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pretend_a demonstration_n of_o reason_n against_o plain_a experience_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n this_o be_v just_a zenoe_n demonstration_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o motion_n against_o diogenes_n walk_v before_o his_o eye_n for_o this_o be_v to_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o impossible_a to_o have_v be_v which_o most_o certain_o be_v just_o thus_o the_o servant_n in_o the_o parable_n may_v have_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o tare_n be_v wheat_n because_o they_o be_v sure_a none_o but_o good_a seed_n be_v sow_o at_o first_o and_o no_o man_n can_v give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o punctual_a time_n when_o any_o tare_n be_v sow_o or_o by_o who_o and_o if_o a_o enemy_n have_v come_v to_o do_v it_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v meet_v with_o great_a resistance_n and_o opposition_n but_o no_o such_o resistance_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o tare_n in_o the_o field_n but_o that_o which_o they_o call_v tare_n be_v certain_o good_a wheat_n at_o the_o same_o rate_n 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most_o uncertain_a and_o endless_a thing_n the_o four_o pretend_v ground_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o change_n as_o this_o in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o those_o who_o receive_v it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o this_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v right_o consider_v because_o the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o sacrament_n depend_v upon_o the_o blessing_n annex_v to_o the_o institution_n and_o as_o water_n in_o baptism_n without_o any_o substantial_a change_n make_v in_o that_o element_n may_v by_o the_o divine_a blessing_n accompany_v the_o institution_n be_v effectual_a to_o the_o wash_n away_o of_o sin_n and_o spiritual_a regeneration_n so_o there_o can_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n be_v give_v why_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n may_v not_o by_o the_o same_o divide_v blessing_n accompany_v this_o institution_n make_v the_o worthy_a receiver_n partaker_n of_o 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that_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v some_o way_n to_o discern_v mere_a pretender_n to_o inspiration_n from_o those_o who_o be_v true_o and_o divine_o inspire_v and_o this_o be_v necessary_o imply_v in_o the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o make_v any_o trial_n if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o discern_v between_o pretend_a and_o real_a inspiration_n now_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o will_v give_v occasion_n to_o two_o very_a material_a inquiry_n and_o useful_a to_o be_v resolve_v i._o how_o we_o may_v discern_v between_o true_a and_o counterfeit_a doctrine_n those_o which_o real_o be_v from_o god_n and_o those_o which_o only_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o ii_o to_o who_o this_o judgement_n of_o discern_v do_v appertain_v i._o how_o we_o may_v discern_v between_o true_a and_o counterfeit_a doctrine_n and_o revelation_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o follow_a proposition_n 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assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n before_o we_o can_v know_v that_o he_o have_v make_v any_o revelation_n of_o himself_o and_o we_o must_v know_v that_o his_o word_n be_v true_a otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o revelation_n which_o he_o make_v to_o we_o and_o we_o must_v believe_v his_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o that_o he_o will_v reward_v our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o punish_v our_o breach_n of_o they_o otherwise_o there_o will_v neither_o be_v sufficient_a obligation_n nor_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n these_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v true_a and_o natural_o know_v to_o we_o antecedent_o to_o all_o supernatural_a revelation_n otherwise_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o nor_o be_v of_o any_o force_n with_o we_o 3._o all_o reason_v about_o divine_a revelation_n must_v necessary_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o be_v by_o 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have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reject_v that_o sense_n which_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o for_o instance_n when_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o have_v a_o humane_a shape_n eye_n ear_n and_o hand_n the_o notion_n which_o man_n natural_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n do_v sufficient_o direct_v we_o to_o interptet_fw-la these_o expression_n in_o a_o sense_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o understand_v they_o as_o rather_o speak_v to_o our_o capacity_n and_o in_o a_o figure_n than_o to_o be_v literal_o intend_v and_o this_o will_v proportionable_o hold_v in_o many_o other_o case_n 4._o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o plain_o contradict_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n or_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o they_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o this_o be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o term_n so_o likewise_o to_o pretend_v a_o command_n from_o god_n that_o we_o be_v to_o hate_v and_o despise_v he_o because_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o god_n shall_v require_v any_o thing_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n so_o unsuitable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o to_o their_o obligation_n to_o he_o beside_o that_o such_o a_o law_n as_o this_o do_v tacit_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n because_o upon_o such_o a_o supposition_n to_o despise_v god_n will_v