Selected quad for the lemma: scripture_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n believe_v divine_a infallible_a 2,771 5 9.5728 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A45915 An Enquiry whether oral tradition or the sacred writings be the safest conservatory and conveyance of divine truths, down from their original delivery, through all succeeding ages in two parts. 1685 (1685) Wing I222A; ESTC R32365 93,637 258

There are 9 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

a_fw-la enquiry_n whether_o oral_a tradition_n or_o the_o sacred_a write_n be_v the_o safe_a conservatory_n and_o conveyance_n of_o divine_a truth_n down_o from_o their_o original_a delivery_n through_o all_o succeed_v age_n in_o two_o part_n london_n print_v for_o robert_n clavel_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o peacock_n in_o st._n paul_n church_n yard_n 1685._o the_o preface_n doubtless_o it_o will_v more_o conduce_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n the_o peace_n of_o christendom_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o soul_n if_o christian_n will_v agree_v at_o the_o least_o in_o this_o rather_o to_o live_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n we_o all_o believe_v than_o curious_o dispute_v why_o we_o believe_v for_o nice_a tampering_n with_o and_o eager_a contest_v about_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v apt_a rather_o to_o shake_v than_o to_o strengthen_v the_o superstructure_n it_o may_v prove_v a_o snare_n to_o the_o profane_a or_o unstable_a who_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o belief_n and_o eternal_a hope_n not_o to_o be_v agree_v on_o after_o so_o many_o age_n perhaps_o may_v be_v tempt_v to_o doubt_v whether_o their_o whole_a profession_n be_v not_o airy_a and_o have_v no_o basis_n at_o all_o yet_o notwithstanding_o if_o some_o will_v attempt_v to_o displace_v the_o true_a one_o and_o to_o justle_v in_o a_o false_a and_o ruinous_a ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n a_o due_a regard_n to_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n may_v justify_v a_o appearance_n against_o so_o dangerous_a a_o commutation_n the_o basis_n of_o christian_a belief_n suffer_v from_o more_o than_o one_o sort_n of_o adversary_n the_o injury_n do_v to_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n of_o god_n by_o the_o impious_a drollings_n and_o perverse_a dispute_n of_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a man_n be_v too_o notorious_a the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o value_n and_o care_n of_o those_o man_n who_o scorn_v believe_v but_o this_o crew_n be_v abhor_v by_o all_o who_o have_v any_o ordinary_a sense_n of_o religion_n or_o have_v not_o debauch_v even_o their_o reason_n indeed_o the_o danger_n be_v more_o sly_a and_o spread_a from_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o serious_a and_o friend_n to_o religion_n among_o such_o the_o enthusiast_n undermine_v the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o pretence_n to_o a_o extraordinary_a illuminate_a conduct_n and_o incitation_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n but_o the_o mode_n of_o this_o sect_n common_o suit_n but_o with_o the_o more_o melancholy_a and_o muse_v nature_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o their_o folly_n and_o risk_n within_o a_o while_n expose_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o pretence_n the_o romanist_n way_n be_v the_o more_o general_o plausible_a and_o win_a they_o present_v the_o world_n with_o a_o conveyance_n of_o religious_a truth_n and_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n who_o 54._o who_o sure_o foot_v in_o christiaty_n or_o rational_a discourse_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 54._o virtue_n they_o say_v be_v ground_v on_o a_o far_o strong_a basis_n than_o all_o material_a nature_n such_o they_o affirm_v the_o virtue_n to_o be_v by_o which_o tradition_n regulate_v her_o follower_n to_o bring_v down_o faith_n uner_o and_o whereas_o as_o seem_v by_o cardinal_n secundò_fw-la cardinal_n de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la non_fw-la scripto_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 3._o in_o initio_fw-la 1._o they_fw-mi ibid._n c._n 12._o sect._n dico_fw-la secundò_fw-la bellarmine_n they_o former_o divide_v the_o honour_n of_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n between_o holy_a scripture_n and_o tradition_n of_o late_a year_n oral_a tradition_n have_v quite_o carry_v away_o the_o credit_n and_o have_v be_v by_o some_o zealous_a asserter_n cry_v up_o for_o the_o infallible_a conveyance_n 41_o conveyance_n sure_o foot_v p._n 98._o 41_o and_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n that_o from_o which_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o 117._o the_o ibid._n p._n 117._o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o without_o this_o will_v be_v 38._o be_v ibid._n p._n 38._o quite_o lose_v to_o all_o in_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o letter_n that_o which_o be_v undertake_v in_o the_o ensue_a paper_n be_v a_o enquiry_n after_o the_o nature_n of_o oral_a tradition_n and_o its_o best_a strength_n especial_o in_o religious_a affair_n as_o also_o the_o full_a force_n of_o write_n especial_o of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n in_o point_n of_o conservation_n and_o conveyance_n of_o what_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o upon_o which_o enquiry_n it_o will_v appear_v which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o most_o sufficient_a and_o sure_a for_o that_o purpose_n and_o that_o of_o the_o 52._o the_o there_o be_v only_o two_o ground_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n own_a viz._n delivery_n of_o it_o down_o by_o write_v or_o by_o word_n and_o practice_n ibid._n p._n 52._o two_o which_o after_o examination_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v so_o preserve_v to_o we_o and_o material_o consider_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n forasmuch_o as_o bring_v down_o to_o succeed_a time_n the_o christian_a faith_n unvaried_a and_o entire_a which_o be_v primitive_o commit_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o divine_o inspire_v planter_n of_o it_o it_o may_v satisfy_v and_o command_v our_o belief_n secure_v we_o from_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v true_a whereas_o that_o which_o approve_v not_o it_o self_n to_o be_v such_o a_o faithful_a depository_n and_o convoy_n provide_v we_o not_o with_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n deserve_v not_o that_o authority_n over_o our_o soul_n may_v betray_v we_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n hence_o therefore_o oral_a tradition_n errability_n and_o defectiveness_n in_o conveyance_n which_o shall_v be_v prove_v disable_v it_o for_o be_v the_o overrule_a standard_n of_o christian_n belief_n and_o practice_n in_o all_o age_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o sureness_n and_o safety_n of_o conservation_n and_o transmission_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o shall_v be_v prove_v likewise_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o trust_n and_o honour_n of_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n through_o all_o generation_n the_o author_n be_v sensible_a that_o the_o competition_n between_o oral_a tradition_n and_o scripture_n have_v be_v already_o so_o excellent_o manage_v by_o reverend_n and_o learned_a person_n that_o this_o present_a undertake_n by_o a_o obscure_a man_n may_v be_v judge_v supernumerary_n or_o worse_o but_o he_o have_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v 1588._o be_v sancta_fw-la augustini_fw-la sententia_fw-la est_fw-la &_o nota_fw-la multis_fw-la &_o digna_fw-la quae_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la cognoscatur_fw-la optandum_fw-la esse_fw-la ubi_fw-la haereses_fw-la vigent_fw-la ut_fw-la quicunque_fw-la aliquâ_fw-la scribendi_fw-la facultate_fw-la praediti_fw-la sunt_fw-la two_o scribant_fw-la omnes_fw-la etsi_fw-la non_fw-la modo_fw-la de_fw-fr rebus_fw-la iisdem_fw-la scripture_n fint_n sed_fw-la eadem_fw-la etiam_fw-la allis_fw-la verbis_fw-la fortasse_fw-la scripturi_fw-la expedit_fw-la enim_fw-la etc._n etc._n bellarm._n in_o praefatione_fw-la ad_fw-la lectorem_fw-la tom._n 1._o edit_fw-la ingolstadii_fw-la 1588._o cardinal_n bellarmine_n opinion_n and_o he_o quote_v and_o commend_v st._n augustine_n wish_v that_o in_o the_o church_n danger_n all_o who_o in_o some_o measure_n can_v shall_v write_v though_o they_o write_v not_o only_o of_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o also_o the_o same_o in_o other_o word_n fas_fw-la est_fw-la &_o ab_fw-la host_n doceri_fw-la it_o may_v be_v fit_a sometime_o to_o take_v advice_n from_o a_o adversary_n especial_o when_o he_o have_v so_o great_a and_o pious_a a_o second_o this_o the_o author_n hope_n may_v be_v a_o excuse_n of_o his_o adventure_n into_o the_o public_a and_o that_o even_o his_o glean_n after_o other_o plentiful_a harvest_n their_o learned_a labour_n and_o success_n may_v yet_o be_v not_o altogether_o unacceptable_a or_o useless_a to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o content_n part_n 1._o chap._n 1._o of_o tradition_n in_o general_n pag._n 1._o chap._n 2._o of_o oral_a tradition_n and_o as_o apply_v to_o religion_n what_o be_v allow_v and_o what_o deny_v to_o it_o pag._n 17._o chap._n 3._o reason_n against_o the_o certainty_n and_o safety_n of_o conveyance_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o oral_a tradition_n pag._n 26._o chap._n 4._o experience_n against_o oral_a tradition_n be_v a_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o divine_a truth_n pag._n 46._o chap._n 5._o the_o argument_n allege_v for_o oral_a tradition_n answer_v pag._n 111._o part_n 2._o chap._n 1._o sacred_a scripture_n prove_v to_o be_v the_o safe_a and_o most_o certain_a conservatory_n and_o conveyance_n of_o divine_a truth_n pag._n 157._o chap._n 2._o objection_n answer_v pag._n 203._o a_fw-la enquiry_n whether_o oral_a tradition_n or_o the_o sacred_a write_n be_v the_o safe_a conservatory_n and_o conveyance_n of_o etc._n etc._n part_n i._n chap._n i._o of_o tradition_n in_o general_n sect_n i._o man_z be_v a_o active_a capacious_a creature_n fit_v for_o and_o desirous_a of_o knowledge_n and_o furnish_v
