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soul_n sure_o no_o man_n will_v say_v other_o then_o that_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n well_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n it_o must_v be_v because_o of_o some_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o and_o this_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o his_o promise_n in_o christ_n of_o grace_n and_o pardon_v to_o poor_a sinner_n this_o be_v the_o testimony_n or_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o 5._o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n and_o this_o be_v the_o testimony_n we_o receive_v by_o faith_n and_o so_o our_o faith_n be_v divine_a if_o we_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n our_o faith_n be_v only_o humane_a this_o i_o say_v again_o be_v our_o argument_n that_o our_o faith_n be_v divine_a the_o testimony_n receive_v by_o it_o be_v so_o also_o and_o therefore_o we_o receive_v only_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n it_o can_v be_v reasonable_o imagine_v that_o our_o faith_n shall_v have_v its_o foundation_n and_o sure_a foot_n in_o any_o thing_n of_o man_n but_o here_o they_o ferch_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o to_o little_a purpose_n see_v those_o assistance_n be_v yield_v we_o most_o likely_a to_o help_v we_o in_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o may_v not_o protestant_n more_o rational_o by_o far_o say_v they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o papist_n say_v that_o tradition_n receive_v incomparable_a strength_n by_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o same_o holy_a ghost_n sure_o if_o god_n have_v make_v any_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n his_o spiâ—…it_n most_o likely_a will_v help_v we_o to_o believe_v
it_o much_o rather_o then_o aâ—…y_a thing_n else_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o care_v so_o little_a sore_a tradition_n because_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n for_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n to_o save_v we_o but_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o know_v not_o how_o we_o can_v have_v faith_n in_o god_n but_o by_o receive_v the_o testimony_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v when_o papist_n attribute_v so_o much_o to_o tradition_n for_o ascertain_v scripture_n we_o can_v yield_v to_o they_o in_o it_o because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n so_o speak_v to_o man_n as_o they_o may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v if_o he_o do_v not_o it_o be_v because_o he_o will_v not_o or_o because_o he_o can_v that_o he_o can_v no_o man_n can_v say_v without_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v he_o will_v not_o be_v little_o better_a for_o he_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a but_o open_o and_o plain_o so_o as_o they_o to_o who_o he_o have_v speak_v have_v know_v certain_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n not_o only_o to_o declâ—…re_v the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o to_o ascertain_v those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o such_o be_v scripture_n uz._n a_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v so_o make_v as_o man_n may_v know_v that_o god_n have_v speak_v wherefore_o though_o papist_n say_v of_o scripture_n as_o the_o jew_n say_v of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o bear_v record_v of_o thyself_o thy_o record_n be_v not_o true_a we_o answer_v as_o christ_n answer_v for_o himself_o though_o it_o bear_v record_n of_o itself_o yet_o its_o record_n be_v true_a for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v understand_v his_o mind_n so_o he_o speak_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o they_o may_v know_v it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v and_o not_o man_n or_o any_o creature_n for_o what_o can_v be_v say_v or_o think_v more_o unworthy_a of_o god_n then_o that_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o man_n but_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o can_v be_v understand_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o other_o to_o ascertain_v they_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v we_o can_v speak_v to_o one_o another_o either_o by_o word_n or_o writing_n so_o as_o to_o know_v who_o speak_v as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v speak_v but_o god_n it_o seem_v to_o papist_n must_v have_v some_o other_o to_o pass_v their_o word_n for_o he_o before_o he_o can_v have_v any_o credit_n with_o man_n and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o must_v ascertain_v we_o beyond_o all_o further_a question_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n only_o tradition_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n successive_o convey_v down_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o need_v or_o desire_v it_o we_o shall_v enlarge_v in_o our_o answer_n yet_o not_o to_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o our_o intend_a breviy_n 1._o we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v testimony_n to_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o true_a church_n have_v so_o do_v in_o all_o age_n we_o protestant_n do_v believe_v but_o we_o say_v withal_o that_o the_o church_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a instrument_n or_o mean_n in_o give_v this_o testimony_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n such_o as_o papist_n plead_v for_o or_o dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o we_o stand_v to_o affirm_v we_o do_v not_o beâ—…ieve_v the_o scripture_n because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o we_o believe_v it_o such_o for_o its_o own_o and_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n though_o no_o man_n bear_v witness_n to_o it_o for_o what_o be_v the_o church_n make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n more_o or_o less_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o have_v these_o man_n this_o doctrine_n or_o how_o come_v then_o by_o it_o have_v they_o it_o not_o in_o scripture_n christ_n indeed_o deliver_v it_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o they_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n but_o i_o hope_v papist_n will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o pen_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n or_o that_o the_o next_o church_n receive_v any_o doctrine_n other_o than_o be_v therein_o record_v so_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v mention_v