to_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v obscure_a and_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a and_o of_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n either_o the_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n must_v be_v plain_o and_o clear_o express_v in_o scripture_n or_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o and_o to_o say_v god_n will_v damn_v we_o for_o not_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o give_v we_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v be_v to_o charge_v he_o with_o the_o most_o outrageous_a oppression_n and_o injustice_n but_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o though_o god_n have_v not_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n yet_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o for_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o all_o 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the_o altar_n all_o which_o be_v as_o remote_a from_o their_o sense_n as_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n what_o great_a certainty_n have_v they_o with_o their_o infallibility_n than_o we_o without_o it_o we_o can_v know_v as_o well_o the_o sense_n of_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n as_o of_o plain_a text_n of_o council_n or_o creed_n or_o catechism_n and_o we_o can_v as_o easy_o pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v not_o plain_a even_o general_a council_n you_o see_v for_o all_o their_o infallibility_n may_v be_v mistake_v about_o they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o so_o that_o when_o all_o come_v to_o all_o by_o forsake_v the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o scripture_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o that_o church_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o arrive_v at_o a_o great_a certainty_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o be_v involve_v in_o great_a uncertainty_n than_o ever_o but_o 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and_o sinful_a prejudices_fw-la or_o will_v not_o submit_v our_o understanding_n to_o it_o upon_o the_o clear_a conviction_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o we_o may_v be_v ignorant_a and_o we_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o it_o be_v but_o just_a and_o fit_a that_o we_o shall_v and_o if_o notwithstanding_o these_o fault_n we_o can_v not_o err_v for_o god_n sake_n what_o virtue_n will_v it_o be_v to_o be_v orthodox_n but_o if_o with_o honest_a humble_a and_o teachable_a mind_n we_o will_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o divine_a revelation_n we_o shall_v there_o find_v all_o the_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n so_o clear_o and_o plain_o propose_v to_o we_o that_o it_o will_v be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o we_o either_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o deceive_v about_o they_o so_o that_o by_o rely_v on_o scripture_n you_o see_v we_o be_v expose_v to_o no_o other_o uncertainty_n than_o just_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v our_o faith_n a_o 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they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o be_v infallible_a which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v we_o must_v believe_v as_o much_o upon_o scripture_n authority_n as_o will_v serve_v their_o turn_n and_o no_o more_o but_o may_v i_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o two_o fundamental_a principle_n upon_o scripture_n authority_n or_o no_o if_o i_o may_v why_o may_v i_o not_o as_o well_o be_v infallible_o certain_a upon_o the_o same_o authority_n of_o other_o principle_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o those_o see_v there_o be_v no_o common_a principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o what_o be_v at_o least_o as_o plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n as_o these_o but_o this_o will_v spoil_v all_o for_o if_o man_n may_v be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n upon_o scripture_n authority_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n rely_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o this_o principle_n that_o man_n can_v arrive_v at_o no_o infallible_a certainty_n in_o religion_n by_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o indeed_o any_o other_o authority_n but_o the_o church_n but_o if_o i_o can_v be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o those_o two_o principle_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o infallible_a by_o those_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o urge_v to_o prove_v they_o how_o can_v i_o be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o declare_v and_o define_v for_o if_o i_o be_o not_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n for_o all_o i_o know_v the_o church_n may_v be_v infallible_a and_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v and_o if_o i_o be_o not_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v infallible_a for_o all_o i_o know_v they_o may_v
the_o christian_a life_n wherein_o be_v show_v i._o the_o worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o the_o soul_n ii_o the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n iii_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n iv._o a_o dissuasive_a from_o apostasy_n vol._n v._o and_o last_o by_o john_n scott_n d._n d._n late_a rector_n of_o st._n gile_n in_o the_o field_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxcix_o to_o the_o honourable_a susanna_n noel_n mother_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a baptist_n earl_n of_o gainsborough_n this_o last_o volume_n of_o the_o work_n of_o my_o dear_a decease_a friend_n the_o reverend_a dr._n scott_n be_v humble_o and_o grateful_o dedicate_v by_o her_o honour_n most_o oblige_v and_o most_o devote_a servant_n humphrey_z zouch_n the_o content_n discourse_n i._o of_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o connexion_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o text_n p._n 1_o 2._o the_o inestimable_a price_n and_o value_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o own_o natural_a capacity_n represent_v under_o 4_o head_n viz._n it_o be_v capacity_n of_o understanding_n p._n 5_o 6._o of_o moral_a perfection_n p._n 7_o 8_o 9_o of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n p._n 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o of_o immortality_n p._n 14._o to_o p._n 19_o of_o what_o esteem_v the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o best_a know_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o whole_a world_n of_o spirit_n p._n 20._o to_o p._n 32._o four_o inference_n from_o hence_o p._n 33._o to_o p._n 43._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o lose_v one_o soul_n explain_v p._n 44._o the_o soul_n liable_a to_o a_o sevenfold_a damage_n in_o the_o other_o world_n p._n 45._o to_o p._n 65._o seven_o cause_n of_o the_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o of_o incur_v this_o damage_n p._n 66._o to_o p._n 89._o man_n may_v forsake_v christ_n and_o thereby_o