λογος_n αυτοπιστος_n or_o scripture_n self-evidence_n to_o prove_v its_o existence_n authority_n certainty_n in_o itself_o and_o sufficiency_n in_o its_o kind_n to_o ascertain_v other_o that_o it_o be_v inspire_a of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n publish_a as_o a_o plea_n for_o protestant_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o intend_v only_o for_o the_o use_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n isa._n 8._o 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n john_n 5._o 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n canonica_n autoritas_fw-la veteris_fw-la &_o novi_fw-la testamenti_fw-la quae_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la consirmata_fw-la temporibus_fw-la per_fw-la successiones_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la &_o propagationes_fw-la ecclesiâ—rum_fw-la tanquam_fw-la in_o sede_fw-la quâdam_fw-la sublimitèr_fw-la constituta_fw-la est_fw-la aug._n contr_n faust._n ma._n 1._o 11._o c._n 5._o london_n print_v for_o edward_n brewster_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o mr._n marriotts_n a_o scrivener_n over_o against_o hicks-hall_n in_o st._n john_n street_n 1667._o to_o all_o well-meaning_n protestant_n who_o desire_n and_o resolve_v to_o hold_v fast_o their_o profession_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v least_o able_a to_o dispute_v controversy_n sir_n i_o marvel_v not_o if_o you_o think_v yourselves_o well_o ground_a in_o your_o religion_n while_o you_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o by_o prove_v the_o article_n of_o your_o faith_n out_o of_o scripture_n for_o in_o this_o persuasion_n you_o be_v of_o 〈◊〉_d same_o mind_n with_o i_o whoever_o you_o be_v however_o i_o must_v admonish_v you_o that_o what_o please_v you_o and_o i_o do_v not_o satisfy_v all_o for_o there_o be_v still_o as_o of_o late_o have_v be_v such_o as_o will_v ask_v you_o how_o you_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n therefore_o it_o concern_v you_o and_o i_o too_o as_o the_o time_n be_v to_o bethink_v ourselves_o what_o to_o answer_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o the_o question_n and_o that_o you_o may_v have_v some_o what_o to_o reply_v i_o have_v in_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n give_v you_o some_o of_o those_o thought_n which_o i_o have_v take_v up_o by_o occasion_n of_o this_o question_n that_o may_v be_v put_v to_o we_o i_o know_v well_o that_o divers_a learned_a both_o english_a and_o outlandish_a divine_v have_v bestow_v their_o pain_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o we_o account_v it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o labour_n of_o those_o learned_a man_n be_v such_o either_o for_o language_n or_o somewhat_o else_o as_o they_o will_v be_v to_o you_o if_o you_o have_v they_o by_o you_o as_o the_o word_n of_o a_o book_n that_o be_v seal_v i_o have_v therefore_o compose_v this_o discourse_n in_o a_o plain_a english_a style_n and_o phrase_n and_o of_o no_o great_a price_n to_o ease_v your_o purse_n that_o you_o may_v have_v by_o you_o somewhat_o to_o answer_v your_o adversary_n in_o it_o i_o use_v and_o urge_v scripture_n very_o little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o in_o a_o manner_n because_o i_o will_v cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o our_o adversary_n who_o will_v else_o say_v i_o prove_v my_o conclusion_n by_o that_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o you_o to_o be_v well_o inform_v in_o this_o case_n and_o to_o be_v fortify_v against_o the_o assault_n of_o such_o as_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o undermine_v you_o and_o turn_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o your_o faith_n i_o must_v leave_v you_o to_o be_v judge_n for_o our_o adversary_n i_o be_o resolve_v never_o to_o draw_v the_o see_v against_o they_o partly_o because_o of_o my_o insufficiency_n many_o way_n to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o such_o giantlike_a man_n and_o especial_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o worthy_n on_o our_o side_n who_o great_a ability_n and_o advantage_n such_o as_o i_o want_v can_v but_o encourage_v they_o to_o what_o i_o dare_v not_o undertake_v all_o my_o design_n be_v to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a who_o desire_n be_v to_o learn_v and_o to_o such_o i_o offer_v these_o weak_a endeavour_n of_o i_o in_o hope_n they_o may_v suggest_v somewhat_o that_o may_v serve_v to_o stay_v and_o uphold_v the_o weak_a till_o they_o be_v further_o establish_v by_o the_o help_n of_o some_o more_o able_a hand_n and_o if_o