ephes._n 2._o 20._o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o scripture_n and_o not_o scripture_n upon_o the_o church_n indeed_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o believe_v scripture_n and_o make_v it_o the_o ground_n work_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v it_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o society_n the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v or_o frame_v the_o scripture_n but_o receive_v it_o make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n god_n have_v his_o secretary_n who_o write_v his_o will_n and_o command_n and_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o man_n have_v be_v call_v and_o such_o as_o submit_v and_o come_v in_o have_v be_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n hence_o the_o church_n we_o say_v have_v more_o need_n of_o scripture_n testimony_n than_o scripture_n have_v of_o the_o church_n and_o according_o protestant_n judge_v of_o the_o church_n by_o scripture_n and_o not_o of_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n questionless_a when_o god_n shall_v judge_v all_o by_o the_o man_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v he_o will_v try_v all_o church_n and_o man_n by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o where_o those_o law_n be_v we_o leave_v papist_n to_o inquire_v for_o we_o know_v none_o but_o such_o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n they_o tell_v we_o a_o very_a fair_a tale_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o the_o first_o church_n which_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v so_o unnatural_a as_o witting_o to_o hide_v it_o from_o posterity_n and_o deliver_v over_o to_o the_o next_o generation_n such_o lie_n as_o will_v unavoidable_o damn_v they_o now_o we_o suppose_v as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o all_o parent_n and_o progenitor_n have_v so_o much_o natural_a affection_n as_o not_o to_o procure_v willing_o or_o witting_o the_o damnation_n of_o their_o child_n but_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v say_v we_o tradition_n to_o be_v so_o infallible_a as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o for_o tradition_n or_o deliver_v any_o matter_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n be_v and_o must_v be_v uncertain_a yea_o and_o soon_o fail_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o record_n whereupon_o to_o bottom_v it_o and_o for_o this_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o in_o the_o first_o age_n god_n be_v please_v to_o let_v his_o will_v be_v make_v know_v from_o father_n to_o son_n after_o he_o have_v once_o declare_v and_o reveal_v it_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o leave_v all_o to_o tradition_n but_o ever_o and_o anon_o renew_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n as_o occasion_v require_v and_o this_o he_o do_v when_o those_o patriarch_n live_v ten_o time_n so_o long_o as_o any_o have_v ordinary_o live_v for_o very_a many_o age_n and_o when_o afterward_o abraham_n seed_n be_v grow_v into_o a_o multitude_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o have_v the_o lively_a oracle_n enroll_v and_o commit_v to_o writing_n hence_o we_o think_v it_o rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n think_v his_o will_n write_v to_o be_v more_o infallible_a and_o certain_a then_o as_o deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n once_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o while_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v deliver_v without_o write_v it_o all_o the_o world_n be_v corrupt_v so_o as_o all_o flesh_n have_v pervert_v their_o way_n in_o the_o time_n of_o noah_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o at_o first_o the_o doctrine_n which_o god_n reveal_v to_o adam_n and_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v corrupt_v as_o they_o be_v if_o tradition_n can_v possible_o fail_v or_o how_o come_v the_o world_n after_o the_o flood_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o idol_n so_o as_o abraham_n must_v be_v call_v out_o from_o the_o posterity_n of_o shem_n who_o posterity_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n deliver_v to_o they_o if_o tradition_n be_v so_o faithful_a in_o the_o delivery_n of_o what_o be_v commit_v to_o it_o we_o wonder_v how_o true_a religion_n shall_v fail_v so_o soon_o and_o that_o not_o among_o a_o few_o but_o all_o the_o world_n over_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o heretic_n have_v rise_v
from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o these_o follow_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o humour_n and_o interest_n have_v pervert_v and_o draw_v aside_o other_o we_o grant_v it_o but_o we_o say_v too_o that_o not_o a_o few_o or_o a_o small_a party_n but_o multirule_v have_v be_v corrupt_v as_o once_o it_o be_v when_o all_o the_o world_n wonder_v to_o see_v itself_o arian_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o time_n of_o noah_n and_o elijah_n which_o be_v famous_a for_o a_o general_a apostasy_n we_o ask_v how_o all_o israel_n come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v after_o joshua_n and_o the_o judg_n that_o outlive_v he_o yea_o how_o the_o body_n of_o that_o people_n be_v corrupt_v even_o while_o moses_n be_v alive_a and_o upon_o all'occasion_n turn_v themselves_o to_o idol_n and_o how_o come_v the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n to_o have_v so_o many_o tradition_n not_o only_o beside_o but_o contrary_a to_o the_o write_a word_n now_o the_o force_n of_o our_o argue_v lie_v in_o this_o that_o notwithstanding_o tradition_n and_o a_o write_a word_n too_o for_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n past_a the_o generality_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o people_n who_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o they_o have_v be_v corrupt_v and_o pervert_v and_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o what_o credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o tradition_n or_o what_o shall_v the_o father_n deliver_v over_o to_o their_o child_n other_o than_o they_o themselves_o have_v receive_v believe_v and_o practise_v we_o can_v enough_o wonder_v at_o papist_n arguing_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v in_o some_o particular_n ere_o we_o can_v yield_v so_o much_o to_o tradition_n as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o 1._o we_o will_v know_v who_o these_o foref_n they_o be_v that_o have_v so_o careful_o deliver_v over_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n for_o our_o