the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o order_n to_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n and_o ignorance_n therein_o the_o mother_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n assert_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v by_o john_n tillotson_n d._n d._n and_o dean_n of_o canterbury_n matthew_n xxiii_o 13_o â—o_o unto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n for_o you_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n and_o you_o neither_o go_v in_o yourselves_o neither_o suffer_v you_o they_o that_o be_v enter_v to_o go_v in_o imprimatur_fw-la c._n a._n nou._n 17._o 1685._o london_n â—â—inted_v for_o will._n norris_n at_o the_o maidenhead_n in_o holbourn_n 1687._o price_n stitch_v three_o penny_n matthew_n xxiii_o 13_o woe_n unto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n for_o you_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n and_o you_o neither_o go_v in_o yourselves_o nor_o suffer_v you_o they_o that_o be_v enter_v in_o the_o scribe_n so_o often_o mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o great_a doctor_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o teacher_n and_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god._n and_o because_o many_o of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o above_o all_o other_o pretend_v to_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o law_n therefore_o it_o be_v our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v so_o often_o put_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n together_o and_o these_o be_v the_o man_n of_o chief_a authority_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n who_o equal_v their_o â—wn_n unwritten_a word_n and_o tradition_n with_o the_o law_n â—f_fw-fr god_n nay_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o they_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o their_o tradition_n they_o do_v in_o effect_n assume_v to_o themselves_o infallibility_n â—nd_v all_o that_o oppose_a and_o contradict_v they_o they_o brand_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o heretic_n against_o these_o â—ur_n saviour_n denounce_v this_o woe_n here_o in_o the_o text_n woe_n â—nto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n for_o you_o shut_v up_o â—â—e_z kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o word_n be_v what_o be_v here_o â—eant_v by_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n â—_o luke_n express_v it_o more_o plain_o you_o have_v take_v away_o â—â—e_z key_n of_o knowledge_n you_o enter_v not_o into_o yourselves_o and_o â—â—em_v that_o be_v enter_v in_o you_o hinder_v by_o put_v these_o â—â—o_o expression_n together_o we_o shall_v the_o more_o easy_o â—â—me_n at_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text._n you_o have_v take_v away_o 〈◊〉_d key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o have_v shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o â—â—aven_n against_o men._n this_o metaphor_n of_o the_o 〈…〉_z knowledge_n be_v undoubted_o a_o allusion_n to_o that_o know_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o admission_n of_o their_o doctor_n for_o to_o whosoever_o they_o give_v authority_n to_o interpret_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o that_o office_n by_o deliver_v to_o they_o a_o key_n and_o a_o table-book_n so_o that_o by_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v here_o mean_v the_o interpretation_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n not_o only_o that_o they_o arrogate_a to_o themselves_o alone_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o likewise_o that_o they_o have_v convey_v away_o this_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o as_o it_o be_v hide_v it_o out_o of_o the_o way_n neither_o use_v it_o themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v nor_o suffer_v other_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o they_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n which_o be_v very_o fit_o say_v of_o those_o who_o have_v lock-the_a door_n against_o they_o that_o be_v go_v in_o and_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o metaphorical_a expression_n be_v that_o the_o scribe_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o law_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n have_v pervert_v they_o and_o keep_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o they_o from_o the_o people_n especial_o those_o old_a prophecy_n 〈◊〉_d the_o old_a testamant_n which_o concern_v the_o messiah_n anâ—_n by_o this_o mean_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v shut_v against_o man_n and_o they_o not_o only_o reject_v the_o truth_n themselves_o but_o by_o keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o hinder_v many_o from_o embrace_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdoâ—_n of_o heaven_n who_o be_v otherwise_o well_o enough_o disposeâ—_n for_o it_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n i_o shall_v from_o thâ—_n main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o they_o observe_v to_o you_o these_o two_o thing_n i._o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o be_v call_v bâ—_n our_o saviour_n the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n that_o which_o let_v meâ—_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n ii_o the_o great_a and_o inexcusable_a fault_n of_o those_o who_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scriâ—â—tures_n they_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o meâ—_n