interpretationis_fw-la as_o they_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o while_o they_o confer_v together_o seek_v god_n they_o be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o truth_n and_o under_o a_o promise_n also_o but_o not_o of_o infallibility_n and_o therefore_o although_o we_o can_v make_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o ought_v we_o not_o rash_o to_o reject_v they_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o nor_o to_o slight_v their_o judgement_n as_o if_o they_o be_v nothing_o worth_a but_o serious_o to_o examine_v their_o reason_n and_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o go_v we_o honour_v the_o father_n as_o man_n who_o god_n providence_n raise_v up_o and_o endue_v with_o gift_n to_o quell_v the_o grow_a heresy_n of_o their_o time_n and_o doubtless_o if_o they_o be_v more_o look_v into_o they_o will_v furnish_v we_o with_o try_a weapon_n armour_n approve_v to_o subdue_v the_o selfsame_a heresy_n rise_v again_o among_o we_o in_o these_o our_o day_n and_o 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than_o we_o all_o promise_n say_v learn_v dr._n whitakar_n against_o campian_n five_o reason_n so_o that_o the_o jesuit_n need_v not_o to_o have_v arrogate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o father_n and_o malone_n may_v have_v spare_v his_o scurrilous_a title-page_n against_o the_o reverend_a and_o learned_a primate_n though_o you_o have_v ten_o thousand_o usher_n yet_o have_v you_o not_o many_o father_n we_o boast_v not_o of_o ten_o thousand_o but_o be_v glad_a that_o we_o have_v one_o worth_n ten_o thousand_o of_o their_o popish-father_n and_o as_o many_o head-master_n of_o their_o school_n to_o boot_v but_o we_o hope_v we_o have_v the_o father_n with_o we_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o honour_v they_o more_o than_o they_o and_o yet_o make_v they_o not_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n neither_o they_o honour_v they_o not_o as_o father_n but_o as_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o peter_n cotton_n be_v wont_a to_o call_v he_o my_o lord_n 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rule_n of_o doctrine_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o constant_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o the_o papist_n require_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o their_o church_n have_v before_o he_o can_v believe_v so_o much_o as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n for_o that_o be_v one_o article_n of_o faith_n none_o of_o which_o say_v they_o can_v be_v believe_v without_o the_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o their_o church_n we_o will_v leave_v the_o jesuit_n to_o distinguish_v themselves_o out_o of_o this_o contradiction_n if_o they_o can_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o let_v we_o examine_v their_o proof_n they_o offer_v we_o tradition_n for_o proof_n but_o for_o they_o to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v the_o church_n infallibility_n from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o beg_v the_o question_n let_v they_o first_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a as_o it_o give_v the_o tradition_n and_o then_o we_o will_v spare_v they_o any_o 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fountain_n and_o return_v to_o it_o again_o by_o the_o river_n col._n 1.9_o 10._o we_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o well-pleasing_a there_o be_v the_o first_o be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n there_o be_v the_o second_o let_v it_o be_v our_o care_n therefore_o brethren_n so_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n as_o not_o to_o let_v go_v our_o hold_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o let_v this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o proof_n and_o of_o all_o our_o trial_n that_o have_v find_v out_o that_o which_o be_v good_a we_o may_v believe_v and_o practse_n according_o thus_o have_v i_o do_v with_o the_o word_n in_o their_o relative_a consideration_n i_o 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there_o be_v as_o i_o conceive_v very_o pertinent_a to_o the_o apostle_n scope_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n 1._o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o about_o doctrine_n it_o be_v impossible_a a_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v good_a that_o be_v not_o true_a to_o make_v one_o word_n good_a be_v to_o make_v it_o true_a true_a doctrine_n be_v good_a doctrine_n this_o be_v that_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o that_o good_a thing_n commit_v to_o timothie_n charge_n which_o s._n paul_n exhort_v he_o for_o to_o keep_v 2_o tim._n 1._o 