forefather_n after_o the_o flesh_n till_o this_o and_o the_o last_o age_n we_o know_v and_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o that_o they_o be_v roman_a catholic_n this_o land_n have_v take_v the_o infection_n as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o place_n and_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o other_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n be_v as_o they_o so_o as_o those_o who_o we_o count_v our_o forefather_n after_o the_o faith_n be_v for_o a_o great_a while_n up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o that_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n in_o elijah_n time_n and_o what_o then_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o tradition_n of_o forefather_n we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o precious_a promise_n isa._n 59_o 21._o that_o god_n word_n and_o spirit_n shall_v continue_v with_o his_o church_n and_o the_o church_n child_n to_o all_o generation_n as_o our_o saviour_n promise_v his_o disciple_n mat._n 28._o 20._o to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o observe_v the_o spirit_n be_v promise_v as_o well_o as_o the_o word_n because_o one_o be_v unavailable_a without_o the_o other_o cooperate_n with_o it_o isa._n 30._o 20_o 21._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 16._o 2_o cor._n 3._o 6._o and_o 4._o 13._o but_o where_o be_v there_o any_o promise_n that_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n shall_v continue_v with_o any_o one_o people_n uninterrupted_o unto_o the_o world_n end_n we_o read_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o it_o be_v and_o be_v not_o restore_v to_o they_o yet_o and_o in_o many_o place_n where_o once_o be_v famous_a christian_a church_n there_o be_v not_o to_o be_v see_v at_o this_o day_n so_o much_o as_o a_o relic_n of_o christianity_n witness_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n now_o possess_v by_o mahometan_n we_o think_v it_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a that_o error_n and_o impiety_n of_o all_o sort_n may_v infect_v whole_a nation_n of_o such_o as_o have_v profess_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o when_o the_o infection_n have_v once_o take_v a_o few_o it_o will_v spread_v like_o a_o gangrene_n till_o the_o body_n be_v all_o overrun_a so_o when_o some_o have_v once_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n other_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o follow_v and_o the_o tare_n soon_o outgrow_a the_o good_a seed_n hence_o we_o answer_v that_o we_o can_v admit_v tradition_n as_o a_o infallible_a witness_n since_o multitude_n yea_o whole_a nation_n have_v be_v overspread_v with_o error_n and_o those_o no_o small_a one_o for_o when_o a_o generation_n be_v once_o corrupt_v in_o their_o principle_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a to_o we_o how_o they_o shall_v teach_v their_o child_n other_o then_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v learn_v so_o our_o forefather_n after_o the_o flesh_n will_v we_o believe_v have_v teach_v we_o the_o same_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v teach_v they_o for_o many_o age_n i._n e._n the_o popish_a or_o romish_n but_o we_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v our_o forefather_n as_o to_o our_o faith_n if_o any_o ask_v we_o who_o these_o be_v we_o answer_v all_z they_o who_o in_o all_o age_n protest_v against_o the_o error_n and_o abuse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o know_v well_o that_o england_n be_v christian_n before_o austin_n the_o monk_n come_v hither_o for_o he_o find_v such_o here_o as_o stout_o withstand_v his_o romish_a imposition_n though_o it_o cost_v they_o dear_a and_o what_o if_o there_o never_o have_v be_v a_o church_n in_o england_n before_o or_o that_o church_n have_v utter_o fail_v yet_o the_o church_n true_o catholic_n never_o fail_v but_o god_n have_v have_v always_o and_o will_v have_v to_o the_o end_n a_o company_n that_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o desire_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o these_o we_o own_o for_o our_o forefather_n as_o to_o our_o faith_n and_o from_o these_o we_o receive_v what_o we_o now_o profess_v and_o believe_v according_a to_o scripture_n to_o clear_v the_o matter_n yet_o further_o we_o say_v this_o argument_n of_o tradition_n suppose_v what_o we_o can_v yield_v viz._n that_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n hold_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o all_o particular_n with_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a church_n and_o that_o the_o same_o faith_n have_v be_v hand_v down_o to_o they_o in_o all_o age_n successive_o to_o this_o day_n that_o there_o be_v once_o a_o famous_a church_n at_o rome_n we_o grant_v but_o that_o the_o present_a faith_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n can_v never_o be_v make_v good_a unless_o papist_n will_v have_v the_o difference_n of_o mea_n and_o day_n to_o be_v the_o whole_a catholic_n faith_n let_v they_o now_o prove_v their_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o we_o may_v then_o heed_v this_o argument_n more_o than_o now_o we_o can_v for_o our_o part_n we_o stand_v to_o prove_v as_o other_o before_o we_o have_v do_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a depart_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o when_o the_o generality_n be_v once_o corrupt_v in_o principle_n and_o practice_n we_o know_v not_o what_o they_o shall_v teach_v posterity_n other_o then_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v learn_v do_v not_o heathen_n now_o as_o in_o all_o former_a age_n teach_v their_o child_n to_o worship_n idol_n as_o themselves_o have_v do_v and_o be_v it_o so_o hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o face_n yea_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v overspread_v by_o error_n and_o heresy_n who_o know_v not_o that_o one_o scab_a sheep_n will_v infect_v a_o whole_a flock_n and_o how_o a_o little_a leaven_n will_v soon_o leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n we_o hear_v of_o vain_a conversation_n receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o forefather_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 18._o and_o we_o know_v too_o well_o that_o child_n for_o the_o most_o part_n betake_v themselves_o to_o such_o course_n as_o their_o father_n have_v take_v before_o they_o that_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v the_o whole_a truth_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o they_o to_o the_o church_n in_o those_o