and_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o hinder_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n denounce_v so_o heavy_a a_o woe_n against_o they_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o these_o two_o observation_n and_o then_o apply_v they_o to_o those_o who_o be_v principal_o concern_v in_o they_o 1._o first_o i_o observe_v hence_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n this_o be_v by_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n that_o which_o let_v man_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n knowledge_n be_v necessary_a to_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o it_o and_o necessary_a to_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o without_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n because_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v some_o knowledge_n and_o apprehension_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v to_o all_o act_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v necessary_o require_v some_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n so_o that_o without_o knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o devotion_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n no_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n religion_n begin_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o from_o thence_o descend_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n say_v our_o saviour_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o we_o must_v first_o know_v god_n before_o we_o can_v worship_v he_o and_o understand_v what_o be_v his_o will_n before_o we_o can_v do_v it_o this_o be_v so_o very_o evident_a that_o one_o will_v think_v there_o need_v no_o discourse_n about_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o in_o the_o world_n that_o cry_v up_o ignorance_n as_o the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n and_o to_o show_v that_o we_o do_v not_o wrong_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n mr._n rushworth_n in_o his_o dialogue_n a_o book_n in_o great_a vogue_n among_o the_o papist_n here_o in_o england_n do_v express_o reckon_v up_o ignorance_n among_o the_o parent_n of_o religion_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v say_v more_o absurd_o and_o more_o to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o derive_v the_o pedigree_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n from_o so_o obscure_a and_o ignoble_a a_o original_a and_o to_o make_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o knowledge_n to_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o ignorance_n and_o a_o child_n of_o darkness_n ignorance_n indeed_o may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n and_o the_o mother_n of_o folly_n and_o superstition_n but_o sure_o religion_n be_v of_o a_o noble_a extraction_n and_o be_v the_o issue_n and_o result_v of_o the_o best_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o descend_v from_o above_o from_o the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n even_o the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o as_o knowledge_n in_o general_n be_v necessary_a to_o religion_n so_o more_o particular_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n because_o these_o be_v the_o great_a and_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n concern_v our_o duty_n and_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n be_v full_o and_o plain_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o whence_o can_v we_o learn_v the_o
the_o ancient_a heresy_n vyon_n the_o ill_a management_n of_o thing_n by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o holy_a father_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o many_o age_n and_o their_o imprudent_a dispense_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n this_o indeed_o be_v to_o charge_v the_o matter_n home_o and_o yet_o this_o consequence_n be_v unavoidable_a for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v justify_v the_o piety_n and_o prudence_n of_o their_o present_a practice_n without_o accuse_v all_o these_o but_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o main_o rely_v upon_o as_o to_o both_o these_o practice_n in_o this_o that_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n yet_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o alter_v they_o according_a to_o the_o exigence_n and_o circumstance_n of_o time_n i_o have_v purposely_o reserve_v this_o for_o the_o last_o place_n because_o it_o be_v their_o last_o refuge_n and_o if_o this_o fail_v they_o they_o be_v go_v to_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o this_o pretence_n we_o will_v if_o they_o please_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v in_o no_o age_n more_o power_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o they_o now_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o that_o the_o authority_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v give_v they_o from_o the_o lord_n be_v only_o for_o edification_n but_o not_o for_o destruction_n and_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o a_o whole_a chapter_n to_o show_v that_o the_o perform_v the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n be_v contrary_a to_o edification_n from_o which_o premise_n the_o conclusion_n be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o appoint_v the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v arrogance_n for_o the_o church_n in_o any_o age_n to_o pretend_v to_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o