14._o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o s._n paul_n himself_o keep_v i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 7._o where_o faith_n be_v put_v for_o truth_n the_o object_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v no_o commendation_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n and_o to_o persist_v in_o error_n be_v but_o obstinacy_n our_o saviour_n christ_n commend_v the_o church_n in_o pergamus_n for_o hold_v fast_o his_o name_n rev._n 2.13_o thou_o hold_v fast_o my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n my_o faith_n that_o be_v either_o the_o true_a doctrine_n concerning_o i_o or_o the_o true_a doctrine_n which_o i_o teach_v thou_o so_o than_o paul_n charge_v timotby_n to_o keep_v the_o truth_n he_o profess_v himself_o have_v keep_v it_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n commend_v the_o church_n in_o pergamus_n for_o keep_v of_o it_o what_o hinder_v then_o but_o that_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o s._n paul_n exhort_v the_o thessalonian_n to_o hold_v fast_o good_a doctrine_n do_v partly_o mean_a such_o as_o be_v true_a ertor_n have_v do_v we_o the_o mischief_n and_o it_o must_v be_v truth_n must_v do_v we_o good_a 2._o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o good_a doctrine_n be_v holy_a doctrine_n all_o true_a doctrine_n be_v good_a but_o holiness_n add_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o goodness_n to_o it_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n which_o tend_v only_o to_o enrich_v the_o understanding_n and_o to_o accomplish_v the_o intellect_n but_o there_o be_v other_o which_o do_v change_n and_o sanctify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o good_a that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a and_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o which_o tend_v unto_o sanctification_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v good_a be_v holy_a and_o good_a doctrine_n as_o the_o law_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a rom._n 7._o 12._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o it_o be_v call_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n rom._n 12._o 2._o and_o as_o it_o relate_v unto_o our_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n it_o be_v call_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 3._o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 3._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o 2_o tit._n 8._o and_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 3._o find_v and_o wholesome_a word_n and_o doctrine_n sound_v not_o rot_v which_o will_v deceive_v a_o man_n if_o he_o trust_v unto_o it_o and_o wholesome_a both_o for_o food_n and_o physic_n a_o nourish_a word_n and_o a_o heal_a word_n with_o this_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o this_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n be_v timothy_n nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o from_o a_o infant_n he_o suck_v it_o in_o with_o his_o mother_n milk_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o as_o the_o word_n be_v of_o he_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 6._o nourish_v up_o in_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o good_a doctrine_n which_o carry_v in_o it_o both_o a_o corrosive_n to_o eat_v off_o and_o subdue_v corruption_n and_o also_o a_o cordial_a to_o restore_v and_o comfort_v the_o faint_a soul_n that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v such_o as_o sanctify_v the_o heart_n for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o your_o sanctification_n this_o all_o truth_n can_v do_v only_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o be_v his_o word_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n pray_v john_n 17._o 17._o sanctific_a they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n such_o doctrine_n then_o as_o kill_v sin_n and_o corruption_n by_o purge_v it_o out_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o restore_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o spiritual_a health_n by_o work_v save_a grace_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o nourish_v it_o unto_o eternal_a life_n by_o make_v it_o like_o unto_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n such_o i_o say_v be_v holy_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o good_a 3._o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o that_o which_o be_v try_v and_o approve_v this_o be_v a_o further_a requisite_a in_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o it_o may_v be_v true_a and_o holy_a in_o itself_o but_o unless_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v such_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o