time_n we_o make_v no_o 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it_o be_v so_o agree_v very_o early_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v because_o coâ—…stantine_n in_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n will_v not_o else_o have_v persuade_v the_o father_n assemble_v to_o examine_v and_o try_v all_o question_n and_o controversy_n by_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n for_o have_v it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o have_v be_v rational_a to_o move_v they_o first_o to_o resolve_v what_o the_o canon_n be_v once_o we_o know_v the_o christian_a church_n have_v need_v to_o be_v resolve_v of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n at_o least_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v depart_v this_o life_n for_o if_o any_o thing_n sure_o this_o be_v of_o concernment_n to_o the_o church_n viz._n to_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n state_v as_o the_o standard_n whereby_o all_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v weigh_v and_o measure_v and_o this_o we_o think_v be_v do_v even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o determination_n which_o 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the_o church_n devise_v the_o whole_a model_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n out_o of_o her_o own_o heart_n no_o certain_o this_o will_v never_o be_v say_v by_o any_o that_o be_v sober_a what_o then_o questionless_a she_o be_v teach_v it_o of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o i_o hope_v we_o all_o agree_v well_o and_o how_o be_v she_o teach_v it_o be_v it_o not_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o where_o be_v this_o revelation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n but_o i_o proceed_v and_o say_v the_o christian_a church_n learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n from_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n work_v with_o the_o word_n for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n bring_v to_o light_v what_o have_v never_o be_v hear_v of_o or_o think_v on_o before_o but_o they_o only_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n the_o performance_n of_o what_o god_n have_v foretell_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n and_o make_v under_o the_o law_n when_o once_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v and_o so_o the_o apostle_n avow_v act_v 26._o 22._o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v signify_v before_o and_o do_v not_o christ_n come_v to_o fulfil_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o father_n which_o promise_n be_v record_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o and_o christ_n himself_o expound_v the_o scripture_n concern_v himself_o lukâ—…_n 24._o 27._o and_o vers_fw-la 25._o he_o up_o 〈◊〉_d he_o two_o disciple_n with_o their_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v 〈◊〉_d iâ—…_n the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d themselves_o know_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o christ_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v we_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n once_o 〈◊〉_d if_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n 〈◊〉_d let_v papist_n tell_v we_o what_o it_o serve_v â—…or_a true_o we_o be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o know_v no_o use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o that_o be_v grant_v which_o our_o adversary_n plead_v for_o why_o may_v we_o not_o hearken_v to_o the_o church_n and_o her_o tradition_n and_o never_o look_v on_o scripture_n more_o for_o they_o have_v of_o late_o frame_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v all-sufficient_a and_o tell_v we_o plain_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o sure_o if_o we_o thus_o let_v go_v the_o word_n and_o take_v up_o tradition_n we_o have_v best_o let_v god_n go_v also_o and_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o church_n but_o there_o be_v some_o question_n to_o be_v answer_v and_o till_o this_o be_v do_v we_o talk_v to_o no_o purpose_n whatever_o we_o say_v of_o scripture_n or_o against_o tradition_n for_o how_o know_v we_o 1._o whether_o the_o original_n be_v entire_a and_o the_o same_o with_o those_o which_o be_v first_o pon_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n 2._o what_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v canonical_a and_o what_o not_o 3._o whether_o the_o original_n be_v right_o translate_v into_o the_o english_a and_o other_o vulgar_a language_n 4._o whether_o they_o be_v true_o senâ—…ed_v and_o interpret_v etc._n etc._n and_o what_o not_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v press_v upon_o we_o to_o enervate_a the_o source_n of_o scripture_n authority_n and_o prove_v it_o no_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n say_v papist_n must_v be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o and_o it_o must_v evidence_n itself_o so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v ascertain_v of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o how_o can_v the_o vulgar_a be_v sure_a of_o this_o when_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a be_v not_o well_o agree_v about_o it_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o the_o unlearned_a and_o such_o as_o make_v any_o doubt_n about_o these_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v many_o such_o whereof_o some_o be_v rational_a and_o other_o sceptical_a and_o other_o no_o question_n be_v atheistical_a to_o a_o high_a degree_n to_o all_o these_o we_o count_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o answer_v and_o our_o answer_n in_o general_n be_v i._o that_o if_o scripture_n be_v never_o so_o plain_a and_o certain_a there_o will_v be_v some_o doubter_n and_o dissenter_n and_o enemy_n to_o it_o also_o there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o question_n and_o some_o who_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v there_o no_o certainty_n therefore_o of_o god_n existence_n or_o have_v not_o god_n sufficient_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v know_v as_o he_o be_v so_o do_v christ_n give_v evidence_n enough_o of_o himself_o though_o the_o blind_a pharisee_n can_v nor_o or_o rather_o will_v not_o see_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v we_o know_v there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v dissenter_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a honesty_n and_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v plain_a enough_o and_o papist_n i_o be_o confident_a think_v so_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a if_o scripture_n prove_v itself_o so_o far_o as_o all_o honest_a sober_a and_o unintere_v person_n may_v be_v satisfy_v these_o i_o be_o sure_a will_v be_v content_v with_o such_o proof_n as_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n will_v bear_v and_o who_o that_o be_v reasonable_a will_v expect_v argument_n in_o this_o case_n to_o prove_v more_o than_o a_o moral_a certainty_n always_o except_v that_o inward_a assurance_n which_o a_o gracious_a soul_n have_v by_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n spirit_n 2._o we_o answer_v that_o the_o rule_n may_v be_v easy_a though_o all_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v it_o and_o such_o be_v scripture_n easy_a we_o say_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o that_o will_v use_v mean_n for_o that_o end_n what!