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prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n by_o rational_a evidence_n but_o submit_v his_o reason_n to_o rely_v on_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o divine_a testimony_n and_o upon_o this_o testimony_n own_v what_o be_v attest_v by_o it_o but_o when_o we_o say_v we_o own_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v god_n word_n by_o the_o forementioned_a way_n of_o tradition_n we_o act_v our_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n receive_v by_o we_o and_o do_v own_o and_o acknowledge_v this_o as_o truth_n from_o that_o rational_a evidence_n which_o tradition_n afford_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o so_o do_v receive_v it_o as_o true_a in_o a_o way_n of_o rational_a knowledge_n which_o by_o this_o traditional_a evidence_n we_o prove_v truth_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n we_o receive_v by_o faith_n because_o contain_v in_o a_o divine_o inspire_v write_v and_o
do_v we_o disallow_v to_o other_o the_o ground_n ourselves_o proceed_v upon_o for_o we_o allow_v to_o all_o and_o commend_v in_o all_o their_o practice_n upon_o clear_a and_o well_o ground_a scripture-evidence_n but_o we_o neither_o allow_v ourselves_o nor_o other_o to_o practice_v upon_o ungrounded_a pretence_n of_o scripture_n be_v on_o our_o side_n the_o three_o pretend_v contradiction_n be_v to_o pretend_v first_o the_o scripture_n letter_n clear_a of_o itself_o without_o need_v the_o church_n to_o interpret_v it_o and_o afterward_o to_o judge_v the_o follower_n of_o it_o to_o their_o best_a power_n to_o go_v wrong_n that_o be_v to_o confess_v it_o obscure_v and_o to_o need_v their_o new_a church_n interpretation_n but_o protestant_n do_v assert_v that_o in_o all_o necessary_a doctrine_n the_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o it_o need_v no_o interpretation_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v deny_v but_o by_o prefer_v interest_n passion_n or_o some_o other_o fond_a conception_n above_o evidence_n and_o this_o be_v to_o forsake_v scripture_n but_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n they_o who_o do_v not_o discern_v the_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n may_v err_v though_o they_o follow_v it_o to_o their_o best_a power_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o clear_a in_o the_o evidence_n it_o give_v of_o all_o divine_a reveal_v truth_n to_o they_o who_o do_v discern_v its_o evidence_n though_o man_n be_v confess_v to_o be_v man_n and_o many_o of_o they_o not_o capable_a of_o full_a understanding_n many_o truth_n his_o four_o contradiction_n charge_v on_o heretic_n but_o design_v for_o protestant_n be_v that_o they_o persecute_v other_o for_o take_v that_o way_n which_o they_o hold_v at_o least_o pretend_a meritorious_a in_o themselves_o in_o which_o charge_n as_o the_o thing_n intend_v be_v palpable_o false_a concern_v protestant_n so_o the_o language_n he_o use_v agree_v not_o to_o they_o the_o five_o pretend_v contradiction_n be_v to_o oblige_v other_o to_o relinquish_v the_o sole_a guidance_n of_o scripture_n letter_n and_o to_o rule_v themselves_o by_o their_o tradition_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n against_o catholic_n to_o impugn_v tradition_n as_o unfit_a to_o sense_n it_o and_o abet_v only_o the_o selfsufficiency_n of_o scripture_n letter_n the_o former_a clause_n here_o charge_v on_o protestant_n be_v no_o way_n their_o practice_n for_o though_o in_o matter_n prudential_a they_o require_v inferior_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n which_o both_o scripture_n and_o the_o government_n of_o all_o society_n in_o the_o world_n require_v yet_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n they_o require_v that_o man_n receive_v they_o only_o from_o scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o belief_n nor_o be_v any_o protestant_n in_o any_o case_n command_v to_o relinquish_v scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o rule_v themselves_o by_o tradition_n more_o than_o if_o in_o a_o corporation_n a_o member_n who_o can_v read_v have_v his_o duty_n read_v to_o he_o by_o another_o out_o of_o the_o charter_n or_o tell_v he_o in_o word_n with_o great_a care_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o charter_n to_o express_v its_o sense_n this_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o command_a this_o man_n as_o a_o member_n of_o this_o society_n to_o relinquish_v the_o sole_a guidance_n of_o the_o charter_n as_o his_o rule_n and_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o other_o tradition_n when_o he_o follow_v the_o charter_n by_o the_o best_a evidence_n he_o have_v concern_v it_o and_o rely_v not_o on_o a_o delivery_n of_o continue_a hearsay_n report_n and_o fame_n which_o be_v a_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o romish_a oral_n tradition_n as_o to_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o pretend_a contradiction_n which_o concern_v the_o impugn_a tradition_n as_o unfit_a to_o sense_n scripture_n if_o this_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o present_a way_n of_o romish_a oral_n tradition_n this_o indeed_o we_o do_v so_o impugn_v but_o if_o this_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o ancient_n and_o primitive_a tradition_n protestant_n do_v acknowledge_v this_o so_o far_o as_o it_o can_v be_v manifest_v to_o be_v general_a to_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o sense_n such_o scripture_n as_o be_v otherwise_o difficult_a and_o obscure_a and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v any_o intimation_n of_o such_o tradition_n by_o the_o ancient_a father_n we_o own_v they_o useful_a the_o last_o pretend_a contradiction_n be_v to_o impute_v that_o carriage_n as_o a_o fault_n to_o our_o romish_n church_n which_o themselves_o practise_v and_o which_o be_v most_o material_a our_o church_n punish_v none_o but_o those_o who_o desert_n our_o rule_n but_o they_o punish_v for_o too_o close_o follow_v their_o rule_n all_o the_o clause_n of_o this_o charge_n be_v guilty_a of_o desert_v the_o rule_n of_o truth_n for_o protestant_n who_o fault_n this_o traditionary_a way_n do_v not_o practice_v this_o tradition_n as_o have_v be_v above_o show_v nor_o do_v protestant_n punish_v any_o for_o follow_v scripture_n too_o close_o as_o have_v be_v evidence_v the_o middle_a clause_n be_v likewise_o untrue_a for_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o romish_a church_n never_o punish_v any_o who_o pretend_v to_o hold_v to_o the_o tradition_n they_o receive_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o victor_n excommunicate_v all_o the_o asian_a church_n for_o not_o keep_v easter_n the_o same_o day_n with_o the_o roman_a church_n though_o these_o asian_a church_n plead_v a_o certain_a tradition_n not_o only_o from_o their_o famous_a bishop_n but_o from_o philip_n the_o deacon_n and_o his_o daughter_n which_o be_v prophetess_n and_o from_o s._n john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n eus_n hist_o eccl._n 5._o c._n 24._o yea_o how_o come_v mr._n white_a to_o be_v censure_v at_o rome_n who_o think_v he_o defend_v the_o rule_n of_o tradition_n yea_o how_o come_v mounseur_fw-fr arnold_n to_o be_v so_o trouble_v by_o the_o jesuit_n in_o france_n even_o for_o the_o use_v those_o word_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o s._n austin_n a_o famous_a and_o approve_a father_n but_o if_o he_o only_o mean_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n punish_v none_o but_o such_o as_o swerve_v some_o way_n from_o the_o tradition_n she_o deliver_v this_o if_o true_a in_o itself_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v true_o be_v call_v most_o material_a it_o be_v neither_o pertinent_a to_o his_o charge_n against_o protestant_n nor_o considerable_a in_o itself_o since_o it_o only_o speak_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n commendable_a in_o not_o punish_v those_o who_o believe_v every_o thing_n it_o say_v and_o practice_v every_o thing_n it_o command_v and_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o society_n in_o the_o world_n that_o in_o this_o thing_n be_v not_o as_o commendable_a as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o when_o he_o here_o tell_v we_o their_o church_n punish_v none_o but_o those_o who_o desert_n the_o rule_n she_o recommend_v sure_o he_o much_o forget_v himself_o §_o 5._o where_n speak_v of_o heretic_n he_o say_v that_o the_o deserter_n of_o the_o natural_a way_n of_o tradition_n have_v be_v but_o few_o and_o the_o descendants_n of_o these_o revolter_n follow_v tradition_n for_o either_o he_o must_v say_v that_o their_o church_n punish_v no_o descendants_n of_o revolter_n as_o he_o call_v they_o that_o be_v allow_v all_o heresy_n in_o any_o but_o the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o or_o else_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o punish_v they_o who_o himself_o account_v and_o there_o as_o he_o think_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o deserter_n of_o tradition_n §_o 4._o he_o ask_v what_o can_v follow_v hence_o but_o that_o subject_n who_o common_a sense_n can_v but_o make_v exceed_o sensible_a of_o such_o unreasonable_a carriage_n in_o persecute_v they_o pure_o for_o follow_v god_n word_n which_o themselves_o have_v teach_v they_o they_o ought_v in_o conscience_n to_o follow_v shall_v strive_v to_o wreak_v their_o malice_n against_o their_o persecutor_n and_o to_o involve_v whole_a nation_n in_o war_n and_o blood_n but_o he_o after_o add_v he_o intend_v not_o a_o justification_n of_o those_o revolt_a sect_n but_o it_o can_v be_v that_o common_a sense_n nor_o any_o rational_a evidence_n shall_v teach_v subject_n under_o protestant_a prince_n that_o they_o be_v persecute_v pure_o for_o follow_v god_n word_n since_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o truth_n they_o can_v not_o otherwise_o think_v it_o be_v so_o but_o by_o evident_a mistake_n or_o by_o such_o delude_a persuasion_n as_o this_o author_n will_v deceive_v they_o with_o and_o indeed_o such_o pernicious_a incentives_n as_o these_o of_o this_o discourser_n may_v possible_o if_o they_o meet_v with_o fiery_a and_o malicious_a spirit_n inflame_v they_o into_o a_o rebellion_n and_o withal_o show_v what_o principle_n may_v be_v instill_v by_o pretender_n to_o tradition_n but_o such_o be_v the_o peaceableness_n
consider_v that_o faith_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o vulgar_a may_v both_o have_v since_o they_o may_v be_v save_v §_o 8_o 9_o 10._o and_o they_o may_v have_v doubt_n concern_v it_o §_o 11._o and_o since_o this_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a assent_n §_o 12._o which_o they_o who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n shall_v embrace_v §_o 13._o and_o eminent_a wit_n may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o §_o 14._o and_o the_o most_o skill_a adversary_n can_v show_v its_o rule_n possible_o false_a §_o 15._o and_o this_o rule_n must_v assure_v we_o what_o christ_n say_v §_o 16._o from_o this_o he_o gather_v seven_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n §_o 17._o 1._o it_o must_v be_v plain_a and_o self-evident_a as_o to_o its_o existence_n unto_o all_o 2._o evidenceable_a as_o to_o its_o rule_v power_n to_o inquirer_n even_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a 3._o apt_a to_o settle_v and_o justify_v undoubting_a person_n 4._o to_o satisfy_v full_o the_o sceptical_a dissenter_n and_o rational_a doubter_n 5._o to_o convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o acute_a adversary_n 6._o build_v upon_o unmoveable_a ground_n that_o be_v absolute_o certain_a in_o itself_o 7._o and_o absolute_o ascertainable_a unto_o we_o have_v give_v some_o account_n of_o his_o discourse_n i_o come_v now_o to_o examine_v whether_o he_o have_v lay_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n to_o raise_v from_o thence_o the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o than_o whether_o the_o property_n mention_v be_v right_o raise_v and_o do_v agree_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o ground_n he_o lay_v from_o the_o word_n rule_n and_o faith_n be_v not_o sufficient_o sure_a and_o stable_a for_o since_o these_o word_n rule_n of_o faith_n even_o as_o he_o treat_v of_o they_o do_v admit_v of_o some_o ambiguity_n in_o their_o sense_n it_o have_v be_v necessary_a to_o have_v first_o declare_v what_o be_v here_o intend_v to_o be_v signify_v by_o they_o for_o beside_o that_o the_o phrase_n of_o regula_fw-la fidei_fw-la or_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v by_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n and_o other_o ancient_n sometime_o make_v use_n of_o for_o a_o kind_n of_o creed_n or_o comprisal_n of_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n i_o say_v beside_o this_o the_o word_n rule_n be_v here_o a_o metaphor_n the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o in_o this_o place_n must_v be_v search_v into_o nor_o do_v he_o sufficient_o describe_v his_o rule_n by_o say_v it_o be_v able_a to_o regulate_v or_o guide_v he_o who_o use_v it_o for_o still_o by_o a_o rule_n may_v be_v understand_v either_o that_o which_o be_v able_a to_o guide_v he_o who_o use_v it_o that_o by_o it_o something_o to_o be_v inquire_v after_o may_v be_v discover_v knowable_o or_o else_o a_o rule_n be_v that_o from_o which_o all_o thing_n about_o which_o such_o a_o rule_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o may_v receive_v the_o most_o exact_a perfect_a and_o complete_a way_n of_o trial_n and_o discovery_n now_o that_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v guide_v to_o believe_v some_o divine_a reveal_v truth_n or_o most_o truth_n which_o yet_o may_v either_o misguide_v in_o some_o other_o or_o not_o most_o exact_o guide_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o all_o divine_a reveal_v truth_n be_v sufficient_o discover_v by_o which_o there_o may_v be_v have_v the_o best_a determination_n of_o all_o question_n about_o such_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v decide_v and_o which_o be_v the_o most_o sure_a and_o firm_a ground_n of_o believe_v every_o divine_a reveal_v truth_n the_o want_n of_o consider_v and_o observe_v this_o have_v cast_v this_o author_n upon_o a_o threefold_a miscarriage_n first_o he_o have_v omit_v the_o most_o principal_a and_o necessary_a property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o know_v try_v and_o determine_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o reveal_v truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o do_v all_o this_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v requisite_a it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o if_o this_o property_n be_v omit_v all_o those_o lay_v down_o by_o this_o discourser_n will_v not_o have_v light_a enough_o to_o discover_v which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n certain_o and_o infallible_o for_o instance_n this_o sentence_n god_n create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n or_o any_o other_o such_o like_a so_o deliver_v to_o we_o that_o it_o appear_v certain_o to_o come_v from_o god_n though_o it_o can_v be_v call_v a_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n because_o it_o contain_v not_o so_o much_o divine_a truth_n as_o be_v necessary_a either_o for_o every_o man_n salvation_n or_o for_o the_o determine_a controversy_n in_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v requisite_a they_o shall_v be_v decide_v and_o this_o be_v receive_v as_o much_o among_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n as_o among_o christian_n yet_o all_o the_o property_n mention_v by_o this_o discourser_n may_v be_v apply_v unto_o it_o as_o much_o as_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 1._o it_o may_v be_v to_o all_o self-evident_a as_o to_o its_o existence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o truth_n deliver_v 2._o it_o may_v be_v knowable_a to_o have_v a_o roll_a power_n even_o to_o the_o vulgar_a 3._o it_o may_v settle_v they_o who_o undoubting_o receive_v it_o 4._o it_o may_v satisfy_v either_o dissenter_n or_o doubter_n 5._o it_o may_v convince_v adversary_n 6._o it_o may_v be_v certain_a in_o itself_o and_o 7._o ascertainable_a to_o we_o a_o second_o miscarriage_n hence_o arise_v be_v that_o in_o this_o treatise_n he_o use_v the_o phrase_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o very_a uncertain_a fallacious_a and_o ambiguous_a sense_n sometime_o to_o signify_v one_o thing_n and_o sometime_o another_o for_o under_o faith_n as_o he_o treat_v of_o it_o he_o sometime_o include_v all_o divine_a reveal_v truth_n so_o far_o as_o to_o a_o general_a end_n of_o controversy_n about_o they_o so_o praef._n §_o 7._o he_o say_v controversy_n or_o the_o skill_n to_o know_v what_o be_v faith_n if_o a_o science_n must_v be_v ground_v on_o some_o self-evident_a principle_n and_o soon_o after_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o first_o principle_n catholic_n proceed_v on_o self-evident_a and_o this_o he_o call_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o controversy_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o include_v under_o faith_n all_o divine_a reveal_v truth_n concern_v which_o there_o be_v any_o controversy_n raise_v but_o in_o disc_n 1._o §_o 8._o where_o he_o lay_v as_o a_o ground_n that_o the_o vulgar_a be_v to_o be_v save_v that_o be_v be_v to_o have_v faith_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n he_o can_v mean_v that_o they_o must_v be_v sure_o and_o rational_o determine_v as_o he_o grant_v faith_n must_v be_v such_o a_o assent_n in_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n about_o which_o there_o be_v any_o controversy_n for_o it_o be_v plain_o evident_a that_o even_o among_o the_o papist_n the_o learned_a man_n have_v not_o be_v determine_v in_o all_o point_n de_fw-fr fide_fw-la by_o the_o help_n of_o their_o tradition_n so_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n he_o sometime_o mean_v a_o only_a way_n to_o come_v to_o faith_n as_o disc_n 2._o §_o 9_o 10._o he_o say_v faith_n be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v have_v without_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n other_o time_n he_o understand_v by_o it_o only_o a_o sufficient_a way_n to_o come_v to_o faith_n as_o disc_n 1._o §_o 8_o 9_o he_o call_v it_o the_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o faith_n or_o come_v to_o faith_n sometime_o he_o call_v it_o the_o ordinary_a way_n to_o faith_n so_o corol._n 1._o and_o yet_o thence_o conclude_v none_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v faith_n who_o hold_v not_o to_o the_o true_a rule_n and_o yet_o as_o have_v his_o heart_n misgive_a he_o in_o this_o confidence_n he_o say_v disc_n 1._o §_o 11._o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o best_a if_o not_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n now_o to_o treat_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o not_o to_o keep_v to_o one_o sense_n but_o some_o time_n by_o his_o rule_n to_o mean_v a_o only_a way_n sometime_o a_o sufficient_a way_n sometime_o a_o ordinary_a way_n other_o time_n the_o best_a if_o not_o the_o only_a way_n and_o by_o faith_n of_o which_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n sometime_o to_o understand_v such_o faith_n as_o be_v in_o all_o the_o believe_a vulgar_a and_o at_o other_o time_n under_o faith_n to_o take_v in_o all_o controversy_n about_o matter_n reveal_v of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o strange_a jumble_v of_o different_a thing_n together_o and_o as_o it_o discover_v much_o want_n of_o accurateness_n and_o rational_a proceed_n in_o the_o author_n so_o
