interpretationis_fw-la as_o they_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o while_o they_o confer_v together_o seek_v god_n they_o be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o truth_n and_o under_o a_o promise_n also_o but_o not_o of_o infallibility_n and_o therefore_o although_o we_o can_v make_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o ought_v we_o not_o rash_o to_o reject_v they_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o nor_o to_o slight_v their_o judgement_n as_o if_o they_o be_v nothing_o worth_a but_o serious_o to_o examine_v their_o reason_n and_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o go_v we_o honour_v the_o father_n as_o man_n who_o god_n providence_n raise_v up_o and_o endue_v with_o gift_n to_o quell_v the_o grow_a heresy_n of_o their_o time_n and_o doubtless_o if_o they_o be_v more_o look_v into_o they_o will_v furnish_v we_o with_o try_a weapon_n armour_n approve_v to_o subdue_v the_o selfsame_a heresy_n rise_v again_o among_o we_o in_o these_o our_o day_n and_o 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than_o we_o all_o promise_n say_v learn_v dr._n whitakar_n against_o campian_n five_o reason_n so_o that_o the_o jesuit_n need_v not_o to_o have_v arrogate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o father_n and_o malone_n may_v have_v spare_v his_o scurrilous_a title-page_n against_o the_o reverend_a and_o learned_a primate_n though_o you_o have_v ten_o thousand_o usher_n yet_o have_v you_o not_o many_o father_n we_o boast_v not_o of_o ten_o thousand_o but_o be_v glad_a that_o we_o have_v one_o worth_n ten_o thousand_o of_o their_o popish-father_n and_o as_o many_o head-master_n of_o their_o school_n to_o boot_v but_o we_o hope_v we_o have_v the_o father_n with_o we_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o honour_v they_o more_o than_o they_o and_o yet_o make_v they_o not_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n neither_o they_o honour_v they_o not_o as_o father_n but_o as_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o peter_n cotton_n be_v wont_a to_o call_v he_o my_o lord_n 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the_o papist_n cry_v up_o the_o church_n as_o much_o as_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a do_v the_o temple_n but_o by_o the_o church_n they_o mean_v their_o own_o which_o by_o that_o time_n the_o jesuit_n have_v do_v with_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o pope_n but_o we_o will_v keep_v their_o term_n the_o church_n who_o testimony_n they_o say_v be_v infallible_a and_o necessary_a to_o a_o divine_a faith_n of_o any_o one_o article_n in_o religion_n and_o although_o de-valentia_n and_o canus_n will_v fain_o mince_v the_o matter_n and_o make_v it_o only_o necessary_a as_o a_o condition_n yet_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o romanist_n turn_v which_o bellarmine_n and_o a-sacro-bosco_n know_v well_o enough_o and_o therefore_o make_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n necessary_a as_o a_o medius_fw-la terminus_fw-la and_o cause_n of_o assent_n in_o all_o divine_a faith_n and_o so_o they_o must_v say_v or_o come_v over_o to_o we_o now_o infallibility_n as_o it_o be_v require_v to_o a_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o constant_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o the_o papist_n require_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o their_o church_n have_v before_o he_o can_v believe_v so_o much_o as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n for_o that_o be_v one_o article_n of_o faith_n none_o of_o which_o say_v they_o can_v be_v believe_v without_o the_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o their_o church_n we_o will_v leave_v the_o jesuit_n to_o distinguish_v themselves_o out_o of_o this_o contradiction_n if_o they_o can_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o let_v we_o examine_v their_o proof_n they_o offer_v we_o tradition_n for_o proof_n but_o for_o they_o to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v the_o church_n infallibility_n from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o beg_v the_o question_n let_v they_o first_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a as_o it_o give_v the_o tradition_n and_o then_o we_o will_v spare_v they_o any_o further_a pain_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v infallible_a they_o often_o attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o to_o we_o by_o scripture_n by_o which_o very_a practice_n they_o do_v but_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o