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how_o i_o pray_v shall_v we_o know_v which_o of_o these_o two_o to_o take_v part_n withal_o a_o man_n can_v gather_v nothing_o but_o that_o the_o remedy_n for_o that_o disease_n be_v obscure_o express_v in_o that_o book_n some_o may_v object_v the_o sect_n do_v not_o follow_v the_o scripture_n only_o but_o they_o add_v their_o tradition_n the_o calvinist_n add_v their_o reason_n the_o anabaptist_n their_o dream_n i_o answer_v they_o do_v so_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o clear_o teach_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o in_o the_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o lutheran_n they_o proceed_v not_o so_o but_o by_o scripture_n they_o fight_v against_o lutheran_n tenant_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o endeavour_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o sight_n for_o and_o defend_v their_o own_o which_o the_o lutheran_n by_o scripture_n do_v condemn_v nay_o more_o there_o be_v some_o viz._n the_o anabaptist_n that_o urge_v the_o
the_o world_n by_o divine_n after_o all_o this_o i_o say_v that_o a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v bring_v upon_o the_o stage_n to_o propose_v such_o a_o question_n as_o whether_o any_o christian_a can_v be_v certain_a of_o his_o faith_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o propose_v it_o only_o but_o to_o call_v it_o a_o perplex_a question_n and_o a_o doubtful_a case_n of_o conscience_n be_v so_o unshamefast_a a_o course_n as_o in_o my_o judgement_n it_o become_v none_o but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v a_o moor_n forehead_n and_o can_v be_v ashamed_a yet_o i_o consider_v the_o condition_n of_o these_o present_a time_n in_o germany_n where_o the_o antichristian_a congregation_n have_v confederated_a themselves_o and_o take_v counsel_n against_o god_n secretary_n and_o as_o pharaoh_n pursue_v the_o israelite_n think_v to_o overtake_v they_o and_o that_o their_o lust_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v upon_o they_o so_o these_o have_v not_o only_o think_v so_o but_o do_v so_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o that_o some_o weak_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v fall_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o be_v so_o charm_v with_o fear_n or_o hope_n or_o both_o as_o to_o be_v draw_v unto_o their_o lure_n and_o bring_v to_o do_v they_o this_o piece_n of_o service_n as_o to_o propose_v such_o a_o question_n and_o name_v the_o child_n after_o this_o manner_n for_o these_o time_n be_v the_o very_a hour_n and_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o satan_n be_v not_o yet_o bind_v though_o we_o trust_v his_o bind_n be_v not_o far_o off_o and_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v give_v over_o to_o believe_v lie_n and_o to_o become_v some_o jesuit_n proctor_n call_v man_n to_o relieve_v a_o scrupulous_a and_o perplex_a conscience_n and_o to_o entreat_v all_o christian_n especial_o the_o calvinist_n divine_v and_o preacher_n with_o all_o due_a respect_n to_o give_v a_o solution_n to_o this_o propose_a question_n and_o this_o in_o dutch_a whereas_o i_o have_v think_v that_o this_o question_n have_v neither_o be_v life_n or_o motion_n in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o only_o in_o this_o our_o england_n well_o let_v we_o consider_v wherein_o the_o perplexity_n of_o this_o question_n consist_v or_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v it_o disc_n our_o religion_n be_v our_o faith_n faith_n either_o save_v or_o condemus_fw-la just_o ought_v we_o therefore_o to_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v and_o prove_v our_o faith_n cansid_n the_o first_o proposition_n that_o our_o religion_n be_v our_o faith_n be_v bring_v in_o to_o no_o purpose_n the_o argument_n here_o use_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o it_o such_o as_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o save_v be_v a_o act_n in_o man_n but_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v be_v no_o act_n in_o man_n but_o the_o object_n of_o that_o act_n the_o thing_n believe_v what_o conscience_n the_o author_n of_o this_o discourse_n have_v i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o doubt_v he_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v but_o of_o little_a wit_n disc_n but_o now_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a doubt_n to_o i_o and_o other_o of_o the_o simple_a sort_n of_o christian_n whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v a_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o rely_v and_o trust_v to_o this_o faith_n as_o to_o a_o unshaken_a foundation_n consideration_n let_v my_o faith_n be_v never_o so_o certain_a and_o my_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n never_o so_o sincere_a i_o trust_v neither_o to_o the_o one_o nor_o to_o the_o other_o christ_n be_v the_o rock_n and_o foundation_n whereupon_o god_n church_n be_v build_v upon_o which_o we_o be_v build_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o i_o trust_v both_o for_o the_o keep_n of_o i_o in_o