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which_o will_v be_v our_o best_a safeguard_n in_o these_o perilous_a time_n wherein_o there_o be_v so_o many_o seducer_n that_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n divers_a of_o who_o do_v bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n 2.1_o 2_o pet._n 2.1_o even_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o chap._n ii_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v our_o best_a security_n against_o error_n we_o need_v not_o sail_v to_o rome_n to_o fetch_v it_o thence_o two_o extreme_n in_o the_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n both_o which_o do_v dangerous_o tend_v to_o induce_v we_o to_o error_n the_o papist_n do_v both_o injurious_o and_o absurd_o allege_v to_o the_o undervalue_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o set_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n above_o it_o that_o all_o sort_n of_o heretic_n have_v pretend_v the_o scripture_n to_o favour_n and_o father_n even_o their_o most_o deform_a and_o monstrous_a conceit_n in_o this_o allegation_n they_o do_v not_o only_o wrong_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o attempt_v to_o detract_v from_o its_o authority_n but_o also_o prejudice_v their_o own_o cause_n by_o give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o suspect_v either_o the_o judgement_n or_o design_n of_o those_o that_o will_v impose_v upon_o we_o by_o such_o a_o non-concluding_a argument_n for_o this_o very_a thing_n do_v argue_v what_o great_a respect_n man_n be_v natural_o incline_v to_o show_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v though_o many_o man_n hold_v that_o which_o be_v real_o contrary_a to_o it_o yet_o they_o will_v make_v it_o seem_v as_o near_o as_o they_o can_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o and_o it_o hence_o appear_v that_o they_o account_v a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v very_o firm_a and_o powerful_a see_v they_o take_v such_o pain_n to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o make_v they_o speak_v that_o which_o they_o never_o intend_v on_o their_o side_n it_o be_v then_o very_a evident_a and_o may_v be_v speak_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o this_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n that_o man_n of_o all_o profession_n and_o persuasion_n 1.19_o 2_o pet._n 1.19_o do_v appeal_n to_o it_o as_o the_o last_o judge_n in_o all_o controversy_n appertain_v to_o our_o christian_n faith_n but_o the_o great_a thing_n controvert_v be_v what_o be_v the_o best_a way_n for_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n the_o papist_n if_o either_o self-interest_n or_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o do_v not_o quite_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n can_v not_o possible_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o go_v round_o in_o these_o mill_n which_o grind_v for_o their_o advantage_n in_o treat_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o first_o will_v have_v the_o scripture_n to_o obtain_v authority_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v establish_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o the_o church_n before_o its_o authority_n be_v prove_v must_v give_v authority_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o then_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n must_v give_v authority_n to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n they_o deal_v about_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o ask_v who_o must_v have_v authority_n so_o to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n that_o we_o must_v rest_v in_o that_o interpretation_n they_o will_v tell_v you_o the_o church_n and_o who_o be_v that_o church_n but_o he_o who_o they_o suppose_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o pope_n so_o that_o first_o that_o interpretation_n which_o the_o pope_n give_v of_o the_o scripture_n must_v establish_v his_o authority_n to_o interpret_v they_o and_o then_o by_o virtue_n of_o authority_n with_o which_o he_o conceive_v himself_o to_o be_v invest_v by_o the_o scripture_n he_o take_v authority_n over_o the_o scripture_n but_o we_o may_v well_o reckon_v it_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o our_o happiness_n in_o matter_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o as_o we_o do_v upon_o good_a ground_n believe_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v such_o as_o need_v not_o to_o be_v support_v by_o the_o pope_n but_o to_o which_o indeed_o he_o ought_v to_o submit_v himself_o and_o by_o which_o he_o must_v be_v judge_v so_o we_o believe_v upon_o sufficient_a ground_n that_o for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n in_o matter_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n we_o need_v not_o send_v to_o rome_n to_o be_v inform_v we_o shall_v esteem_v it_o a_o unpardonable_a injury_n both_o to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o he_o have_v