Selected quad for the lemma: scripture_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n acknowledge_v church_n true_a 2,461 5 5.0683 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A70057 Logos autopistos, or, Scriptures self-evidence to prove its existence, authority, certainty in it [sic] self, and sufficiency (in its kind) to ascertain others that it is inspir'd of God to be the only rule of faith : published as a plea for Protestants in the defence of their profession and intended only for the use and instruction of the vulgar sort. Ford, Thomas, 1598-1674. 1667 (1667) Wing F1514; Wing L2842; ESTC R13905 71,286 202

There are 9 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

it_o much_o rather_o then_o a●…y_a thing_n else_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o care_v so_o little_a sore_a tradition_n because_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n for_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n to_o save_v we_o but_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o know_v not_o how_o we_o can_v have_v faith_n in_o god_n but_o by_o receive_v the_o testimony_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v when_o papist_n attribute_v so_o much_o to_o tradition_n for_o ascertain_v scripture_n we_o can_v yield_v to_o they_o in_o it_o because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n so_o speak_v to_o man_n as_o they_o may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v if_o he_o do_v not_o it_o be_v because_o he_o will_v not_o or_o because_o he_o can_v that_o he_o can_v no_o man_n can_v say_v without_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v he_o will_v not_o be_v little_o better_a for_o he_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a but_o open_o and_o plain_o so_o as_o they_o to_o who_o he_o have_v speak_v have_v know_v certain_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n not_o only_o to_o decl●…re_v the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o to_o ascertain_v those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o such_o be_v scripture_n uz._n a_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v so_o make_v as_o man_n may_v know_v that_o god_n have_v speak_v wherefore_o though_o papist_n say_v of_o scripture_n as_o the_o jew_n say_v of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o bear_v record_v of_o thyself_o thy_o record_n be_v not_o true_a we_o answer_v as_o christ_n answer_v for_o himself_o though_o it_o bear_v record_n of_o itself_o yet_o its_o record_n be_v true_a for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v understand_v his_o mind_n so_o he_o speak_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o they_o may_v know_v it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v and_o not_o man_n or_o any_o creature_n for_o what_o can_v be_v say_v or_o think_v more_o unworthy_a of_o god_n then_o that_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o man_n but_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o can_v be_v understand_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o other_o to_o ascertain_v they_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v we_o can_v speak_v to_o one_o another_o either_o by_o word_n or_o writing_n so_o as_o to_o know_v who_o speak_v as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v speak_v but_o god_n it_o seem_v to_o papist_n must_v have_v some_o other_o to_o pass_v their_o word_n for_o he_o before_o he_o can_v have_v any_o credit_n with_o man_n and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o must_v ascertain_v we_o beyond_o all_o further_a question_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n only_o tradition_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n successive_o convey_v down_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o need_v or_o desire_v it_o we_o shall_v enlarge_v in_o our_o answer_n yet_o not_o to_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o our_o intend_a breviy_n 1._o we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v testimony_n to_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o true_a church_n have_v so_o do_v in_o all_o age_n we_o protestant_n do_v believe_v but_o we_o say_v withal_o that_o the_o church_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a instrument_n or_o mean_n in_o give_v this_o testimony_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n such_o as_o papist_n plead_v for_o or_o dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o we_o stand_v to_o affirm_v we_o do_v not_o be●…ieve_v the_o scripture_n because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o we_o believe_v it_o such_o for_o its_o own_o and_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n though_o no_o man_n bear_v witness_n to_o it_o for_o what_o be_v the_o church_n make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n more_o or_o less_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o have_v these_o man_n this_o doctrine_n or_o how_o come_v then_o by_o it_o have_v they_o it_o not_o in_o scripture_n christ_n indeed_o deliver_v it_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o they_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n but_o i_o hope_v papist_n will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o pen_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n or_o that_o the_o next_o church_n receive_v any_o doctrine_n other_o than_o be_v therein_o record_v so_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v mention_v ephes._n 2._o 20._o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o scripture_n and_o not_o scripture_n upon_o the_o church_n indeed_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o believe_v scripture_n and_o make_v it_o the_o ground_n work_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v it_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o society_n the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v or_o frame_v the_o scripture_n but_o receive_v it_o make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n god_n have_v his_o secretary_n who_o write_v his_o will_n and_o command_n and_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o man_n have_v be_v call_v and_o such_o as_o submit_v and_o come_v in_o have_v be_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n hence_o the_o church_n we_o say_v have_v more_o need_n of_o scripture_n testimony_n than_o scripture_n have_v of_o the_o church_n and_o according_o protestant_n judge_v of_o the_o church_n by_o scripture_n and_o not_o of_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n questionless_a when_o god_n shall_v judge_v all_o by_o the_o man_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v he_o will_v try_v all_o church_n and_o man_n by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o where_o those_o law_n be_v we_o leave_v papist_n to_o inquire_v for_o we_o know_v none_o but_o such_o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n they_o tell_v we_o a_o very_a fair_a tale_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o the_o first_o church_n which_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v so_o unnatural_a as_o witting_o to_o hide_v it_o from_o posterity_n and_o deliver_v over_o to_o the_o next_o generation_n such_o lie_n as_o will_v unavoidable_o damn_v they_o now_o we_o suppose_v as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o all_o parent_n and_o progenitor_n have_v so_o much_o natural_a affection_n as_o not_o to_o procure_v willing_o or_o witting_o the_o damnation_n of_o their_o child_n but_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v say_v we_o tradition_n to_o be_v so_o infallible_a as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o for_o tradition_n or_o deliver_v any_o matter_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n be_v and_o must_v be_v uncertain_a yea_o and_o soon_o fail_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o record_n whereupon_o to_o bottom_v it_o and_o for_o this_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o in_o the_o first_o age_n god_n be_v please_v to_o let_v his_o will_v be_v make_v know_v from_o father_n to_o son_n after_o he_o have_v once_o declare_v and_o reveal_v it_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o leave_v all_o to_o tradition_n but_o ever_o and_o anon_o renew_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n as_o occasion_v require_v and_o this_o he_o do_v when_o those_o patriarch_n live_v ten_o time_n so_o long_o as_o any_o have_v ordinary_o live_v for_o very_a many_o age_n and_o when_o afterward_o abraham_n seed_n be_v grow_v into_o a_o multitude_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o have_v the_o lively_a oracle_n enroll_v and_o commit_v to_o writing_n hence_o we_o think_v it_o rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n think_v his_o will_n write_v to_o be_v more_o infallible_a and_o certain_a then_o as_o deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n once_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o while_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v deliver_v without_o write_v it_o all_o the_o world_n be_v corrupt_v so_o as_o all_o flesh_n have_v pervert_v their_o way_n in_o the_o time_n of_o noah_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o at_o first_o the_o doctrine_n which_o god_n reveal_v to_o adam_n and_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v corrupt_v as_o they_o be_v if_o tradition_n can_v possible_o fail_v or_o how_o come_v the_o world_n after_o the_o flood_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o idol_n so_o as_o abraham_n must_v be_v call_v out_o from_o the_o posterity_n of_o shem_n who_o posterity_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n deliver_v to_o they_o if_o tradition_n be_v so_o faithful_a in_o the_o delivery_n of_o what_o be_v commit_v to_o it_o we_o wonder_v how_o true_a religion_n shall_v fail_v so_o soon_o and_o that_o not_o among_o a_o few_o but_o all_o the_o world_n over_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o heretic_n have_v rise_v