vntrustiness_n i_o shall_v proceed_v next_o to_o consider_v tradition_n oral_a tradition_n more_o particular_o and_o distinct_o and_o as_o apply_v to_o religion_n chap._n ii_o of_o oral_a tradition_n as_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o religion_n and_o there_o what_o be_v allow_v to_o it_o what_o deny_v sect_n i._o i_o come_v now_o near_o to_o the_o question_n which_o be_v move_v both_o of_o oral_a tradition_n and_o of_o the_o sacred_a write_n trustiness_n and_o certainty_n of_o conveyance_n of_o divine_a truth_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v give_v they_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n and_o first_o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o sure_a and_o safe_a a_o immediate_a conservatory_n and_o conveyance_n oral_a tradition_n be_v of_o divine_a truth_n more_o speculative_a or_o more_o immediate_o practical_a fundamental_a or_o other_o down_o from_o their_o first_o delivery_n to_o the_o church_n through_o succeed_a age_n and_o before_o further_a procedure_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v of_o use_n in_o religion_n yet_o not_o so_o much_o solitary_a and_o by_o itself_o as_o in_o conjunction_n with_o tradition_n write_v 1._o it_o be_v yield_v that_o though_o there_o be_v many_o 20._o many_o dr._n cousin_n the_o late_a reverend_a lord_n bishop_n of_o duresme_fw-fr in_o his_o scholast_n history_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n pag._n 4_o 5._o ecclesia_fw-la testis_fw-la est_fw-la &_o custos_fw-la sacrarum_fw-la literarum_n ecclesiae_fw-la officium_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la ver_fw-la as_o germanas_fw-la ac_fw-la genuinas_fw-la scripturas_fw-la a_o falsis_fw-la supposititiis_fw-la ac_fw-la adulterinis_fw-la dijudicet_fw-la ac_fw-la discernat_fw-la d._n whitak_n de_fw-fr s._n script_n controu._n 1_o quest_n 3._o cap._n 2._o article_n of_o religion_n 20._o internal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o argument_n clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o whereby_o we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v breathe_v from_o a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o be_v true_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o just_a number_n of_o those_o sacred_a book_n every_o verse_n and_o sentence_n in_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v more_o or_o few_o we_o have_v no_o better_o external_n and_o ministerial_a assurance_n than_o the_o constant_a and_o record_v testimony_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o which_o be_v a_o witness_n and_o keeper_n of_o holy_a writ_n 2_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v many_o particular_a truth_n which_o have_v have_v the_o universal_a continue_a profession_n and_o oral_a attestation_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o primitive_a to_o the_o present_a time_n 3_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o scripture_n yet_o oral_a tradition_n may_v have_v derive_v some_o truth_n to_o posterity_n 4_o let_v any_o point_n be_v recommend_v to_o we_o by_o so_o large_a a_o approbation_n and_o certificate_n from_o tradition_n as_o sacred_a scripture_n have_v and_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o with_o all_o beseem_a regard_n but_o then_o 1._o we_o deny_v that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v to_o we_o and_o to_o ascertain_v we_o of_o the_o several_a particular_a truth_n which_o concern_v christian_a belief_n and_o practice_n together_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n 2_o though_o there_o be_v several_a divine_a truth_n which_o have_v have_v the_o universal_a and_o continue_a profession_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o we_o deny_v it_o will_v have_v be_v so_o happy_a if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o scripture_n 3_o though_o there_o have_v be_v no_o scripture_n oral_a tradition_n may_v have_v send_v down_o some_o truth_n to_o posterity_n but_o they_o will_v have_v be_v but_o few_o and_o those_o too_o blind_v with_o erroneous_a appendage_n most_o will_v have_v be_v lose_v as_o in_o hurricane_n and_o among_o rock_n and_o sand_n some_o vessel_n may_v weather_v it_o out_o yet_o shatter_v but_o how_o many_o perish_v 4_o as_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n sure_a our_o adversary_n can_v just_o charge_v we_o with_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v no_o point_n maintain_v by_o they_o and_o deny_v by_o we_o which_o have_v so_o ample_a a_o recommendation_n but_o i_o shall_v resume_v the_o first_o concession_n and_o the_o annex_v denial_n and_o shall_v add_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o tradition_n testification_n concern_v the_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n conserve_n the_o many_o divine_a truth_n and_o sense_n of_o they_o and_o the_o safe_a transmit_v they_o to_o all_o succeed_a time_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o tradition_n for_o the_o former_a which_o be_v a_o more_o general_a thing_n and_o in_o which_o tradition_n be_v less_o obnoxious_a to_o error_n and_o yet_o not_o trust_v it_o for_o the_o latter_a which_o abound_v in_o such_o a_o variety_n of_o particular_n in_o which_o there_o be_v the_o great_a liableness_n to_o mistake_v and_o failance_n the_o difference_n i_o urge_v may_v be_v illustrate_v thus_o suppose_v one_o inform_v i_o of_o a_o guide_n in_o my_o journey_n i_o credit_v and_o accept_v of_o that_o information_n and_o thank_v the_o informant_a but_o i_o rest_v no_o far_o on_o he_o but_o follow_v the_o guide_n in_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o my_o journey_n or_o suppose_v one_o direct_v i_o to_o a_o very_a honest_a man_n and_o a_o very_a know_a witness_n in_o my_o cause_n when_o he_o have_v do_v so_o it_o be_v not_o he_o but_o the_o witness_n on_o who_o i_o must_v depend_v for_o a_o success_n in_o my_o suit_n nay_o if_o the_o witness_n shall_v chance_v to_o depose_v against_o he_o i_o may_v rational_o believe_v he_o and_o he_o can_v refuse_v the_o evidence_n because_o he_o himself_o recommend_v he_o to_o i_o as_o a_o very_a credible_a deponent_a the_o application_n be_v obvious_a the_o church_n tradition_n testify_v 8.20_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17._o isa_n 8.20_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n these_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v a_o guide_n a_o witness_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o which_o belong_v to_o man_n salvation_n they_o affirm_v so_o much_o of_o themselves_o and_o because_o they_o be_v divine_a oracle_n and_o testify_v by_o the_o church_n so_o to_o be_v they_o must_v be_v believe_v by_o we_o in_o that_o claim_n why_o now_o though_o we_o owe_v and_o pay_v thanks_o to_o the_o church_n tradition_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o direction_n of_o we_o to_o they_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o bind_v to_o resign_v our_o faith_n universal_o to_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o may_v trust_v ourselves_o with_o scripture_n guidance_n and_o testimony_n in_o all_o particular_a matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n yes_o and_o if_o these_o scripture_n witness_v against_o the_o church_n tradition_n against_o some_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o which_o tradition_n be_v pretend_v we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n can_v fair_o decline_v the_o testimony_n though_o against_o itself_o sect_n ii_o but_o against_o this_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o argue_n against_o tradition_n out_o of_o scripture_n the_o reason_n be_v 100l_n sure_o foot_v in_o christianity_n p._n 100l_n because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n without_o tradition_n this_o must_v first_o be_v suppose_v certain_a before_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v hold_v such_o therefore_o to_o argue_v against_o tradition_n out_o of_o scripture_n be_v to_o discourse_v from_o what_o be_v tradition_n be_v disallow_v uncertain_a which_o can_v be_v a_o solid_a way_n of_o argumentation_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v omit_v that_o tradition_n be_v not_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o our_o certitude_n about_o scripture_n that_o the_o exception_n do_v not_o invalidate_v what_o i_o have_v say_v for_o thus_o it_o be_v we_o do_v confess_v to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o church_n universal_a tradition_n and_o we_o allow_v this_o testimony_n to_o be_v in_o its_o kind_n very_o useful_a and_o sufficient_o certain_a and_o this_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n quoad_fw-la hoc_fw-la for_o the_o intelligence_a we_o concern_v scripture_n be_v suppose_v by_o we_o but_o then_o we_o do_v and_o may_v argue_v from_o scripture_n thus_o suppose_v certain_a against_o tradition_n i._n e._n against_o what_o be_v uncertain_a or_o false_a in_o it_o viz._n any_o such_o point_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n or_o such_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o it_o will_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o when_o as_o yet_o they_o be_v perhaps_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o the_o tradition_n be_v far_o short_a of_o be_v universal_a it_o may_v be_v be_v very_o narrow_a or_o feign_v rather_o than_o real_a so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o proceed_v upon_o a_o uncertainty_n but_o upon_o what_o be_v certain_a by_o universal_a tradition_n i.e._n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o number_n that_o we_o have_v they_o