be_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o yet_o to_o obey_v he_o be_v certain_o to_o honour_v he_o so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n to_o honour_n god_n and_o to_o despise_v he_o will_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o equal_a contempt_n of_o he_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o will_v be_v vain_a to_o pretend_v any_o revelation_n from_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o life_n after_o this_o nor_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n because_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o those_o natural_a apprehension_n which_o have_v general_o possess_v mankind_n and_o will_v take_v away_o the_o main_a force_n and_o sanction_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v any_o pretend_a revelation_n from_o god_n which_o evident_o contradict_v those_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o that_o god_n shall_v command_v or_o allow_v sedition_n and_o rebellion_n perfidiousness_n and_o perjury_n because_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o will_v be_v apparent_o destructive_a of_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o will_v natural_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o world_n but_o god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n which_o st._n paul_n appeal_v to_o as_o a_o principle_n natural_o knowu_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v entertain_v as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n because_o that_o will_v take_v away_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n itself_o which_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o principle_n for_o instance_n whoever_o pretend_v any_o revelation_n that_o bring_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n into_o question_n do_v by_o that_o very_a thing_n make_v such_o a_o revelation_n questionable_a for_o if_o god_n take_v no_o care_n of_o the_o world_n have_v no_o concernment_n for_o humane_a affair_n why_o shall_v we_o believe_v that_o he_o make_v any_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o man_n and_o by_o this_o principle_n moses_n will_v have_v false_a prophet_n to_o be_v try_v deut._n 13.1_o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o wonder_n and_o the_o signior_n the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o ver_fw-la 5._o because_o he_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o to_o turn_v you_o away_o from_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n which_o bring_v you_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n here_o be_v a_o case_n wherein_o a_o false_a prophet_n be_v suppose_v to_o work_v a_o true_a miracle_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o his_o doctrine_n which_o in_o other_o case_n the_o scripture_n make_v the_o sign_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n but_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o impostor_n because_o the_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v will_v draw_v man_n off_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n who_o be_v natural_o know_v and_o have_v manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o so_o miraculous_a a_o manner_n by_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n so_o that_o a_o miracle_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o a_o
that_o for_o our_o great_a assurance_n and_o comfort_n god_n have_v confirm_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o by_o a_o oath_n condescend_v herein_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n who_o when_o they_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o a_o doubtful_a matter_n confirm_v what_o they_o say_v by_o a_o oath_n and_o general_o when_o any_o doubt_n or_o controversy_n arise_v between_o party_n concern_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n one_o side_n affirm_v and_o the_o other_o deny_v a_o end_n be_v put_v to_o this_o contest_v by_o a_o oath_n a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o great_a assurance_n and_o establishment_n of_o a_o thing_n not_o that_o a_o oath_n be_v always_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a decision_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o truth_n and_o right_n but_o that_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a credit_n that_o we_o can_v give_v to_o any_o thing_n and_o the_o last_o resort_n of_o truth_n and_o confidence_n among_o man_n after_o this_o we_o can_v go_v no_o far_o for_o if_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o oath_n will_v not_o oblige_v man_n to_o speak_v truth_n nothing_o will_n this_o be_v the_o utmost_a secutity_n that_o man_n can_v give_v and_o must_v therefore_o be_v the_o final_a decision_n of_o all_o contest_v a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n now_o from_o this_o assertion_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o great_a use_n and_o end_n of_o oath_n among_o man_n i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n 1._o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o 2._o to_o show_v the_o great_a use_n and_o even_a necessity_n of_o oath_n in_o many_o case_n 3._o to_o vindicate_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o where_o they_o be_v necessary_a 4._o to_o show_v the_o sacred_a obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n i_o shall_v be_v as_o brief_a in_o these_o as_o the_o just_a handle_n of_o they_o will_v bear_v i._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o invocation_n of_o god_n or_o a_o appeal_n to_o he_o as_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o say_v so_o that_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o sacred_a thing_n as_o be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o this_o whether_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v express_o mention_v in_o it_o or_o not_o if_o a_o man_n only_o say_v i_o swear_v or_o i_o take_v my_o oath_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o be_v not_o so_o or_o so_o or_o that_o