god_n so_o that_o my_o work_n be_v to_o let_v other_o see_v the_o light_n wherein_o scripture_n show_v itself_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o in_o this_o undertake_n charge_n papist_n as_o deny_v in_o term_n the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v for_o they_o grant_v it_o in_o a_o sort_n when_o they_o say_v the_o church_n testimony_n make_v it_o not_o authentical_a and_o canonical_a in_o itself_o but_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la in_o respect_n to_o we_o who_o can_v otherwise_o be_v ascertain_v of_o its_o divine_a authority_n 3._o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v expect_v from_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n so_o as_o to_o silence_v all_o gainsayers_a since_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o prove_v as_o there_o will_v not_o be_v some_o to_o make_v exception_n what_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o god_n existence_n and_o yet_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o deny_v or_o question_n i._o christ_n come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n and_o what_o christian_n dare_v say_v or_o think_v he_o do_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n yet_o all_o he_o can_v say_v or_o do_v for_o that_o purpose_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o most_o of_o his_o countryman_n and_o kindred_n that_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n christ._n all_o that_o i_o can_v reasonable_o design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o scripture_n be_v a_o shine_a light_n that_o do_v sufficient_o prove_v itself_o to_o be_v inspire_v of_o god_n though_o many_o have_v not_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o 4._o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v in_o this_o discourse_n that_o as_o there_o be_v one_o live_v and_o true_a god_n so_o this_o god_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o adore_v by_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n with_o that_o service_n and_o worship_n which_o may_v become_v his_o infinite_a and_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n hence_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v by_o god_n himself_o concern_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n wherein_o he_o will_v have_v his_o creature_n to_o serve_v he_o for_o who_o can_v know_v what_o please_v god_n but_o he_o himself_o and_o they_o to_o who_o he_o make_v know_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n now_o suppose_v some_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v in_o order_n to_o that_o service_n which_o he_o will_v accept_v and_o be_v well_o please_v with_o i_o may_v ask_v this_o question_n viz._n if_o scripture_n be_v not_o this_o revelation_n where_o be_v it_o and_o this_o will_v lie_v hard_a upon_o all_o who_o acknowledge_v one_o only_o true_a god_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o show_v some_o other_o and_o better_a manifestation_n concern_v the_o will_n and_o way_n of_o god_n than_o what_o he_o have_v make_v in_o his_o write_a word_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v discuss_v hereafter_o and_o for_o the_o present_a i_o be_o to_o show_v how_o and_o wherein_o scripture_n speak_v itself_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o protestant_n be_v persuade_v that_o scripture_n be_v divine_o inspire_v 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o do_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o so_o punctual_o and_o perfect_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o particular_n which_o concern_v his_o glory_n or_o man_n everlasting_a happiness_n as_o scripture_n do_v to_o enforce_v this_o a_o little_a we_o ready_o grant_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v a_o light_n show_v we_o somewhat_o yea_o very_o much_o of_o god_n and_o concern_v our_o duty_n towards_o he_o but_o how_o imperfect_a and_o obscure_a be_v this_o light_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o shine_v out_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n scripture_n indeed_o do_v not_o contradict_v it_o how_o shall_v it_o both_o be_v of_o god_n and_o one_o truth_n can_v possible_o contradict_v another_o nay_o further_o as_o scripture_n consent_v to_o and_o concur_v with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n so_o it_o reprove_v the_o neglect_n and_o incite_v to_o a_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v show_v in_o many_o particular_n if_o we_o be_v put_v to_o it_o but_o how_o dim_a and_o dark_a be_v nature_n light_n as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o god_n when_o it_o teach_v nothing_o at_o all_o about_o it_o the_o heathen_n have_v their_o offering_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o appease_v their_o god_n and_o in_o these_o for_o aught_o any_o can_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v light_a from_o god_n people_n who_o have_v the_o divine_a oracle_n but_o all_o those_o offering_n of_o they_o be_v lie_v vanity_n because_o they_o have_v not_o any_o the_o least_o apprebension_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v a_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n and_o what_o revelation_n have_v god_n make_v of_o his_o mind_n about_o this_o great_a concernment_n beside_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n do_v ever_o any_o of_o the_o learned_a heathen_n so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o such_o a_o work_n as_o god_n reconcile_a the_o world_n to_o himself_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o papist_n i_o hope_v will_v acknowledge_v with_o we_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o propitiation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n now_o how_o come_v we_o and_o they_o to_o know_v this_o great_a mystery_n if_o we_o learn_v it_o not_o from_o scripture_n and_o can_v any_o but_o god_n reveal_v it_o to_o we_o and_o since_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n have_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n for_o the_o only_a way_n of_o purge_a sin_n and_o sanctify_v our_o sinful_a nature_n what_o have_v any_o heathen_n do_v by_o their_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o their_o natural_a light_n they_o have_v indeed_o many_o of_o they_o commend_a virtue_n to_o the_o sky_n and_o exhort_v other_o to_o it_o but_o what_o be_v that_o moral_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o the_o philosopher_n and_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v labour_v to_o promote_v among_o man_n be_v it_o not_o of_o a_o far_o inferior_a nature_n and_o quite_o another_o thing_n from_o that_o true_a holiness_n which_o be_v teach_v in_o scripture_n for_o this_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o a_o learned_a discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n not_o long_o since_o print_v and_o only_o say_v though_o many_o heathen_n by_o their_o natural_a light_n discover_v many_o vice_n to_o shun_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o be_v sober_a just_a and_o temperate_a in_o comparison_n of_o other_o yet_o all_o this_o moral_a righteousness_n in_o they_o be_v far_o short_a of_o god_n image_n and_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o those_o who_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o different_a as_o a_o live_a man_n and_o his_o statue_n or_o picture_n though_o draw_v as_o we_o say_v to_o the_o life_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o true_a holiness_n consist_v especial_o in_o the_o inward_a impression_n and_o disposition_n which_o make_v a_o man_n meet_v for_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o in_o the_o inclination_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n immediate_o such_o as_o meet_v moralist_n never_o know_v there_o be_v a_o fountain_n and_o root_n within_o from_o whence_o spring_v all_o that_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n and_o purity_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o outward_a conversation_n and_o all_o be_v from_o a_o man_n be_v ingraft_v into_o christ_n and_o receive_v from_o he_o a_o continual_a supply_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v papist_n will_v not_o deny_v viz._n that_o all_o spiritual_a good_a be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o this_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v teach_v we_o in_o scripture_n we_o conclude_v scripture_n to_o be_v write_v with_o god_n finger_n because_o no_o other_o than_o god_n can_v reveal_v such_o glorious_a truth_n to_o we_o let_v it_o be_v show_v we_o how_o these_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v write_v where_o we_o find_v they_o and_o who_o write_v they_o if_o god_n do_v not_o once_o we_o think_v it_o a_o rational_a and_o unquestionable_a conclusion_n that_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n because_o we_o find_v in_o it_o the_o only_a way_n of_o our_o access_n to_o and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o only_a way_n of_o purify_n we_o so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v meet_a for_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o ever_o and_o why_o even_o because_o god_n alone_o can_v teach_v we_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v conceive_v all_o this_o while_n we_o grant_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o some_o man_n before_o they_o be_v record_v in_o the_o write_a word_n but_o we_o expect_v papist_n will_v not_o send_v we_o
it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n we_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o show_v how_o tradition_n which_o they_o so_o much_o commend_v and_o magnify_v may_v fail_v and_o so_o prove_v no_o infallible_a testimony_n and_o who_o be_v our_o forefather_n from_o who_o we_o learn_v our_o faith_n we_o have_v show_v already_o and_o now_o shall_v name_v some_o of_o they_o viz._n the_o reformer_n in_o the_o last_o age_n and_o jo._n hu_o and_o hi●…rome_n of_o prague_n and_o before_o they_o wickliff_n and_o before_o he_o the_o waldenses_n and_o all_o that_o protest_v against_o the_o church_n corruption_n in_o all_o age_n upward_o as_o may_v be_v show_v if_o it_o be_v pertinent_a jo._n whites_n way_n p._n 336._o §_o 45._o &_o 337._o digress_v 48._o 2._o tradition_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n let_v papist_n first_o ascertain_v we_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n who_o testimony_n we_o must_v believe_v for_o our_o part_n we_o know_v none_o upon_o earth_n that_o pretend_v to_o christianity_n that_o do_v not_o account_v themselves_o the_o true_a church_n and_o that_o avow_v not_o themselves_o to_o have_v the_o true_a faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v now_o there_o be_v so_o many_o pretender_n we_o be_v at_o as_o great_a a_o loss_n which_o tradition_n as_o without_o it_o since_o all_o say_v they_o hold_v the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o yet_o extreme_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o not_o in_o few_o matter_n or_o small_a at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v say_v and_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v