sufficient_o prepare_v to_o assent_v unto_o it_o but_o now_o when_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o rule_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o touchstone_n and_o try_v in_o the_o furnace_n and_o upon_o trial_n find_v it_o to_o be_v pure_a and_o true_a and_o good_a then_o must_v we_o close_v with_o it_o and_o hold_v it_o fast_o we_o must_v no_o long_o doubt_v of_o it_o or_o question_v the_o goodness_n of_o it_o when_o the_o assay-master_n have_v once_o try_v a_o piece_n of_o gold_n and_o it_o endure_v the_o test_n he_o pronounce_v it_o to_o be_v good_a and_o so_o it_o pass_v for_o current_n so_o that_o if_o a_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o not_o false_a doctrine_n if_o it_o be_v holy_a and_o pure_a and_o not_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o if_o upon_o examination_n by_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n we_o find_v it_o to_o be_v so_o then_o it_o be_v good_a doctrine_n and_o such_o as_o we_o be_v here_o exhort_v to_o hold_v fast_o which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v explain_v viz._n what_o it_o be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o word_n be_v sometime_o use_v to_o signify_v to_o detain_v and_o so_o the_o truth_n be_v say_v to_o be_v detain_v both_o when_o we_o conceal_v and_o keep_v it_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o and_o also_o when_o we_o depose_v it_o from_o bear_v rule_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o keep_v it_o down_o from_o spring_v up_o and_o bear_v fruit_n in_o our_o life_n this_o be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o
rule_n be_v not_o first_o reason_n the_o maxim_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v far_o from_o be_v infallible_a many_o of_o they_o be_v but_o the_o product_n of_o human_a discourse_n and_o fallible_a observation_n and_o therefore_o some_o of_o they_o false_a if_o they_o be_v extend_v beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o philosophy_n for_o who_o meridian_n only_o they_o be_v calculate_v at_o the_o first_o i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o philosophy_n which_o contradict_v any_o truth_n in_o divinity_n yet_o be_o i_o sure_a that_o many_o saying_n be_v true_a in_o philosophy_n which_o be_v false_a in_o divinity_n for_o maxim_n and_o general_a rule_n be_v but_o collection_n observe_v from_o particular_n if_o the_o survey_n be_v short_a ad_fw-la nimis_fw-la pauca_fw-la respiciens_fw-la not_o take_v in_o all_o particular_n the_o verdict_n or_o maxim_n must_v needs_o be_v defective_a and_o the_o general_a rule_n be_v liable_a to_o exception_n so_o that_o a_o rule_n 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the_o other_o they_o pass_v it_o in_o the_o head_n but_o stop_v it_o in_o the_o house_n decline_v the_o volley_n but_o take_v the_o rebound_n which_o come_v all_o to_o one_o at_o last_o but_o how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o so_o do_v especial_o in_fw-la hac_fw-la foece_fw-la romali_fw-la in_o this_o apostate_n and_o fall_v condition_n of_o human_a nature_n the_o alone_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n may_v sufficient_o convince_v o_o but_o yet_o right_a reason_n ay_o where_o be_v it_o many_o make_v account_n they_o have_v it_o and_o that_o in_o those_o very_a thing_n wherein_o yet_o they_o contradict_v one_o another_o some_o think_v aristotle_n do_v but_o bid_v his_o scholar_n go_v look_v when_o he_o make_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o wiseman_n the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n mediocrity_n many_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o many_o more_o think_v themselves_o such_o but_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o either_o prove_v so_o so_o that_o indeed_o a_o man_n may_v soon_o find_v virtue_n than_o a_o wiseman_n especial_o consider_v that_o he_o have_v need_n to_o be_v one_o himself_o to_o know_v one_o when_o he_o meet_v he_o all_o reason_n than_o be_v not_o right_a nor_o have_v all_o man_n right_a reason_n that_o think_v they_o have_v it_o reason_n itself_o then_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o rule_n to_o be_v try_v by_o reason_n be_v then_o right_a when_o it_o be_v true_a and_o then_o only_o true_a when_o it_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n themselves_o now_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n let_v we_o carry_v our_o reason_n thith'er_o and_o try_v it_o by_o they_o for_o as_o amesius_n very_o well_o ratio_fw-la quaedicitur_fw-la recta_fw-la si_fw-la absoluta_fw-la rectitudo_fw-la spectetur_fw-la non_fw-la alibi_fw-la nobis_fw-la est_fw-la quarenda_fw-la quà m_fw-la ubi_fw-la existit_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la