_o do_v our_o adversary_n think_v it_o may_v be_v know_v by_o dream_v of_o it_o or_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n have_v not_o sufficient_o provide_v for_o our_o soul_n because_o we_o can_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o salvation_n by_o it_o without_o painstaking_a this_o be_v to_o say_v no_o more_o unreasonable_a what_o can_v be_v learn_v without_o use_v mean_n and_o take_v pain_n 3._o we_o may_v just_o look_v on_o these_o query_n about_o scripture_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v ask_v another_o how_o do_v you_o know_v light_a from_o darkness_n white_a from_o black_a sour_a from_o sweet_a for_o scripture_n give_v as_o clear_v a_o discovery_n of_o itself_o as_o thing_n white_a and_o black_a sour_a and_o sweet_a show_v their_o taste_n and_o colour_n but_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v particular_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o order_n to_o the_o first_o question_n about_o the_o original_n we_o answer_v 1._o that_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v entire_a and_o not_o defective_a and_o the_o same_o with_o those_o that_o
they_o and_o this_o light_n be_v so_o glorious_a as_o those_o atocryphals_n dare_v not_o pretend_v to_o it_o but_o rather_o seem_v willing_a to_o be_v in_o a_o low_a form_n for_o this_o i_o instance_n in_o 2_o mac._n 2._o 24._o where_o the_o author_n whoever_o he_o be_v consess_v that_o he_o have_v take_v what_o he_o write_v out_o of_o jason_n of_o cyrene_n and_o contract_v five_o book_n of_o his_o into_o one_o volume_n and_o whoever_o please_v to_o read_v on_o in_o that_o chapter_n may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o speak_v by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n can_v never_o frame_v to_o speak_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n god_n in_o scripture_n as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v speak_v pro_fw-la imperio_fw-la as_o the_o only_o most_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o never_o make_v apology_n for_o himself_o to_o be_v excuse_v with_o those_o to_o who_o he_o speak_v for_o why_o shall_v he_o see_v they_o be_v all_o his_o vassal_n his_o creature_n the_o distance_n be_v so_o infinite_o great_a between_o he_o and_o they_o as_o it_o can_v be_v reasonable_o imagine_v that_o he_o shall_v court_v they_o as_o that_o author_n do_v for_o the_o many_o fiction_n and_o tale_n tell_v in_o some_o of_o those_o apocryphal_o i_o â—…all_v not_o mention_v they_o because_o they_o be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o such_o as_o have_v peruse_v they_o and_o may_v be_v to_o other_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v satisfy_v what_o need_n have_v we_o then_o of_o tradition_n to_o determine_v in_o this_o case_n and_o whoever_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v further_o satisfy_v may_v find_v enough_o in_o all_o our_o divine_n who_o have_v maintain_v scripture_n authority_n against_o our_o adversary_n but_o the_o great_a question_n be_v about_o the_o scripture_n translâ—…ted_v for_o our_o adversary_n think_v we_o can_v never_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o rule_n say_v they_o must_v be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a but_o translation_n be_v many_o and_o various_a and_o much_o different_a if_o not_o in_o many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o one_o another_o and_o then_o how_o shall_v the_o vulgar_a understand_v which_o of_o they_o do_v indeed_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n or_o how_o shall_v the_o unlearned_a be_v infallible_o sure_a that_o this_o or_o that_o translation_n do_v not_o err_v now_o to_o clear_v ourselves_o in_o this_o puzzle_v question_n i_o say_v what_o papist_n can_v deny_v that_o the_o whole_a canon_n be_v at_o first_o write_v in_o two_o language_n which_o very_o few_o in_o comparison_n for_o these_o many_o age_n have_v understand_v better_o than_o our_o common_a people_n do_v but_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v these_o language_n viz._n hebrew_n and_o greek_n be_v best_a know_v to_o the_o church_n of_o any_o other_o hebrew_n be_v the_o mother_n tongue_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_a be_v a_o language_n very_o familiar_a to_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o before_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o then_o see_v they_o be_v call_v hellenist_n or_o grecist_n for_o use_v the_o greek_a translation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o seventy_o for_o the_o gentile_n unto_o who_o the_o gospel_n come_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n many_o of_o they_o have_v it_o for_o their_o mother-tongue_n and_o other_o familiar_o use_v it_o because_o the_o grecian_a monarchy_n have_v not_o long_o before_o sway_v in_o all_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n this_o i_o think_v good_a to_o mention_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v the_o more_o probable_a that_o god_n mind_n be_v to_o have_v his_o word_n understand_v by_o all_o but_o there_o be_v other_o people_n who_o obj._n understand_v neither_o of_o those_o language_n there_o be_v and_o be_v still_o such_o sol._n and_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v it_o but_o this_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n be_v not_o please_v to_o cause_v his_o word_n to_o be_v write_v at_o first_o in_o the_o vulgar_a language_n of_o all_o nation_n for_o if_o he_o have_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v poze_v as_o now_o we_o be_v with_o this_o question_n however_o what_o i_o have_v say_v and_o can_v be_v deny_v serve_v to_o hint_n this_o that_o god_n mind_n be_v to_o have_v his_o word_n