this_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o bring_n of_o i_o thereby_o unto_o salvation_n as_o paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 1.20_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v trust_v and_o i_o know_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o and_o 1_o cor._n 1.30_o god_n have_v make_v he_o unto_o we_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n who_o so_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v any_o certainty_n of_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o demand_v of_o he_o whether_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o possibility_n for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v any_o certain_a faith_n at_o all_o or_o no_o if_o he_o doubt_v whether_o this_o be_v possible_a who_o see_v not_o that_o it_o be_v more_o fit_a this_o question_n shall_v be_v propose_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o upon_o the_o solution_n thereof_o and_o not_o afore_o to_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v by_o what_o this_o certainty_n may_v be_v have_v if_o he_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o this_o be_v possible_a let_v he_o show_v we_o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o be_v assure_v hereof_o as_o namely_o whether_o by_o natural_a reason_n or_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o by_o the_o word_n of_o a_o angel_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o question_n be_v propose_v indifferent_o and_o fair_o with_o distinction_n we_o shall_v soon_o perceive_v how_o little_a cause_n there_o be_v to_o call_v this_o a_o perplex_a question_n or_o a_o doubtful_a case_n of_o conscience_n though_o these_o form_n savour_v of_o no_o learning_n nor_o judgement_n for_o the_o perplexity_n that_o be_v find_v in_o this_o argument_n be_v not_o in_o the_o question_n if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v the_o mere_a fault_n of_o the_o propounder_n exhibit_v it_o in_o perplex_a term_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o can_v be_v easy_o unfold_v but_o rather_o in_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o that_o be_v only_o in_o case_n the_o reason_n be_v of_o equal_a moment_n on_o both_o side_n wherewith_o the_o truth_n be_v encumber_v so_o that_o the_o light_n and_o convince_a evidence_n thereof_o can_v easy_o break_v forth_o and_o appear_v then_o as_o for_o a_o case_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v a_o very_a alien_a notion_n and_o ill_o apply_v in_o this_o place_n for_o case_n of_o conscience_n be_v only_o touch_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o a_o certain_a case_n but_o this_o be_v only_o touch_v possibility_n of_o assurance_n as_o whether_o we_o can_v have_v any_o certain_a faith_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o let_v we_o proceed_v distinct_o and_o 1._o let_v we_o inquire_v whether_o a_o man_n can_v have_v any_o certain_a faith_n at_o all_o i_o answer_v 1._o they_o may_v for_o many_o have_v have_v it_o as_o it_o be_v define_v by_o s._n paul_n heb._n 11._o to_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o there_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v up_o a_o catalogue_n of_o many_o that_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n i_o presume_v the_o propounder_n of_o this_o if_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n make_v no_o question_n hereof_o and_o that_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a rom._n 4.18_o 19_o 20._o be_v such_o a_o one_o who_o against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n and_o be_v not_o weak_a in_o faith_n he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o that_o all_o the_o true_a child_n of_o abraham_n have_v the_o like_a faith_n as_o abraham_n have_v 2._o but_o then_o let_v we_o distinguish_v when_o we_o treat_v of_o possibility_n this_o may_v be_v understand_v either_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o this_o distinction_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o believe_v this_o by_o power_n of_o nature_n mat._n 16._o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o unto_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o 1_o cor._n 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v and_o esa_n 53.1_o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o have_v the_o arm_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v and_o joh._n 12.39_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v because_o esaias_n say_v again_o he_o have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n nor_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v convert_v and_o i_o shall_v heal_v they_o and_o rom._n 8.8_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n can_v please_v god_n and_o consequent_o they_o can_v have_v faith_n for_o sure_o by_o faith_n we_o please_v god_n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v most_o