dissenter_n and_o of_o these_o some_o be_v ignorant_a and_o some_o obstinate_a and_o some_o sceptic_n and_o we_o know_v too_o many_o profess_v christian_n who_o be_v in_o their_o way_n and_o do_n no_o better_o than_o infidel_n now_o may_v not_o any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o question_n tradition_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o they_o know_v not_o which_o be_v the_o church_n who_o testimony_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v say_v as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o some_o that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o know_v the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v just_o reply_v that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o know_v the_o scripture_n as_o well_o for_o all_o that_o own_o not_o scripture_n we_o may_v just_o disow_v they_o as_o be_v no_o christian_n a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o christian_n it_o be_v confess_v though_o he_o never_o see_v a_o bible_n if_o he_o have_v hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o many_o gentile_n yea_o all_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v do_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n but_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o not_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o pure_a contradiction_n now_o how_o we_o shall_v know_v which_o church_n give_v the_o true_a testimony_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n if_o not_o by_o scripture_n let_v papist_n resolve_v we_o for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o answer_v we_o think_v among_o so_o many_o pretender_n there_o will_v be_v difference_n such_o as_o extradition_n will_v no_o better_o reconcile_v then_o scripture_n and_o that_o as_o protestant_n can_v agree_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o some_o interpret_v it_o one_o way_n and_o some_o another_o so_o they_o and_o other_o will_v agree_v no_o better_o about_o the_o church_n and_o its_o tradition_n for_o as_o i_o have_v say_v there_o be_v many_o church_n and_o those_o huge_o differ_v in_o some_o thing_n and_o yet_o all_o pretend_v to_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n therefore_o we_o have_v need_n of_o somewhat_o to_o ascertain_v we_o of_o that_o church_n which_o have_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v down_o all_o along_o the_o same_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v for_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n we_o believe_v it_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o its_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o age_n but_o we_o protestant_n can_v own_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o such_o though_o we_o know_v there_o be_v there_o one_o sound_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n papist_n indeed_o pretend_v and_o boast_v great_a thing_n of_o their_o church_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o who_o can_v well_o distinguish_v between_o a_o roman-catholick_n and_o a_o catholic_n christian._n here_o than_o we_o protestant_n resolve_v to_o believe_v the_o church_n for_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o we_o allow_v what_o that_o ancient_a father_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v scripture_n but_o for_o the_o church_n for_o we_o know_v that_o after_o he_o come_v once_o to_o learn_v the_o scripture_n he_o then_o believe_v it_o not_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n but_o it_o be_v own_o only_a the_o church_n we_o grant_v may_v at_o first_o persuade_v infidel_n to_o attend_v and_o heed_n the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n even_o as_o the_o woman_n persuade_v her_o neighbour_n to_o come_v and_o see_v christ._n but_o as_o they_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v he_o themselves_o 44._o believe_v not_o because_o of_o her_o say_n but_o because_o of_o his_o own_o word_n even_o so_o be_v ●…in_o the_o case_n that_o now_o be_v in_o question_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o office_n of_o ministry_n to_o hold_v out_o the_o light_n that_o other_o who_o be_v in_o darkeness_n may_v see_v it_o but_o this_o will_v never_o prove_v the_o church_n to_o have_v such_o a_o authority_n as_o papist_n plead_v for_o and_o much_o less_o that_o their_o church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n which_o only_o hold_v the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o when_o they_o have_v say_v all_o they_o can_v they_o say_v no_o more_o than_o any_o church_n never_o so_o corrupt_a will_v say_v for_o itself_o viz._n that_o it_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v hence_o we_o say_v again_o that_o tradition_n leave_v we_o at_o a_o irrecoverable_a loss_n and_o that_o we_o must_v have_v somewhat_o more_o certain_a than_o the_o church_n testimony_n which_o any_o company_n of_o never_o so_o corrupt_a principle_n may_v pretend_v unto_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 3._o we_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v down_o be_v true_a because_o the_o church_n have_v deliver_v it_o or_o that_o the_o church_n have_v deliver_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n for_o we_o think_v the_o church_n ought_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v the_o truth_n only_o and_o to_o deliver_v that_o and_o nothing_o else_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o other_o and_o if_o it_o receive_v other_o than_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v deceive_v and_o if_o it_o deliver_v other_o it_o be_v not_o only_o deceive_v but_o deceive_v other_o also_o the_o church_n can_v make_v nothing_o to_o be_v true_a but_o what_o be_v such_o before_o of_o itself_o and_o all_o it_o can_v do_v be_v to_o declare_v the_o truth_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v and_o persuade_v other_o to_o believe_v it_o therefore_o when_o papist_n press_v we_o as_o they_o do_v about_o our_o be_v assure_v of_o scripture_n we_o say_v that_o we_o believe_v it_o upon_o account_n of_o its_o own_o authority_n because_o it_o speak_v itself_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o when_o a_o place_n of_o trust_n and_o honour_n be_v confer_v upon_o a_o person_n by_o his_o prince_n and_o assure_v to_o he_o under_o the_o great_a seal_n though_o the_o messenger_n that_o bring_v the_o patent_n may_v avow_v it_o to_o be_v the_o prince_n act_n yet_o that_o which_o give_v assurance_n to_o the_o person_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o that_o office_n and_o honour_n be_v the_o patent_n itself_o and_o the_o seal_v annex_v so_o we_o know_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o even_o so_o have_v the_o true_a church_n in_o all_o age_n receive_v scripture_n as_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n and_o commend_v it_o to_o other_o for_o such_o as_o a_o patent_n seal_v from_o heaven_n 4._o we_o desire_v to_o know_v when_o the_o church_n first_o resolve_v the_o case_n in_o question_n and_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d council_n we_o count_v they_o of_o a_o latter_a date_n and_o but_o of_o yesterday_o in_o comparison_n for_o our_o part_n we_o think_v under_o correction_n of_o better_a judgement_n that_o the_o canon_n be_v agree_v upon_o very_o early_o because_o two_o eminent_a one_o among_o the_o ancient_n ●…counted_v upon_o 5._o the_o same_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n which_o we_o now_o do_v and_o one_o of_o they_o say_v that_o the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v confirm_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o that_o
appointment_n but_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n who_o certain_o can_v foresee_v all_o these_o thing_n think_v it_o best_a to_o have_v his_o word_n write_v and_o yet_o make_v no_o extraordinary_a provision_n for_o transcribe_v they_o upon_o occasion_n or_o prevent_v such_o question_n as_o be_v now_o make_v by_o some_o sure_o we_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o jew_n to_o scripture_n and_o they_o do_v not_o excuse_v themselves_o by_o say_v they_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o have_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o it_o be_v first_o deliver_v nay_o they_o confess_v that_o god_n speak_v by_o moses_n and_o they_o know_v it_o and_o our_o saviour_n pu_o s_o the_o question_n whether_o he_o be_v the_o ch_z in_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n 39_o strange_a that_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n shall_v not_o foresee_v this_o quarrel_n mi●…h_v be_v make_v in_o after_o age_n which_o p●…pists_n make_v now_o for_o may_v not_o the_o 〈◊〉_d the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v no_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o evidence_n their_o own_o certainty_n so_o as_o to_o ascertain_v they_o and_o how_o can_v they_o ●…icertain_v they_o then_o more_o than_o we_o new_a but_o tradition_n be_v it_o which_o must_v secure_v all_o by_o its_o affidavit_n make_v to_o o●…j_fw-la scripture_n and_o what_o do_v we_o then_o believe_v in_o sol._n believe_v scripture_n the_o authority_n of_o god_n or_o man_n if_o scripture_n authority_n as_o to_o we_o depend_v upon_o the_o church_n testimony_n in_o our_o belief_n of_o scripture_n we_o believe_v man_n and_o not_o god_n at_o least_o we_o believe_v god_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o what_o kind_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v let_v they_o who_o question_v we_o so_o much_o about_o scripture_n resolve_v we_o for_o the_o various_a reading_n that_o be_v in_o the_o original_n we_o acknowledge_v they_o and_o think_v they_o happen_v much_o through_o the_o mistake_v of_o those_o who_o transcribe_v the_o copy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n however_o they_o happen_v for_o we_o stand_v not_o much_o upon_o it_o papist_n know_v that_o the_o jew_n masore_v have_v well_o provide_v for_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o though_o the_o new_a have_v very_o many_o we_o stand_v to_o maintain_v that_o all_o those_o various_a reading_n put_v together_o let_v the_o worst_a be_v make_v of_o they_o can_v never_o be_v improve_v to_o prejudice_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n in_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n for_o all_o the_o write_v and_o print_v copy_n of_o the_o original_a bibles_n do_v concur_v in_o the_o whole_a main_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n throughout_o and_o thereupon_o we_o challenge_v papist_n to_o show_n any_o alteration_n