first_o than_o it_o seem_v the_o scripture_n infallibility_n may_v be_v first_o know_v before_o and_o without_o the_o believe_n of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n quod_fw-la minimè_fw-la vellent_fw-la for_o than_o the_o latter_a may_v be_v spare_v and_o second_o hereby_o once_o for_o all_o they_o appeal_v to_o man_n private_a judgement_n and_o that_o in_o a_o point_n on_o which_o their_o whole_a cause_n turn_v and_o if_o they_o think_v the_o scripture_n so_o clear_a for_o the_o church_n infallibility_n that_o a_o private_a christian_n may_v discern_v it_o i_o do_v appeal_v to_o themselves_o whether_o many_o other_o article_n be_v not_o lay_v down_o more_o clear_o in_o scripture_n we_o say_v all_o well_o but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v say_v the_o church_n infallibility_n be_v first_o know_v before_o we_o know_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v infallible_a i_o say_v then_o 1._o let_v they_o prove_v it_o 2._o why_o do_v they_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o scripture_n 3._o let_v they_o avoid_v the_o abovenamed_a contradiction_n or_o if_o they_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o draw_v stake_n with_o we_o and_o have_v neither_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o one_o nor_o of_o the_o other_o to_o be_v first_o believe_v then_o first_o let_v they_o never_o more_o quote_v scripture_n for_o the_o church_n infallibility_n second_o let_v they_o not_o require_v we_o to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n three_o they_o must_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o fetch_v all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n immediate_o from_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o midwifery_n of_o their_o porphyry-chair_n and_o then_o we_o will_v easy_o grant_v they_o if_o it_o
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
subtlety_n which_o they_o use_v we_o have_v it_o express_v emphatical_o in_o ephes._n 4._o 14._o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v our_o saviour_n have_v foretell_v we_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v as_o wolf_n in_o sheeps-clothing_n and_o the_o apostle_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o again_o with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n 2_o thessaly_n 2._o 9_o 10._o all_o which_o place_n do_v loud_o bespeak_v our_o earnest_a care_n to_o look_v to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o examine_v doctrine_n before_o we_o embrace_v they_o lest_o unaware_o we_o entertain_v doctrine_n of_o devil_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o 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gracious_a excitation_n of_o it_o and_o concourse_n with_o it_o whereby_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o believer_n mind_n be_v enlighten_v he_o be_v enable_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o discern_v and_o apprehend_v the_o truth_n and_o will_n of_o god_n objective_o reveal_v and_o propound_v to_o he_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o scripture_n this_o be_v that_o donum_fw-la intellectûs_fw-la and_o illumination_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o every_o believer_n at_o his_o first_o conversion_n though_o in_o a_o lesser_a measure_n both_o of_o evidence_n and_o object_n than_o afterwards_o for_o it_o grow_v and_o increase_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n and_o extend_v itself_o as_o large_a as_o a_o divine_a faith_n do_v from_o which_o it_o be_v inseparable_a now_o because_o all_o believer_n have_v soon_o or_o late_a a_o divine_a faith_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o they_o so_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o some_o of_o more_o 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full_a testimony_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v forbear_v to_o add_v any_o more_o 3._o sanctify_v that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v right_o fit_v for_o to_o judge_v it_o must_v be_v sanctify_v first_o it_o must_v have_v a_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o of_o his_o word_n then_o will_v it_o not_o so_o bold_o go_v about_o with_o socinus_n and_o our_o modern_a circulator_n to_o bassle_v scripture_n just_a as_o a_o sophister_n will_v deal_v with_o a_o piece_n of_o aristotle_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o profane_o abuse_v it_o by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o kind_n of_o mystical_a and_o cabalistical_a interpretation_n be_v this_o to_o