understand_v by_o those_o to_o who_o it_o come_v see_v he_o write_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o hebrew_n and_o to_o the_o grecian_n in_o greek_a true_o other_o people_n can_v not_o understand_v it_o without_o a_o translation_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v in_o this_o case_n god_n do_v not_o cause_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v pen_v at_o first_o in_o the_o several_a language_n of_o all_o people_n and_o nation_n we_o must_v here_o leave_v out_o adversary_n to_o question_n god_n for_o it_o for_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v at_o first_o only_o in_o two_o laguage_n which_o many_o can_v not_o possible_o understand_v without_o a_o miracle_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v translate_v only_o since_o it_o be_v thus_o we_o hope_v our_o adversary_n will_v not_o say_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v translate_v see_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o it_o which_o else_o can_v never_o have_v be_v without_o a_o miracle_n but_o how_o shall_v the_o vulgar_a know_v qâ—…est_n whether_o translation_n be_v according_a to_o the_o original_n and_o then_o how_o can_v the_o scripture_n translate_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o must_v be_v such_o as_o a_o man_n may_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v no_o error_n in_o it_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o question_n sol._n where_o with_o they_o go_v about_o to_o puzzle_v we_o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o as_o translate_v into_o the_o english_a tongue_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o not_o infallible_a and_o to_o this_o we_o intend_v wotton_n to_o answer_v though_o other_o have_v answer_v it_o long_o ago*_n and_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o 1._o we_o know_v of_o no_o infallible_a spiâ—…it_n promise_v or_o give_v of_o god_n for_o translate_n scripture_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o adversaty_n think_v will_v give_v the_o cause_n whole_o on_o their_o side_n for_o see_v all_o translation_n be_v liable_a to_o mistake_n the_o vulgar_a and_o unlearned_a can_v never_o have_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o scripture_n say_v they_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o quit_v ouâ—…_n claim_v to_o scripture_n for_o all_o this_o for_o we_o can_v distinguish_v as_o that_o learned_a divine_a have_v between_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v in_o church_n the_o scriptu_fw-la e_fw-la and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o our_o capacity_n as_o between_o thing_n and_o word_n the_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n be_v say_v we_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o translation_n be_v only_a mean_n to_o show_v it_o we_o and_o the_o vessel_n wherein_o it_o be_v present_v to_o we_o and_o thus_o in_o rigour_n of_o speech_n we_o do_v not_o count_v the_o english_a or_o any_o other_o translation_n no_o nor_o the_o greek_a or_o hebrew_a the_o rule_n because_o all_o language_n be_v but_o a_o certain_a form_n or_o manner_n or_o mean_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o we_o but_o because_o the_o doctrine_n be_v not_o make_v know_v but_o by_o word_n and_o language_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n translate_v into_o english_a be_v a_o divine_a authority_n for_o faith_n so_o man_n believe_v a_o divine_a truth_n although_o deliver_v by_o humane_a voice_n in_o pâ—…eaching_v and_o just_o so_o we_o have_v the_o infallible_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scriptute_fw-la immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o by_o a_o humane_a translation_n it_o be_v manifest_v to_o we_o 2._o but_o how_o do_v we_o know_v that_o our_o translation_n be_v right_a and_o according_a to_o the_o original_n or_o how_o can_v our_o unlearned_a people_n be_v sure_a of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o can_v how_o can_v the_o english_a bibles_n be_v to_o they_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n sol._n our_o english_a bible_n say_v our_o learned_a white_a contain_v in_o it_o two_o thing_n viz._n the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o translation_n the_o doctrine_n be_v inspire_v by_o god_n and_o write_v by_o man_n infallible_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o translation_n be_v do_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n and_o industry_n of_o certain_a man_n who_o thâ—…ugh_v they_o haâ—…_n no_o supernatural_a inspiration_n yet_o we_o know_v infallible_o they_o have_v not_o err_v in_o the_o mattâ—…r_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n whereby_o we_o know_v other_o truth_n and_o discern_v other_o article_n of_o chriâ—…ian_a faith_n viz._n the_o light_n of_o the_o doctrine_n transl._n .ted_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o rulâ—…s_n of_o art_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n obj._n some_o translation_n have_v err_v and_o how_o
wrought_v in_o we_o bâ—…t_o by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o yield_v to_o they_o that_o we_o can_v be_v no_o other_o way_n ascertain_v of_o the_o doctrine_n oâ—…_n christ_n as_o true_a then_o by_o tradition_n for_o we_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n and_o shall_v i_o hope_v while_o we_o live_v account_v of_o it_o more_o than_o tradition_n or_o any_o testimony_n of_o man_n i_o shall_v now_o add_v somewhat_o as_o a_o answer_n in_o general_a to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o former_a exception_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o same_o or_o like_o kind_n we_o sâ—…y_v that_o there_o be_v one_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o that_o be_v the_o divine_a truth_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v sum_v up_o into_o these_o two_o general_a head_n viz._n faith_n and_o obedâ—…ence_n or_o faith_n and_o holiness_n according_a to_o what_o god_n have_v declare_v as_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n what_o he_o promise_v we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o when_o he_o command_v we_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o in_o both_o we_o fulfil_v the_o will_n of_o god_n aâ—…d_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o eternal_a life_n this_o divine_a truth_n we_o never_o find_v any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o our_o adversariâ—…s_n have_v make_v any_o other_o discovery_n we_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o it_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v