leave_v his_o will_n in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n involve_v in_o such_o intricacy_n as_o shall_v not_o be_v obvious_a to_o be_v apprehend_v by_o those_o that_o with_o a_o honest_a heart_n set_v themselves_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o whereas_o in_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n there_o be_v some_o dark_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v think_v meet_a to_o leave_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o industry_n and_o trial_n of_o our_o humility_n as_o to_o these_o we_o say_v that_o as_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o a_o distinct_a understanding_n they_o so_o the_o pope_n not_o only_o may_v err_v but_o have_v foul_o err_v in_o attempt_v the_o interpretation_n of_o they_o and_o i_o may_v reasonable_o add_v before_o i_o leave_v this_o that_o the_o papist_n in_o plead_v for_o a_o necessity_n of_o appeal_n to_o the_o pope_n as_o the_o last_o judge_n of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n do_v quite_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o power_n by_o overload_v it_o with_o a_o too-high_a structure_n for_o if_o we_o must_v needs_o believe_v ourselves_o to_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n unless_o we_o have_v the_o gracious_a nod_n of_o his_o pretend_a holiness_n to_o confirm_v it_o then_o why_o may_v we_o not_o as_o well_o suspect_v ourselves_o not_o right_o to_o understand_v those_o scripture_n that_o be_v allege_v for_o the_o pope_n authority_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n unless_o his_o authority_n do_v confirm_v we_o in_o this_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o pope_n authority_n to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o found_v as_o i_o intimate_v before_o upon_o his_o own_o magisterial_a decide_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o even_o our_o saviour_n say_v if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o 5.31_o john_n 5.31_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a then_o why_o may_v we_o not_o suspect_v the_o pope_n authority_n which_o be_v whole_o build_v upon_o his_o own_o testimony_n and_o if_o the_o pope_n authority_n in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o reasonable_o confirm_v then_o be_v we_o as_o far_o to_o seek_v for_o the_o
subvert_v man_n soul_n so_o it_o shall_v teach_v we_o cautiousness_n that_o we_o endeavour_v to_o equal_v the_o vigilancy_n of_o our_o enemy_n that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v by_o be_v as_o vigilant_a to_o prevent_v their_o deceit_n quae_fw-la omne_fw-la excitare_fw-la &_o acuere_fw-la studium_fw-la nostrum_fw-la debent_fw-la etc._n etc._n say_v calvin_n upon_o this_o occasion_n all_o this_o shall_v stir_v up_o and_o whet_v our_o industry_n and_o watchfulness_n lest_o by_o neglect_v to_o study_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o we_o be_v circumvent_v by_o our_o enemy_n and_o suffer_v the_o sad_a punishment_n of_o our_o sloth_n and_o security_n and_o whereas_o one_o great_a help_n against_o stratagem_n be_v a_o suspicious_a mind_n and_o diligent_a inquire_v where_o and_o how_o they_o be_v lay_v for_o such_o design_n when_o discover_v be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o be_v disappoint_v it_o may_v therefore_o be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o we_o against_o the_o subtlety_n of_o these_o man_n that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v we_o not_o to_o be_v over_o credulous_a or_o prone_a to_o believe_v every_o man_n that_o come_v unto_o we_o with_o fair_a pretence_n belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n 4.1_o 1_o joh._n 4.1_o nor_o every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v many_o false_a prophet_n go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o subtlety_n and_o deceit_n i_o shall_v lay_v before_o you_o some_o character_n that_o will_v show_v man_n not_o to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n whatsoever_o they_o pretend_v but_o that_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_v mere_o to_o deceive_v we_o that_o so_o on_o whosoever_o we_o see_v these_o mark_n we_o may_v know_v they_o so_o as_o to_o avoid_v they_o and_o their_o delusion_n 1._o those_o that_o apply_v themselves_o rather_o to_o persuade_v the_o affection_n then_o to_o convince_v the_o judgement_n the_o understanding_n be_v by_o god_n appoint_v to_o be_v the_o leader_n of_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n whereas_o we_o ordinary_o say_v that_o love_n be_v blind_a and_o the_o same_o we_o may_v say_v of_o hatred_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o consequent_o the_o understanding_n ought_v first_o to_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o goodness_n or_o evil_n of_o any_o thing_n before_o the_o affection_n be_v set_v on_o either_o to_o love_n or_o abhor_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o they_o who_o attempt_n to_o win_v man_n affection_n by_o