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nature_n abuse_v apt_a great_a 40 3 2.0850 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A56691 Search the Scriptures a treatise shewing that all Christians ought to read the Holy Books : with directions to them therein : in three parts. Patrick, Simon, 1626-1707. 1685 (1685) Wing P835; ESTC R23033 72,298 205

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they_o for_o else_o we_o shall_v not_o use_v due_a care_n not_o to_o cross_v they_o in_o our_o doctrine_n if_o we_o cross_v they_o in_o our_o deed_n but_o rather_o be_v content_a that_o by_o false_a gloss_n upon_o other_o place_n where_o the_o fraud_n will_v be_v less_o discernible_a the_o light_n of_o those_o glorious_a truth_n shall_v be_v obscure_v and_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o they_o enervate_v and_o break_v for_o what_o will_v not_o man_n say_v and_o do_v to_o defend_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n even_o against_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n which_o their_o bad_a assection_n teach_v they_o to_o oppose_v nay_o make_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o resist_v and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o give_v a_o few_o direction_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o if_o we_o observe_v in_o our_o read_v they_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v preserve_v from_o dangerous_a mistake_n but_o reap_v great_a benefit_n by_o they_o and_o i_o shall_v the_o rather_o do_v it_o because_o it_o will_v be_v a_o good_a introduction_n to_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n i._o the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v a_o rule_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o all_o science_n or_o part_n of_o knowledge_n viz_o to_o learn_v easy_a thing_n first_o we_o can_v have_v no_o sound_a understanding_n in_o the_o scripture_n unless_o we_o will_v follow_v their_o own_o method_n which_o be_v to_o learn_v first_o to_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o therein_o lie_v the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n as_o he_o often_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v against_o the_o very_a direction_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o to_o be_v so_o confident_a as_o to_o venture_v present_o into_o all_o the_o depth_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o to_o lose_v our_o time_n in_o puzzle_v our_o mind_n to_o untie_v the_o knot_n of_o difficult_a place_n for_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v salve_v but_o by_o those_o 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those_o who_o profession_n it_o be_v to_o devote_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o all_o holy_a writ_n even_o they_o must_v be_v sure_a for_o their_o own_o safety_n and_o other_o to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n well_o here_o by_o thorough_o digest_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v after_o godliness_n and_o deep_o tincture_v as_o i_o may_v say_v their_o mind_n therewith_o before_o they_o meddle_v with_o other_o matter_n for_o a_o sense_n of_o true_a goodness_n will_v be_v as_o a_o light_n to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o interpret_n those_o thing_n which_o seem_v dark_a and_o need_v something_o to_o illustrate_v they_o and_o what_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o shall_v be_v but_o something_o contain_v in_o the_o same_o book_n even_o the_o true_a light_n of_o life_n the_o light_n which_o chase_v away_o all_o man_n evil_a desire_n and_o the_o deed_n of_o darkness_n which_o make_v the_o soul_n pure_a and_o without_o prejudice_n which_o dispose_v it_o to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o love_v he_o and_o to_o love_v all_o man_n for_o his_o sake_n this_o will_v instruct_v we_o how_o to_o interpret_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o not_o suffer_v we_o to_o entertain_v any_o sense_n of_o they_o in_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o hinder_v the_o practice_n and_o increase_v of_o true_a godliness_n or_o prejudices_fw-la charity_n and_o disturb_v christian_a society_n but_o conform_v all_o our_o thought_n unto_o a_o happy_a agreement_n with_o those_o great_a and_o obvious_a truth_n which_o therefore_o let_v we_o observe_v and_o mark_v as_o the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o religion_n nay_o let_v we_o imprint_v they_o on_o our_o mind_n as_o the_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o remember_v and_o carry_v constant_o