here_o we_o inquire_v not_o for_o rational_a evidence_n to_o prove_v they_o true_a here_o than_o we_o can_v be_v no_o more_o say_v to_o build_v our_o faith_n on_o the_o rule_n of_o tradition_n than_o public_a justice_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o tradition_n when_o case_n be_v decide_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o have_v be_v successive_o deliver_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o but_o as_o he_o have_v hitherto_o build_v on_o a_o mistake_n to_o imagine_v that_o we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o by_o consider_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n in_o itself_o so_o in_o the_o end_n of_o §_o 3._o he_o suppose_v that_o we_o must_v be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v all_o seem_a contradiction_n in_o scripture_n before_o we_o can_v own_v it_o to_o be_v god_n word_n but_o can_v every_o ordinary_a christian_a both_o humble_o and_o true_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o thing_n deliver_v by_o god_n there_o may_v be_v many_o thing_n above_o his_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v and_o above_o his_o apprehension_n to_o reconcile_v which_o yet_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o both_o true_a and_o good_a in_o this_o do_n we_o have_v the_o same_o ground_n to_o believe_v scripture_n to_o be_v god_n word_n which_o s._n austin_n have_v in_o his_o forsake_v manicheism_n who_o make_v this_o confession_n to_o god_n confess_v lib._n 6._o c._n 5._o thou_o do_v persuade_v i_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v not_o who_o believe_v thy_o book_n which_o almost_o in_o all_o nation_n thou_o have_v establish_v on_o so_o great_a authority_n but_o who_o believe_v they_o not_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v unable_a by_o evident_a reason_n to_o find_v out_o truth_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n have_v need_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o now_o begin_v to_o believe_v that_o thou_o will_v by_v no_o mean_n have_v give_v to_o that_o scripture_n so_o excellent_a authority_n throughout_o all_o land_n unless_o thou_o will_v that_o thou_o shall_v be_v believe_v by_o it_o and_o that_o thou_o shall_v be_v seek_v by_o it_o now_o the_o absurdity_n which_o use_v to_o offend_v i_o i_o refer_v to_o the_o height_n of_o the_o mystery_n ad_fw-la §_o 4._o to_o the_o second_o objection_n concern_v the_o number_n of_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n i_o shall_v first_o inquire_v what_o ground_n the_o vulgar_a have_v to_o own_o all_o the_o book_n receive_v by_o protestant_n and_o particular_o by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o canonical_a to_o be_v the_o divine_o inspire_a scripture_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o they_o may_v safe_o and_o with_o good_a ground_n receive_v all_o these_o book_n because_o they_o be_v so_o own_v by_o the_o same_o abovementioned_a tradition_n or_o delivery_n of_o all_o church_n as_o they_o receive_v they_o from_o the_o beginning_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o in_o the_o church_n any_o doubt_n of_o the_o book_n we_o receive_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o of_o any_o of_o the_o evangelist_n or_o of_o the_o most_o of_o the_o epistle_n and_o though_o there_o be_v some_o doubt_n at_o some_o time_n in_o some_o place_n concern_v some_o few_o book_n yet_o these_o doubt_n be_v never_o general_a nor_o do_v they_o in_o any_o place_n continue_v but_o be_v check_v by_o know_a consent_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n of_o which_o s._n hierom_n speak_v ad_fw-la dardanum_n ep._n 129._o we_o receive_v they_o follow_v the_o authority_n of_o ancient_a writer_n now_o that_o all_o these_o book_n have_v be_v always_o thus_o deliver_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o vulgar_a have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o acknowledge_v since_o it_o have_v the_o same_o certainty_n with_o the_o way_n of_o deliver_v so_o many_o preserve_v record_n by_o the_o agreement_n of_o such_o multitude_n of_o society_n which_o be_v a_o much_o more_o certain_a way_n than_o oral_a tradition_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n as_o be_v show_v n._n 6._o this_o delivery_n of_o these_o book_n be_v common_o assert_v by_o the_o present_a age_n and_o by_o man_n of_o great_a knowledge_n among_o the_o protestant_n nor_o at_o this_o time_n do_v the_o roman_a church_n reject_v any_o of_o they_o though_o indeed_o s._n hierom_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o latin_a custom_n do_v not_o receive_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n among_o canonical_a scripture_n in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o isa_n 6._o and_o isa_n 8._o and_o elsewhere_o which_o eusebius_n also_o take_v notice_n of_o eccl._n hist_o lib._n 3._o c._n 3._o &_o lib._n 6._o c._n 21._o so_o that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v not_o then_o the_o most_o faithful_a preserver_n of_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o church_n catholic_n which_o do_v acknowledge_v this_o and_o the_o other_o scripture_n by_o which_o they_o be_v sufficient_o deliver_v to_o we_o and_o by_o which_o s._n hierom_n do_v receive_v even_o this_o epistle_n as_o he_o particular_o write_v in_o the_o abovementioned_a epistle_n ad_fw-la dardanum_n now_o be_v secure_a of_o these_o book_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v safe_a delivery_n of_o all_o necessary_a truth_n require_v to_o salvation_n for_o as_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n no_o other_o church_n nor_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n do_v pretend_v to_o any_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o s._n luke_n chap._n 1._o have_v assure_v we_o that_o in_o his_o gospel_n be_v write_v what_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o the_o christian_a faith_n so_o that_o hitherto_o it_o appear_v how_o common_a christian_n may_v know_v enough_o for_o their_o salvation_n and_o yet_o further_o they_o know_v all_o these_o book_n to_o be_v of_o god_n can_v thence_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o be_v declare_v in_o they_o be_v true_a and_o what_o ever_o be_v condemn_v there_o be_v false_a or_o evil_a and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v attain_v much_o knowledge_n and_o though_o these_o vulgar_a christian_n may_v safe_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o controversy_n concern_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o be_v above_o say_v and_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o knowledge_n for_o who_o the_o trial_n of_o all_o controversy_n be_v a_o more_o proper_a work_n be_v and_o may_v be_v full_o certain_a concern_v it_o by_o their_o full_o perceive_v what_o be_v the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n tradition_n in_o this_o point_n yet_o the_o vulgar_a may_v possible_o be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v that_o none_o of_o those_o book_n be_v part_n of_o the_o scripture_n divine_o inspire_v for_o since_o they_o can_v understand_v from_o man_n of_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n that_o none_o of_o those_o book_n be_v receive_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o who_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v nor_o be_v they_o any_o of_o they_o general_o receive_v as_o of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o catholic_n christian_n church_n they_o may_v thence_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v as_o safe_a for_o they_o not_o to_o own_v they_o as_o such_o as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o catholic_n christian_n church_n and_o the_o jewish_a church_n who_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n charge_v with_o any_o sin_n and_o corruption_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o likewise_o they_o may_v see_v that_o they_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o particular_a romish_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n catholic_n concern_v these_o book_n as_o s._n hierom_n have_v concern_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n especial_o since_o they_o of_o rome_n have_v not_o fix_o keep_v and_o declare_v the_o same_o book_n at_o all_o time_n for_o scripture_n thus_o we_o have_v a_o certainty_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n which_o protestant_n own_v for_o their_o rule_n but_o this_o discourser_n can_v but_o know_v that_o concern_v tradition_n which_o he_o make_v his_o rule_n neither_o the_o vulgar_a papist_n nor_o yet_o the_o learned_a can_v certain_o know_v in_o all_o point_n how_o many_o and_o which_o be_v true_o such_o which_o have_v occasion_v great_a dispute_n and_o high_a contest_v among_o they_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n ad_fw-la §_o 5._o to_o the_o three_o objection_n concern_v the_o preserve_n of_o the_o original_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o the_o vulgar_a either_o to_o know_v or_o inquire_v concern_v the_o original_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o he_o to_o have_v evidence_n that_o the_o scripture_n remain_v entire_a though_o he_o know_v not_o what_o language_n be_v their_o original_a but_o if_o it_o be_v inquire_v how_o every_o one_o may_v know_v that_o these_o scripture_n be_v preserve_v entire_a and_o how_o they_o who_o have_v any_o apprehension_n of_o the_o original_a may_v
this_o same_o history_n be_v relate_v also_o both_o by_o clemens_n and_o by_o papias_n and_o after_o this_o mark_v preach_v in_o egypt_n that_o same_o gospel_n which_o he_o have_v write_v thus_o eusebius_n hist_o eccles_n lib._n 2._o c._n 10_o 11._o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n relate_v the_o word_n of_o clemens_n lib._n 6._o c._n 14._o but_o our_o discourser_n tell_v we_o he_o dare_v affirm_v that_o presbyterian_o and_o protestant_n adhere_v to_o their_o faith_n because_o their_o father_n or_o pastor_n teach_v they_o it_o and_o not_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n letter_n to_o their_o own_o private_a judgement_n because_o they_o who_o be_v bring_v up_o under_o mr._n baxter_n be_v apt_a to_o follow_v he_o and_o other_o mr._n pierce_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o protestant_n value_v the_o judgement_n of_o their_o teacher_n if_o they_o think_v they_o to_o be_v learned_a and_o good_a man_n but_o yet_o in_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o god_n they_o do_v discern_v other_o ground_n and_o sure_a to_o rely_v on_o than_o the_o opinion_n of_o teacher_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o teacher_n shall_v contradict_v such_o truth_n they_o will_v not_o follow_v he_o and_o if_o any_o person_n be_v so_o unstable_a as_o in_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o man_n they_o be_v far_o from_o be_v ground_v protestant_n in_o some_o matter_n more_o difficult_a or_o controversial_a many_o protestant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v better_o satisfy_v than_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v for_o follow_v they_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n they_o own_v not_o their_o judgement_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o the_o best_a help_n to_o their_o understanding_n in_o a_o case_n of_o difficulty_n but_o if_o any_o protestant_n by_o misapprehension_n do_v close_o with_o such_o thing_n controversial_a as_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n if_o afterward_o he_o discern_v they_o matter_n of_o controversy_n not_o clear_a in_o scripture_n or_o that_o the_o contrary_n be_v rather_o true_a and_o ground_v on_o scripture_n he_o will_v then_o submit_v his_o former_a apprehension_n to_o the_o great_a evidence_n now_o receive_v and_o by_o this_o mean_n through_o diligent_a examine_n very_o great_a multitude_n of_o protestant_n who_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o impartial_o to_o follow_v scripture_n truth_n have_v receive_v some_o opinion_n different_a from_o some_o particular_a opinion_n of_o their_o parent_n or_o teacher_n and_o even_o all_o other_o protestant_n who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v trial_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o controvert_v opinion_n yet_o unanimous_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o trial_n of_o any_o truth_n by_o the_o scripture_n be_v much_o more_o considerable_a than_o by_o any_o teacher_n judgement_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v capable_a they_o will_v much_o rather_o choose_v to_o be_v steadfast_o fix_v in_o any_o truth_n by_o the_o former_a than_o to_o be_v only_o persuade_v to_o it_o by_o the_o latter_a whence_o it_o appear_v that_o protestant_n general_o own_v only_o the_o scripture_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o philosophy_n or_o any_o science_n design_v therein_o to_o follow_v reason_n as_o their_o rule_n who_o be_v not_o as_o much_o guide_v by_o their_o teacher_n or_o instructer_n as_o protestant_n be_v by_o they_o that_o be_v to_o value_v their_o authority_n or_o opinion_n until_o by_o examination_n of_o it_o by_o the_o rule_n they_o shall_v discern_v it_o a_o error_n §_o 6._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o objection_n make_v against_o a_o prophetical_a afflatus_fw-la and_o against_o the_o res_fw-la traditae_fw-la or_o thing_n deliver_v instead_o of_o tradition_n itself_o can_v have_v no_o force_n against_o his_o opinion_n i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o shall_v so_o far_o satisfy_v this_o author_n as_o to_o assure_v he_o my_o follow_a answer_n shall_v proceed_v neither_o of_o these_o way_n §_o 7._o he_o tell_v we_o the_o first_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v agree_v to_o tradition_n to_o wit_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o as_o to_o its_o existence_n because_o we_o see_v and_o hear_v daily_a sound_n and_o action_n about_o practical_a doctrine_n convey_v down_o to_o we_o but_o be_v this_o all_o that_o this_o author_n think_v necessary_a to_o be_v prove_v do_v he_o not_o demand_n much_o more_o concern_v scripture_n than_o that_o the_o book_n may_v be_v see_v and_o the_o word_n hear_v do_v he_o not_o then_o require_v proof_n that_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n etc._n etc._n sure_o it_o be_v not_o only_o requisite_a that_o some_o thing_n shall_v be_v deliver_v and_o receive_v but_o at_o least_o it_o must_v be_v necessary_a for_o every_o generation_n to_o know_v that_o all_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o former_a receive_v and_o profess_v be_v full_o deliver_v and_o right_o receive_v by_o they_o for_o since_o as_o himself_o say_v in_o this_o paragraph_n tradition_n be_v the_o open_a conveyance_n of_o doctrine_n if_o they_o be_v either_o not_o deliver_v or_o not_o receive_v there_o be_v no_o conveyance_n and_o so_o a_o failure_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v tradition_n now_o we_o assert_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n of_o any_o such_o exact_a delivery_n in_o any_o one_o generation_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o many_o matter_n especial_o in_o difficult_a thing_n may_v be_v mistake_v for_o want_n of_o right_a understanding_n and_o then_o these_o mistake_n will_v be_v deliver_v that_o they_o be_v mistake_v by_o many_o appear_v by_o the_o disagreement_n of_o great_a number_n and_o dispute_v about_o several_a doctrine_n whether_o they_o be_v de_fw-fr fide_fw-la or_o not_o and_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o papal_a decree_n and_o canon_n of_o council_n whence_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o do_v not_o all_o apprehend_v the_o truth_n or_o at_o least_o will_v not_o confess_v they_o do_v which_o will_v as_o much_o overthrow_n tradition_n second_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o through_o the_o prevalency_n of_o corruption_n and_o sin_n in_o a._n generation_n of_o man_n they_o may_v much_o lose_v that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v even_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o can_v deliver_v it_o aright_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o generation_n after_o noah_n in_o that_o great_a point_n concern_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o worship_n and_o there_o be_v then_o as_o much_o to_o be_v say_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o tradition_n as_o now_o among_o papist_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v now_o no_o security_n to_o the_o contrary_a unless_o the_o piety_n of_o all_o age_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v which_o the_o great_a complaint_n of_o the_o teacher_n of_o several_a age_n render_v impossible_a three_o because_o through_o the_o work_n of_o man_n thought_n in_o apprehend_v and_o consider_v and_o explain_v truth_n many_o thing_n be_v conclude_v as_o consequence_n and_o explication_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o receive_v from_o the_o former_a age_n thus_o in_o almost_o all_o the_o book_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o this_o author_n be_v many_o particular_a assertion_n consideration_n and_o speculation_n which_o be_v not_o receive_v from_o the_o open_a tradition_n of_o the_o forego_n age_n and_o they_o be_v here_o deliver_v and_o may_v hence_o by_o other_o be_v receive_v four_o there_o may_v also_o be_v a_o combination_n through_o great_a viciousness_n or_o disrelish_v of_o truth_n against_o some_o particular_a truth_n which_o oppose_v either_o the_o outward_a interest_n or_o the_o corrupt_a life_n thus_o god_n complain_v of_o the_o jew_n jer._n 5.30_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v false_o and_o the_o priest_n bear_v rule_v by_o their_o mean_n and_o my_o people_n love_n to_o have_v it_o so_o five_o there_o may_v possible_o be_v a_o omission_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o many_o thing_n to_o be_v deliver_v and_o true_a and_o i_o dare_v say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o this_o author_n to_o prove_v upon_o his_o principle_n that_o all_o truth_n be_v hand_v down_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o either_o among_o the_o learned_a or_o the_o vulgar_a and_o yet_o it_o will_v concern_v he_o to_o do_v it_o concern_v every_o reveal_v truth_n since_o he_o reject_v or_o at_o least_o will_v not_o own_o the_o distinction_n of_o truth_n into_o fundamental_a and_o not_o fundamental_a all_o these_o thing_n consider_v there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n that_o there_o be_v any_o sure_a tradition_n §_o 8._o he_o say_v the_o second_o property_n belong_v to_o tradition_n to_o wit_n it_o be_v evidenceable_a as_o to_o its_o roll_a power_n to_o any_o inquir_a for_o it_o be_v certain_a if_o
