental_a record_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o foist_v in_o fuch_n clause_n as_o himself_o please_v 33_o in_o short_a god_n have_v in_o the_o scripture_n lay_v down_o exact_a rule_n for_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n and_o have_v entrust_v the_o church_n to_o convey_v they_o to_o we_o if_o she_o vary_v or_o any_o way_n enervate_v they_o she_o be_v false_a to_o that_o trust_n but_o can_v by_v it_o oblige_v we_o to_o recede_v from_o that_o rule_n she_o shall_v deliver_v to_o comply_v with_o that_o she_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o the_o case_n may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o a_o easy_a resemblance_n suppose_v a_o king_n have_v a_o foreign_a principality_n for_o which_o he_o compose_v a_o body_n of_o law_n annex_n to_o they_o reward_n and_o penalty_n and_o require_v a_o exact_a and_o indispensable_a conformity_n to_o they_o these_o be_v put_v in_o writing_n he_o send_v by_o a_o select_a messenger_n now_o suppose_v this_o messenger_n deliver_v they_o yet_o say_v withal_o that_o himself_o have_v authority_n from_o the_o king_n to_o supersede_n these_o law_n at_o his_o pleasure_n so_o that_o their_o last_o resort_n must_v be_v to_o his_o dictate_v yet_o produce_v no_o other_o testimony_n but_o his_o own_o bare_a affirmation_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o man_n in_o their_o wit_n shall_v be_v so_o stupid_o credulous_a as_o to_o incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o those_o law_n upon_o so_o improbable_a a_o indemnity_n and_o sure_o it_o will_v be_v no_o whit_n less_o madness_n in_o christian_n to_o violate_v any_o precept_n of_o god_n on_o a_o ungrounded_a supposal_n of_o the_o church_n power_n to_o dispense_v with_o they_o 34._o and_o if_o the_o church_n universal_a have_v not_o this_o power_n nor_o indeed_o ever_o claim_v it_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a insolence_n for_o any_o particular_a church_n to_o pretend_v to_o it_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v owe_v to_o her_o tradition_n all_o our_o scripture_n and_o all_o our_o faith_n insomuch_o that_o without_o the_o supply_n which_o she_o afford_v from_o the_o oracle_n of_o her_o chair_n our_o religion_n be_v imperfect_a and_o our_o salvation_n insecure_a upon_o which_o wild_a dictate_v i_o shall_v take_v liberty_n in_o a_o distinct_a section_n far_o to_o animadvert_v sect_n vi_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n concern_v the_o propriety_n and_o fitness_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o excellent_a end_n against_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o oppose_v itself_o as_o we_o have_v already_o intimate_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v only_o a_o imperfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n say_v in_o the_o four_o session_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o christian_a faith_n and_o discipline_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n write_v and_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o in_o the_o four_o rule_n of_o the_o index_n put_v forth_o by_o command_n of_o the_o say_a council_n the_o scripture_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o useful_a that_o its_o read_n be_v pernicious_a if_o permit_v promiscuous_o in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v withhold_v insomuch_o that_o the_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n be_v common_o by_o person_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n impute_v to_o protestant_n as_o part_v of_o their_o heresy_n they_o be_v call_v by_o they_o in_o contemt_a the_o evangelical_n man_n and_o scripturarians_n and_o the_o bible_n in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n of_o any_o nation_n be_v common_o reckon_v among_o prohibit_v book_n and_o as_o such_o public_o burn_v when_o meet_v with_o by_o the_o inquisitor_n and_o the_o person_n who_o be_v find_v with_o it_o
and_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o there_o find_v our_o act_n from_o whence_o their_o order_n and_o origation_n begin_v 8._o it_o be_v true_a bellarmine_n reproach_n this_o discourse_n as_o erroneous_a but_o whatever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o inference_n which_o saint_n cyprian_a draw_v from_o it_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o saint_n austin_n though_o sufficient_o engage_v against_o saint_n cyprian_n conclusion_n allow_v the_o position_n as_o most_o orthodox_n say_v in_o the_o four_o book_n of_o baptism_n c._n 35._o whereas_o he_o admonish_v to_o go_v back_o to_o the_o fountain_n that_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o