our_o adversary_n say_v in_o justification_n of_o themselves_o in_o these_o point_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o confidence_n will_v always_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o say_v something_o for_o any_o thing_n and_o some_o way_n or_o other_o blanch_v over_o the_o black_a and_o most_o absurd_a thing_n in_o the_o world._n but_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n whether_o any_o thing_n be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o to_o tell_v man_n in_o effect_n that_o it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v understand_v as_o little_a of_o religion_n as_o be_v poshble_a that_o god_n have_v publish_v a_o very_a dangerous_a book_n with_o which_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a for_o the_o people_n to_o be_v familiar_o acquaint_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n for_o more_o than_o six_o hundred_o year_n be_v not_o wise_a manager_n of_o religion_n nor_o prudent_a dispenser_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o like_o fond_a and_o foolish_a father_n put_v a_o knife_n and_o a_o sword_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o child_n with_o which_o they_o may_v have_v easy_o fore-seen_a what_o mischief_n they_o will_v do_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o who_o will_v not_o choose_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o be_v provide_v of_o such_o excellent_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o ignorance_n such_o wise_a and_o infallible_a method_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o people_n and_o such_o variety_n of_o close_a shutter_n to_o keep_v out_o the_o light._n i_o have_v choose_v to_o insist_v upon_o this_o argument_n because_o it_o be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o the_o most_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v judge_v of_o this_o usage_n and_o deal_n with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v so_o very_o gross_a that_o every_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o because_o it_o touch_v man_n in_o the_o common_a right_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o much_o as_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o air_n we_o breath_n in_o it_o require_v no_o subtlety_n of_o wit_n no_o skill_n in_o antiquity_n to_o understand_v these_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o there_o be_v no_o father_n to_o be_v pretend_v on_o both_o side_n in_o these_o question_n they_o yield_v we_o have_v antiquity_n on_o we_o and_o we_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mank_v which_o church_n that_o of_o rome_n or_o we_o have_v all_o the_o right_n or_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n on_o her_o side_n in_o these_o debate_n and_o who_o they_o be_v that_o tyrannize_v over_o christian_n the_o governor_n of_o their_o church_n or_o we_o who_o use_v the_o people_n like_o son_n and_o freeman_n and_o who_o like_a slave_n who_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n commit_v to_o they_o and_o who_o take_v the_o child_n bread_n from_o they_o who_o they_o be_v that_o when_o their_o child_n ask_v bread_n for_o bread_n give_v they_o a_o stone_n and_o for_o a_o egg_n a_o serpent_n i_o mean_v the_o legend_n of_o their_o saint_n instead_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o who_o they_o be_v that_o lie_v most_o just_o under_o the_o suspicion_n of_o error_n and_o corruption_n they_o who_o bring_v their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n into_o the_o open_a light_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v they_o try_v by_o the_o true_a touchstone_n the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o they_o who_o shun_v the_o light_n and_o decline_v all_o manner_n of_o trial_n and_o examination_n and_o who_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o carry_v on_o a_o worldly_a design_n they_o who_o drive_v a_o trade_n of_o such_o mighty_a gain_n and_o advantage_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v such_o market_n of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n or_o we_o who_o malice_n itself_o can_v charge_v with_o serve_v any_o worldly_a design_n by_o any_o allow_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o we_o make_v no_o money_n of_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o people_n nor_o do_v we_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o vain_a fear_n of_o new_a place_n of_o torment_n to_o make_v they_o willing_a to_o empty_v their_o purse_n in_o a_o vain_a hope_n of_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o they_o we_o do_v not_o like_v they_o pretend_v a_o mighty_a bank_n of_o treasure_n and_o merit_n in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o sell_v to_o the_o people_n for_o ready_a money_n give_v they_o bill_n of_o exchange_n from_o the_o pope_n to_o purgatory_n when_o they_o who_o grant_v they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v they_o will_v avail_v they_o or_o be_v accept_v in_o the_o other_o world._n for_o our_o part_n we_o have_v no_o fear_n that_o our_o people_n shall_v understand_v religion_n too_o well_o we_o can_v wish_v with_o moses_n that_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v prophet_n we_o shall_v be_v hearty_o glad_a the_o people_n will_v read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n more_o diligent_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n if_o they_o learn_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v good_a from_o thence_o we_o have_v