the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o this_o discourser_n or_o by_o protestant_n yet_o further_o these_o word_n of_o tharasius_n confirm_v the_o letter_n of_o adrian_n then_o read_v we_o may_v observe_v how_o those_o letter_n also_o as_o they_o be_v record_v by_o that_o council_n agree_v with_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n now_o adrian_n in_o that_o epistle_n to_o constantine_n and_o irene_n which_o tharasius_n refer_v to_o exhort_v they_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o orthodox_n faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o bless_a peter_n and_o paul_n the_o chief_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o embrace_v it_o as_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o emperor_n honour_v their_o vicar_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n for_o these_o chief_a of_o the_o apostle_n who_o do_v begin_v the_o catholic_n orthodox_n faith_n do_v command_v their_o faith_n to_o be_v preserve_v by_o writing_n as_o by_o law_n enact_v even_o to_o all_o they_o who_o shall_v succeed_v they_o in_o their_o seat_n and_o so_o say_v he_o our_o church_n do_v keep_v it_o yea_o as_o to_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n then_o about_o image_n adrian_n there_o urge_v argument_n from_o scripture_n with_o such_o expression_n as_o this_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v it_o so_o let_v we_o have_v it_o and_o after_o his_o argument_n from_o scripture_n add_v wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v and_o then_o endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o consent_n of_o father_n whence_o it_o be_v evident_a adrian_n urge_v the_o emperor_n to_o close_v with_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o then_o that_o church_n do_v keep_v to_o the_o write_a law_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v preserve_v their_o faith_n and_o scripture_n he_o follow_v to_o put_v thing_n out_o of_o doubt_n this_o be_v then_o as_o appear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o if_o that_o be_v it_o which_o will_v please_v this_o discourser_n let_v he_o take_v it_o and_o follow_v it_o in_o act._n 3._o of_o this_o council_n this_o discourser_n cite_v these_o word_n we_o receive_v and_o venerate_v the_o apostolical_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v this_o enough_o for_o this_o author_n purpose_n 1._o be_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v receive_v and_o venerate_v make_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n 2._o must_v these_o apostolical_a tradition_n needs_o be_v oral_a tradition_n or_o do_v the_o apostle_n deliver_v nothing_o in_o write_v these_o word_n be_v in_o a_o epistle_n of_o theodore_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o that_o council_n which_o be_v by_o it_o approve_v but_o in_o that_o epistle_n as_o throughout_o this_o council_n they_o pretend_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n cite_v from_o their_o write_n to_o ascertain_v they_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o the_o then_o dispute_v point_n concern_v image_n yea_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o in_o that_o epistle_n be_v mean_v by_o apostolical_a tradition_n it_o be_v more_o plain_a in_o the_o end_n of_o that_o epistle_n in_o these_o word_n whereas_o therefore_o it_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a that_o the_o scripture_n receive_v they_o wherefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a whence_o though_o this_o council_n be_v erroneous_a in_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o controversy_n then_o in_o the_o world_n for_o aught_o have_v be_v yet_o produce_v it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o same_o error_n with_o this_o discourser_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n his_o next_o testimony_n from_o this_o council_n be_v act._n 7._o where_o the_o council_n have_v these_o word_n we_o walk_v in_o the_o king_n highway_n and_o insist_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o holy_a and_o divine_a father_n and_o observe_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v do_v define_v but_o what_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n mean_v by_o they_o be_v not_o oral_a but_o write_v as_o for_o the_o father_n testimony_n its_o plain_a they_o be_v not_o receive_v by_o oral_a tradition_n but_o be_v such_o as_o be_v find_v in_o their_o write_n and_o be_v thence_o cite_v both_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o adrian_n in_o the_o second_o action_n of_o that_o council_n and_o in_o the_o testimony_n produce_v act._n 4._o as_o for_o tradition_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o the_o definition_n of_o this_o council_n in_o which_o be_v the_o forecited_a word_n they_o declare_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o church_n tradition_n whether_o in_o custom_n or_o in_o write_v but_o then_o they_o declare_v thing_n so_o receive_v by_o they_o to_o agree_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o such_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n if_o true_o such_o will_v protestant_n as_o hearty_o receive_v as_o this_o council_n these_o thing_n they_o may_v observe_v though_o they_o do_v not_o make_v they_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o the_o tradition_n they_o rely_v on_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v chief_o the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v appear_v probable_o because_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o four_o action_n where_o they_o produce_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o tradition_n they_o first_o urge_v several_a scripture_n exod._n 25._o numb_a 7._o ezek._n 41._o heb._n 9_o and_o other_o and_o after_o they_o the_o father_n write_n but_o it_o appear_v more_o certain_o in_o the_o seven_o action_n where_o be_v their_o synodical_a epistle_n to_o constantine_n and_o irene_n in_o which_o they_o urge_v many_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o this_o council_n define_v and_o then_o say_v these_o to_o wit_n scripture_n be_v so_o confess_o and_o without_o all_o doubt_n we_o believe_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v acceptable_a and_o please_a to_o god_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o do_v without_o all_o doubt_a believe_v be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o what_o else_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o they_o principal_o rely_v on_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o consent_n with_o they_o on_o the_o write_a doctrine_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o this_o be_v that_o protestant_n will_v not_o disclaim_v but_o allow_v as_o a_o rule_n though_o they_o will_v keep_v better_o to_o it_o than_o this_o seven_o general_n council_n as_o it_o be_v call_v do_v last_o from_o the_o first_o action_n of_o this_o council_n he_o cite_v these_o word_n which_o be_v speak_v by_o basilius_n of_o ancyra_n as_o part_v of_o a_o recantation_n of_o his_o former_a opinion_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v allow_v by_o that_o council_n they_o who_o contemn_v the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o bring_v for_o their_o excuse_n and_o inculcate_v the_o word_n of_o arius_n nestorius_n eutyches_n and_o dioscorus_n say_v unless_o we_o be_v sufficient_o instruct_v out_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n we_o will_v follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o six_o holy_a synod_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v and_o so_o will_v protestant_n say_v they_o who_o contemn_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n against_o arius_n and_o those_o other_o heretic_n which_o preach_v and_o tradition_n do_v declare_v itself_o ground_v and_o be_v true_o ground_v upon_o scripture_n embrace_v and_o vent_v the_o word_n of_o these_o heretic_n which_o we_o know_v be_v against_o scripture_n though_o these_o person_n pretend_v scripture_n to_o be_v on_o their_o side_n which_o we_o know_v be_v not_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v nor_o from_o these_o word_n will_v it_o follow_v as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o that_o it_o be_v ever_o the_o pretence_n of_o most_o execrable_a heretic_n to_o decline_v tradition_n and_o pretend_v sufficient_a light_n from_o scripture_n the_o contrary_a to_o this_o have_v be_v by_o i_o show_v and_o will_v be_v further_o manifest_v these_o word_n do_v not_o speak_v it_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o heretic_n to_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n but_o only_o speak_v of_o some_o certain_a heretic_n who_o time_n be_v define_v to_o be_v betwixt_o the_o six_o and_o seven_o general_n council_n for_o if_o they_o have_v not_o live_v after_o the_o six_o council_n they_o can_v not_o have_v declare_v why_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o six_o general_a council_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o live_v before_o the_o seven_o general_n council_n their_o word_n can_v not_o have_v be_v there_o produce_v but_o such_o word_n as_o these_o of_o those_o heretic_n which_o decline_v the_o true_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n found_v in_o scripture_n and_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o empty_a pretence_n of_o scripture_n protestant_n will_v condemn_v yet_o lest_o the_o gloss_n upon_o these_o word_n
shall_v not_o seem_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n without_o further_a proof_n of_o what_o be_v there_o intimate_v i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o evidence_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n against_o those_o heretic_n be_v such_o as_o be_v ground_v upon_o scripture_n as_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o those_o heretic_n assertion_n be_v therefore_o reject_v because_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o scripture_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o examine_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n upon_o which_o the_o catholic_n father_n proceed_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o four_o first_o general_n council_n in_o which_o be_v these_o heretic_n condemn_v as_o also_o macedonius_n in_o the_o second_o council_n sect_n v._o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n assert_v against_o arianism_n in_o and_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n arius_n be_v a_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n be_v for_o his_o heretical_a doctrine_n deny_v the_o eternal_a godhead_n of_o the_o son_n oppose_v and_o reject_v by_o alexander_n bishop_n of_o that_o place_n and_o depose_v from_o his_o office_n by_o a_o alexandrian_a council_n socr._n hist_o eccl._n lib._n 1._o c._n 6._o upon_o which_o alexander_n write_v a_o epistle_n to_o all_o his_o fellow_n minister_n wherein_o as_o he_o lay_v down_o many_o scripture_n which_o he_o declare_v to_o be_v full_a against_o the_o assertion_n of_o arius_n so_o he_o there_o declare_v that_o the_o arian_n when_o they_o have_v once_o determine_v to_o fight_v against_o christ_n will_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o he_o there_o likewise_o show_v that_o whereas_o he_o have_v oftentimes_o overthrow_v they_o in_o unfolding_a the_o divine_a scripture_n they_o as_o chamaelions_n change_a themselves_o the_o same_o alexander_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o alexander_n of_o constantinople_n declare_v that_o the_o arian_n assertion_n do_v tend_v to_o destroy_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o in_o the_o scripture_n they_o pretend_v to_o urge_v they_o do_v offer_v violence_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o likewise_o there_o urge_v the_o scripture_n against_o they_o with_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o john_n be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v paul_n do_v declare_v manifest_o but_o to_o leave_v this_o particular_a bishop_n and_o come_v to_o the_o general_n council_n when_o this_o famous_a council_n of_o nice_a be_v gather_v together_o constantine_n tell_v they_o theodor._n hist_o eccl._n lib._n 1._o c._n 7._o that_o they_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o writing_n for_o say_v he_o the_o evangelical_n and_o apostolical_a book_n and_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n do_v evident_o instruct_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v of_o divine_a thing_n wherefore_o reject_v all_o contentious_a strife_n let_v we_o receive_v a_o solution_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v question_v from_o the_o divine_o inspire_a speech_n as_o this_o council_n of_o nice_a be_v put_v forth_o by_o pisanus_n out_o of_o the_o vatican_n exemplar_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o they_o oft_o urge_v the_o same_o scripture_n which_o alexander_n do_v urge_v against_o arius_n and_o in_o the_o three_o book_n of_o that_o council_n the_o bishop_n say_v by_o eusebius_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n that_o be_v reject_v be_v not_o and_o god_n take_v away_o that_o he_o be_v not_o god_n believe_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v neither_o think_v nor_o inquire_v after_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o write_v so_o that_o council_n after_o the_o decision_n of_o this_o council_n socr._n lib._n 1._o c._n 5._o show_n that_o eusebius_n write_v of_o the_o nicene_n confession_n say_v the_o form_n of_o execration_n which_o be_v set_v after_o the_o creed_n we_o think_v fit_a to_o be_v receive_v because_o it_o prohibit_v the_o use_v of_o word_n not_o write_v from_o whence_o almost_o all_o the_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o church_n do_v arise_v wherefore_o when_o no_o scripture_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n use_v these_o word_n concern_v the_o son_n that_o he_o be_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o and_o that_o it_o be_v once_o when_o he_o be_v not_o it_o be_v no_o way_n fit_a to_o speak_v or_o teach_v such_o thing_n that_o this_o council_n make_v scripture_n their_o rule_n of_o decision_n will_v yet_o further_o appear_v from_o the_o word_n of_o constantine_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n record_v socr._n lib._n 1._o c._n 6._o where_o he_o declare_v that_o the_o council_n have_v diligent_o examine_v all_o thing_n and_o write_v of_o the_o arian_n he_o add_v some_o blaspheme_v speak_v and_o profess_v to_o believe_v thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o divine_o inspire_a scripture_n and_o the_o faith_n and_o athanasius_n ad_fw-la epictetum_fw-la speak_v how_o powerful_a the_o faith_n of_o nice_n may_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v against_o heresy_n which_o be_v profess_v according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o shall_v hereafter_o observe_v somewhat_o more_o out_o of_o athanasius_n which_o will_v further_o declare_v that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o this_o nicene_n council_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n make_v use_v of_o against_o the_o arian_n sect_n vi_o what_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o second_o general_n council_n at_o