this_o be_v i_o have_v all_o my_o design_n so_o as_o god_n may_v have_v all_o the_o glory_n scripture_n the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n protestant's_n have_v always_o count_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o that_o they_o may_v abide_v and_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o in_o this_o persuasion_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v my_o heart_n desire_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o they_o but_o though_o they_o hold_v scripture_n for_o a_o principle_n and_o ground-plot_n of_o their_o faith_n yet_o they_o be_v call_v upon_o somewhat_o methinks_v beside_o the_o law_n of_o science_n to_o prove_v it_o and_o this_o task_n i_o be_o willing_a in_o their_o behalf_n to_o undertake_v because_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v we_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a 15._o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o for_o this_o consideration_n and_o nothing_o else_o have_v embolden_v i_o to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v the_o rational_a ground_n which_o protestant_n have_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o write_v by_o his_o command_n to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n unto_o all_o christian_n and_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o account_n i_o shall_v reduce_v unto_o these_o two_o particular_n 1._o i_o shall_v allege_v some_o of_o those_o rational_a ground_n by_o which_o protestant_n be_v induce_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v with_o the_o conclusion_n which_o we_o think_v must_v unavoidable_o follow_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n 2._o i_o shall_v a_o little_a discuss_v the_o queflion_n wherhe_a tradition_n the_o church_n testimony_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n can_v be_v rational_o allow_v this_o great_a privilege_n of_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o conclude_v all_o with_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o grand_a objection_n of_o papist_n against_o scripture_n because_o as_o it_o be_v all_o they_o can_v say_v worth_a our_o notice_n so_o it_o be_v look_v on_o by_o they_o as_o a_o invincible_a achilles_n and_o a_o short_a but_o serious_a admonition_n to_o all_o protestant_n who_o mind_n the_o concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n or_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o it_o the_o former_a part_n show_v the_o rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o protestant_n believe_v scripture_n to_o be_v inspire_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n scripture_n be_v as_o it_o call_v itself_o a_o light_n and_o therefore_o be_v best_a see_v in_o and_o by_o and_o of_o itself_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o show_v it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o we_o have_v say_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v to_o prove_v its_o divine_a authority_n we_o must_v â—…i_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v see_v in_o its_o own_o light_n and_o to_o prove_v it_o selâ—…_n the_o manitestation_n of_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n make_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o upon_o due_a consideration_n it_o will_v appear_v so_o to_o any_o that_o be_v judicious_a and_o impartial_a for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v by_o any_o argument_n beside_o the_o attestation_n give_v it_o by_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o evident_a token_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o it_o and_o so_o it_o prove_v itself_o just_a as_o a_o learned_a man_n prove_v himself_o a_o scholar_n by_o his_o learned_a exercise_n when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o they_o or_o as_o god_n prove_v himself_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v by_o what_o he_o say_v and_o do_v however_o we_o be_v put_v to_o prove_v our_o principle_n and_o we_o be_v content_v so_o to_o do_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v i_o say_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v because_o all_o scholar_n know_v that_o principle_n be_v most_o hard_o prove_v against_o such_o as_o have_v impudence_n enough_o to_o deny_v they_o and_o here_o i_o must_v in_o order_n to_o my_o intend_a work_n request_v the_o reader_n to_o grant_v i_o somewhat_o which_o seem_v very_o reasonable_a and_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v suppose_v such_o by_o all_o that_o be_v indifferent_a and_o impartial_a 1._o that_o in_o this_o case_n i_o can_v allege_v no_o rational_a argument_n other_o than_o such_o as_o scripture_n yield_v and_o offer_v to_o prove_v itself_o inspire_v of_o