in_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v never_o admit_v any_o thing_n to_o their_o prejudice_n for_o unless_o we_o be_v thus_o dispose_v we_o shall_v not_o only_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o confound_v all_o thing_n and_o overturn_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v be_v just_a like_o that_o fool_n who_o melancthon_n speak_v of_o who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o carry_v fuel_n daily_o to_o the_o kitchen_n and_o come_v to_o a_o great_a pile_n of_o wood_n where_o little_a piece_n lay_v uppermost_a and_o the_o great_a below_n he_o will_v needs_o begin_v at_o the_o bottom_n for_o which_o he_o give_v this_o wise_a reason_n that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o do_v the_o hard_a work_n first_o and_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v better_a able_a to_o deal_v with_o that_o which_o be_v easy_a i_o need_v not_o make_v the_o application_n to_o those_o who_o love_v to_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o some_o deep_a and_o i_o may_v say_v dangerous_a point_n if_o not_o well_o understand_v before_o they_o be_v well_o study_v in_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o godliness_n and_o have_v learn_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n this_o be_v a_o preposterous_a course_n contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a light_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n which_o teach_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o make_v this_o inquiry_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o we_o be_v sure_a none_o can_v be_v save_v but_o they_o who_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o faith_n therefore_o teach_v we_o to_o study_v his_o precept_n before_o we_o meddle_v with_o other_o matter_n and_o these_o precept_n as_o they_o be_v not_o grievous_a to_o those_o that_o obey_v they_o so_o they_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v learn_v in_o order_n to_o that_o obedience_n but_o whatsoever_o concern_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n in_o the_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v of_o parent_n and_o child_n husband_n and_o wife_n master_n and_o servant_n prince_n and_o people_n teacher_n and_o learner_n be_v all_o i_o have_v show_v deliver_v here_o with_o such_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n that_o no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o teach_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n about_o these_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n together_o with_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o christian_a faith_n we_o must_v employ_v our_o most_o earnest_a care_n to_o settle_v they_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o bring_v these_o thing_n into_o our_o mind_n i_o must_v add_v another_o rule_n no_o less_o necessary_a than_o this_o which_o be_v ii_o that_o to_o do_v what_o we_o know_v be_v the_o way_n to_o know_v more_o what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v this_o i_o have_v suggest_v already_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o commend_v the_o serious_a practice_n of_o one_o particular_a duty_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_o mention_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o from_o thence_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v it_o be_v of_o exceed_v great_a moment_n it_o be_v humility_n not_o to_o think_v of_o ourselves_o more_o high_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v nor_o to_o be_v wise_a in_o our_o own_o conceit_n but_o to_o think_v sober_o and_o to_o be_v lowly_a in_o our_o own_o eye_n there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o precept_n of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o these_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o study_v diligent_o and_o then_o hearty_o obey_v who_o will_v advance_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n for_o the_o meek_a i._n e._n the_o humble_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n if_o a_o man_n begin_v at_o first_o to_o think_v wrong_a of_o himself_o he_o be_v not_o like_a to_o hit_v right_a in_o other_o thing_n but_o the_o easy_a mistake_n in_o they_o when_o he_o have_v suffer_v such_o a_o cheat_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o he_o as_o to_o have_v a_o