reverence_v the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v any_o man_n take_v it_o well_o at_o our_o hand_n to_o have_v his_o word_n so_o play_v withal_o so_o screw_v and_o wrest_v from_o their_o simple_a and_o most_o apparent_a sense_n and_o meaning_n second_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v humble_a such_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v undertake_v to_o teach_v they_o shall_v be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o but_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o he_o resist_v the_o proud_a while_o he_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a grace_n and_o glory_n and_o no_o good_a thing_n will_v he_o withhold_v from_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o psal._n 25._o 14._o and_o 84._o 11._o a_o proud_a man_n be_v a_o bad_a scholar_n he_o will_v confide_v in_o himself_o rather_o than_o in_o god_n he_o be_v fond_a of_o his_o own_o opinion_n and_o will_v not_o yield_v unto_o the_o truth_n be_v stubborn_a and_o disobedient_a in_o will_n and_o affection_n but_o if_o any_o one_o be_v humble_a and_o obedient_a if_o any_o one_o will_v do_v god_n will_n he_o shall_v know_v the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n there_o be_v great_a need_n of_o humility_n also_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o those_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n in_o a_o lesser_a measure_n be_v not_o presumptuous_a so_o as_o to_o wade_v beyond_o their_o depth_n which_o saint_n paul_n think_v a_o seasonable_a caution_n in_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n rom._n 12.3_o be_v you_o transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n that_o you_o may_v prove_v what_o be_v that_o good_a and_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n for_o i_o say_v through_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v among_o you_o not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v sober_o according_a as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n the_o word_n be_v emphatical_a {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o not_o out_o of_o a_o overween_a opinion_n of_o self-sufficiency_n to_o enterprise_n thing_n beyond_o their_o strength_n but_o to_o think_v sober_o according_a as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n for_o according_a to_o that_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o this_o gift_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o i_o may_v add_v also_o in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v endue_v with_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o it_o must_v obey_v the_o truth_n and_o mortify_v its_o own_o corruption_n but_o of_o these_o more_o convenient_o afterwards_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o first_o thing_n require_v that_o we_o may_v judge_v aright_o a_o faculty_n right_o prepare_v 2._o rule_n the_o second_o be_v the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o we_o must_v judge_v by_o which_o we_o must_v examine_v all_o doctrine_n and_o according_a to_o their_o agree_n or_o disagree_v with_o it_o either_o entertain_n or_o reject_v they_o this_o rule_n must_v be_v 1._o in_o itself_o infallible_a 2._o in_o respect_n of_o we_o clear_a and_o know_v 3._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v try_v it_o must_v be_v adequate_a these_o be_v agree_v upon_o as_o necessary_a property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o divine_a faith_n now_o such_o a_o
rule_n be_v not_o first_o reason_n the_o maxim_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v far_o from_o be_v infallible_a many_o of_o they_o be_v but_o the_o product_n of_o human_a discourse_n and_o fallible_a observation_n and_o therefore_o some_o of_o they_o false_a if_o they_o be_v extend_v beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o philosophy_n for_o who_o meridian_n only_o they_o be_v calculate_v at_o the_o first_o i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o philosophy_n which_o contradict_v any_o truth_n in_o divinity_n yet_o be_o i_o sure_a that_o many_o saying_n be_v true_a in_o philosophy_n which_o be_v false_a in_o divinity_n for_o maxim_n and_o general_a rule_n be_v but_o collection_n observe_v from_o particular_n if_o the_o survey_n be_v short_a ad_fw-la nimis_fw-la pauca_fw-la respiciens_fw-la not_o take_v in_o all_o particular_n the_o verdict_n or_o maxim_n must_v needs_o be_v defective_a and_o the_o general_a rule_n be_v liable_a to_o exception_n so_o that_o a_o rule_n 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the_o other_o they_o