the_o number_n of_o christ_n church_n 144._o and_o the_o number_n most_o momentous_a arise_v by_o the_o calculation_n thereof_o be_v the_o number_n 12._o the_o root_n thereof_o and_o no_o other_o calculation_n belong_v to_o a_o single_a number_n than_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o extraction_n of_o root_n and_o the_o number_n 25._o find_v to_o be_v the_o root_n of_o 666._o so_o far_o as_o it_o come_v to_o be_v say_v in_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o arithmetic_n to_o have_v a_o root_n discover_v strange_a mystery_n concern_v the_o delineat_n of_o that_o beast_n the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n no_o marvel_n if_o these_o mystery_n be_v hide_v from_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o who_o write_v those_o prophecy_n for_o first_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n 2._o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o certain_a time_n when_o the_o light_n of_o they_o shall_v break_v forth_o to_o irradiate_a his_o church_n with_o unspeakable_a consolation_n when_o they_o stand_v most_o in_o need_n thereof_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o prophecy_n draw_v near_o christ_n speak_v in_o parable_n to_o some_o not_o to_o all_o yet_o some_o of_o his_o parable_n be_v understand_v by_o they_o even_o against_o who_o they_o be_v speak_v in_o particular_a those_o that_o be_v not_o understand_v by_o the_o multitude_n our_o saviour_n reveal_v to_o his_o disciple_n as_o often_o as_o they_o seek_v it_o yea_o and_o other_o mystery_n too_o namely_o the_o sign_n foregoing_a the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n his_o own_o come_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mat._n 24._o it_o be_v true_a the_o scripture_n contain_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v not_o apprehend_v according_a to_o their_o condition_n but_o by_o the_o regenerate_v but_o as_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n which_o this_o author_n consider_v not_o and_o be_v incident_a to_o a_o reprobate_n yea_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o to_o make_v he_o a_o able_a doctor_n in_o the_o church_n and_o orthodox_n throughout_o which_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n such_o a_o one_o shall_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o reveal_v to_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o be_v the_o secret_a of_o his_o covenant_n psal_n 25._o there_o be_v a_o secret_a also_o in_o faith-catholike_a and_o in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o regenerate_v only_o and_o it_o be_v to_o discern_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o they_o which_o have_v true_a faith_n a_o reprobate_a may_v believe_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o a_o natural_a faith_n only_o yea_o believe_v it_o and_o carry_v themselves_o like_o good_a scholar_n too_o while_o they_o instruct_v other_o therein_o still_o we_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o clear_a enough_o as_o touch_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o all_o this_o discourse_n be_v plausible_a only_o through_o distinction_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v fair_o intelligible_a to_o one_o that_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a disparagement_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o dishonour_n to_o god_n himself_o disparage_v either_o his_o goodness_n that_o will_v not_o or_o his_o wisdom_n that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o order_v it_o so_o that_o by_o search_v the_o scripture_n they_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n if_o before_o the_o law_n man_n have_v a_o light_n whereby_o they_o may_v find_v the_o truth_n more_o clear_o than_o we_o than_o the_o former_a time_n be_v time_n of_o great_a light_n and_o grace_n than_o the_o late_a but_o this_o be_v contrary_a both_o to_o the_o general_a judgement_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o to_o universal_a experience_n for_o as_o light_v natural_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o until_o it_o be_v perfect_a day_n so_o it_o have_v be_v with_o light_n spiritual_a yet_o the_o sun_n the_o fountain_n of_o light_n natural_a have_v sometime_o go_v backward_o ten_o degree_n not_o so_o the_o sun_n of_o rigteousness_n man_n have_v go_v backward_o i_o confess_v in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o obedience_n but_o god_n have_v go_v forward_a rather_o than_o backward_o in_o the_o course_n of_o administration_n of_o his_o grace_n we_o do_v not_o say_v there_o be_v a_o mere_a blindness_n or_o blindness_n at_o all_o in_o god_n child_n although_o in_o present_a discourse_n not_o of_o man_n blindness_n but_o of_o god_n progress_n in_o cause_v the_o irradiation_n of_o his_o light_n but_o this_o we_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o most_o sure_a word_n to_o which_o our_o forefather_n do_v well_o to_o take_v heed_n as_o to_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n but_o now_o a_o long_a time_n day_n have_v dawn_v and_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o daystar_n that_o arise_v in_o our_o heart_n 2_o pet._n 1.19_o for_o that_o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n be_v he_o which_o have_v shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4.6_o and_o in_o these_o day_n of_o grace_n we_o