it_o much_o rather_o then_o aâ—…y_a thing_n else_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o care_v so_o little_a sore_a tradition_n because_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n for_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n to_o save_v we_o but_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o know_v not_o how_o we_o can_v have_v faith_n in_o god_n but_o by_o receive_v the_o testimony_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v when_o papist_n attribute_v so_o much_o to_o tradition_n for_o ascertain_v scripture_n we_o can_v yield_v to_o they_o in_o it_o because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n so_o speak_v to_o man_n as_o they_o may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v if_o he_o do_v not_o it_o be_v because_o he_o will_v not_o or_o because_o he_o can_v that_o he_o can_v no_o man_n can_v say_v without_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v he_o will_v not_o be_v little_o better_a for_o he_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a but_o open_o and_o plain_o so_o as_o they_o to_o who_o he_o have_v speak_v have_v know_v certain_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n not_o only_o to_o declâ—…re_v the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o to_o ascertain_v those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o such_o be_v scripture_n uz._n a_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v so_o make_v as_o man_n may_v know_v that_o god_n have_v speak_v wherefore_o though_o papist_n say_v of_o scripture_n as_o the_o jew_n say_v of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o bear_v record_v of_o thyself_o thy_o record_n be_v not_o true_a we_o answer_v as_o christ_n answer_v for_o himself_o though_o it_o bear_v record_n of_o itself_o yet_o its_o record_n be_v true_a for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v understand_v his_o mind_n so_o he_o speak_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o they_o may_v know_v it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v and_o not_o man_n or_o any_o creature_n for_o what_o can_v be_v say_v or_o think_v more_o unworthy_a of_o god_n then_o that_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o man_n but_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o can_v be_v understand_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o other_o to_o ascertain_v they_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v we_o can_v speak_v to_o one_o another_o either_o by_o word_n or_o writing_n so_o as_o to_o know_v who_o speak_v as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v speak_v but_o god_n it_o seem_v to_o papist_n must_v have_v some_o other_o to_o pass_v their_o word_n for_o he_o before_o he_o can_v have_v any_o credit_n with_o man_n and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o must_v ascertain_v we_o beyond_o all_o further_a question_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n only_o tradition_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n successive_o convey_v down_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o need_v or_o desire_v it_o we_o shall_v enlarge_v in_o our_o answer_n yet_o not_o to_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o our_o intend_a breviy_n 1._o we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v testimony_n to_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o true_a church_n have_v so_o do_v in_o all_o age_n we_o protestant_n do_v believe_v but_o we_o say_v withal_o that_o the_o church_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a instrument_n or_o mean_n in_o give_v this_o testimony_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n such_o as_o papist_n plead_v for_o or_o dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o we_o stand_v to_o affirm_v we_o do_v not_o beâ—…ieve_v the_o scripture_n because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o we_o believe_v it_o such_o for_o its_o own_o and_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n though_o no_o man_n bear_v witness_n to_o it_o for_o what_o be_v the_o church_n make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n more_o or_o less_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o have_v these_o man_n this_o doctrine_n or_o how_o come_v then_o by_o it_o have_v they_o it_o not_o in_o scripture_n christ_n indeed_o deliver_v it_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o they_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n but_o i_o hope_v papist_n