i_o will_v or_o will_v not_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n or_o if_o a_o man_n answer_n upon_o his_o oath_n be_v adjure_v and_o require_v so_o to_o do_v or_o if_o a_o man_n swear_v by_o heaven_n or_o by_o earth_n or_o by_o any_o other_o thing_n that_o have_v relation_n to_o god_n in_o all_o these_o case_n a_o man_n do_v virtual_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o do_v by_o consequence_n invoke_v he_o as_o a_o judge_n and_o a_o avenger_n in_o case_n what_o he_o swear_v be_v not_o true_a and_o if_o this_o be_v express_v the_o oath_n be_v a_o formal_a imprecation_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v or_o not_o a_o curse_n upon_o ourselves_o be_v always_o imply_v in_o case_n of_o perjury_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o oath_n assertory_n and_o promissory_a a_o assertory_n oath_n be_v when_o a_o man_n affirm_v or_o deny_v upon_o oath_n a_o matter_n of_o fact_n past_a or_o present_v when_o he_o swear_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o be_v so_o or_o not_o so_o a_o promissory_a oath_n be_v a_o promise_n confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n which_o always_o respect_v something_o that_o be_v future_a and_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v direct_o and_o immediate_o to_o god_n than_o it_o be_v call_v a_o vow_n if_o to_o man_n a_o oath_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o great_a use_n and_o even_a necessity_n of_o oath_n in_o many_o case_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o humane_a society_n can_v very_o hardly_o if_o at_o all_o subsist_v long_o without_o they_o government_n will_v many_o time_n be_v very_o insecure_a and_o for_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o office_n of_o great_a trust_n in_o which_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o public_a be_v near_o concern_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o find_v any_o security_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o a_o oath_n because_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o reach_v to_o the_o most_o secret_a and_o hide_a practice_n of_o man_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o they_o in_o many_o case_n where_o the_o penalty_n of_o no_o humane_a law_n can_v have_v any_o awe_n or_o force_v upon_o they_o and_o especial_o it_o be_v as_o the_o civil_a law_n express_v it_o maximum_fw-la expediendarum_fw-la litium_fw-la remedium_fw-la the_o best_a mean_n of_o end_a controversy_n and_o where_o man_n estate_n or_o life_n be_v concern_v no_o evidence_n but_o what_o be_v assure_v by_o a_o oath_n will_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o decide_v the_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o give_v full_a and_o general_a satisfaction_n to_o mankind_n for_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n when_o man_n have_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o can_v be_v have_v and_o not_o till_o then_o they_o be_v content_v to_o sit_v down_o and_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o it_o and_o among_o all_o nation_n a_o oath_n have_v always_o be_v think_v the_o only_a peremptory_a and_o satisfactory_a way_n of_o decide_v such_o controversy_n iii_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n where_o they_o be_v necessary_a and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a inducement_n to_o believe_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o that_o the_o unavoidable_a condition_n of_o humane_a affair_n have_v make_v they_o so_o necessary_a the_o apostle_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v not_o only_o of_o great_a use_n in_o humane_a affair_n but_o in_o many_o case_n of_o great_a necessity_n to_o confirm_v a_o doubtful_a thing_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o controversy_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v decide_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o party_n contend_v a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v hardly_o imaginable_a that_o god_n shall_v not_o have_v leave_v that_o lawful_a which_o be_v so_o evident_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o security_n of_o mankind_n but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o sect_n spring_v up_o in_o our_o memory_n which_o have_v call_v in_o question_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o oath_n to_o the_o great_a mischief_n and_o disturbance_n of_o humane_a society_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o search_v this_o matter_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o to_o manifest_v how_o unreasonable_a and_o groundless_a this_o opinion_n be_v and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v first_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o text_n and_o from_o the_o reason_n plain_o contain_v or_o strong_o imply_v in_o it_o second_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n whether_o from_o reason_n or_o from_o scripture_n which_o last_o they_o principal_o rely_v upon_o and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v out_o from_o thence_o will_v determine_v the_o case_n 1._o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o text_n and_o the_o reason_n plain_o contain_v or_o strong_o imply_v in_o it_o because_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o speak_v of_o the_o use_n of_o oath_n among_o man_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o censure_n and_o reproof_n but_o as_o a_o commendable_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o in_o many_o case_n necessary_a for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o doubtful_a matter_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o final_a decision_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n among_o man_n for_o first_o he_o speaks_z of_o it_o as_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o mankind_n to_o confirm_v thing_n by_o a_o oath_n in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o difference_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o have_v more_o universal_o obtain_v in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n than_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o certain_a indication_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o best_a reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o degenerate_a practice_n of_o mankind_n like_o that_o of_o idolatry_n be_v from_o hence_o evident_a that_o when_o god_n separate_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o it_o be_v practise_v among_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o be_v afterward_o not_o only_o allow_v but_o in_o many_o case_n command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v it_o
