john_n chap._n 4._o vers._n 1._o believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n it_o commend_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o the_o berean_n act_v 17._o 11._o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o more_o nobly-spirited_a than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n for_o that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o the_o apostle_n preach_v notwithstanding_o they_o be_v assist_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n it_o be_v not_o any_o slowness_n in_o they_o to_o believe_v which_o make_v they_o examine_v but_o a_o holy_a prudence_n for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o receive_v they_o ready_o and_o yet_o search_v make_v no_o more_o haste_n then_o good_a speed_n but_o bellarmine_n think_v to_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n by_o this_o distinction_n object_n the_o berean_n be_v but_o beginner_n and_o have_v not_o yet_o entertain_v the_o faith_n and_o therefore_o may_v examine_v but_o such_o as_o be_v already_o christian_n and_o believe_v the_o church_n infallibility_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n it_o propose_v without_o examination_n i_o answer_v answ._n first_o by_o way_n of_o concession_n that_o as_o many_o as_o believe_v the_o church_n infallibility_n be_v bind_v consequent_o to_o believe_v whatever_o she_o propound_v as_o far_o as_o a_o error_n can_v bind_v they_o but_o second_o if_o all_o be_v beginner_n but_o those_o that_o believe_v that_o true_o for_o our_o part_n we_o protestant_n do_v profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v berean_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o so_o we_o have_v and_o find_v it_o light_n and_o three_o be_v bellarmine_n sure_a the_o berean_n be_v not_o believer_n when_o they_o search_v since_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o then_o it_o be_v add_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o but_o fourthly_a if_o they_o be_v not_o i_o wonder_v how_o man_n before_o they_o believe_v shall_v be_v better_a able_a to_o judge_v than_o afterwards_o and_o how_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o lose_v that_o power_n and_o privilege_n by_o believe_v beside_o these_o there_o be_v many_o other_o scripture_n which_o do_v ex_fw-la consequenti_fw-la not_o only_o permit_v but_o also_o require_v to_o try_v the_o doctrine_n before_o we_o entertain_v they_o as_o matth._n 24._o 4._o where_o our_o saviour_n bid_v see_n that_o no_o man_n seduce_v you_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o ephes._n 5._o 6._o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n and_o 2_o thessaly_n 2._o 3._o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v all_o these_o monitory_n caution_n if_o we_o may_v not_o try_v nay_o do_v they_o not_o implicit_o require_v and_o command_v we_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n whoever_o they_o be_v that_o bring_v they_o s._n paul_n be_v bold_a in_o gal._n 1._o 8_o 9_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n let_v he_o be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o that_o you_o may_v see_v that_o this_o expression_n proceed_v neither_o from_o rashness_n nor_o passion_n but_o a_o most_o advise_v and_o well_o resolve_a deliberation_n he_o repeat_v the_o word_n in_o the_o verse_n follow_v as_o we_o say_v before_o so_o say_v i_o now_o again_o if_o any_o preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v whence_o i_o observe_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o my_o present_a purpose_n first_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o examen_fw-la else_o how_o can_v they_o know_v it_o be_v another_o gospel_n and_o so_o reject_v it_o and_o second_o that_o the_o hearer_n as_o such_o and_o not_o teacher_n be_v to_o be_v the_o judge_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o curse_v themselves_o but_o the_o truth_n in_o hand_n may_v be_v further_o evidence_v to_o we_o by_o reason_n thus_o because_o we_o must_v neither_o embrace_v all_o doctrine_n 2._o nor_o reject_v all_o nor_o take_v some_o such_o as_o come_v next_o no_o nor_o the_o truth_n itself_o upon_o slight_a ground_n therefore_o we_o must_v examine_v 1._o we_o must_v not_o reject_v all_o for_o so_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o reject_v the_o truth_n and_o beside_o we_o do_v owe_v so_o much_o reverence_n to_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o not_o rash_o to_o reject_v without_o examen_fw-la any_o doctrine_n that_o have_v but_o a_o appearance_n of_o any_o just_a pretence_n unto_o it_o 2._o nor_o may_v we_o embrace_v all_o promiscuous_o for_o so_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o i_o see_v not_o how_o