thence_o bring_v the_o stream_n down_o to_o our_o time_n it_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o without_o doubt_n to_o be_v do_v 9_o thus_o eusebius_n express_v himself_o in_o his_o second_o book_n against_o sabellius_n as_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o sloth_n not_o to_o seek_v into_o those_o thing_n whereof_o one_o may_v inquire_v so_o it_o be_v insolence_n to_o be_v inquisitive_a in_o other_o but_o what_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o inquire_v into_o even_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o there_o to_o be_v find_v let_v we_o not_o seek_v after_o for_o if_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o omit_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n 10._o athanasius_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o incarnation_n say_v it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o relinquish_v it_o think_v by_o syllogism_n to_o evade_v what_o be_v there_o clear_o deliver_v again_o in_o his_o tract_n to_o serap_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ask_v not_o say_v he_o concern_v the_o trinity_n but_o learn_v only_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o instruction_n which_o you_o will_v find_v there_o be_v sufficient_a and_o in_o his_o oration_n against_o the_o gentile_n declare_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n 11._o agreeable_a to_o these_o be_v optatus_n in_o his_o 5._o book_n against_o parman_n who_o reason_n thus_o you_o say_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o rebaptize_v we_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a betwixt_o your_o say_n and_o our_o gainsaying_n the_o people_n mind_n be_v amuse_v let_v no_o man_n believe_v either_o you_o or_o we_o all_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v contentious_a therefore_o judge_n be_v to_o be_v call_v in_o christian_n they_o can_v be_v for_o they_o will_v be_v party_n and_o thereby_o partial_a therefore_o a_o judge_n be_v to_o be_v look_v out_o from_o abroad_o if_o a_o pagan_a he_o know_v not_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n if_o a_o jew_n he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o our_o baptism_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o earthly_a judge_n but_o one_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v from_o heaven_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o resort_n to_o heaven_n when_o we_o have_v in_o the_o gospel_n a_o testament_n and_o in_o this_o case_n celestial_a thing_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o earthly_a so_o it_o be_v as_o with_o a_o father_n who_o have_v many_o child_n while_o he_o be_v present_a he_o order_v they_o all_o and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o write_a will_n according_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v present_a upon_o earth_n from_o time_n to_o time_n command_v the_o apostle_n whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a but_o as_o the_o earthly_a father_n find_v himself_o to_o be_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n and_o fear_v that_o after_o his_o departure_n his_o child_n shall_v quarrel_v among_o themselves_o he_o call_v witness_n and_o put_v his_o mind_n in_o writing_n and_o if_o any_o difference_n arise_v among_o the_o brethren_n they_o go_v not_o to_o their_o father_n sepulchre_n but_o repair_v to_o his_o will_n and_o testament_n and_o he_o who_o rest_v in_o his_o grave_n speak_v still_o in_o his_o writing_n as_o if_o he_o be_v alive_a our_o lord_n who_o leave_v his_o will_n among_o we_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n therefore_o let_v we_o seek_v his_o command_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o in_o his_o will._n 12._o thus_o cyril_n of_o jerus_n cat._n 4._o nothing_o no_o not_o the_o least_o concernment_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v without_o the_o holy_a scripture_n believe_v not_o i_o unless_o i_o give_v you_o a_o demonstration_n of_o what_o i_o say_v from_o the_o scripture_n 13._o saint_n basil_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n say_v if_o god_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o say_n his_o word_n and_o work_n they_o remain_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v do_v in_o truth_n and_o equity_n it_o must_v be_v a_o evident_a sign_n of_o infidelity_n and_o pride_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v reject_v what_o be_v write_v and_o introduce_v what_o be_v not_o write_v in_o which_o book_n he_o general_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v write_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o