all_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o mirror_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o open_a face_n and_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o to_o say_v that_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v yet_o nevertheless_o there_o may_v be_v have_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a way_n of_o interpret_n whereby_o the_o most_o and_o most_o necessary_a controversy_n may_v be_v decide_v be_v to_o represent_v a_o show_n of_o antithesis_fw-la where_o there_o be_v none_o but_o that_o be_v little_a material_a but_o here_o be_v a_o declination_n to_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a hitherto_o the_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n have_v be_v oppose_v here_o a_o infallibility_n of_o interpret_n be_v introduce_v but_o medio_fw-la tutissimus_fw-la ibis_fw-la and_o virtue_n usual_o consist_v in_o a_o mediocrity_n which_o horace_n call_v auream_fw-la mediocritatem_fw-la since_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n challenge_v to_o herself_o no_o infallible_a authority_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o lord_n assure_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v that_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o for_o infallibility_n let_v we_o be_v content_a to_o have_v that_o condition_n reserve_v for_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n i_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o by_o study_n and_o care_n and_o pain_n most_o controversy_n may_v be_v so_o clear_o decide_v as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a either_o for_o the_o convert_n of_o a_o capable_a hearer_n to_o the_o embrace_n of_o it_o or_o for_o the_o convict_v he_o of_o obstinacy_n in_o withstand_v it_o but_o i_o little_o look_v that_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n will_v have_v so_o unsuitable_a a_o end_n mr._n dury_n as_o i_o remember_v be_v occupy_v about_o some_o such_o method_n as_o this_o i_o wish_v hearty_o it_o may_v succeed_v well_o but_o take_v heed_n we_o do_v not_o cry_v down_o all_o performance_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v palpable_a insufficiency_n in_o comparison_n to_o our_o own_o new_a invention_n whether_o in_o clear_v truth_n controversial_a or_o obscure_a place_n of_o scripture_n well_o we_o shall_v rest_v content_v with_o that_o measure_n we_o be_v arrive_v unto_o until_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o light_n arise_v above_o the_o horizon_n of_o our_o sphere_n and_o whensoever_o it_o come_v i_o trust_v we_o shall_v give_v it_o that_o respect_n which_o it_o deserve_v and_o right_o thankful_o entertain_v it_o whether_o in_o the_o way_n of_o illustration_n which_o best_o please_v the_o sense_n or_o in_o the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n which_o most_o justifi_v the_o judgement_n disc_n nor_o be_o i_o move_v with_o that_o objection_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o lutheran_n that_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o lutheranism_n though_o other_o can_v see_v and_o believe_v it_o for_o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o i_o will_v have_v i_o inquire_v how_o a_o man_n may_v be_v sure_a not_o of_o his_o own_o opinion_n but_o of_o the_o truth_n now_o if_o i_o believe_v and_o determine_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a this_o be_v my_o opinion_n yet_o be_v not_o therefore_o the_o truth_n see_v truth_n and_o opinion_n have_v nothing_o in_o they_o alike_o and_o steadfast_a persuasion_n change_v not_o the_o essence_n
scripture_n in_o the_o very_a letter_n more_o than_o the_o rest_n the_o calvinist_n use_v their_o reason_n and_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n draw_v argument_n which_o thing_n the_o lutheran_n also_o do_v never_o suffer_v any_o of_o they_o to_o reason_n against_o the_o scripture_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v object_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o wilful_o and_o against_o their_o conscience_n do_v condemn_v the_o lutheran_n tenant_n and_o confirm_v their_o own_o they_o will_v answer_v that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a grievous_a sin_n and_o that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o presume_v that_o they_o will_v falsify_v and_o corrupt_v the_o letter_n and_o command_n of_o their_o lord_n to_o his_o son_n and_o subject_n much_o less_o that_o they_o do_v malicious_o err_v and_o lead_v themselves_o and_o other_o into_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o so_o many_o hundred_o thousand_o of_o man_n will_v come_v to_o that_o pitch_n of_o malice_n 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and_o this_o grace_n i_o answer_v god_n be_v seek_v unto_o and_o solicit_v by_o prayer_n deny_v to_o no_o man_n his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o truth_n now_o man_n of_o other_o religion_n crave_v of_o god_n the_o enlighten_v of_o their_o mind_n and_o direction_n in_o a_o right_a way_n no_o less_o than_o ourselves_o nay_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v discern_v perhaps_o with_o a_o great_a