will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o pen_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n or_o that_o the_o next_o church_n receive_v any_o doctrine_n other_o than_o be_v therein_o record_v so_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v mention_v ephes._n 2._o 20._o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o scripture_n and_o not_o scripture_n upon_o the_o church_n indeed_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o believe_v scripture_n and_o make_v it_o the_o ground_n work_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v it_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o society_n the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v or_o frame_v the_o scripture_n but_o receive_v it_o make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n god_n have_v his_o secretary_n who_o write_v his_o will_n and_o command_n and_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o man_n have_v be_v call_v and_o such_o as_o submit_v and_o come_v in_o have_v be_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n hence_o the_o church_n we_o say_v have_v more_o need_n of_o scripture_n testimony_n than_o scripture_n have_v of_o the_o church_n and_o according_o protestant_n judge_v of_o the_o church_n by_o scripture_n and_o not_o of_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n questionless_a when_o god_n shall_v judge_v all_o by_o the_o man_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v he_o will_v try_v all_o church_n and_o man_n by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o where_o those_o law_n be_v we_o leave_v papist_n to_o inquire_v for_o we_o know_v none_o but_o such_o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n they_o tell_v we_o a_o very_a fair_a tale_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o the_o first_o church_n which_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v so_o unnatural_a as_o witting_o to_o hide_v it_o from_o posterity_n and_o deliver_v over_o to_o the_o next_o generation_n such_o lie_n as_o will_v unavoidable_o damn_v they_o now_o we_o suppose_v as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o all_o parent_n and_o progenitor_n have_v so_o much_o natural_a affection_n as_o not_o to_o procure_v willing_o or_o witting_o the_o damnation_n of_o their_o child_n but_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v say_v we_o tradition_n to_o be_v so_o infallible_a as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o for_o tradition_n or_o deliver_v any_o matter_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n be_v and_o must_v be_v uncertain_a yea_o and_o soon_o fail_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o record_n whereupon_o to_o bottom_v it_o and_o for_o this_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o in_o the_o first_o age_n god_n be_v please_v to_o let_v his_o will_v be_v make_v know_v from_o father_n to_o son_n after_o he_o have_v once_o declare_v and_o reveal_v it_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o leave_v all_o to_o tradition_n but_o ever_o and_o anon_o renew_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n as_o occasion_v require_v and_o this_o he_o do_v when_o those_o patriarch_n live_v ten_o time_n so_o long_o as_o any_o have_v ordinary_o live_v for_o very_a many_o age_n and_o when_o afterward_o abraham_n seed_n be_v grow_v into_o a_o multitude_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o have_v the_o lively_a oracle_n enroll_v and_o commit_v to_o writing_n hence_o we_o think_v it_o rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n think_v his_o will_n write_v to_o be_v more_o infallible_a and_o certain_a then_o as_o deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n once_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o while_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v deliver_v without_o write_v it_o all_o the_o world_n be_v corrupt_v so_o as_o all_o flesh_n have_v pervert_v their_o way_n in_o the_o time_n of_o noah_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o at_o first_o the_o doctrine_n which_o god_n reveal_v to_o adam_n and_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v corrupt_v as_o they_o be_v if_o tradition_n can_v possible_o fail_v or_o how_o come_v the_o world_n after_o the_o flood_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o idol_n so_o as_o abraham_n must_v be_v call_v out_o from_o the_o posterity_n of_o shem_n who_o posterity_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n deliver_v to_o they_o if_o tradition_n be_v so_o faithful_a in_o the_o delivery_n of_o what_o be_v commit_v to_o it_o we_o wonder_v how_o true_a religion_n shall_v fail_v so_o soon_o and_o that_o not_o among_o a_o few_o but_o all_o the_o world_n over_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o heretic_n have_v rise_v
