not_o perfect_o understand_v and_o in_o which_o theophilus_n have_v not_o be_v before_o instruct_v thus_o also_o st._n john_n testify_v of_o his_o gospel_n chap._n 20._o 31._o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o by_o these_o thing_n the_o apostle_n only_o mean_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o not_o his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o this_o be_v notorious_o false_a since_o by_o these_o thing_n st._n john_n mean_v his_o gospel_n in_o which_o not_o only_o the_o miracle_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v contain_v and_o therefore_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 5._o 13._o he_o say_v these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v unto_o you_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v 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this_o objection_n pretend_v it_o be_v doubtless_o very_o unadvised_o do_v of_o god_n to_o publish_v such_o a_o dangerous_a book_n to_o the_o world_n which_o those_o for_o who_o he_o publish_v and_o to_o who_o he_o direct_v it_o can_v familiar_o converse_v with_o without_o eminent_a peril_n of_o be_v infect_v with_o heresy_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v such_o a_o quarrelsome_a knife_n as_o these_o man_n say_v it_o be_v that_o the_o people_n can_v hardly_o touch_v it_o without_o cut_v their_o finger_n they_o be_v certain_o more_o behold_v to_o the_o church_n for_o take_v it_o from_o they_o than_o they_o be_v to_o god_n for_o bestow_v it_o on_o they_o 3._o this_o objection_n make_v as_o much_o at_o least_o against_o the_o priest_n read_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o people_n for_o most_o of_o those_o heresy_n that_o have_v be_v broach_v to_o the_o people_n be_v first_o
it_o be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o to_o continue_v a_o heretic_n but_o if_o i_o have_v never_o be_v one_o it_o will_v be_v very_o bad_a and_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o make_v i_o one_o which_o methinks_v look_n very_o odd_a that_o the_o use_v of_o my_o reason_n shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o reduce_v i_o from_o heresy_n and_o the_o disuse_n of_o it_o as_o necessary_a when_o i_o be_o reduce_v to_o preserve_v i_o from_o relapse_v into_o heresy_n it_o be_v a_o memorable_a passage_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o st._n mark_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o secular_o be_v oblige_v humble_o to_o obey_v that_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o church_n without_o dispute_v or_o think_v far_o of_o it_o where_o by_o the_o church_n he_o mean_v the_o clergy_n assemble_v in_o that_o council_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o manâ—s_n doctrine_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o people_n be_v a_o mere_a beast_n of_o burden_n that_o right_a or_o wrong_n must_v bear_v all_o the_o load_n that_o the_o priest_n shall_v agree_v to_o lay_v upon_o it_o and_o though_o it_o shall_v feel_v itself_o oppress_v by_o they_o with_o never_o such_o gross_a contradiction_n or_o absurdity_n it_o must_v think_v no_o far_o of_o it_o but_o tame_o trudg_n on_o without_o start_v or_o boggle_n at_o this_o rate_n what_o trick_n may_v not_o the_o priest_n play_v with_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o people_n let_v they_o invent_v what_o doctrine_n they_o please_v to_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o own_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n the_o people_n must_v believe_v they_o without_o ask_v why_o or_o if_o they_o shall_v ask_v why_o they_o must_v expect_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o this_o because_o we_o have_v think_v to_o define_v and_o declare_v they_o for_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n allowable_a that_o the_o people_n shall_v exercise_v any_o private_a judgement_n of_o their_o own_o about_o matter_n of_o faith_n no_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o where_o the_o matter_n propose_v to_o their_o faith_n be_v false_a and_o erroneus_fw-la because_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o one_o time_n or_o other_o the_o people_n will_v discover_v the_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o this_o will_v spoil_v all_o but_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v true_a in_o all_o probability_n the_o far_o the_o people_n inquire_v into_o they_o the_o better_a they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v about_o they_o and_o if_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o private_a judgement_n they_o shall_v in_o some_o particular_n err_v that_o be_v far_o more_o tolerable_a than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v utter_o deprive_v of_o the_o mean_n of_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v they_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o when_o god_n have_v give_v the_o people_n reasonable_a faculty_n on_o purpose_n that_o by_o they_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v what_o be_v true_a