pass_v it_o in_o the_o head_n but_o stop_v it_o in_o the_o house_n decline_v the_o volley_n but_o take_v the_o rebound_n which_o come_v all_o to_o one_o at_o last_o but_o how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o so_o do_v especial_o in_fw-la hac_fw-la foece_fw-la romali_fw-la in_o this_o apostate_n and_o fall_v condition_n of_o human_a nature_n the_o alone_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n may_v sufficient_o convince_v o_o but_o yet_o right_a reason_n ay_o where_o be_v it_o many_o make_v account_n they_o have_v it_o and_o that_o in_o those_o very_a thing_n wherein_o yet_o they_o contradict_v one_o another_o some_o think_v aristotle_n do_v but_o bid_v his_o scholar_n go_v look_v when_o he_o make_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o wiseman_n the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n mediocrity_n many_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o many_o more_o think_v themselves_o such_o but_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o either_o prove_v so_o so_o that_o indeed_o a_o man_n may_v soon_o find_v virtue_n than_o a_o wiseman_n especial_o consider_v that_o he_o have_v need_n to_o be_v one_o himself_o to_o know_v one_o when_o he_o meet_v he_o all_o reason_n than_o be_v not_o right_a nor_o have_v all_o man_n right_a reason_n that_o think_v they_o have_v it_o reason_n itself_o then_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o rule_n to_o be_v try_v by_o reason_n be_v then_o right_a when_o it_o be_v true_a and_o then_o only_o true_a when_o it_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n themselves_o now_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n let_v we_o carry_v our_o reason_n thith'er_o and_o try_v it_o by_o they_o for_o as_o amesius_n very_o well_o ratio_fw-la quaedicitur_fw-la recta_fw-la si_fw-la absoluta_fw-la rectitudo_fw-la spectetur_fw-la non_fw-la alibi_fw-la nobis_fw-la est_fw-la quarenda_fw-la quà m_fw-la ubi_fw-la existit_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la in_fw-la scripturis_fw-la neque_fw-la differt_fw-la quatenus_fw-la spectat_fw-la bonum_fw-la et_fw-la aequum_fw-la à _fw-la voluntate_fw-la dei_fw-la ad_fw-la nostrae_fw-la vita_fw-la directionem_fw-la revelatâ_fw-la mcdullae_fw-la lib._n 2._o cap._n 2._o so_o then_o although_o the_o maxim_n of_o natural_a reason_n may_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n in_o divinity_n if_o right_o limit_v by_o the_o scripture_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v canon_n they_o be_v both_o too_o short_a and_o too_o weak_a to_o make_v a_o rule_n of_o divine_a faith_n of_o second_o antiquity_n nor_o be_v antiquity_n such_o a_o rule_n as_o be_v require_v antiquity_n bare_o consider_v be_v no_o good_a mark_n much_o less_o rule_n of_o truth_n the_o romanist_n in_o give_v mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n do_v as_o painter_n who_o draw_v the_o virgin_n mary_n by_o their_o own_o mistress_n they_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o church_n by_o her_o mark_n but_o endeavour_v to_o make_v their_o mark_n by_o their_o church_n in_o like_a manner_n here_o they_o do_v not_o square_v their_o doctrine_n by_o the_o true_a rule_n but_o strive_v to_o find_v out_o a_o rule_n that_o will_v fit_v their_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o herein_o too_o they_o be_v oft_o time_n much_o to_o seek_v they_o cry_v up_o antiquity_n very_o much_o bid_v we_o ask_v for_o the_o old_a way_n for_o multitude_n of_o day_n shall_v teach_v we_o wisdom_n and_o make_v account_n they_o have_v praise_v themselves_o all_o this_o while_n but_o no_o such_o matter_n unless_o we_o shall_v look_v at_o antiquity_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o than_o i_o know_v who_o may_v vie_v with_o they_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n for_o our_o part_n we_o profess_v we_o do_v very_o much_o reverence_v antiquiry_n but_o it_o must_v be_v then_o in_o conjunction_n with_o truth_n we_o can_v admire_v old_a error_n but_o as_o solomon_n speak_v of_o the_o hoary_a head_n prov._n 16._o 31._o the_o hoary_a head_n be_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n if_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n we_o shall_v always_o rise_v up_o 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the_o apostle_n proceed_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a which_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text_n consider_v contain_v in_o it_o the_o second_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o every_o christian_n viz._n hold_v fast_o