lineal_a succession_n but_o look_v only_o after_o succession_n in_o doctrine_n and_o this_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o do_v see_v the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n be_v entail_v only_o upon_o those_o who_o know_v and_o obey_v the_o truth_n and_o where_o be_v this_o truth_n if_o not_o in_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o once_o let_v go_v scripture_n verdict_n in_o the_o cause_n must_v we_o not_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o more_o than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v pretend_v unto_o but_o let_v scripture_n be_v judge_n in_o the_o case_n and_o it_o will_v soon_o appear_v that_o all_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a and_o empty_a pretence_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o appeal_v to_o it_o alone_o and_o leave_v it_o to_o umpire_n the_o difference_n our_o adversary_n never_o dare_v say_v as_o yet_o for_o aught_o i_o have_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v speak_v most_o unworthy_o of_o it_o and_o reproach_v it_o so_o as_o none_o will_v i_o think_v do_v that_o serious_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n however_o they_o say_v not_o in_o term_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o that_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o what_o they_o say_v and_o that_o we_o think_v unavoidable_a if_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v sure_o to_o we_o it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o if_o it_o have_v no_o credit_n as_o to_o we_o without_o a_o certificate_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n it_o deserve_v no_o credit_n at_o all_o such_o as_o we_o must_v give_v to_o it_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o ground_n work_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o this_o be_v rational_a because_o than_o we_o need_v not_o go_v to_o scripture_n since_o there_o be_v somewhat_o else_o that_o be_v more_o to_o be_v credit_v than_o it_o for_o no_o man_n that_o be_v reasonable_a can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o what_o make_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v must_v be_v more_o such_o if_o not_o formal_o yet_o virtual_o or_o eminent_o and_o our_o adversary_n take_v it_o so_o and_o therefore_o say_v plain_o that_o scripture_n for_o many_o reason_n be_v no_o competent_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o tradition_n do_v the_o work_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o every_o respect_n complete_a now_o let_v this_o be_v grant_v and_o then_o look_v about_o and_o see_v what_o follow_v they_o say_v and_o think_v though_o not_o true_o that_o they_o have_v tradition_n by_o the_o forepart_n viz._n that_o all_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n hold_v as_o they_o do_v now_o and_o for_o the_o hinder_a end_n they_o hâ—…ve_v it_o fast_o enough_o as_o we_o all_o know_v for_o we_o must_v grant_v what_o we_o can_v without_o impudence_n deny_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o these_o part_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ward_n for_o many_o of_o the_o latter_a age_n and_o we_o do_v not_o wonder_v at_o it_o because_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o scripture_n have_v foretell_v and_o now_o if_o scripture_n be_v thus_o lay_v by_o what_o will_v become_v of_o all_o that_o faith_n which_o we_o have_v other_o than_o what_o papist_n have_v or_o how_o can_v we_o refuse_v whatever_o they_o shall_v impose_v by_o their_o tradition_n and_o shall_v it_o be_v ever_o say_v that_o we_o have_v make_v a_o separation_n so_o long_o and_o now_o turn_v back_o again_o upon_o no_o other_o ground_n then_o this_o viz._n that_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o scripture_n be_v every_o way_n unfit_a for_o such_o a_o work_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o cast_v dirt_n in_o the_o face_n of_o all_o that_o go_v before_o we_o and_o hazard_v all_o to_o vindicate_v and_o obâ—…ain_v that_o liberty_n which_o the_o write_a word_n so_o long_o suppress_v have_v since_o have_v among_o we_o for_o this_o be_v the_o rise_n and_o root_n of_o all_o the_o disorder_n and_o distemper_n that_o ever_o have_v be_v since_o the_o apostle_n time_n unto_o this_o day_n viz._n that_o man_n have_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o rule_n of_o god_n make_v but_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n