he_o abhor_v from_o take_v it_o elsewhere_o in_o his_o 29._o homily_n against_o the_o antitrinit_a believe_v say_v he_o those_o which_o be_v write_v seek_v not_o those_o which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o in_o his_o eth._n reg_fw-la 26._o every_o word_n and_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_o inspire_v scripture_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o good_a and_o reproof_n of_o the_o wicked_a 14._o saint_n ambrose_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o offic._n say_v how_o can_v we_o make_v use_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o his_o instit._n of_o virgin_n i_o read_v he_o be_v the_o first_o but_o read_v not_o he_o be_v the_o second_o let_v they_o who_o say_v he_o be_v second_o show_v it_o from_o the_o read_n 15._o greg._n nyssen_n in_o his_o dial._n of_o the_o soul_n and_o resurrect_v say_v it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o truth_n be_v there_o only_o to_o be_v place_v where_o there_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o scripture_n testimony_n 16._o saint_n jerom_n against_o helvidius_n declare_v as_o we_o deny_v not_o that_o which_o be_v write_v so_o we_o refuse_v those_o which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o 98._o ps._n every_o thing_n that_o we_o assert_v we_o must_v show_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v have_v not_o that_o authority_n as_o god_n precept_n and_o on_o the_o 87._o ps._n whatever_o be_v say_v after_o the_o apostle_n let_v it_o be_v cut_v off_o nor_o have_v afterward_o authority_n the_o one_o be_v holy_a after_o the_o apostle_n the_o one_o be_v eloquent_a yet_o have_v he_o not_o authority_n 17._o saint_n austin_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n c._n 12._o acknowledge_v that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v convince_v but_o by_o the_o scripture_n of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o add_v they_o be_v read_v with_o such_o manifestation_n that_o he_o who_o believe_v they_o must_v confess_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v most_o true_a in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n c._n 9_o he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n be_v find_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v faith_n and_o manner_n and_o in_o epist._n 42._o all_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v exhibit_v heretofore_o as_o don_v to_o mankind_n and_o what_o we_o now_o see_v and_o deliver_v to_o our_o posterity_n the_o scripture_n have_v not_o pass_v they_o in_o silence_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o concern_v the_o search_n or_o defence_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o his_o â—ract_n of_o the_o good_a of_o widowhood_n he_o say_v to_o â—ulian_n the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o address_v what_o shall_v i_o teach_v you_o more_o than_o that_o we_o read_v in_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n settlos_fw-la the_o rule_n of_o our_o doctrine_n that_o we_o think_v not_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v soâ—erly_o as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n therefore_o my_o teach_n be_v only_o to_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o this_o doctor_n ep._n 157._o where_o â—ny_a subject_n be_v obscure_a and_o pass_v our_o comprehension_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o plain_o afford_v its_o help_n there_o human_a conjecture_n be_v presumâ—â—ous_a in_o define_v 18._o theophilus_n of_o alex._n in_o his_o second_o paschal_n homily_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o suggestion_n of_o a_o diabolical_a spirit_n to_o think_v that_o any_o thing_n beside_o the_o scripture_n have_v divine_a authority_n and_o in_o his_o three_o he_o add_v that_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n lay_v firm_a foundation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n 19_o chrysostom_n in_o his_o three_o homily_n