no_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o no_o occasion_n to_o keep_v it_o close_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o people_n or_o to_o hide_v any_o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n from_o they_o we_o leave_v these_o mean_a art_n to_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o which_o god_n have_v say_v to_o man_n which_o we_o desire_v shall_v be_v conceal_v from_o they_o nay_o we_o be_v willing_a the_o people_n shall_v examine_v what_o we_o teach_v and_o bring_v all_o our_o doctrine_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o may_v neither_o believe_v they_o nor_o we_o it_o be_v only_o thing_n false_a and_o adulterate_a which_o shun_v the_o light_n and_o fear_v the_o touchstone_n we_o have_v that_o security_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o honest_a confidence_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o cause_n that_o we_o do_v not_o forbid_v the_o people_n to_o read_v the_o best_a book_n our_o adversary_n can_v write_v against_o it_o and_o now_o let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o better_a argument_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n to_o leave_v man_n at_o liberty_n to_o try_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n than_o the_o course_n which_o be_v take_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o awe_v man_n with_o a_o inquisition_n and_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o keep_v the_o common_a people_n in_o ignorance_n not_o only_o of_o what_o their_o late_a adversary_n the_o protestant_n but_o their_o chief_a and_o ancient_a adversary_n the_o scripture_n have_v to_o say_v against_o they_o a_o man_n have_v need_n of_o more_o than_o common_a security_n of_o the_o skill_n and_o integrity_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o perfect_o resign_v his_o understanding_n this_o be_v too_o great_a a_o trust_n to_o be_v repose_v in_o humane_a frailty_n and_o too_o strong_a a_o temptation_n to_o other_o to_o impose_v upon_o we_o to_o abuse_v our_o blindness_n and_o to_o make_v their_o own_o end_n of_o our_o voluntary_a ignorance_n and_o easy_a credulity_n this_o be_v such_o a_o folly_n as_o if_o a_o rich_a man_n shall_v make_v his_o physician_n his_o heir_n which_o be_v to_o tempt_v he_o either_o to_o destroy_v he_o or_o to_o let_v he_o die_v for_o his_o own_o interest_n so_o he_o that_o trust_v the_o care_n of_o his_o soul_n with_o other_o man_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o irrecoverable_a deed_n settle_v his_o understanding_n upon_o they_o lay_v too_o great_a a_o temptation_n before_o they_o to_o seduce_v and_o damn_v he_o 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and_o service_n of_o god_n celebrate_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n let_v we_o use_v this_o inestimable_a privilege_n with_o great_a modesty_n and_o humility_n not_o to_o the_o nourish_a of_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n of_o division_n and_o faction_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v rich_o in_o you_o in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o let_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n rule_n in_o your_o heart_n unto_o which_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o body_n and_o be_v you_o thankful_a it_o concern_v we_o mighty_o with_o which_o admonition_n i_o conclude_v both_o for_o the_o honour_n and_o support_v of_o our_o religion_n to_o be_v at_o better_a union_n among_o ourselves_o and_o not_o to_o divide_v about_o lesser_a thing_n and_o so_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o as_o to_o take_v from_o our_o adversary_n all_o those_o pretence_n whereby_o they_o will_v justify_v themselves_o or_o at_o least_o extenuate_v the_o gild_n of_o that_o heavy_a charge_n which_o fall_v every_o whit_n as_o just_o upon_o they_o as_o ever_o it_o do_v upon_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n of_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n neither_o go_v in_o themselves_o nor_o suffer_v those_o that_o be_v enter_v to_o go_v in_o finis_fw-la
will_n of_o god_n so_o well_o as_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n they_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o shall_v not_o every_o man_n be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o which_o alone_o can_v perfect_o instruct_v he_o what_o he_o must_v believe_v and_o what_o he_o must_v do_v that_o hâ—_n may_v be_v save_v this_o be_v the_o testimony_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v man_n wisâ—_n unto_o salvation_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o fit_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v this_o wisdom_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o free_a use_n of_o that_o book_n from_o whence_o this_o wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v second_o i_o observe_v the_o great_a and_o inexcusable_a fault_n of_o those_o who_o keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n of_o religion_n and_o take_v away_o from_o they_o so_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a a_o mean_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v this_o our_o saviour_n call_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n that_o be_v do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o render_v it_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v save_v for_o this_o he_o denounce_v a_o terrible_a woe_n against_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o deprive_v meâ—_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o