will_v frame_v law_n unto_o themselves_o and_o this_o begin_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o false_a apostle_n who_o will_v then_o keep_v up_o the_o ancient_a law_n of_o god_n intend_v only_o till_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n when_o according_a to_o his_o will_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o this_o i_o say_v we_o may_v just_o suspect_v to_o have_v give_v the_o first_o occasion_n to_o other_o afterward_o of_o devise_v many_o thing_n beside_o the_o only_a rule_n and_o so_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o many_o degree_n at_o last_o that_o scripture_n be_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o if_o some_o man_n may_v be_v credit_v in_o what_o they_o say_v and_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o we_o have_v be_v adoing_o for_o a_o hundred_o year_n and_o more_o have_v we_o all_o this_o while_n believe_v in_o vain_a and_o have_v all_o those_o who_o be_v go_v to_o another_o world_n before_o our_o eye_n die_v without_o hope_n what!_o have_v we_o be_v in_o a_o sweet_a dream_n so_o long_o and_o can_v never_o be_v awaken_v till_o now_o be_v we_o now_o to_o seek_v of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n indeed_o we_o have_v then_o believe_v to_o small_a purpose_n and_o so_o have_v many_o other_o who_o we_o have_v hitherto_o think_v to_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n what!_o have_v we_o never_o receive_v any_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o as_o have_v be_v a_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o write_a word_n so_o as_o we_o can_v say_v we_o know_v what_o and_o who_o we_o have_v believe_v be_v our_o eye_n never_o open_v nor_o our_o heart_n ever_o humble_v or_o melt_v if_o they_o have_v be_v then_o consider_v what_o doctrine_n have_v be_v preach_v to_o we_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o come_v to_o be_v what_o we_o be_v and_o have_v we_o not_o enough_o for_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n we_o have_v jesus_n christ_n evident_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n and_o no_o where_o else_o and_o have_v we_o need_v of_o any_o other_o saviour_n we_o have_v the_o way_n of_o holiness_n in_o scripture_n as_o no_o where_o else_o and_o can_v we_o go_v to_o heaven_n in_o any_o other_o way_n be_v we_o in_o danger_n of_o perish_v by_o believe_v in_o christ_n alone_a or_o will_v the_o denial_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n as_o scripture_n command_v and_o require_v hazard_v our_o soul_n nay_o will_v not_o faith_n in_o christ_n alone_o such_o faith_n i_o mean_v as_o work_n by_o love_n save_v we_o then_o what_o will_v become_v of_o i_o and_o other_o who_o never_o yet_o learn_v any_o other_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o resolve_v through_o god_n help_n and_o grace_n never_o to_o think_v of_o any_o other_o but_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o when_o i_o have_v relate_v one_o story_n darbishire_n benner_n kinsman_n say_v to_o hawk_n the_o martyr_n you_o will_v have_v nothing_o but_o your_o pretty_a god_n book_n no_o say_v hawk_n and_o be_v not_o that_o enough_o for_o my_o salvation_n yes_o say_v the_o other_o but_o not_o for_o your_o instruction_n then_o say_v hawk_n god_n send_v i_o the_o salvation_n and_o take_v you_o the_o instruction_n and_o of_o his_o mind_n be_o i_o and_o many_o other_o too_o i_o hope_v if_o scripture_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o show_v and_o assure_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n as_o some_o will_v persuade_v we_o we_o be_v resolve_v however_o to_o leave_v our_o soul_n to_o god_n free_a mercy_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v therein_o and_o leave_v other_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o take_v all_o the_o instruction_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o tradition_n finis_fw-la a_o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o late_a dreadful_a fire_n kindle_v by_o our_o god-provoking_a sin_n and_o abomination_n transcend_v all_o our_o forefather_n after_o so_o many_o miracle_n of_o mercy_n and_o deliverance_n within_o three_o day_n space_n turn_v no_o less_o than_o 88_o pariâ—…es_n and_o pâ—…ish-churches_n with_o the_o cathedâ—…al_a church_n of_o the_o late_a great_a and_o glorious_a city_n of_o london_n into_o heap_n of_o ash_n and_o rubbish_n to_o the_o just_a horror_n and_o amazement_n of_o all_o spectator_n of_o their_o â—…mes_n and_o ruin_n which_o as_o it_o prove_v extreme_o prejudicial_a and_o destructive_a to_o most_o company_n of_o the_o city_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o receive_v so_o grand_a loss_n and_o damage_n by_o that_o devour_a conflagration_n as_o the_o company_n of_o stationer_n most_o of_o