on_o the_o first_o of_o the_o thessaly_n assert_n that_o from_o the_o alone_a read_n or_o hear_v of_o the_o scripture_n one_o may_v learn_v all_o thing_n necessary_a so_o hom._n 34._o on_o act._n 15._o he_o declare_v a_o heathen_a come_v and_o say_v i_o will_v willing_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o i_o know_v not_o who_o to_o join_v myself_o to_o for_o there_o be_v many_o contention_n among_o you_o many_o sedition_n and_o tumult_n so_o that_o i_o be_o in_o doubt_n what_o opinion_n i_o shall_v choose_v each_o man_n say_v what_o y_o say_v be_v true_a and_o i_o know_v not_o who_o to_o believe_v each_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n which_o i_o be_o ignorant_a of_o it_o be_v very_o well_o the_o issue_n be_v put_v here_o for_o if_o the_o appeal_n be_v to_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n there_o will_v be_v just_a occasion_n of_o be_v trouble_v but_o when_o we_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o they_o be_v simple_a and_o certain_a you_o may_v easy_o yourself_o judge_v he_o that_o agree_v with_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o christian_n he_o that_o resist_v they_o be_v far_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o on_o ps._n 95._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v say_v without_o the_o scripture_n the_o mind_n halt_v between_o different_a opinion_n sometime_o incline_v as_o to_o what_o be_v probable_a anon_o reject_v as_o what_o be_v frivolous_a but_o when_o the_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v produce_v the_o mind_n both_o of_o speaker_n and_o hearer_n be_v confirm_v and_o hom._n 4._o on_o lazar_n though_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a or_o a_o angel_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n we_o must_v believe_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v frame_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o quick_a and_o dead_a and_o hom._n 13._o 2_o cor._n 7._o it_o be_v not_o a_o absurd_a thing_n that_o when_o we_o deal_v with_o man_n about_o money_n we_o will_v trust_v no_o body_n but_o cast_v up_o the_o sum_n and_o make_v use_n of_o our_o counter_n but_o in_o religious_a affair_n suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v aside_o by_o other_o man_n opinion_n even_o then_o when_o we_o have_v by_o a_o exact_a scale_n and_o touchstone_n the_o dictat_fw-la of_o the_o divine_a law_n therefore_o i_o pray_v and_o exhort_v you_o that_o give_v no_o heed_n to_o what_o this_o or_o that_o man_n say_v you_o will_v consult_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o thence_o learn_v the_o divine_a riches_n and_o pursue_v what_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o hom._n 58._o on_o jo._n 10._o 1._o it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o thief_n that_o he_o come_v not_o in_o by_o the_o door_n but_o another_o way_n now_o by_o the_o door_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v signify_v and_o hom._n on_o gal._n 1._o 8._o the_o apostle_n say_v not_o if_o any_o man_n teach_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v or_o if_o he_o subvert_v the_o whole_a gospel_n but_o if_o he_o teach_v any_o thing_n beside_o the_o gospel_n which_o you_o have_v receive_v or_o vary_v any_o little_a thing_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v 20._o cyril_n of_o alex._n against_o jul._n l._n 7._o say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o who_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o endue_v with_o most_o ample_a knowledge_n 21._o thâ—odoret_n dial._n 1_o i_o be_o persuade_v only_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o dial._n 2._o i_o be_o not_o so_o bold_a to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n not_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o again_o qu._n 45._o upon_o genes_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o inquire_v after_o what_o be_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n but_o acquiesce_v in_o what_o be_v write_v 22._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o enlarge_v this_o discourse_n into_o a_o volume_n but_o have_v take_v as_o they_o offer_v themselves_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o four_o first_o century_n i_o shall_v not_o proceed_v to_o those_o that_o follow_v if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o all_o christian_n heretofore_o we_o may_v reasonable_o assure_v ourselves_o it_o be_v so_o still_o and_o will_v now_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o consequent_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o oral_a tradition_n or_o the_o new_a mintage_n of_o a_o live_a infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o the_o impartial_a reader_n will_v be_v enable_v to_o judge_n whether_o our_o appeal_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o all_o occasion_n of_o controversy_n and_o recommendation_n of_o it_o to_o the_o study_n of_o every_o christian_a be_v that_o heresy_n and_o innovation_n which_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 23._o it_o be_v we_o know_v severe_o impute_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n by_o our_o saviour_n that_o they_o take_v from_o the_o people_n the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n luk._n 11._o 52._o and_o have_v