what_o be_v so_o deliver_v be_v a_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n but_o when_o st._n paul_n praise_v the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o 11.3.23_o they_o 1_o cor._n 11.3.23_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n or_o tradition_n as_o he_o deliver_v they_o when_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o have_v receive_v that_o which_o also_o he_o deliver_v to_o they_o when_o he_o exhort_v the_o thessalonian_o 2.15_o thessalonian_o 2_o thes_n 2.15_o to_o hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o by_o word_n or_o say_v he_o our_o epistle_n when_o he_o command_v they_o 3.6_o they_o 2_o thes_n 3.6_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o not_o after_o the_o tradition_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v nothing_o i_o say_v in_o these_o place_n which_o will_v necessary_o infer_v that_o more_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n than_o be_v or_o be_v write_v and_o that_o what_o be_v so_o deliver_v be_v a_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n through_o all_o age_n why_o now_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o if_o god_n though_o he_o provide_v his_o church_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o please_v to_o enstate_v oral_a humane_a tradition_n in_o the_o great_a office_n of_o sense_a scripture_n and_o of_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n he_o do_v not_o so_o order_v it_o that_o scripture_n shall_v modest_o acknowledge_v its_o superior_a but_o rather_o let_v scripture_n carry_v away_o all_o the_o honour_n from_o it_o 2_o a_o second_o reason_n why_o oral_a tradition_n can_v plead_v so_o strong_a a_o title_n to_o a_o protection_n by_o the_o divine_a providence_n as_o scripture_n be_v this_o god_n providence_n do_v ordinary_o cooperate_v with_o and_o prosper_v mean_n answerable_o to_o their_o comportment_n with_o and_o likelihood_n to_o reach_v the_o end_n intend_v now_o it_o have_v be_v before_o demonstrate_v how_o weak_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n be_v how_o fix_v and_o able_a write_n be_v to_o conserve_v truth_n once_o deliver_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o divine_a aid_n do_v much_o rather_o assist_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n than_o by_o oral_a tradition_n the_o former_a be_v much_o more_o serviceable_a to_o the_o promote_a such_o a_o end_n than_o the_o latter_a hitherto_o i_o have_v prove_v the_o continue_a preservation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n from_o proper_a cause_n of_o such_o a_o effect_n cause_n ministerial_a and_o supreme_a humane_a care_n and_o vigilancy_n and_o divine_a special_a providence_n sect_n v._o 4_o scripture_n preservation_n be_v manifest_a from_o the_o event_n such_o have_v be_v the_o happy_a success_n of_o divine_a providence_n watchfulness_n and_o of_o humane_a care_n and_o diligence_n that_o christian_n do_v general_o consent_v in_o this_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la continue_v safe_a and_o pure_a to_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o to_o be_v practise_v for_o the_o obtainment_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n profess_v to_o have_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o trent_n council_n have_v define_v the_o vulgar_a latin_a to_o be_v those_o genuine_a authentic_a scripture_n how_o true_a that_o determination_n be_v for_o the_o authenticness_n of_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a bibles_n be_v not_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o inquire_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o that_o they_o acknowledge_v a_o preserve_v integrity_n of_o the_o present_a scripture_n so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o tenent_n which_o we_o have_v more_o strong_a inducement_n to_o believe_v upon_o the_o account_n even_o of_o tradition_n than_o that_o the_o divine_a book_n the_o scripture_n which_o we_o have_v be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o have_v be_v faithful_o derive_v to_o we_o from_o the_o beginning_n there_o be_v no_o tradition_n more_o universal_a for_o any_o point_n than_o for_o this_o great_a important_a truth_n though_o christian_n may_v run_v wide_a from_o each_o other_o in_o other_o matter_n yet_o they_o close_v in_o this_o centre_n i_o conclude_v then_o see_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v much_o more_o fit_a to_o keep_v the_o truth_n commit_v to_o they_o safe_a than_o oral_a tradition_n if_o they_o be_v preserve_v as_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o likewise_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v preserve_v as_o be_v general_o confess_v and_o even_o by_o our_o adversary_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o not_o oral_a tradition_n but_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n of_o conveyance_n of_o divine_a truth_n down_o from_o their_o original_a delivery_n unto_o we_o which_o to_o demonstrate_v be_v the_o scope_n of_o this_o undertake_n chap._n ii_o objection_n answer_v sect_n i._o there_o remain_v some_o thing_n which_o perhaps_o may_v be_v apprehend_v to_o reflect_v on_o the_o prelation_n i_o have_v give_v to_o scripture_n above_o oral_a tradition_n in_o the_o point_n of_o preservation_n which_o next_o shall_v be_v consider_v obj._n 1_o the_o 32._o the_o almost_o innumerable_a variae_fw-la lectiones_fw-la in_o it_o still_o controvert_v sure_o foot_v p._n 32._o many_o variae_fw-la lectiones_fw-la divers_a readins_n may_v seem_v to_o some_o a_o reason_n to_o question_v scripture_n descent_n to_o we_o in_o a_o sufficient_a purity_n but_o answ_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o all_o those_o which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o divers_n readins_n do_v true_o deserve_v that_o title_n for_o i_o conceive_v that_o not_o every_o translation_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n by_o whosoever_o and_o from_o whencesoever_o as_o suppose_v by_o some_o very_a uncertain_a or_o just_o suspect_v author_n or_o not_o from_o the_o original_n but_o from_o some_o version_n of_o they_o no_o nor_o that_o every_o copy_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o the_o original_a language_n find_v any_o where_o or_o whether_o of_o convenient_a antiquity_n or_o not_o be_v sit_v to_o minister_v matter_n for_o various_a readins_n of_o the_o sacred_a text_n i._n e._n be_v such_o as_o merit_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o learned_a man_n and_o may_v put_v they_o to_o the_o stand_v sometime_o which_o be_v the_o true_a certain_o none_o if_o any_o translation_n at_o all_o but_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_o from_o the_o original_n have_v be_v perform_v by_o author_n of_o repute_n or_o if_o their_o person_n be_v not_o know_v who_o give_v in_o the_o work_n no_o jealousy_n of_o their_o integrity_n none_o but_o copy_n of_o sufficient_a antiquity_n be_v considerable_a for_o such_o a_o purpose_n and_o if_o such_o a_o course_n and_o some_o other_o cation_n be_v use_v it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o army_n of_o almost_o innumerable_a variae_fw-la lectiones_fw-la will_v be_v disband_v 2_o but_o let_v they_o stand_v as_o they_o be_v muster_v by_o some_o they_o be_v not_o so_o formidable_a as_o to_o ibid._n to_o nay_o so_o many_o variae_fw-la lectiones_fw-la in_o the_o new_a testament_n alone_o observe_v by_o one_o man_n my_o lord_n usher_n that_o he_o dare_v not_o print_v they_o for_o fear_n of_o bring_v the_o whole_a book_n into_o doubt_n sure_o foot_v ibid._n bring_v the_o whole_a book_n into_o doubt_n and_o doubtless_o the_o excellent_a lord_n primate_n report_n primate_n suppose_v he_o say_v so_o as_o the_o author_n of_o s●re_n foot_v report_n usher_n be_v more_o good_a and_o learned_a than_o to_o think_v so_o though_o perhaps_o he_o may_v judge_v the_o print_n of_o they_o to_o be_v less_o convenient_a not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v rational_o conclusive_a of_o any_o thing_n real_o disadvantageous_a to_o scripture_n but_o lest_o the_o atheistical_a or_o the_o weak_a may_v take_v a_o occasion_n from_o they_o to_o disparage_v the_o scripture_n which_o care_n to_o avoid_v the_o minister_a occasion_n of_o scandal_n to_o other_o in_o religious_a matter_n have_v ever_o be_v the_o wariness_n of_o the_o good_a and_o prudent_a but_o as_o for_o these_o divers_a readins_n 6._o readins_n dr._n br._n walton_n late_a lord_n b._n of_o ch._n in_o proleg_n 7._o ad_fw-la biblia_fw-la polyglort_n qui_fw-la etiam_fw-la citat_fw-la in_o eundem_fw-la sensum_fw-la lud._n capellum_n in_o proleg_n 6._o some_o of_o the_o most_o curious_a collector_n of_o they_o have_v not_o discern_v any_o alteration_n make_v by_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o may_v wrong_v faith_n or_o manner_n epist_n manner_n in_o quâ_fw-la tamen_fw-la tam_fw-la longâ_fw-la &_o latâ_fw-la a_o textu_fw-la criginario_fw-la discessione_n divinam_fw-la tecum_fw-la providentiam_fw-la agnoscimus_fw-la &_o suspicimus_fw-la quòd_fw-la nulla_fw-la extiterit_fw-la tam_fw-la damnosa_fw-la inter_fw-la utrosque_fw-la textus_fw-la differentia_fw-la ut_fw-la rectam_fw-la fidem_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la est_fw-la necessaria_fw-la labefactaret_fw-la aut_fw-la laederet_fw-la jacobi_n vsserii_n armach_n ad_fw-la ludou._n cappellum_fw-la epist_n and_o the_o reverend_a archbishop_n usher_n before_o name_v confess_v and_o venerate_v
the_o least_o as_o to_o privilege_v oral_a tradition_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o 1._o be_v their_o writing_n the_o conservatory_n of_o tradition_n write_v by_o person_n move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o not_o if_o not_o and_o i_o suppose_v our_o adversary_n will_v not_o affirm_v they_o be_v then_o these_o writing_n have_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o we_o profess_v to_o be_v the_o canon_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o great_a a_o disadvantage_n as_o must_v be_v between_o book_n write_v by_o they_o who_o can_v not_o err_v and_o those_o write_v by_o they_o who_o may_v err_v from_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o one_o must_v be_v true_a that_o the_o content_n of_o the_o other_o may_v be_v true_a yet_o too_o they_o may_v be_v false_a there_o may_v be_v that_o report_v in_o they_o as_o deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o deliver_v by_o they_o but_o 2._o be_v there_o ecclesiastical_a monument_n of_o unquestionable_a credit_n and_o which_o do_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n through_o each_o age_n exacty_n and_o full_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o consentient_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n it_o will_v be_v very_o material_a and_o we_o shall_v much_o rejoice_v in_o it_o but_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o for_o some_o while_n there_o be_v very_o few_o if_o any_o writing_n save_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o come_v to_o our_o hand_n justin_n martyr_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first_o father_n christ_n about_o 150_o year_n after_o