small_a observation_n which_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v we_o that_o if_o man_n take_v heed_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o laziness_n and_o careless_a read_n and_o interest_n will_v make_v they_o it_o be_v only_o this_o to_o what_o the_o word_n which_o relate_v when_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o which_o be_v some_o thing_n etc._n etc._n whether_o to_o st._n paul_n epistle_n or_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o st._n peter_n be_v treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n as_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o some_o of_o his_o epistle_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a to_o those_o who_o will_v be_v at_o so_o much_o pain_n as_o to_o ask_v any_o honest_a man_n that_o understand_v the_o original_a language_n that_o it_o refer_v not_o to_o all_o st._n paul_n epistle_n but_o to_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o st._n peter_n have_v be_v discourse_v for_o the_o word_n be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o which_o epistle_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o which_o thing_n or_o among_o which_o thing_n some_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v now_o that_o which_o st._n peter_n have_v be_v speak_v of_o be_v the_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n concern_v which_o he_o say_v st._n paul_n also_o have_v write_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o determine_v that_o s._n peter_n here_o mean_v that_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v write_v in_o his_o epistle_n about_o christ_n come_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o the_o rest_n and_o what_o great_a matter_n be_v it_o if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o thing_n relate_v to_o his_o come_v since_o we_o know_v and_o be_v certain_a by_o undoubted_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o will_v come_v and_o come_v to_o render_v unto_o all_o according_a to_o their_o work_n let_v we_o believe_v this_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o use_n which_o st._n peter_n make_v of_o it_o in_o the_o eleven_o verse_n what_o manner_n of_o person_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n it_o will_v be_v very_o ill_a for_o we_o if_o christ_n shall_v come_v now_o and_o find_v we_o instead_o of_o reform_v our_o life_n by_o practise_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispute_v against_o that_o gospel_n and_o cast_v reflection_n upon_o it_o as_o a_o obscure_a book_n which_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o breed_v heresy_n than_o to_o teach_v man_n the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o whensoever_o he_o do_v come_v it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a for_o some_o man_n to_o answer_v this_o charge_n which_o will_v be_v bring_v against_o they_o of_o asperse_v his_o will_n and_o testament_n on_o this_o fashion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v his_o child_n fall_v out_o and_o not_o rather_o agree_v together_o in_o pious_a love_n and_o charity_n but_o let_v those_o who_o be_v concern_v look_v to_o that_o let_v we_o who_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o read_v his_o holy_a will_n and_o be_v encourage_v so_o to_o do_v only_a endeavour_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v to_o have_v our_o conversation_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v therein_o let_v our_o next_o thought_n be_v that_o there_o be_v enough_o which_o we_o do_v understand_v and_o that_o if_o we_o practise_v it_o and_o will_v take_v pain_n we_o may_v in_o time_n understand_v the_o rest_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v we_o in_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o if_o we_o extend_v the_o meaning_n of_o st._n peter_n further_o as_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o do_v and_o look_v into_o all_o those_o part_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n that_o be_v think_v the_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v we_o may_v with_o some_o diligence_n and_o observation_n comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o well_o enough_o and_o till_o we_o use_v that_o diligence_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o accuse_v the_o scripture_n of_o obscurity_n but_o ourselves_o of_o negligence_n all_o it_o be_v true_a can_v use_v that_o diligence_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o understand_v he_o in_o all_o point_n because_o their_o business_n will_v not_o permit_v it_o but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a they_o shall_v understand_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n so_o if_o they_o can_v use_v that_o diligence_n which_o be_v requisite_a they_o may_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v see_v in_o st._n peter_n word_n understand_v he_o throughout_o for_o he_o only_o say_v there_o be_v difficult_a thing_n in_o st._n paul_n but_o difficulty_n be_v short_a of_o impossibility_n and_o we_o see_v very_o great_a difficulty_n in_o other_o matter_n overcome_v by_o man_n industry_n and_o god_n blessing_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v be_v overcome_v here_o by_o those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n and_o have_v capacity_n to_o comprehend_v his_o meaning_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v every_o particular_a expression_n or_o passage_n yet_o his_o scope_n and_o drift_n in_o the_o whole_a discourse_n may_v with_o careful_a attention_n and_o observation_n be_v clear_o discern_v at_o least_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o st._n peter_n word_n which_o contradict_v this_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v vain_o allege_v to_o prove_v the_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o scripture_n when_o they_o can_v extend_v but_o to_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n i._n e._n st._n paul_n epistle_n and_o but_o to_o some_o thing_n in_o they_o nay_o but_o to_o some_o thing_n i_o have_v show_v in_o one_o particular_a discourse_n in_o they_o about_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n which_o have_v no_o further_a obscurity_n in_o they_o neither_o but_o what_o be_v only_o a_o exercise_n of_o our_o diligence_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v understand_v but_o just_o thus_o other_o place_n be_v wrest_v to_o prove_v the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o will_v instance_n in_o one_o or_o two_o the_o abridger_n of_o controversy_n fear_v not_o to_o allege_v the_o viii_o act_n 30_o 31._o to_o this_o purpose_n where_o st._n philip_n ask_v the_o eunuch_n if_o he_o understand_v what_o he_o read_v and_o he_o confess_v he_o do_v not_o but_o ask_v he_o again_o how_o can_v i_o except_o some_o man_n shall_v guide_v i_o from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v they_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v to_o which_o the_o reply_n be_v so_o easy_a that_o he_o must_v have_v a_o film_n before_o his_o eye_n who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o this_o place_n be_v a_o argument_n against_o they_o that_o allege_v it_o for_o it_o prove_v as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o first_o part_n that_o man_n do_v then_o read_v the_o scripture_n though_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o they_o read_v and_o it_o prove_v not_o that_o the_o eunuch_n understand_v nothing_o but_o only_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o particular_a place_n which_o st._n philip_n find_v he_o read_v and_o that_o be_v a_o place_n in_o a_o prophecy_n which_o have_v some_o obscurity_n in_o it_o till_o it_o be_v accomplish_v though_o not_o afterward_o and_o it_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n he_o do_v not_o understand_v in_o that_o prophecy_n for_o he_o know_v what_o the_o prophet_n say_v but_o can_v not_o tell_v of_o who_o i_o pray_v thou_o tell_v i_o say_v he_o to_o the_o evangelist_n of_o who_o speak_v the_o prophet_n of_o himself_o or_o of_o some_o other_o that_o be_v all_o the_o inquiry_n the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o that_o one_o single_a point_n and_o in_o that_o also_o only_o for_o a_o time_n for_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o interpreter_n he_o soon_o understand_v the_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v and_o in_o who_o it_o be_v fulfil_v so_o that_o this_o very_a place_n have_v now_o no_o difficulty_n at_o all_o in_o it_o unto_o we_o when_o we_o read_v it_o though_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n difficult_a to_o he_o what_o a_o number_n of_o insufficiency_n be_v there_o in_o this_o allegation_n as_o bishop_n montague_n just_o complain_v to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v all_o that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o be_v that_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a in_o a_o particular_a case_n and_o in_o one_o point_n only_o of_o that_o case_n and_o at_o that_o time_n and_o i_o may_v further_o add_v to_o a_o stranger_n who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o so_o be_v not_o from_o the_o beginning_n acquaint_v with_o their_o book_n who_o notwithstanding_o with_o a_o little_a help_n present_o find_v it_o be_v no_o long_o hard_o to_o be_v understand_v but_o very_o easy_a as_o it_o be_v now_o to_o we_o this_o be_v enough_o both_o to_o show_v how_o insufficient_a the_o proof_n be_v which_o be_v bring_v