of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a which_o i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o first_o relative_o and_o then_o absolute_o first_o relative_o relative_o as_o it_o have_v reference_n and_o regard_n unto_o the_o former_a duty_n and_o so_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o these_o late_a word_n either_o 1._o as_o a_o caution_n or_o 2._o as_o a_o mean_n or_o 3._o as_o the_o end_n of_o the_o foregoing_a duty_n of_o prove_v doctrine_n first_o caution_n let_v we_o consider_v they_o as_o a_o caution_n and_o then_o they_o intimate_v thus_o much_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o must_v so_o try_v and_o prove_v all_o thing_n as_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o not_o to_o let_v go_v that_o which_o be_v good_a they_o that_o fish_n with_o a_o golden_a hook_n have_v need_n hold_v fast_o the_o line_n and_o 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jewel_n into_o the_o sea_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v dive_v and_o fetch_v it_o up_o again_o with_o the_o mountebank_n to_o wound_v for_o experiment_n and_o become_v atheist_n that_o we_o may_v convert_v ourselves_o by_o reason_n to_o tempt_v god_n to_o leave_v we_o and_o to_o tempt_v the_o devil_n to_o destroy_v we_o for_o my_o part_n i_o profess_v i_o see_v not_o how_o this_o can_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n withot_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n let_v we_o therefore_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n by_o a_o steadfast_a faith_n while_o we_o be_v examine_v doctrine_n and_o by_o holiness_n of_o life_n also_o for_o the_o devil_n great_a gain_n these_o late_a time_n have_v be_v that_o while_o man_n be_v take_v up_o with_o dispute_n about_o truth_n in_o question_n they_o have_v too_o much_o neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v indubitable_a second_o mean_n we_o may_v look_v upon_o this_o latter_a duty_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o help_v to_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o the_o former_a if_o we_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o already_o have_v we_o shall_v the_o more_o successful_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n and_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n he_o that_o be_v faithful_a in_o a_o little_a have_v the_o promise_n of_o be_v ruler_n over_o much_o he_o that_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o truth_n shall_v know_v more_o of_o it_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v know_v the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o john_n 7._o 17._o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o corrupt_a heart_n will_v breed_v a_o corrupt_a judgement_n and_o either_o hinder_v the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n at_o the_o first_o or_o else_o procure_v the_o ejectment_n of_o it_o afterwards_o out_o of_o the_o soul_n but_o more_o of_o this_o hereafter_o three_o end_n we_o may_v also_o look_v upon_o these_o late_a word_n as_o the_o end_n of_o the_o foregoing_a duty_n let_v this_o be_v your_o aim_n and_o design_n in_o prove_v all_o thing_n to_o wit_n that_o you_o may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o scripture_n that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v good_a have_v recourse_n unto_o scripture_n that_o you_o may_v believe_v it_o for_o haec_fw-la scripta_fw-la sunt_fw-la ut_fw-la credatis_fw-la the_o ensure_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o then_o condemn_v scepticism_n and_o the_o academic_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o again_o prove_v all_o thing_n that_o you_o may_v practise_v that_o which_o be_v good_a not_o that_o you_o may_v entertain_v yourselves_o with_o jejune_a and_o idle_a speculation_n the_o end_n and_o fruit_n and_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n be_v practise_v knowledge_n be_v a_o precious_a talon_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o not_o to_o be_v hide_v in_o a_o napkin_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o trade_n or_o work_v with_o it_o unless_o the_o fruit_n of_o good_a live_a do_v grow_v upon_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n it_o will_v never_o become_v to_o we_o a_o tree_n of_o life_n i_o shall_v leave_v other_o to_o dispute_v where_o paradise_n be_v situate_a but_o our_o saviour_n have_v place_v happiness_n between_o those_o two_o absolute_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n john_n 13._o 17._o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o the_o more_o we_o know_v god_n the_o more_o we_o love_v he_o and_o the_o more_o we_o love_v he_o still_o the_o more_o do_v we_o desire_v to_o know_v of_o he_o so_o be_v it_o here_o the_o end_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n be_v that_o we_o may_v practise_v it_o and_o practice_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o know_v more_o as_o the_o water_n come_v from_o the_o ocean_n to_o the_o