that_o clash_n with_o the_o doctrine_n first_o deliver_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o various_a reading_n in_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o copy_n hence_o we_o conclude_v as_o a_o learned_a man_n have_v it_o that_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o ink_n and_o paper_n nor_o any_o writing_n or_o write_n whether_o original_n or_o translation_n but_o that_o substance_n of_o matter_n those_o gracious_a counsel_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v indeed_o represent_v and_o 〈◊〉_d both_o in_o translation_n and_o orginal_n but_o be_v real_o and_o 〈◊〉_d distinct_a from_o both_o and_o no_o way_n for_o their_o nature_n and_o being_n depend_v on_o either_o of_o they_o the_o writing_n as_o he_o say_v declare_v the_o nature_n or_o tenor_n of_o the_o bargain_n which_o be_v in_o reality_n and_o compleatness_n of_o be_v before_o the_o writing_n and_o consequent_o the_o w●…iting_n can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n concern_v man_n salvation_n bad_a its_o be_v in_o god_n himself_o long_o before_o any_o part_n of_o it_o be_v impart_v unto_o the_o world_n by_o any_o writing_n for_o it_o be_v saving_o impart_v first_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o god_n unto_o some_o man_n and_o secendly_a by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o these_o to_o many_o other_o long_o before_o any_o part_n of_o it_o be_v order_v by_o god_n to_o be_v set_v down_o in_o writing_n so_o that_o no_o book_n or_o writing_n whatsoever_o be_v either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n the_o word_n or_o will_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o no_o foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n unless_o we_o make_v some_o other_o foundation_n beside_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o for_o the_o original_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v entire_a and_o not_o defective_a as_o any_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o so_o long_o stand_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v bold_a to_o think_v that_o they_o who_o question_v we_o as_o they_o do_v in_o this_o kind_n may_v rather_o have_v question_v god_n himself_o for_o represent_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o writing_n when_o he_o can_v not_o but_o foresee_v that_o such_o manner_n of_o question_n may_v be_v put_v in_o after-age_n as_o be_v make_v now_o adays_o none_o dare_v say_v that_o god_n never_o order_v his_o will_n to_o be_v write_v and_o see_v it_o be_v so_o order_v by_o he_o why_o shall_v we_o question_v the_o wise_a and_o gracious_a hand_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o contrive_v the_o preservation_n of_o these_o ancient_a record_n unto_o all_o posterity_n for_o who_o he_o intend_v they_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o more_o direct_a course_n for_o our_o adversary_n to_o take_v if_o they_o will_v say_v downright_a that_o god_n never_o commit_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o writing_n then_o now_o to_o say_v as_o they_o do_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a that_o these_o write_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v at_o first_o for_o this_o seem_v to_o cast_v a_o aspersion_n upon_o god_n for_o take_v such_o a_o way_n of_o represent_v his_o mind_n unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o must_v leave_v those_o of_o these_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n under_o invincible_a doubt_n about_o his_o will_n that_o respect_v their_o great_a and_o only_a concernment_n as_o for_o their_o expedient_a of_o tradition_n what_o do_v it_o other_o then_o resolve_v all_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n for_o they_o say_v scripture_n can_v ascertain_v we_o concern_v itself_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o tradition_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o so_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n as_o to_o we_o must_v be_v less_o than_o that_o of_o man_n to_o the_o second_o querie_n we_o need_v not_o say_v much_o in_o way_n of_o answer_v it_o see_v the_o book_n account_v by_o we_o apocryphal_a do_v sufficient_o show_v what_o account_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v of_o they_o while_o they_o confute_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o content_n that_o the_o maccabee_n be_v a_o story_n of_o which_o there_o be_v good_a use_n we_o deny_v not_o and_o that_o ecclesi●…sticus_n and_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n etc._n etc._n contain_v many_o and_o sundry_a moral_a instruction_n we_o do_v not_o question_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o like_a be_v find_v in_o other_o book_n which_o yet_o pretend_v not_o to_o divine_a authority_n but_o this_o prove_v they_o not_o to_o be_v canonical_a as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v determine_v once_o the_o jewish_a church_n never_o own_v they_o for_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n nor_o be_v they_o ever_o write_v in_o their_o language_n as_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a 〈◊〉_d true_o they_o have_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v read_v in_o some_o church_n for_o instruction_n in_o manner_n but_o the_o christian_a church_n never_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n nor_o will_v it_o ever_o be_v prove_v the_o romish_a church_n indeed_o for_o what_o cause_n she_o best_a know_v have_v canonize_v these_o book_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o who_o can_v as_o easy_o distinguish_v in_o this_o case_n as_o we_o can_v between_o light_n and_o darkness_n but_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o church_n testimony_n and_o say_v that_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n have_v no_o other_o canonical_a book_n than_o what_o we_o own_o for_o such_o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o who_o question_v some_o particular_a book_n of_o the_o new_a test●…ment_n but_o that_o question_n continue_v not_o long_o and_o if_o some_o also_o give_v too_o much_o to_o these_o apocryphal_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o countervail_v the_o general_a vote_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o always_o reject_v they_o from_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o canon_n hence_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o we_o know_v what_o book_n be_v canonical_a by_o that_o light_n and_o lustre_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o shine_v out_o and_o show_v itself_o in_o
to_o revelation_n now_o adays_o and_o for_o any_o other_o way_n of_o know_v these_o mystery_n then_o by_o scripture_n we_o know_v none_o and_o therefore_o resolve_v it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o can_v be_v of_o any_o other_o how_o much_o will_v this_o argument_n be_v enforce_v when_o we_o further_o consider_v of_o many_o other_o particular_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v 14._o possible_o know_v as_o that_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n that_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o our_o fl●…sh_n so_o as_o the_o alone_a mediator_n be_v god-man_n in_o one_o person_n can_v any_o creature_n declare_v these_o if_o it_o be_v not_o inspire_v and_o ●…ht_n of_o god_n again_o how_o can_v any_o creature_n come_v to_o know_v how_o ●…he_a world_n be_v make_v or_o how_o can_v man_n come_v to_o know_v how_o himself_o be_v first_o make_v out_o of_o the_o dust_n can_v the_o creature_n remember_v the_o time_n or_o know_v the_o manner_n of_o its_o own_o creation_n and_o where_o have_v we_o these_o but_o in_o scripture_n you_o will_v say_v these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v quest._n reveal_v in_o scripture_n but_o how_o do_v the_o argument_n hold_v good_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o god_n because_o these_o thing_n be_v reveal_v in_o it_o the_o argument_n be_v good_a and_o can_v sol._n be_v otherwise_o account_v by_o any_o that_o be_v not_o profess_v antichristian_n because_o they_o own_o these_o revelation_n as_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a truth_n for_o i_o say_v again_o see_v we_o have_v in_o scripture_n the_o great_a concernment_n of_o our_o eternity_n and_o so_o many_o thing_n past_o find_v out_o by_o any_o creature_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n own_o and_o acknowledge_v god_n alone_o to_o have_v write_v this_o word_n nay_o atheist_n themselves_o can_v but_o know_v that_o they_o be_v dust_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v enforce_v this_o by_o show_v further_o that_o scripture_n can_v be_v the_o work_n or_o invention_n of_o any_o creature_n either_o angel_n or_o man_n good_a or_o bad_a good_a man_n or_o angel_n will_v never_o devise_v such_o thing_n and_o say_v they_o be_v of_o god_n for_o that_o will_v be_v such_o a_o belie_n god_n as_o we_o can_v rational_o believe_v they_o capable_a of_o wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n will_v never_o attempt_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o pen_v &_o publish_v such_o a_o book_n which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o exalt_v of_o god_n and_o the_o abase_v of_o themselves_o this_o will_v have_v be_v to_o destroy_v and_o overthrow_v all_o which_o they_o labour_v so_o much_o to_o uphold_v hence_o we_o make_v this_o challenge_n who_o it_o be_v that_o compose_v this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n if_o god_n do_v not_o if_o any_o object_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o collection_n obj._n of_o many_o thing_n make_v up_o out_o of_o the_o monument_n of_o many_o age_n we_o may_v just_o demand_v what_o hand_n they_o sol._n be_v that_o compile_v they_o and_o when_o and_o where_o they_o live_v if_o they_o live_v in_o moses_n time_n how_o can_v they_o write_v of_o the_o king_n if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o former_a king_n how_o can_v they_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o latter_a if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o latter_a how_o come_v the_o disperse_a jew_n to_o have_v so_o many_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o a_o word_n how_o can_v any_o man_n or_o man_n write_v of_o so_o many_o thing_n do_v in_o so_o many_o age_n so_o far_o distant_a one_o from_o another_o or_o how_o can_v any_o man_n give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o be_v do_v from_o the_o very_a beginning_n and_o before_o man_n be_v make_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o