from_o what_o be_v false_a for_o any_o party_n of_o man_n to_o forbid_v they_o the_o use_v of_o these_o faculty_n in_o distinguish_v what_o be_v true_a from_o what_o be_v false_a in_o religion_n in_o which_o above_o all_o thing_n they_o be_v most_o high_o concern_v it_o be_v a_o most_o injurious_a usurpation_n upon_o the_o common_a right_n of_o humane_a nature_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v our_o best_a faculty_n be_v render_v useless_a to_o we_o in_o our_o great_a concern_v and_o whereas_o god_n give_v it_o to_o we_o on_o purpose_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o we_o be_v utter_o deprive_v of_o its_o guidance_n where_o we_o have_v most_o need_v of_o it_o and_o where_o it_o will_v prove_v most_o fatal_a to_o we_o if_o we_o shall_v happen_v to_o err_v and_o go_v astray_o a_o dissuasive_a from_o apostasy_n 1_o timothy_n i._n 19_o hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o some_o have_v put_v away_o concern_v faith_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n these_o word_n be_v a_o part_n of_o st._n paul_n charge_n to_o his_o son_n timothy_n wherein_o he_o pathetical_o exhort_v he_o as_o a_o valiant_a bishop_n to_o take_v all_o possible_a care_n to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o his_o diocese_n of_o ephesus_n which_o at_o that_o time_n abound_v with_o false_a teacher_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o sow_v the_o tare_n of_o heresy_n and_o false_a doctrine_n in_o that_o large_a and_o fruitful_a field_n the_o cultivation_n whereof_o st._n paul_n have_v commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o that_o he_o may_v discharge_v this_o office_n the_o more_o effectual_o the_o apostle_n warn_v he_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o take_v care_n of_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v not_o suffer_v his_o own_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o be_v deprave_v and_o corrupt_v by_o those_o lewd_a and_o irreligious_a principle_n which_o those_o antichristian_a seminary_n be_v then_o scatter_v among_o his_o people_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v a_o example_n to_o his_o flock_n as_o well_o as_o a_o teacher_n of_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n and_o this_o v_o 18._o he_o press_v upon_o he_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v foretell_v of_o he_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n before_o ever_o he_o enter_v upon_o his_o ministry_n viz._n that_o he_o shall_v war_v a_o good_a warfare_n that_o be_v prove_v a_o constant_a and_o courageous_a champion_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o prophecy_n he_o exhort_v he_o to_o use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o verify_v both_o in_o his_o profession_n and_o practice_n by_o hold_v or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v or_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o late_a viz._n a_o good_a conscience_n some_o have_v put_v away_o concern_v the_o former_a viz._n faith_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o design_n of_o these_o word_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a brief_o to_o explain_v some_o term_n in_o they_o as_o 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o faith_n 2._o what_o by_o a_o good_a conscience_n 3._o what_o by_o put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o 4._o what_o by_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o fiâ—st_n what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o keep_v the_o faith_n i_o answer_v by_o this_o phrase_n faith_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o christian_a creed_n or_o summary_n of_o those_o necessary_a and_o essential_a doctrine_n whereof_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v compose_v for_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v little_a else_o profess_v and_o teach_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o only_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o christianity_n together_o with_o the_o near_a and_o most_o immediate_a inference_n from_o they_o so_o that_o few_o then_o misbelieved_n but_o such_o as_o misbelieved_n in_o fundamental_o and_o every_o error_n in_o doctrine_n be_v general_o a_o heresy_n the_o christian_a faith_n in_o those_o day_n lay_v within_o a_o narrow_a compass_n and_o so_o it_o continue_v till_o the_o wantonness_n and_o curiosity_n of_o succeed_a age_n start_v disputable_a opinion_n and_o as_o they_o prevail_v adopt_v they_o into_o the_o family_n of_o faith_n insomuch_o that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n sundry_a opinion_n be_v receive_v that_o be_v never_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v receive_v they_o be_v present_o declare_v necessary_a article_n and_o as_o for_o the_o contradictory_n opinion_n though_o christianity_n be_v little_a or_o nothing_o concern_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a yet_o they_o seldom_o undergo_v any_o mild_a name_n than_o heresy_n or_o gentle_a doom_n than_o damnation_n