vain_a opinion_n of_o himself_o who_o he_o have_v better_a opportunity_n to_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o think_v right_a in_o the_o first_o thing_n he_o inquire_v into_o have_v great_a encouragement_n and_o security_n to_o proceed_v with_o hope_n of_o good_a success_n in_o all_o that_o follow_v it_o be_v true_a when_o a_o man_n know_v himself_o he_o find_v that_o he_o be_v a_o creature_n apt_a to_o mistake_v prone_a to_o judge_v amiss_o forward_o to_o follow_v little_a fancy_n rather_o than_o reason_n or_o reason_n dip_v in_o passion_n and_o interest_n and_o to_o forsake_v that_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o unbiased_a but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o discouragement_n or_o hindrance_n to_o he_o in_o search_v after_o god_n holy_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o dispose_v he_o for_o it_o and_o will_v secure_v he_o in_o it_o for_o if_o he_o keep_v this_o humble_a sense_n in_o his_o mind_n how_o weak_a and_o frail_a a_o creature_n he_o be_v it_o will_v do_v he_o great_a service_n by_o preserve_v he_o from_o rashness_n in_o embrace_v any_o thing_n without_o great_a deliberation_n and_o much_o more_o from_o hastiness_n in_o vent_v any_o singular_a conceit_n and_o still_o much_o more_o from_o pertinacity_n in_o defend_v it_o if_o it_o be_v vent_v and_o most_o of_o all_o from_o faction_n and_o side_v and_o uncharitable_a course_n and_o from_o that_o great_a danger_n of_o mistake_v and_o never_o reform_v a_o erroneous_a understanding_n more_o particular_o in_o this_o business_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n this_o humble_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n will_v first_o make_v he_o read_v they_o with_o great_a care_n attention_n and_o diligence_n remember_v how_o prone_a he_o be_v to_o mistake_v even_o when_o he_o be_v very_o serious_a and_o therefore_o second_o it_o will_v make_v he_o distrust_v his_o own_o best_a endeavour_n without_o divine_a assistance_n which_o he_o will_v pray_v and_o wait_v for_o with_o a_o humility_n as_o great_a as_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o three_o it_o will_v dispose_v he_o to_o listen_v unto_o and_o inquire_v after_o the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o man_n who_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v able_a than_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v of_o they_o four_o and_o more_o particular_o incline_v he_o to_o follow_v the_o guide_n of_o soul_n not_o with_o a_o blind_a obedience_n but_o with_o a_o due_a attention_n to_o their_o direction_n and_o a_o great_a deference_n to_o their_o judgement_n and_o where_o any_o doubt_n be_v public_o determine_v a_o quiet_a submission_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o last_o to_o name_n no_o more_o content_v himself_o with_o plain_a and_o safe_a and_o necessary_a thing_n at_o least_o preserve_v he_o from_o be_v too_o forward_o before_o he_o be_v well_o prepare_v to_o meddle_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o within_o every_o body_n reach_n now_o when_o we_o consider_v all_o these_o bless_a effect_n of_o humility_n we_o can_v but_o say_v it_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n from_o god_n who_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a st_o austin_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o this_o that_o he_o advise_v dioscurus_n vi_o epist_n i_o vi_o not_o to_o think_v of_o any_o other_o way_n to_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o that_o alone_a which_o god_n himself_o who_o know_v how_o weak_a we_o be_v and_o how_o apt_a to_o slip_v have_v chalk_v out_o for_o we_o ea_fw-la est_fw-la autem_fw-la prima_fw-la humilitas_fw-la secunda_fw-la humilitas_fw-la tertia_fw-la humilita_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o that_o way_n be_v first_o humility_n second_o humility_n three_o humility_n and_o shall_v thou_o ask_v i_o never_o so_o often_o about_o the_o way_n i_o will_v give_v thou_o no_o other_o answer_n not_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o precept_n to_o be_v learn_v but_o unless_o humility_n in_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v do_v first_o go_v before_o and_o second_o accompany_v and_o three_o follow_v after_o pride_n and_o vain_a conceit_n while_o we_o be_v please_v ourselves_o in_o our_o good_a deed_n will_v wrest_v all_o the_o profit_n of_o it_o out_o of_o our_o hand_n and_o make_v we_o lose_v our_o labour_n vitia_n quip_n cetera_fw-la in_o peccatis_fw-la superbia_fw-la verò_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o rectè_fw-la factis_fw-la timenda_fw-la est_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o though_o we_o need_v fear_v no_o other_o vice_n but_o when_o we_o do_v ill_a yet_o this_o may_v steal_v upon_o we_o even_o when_o we_o do_v