christ_n who_o work_n have_v survive_v to_o this_o day_n there_o be_v some_o book_n which_o pretend_v to_o a_o early_a date_n which_o yet_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v supposititious_a some_o of_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o other_o prove_v to_o be_v such_o by_o the_o daille_n the_o cook_n in_o censu_fw-la â_fw-la quorundum_fw-la scriptorum_fw-la d._n james_n bastardy_n of_o false_a father_n daille_n protestant_n for_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n as_o there_o be_v no_o complete_a ecclesiastical_a history_n so_o the_o father_n now_o extant_a be_v but_o few_o and_o their_o work_n too_o be_v calculate_v for_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o live_v reach_v not_o the_o controversy_n which_o for_o many_o year_n past_a and_o at_o this_o day_n exercise_n and_o trouble_n christendom_n this_o paucity_n of_o the_o record_n of_o the_o first_o age_n 42._o age_n id_fw-la autem_fw-la esse_fw-la tempus_fw-la quo_fw-la quatuor_fw-la prima_fw-la concilia_fw-la oecumenica_fw-la includantur_fw-la a_o constantino_n imp._n ad_fw-la marcianum_n atque_fw-la hoc_fw-la vel_fw-la propterea_fw-la aequissimum_fw-la esse_fw-la quia_fw-la primorum_fw-la seculorum_fw-la paucissima_fw-la extant_a monumenta_fw-la illius_fw-la vero_fw-la temporis_fw-la quo_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la praecipuè_fw-la florebat_fw-la long_o plurima_fw-la ut_fw-la facile_fw-la ex_fw-la ejus_fw-la aetatis_fw-la patribus_fw-la &_o eorum_fw-la scriptis_fw-la fides_fw-la ac_fw-la disciplina_fw-la veteris_fw-la catholicoe_n possit_fw-la agnosci_fw-la ita_fw-la perron_n sequitur_fw-la responsio_fw-la regis_fw-la hoc_fw-la postulatum_fw-la parùm_fw-la illis_fw-la aequum_fw-la videbitur_fw-la etc._n etc._n apud_fw-la be_v casaubonum_fw-la in_o responsione_n ad_fw-la cardinalis_fw-la perronii_n epistolam_fw-la pag._n 38_o 39_o 40_o 41_o 42._o card._n perron_n acknowledge_v and_o do_v imply_v their_o insufficiency_n for_o settle_v catholic_n faith_n when_o as_o he_o will_v have_v recourse_n make_v for_o this_o purpose_n unto_o the_o four_o and_o 5_o century_n because_o then_o there_o be_v most_o writer_n though_o against_o this_o the_o learned_a be_v casaubon_n except_v and_o just_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o must_v be_v presume_v that_o the_o stream_n of_o tradition_n run_v pure_a near_a to_o its_o fountain_n the_o father_n after_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n do_v often_o mix_v their_o own_o private_a sentiment_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o do_v the_o father_n express_v themselves_o so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v clear_o distinguish_v when_o they_o write_v as_o doctor_n and_o when_o as_o witness_n when_o they_o deliver_v their_o own_o private_a sense_n and_o when_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o of_o the_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o of_o some_o particular_a church_n some_o who_o have_v diligent_o peruse_v their_o write_n judge_v it_o not_o easy_a to_o find_v any_o such_o constant_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v confess_v by_o 13._o by_o rushworth_n dial_n 3d._n sect._n 13._o a_o romanist_n that_o the_o father_n speak_v sometime_o as_o witness_n of_o what_o the_o church_n hold_v in_o their_o day_n and_o sometime_o as_o doctor_n and_o so_o it_o be_v often_o hard_a to_o distinguish_v how_o they_o deliver_v their_o opinion_n because_o sometime_o they_o press_v scripture_n or_o reason_n as_o doctor_n and_o sometime_o to_o confirm_v a_o know_a truth_n so_o that_o he_o who_o seek_v tradition_n in_o the_o father_n and_o to_o convince_v it_o by_o their_o testimony_n take_v a_o hard_a task_n upon_o he_o if_o he_o go_v rigorous_o to_o work_v and_o have_v a_o cunning_a critic_n to_o his_o adversary_n so_o then_o tradition_n must_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o succour_n from_o the_o father_n write_n i_o conclude_v then_o that_o book_n write_n have_v not_o give_v such_o advantage_n to_o oral_a tradition_n as_o to_o render_v it_o the_o safe_a and_o most_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o divine_a truth_n but_o this_o dignity_n and_o trust_n be_v due_a to_o holy_a scripture_n only_o which_o have_v be_v at_o the_o first_o pen_v by_o person_n assist_v by_o the_o divine_a infallible_a spirit_n be_v stamp_v with_o a_o authority_n transcendent_a to_o all_o humane_a authority_n oral_n or_o write_a which_o have_v be_v witness_v to_o by_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o each_o intermediate_v age_n since_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n general_o agree_v upon_o as_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n by_o christian_n though_o in_o other_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o their_o head_n may_v stand_v as_o opposite_o as_o those_o of_o sampson_n fox_n sect_n iv_o there_o remain_v a_o cavil_v or_o two_o rather_o than_o objection_n which_o shall_v have_v a_o dispatch_v also_o 1._o we_o be_v tell_v that_o by_o desertion_n of_o oral_a tradition_n and_o adherence_n to_o scripture_n we_o do_v cast_v ourselves_o upon_o a_o remediless_a ignorance_n even_o of_o scripture_n 117._o scripture_n sure_o foot_v p._n 117._o tradition_n establish_v the_o church_n be_v provide_v of_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n letter_n by_o so_o as_o to_o arrive_v certain_o at_o christ_n sense_n etc._n etc._n and_o e_fw-la contrà_fw-la 98._o contrà_fw-la ibid._n p._n 98._o without_o tradition_n both_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v uncertain_a and_o subject_a to_o dispute_v again_o 38._o again_o ibid._n p._n 38._o as_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n signisicancy_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o this_o be_v quite_o lose_v to_o all_o in_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o letter_n 2_o it_o be_v suggest_v that_o the_o course_n we_o take_v be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n 40._o peace_n ibid._n p._n 40._o the_o many_o sect_n into_o which_o our_o miserable_a country_n be_v distract_v issue_n from_o this_o principle_n viz._n the_o make_v scripture_n letter_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o these_o passage_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o author_n will_v have_v it_o that_o protestant_n have_v nothing_o but_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n dead_a character_n to_o live_v upon_o and_o that_o upon_o this_o he_o charge_v their_o utter_a uncertainty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o their_o distraction_n answ_n but_o protestant_n when_o they_o affirm_v that_o scripture_n be_v the_o safe_a and_o most_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o that_o consequent_o it_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n do_v mean_a scripture_n letter_n and_o sense_n both_o or_o the_o sense_n notify_v by_o the_o word_n and_o letter_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n may_v have_v spare_v his_o proof_n of_o this_o conclusion_n i._n e._n that_o scripture_n letter_n want_v all_o the_o property_n belong_v to_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v needless_a i_o say_v to_o prove_v this_o to_o protestant_n well_o but_o let_v protestant_n mean_v and_o affirm_v what_o they_o will_v have_v only_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o because_o they_o admit_v not_o of_o oral_a tradition_n to_o sense_n it_o scripture_n it_o seem_v be_v such_o a_o riddle_n that_o there_o be_v no_o understanding_n it_o except_o we_o plough_v with_o their_o heifer_n and_o likewise_o without_o tradition_n cement_n we_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o piece_n and_o at_o variance_n among_o ourselves_o but_o 1._o
as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n sense_n be_v scripture_n in_o earnest_n so_o utter_o obscure_a will_v their_o author_n say_v so_o of_o the_o history_n of_o livy_n or_o tacitus_n or_o of_o the_o philosophical_a write_n of_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n or_o of_o euclid_n element_n can_v not_o god_n speak_v clear_o and_o intelligible_o to_o man_n as_o man_n have_v do_v and_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n to_o they_o or_o will_v he_o not_o do_v so_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o one_o will_v impeach_v his_o wisdom_n of_o the_o other_o his_o mercy_n and_o kindness_n to_o soul_n and_o if_o scripture_n leave_v we_o so_o quite_o in_o the_o dark_a why_o do_v they_o call_v themselves_o a_o light_n a_o lamp_n say_v 8._o ps_n 119_o 105.13●_n ps_n 19.7_o 8._o that_o they_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o make_v wise_a the_o simple_a be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o gospel_n act_n and_o epistle_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o respective_a time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v in_o themselves_o unintelligible_a by_o they_o to_o who_o and_o for_o who_o soul_n health_n they_o be_v write_v if_o they_o be_v so_o than_o they_o be_v useless_a and_o vain_a and_o oral_a tradition_n can_v not_o expound_v they_o which_o be_v not_o in_o be_v when_o those_o book_n be_v first_o write_v for_o that_o deal_v with_o the_o age_n follow_v the_o first_o convey_v what_o be_v at_o the_o first_o deliver_v unto_o posterity_n do_v god_n then_o write_v only_o to_o amaze_v his_o church_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v several_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n hard_o to_o be_v understand_v which_o it_o may_v please_v god_n shall_v be_v partly_o to_o win_v the_o great_a veneration_n to_o the_o scripture_n for_o what_o be_v obvious_a and_o present_o see_v through_o be_v in_o the_o more_o danger_n of_o contempt_n partly_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_n industry_n humility_n and_o charity_n towards_o each_o other_o on_o occasion_n of_o dissent_n but_o howsoever_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o lock_v up_o but_o that_o a_o comp●tent_a diligence_n and_o a_o beraean_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o readiness_n of_o mind_n may_v be_v a_o key_n to_o they_o may_v open_v they_o in_o all_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o if_o in_o other_o thing_n we_o remain_v ignorant_a or_o not_o so_o certain_a we_o may_v well_o bear_v with_o