fervency_n and_o zeal_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o think_v that_o they_o ask_v it_o out_o of_o hypocrisy_n and_o with_o dissimulation_n and_o that_o so_o they_o will_v mock_v god_n therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v where_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v find_v of_o which_o none_o ought_v to_o boast_v above_o other_o nay_o more_o the_o knowledge_n of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v grant_v no_o less_o to_o other_o than_o to_o we_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o he_o only_o understand_v 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who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o charity_n will_v forbid_v we_o rash_o to_o pass_v this_o censure_n upon_o they_o who_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o as_o i_o find_v defect_n of_o love_n in_o they_o who_o pass_v such_o censure_n hand_n over_o head_n upon_o their_o opposite_n so_o i_o find_v wnat_n of_o judgement_n in_o this_o author_n who_o put_v it_o upon_o a_o man_n oath_n to_o clear_v himself_o of_o go_v against_o his_o conscience_n in_o the_o tenet_n he_o maintain_v for_o he_o that_o say_v a_o thing_n against_o his_o conscience_n be_v next_o door_n by_o to_o the_o swear_n of_o it_o but_o these_o be_v such_o idle_a and_o addle_n conceit_n that_o it_o cause_v no_o small_a indignation_n in_o i_o to_o waste_v precious_a time_n in_o they_o which_o may_v be_v better_o spend_v on_o worthy_a subject_n disc_n obj._n 3_o it_o may_v be_v object_v perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v forestall_v with_o preconceive_a opinion_n ans_fw-fr i_o answer_v how_o you_o will_v say_v they_o accustom_v 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hindrance_n of_o their_o course_n they_o study_v the_o scripture_n and_o father_n night_n and_o day_n and_o refuse_v no_o labour_n in_o learning_n the_o foundation_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o in_o know_v and_o understand_v the_o error_n of_o other_o nay_o the_o method_n and_o manner_n of_o learning_n of_o compare_v the_o scripture_n of_o interpret_n according_o to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o faith_n of_o bring_v in_o sense_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o such_o other_o rule_n can_v be_v unknown_a to_o they_o consid_fw-la who_o be_v not_o forestall_v with_o preconceive_a opinion_n be_v not_o every_o one_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o religion_n of_o his_o parent_n which_o yet_o breed_v but_o a_o natural_a comply_v with_o it_o be_v it_o the_o best_a religion_n until_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n open_v their_o eye_n to_o apprehend_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n therein_o without_o which_o in_o their_o most_o zealous_a profession_n of_o it_o for_o their_o father_n sake_n and_o their_o education_n sake_n they_o will_v prove_v no_o better_o than_o hypocrite_n and_o factious_a rather_o than_o conscionable_a in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o which_o yet_o may_v be_v do_v with_o as_o great_a strength_n of_o learning_n as_o a_o natural_a man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a way_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o and_o breed_v and_o they_o as_o zealous_a and_o factious_a in_o maintain_v it_o as_o ever_o saul_n be_v who_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n and_o enter_v into_o every_o house_n and_o draw_v out_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o put_v they_o in_o prison_n yet_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o persecution_n meet_v with_o he_o in_o the_o way_n and_o confound_v he_o and_o strike_v he_o with_o blindness_n natural_a to_o mind_v he_o thereby_o of_o his_o blindness_n spiritual_a but_o afterward_o open_v his_o eye_n and_o bring_v he_o out_o of_o darkness_n unto_o light_n and_o make_v he_o not_o only_o a_o professor_n of_o that_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o before_o he_o persecute_v but_o a_o famous_a preacher_n of_o it_o also_o even_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o gentile_n so_o say_v peter_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o he_o write_v that_o they_o be_v redeem_v from_o their_o vain_a consersation_n receive_v by_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n and_o as_o this_o be_v true_a of_o the_o jew_n so_o of_o the_o gentile_n also_o as_o jeremiah_n prophesy_v jer._n 16.19_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v unto_o thou_o from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v say_v sure_o our_o forefather_n have_v inherit_v lie_v and_o vanity_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o profit_n and_o isaiah_n also_o i_o have_v be_v seek_v of_o they_o that_o ask_v not_o i_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v i_o not_o i_o say_v behold_v i_o behold_v i_o to_o a_o nation_n that_o be_v not_o call_v by_o my_o name_n some_o while_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n abstain_v from_o preach_v to_o the_o gentle_n and_o peter_n be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o go_v