word_n of_o holy_a scripture_n to_o give_v they_o countenance_n by_o its_o great_a authority_n and_o press_v it_o against_o its_o will_n to_o come_v to_o their_o service_n at_o every_o turn_n they_o will_v be_v interpose_v their_o inclination_n and_o prove_v a_o bias_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o carry_v they_o aside_o from_o the_o mark_n and_o the_o full_a we_o be_v of_o these_o and_o the_o more_o desirous_a to_o have_v they_o confirm_v the_o more_o hasty_o shall_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v in_o their_o favour_n and_o proffer_v itself_o as_o a_o witness_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o conceit_n let_v we_o provide_v therefore_o by_o a_o due_a vigilance_n and_o attentive_a consideration_n that_o they_o be_v not_o form_v by_o our_o own_o private_a imagination_n but_o by_o the_o common_a stand_a rule_n of_o natural_a honesty_n justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o by_o all_o other_o certain_a principle_n ingraft_v in_o we_o or_o reveal_v to_o we_o which_o serve_v as_o a_o index_n to_o point_v we_o which_o way_n our_o thought_n shall_v run_v and_o where_o they_o shall_v six_o themselves_o ii_o the_o necessity_n of_o which_o care_n be_v the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o be_v brief_o consider_v and_o here_o two_o thing_n more_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v due_o weigh_v first_o that_o without_o this_o care_n the_o plain_a scripture_n will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v pervert_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o most_o difficult_a second_o the_o very_a same_o place_n of_o scripture_n will_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v shameful_o wrest_v to_o serve_v different_a purpose_n i._n first_o i_o say_v the_o plain_a scripture_n will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v pervert_v and_o very_o dangerous_o too_o as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o difficult_a for_o it_o be_v not_o their_o difficulty_n that_o make_v they_o be_v pervert_v but_o man_n own_o easiness_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o their_o private_a desire_n will_v have_v to_o be_v true_a though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o sound_v reason_n and_o religion_n which_o if_o they_o have_v regard_v will_v have_v direct_v they_o to_o make_v another_o construction_n of_o holy_a write_n all_o the_o metaphor_n for_o instance_n and_o resemblance_n borrow_v from_o thing_n visible_a to_o represent_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n heavenly_a kingdom_n make_v the_o miserable_a jew_n as_o their_o forefather_n do_v before_o they_o still_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o pleasant_a dream_n of_o a_o glorious_a pompous_a monarchy_n here_o on_o earth_n though_o the_o prophet_n in_o as_o plain_a word_n as_o can_v be_v devise_v represent_v christ_n their_o king_n as_o a_o man_n of_o suffering_n who_o shall_v endure_v great_a indignity_n than_o any_o man_n ever_o do_v and_o at_o last_o die_v and_o so_o rise_v again_o to_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n from_o thence_o to_o fill_v all_o the_o earth_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o thereby_o make_v they_o pious_a subject_n of_o a_o divine_a kingdom_n this_o drowsiness_n be_v so_o hereditary_a to_o their_o nation_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o their_o slumber_n by_o consider_v how_o much_o more_o the_o soul_n be_v god_n care_n than_o the_o body_n and_o what_o the_o prophet_n speak_v concern_v christ_n government_n over_o man_n mind_n and_o conscience_n and_o the_o reformation_n he_o shall_v come_v to_o make_v in_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n some_o christian_n have_v be_v delude_v with_o the_o same_o fancy_n as_o if_o they_o have_v dream_v upon_o their_o pillow_n but_o there_o be_v more_o palpable_a instance_n of_o the_o abuse_v commit_v among_o they_o not_o by_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o forbid_v but_o by_o not_o observe_v the_o rule_n i_o be_o now_o establish_v it_o be_v usual_a for_o people_n even_o in_o the_o ancient_a time_n of_o christianity_n to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n according_a to_o their_o fancy_n mere_o to_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n just_a as_o many_o make_v it_o do_v now_o for_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o who_o after_o their_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n still_o follow_v the_o trade_n of_o make_v idol_n and_o image_n for_o the_o heathen_a to_o worship_n defend_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v reprehend_v for_o it_o by_o a_o say_v in_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n vii_o 20._o which_o they_o thus_o contract_v ut_fw-la cuique_fw-la fuerit_fw-la inventus_fw-la ita_fw-la &_o perseveret_fw-la as_o every_o man_n be_v find_v when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o christianity_n so_o let_v he_o continue_v there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o read_v what_o follow_v but_o plain_o see_v if_o he_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o shut_v his_o eye_n against_o all_o that_o contradict_v his_o desire_n the_o apostle_n design_v nothing_o but_o that_o all_o man_n shall_v remain_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o condition_n in_o which_o they_o be_v when_o convert_v to_o christ_n that_o if_o they_o be_v mere_a slave_n they_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o continue_v so_o and_o not_o depart_v from_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n unless_o they_o will_v give_v they_o their_o liberty_n which_o he_o grant_v be_v much_o to_o be_v desire_v but_o if_o the_o follow_a word_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n yet_o the_o rule_n before_o mention_v will_v have_v sufficient_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o ill_a use_n they_o make_v of_o his_o word_n for_o as_o tertullian_n well_o observe_v in_o his_o book_n of_o idolatry_n cap._n v._o where_o he_o treat_v of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v a_o interpretation_n that_o direct_o lead_v to_o all_o wickedness_n possumus_fw-la igitur_fw-la omnes_fw-la in_o peccatis_fw-la perseverare_fw-la ex_fw-la ista_fw-la interpretatione_n etc._n etc._n as_o his_o word_n be_v we_o may_v all_o then_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o this_o interpretation_n for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o we_o who_o be_v not_o find_v a_o sinner_n when_o he_o be_v call_v into_o christ_n service_n who_o come_v down_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n but_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n they_o also_o abuse_v he_o observe_v there_o some_o other_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n wherein_o he_o require_v that_o after_o his_o example_n every_o man_n shall_v work_v and_o get_v his_o live_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n 1_o cor._n iu_o 10._o 2_o thess_n iii_o 9_o 10._o by_o which_o precept_n if_o all_o that_o man_n wrought_v with_o their_o hand_n may_v be_v defend_v then_o thief_n and_o highway_n man_n and_o coiner_n of_o false_a money_n and_o all_o other_o wicked_a person_n will_v be_v justify_v by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o these_o image-maker_n who_o allege_v they_o in_o a_o word_n let_v the_o gate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v set_v wide_o open_a say_v he_o for_o all_o comer_n who_o live_v by_o their_o labour_n if_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n of_o such_o art_n and_o trade_n as_o the_o discipline_n of_o god_n do_v not_o receive_v and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n itself_o teach_v we_o this_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o difficult_a place_n only_o which_o man_n wrest_v to_o their_o destruction_n but_o the_o plain_a also_o when_o thereby_o they_o can_v have_v some_o colour_n for_o their_o evil_a practice_n as_o for_o example_n what_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n never_o give_v any_o encouragement_n by_o his_o doctrine_n for_o man_n to_o say_v much_o less_o say_v thus_o himself_o let_v we_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v that_o be_v a_o good_a end_n will_v warrant_v evil_a action_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v so_o audacious_a as_o to_o affirm_v he_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n who_o he_o content_v himself_o to_o confute_v with_o these_o few_o word_n and_o vouchsafe_v they_o no_o other_o answer_n who_o damnation_n be_v just_a iii_o rome_n 8._o there_o be_v no_o ground_n that_o be_v for_o such_o a_o interpretation_n of_o his_o word_n but_o only_o their_o own_o evil_a principle_n and_o affection_n which_o lead_v they_o to_o make_v this_o conclusion_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n and_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v for_o such_o man_n but_o they_o will_v perish_v and_o nothing_o be_v more_o just_a than_o that_o god_n shall_v leave_v they_o under_o condemnation_n who_o pervert_v holy_a word_n to_o a_o meaning_n so_o cross_a to_o all_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v truth_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o occumenius_n upon_o this_o very_a text_n of_o st._n peter_n gives_z another_z such_o like_a instance_n of_o wrest_v st._n paul_n word_n which_o he_o say_v may_v serve_v instead_o of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v v._o rom._n 20._o where_o sin_n abound_v grace_n do_v much_o more_o abound_v ungodly_a man_n