constantinople_n this_o council_n not_o be_v call_v against_o arius_n nestorius_n dioscorus_n or_o eutyches_n which_o be_v mention_v by_o this_o discourser_n but_o against_o macedonius_n who_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o other_o heretic_n i_o shall_v but_o brief_o observe_v that_o evagrius_n hist_o eccl._n lib._n 2._o c._n 4._o declare_v the_o design_n of_o that_o council_n to_o be_v to_o make_v manifest_a by_o scripture-testimony_n what_o they_o conceive_v about_o the_o holy_a ghost_n against_o they_o who_o adventure_v to_o reject_v his_o lordship_n and_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o evagrius_n be_v a_o private_a historian_n be_v not_o sufficient_a this_o very_a same_o thing_n be_v before_o he_o attest_v and_o declare_v concern_v this_o second_o general_n council_n in_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o general_n council_n of_o chalcedon_n act._n 5._o and_o in_o the_o seven_o canon_n of_o this_o second_o council_n where_o they_o declare_v how_o they_o will_v receive_v those_o that_o return_n from_o heresy_n among_o other_o thing_n concern_v some_o of_o they_o be_v those_o word_n we_o receive_v they_o as_o greek_n and_o the_o first_o day_n we_o make_v they_o christian_n and_o the_o second_o catechuman_n and_o so_o we_o catechise_v they_o and_o make_v they_o continue_v a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o church_n and_o hear_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o then_o we_o baptise_v they_o do_v it_o not_o hence_o appear_v that_o this_o council_n own_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o way_n to_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o establishment_n in_o it_o in_o that_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v heretic_n until_o they_o have_v be_v long_a hearer_n of_o it_o but_o i_o will_v not_o here_o neglect_v to_o mention_v that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o this_o council_n pope_n damasus_n gather_v a_o council_n at_o rome_n hear_v of_o that_o at_o constantinople_n where_o they_o declare_v that_o after_o all_o the_o prophetical_a apostolical_a and_o evangelical_n scripture_n by_o which_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v found_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v by_o some_o synodical_a decree_n above_o other_o church_n and_o christ_n himself_o say_v thou_o be_v peter_n be_v not_o this_o testimony_n to_o be_v see_v in_o their_o own_o collector_n of_o the_o council_n plain_a enough_o to_o show_v what_o be_v in_o those_o day_n own_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o main_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o faith_n sect_n vii_o what_o be_v own_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o three_o general_n council_n at_o ephesus_n this_o council_n be_v gather_v against_o nestorius_n when_o celestine_n be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o place_n be_v here_o supply_v by_o cyril_n of_o alexandria_n that_o the_o nestorian_n than_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n for_o their_o rule_n be_v probable_a in_o that_o socr._n lib._n 7._o c._n 32._o relate_v that_o they_o endeavour_v to_o falsify_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o likewise_o in_o that_o a_o epistle_n of_o the_o nestorian_n to_o the_o people_n of_o constantinople_n begin_v thus_o the_o law_n be_v not_o deliver_v in_o writing_n but_o be_v place_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o pastor_n which_o epistle_n be_v extant_a in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o ephesine_n council_n tom._n 3._o c._n 7._o and_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o cyril_n to_o comanus_n and_o pontamion_n act._n conc._n eph._n tom._n 2._o
in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v such_o as_o deserve_v severe_a censure_n and_o a_o note_n of_o infamy_n sect._n 1_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o its_o doctrine_n and_o the_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n be_v chargeable_a with_o great_a disturbance_n mischievous_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 141_o sect._n 2._o the_o doctrine_n maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o constitution_n therein_o establish_v be_v great_a hindrance_n to_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o true_a devotion_n in_o religion_n and_o comply_v very_o far_o with_o wickedness_n and_o debauchery_n p._n 159_o sect._n 3_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v public_o declare_v and_o assert_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o be_v by_o the_o authority_n thereof_o establish_v which_o be_v high_o derogatory_n to_o the_o just_a honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o our_o saviour_n p._n 186_o sect._n 4._o of_o the_o public_a allowance_n or_o injunction_n of_o such_o thing_n among_o the_o papist_n as_o either_o debase_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n or_o give_v divine_a honour_n to_o something_o else_o beside_o god_n p._n 214_o sect._n 5._o integrity_n too_o much_o neglect_v and_o religion_n so_o order_v and_o model_v by_o many_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o represent_v a_o contrivance_n of_o deceit_n interest_n and_o policy_n p._n 241_o chap._n iii_o of_o our_o dissenter_n where_o some_o of_o the_o different_a sort_n of_o they_o be_v first_o particular_o consider_v and_o then_o follow_v a_o more_o general_a consideration_n of_o they_o joint_o sect._n 1_o of_o quaker_n p._n 262_o sect._n 2._o of_o the_o five_o monarchy_n man_n and_o the_o millenary_a opinion_n p._n 275_o sect._n 3_o of_o anabaptist_n p._n 279_o sect._n 4._o of_o independent_o p._n 292_o a_o answer_n to_o mr._n serjeant_n discourse_n entitle_v sure-footing_a in_o christianity_n the_o first_o discourse_n examine_v show_v what_o property_n belong_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 321_o answer_v to_o disc_n 2._o show_v that_o the_o two_o first_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v agree_v to_o scripture_n p._n 330_o a_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o discourse_n show_v that_o the_o three_o next_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n p._n 349_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o discourse_n show_v that_o the_o two_o last_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v agree_v to_o scripture_n p._n 367_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o five_o discourse_n inquire_v into_o tradition_n and_o show_v that_o none_o of_o the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n agree_v to_o it_o p._n 383_o a_o answer_n to_o his_o six_o discourse_n show_v that_o he_o have_v give_v neither_o demonstration_n nor_o probable_a reason_n to_o manifest_a tradition_n indefectible_fw-fr à _fw-fr priori_fw-la p._n 404_o a_o answer_n to_o his_o seven_o discourse_n concern_v heresy_n p._n 416_o a_o answer_n to_o his_o eight_o discourse_n show_v that_o uninterruptedness_n of_o tradition_n be_v not_o prove_v à _fw-fr posteriori_fw-la p._n 433_o a_o answer_n to_o his_o nine_o discourse_n show_v that_o the_o way_n of_o oral_a tradition_n in_o the_o church_n have_v not_o so_o much_o strength_n as_o other_o matter_n of_o humane_a authority_n p._n 451_o answer_v to_o his_o corollary_n p._n 460_o a_o inquiry_n after_o and_o examination_n of_o the_o consent_n of_o authority_n to_o the_o forego_n discourse_n p._n 468_o sect._n 1._o a_o inquiry_n what_o be_v declare_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o scripture_n p._n 469_o sect._n 2._o what_o the_o synod_n of_o lateran_n own_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 473_o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o council_n of_o sardica_n and_o what_o it_o own_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 476_o sect._n 4._o what_o be_v own_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o second_o council_n of_o nice_a p._n 478_o sect._n 5._o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n assert_v against_o arianism_n in_o and_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n p._n 484_o sect._n 6._o what_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o second_o general_n council_n at_o constantinople_n p._n 486_o sect._n 7._o what_o be_v own_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o three_o general_n council_n at_o ephesus_n p._n 487_o sect._n 8._o what_o be_v own_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o four_o general_n council_n at_o chalcedon_n p._n 489_o sect._n 9_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n acknowledge_v by_o the_o father_n and_o first_o of_o celestine_n p._n 491_o sect._n 10._o what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n own_v by_o irenaeus_n p._n 492_o sect._n 11._o what_o be_v own_v by_o origen_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 497_o sect._n 12._o what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n own_v by_o tertullian_n p._n 501_o sect._n 13._o what_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n hold_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 506_o sect._n 14._o what_o be_v own_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o athanasius_n p._n 507_o sect._n 15._o what_o be_v own_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o s._n basil_n p._n 510_o sect._n 16._o what_o be_v by_o s._n austin_n account_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 512_o sect._n 17._o what_o petrus_n chrysologus_fw-la own_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 515_o sect._n 18._o answer_v the_o remainder_n of_o his_o discourse_n p._n 516_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o lin_z s._n margaret_n be_v at_o the_o bishop_n visitation_n octob._n 15._o 1677._o on_o 2_o cor._n 5.18_o and_o have_v give_v to_o we_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n p._n 523_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o norwich_n march_v 2._o 1678._o on_o joel_n 2.12_o therefore_o also_o now_o say_v the_o lord_n turn_v you_o even_o to_o i_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n p._n 555_o a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o s._n matth._n 5.20_o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o except_o your_o righteousness_n shall_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n p._n 577_o of_o reproach_v and_o censure_n the_o first_o part_n concern_v the_o irregular_a excess_n and_o great_a sinfulness_n of_o uncharitable_a evil-speaking_a especial_o of_o superior_n chap._n i._n some_o preparatory_a consideration_n concern_v the_o evil_a of_o reproach_v 1._o religion_n have_v that_o general_a influence_n upon_o the_o life_n of_o the_o pious_a man_n that_o it_o command_v and_o govern_v his_o thought_n and_o affection_n his_o word_n and_o action_n but_o where_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o piety_n be_v neglect_v very_o many_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o great_a disorder_n and_o miscarriage_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o particular_n among_o other_o thing_n a_o strange_a licentious_a liberty_n be_v take_v by_o no_o small_a number_n of_o man_n in_o speak_v injurious_o and_o cast_v reproach_n and_o unreasonable_a censure_n upon_o other_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o christian_a profession_n yea_o even_o upon_o man_n of_o the_o best_a principle_n and_o the_o best_a life_n and_o not_o spare_v our_o ruler_n and_o governor_n in_o church_n and_o state_n 2._o and_o this_o evil_a temper_n have_v so_o far_o insinuate_v itself_o time_n evil_a speak_v a_o vice_n dangerous_o prevail_v at_o this_o time_n and_o be_v become_v so_o spread_v and_o so_o open_a and_o manifest_a that_o i_o account_v it_o one_o of_o the_o prevail_a vice_n of_o our_o day_n and_o when_o man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o many_o other_o sinful_a practice_n or_o to_o show_v any_o approbation_n of_o they_o as_o of_o drunkenness_n swear_v uncleanness_n oppression_n and_o such_o like_a uncharitable_a speech_n of_o other_o be_v entertain_v with_o a_o secret_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n and_o oft_o with_o open_a expression_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o this_o show_v the_o great_a defilement_n of_o this_o sin_n which_o not_o only_o prevail_v on_o the_o passion_n and_o affection_n by_o corrupt_v and_o disorder_v they_o but_o it_o also_o debauch_v and_o pervert_v the_o very_a inward_a principle_n of_o conscience_n itself_o i_o wish_v that_o with_o respect_n to_o very_a many_o person_n we_o have_v not_o now_o just_a cause_n to_o take_v up_o the_o complaint_n of_o check_v of_o naz._n or._n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v reprove_v and_o check_v gr._n nazianzen_n concern_v the_o time_n he_o live_v in_o that_o that_o man_n be_v best_a esteem_v of_o not_o he_o who_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n dare_v not_o speak_v a_o idle_a word_n but_o he_o who_o speak_v the_o most_o contumelious_o against_o other_o either_o open_o or_o by_o sly_a intimation_n 3._o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v now_o design_n to_o speak_v
this_o impure_a doctrine_n all_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v urge_v which_o require_v the_o wicked_a man_n to_o repent_v and_o turn_v from_o all_o his_o iniquity_n that_o he_o may_v live_v and_o other_o such_o like_a we_o be_v tell_v by_o sup_n by_o gr._n de_fw-fr valent._n ubi_fw-la sup_n gr._n de_fw-fr valentia_n that_o this_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n extra_fw-la sacramentum_fw-la neminem_fw-la posse_fw-la justificari_fw-la sine_fw-la contritione_n that_o except_v the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n none_o can_v be_v justify_v without_o contrition_n but_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o casus_fw-la quo_fw-la sacramentum_fw-la poenitentiae_fw-la usurpaetur_fw-la plane_n ab_fw-la illa_fw-la lege_fw-la universali_fw-la exceptus_fw-la est_fw-la that_o case_n in_o which_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n be_v use_v be_v clear_o except_v from_o that_o universal_a law_n and_o this_o exception_n he_o say_v be_v make_v in_o christ_n institute_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n as_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n which_o right_o understand_v be_v great_a and_o excellent_a though_o it_o be_v gross_o pervert_v and_o abuse_v by_o the_o romanist_n and_o slight_v and_o undervalue_v by_o other_o be_v a_o underhand_a contrivance_n to_o frustrate_v and_o defeat_v all_o the_o great_a precept_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n and_o these_o precept_n be_v so_o far_o make_v void_a thereby_o that_o poenit._n that_o melch._n can._n relect._n 4._o de_fw-fr poenit._n canus_n confident_o affirm_v that_o he_o who_o with_o attrition_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n be_v not_o only_o in_o a_o safe_a state_n but_o do_v as_o much_o as_o the_o precept_n of_o god_n require_v from_o he_o whereas_o say_v he_o baptism_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o absolution_n confer_v grace_n to_o he_o that_o be_v attrite_a and_o these_o two_o sacrament_n be_v direct_o institute_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o all_o sin_n qui_fw-la suscipit_fw-la alterum_fw-la ex_fw-la his_fw-la sive_fw-la contritus_fw-la sive_fw-la attritus_fw-la veer_fw-la implet_fw-la praeceptum_fw-la de_fw-la poenitentia_fw-la quoniam_fw-la deus_fw-la nihil_fw-la amplius_fw-la exigit_fw-la in_o compensationem_fw-la delicti_fw-la commissi_fw-la quam_fw-la vel_fw-la contritionem_fw-la sine_fw-la sacramento_fw-la vel_fw-la attritionem_fw-la cum_fw-la sacramento_fw-la he_o who_o receive_v either_o of_o these_o either_o with_o contrition_n or_o with_o attrition_n do_v real_o fulfil_v the_o precept_n of_o repentance_n because_o god_n do_v require_v nothing_o further_a in_o compensation_n for_o the_o fault_n commit_v than_o either_o contrition_n without_o the_o sacrament_n or_o attrition_n with_o the_o sacrament_n and_o thus_o the_o illustrious_a and_o substantial_a precept_n of_o purity_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n be_v by_o these_o man_n make_v to_o dwindle_v into_o the_o shade_n of_o darkness_n 6_o and_o as_o this_o doctrine_n of_o attrition_n be_v improve_v by_o they_o it_o tend_v to_o eat_v out_o all_o true_a devotion_n unnecessary_a this_o render_v pious_a devotion_n unnecessary_a since_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o romish_a casuist_n and_o controversial_a writer_n that_o this_o disposition_n be_v sufficient_a for_o perform_v the_o high_a act_n of_o religion_n even_o the_o receive_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n indeed_o they_o ordinary_o grant_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o contrition_n be_v a_o affirmative_a precept_n do_v oblige_v at_o some_o special_a time_n though_o they_o be_v very_o spare_v in_o fix_v these_o time_n but_o many_o particular_o mention_v the_o case_n of_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o death_n and_o some_o add_v the_o receive_n or_o dispense_n a_o sacrament_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v handle_v reverent_o and_o some_o may_v assign_v some_o other_o special_a case_n but_o other_o can_v tell_v we_o how_o that_o which_o be_v thus_o grant_v in_o word_n shall_v contain_v nothing_o of_o reality_n under_o it_o for_o if_o the_o question_n be_v propose_v whether_o when_o the_o precept_n of_o contrition_n do_v bind_v attrition_n with_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n be_v not_o still_o in_o that_o case_n sufficient_a h_z becanus_n declare_v 7._o declare_v m._n bec._n ubi_fw-la sup_n qu._n 7._o that_o though_o some_o be_v of_o the_o other_o opinion_n they_o be_v most_o in_o the_o right_n who_o affirm_v this_o because_o the_o precept_n of_o contrition_n be_v obligatory_a only_o on_o they_o who_o have_v mortal_a sin_n and_o therefore_o if_o a_o man_n may_v be_v