persuasion_n before_o they_o have_v convince_v the_o judgement_n by_o weighty_a and_o cogent_a reason_n do_v take_v a_o very_a indirect_a course_n to_o come_v in_o at_o the_o window_n and_o not_o at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o either_o they_o be_v blind_a leader_n of_o these_o blind_a affection_n or_o else_o that_o have_v more_o knowledge_n than_o honesty_n themselves_o their_o design_n be_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o simple_a honesty_n of_o well-meaning_a people_n a_o way_n of_o popular_a oratory_n mix_v with_o plausible_a and_o earnest_a exclamation_n and_o pathetical_a obtestation_n be_v indeed_o very_o apt_a to_o prevail_v with_o man_n of_o lively_a affection_n and_o dull_a understanding_n but_o they_o that_o take_v such_o course_n may_v be_v suspect_v as_o those_o that_o intend_v to_o draw_v man_n into_o their_o net_n by_o lowbelling_a 2._o if_o man_n whole_o decry_v the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o afford_v we_o very_o strong_a ground_n to_o suspect_v they_o it_o be_v true_a that_o many_o point_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o high_a that_o they_o transcend_v the_o reach_n of_o reason_n only_o we_o can_v see_v it_o reasonable_a to_o receive_v those_o point_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n though_o our_o understanding_n come_v short_a of_o fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o they_o but_o we_o may_v speak_v it_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o present_v nothing_o to_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v receive_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o well-improved_n reason_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o have_v the_o face_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v receive_v thing_n from_o they_o and_o from_o i_o know_v not_o what_o light_n within_o and_o if_o reason_n contradict_v it_o we_o must_v lay_v it_o aside_o as_o a_o humane_a and_o carnal_a business_n yea_o if_o a_o plain_a and_o rational_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n oppose_v they_o we_o must_v reject_v that_o also_o as_o the_o letter_n and_o not_o the_o spirit_n what_o be_v this_o but_o in_o plain_a term_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o blindfold_v we_o that_o they_o may_v lead_v we_o whither_o they_o listen_v and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o fit_a we_o shall_v subject_v our_o eye_n to_o that_o cover_n they_o offer_v to_o put_v upon_o they_o 3._o if_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v infallible_a and_o make_v it_o their_o common_a course_n in_o cool_a blood_n if_o ever_o they_o be_v so_o to_o brazen_a it_o out_o and_o make_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o whosoever_o oppose_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o a_o error_n they_o give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o suspect_v their_o design_n we_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o talk_n in_o the_o world_n concern_v antichrist_n and_o what_o a_o dangerous_a body_n he_o be_v and_o as_o to_o the_o person_n or_o people_n that_o deserve_v this_o name_n we_o may_v say_v as_o christ_n do_v of_o the_o true_a christ_n they_o shall_v say_v 24.23_o mat._n 24.23_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n and_o lo_o there_o many_o say_v lo_o this_o be_v antichrist_n and_o other_o cry_v lo_o that_o be_v antichrist_n till_o the_o vain_a sort_n of_o they_o have_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n as_o to_o believe_v whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o way_n and_o sect_n to_o be_v antichristian_a now_o if_o we_o condemn_v this_o as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o unreasonable_a and_o dangerous_a tenet_n that_o be_v profess_v by_o the_o roman_a antichrist_n then_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o reckon_v they_o to_o be_v of_o antichristian_a spirit_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v 4._o if_o man_n will_v usurp_v the_o office_n of_o public_a teacher_n and_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o a_o orderly_a trial_n by_o they_o that_o have_v judgement_n and_o authority_n to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o they_o they_o give_v we_o just_a ground_n to_o suspect_v they_o as_o deceiver_n instead_o of_o instructer_n of_o the_o ignorant_a the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n 14.32_o 1_o cor._n 14.32_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o the_o public_a teacher_n shall_v first_o be_v prove_v before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o teach_v 3.10_o 1_o tim._n 3.10_o and_o therefore_o as_o this_o surly_a tenet_n of_o refuse_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o approbation_n of_o other_o do_v at_o the_o first_o view_n discover_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o pride_n and_o height_n of_o stomach_n so_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o these_o person_n have_v