profit_n of_o the_o read_v this_o epistle_n for_o perhaps_o otherways_o they_o that_o first_o receive_v it_o may_v not_o have_v give_v it_o unto_o all_o as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v he_o be_v afraid_a lest_o the_o epistle_n shall_v be_v suppress_v and_o read_v but_o by_o few_o and_o therefore_o he_o require_v they_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o as_o they_o hope_v for_o mercy_n from_o our_o lord_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v unto_o all_o which_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v conceal_v from_o the_o poor_a member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o as_o much_o as_o the_o great_a and_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n be_v now_o alive_a and_o shall_v write_v to_o the_o church_n we_o may_v be_v confident_a he_o will_v be_v more_o earnest_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o this_o matter_n graviore_fw-la contestatione_fw-la adjurans_fw-la etc._n etc._n as_o musculus_fw-la write_v add_v great_a weight_n o_o his_o adjuration_n and_o beseech_v nay_o charge_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o now_o with_o all_o their_o might_n oppose_v the_o people_n read_v of_o his_o epistle_n that_o as_o they_o expect_v the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o will_v be_v their_o judge_n they_o will_v take_v care_n that_o all_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v diligent_o communicate_v to_o the_o faithful_a it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n s._n paul_n write_v also_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n iu_o 16._o where_o he_o command_v that_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v among_o they_o in_o that_o church_n they_o shall_v take_v care_n to_o have_v it_o read_v in_o that_o of_o laodicea_n by_o send_v that_o be_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o to_o they_o and_o the_o colossian_n on_o the_o other_o side_n shall_v read_v the_o epistle_n of_o the_o laodicean_n that_o be_v the_o epistle_n which_o he_o have_v send_v to_o that_o church_n as_o some_o theophylact_v observe_n ancient_o understand_v it_o or_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n which_o be_v write_v by_o he_o as_o other_o he_o say_v observe_z from_o laodicea_n these_o be_v plain_a demonstration_n that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v the_o common_a portion_n of_o all_o god_n people_n as_o those_o of_o the_o old_a have_v always_o be_v iv_o and_o thus_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o show_v they_o understand_v it_o by_o represent_v that_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o duty_n and_o careful_o practise_v by_o pious_a people_n according_a to_o the_o forename_a injunction_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o the_o solemn_a obtestation_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o his_o son_n timothy_n from_o his_o infancy_n have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o will_v not_o now_o be_v allow_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n to_o grow_v christian_n without_o a_o special_a licence_n no_o not_o to_o regulars_n as_o they_o call_v they_o who_o whole_a business_n it_o be_v to_o be_v religious_a but_o may_v not_o have_v any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o their_o own_o language_n without_o a_o faculty_n from_o their_o superior_n read_v 2._o tim._n iii_o 15._o and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o five_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n you_o will_v sin_v that_o he_o receive_v this_o early_a knowledge_n he_o have_v of_o the_o scripture_n from_o his_o grandmother_n and_o mother_n for_o his_o father_n be_v not_o a_o jew_n but_o a_o greek_a and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a in_o the_o scripture_n but_o have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o understand_v they_o so_o well_o that_o they_o be_v able_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o teach_v they_o their_o child_n which_o they_o begin_v to_o do_v say_v the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o their_o cradle_n as_o we_o speak_v in_o our_o language_n that_o be_v as_o josephus_n admirable_o explain_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d immediate_o upon_o the_o first_o indication_n that_o they_o have_v any_o perception_n of_o other_o thing_n for_o so_o he_o write_v in_o the_o book_n before_o name_v if_o any_o man_n ask_v any_o one_o of_o our_o nation_n concern_v the_o law_n he_o will_v tell_v he_o all_o thing_n more_o ready_o than_o his_o own_o name_n for_o learn_v they_o straightway_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o come_v to_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n we_o retain_v they_o deep_o engrave_v upon_o our_o mind_n thus_o the_o talmudist_n also_o discourse_n at_o five_o year_n old_a they_o put_v their_o child_n to_o the_o bible_n whereby_o they_o arrive_v at_o such_o a_o proficiency_n that_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n they_o have_v be_v able_a to_o tell_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v there_o so_o ribera_n a_o famous_a jesuit_n relate_v in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o v._o micah_n 2._o i_o know_v a_o jew_n say_v he_o at_o salamanca_n who_o be_v sufficient_o unlearned_a of_o who_o when_o i_o inquire_v in_o the_o spanish_a language_n because_o he_o understand_v no_o latin_a about_o several_a thing_n both_o in_o the_o historical_a and_o in_o the_o prophetical_a book_n he_o stop_v i_o immediate_o upon_o the_o first_o mention_n of_o they_o from_o proceed_v further_o and_o repeat_v they_o all_o himself_o without_o book_n in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o i_o relate_v to_o another_o jew_n who_o be_v become_v christian_a he_o tell_v i_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n for_o they_o commit_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o memory_n from_o their_o childhood_n which_o may_v very_o well_o put_v those_o christian_n to_o the_o blush_n who_o be_v as_o careful_a and_o vigilant_a to_o keep_v not_o only_o their_o child_n and_o youth_n but_o elder_a people_n also_o from_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o into_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o shameful_a because_o even_o the_o proselyte_n that_o be_v they_o of_o other_o nation_n who_o embrace_v the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v allow_v this_o liberty_n no_o less_o than_o the_o natural_a jew_n themselves_o which_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o eunuch_n belong_v to_o the_o queen_n of_o ethiopia_n who_o st._n philip_n find_v viii_o act_n 28._o read_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o journey_n homeward_o from_o jerusalem_n agreeable_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n before_o mention_v that_o the_o divine_a write_n shall_v be_v their_o companion_n when_o they_o walk_v on_o the_o way_n as_o well_o as_o when_o they_o be_v within_o door_n this_o eunuch_n be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o strange_a country_n breed_v up_o in_o the_o court_n of_o ethiopia_n which_o be_v the_o soft_a they_o say_v and_o most_o effeminate_a of_o all_o nation_n yet_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n he_o have_v so_o much_o care_n of_o his_o soul_n as_o to_o read_v the_o prophetical_a book_n the_o hard_a of_o all_o the_o old_a scripture_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o he_o confess_v to_o philip_n he_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v his_o read_v they_o and_o because_o he_o read_v they_o with_o a_o pious_a mind_n god_n send_v he_o a_o interpreter_n who_o improve_v his_o knowledge_n and_o advance_v he_o from_o a_o jew_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n clothe_v the_o blackmore_n as_o erasmus_n express_v it_o with_o the_o snowlike_a fleece_n of_o the_o immaculate_a lamb._n which_o that_o great_a man_n just_o allege_v as_o a_o argument_n why_o every_o one_o shall_v read_v the_o scripture_n though_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v every_o thing_n that_o they_o read_v if_o they_o do_v it_o honest_o and_o pious_o how_o do_v we_o know_v say_v he_o but_o that_o they_o may_v fare_v as_o well_o as_o the_o eunuch_n do_v who_o feel_v his_o heart_n touch_v in_o the_o read_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n v._o certain_a it_o be_v you_o may_v further_o observe_v that_o this_o be_v not_o only_o practise_v in_o the_o first_o and_o best_a time_n of_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v account_v a_o noble_a quality_n in_o those_o who_o be_v serious_o conversant_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o of_o the_o city_n of_o beraea_n may_v teach_v we_o who_o hear_v st._n paul_n preach_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n which_o he_o confirm_v no_o doubt_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o present_o reject_v what_o he_o say_v because_o it_o cross_v their_o opinion_n as_o a_o neighbour_a city_n have_v do_v but_o be_v more_o noble_a say_v the_o text_n xvii_o act_n 11._o or_o better_o breed_v than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v censure_v as_o a_o piece_n of_o