possible_o the_o soul_n can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n assent_n unto_o contradiction_n and_o yet_o such_o there_o be_v find_v among_o opinion_n 3._o nor_o in_o the_o three_o place_n may_v we_o take_v up_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o opinion_n as_o they_o come_v next_o to_o hand_n as_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o by_o the_o place_n where_o we_o live_v or_o the_o next_o comer_n by_o for_o so_o there_o will_v be_v great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o error_n and_o truth_n be_v of_o more_o concernment_n to_o we_o than_o that_o we_o shall_v adventure_v it_o upon_o the_o hazard_n of_o such_o a_o contingency_n 4._o nor_o last_o may_v we_o entertain_v truth_n itself_o if_o we_o shall_v happen_v on_o it_o on_o so_o slight_a ground_n if_o we_o take_v no_o better_o hold_v of_o it_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o hold_v it_o fast_o if_o we_o build_v upon_o such_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n how_o do_v we_o think_v to_o stand_v when_o the_o wind_n and_o wave_n of_o temptation_n and_o persecution_n shall_v arise_v it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o we_o must_v examine_v that_o so_o we_o may_v both_o refuse_v the_o evil_a and_o also_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o for_o the_o further_a quicken_n of_o we_o unto_o this_o duty_n i_o shall_v propound_v only_o two_o consideration_n and_o very_o brief_o first_o 1._o let_v we_o serious_o consider_v what_o great_a danger_n there_o be_v in_o be_v deceive_v our_o soul_n eat_v at_o the_o stake_n no_o less_o than_o the_o everlasting_a good_a of_o our_o soul_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o for_o error_n in_o understanding_n beget_v error_n in_o life_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o of_o damnable_a heresy_n and_o what_o ever_o some_o may_v think_v of_o speculative_a error_n yet_o sure_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o that_o maim_n in_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o original_a sin_n and_o as_o they_o be_v cherish_v and_o abet_v by_o corruption_n in_o the_o will_n they_o be_v sin_n and_o make_v we_o guilty_a for_o the_o action_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o other_o faculty_n be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o under_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o will_n shall_v answer_v at_o god_n tribunal_n for_o not_o put_v the_o understanding_n to_o school_n to_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o for_o not_o bridle_v the_o passion_n and_o not_o govern_v the_o outward_a man_n since_o than_o there_o be_v such_o danger_n in_o error_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v have_v we_o not_o need_n be_v careful_a have_v we_o not_o need_n examine_v especial_o consider_v what_o danger_n there_o be_v of_o be_v deceive_v 2._o which_o be_v the_o second_o consideration_n for_o first_o the_o best_a be_v subject_a to_o error_n themselves_o and_o so_o may_v though_o unwitting_o and_o unwilling_o be_v mean_n of_o seduce_v other_o who_o do_v not_o examine_v and_o than_o their_o godliness_n and_o learning_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o error_n will_v become_v argument_n to_o draw_v other_o into_o they_o but_o than_o second_o how_o many_o false_a prophet_n deceiver_n and_o seducer_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n who_o make_v it_o their_o design_n and_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v many_o shall_v come_v in_o my_o name_n faith_n our_o saviour_n matth._n 24.5_o and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o and_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o john_n 4._o 1._o and_o that_o which_o make_v they_o the_o more_o dangerous_a they_o be_v indefatigable_o industrious_a in_o their_o way_n compass_v the_o earth_n with_o their_o master_n and_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v a_o proselyte_n which_o they_o do_v the_o more_o easy_o effect_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o craft_n and_o