which_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o grand_a occasion_n of_o all_o the_o rupture_n and_o division_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o as_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v of_o a_o much_o less_o bulk_n than_o what_o it_o be_v now_o arrive_v to_o by_o roll_v through_o the_o wild_a opiniatry_n of_o sixteen_o disputation_n age_n which_o by_o degree_n have_v swell_v it_o from_o a_o short_a script_n into_o a_o large_a volume_n for_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o into_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o primitive_a father_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o sum_n of_o christian_a faith_n therein_o contain_v consist_v of_o very_a few_o article_n and_o those_o such_o only_a as_o be_v essential_a to_o christian_a religion_n and_o such_o as_o wherein_o almost_o all_o the_o differ_a persuasion_n of_o christian_n do_v to_o this_o day_n concentre_v to_o hold_v the_o faith_n therefore_o be_v to_o persevere_v immovable_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o desert_n or_o forsake_v it_o
he_o have_v promise_v to_o we_o and_o prepare_v for_o we_o i_o confess_v be_v his_o service_n all_o work_n and_o no_o wage_n there_o be_v some_o reason_n to_o be_v dishearten_v but_o when_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o so_o ample_o assure_v we_o that_o after_o we_o have_v spend_v a_o few_o day_n or_o year_n in_o his_o service_n upon_o earth_n he_o will_v receive_v we_o into_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o own_o joy_n where_o we_o shall_v commence_v as_o happy_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o everlasting_a heaven_n to_o make_v we_o methinks_v we_o shall_v kiss_v his_o yoke_n and_o court_v his_o service_n and_o think_v we_o can_v never_o do_v too_o much_o for_o such_o a_o bountiful_a master_n who_o reward_v all_o his_o servant_n with_o such_o immortal_a preferment_n for_o what_o be_v the_o labour_n of_o a_o few_o moment_n compare_v with_o that_o everlasting_a rest_n and_o pleasure_n wherein_o it_o shall_v short_o terminate_v and_o when_o once_o we_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n and_o have_v taste_v those_o ravish_a delight_n with_o which_o it_o flow_v and_o abound_v how_o light_n and_o inconsiderable_a will_v all_o these_o difficulty_n in_o our_o voyage_n appear_v to_o we_o which_o now_o do_v so_o startle_v and_o affright_v we_o how_o shall_v we_o wonder_v at_o our_o own_o sloth_n and_o faint-heartedness_n to_o think_v that_o ever_o we_o shall_v be_v such_o wretched_a coward_n as_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v heaven_n at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o happiness_n so_o vast_a and_o unspeakable_a that_o the_o hope_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o turn_v torment_n into_o recreation_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v astonish_v at_o ourselves_o to_o think_v that_o we_o can_v ever_o be_v such_o wretched_a fool_n as_o to_o deliberate_v one_o moment_n whether_o heaven_n be_v preferable_a before_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v more_o eligible_a to_o dwell_v with_o harlot_n and_o drunkard_n for_o a_o moment_n and_o wallow_v in_o their_o beastly_a pleasure_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o society_n of_o god_n and_o saint_n and_o angel_n to_o all_o eternity_n the_o odds_o will_v then_o appear_v so_o vast_a and_o the_o disproportion_n so_o unspeakable_a that_o we_o shall_v wonder_v how_o we_o can_v ever_o be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o make_v a_o comparison_n between_o they_o sure_a sir_n we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o heaven_n be_v the_o recompense_n of_o christ_n service_n for_o if_o we_o do_v methinks_v we_o shall_v more_o hearty_o engage_v in_o it_o for_o can_v we_o stand_v thus_o deliberate_v upon_o the_o shore_n whether_o we_o shall_v bid_v adieu_o to_o our_o lust_n take_v leave_v of_o all_o their_o fulsome_a pleasure_n and_o embark_v ourselves_o in_o the_o service_n of_o our_o saviour_n can_v we_o stand_v pause_v thus_o as_o we_o do_v whether_o we_o shall_v venture_v into_o those_o petty_a storm_n that_o be_v like_a to_o attend_v we_o in_o our_o spiritual_a voyage_n do_v we_o very_o believe_v that_o a_o few_o league_n distance_n lie_v that_o bless_a shore_n where_o we_o shall_v be_v crown_v as_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v land_v with_o all_o the_o joy_n that_o a_o everlasting_a heaven_n mean_n certain_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o put_v life_n and_o courage_n into_o the_o most_o crest-fallen_a soul_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o give_v her_o spirit_n and_o vigour_n enough_o to_o carry_v she_o triumphant_o through_o all_o the_o weary_a stage_n of_o her_o duty_n so_o that_o consider_v how_o in_o all_o respect_n our_o bless_a lord_n abound_v in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n to_o we_o we_o have_v the_o great_a encouragement_n imaginable_a to_o engage_v we_o to_o his_o service_n 3_o he_o be_v full_a of_o