lose_v their_o soul_n 4_o way_n by_o a_o total_a apostasy_n p._n 90_o 91._o by_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o doctrine_n p._n 92_o 93._o by_o obstinate_a heresy_n p._n 93_o 94_o 95._o by_o a_o wilful_a course_n of_o disobedience_n of_o which_o there_o be_v three_o degree_n the_o first_o proceed_v from_o a_o wilful_a ignorance_n of_o christ_n law_n the_o 2d_o from_o a_o wilful_a inconsideration_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o they_o the_o 3d_o from_o a_o obstinacy_n in_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n p._n 95._o to_o 103._o four_o reason_n why_o our_o forsake_v of_o christ_n infer_v this_o fearful_a loss_n of_o our_o soul_n p._n 104._o to_o 115._o that_o god_n if_o he_o be_v so_o determine_v may_v without_o any_o injury_n either_o to_o his_o justice_n or_o goodness_n detain_v lose_v soul_n in_o the_o bondage_n of_o hell_n for_o ever_o prove_v in_o 6_o proposition_n p._n 117._o to_o 130._o that_o god_n be_v actual_o determine_v so_o to_o do_v demonstrate_v by_o 3_o argument_n p._n 131._o to_o 139._o a_o comparison_n between_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n in_o 6_o particular_n whereby_o be_v show_v of_o which_o side_n the_o advantage_n lie_v p._n 140._o to_o 164._o discourse_n ii_o of_o the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n a_o general_n explication_n of_o this_o term._n the_o word_n p._n 166._o a_o full_a account_n of_o it_o in_o 4_o proposition_n show_v that_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o theology_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n 167._o to_o 174._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o from_o that_o ancient_a theology_n p._n 174_o 176._o that_o in_o that_o theology_n it_o signify_v a_o vital_a and_o divine_a subsistence_n p._n 176._o to_o 180._o and_o that_o our_o saviour_n to_o who_o it_o be_v apply_v in_o the_o newtestament_n be_v that_o vital_a and_o divine_a subsistence_n p._n 180_o 181_o 182._o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n denote_v 4_o thing_n to_o be_v generate_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o father_n to_o be_v the_o perfect_a image_n of_o that_o mind_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o father_n mind_n and_o to_o be_v the_o executer_n of_o it_o and_o in_o these_o be_v found_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v call_v the_o word_n p._n 183._o to_o 196._o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n p._n 197_o 198._o five_o inference_n from_o this_o doctrine_n p._n 199._o to_o 213._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n dwell_v among_o we_o explain_v p._n 215._o to_o 225._o he_o be_v dwell_v among_o we_o full_a of_o grace_n explain_v in_o five_o particular_n p._n 226._o to_o 245._o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o full_a of_o truth_n explain_v in_o general_a p._n 246_o to_o 256._o four_o instance_n of_o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o full_a of_o truth_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o that_o obscure_a typical_a way_n of_o his_o tabernacle_v among_o the_o jew_n p._n 247._o to_o 270._o four_o inference_n the_o first_o from_o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o p._n 270._o to_o 277._o the_o second_o from_o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o full_a of_o grace_n and_o that_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o own_o personal_a disposition_n p._n 277._o to_o 280._o 2._o of_o his_o law_n p._n 281_o 282_o 283._o 3_o of_o the_o gracious_a pardon_n which_o he_o have_v procure_v for_o we_o and_o promise_v to_o we_o p._n 284_o 285_o 286._o 4._o of_o the_o abundant_a assistance_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o vouchsafe_v we_o p._n 287_o 288._o and_o 5._o of_o the_o glorious_a recompense_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o and_o prepare_v for_o we_o p._n 289_o 290._o the_o 3d_o from_o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o full_a of_o truth_n p._n 291._o to_o 296._o the_o four_o from_o all_o these_o lay_v together_o he_o dwell_v among_o we_o full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n p._n 297._o to_o 305._o the_o glory_n of_o the_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n behold_v consist_v in_o 4_o thing_n 1._o a_o visible_a splendour_n and_o brightness_n which_o encompass_v he_o at_o his_o baptism_n and_o transfiguration_n p._n 307._o to_o 311._o 2._o those_o great_a and_o stupendous_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v p._n 311_o 312_o 313._o 3._o the_o surpass_a excellency_n and_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n p._n 314._o to_o 317._o 4._o the_o incomparable_a sanctity_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o life_n p._n 317._o to_o 321._o this_o expression_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only-begotten_a son_n explain_v p._n 321_o 322._o that_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v such_o as_o become_v the_o only-begotten_a son_n of_o the_o father_n prove_v in_o the_o several_a particular_n â—â—herein_o it_o consist_v p._n 323._o to_o 336._o four_o inference_n from_o this_o fourfold_a glory_n of_o the_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n see_v p._n 337._o to_o the_o end_n dis._n 3._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o fullness_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n prove_v in_o 3_o proposition_n 1._o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inspire_v the_o writer_n of_o they_o with_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a 〈◊〉_d eternal_a life_n p._n 364._o 2._o that_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n all_o those_o necessary_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v p._n 365._o 3._o that_o all_o those_o necessary_a truth_n which_o they_o preach_v be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o scripture_n p._n 366._o to_o 380._o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o scripture_n prove_v 1._o from_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n p._n 381._o to_o 386._o 2._o from_o the_o avow_a design_n of_o write_v it_o p._n 387_o 388._o 3._o from_o the_o frequent_a command_v god_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o read_v it_o p._n 389_o 390._o 4._o from_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v and_o receive_v all_o those_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n contain_v in_o it_o p._n 391._o four_o consideration_n in_o answer_n to_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o reveal_v clear_o in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o since_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o condact_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n p._n 392._o to_o the_o end_n dis._n iu._n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o people_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o search_v and_o read_v the_o scripture_n prove_v 1._o from_o the_o obligation_n the_o jew_n be_v under_o to_o read_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a test_n p._n 408_o 409._o 2._o from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n apprebation_n of_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n p._n 410_o 411._o 3._o from_o the_o great_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n p._n 412_o 413._o