only_o of_o the_o righâ—_n knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o they_o this_o alone_a iâ—_n a_o horrible_a impiety_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o a_o false_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n but_o much_o great_a to_o forbiâ—_n they_o the_o read_n of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o stop_n to_o knowledge_n at_o the_o very_a fountain_n head_n and_o not_o only_o to_o lead_v man_n into_o error_n but_o to_o take_v away_o from_o they_o all_o possibility_n of_o rectify_v their_o mistake_n and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a sacrilege_n than_o to_o rob_v man_n of_o the_o 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people_n as_o well_o as_o their_o teacher_n nay_o st._n paul_n express_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o be_v write_v for_o their_o learning_n however_o it_o happen_v that_o they_o be_v not_o now_o permit_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o be_v the_o scripture_n so_o useful_a and_o profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n and_o why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v use_v by_o the_o people_n for_o those_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o mosâ—_n know_v and_o learned_a and_o sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o maâ—_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a worâ—_n as_o the_o apostle_n there_o tell_v we_o but_o do_v this_o exclude_v their_o be_v profitable_a also_o to_o the_o people_n who_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v to_o stand_v much_o more_o in_o neeâ—_n of_o all_o mean_n and_o help_v of_o instruction_n than_o their_o teacher_n and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o the_o scripture_n enough_o to_o exercise_v the_o skill_n and_o will_n of_o the_o learned_a yet_o be_v they_o not_o therefore_o either_o useless_a or_o dangerous_a to_o the_o people_n the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n st._n chrysostome_n tell_v we_o that_o whatever_o thing_n be_v necessary_a be_v manifest_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o st._n austin_n that_o all_o thing_n arâ—_n plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n which_o concern_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o that_o thâ—se_a thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n 〈◊〉_d man_n be_v not_o so_o hard_a to_o become_v at_o but_o that_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n plain_o contain_v it_o speak_v without_o disguise_n like_o a_o familiar_a friend_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o learned_a anâ—_n unlearned_a and_o upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n the_o father_n do_v every_o where_o in_o their_o oration_n anâ—_n homily_n charge_n and_o exhort_v the_o people_n to_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o read_v they_o daily_a anâ—_n diligent_o and_o attentive_o and_o i_o challenge_v our_o aâ—â—versaries_n to_o show_v i_o where_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v discourage_v the_o people_n from_o read_v the_o scriptureâ—_n much_o less_o forbid_v they_o so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o they_o who_o do_v it_o now_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o they_o who_o pretend_v so_o confident_o to_o antiquity_n in_o other_o case_n be_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v against_o they_o in_o this_o though_o they_o have_v ten_o thousand_o schoolman_n on_o their_o side_n yet_o have_v they_o not_o one_o father_n not_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o scripture_n or_o rag_n of_o antiquity_n to_o cover_v their_o nakedness_n in_o this_o point_n with_o great_a reason_n then_o do_v our_o saviour_n denounce_v so_o heavy_a a_o woe_n against_o such_o teacher_n of_o old_a in_o the_o like_a case_n god_n by_o his_o prophet_n severe_o threaten_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o not_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n hosea_n 4.6_o my_o people_n be_v destroy_v for_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n because_o thou_o have_v reject_v knowledge_n i_o will_v also_o reject_v thou_o thou_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o a_o priest_n to_o i_o see_v thou_o have_v forget_v the_o law_n of_o thy_o god_n i_o will_v also_o forget_v thy_o child_n god_n you_o see_v lay_v the_o ruin_n of_o so_o many_o soul_n at_o their_o door_n and_o will_v require_v their_o blood_n at_o their_o hand_n so_o many_o as_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n and_o eternal_o miscarry_v by_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n their_o
destruction_n shall_v be_v charge_v upon_o those_o who_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o men._n and_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o punish_v such_o person_n not_o only_o as_o the_o occasion_n but_o as_o the_o author_n of_o this_o ruin_n for_o who_o can_v judge_v otherwise_o but_o that_o they_o who_o deprive_v man_n of_o the_o necessary_a mean_n to_o any_o end_n do_v purposely_o design_n to_o hinder_v they_o of_o attain_v that_o end._n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v pretend_v in_o this_o case_n to_o deprive_v man_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o ignorant_a of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o while_o they_o do_v so_o to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o their_o salvation_n be_v just_a such_o a_o mockery_n as_o if_o one_o of_o you_o that_o be_v a_o master_n