man_n died_z and_o roâ—…e_v again_o etc._n etc._n for_o our_o redemption_n all_o christian_n acknowledge_v as_o also_o that_o all_o who_o hope_v for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n must_v deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o live_v sober_o â—…ighteously_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o this_o to_o know_v and_o do_v be_v eternal_a life_n and_o if_o our_o adversary_n or_o any_o before_o theâ—…_n ever_o know_v this_o doctrine_n otherwise_o then_o by_o scripture_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o leaâ—…n_v for_o their_o tradition_n as_o they_o signify_v râ—…straditas_fw-la we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o for_o the_o question_n put_v to_o we_o be_v only_o this_o how_o we_o be_v or_o can_v be_v ascertain_v of_o scripture_n that_o it_o have_v deliver_v over_o to_o we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o question_n draw_v out_o into_o many_o and_o several_a query_n we_o have_v answer_v already_o and_o now_o give_v this_o as_o a_o answer_n to_o all_o of_o they_o or_o any_o the_o like_a and_o this_o we_o do_v not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o as_o be_v more_o know_v and_o better_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o only_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o poor_a soul_n who_o through_o want_n and_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n may_v be_v puzzle_v with_o such_o question_n now_o to_o these_o we_o say_v again_o that_o we_o hold_v nothing_o for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o divine_a truth_n which_o teach_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ._n for_o original_n or_o translation_n of_o scripture_n we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v neither_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v ever_o since_o god_n have_v a_o church_n upon_o earth_n a_o revelation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n hence_o this_o doctrine_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v no_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o two_o thousand_o year_n and_o more_o for_o whatever_o god_n reveal_v as_o his_o mind_n that_o we_o must_v heed_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v there_o may_v be_v a_o difference_n and_o have_v be_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o revelation_n but_o the_o divine_a truth_n reveal_v be_v always_o the_o same_o viz._n jesus_n christ_n the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o heb._n 13._o 8._o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o man_n can_v be_v save_v act._n 4._o 12._o this_o we_o believe_v as_o all_o god_n people_n have_v do_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o this_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o find_v no_o where_o but_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o law_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o the_o rule_n be_v and_o have_v be_v always_o the_o same_o though_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o reveal_v it_o have_v be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o that_o at_o first_o more_o obâ—…cure_a and_o after_o more_o and_o more_o clear_a till_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n arise_v and_o of_o this_o doctrine_n reveal_v no_o christian_n we_o suppose_v have_v ever_o make_v question_n what_o need_n be_v there_o then_o of_o such_o captious_a query_n about_o the_o original_n and_o translation_n or_o about_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o all_o original_n and_o translation_n offer_v and_o hold_v forth_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o whatever_o the_o letter_n be_v this_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a salvation_n of_o god_n and_o be_v there_o indeed_o no_o way_n of_o assure_v this_o to_o we_o but_o tradition_n or_o the_o church_n testimony_n as_o it_o have_v be_v give_v in_o all_o age_n this_o â—…as_v have_v be_v say_v be_v to_o confirm_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n by_o that_o of_o man_n and_o if_o our_o faith_n be_v ground_v only_o on_o the_o translation_n english_a or_o other_o our_o foundation_n be_v the_o knowledge_n skill_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o man_n and_o they_o that_o can_v read_v as_o some_o we_o be_v sure_a can_v must_v have_v no_o foundation_n at_o all_o but_o he_o that_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n whether_o in_o the_o original_n or_o translation_n or_o whetesoever_o have_v a_o sure_a foundation_n viz._n the_o unchangeable_a counsel_n of_o god_n which_o never_o fail_v as_o for_o the_o translation_n or_o the_o original_n though_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v the_o rule_n yet_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v any_o part_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v only_o mean_v to_o convey_v and_o deliver_v over_o to_o man_n the_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n and_o this_o we_o have_v i_o say_v again_o in_o all_o original_n and_o translation_n and_o whatever_o sense_n have_v be_v make_v of_o scripture_n by_o any_o all_o agree_v unanimous_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ._n what_o need_v we_o then_o be_v question_v about_o that_o which_o no_o christian_a ever_o make_v question_n of_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o as_o doubt_v whether_o man_n be_v save_v by_o christ_n only_o or_o whether_o they_o who_o be_v save_v by_o he_o must_v walk_v in_o love_n and_o show_v their_o love_n by_o keep_v his_o commandment_n we_o desire_v to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o as_o not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o whether_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o doctrine_n in_o no_o other_o way_n then_o by_o tradition_n i_o shall_v now_o leave_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o such_o as_o will_v impartial_o weigh_v what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o have_v now_o do_v argue_v and_o answer_v and_o shall_v only_o advise_v such_o as_o be_v by_o their_o profession_n protestant_n that_o they_o will_v serious_o bethink_v themselves_o how_o they_o may_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v unto_o the_o end_n the_o advice_n i_o offer_v they_o be_v 1._o that_o they_o labour_v much_o and_o earnest_o to_o understand_v the_o mind_n and_o meaning_n of_o god_n in_o his_o write_a word_n and_o good_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o it_o god_n word_n be_v his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n