because_o he_o have_v express_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o determine_v for_o so_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o be_v the_o great_a messenger_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n have_v express_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o final_a sentence_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v to_o everlasting_a fire_n matth_n 25._o 41._o and_o that_o the_o fate_n of_o obstinate_a sinner_n who_o he_o compare_v to_o chaff_n shall_v be_v to_o be_v burn_v up_o with_o unquenchable_a fire_n but_o perhaps_o you_o may_v object_v that_o these_o text_n only_o prove_v the_o everlastingness_n of_o the_o fire_n in_o which_o they_o shall_v suffer_v and_o not_o their_o everlasting_a suffer_v in_o it_o for_o this_o fire_n perhaps_o may_v immediate_o consume_v and_o utter_o destroy_v they_o and_o render_v they_o insensible_a of_o misery_n for_o ever_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o contrary_n be_v most_o evident_a for_o they_o be_v express_o say_v to_o live_v in_o this_o fire_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o function_n of_o live_a being_n in_a misery_n to_o weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v their_o tooth_n matth._n 13._o 42._o and_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o dives_n he_o be_v say_v to_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n in_o hell_n be_v in_o torment_n and_o to_o see_v abraham_n afar_o off_o and_o lazarus_n in_o his_o bosom_n and_o to_o cry_v out_o to_o abraham_n father_n abraham_n have_v mercy_n on_o i_o and_o send_v lazarus_n that_o he_o may_v dip_v the_o tip_n of_o his_o finger_n in_o water_n and_o cool_v my_o tongue_n for_o i_o be_o torment_v in_o this_o flame_n luke_n 16._o 23._o a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o this_o fire_n be_v to_o torment_v and_o not_o to_o consume_v they_o well_o but_o this_o you_o will_v say_v import_v no_o more_o than_o their_o be_v torture_v in_o hell_n for_o some_o period_n of_o time_n after_o which_o it_o may_v be_v they_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v and_o consequent_o to_o be_v miserable_a to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o elsewhere_o it_o be_v express_o assert_v that_o this_o torture_n be_v to_o endure_v for_o ever_o for_o these_o say_v our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n matth._n 25._o 46._o and_o how_o can_v their_o punishment_n be_v everlasting_a unless_o we_o suppose_v they_o to_o subsist_v everlasting_o in_o it_o if_o you_o say_v it_o be_v everlasting_a only_o as_o it_o be_v a_o everlasting_a destruction_n or_o privation_n of_o their_o be_v i_o answer_v that_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v express_o assert_v that_o this_o everlasting_a punishment_n be_v a_o positive_a thing_n for_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v mark_v 9_o 44._o that_o be_v that_o to_o all_o eternity_n life_n and_o prey_v upon_o the_o wretched_a sufferer_n and_o more_o express_o yet_o revel_v 20._o 10._o those_o that_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n be_v say_v to_o be_v torment_v there_o day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o where_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v plain_o denote_v positive_a torment_n and_o refer_v peculiar_o to_o a_o rack_n denote_v the_o kind_n of_o this_o positive_a torment_n to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o design_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o life_n but_o to_o continue_v they_o with_o inexpressible_a pain_n for_o this_o we_o know_v be_v the_o proper_a use_n and_o design_n of_o a_o rack_n and_o according_o upon_o this_o torment_a rack_n of_o hellish_a punishment_n they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v no_o rest_n day_n nor_o night_n rev._n 14._o 11._o so_o that_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o lose_a soul_n be_v as_o full_o and_o express_o assert_v in_o scripture_n as_o it_o can_v well_o have_v be_v have_v it_o be_v express_v with_o a_o design_n to_o leave_v no_o pretence_n of_o exception_n for_o gainsayer_n and_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v as_o plain_o assert_v to_o be_v as_o it_o can_v well_o have_v be_v if_o it_o real_o be_v either_o we_o must_v suppose_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v or_o else_o the_o assertion_n to_o be_v fallacious_a so_o that_o if_o we_o think_v that_o god_n own_o word_n do_v true_o signify_v his_o determination_n we_o must_v from_o hence_o be_v force_v to_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v real_o determine_v to_o shut_v up_o lose_v soul_n in_o eternal_a misery_n and_o admit_v no_o ransom_n for_o they_o 3_o and_o last_o this_o also_o appear_v because_o if_o after_o he_o have_v thus_o declare_v himself_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v not_o determine_v to_o act_v according_o that_o reason_n will_v warrant_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o this_o declaration_n be_v only_o intend_v for_o a_o scarecrow_n and_o consequent_o to_o contemn_v and_o despise_v it_o for_o against_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o may_v be_v and_o be_v by_o some_o man_n object_v that_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v as_o he_o threaten_v that_o when_o by_o our_o disobedience_n we_o have_v incur_v the_o penalty_n he_o threaten_v he_o have_v a_o undoubted_a right_n indeed_o to_o inflict_v it_o upon_o we_o and_o consequent_o may_v if_o he_o please_v inflict_v it_o without_o any_o wrong_n or_o injustice_n but_o then_o if_o he_o please_v he_o may_v dispense_v with_o it_o too_o either_o in_o the_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n as_o he_o see_v convenient_a for_o the_o punishment_n be_v only_o a_o debt_n which_o the_o sinner_n owe_v to_o he_o he_o be_v no_o more_o oblige_v than_o other_o creditor_n be_v to_o exact_v the_o utmost_a farthing_n of_o it_o but_o may_v exact_v or_o remit_v the_o whole_a or_o abate_v what_o part_n soever_o he_o please_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o he_o be_v a_o merciful_a creditor_n will_v not_o be_v so_o extreme_a and_o rigorous_a as_o to_o exact_v of_o we_o the_o utmost_a punishment_n we_o owe_v he_o but_o that_o when_o he_o have_v make_v we_o smart_v a_o while_n for_o our_o folly_n he_o will_v either_o release_v we_o into_o a_o more_o happy_a condition_n or_o put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o being_n and_o misery_n together_o to_o which_o i_o may_v answer_v that_o when_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o have_v forfeit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o just_a vengeance_n of_o god_n it_o be_v infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o other_o to_o punish_v we_o according_a to_o his_o threaten_v and_o therefore_o when_o we_o by_o our_o sin_n have_v render_v ourselves_o incapable_a of_o his_o mercy_n that_o mercy_n which_o now_o incline_v he_o