a_o design_n to_o put_v off_o very_o bad_a ware_n to_o the_o people_n see_v they_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o light_n to_o be_v examine_v 5._o those_o that_o spend_v more_o time_n and_o diligence_n in_o press_a man_n to_o embrace_v their_o tenet_n and_o opinion_n then_o in_o exhort_v they_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n towards_o god_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n be_v very_o suspicious_a in_o their_o proceed_n as_o christ_n bid_v all_o of_o we_o to_o seek_v first_o his_o kingdom_n 6.33_o mat._n 6.33_o and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o so_o every_o profitable_a teacher_n shall_v make_v it_o his_o first_o and_o chief_a design_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o become_v subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o to_o lead_v life_n answerable_a to_o their_o profession_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o spend_v their_o pain_n chief_o in_o teach_v man_n to_o renounce_v their_o teacher_n and_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n to_o follow_v their_o newfangle_n way_n give_v we_o just_a ground_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o desire_n to_o baptize_v man_n into_o their_o own_o name_n 1.15_o 1_o cor._n 1.15_o that_o they_o be_v self-seekers_a such_o as_o be_v set_v up_o for_o themselves_o to_o establish_v a_o sect_n of_o their_o own_o and_o that_o they_o have_v rather_o a_o design_n to_o draw_v man_n to_o themselves_o then_o to_o god_n prefer_v their_o own_o credit_n or_o something_o else_o that_o be_v worse_a before_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n
elect_a angel_n to_o procure_v the_o confirmation_n of_o they_o in_o their_o estate_n of_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n but_o in_o this_o i_o determine_v nothing_o because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o spare_v in_o speak_v of_o it_o the_o usual_a acception_n of_o this_o word_n mediator_n be_v to_o signify_v he_o that_o reconcile_v party_n that_o be_v at_o difference_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n jesus_n christ_n the_o word_n make_v flesh_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o call_v a_o mediator_n to_o reconcile_v god_n and_o man_n because_o he_o interpose_v himself_o between_o god_n and_o we_o in_o this_o difference_n that_o sin_n have_v make_v to_o reconcile_v god_n justice_n to_o we_o by_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n by_o sanctify_v our_o nature_n and_o make_v we_o conformable_a to_o his_o will_n in_o this_o life_n inchoat_o and_o at_o death_n perfect_o chap._n v._o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v own_v at_o least_o in_o outward_a profession_n by_o man_n of_o all_o profession_n that_o lay_v claim_v to_o the_o common_a name_n of_o christianity_n we_o may_v therefore_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o argument_n draw_v from_o they_o shall_v put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o strife_n among_o we_o the_o design_n and_o method_n of_o the_o four_o follow_a chapter_n propose_v the_o reverence_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v oblige_v every_o good_a christian_a not_o only_o to_o account_v it_o a_o necessary_a piece_n of_o humility_n to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o as_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o he_o that_o make_v we_o and_o to_o who_o we_o owe_v all_o obedience_n but_o also_o to_o esteem_v it_o the_o safe_a and_o most_o prudential_a course_n to_o entertain_v and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n thereof_o as_o the_o word_n of_o he_o who_o be_v wisdom_n itself_o and_o therefore_o can_v err_v or_o be_v deceive_v and_o goodness_n itself_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o he_o will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o seduce_v or_o delude_v we_o so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n contain_v in_o this_o sacred_a volume_n which_o our_o shallow_a capacity_n can_v reach_v to_o comprehend_v yet_o we_o find_v reason_n enough_o to_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o defect_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o not_o to_o any_o oversight_n in_o those_o sacred_a write_n that_o we_o can_v always_o see_v a_o reason_n of_o every_o thing_n therein_o deliver_v and_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o he_o that_o inspire_v those_o holy_a man_n that_o write_v these_o book_n be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o move_v we_o to_o a_o reverend_a submission_n to_o those_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o surpass_v the_o reach_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o therefore_o as_o every_o sober_a professor_n of_o christianity_n make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o foundation_n of_o his_o faith_n so_o the_o best_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o confirm_v of_o our_o belief_n in_o that_o