place_n speak_v more_o plain_o and_o the_o plaiâ—…_n place_n well_o remember_v will_v be_v as_o a_o commentary_n upon_o the_o more_o dark_a and_o difficult_a and_o for_o this_o purpose_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o scripture_n be_v difficult_a to_o none_o so_o much_o as_o to_o those_o who_o be_v great_a stranger_n to_o it_o and_o seldom_o take_v a_o bible_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o read_v in_o it_o with_o any_o attention_n whereas_o many_o and_o i_o wish_v there_o be_v more_o who_o can_v only_o read_v it_o and_o use_v such_o small_a help_n as_o god_n minister_v to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v concionable_a in_o what_o be_v their_o duty_n be_v able_a to_o prove_v and_o justify_v the_o main_a ground_n and_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o any_o that_o question_v they_o what_o if_o some_o thing_n be_v difficult_a so_o long_o as_o these_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a be_v plain_a and_o easy_a all_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v no_o sober_a man_n will_v question_v i_o be_o now_o persuade_v those_o of_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a rank_n to_o study_v what_o i_o say_v again_o they_o may_v sufficient_o understand_v though_o they_o have_v none_o to_o guide_v they_o and_o let_v they_o be_v still_o press_v forward_o and_o pry_v further_o to_o discover_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v see_v and_o know_v for_o why_o have_v god_n reveal_v his_o will_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o it_o let_v the_o word_n 1._o of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o etc._n etc._n i._n e._n plentiful_o abundant_o he_o mean_v it_o shall_v not_o lodge_v as_o a_o stranger_n for_o a_o night_n but_o abide_v with_o they_o and_o they_o to_o give_v it_o rich_a and_o liberal_a entertainment_n and_o make_v it_o their_o familiar_a by_o frequent_a read_n hear_v meditate_v upon_o and_o confer_v about_o the_o scripture_n and_o they_o who_o take_v this_o course_n will_v soon_o find_v by_o experience_n the_o improvement_n make_v by_o it_o the_o often_o review_v of_o any_o thing_n as_o all_o man_n know_v be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o see_v more_o in_o it_o than_o ever_o we_o see_v before_o now_o scripture_n deserve_v as_o i_o may_v say_v to_o be_v much_o and_o often_o lookâ—…_n upon_o if_o it_o be_v only_o for_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o great_a god_n but_o there_o be_v somewhat_o else_o scripture_n resemble_v its_o author_n in_o this_o that_o as_o he_o be_v unsearchable_a never_o to_o be_v know_v by_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n or_o all_o of_o they_o as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o so_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v seek_v into_o so_o far_o as_o there_o will_v not_o still_o remain_v something_o that_o require_v a_o further_a search_n he_o that_o dig_v the_o deep_a into_o this_o mine_n shall_v ever_o find_v new_a vein_n such_o as_o be_v never_o discover_v before_o yea_o and_o when_o we_o have_v make_v the_o utmost_a search_n the_o wise_a of_o we_o must_v leave_v the_o world_n sign_v some_o text_n with_o a_o non_fw-fr lâ—…quet_n in_o these_o we_o can_v never_o be_v resolve_v man_n have_v be_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o nature_n mystery_n ever_o since_o the_o creation_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v much_o that_o need_v a_o further_a enquiry_n yea_o somewhat_o if_o not_o very_o much_o that_o will_v never_o i_o doubt_v be_v find_v out_o by_o any_o but_o however_o it_o be_v in_o nature_n we_o may_v reasonable_o conceive_v that_o in_o supernatural_a revelation_n we_o can_v never_o stretch_v ourselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o reach_v the_o utmost_a all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n be_v easy_a enough_o to_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o understand_v and_o therefore_o ignorance_n can_v be_v no_o excuse_n but_o all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o the_o like_a necessity_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v think_v i_o hope_v without_o prejudice_n that_o as_o god_n spirit_n have_v write_v some_o thing_n more_o dark_o to_o exercise_v our_o diligence_n so_o he_o have_v write_v some_o also_o to_o humble_v we_o and_o make_v we_o know_v ourselves_o and_o what_o of_o all_o this_o scripture_n be_v still_o