ashamed_a to_o profess_v it_o if_o we_o be_v christ_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o another_o day_n mark_n 8._o 38._o whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v he_o before_o man_n he_o will_v he_o also_o deny_v before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 10.33_o christ_n will_v have_v his_o truth_n own_v by_o his_o follower_n the_o devil_n indeed_o will_v allow_v man_n to_o profess_v truth_n while_o they_o harbour_v error_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o christ_n will_v not_o allow_v of_o such_o discord_n between_o heart_n and_o tongue_n corde_n creditur_fw-la adjustitiam_fw-la with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n rom._n 10._o 10_o 11._o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a profession_n be_v the_o badge_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o fealty_n due_a to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n by_o constant_a profession_n of_o and_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n the_o truth_n itself_o be_v propagate_v and_o god_n glory_n be_v advance_v and_o other_o professor_n of_o truth_n be_v much_o encourage_v and_o when_o be_v there_o ever_o great_a need_n of_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n than_o at_o this_o day_n when_o error_n do_v on_o every_o side_n so_o much_o abound_v when_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n like_o frog_n breed_v of_o the_o slime_n of_o the_o earth_n come_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o dragon_n then_o bless_v be_v he_o that_o watch_v and_o keep_v his_o garment_n rev._n 16._o 15._o wherefore_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n unmoved_a without_o waver_v heb._n 10._o 23._o for_o belove_a we_o count_v they_o happy_a which_o endure_v james_n 5._o 11._o and_o our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o more_o than_o once_o that_o they_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v matth._n 24._o 13._o mark_n 13._o 13._o nay_o himself_o encourage_v we_o from_o heaven_n rev._n 2._o 10._o bethou_fw-mi faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n again_o hold_v that_o thou_o have_v let_v no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n rev._n 3._o 11._o that_o be_v a_o five_o way_n of_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a by_o the_o constant_a profession_n of_o it_o six_o contend_v the_o six_o and_o last_o way_n that_o i_o shall_v name_v be_v by_o contend_v for_o it_o earnest_o indeed_o so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n can_v enjoy_v his_o house_n by_o a_o undisturbed_a possession_n he_o need_v not_o contend_v about_o it_o but_o when_o thief_n shall_v attempt_v to_o break_v it_o open_a when_o a_o robber_n shall_v set_v upon_o he_o for_o his_o purse_n strive_v by_o violence_n to_o take_v it_o from_o he_o than_o he_o must_v resolve_v to_o contend_v for_o it_o if_o he_o mean_v to_o keep_v it_o now_o such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v in_o a_o state_n militant_a continual_o surround_v and_o beset_v with_o enemy_n who_o ringleader_n be_v satan_n the_o father_n of_o lie_n who_o lay_v continual_a siege_n to_o truth_n not_o that_o he_o desire_v to_o have_v it_o himself_o but_o that_o he_o may_v dispossess_v other_o of_o it_o and_o slight_v it_o when_o he_o have_v do_v it_o be_v but_o needful_a then_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v exhort_v we_o to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judo_fw-la 3._o they_o be_v betrust_v with_o it_o as_o with_o a_o fort_n or_o castle_n and_o it_o will_v be_v treachery_n or_o cowardice_n not_o to_o defend_v it_o to_o the_o last_o and_o paul_n exhortation_n may_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n to_o we_o for_o our_o encouragement_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 13._o watch_v you_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n quit_v yourselves_o like_o man_n and_o be_v strong_a a_o gallant_a speech_n of_o a_o try_a soldier_n who_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n himself_o and_o be_v now_o ready_a to_o receive_v his_o crown_n now_o though_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o