make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o their_o tradition_n matt._n 15._o 6._o but_o they_o never_o attemt_v what_o have_v be_v since_o practise_v by_o their_o successor_n in_o the_o western_a church_n to_o take_v away_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o testament_n itself_o and_o cut_v of_o not_o only_o the_o efficacy_n but_o very_a possession_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o their_o tradition_n sure_o this_o have_v be_v exceed_v criminal_a from_o any_o hand_n but_o that_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o universal_a and_o infallible_a pastor_n of_o it_o who_o claim_v the_o office_n to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n exhort_v unto_o and_o assist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o man_n who_o thus_o rob_v the_o people_n of_o they_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o high_a aggravation_n both_o of_o cruelty_n and_o breach_n of_o trust_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v take_v away_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n of_o this_o prophecy_n say_v saint_n john_n revel_v 22._o 19_o god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o part_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a city_n and_o from_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n what_o vengeance_n therefore_o await_v those_o who_o have_v take_v away_o not_o only_o from_o one_o book_n but_o at_o once_o the_o book_n themselves_o even_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n sect_n vii_o historical_a reflection_n upon_o the_o event_n which_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o church_n since_o the_o withdraw_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o will_v in_o this_o place_n be_v no_o useless_a contemplation_n to_o observe_v after_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v ravish_v from_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n what_o pitiful_a pretender_n be_v admit_v to_o succeed_v and_o first_o because_o layman_n be_v presume_v to_o be_v illiterate_a and_o easy_o seducible_a by_o those_o write_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o difficult_a and_o will_v be_v wrest_v by_o the_o unlearned_a to_o their_o own_o destruction_n picture_n be_v recommend_v in_o their_o steed_n and_o complemented_a as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o laity_n which_o soon_o emprove_v into_o a_o necessity_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o that_o gross_a superstition_n which_o render_v christianity_n abominate_v by_o turk_n and_o jew_n and_o heathen_n unto_o this_o day_n 2._o i_o will_v not_o be_v hasty_a in_o charge_v idolatry_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o all_o in_o her_o communion_n but_o that_o their_o image-worship_n be_v a_o most_o fatal_a snare_n in_o which_o vast_a number_n of_o unhappy_a soul_n be_v take_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v who_o have_v with_o any_o regard_n travail_v in_o popish_a country_n i_o myself_o and_o thousand_o of_o other_o who_o the_o late_a trouble_n or_o other_o occasion_n send_v abroad_o be_v and_o have_v be_v witness_n thereof_o charity_n it_o be_v true_a believe_v all_o thing_n but_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v man_n to_o disbelieve_v their_o eye_n it_o be_v the_o outcry_n of_o micah_n against_o the_o danite_n jud._n 18._o 24._o you_o have_v take_v away_o my_o god_n which_o i_o have_v make_v and_o the_o priest_n and_o be_v go_v away_o and_o what_o have_v i_o more_o but_o the_o laity_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n may_v enlarge_v the_o complaint_n and_o say_v you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o oracle_n of_o our_o god_n and_o set_v up_o every_o where_o among_o we_o grave_v and_o melt_a image_n and_o teraphim_n and_o what_o have_v we_o more_o and_o it_o be_v late_o the_o loud_a and_o i_o doubt_v i_o be_v still_o the_o unanswerable_a complaint_n of_o the_o poor_a american_n that_o they_o be_v deny_v to_o worship_v their_o pagod_n once_o in_o the_o year_n when_o they_o who_o forbid_v they_o worship_v they_o every_o day_n 3._o the_o jew_n before_o the_o captivity_n notwithstanding_o the_o recent_a memory_n of_o the_o miracle_n in_o egypt_n and_o the_o wilderness_n and_o the_o first_o