be_v the_o great_a doctor_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o teacher_n and_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o because_o many_o of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o above_o all_o other_o pretend_v to_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o law_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v so_o often_o put_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n together_o and_o these_o be_v the_o man_n of_o chief_a authority_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n who_o equal_v their_o own_o unwritten_a word_n and_o tradition_n with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o they_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o their_o tradition_n they_o do_v in_o effect_n assume_v to_o themselves_o infallibility_n and_o all_o that_o oppose_a and_o contradict_v they_o they_o brand_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o heretic_n against_o these_o our_o saviour_n denounce_v this_o woe_n here_o in_o the_o text_n woe_n unto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n for_o you_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o word_n be_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n st._n luke_n express_v it_o more_o plain_o you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n you_o enter_v not_o in_o yourselves_o and_o they_o that_o be_v enter_v in_o you_o hinder_v by_o put_v these_o two_o expression_n together_o we_o shall_v the_o more_o easy_o come_v at_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text._n you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o have_v shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o men._n this_o metaphor_n of_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v undoubted_o a_o allusion_n to_o that_o know_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o admission_n of_o their_o doctor_n for_o to_o whosoever_o they_o give_v authority_n to_o interpret_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o that_o office_n by_o deliver_v to_o they_o a_o key_n and_o a_o table-book_n so_o that_o by_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v here_o mean_v the_o interpretation_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n not_o only_o that_o they_o arrogate_a to_o themselves_o alone_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o likewise_o that_o they_o have_v convey_v away_o this_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o as_o it_o be_v hide_v it_o out_o of_o the_o way_n neither_o use_v it_o themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v nor_o suffer_v other_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o they_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n which_o be_v very_o fit_o say_v of_o those_o who_o have_v lock_v the_o door_n against_o they_o that_o be_v go_v in_o and_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o metaphorical_a expression_n be_v that_o the_o scribe_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o law_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n have_v pervert_v they_o and_o keep_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o they_o from_o the_o people_n especial_o those_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v shut_v against_o man_n and_o they_o not_o only_o reject_v the_o truth_n themselves_o but_o by_o keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o hinder_v many_o from_o embrace_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n who_o be_v otherwise_o well_o enough_o dispose_v for_o it_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n i_o shall_v from_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o they_o observe_v to_o you_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o be_v call_v by_o our_o saviour_n the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n that_o which_o let_v man_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 2._o the_o great_a and_o inexcusable_a fault_n of_o those_o who_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n and_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o hinder_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n denounce_v so_o heavy_a a_o woe_n against_o they_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o these_o two_o observation_n and_o then_o apply_v they_o to_o those_o who_o be_v principal_o concern_v in_o they_o i._n first_o i_o observe_v hence_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n this_o be_v by_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n that_o which_o let_v man_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n knowledge_n be_v necessary_a to_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o it_o and_o necessary_a to_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o without_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n because_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v some_o knowledge_n and_o apprehension_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v to_o all_o act_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v necessary_o require_v some_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n so_o that_o without_o knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o devotion_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n