will_v do_v tnem_fw-ge any_o good_a that_o there_o be_v no_o prius_fw-la and_o posterius_fw-la in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o church_n because_o there_o be_v no_o posterius_fw-la that_o of_o the_o church_n be_v none_o at_o all_o five_o teacher_n nor_o be_v the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o teacher_n and_o minister_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o divine_a faith_n a_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o observant_a of_o his_o pastor_n the_o scripture_n everywhere_o call_v for_o it_o he_o be_v to_o reverence_v he_o as_o his_o spiritual_a father_n to_o obey_v he_o as_o his_o governor_n to_o follow_v he_o as_o his_o guide_n yet_o no_o far_o than_o he_o have_v the_o scripture_n for_o his_o warrant_n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n as_o i_o be_o of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 11.1_o the_o word_n of_o a_o godly_a and_o able_a pastor_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n as_o of_o one_o that_o for_o his_o fidelity_n will_v not_o willing_o for_o a_o world_n lead_v soul_n into_o error_n and_o for_o his_o ability_n have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v join_v with_o the_o advantage_n of_o acuteness_n of_o part_n much_o study_n and_o read_n and_o long_a experience_n and_o therefore_o must_v he_o be_v hear_v with_o reverence_n and_o not_o rash_o dÃsbelieve_v nor_o his_o doctrine_n reject_v unless_o upon_o examination_n we_o find_v it_o to_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o scripture_n among_o human_a authority_n such_o a_o one_o testimony_n be_v of_o very_o great_a weight_n but_o a_o divine_a faith_n will_v dig_v till_o it_o come_v to_o the_o rock_n of_o infallibility_n before_o it_o build_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v save_o in_o that_o holy_a breath_n of_o the_o unchangeable_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o scripture_n six_o therefore_o scripture_n the_o only_a true_a adequate_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o divine_a faith_n be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o be_v that_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o this_o be_v that_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n wherein_o faith_n weigh_v and_o try_v all_o man_n doctrine_n before_o it_o entertain_v they_o that_o this_o be_v infallible_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v grant_v on_o all_o side_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v such_o may_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v that_o it_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v full_o and_o at_o large_a demonstrate_v but_o since_o it_o have_v already_o devour_v all_o the_o other_o pretend_a rule_n as_o aaron_n rod_n do_v those_o of_o the_o egyptian_a sorcerer_n and_o because_o i_o will_v not_o be_v prevent_v in_o that_o which_o lie_v before_o i_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o brief_o to_o have_v point_v at_o a_o argument_n or_o two_o and_o so_o pass_v on_o to_o what_o remain_v but_o first_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o premise_v only_o thus_o much_o that_o whereas_o some_o of_o our_o divine_n make_v scripture_n the_o judge_n other_o the_o rule_n of_o controversy_n i_o conceive_v by_o a_o little_a distinguish_v both_o may_v be_v admit_v and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v both_o judge_n and_o sentence_n the_o law_n rule_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n be_v the_o judge_n every_o truth_n express_v in_o scripture_n be_v a_o definitive_a sentence_n when_o ever_o it_o see_v lf_n be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o truth_n deducible_a from_o it_o it_o be_v a_o law_n and_o principle_n in_o respect_n both_o of_o truth_n formal_o contain_v in_o it_o and_o right_o deducible_a from_o it_o it_o be_v and_o may_v be_v true_o call_v a_o rule_n or_o canon_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n a_o rule_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v doctrine_n by_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v prove_v brief_o in_o three_o word_n thus_o 1._o the_o berean_n be_v commend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n and_o try_v doctrine_n by_o it_o and_o that_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o be_v say_v before_o 2._o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o man_n ought_v to_o preach_v and_o therefore_o also_o ought_v their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v examine_v by_o it_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o morning-light_n in_o they_o isaiah_n 8._o 20._o and_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 3._o these_o thing_n teach_v and_o exhort_v and_o if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o or_o any_o other_o thing_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n he_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o etc._n etc._n see_v also_o deut._n 13._o v._n 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o in_o the_o 12._o rom._n 6._o let_v we_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n or_o proportion_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o be_v usual_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o be_v a_o remarkable_a place_n gal._n 1.8_o 9_o