it_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o but_o in_o viâ_fw-la and_o not_o comprehensores_fw-la on_o our_o way_n unto_o but_o have_v not_o yet_o reach_v perfection_n that_o which_o make_v the_o noise_n of_o scriptur_n obscurity_n the_o more_o loud_a be_v that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o many_o subtlety_n of_o the_o school_n and_o nicety_n of_o polemic_a writer_n as_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o man_n have_v more_o mind_n to_o fathom_n depth_n and_o to_o humour_v their_o curiosity_n for_o which_o end_n i_o believe_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o intend_v and_o hence_o be_v ever_o rack_a the_o scripture_n and_o vex_v the_o sacred_a text_n than_o to_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o a_o sober_a understanding_n of_o what_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o in_o a_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o the_o holy_a rule_n of_o life_n which_o be_v evident_a enough_o if_o christian_n will_v more_o serious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o these_o two_o thing_n they_o will_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n employment_n enough_o and_o they_o will_v be_v more_o content_v with_o their_o difficulty_n the_o romanist_n have_v raise_v a_o cry_n of_o scriptur_n darkness_n upon_o another_o account_n and_o out_o of_o policy_n for_o have_v embrace_v several_a tenant_n and_o practice_n which_o scripture_n do_v condemn_v or_o not_o countenance_n either_o it_o be_v whole_o silent_a of_o they_o or_o they_o be_v but_o mere_a appearance_n there_o which_o be_v snatch_v at_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o grandeur_n or_o profit_n or_o the_o affect_a reputation_n of_o a_o infallibility_n to_o part_v with_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o press_v tradition_n to_o serve_v in_o their_o war_n and_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o they_o thus_o they_o have_v first_o make_v a_o necessity_n and_o then_o have_v invent_v a_o remedy_n for_o it_o but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o remedy_n be_v more_o imaginary_a than_o real_a for_o how_o unsure_a a_o conveyance_n and_o consequent_o how_o weak_a a_o proof_n oral_a tradition_n be_v in_o matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n have_v be_v already_o evict_v so_o that_o if_o we_o must_v be_v ignorant_a of_o scripture_n sense_n unless_o oral_a tradition_n bless_v we_o with_o the_o exposition_n of_o it_o and_o scripture_n no_o far_o a_o light_n than_o it_o be_v tind_v at_o tradition_n candle_n we_o must_v sit_v still_o in_o much_o ignorance_n or_o wander_v in_o great_a uncertainty_n for_o that_o can_v relieve_v we_o it_o be_v not_o that_o infallible_a commentator_n it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v 2._o to_o the_o upbraid_v we_o with_o our_o distraction_n i_o reply_v 1._o before_o the_o charge_n can_v be_v make_v good_a that_o the_o choice_n of_o scripture_n for_o our_o canon_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o many_o difference_n and_o that_o upon_o that_o pretence_n we_o shall_v exchange_v scripture_n for_o oral_a tradition_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v a_o sure_a and_o infallible_a clew_n to_o guide_v we_o out_o of_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n the_o contrary_a to_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v for_o otherwise_o to_o leave_v scripture_n and_o to_o follow_v tradition_n will_v be_v to_o relinquish_v a_o guide_n or_o rule_n which_o be_v indict_v by_o a_o unerring_a spirit_n can_v mislead_v we_o and_o to_o choose_v one_o which_o may_v and_o will_v carry_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n nor_o will_v the_o pretence_n of_o unity_n make_v amends_o for_o this_o for_o true_a christian_a peace_n can_v be_v otherwhere_o bottom_v than_o on_o truth_n when_o and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v a_o cement_n of_o man_n to_o the_o disservice_n of_o truth_n it_o commence_v faction_n nor_o reason_n nor_o religion_n allow_v much_o less_o commend_v a_o agreement_n of_o person_n to_o err_v together_o 2._o they_o who_o have_v the_o most_o amorous_o espouse_v tradition_n have_v also_o their_o many_o and_o great_a difference_n as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o only_o through_o fear_n in_o some_o and_o policy_n in_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v hush_v up_o more_o than_o among_o we_o and_o so_o do_v better_o escape_v the_o observation_n and_o talk_n of_o the_o world_n nay_o that_o church_n may_v be_v just_o arraign_v as_o the_o guilty_a cause_n of_o that_o which_o they_o call_v a_o great_a schism_n viz._n the_o separation_n of_o so_o many_o church_n from_o they_o the_o church_n call_v protestant_n by_o their_o imposition_n of_o unlawful_a and_o therefore_o impossible_a term_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nilus_n tell_v the_o world_n that_o their_o imperiousness_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a schism_n between_o the_o greek_a and_o the_o latin_a church_n 22._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pag._n 21._o 22._o thus_o as_o the_o church_n of_o traditioner_n have_v no_o few_o dissension_n among_o themselves_o so_o they_o have_v give_v a_o beginning_n and_o continuance_n to_o the_o quarrel_n between_o they_o and_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o christendom_n 3._o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o fetch_v our_o distraction_n from_o the_o rejection_n of_o oral_a tradition_n there_o be_v be_v other_o true_a manifest_a cause_n of_o they_o assignable_a our_o church_n once_o flourish_v with_o peace_n and_o that_o without_o the_o aid_n of_o a_o oral_a tradition_n while_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n be_v suffer_v to_o govern_v it_o and_o the_o royal_a be_v able_a to_o countenance_v the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o when_o the_o pious_a king_n and_o bless_a martyr_n be_v engage_v in_o and_o divert_v by_o the_o turmoil_n of_o a_o civil_a war_n when_o episcopacy_n be_v change_v for_o anarchy_n when_o the_o golden_a reins_o of_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n be_v break_v then_o begin_v and_o increase_v our_o division_n and_o calamity_n unto_o which_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v some_o assist_a cause_n from_o without_o some_o who_o help_v to_o kindle_v and_o to_o blow_v our_o fire_n and_o if_o the_o roman_a church_n shall_v chance_v into_o the_o like_a afflict_a state_n with_o we_o it_o will_v be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o like_a confusion_n if_o the_o mitre_n shall_v be_v forsake_v by_o the_o secular_a crown_a head_n and_o a_o mutinying_a multitude_n shall_v pull_v their_o holy_a father_n out_o of_o his_o infallible_a chair_n then_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o improbable_a but_o that_o child_n will_v less_o heauken_v
these_o passage_n so_o plain_o prove_v their_o so_o superlative_a esteem_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v infer_v their_o most_o exact_a diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n for_o their_o conservation_n and_o safety_n and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n in_o this_o section_n but_o withal_o too_o i_o have_v gain_v a_o argument_n for_o my_o main_a design_n viz._n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n forasmuch_o as_o between_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o safe_a conveyance_n of_o divine_a truth_n throughout_o all_o age_n and_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o connexion_n and_o because_o the_o romanist_n likewise_o allege_v the_o father_n to_o give_v countenance_n to_o oral_a tradition_n therefore_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n in_o our_o case_n shall_v be_v far_o consider_v of_o and_o 1._o i_o will_v appeal_v to_o any_o ingenious_a reader_n of_o they_o whether_o the_o passage_n which_o the_o romanist_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o father_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o tradition_n and_o seem_o the_o most_o diminutive_a of_o scripture_n do_v in_o any_o measure_n come_v near_o to_o such_o a_o course_n character_n of_o it_o as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o black_a gospel_n a_o ink_n theology_n 194._o theology_n sure_o foot_v p._n 194._o dead_a character_n waxen-natured_a and_o pliable_a to_o the_o daedalean_a fancy_n of_o the_o ingenious_a moulder_n of_o new_a opinion_n if_o man_n thought_n may_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o their_o word_n sure_o the_o father_n and_o romanist_n sentiment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o divers_a 2_o see_v there_o be_v a_o seem_a contradiction_n of_o the_o father_n to_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v urge_v by_o both_o the_o disagree_a party_n it_o will_v be_v fit_v to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o reconciliation_n of_o they_o to_o each_o other_o and_o of_o some_o of_o they_o to_o themselves_o for_o this_o end_n i_o suppose_v a_o good_a mean_n will_v be_v 1._o see_v the_o father_n sometime_o speak_v of_o scripture_n without_o mention_n of_o tradion_n at_o other_o time_n speak_v of_o tradition_n not_o mention_v scripture_n to_o examine_v how_o they_o deliver_v their_o sense_n when_o they_o express_v themselves_o of_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n joint_o and_o comparative_o of_o one_o with_o the_o other_o 2_o to_o see_v whether_o their_o appear_o most_o favourable_a expression_n of_o tradition_n may_v not_o be_v very_o well_o construe_v in_o a_o subordination_n of_o tradition_n to_o scripture_n very_o consistent_o with_o scripture_n precedence_n to_o it_o 1._o of_o the_o father_n speak_v of_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n conjoint_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o st._n cyprian_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o pompey_n be_v press_v with_o tradition_n he_o answer_v whence_o be_v this_o tradition_n descend_v it_o from_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o gospel_n authority_n or_o come_v it_o from_o the_o command_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o epistle_n god_n declare_v that_o those_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v which_o be_v write_v say_v to_o joshua_n