truth_n from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o very_a plain_a and_o intelligible_a thing_n for_o this_o as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o at_o large_a be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a note_n of_o distinction_n between_o christ_n tabernacle_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o among_o christian_n that_o whereas_o among_o the_o jew_n he_o be_v full_a of_o obscure_a type_n and_o mystical_a representation_n among_o we_o christian_n he_o be_v full_a of_o truth_n that_o be_v he_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a and_o clear_a without_o any_o dark_a reserve_v or_o mystery_n now_o he_o have_v plain_o reveal_v that_o which_o before_o he_o do_v so_o obscure_o decipher_v now_o he_o have_v unriddle_v all_o those_o mystical_a type_n and_o turn_v they_o as_o it_o be_v inside_n outward_o and_o give_v we_o their_o hide_a sense_n and_o mean_v in_o plain_a and_o naked_a proposition_n and_o of_o these_o our_o holy_a religion_n be_v compose_v so_o that_o those_o doctrine_n which_o before_o be_v all_o mystery_n whilst_o they_o lie_v obscure_o couch_v under_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o law_n be_v now_o bring_v forth_o from_o behind_o the_o curtain_n into_o the_o open_a view_n of_o the_o world_n and_o present_v barefaced_a to_o our_o understanding_n in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a and_o familiar_a sense_n not_o but_o that_o christianity_n have_v some_o mystery_n in_o it_o still_o who_o depth_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fathom_n but_o it_o be_v not_o because_o christ_n have_v not_o reveal_v they_o but_o because_o our_o understanding_n be_v incapable_a of_o comprehend_v they_o such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o he_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o we_o who_o with_o all_o our_o wit_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o explicate_v the_o mystery_n of_o a_o mite_n or_o flea_n of_o a_o plant_n or_o a_o stone_n or_o any_o of_o those_o innumerable_a thing_n that_o be_v before_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v such_o incomprehensible_a to_o order_v such_o infinite_a or_o define_v such_o 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nor_o inquire_v after_o thus_o also_o st._n austin_n quicquid_fw-la inde_fw-la audieritis_fw-la è_fw-la scripturâ_fw-la sacrâ_fw-la hoc_fw-la vobis_fw-la bene_fw-la sapiat_fw-la quicquid_fw-la extra_fw-la est_fw-la respuite_o ne_fw-la erretis_fw-la in_o nebula_fw-la whatsoever_o you_o hear_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n let_v it_o savour_v well_o with_o you_o whatsoever_o be_v without_o they_o refuse_v lest_o you_o wander_v in_o a_o cloud_n st._n bazil_n declare_v that_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a fall_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o arrogancy_n either_o to_o reject_v any_o point_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v or_o to_o bring_v in_o any_o of_o those_o which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n to_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o not_o to_o dare_v either_o to_o reject_v or_o to_o add_v any_o thing_n thereunto_o thus_o 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direction_n where_o to_o find_v it_o and_o how_o to_o know_v it_o when_o we_o have_v it_o but_o of_o this_o we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n in_o scripture_n for_o as_o for_o those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n 2_o thess._n 2._o 15._o hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o by_o word_n or_o our_o epistle_n all_o that_o can_v be_v just_o infer_v from_o they_o be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o thessalonian_n at_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n have_v only_o a_o oral_a tradition_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o gospel_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v preach_v to_o they_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o yet_o either_o not_o collect_v into_o write_v or_o not_o disperse_v abroad_o into_o the_o church_n so_o that_o then_o this_o and_o his_o former_a epistle_n to_o they_o be_v perhaps_o the_o only_o write_v part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v yet_o arrive_v to_o their_o hand_n and_o if_o so_o than_o this_o command_n of_o hold_v the_o tradition_n 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to_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v obscure_a and_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a and_o of_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n either_o the_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n must_v be_v plain_o and_o clear_o express_v in_o scripture_n or_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o and_o to_o say_v god_n will_v damn_v we_o for_o not_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o give_v we_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v be_v to_o charge_v he_o with_o the_o most_o outrageous_a oppression_n