free_v from_o mortal_a sin_n by_o attrition_n non_fw-la amplius_fw-la obligatur_fw-la praecepto_fw-la contritionis_fw-la he_o be_v no_o further_o bind_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o contrition_n such_o strange_a method_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o evacuate_v the_o divine_a precept_n and_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o attrition_n with_o absolution_n make_v up_o contrition_n 7._o hope_n hereby_o sinner_n be_v delude_v by_o false_a hope_n by_o these_o artifices_fw-la repentance_n be_v misrepresent_v as_o if_o it_o can_v be_v sufficient_o perform_v without_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v so_o describe_v as_o to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o require_v a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o well_o do_v at_o all_o this_o be_v to_o encourage_v man_n in_o such_o a_o wicked_a and_o evil_a life_n against_o which_o christ_n the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v pronounce_v a_o heavy_a sentence_n and_o thus_o they_o deal_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o a_o flatter_a mountebank_n may_v do_v with_o the_o body_n if_o he_o shall_v pretend_v that_o he_o can_v cure_v the_o most_o dangerous_a disease_n without_o carry_v off_o the_o matter_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o distemper_n and_o without_o his_o patient_n be_v take_v so_o much_o care_n as_o to_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n but_o that_o man_n who_o be_v wise_a will_v not_o give_v heed_n to_o such_o deceitful_a boasting_n nor_o venture_v his_o life_n upon_o confidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o when_o there_o be_v other_o rule_n and_o direction_n to_o be_v observe_v for_o his_o cure_n from_o whence_o he_o may_v rational_o and_o upon_o sure_a ground_n expect_v a_o good_a effect_n these_o pontifician_n device_n carry_v in_o they_o a_o perfect_a estrangement_n from_o the_o true_a christian_a rule_n and_o since_o christianity_n consist_v in_o life_n and_o practice_n more_o than_o in_o word_n and_o profession_n that_o man_n who_o practise_v on_o this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v a_o papist_n and_o do_v all_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n require_v but_o he_o can_v be_v a_o true_a christian_a to_o do_v all_o that_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n 8._o i_o confess_v a_o bad_a man_n according_a to_o the_o romish_a doctrine_n will_v fail_v of_o salvation_n if_o he_o miss_v the_o opportunity_n or_o neglect_v the_o care_n of_o absolution_n but_o wicked_a man_n who_o hazard_v their_o foul_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o they_o may_v gratify_v their_o lust_n where_o they_o have_v no_o encouragement_n of_o hope_n propose_v to_o they_o will_v much_o more_o do_v so_o where_o they_o have_v such_o great_a encouragement_n and_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n this_o hazard_n do_v not_o seem_v exceed_o great_a when_o they_o may_v frequent_o confess_v and_o be_v absolve_v and_o especial_o after_o they_o have_v commit_v any_o mortal_a sin_n and_o thereby_o set_v all_o thing_n again_o even_o and_o straight_o between_o god_n and_o themselves_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v their_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n and_o what_o may_v be_v pretend_v to_o remain_v as_o a_o obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o bear_v temporal_a pain_n and_o satisfaction_n this_o also_o may_v be_v etc._n be_v v._o sect._n 9_o n._n 14_o etc._n etc._n otherwise_o provide_v for_o 9_o and_o we_o may_v further_o consider_v how_o little_a go_v to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o contrition_n according_a to_o the_o romish_a casuist_n contrition_n of_o contrition_n or_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o avail_v to_o justification_n without_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n from_o father_n 1._o father_n theol._n mor._n l._n 5._o tract_n 6._o c._n 4._o n._n 1._o layman_n he_o declare_v that_o the_o substance_n of_o contrition_n consist_v in_o detest_a sin_n above_o all_o evil_a but_o 2._o but_o ib._n n._n 2._o any_o continuance_n of_o time_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o that_o contrition_n by_o which_o a_o sinner_n be_v justify_v but_o one_o simple_a act_n of_o grief_n be_v sufficient_a and_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o without_o call_v his_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n he_o may_v be_v perfect_o convert_v and_o justify_v by_o contrition_n temporis_fw-la momento_n in_o a_o moment_n of_o time_n and_o he_o far_o say_v 3._o say_v ib._n n._n 3._o that_o any_o express_a purpose_n of_o keep_v god_n command_v or_o abstain_v from_o sin_n be_v not_o necessary_a further_o than_o it_o be_v virtual_o include_v in_o
those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o true_a christian_a state_n say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n 1_o joh._n 2.2_o and_o who_o who_o examine_v himself_o can_v pretend_v himself_o free_a from_o every_o disorder_n in_o any_o passion_n or_o affection_n from_o all_o failure_n in_o word_n or_o thought_n and_o that_o he_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o no_o neglect_n of_o any_o duty_n at_o any_o time_n either_o towards_o god_n or_o man_n in_o any_o relation_n whatsoever_o nor_o with_o any_o unblamable_a defect_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o performance_n thereof_o and_o the_o pretence_n to_o perfection_n and_o sinless_a practice_n be_v the_o more_o fond_a and_o unreasonable_a in_o this_o sect_n because_o of_o the_o gross_a and_o heinous_a error_n of_o judgement_n and_o consequent_o of_o practice_n which_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o together_o with_o many_o word_n of_o falsehood_n censoriousness_n or_o uncharitableness_n 14._o now_o the_o great_a hurt_n and_o danger_n of_o this_o opinion_n concern_v perfection_n be_v first_o that_o it_o make_v void_a such_o duty_n as_o confession_n repentance_n &_o application_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n expiatory_a sacrifice_n which_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o enjoin_v upon_o christian_n by_o the_o frequent_a command_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v also_o propose_v as_o the_o condition_n for_o obtain_v the_o pardon_v mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n contain_v very_o much_o of_o the_o practical_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n second_o it_o great_o misrepresent_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o if_o together_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o the_o assistance_n enable_v thereto_o it_o do_v not_o for_o the_o encourage_v our_o best_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n make_v allowance_n for_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o upright_a man_n obedience_n and_o propose_v pardon_n to_o they_o who_o be_v true_o penitent_a if_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o admit_v these_o gracious_a term_n and_o condition_n the_o state_n of_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o man_n will_v be_v miserable_a but_o s._n john_n join_v these_o two_o together_o 1_o joh._n 2.1_o the_o strictness_n of_o the_o gospel_n rule_n that_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o any_o sin_n my_o little_a child_n these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o sin_v not_o and_o the_o gracious_a condition_n of_o pardon_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n etc._n etc._n 15._o wherefore_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o christian_a life_n to_o have_v in_o its_o degree_n a_o evangelical_n perfection_n whereby_o in_o the_o upright_a service_n of_o god_n it_o be_v free_a from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o progress_n of_o grace_n and_o piety_n and_o obtain_v pardon_n for_o its_o offence_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o practice_n as_o 7._o as_o aug._n ad_fw-la bonif._n l._n 3._o c._n 7._o s._n austin_n observe_v ad_fw-la ejus_fw-la perfectionem_fw-la pertinet_fw-la ipsius_fw-la imperfectionis_fw-la &_o in_fw-la veritate_fw-la cognitio_fw-la &_o in_o humilitate_fw-la confessio_fw-la it_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o his_o perfection_n true_o to_o know_v and_o humble_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o imperfection_n for_o as_o he_o speak_v in_o another_o place_n 19_o place_n retrac_n l._n 1._o c._n 19_o who_o can_v be_v complete_o perfect_a but_o he_o who_o observe_v all_o the_o commandment_n among_o which_o this_o be_v one_o enjoin_v upon_o all_o christian_n that_o we_o must_v pray_v forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n quam_fw-la orationem_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la finem_fw-la seculi_fw-la tota_fw-la dicit_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la this_o be_v the_o prayer_n which_o the_o whole_a church_n make_v to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o world_n sect_n ii_o of_o the_o five_o monarchy_n man_n and_o the_o millenary_a opinion_n sect._n two_o 1._o though_o i_o shall_v wave_v divers_a sect_n which_o appear_v in_o our_o late_a time_n of_o confusion_n as_o seeker_n ranter_n and_o various_a enthusiast_n i_o shall_v take_v some_o notice_n of_o the_o fifth-monarchy_n man_n who_o since_o his_o majesty_n return_n to_o his_o kingdom_n make_v a_o attempt_n to_o put_v in_o practice_n their_o evil_n and_o wretched_a principle_n the_o notion_n of_o our_o saviour_n personal_a reign_n a_o thousand_o year_n upon_o earth_n have_v deceive_v many_o person_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n through_o their_o misunderstanding_n some_o expression_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n to_o which_o purpose_n also_o they_o apply_v many_o other_o scripture_n though_o the_o ancient_a opinion_n of_o many_o worthy_a person_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o this_o error_n do_v still_o retain_v the_o meek_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n of_o christianity_n passim_fw-la christianity_n in_o esai_n l._n 9_o in_o fin_n l._n 15._o in_o init_fw-la &_o passim_fw-la s._n hierome_n in_o many_o place_n speak_v of_o this_o opinion_n as_o a_o jewish_a error_n and_o perstringe_v the_o embracer_n thereof_o as_o judaizer_n and_o indeed_o this_o notion_n have_v some_o considerable_a affinity_n with_o the_o jewish_a expectation_n concern_v the_o messiah_n that_o he_o shall_v appear_v as_o a_o temporal_a prince_n to_o reign_v glorious_o and_o powerful_o upon_o earth_n and_o those_o christian_n who_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o this_o mistake_n look_v for_o the_o restore_n and_o rebuild_v the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o this_o kingdom_n shall_v appear_v with_o other_o thing_n too_o much_o savour_v of_o judaisme_n 2._o and_o that_o this_o earthly_a and_o worldly_a reign_n of_o christ_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o dream_n and_o fancy_n of_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v yet_o somewhat_o further_o manifest_v by_o observe_v that_o even_o 11._o even_o gem._n in_o sanhed_n c._n 11._o n._n 11._o the_o jewish_a talmud_n speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o a_o thousand_o year_n when_o god_n shall_v renew_v the_o world_n and_o he_o alone_o shall_v be_v exalt_v and_o reign_v and_o the_o righteous_a shall_v enjoy_v outward_a and_o temporal_a delight_n in_o the_o world_n and_o some_o of_o the_o rabbin_n do_v more_o particular_o express_v their_o sense_n concern_v this_o state_n insomuch_o that_o in_o the_o commentary_n of_o r._n abraham_n on_o dan._n 12.2_o as_o his_o word_n be_v relate_v by_o ib._n by_o in_o exc._n gem._n sanh_o ib._n cocceius_n it_o be_v say_v that_o as_o he_o understand_v that_o prophecy_n the_o just_a who_o die_v in_o exile_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o israel_n at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v raise_v again_o and_o have_v all_o manner_n of_o delightful_a food_n fish_n fowl_n and_o great_a cattle_n and_o then_o shall_v die_v a_o second_o time_n and_o be_v raise_v again_o at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o then_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n where_o they_o shall_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v but_o enjoy_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o so_o far_o as_o these_o thing_n relate_v to_o earthly_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n they_o may_v well_o enough_o suit_v the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v agreeable_a to_o those_o carnal_a delight_n which_o 〈◊〉_d which_o eus_n hist_o eccl._n l._n 3._o c._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cerinthus_n talk_v of_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n but_o such_o thing_n savour_v not_o of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n but_o be_v plain_o opposite_a thereto_o 3._o but_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o have_v be_v divers_a worthy_a person_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o some_o of_o late_a who_o have_v embrace_v the_o millenary_a opinion_n but_o have_v still_o retain_v such_o principle_n and_o opinion_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o peaceableness_n and_o spiritual_a purity_n of_o christianity_n such_o beside_o papias_n be_v justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n apollinarius_n tertullian_n lactantius_n and_o other_o of_o old_a and_o mr._n mede_n in_o this_o last_o age_n these_o look_v for_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o his_o martyr_n and_o other_o saint_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o reign_v on_o earth_n before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n their_o chief_a ground_n be_v from_o rev._n 20.4_o but_o their_o interpretation_n of_o those_o word_n concern_v the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v behead_v etc._n etc._n live_v and_o reign_v with_o christ_n a_o thousand_o year_n beside_o much_o that_o may_v be_v otherwise_o say_v against_o it_o can_v agree_v with_o v._o 7_o 8_o 9_o where_o after_o the_o thousand_o year_n be_v end_v satan_n shall_v be_v loose_v out_o of_o his_o prison_n and_o shall_v go_v out_o to_o deceive_v the_o nation_n and_o gog_n and_o magog_n shall_v compass_v the_o camp_n of_o the_o
it_o occasion_n incoherency_n and_o confusion_n in_o this_o his_o discourse_n a_o three_o miscarriage_n hence_o arise_v be_v that_o he_o build_v part_n of_o his_o discourse_n upon_o a_o supposition_n which_o be_v certain_o false_a to_o wit_n that_o all_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o the_o vulgar_a or_o in_o any_o other_o be_v immediate_o produce_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o disc_n 1._o §_o 8_o 9_o whence_o §_o 14._o he_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o immediate_a producer_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n both_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o rude_a sort_n and_o to_o the_o learned_a now_o though_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o sure_a way_n to_o beget_v faith_n or_o to_o try_v any_o point_n of_o faith_n yet_o be_v not_o all_o faith_n in_o all_o person_n immediate_o produce_v by_o it_o but_o many_o time_n by_o other_o mean_n thus_o the_o discourse_n of_o origen_n tertullian_n and_o cyprian_a and_o their_o write_n have_v doubtless_o persuade_v and_o prevail_v with_o many_o to_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o they_o and_o believe_v many_o thing_n declare_v in_o it_o yet_o neither_o their_o word_n nor_o writing_n be_v any_o rule_n of_o faith_n since_o both_o in_o some_o thing_n appear_v erroneous_a the_o goth_n be_v bring_v in_o to_o christianity_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o arian_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v believe_v many_o christian_a truth_n and_o of_o late_a year_n many_o pagan_n have_v believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n some_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o protestant_n and_o other_o by_o the_o papist_n yet_o can_v all_o these_o way_n of_o delivery_n be_v call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o indeed_o any_o of_o they_o yea_o it_o be_v sensible_o evident_a that_o many_o christian_a truth_n be_v receive_v and_o believe_v both_o among_o protestant_n and_o papist_n by_o the_o vulgar_a either_o from_o the_o teach_n of_o a_o parent_n or_o from_o a_o private_a doctor_n or_o teacher_n which_o may_v be_v subject_a to_o some_o error_n and_o so_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n since_o they_o may_v misguide_v and_o yet_o in_o many_o thing_n of_o reveal_v truth_n this_o be_v the_o common_a case_n of_o the_o vulgar_a before_o they_o come_v to_o understand_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o that_o which_o they_o own_v as_o such_o even_o before_o the_o protestant_n come_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o what_o be_v in_o it_o contain_v and_o before_o the_o papist_n understand_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o how_o he_o may_v know_v what_o be_v as_o such_o deliver_v since_o all_o that_o be_v teach_v or_o write_v by_o some_o particular_a person_n can_v be_v as_o such_o receive_v i_o come_v now_o to_o examine_v the_o particular_a property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n above_o recite_v the_o first_o property_n be_v that_o it_o must_v be_v self_n evident_a as_o to_o its_o existence_n to_o all_o his_o ground_n for_o this_o be_v that_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a who_o be_v capable_a of_o faith_n be_v uncapable_a of_o any_o skill_n by_o speculation_n §_o 3_o 4_o 9_o 10._o but_o first_o this_o prove_v not_o that_o it_o must_v be_v self-evident_a by_o which_o he_o mean_v as_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n