by_o which_o alone_o we_o come_v to_o know_v what_o inheritance_n there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o we_o in_o heaven_n and_o what_o legacy_n he_o have_v bequeath_v we_o for_o our_o livelihood_n and_o subsistence_n to_o all_o eternity_n scripture_n be_v as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o the_o charter_n by_o which_o we_o have_v and_o hold_v all_o the_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n which_o be_v free_o confer_v and_o bestow_v on_o we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o also_o all_o the_o law_n and_o order_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o observe_v as_o we_o be_v citizen_n of_o the_o new_a and_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n what_o shall_v christian_n than_o do_v other_o then_o read_v over_o their_o father_n will_n and_o study_v exact_o in_o every_o particular_a what_o concern_v they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o everlasting_a happiness_n the_o letter_n and_o the_o sense_n the_o history_n and_o the_o mystery_n every_o part_n and_o particle_n shall_v be_v in_o our_o heaâ—…ts_n and_o head_n so_o as_o we_o may_v have_v they_o as_o we_o say_v at_o our_o finger_n end_n if_o any_o ask_v how_o
lineal_a succession_n but_o look_v only_o after_o succession_n in_o doctrine_n and_o this_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o do_v see_v the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n be_v entail_v only_o upon_o those_o who_o know_v and_o obey_v the_o truth_n and_o where_o be_v this_o truth_n if_o not_o in_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o once_o let_v go_v scripture_n verdict_n in_o the_o cause_n must_v we_o not_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o more_o than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v pretend_v unto_o but_o let_v scripture_n be_v judge_n in_o the_o case_n and_o it_o will_v soon_o appear_v that_o all_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a and_o empty_a pretence_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o appeal_v to_o it_o alone_o and_o leave_v it_o to_o umpire_n the_o difference_n our_o adversary_n never_o dare_v say_v as_o yet_o for_o aught_o i_o have_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v speak_v most_o unworthy_o of_o it_o and_o reproach_v it_o so_o as_o none_o will_v i_o think_v do_v that_o serious_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n however_o they_o say_v not_o in_o term_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o that_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o what_o they_o say_v and_o that_o we_o think_v unavoidable_a if_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v sure_o to_o we_o it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o if_o it_o have_v no_o credit_n as_o to_o we_o without_o a_o certificate_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n it_o deserve_v no_o credit_n at_o all_o such_o as_o we_o must_v give_v to_o it_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o ground_n work_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o this_o be_v rational_a because_o than_o we_o need_v not_o go_v to_o scripture_n since_o there_o be_v somewhat_o else_o that_o be_v more_o to_o be_v credit_v than_o it_o for_o no_o man_n that_o be_v reasonable_a can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o what_o make_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v must_v be_v more_o such_o if_o not_o formal_o yet_o virtual_o or_o eminent_o and_o our_o adversary_n take_v it_o so_o and_o therefore_o say_v plain_o that_o scripture_n for_o many_o reason_n be_v no_o competent_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o tradition_n do_v the_o work_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o every_o respect_n complete_a now_o let_v this_o be_v grant_v and_o then_o look_v about_o and_o see_v what_o follow_v they_o say_v and_o think_v though_o not_o true_o that_o they_o have_v tradition_n by_o the_o forepart_n viz._n that_o all_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n hold_v as_o they_o do_v now_o and_o for_o the_o hinder_a end_n they_o hâ—…ve_v it_o fast_o enough_o as_o we_o all_o know_v for_o we_o must_v grant_v what_o we_o can_v without_o impudence_n deny_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o these_o part_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ward_n for_o many_o of_o the_o latter_a age_n and_o we_o do_v not_o wonder_v at_o it_o because_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o scripture_n have_v foretell_v and_o now_o if_o scripture_n be_v thus_o lay_v by_o what_o will_v become_v of_o all_o that_o faith_n which_o we_o have_v other_o than_o what_o papist_n have_v or_o how_o can_v we_o refuse_v whatever_o they_o shall_v impose_v by_o their_o tradition_n and_o shall_v it_o be_v ever_o say_v that_o we_o have_v make_v a_o separation_n so_o long_o and_o now_o turn_v back_o again_o upon_o no_o other_o ground_n then_o this_o viz._n that_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o scripture_n be_v every_o way_n unfit_a for_o such_o a_o work_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o cast_v dirt_n in_o the_o face_n of_o all_o that_o go_v before_o we_o and_o hazard_v all_o to_o vindicate_v and_o obâ—…ain_v that_o liberty_n which_o the_o write_a word_n so_o long_o suppress_v have_v since_o have_v among_o we_o for_o this_o be_v the_o rise_n and_o root_n of_o all_o the_o disorder_n and_o distemper_n that_o ever_o have_v be_v since_o the_o apostle_n time_n unto_o this_o day_n viz._n that_o man_n have_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o rule_n of_o god_n make_v but_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n will_v frame_v law_n unto_o themselves_o and_o this_o begin_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o false_a apostle_n who_o will_v then_o keep_v up_o the_o ancient_a law_n of_o god_n intend_v only_o till_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n when_o according_a to_o his_o will_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o this_o i_o say_v we_o may_v just_o suspect_v to_o have_v give_v the_o first_o occasion_n to_o other_o afterward_o of_o devise_v many_o thing_n beside_o the_o only_a rule_n and_o so_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o many_o degree_n at_o last_o that_o scripture_n be_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o if_o some_o man_n may_v be_v credit_v in_o what_o they_o say_v and_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o we_o have_v be_v adoing_o for_o a_o hundred_o year_n and_o 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