to_o do_v good_a to_o we_o will_v then_o equal_o incline_v he_o to_o good_a to_o other_o by_o the_o dreadful_a example_n of_o our_o punishment_n and_o so_o he_o may_v be_v a_o very_a merciful_a creditor_n and_o notwithstanding_o exact_v of_o we_o the_o utmost_a farthing_n but_o this_o i_o have_v already_o large_o insist_v on_o and_o therefore_o two_o i_o answer_v that_o what_o god_n may_v do_v be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o determine_v when_o he_o may_v or_o may_v not_o and_o be_v oblige_v to_o neither_o but_o when_o he_o have_v express_o denounce_v what_o 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sovereign_a and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v no_o more_o a_o reject_v god_n rule_n for_o israel_n to_o desire_v a_o king_n than_o it_o be_v for_o france_n or_o spain_n or_o england_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o israelite_n do_v not_o reject_v god_n divine_a dominion_n which_o he_o claim_v over_o the_o world_n as_o the_o omnipotent_a creator_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o than_o their_o desire_n of_o a_o king_n have_v be_v idolatry_n and_o the_o king_n who_o they_o desire_v have_v be_v idol_n or_o false_a go_n it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o it_o be_v his_o political_a dominion_n only_o which_o they_o reject_v by_o desire_v another_o king_n to_o reign_v in_o his_o stead_n which_o he_o interpret_v as_o their_o intention_n to_o rob_v and_o divest_v he_o of_o that_o civil_a authority_n which_o till_o then_o he_o have_v claim_v and_o exercise_v among_o they_o so_o that_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o their_o desire_n be_v this_o god_n shall_v no_o long_o be_v our_o civil_a sovereign_n but_o 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shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o report_n and_o testify_v the_o miracle_n of_o a_o man_n who_o they_o have_v late_o see_v crucify_v before_o their_o eye_n when_o they_o know_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v all_o a_o mere_a forgery_n and_o can_v not_o but_o foresee_v that_o by_o persist_v in_o it_o they_o shall_v incur_v a_o inevitable_a ruin_n in_o this_o life_n and_o a_o eternal_a damnation_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v there_o ever_o such_o a_o desperate_a piece_n of_o madness_n hear_v of_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n and_o yet_o this_o monstrous_a thing_n which_o be_v by_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o incredible_a than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o must_v not_o only_o imagine_v may_v be_v but_o believe_v that_o it_o real_o be_v or_o else_o confess_v that_o st._n john_n say_v true_a here_o that_o they_o do_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o 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the_o world_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o if_o we_o impartial_o compare_v they_o but_o our_o reason_n will_v soon_o give_v its_o vote_n for_o christianity_n if_o you_o inquire_v for_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o enthusiastic_a poet_n of_o the_o heathen_a how_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a be_v that_o religion_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o theology_n of_o hesiod_n the_o hymn_n of_o orpheus_n the_o ode_n of_o pindar_n and_o the_o poem_n of_o homer_n virgil_n and_o ovid_n if_o you_o consult_v the_o heathen_a oracle_n of_o delphos_n dodona_n and_o jupiter_n hammon_n how_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a how_o uncertain_a and_o fallacious_a be_v all_o their_o response_n beside_o that_o the_o book_n and_o record_n of_o they_o be_v long_o since_o perish_v and_o consume_v if_o you_o inquire_v for_o this_o revelation_n in_o the_o old_a roman_a theology_n which_o numa_n pretend_v to_o receive_v from_o his_o goddess_n egeria_n that_o also_o be_v lose_v be_v burn_v by_o the_o roman_a senate_n as_o valerius_n maximus_n tell_v we_o for_o that_o it_o contain_v many_o thing_n in_o it_o not_o only_o destructive_a to_o the_o god_n and_o religion_n of_o other_o country_n but_o also_o to_o his_o own_o and_o the_o roman_a profession_n or_o shall_v we_o confront_v christianity_n with_o the_o koran_n of_o mahomet_n which_o he_o often_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n there_o we_o shall_v find_v every_o page_n almost_o abound_v with_o monstrous_a cheat_n and_o imposture_n the_o whole_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o confuse_a medley_n of_o impious_a and_o contemptible_a foppery_n heap_v together_o by_o a_o triumvirate_n of_o arian_n jew_n and_o pagan_n who_o be_v all_o of_o they_o know_v impostor_n in_o the_o age_n wherein_o they_o live_v so_o that_o to_o confront_v christianity_n with_o any_o of_o these_o be_v to_o light_v up_o a_o rush_n candle_n and_o resolve_v to_o outface_v the_o sun_n with_o it_o for_o as_o for_o christianity_n it_o be_v a_o religion_n make_v up_o of_o the_o most_o divine_a and_o godlike_a institution_n its_o precept_n be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o god_n enjoin_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v either_o true_a godliness_n and_o most_o generous_a morality_n or_o what_o be_v the_o most_o efficacious_a mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o promote_a they_o and_o as_o for_o its_o doctrine_n it_o partly_o consist_v of_o those_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o all_o wise_a man_n of_o whatsoever_o nation_n or_o religion_n have_v own_v and_o acknowledge_v such_o as_o the_o existence_n unity_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n together_o with_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n wherein_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a
know_v the_o primitive_a tradition_n never_o admit_v as_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o it_o be_v notorious_a to_o all_o the_o world_n how_o many_o book_n and_o write_n they_o have_v forge_v and_o how_o many_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n they_o have_v geld_v and_o interpolate_v to_o defend_v and_o support_v those_o pretend_a tradition_n which_o they_o have_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o after_o she_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o so_o many_o apparent_a falsification_n we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o we_o shall_v still_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v she_o upon_o her_o own_o bare_a word_n for_o in_o the_o three_o place_n at_o this_o rate_n of_o proceed_v we_o must_v in_o many_o instance_n condemn_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o compliment_n to_o those_o of_o the_o present_a roman_a which_o if_o we_o believe_v our_o own_o eye_n and_o the_o most_o authentic_a history_n and_o record_n of_o those_o time_n do_v express_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o since_o if_o we_o will_v never_o so_o fain_o we_o can_v never_o believe_v both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n we_o must_v in_o believe_v the_o one_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o the_o other_o nay_o four_o