the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thy_o mou●h_n but_o thou_o shall_v meditate_v in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n that_o thou_o may_v observe_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n write_v in_o it_o likewise_o our_o lord_n send_v his_o apostle_n command_v all_o nation_n to_o be_v baptise_a and_o to_o be_v teach_v that_o they_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v what_o obstinacy_n what_o presumption_n be_v it_o to_o prefer_v humane_a tradition_n to_o the_o divine_a dispose_n or_o command_n and_o not_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v angry_a and_o in_o wrath_n when_o humane_a tradition_n disregard_v and_o dissolve_v divine_a command_n as_o god_n warn_v and_o speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n etc._n etc._n and_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o this_o it_o behoove_v god_n priest_n to_o do_v at_o this_o time_n keep_v the_o divine_a command_n that_o if_o truth_n have_v decline_v and_o fail_v in_o any_o respect_n we_o go_v back_o to_o the_o source_n of_o the_o evangelical_n and_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o let_v the_o manner_n of_o our_o act_n take_v their_o rise_n thence_o whence_o their_o order_n and_o origin_n rise_v the_o preference_n of_o scripture_n to_o tradition_n by_o this_o ancient_a father_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a that_o it_o be_v reply_v st._n cyprian_n testimony_n be_v write_v by_o he_o to_o defend_v a_o error_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o as_o bellarmine_n say_v more_o errantium_fw-la ratiocinetur_fw-la he_o discourse_v after_o the_o rate_n of_o those_o that_o err_v that_o be_v assume_v false_a ground_n to_o build_v his_o error_n on_o letter_n of_o thanks_o p._n 124._o but_o this_o be_v a_o mean_a evasion_n for_o though_o cyprian_n be_v indeed_o in_o a_o error_n and_o do_v mistake_v in_o his_o discourse_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v affirm_v with_o probability_n or_o charity_n to_o such_o a_o saint_n and_o martyr_n that_o to_o gratify_v a_o private_a opinion_n he_o will_v affront_v so_o sacred_a and_o catholic_n a_o principle_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o degrade_v tradition_n from_o be_v such_o if_o he_o have_v indeed_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o yet_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v grant_v to_o our_o adversary_n the_o consequence_n will_v be_v their_o inconvenience_n for_o why_o may_v not_o more_o do_v the_o same_o which_o st._n cyprian_n do_v and_o if_o some_o father_n might_n desert_n tradition_n and_o fly_v to_o scripture_n mere_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n for_o defence_n of_o a_o opinion_n which_o they_o can_v not_o maintain_v otherwise_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v as_o well_o say_v that_o other_o father_n may_v balk_v scripture_n and_o advance_v tradition_n and_o for_o the_o same_o end_n viz._n to_o support_v some_o doctrine_n or_o doctrine_n which_o else_o must_v have_v fall_v and_o upon_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v beside_o the_o imputation_n of_o inconstancy_n and_o shift_v to_o the_o father_n that_o we_o must_v be_v at_o much_o uncertainty_n what_o true_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o quotation_n out_o of_o they_o must_v in_o a_o great_a part_n be_v insignificant_a for_o this_o purpose_n st._n basil_n in_o his_o tract_n call_v question_n compendious_o unfold_v or_o answer_v say_v it_o be_v necessary_a and_o consonant_a to_o reason_n that_o every_o man_n learn_v that_o which_o be_v needful_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o for_o the_o fullness_n of_o godliness_n and_o lest_o they_o accustom_v themselves_o to_o humane_a tradition_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o 13._o by_o de_fw-fr amissi_fw-la gratiae_fw-la l._n 1._o c._n 13._o bellarmine_n that_o this_o author_n admit_v not_o tradition_n unwritten_a but_o then_o he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o certain_o manifest_a whether_o these_o question_n be_v the_o great_a basil_n or_o rather_o eustathius_n of_o sebastia_n yet_o the_o same_o 8._o same_o de_fw-fr paenit_fw-la l._n 3._o c._n 8._o bellarmine_n confident_o quote_v they_o as_o st._n basils_n for_o auricular_a confession_n so_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o question_n be_v before_o scruple_v at_o only_o because_o they_o speak_v in_o behalf_n of_o scripture_n against_o tradition_n and_o against_o venial_a sin_n which_o be_v manifest_a partiality_n but_o i_o shall_v bring_v a_o testimony_n of_o st._n basil_n which_o bellarmine_n himself_o will_v own_v to_o be_v st._n basils_n who_o in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n thus_o discourse_n if_o god_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o say_n his_o word_n and_o work_n they_o remain_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v do_v in_o truth_n and_o equity_n it_o must_v be_v a_o evident_a sign_n of_o infidelity_n and_o pride_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v reject_v what_o be_v write_v and_o introduce_v what_o be_v not_o write_v this_o be_v a_o manifest_a prelation_n of_o what_o be_v write_v i._n e._n holy_a scripture_n to_o what_o be_v unwritten_a i._n e._n tradition_n which_o bellarm._n call_v the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o title_n to_o his_o 4_o book_n de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la when_o st._n 14._o st._n quid_fw-la inquam_fw-la omousion_n nisi_fw-la ego_fw-la &_o pater_fw-la unum_fw-la sumus_fw-la sed_fw-la nunc_fw-la nec_fw-la ego_fw-la nicaenam_fw-la synodum_fw-la tibi_fw-la nec_fw-la tu_fw-la arimineusem_n mihi_fw-la debes_fw-la t●nquam_fw-la praejudicaturus_fw-la cbiitere_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la authoritatibus_fw-la res_fw-la cum_fw-la re_fw-la causa_fw-la cum_fw-la causâ_fw-la ratio_fw-la cum_fw-la ratione_fw-la concertet_fw-la contra_fw-la maxt_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 14._o august_n be_v willing_a to_o wave_v the_o council_n of_o nice_a to_o maximinus_n and_o to_o retire_v to_o a_o decision_n of_o the_o catholic_n cause_n by_o scripture_n certain_o that_o great_a person_n judge_v scripture_n without_o tradion_n to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o
must_v have_v be_v satisfy_v if_o such_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n have_v be_v with_o a_o oral_a tradition_n hence_o 4._o hence_o quid_fw-la antem_fw-la si_fw-la neque_fw-la apostol●_n quidem_fw-la scripturas_fw-la reliquissent_fw-la nobis_fw-la nun_n oportebat_fw-la etc._n etc._n adversus_fw-la haer_fw-mi l._n 3._o c._n 4._o irenaeus_n may_v say_v what_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o indeed_o leave_v the_o scripture_n to_o we_o will_v it_o not_o have_v behoove_v we_o to_o follow_v the_o order_n of_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o to_o who_o they_o commit_v the_o church_n to_o which_o ordination_n do_v assent_v many_o nation_n of_o barbarian_n which_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v salvation_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n without_o character_n or_o ink_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o diligent_o keep_v ancient_a tradition_n this_o i_o say_v irenaeus_n may_v with_o reason_n write_v especial_o against_o those_o 2._o those_o evenititaque_fw-la neque_fw-la scripture_n jam_fw-la neque_fw-la traditioni_fw-la consentire_fw-la eos_fw-la idem_fw-la l._n 3._o c._n 2._o who_o consent_v neither_o to_o scripture_n nor_o tradition_n i._n e._n such_o as_o descend_v from_o the_o apostle_n but_o when_o as_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v long_o since_o write_v and_o plentiful_o communicate_v to_o the_o christian_a world_n the_o case_n be_v quite_o alter_v beside_o the_o near_a thing_n be_v to_o their_o origin_n they_o be_v the_o more_o genuine_a and_o sincere_a but_o at_o the_o far_a remove_n they_o be_v from_o it_o the_o more_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o change_n and_o decay_n tradition_n must_v be_v conceive_v to_o have_v be_v much_o more_o pure_a at_o the_o distance_n of_o a_o hundred_o or_o a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o or_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o year_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o then_o may_v be_v more_o rational_o argue_v from_o in_o some_o case_n than_o after_o 7_o 8_o or_o 9_o hundred_o year_n in_o which_o revolution_n of_o so_o many_o more_o age_n and_o after_o intercurrency_n of_o many_o more_o accident_n tradition_n may_v be_v more_o suspect_v of_o that_o consumptiveness_n and_o of_o those_o change_n which_o time_n bring_v upon_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o a_o argument_n from_o it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o infirm_a far_o yet_o beside_o oral_n the_o father_n of_o the_o more_o primitive_a time_n may_v have_v write_v tradition_n such_o record_n to_o prove_v that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n or_o doctrine_n be_v profess_v by_o apostolical_a man_n by_o holy_a martyr_n and_o confessor_n successive_o to_o that_o present_a age_n as_o be_v then_o extant_a but_o be_v perish_v since_o praescrip_n since_o age_fw-la jam_fw-la qui_fw-la voles_fw-fr curiositatem_fw-la melius_fw-la exercere_fw-la in_o negotlo_fw-la salutis_fw-la tuus_fw-la percurre_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la apostolicas_fw-la apud_fw-la quas_fw-la ipsae_fw-la adhuc_fw-la cathedrae_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la suis_fw-la locis_fw-la praesidentur_fw-la apud_fw-la quas_fw-la ipsae_fw-la authenticae_fw-la eorum_fw-la literae_fw-la recitantur_fw-la sonantes_fw-la vocem_fw-la &_o repraesentantes_fw-la faciem_fw-la uniuscujusque_fw-la tertul._n de_fw-fr praescrip_n tertullian_n speak_v of_o the_o very_a authentic_a letter_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v even_o then_o preserve_v in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o father_n may_v with_o the_o more_o safety_n trust_v and_o allege_v tradition_n suffrage_n than_o we_o can_v who_o live_v so_o incomparable_o far_o off_o from_o the_o apostle_n day_n than_o they_o do_v it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o in_o such_o a_o far_o long_a space_n of_o time_n the_o more_o contingency_n have_v interpose_v