faith_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v unto_o we_o will_v be_v such_o as_o be_v fetch_v from_o this_o sacred_a promptuary_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o as_o i_o be_v mention_v it_o before_o 2._o chap._n 2._o for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o man_n of_o all_o sect_n and_o persuasion_n who_o centre_n in_o the_o common_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v at_o least_o pretend_v great_a reverence_n to_o these_o write_n and_o whether_o in_o good_a earnest_n or_o in_o design_n to_o put_v off_o their_o opinion_n the_o more_o plausible_o in_o the_o world_n do_v endeavour_n to_o represent_v even_o their_o most_o heterodox_n and_o incredible_a notion_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v therefore_o very_o reasonable_o expect_v that_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v convine_v to_o they_o and_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o further_o that_o the_o fair_a and_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v most_o obvious_a to_o every_o man_n of_o understanding_n and_o which_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n shall_v be_v embrace_v by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o by_o we_o as_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o all_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v build_v it_o be_v as_o absurd_a in_o matter_n of_o reason_n and_o faith_n for_o one_o or_o a_o few_o man_n to_o expect_v that_o his_o or_o their_o single_a vote_n for_o some_o singular_a meaning_n of_o a_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v hear_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o sense_n it_o will_v be_v for_o one_o man_n confident_o and_o contentious_o to_o pronounce_v that_o colour_n to_o be_v white_a or_o red_a which_o all_o his_o neighbour_n and_o people_n of_o all_o age_n before_o he_o have_v receive_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o black_a we_o may_v therefore_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n such_o as_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n shall_v be_v account_v sufficient_a both_o to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o those_o that_o be_v serious_a in_o christianity_n and_o also_o to_o convince_v or_o at_o least_o put_v to_o silence_n those_o that_o be_v dissent_v from_o we_o in_o order_n therefore_o to_o the_o confirm_v of_o we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o word_n make_v flesh_n or_o god_n the_o son_n manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n have_v true_o and_o real_o undertake_v and_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o mediator_n to_o reconcile_v god_n and_o man_n i_o shall_v propound_v these_o four_o general_a head_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o confirm_v first_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v promise_v to_o adam_n after_o his_o fall_n and_o to_o all_o the_o father_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n his_o own_o son_n to_o become_v man_n and_o in_o the_o union_n of_o these_o two_o nature_n to_o perform_v all_o those_o office_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n second_o that_o the_o time_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o these_o promise_n and_o prophecy_n and_o for_o the_o send_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n be_v long_o since_o expire_v and_o consequent_o that_o we_o ought_v steadfast_o to_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v already_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n three_o that_o we_o have_v full_a and_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o same_o jesus_n who_o the_o new_a testament_n hold_v forth_o unto_o we_o and_o in_o who_o we_o and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v believe_v be_v that_o very_a person_n who_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o father_n to_o come_v as_o the_o messiah_n or_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n four_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v hold_v forth_o unto_o we_o such_o a_o christ_n as_o be_v real_o and_o true_o god_n and_o man_n hypostatical_o unite_v in_o one_o person_n and_o who_o do_v in_o a_o real_a and_o proper_a sense_n satisfy_v god_n justice_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o purchase_v eternal_a salvation_n for_o we_o by_o his_o merit_n on_o this_o rock_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n build_v 16.18_o matt._n 16.18_o on_o this_o have_v every_o one_o of_o we_o build_v our_o particular_a faith_n and_o in_o this_o we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v full_o and_o persect_o settle_v and_o he_o that_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o four_o position_n be_v confirm_v in_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v we_o then_o proceed_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o open_n and_o confirm_v of_o they_o in_o order_n chap._n vi_o the_o first_o proposition_n confirm_v in_o its_o two_o branch_n viz._n first_o that_o god_n do_v promise_n to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o second_o that_o he_o promise_v that_o in_o the_o union_n of_o these_o two_o nature_n he_o shall_v perform_v all_o those_o office_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v yea_o 1.20_o 2_o cor._n 1.20_o and_o amen_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n as_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n 1.2_o tit._n 1.2_o who_o can_v lie_v have_v he_o speak_v it_o and_o shall_v it_o not_o stand_v have_v he_o promise_v and_o shall_v he_o not_o make_v it_o good_a 5.18_o mat._n 5.18_o behold_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v