if_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n than_o what_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v 3._o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n therefore_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o life_n here_o rom._n 2._o 16._o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n according_a to_o my_o gospel_n and_o this_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o that_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v suitable_a to_o god_n will_n accept_v and_o approve_v which_o be_v agreeable_a and_o according_a to_o the_o same_o will_n command_v and_o prescribe_v faith_n and_o duty_n to_o we_o which_o be_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o this_o truth_n have_v be_v so_o much_o insist_v upon_o by_o our_o writer_n and_o be_v so_o well_o know_v as_o it_o be_v i_o forbear_v further_a enlargement_n on_o it_o at_o the_o present_a the_o scripture_n then_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o though_o some_o will_v admit_v of_o something_o else_o for_o a_o secondary_a rule_n for_o my_o part_n i_o see_v not_o how_o that_o can_v be_v admit_v for_o if_o that_o same_o suppose_a secondary_a rule_n do_v exact_o accord_v with_o the_o scripture_n than_o be_v it_o not_o another_o and_o so_o not_o a_o secondary_a rule_n but_o if_o it_o swerve_v never_o so_o little_a from_o it_o than_o be_v it_o false_a and_o erroneous_a and_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o rule_n at_o all_o but_o take_v it_o at_o the_o best_a it_o be_v but_o regula_fw-la regulanda_fw-la a_o rule_n that_o must_v be_v try_v itself_o and_o who_o will_v choose_v to_o measure_n with_o a_o carpenter_n rule_v when_o he_o have_v the_o standard_n by_o he_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o the_o standard_n by_o which_o all_o doctrine_n may_v and_o must_v be_v try_v by_o arraign_v they_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o draw_v forth_o of_o scripture_n a_o character_n or_o two_o to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n by_o 1._o 1._o the_o first_o shall_v be_v that_o of_o paul_n but_o late_o mention_v good_a doctrine_n must_v be_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n and_o proportion_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v a_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o a_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o a_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n a_o body_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o between_o the_o part_n and_o member_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o exact_a harmony_n symmetry_n and_o proportion_n as_o therefore_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n a_o member_n will_v become_v monstrous_a shall_v it_o exceed_v its_o due_a proportion_n to_o the_o other_o its_o fellow-member_n so_o be_v it_o here_o we_o must_v therefore_o careful_o compare_v a_o doctrine_n concerning_o one_o article_n with_o the_o truth_n concerning_o other_o and_o for_o instance_n so_o speak_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n essence_n as_o not_o to_o impair_v the_o trinity_n of_o person_n so_o treat_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n as_o not_o to_o let_v it_o devour_v his_o mercy_n and_o so_o to_o advance_v his_o mercy_n as_o not_o to_o violate_v his_o justice_n since_o he_o be_v so_o say_v to_o be_v love_n 1_o john_n 4._o 8._o as_o that_o he_o be_v also_o call_v a_o consume_a fire_n heb._n 12._o 29._o let_v a_o man_n study_v a_o single_a point_n
to_o think_v that_o we_o must_v therefore_o be_v of_o no_o opinion_n because_o other_o be_v of_o so_o many_o be_v to_o be_v of_o the_o worst_a opinion_n of_o all_o for_o whoso_o adhere_v to_o a_o particular_a opinion_n may_v ineed_z be_v in_o the_o wrong_n but_o he_o that_o be_v of_o no_o opinion_n can_v possible_o be_v in_o the_o right_n if_o other_o man_n do_v so_o differ_v in_o their_o opinion_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v well-resolved_a in_o our_o own_o judgement_n if_o the_o wind_n and_o wave_n be_v so_o boisterous_a without_o the_o more_o need_n be_v there_o of_o a_o good_a ballast_n within_o all_o can_v have_v the_o truth_n therefore_o make_v they_o not_o thy_o rule_n yet_o all_o pretend_v to_o it_o therefore_o give_v they_o a_o hear_n condemn_v not_o all_o because_o there_o be_v truth_n among_o they_o neither_o approve_v all_o because_o some_o must_v needs_o be_v false_a let_v we_o therefore_o neither_o swallow_v all_o by_o a_o blind_a credulity_n nor_o reject_v all_o by_o 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thereof_o be_v make_v know_v shall_v merit_v his_o assent_n but_o second_o what_o be_v we_o here_o to_o understand_v