to_o disturb_v the_o clearness_n of_o commerce_n between_o they_o and_o we_o 4_o proof_n may_v be_v bring_v in_o a_o divers_a manner_n and_o for_o different_a use_n st._n paul_n quote_v heathenish_a poet_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v usual_a where_o the_o subject_n be_v proper_o manageable_a upon_o the_o stock_n of_o reason_n yet_o to_o argue_v likewise_o from_o testimony_n to_o call_v in_o the_o concur_v judgement_n of_o other_o in_o religion_n protestant_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o father_n to_o be_v infallible_a and_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v usual_a with_o they_o to_o cite_v they_o both_o in_o homiletique_a discourse_n and_o in_o polemique_a write_n testimony_n though_o it_o be_v not_o apodictical_a yet_o it_o be_v plausible_a example_n in_o point_n of_o opinion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o practice_n be_v much_o gain_n upon_o many_o be_v not_o alone_o common_o better_a understand_v but_o more_o prevalent_a too_o than_o reason_n with_o many_o capacity_n and_o when_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o many_o as_o tradition_n be_v it_o cause_v those_o of_o a_o opposite_a opinion_n to_o appear_v the_o more_o singular_a in_o their_o persuasion_n and_o singularity_n be_v not_o of_o the_o best_a credit_n so_o then_o the_o father_n may_v on_o some_o occasion_n use_v tradition_n authority_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o christian_n in_o some_o truth_n for_o one_o or_o more_o age_n yet_o not_o demonstrative_o but_o topical_o somewhat_o the_o more_o to_o repress_v or_o to_o disparage_v in_o other_o opinion_n the_o importunity_n of_o a_o petulant_a adversary_n to_o shame_v a_o contumacious_a heretic_n not_o as_o be_v say_v sure_o foot_v p._n 140_o to_o declare_v that_o the_o reject_v tradition_n and_o adhere_v to_o scripture_n make_v he_o a_o heretic_n or_o they_o may_v urge_v it_o to_o the_o more_o tractable_a as_o a_o probable_a motive_n to_o assent_v though_o not_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n yet_o as_o such_o a_o persuasive_a as_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o belief_n and_o the_o better_o dispose_v the_o soul_n towards_o faith_n and_o assurance_n yet_o still_o suppose_v holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o ultimate_a basis_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o that_o such_o tradition_n be_v consonant_a to_o they_o and_o not_o overrule_a of_o they_o i_o believe_v that_o these_o consideration_n may_v be_v useful_a for_o the_o construction_n of_o the_o father_n in_o such_o passage_n wherein_o they_o make_v the_o most_o honourable_a mention_n of_o tradition_n and_o to_o show_v that_o notwithstanding_o such_o a_o mention_n of_o tradition_n yet_o they_o may_v yield_v to_o scripture_n the_o supremacy_n in_o the_o regulation_n of_o christian_a faith_n especial_o whenas_o they_o speak_v so_o reverent_o of_o scripture_n in_o other_o place_n of_o their_o work_n nay_o and_o give_v they_o the_o precedence_n when_o they_o compare_v the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o and_o thus_o if_o after_o a_o digression_n yet_o i_o think_v not_o a_o impertinent_a one_o i_o have_v prove_v the_o father_n unquestionable_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o preservation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o their_o religious_a and_o unparalleled_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n for_o they_o sect_n iv_o 3_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v secure_v by_o god_n especial_a protection_n of_o they_o reason_n suggest_v that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o supreme_a and_o first_o cause_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o also_o provide_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o great_a workmanship_n so_o that_o the_o divine_a providence_n do_v main_o watch_v over_o those_o creature_n on_o which_o god_n have_v imprint_v the_o fair_a character_n of_o his_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n such_o a_o creature_n be_v man._n and_o this_o divine_a providence_n be_v the_o catholic_n sanctuary_n of_o mankind_n after_o all_o man_n own_o projecting_n and_o labour_n here_o be_v their_o last_o and_o sure_a repose_n they_o can_v with_o a_o rational_a comfort_n trade_n travel_v eat_v sleep_v but_o with_o a_o sober_a hope_n of_o the_o divine_a help_n and_o benediction_n for_o if_o divine_a providence_n smile_v not_o all_o man_n wise_a counsel_n and_o stout_a endeavour_n will_v be_v successless_a they_o may_v go_v forth_o and_o never_o return_v home_o their_o table_n may_v be_v a_o snare_n and_o their_o sleep_n death_n more_o than_o in_o a_o metaphor_n next_o religion_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n have_v design_v and_o prepare_v for_o man_n a_o everlasting_a blessedness_n and_o determine_v of_o the_o due_a qualification_n of_o man_n for_o that_o blessedness_n and_o it_o be_v agree_v that_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o concern_v both_o these_o scripture_n be_v the_o lively_a image_n of_o god_n the_o fair_a copy_n of_o his_o will_n a_o bright_a express_a of_o his_o truth_n and_o holiness_n a_o perspective_n into_o his_o mind_n and_o into_o many_o of_o his_o secret_a counsel_n authentic_a record_n of_o the_o many_o and_o glorious_a manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n power_n goodness_n mercy_n and_o justice_n in_o make_v govern_v all_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n from_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n then_o and_o much_o more_o of_o religion_n it_o be_v consequent_a that_o god_n have_v a_o especial_a care_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v safe_a on_o which_o he_o have_v impress_v so_o much_o of_o himself_o which_o be_v
vit_n be_v joh._n 20._o vit_n write_v that_o we_o may_v believe_v and_o believe_v have_v life_n and_o which_o be_v 15.4_o be_v rom._n 15.4_o 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 but_o how_o can_v they_o attain_v those_o end_n if_o they_o shall_v perish_v if_o this_o light_n be_v extinguish_v how_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o forlorn_a will_v man_n be_v this_o peculiar_a watchfulness_n of_o god_n over_o the_o scripture_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o romanist_n 727._o romanist_n ita_fw-la velente_v deo_fw-la ut_fw-la verae_fw-la lectionis_fw-la ●ntegr●tas_fw-la quam_fw-la hominum_fw-la velmalitia_fw-la vel_fw-la negligentia_fw-la cor●uperent_fw-la in_o partibus_fw-la in_fw-la totâ_fw-la saltem_fw-la ecclesiasticorum_fw-la codi_fw-la they_o universitate_fw-la seru●retur_fw-la ne_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la christi_fw-la per_fw-la aliquod_fw-la tempus_fw-la divinarum_fw-la scriptura●um_fw-la integritate_fw-la careret_fw-la bibl._n sanct._n p._n 727._o sixtus_n senensis_n attribute_n the_o preserve_v incorruptness_n of_o the_o sacred_a text_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o bellarmine_n argumentum_fw-la bellarmine_n de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 2._o quintum_fw-la &_o ultimum_fw-la argumentum_fw-la argue_v from_o the_o divine_a providence_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o any_o injury_n by_o the_o jew_n indeed_o he_o entitle_v tradition_n likewise_o to_o god_n special_a care_n as_o the_o 12._o the_o cura_fw-la ista_fw-la non_fw-la incumbit_fw-la praecipue_fw-la hominibus_fw-la sed_fw-la deo_fw-la praeter-providentiam_a dei_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la praecipua_fw-la causa_fw-la de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la non_fw-la scripto_fw-la lib._n 4._o c._n 12._o principal_a cause_n of_o its_o pretend_a safety_n and_o this_o be_v a_o confession_n that_o god_n be_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n the_o guardian_n of_o that_o by_o which_o he_o communicate_v his_o mind_n and_o pleasure_n to_o man_n for_o such_o a_o thing_n i._n e._n the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n he_o hold_v tradition_n to_o be_v but_o certain_o tradition_n can_v lay_v a_o just_a claim_n to_o such_o a_o interest_n in_o divine_a providence_n as_o the_o scripture_n 1._o for_o first_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v to_o the_o just_a diminution_n of_o oral_a tradition_n there_o be_v a_o providential_a dismission_n of_o it_o and_o choice_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o conveyance_n of_o god_n reveal_v will_n to_o his_o church_n through_o successive_a age_n for_o whenas_o oral_a tradition_n have_v be_v in_o use_n for_o that_o purpose_n before_o the_o flood_n and_o some_o while_n after_o it_o and_o great_a have_v be_v the_o untrustiness_n of_o it_o at_o the_o length_n god_n write_v his_o law_n himself_o and_o command_v what_o be_v write_v to_o be_v keep_v with_o a_o great_a religious_a care_n afterward_o as_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o hagiographer_n be_v inspire_v their_o revelation_n be_v write_v so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o church_n edification_n and_o when_o the_o people_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o seduction_n and_o it_o behove_v they_o to_o seek_v to_o their_o god_n for_o instruction_n they_o be_v send_v not_o children_n to_o their_o tradition_v father_n 20._o be_v s._n 19_o 20._o but_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n and_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o those_o who_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o that_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o yes_o and_o when_o the_o church_n be_v general_o corrupt_v and_o therefore_o tradition_n have_v not_o do_v its_o duty_n the_o church_n relief_n be_v not_o from_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o testify_a father_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o who_o canon_n abuse_n be_v reform_v and_o for_o this_o reformation_n and_o because_o in_o it_o he_o perform_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n that_o hilkiah_n the_o priest_n find_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n josiah_n stand_v renown_v in_o sacred_a story_n with_o this_o character_n like_a unto_o he_o there_o be_v no_o king_n before_o he_o that_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o might_n 25._o 2_o kin._n 23_o 24_o 25._o according_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n