psal._n 138._o 2._o can_v brook_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o vile_a and_o cheap_a play_n and_o dally_v with_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o capital_a crime_n to_o convert_v any_o of_o the_o perfume_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n to_o common_a use_n ex._n 30._o 32._o can_v we_o think_v god_n can_v be_v please_v to_o see_v his_o more_o sacred_a word_n the_o theme_n of_o our_o giddy_a mirth_n and_o have_v his_o own_o word_n echo_v to_o he_o in_o profane_a drollery_n 52._o but_o beside_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o this_o wanton_a liberty_n be_v a_o step_n to_o the_o more_o solemn_a and_o deliberate_a contemt_a of_o god_n word_n custom_n do_v strange_o prescribe_v to_o we_o and_o he_o that_o a_o while_n have_v use_v any_o thing_n irreverent_o will_v at_o last_o bring_v his_o practice_n into_o argument_n and_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o reverence_n due_a to_o it_o god_n know_v we_o be_v natural_o too_o apt_a to_o slight_v and_o easy_a apprehension_n of_o sacred_a thing_n and_o have_v need_v to_o use_v all_o art_n and_o instrument_n to_o impress_v a_o awe_n upon_o our_o mind_n 53._o it_o will_v sure_o then_o be_v very_o unsafe_a for_o we_o to_o trifle_v with_o they_o and_o by_o so_o undue_a a_o familiarity_n draw_v on_o that_o contemt_a which_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o our_o care_n to_o avoid_v the_o wise_a man_n say_v he_o that_o contemn_v small_a thing_n shall_v fall_v by_o little_a and_o little_a eccl._n 19_o 1._o and_o though_o no_o degree_n of_o irreverence_n towards_o god_n or_o his_o word_n can_v be_v call_v a_o small_a thing_n absolute_o consider_v yet_o comparative_o with_o the_o more_o exorbitant_a degree_n it_o may_v and_o yet_o that_o small_a be_v the_o seed_n and_o parent_n of_o the_o great_a it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o sin_n the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n like_o that_o of_o god_n may_v be_v compare_v '_o to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n mat._n 13._o 31._o which_o tho_o little_a in_o itself_o be_v mighty_a in_o its_o increase_n 54._o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o begin_v at_o the_o top_n of_o villainy_n but_o the_o advance_n be_v still_o gradual_a from_o one_o degree_n to_o another_o each_o commission_n smooth_v and_o glib_v the_o way_n to_o the_o next_o he_o that_o accustom_n in_o his_o ordinary_a discourse_n to_o use_v the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n with_o as_o little_a sentiment_n and_o reverence_n as_o he_o do_v that_o of_o his_o neighbour_n or_o servant_n that_o make_v it_o his_o common_a byword_n and_o cry_v lord_n and_o god_n upon_o every_o the_o light_a occasion_n of_o exclamation_n or_o wonder_n this_o man_n have_v a_o very_a short_a step_n to_o the_o use_v it_o in_o oath_n and_o upon_o all_o frivolous_a occasion_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v vain_o be_v at_o no_o great_a distance_n from_o swear_v false_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o that_o indulge_v his_o wit_n to_o rally_v with_o they_o will_v soon_o come_v to_o think_v they_o such_o tame_a thing_n that_o he_o may_v downright_o scorn_v they_o and_o when_o he_o be_v arrive_v to_o that_o than_o he_o must_v pick_v quarrel_n to_o justify_v it_o till_o at_o last_o he_o arrive_v even_o to_o the_o height_n of_o enmity_n 55._o let_v every_o man_n therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o set_v so_o much_o as_o one_o step_n in_o this_o fatal_a circle_n guard_v himself_o against_o the_o first_o insinuation_n of_o this_o guilt_n and_o when_o a_o jest_n offer_v itself_o as_o a_o temptation_n let_v he_o balance_v that_o with_o a_o sober_a thought_n and_o consider_v whether_o the_o jest_n can_v quit_v the_o cost_n of_o the_o profanation_n let_v he_o possess_v his_o mind_n with_o a_o habitual_a awe_n take_v up_o the_o bible_n with_o solemner_n thought_n and_o other_o kind_n of_o apprehension_n than_o any_o human_a author_n and_o if_o he_o habituate_v himself_o to_o this_o reverence_n every_o clause_n and_o phrase_n of_o it_o that_o occur_v to_o his_o mind_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o excite_v he_o to_o devout_a ejaculation_n then_o vain_a laughter_n 56._o it_o be_v report_v of_o our_o excellent_a prince_n king_n edward_z the_o six_o that_o when_o in_o his_o council_n chamber_n a_o paper_n that_o be_v call_v for_o happen_v to_o lie_v out_o of_o reach_n and_o the_o person_n concern_v to_o produce_v it_o take_v a_o bible_n that_o lie_v by_o and_o stand_v upon_o it_o reach_v down_o the_o paper_n the_o king_n observe_v what_o be_v do_v run_v himself_o to_o the_o place_n and_o take_v the_o bible_n in_o his_o hand_n kiss_v it_o and_o lay_v it_o up_o again_o of_o this_o it_o be_v a_o very_a desirable_a moral_n that_o prince_n and_o all_o person_n in_o authority_n will_v take_v care_n not_o to_o permit_v any_o to_o raise_v themselves_o by_o either_o a_o hypocritical_a or_o profane_a trample_n upon_o