and_o last_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v persuade_v as_o we_o think_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v that_o many_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o only_o not_o mention_v in_o scripture_n but_o direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n their_o perform_v divine_a service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n which_o we_o think_v be_v as_o contrary_a to_o 1_o cor._n 14._o as_o one_o proposition_n can_v be_v to_o another_o yet_o if_o that_o church_n definition_n do_v by_o their_o own_o authority_n oblige_v our_o faith_n we_o must_v believe_v she_o against_o scripture_n itself_o and_o this_o we_o think_v intolerable_a that_o any_o church_n of_o christian_a shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o upon_o the_o most_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n they_o be_v very_o persuade_v it_o contradict_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o one_o or_o tother_o must_v be_v make_v void_a we_o think_v it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o the_o voice_n of_o her_o pretend_a unwritten_a word_n shall_v be_v silence_v by_o that_o more_o certain_a one_o of_o the_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n but_o after_o all_o if_o what_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v be_v prove_v viz._n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o conduct_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n this_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o evacuate_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v for_o this_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n for_o god_n and_o nature_n we_o know_v do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a and_o therefore_o if_o one_o word_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a viz._n that_o which_o be_v write_v what_o need_n have_v we_o of_o this_o other_o which_o be_v unwritten_a and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o necessary_a property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v full_a and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o as_o to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o ii_o the_o second_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o intelligible_a to_o those_o who_o faith_n and_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a to_o all_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n that_o it_o be_v throughout_o so_o in_o all_o its_o proposal_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n not_o only_o in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n but_o also_o in_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n hard_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o exceed_v the_o apprehension_n of_o common_a capacity_n but_o also_o puzzle_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o most_o acute_a and_o profound_a enquirer_n but_o that_o which_o i_o assert_v be_v this_o that_o all_o those_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o manner_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o practice_v in_o order_n to_o their_o attainment_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v so_o plain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v no_o honest_a teachable_a mind_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v common_a sense_n but_o may_v from_o thence_o receive_v full_a information_n of_o they_o upon_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a enquiry_n and_o though_o in_o some_o text_n these_o necessary_n be_v not_o so_o plain_o propose_v as_o in_o other_o yet_o in_o some_o text_n or_o other_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o plain_o propose_v that_o no_o man_n can_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o still_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o without_o be_v wilful_o blind_a for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o out_o of_o it_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v 1._o from_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n 2._o from_o the_o avow_a design_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n 3._o from_o the_o frequent_a command_v god_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n 4._o from_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v and_o receive_v all_o those_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n contain_v in_o it_o 1._o from_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n at_o least_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a and_o plaâ—n_a for_o to_o be_v sure_a if_o in_o any_o thing_n the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a it_o be_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o know_v and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v obscure_a in_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v it_o be_v plain_a in_o nothing_o but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o many_o thing_n plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v evident_a from_o its_o own_o testimony_n for_o thus_o of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n it_o be_v express_o affirm_v by_o moses_n this_o commandment_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n it_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o neither_o be_v it_o far_o off_o deut._n 30._o 11._o where_o moses_n speak_v not_o only_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n which_o consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v upon_o that_o account_n more_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o of_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o moses_n in_o general_a whether_o ceremonial_a judicial_a or_o natural_a for_o so_o v_o 16._o this_o commandment_n we_o find_v contain_v as_o well_o the_o statute_n and_o judgement_n as_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n all_o which_o must_v take_v in_o the_o whole_a mosaic_a institution_n and_o according_o ps._n 119._o 105._o david_n call_v this_o word_n of_o god_n a_o lamp_n unto_o his_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o his_o path_n which_o how_o can_v it_o be_v if_o it_o do_v not_o burn_v clear_a enough_o to_o guide_v and_o direct_v he_o and_o if_o it_o do_v then_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o burn_v clear_a enough_o to_o direct_v he_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o be_v direct_v again_o in_o the_o 19_o ps._n 7_o 8._o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a make_v wise_a the_o simple_a and_o that_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n but_o how_o can_v any_o law_n make_v the_o simple_a wise_a or_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n unless_o it_o be_v so_o plain_o and_o clear_o deliver_v as_o that_o the_o simple_a may_v be_v capable_a of_o apprehend_v and_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n of_o discern_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o i_o know_v it_o be_v object_v by_o bellarmin_n that_o these_o word_n do_v only_o imply_v that_o this_o law_n indeed_o be_v understand_v do_v enlighten_v man_n eye_n and_o direct_v their_o practice_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n that_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a cavil_v for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v by_o understand_v the_o law_n that_o the_o simple_a be_v make_v wise_a and_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n enlighten_v if_o therefore_o this_o law_n be_v so_o obscure_a in_o its_o self_n as_o that_o it_o can_v make_v itself_o understand_v by_o all_o that_o sincere_o inquire_v into_o it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o it_o shall_v make_v they_o wise_a or_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o mind_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o intent_n of_o those_o passage_n