and_o injustice_n but_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o though_o god_n have_v not_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n yet_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o for_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o all_o 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direct_v they_o to_o man_n neither_o priest_n nor_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o read_v they_o and_o therefore_o see_v the_o great_a reason_n why_o any_o man_n ought_v to_o read_v they_o be_v because_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o man_n this_o reason_n oblige_v all_o man_n to_o read_v they_o because_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o all_o men._n for_o not_o to_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n write_v to_o we_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o have_v a_o very_a mean_a regard_n both_o of_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n but_o to_o be_v sure_o whosoever_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o know_v what_o such_o a_o write_n contain_v will_n if_o he_o can_v be_v very_o curious_a to_o peruse_v it_o with_o his_o own_o eye_n at_o least_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o give_v that_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n as_o the_o information_n of_o his_o own_o sense_n so_o 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that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o call_n the_o gentile_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o he_o concern_v which_o say_v he_o i_o write_v afore_o in_o few_o word_n whereby_o when_o you_o read_v you_o may_v understand_v my_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ._n so_o also_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 13._o we_o write_v no_o other_o thing_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o you_o read_v that_o be_v than_o what_o you_o may_v at_o least_o and_o be_v oblige_v to_o read_v by_o virtue_n of_o our_o write_v they_o to_o you_o and_o as_o for_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n which_o he_o write_v to_o that_o whole_a church_n he_o give_v charge_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v to_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n 1_o thes._n 5._o 27._o so_o also_o for_o that_o of_o the_o colossians_n when_o this_o epistle_n be_v or_o have_v be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o be_v read_v also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n where_o you_o see_v he_o all_o along_o either_o suppose_n or_o require_v that_o what_o he_o write_v to_o all_o shall_v be_v read_v by_o all_o and_o to_o all_o if_o therefore_o this_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v sufficient_a to_o over-rule_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o pretend_a successor_n of_o st._n peter_n then_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v still_o the_o duty_n of_o layman_n notwithstanding_o any_o papal_a prohibition_n to_o the_o contrary_n 5._o from_o the_o great_a concernment_n the_o people_n have_v in_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v oblige_v if_o they_o be_v able_a to_o read_v it_o and_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o it_o for_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n which_o the_o scripture_n contain_v they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o everlasting_a moment_n to_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o clergy_n the_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o people_n as_o by_o the_o clergy_n the_o precept_n of_o life_n which_o the_o scripture_n prescribe_v be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o people_n as_o by_o the_o clergy_n the_o promise_n and_o threat_n with_o which_o the_o scripture_n enforce_v those_o precept_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v by_o the_o people_n as_o by_o the_o clergy_n and_o see_v both_o be_v equal_o concern_v in_o the_o great_a matter_n which_o the_o scripture_n contain_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o both_o shall_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o they_o i_o know_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o study_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o for_o themselves_o and_o that_o therefore_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o trust_n from_o their_o teacher_n without_o make_v any_o far_a enquiry_n but_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v you_o sure_a that_o your_o teacher_n be_v infallible_a that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o be_v most_o certain_a it_o be_v notorious_a that_o most_o of_o the_o prevail_a heresy_n of_o christendom_n be_v first_o set_v on_o broach_n by_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v infallible_a who_o have_v so_o often_o actual_o err_v even_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n suppose_v then_o what_o be_v fair_o supposable_a that_o your_o teacher_n shall_v mislead_v you_o and_o not_o only_o