holy_a thing_n but_o beside_o that_o a_o more_o general_a application_n offer_v its_o self_n that_o all_o man_n of_o what_o condition_n soever_o shall_v both_o themselves_o abstain_v from_o every_o action_n that_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o contemt_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o also_o when_o they_o observe_v it_o in_o other_o discountenance_v the_o insolence_n and_o by_o their_o word_n and_o action_n give_v testimony_n of_o the_o veneration_n which_o they_o have_v for_o that_o holy_a book_n they_o see_v other_o so_o wretched_o despise_v 57_o but_o above_o all_o let_v he_o who_o read_v the_o scripture_n serious_o set_v himself_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o daily_o examine_v how_o he_o proceed_v in_o it_o he_o that_o diligent_o do_v this_o will_v not_o be_v much_o at_o leisure_n to_o sport_n with_o it_o he_o will_v scarce_o meet_v with_o a_o text_n which_o will_v not_o give_v he_o cause_n of_o reflection_n and_o provide_v he_o work_v within_o his_o own_o breast_n every_o duty_n enjoin_v will_n promt_v he_o to_o examine_v how_o he_o have_v perform_v every_o sin_n forbid_v will_v call_v he_o to_o recollect_v how_o guilty_a he_o have_v be_v every_o pathetic_a strain_n of_o devotion_n will_v kindle_v his_o zeal_n or_o at_o least_o upbraid_v his_o coldness_n every_o heroic_a example_n will_v excite_v his_o emulation_n in_o a_o word_n every_o part_n of_o scripture_n will_v if_o due_o apply_v contribute_v to_o some_o good_a and_o excellent_a end_n and_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v proper_a for_o such_o noble_a purpose_n can_v it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o apply_v it_o only_o to_o mean_v and_o trivial_a will_v any_o but_o a_o idiot_n be_v that_o sovereign_a liquor_n in_o the_o wash_n of_o his_o foot_n which_o be_v give_v he_o to_o expel_v poison_n from_o his_o heart_n and_o be_v not_o we_o guilty_a of_o the_o like_a folly_n when_o we_o apply_v god_n word_n to_o serve_v only_o a_o ludicrous_a humour_n and_o make_v ourselves_o merry_a with_o that_o which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o most_o important_a purpose_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o indeed_o who_o ever_o take_v any_o low_a aim_n than_o that_o and_o the_o virtue_n preparatory_a to_o it_o in_o his_o study_n of_o scripture_n extreme_o debase_v it_o 58._o let_v we_o therefore_o keep_v a_o steady_a eye_n upon_o that_o mark_n and_o press_v towards_o it_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v phil._n 3._o 14._o walk_n by_o that_o rule_n the_o holy_a scripture_n propose_v faithful_o and_o diligent_o observe_v its_o precept_n that_o we_o may_v final_o partake_v its_o promise_n to_o this_o end_n continual_o pray_v we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o holy_a mother_n the_o church_n unto_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v cause_v all_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o may_v in_o such_o wise_a hear_v they_o read_z mark_v learn_v and_o inward_o digest_v they_o that_o by_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n we_o may_v embrace_v and_o ever_o hold_v fast_o the_o bless_a hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o he_o have_v give_v in_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n the_o content_n section_n sect._n 1_o the_o several_a method_n of_o god_n communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o pag._n 1._o sect._n 2._o the_o divine_a original_a endearment_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 9_o sect._n 3_o the_o subject_a matter_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v excellent_a as_o be_v also_o its_o end_n and_o design_n p._n 63._o sect._n 4._o the_o custody_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o privilege_n and_o right_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o which_o can_v without_o impiety_n to_o god_n and_o injustice_n unto_o it_o and_o they_o be_v take_v away_o or_o impeach_v p._n 123._o sect._n 5._o the_o scripture_n have_v great_a propriety_n and_o fitness_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o excellent_a end_n p._n 145._o sect._n 6._o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n concern_v the_o propriety_n and_o fitness_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o excellent_a end_n p._n 165._o sect._n 7._o historical_a reflection_n upon_o the_o event_n which_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o church_n since_o the_o withdraw_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 180._o sect._n 8._o necessary_a caution_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 193._o finis_fw-la