of_o david_n be_v to_o excite_v and_o encourage_v man_n to_o study_v and_o observe_v the_o law_n but_o what_o though_o the_o law_n make_v the_o simple_a wise_a when_o they_o understand_v it_o what_o encouragement_n be_v this_o for_o the_o simple_a to_o study_v it_o if_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_a that_o they_o can_v understand_v it_o and_o since_o they_o must_v understand_v it_o before_o they_o can_v observe_v it_o what_o encouragement_n do_v this_o consideration_n give_v they_o to_o observe_v it_o that_o it_o will_v make_v they_o wise_a when_o they_o understand_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a enough_o for_o they_o to_o understand_v it_o but_o then_o that_o forecited_a passage_n of_o moses_n do_v in_o express_a word_n contradict_v this_o cavil_v of_o bellarmin_n for_o he_o tell_v the_o people_n that_o the_o commandment_n he_o give_v they_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o they_o whereas_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o obscure_o deliver_v to_o they_o by_o moses_n that_o upon_o their_o sincere_a and_o diligent_a enquiry_n they_o can_v not_o understand_v it_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o have_v be_v still_o hide_v from_o they_o how_o wise_a soever_o it_o may_v make_v they_o when_o they_o do_v understand_v it_o and_o to_o say_v that_o such_o a_o proposition_n will_v make_v i_o wise_a when_o i_o do_v understand_v it_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o that_o it_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o i_o if_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_o express_v as_o that_o upon_o my_o sincere_a enquiry_n i_o be_o not_o capable_a of_o understand_v it_o but_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n at_o least_o in_o all_o necessary_a matter_n be_v plain_a enough_o even_o to_o common_a capacity_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o frequent_a appeal_v our_o saviour_n make_v to_o it_o in_o he_o contest_v with_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n thus_o in_o the_o text_n he_o bid_v they_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o in_o other_o place_n what_o say_v the_o scripture_n and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v so_o and_o so_o now_o how_o impertinent_a will_v it_o have_v be_v for_o our_o saviour_n thus_o to_o appeal_v to_o it_o at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o people_n if_o he_o think_v it_o so_o obscure_a that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o understand_v it_o how_o trifle_a will_v it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o appeal_v to_o suarez'_v metaphysic_n in_o a_o controversy_n with_o a_o ploughman_n or_o to_o refer_v he_o to_o euclid_n element_n for_o the_o determine_v the_o bound_n and_o measure_n of_o a_o field_n and_o as_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v at_o least_o in_o all_o necessary_n plain_a and_o clear_a to_o the_o jew_n so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o to_o christian_n since_o it_o give_v the_o same_o testimony_n to_o itself_o of_o its_o own_o clearness_n as_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v for_o thus_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 2_o 3_o 4._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o do_v not_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v themselves_o to_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o suppose_v then_o that_o they_o write_v with_o the_o same_o plainness_n and_o clearness_n with_o which_o they_o speak_v which_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o then_o from_o these_o word_n it_o be_v evident_a first_o that_o they_o do_v neither_o in_o their_o preach_a nor_o write_n affect_v to_o discourse_v dubious_o or_o obscure_o but_o that_o their_o great_a design_n be_v so_o to_o manifest_v and_o make_v know_v the_o truth_n as_o that_o by_o their_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n they_o may_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o that_o hear_v or_o read_v they_o second_o that_o in_o fact_n they_o have_v in_o their_o sermon_n and_o write_n so_o clear_o teach_v the_o gospel_n that_o if_o after_o all_o it_o remain_v hide_v or_o obscure_a to_o any_o it_o be_v only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v lose_v and_o irrecoverable_a three_o that_o that_o which_o render_v the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v teach_v and_o write_v hide_a or_o obscure_a to_o such_o be_v not_o the_o obscurity_n either_o of_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o teach_v or_o of_o their_o manner_n of_o teach_v it_o but_o their_o own_o worldly_a affection_n which_o blind_v their_o eye_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o see_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v illustrious_o visible_a which_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a evidence_n of_o the_o clearness_n and_o plainness_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o all_o necessary_a thing_n for_o if_o they_o be_v clear_a to_o all_o but_o such_o as_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o they_o they_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o they_o need_v be_v to_o honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v clear_a enough_o to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o understand_v and_o according_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n be_v say_v to_o have_v appear_v or_o shine_v forth_o to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2._o 11._o now_o if_o the_o gospel_n do_v shine_v forth_o unto_o all_o man_n it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n of_o those_o that_o have_v preach_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o if_o they_o so_o preach_v it_o as_o that_o it_o shine_v forth_o to_o all_o man_n they_o must_v necessary_o have_v preach_v it_o very_o plain_o and_o clear_o either_o therefore_o it_o be_v write_v as_o it_o be_v preach_v or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v not_o write_v true_o and_o sincere_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v write_v very_o plain_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v and_o shine_v forth_o to_o all_o that_o read_v it_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o thing_n obscure_a both_o in_o the_o old_a scripture_n and_o new_a but_o then_o these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o