in_fw-la scripturis_fw-la neque_fw-la differt_fw-la quatenus_fw-la spectat_fw-la bonum_fw-la et_fw-la aequum_fw-la à _fw-la voluntate_fw-la dei_fw-la ad_fw-la nostrae_fw-la vita_fw-la directionem_fw-la revelatâ_fw-la mcdullae_fw-la lib._n 2._o cap._n 2._o so_o then_o although_o the_o maxim_n of_o natural_a reason_n may_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n in_o divinity_n if_o right_o limit_v by_o the_o scripture_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v canon_n they_o be_v both_o too_o short_a and_o too_o weak_a to_o make_v a_o rule_n of_o divine_a faith_n of_o second_o antiquity_n nor_o be_v antiquity_n such_o a_o rule_n as_o be_v require_v antiquity_n bare_o consider_v be_v no_o good_a mark_n much_o less_o rule_n of_o truth_n the_o romanist_n in_o give_v mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n do_v as_o painter_n who_o draw_v the_o virgin_n mary_n by_o their_o own_o mistress_n they_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o church_n by_o her_o mark_n but_o endeavour_v to_o make_v their_o mark_n by_o their_o church_n in_o like_a manner_n here_o they_o do_v not_o square_v their_o doctrine_n by_o the_o true_a rule_n but_o strive_v to_o find_v out_o a_o rule_n that_o will_v fit_v their_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o herein_o too_o they_o be_v oft_o time_n much_o to_o seek_v they_o cry_v up_o antiquity_n very_o much_o bid_v we_o ask_v for_o the_o old_a way_n for_o multitude_n of_o day_n shall_v teach_v we_o wisdom_n and_o make_v account_n they_o have_v praise_v themselves_o all_o this_o while_n but_o no_o such_o matter_n unless_o we_o shall_v look_v at_o antiquity_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o than_o i_o know_v who_o may_v vie_v with_o they_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n for_o our_o part_n we_o profess_v we_o do_v very_o much_o reverence_v antiquiry_n but_o it_o must_v be_v then_o in_o conjunction_n with_o truth_n we_o can_v admire_v old_a error_n but_o as_o solomon_n speak_v of_o the_o hoary_a head_n prov._n 16._o 31._o the_o hoary_a head_n be_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n if_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n we_o shall_v always_o rise_v up_o before_o a_o reverend_a hoary-headed_a truth_n but_o we_o must_v have_v something_o else_o beside_o its_o grey_a hair_n to_o know_v it_o by_o lest_o in_o stead_n of_o truth_n we_o salute_v her_o mask_n and_o worship_v a_o cloud_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o goddess_n and_o as_o for_o the_o papist_n for_o all_o their_o boast_n so_o much_o of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n we_o can_v easy_o show_v they_o who_o bring_v in_o this_o doctrine_n and_o that_o doctrine_n into_o their_o church_n this_o ceremony_n and_o that_o ceremony_n this_o corruption_n and_o that_o corruption_n we_o need_v no_o microscope_n to_o see_v how_o patch_v their_o coat_n be_v of_o how_o different_a a_o thread_n and_o spin_v so_o that_o it_o can_v never_o hang_v together_o but_o that_o the_o new_a will_v rend_v the_o old_a in_o sunder_o the_o strong_a the_o rot_a be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o same_o catholic_n plaster_n of_o infallibility_n but_o while_o we_o make_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v our_o rule_n our_o doctrine_n be_v ancient_a than_o much_o of_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v three_o father_n not_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n nor_o canon_n of_o counsel_n neither_o of_o these_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v make_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n we_o do_v attribute_n much_o unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o ancient_a father_n those_o primitive_a saint_n and_o worthy_n whether_o express_v in_o their_o private_a writing_n or_o signify_v in_o lawful_a counsel_n when_o the_o counsel_n be_v such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v consist_v of_o holy_a able_a and_o learned_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n we_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o bright_a constellation_n who_o light_n be_v the_o great_a because_o of_o their_o conjunction_n they_o have_v not_o only_o donum_fw-la intellectûs_fw-la and_o that_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n too_o as_o they_o be_v single_a christian_n but_o also_o donum_fw-la