by_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o all_o thing_n must_v we_o examine_v all_o thing_n sure_o than_o we_o shall_v have_v work_n enough_o if_o we_o must_v always_o be_v examine_v what_o will_v become_v of_o all_o holy_a live_n i_o answer_v a_o man_n may_v live_v by_o rule_n as_o well_o as_o build_v by_o rule_n but_o further_a though_o we_o must_v try_v all_o thing_n here_o mean_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o mean_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o try_v of_o they_o but_o i_o conceive_v the_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o in_fw-la the_o text_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o its_o possible_a latitude_n truth_n fear_v no_o fair_a trial_n her_o face_n be_v not_o paint_v and_o therefore_o the_o fair_a for_o the_o wash_n and_o she_o be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n yet_o be_v she_o sometime_o condemn_v by_o stranger_n that_o know_v she_o not_o and_o her_o face_n may_v possible_o get_v a_o scratch_n in_o the_o scuffle_n and_o herself_o prove_v though_o perhaps_o more_o fair_a yet_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n less_o fruitful_a and_o therefore_o desire_v not_o to_o live_v always_o under_o dispute_n and_o indeed_o some_o truth_n seem_v by_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o be_v exempt_a from_o trial_n there_o must_v be_v some_o basis_n to_o move_v upon_o and_o that_o must_v be_v immovable_a {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o some_o first_o rule_n and_o how_o shall_v that_o be_v try_v some_o first_o principle_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o be_v prove_v he_o that_o will_v learn_v must_v first_o believe_v and_o doubtless_o there_o be_v primòcredita_fw-la in_o divinity_n as_o well_o as_o primò-cognita_fw-la in_o philosophy_n and_o the_o mind_n assent_v to_o the_o one_o by_o a_o prima_fw-la side_n as_o it_o do_v to_o the_o other_o by_o the_o habit_n call_v intelligentia_fw-la such_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v to_o give_v a_o solid_a basis_n to_o discourse_n and_o have_v they_o prius_fw-la to_o prove_v they_o by_o they_o be_v not_o prima_fw-la these_o have_v usual_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o for_o that_o native_a evidence_n that_o shine_v in_o they_o bring_v letter_n credential_a writ_n in_o their_o very_a face_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o how_o of_o late_a some_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o their_o leisure_n or_o curiosity_n have_v be_v please_v to_o question_v they_o we_o late_o dig_v for_o fundamental_a law_n till_o we_o have_v like_o to_o have_v pull_v the_o house_n down_o about_o our_o ear_n and_o some_o have_v dig_v for_o principle_n in_o philosophy_n till_o they_o have_v quite_o lose_v they_o in_o the_o rubbish_n certain_o the_o man_n be_v either_o very_o idle_a or_o very_a melancholic_a when_o he_o begin_v to_o suspect_v he_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o think_v he_o have_v a_o be_v which_o yet_o be_v impossible_a and_o come_v to_o cogito_fw-la ergò_fw-la sum_fw-la but_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o yet_o have_v we_o not_o some_o who_o call_v in_o question_n the_o very_a fundamental_n of_o religion_n also_o they_o be_v but_o bad_a builder_n who_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v be_v always_o lay_v the_o foundation_n when_o then_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o they_o will_v set_v on_o the_o roof_n and_o bring_v the_o build_n to_o perfection_n who_o be_v always_o dig_v of_o it_o up_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o but_o i_o have_v think_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v out_o of_o gunshot_n and_o that_o god_n may_v have_v be_v believe_v upon_o his_o own_o word_n if_o once_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o be_v not_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n or_o equity_n of_o it_o let_v we_o not_o spend_v our_o time_n in_o call_v those_o truth_n into_o question_n whereof_o we_o have_v already_o entertain_v a_o firm_a and_o well-grounded_a belief_n but_o press_v forward_o towards_o those_o thing_n which_o remain_v and_o practise_v what_o we_o have_v believe_v the_o blow_n of_o this_o wind_n make_v the_o tree_n take_v deep_a root_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o it_o do_v always_o so_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o it_o oft-times_o blow_v down_o the_o fruit_n but_o what_o be_v it_o then_o that_o we_o must_v try_v try_v the_o spirit_n say_v s._n john_n 1._o 4._o 1._o and_o try_v prophesying_n mention_v here_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o my_o text_n the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o