necessary_n and_o essential_o of_o religion_n such_o thing_n as_o man_n may_v be_v safe_o ignorant_a of_o or_o be_v mistake_v about_o without_o any_o hazard_n of_o their_o eternal_a life_n for_o all_o that_o the_o forecited_n testimony_n prove_v be_v only_o this_o that_o that_o true_a religion_n by_o which_o god_n govern_v the_o faith_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v plain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v to_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o beside_o this_o all_o man_n agree_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n reveal_v in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o because_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o understand_v be_v many_o of_o they_o not_o so_o plain_o reveal_v as_o that_o all_o man_n may_v understand_v they_o but_o since_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v man_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o teach_v they_o most_o plain_o that_o which_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o that_o read_v it_o to_o be_v sure_a among_o these_o thing_n be_v contain_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v 2._o from_o the_o avow_a design_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a it_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a for_o thus_o concern_v the_o old_a testament_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v writtenafore_o time_n 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 rom._n 15._o 4._o and_o if_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o instruction_n to_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v so_o write_v as_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v we_o that_o be_v plain_o and_o clear_o especial_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o have_v most_o need_v to_o be_v instruct_v and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o new_a testament_n st._n luke_n tell_v his_o theophilus_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o writing_n his_o gospel_n be_v that_o he_o may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o
be_v so_o accidental_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o mean_v of_o instruction_n be_v there_o which_o may_v not_o accidental_o become_v a_o occasion_n of_o mislead_v man_n into_o heresy_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o deprive_v man_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o deprive_v they_o of_o all_o other_o mean_v of_o instruction_n and_o see_v the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o food_n of_o man_n soul_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o ignorance_n for_o fear_n they_o shall_v err_v be_v to_o deny_v they_o food_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v surfeit_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o man_n who_o mind_n be_v tincture_v with_o heretical_a pravity_n will_v be_v apt_a enough_o to_o extract_v the_o poison_n of_o error_n out_o of_o the_o clear_a conveyance_n and_o discovery_n of_o truth_n but_o what_o then_o do_v not_o bad_a man_n ordinary_o apply_v the_o best_a thing_n to_o the_o worst_a purpose_n if_o man_n fall_v into_o heresy_n by_o read_v the_o scripture_n where_o lie_v the_o fault_n not_o in_o the_o scripture_n sure_a no_o christian_n will_v pretend_v that_o and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o themselves_o in_o their_o pride_n or_o vainglory_n or_o covetousness_n or_o sensuality_n as_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a it_o be_v be_v it_o just_a that_o all_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o because_o some_o ill_a man_n have_v make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o it_o some_o man_n have_v surfeit_v by_o eat_v and_o drink_v be_v it_o just_a that_o all_o mankind_n therefore_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o meat_n and_o drink_v suppose_v a_o prince_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o infallible_a geographer_n shall_v issue_v out_o a_o proclamation_n command_v all_o his_o subject_n to_o travel_v at_o midnight_n and_o shall_v assign_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o that_o he_o have_v be_v certain_o inform_v that_o several_a of_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o way_n at_o noon_n and_o wander_v into_o bog_n and_o precipice_n by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n will_v any_o one_o imagine_v this_o to_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n or_o rather_o will_v not_o every_o one_o believe_v that_o his_o true_a design_n be_v to_o keep_v his_o people_n in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o road_n and_o situation_n of_o his_o country_n that_o so_o they_o may_v never_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v the_o error_n of_o his_o map_n which_o will_v perhaps_o discover_v he_o to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o fallible_a geographer_n but_o also_o a_o very_a erroneous_a one_o and_o where_o the_o people_n be_v forbid_v travel_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n whatever_o may_v be_v pretend_v wise_a man_n will_v believe_v that_o the_o true_a reason_n be_v not_o to_o prevent_v the_o people_n fall_v into_o error_n but_o to_o prevent_v the_o discover_v the_o error_n of_o those_o to_o who_o guidance_n and_o direction_n they_o be_v whole_o and_o sole_o subject_v and_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o the_o first_o objection_n viz._n that_o the_o allowance_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n be_v a_o dangerous_a inlet_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o the_o second_o which_o be_v this_o object_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n record_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o suggest_v lewd_a thought_n to_o the_o people_n and_o thereby_o to_o corrupt_v their_o manner_n as_o particular_o the_o many_o bad_a example_n therein_o relate_v which_o be_v of_o a_o very_a contagious_a nature_n and_o consequent_o dangerous_a for_o the_o people_n to_o converse_v with_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o desire_v these_o four_o thing_n may_v be_v serious_o consider_v 1._o that_o this_o objection_n strike_v as_o much_o against_o the_o scripture_n itself_o as_o against_o the_o people_n read_v it_o for_o what_o worse_a thing_n can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o scripture_n than_o this_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o infectious_a book_n so_o apt_a to_o excite_v impure_a thought_n in_o man_n mind_n and_o to_o kindle_v lewd_a affection_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_v the_o people_n shall_v read_v it_o shall_v this_o be_v say_v to_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o heathen_a who_o have_v never_o read_v one_o word_n in_o the_o bible_n he_o will_v certain_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o canto_n of_o ribbaldry_n write_v for_o no_o other_o end_v but_o to_o provoke_v and_o entertain_v the_o lascivious_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n and_o certain_o have_v our_o objector_n but_o