that_o that_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n appear_v evident_o to_o be_v such_o bare_o by_o consider_v this_o rule_n in_o itself_o without_o any_o other_o help_v and_o advantage_n since_o without_o this_o way_n of_o self-evidence_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_o evidenceable_a to_o all_o capacity_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o vulgar_a be_v capable_a of_o know_v it_o the_o statute_n of_o england_n be_v a_o rule_n for_o the_o decision_n of_o case_n in_o the_o law_n concern_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o can_v appear_v satisfactory_o in_o all_o these_o law_n by_o the_o bare_a read_n of_o they_o but_o their_o be_v sufficient_o and_o general_o attest_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v enact_v by_o the_o legislative_a power_n and_o unrepealed_a evidence_v they_o to_o be_v such_o the_o vulgar_a know_v that_o the_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n of_o a_o man_n be_v as_o a_o rule_n to_o show_v who_o have_v title_n to_o the_o good_n of_o the_o decease_a and_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v which_o be_v the_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n of_o a_o person_n otherwise_o than_o from_o the_o bare_a read_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n by_o the_o full_a witness_n and_o evident_a testimony_n of_o credible_a person_n concern_v it_o the_o ordinary_a jew_n be_v capable_a of_o know_v the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n to_o be_v give_v they_o from_o god_n to_o guide_v they_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o read_n of_o they_o to_o wit_n by_o delivery_n of_o they_o as_o such_o by_o the_o constant_a testimony_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n in_o that_o and_o the_o succeed_a age_n whence_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v self-evident_a that_o the_o vulgar_a be_v capable_a of_o receive_v other_o proof_n than_o self-evidence_n though_o not_o by_o deep_a speculation_n yet_o by_o testimonial_a evidence_n nor_o 2._o will_v it_o hence_o follow_v from_o his_o proof_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v evident_a to_o all_o as_o to_o its_o existence_n by_o all_o he_o can_v here_o include_v they_o who_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o gospel_n revelation_n but_o i_o suppose_v he_o intend_v all_o who_o have_v faith_n or_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v it_o but_o in_o this_o latitude_n it_o be_v no_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v actual_o evident_a to_o all_o these_o since_o there_o may_v be_v some_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o immediate_o ground_v upon_o the_o rule_n as_o be_v before_o show_v howbeit_o since_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v intend_v to_o confirm_v and_o determine_v matter_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v with_o a_o full_a and_o firm_a assent_n and_o be_v thence_o of_o great_a use_n to_o all_o to_o settle_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n i_o assert_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v evidenceable_a unto_o all_o or_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a unto_o all_o who_o have_v capacity_n of_o reason_n both_o that_o it_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n if_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v that_o evidence_n which_o be_v sufficient_a the_o second_o property_n that_o it_o be_v evidenceable_a as_o to_o its_o roll_a power_n to_o enquirer_n even_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a i_o allow_v suppose_v they_o willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o good_a evidence_n the_o three_o property_n i_o admit_v that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o settle_v and_o justify_v undoubting_a person_n that_o be_v that_o they_o who_o rely_v on_o it_o without_o doubt_v may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o they_o act_n rational_o the_o four_o property_n be_v that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o most_o sceptical_a dissenter_n and_o rational_a doubter_n have_v he_o appear_v only_o to_o mean_v by_o sceptical_a the_o most_o curious_o inquisitive_a i_o will_v ready_o have_v grant_v this_o property_n but_o it_o be_v suspicious_a that_o he_o include_v such_o sceptic_n as_o design_n to_o reject_v evidence_n because_o when_o he_o apply_v this_o rule_n disc_n 3._o §_o 3._o he_o speak_v of_o his_o sceptic_a as_o one_o who_o will_v find_v somewhat_o to_o reply_v rational_o or_o at_o least_o will_v maintain_v his_o suspense_n with_o a_o may_v it_o not_o be_v otherwise_o if_o he_o indeed_o include_v person_n who_o set_v themselves_o to_o reject_v evidence_n i_o answer_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n need_v not_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v they_o nor_o can_v it_o since_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o satisfaction_n and_o such_o be_v many_o of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n of_o the_o heretic_n among_o christian_n and_o probable_o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n all_o he_o say_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o property_n be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v intend_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o embrace_v the_o faith_n and_o person_n of_o high_a reason_n and_o enquiry_n in_o the_o church_n may_v be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o faith_n §_o 13_o 14._o this_o be_v true_a of_o they_o who_o will_v embrace_v light_a and_o evidence_n where_o they_o find_v it_o but_o not_o of_o they_o who_o reject_v it_o and_z protestant_n will_v affirm_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n take_v in_o the_o testimonial_a evidence_n which_o be_v give_v concern_v that_o rule_n be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v all_o dissenter_n or_o doubter_n who_o be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o receive_v rational_a satisfaction_n the_o five_o property_n be_v that_o it_o must_v be_v able_a to_o convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o acute_a adversary_n this_o he_o suppose_v prove_v from_o §_o 15._o
man_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o capable_a of_o be_v instruct_v at_o all_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n or_o matter_n of_o mere_a belief_n unless_o this_o author_n can_v discover_v some_o other_o way_n of_o instruction_n in_o these_o thing_n than_o by_o plain_a word_n but_o do_v not_o this_o cavil_n strike_v at_o all_o way_n of_o knowledge_n and_o even_o at_o tradition_n as_o much_o as_o scripture_n for_o if_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v pervert_v by_o a_o scholar_n be_v not_o the_o word_n deliver_v by_o tradition_n capable_a of_o be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n pervert_v if_o not_o it_o must_v either_o be_v because_o the_o same_o word_n write_v or_o read_v can_v have_v so_o plain_a a_o sense_n as_o when_o they_o be_v speak_v without_o reference_n to_o any_o book_n or_o else_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n must_v be_v think_v wise_a than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o they_o can_v speak_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o god_n better_a and_o with_o less_o lyableness_n to_o mistake_v than_o the_o apostle_n write_v who_o yet_o profess_v to_o use_v plainness_n but_o he_o ask_v when_o we_o see_v protestant_n and_o socinian_o make_v use_n as_o they_o conceive_v of_o the_o best_a advantage_n the_o letter_n give_v they_o yet_o differ_v in_o so_o main_a point_n as_o of_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o christ_n divinity_n what_o certainty_n can_v we_o promise_v to_o weak_a head_n i_o answer_v weak_a head_n may_v well_o enough_o be_v satisfy_v with_o that_o evidence_n which_o man_n of_o great_a part_n through_o prejudice_n do_v not_o entertain_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o best_a evidence_n do_v not_o all_o agree_v in_o so_o main_a a_o point_n as_o which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n whether_o christianity_n judaisme_n or_o gentilism_n will_v it_o thence_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o expect_v that_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n shall_v discern_v evidence_n enough_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o rational_a hope_n of_o their_o conversion_n though_o many_o thousand_o of_o they_o believe_v or_o in_o the_o matter_n now_o in_o hand_n can_v he_o imagine_v that_o until_o all_o learned_a man_n of_o protestant_n and_o papist_n be_v agree_v in_o so_o main_a a_o point_n as_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n no_o ordinary_a capacity_n can_v he_o satisfy_v concern_v this_o rule_n upon_o any_o solid_a ground_n i_o be_o confident_a himself_n do_v not_o think_v so_o and_o protestant_n be_v full_o certain_a of_o the_o contrary_n in_o like_a manner_n protestant_n in_o general_n even_o the_o vulgar_a appear_v full_o satisfy_v about_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o evidence_n which_o scripture_n give_v to_o these_o great_a truth_n yea_o so_o plain_o be_v they_o in_o scripture_n that_o he_o must_v be_v acute_a in_o devise_v way_n to_o evade_v the_o evidence_n of_o these_o truth_n who_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o nor_o can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o socinian_o can_v either_o deny_v these_o truth_n or_o entertain_v their_o own_o way_n of_o interpretation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o that_o these_o truth_n be_v above_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n to_o comprehend_v as_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o imagine_v much_o be_v which_o concern_v the_o infinite_a divine_a be_v and_o that_o they_o do_v too_o much_o magnify_v reason_n in_o not_o receive_v any_o thing_n which_o reason_n can_v conceive_v how_o it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v and_o so_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o their_o make_a scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o rather_o in_o these_o point_n the_o set_n up_o another_o rule_n and_o make_v scripture_n the_o thing_n rule_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o not_o own_v these_o truth_n have_v now_o answer_v all_o his_o objection_n and_o vindicate_v scripture_n from_o all_o his_o cavil_n i_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v all_o the_o forementioned_a property_n belong_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n after_o this_o §_o 7._o he_o excuse_v himself_o as_o not_o have_v speak_v this_o against_o scripture_n upon_o his_o own_o principle_n but_o that_o all_o he_o have_v speak_v as_o he_o say_v but_o i_o have_v show_v the_o contrary_a follow_v upon_o the_o protestant_n principle_n this_o speak_v he_o to_o act_v a_o part_n in_o the_o disgrace_n scripture_n which_o he_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o and_o therefore_o he_o here_o acknowledge_v high_a excellency_n in_o these_o sacred_a oracle_n for_o if_o he_o indeed_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n delivery_n and_o of_o the_o uncorruptness_n of_o it_o as_o to_o faith_n from_o the_o agreement_n of_o ancient_a copy_n than_o he_o must_v without_o dissimulation_n profess_v that_o upon_o his_o own_o principle_n all_o those_o imperfection_n be_v attribute_v to_o scripture_n since_o the_o papist_n yea_o the_o pope_n themselves_o have_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v none_o other_o way_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o these_o thing_n by_o and_o reason_n will_v evidence_n they_o can_v have_v none_o other_o which_o the_o protestant_n can_v have_v as_o well_o as_o they_o but_o if_o he_o think_v there_o be_v any_o certainty_n in_o these_o proof_n he_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o protestant_n who_o own_o these_o proof_n have_v this_o certainty_n but_o he_o say_v all_o he_o design_n be_v that_o scripture_n be_v most_o improper_a for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v never_o intend_v for_o such_o as_o may_v be_v evince_v because_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n go_v not_o with_o book_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o deliver_v christ_n doctrine_n but_o with_o word_n in_o their_o mouth_n whence_o primitive_a antiquity_n learn_v their_o faith_n before_o those_o book_n be_v universal_o spread_v among_o the_o vulgar_a much_o less_o the_o catalogue_n acknowledge_v what_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n not_o have_v book_n in_o their_o hand_n either_o refer_v to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o of_o the_o new_a as_o to_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o both_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n sometime_o have_v they_o in_o their_o hand_n and_z which_o be_v most_o considerable_a have_v they_o ordinary_o in_o their_o mouth_n to_o declare_v from_o thence_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n thus_o christ_n begin_v at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n expound_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o luke_n 24.27_o and_o s._n paul_n act_v 17.2_o 3._o reason_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n open_v and_o allege_v and_o apollo_n act._n 18.28_o convince_a the_o jew_n show_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n which_o be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v question_v but_o they_o have_v with_o they_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o jew_n teach_v as_o we_o read_v 2_o chron._n 17.9_o they_o teach_v in_o judah_n and_o have_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o they_o and_o have_v not_o philip_n the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o he_o expound_v when_o he_o convert_v the_o eunuch_n but_o possible_o he_o mean_v they_o have_v not_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o their_o hand_n indeed_o before_o they_o be_v write_v they_o can_v not_o have_v they_o nor_o can_v they_o then_o be_v a_o rule_n however_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n testimony_n be_v then_o and_o now_o be_v the_o rule_n to_o know_v what_o be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n but_o their_o testimony_n by_o speech_n be_v temporary_a and_o can_v not_o remain_v after_o their_o death_n while_o this_o continue_v it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o they_o also_o have_v another_o way_n of_o testimony_n which_o be_v by_o write_v and_o this_o as_o it_o continue_v with_o we_o be_v to_o we_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o their_o testimony_n and_o so_o s._n john_n call_v his_o gospel_n his_o testimony_n joh._n 21.24_o and_o saint_n peter_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n of_o his_o epistle_n 1_o pet._n 5.12_o what_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n not_o have_v their_o write_n in_o their_o hand_n after_o they_o be_v write_v be_v a_o gross_a falsehood_n as_o will_n more_o plain_o appear_v from_o what_o in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n may_v be_v observe_v from_o several_a authority_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n yea_o s._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o other_o apostolical_a man_n go_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n with_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o their_o hand_n act._n 15.22_o which_o be_v the_o first_o