many_o in_o several_a age_n we_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v how_o all_o shall_v agree_v so_o exact_o together_o and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o compile_v our_o bibles_n or_o how_o come_v they_o all_o to_o agree_v in_o call_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n mahomet_n indeed_o compile_v a_o book_n which_o be_v to_o turk_n and_o other_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o we_o for_o those_o delude_a soul_n count_v the_o alcoran_n their_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o mahomet_n call_v himself_o a_o great_a prophet_n and_o so_o his_o follower_n account_v of_o he_o to_o this_o day_n but_o what_o reasonable_a man_n see_v not_o a_o bundle_n of_o fallacy_n and_o folly_n in_o that_o book_n which_o by_o its_o contradiction_n and_o ridiculous_a relation_n confute_v itself_o without_o more_o ado_n there_o be_v many_o passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v one_o obj._n another_o there_o be_v so_o but_o they_o seem_v only_a contradiction_n and_o be_v not_o such_o sol._n indeed_o and_o who_o be_v they_o which_o apprehend_v such_o contraciction_n be_v they_o not_o common_o such_o as_o be_v most_o ignorant_a or_o least_o affect_a to_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o mutual_a cons●…ency_n of_o all_o those_o passage_n may_v be_v soon_o find_v out_o by_o all_o that_o be_v intelligent_a and_o will_v use_v their_o diligence_n for_o that_o end_n and_o what_o be_v there_o be_v some_o passage_n to_o we_o irreconcilable_a will_v it_o follow_v they_o be_v such_o in_o themselves_o sure_o the_o general_a consistency_n of_o scripture_n with_o itself_o may_v be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v we_o rather_o to_o charge_v ourselves_o with_o ignorance_n then_o to_o suspect_v it_o of_o any_o mistake_n and_o here_o i_o can_v omit_v what_o a_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v viz._n a_o majestic_a kind_n of_o security_n as_o he_o be_v goodwin_n please_v to_o c●…ll_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n under_o many_o 〈◊〉_d yea_o ma●…_n s●…mingly_o bold_a and_o ●…urous_a contradiction_n that_o y●…_n either_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o truth_n nor_o that_o unity_n which_o they_o have_v in_o and_o with_o themselves_o shall_v as_o he_o say_v at_o all_o suffer_v by_o for_o reconcile_a those_o seem_a contradiction_n it_o be_v not_o my_o work_n at_o present_a only_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o one_o consideration_n which_o i_o find_v in_o the_o same_o author_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o scripture_n do_v not_o stand_v to_o excuse_v or_o purge_v themselves_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o cause_n to_o ●…ffect_v they_o of_o any_o cross●…_n or_o contrariety_n unto_o one_o another_o no_o they_o speak_v from_o place_n to_o place_n what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o say_v with_o that_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v by_o they_o elsewhere_o that_o either_o be_v like_a to_o suffer_v the_o least_o prejudice_n by_o it_o or_o else_o to_o cast_v the_o least_o prejudice_n on_o it_o they_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o further_o about_o this_o consideration_n may_v read_v his_o discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n pag._n 55_o 56_o &_o c._n i_o shall_v add_v for_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o scripture_n divine_a authority_n that_o whatever_o it_o have_v foretell_v have_v be_v according_o fulfil_v and_o that_o not_o as_o st●…gazers_n prognoflication_n atrandom_n and_o adventure_n but_o punctual_o and_o precise_o in_o every_o particular_a circumstance_n so_o the_o new_a testament_n confirm_v the_o old_a by_o show_v how_o what_o be_v foretell_v many_o age_n and_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n before_o come_v to_o be_v fulfil_v and_o accomplish_v in_o every_o particular_a just_a as_o it_o be_v foretell_v many_o thing_n we_o know_v may_v be_v foresee_v in_o their_o cause_n so_o as_o intelligent_a and_o observant_a man_n may_v foretell_v they_o as_o more_o than_o mere_a surmise_n or_o conjecture_n and_o the_o devil_n probable_o can_v do_v very_o much_o this_o way_n but_o scripture_n foretell_v those_o thing_n of_o which_o no_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v make_v any_o probable_a conjecture_n because_o as_o they_o be_v high_a and_o heavenly_a so_o they_o be_v pure_o contingent_a depend_v only_o on_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o exact_a performance_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o all_o particular_n be_v a_o strong_a evidence_n to_o prove_v it_o write_v by_o the_o singer_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fulfil_v etc._n etc._n but_o here_o be_v no_o warrant_n more_o than_o obj._n scripture_n who_o authority_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v question_v 1._o we_o have_v the_o consent_n and_o testimony_n sol._n of_o a_o ient_a heathen_a writer_n who_o have_v record_v and_o hint_v many_o of_o those_o particular_n beside_o none_o of_o the_o heathen_n ever_o contradict_v those_o prophecy_n or_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n our_o saviour_n birth_n death_n resurrection_n &_o c._n though_o questionless_a they_o will_v have_v do_v their_o utmost_a have_v they_o not_o be_v silence_v by_o the_o notoriety_n
compare_v all_o together_o and_o let_v they_o show_v too_o if_o they_o can_v how_o the_o write_a word_n shall_v be_v privy_a to_o all_o their_o inmost_a thought_n if_o it_o be_v not_o pen_v by_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n can_v never_o frame_v a_o law_n to_o control_v more_o than_o the_o overt_a act_n but_o this_o law_n give_v a_o check_n to_o man_n inward_a thought_n and_o lust_n when_o no_o act_n appear_v and_o spit_v hell-fire_n in_o their_o face_n for_o what_o no_o creature_n know_v beside_o themselves_o to_o discourse_v it_o a_o little_a far_o where_o be_v such_o another_o law_n as_o that_o of_o the_o decalogue_n or_o who_o but_o god_n can_v frame_v a_o law_n all_o comprise_v in_o ten_o word_n to_o order_v the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o world_n end_n a_o law_n that_o discover_v and_o condemn_v all_o offence_n in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n and_o never_o have_v nor_o will_v have_v need_n to_o be_v alter_v in_o any_o the_o least_o tittle_n of_o it_o and_o where_o do_v we_o find_v this_o law_n be_v it_o not_o in_o scripture_n it_o be_v indeed_o all_o of_o it_o write_v in_o every_o man_n hearr_n ●…nless_a any_o please_v to_o except_v one_o commandment_n in_o it_o but_o how_o do_v scripture_n explain_v and_o clear_v up_o those_o inbred_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o moral_a righteousness_n imprint_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v very_o obscure_a and_o uncertain_a as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o heathen_n though_o nature_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o he_o to_o be_v serve_v and_o worship_v yet_o scripture_n alone_o teach_v the_o right_a way_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o it_o alone_o show_v we_o the_o right_a way_n of_o do_v all_o office_n of_o love_n to_o man_n so_o as_o our_o charity_n and_o righteousness_n may_v be_v more_o than_o a_o outside_n show_v of_o fair_a deal_n when_o the_o inside_n be_v nothing_o but_o hypocrisy_n and_o deceir_n in_o one_o word_n scripture_n alone_o give_v we_o a_o law_n that_o command_v body_n and_o sonl_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v it_o a_o law_n which_o god_n alone_o bathe_v make_v and_o if_o any_o proud_a and_o scornful_a man_n shall_v say_v they_o know_v no_o such_o thing_n i_o can_v deny_v it_o with_o more_o truth_n than_o they_o can_v affirm_v it_o and_o affirm_v what_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v when_o they_o shall_v find_v it_o true_a by_o woeful_a experience_n on_o their_o deathbed_n or_o before_o as_o other_o have_v do_v i_o can_v here_o to_o prove_v scripture_n divine_a authority_n ask_v the_o reason_n why_o such_o as_o be_v most_o vicious_a and_o abominable_a in_o their_o conversation_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n care_v so_o little_a for_o scripture_n if_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n or_o any_o creature_n what_o need_v they_o be_v afraid_a or_o trouble_v about_o it_o for_o what_o be_v it_o more_o to_o they_o than_o a_o playbook_n or_o a_o romance_n certa●…nly_o it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n care_v so_o little_a for_o scripture_n read_v or_o open_v and_o apply_v no_o scripture_n search_v th●…ir_a sore_n even_o to_o the_o bottom_n and_o far_o by_o far_a than_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v discover_v to_o other_o or_o themselves_o and_o now_o let_v the_o world_n be_v judge_n if_o the_o u●…st_n of_o man_n be_v not_o most_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o scripture_n this_o be_v enough_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o prove_v scripture_n descent_n and_o pedigree_n as_o i_o may_v say_v to_o be_v from_o above_o let_v i_o add_v this_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o a_o man_n may_v read_v a_o philosiphical_a discourse_n or_o any_o book_n that_o treat_v of_o any_o civil_a and_o worldly_a matter_n and_o n●…ver_o be_v tempt_v as_o man_n common_o be_v about_o scripture_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v thus_o if_o i_o may_v judge_v i_o must_v pro●…ess_v from_o my_o heart_n i_o can_v think_v of_o none_o so_o probable_a as_o this_o that_o scripture_n be_v of_o god_n for_o certain_a the_o devil_n be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v tooth_n and_o nail_n against_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v of_o man_n the_o devil_n will_v cherish_v as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o lie_n but_o now_o when_o all_o book_n almost_o be_v own_a and_o receive_v under_o the_o name_n of_o their_o respective_a author_n it_o show_v scripture_n to_o be_v of_o god_n who_o name_n only_o it_o b●…ars_v because_o there_o be_v so_o much_o ado_n about_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o another_o beam_n of_o light_a to_o show_v scripture_n divine_a authority_n be_v its_o antiquity_n beyond_o all_o record_n that_o make_v the_o fair_a pretence_n to_o it_o as_o have_v be_v show_v of_o lare_fw-la by_o a_o emine●…t_a schol●…r_n in_o his_o labour_n this_o way_n the_o gray_a h●…rs_n as_o one_o say_v which_o be_v upon_o the_o hand_n of_o scripture_n show_v it_o