promise_n before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v therefore_o let_v we_o i_o beseech_v you_o with_o great_a diligence_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o read_n of_o holy_a write_n for_o thereby_o we_o shall_v be_v furnish_v with_o divine_a knowledge_n if_o we_o frequent_o make_v they_o our_o study_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v neglect_v by_o god_n who_o with_o earnest_a diligence_n and_o fervent_a desire_n employ_v himself_o in_o these_o divine_a thing_n but_o if_o no_o man_n can_v be_v find_v to_o teach_v we_o the_o lord_n himself_o will_v come_v from_o above_o into_o our_o heart_n and_o inlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o shine_v into_o our_o understanding_n and_o reveal_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v hide_v and_o instruct_v we_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v ignorant_a provide_v we_o will_v contribute_v all_o that_o lie_v in_o we_o to_o the_o business_n four_o this_o he_o illustrate_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o eunuch_n in_o the_o viii_o of_o the_o act_n who_o he_o magnify_v in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o work_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o observe_v upon_o several_a account_n belong_v to_o this_o matter_n particular_o here_o for_o not_o neglect_v to_o read_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n though_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o barbarian_a and_o ignorant_a what_o the_o prophet_n say_v but_o because_o he_o do_v what_o he_o can_v and_o with_o all_o the_o diligence_n he_o be_v able_a he_o obtain_v a_o guide_n from_o god_n consider_v here_o i_o beseech_v you_o how_o beneficial_a it_o be_v to_o this_o man_n that_o he_o do_v not_o omit_v read_v no_o though_o he_o be_v in_o a_o journey_n on_o the_o highway_n let_v those_o hearken_v to_o this_o who_o will_v not_o do_v so_o much_o at_o home_n but_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o by-business_n because_o they_o cohabit_v with_o a_o wife_n or_o be_v list_v soldier_n and_o have_v the_o care_n of_o child_n and_o must_v look_v after_o their_o servant_n and_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o business_n in_o the_o world_n which_o they_o imagine_v sufficient_o excuse_v they_o from_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o read_v the_o holy_a script_n res_fw-la for_o see_v here_o all_o this_o confute_v in_o this_o barbarian_a a_o man_n of_o business_n and_o in_o his_o journey_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v so_o studious_a and_o intent_n upon_o his_o read_n that_o nothing_o can_v divert_v he_o from_o it_o as_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v in_o that_o homily_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o eloquence_n which_o will_v be_v more_o pertinent_o allege_v under_o some_o of_o the_o other_o general_a head_n i_o only_o observe_v one_o thing_n more_o under_o this_o five_o that_o he_o urge_v this_o obligation_n they_o have_v upon_o they_o to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o this_o argument_n that_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o family_n as_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v from_o the_o forename_a precept_n of_o st._n paul_n let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n observe_v say_v he_o how_o the_o apostle_n decline_v all_o that_o may_v deter_v they_o from_o this_o business_n because_o there_o be_v great_a pain_n to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o read_n some_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v a_o laborious_a business_n to_o understand_v they_o therefore_o he_o commend_v the_o psalm_n that_o he_o may_v at_o once_o delight_v their_o mind_n and_o make_v the_o labour_n easy_a to_o they_o now_o your_o child_n be_v acquaint_v with_o satanical_a song_n and_o dance_n like_v to_o those_o who_o keep_v victualling-house_n and_o dancing-master_n but_o none_o of_o they_o know_v so_o much_o as_o one_o psalm_n hence_o all_o our_o mischiess_n for_o like_a to_o the_o soil_n in_o which_o the_o plant_n be_v set_v will_v be_v the_o fruit_n teach_v thy_o child_n therefore_o to_o chant_v the_o psalm_n those_o that_o be_v full_a of_o philosophy_n for_o example_n those_o straightway_o that_o teach_v temperance_n or_o rather_o before_o all_o those_o about_o avoid_v ill_a company_n with_o which_o the_o book_n begin_v for_o upon_o this_o score_n the_o prophet_n enter_v upon_o his_o work_n with_o this_o admonition_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o ungodly_a etc._n etc._n and_o again_o 26.4_o i_o have_v not_o sit_v with_o vain_a person_n and_o again_o xv_o 4_o in_o who_o eye_n a_o vile_a person_n be_v contemn_v but_o he_o honour_v they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n like_o to_o these_o thou_o will_v find_v many_o more_o concern_v bridle_v the_o appetite_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o belly_n concern_v keep_v the_o hand_n from_o theft_n against_o covetousness_n and_o that_o riches_n be_v nothing_o nor_o glory_n neither_o nor_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o like_a nature_n if_o from_o a_o child_n thou_o accustom_v he_o to_o these_o notion_n by_o little_a and_o little_o thou_o will_v advance_v he_o to_o sublime_a apprehension_n for_o than_o he_o will_v understand_v the_o hymn_n which_o have_v nothing_o humane_a in_o they_o but_o be_v thing_n more_o divine_a for_o the_o heavenly_a power_n sing_v hymn_n not_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o repeat_v exhortation_n it_o appear_v these_o be_v not_o hasty_a thought_n which_o on_o a_o sudden_a spring_v up_o in_o he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o discourse_n but_o the_o deliberate_a constant_a and_o settle_a sense_n of_o his_o mind_n which_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o bring_v all_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o his_o charge_n to_o a_o more_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o will_v still_o more_o full_o appear_v in_o the_o second_o proposition_n which_o he_o maintain_v and_o that_o be_v such_o as_o may_v perfect_o put_v to_o shame_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n for_o it_o be_v this_o ii_o that_o it_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o a_o layman_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n than_o for_o a_o monk_n or_o those_o that_o be_v sequester_v from_o the_o world_n to_o this_o purpose_n he_o discourse_n in_o his_o second_o sermon_n upon_o st._n matthew_n this_o be_v the_o plague_n that_o now_o infest_v we_o and_o corrupt_v all_o that_o you_o imagine_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n belong_v to_o monk_n only_o and_o not_o to_o you_o that_o have_v wife_n and_o child_n and_o worldly_a business_n whereas_o it_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o you_o than_o for_o they_o for_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o world_n be_v most_o expose_v to_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v wound_v have_v most_o need_v of_o medicine_n to_o preserve_v they_o that_o be_v or_o to_o cure_v they_o thus_o likewise_o in_o the_o three_o sermon_n upon_o lazarus_n before_o mention_v he_o discourse_v to_o this_o effect_n let_v no_o man_n tell_v i_o i_o be_o engage_v in_o plead_v cause_n the_o public_a business_n lie_v upon_o i_o i_o have_v a_o trade_n i_o must_v live_v by_o my_o handy_a work_n i_o have_v a_o wife_n and_o family_n in_o short_a i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v not_o for_o i_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o for_o those_o who_o have_v bid_v a_o adieu_n to_o it_o what_o do_v thou_o say_v man_n be_v it_o not_o thy_o business_n to_o turn_v over_o the_o scripture_n because_o thou_o be_v distract_v with_o worldly_a care_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n it_o be_v more_o thy_o business_n than_o they_o for_o they_o have_v less_o need_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o we_o have_v who_o be_v toss_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o wave_n of_o business_n they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o haven_n they_o be_v secure_a and_o enjoy_v perfect_a tranquillity_n it_o be_v we_o who_o fluctuate_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n who_o be_v obnoxious_a whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o to_o innumerable_a sin_n and_o therefore_o have_v perpetual_a need_n of_o the_o comfort_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o can_v more_o effectual_o represent_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n than_o this_o unless_o it_o be_v what_o follow_v out_o of_o the_o xxi_o homily_n upon_o genesis_n upon_o those_o word_n noah_n beget_v three_o son_n let_v we_o not_o bring_v forth_o those_o frigid_a word_n i_o be_o a_o worldly_a man_n i_o have_v a_o wife_n the_o care_n of_o child_n lie_v upon_o i_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o many_o be_v to_o excuse_v themselves_o when_o we_o bid_v they_o labour_n to_o be_v good_a and_o apply_v their_o study_n to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o i_o say_v they_o have_v i_o renounce_v the_o world_n be_o i_o a_o monk_n what_o do_v thou_o say_v man_n do_v this_o belong_v to_o monk_n only_o to_o study_v