no_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n religion_n begin_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o from_o thence_o descend_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n say_v our_o saviour_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o we_o must_v first_o know_v god_n before_o we_o can_v worship_v he_o and_o understand_v what_o be_v his_o will_n before_o we_o can_v do_v it_o this_o be_v so_o very_o evident_a that_o one_o will_v think_v there_o need_v no_o discourse_n about_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o in_o the_o world_n that_o cry_v up_o ignorance_n as_o the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n and_o to_o show_v that_o we_o do_v not_o wrong_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n mr._n rushworth_n in_o his_o dialogue_n a_o book_n in_o great_a vogue_n among_o the_o papist_n here_o in_o england_n do_v express_o reckon_v up_o ignorance_n among_o the_o parent_n of_o religion_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v say_v more_o absurd_o and_o more_o to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o derive_v the_o pedigree_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n from_o so_o obscure_a and_o ignoble_a a_o original_a and_o to_o make_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o knowledge_n to_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o ignorance_n and_o a_o child_n of_o darkness_n ignorance_n indeed_o may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n and_o the_o mother_n of_o folly_n and_o superstition_n but_o sure_o religion_n be_v of_o a_o noble_a extraction_n and_o be_v the_o issue_n and_o result_v of_o the_o best_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o descend_v from_o above_o from_o the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n even_o the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o as_o knowledge_n in_o general_n be_v necessary_a to_o religion_n so_o more_o particular_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n because_o these_o be_v the_o great_a and_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n concern_v our_o duty_n and_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n be_v full_o and_o plain_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o whence_o can_v we_o learn_v the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o well_o as_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n they_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o shall_v not_o every_o man_n be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o which_o alone_o can_v perfect_o instruct_v he_o what_o he_o must_v believe_v and_o what_o he_o must_v do_v that_o he_o may_v be_v save_v this_o be_v the_o testimony_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o fit_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v this_o wisdom_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o free_a use_n of_o that_o book_n from_o whence_o this_o wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v ii_o second_o i_o observe_v the_o great_a and_o inexcusable_a fault_n of_o those_o who_o keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n of_o religion_n and_o take_v away_o from_o they_o so_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a a_o mean_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n as_o the_o h._n scripture_n be_v this_o our_o saviour_n call_v take_v away_o the_o
key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n that_o be_v do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o render_v it_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v save_v for_o this_o he_o denounce_v a_o terrible_a woe_n against_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o deprive_v man_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n but_o only_o of_o the_o right_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o they_o this_o alone_a be_v a_o horrible_a impiety_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o a_o false_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n but_o much_o great_a to_o forbid_v they_o the_o read_n of_o it_o this_o be_v to_o stop_v knowledge_n at_o the_o very_a fountainhead_n and_o not_o only_o to_o lead_v man_n into_o error_n but_o to_o take_v away_o from_o they_o all_o possibility_n of_o rectify_v their_o mistake_n and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a sacrilege_n than_o to_o rob_v man_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o best_a mean_n in_o the_o world_n of_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n of_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o save_v they_o be_v to_o judge_v they_o unworthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n and_o to_o declare_v it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o malicious_o to_o contrive_v the_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o lock_v up_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n from_o the_o people_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n what_o be_v this_o but_o in_o effect_n to_o forbid_v man_n to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o to_o render_v they_o incapable_a of_o know_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n of_o join_v in_o his_o worship_n or_o perform_v any_o part_n of_o it_o or_o receive_v any_o benefit_n or_o edification_n from_o it_o and_o what_o be_v if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n this_o be_v so_o outrageous_a a_o cruelty_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v excuse_v upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v to_o take_v the_o sure_a and_o most_o effectual_a way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v those_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o direct_o to_o thwart_v the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n man_n may_v misâ—â—â—ry_v with_o their_o knowledge_n but_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o it_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n have_v their_o inconvenience_n