to_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o the_o ancient_a of_o day_n and_o this_o writing_n have_v the_o preeminency_n to_o be_v in_o this_o respect_n the_o first_o bear_v of_o all_o its_o brethren_n what_o book_n dare_v to_o compare_v with_o it_o as_o to_o antiquity_n and_o that_o not_o only_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o content_n which_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n from_o eternity_n but_o as_o to_o the_o writing_n which_o now_o paste_n up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n and_o may_v be_v see_v and_o read_v of_o all_o let_v the_o world_n show_v if_o it_o can_v any_o book_n of_o so_o long_o stand_v as_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n alas_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o all_o the_o ancient_n be_v but_o novice_n in_o comparison_n and_o how_o uncertain_a and_o confuse_a any_o of_o they_o be_v in_o their_o discovery_n be_v to_o be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o learned_a author_n of_o orig._n s●…cr_n abovesaid_a have_v any_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n and_o begin_n such_o as_o we_o have_v in_o moses_n sure_o any_o that_o will_v be_v at_o pain_n to_o compare_v all_o together_o will_v soon_o perceive_v the_o difference_n and_o vote_v our_o bible_n as_o most_o transcendent_a to_o say_v no_o more_o unumquodque_fw-la sapit_fw-la authorem_fw-la and_o scripture_n in_o this_o be_v a_o resemblence_n of_o god_n who_o be_v call_v the_o ancient_a of_o day_n yea_o scripture_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o its_o content_n eternal_a 7_o as_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o everlasting_a counsel_n of_o god_n what_o book_n ever_o pretend_v to_o such_o discovery_n heathen_n have_v talk_v ridiculous_o and_o absurd_o enough_o of_o the_o feat_n and_o famous_a exploit_n of_o some_o of_o their_o dunghill_n deity_n but_o never_o any_o dream_v of_o their_o counsel_n whereas_o scripture_n show_v we_o the_o only_a live_n and_o true_a god_n not_o only_o in_o his_o effect_n and_o property_n but_o also_o acquaint_v we_o with_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n as_o it_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n once_o the_o long_o stand_v of_o scripture_n show_v that_o it_o bathe_v outstand_v all_o trial_n while_o the_o world_n have_v have_v so_o much_o opportunity_n to_o inquire_v into_o it_o and_o prove_v it_o unsound_a and_o vain_a if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o still_o it_o retain_v and_o keep_v up_o its_o reputation_n though_o there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o in_o all_o age_n that_o will_v glad_o if_o they_o know_v how_o have_v fasten_v on_o it_o absurdity_n vanity_n or_o contradiction_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o their_o wit_n or_o malice_n can_v devise_v so_o we_o see_v in_o it_o as_o a_o experiment_n how_o truth_n be_v everlasting_a while_o man_n opinion_n vary_v and_o alter_v much_o and_o as_o the_o leaf_n of_o tree_n spring_n and_o flourish_v awhile_o and_o then_o fade_v and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n so_o a_o lie_n be_v never_o long_o live_v but_o as_o paint_v or_o varnish_n wear_v out_o or_o wash_v off_o because_o it_o have_v no_o substance_n to_o uphold_v it_o but_o great_a be_v the_o truth_n and_o shall_v preva●…le_v this_o truth_n especial_o when_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v fall_v and_o this_o argument_n have_v the_o more_o force_n because_o that_o scripture_n have_v meet_v with_o so_o much_o opposition_n and_o conquer_v notwithstanding_o for_o what_o else_o but_o a_o almighty_a power_n co●…ld_v preserve_v it_o when_o all_o the_o ungo●…ly_a that_o ever_o be_v can_v look_v upon_o it_o no_o otherwise_o than_o a_o engine_n frame_v to_o batter_v and_o overthrow_v all_o their_o fleshly_a and_o filthy_a interest_n and_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o design_n of_o scripture_n to_o throw_v
and_o meaning_n in_o i●…_n and_o so_o we_o produce_v they_o in_o any_o matter_n of_o question_n as_o man_n do_v their_o write_a evidence_n in_o a_o trial_n at_o law_n will_v it_o be_v allow_v in_o such_o a_o case_n that_o a_o lawyer_n if_o any_o such_o can_v possible_o be_v find_v shall_v evade_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n by_o abstract_v the_o letter_n from_o the_o sense_n all_o man_n of_o common_a reason_n know_v that_o write_v evidence_n be_v intend_v to_o show_v man_n sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o that_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o sense_n can_v be_v separate_v though_o every_o puny_a sophister_n can_v distinguish_v they_o in_o this_o distinguish_n between_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o say_v that_o protestant_n have_v only_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n for_o their_o rule_n we_o can_v guess_v at_o no_o design_n but_o this_o that_o 〈◊〉_d will_v have_v we_o run_v as_o far_o as_o rome_n to_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n thence_o and_o then_o we_o may_v have_v it_o sen●…ed_v as_o it_o have_v be_v heretofore_o by_o some_o of_o they_o for_o instance_n ●…ehold_v here_o be_v two_o sword_n l●…ke_v 22._o 38._o that_o be_v the_o pope_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o spi●…itual_a and_o temporal_a sword_n then_o ●…ast_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o f●…et_n 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o fi_fw-la 〈◊〉_d p●…l_n 8._o 6_o 7._o and_o this_o be_v apply_v to_o christ_n heb._n 2._o but_o the_o roman_a sense_n be_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o pope_n by_o catte●…_n they_o will_v have_v we_o understand_v man_n on_o earth_n by_o the_o fish_n in_o the_o sea_n the_o soul_n in_o purgatory_n and_o the_o bird_n be_v the_o bless_a soul_n in_o heaven_n or_o as_o they_o all_o seem_v to_o sense_n that_o command_n of_o christ_n drink_v you_o all_o of_o this_o drink_v you_o not_o not_o all_o of_o this_o these_o seem_v fo●…_n certain_a to_o make_v neither_o the_o letter_n nor_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n b●…t_v some●…hat_o else_o but_o the_o letter_n can_v be_v a_o rule_n ob●…_n say_v they_o see_v the_o letter_n speak_v thing_n otherwise_o then_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o letter_n attribute_n hand_n and_o sit_fw-mi 〈◊〉_d to_o 〈◊〉_d which_o must_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o imagine_v see_v he_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d we_o need_v not_o for_o all_o this_o be_v behold_v sol._n to_o tradition_n o●…_n seek_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n our_o reason_n if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o thing_n to_o help_v we_o will_v reach_v we_o that_o god_n have_v no_o limb_n nor_o sense_n as_o we_o man_n have_v and_o therefore_o we_o abhor_v to_o make_v any_o representation_n of_o god_n in_o any_o bodily_a shape_n as_o know_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o represent_v god_n by_o the_o similitude_n of_o any_o creature_n what_o reasonable_a man_n can_v be_v ignerant_a that_o god_n hand_n 〈◊〉_d his_o power_n and_o his_o eye_n his_o providence_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o such_o expression_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o a_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o our_o in●…rmity_n to_o say_v no_o more_o these_o reason_n be_v no_o better_a than_o 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v best_a 〈◊〉_d by_o take_v least_o notice_n o●…_n they_o for_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o have_v the_o ministry_n which_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n appoint_v for_o that_o end_n so_o 〈◊〉_d el_fw-es have_v a_o law_n and_o priest_n to_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o malac._n 2._o 7._o and_o we_o have_v a_o precedent_n record_v n●…hem_n 8._o 8._o and_o we_o think_v that_o papist_n meaning_n be_v the_o people_n shall_v seek_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n at_o the_o p●…iests_n lip_n see_v they_o allow_v they_o to_o have_v no_o bibles_n but_o what_o need_v they_o make_v such_o ado_n about_o this_o be_v they_o or_o can_v they_o be_v ignorant_a that_o all_o the_o great_a necessary_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v set_v down_o so_o plain_o in_o scripture_n as_o no_o man_n can_v miss_v of_o the_o true_a sense_n if_o he_o do_v but_o read_v they_o with_o deliberation_n there_o be_v no_o translation_n but_o have_v all_o these_o and_o no_o man_n in_o his_o sense_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o if_o he_o will_v but_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o this_o be_v the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o to_o give_v we_o a_o plain_a and_o a_o easy_a rule_n what_o though_o some_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o exercise_v our_o diligence_n yet_o all_o the_o necessary_a save_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v open_a and_o obvious_a to_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o understand_v and_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o that_o end_n thus_o god_n have_v write_v law_n as_o man_n do_v for_o such_o as_o be_v concern_v and_o both_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o all_o if_o they_o will_v do_v what_o be_v their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o it_o there_o be_v record_n of_o man_n law_n which_o we_o may_v call_v the_o original_n and_o there_o be_v statute-b_a ok_n print_v for_o man_n to_o read_v and_o know_v the_o law_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o transgress_v these_o law_n be_v question_v and_o punish_v though_o there_o be_v many_o that_o can_v read_v they_o because_o they_o know_v not_o a_o letter_n for_o it_o be_v just_o and_o reasonable_o presu●…ed_v that_o all_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n may_v come_v to_o know_v the_o law_n so_o much_o as_o concern_v they_o and_o so_o may_v our_o people_n say_v we_o come_v to_o know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n if_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o it_o therefore_o such_o query_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n &_o c._n be_v no_o better_o than_o quibble_n they_o that_o b●…sie_n themselves_o to_o trouble_v we_o with_o such_o captious_a question_n may_v do_v well_o to_o bestow_v their_o pain_n about_o some_o other_o who_o may_v give_v they_o more_o thanks_o than_o we_o can_v for_o their_o labour_n i_o mean_v our_o untoward_o people_n who_o be_v some_o of_o they_o sometime_o try_v for_o their_o