as_o much_o reverence_n for_o this_o holy_a book_n as_o they_o pretend_v they_o will_v rather_o oblige_v their_o people_n to_o read_v it_o than_o withhold_v it_o from_o they_o upon_o a_o pretence_n that_o do_v so_o scandalous_o reflect_v upon_o its_o reputation_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o passage_n in_o scripture_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o start_v lewd_a thought_n in_o man_n mind_n the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v fair_o pretend_v be_v that_o those_o passage_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v leave_v out_o of_o the_o people_n bibles_n or_o at_o least_o to_o have_v be_v leave_v untranslate_v but_o to_o urge_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v deny_v to_o the_o people_n insinuate_v as_o if_o the_o whole_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mere_a kennel_n of_o contagious_a obscenity_n for_o to_o urge_v that_o for_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_n shall_v not_o be_v read_v by_o or_o to_o the_o people_n which_o at_o most_o be_v only_o a_o reason_n why_o some_o few_o passage_n of_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v read_v by_o they_o be_v to_o suppose_v the_o whole_a scripture_n to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o passage_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o infuse_v vicious_a thought_n into_o the_o people_n than_o which_o what_o can_v there_o be_v suppose_v more_o false_a in_o itself_o or_o more_o derogatory_n to_o the_o scripture_n 2._o this_o objection_n if_o it_o prove_v any_o thing_n do_v as_o well_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v unfit_a for_o god_n to_o publish_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o people_n to_o read_v it_o for_o be_v it_o fit_a that_o he_o who_o be_v a_o god_n of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n shall_v publish_v such_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o engender_v impure_a thought_n in_o man_n mind_n and_o yet_o though_o man_n mind_n be_v as_o apt_a to_o imbibe_n impure_a thought_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v first_o publish_v as_o they_o be_v now_o this_o hinder_v not_o god_n from_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o world_n in_o such_o language_n as_o be_v best_a know_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o people_n either_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o so_o well_o know_v what_o be_v apt_a to_o corrupt_v man_n mind_n as_o our_o wise_a objector_n or_o he_o be_v less_o concern_v than_o they_o to_o preserve_v they_o from_o be_v corrupt_v or_o what_o they_o object_n be_v both_o false_a and_o scandalous_a for_o to_o say_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n have_v publish_v such_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n as_o his_o minister_n find_v necessary_a to_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n lest_o its_o thought_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v by_o they_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o his_o minister_n be_v grow_v wise_a than_o he_o or_o be_v more_o concern_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o holiness_n than_o he_o if_o the_o vicious_a example_n for_o instance_n that_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o deprave_v man_n than_o to_o instruct_v they_o what_o need_v they_o have_v be_v record_v what_o be_v there_o in_o the_o mere_a story_n of_o noah_n drunkenness_n and_o incest_n and_o david_n adultery_n consider_v abstract_o from_o the_o good_a instruction_n it_o give_v that_o shall_v move_v god_n to_o deliver_v it_o down_o to_o all_o future_a posterity_n if_o it_o serve_v no_o good_a end_n it_o be_v record_v to_o a_o bad_a purpose_n and_o therefore_o if_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o corrupt_v man_n mind_n the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o conceal_v it_o now_o for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n god_n be_v oblige_v to_o have_v conceal_v it_o for_o ever_o either_o therefore_o we_o must_v say_v that_o god_n do_v very_o ill_o in_o publish_v it_o or_o that_o the_o church_n do_v very_o ill_a in_o suppress_v it_o for_o god_n can_v have_v no_o other_o end_n in_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o world_n but_o only_o to_o instruct_v the_o world_n by_o it_o if_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o instructive_a god_n be_v mistake_v but_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v fit_a the_o world_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o 3._o that_o this_o objection_n do_v express_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n itself_o for_o whereas_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o bad_a example_n record_v in_o scripture_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o deprave_v
be_v the_o church_n and_o yet_o still_o be_v mistake_v in_o short_a no_o authority_n can_v render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a but_o that_o which_o be_v infallible_a no_o infallibility_n can_v render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a but_o that_o of_o which_o i_o have_v a_o infallible_a certainty_n either_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n can_v render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n and_o if_o it_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o can_v or_o it_o can_v if_o it_o can_v why_o may_v it_o not_o as_o well_o render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a of_o other_o principle_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v at_o least_o as_o plain_o reveal_v in_o it_o as_o that_o if_o it_o can_v how_o can_v i_o be_v infallible_o certain_a that_o any_o thing_n she_o define_v and_o declare_v to_o i_o be_v true_a if_o then_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n can_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n we_o have_v as_o just_a a_o pretence_n to_o it_o as_o they_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o authority_n that_o we_o ground_n our_o faith_n if_o it_o can_v neither_o they_o nor_o we_o can_v just_o pretend_v to_o it_o because_o they_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o their_o own_o infallibility_n but_o by_o scripture_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v god_n never_o intend_v either_o that_o they_o or_o we_o shall_v be_v infallible_o certain_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o after_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o certainty_n that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o he_o still_o suppose_v that_o we_o may_v err_v and_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o that_o even_o from_o among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n where_o infallible_a certainty_n be_v if_o it_o be_v any_o where_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a teacher_n who_o shall_v bring_v in_o damnable_a doctrine_n which_o can_v never_o have_v happen_v if_o he_o have_v leave_v any_o such_o mean_n to_o his_o church_n as_o shall_v render_v her_o child_n 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