imagine_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o child_n shall_v hinder_v the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o at_o the_o time_n appoint_v second_o the_o promise_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v absolute_o express_v without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o worthiness_n or_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o people_n jacob_n do_v not_o say_v 49.10_o gen._n 49.10_o if_o the_o people_n be_v obedient_a shiloh_n shall_v come_v when_o the_o sceptre_n depart_v but_o speak_v it_o absolute_o the_o seventy_o week_n be_v say_v to_o be_v determine_v 9_o dan._n 9_o not_o conditional_o if_o the_o people_n do_v please_v god_n but_o absolute_o and_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o fulfil_n of_o other_o prophecy_n of_o this_o nature_n why_o shall_v they_o be_v think_v to_o have_v hinder_v this_o doubtless_o this_o be_v but_o a_o cavil_v invent_v by_o the_o jew_n of_o latter_a age_n for_o their_o father_n that_o live_v about_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n birth_n do_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o absolute_a and_o do_v expect_v the_o messiah_n about_o that_o time_n as_o i_o show_v before_o and_o this_o cavil_n be_v only_o invent_v to_o defend_v the_o obstinacy_n of_o this_o nation_n at_o this_o day_n nay_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o a_o promise_n the_o psalmist_n mention_v if_o the_o child_n of_o david_n do_v break_v my_o law_n and_o keep_v not_o my_o commandment_n 32._o psal_n 89.30_o 31_o 32._o etc._n etc._n then_o will_v i_o visit_v their_o transgression_n with_o a_o rod_n and_o their_o sin_n with_o stripe_n nevertheless_o my_o love_a kindness_n will_v i_o not_o take_v from_o he_o nor_o suffer_v my_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v my_o covenant_n will_v i_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o my_o lip_n and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o covenant_n concern_v the_o send_n of_o the_o messiah_n so_o that_o their_o sin_n can_v not_o hinder_v the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o in_o due_a time_n three_o the_o messiah_n be_v promise_v to_o be_v a_o blessing_n to_o all_o nation_n 21.16_o gen._n 21.16_o and_o therefore_o the_o sin_n of_o one_o nation_n can_v not_o hinder_v the_o send_n of_o he_o in_o due_a time_n god_n promise_v abraham_n that_o in_o his_o seed_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v and_o isaiah_n speak_v from_o the_o lord_n unto_o christ_n 49.6_o isa_n 49.6_o say_v it_o be_v a_o light_a thing_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v my_o servant_n to_o raise_v up_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n i_o will_v also_o give_v thou_o for_o a_o light_n to_o the_o gentile_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v my_o salvation_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o gentile_n be_v to_o receive_v benefit_n by_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n as_o i_o have_v before_o show_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o that_o one_o nation_n shall_v hinder_v the_o come_n of_o he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v a_o blessing_n to_o all_o nation_n 18.20_o ezek._n 18.20_o god_n say_v the_o soul_n that_o sin_v shall_v die_v the_o son_n shall_v not_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n neither_o shall_v the_o father_n bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o son_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v upon_o he_o now_o if_o god_n will_v not_o punish_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n on_o the_o son_n who_o be_v not_o accessary_a to_o his_o father_n fault_n much_o less_o will_v he_o punish_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o jew_n upon_o all_o the_o whole_a world_n who_o be_v not_o accessary_a to_o their_o sin_n four_o 9.24_o dan._n 9.24_o the_o messiah_n be_v promise_v to_o come_v for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v take_v away_o sin_n to_o finish_v transgression_n and_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o everlasting_a righteousness_n 53.5_o isa_n 53.5_o and_o to_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n etc._n etc._n as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o