into_o dangerous_a but_o damnable_a error_n be_v you_o sure_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v damn_v for_o you_o and_o that_o you_o shall_v escape_v if_o so_o then_o heresy_n in_o the_o laity_n can_v never_o be_v damnable_a if_o they_o receive_v it_o upon_o trust_n from_o their_o teacher_n and_o consequent_o their_o soul_n be_v as_o safe_a under_o the_o conduct_n of_o false_a teacher_n as_o true_a provide_v always_o that_o right_a or_o wrong_n they_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o but_o if_o yourselves_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n as_o well_o for_o your_o faith_n as_o for_o your_o manner_n and_o be_v liable_a in_o your_o own_o person_n to_o eternal_a damnation_n as_o most_o certain_o you_o be_v as_o well_o for_o heresy_n as_o immorality_n than_o it_o be_v the_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o you_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v your_o teacher_n upon_o trust_n for_o at_o this_o rate_n a_o man_n may_v be_v eternal_o damn_v mere_o for_o believe_v what_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o particular_a pastor_n teach_v but_o what_o the_o church_n teach_v they_o and_o the_o church_n can_v err_v though_o their_o particular_a pastor_n may_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o shall_v the_o people_n be_v otherwise_o inform_v what_o the_o church_n teach_v they_o than_o by_o the_o exposition_n of_o their_o particular_a pastor_n they_o be_v at_o least_o as_o incapable_a of_o inform_v themselves_o what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v and_o therefore_o if_o their_o pastor_n shall_v err_v damnable_o in_o expound_v to_o they_o what_o the_o church_n teach_v as_o it_o be_v supposable_a he_o may_v if_o he_o be_v not_o infallible_a there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o they_o must_v err_v damnable_o in_o believe_v whatsoever_o their_o pastor_n teach_v but_o we_o be_v far_o tell_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o people_n that_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o gross_a that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n teach_v be_v true_a and_o that_o as_o for_o the_o particular_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v inform_v about_o they_o because_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o the_o church_n teach_v be_v true_a implicit_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a see_v the_o church_n teach_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a but_o the_o mischief_n of_o it_o be_v that_o this_o compendious_a way_n of_o belief_n be_v utter_o insignificant_a and_o do_v no_o way_n comport_v with_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n for_o god_n do_v not_o require_v our_o faith_n mere_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o in_o order_n to_o a_o far_a end_n that_o it_o may_v purify_v our_o heart_n and_o influence_n our_o life_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v that_o the_o matter_n which_o we_o believe_v might_n by_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o affect_v our_o will_n and_o continual_o move_v and_o persuade_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o if_o our_o
brew_v by_o the_o priest_n from_o who_o lip_n the_o people_n do_v common_o derive_v their_o error_n as_o well_o as_o their_o knowledge_n witness_v those_o famous_a heresy_n with_o which_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v so_o distract_v from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o such_o as_o the_o novatian_a the_o donatist_n the_o arian_n the_o pelagian_a the_o eutichian_a the_o eunomian_a all_o which_o counterfeit_v and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o be_v first_o coin_v by_o the_o clergy_n and_o disperse_v for_o current_n christianity_n among_o the_o laity_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o pretence_n that_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n open_v a_o gap_n to_o heresy_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o the_o laity_n shall_v not_o read_v it_o it_o be_v a_o much_o more_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o the_o clergy_n shall_v not_o read_v it_o for_o it_o require_v skill_n and_o learning_n as_o well_o to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n into_o such_o false_a sense_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o to_o interpret_v it_o into_o its_o true_a sense_n and_o i_o be_o very_o sure_a that_o it_o ordinary_o require_v more_o wit_n and_o art_n to_o extort_v from_o the_o scripture_n probable_a error_n than_o it_o do_v to_o discover_v by_o it_o necessary_a truth_n and_o if_o so_o then_o if_o the_o danger_n of_o let_v in_o heresy_n be_v a_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o shall_v not_o read_v it_o it_o be_v much_o more_o a_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o learned_a shall_v not_o read_v it_o than_o the_o unlearned_a and_o consequent_o why_o the_o priest_n shall_v not_o read_v it_o than_o the_o people_n see_v the_o former_a be_v more_o