aâ—â—â—ding_v they_o and_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v aâ—used_v but_o sure_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v ruâ—â—â—d_v and_o damn_v for_o fear_n of_o abuse_v their_o knowledge_n or_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o any_o other_o inconvenience_n whatsoever_o beside_o this_o be_v to_o cross_v the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o inspire_a man_n to_o write_v they_o can_v any_o man_n think_v that_o god_n shall_v send_v this_o great_a light_n of_o his_o word_n into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o priest_n to_o hide_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n and_o not_o rather_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o to_o the_o great_a advantage_n for_o the_o enlighten_v of_o the_o world_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 15._o 4._o that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n and_o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o that_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v prositable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o these_o end_n can_v any_o man_n have_v the_o face_n to_o pretend_v that_o they_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o their_o teacher_n nay_o st._n paul_n express_o tell_v the_o churâ—â—_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o be_v write_v for_o their_o learning_n however_o it_o happen_v that_o they_o be_v not_o now_o permit_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o be_v the_o scripture_n so_o useful_a and_o profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n and_o why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v use_v by_o the_o people_n for_o those_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o most_o know_a and_o learned_a and_o sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n as_o the_o apostle_n there_o tell_v we_o but_o do_v this_o exclude_v their_o be_v profitable_a also_o to_o the_o people_n who_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v to_o stand_v much_o more_o in_o need_n of_o all_o mean_n and_o help_v of_o instruction_n than_o their_o teacher_n and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o the_o scripture_n enough_o to_o exercise_v the_o skill_n and_o wit_n of_o the_o learned_a yet_o be_v they_o not_o therefore_o either_o useless_a or_o dangerous_a to_o the_o people_n the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n st._n chrysostome_n tell_v we_o that_o whatever_o thing_n be_v necessary_a be_v manifest_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o st._n austin_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n which_o concern_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n be_v not_o so_o hard_a to_o be_v come_v at_o but_o that_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n plain_o contain_v it_o speak_v without_o disguise_n like_o a_o familiar_a friend_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a and_o upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n the_o father_n do_v every_o where_n in_o their_o oration_n &_o homily_n charge_v and_o exhort_v the_o people_n to_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o read_v they_o daily_o and_o diligent_o and_o attentive_o and_o i_o challenge_v our_o adversary_n to_o show_v i_o where_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v discourage_v the_o people_n from_o read_v the_o scripture_n much_o less_o forbid_v they_o so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o they_o who_o do_v it_o now_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o they_o who_o pretend_v so_o confident_o to_o antiquity_n in_o other_o case_n be_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v against_o they_o in_o this_o though_o they_o have_v ten_o thousand_o schoolman_n on_o their_o side_n yet_o have_v they_o not_o one_o father_n not_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o scripture_n or_o rag_n of_o antiquity_n to_o cover_v their_o nakedness_n in_o this_o point_n with_o great_a reason_n then_o do_v our_o saviour_n denounce_v so_o heavy_a a_o woe_n againd_v such_o teacher_n of_o old_a in_o the_o like_a case_n god_n by_o his_o prophet_n severe_o threaten_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o not_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n hosea_n 4.6_o my_o people_n be_v destroy_v for_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n because_o thou_o have_v reject_v knowledge_n i_o will_v also_o reject_v thou_o thou_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o a_o priest_n to_o i_o see_v thou_o have_v forget_v the_o law_n of_o thy_o god_n i_o will_v also_o forget_v thy_o child_n god_n you_o see_v lay_v the_o ruin_n of_o so_o many_o soul_n at_o their_o door_n and_o will_v require_v their_o blood_n at_o their_o hand_n so_o many_o as_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n and_o eternal_o miscarry_v by_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n their_o destruction_n shall_v be_v charge_v upon_o those_o who_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n and_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o punish_v such_o person_n not_o only_o as_o the_o occasion_n but_o as_o the_o author_n of_o their_o ruin_n for_o who_o can_v judge_v otherwise_o but_o that_o they_o who_o deprive_v man_n of_o the_o necessary_a mean_n to_o any_o end_n do_v purposely_o design_n to_o hinder_v they_o of_o attain_v that_o end_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v pretend_v in_o this_o case_n to_o deprive_v man_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o ignorant_a of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o while_o they_o do_v so_o to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o their_o salvation_n be_v just_a such_o a_o mockery_n as_o if_o one_o of_o you_o that_o be_v a_o master_n shall_v tell_v his_o apprentice_n how_o much_o you_o desire_v he_o shall_v thrive_v in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v a_o rich_a