the_o apostle_n proceed_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a which_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text_n consider_v contain_v in_o it_o the_o second_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o every_o christian_n viz._n hold_v fast_o of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a which_o i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o first_o relative_o and_o then_o absolute_o first_o relative_o relative_o as_o it_o have_v reference_n and_o regard_n unto_o the_o former_a duty_n and_o so_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o these_o late_a word_n either_o 1._o as_o a_o caution_n or_o 2._o as_o a_o mean_n or_o 3._o as_o the_o end_n of_o the_o foregoing_a duty_n of_o prove_v doctrine_n first_o caution_n let_v we_o consider_v they_o as_o a_o caution_n and_o then_o they_o intimate_v thus_o much_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o must_v so_o try_v and_o prove_v all_o thing_n as_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o not_o to_o let_v go_v that_o which_o be_v good_a they_o that_o fish_n with_o a_o golden_a hook_n have_v need_n hold_v fast_o the_o line_n and_o look_v to_o the_o ground_n they_o stand_v upon_o we_o must_v have_v a_o firm_a basis_n and_o centre_n to_o trust_v unto_o or_o else_o the_o motion_n can_v neither_o be_v sure_a nor_o regular_a if_o once_o we_o lose_v our_o anchor_n no_o wonder_n if_o we_o be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o carry_v about_o by_o every_o blast_n of_o temptation_n from_o without_o and_o if_o we_o cast_v our_o ballast_n overboard_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o toss_v up_o and_o down_o by_o the_o wave_n of_o every_o doubt_n and_o so_o become_v the_o sport_n and_o scorn_n of_o every_o wind_n and_o wave_n and_o i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o some_o of_o late_o have_v not_o sail_v so_o far_o upon_o new_a discovery_n till_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o compass_n and_o so_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o conscience_n both_o together_o but_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v successful_a in_o our_o enterprise_n of_o try_v and_o prove_v doctrirnes_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o hold_v fast_o all_o try_v and_o approve_a principle_n and_o 1._o such_o as_o be_v unquestionable_a or_o out_o of_o question_n we_o must_v not_o go_v to_o call_v they_o into_o question_n this_o be_v for_o we_o to_o be_v always_o lay_v the_o foundation_n so_o shall_v we_o never_o build_v to_o be_v always_o learning_n but_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n weak_a and_o unstable_a soul_n when_o truth_n be_v once_o try_v and_o approve_v we_o must_v then_o study_v argument_n for_o they_o answer_v difficulty_n bring_v against_o they_o and_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n 2._o we_o may_v examine_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n without_o doubr_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v call_v into_o question_n by_o other_o yea_o and_o doubt_v of_o also_o by_o ourselves_o yet_o must_v we_o not_o present_o for_o every_o doubt_n let_v go_v our_o faith_n nor_o quit_v it_o for_o every_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o it_o though_o we_o can_v answer_v it_o a_o man_n may_v have_v strong_a demonstration_n for_o a_o truth_n yet_o not_o be_v able_a to_o vindicate_v it_o from_o all_o objection_n whence_o scruple_n will_v arise_v but_o they_o may_v and_o must_v be_v overcome_v by_o believe_v and_o attend_v to_o the_o demonstration_n and_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o acquit_v ourselves_o of_o those_o difficulty_n which_o the_o devil_n sophistry_n and_o our_o own_o infidelity_n may_v suggest_v we_o must_v not_o disclaim_v a_o truth_n because_o it_o be_v by_o some_o call_v in_o question_n much_o less_o ingenuous_o do_v they_o deal_v by_o truth_n who_o therefore_o disclaim_v it_o that_o so_o they_o may_v call_v it_o into_o question_n themselves_o we_o may_v not_o disbelieve_v a_o truth_n and_o scrape_v it_o out_o of_o our_o soul_n that_o so_o the_o soul_n may_v become_v rasa_fw-la tabula_fw-la unbiased_a and_o perfect_o indifferent_a either_o to_o receive_v a_o truth_n or_o to_o reject_v it_o as_o our_o new_a methodist_n will_v have_v we_o do_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o first_o notion_n engrave_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o nature_n shall_v i_o now_o go_v and_o not_o only_o forbear_v my_o assent_n unto_o it_o but_o also_o imagine_v the_o contrary_a to_o counter-poise_n the_o soul_n natural_a {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o inclination_n blot_v out_o that_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o to_o try_v if_o i_o can_v write_v it_o better_o what_o be_v this_o else_o but_o to_o lay_v faith_n to_o stake_n and_o throw_v the_o die_n for_o it_o to_o part_v with_o principle_n that_o we_o may_v try_v conclusion_n to_o deny_v the_o truth_n that_o we_o may_v recover_v it_o again_o by_o syllogism_n to_o cast_v a_o jewel_n