of_o both_o try_v all_o doctrine_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o you_o by_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o how_o great_a how_o learned_a soever_o he_o be_v receive_v they_o not_o upon_o his_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o but_o bring_v they_o first_o unto_o the_o beam_n unto_o the_o touchstone_n whence_o arise_v the_o proposition_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o hear_v doctr._n before_o they_o full_o entertain_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n a_o truth_n of_o very_o great_a importance_n but_o because_o there_o have_v be_v already_o so_o much_o write_v i_o shall_v need_v now_o to_o speak_v the_o less_o and_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o two_o argument_n only_o for_o confirmation_n of_o it_o the_o one_o from_o scripture_n the_o other_o from_o reason_n and_o be_v brief_a in_o both_o the_o first_o argument_n i_o shall_v take_v from_o scripture_n which_o do_v express_o both_o command_n and_o commend_v this_o duty_n to_o we_o it_o command_v it_o mark_n 4._o 24._o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o 1._o have_v a_o eye_n to_o your_o hear_n take_v heed_n what_o you_o hear_v as_o also_o in_o the_o 1._o epist._n of_o
{non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o rom._n 1.18_o to_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n to_o imprison_v and_o keep_v it_o in_o hold_n and_o to_o withhold_v it_o from_o other_o but_o not_o to_o hold_v it_o fast_o as_o we_o be_v here_o command_v three_o thing_n i_o couceive_v the_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o do_v here_o import_v 1._o to_o entertain_v thorough_o to_o close_v with_o to_o grasp_v and_o lay_v fast_o hold_v of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o enter_v upon_o and_o take_v possession_n of_o it_o and_o so_o the_o word_n be_v use_v matth._n 21.38_o the_o husbandman_n say_v this_o be_v the_o heir_n come_v let_v we_o kill_v he_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o let_v we_o seize_v upon_o his_o inheritance_n so_o shall_v we_o not_o only_o buy_v the_o truth_n but_o also_o take_v livery_n and_o seisin_n of_o it_o to_o have_v and_o to_o hold_v seize_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o eagle_n do_v her_o prey_n and_o the_o hungry_a man_n his_o food_n take_v fast_o hold_v of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o first_o 2._o the_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o signify_v to_o retain_v to_o hold_v fast_o and_o keep_v possession_n thus_o must_v we_o not_o let_v go_v our_o hold_n nor_o quit_v our_o interest_n in_o truth_n either_o through_o feebleness_n or_o fickleness_n through_o want_n of_o strength_n or_o want_n of_o steadfastness_n and_o thus_o the_o fruitful_a hearer_n be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o as_o do_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n do_v keep_v it_o in_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n luke_n 8._o 15._o 3._o the_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o import_v also_o the_o maintain_n of_o truth_n the_o hold_n of_o it_o fast_o not_o only_o as_o a_o possession_n but_o also_o as_o a_o strong_a hold_n or_o castle_n defend_v it_o against_o any_o that_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o oppose_v it_o or_o to_o spoil_v we_o of_o it_o and_o wrest_v it_o from_o we_o this_o the_o scripture_n express_v sometime_o by_o the_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o which_o imply_v a_o hold_v fast_o by_o main_a strength_n against_o any_o forcible_a or_o violent_a assault_n sometime_o by_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o as_o in_o that_o place_n tit._n 1.9_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o one_o that_o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n according_a as_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n both_o to_o exhort_v and_o to_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n the_o word_n proper_o signify_v to_o hold_v against_o and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n employ_v in_o the_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o you_o may_v see_v all_o three_o thing_n together_o express_v in_o one_o verse_n prov._n 4._o 13._o take_v hold_n of_o instruction_n there_o be_v the_o first_o let_v she_o not_o go_v there_o be_v the_o second_o keep_v she_o for_o she_o be_v thy_o life_n there_o be_v the_o three_o thus_o much_o may_v serve_v in_o brief_a for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o word_n the_o sense_n whereof_o amount_v to_o thus_o much_o that_o whatever_o doctrine_n we_o do_v upon_o due_a trial_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n