in_o and_o preach_a christ_n unto_o the_o gentile_n act._n 11.19_o and_o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o because_o of_o the_o persecution_n that_o arise_v about_o stephen_n go_v throughout_o till_o they_o come_v unto_o phenice_n and_o cyprus_n and_o antioch_n preach_v the_o word_n to_o no_o man_n but_o the_o jew_n only_o v._n 20._o now_o some_o of_o they_o be_v man_n of_o cyprus_n and_o cyrene_n which_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o antioch_n speak_v unto_o the_o grecian_n and_o preach_v the_o lord_n jesus_n v._n 21._o and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o so_o that_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n see_v how_o sudden_o they_o turn_v from_o idol_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o tradition_n receive_v of_o their_o forefather_n so_o true_a be_v that_o of_o leo_n vbi_fw-la deus_fw-la magister_fw-la est_fw-la quam_fw-la citò_fw-la dissitur_fw-la quod_fw-la docetur_fw-la so_o that_o these_o be_v as_o little_o train_v up_o in_o the_o bible_n and_o other_o book_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o papist_n yea_o and_o far_o less_o any_o man_n have_v freedom_n to_o try_v other_o religion_n have_v not_o we_o christian_n freedom_n to_o try_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o the_o turk_n and_o god_n abandon_v some_o to_o turn_v turk_n and_o papist_n have_v liberty_n to_o try_v our_o protestant_a religion_n vergerius_n do_v so_o a_o popish_a bishop_n with_o a_o purpose_n to_o refute_v it_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v with_o he_o to_o open_v his_o eye_n as_o with_o saul_n and_o he_o turn_v protestant_n by_o these_o word_n calvinist_n and_o other_o urge_v the_o bible_n more_o than_o we_o do_v it_o appear_v this_o author_n be_v no_o calvinist_n so_o by_o the_o word_n follow_v do_v not_o the_o child_n of_o the_o lutheran_n also_o inure_v themselves_o to_o 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the_o whole_a scripture_n do_v fail_v in_o some_o necessary_a part_n thereof_o but_o i_o will_v popery_n do_v not_o plain_o contradict_v that_o scripture_n which_o be_v general_o receive_v by_o we_o both_o if_o so_o i_o will_v bear_v with_o they_o for_o the_o rest_n though_o in_o two_o thing_n we_o can_v endure_v that_o aught_o shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o we_o beside_o the_o write_a word_n namely_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n now_o by_o this_o course_n of_o trial_n we_o find_v that_o not_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n have_v possess_v they_o in_o all_o point_n of_o difference_n between_o we_o prayer_n i_o grant_v be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o obtain_v any_o grace_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n save_v one_o and_o that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v true_a fides_fw-la impetrat_fw-la &_o lex_fw-la imperat_fw-la but_o with_o a_o 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he_o and_o how_o their_o heart_n stand_v affect_v we_o know_v not_o god_n alone_o behold_v their_o heart_n nay_o we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o privy_a to_o their_o prayer_n but_o we_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n by_o god_n word_n according_a to_o that_o sunt_fw-la certi_fw-la libri_fw-la dominici_fw-la and_o it_o be_v a_o worthy_a say_n of_o martin_n luther_n mention_v by_o scultetus_n in_o his_o story_n of_o the_o first_o ten_o year_n of_o reformation_n solis_fw-la canonicis_fw-la debemus_fw-la fidem_fw-la caeteris_fw-la omnibus_fw-la judicium_fw-la i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o all_o the_o regenerate_v who_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n according_a to_o that_o because_o you_o be_v son_n god_n have_v send_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o your_o heart_n whereby_o you_o cry_v abba_n father_n gal._n 4.6_o do_v seek_v unto_o god_n to_o inlighten_v their_o mind_n and_o god_n hear_v they_o and_o grant_v their_o request_n in_o his_o good_a time_n according_a to_o the_o 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last_o above_o the_o head_n and_o all_o this_o in_o dumb_a show_n without_o one_o word_n of_o ejaculation_n as_o for_o hypocrisy_n here_o mention_v i_o doubt_v it_o be_v deliver_v hand_n over_o head_n for_o first_o hypocrisy_n be_v most_o considerable_a in_o a_o right_a way_n and_o not_o in_o a_o wrong_a way_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v because_o natural_a man_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o embrace_v false_a way_n and_o lewd_a way_n too_o too_o true_o and_o as_o apt_a they_o may_v be_v to_o embrace_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n hypocritical_o and_o not_o only_o to_o profess_v christ_n but_o to_o preach_v he_o in_o pretence_n that_o be_v not_o chaste_o even_o to_o add_v affliction_n to_o the_o bond_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o apostle_n even_o as_o paul_n be_v so_o we_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o papist_n be_v true_a papist_n without_o hypocrisy_n but_o i_o much_o doubt_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o