life_n be_v indict_v upon_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o our_o land_n let_v they_o prompt_v these_o poor_a wretch_n to_o plead_v that_o the_o law_n be_v no_o rule_n for_o they_o to_o walk_v by_o see_v they_o never_o can_v read_v they_o nor_o perhaps_o ever_o see_v a_o statute-book_n and_o they_o can_v be_v sure_a the_o print_a sta●…utes_n be_v the_o same_o word_n for_o word_n with_o the_o original_a record_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v sure_a what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n for_o lawyer_n be_v sometime_o divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n about_o it_o o_o what_o a_o brave_a piece_n of_o service_n this_o will_v be_v count_v by_o some_o thus_o to_o make_v void_a all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n but_o the_o law_n of_o england_n must_v not_o be_v lay_v down_o upon_o such_o pre●…ences_n and_o we_o hope_v the_o l●…ws_n of_o god_n in_o sc●…ipture_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v void_a upon_o no_o better_a ground_n for_o our_o vulgar_a they_o have_v as_o many_o advantage_n to_o know_v the_o rule_n of_o ●…aith_n in_o scripture_n as_o they_o have_v to_o know_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o no_o ●…ber_a man_n can_v say_v or_o think_v otherwise_o for_o as_o we_o have_v such_o as_o be_v study_v and_o understand_v in_o the_o law_n of_o england_n so_o we_o have_v such_o as_o be_v by_o office_n bind_v to_o cause_v other_o to_o know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o have_v god_n provide_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o his_o people_n may_v not_o perish_v for_o lack_v of_o knowledge_n true_a the_o priest_n may_v as_o once_o they_o do_v m●…l_a c._n 2._o 8._o depart_n out_o of_o the_o war_n and_o cause_n m●…ny_o to_o stumb●…e_v at_o the_o law_n and_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o no_o marvel_n if_o tradition_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o 〈◊〉_d a_o witness_n of_o the_o say_v of_o forefather_n see_v most_o as_o be_v the_o p●…iest_n so_o be_v the_o people_n however_o this_o have_v be_v god_n ordinary_a way_n for_o teach_v his_o people_n and_o god_n ordinance_n be_v not_o the_o worse_a for_o man_n abuse_n his_o law_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v by_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a and_o will_v use_v mean_n to_o learn_v they_o because_o he_o have_v appoint_v officer_n to_o teach_v the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n and_o will_n hence_o we_o may_v just_o say_v of_o these_o exception_n that_o they_o be_v to_o small_a purpose_n and_o whoever_o weigh_v the_o argument_n will_v find_v it_o to_o strike_v almost_o direct_o at_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n in_o declare_v and_o dispense_n the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n
place_n speak_v more_o plain_o and_o the_o plai●…_n place_n well_o remember_v will_v be_v as_o a_o commentary_n upon_o the_o more_o dark_a and_o difficult_a and_o for_o this_o purpose_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o scripture_n be_v difficult_a to_o none_o so_o much_o as_o to_o those_o who_o be_v great_a stranger_n to_o it_o and_o seldom_o take_v a_o bible_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o read_v in_o it_o with_o any_o attention_n whereas_o many_o and_o i_o wish_v there_o be_v more_o who_o can_v only_o read_v it_o and_o use_v such_o small_a help_n as_o god_n minister_v to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v concionable_a in_o what_o be_v their_o duty_n be_v able_a to_o prove_v and_o justify_v the_o main_a ground_n and_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o any_o that_o question_v they_o what_o if_o some_o thing_n be_v difficult_a so_o long_o as_o these_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a be_v plain_a and_o easy_a all_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v no_o sober_a man_n will_v question_v i_o be_o now_o persuade_v those_o of_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a rank_n to_o study_v what_o i_o say_v again_o they_o may_v sufficient_o understand_v though_o they_o have_v none_o to_o guide_v they_o and_o let_v they_o be_v still_o press_v forward_o and_o pry_v further_o to_o discover_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v see_v and_o know_v for_o why_o have_v god_n reveal_v his_o will_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o it_o let_v the_o word_n 1._o of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o etc._n etc._n i._n e._n plentiful_o abundant_o he_o mean_v it_o shall_v not_o lodge_v as_o a_o stranger_n for_o a_o night_n but_o abide_v with_o they_o and_o they_o to_o give_v it_o rich_a and_o liberal_a entertainment_n and_o make_v it_o their_o familiar_a by_o frequent_a read_n hear_v meditate_v upon_o and_o confer_v about_o the_o scripture_n and_o they_o who_o take_v this_o course_n will_v soon_o find_v by_o experience_n the_o improvement_n make_v by_o it_o the_o often_o review_v of_o any_o thing_n as_o all_o man_n know_v be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o see_v more_o in_o it_o than_o ever_o we_o see_v before_o now_o scripture_n deserve_v as_o i_o may_v say_v to_o be_v much_o and_o often_o look●…_n upon_o if_o it_o be_v only_o for_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o great_a god_n but_o there_o be_v somewhat_o else_o scripture_n resemble_v its_o author_n in_o this_o that_o as_o he_o be_v unsearchable_a never_o to_o be_v know_v by_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n or_o all_o of_o they_o as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o so_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v seek_v into_o so_o far_o as_o there_o will_v not_o still_o remain_v something_o that_o require_v a_o further_a search_n he_o that_o dig_v the_o deep_a into_o this_o mine_n shall_v ever_o find_v new_a vein_n such_o as_o be_v never_o discover_v before_o yea_o and_o when_o we_o have_v make_v the_o utmost_a search_n the_o wise_a of_o we_o must_v leave_v the_o world_n sign_v some_o text_n with_o a_o non_fw-fr l●…quet_n in_o these_o we_o can_v never_o be_v resolve_v man_n have_v be_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o nature_n mystery_n ever_o since_o the_o creation_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v much_o that_o need_v a_o further_a enquiry_n yea_o somewhat_o if_o not_o very_o much_o that_o will_v never_o i_o doubt_v be_v find_v out_o by_o any_o but_o however_o it_o be_v in_o nature_n we_o may_v reasonable_o conceive_v that_o in_o supernatural_a revelation_n we_o can_v never_o stretch_v ourselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o reach_v the_o utmost_a all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n be_v easy_a enough_o to_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o understand_v and_o therefore_o ignorance_n can_v be_v no_o excuse_n but_o all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o the_o like_a necessity_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v think_v i_o hope_v without_o prejudice_n that_o as_o god_n spirit_n have_v write_v some_o thing_n more_o dark_o to_o exercise_v our_o diligence_n so_o he_o have_v write_v some_o also_o to_o humble_v we_o and_o make_v we_o know_v ourselves_o and_o what_o of_o all_o this_o scripture_n be_v still_o a_o plain_a and_o complete_a rule_n fit_a for_o any_o that_o will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o even_o such_o as_o can_v only_o read_v it_o and_o their_o read_n it_o will_v help_v they_o to_o understand_v enough_o if_o they_o be_v serious_a and_o attentive_a in_o it_o though_o i_o will_v have_v they_o neglect_v no_o other_o mean_n offer_v they_o viz._n meditation_n conference_n &_o c._n and_o unto_o all_o let_v they_o add_v servant_n prayer_n never_o open_v the_o bible_n without_o put_v up_o to_o god_n that_o which_o be_v david_n great_a request_n psal._n 119._o 18._o lord_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o thy_o law_n 4_o let_v they_o not_o bring_v their_o own_o sense_n to_o scripture_n but_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o from_o out_o of_o itself_o because_o as_o one_o say_v the_o divine_a scripture_n contain_v the_o whole_a and_o firm_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o its_o authority_n must_v sway_v we_o to_o take_v up_o that_o which_o it_o i_o yes_o down_o and_o nothing_o else_o they_o take_v a_o wrong_a coarse_a therefore_o who_o first_o entertain_v and_o harbour_v a_o conceit_n or_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o upon_o some_o base_a or_o by-respect_n and_o then_o search_v and_o rack_n and_o torture_v scripture_n to_o make_v it_o speak_v what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n in_o wrest_v his_o word_n to_o justify_v and_o avouch_v the_o groundless_a conceit_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n deceive_v heart_n the_o only_a right_a way_n to_o know_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n in_o any_o doubtful_a case_n be_v to_o bring_v heart_n as_o pure_a as_o white_a paper_n apt_a to_o receive_v and_o rest_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o whatever_o they_o be_v though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o our_o design_n q●…_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o know_v the_o true_a and_o right_a determination_n as_o scripture_n give_v it_o especial_o when_o many_o as_o know_v as_o ourselves_o can_v agree_v about_o it_o sol._n 1._o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o some_o man_n to_o understand_v aright_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n because_o they_o inquire_v after_o it_o with_o a_o mind_n resolve_v to_o hold_v what_o they_o have_v once_o take_v up_o whatever_o it_o be_v such_o be_v all_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o wilful_a in_o their_o own_o way_n wed_v to_o their_o will_n and_o abandon_v to_o their_o filthy_a and_o fleshly_a interest_n such_o as_o these_o be_v constant_a and_o ordinary_a in_o work_n and_o way_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n notwithstanding_o scripture-commands_a be_v so_o express_o and_o clear_o against_o they_o what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o the_o 6_o seven_o 8_o and_o 9th_o commandment_n and_o yet_o how_o many_o make_v a_o constant_a trade_n as_o i_o may_v say_v of_o uncleaness_n and_o cruelty_n oppression_n deceit_n and_o falsehood_n these_o may_v easy_o know_v god_n mind_n if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o but_o they_o be_v rebel_n against_o the_o light_n resolve_v to_o serve_v their_o lust_n and_o have_v their_o will_n whatever_o god_n have_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o till_o these_o come_v to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o can_v never_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n as_o he_o intend_v it_o 2._o to_o be_v resolve_v aright_o in_o all_o practical_a question_n and_o case_n we_o must_v first_o resolve_v to_o renounce_v and_o abandon_v our_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n our_o lust_n and_o interest_n as_o the_o apostle_n advise_v jac._n 1._o 22._o 1_o pet._n 2.1_o no_o paper_n that_o be_v besmear_v or_o blot_v can_v be_v good_a to_o write_v upon_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a such_o as_o all_o be_v who_o be_v sway_v by_o their_o own_o lust_n will_v pervert_v all_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o q●…_n but_o what_o must_v there_o be_v sol._n a_o honest_a upright_a heart_n dispose_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o obedience_n it_o be_v sabdue_v by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v 18._o to_o feed_v on_o that_o which_o breed_v they_o now_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n they_o be_v beget_v and_o that_o the_o apostle_n peter_n call_v milk_n exhort_v christian_n ●…c_n after_o they_o be_v new_o bear_v to_o desire_v it_o as_o little_a infant_n do_v