detection_n of_o his_o falsehood_n that_o they_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o tradition_n and_o that_o tradition_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n a_o answer_n to_o his_o six_o discourse_n show_v that_o he_o have_v give_v neither_o demonstration_n nor_o probable_a reason_n to_o manifest_a tradition_n indefectible_fw-fr à _fw-fr priori_fw-la §_o 1_o 2._o he_o propound_v how_o know_v we_o that_o tradition_n be_v ever_o hold_v to_o by_o any_o and_o tell_v we_o he_o owe_v a_o clear_n of_o this_o to_o his_o former_a discourse_n but_o he_o say_v the_o carriage_n of_o protestant_n make_v this_o inquiry_n needless_a for_o if_o they_o have_v not_o fault_v the_o rule_n but_o only_o pretend_v man_n have_v fail_v it_o they_o may_v have_v delude_v the_o world_n with_o some_o colour_n that_o they_o have_v hold_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o ancestor_n and_o only_o desert_v we_o because_o we_o desert_a ancestor_n former_o but_o if_o they_o fault_n the_o rule_n they_o judge_v tradition_n ever_o stand_v our_o friend_n and_o will_v overthrow_v they_o else_o they_o have_v no_o more_o efficacious_a way_n to_o ruin_v we_o than_o to_o oppose_v we_o upon_o those_o principle_n lay_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n since_o the_o renouncer_n of_o tradition_n a_o little_a after_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o they_o pretend_v we_o fall_v may_v be_v easy_o discover_v to_o answer_v this_o its_o requisite_a first_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n now_o his_o inquiry_n of_o tradition_n be_v hold_v to_o ever_o i_o conceive_v signify_v thus_o much_o whether_o every_o age_n have_v design_v the_o careful_a receive_n hold_v and_o deliver_v all_o thing_n own_v by_o the_o former_a generation_n in_o the_o same_o way_n as_o they_o be_v thence_o deliver_v and_o also_o whether_o they_o have_v effectual_o perform_v this_o and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v protestant_n will_v grant_v his_o former_a discourse_n satisfactory_a so_o far_o as_o concern_v tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o be_v high_o necessary_a when_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o protestant_n because_o they_o therefore_o fault_n this_o rule_n of_o tradition_n because_o they_o know_v it_o such_o as_o can_v be_v probable_o expect_v to_o be_v long_o hold_v to_o nor_o can_v ever_o be_v demonstrate_v or_o rational_o prove_v to_o have_v be_v thus_o hold_v to_o at_o any_o time_n unless_o by_o recourse_n to_o another_o rule_n of_o trial._n wherefore_o since_o we_o know_v the_o rule_n insufficient_a which_o papist_n rely_v on_o we_o delude_v not_o but_o with_o truth_n and_o evidence_n assure_v the_o world_n that_o we_o desert_n they_o only_o because_o they_o have_v desert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o ancestor_n former_o whether_o this_o be_v by_o mistake_n or_o by_o perverseness_n and_o wilfulness_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v or_o declare_v since_o we_o do_v discover_v the_o difference_n of_o their_o doctrine_n from_o that_o of_o their_o ancestor_n partly_o by_o the_o write_n of_o father_n who_o show_v what_o doctrine_n they_o receive_v and_o principal_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o assure_v we_o what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n in_o the_o beginning_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n now_o when_o we_o give_v evidence_n that_o they_o have_v desert_v the_o primitive_a doctrine_n it_o be_v a_o very_a vain_a proposal_n to_o require_v of_o we_o to_o discover_v who_o be_v the_o first_o renouncer_n for_o though_o some_o protestant_n have_v do_v somewhat_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o some_o renouncer_n may_v be_v manifest_v yet_o since_o neither_o protestant_n nor_o papist_n can_v know_v all_o particular_a design_n or_o act_n of_o man_n in_o former_a generation_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v know_v by_o history_n upon_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o discourser_n must_v not_o be_v believe_v especial_o since_o this_o be_v neither_o the_o only_a way_n nor_o the_o best_a way_n to_o show_v primitive_a doctrine_n disow_v i_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o the_o proposal_n itself_o be_v both_o needless_a and_o unreasonable_a will_v this_o author_n assert_v that_o gentilism_n pretend_v to_o be_v hold_v from_o their_o father_n be_v a_o tradition_n true_o derive_v from_o noah_n unless_o the_o person_n or_o person_n can_v be_v name_v to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o first_o deserter_n of_o noah_n doctrine_n or_o must_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v own_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n until_o the_o author_n of_o the_o first_o corruption_n of_o those_o tradition_n can_v be_v find_v out_o or_o can_v not_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n condemn_v such_o tradition_n unless_o they_o first_o declare_v the_o author_n of_o they_o do_v he_o think_v it_o will_v be_v reason_n or_o madness_n if_o a_o temperate_a man_n in_o a_o sick_a state_n shall_v say_v to_o his_o physician_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o be_v in_o health_n and_o have_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v my_o body_n in_o the_o same_o good_a temper_n i_o be_v in_o and_o therefore_o until_o i_o can_v have_v evidence_n give_v i_o what_o time_n and_o by_o what_o act_n my_o distemper_n begin_v i_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v but_o that_o i_o be_o still_o in_o health_n or_o if_o a_o house_n that_o be_v once_o firm_a and_o strong_a now_o be_v crack_v or_o decay_a or_o burn_v down_o can_v this_o be_v no_o otherwise_o satisfactory_o demonstrate_v than_o by_o examine_v when_o the_o first_o crack_n or_o beginning_n of_o decay_n be_v occasion_v and_o by_o what_o mean_n and_o when_o it_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n and_o by_o who_o and_o shall_v he_o who_o see_v this_o house_n ready_a to_o moulder_v down_o or_o in_o its_o ash_n think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o deny_v or_o doubt_v that_o it_o be_v either_o decay_v or_o burn_v if_o he_o can_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o former_a inquiry_n i_o know_v papist_n have_v general_o more_o wit_n than_o to_o act_v upon_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o in_o purchase_v such_o house_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o do_v not_o mean_v honest_o in_o urge_v such_o frivolous_a thing_n in_o concernment_n of_o religion_n yet_o this_o discourser_n further_o delude_v his_o reader_n in_o say_v we_o pretend_v they_o fall_v a_o little_a after_o the_o primitive_a time_n by_o which_o he_o interpret_v himself_o to_o mean_v time_n which_o have_v a_o vicinity_n to_o the_o apostle_n as_o if_o protestant_n do_v indeed_o grant_v that_o popery_n as_o it_o now_o be_v be_v hold_v and_o practise_v ever_o since_o a_o little_a after_o the_o apostle_n whereas_o this_o discourser_n can_v but_o know_v that_o protestant_n do_v general_o assert_v that_o though_o some_o corruption_n may_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n soon_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n yet_o in_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o controversy_n between_o protestant_n and_o papist_n we_o do_v assert_v that_o for_o the_o first_o six_o hundred_o year_n the_o genuine_a write_n of_o the_o father_n do_v favour_v the_o protestant_n assertion_n and_o in_o many_o thing_n very_o long_o after_o and_o therefore_o that_o those_o popish_a assertion_n be_v of_o late_a original_n §_o 3_o 4_o 5._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o such_o be_v god_n goodness_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n have_v that_o in_o it_o which_o oblige_v the_o generality_n not_o to_o desert_v it_o that_o tradition_n be_v actual_o indefectible_a he_o undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v à _fw-la priori_fw-la from_o proper_a cause_n and_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la from_o a_o nowadays_o experience_a effect_n his_o ground_n for_o the_o former_a be_v these_o first_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v at_o first_o unanimous_o settle_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o great_a multitude_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n second_o this_o doctrine_n be_v by_o all_o those_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o the_o desert_v it_o the_o way_n to_o damnation_n whence_o the_o great_a hope_n and_o fear_n imaginable_a engage_v they_o to_o adhere_v to_o it_o three_o hope_n and_o fear_n strong_o apply_v be_v cause_n of_o actual_a will_n last_o this_o be_v feasible_a the_o thing_n be_v knowable_a and_o within_o their_o power_n therefore_o from_o age_n to_o age_n a_o great_a number_n will_v continue_v to_o hold_v themselves_o and_o teach_v their_o child_n as_o themselves_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o be_v will_v follow_v and_o stick_v to_o tradition_n i_o now_o come_v to_o examine_v these_o four_o ground_n concern_v the_o first_o there_o be_v indeed_o christian_a doctrine_n firm_o settle_v in_o multitude_n and_o very_o great_a number_n that_o be_v so_o much_o of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o they_o to_o know_v or_o all_o the_o great_a and_o most_o necessary_a christian_a truth_n but_o that_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o all_o divine_a truth_n declare_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v firm_o fettle_v in_o all_o the_o faithful_a can_v never_o
incomparable_o more_o powerfal_n cause_v to_o carry_v the_o will_n than_o temporal_a one_o therefore_o a_o world_n of_o believer_n can_v be_v willing_a to_o do_v that_o which_o will_v lose_v they_o and_o their_o posterity_n infinite_a good_n and_o bring_v they_o infinite_a harm_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o profess_a christian_n these_o word_n will_v still_o as_o much_o plead_v against_o adam_n fall_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o gentile_n and_o jew_n as_o against_o defection_n in_o the_o romish_a church_n since_o all_o these_o have_v the_o great_a good_n and_o harm_n propose_v to_o they_o but_o i_o further_o answer_v that_o a_o considerable_a number_n in_o former_a age_n will_v endeavour_v to_o know_v and_o deliver_v ttuth_n aright_o but_o they_o still_o be_v liable_a to_o mistake_n and_o other_o that_o hear_v they_o to_o misunderstanding_n and_o also_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o subtlety_n of_o some_o deceiver_n may_v take_v place_n and_o be_v receive_v soon_o than_o their_o delivery_n of_o truth_n by_o which_o mean_v those_o truth_n may_v many_o of_o they_o be_v lose_v or_o pervert_v and_o even_o in_o these_o last_o age_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o even_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n there_o be_v many_o who_o will_v desire_v good_a and_o love_v truth_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o have_v discern_v it_o many_o have_v forsake_v the_o romish_a way_n but_o they_o who_o most_o desire_v to_o find_v it_o can_v in_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n see_v no_o more_o than_o be_v there_o to_o be_v see_v and_o if_o other_o by_o subtlety_n corrupt_v some_o of_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o these_o honest_a meaning_n person_n to_o hinder_v the_o prevalency_n of_o such_o corruption_n if_o they_o be_v promote_v by_o a_o more_o potent_a party_n and_o interest_n §_o 8._o if_o any_o think_v the_o proposal_n of_o sensible_a object_n more_o considerable_a than_o of_o spiritual_a he_o indeavour_v to_o show_v the_o excellent_a proposal_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o evidence_v they_o may_v be_v apply_v this_o do_v not_o much_o concern_v protestant_n we_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v as_o to_o the_o proposal_n of_o god_n truth_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v in_o many_o neglect_v of_o receive_v what_o be_v sufficient_o propound_v whence_o follow_v all_o the_o abovementioned_a miscarriage_n and_o even_o god_n himself_o propound_v his_o truth_n as_o he_o think_v most_o meet_a that_o be_v he_o propose_v such_o as_o be_v not_o so_o necessary_a for_o all_o to_o know_v more_o mysterious_o whence_o many_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o or_o misapprehend_v but_o other_o necessary_a truth_n he_o propound_v with_o abundant_a evidence_n and_o plainness_n but_o in_o the_o present_a way_n of_o tradition_n what_o this_o author_n observe_v to_o make_v the_o proposal_n evident_a be_v very_o imperfect_a for_o though_o they_o have_v obvious_a metaphor_n daily_a practice_n language_n and_o action_n sacrament_n and_o ceremony_n yet_o these_o thing_n may_v themselves_o partake_v of_o corruption_n and_o then_o may_v help_v to_o clear_v what_o be_v propound_v that_o somewhat_o may_v be_v understand_v but_o not_o withal_o to_o secure_v that_o this_o be_v certain_o from_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v divine_a truth_n nor_o do_v most_o of_o these_o thing_n reach_v all_o truth_n to_o be_v deliver_v nor_o secure_v from_o all_o misapprehension_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o signify_v truth_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v more_o difficult_a and_o mysterious_a a_o answer_n to_o his_o seven_o discourse_n concern_v heresy_n §_o 1._o he_o observe_v that_o that_o which_o seem_v only_a and_o main_o to_o prejudice_v his_o argument_n be_v that_o there_o have_v be_v heretic_n or_o deserter_n of_o tradition_n but_o he_o say_v it_o suffice_v that_o the_o cause_n to_o preserve_v faith_n entire_a be_v as_o efficacious_a as_o those_o lay_v for_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n the_o only_a subject_n of_o faith_n and_o more_o particular_n fail_v in_o propagate_a their_o kind_n than_o their_o faith_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o first_o observe_v that_o though_o it_o much_o destroy_v the_o ground_n lay_v by_o this_o author_n to_o observe_v that_o there_o have_v be_v heresy_n and_o those_o much_o spread_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a prejudice_n against_o his_o argument_n for_o if_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o or_o can_v make_v no_o proof_n of_o any_o heresy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o from_o consider_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o oral_a tradition_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n and_o from_o observe_v what_o great_a defect_n be_v in_o it_o both_o among_o gentile_n and_o jew_n it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o it_o be_v not_o indefectible_a and_o have_v not_o the_o certainty_n requisite_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o mean_n if_o heresy_n have_v not_o be_v they_o may_v begin_v but_o i_o further_o undertake_v to_o manifest_v that_o because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o heresy_n have_v spread_v in_o the_o church_n from_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v evidenceable_a that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v so_o defectible_a as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v a_o sure_a rule_n of_o faith_n his_o parallel_a tradition_n with_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o mere_a piece_n of_o sophistry_n for_o if_o he_o indeed_o assert_v that_o the_o cause_n to_o preserve_v faith_n entire_a in_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n be_v as_o sufficient_a as_o those_o to_o propagate_v mankind_n in_o the_o entire_a nature_n of_o man_n he_o must_v then_o either_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o have_v be_v oft_o society_n of_o person_n of_o different_a nature_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o from_o mankind_n who_o be_v bring_v up_o among_o man_n and_o call_v themselves_o man_n and_o propagate_v in_o their_o kind_n and_o can_v by_o the_o eye_n be_v distinguish_v from_o man_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o deceive_v great_a multitude_n by_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a man_n and_o that_o other_o be_v not_o or_o else_o he_o must_v deny_v that_o ever_o any_o such_o heretic_n have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v declare_v themselves_o and_o have_v be_v own_v by_o many_o other_o to_o be_v the_o true_a christian_n and_o holder_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o case_n of_o tradition_n and_o propagation_n be_v wonderful_o different_a also_o in_o that_o he_o who_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o he_o by_o propagation_n can_v alter_v this_o nature_n and_o make_v himself_o of_o another_o nature_n at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n whereas_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o such_o as_o have_v embrace_v the_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n to_o forsake_v it_o and_o fall_v aside_o into_o heresy_n as_o have_v be_v oft_o evidence_v in_o the_o world_n and_o also_o in_o that_o those_o particular_a person_n in_o mankind_n who_o do_v not_o propagate_v their_o kind_n be_v not_o capable_a at_o their_o pleasure_n of_o propagate_a any_o thing_n different_a from_o man_n but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o christian_a faith_n they_o who_o do_v not_o propagate_v the_o true_a faith_n may_v and_o many_o of_o they_o do_v propagate_v error_n and_o that_o so_o subtle_o that_o very_o many_o be_v oft_o delude_v by_o it_o yea_o this_o discourser_n himself_o §_o 2._o acknowledge_v that_o he_o know_v the_o multitude_n of_o heretic_n which_o have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n rise_v make_v this_o his_o position_n seem_v incredible_a and_o therefore_o i_o infer_v that_o unless_o his_o reader_n can_v be_v assure_v that_o this_o position_n be_v more_o true_a than_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v he_o must_v from_o his_o own_o word_n conclude_v it_o real_o incredible_a §_o 2._o he_o come_v to_o consider_v how_o a_o heresy_n be_v breed_v where_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o commonwealth_n under_o discipline_n have_v officer_n to_o take_v care_n that_o all_o motive_n be_v actual_o apply_v and_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o perfection_n of_o discipline_n shall_v extend_v itself_o to_o every_o particular_a some_o by_o pride_n ambition_n lust_n and_o itch_a desire_n of_o follower_n may_v propose_v new_a tenet_n which_o by_o their_o plausibleness_n and_o licentiousness_n if_o governor_n be_v not_o watchful_a may_v suit_v with_o the_o humour_n of_o divers_a and_o draw_v they_o into_o the_o same_o faction_n thus_o a_o body_n be_v make_v inconsiderable_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o church_n stand_v upon_o the_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o her_o doctrine_n they_o cry_v the_o church_n have_v err_v in_o faith_n and_o disgrace_v tradition_n a_o new_a rule_n be_v seek_v for_o either_o by_o private_a inspiration_n or_o waxen_a nature_a word_n they_o study_v wordish_a learning_n and_o criticism_n and_o whilst_o the_o traditionary_a christian_a have_v the_o