by_o far_o be_v too_o far_o off_o from_o be_v true_a christian_n and_o this_o i_o 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with_o papist_n as_o to_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o they_o have_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o without_o any_o denial_n that_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n to_o proceed_v one_o degree_n further_o be_v to_o profess_v antichrist_n to_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n antichrist_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n be_v but_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o and_o this_o we_o deny_v that_o papist_n have_v as_o touch_v all_o the_o point_n of_o difference_n between_o we_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o ground_n upon_o scripture_n yea_o and_o in_o many_o other_o particular_n they_o be_v wide_a of_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o they_o so_o may_v our_o divine_n be_v also_o and_o
only_o god_n command_v be_v his_o word_n but_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n most_o remote_a from_o our_o capacity_n as_o for_o the_o law_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n that_o be_v more_o or_o less_o write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n it_o be_v true_a the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n de_fw-fr vocatione_n gentium_fw-la talk_v of_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o instruction_n by_o god_n work_v but_o i_o pray_v do_v not_o compare_v that_o in_o clearness_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o ground_n have_v we_o for_o the_o right_a interpretation_n of_o sign_n and_o wonder_n beneath_o above_o astrologer_n will_v make_v we_o believe_v they_o read_v strange_a thing_n in_o the_o constellation_n refer_v to_o man_n nativity_n but_o what_o ground_n have_v we_o for_o this_o calculation_n what_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a discourse_v thereof_o in_o his_o astronomical_a lecture_n read_v by_o he_o in_o the_o plain_a of_o mamre_n we_o have_v receive_v no_o tiding_n hereof_o from_o the_o hill_n amarath_n in_o aethiopia_n i_o know_v that_o in_o holy_a scripture_n thunder_n be_v call_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n i_o know_v also_o that_o the_o lordspake_a unto_o the_o patriarch_n but_o that_o word_n be_v not_o write_v wind_n and_o storm_n also_o be_v say_v to_o fulfil_v his_o word_n by_o a_o metaphor_n because_o what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v by_o they_o be_v do_v by_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v most_o obedient_a and_o faithful_a servant_n unto_o their_o master_n who_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o any_o more_o than_o raven_n do_v though_o in_o scripture-phrase_n and_o by_o a_o figure_n of_o speech_n they_o be_v say_v to_o call_v upon_o he_o now_o we_o be_v upon_o another_o point_n namely_o as_o touch_v the_o scripture_n the_o write_a word_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o clearness_n of_o they_o or_o the_o intelligible_a nature_n of_o they_o to_o all_o such_o as_o will_v understand_v and_o to_o such_o faith_n solomon_n knowledge_n be_v easy_a which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o the_o scripture_n whereunto_o i_o be_o sure_a our_o saviour_n refer_v the_o jew_n and_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v we_o affect_v to_o be_v wise_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v it_o be_v true_a when_o that_o be_v deliver_v thy_o law_n be_v a_o lantern_n unto_o my_o foot_n none_o of_o the_o late_a prophet_n have_v commit_v their_o prophecy_n unto_o writing_n much_o less_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n write_v then_o but_o in_o reference_n to_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n our_o saviour_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o that_o testify_v of_o i_o joh._n 5._o and_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v write_v that_o man_n may_v acknowledge_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n whereof_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n luk._n 1.4_o which_o can_v not_o be_v be_v they_o not_o intelligible_a by_o a_o studious_a reader_n and_o paul_n be_v in_o bond_n when_o he_o write_v of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n that_o it_o be_v profitable_a to_o teach_v to_o convince_v to_o correct_v to_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v make_v absolute_a be_v make_v perfect_a to_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o now_o if_o we_o deny_v the_o intelligible_a condition_n of_o scripture_n the_o profitable_a nature_n of_o it_o therewithal_o must_v utter_o be_v remove_v the_o apostle_n we_o know_v by_o preach_v convert_v many_o sure_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o hearer_n otherwise_o it_o have_v wrought_v but_o a_o wild_a conversion_n now_o look_v what_o they_o preach_v that_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o their_o epistle_n write_v unto_o several_a church_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o great_a reason_n