have_v be_v make_v in_o many_o age_n and_o do_v not_o coin_v a_o new_a faith_n never_o before_o hear_v of_o we_o be_v not_o calvinist_n or_o lutheran_n though_o so_o miscall_v by_o some_o but_o christian_n as_o luther_n calvin_n and_o other_o be_v in_o the_o last_o age_n and_o they_o and_o all_o other_o of_o the_o same_o profession_n stand_v to_o maintain_v their_o doctrine_n as_o the_o faith_n of_o forefather_n all_o along_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o our_o adversary_n be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o this_o have_v be_v hold_v and_o sufficient_o make_v good_a by_o the_o vote_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n unto_o who_o our_o learned_a have_v appeal_v as_o unto_o judge_n in_o this_o cause_n but_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o in_o the_o father_n never_o so_o ancient_a or_o learned_a but_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o we_o have_v learn_v to_o count_v and_o call_v our_o father_n and_o master_n as_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n only_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o father_n thus_o far_o as_o to_o produce_v they_o for_o our_o witness_n and_o know_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o allege_v their_o testimony_n because_o they_o own_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o now_o do_v and_o though_o the_o appellation_n of_o protestant_n be_v occasion_v in_o the_o last_o age_n by_o the_o protestation_n make_v against_o the_o interim_n yet_o these_o be_v but_o successor_n to_o those_o who_o have_v for_o many_o age_n before_o protest_v against_o the_o addition_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n beside_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o can_v therefore_o plead_v antiquity_n and_o succession_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o better_a too_o unless_o they_o can_v prove_v better_a than_o they_o have_v do_v yet_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o this_o be_v it_o which_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o and_o by_o this_o be_v we_o confirm_v in_o it_o viz._n that_o we_o profess_v the_o same_o truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v from_o christ_n and_o deliver_v unto_o the_o first_o christian_n churches_n hence_o we_o say_v when_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o tenet_n of_o our_o adversary_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o have_v be_v receive_v for_o many_o age_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o old_a as_o the_o apostle_n beside_o we_o know_v that_o custom_n beside_o or_o i._n against_o truth_n be_v but_o a_o old_a error_n and_o whatso●…ver_o be_v against_o truth_n be_v a_o heresy_n though_o never_o so_o old_a truth_n be_v old_a than_o error_n and_o good_a be_v before_o any_o evil_n and_o so_o we_o consent_v that_o what_o be_v first_o be_v best_a but_o that_o our_o adversary_n tenet_n be_v such_o we_o deny_v and_o say_v they_o be_v not_o from_o the_o beginning_n though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v take_v up_o early_o enough_o and_o too_o soon_o as_o we_o know_v it_o be_v not_o long_o ere_o sin_v get_v into_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v after_o god_n have_v make_v man_n righteous_a our_o saviour_n matth._n 5._o correct_v many_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v long_o receive_v and_o go_v for_o currant_n by_o oppose_v his_o word_n against_o they_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v abundant_o enough_o to_o justify_v we_o in_o what_o we_o hold_v that_o we_o find_v our_o faith_n in_o scripture_n and_o this_o our_o adversary_n know_v very_o well_o and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o marvel_n that_o they_o be_v so_o busy_a in_o raise_v doubt_n and_o question_n about_o its_o divine_a authority_n for_o let_v we_o once_o let_v scripture_n go_v as_o some_o will_v have_v we_o our_o faith_n be_v go_v also_o be_v it_o not_o for_o scripture_n i_o know_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v why_o every_o man_n may_v not_o coin_n a_o faith_n to_o himself_o and_o say_v it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n yea_o deny_v christ_n and_o all_o christianity_n for_o what_o have_v we_o to_o prove_v it_o beside_o the_o scripture_n or_o how_o can_v we_o disprove_v any_o damnable_a doctrine_n and_o device_n of_o man_n without_o it_o o_o let_v we_o never_o think_v of_o turn_v from_o the_o good_a old_a way_n wherein_o we_o follow_v all_o those_o champion_n who_o nothing_o can_v persuade_v to_o part_v with_o it_o 3._o consider_v what_o and_o how_o much_o we_o lose_v if_o we_o hold_v not_o fast_o this_o ground_n of_o our_o confidence_n steadfast_a unto_o the_o end_n it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o our_o adversary_n press_v and_o urge_v we_o so_o much_o this_o way_n they_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o let_v go_v this_o and_o all_o be_v go_v and_o they_o say_v true_o in_o it_o for_o our_o faith_n have_v no_o sure_a foot_n if_o scripture_n authority_n be_v such_o as_o they_o will_v make_v it_o we_o have_v separate_v from_o they_o for_o many_o year_n past_a and_o the_o true_a reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o separation_n be_v that_o they_o hold_v and_o practise_v so_o many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o lay_v they_o aside_o hereupon_o we_o resolve_v to_o communicate_v no_o long_o with_o they_o because_o we_o can_v not_o admit_v what_o we_o judge_v sinful_a as_o be_v against_o or_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o count_v the_o only_a rule_n this_o i_o say_v have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o quarrel_n between_o we_o for_o if_o it_o be_v observe_v in_o our_o difference_n with_o they_o we_o still_o be_v on_o the_o negative_a part_n and_o why_o so_o sure_o because_o our_o difference_n be_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o hold_v beside_o and_o against_o scripture_n for_o in_o these_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o deny_v what_o they_o affirm_v i_o say_v again_o bind_v sub_fw-la poenâ_fw-la of_o lose_v all_o our_o profession_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v protestant_n in_o opposition_n to_o papist_n and_o this_o let_v any_o man_n that_o be_v sober_a and_o intelligent_a judge_n of_o for_o let_v oral_a and_o practical_a tradition_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n what_o be_v become_v of_o scripture_n may_v i_o not_o just_o ask_v whether_o it_o be_v something_o or_o a_o mere_a empty_a nothing_o what_o can_v it_o be_v at_o best_o more_o than_o a_o cipher_n which_o we_o know_v in_o number_v stand_v for_o nothing_o unless_o a_o figure_n be_v put_v to_o it_o tradition_n say_v they_o be_v that_o and_o that_o only_a which_o can_v ascertain_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o believe_v and_o than_o what_o be_v scripture_n more_o than_o a_o dead_a letter_n and_o tradition_n be_v it_o which_o give_v spirit_n and_o life_n to_o it_o and_o where_o be_v we_o then_o even_o where_o our_o adversary_n will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v then_o we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o church_n for_o our_o faith_n and_o take_v that_o for_o the_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o for_o many_o age_n whatever_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n the_o church_n say_v they_o can_v err_v and_o so_o say_v we_o but_o they_o and_o we_o be_v not_o agree_v for_o all_o this_o for_o they_o mean_v no_o other_o church_n than_o their_o own_o and_o this_o say_v they_o have_v the_o true_a faith_n which_o from_o the_o apostle_n be_v deliver_v at_o first_o and_o have_v be_v convey_v down_o succesfive_o in_o all_o age_n and_o it_o now_o rest_v only_o among_o roman_a catholic_n god_n have_v and_o ever_o have_v say_v we_o a_o church_n or_o society_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n who_o do_v not_o indeed_o can_v not_o because_o of_o god_n promise_n err_v in_o any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n but_o we_o can_v admit_v their_o church_n and_o this_o to_o be_v all_o one_o god_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n to_o his_o church_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o church_n shall_v be_v lead_v into_o all_o necessary_a save_a truth_n but_o let_v our_o adversary_n show_v we_o if_o they_o can_v one_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o any_o generation_n of_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n such_o as_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n seed_n and_o be_v make_v good_a to_o they_o until_o the_o promise_a seed_n come_v israel_n so_o long_o continue_v to_o be_v god_n people_n because_o of_o his_o promise_n but_o god_n have_v no_o one_o people_n of_o one_o stock_n and_o kindred_n ever_o since_o unto_o which_o he_o have_v make_v any_o such_o promise_n for_o many_o who_o be_v once_o a_o people_n to_o god_n afterward_o become_v none_o and_o they_o who_o yet_o be_v none_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v god_n people_n and_o shall_v be_v such_o when_o he_o please_v to_o call_v they_o hence_o we_o count_v nothing_o of_o any_o argument_n draw_v from_o personal_a and_o