more_o plain_o than_o to_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a and_o that_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o fear_n god_n so_o likewise_o to_o honour_v the_o king_n and_o his_o minister_n and_o to_o obey_v those_o that_o watch_n over_o our_o soul_n nay_o to_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n which_o will_v dispose_v we_o most_o certain_o if_o we_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o pride_n or_o any_o other_o vicious_a affection_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o in_o dubious_a thing_n and_o as_o it_o there_o follow_v in_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thess_n v._o 13._o to_o be_v at_o peace_n among_o ourselves_o i_o must_v beseech_v therefore_o every_o member_n of_o this_o church_n both_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o be_v as_o careful_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o i_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n take_v your_o guide_n along_o with_o you_o do_v not_o think_v yourselves_o safe_a without_o their_o conduct_n be_v not_o only_o willing_a but_o desirous_a to_o learn_v of_o they_o reverence_v their_o instruction_n do_v not_o easy_o dissent_v from_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o oppose_v they_o especial_o when_o you_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v they_o to_o be_v serious_a studious_a know_v and_o conscientious_a man_n who_o take_v care_n to_o inform_v themselves_o aright_o that_o they_o may_v not_o misinform_v you_o for_o such_o man_n look_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v bind_v as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o treatise_n of_o tradition_n pag._n 24._o to_o guide_v themselves_o in_o their_o direction_n of_o other_o by_o what_o the_o catholic_n father_n and_o ancient_a bishop_n have_v teach_v out_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o thereby_o preserve_v their_o flock_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n also_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v which_o by_o their_o subscription_n they_o own_v to_o have_v authority_n in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v no_o less_o preserve_v they_o in_o unity_n and_o in_o peace_n to_o conclude_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o every_o body_n must_v reap_v great_a fruit_n by_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o they_o read_v they_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o they_o may_v go_v away_o better_o from_o the_o read_n of_o they_o than_o they_o come_v to_o it_o and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o accommodate_v they_o to_o their_o own_o affection_n but_o correct_v all_o their_o affection_n and_o desire_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n by_o this_o exact_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n according_a to_o which_o if_o we_o square_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v present_o learn_v in_o difficult_a thing_n to_o be_v wise_a unto_o sobriety_n and_o in_o plain_a thing_n to_o be_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n that_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o do_v what_o we_o certain_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o only_a wisdom_n that_o the_o scripture_n magnify_v which_o will_v be_v the_o sure_a way_n both_o to_o know_v more_o and_o to_o know_v it_o better_o that_o be_v to_o feel_v the_o comfort_n of_o what_o we_o know_v in_o a_o bless_a and_o assure_a hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o part._n part_n ii_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n that_o those_o word_n of_o st_n peter_n 2._o iii_o 16._o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v allege_v against_o the_o read_n of_o holy_a scripture_n do_v plain_o suppose_v that_o the_o people_n do_v then_o read_v they_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o deter_v man_n from_o read_v they_o by_o represent_v the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o the_o danger_n of_o wrest_v they_o for_o he_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o consequent_o liable_a to_o be_v wrest_v but_o only_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n in_o treat_v of_o which_o three_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v consider_v i._n first_o that_o most_o thing_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v that_o they_o be_v easy_a nay_o all_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a for_o we_o be_v very_o easy_a ii_o second_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a may_v be_v understand_v though_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o it_o that_o be_v they_o will_v require_v some_o pain_n to_o understand_v they_o which_o shall_v not_o deter_v we_o from_o read_v but_o only_o make_v we_o laborious_a to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o we_o read_v iii_o three_o when_o we_o do_v thorough_o understand_v and_o hearty_o believe_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v easy_a it_o will_v abate_v much_o of_o that_o difficulty_n and_o make_v other_o thing_n more_o easy_a i._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o apostle_n only_o say_v some_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o suppose_v that_o most_o be_v not_o but_o rather_o easy_a as_o all_o those_o thing_n especial_o be_v which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v and_o do_v for_o the_o obtain_n salvation_n that_o which_o make_v thing_n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v the_o plain_a and_o perspicuous_a delivery_n of_o they_o in_o the_o word_n wherein_o they_o be_v write_v or_o speak_v now_o nothing_o a_o be_v plain_a or_o clear_a than_o the_o word_n wherein_o all_o the_o great_a christian_a truth_n be_v reveal_v and_o deliver_v to_o we_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v obscure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o see_v the_o light_n than_o it_o be_v to_o apprehend_v and_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o some_o particular_n and_o have_v a_o eye_n all_o the_o way_n upon_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o which_o s._n peter_n be_v common_o think_v to_o have_v respect_n wherein_o though_o some_o thing_n be_v difficult_a yet_o these_o be_v most_o clear_o discover_v first_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n as_o he_o express_o write_v 1_o cor._n viii_o 6._o second_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n remember_v we_o out_o of_o moses_n iu._n matt._n 10._o be_v the_o great_a thing_n press_v in_o his_o very_a entrance_n into_o any_o place_n where_o he_o preach_v 1_o thess_n l._n 9_o 10._o xvii_o act_n 23_o 24._o three_o as_o our_o lord_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v engage_v by_o our_o baptism_n to_o worship_v one_o god_n in_o three_o person_n xxviii_o matth._n 19_o so_o s._n paul_n affirm_v the_o same_o plain_o enough_o in_o that_o solemn_a prayer_n for_o the_o corinthian_n 2._o xiii_o ult_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v with_o you_o all_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o place_n wherein_o he_o affirm_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o ix_o rom._n 5._o and_o the_o spirit_n to_o search_v even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o know_v his_o mind_n exact_o for_o so_o it_o follow_v 1_o cor._n ii_o 10_o 11._o that_o as_o none_o can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o plain_o tell_v we_o if_o we_o mind_v it_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v in_o god_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v in_o man_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n be_v god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o full_o acquaint_v with_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n there_o be_v some_o little_a labour_n indeed_o in_o make_v this_o deduction_n but_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a if_o we_o consider_v all_o these_o place_n together_o four_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n none_o can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o who_o do_v but_o look_v into_o the_o holy_a book_n where_o he_o will_v immediate_o see_v he_o represent_v to_o be_v almighty_a most_o wise_a most_o gracious_a faithful_a to_o his_o word_n and_o the_o live_a god_n who_o endure_v for_o ever_o which_o be_v truth_n write_v there_o in_o such_o great_a letter_n that_o every_o one_o who_o run_v as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v and_o do_v but_o cast_v a_o transient_a eye_n upon_o they_o may_v easy_o read_v they_o five_o particular_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o kindness_n towards_o we_o the_o child_n of_o man_n lie_v before_o we_o so_o fair_o and_o shine_v so_o bright_o in_o our_o
obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_a but_o glory_n honour_n and_o peace_n to_o every_o man_n that_o work_v good_a to_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o gentile_a for_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n ii_o rom._n 6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n if_o these_o word_n be_v not_o intelligible_a there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o plain_o speak_v in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_o and_o intelligible_o write_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n xvii_o act_n 31._o when_o he_o will_v make_v good_a all_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o that_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v that_o great_a person_n by_o who_o he_o will_v judge_v it_o all_o our_o labour_n all_o our_o art_n can_v never_o make_v a_o proposition_n to_o be_v understand_v if_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o obvious_a and_o clear_a to_o all_o who_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consider_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o do_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o care_n and_o love_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n who_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v we_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_v the_o people_n shall_v look_v into_o they_o for_o fear_n of_o mistake_v and_o run_v themselves_o into_o dangerous_a error_n and_o heresy_n they_o may_v do_v so_o though_o they_o do_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n by_o follow_v their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n and_o by_o dream_v upon_o that_o which_o they_o hear_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o which_o start_v up_o in_o their_o own_o fancy_n but_o if_o they_o look_v into_o the_o scripture_n to_o know_v how_o to_o be_v save_v and_o have_v no_o other_o end_n nor_o neglect_v humble_o to_o implore_v the_o divine_a guidance_n they_o can_v mistake_v but_o may_v be_v easy_o and_o full_o satisfy_v for_o god_n have_v tell_v usall_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o saviour_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o and_o his_o commandment_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v he_o as_o they_o be_v not_o grievous_a so_o they_o be_v obvious_a and_o may_v be_v meet_v withal_o every_o where_o if_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o learn_v they_o and_o he_o have_v set_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n etc._n etc._n iv_o ephes_n 11_o 12_o 13._o so_o that_o no_o man_n have_v such_o director_n can_v miss_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o eternal_a life_n unless_o both_o he_o and_o they_o will_v wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o on_o purpose_n turn_v aside_o from_o the_o path_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n show_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o the_o word_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o bright_a as_o a_o lamp_n to_o give_v light_n unto_o our_o foot_n may_v be_v mistake_v or_o abuse_v then_o no_o man_n no_o company_n of_o man_n no_o interpreter_n no_o council_n can_v draw_v up_o any_o word_n but_o they_o may_v be_v pervert_v by_o those_o who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o they_o but_o be_v concern_v to_o put_v another_o sense_n than_o they_o intend_v upon_o they_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o slight_a argument_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o our_o instruction_n because_o god_n will_v have_v all_o even_o the_o mean_a capacity_n to_o read_v they_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o forego_n part_n of_o this_o work_n beyond_o any_o reasonable_a contradiction_n it_o will_v have_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o require_v man_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n as_o not_o only_a god_n but_o his_o church_n in_o ancient_a time_n do_v if_o they_o can_v not_o ready_o there_o meet_v with_o satisfaction_n the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o know_v argue_v the_o quite_o contrary_a way_n therefore_o you_o shall_v not_o read_v they_o because_o they_o be_v obscure_a but_o which_o will_v you_o choose_v to_o believe_v god_n who_o bid_v you_o read_v they_o from_o whence_o you_o may_v conclude_v they_o be_v not_o obscure_a or_o man_n who_o bid_v you_o not_o read_v they_o because_o they_o be_v obscure_a you_o may_v most_o safe_o conclude_v they_o be_v not_o obscure_a because_o god_n bid_v you_o read_v they_o for_o this_o be_v a_o right_a conclusion_n from_o divine_a premise_n whereas_o the_o other_o conclusion_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o read_v they_o be_v draw_v from_o a_o false_a supposition_n direct_o contradictory_n to_o what_o follow_v from_o the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o obscure_a but_o in_o thing_n necessary_a we_o may_v easy_o understand_v they_o otherwise_o our_o bless_a lord_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n will_v not_o have_v bid_v man_n search_v they_o nor_o will_v his_o apostle_n have_v cease_v to_o employ_v their_o pain_n till_o they_o have_v make_v such_o thing_n plain_o if_o they_o have_v not_o think_v they_o have_v set_v they_o down_o so_o plain_o in_o their_o write_n that_o no_o man_n who_o will_v read_v can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o that_o be_v another_o thing_n worthy_a observation_n that_o the_o very_a end_n for_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v this_o pretence_n of_o obscurity_n st._n john_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v that_o we_o may_v believe_v xx._n joh._n ult_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n by_o who_o authority_n do_v st._n john_n write_v or_o by_o who_o assistance_n do_v he_o perform_v this_o work_n be_v it_o not_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o by_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v he_o inspire_v but_o to_o work_v faith_n in_o those_o man_n soul_n who_o read_v his_o write_n and_o what_o faith_n be_v this_o only_o the_o belief_n of_o some_o few_o thing_n which_o be_v clear_a enough_o but_o not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n no_o such_o matter_n he_o write_v that_o we_o may_v have_v so_o much_o faith_n as_o shall_v give_v we_o eternal_a life_n through_o christ_n jesus_n now_o who_o can_v believe_v that_o he_o who_o write_v by_o that_o spirit_n which_o perfect_o know_v the_o several_a temper_n and_o capacity_n of_o every_o age_n and_o with_o a_o intention_n to_o breed_v save_v faith_n in_o their_o soul_n shall_v yet_o write_v so_o obscure_o that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o they_o for_o who_o good_a and_o benefit_n he_o write_v nothing_o but_o interest_n that_o be_v nothing_o but_o that_o very_o wicked_a temper_n which_o blind_v the_o jew_n and_o make_v they_o deny_v our_o saviour_n and_o crucify_v he_o can_v induce_v a_o man_n to_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n it_o will_v be_v reply_v i_o know_v by_o some_o that_o however_o here_o be_v a_o confession_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v best_o to_o keep_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n because_o they_o may_v do_v themselves_o hurt_v by_o those_o thing_n unto_o which_o i_o have_v answer_v already_o that_o if_o they_o seek_v for_o nothing_o but_o salvation_n and_o how_o to_o please_v god_n in_o order_n thereunto_o they_o will_v not_o do_v themselves_o hurt_v by_o any_o thing_n they_o meet_v withal_o in_o the_o holy_a write_n but_o for_o further_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o be_v consider_v which_o be_v ii_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o say_v some_o thing_n can_v be_v understand_v but_o that_o they_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v there_o be_v some_o labour_n require_v to_o the_o understanding_n they_o which_o if_o we_o will_v take_v we_o may_v comprehend_v their_o meaning_n it_o will_v be_v a_o long_a work_n to_o examine_v what_o thing_n in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n may_v be_v think_v to_o point_v at_o as_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o the_o inquiry_n may_v be_v very_o much_o shorten_v by_o one_o