qualify_v to_o extract_v heresy_n from_o it_o than_o the_o late_a if_o therefore_o this_o objection_n signify_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n for_o any_o body_n to_o read_v the_o bible_n that_o this_o same_o divine_a book_n which_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n think_v fit_a to_o oblige_v all_o that_o be_v able_a to_o peruse_v and_o study_v be_v now_o become_v such_o a_o dangerous_a inlet_n of_o heresy_n that_o like_o pandora_n box_n you_o can_v no_o soon_o open_v it_o but_o swarm_n of_o error_n and_o false_a doctrine_n will_v present_o fly_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o well_o for_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v either_o utter_o extinguish_v or_o hide_v in_o some_o inaccessible_a repository_n where_o no_o mortal_a eye_n may_v ever_o approach_v it_o 4._o this_o objection_n express_o contradict_v our_o saviour_n and_o the_o primitive_a father_n for_o matt._n 22._o 29._o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o sadducee_n who_o be_v cavil_v with_o he_o about_o the_o resurrection_n you_o do_v err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n have_v therefore_o the_o sadducee_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o our_o objector_n they_o will_v doubtless_o have_v tell_v he_o by_o your_o good_a leave_n sir_n in_o this_o point_n you_o yourself_o be_v in_o a_o error_n for_o in_o all_o probability_n have_v we_o know_v the_o scripture_n or_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v err_v much_o more_o either_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n be_v mistake_v in_o charge_v the_o error_n of_o the_o sadducee_n upon_o their_o ignorance_n of_o scripture_n or_o our_o objector_n be_v mistake_v in_o make_v it_o so_o necessary_a a_o expedient_a for_o the_o prevention_n of_o error_n to_o forbid_v the_o people_n be_v acquaint_v with_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o and_o they_o be_v of_o quite_o different_a opinion_n in_o the_o case_n but_o whatever_o their_o opinion_n be_v i_o be_o sure_a the_o primitive_a father_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o our_o saviour_n for_o irenaeus_n write_v of_o the_o valentinian_n heretic_n 12._o all_o those_o error_n they_o fall_v into_o because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o scripture_n so_o st._n jerom_n 4_o we_o must_v search_v the_o scripture_n with_o all_o diligence_n that_o so_o as_o be_v good_a exchanger_n we_o may_v know_v the_o lawful_a coin_n from_o the_o copper_n and_o elsewhere_o that_o infinite_a evil_n arise_v from_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o from_o this_o cause_n the_o great_a part_n of_o heresy_n have_v proceed_v st._n chrysostom_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o if_o man_n will_v be_v conversant_a with_o the_o scripture_n and_o attend_v to_o they_o they_o will_v not_o only_o not_o fall_v into_o error_n themselves_o but_o be_v able_a to_o rescue_v those_o that_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o the_o scripture_n will_v instruct_v man_n both_o in_o right_a opinion_n and_o good_a life_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o theophilact_fw-mi tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o can_v deceive_v they_o who_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o that_o say_v he_o be_v the_o candle_n whereby_o the_o thief_n be_v discover_v but_o it_o seem_v according_a to_o modern_a experiment_n this_o candle_n of_o scripture_n rather_o serve_v to_o light_v the_o thief_n into_o the_o house_n than_o to_o discover_v he_o when_o he_o be_v there_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v think_v necessary_a for_o honest_a man_n security_n either_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v whole_o extinguish_v or_o at_o least_o hinder_v from_o give_v light_n by_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o a_o dark_a lantern_n of_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n but_o when_o they_o who_o be_v once_o the_o honest_a man_n be_v become_v the_o thief_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o shall_v thus_o change_v their_o note_n and_o complain_v of_o the_o light_n of_o this_o candle_n as_o dangerous_a to_o they_o which_o heretofore_o they_o esteem_v their_o great_a security_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o reason_n assign_v by_o st._n peter_n why_o some_o man_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n be_v not_o their_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o contrary_a wise_a their_z not_o read_v it_o enough_o which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a say_v he_o wrest_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o unlearned_a in_o what_o why_o doubtless_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o as_o to_o humane_a learning_n st._n peter_n himself_o be_v as_o unlearned_a as_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v their_o be_v unlearned_a in_o scripture_n that_o occasion_v they_o to_o wrest_v it_o into_o a_o heretical_a sense_n than_o it_o be_v not_o