shall_v tell_v his_o apprentice_n how_o much_o you_o desire_v he_o shall_v thrive_v in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v a_o rich_a man_n but_o all_o the_o while_n keep_v he_o ignorant_a of_o his_o trade_n in_o order_n to_o his_o be_v rich_a and_o with_o the_o strict_a care_n imaginable_a conceal_v from_o he_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o learning_n that_o whereby_o alone_o he_o be_v likely_a to_o thrive_v and_o get_v a_o estate_n woe_n unto_o you_o scribe_n pharisee_n and_o hypocrite_n by_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v upon_o this_o argument_n you_o will_v easy_o perceive_v where_o the_o application_n be_v like_a to_o fall_v for_o the_o woe_n denounce_v by_o our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text_n against_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n fall_v every_o whit_n as_o heavy_a upon_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n they_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n with_o a_o witness_n not_o only_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o of_o the_o very_a use_n of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v afraid_a they_o shall_v 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for_o several_a age_n till_o the_o reformation_n fetch_v it_o out_o again_o and_o rub_v off_o the_o rust_n of_o it_o and_o i_o profess_v serious_o that_o hardly_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v ever_o to_o i_o more_o astonish_a than_o this_o uncharitable_a and_o cruel_a usage_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o i_o can_v tell_v which_o to_o wonder_v at_o most_o the_o insolence_n of_o their_o governor_n in_o impose_v upon_o man_n this_o senseless_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n or_o the_o patience_n shall_v i_o call_v it_o or_o rather_o stupidity_n of_o the_o people_n in_o endure_v to_o be_v so_o intolerable_o abuse_v why_o shall_v reasonable_a creature_n be_v treat_v at_o this_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a rate_n as_o if_o they_o be_v unworthy_a to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o if_o that_o which_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o do_v be_v not_o fit_a for_o every_o man_n to_o know_v as_o if_o the_o common_a people_n have_v only_a body_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o no_o soul_n or_o as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o distract_a and_o out_o of_o their_o wit_n and_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o let_v in_o the_o light_n upon_o they_o but_o to_o speak_v more_o distinct_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n we_o charge_v they_o withal_o and_o which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o deny_v their_o perform_v the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o i_o shall_v first_o tell_v you_o what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v against_o these_o thing_n and_o then_o consider_v what_o they_o pretend_v for_o they_o 1._o as_o for_o their_o perform_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o tongue_n unknown_a to_o the_o people_n and_o i_o begin_v with_o st._n paul_n who_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n have_v a_o whole_a chapter_n on_o purpose_n to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o thing_n and_o how_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o christian_n his_o discourse_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o particular_o insist_v upon_o it_o erasmus_n in_o his_o annotation_n upon_o this_o chapter_n break_v out_o as_o well_o he_o may_v into_o admiration_n at_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o his_o time_n hâc_fw-la in_o re_fw-la mirum_fw-la quam_fw-la mutata_fw-la sit_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la consuetudo_fw-la it_o be_v wonderful_a say_v he_o how_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n be_v alter_v in_o this_o matter_n st._n paul_n have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n with_o understanding_n and_o so_o as_o to_o teach_v other_o than_o ten_o thousand_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n why_o do_v the_o church_n doubt_v to_o follow_v so_o great_a a_o authority_n or_o rather_o how_o dare_v she_o to_o dissent_v from_o it_o as_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n let_v origen_n bear_v witness_n the_o grecian_n say_v he_o in_o their_o 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it_o not_o only_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a use_n but_o necessity_n for_o pope_n gregory_n the_o seven_o forbid_v the_o prince_n of_o bohemia_n to_o permit_v to_o the_o people_n the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a office_n in_o the_o sclavonian_a tongue_n and_o command_v he_o to_o oppose_v they_o herein_o with_o all_o his_o force_n it_o seem_v he_o think_v it_o a_o cause_n worthy_a the_o fight_n for_o and_o that_o it_o be_v much_o better_a the_o people_n shall_v be_v kill_v than_o suffer_v to_o understand_v their_o prayer_n but_o let_v we_o reason_n this_o matter_n a_o little_a calm_o with_o they_o be_v it_o necessary_a for_o man_n to_o understand_v any_o thing_n they_o do_v in_o religion_n and_o be_v not_o prayer_n one_o of_o the_o most_o solemn_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v not_o man_n understand_v their_o pâ—ayers_n as_o well_o as_o any_o thing_n else_o they_o do_v in_o religion_n be_v it_o good_a that_o people_n shall_v understand_v their_o private_a 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