to_o oppose_v our_o doctrine_n and_o that_o the_o difficulty_n we_o at_o present_a find_v in_o some_o place_n may_v be_v overcome_v and_o that_o one_o mean_n to_o overcome_v they_o be_v by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o wise_a interpreter_n who_o may_v in_o many_o case_n at_o least_o present_o satisfy_v we_o and_o take_v away_o the_o obscurity_n there_o be_v another_o instance_n of_o such_o weak_a proof_n in_o the_o same_o author_n who_o allege_v xxiv_o luke_n 25._o to_o prove_v the_o difficulty_n of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o danger_n of_o read_v they_o because_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n themselves_o who_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o and_o therefore_o be_v reproach_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o sharp_a term_n o_o fool_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v all_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v etc._n etc._n where_o it_o be_v manifest_a they_o be_v only_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o those_o be_v the_o prophet_n which_o have_v some_o obscurity_n as_o i_o say_v till_o their_o accomplishment_n and_o prophecy_n only_o concern_v one_o thing_n viz._n his_o death_n and_o passion_n which_o he_o be_v to_o undergo_v before_o he_o can_v ascend_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v hard_o to_o they_o at_o that_o present_a but_o be_v now_o easy_a by_o our_o saviour_n interpretation_n and_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o those_o day_n when_o notwithstanding_o they_o read_v they_o or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v blame_v for_o not_o understand_v they_o but_o what_o they_o be_v now_o unto_o we_o who_o have_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o he_o illuminate_v and_o last_o his_o call_v they_o fool_n for_o their_o slowness_n and_o dulness_n to_o believe_v be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o even_o then_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o disability_n in_o the_o two_o disciple_n to_o understand_v what_o the_o prophet_n say_v as_o a_o non-attention_n of_o mind_n heedlessness_n and_o want_v of_o consideration_n to_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a however_o our_o lord_n have_v pity_n upon_o they_o all_o and_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n v._o 45._o which_o the_o poor_a member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v now_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o that_o present_a ignorant_a be_v full_o persuade_v that_o it_o behove_v christ_n to_o suffer_v and_o to_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o day_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o then_o show_v they_o be_v write_v of_o he_o i_o conclude_v this_o with_o a_o brief_a state_n of_o this_o case_n some_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o some_o person_n and_o by_o some_o capacity_n and_o in_o some_o age_n and_o time_n and_o some_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o of_o general_a concernment_n but_o in_o that_o which_o concern_v man_n of_o all_o age_n capacity_n and_o condition_n and_o to_o every_o man_n in_o his_o order_n and_o vocation_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n gift_n bestow_v on_o he_o we_o affirm_v with_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v provide_v man_n have_v a_o will_v to_o learn_v what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o cross_a to_o their_o inclination_n interest_n affection_n and_o passion_n if_o these_o be_v suffer_v to_o intermeddle_v the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o beforehand_o in_o plain_a word_n that_o man_n will_v not_o see_v even_o when_o they_o see_v according_a to_o those_o word_n very_o often_o mention_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o by_o his_o apostle_n hear_v you_o shall_v hear_v and_o shall_v not_o understand_v and_o see_v you_o shall_v see_v and_o shall_v not_o perceive_v etc._n etc._n by_o reason_n that_o be_v of_o their_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n worldly-mindedness_a and_o ambition_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n which_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o that_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a but_o this_o be_v their_o condemnation_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n iii_o john_n 19_o which_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v unless_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n have_v be_v clear_o discover_v unto_o they_o iii_o which_o lead_v i_o now_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n propose_v to_o consideration_n in_o this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n that_o when_o we_o have_v thorough_o digest_v and_o do_v hearty_o believe_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v easy_a and_o plain_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o will_v abate_v much_o of_o the_o difficulty_n which_o be_v in_o other_o place_n and_o prepare_v our_o mind_n for_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o which_o i_o may_v wave_v here_o in_o this_o place_n because_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_o clear_v in_o the_o last_o part_n of_o this_o little_a treatise_n concern_v those_o that_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n but_o since_o it_o be_v profitable_a to_o have_v thing_n distinct_o represent_v i_o shall_v say_v something_o to_o it_o by_o itself_o there_o be_v a_o near_a alliance_n between_o all_o truth_n and_o the_o more_o familiar_a any_o of_o they_o be_v to_o our_o mind_n the_o better_a dispose_v we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o there_o be_v some_o of_o great_a force_n than_o other_o to_o widen_v the_o capacity_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o to_o free_v they_o from_o all_o opposite_a quality_n and_o impediment_n that_o they_o may_v entertain_v it_o easy_o and_o they_o be_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o and_o a_o hearty_a affection_n unto_o all_o those_o plain_a lesson_n which_o teach_v we_o our_o whole_a christian_a duty_n which_o if_o we_o thorough_o learn_v we_o be_v certain_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v illuminate_v by_o he_o to_o understand_v the_o high_a mystery_n as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o and_o our_o mind_n be_v able_a to_o reach_v they_o for_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o his_o covenant_n be_v to_o make_v they_o know_v it_o xxv_o psal_n 14._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o ill_a advice_n which_o cardinal_n pool_n if_o i_o mistake_v not_o give_v for_o the_o read_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o begin_v always_o at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o they_o for_o be_v we_o well_o verse_v therein_o by_o a_o serious_a study_n that_o be_v and_o sincere_a practice_n of_o those_o christian_a duty_n which_o he_o there_o commend_v unto_o we_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o way_n more_o clear_o to_o come_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v common_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v than_o the_o latter_a for_o our_o mind_n be_v true_o humble_a and_o heavenly_a and_o thereby_o sedate_v and_o quiet_a free_a from_o ambition_n covetousness_n or_o any_o secular_a desire_n and_o design_n they_o will_v be_v more_o serene_a and_o clear_a in_o themselves_o and_o also_o sitter_n to_o receive_v irradiation_n from_o above_o whereby_o we_o may_v certain_o discern_v thus_o much_o which_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v what_o the_o general_a aim_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o his_o epistle_n though_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o meaning_n and_o coherence_n of_o every_o particular_a verse_n in_o that_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v there_o be_v sometime_o no_o small_a difficulty_n because_o the_o apostle_n write_v against_o the_o disputer_n of_o that_o age_n we_o can_v at_o this_o distance_n certain_o know_v every_o little_a conceit_n or_o subtlety_n of_o they_o upon_o which_o he_o brief_o reflect_v and_o confute_v as_o he_o pass_v along_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o may_v be_v abundant_o satisfy_v in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o he_o either_o assert_n or_o oppose_v which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n of_o use_n to_o we_o and_o enough_o to_o reward_v the_o painful_a inquiry_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n among_o we_o who_o by_o all_o their_o study_n can_v perhaps_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o every_o particular_a passage_n nay_o will_v not_o see_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o conspicuous_a to_o other_o if_o they_o do_v not_o amend_v their_o life_n by_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o other_o place_n for_o of_o this_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n as_o a_o excellent_a man_n speak_v and_o his_o unalterable_a decree_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n at_o least_o in_o their_o drift_n and_o design_n shall_v be_v plain_a