man_n read_v the_o scripture_n that_o lead_v they_o into_o heresy_n but_o their_o not_o read_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v therefore_o that_o the_o people_n read_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o inlet_n of_o heresy_n and_o to_o say_v no_o it_o be_v not_o their_o read_n it_o but_o their_o not_o read_v it_o enough_o be_v the_o inlet_n of_o heresy_n be_v a_o express_a contradiction_n the_o former_a our_o objector_n say_v the_o latter_a our_o saviour_n his_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n say_v and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o determine_v which_o of_o these_o two_o contradiction_n 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be_v the_o church_n and_o yet_o still_o be_v mistake_v in_o short_a no_o authority_n can_v render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a but_o that_o which_o be_v infallible_a no_o infallibility_n can_v render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a but_o that_o of_o which_o i_o have_v a_o infallible_a certainty_n either_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n can_v render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n and_o if_o it_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o can_v or_o it_o can_v if_o it_o can_v why_o may_v it_o not_o as_o well_o render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a of_o other_o principle_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v at_o least_o as_o plain_o reveal_v in_o it_o as_o that_o if_o it_o can_v how_o can_v i_o be_v infallible_o certain_a that_o any_o thing_n she_o define_v and_o declare_v to_o i_o be_v true_a if_o then_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n can_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n we_o have_v as_o just_a a_o pretence_n to_o it_o as_o they_o it_o be_v 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we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o what_o not_o in_o religion_n and_o not_o lazy_o rely_v upon_o other_o to_o see_v and_o discern_v and_o believe_v for_o we_o as_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o search_v and_o consult_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o i_o think_v be_v evident_a enough_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o any_o one_o that_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o admit_v of_o a_o conviction_n and_o indeed_o see_v our_o reason_n be_v the_o noble_a faculty_n we_o have_v it_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a if_o god_n shall_v not_o allow_v it_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o high_a and_o most_o important_a affair_n wherein_o he_o have_v engage_v we_o and_o see_v it_o be_v our_o reason_n only_o that_o render_v we_o capable_a of_o religion_n what_o a_o odd_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v for_o god_n to_o forbid_v we_o make_v use_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o most_o important_a concern_v of_o religion_n that_o be_v indistinguish_v what_o be_v true_a religion_n from_o what_o be_v false_a 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short_a they_o will_v allow_v i_o to_o make_v use_n of_o my_o reason_n if_o i_o have_v be_v breed_v a_o heretic_n in_o order_n to_o my_o reconciliation_n to_o their_o church_n but_o if_o i_o have_v never_o be_v a_o heretic_n i_o must_v never_o use_v my_o reason_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n either_o of_o my_o church_n or_o religion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o may_v use_v my_o reason_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o remedy_n and_o i_o must_v continue_v a_o heretic_n if_o i_o do_v not_o but_o it_o be_v much_o better_a that_o i_o have_v never_o have_v occasion_n to_o use_v my_o reason_n at_o all_o so_o that_o according_a to_o these_o man_n the_o use_v of_o our_o reason_n in_o religion_n be_v only_o the_o least_o of_o two_o evil_n
to_o work_v by_o bodily_a instrument_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o brain_n and_o blood_n and_o spirit_n in_o all_o its_o operation_n and_o according_a as_o their_o temper_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a its_o operation_n will_v be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a but_o while_o a_o man_n indulge_v himself_o in_o any_o impure_a affection_n that_o will_v natural_o distemper_v these_o organ_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o indispose_v they_o for_o the_o use_v of_o his_o reason_n for_o so_o madness_n which_o be_v such_o a_o distemperature_n of_o the_o brain_n and_o blood_n and_o spirit_n as_o do_v whole_o alienate_v they_o from_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_n be_v usual_o find_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a affection_n such_o as_o pride_n or_o covetousness_n anger_n or_o fearfulness_n jealousy_n or_o lust_n and_o if_o these_o passion_n be_v once_o arrive_v to_o their_o utmost_a rage_n and_o excess_n do_v so_o often_o run_v into_o downright_a madness_n and_o 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