into_o the_o sea_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v dive_v and_o fetch_v it_o up_o again_o with_o the_o mountebank_n to_o wound_v for_o experiment_n and_o become_v atheist_n that_o we_o may_v convert_v ourselves_o by_o reason_n to_o tempt_v god_n to_o leave_v we_o and_o to_o tempt_v the_o devil_n to_o destroy_v we_o for_o my_o part_n i_o profess_v i_o see_v not_o how_o this_o can_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n withot_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n let_v we_o therefore_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n by_o a_o steadfast_a faith_n while_o we_o be_v examine_v doctrine_n and_o by_o holiness_n of_o life_n also_o for_o the_o devil_n great_a gain_n these_o late_a time_n have_v be_v that_o while_o man_n be_v take_v up_o with_o dispute_n about_o truth_n in_o question_n they_o have_v too_o much_o neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v indubitable_a second_o mean_n we_o may_v look_v upon_o this_o latter_a duty_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o help_v to_o the_o better_a 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{non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o rom._n 1.18_o to_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n to_o imprison_v and_o keep_v it_o in_o hold_n and_o to_o withhold_v it_o from_o other_o but_o not_o to_o hold_v it_o fast_o as_o we_o be_v here_o command_v three_o thing_n i_o couceive_v the_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o do_v here_o import_v 1._o to_o entertain_v thorough_o to_o close_v with_o to_o grasp_v and_o lay_v fast_o hold_v of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o enter_v upon_o and_o take_v possession_n of_o it_o and_o so_o the_o word_n be_v use_v matth._n 21.38_o the_o husbandman_n say_v this_o be_v the_o heir_n come_v let_v we_o kill_v he_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o let_v we_o seize_v upon_o his_o inheritance_n so_o shall_v we_o not_o only_o buy_v the_o truth_n but_o also_o take_v livery_n and_o seisin_n of_o it_o to_o have_v and_o to_o hold_v seize_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o eagle_n do_v 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tim._n 1.12_o by_o keep_n the_o faith_n 2_o tim_n 4.7_o and_o continue_v in_o it_o as_o in_o that_o exhortation_n of_o s._n paul_n to_o timothy_n 2._o epist._n 3._o chap._n 14._o vers_n other_o be_v deceive_v but_o continue_v thou_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learned_a and_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o know_v of_o who_o thou_o have_v learn_v they_o now_o we_o must_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a these_o six_o several_a way_n especial_o truth_n first_o believe_v by_o believe_v it_o steadfast_o and_o here_o i_o shall_v show_v brief_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o truth_n so_o try_v and_o evidence_v be_v to_o be_v assent_v unto_o and_o continue_v in_o 2._o that_o it_o must_v be_v assent_v unto_o by_o a_o assent_n of_o faith_n first_o that_o it_o must_v be_v firm_o assent_v to_o may_v appear_v 1._o because_o such_o a_o assent_n be_v due_a unto_o truth_n itself_o truth_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v 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through_o thy_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o will_v have_v truth_n keep_v we_o than_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o keep_v it_o it_o be_v like_o a_o fortress_n what_o a_o loss_n than_o must_v the_o sceptic_a needs_o be_v at_o who_o assent_v to_o nothing_o how_o unsatisfied_a be_v his_o mind_n how_o unprovided_a be_v his_o soul_n what_o a_o tremble_a waver_a and_o uncertain_a thing_n be_v he_o s._n james_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o double-minded_a man_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n 1.8_o and_o if_o a_o doubt_a man_n be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o then_o sure_o a_o sceptic_a be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o of_o a_o thousand_o several_a mind_n or_o rather_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o have_v no_o soul_n or_o mind_n at_o all_o choose_v to_o lose_v his_o soul_n rather_o than_o be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o entertain_v truth_n or_o maintain_v a_o opinion_n like_o 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ever_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o it_o who_o be_v always_o flit_a and_o remove_v but_o we_o must_v have_v the_o truth_n dwell_v in_o we_o we_o must_v assent_v unto_o it_o firm_o that_o be_v the_o first_o second_o as_o we_o must_v firm_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n so_o must_v we_o do_v it_o by_o a_o assent_n of_o faith_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n in_o faith_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o doctrine_n be_v call_v faith_n in_o scripture_n fides_fw-la quae_fw-la creditur_fw-la many_o truth_n there_o be_v which_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o he_o may_v see_v the_o truth_n in_o all_o its_o avenue_n and_o principle_n as_o also_o in_o the_o necessary_a issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o from_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o out_o to_o the_o rational_a