a_o plain_a and_o complete_a rule_n fit_a for_o any_o that_o will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o even_o such_o as_o can_v only_o read_v it_o and_o their_o read_n it_o will_v help_v they_o to_o understand_v enough_o if_o they_o be_v serious_a and_o attentive_a in_o it_o though_o i_o will_v have_v they_o neglect_v no_o other_o mean_n offer_v they_o viz._n meditation_n conference_n &_o c._n and_o unto_o all_o let_v they_o add_v servant_n prayer_n never_o open_v the_o bible_n without_o put_v up_o to_o god_n that_o which_o be_v david_n great_a request_n psal._n 119._o 18._o lord_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o thy_o law_n 4_o let_v they_o not_o bring_v their_o own_o sense_n to_o scripture_n but_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o from_o out_o of_o itself_o because_o as_o one_o say_v the_o divine_a scripture_n contain_v the_o whole_a and_o firm_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o its_o authority_n must_v sway_v we_o to_o take_v up_o that_o which_o it_o i_o yes_o down_o and_o nothing_o else_o they_o take_v a_o wrong_a coarse_a therefore_o who_o first_o entertain_v and_o harbour_v a_o conceit_n or_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o upon_o some_o base_a or_o by-respect_n and_o then_o search_v and_o rack_n and_o torture_v scripture_n to_o make_v it_o speak_v what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n in_o wrest_v his_o word_n to_o justify_v and_o avouch_v the_o groundless_a conceit_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n deceive_v heart_n the_o only_a right_a way_n to_o know_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n in_o any_o doubtful_a case_n be_v to_o bring_v heart_n as_o pure_a as_o white_a paper_n apt_a to_o receive_v and_o rest_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o whatever_o they_o be_v though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o our_o design_n qâ—…_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o know_v the_o true_a and_o right_a determination_n as_o scripture_n give_v it_o especial_o when_o many_o as_o know_v as_o ourselves_o can_v agree_v about_o it_o sol._n 1._o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o some_o man_n to_o understand_v aright_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n because_o they_o inquire_v after_o it_o with_o a_o mind_n resolve_v to_o hold_v what_o they_o have_v once_o take_v up_o whatever_o it_o be_v such_o be_v all_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o wilful_a in_o their_o own_o way_n wed_v to_o their_o will_n and_o abandon_v to_o their_o filthy_a and_o fleshly_a interest_n such_o as_o these_o be_v constant_a and_o ordinary_a in_o work_n and_o way_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n notwithstanding_o scripture-commands_a be_v so_o express_o and_o clear_o against_o they_o what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o the_o 6_o seven_o 8_o and_o 9th_o commandment_n and_o yet_o how_o many_o make_v a_o constant_a trade_n as_o i_o may_v say_v of_o uncleaness_n and_o cruelty_n oppression_n deceit_n and_o falsehood_n these_o may_v easy_o know_v god_n mind_n if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o but_o they_o be_v rebel_n against_o the_o light_n resolve_v to_o serve_v their_o lust_n and_o have_v their_o will_n whatever_o god_n have_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o till_o these_o come_v to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o can_v never_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n as_o he_o intend_v it_o 2._o to_o be_v resolve_v aright_o in_o all_o practical_a question_n and_o case_n we_o must_v first_o resolve_v to_o renounce_v and_o abandon_v our_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n our_o lust_n and_o interest_n as_o the_o apostle_n advise_v jac._n 1._o 22._o 1_o pet._n 2.1_o no_o paper_n that_o be_v besmear_v or_o blot_v can_v be_v good_a to_o write_v upon_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a such_o as_o all_o be_v who_o be_v sway_v by_o their_o own_o lust_n will_v pervert_v all_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o qâ—…_n but_o what_o must_v there_o be_v sol._n a_o honest_a upright_a heart_n dispose_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o obedience_n it_o be_v sabdue_v by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v 18._o to_o feed_v on_o that_o which_o breed_v they_o now_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n they_o be_v beget_v and_o that_o the_o apostle_n peter_n call_v milk_n exhort_v christian_n â—…c_n after_o they_o be_v new_o bear_v to_o desire_v it_o as_o little_a infant_n do_v