they_o shall_v be_v carry_v in_o a_o mysterious_a way_n like_v as_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n person_n and_o of_o his_o office_n in_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n be_v carry_v a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o cloud_n of_o type_n and_o figure_n have_v it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o messiah_n must_v be_v crucify_v before_o he_o reign_v the_o devil_n will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o forward_o to_o possess_v the_o heart_n of_o judas_n with_o a_o project_n of_o betray_v he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n to_o procure_v his_o death_n so_o the_o revelation_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o many_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n in_o the_o old_a concern_v the_o devil_n and_o antichrist_n practice_n no_o marvel_n if_o they_o be_v mysterious_o carry_v that_o neither_o the_o devil_n nor_o antichrist_n shall_v understand_v they_o until_o they_o be_v accomplish_v nevertheless_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o spirit_n which_o dictate_v they_o can_v inspire_v his_o servant_n with_o a_o understand_a heart_n to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o when_o the_o time_n come_v appoint_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o knowledge_n many_o shall_v pass_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v increase_v as_o if_o the_o open_n of_o the_o world_n by_o navigation_n and_o commerce_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n shall_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o time_n and_o age_n as_o one_o witty_o observe_v we_o have_v see_v of_o late_a year_n a_o strange_a progress_n make_v in_o open_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o other_o mysterious_a prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n even_o to_o admiration_n the_o time_n when_o first_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v discover_v and_o protest_v against_o be_v find_v out_o in_o daniel_n number_n lest_o we_o shall_v wonder_v at_o the_o father_n ignorance_n hereof_o for_o as_o christian_n at_o their_o first_o conversion_n from_o idol_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n do_v forthwith_o look_v for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o come_n from_o heaven_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v 1_o thes_n 1._o last_n yea_o and_o some_o be_v of_o opinion_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v within_o the_o age_n of_o a_o man_n whereupon_o paul_n write_v his_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o wherein_o he_o give_v to_o understand_v that_o a_o apostasy_n must_v come_v first_o and_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v reveal_v and_o before_o that_o the_o roman_a empire_n must_v be_v break_v 2_o thes_n 2._o compare_v with_o 1_o thes_n 4.15_o so_o in_o augustine_n day_n that_o good_a father_n project_n that_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v 400._o year_n off_o nay_o suppose_v 500_o he_o will_v not_o go_v further_o presume_v that_o the_o beast_n which_o slaughter_v the_o lord_n witness_n shall_v not_o continue_v above_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a now_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o wonder_v at_o this_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o daniel_n have_v write_v concern_v this_o and_o how_o bless_v a_o thing_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o live_v at_o that_o time_n when_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n and_o reveal_v dan._n 11._o for_o than_o nothing_o remain_v to_o be_v look_v for_o but_o the_o blast_a of_o he_o with_o the_o breath_n of_o the_o lord_n mouth_n and_o the_o utter_a abolish_n of_o he_o by_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n the_o reconcile_n of_o ezekiel_n measure_n of_o new_a jerusalem_n with_o john_n measure_n in_o the_o revelation_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n and_o hold_v to_o be_v desperate_a yet_o now_o it_o be_v make_v feisible_a nor_o so_o only_o but_o clear_v throughout_o so_o the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n 666._o how_o long_o have_v the_o christian_a world_n grope_v after_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o as_o a_o blind_a man_n after_o his_o way_n what_o various_a notion_n have_v the_o investigation_n hereof_o produce_v in_o man_n brain_n after_o that_o of_o ireneus_fw-la accommodate_v to_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o at_o length_n for_o want_n of_o a_o better_a the_o best_a stndent_n in_o these_o mystery_n drive_v to_o come_v back_o thither_o again_o but_o now_o the_o vanity_n thereof_o new_o discover_v and_o that_o at_o full_a even_o by_o every_o text_n call_v we_o express_o to_o calculate_v this_o which_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o this_o number_n but_o by_o calculation_n of_o this_o to_o find_v out_o another_o number_n which_o will_v notable_o decipher_v unto_o we_o that_o beast_n and_o indeed_o the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n 666._o be_v oppose_v to_o