contend_v for_o truth_n and_o that_o earnest_o yet_o every_o one_o in_o his_o own_o rank_n and_o order_n for_o a_o man_n be_v not_o crown_v except_o he_o strive_v lawful_o private_a christian_n they_o must_v strive_v by_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o his_o truth_n may_v have_v a_o free_a passage_n and_o be_v victorious_a while_o other_o who_o god_n have_v give_v commission_n and_o ability_n must_v also_o contend_v for_o it_o by_o preach_v dispute_v and_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o all_o by_o suffer_v for_o it_o yea_o and_o die_v in_o witness_n to_o it_o if_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n shall_v call_v they_o forth_o to_o it_o belove_a you_o have_v not_o yet_o resist_v unto_o blood_n but_o you_o know_v not_o what_o time_n may_v come_v the_o cloud_n gather_v apace_o and_o some_o begin_v to_o fear_v a_o storm_n it_o concern_v we_o in_o wisdom_n however_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o worst_a to_o be_v well-settled_a in_o the_o faith_n to_o buckle_v on_o our_o harness_n and_o to_o fortify_v ourselves_o in_o holy_a resolution_n to_o stand_v to_o our_o arm_n have_v our_o loin_n gird_v about_o with_o truth_n and_o we_o have_v need_n have_v truth_n gird_v close_o about_o we_o else_o we_o may_v chance_v to_o have_v a_o lap_n of_o it_o cut_v off_o and_o we_o never_o the_o wise_a as_o saul_n skirt_n be_v by_o david_n while_o he_o sleep_v and_o perceive_v it_o not_o or_o else_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n we_o may_v deal_v with_o it_o as_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n do_v by_o his_o linen_n cloth_n when_o soldier_n lay_v hold_v of_o he_o he_o leave_v the_o linen_n cloth_n and_o flee_v from_o they_o naked_a mark_n 14._o 51_o 52._o some_o it_o may_v be_v may_v think_v it_o but_o a_o nicety_n that_o some_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n sthood_n upon_o when_o they_o choose_v to_o sacrifice_v their_o own_o life_n rather_o than_o sprinkle_v a_o little_a frankincense_n upon_o a_o idol_n censer_n some_o may_v imagine_v perhaps_o that_o the_o martyr_n of_o late_a year_n be_v too_o straight-laced_a many_o of_o they_o suffer_v upon_o the_o article_n of_o transubstantiation_n but_o die_v abner_n as_o a_o fool_n do_v those_o worthy_n foolish_o and_o needless_o cast_v away_o their_o life_n no_o sure_o they_o understand_v well_o enough_o that_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n be_v to_o deny_v christ_n and_o worship_v the_o bread_n be_v no_o less_o than_o gross_a idolatry_n both_o grievous_a sin_n have_v they_o be_v less_o they_o may_v not_o they_o dare_v not_o have_v commit_v they_o though_o to_o save_v their_o life_n but_o as_o people_n and_o minister_n must_v contend_v for_o the_o truth_n so_o magistrate_n be_v not_o excuse_v from_o it_o what_o a_o abatement_n be_v it_o in_o the_o coat_n of_o jehoshaphal_n divers_a of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o those_o good_a king_n otherways_o that_o idol-worship_n be_v tolerate_v and_o wink_v at_o in_o the_o high-place_n and_o not_o utter_o root_v out_o o_o belove_v god_n be_v a_o jealous_a god_n he_o will_v not_o endure_v his_o worship_n to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o do_v we_o think_v he_o will_v suffer_v his_o truth_n to_o be_v adulterate_v will_v he_o not_o suffer_v the_o worship_n of_o devil_n but_o will_v he_o permit_v doctrine_n of_o devil_n be_v not_o his_o truth_n precious_a to_o he_o and_o be_v he_o not_o jealous_a over_o that_o god_n will_v not_o endure_v those_o that_o worship_v another_o god_n beside_o he_o nor_o those_o who_o tempt_v other_o to_o it_o read_v over_o deut._n 13._o especial_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o verse_n and_o be_v christ_n content_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v who_o open_o declaim_v against_o his_o godhead_n no_o certain_o our_o bless_a saviour_n blame_v the_o church_n in_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v jezabel_n to_o seduce_v his_o servant_n rev._n 2.20_o and_o he_o profess_v that_o he_o hate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n and_o lay_v it_o heavy_o to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n in_o pergamos_n that_o she_o suffer_v those_o that_o teach_v it_o rev._n 2._o 14_o 15._o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n i_o hate_v repent_v or_o i_o will_v come_v quick_o and_o fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n the_o church_n itself_o be_v for_o the_o general_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o orthodox_a