read_v such_o a_o position_n in_o a_o book_n as_o that_o i_o hear_v or_o see_v other_o thing_n in_o converse_n in_o the_o world_n now_o since_o what_o be_v thus_o deliver_v by_o protestant_n to_o their_o child_n be_v so_o deliver_v because_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o scripture-doctrine_n this_o be_v a_o establish_n and_o hold_v to_o not_o a_o reject_v and_o throw_v by_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n but_o while_o we_o own_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n why_o protestant_n shall_v tolerate_v man_n to_o contradict_v what_o be_v plain_o and_o evident_o deducible_a from_o scripture_n under_o pretence_n of_o hold_v to_o it_o as_o a_o rule_n than_o there_o be_v that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o rebellion_n one_o who_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o suppress_v the_o rebellion_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o assault_v the_o king_n when_o he_o plain_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o king_n under_o pretence_n that_o he_o take_v he_o to_o be_v a_o rebel_n yet_o as_o to_o matter_n not_o full_o clear_a in_o scripture_n protestant_n do_v allow_v difference_n of_o opinion_n if_o manage_v peaceable_o and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o we_o be_v not_o violent_a prosecutor_n of_o our_o own_o apprehension_n only_o because_o they_o be_v so_o the_o law_n of_o england_n condemn_v nothing_o for_o heresy_n but_o that_o which_o be_v so_o declare_v by_o one_o of_o the_o four_o first_o general_n council_n but_o what_o he_o intimate_v of_o oblige_v to_o act_v that_o be_v if_o with_o good_a conscience_n to_o hold_v as_o themselves_o do_v make_v i_o think_v he_o design_n chief_o to_o reflect_v upon_o prudential_a constitution_n such_o as_o be_v among_o we_o the_o oath_n of_o obedience_n and_o supremacy_n and_o matter_n of_o liturgy_n and_o conformity_n but_o in_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v protestant_n desert_n this_o principle_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o protestant_n who_o hold_n this_o assertion_n never_o intend_v to_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o prudential_a rule_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o advantage_n both_o of_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a society_n but_o such_o constitution_n they_o neither_o own_v nor_o press_v as_o matter_n of_o faith_n nor_o as_o god_n command_v in_o themselves_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n in_o this_o case_n if_o protestant_a ruler_n oblige_v to_o nothing_o as_o prudential_a orderly_a and_o decent_a but_o what_o they_o be_v well_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o for_o other_o end_v expedient_a and_o not_o needless_o burdensome_a which_o appear_v the_o common_a case_n of_o all_o protestant_a church_n they_o no_o way_n swerve_v from_o scripture-rule_n yea_o if_o here_o any_o protestant_a ruler_n shall_v err_v and_o urge_v as_o lawful_a decent_a and_o prudential_a what_o be_v indeed_o sinful_a and_o evil_a in_o this_o case_n they_o sin_n and_o practical_o swerve_v from_o the_o true_a rule_n as_o man_n do_v in_o all_o act_n of_o sin_n and_o mistake_n of_o judgement_n but_o they_o do_v in_o no_o wise_a intentional_o disow_v this_o rule_n of_o scripture_n since_o they_o hold_v fast_o this_o as_o a_o firm_a principle_n that_o if_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o require_v to_o be_v practise_v as_o lawful_a can_v be_v full_o manifest_v to_o be_v against_o scripture_n they_o will_v rather_o reject_v that_o constitution_n than_o oppose_v the_o scripture_n and_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o their_o subject_n ought_v to_o obey_v the_o scripture_n rather_o than_o such_o command_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o dissenter_n from_o protestant_n do_v guide_v themselves_o to_o their_o best_a capacity_n by_o the_o scripture_n letter_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n their_o persecutor_n protestant_n who_o punish_v they_o for_o not_o obey_v teach_v they_o and_o make_v use_v of_o themselves_o when_o they_o break_v from_o the_o romish_n church_n i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o many_o who_o dissent_v from_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o these_o matter_n prudential_a do_v not_o act_v according_a to_o their_o best_a capacity_n but_o some_o from_o passion_n and_o self-will_n some_o from_o the_o applause_n of_o a_o party_n other_o from_o pride_n and_o a_o sinful_a resolution_n not_o to_o disow_v what_o they_o once_o unadvised_o and_o erroneous_o take_v up_o 2._o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o very_o many_o who_o dissent_v from_o the_o prudential_a rule_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n or_o particular_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v act_n according_a to_o the_o best_a light_n they_o have_v of_o scripture_n truth_n yet_o have_v they_o not_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o ground_n to_o justify_v they_o that_o protestant_n have_v to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o depart_v from_o popery_n for_o we_o reject_v popery_n not_o only_o because_o we_o can_v not_o discern_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o by_o the_o scripture-rule_n but_o because_o in_o matter_n plain_a in_o scripture_n we_o do_v clear_o discern_v it_o sinful_a by_o clear_a scripture-evidence_n which_o plain_a evidence_n dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n can_v have_v nor_o can_v they_o pretend_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v rash_o under_o passion_n or_o preconceive_a prejudice_n but_o for_o those_o who_o act_n according_a to_o the_o best_a light_n they_o have_v from_o scripture_n which_o will_v suppose_v they_o willing_a to_o be_v better_o inform_v we_o protestant_n no_o way_n dislike_v but_o high_o approve_v of_o their_o rule_n and_o of_o they_o for_o design_v to_o follow_v it_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v discern_v such_o person_n and_o as_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n assert_n that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n so_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o these_o person_n and_o all_o other_o who_o according_a to_o their_o best_a capacity_n close_o with_o the_o faith_n there_o deliver_v and_o practice_v the_o duty_n there_o require_v be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n nor_o can_v they_o err_v in_o matter_n fundamental_a but_o still_o they_o may_v err_v in_o some_o other_o matter_n and_o particular_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o some_o thing_n prudential_a nor_o do_v protestant_n ever_o assert_v that_o they_o who_o design_v to_o follow_v scripture_n to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o light_n can_v in_o nothing_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n where_o they_o have_v not_o a_o discovery_n of_o clear_a evidence_n which_o in_o all_o thing_n all_o inquirer_n may_v possible_o not_o attain_v yet_o i_o must_v further_o declare_v that_o if_o this_o design_n of_o follow_v scripture_n according_a to_o man_n best_a capacity_n be_v more_o follow_v and_o all_o passion_n prejudices_fw-la and_o unchristian_a suspicion_n lay_v aside_o among_o all_o dissenter_n the_o number_n of_o they_o who_o dissent_v from_o the_o protestant_a church_n upon_o the_o best_a light_n of_o scripture_n they_o have_v will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o very_a few_o 3._o where_o in_o any_o case_n such_o person_n as_o these_o be_v punish_v it_o be_v not_o for_o design_v to_o follow_v scripture_n but_o for_o not_o obey_v some_o prudential_a lawful_a command_n in_o a_o case_n where_o their_o mistake_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o not_o obey_v not_o be_v it_o any_o more_o a_o condemn_v their_o design_n to_o follow_v scripture_n than_o in_o civil_a law_n and_o constitution_n when_o any_o one_o be_v implead_v in_o a_o court_n because_o he_o for_o want_n of_o good_a counsel_n act_n what_o he_o by_o mistake_n think_v to_o be_v according_a to_o law_n but_o be_v cast_v as_o not_o have_v act_v according_a to_o the_o law_n the_o judge_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o punish_v this_o man_n unjust_o because_o he_o design_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n yea_o to_o punish_v he_o for_o design_v this_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n some_o such_o inconvenience_n as_o these_o be_v like_a to_o be_v in_o civil_a thing_n while_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o mistake_n and_o something_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v mistake_v but_o these_o thing_n concern_v not_o at_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o reject_v the_o scripture_n from_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o vindicate_v the_o protestant_n from_o the_o follow_a self-contradiction_n he_o charge_v upon_o heretic_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v to_o reform_v upon_o pretence_n of_o scripture_n letter_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o afterward_o in_o practice_n to_o desert_n that_o rule_n in_o their_o carriage_n towards_o other_o this_o rule_n protestant_n desert_n not_o since_o they_o propound_v nothing_o to_o be_v assent_v to_o by_o any_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o they_o judge_v certain_o evident_a in_o scripture_n nor_o require_v they_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v practise_v as_o orderly_o but_o what_o they_o discern_v or_o judge_v not_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n 2._o nor_o
without_o these_o holy_a exercise_n 2._o let_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n be_v perform_v with_o hearty_a and_o serious_a devotion_n even_o with_o fast_v and_o solemn_a humiliation_n and_o prayer_n these_o be_v duty_n direct_v by_o the_o prophet_n joel_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n of_o my_o text_n to_o express_v our_o hearty_a turn_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o church_n do_v particular_o at_o this_o time_n call_v upon_o we_o to_o mind_v these_o holy_a exercise_n they_o be_v duty_n useful_a at_o all_o time_n and_o be_v excellent_a qualification_n to_o dispose_v we_o aright_o for_o the_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n as_o they_o include_v the_o practice_n of_o humility_n piety_n faith_n and_o repentance_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o solemn_a day_n of_o atonement_n and_o remission_n be_v a_o day_n of_o devout_a fast_n and_o afflict_v their_o soul_n and_o after_o s._n paul_n have_v be_v strike_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n as_o he_o go_v towards_o damascus_n after_o he_o have_v fast_v three_o day_n and_o pray_v ananias_n be_v then_o send_v to_o he_o by_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o may_v arise_v and_o be_v baptise_a and_o wash_v away_o his_o sin_n act_n 9.9_o 11_o 17_o 18._o ch_z 22.16_o at_o this_o time_n the_o method_n of_o god_n providence_n do_v eminent_o require_v our_o more_o than_o ordinary_a diligence_n in_o these_o duty_n for_o the_o avert_v his_o judgement_n and_o the_o preserve_v we_o and_o our_o posterity_n from_o ruin_n and_o misery_n let_v those_o who_o have_v be_v vicious_a and_o disobedient_a engage_v herein_o with_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o let_v the_o most_o pious_a man_n also_o undertake_v it_o with_o the_o great_a seriousness_n even_o in_o they_o it_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n as_o indeed_o the_o whole_a practice_n of_o christianity_n be_v for_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v a_o turn_n to_o god_n from_o who_o sinful_a man_n have_v estrange_v himself_o and_o the_o whole_a thereof_o be_v describe_v by_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o do_v work_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o the_o repentance_n undertake_v therein_o be_v not_o only_o in_o some_o short_a transitory_a act_n but_o it_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o christian_a progress_n these_o devout_a performance_n of_o the_o best_a man_n be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o obtain_v public_a blessing_n from_o god_n and_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o religious_a address_n of_o moses_n or_o josiah_n who_o be_v man_n of_o great_a piety_n shall_v be_v less_o acceptable_a to_o god_n or_o less_o effectual_a for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n than_o the_o repentance_n of_o ahab_n or_o manasseh_n or_o of_o the_o ninevite_n but_o let_v these_o thing_n be_v do_v with_o true_a uprightness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n and_o then_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v assure_v they_o who_o so_o fast_o and_o pray_v in_o secret_a that_o their_o heavenly_a father_n will_v reward_v they_o open_o but_o withal_o that_o these_o duty_n may_v be_v please_v to_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o those_o other_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v before_o press_v fast_v and_o prayer_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o of_o holiness_n and_o piety_n be_v as_o the_o sacrifice_a a_o unclean_a thing_n far_o from_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o account_n the_o prophet_n isaiah_n give_v why_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v these_o very_a performance_n of_o the_o jew_n behold_v say_v he_o you_o fast_o for_o strife_n and_o debate_n and_o to_o smite_v with_o the_o fist_n of_o wickedness_n wherefore_o now_o let_v we_o take_v the_o advice_n in_o the_o text_n and_o resolve_v on_o the_o pious_a practice_n thereof_o especial_o in_o these_o particular_n i_o have_v insist_v on_o for_o the_o further_a enforce_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v in_o conclude_v observe_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v god_n own_o direction_n in_o these_o word_n of_o joel_n this_o be_v indeed_o immediate_o give_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 15.4_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v afore-time_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n that_o which_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o advise_v we_o it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o practice_v for_o when_o the_o policy_n of_o wise_a man_n may_v be_v outwitted_a and_o all_o sinful_a contrivance_n will_v increase_v danger_n the_o counsel_n of_o god_n that_o will_v stand_v and_o as_o wisdom_n speak_v prov._n 1.33_o whoso_o hearkn_v to_o i_o shall_v dwell_v safe_o and_o shall_v be_v quiet_a from_o the_o fear_n of_o evil._n second_o reflect_v again_o on_o the_o case_n in_o which_o this_o be_v direct_v beside_o the_o terribleness_n of_o the_o army_n which_o be_v to_o come_v against_o they_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n of_o this_o second_o chapter_n of_o joel_n god_n let_v they_o know_v that_o he_o himself_o be_v like_a to_o be_v on_o their_o enemy_n side_n against_o they_o v._o 11._o the_o lord_n shall_v utter_v his_o voice_n before_o his_o army_n the_o prophet_n joel_n be_v send_v to_o make_v proclamation_n of_o god_n controversy_n with_o they_o but_o though_o this_o be_v declare_v by_o a_o message_n from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o determine_v but_o that_o there_o be_v still_o a_o help_n and_o remedy_n reserve_v if_o they_o will_v make_v use_n thereof_o by_o turn_v to_o god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o ionas_n be_v send_v to_o nineveh_n to_o declare_v that_o within_o forty_o day_n it_o shall_v be_v destroy_v upon_o its_o repentance_n it_o be_v spare_v and_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n assure_v we_o that_o at_o what_o instant_a god_n shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n or_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o pluck_v up_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v if_o that_o nation_n turn_v from_o their_o evil_n he_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o no_o case_n be_v so_o bad_a but_o if_o this_o course_n be_v make_v use_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v hopeful_a three_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o effect_n i_o observe_v before_o that_o in_o this_o prophecy_n from_o this_o text_n forward_o be_v contain_v promise_v of_o deliverance_n the_o effect_n be_v also_o answerable_a to_o these_o promise_n indeed_o the_o precise_a time_n of_o joel_n prophecy_n be_v not_o certain_a it_o be_v think_v both_o by_o the_o jewish_a writer_n and_o by_o ancient_a father_n that_o his_o time_n be_v contemporary_a with_o that_o of_o hosea_n and_o this_o prophecy_n in_o all_o probability_n must_v be_v date_v before_o the_o latter_a part_n if_o not_o before_o the_o begin_n of_o hezekiah_n reign_n and_o according_o grotius_n seem_v very_o reasonable_o to_o understand_v the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n to_o refer_v to_o sennacherib_n army_n which_o invade_v judah_n this_o army_n here_o mention_v be_v indeed_o call_v the_o northern_a army_n joel_n 2.20_o but_o this_o expression_n may_v well_o enough_o agree_v to_o the_o assyrian_a army_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o zeph._n 2.3_o he_o will_v stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n against_o the_o north_n and_o destroy_v assyria_n now_o at_o this_o time_n the_o sin_n of_o judah_n be_v great_a and_o many_o especial_o under_o ahaz_n their_o condition_n be_v low_a and_o despise_a and_o their_o enemy_n be_v potent_a proud_a and_o insolent_a yet_o upon_o the_o pious_a reformation_n of_o judah_n under_o hezekiah_n and_o their_o earnest_n religious_a address_n to_o god_n their_o enemy_n proud_a design_n be_v whole_o blast_v and_o themselves_o ruin_v and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n come_v down_o upon_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n and_o god_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v take_v that_o course_n that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o have_v it_o ever_o continue_a to_o these_o church_n and_o realm_n even_o until_o the_o come_n again_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o praise_v now_o and_o evermore_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o s._n mat._n 5.20_o for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o except_o your_o righteousness_n shall_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n religion_n and_o righteousness_n be_v so_o suitable_a to_o and_o perfective_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o it_o have_v be_v thereupon_o recommend_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o great_a philosopher_n it_o be_v of_o such_o concernment_n for_o humane_a society_n that_o all_o lawgiver_n and_o governor_n have_v think_v it_o necessary_a to_o prohibit_v and_o restrain_v the_o violation_n thereof_o and_o it_o carry_v so_o much_o of_o the_o image_n