well_o and_o great_a care_n must_v be_v use_v lest_o by_o the_o desire_n of_o praise_n we_o spoil_v those_o action_n which_o be_v real_o praiseworthy_a therefore_o as_o the_o noble_a orator_n when_o he_o be_v ask_v what_o he_o think_v be_v chief_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o eloquence_n be_v say_v to_o have_v answer_v pronunciation_n and_o be_v ask_v what_o next_o still_o answer_v pronunciation_n and_o the_o three_o time_n be_v ask_v the_o same_o question_n again_o reply_v nothing_o but_o pronunciation_n so_o as_o oft_o as_o thou_o shall_v ask_v i_o of_o the_o precept_n of_o christian_a religion_n i_o will_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o answer_v any_o thing_n but_o humility_n this_o wholesome_a humility_n then_o which_o that_o our_o lord_n may_v teach_v we_o he_o humble_v himself_o let_v we_o careful_o learn_v yea_o let_v we_o be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n as_o st._n peter_n speak_v and_o always_o carry_v in_o mind_n that_o of_o st._n paul_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o there_o be_v danger_n in_o read_v and_o get_v knowledge_n unless_o humility_n usher_v it_o in_o and_o attend_v upon_o it_o and_o perpetual_o go_v along_o with_o it_o for_o it_o will_v not_o minister_v to_o the_o nourish_a of_o goodness_n but_o to_o the_o feed_v our_o ambition_n and_o foment_v contention_n and_o inflame_v of_o indiscreet_a zeal_n and_o thereby_o trouble_v the_o state_n of_o god_n church_n but_o humility_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o meekness_n and_o peaceableness_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v both_o most_o capable_a of_o wisdom_n and_o also_o most_o fit_a to_o communicate_v it_o unto_o other_o with_o advantage_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v as_o lovely_a to_o they_o as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o royal_a prophet_n for_o it_o in_o the_o place_n before_o mention_v xxv_o psal_n 9_o and_o of_o his_o great_a son_n solomon_n who_o maxim_n this_o be_v with_o the_o lowly_a be_v wisdom_n xi_o prov._n 2._o and_o which_o be_v more_o than_o all_o of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o thank_v his_o heavenly_a father_n xi_o mat._n 25._o because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a that_o be_v from_o the_o self-conceited_a pharisee_n and_o reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n single-hearted_n and_o humble_a person_n even_o so_o father_n for_o so_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n this_o be_v most_o agreeable_a and_o please_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o communicate_v itself_o not_o to_o those_o who_o think_v themselves_o wise_a but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v true_o desirous_a and_o studious_a so_o to_o be_v and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o three_o rule_n which_o be_v a_o general_a one_o too_o and_o arise_v from_o the_o former_a iii_o which_o suppose_v that_o do_v god_n will_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n at_o which_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o aim_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o thence_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o propound_v no_o other_o end_n to_o ourselves_o in_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n but_o that_o we_o may_v thereby_o grow_v more_o holy_a and_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o this_o be_v not_o always_o our_o end_n we_o and_o these_o holy_a book_n do_v not_o design_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o so_o we_o be_v never_o like_a to_o meet_v their_o design_n it_o be_v visible_a be_v to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n to_o purify_v we_o even_o as_o our_o lord_n be_v pure_a to_o help_v we_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n if_o we_o aim_v not_o therefore_o at_o this_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v to_o we_o if_o we_o lie_v aside_o these_o thought_n and_o divert_v to_o something_o else_o in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v wander_v in_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a speculation_n and_o perhaps_o trouble_v the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o with_o unnecessary_a doctrine_n which_o engender_v strife_n and_o destroy_v charity_n and_o disturb_v peace_n and_o turn_v man_n quite_o away_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n if_o we_o will_v be_v true_o know_v and_o thorough_o wise_a with_o the_o scripture-wisdom_n we_o must_v ever_o draw_v all_o we_o know_v and_o meet_v