pervert_v his_o sense_n say_v we_o have_v paul_n on_o our_o side_n who_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o sin_v the_o more_o abundant_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o abundant_o pardon_v which_o they_o do_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n say_v st._n peter_n for_o they_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o that_o destrey_n and_o takeaway_n their_o word_n by_o a_o perverse_a interpretation_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o condemnation_n because_o they_o slay_v they_o that_o the_o world_n may_v be_v no_o long_o teach_v by_o they_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n wrest_v or_o put_v upon_o the_o rack_n their_o word_n that_o none_o by_o they_o may_v work_v out_o their_o salvation_n again_o what_o be_v there_o clear_a in_o the_o apostolical_a write_n than_o that_o they_o every_o where_n teach_v god_n will_v raise_v the_o dead_a at_o the_o last_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v those_o who_o wrest_v these_o word_n so_o foul_o that_o some_o say_v the_o resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o of_o who_o be_v hymenaeus_n and_o philetas_n 2_o tim._n ii_o 17_o 18._o and_o other_o say_v there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n 1_o cor._n xv._o 12._o and_o other_o say_v christ_n will_v never_o come_v again_o but_o laugh_v at_o his_o promise_n of_o come_v to_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o at_o his_o threaten_n of_o come_v to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o in_o this_o very_a chapter_n v._o 3_o 4._o know_v this_o first_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n there_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o scoff_a saying_n where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n for_o since_o the_o first_o man_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v have_v the_o impudence_n to_o affirm_v it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o disprove_v they_o have_v they_o not_o affect_v as_o he_o show_v v._o 5._o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v as_o plain_o record_v in_o the_o holy_a book_n as_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o that_o there_o have_v already_o be_v long_o ago_o a_o great_a change_n make_v by_o the_o flood_n which_o sweep_v away_o the_o world_n of_o the_o ungodly_a which_o if_o they_o have_v be_v serious_a will_v have_v keep_v they_o from_o mock_v at_o another_o destruction_n threaten_v to_o the_o wicked_a with_o a_o promise_n of_o salvation_n to_o the_o godly_a at_o our_o saviour_n second_n come_v and_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o what_o be_v past_a as_o a_o example_n of_o the_o like_a future_a judgement_n i_o may_v give_v more_o numerous_a instance_n which_o will_v prove_v something_o beyond_o this_o that_o unpurged_a mind_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a soul_n will_v not_o only_o wrest_v plain_a truth_n to_o serve_v their_o lust_n and_o humour_n but_o thereby_o be_v apt_a to_o grow_v more_o wicked_a and_o more_o prejudice_v against_o god_n and_o goodness_n for_o the_o opinion_n or_o presumption_n as_o be_v excellent_o observe_v by_o a_o great_a man_n that_o any_o of_o our_o evil_a action_n or_o disposition_n be_v countenance_v from_o god_n word_n do_v mighty_o heighten_v they_o in_o a_o degree_n of_o evil_n more_o than_o usual_a the_o covetous_a niggardly_a and_o unmerciful_a for_o instance_n if_o they_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o precept_n of_o frugality_n and_o diligence_n be_v exceed_o stiffen_a and_o root_v in_o those_o sin_n with_o the_o pleasure_n they_o take_v in_o their_o conceit_a conformity_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o avoid_v riot_n and_o luxury_n sloth_n and_o negligence_n and_o thus_o the_o stubborn_a and_o self-willed_a be_v encourage_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n by_o the_o commendation_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o constant_a and_o the_o well-resolved_n and_o the_o malicious_a turbulent_a and_o seditious_a spirit_n justify_v their_o bitterness_n fury_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n from_o the_o example_n of_o excessive_a zeal_n or_o indignation_n swell_v in_o holy_a man_n upon_o just_a occasion_n and_o that_o perhaps_o by_o a_o special_a divine_a incitation_n which_o be_v not_o by_o any_o man_n to_o be_v now_o imitate_v but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o leave_v this_o and_o to_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o other_o ii_o it_o be_v no_o less_o usual_a for_o want_v of_o observe_v this_o plain_a rule_n to_o press_v one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o scripture_n to_o serve_v for_o different_a purpose_n unto_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a oracle_n which_o man_n from_o hence_o imagine_v have_v a_o uncertain_a find_v i_o may_v instance_n in_o some_o very_a ancient_a abuse_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n x._o matth._n 25._o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o disciple_n that_o he_o be_v as_o his_o master_n may_v be_v strain_v to_o prove_v no_o body_n know_v how_o many_o absurdity_n you_o may_v guess_v at_o the_o rest_n by_o this_o one_o that_o it_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o ebionite_n to_o prove_v that_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v circumcise_v because_o christ_n their_o master_n be_v as_o epiphanius_n express_o remember_v and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n may_v be_v urge_v to_o prove_v that_o no_o christian_n ought_v to_o marry_v because_o christ_n their_o master_n never_o marry_v but_o there_o be_v modern_a instance_n more_o than_o enough_o of_o this_o such_o as_o show_v that_o not_o only_o ignorant_a people_n but_o the_o most_o instruct_v in_o humane_a learning_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n notorious_o if_o they_o keep_v not_o close_o to_o principle_n of_o know_a morality_n and_o piety_n from_o those_o two_o word_n pasce_fw-la oves_fw-la feed_v my_o sheep_n i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o thing_n be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n if_o you_o ask_v how_o they_o prove_v the_o pope_n monarchy_n and_o supreme_a dominion_n in_o the_o church_n the_o answer_n be_v christ_n say_v to_o peter_n simon_n bar-jona_n feed_v my_o sheep_n i._n e._n say_v bellarmine_n regio_fw-la more_fw-it impera_fw-la command_v after_o a_o regal_a manner_n if_o you_o ask_v again_o by_o what_o right_o he_o challenge_v to_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n which_o ancient_o be_v think_v to_o belong_v to_o general_n council_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o same_o doctor_n tell_v you_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o same_o word_n feed_v my_o sheep_n hence_o he_o prove_v also_o his_o infallibility_n or_o that_o he_o can_v err_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n because_o christ_n say_v feed_v my_o sheep_n nay_o by_o the_o same_o word_n a_o four_o prerogative_n be_v establish_v which_o be_v a_o power_n to_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o think_v good_a they_o be_v allege_v also_o for_o a_o five_o purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o have_v a_o treasure_n make_v up_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o saint_n which_o he_o dispense_v as_o he_o please_v to_o the_o faithful_a for_o so_o the_o same_o doctor_n teach_v in_o his_o book_n of_o indulgence_n because_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n by_o which_o wonderful_a word_n also_o he_o and_o other_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o pope_n can_v transfer_v kingdom_n absolve_v subject_n from_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o depose_v they_o from_o their_o throne_n and_o becanus_n from_o the_o same_o word_n still_o gather_v that_o he_o may_v inflict_v temporal_a punishment_n as_o they_o call_v they_o not_o except_v death_n upon_o those_o prince_n that_o be_v disobedient_a to_o he_o so_o strange_o be_v man_n bend_v to_o force_v the_o meaning_n of_o holy_a writ_n though_o they_o have_v never_o so_o good_a part_n and_o great_a learning_n when_o they_o have_v once_o forsake_v the_o guidance_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o the_o obvious_a notion_n of_o christianity_n nay_o the_o more_o witty_a they_o be_v the_o worse_o they_o be_v if_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o conscience_n and_o keep_v not_o strict_o to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n there_o be_v another_o example_n to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n from_o those_o word_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n etc._n etc._n one_o be_v content_a to_o prove_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o the_o universal_a church_n can_v err_v but_o another_o from_o hence_o affirm_v that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o present_a church_n can_v err_v which_o will_v not_o satisfy_v other_o who_o conclude_v from_o the_o same_o word_n that_o the_o pope_n can_v err_v and_o there_o be_v those_o who_o