abound_v of_o sin_n shall_v hinder_v his_o come_n do_v the_o sickness_n of_o the_o patient_n hinder_v the_o physician_n from_o come_v who_o office_n be_v to_o cure_v disease_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o he_o if_o man_n be_v not_o sick_a yea_o some_o of_o the_o learned_a do_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o jewish_a rabbi_n that_o live_v before_o christ_n do_v foretell_v that_o when_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a abound_v of_o iniquity_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v this_o to_o be_v only_o a_o cavil_v of_o the_o late_a jew_n to_o excuse_v their_o obstinate_a slight_n of_o the_o true_a christ_n who_o their_o father_n crucify_v as_o for_o that_o fond_a conceit_n of_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o say_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v indeed_o come_v but_o be_v hide_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v some_o time_n before_o he_o be_v discover_v this_o be_v so_o far_o light_a than_o vanity_n that_o i_o shall_v take_v no_o further_o notice_n of_o it_o then_o to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n thereby_o of_o that_o heavy_a curse_n of_o god_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o that_o though_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n 3.1_o mal._n 3.1_o for_o about_o two_o thousand_o year_n ago_o do_v tell_v they_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v sudden_o come_v into_o his_o temple_n yet_o they_o will_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v still_o to_o come_v yea_o though_o they_o have_v feel_v the_o heavy_a wrath_n of_o god_n lie_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o utmost_a for_o so_o many_o age_n yea_o though_o their_o condition_n be_v so_o sad_a that_o they_o have_v no_o prophet_n to_o tell_v they_o how_o long_o it_o shall_v last_v yet_o still_o they_o perfist_n in_o deny_v and_o oppose_v the_o true_a christ_n let_v we_o pray_v for_o their_o conversion_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v settle_v ourselves_o in_o this_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o father_n be_v long_o since_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n chap._n viii_o the_o three_o proposition_n viz._n that_o we_o have_v full_a and_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o same_o jesus_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o who_o we_o and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v believe_v be_v that_o very_a person_n who_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o father_n to_o come_v as_o the_o messiah_n or_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n confirm_v by_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n and_o by_o the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o prophecy_n in_o he_o that_o a_o saviour_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o father_n of_o old_a and_o that_o these_o promise_n be_v long_o since_o out_o of_o date_n you_o have_v see_v confirm_v so_o that_o consequent_o we_o must_v look_v backward_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o a_o christ_n already_o exhibit_v and_o not_o forward_o to_o one_o yet_o to_o come_v the_o next_o thing_n in_o which_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o have_v our_o faith_n settle_v be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v as_o to_o that_o particular_a person_n upon_o who_o we_o and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o this_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o upward_a have_v pitch_v as_o our_o messiah_n or_o saviour_n and_o though_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o this_o point_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a in_o these_o fickle_a time_n to_o look_v for_o a_o firm_a ground_n to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o in_o this_o which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n first_o then_o argument_n then_o argument_n i_o argue_v from_o the_o many_o miracle_n which_o jesus_n wrought_v when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o he_o be_v indeed_o the_o messiah_n that_o be_v promise_v a_o miracle_n be_v a_o work_n that_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o any_o create_a cause_n to_o produce_v by_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o can_v do_v miracle_n be_v either_o god_n or_o have_v receive_v power_n from_o god_n in_o a_o special_a and_o supernatural_a manner_n and_o as_o god_n give_v power_n to_o any_o person_n to_o work_v miracle_n for_o the_o confirm_v of_o any_o point_n that_o he_o teach_v be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o god_n set_v his_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n thereof_o so_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a as_o well_o as_o impious_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n shall_v set_v his_o seal_n to_o a_o lie_n and_o consequent_o whatever_o doctrine_n have_v be_v confirm_v by_o