find_v to_o be_v true_a dectr_n according_a to_o god_n holy_a will_n and_o tend_v to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n we_o must_v take_v and_o keep_v fast_o hold_v of_o it_o close_o with_o it_o thorough_o and_o adhere_v to_o it_o immovable_o we_o must_v hold_v it_o fast_o which_o we_o have_v also_o express_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 13._o continue_v ground_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o faith_n coloss._n 1._o 23._o establish_v in_o truth_n 2_o tim._n 1.12_o by_o keep_n the_o faith_n 2_o tim_n 4.7_o and_o continue_v in_o it_o as_o in_o that_o exhortation_n of_o s._n paul_n to_o timothy_n 2._o epist._n 3._o chap._n 14._o vers_n other_o be_v deceive_v but_o continue_v thou_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learned_a and_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o know_v of_o who_o thou_o have_v learn_v they_o now_o we_o must_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a these_o six_o several_a way_n especial_o truth_n first_o believe_v by_o believe_v it_o steadfast_o and_o here_o i_o shall_v show_v brief_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o truth_n so_o try_v and_o evidence_v be_v to_o be_v assent_v unto_o and_o continue_v in_o 2._o that_o it_o must_v be_v assent_v unto_o by_o a_o assent_n of_o faith_n first_o that_o it_o must_v be_v firm_o assent_v to_o may_v appear_v 1._o because_o such_o a_o assent_n be_v due_a unto_o truth_n itself_o truth_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v present_v with_o sufficient_a evidence_n either_o of_o its_o own_o light_n or_o of_o divine_a testimony_n some_o question_n whether_o the_o understanding_n can_v suspend_v its_o assent_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o ought_v not_o if_o it_o do_v the_o will_n be_v too_o blame_v and_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o and_o then_o this_o assent_n must_v be_v constant_a buy_v the_o truth_n but_o sell_v it_o not_o for_o it_o be_v above_o price_n and_o if_o it_o be_v sell_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v undervalue_v 2._o because_o such_o a_o assent_n be_v necessary_a for_o we_o that_o the_o truth_n may_v do_v we_o good_a we_o be_v save_v by_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v we_o free_a but_o than_o we_o must_v suffer_v it_o to_o untie_v we_o which_o it_o can_v do_v unless_o it_o be_v entertain_v by_o we_o the_o potion_n be_v it_o never_o so_o sovereign_a can_v cure_v we_o unless_o we_o drink_v and_o take_v it_o in_o our_o saviour_n pray_v keep_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o will_v have_v truth_n keep_v we_o than_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o keep_v it_o it_o be_v like_o a_o fortress_n what_o a_o loss_n than_o must_v the_o sceptic_a needs_o be_v at_o who_o assent_v to_o nothing_o how_o unsatisfied_a be_v his_o mind_n how_o unprovided_a be_v his_o soul_n what_o a_o tremble_a waver_a and_o uncertain_a thing_n be_v he_o s._n james_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o double-minded_a man_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n 1.8_o and_o if_o a_o doubt_a man_n be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o then_o sure_o a_o sceptic_a be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o of_o a_o thousand_o several_a mind_n or_o rather_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o have_v no_o soul_n or_o mind_n at_o all_o choose_v to_o lose_v his_o soul_n rather_o than_o be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o entertain_v truth_n or_o maintain_v a_o opinion_n like_o socrates_n he_o go_v to_o the_o market_n to_o buy_v nothing_o think_v that_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o his_o soul_n he_o be_v quodlibeticall_a in_o his_o life_n he_o be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o as_o s._n james_n speak_v unstable_a and_o indeed_o disorderly_a in_o all_o his_o way_n as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v interpret_v the_o divers_a lust_n after_o which_o he_o be_v carry_v and_o go_v a_o whore_v will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o wed_v and_o plight_v his_o faith_n to_o any_o truth_n in_o little_o better_a condition_n be_v the_o fickle_a and_o unconstant_a man_n who_o be_v continual_o flutter_v up_o and_o down_o from_o one_o opinion_n to_o another_o never_o settle_v nor_o abide_v by_o any_o he_o entertain_v truth_n by_o the_o day_n he_o take_v it_o in_o but_o it_o stay_v not_o with_o he_o be_v distemper_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o intellectual_a diabete_n truth_n can_v never_o nourish_v such_o a_o man_n nor_o will_v he_o 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