apprehension_n of_o other_o man_n but_o beside_o this_o knowledge_n there_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o assent_n find_v in_o all_o believer_n quà _fw-la tale_fw-la give_v to_o a_o truth_n only_o in_o respect_n to_o the_o divine_a testimony_n this_o be_v faith_n which_o though_o it_o be_v much_o help_v by_o that_o other_o assent_n when_o in_o conjunction_n with_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v often_o find_v without_o it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o assent_n upon_o which_o god_n will_v have_v our_o salvation_n to_o depend_v and_o this_o must_v we_o therefore_o yield_v unto_o truth_n 1._o because_o this_o be_v god_n way_n wherein_o he_o will_v save_v soul_n by_o faith_n not_o by_o philosophy_n although_o it_o may_v be_v man_n will_v have_v like_v that_o way_n best_o but_o it_o please_v god_n through_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n s._n paul_n tell_v we_o 2_o thess._n 2.13_o that_o god_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n choose_v you_o to_o salvation_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o plain_o and_o without_o a_o parable_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mark_n 16._o 16._o 2._o because_o this_o way_n of_o faith_n make_v most_o for_o a_o christian_n security_n against_o fall_v away_o faith_n take_v the_o sure_a and_o fast_o hold_v of_o truth_n by_o faith_n you_o stand_v 2_o cor._n 1._o 24._o but_o if_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v sure_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v establish_v isai._n 7.9_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o faith_n and_o firmness_n be_v very_o near_o of_o kind_n in_o the_o original_n the_o word_n for_o faith_n grow_v upon_o a_o root_n that_o signify_v to_o nourish_v no_o danger_n then_o of_o wither_v or_o fade_v away_o the_o just_a by_o faith_n shall_v live_v shall_v endure_v shall_v persevere_v heb._n 10._o 38._o and_o it_o signify_v to_o be_v firm_a also_o hence_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v ground_v and_o settle_v and_o unmoved_a through_o faith_n as_o it_o may_v be_v well_o translate_v col._n 1._o 23._o but_o wherein_o may_v some_o say_v do_v this_o great_a strength_n of_o faith_n lie_v or_o how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v so_o sure_a a_o holdfast_n i_o answer_v brief_o 1._o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o depend_a grace_n and_o do_v chain_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n who_o be_v adonis_n a_o immovable_a basis_n even_o truth_n itself_o po_o root_n be_v fasten_v in_o god_n and_o from_o he_o it_o draw_v and_o suck_v continual_a supply_n of_o strength_n and_o nourishment_n yea_o further_o it_o do_v link_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n truth_n by_o a_o mutual_a clasp_n of_o hand_n as_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n lay_v hold_v on_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o god_n hold_v our_o faith_n in_o his_o own_o almighty_a hand_n and_o none_o can_v take_v it_o thence_o if_o 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will_v do_v tnem_fw-ge any_o good_a that_o there_o be_v no_o prius_fw-la and_o posterius_fw-la in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o church_n because_o there_o be_v no_o posterius_fw-la that_o of_o the_o church_n be_v none_o at_o all_o five_o teacher_n nor_o be_v the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o teacher_n and_o minister_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o divine_a faith_n a_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o observant_a of_o his_o pastor_n the_o scripture_n everywhere_o call_v for_o it_o he_o be_v to_o reverence_v he_o as_o his_o spiritual_a father_n to_o obey_v he_o as_o his_o governor_n to_o follow_v he_o as_o his_o guide_n yet_o no_o far_o than_o he_o have_v the_o scripture_n for_o his_o warrant_n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n as_o i_o be_o of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 11.1_o the_o word_n of_o a_o godly_a and_o able_a pastor_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n as_o of_o 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