etc._n etc._n this_o way_n of_o secure_v revelation_n by_o writing_n be_v continue_v under_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o have_v they_o in_o the_o evangelist_n the_o epistle_n the_o act_n and_o the_o revelation_n and_o this_o course_n be_v as_o needful_a under_o the_o gospel_n as_o under_o the_o legal_a oeconomy_n if_o not_o more_o for_o it_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v propagate_v beyond_o the_o narrow_a confine_n of_o judaea_n where_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v lodge_v for_o hundred_o of_o year_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o among_o so_o many_o nation_n of_o such_o different_a complexion_n custom_n and_o interest_n there_o be_v the_o more_o danger_n it_o shall_v be_v disguise_v if_o it_o have_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o frailty_n of_o a_o oral_a tradition_n as_o we_o know_v that_o the_o more_o mouth_n relation_n pass_v through_o the_o more_o subject_n they_o be_v to_o alteration_n from_o their_o primitive_a truth_n through_o the_o ignorance_n mistake_n prejudices_fw-la prepossession_n or_o wilfulness_n of_o the_o relator_n whereas_o a_o write_n be_v preserve_v be_v a_o perpetual_a standard_n by_o which_o to_o correct_v any_o such_o change_n for_o in_o these_o truth_n will_v be_v most_o likely_a still_o to_o appear_v in_o its_o first_o integrity_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v how_o that_o after_o a_o experience_a unsuccessfulness_n of_o oral_a conveyance_n god_n appoint_v another_o way_n and_o so_o order_v it_o that_o law_n and_o gospel_n shall_v be_v write_v now_o if_o after_o and_o notwithstanding_o such_o a_o provision_n yet_o it_o shall_v be_v god_n intent_n that_o oral_a tradition_n only_o shall_v have_v the_o prerogative_n to_o sense_n scripture_n and_o that_o faith_n shall_v be_v last_o resolve_v into_o oral_a tradition_n and_o therefore_o that_o this_o not_o scripture_n shall_v be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n it_o must_v needs_o seem_v strange_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o any_a rational_a christian_a how_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n there_o shall_v be_v so_o many_o and_o such_o high_a 4.12_o high_a ps_n 19.7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o ps_n 119._o passim_fw-la 2_o pet._n 1.19_o 20_o 21._o eph._n 6.17_o heb._n 4.12_o encomium_n of_o they_o that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v bid_v the_o jew_n 5.39_o jew_n joh._n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n shall_v tell_v they_o they_o 22.29_o they_o matth._n 22.29_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n 36._o scripture_n matth._n 22.42_o joh._n 10.34_o 35_o 36._o shall_v dispute_v with_o and_o baffle_v they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o they_o 27._o they_o luke_n 24.25_o 26_o 27._o confirm_v his_o disciple_n in_o the_o truth_n that_o his_o apostle_n shall_v proceed_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n with_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o 12._o the_o act._n 17.11_o 12._o beraean_n shall_v be_v commend_v for_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whereupon_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v that_o st._n paul_n shall_v mention_v it_o to_o timothy_n 17._o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17._o as_o a_o encouragement_n or_o engagement_n of_o he_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v learn_v that_o he_o from_o a_o child_n have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v present_o add_v a_o description_n of_o scripture_n than_o which_o a_o more_o full_a one_o sure_a can_v be_v use_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n i_o say_v it_o be_v mighty_a strange_a that_o scripture_n shall_v be_v thus_o magnify_v and_o yet_o none_o of_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v say_v there_o of_o tradition_n nay_o that_o either_o tradition_n shall_v be_v mention_v with_o disgrace_n as_o when_o our_o saviour_n 3._o saviour_n matth._n 15.2_o 3._o condemn_v the_o jew_n tradition_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o st._n paul_n 2.8_o paul_n col._n 2.8_o warn_v the_o colossian_n to_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v they_o after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n or_o where_o the_o word_n be_v find_v yet_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v useful_a to_o our_o adversary_n purpose_n which_o that_o it_o may_v be_v it_o must_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n than_o be_v write_v and_o that_o
design_v and_o successful_a adulteration_n of_o they_o by_o heretic_n be_v not_o well_o conceivable_a for_o so_o many_o be_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o original_n so_o very_o numerous_a be_v their_o 11.5_o their_o qui_fw-fr script_n in_o graecam_fw-la linguam_fw-la verterunt_fw-la numerari_fw-la possunt_fw-la latini_n autem_fw-la interpretes_n nullo_n modo_fw-la etc._n etc._n august_n de_fw-fr doctrinâ_fw-la christianâ_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 11.5_o translation_n diffuse_v throughout_o the_o world_n where_o there_o be_v christian_n that_o if_o heretic_n do_v raze_v out_o some_o passage_n or_o foist_v in_o other_o in_o any_o way_n corrupt_v the_o text_n they_o can_v do_v so_o but_o in_o some_o copy_n and_o in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o come_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v succeed_v in_o a_o corruption_n of_o all_o the_o book_n or_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v not_o imaginable_a especial_o whenas_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o continual_o and_o diligent_o read_v by_o all_o christian_n so_o that_o such_o imposture_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v soon_o discover_v and_o warn_v be_v give_v to_o christian_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o cozenage_n for_o this_o purpose_n we_o have_v the_o suffrage_n of_o card._n bellarmine_n and_o of_o sixtus_n senensis_n although_o say_v the_o verò_fw-la the_o eisi_fw-la multa_fw-la depravare_fw-la conati_fw-la sunt_fw-la haeretici_fw-la tamen_fw-la nunquam_fw-la defuerunt_fw-la catholici_fw-la qui_fw-la eorum_fw-la corruptelas_fw-la dete●erint_fw-la &_o non_fw-la permiserint_fw-la libros_fw-la sacr●s_fw-la corrumpi_fw-la etc._n etc._n de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n 2._o cap._n 75._o et_fw-la verò_fw-la cardinal_n the_o heretic_n have_v endeavour_v to_o deprave_v many_o thing_n he_o mean_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o there_o be_v never_o want_v catholic_n who_o detect_v those_o adulteration_n and_o permit_v not_o the_o sacred_a book_n to_o be_v corrupt_v 727._o corrupt_v quoniam_fw-la ut_fw-la aug_a inqu●t_fw-la licèt_fw-la omnes_fw-la fatres_fw-la in_o hoc_fw-la conspirâssent_fw-la ut_fw-la seipsos_fw-la atque_fw-la alios_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la veritate_fw-la privarent_fw-la quoth_v imaginari_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la non_fw-la tamen_fw-la potuissent_fw-la omnes_fw-la undique_fw-la codices_fw-la falsare_fw-la etc._n etc._n biblioth_n sanct._n p._n 727._o and_o sixtus_n senensis_n quote_v st._n august_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o all_o father_n have_v conspire_v to_o deprive_v themselves_o and_o other_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o none_o can_v imagine_v yet_o they_o can_v not_o have_v corrupt_v all_o the_o book_n every_o where_n how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o corrupt_v the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o detection_n and_o a_o alarm_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n perhaps_o some_o guess_n may_v be_v make_v by_o the_o unsuccessfulness_n of_o such_o a_o attempt_n on_o book_n much_o inferior_a to_o they_o for_o when_o the_o papist_n have_v set_v a_o design_n on_o foot_n and_o proceed_v some_o way_n in_o it_o of_o purge_v the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o of_o some_o moderate_a author_n the_o dishonesty_n soon_o appear_v and_o be_v complain_v of_o sect_n iii_o it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o through_o casualty_n or_o supine_n negligence_n the_o scripture_n shall_v expire_v shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o moth_n mould_n and_o worm_n to_o linger_v away_o in_o a_o consumption_n or_o to_o be_v embezele_v in_o vulgar_a and_o sordid_a use_n such_o as_o 2._o as_o ne_fw-fr thuris_fw-la piperisve_fw-la sis_fw-la cucullus_fw-la lib._n 3._o epig._n 2._o martial_a warn_v his_o book_n against_o for_o that_o which_o do_v most_o envigor_n man_n care_n and_o industry_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v their_o high_a value_n especial_o religious_a veneration_n for_o it_o and_o such_o jew_n and_o christian_n have_v have_v for_o the_o scripture_n because_o know_v by_o they_o to_o be_v sacred_a to_o be_v the_o divine_a oracle_n and_o the_o content_n of_o they_o to_o be_v of_o eternal_a consequence_n to_o they_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o pertain_v the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n be_v most_o accurate_o diligent_a in_o keep_v the_o revelation_n give_v to_o they_o most_o entire_a omissis_fw-la entire_a de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 2._o he_o sigitur_fw-la omissis_fw-la card._n bellarmine_n quote_v philo_n affirm_v that_o for_o above_o 2000_o year_n even_o to_o his_o time_n not_o one_o word_n have_v be_v change_v in_o the_o law_n and_o that_o any_o jew_n will_v die_v a_o hundred_o time_n rather_o than_o consent_v to_o any_o such_o change_n he_o add_v out_o of_o johannes_n isaac_n that_o the_o latter_a jew_n adore_v the_o law_n ut_fw-la numen_fw-la as_o a_o deity_n and_o if_o it_o chance_v to_o fall_v on_o the_o ground_n bid_v a_o fast_a for_o expiation_n of_o the_o mischance_n this_o bellarm._n relate_v and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o his_o five_o argument_n why_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o ever_o the_o jew_n shall_v have_v corrupt_v the_o old_a testament_n out_o of_o malice_n to_o the_o christian_n as_o the_o mistake_n of_o some_o be_v the_o admirable_a and_o stupendous_a care_n and_o industry_n as_o heinsius_n call_v it_o of_o the_o masorite_n be_v know_v who_o number_v every_o verse_n word_n and_o letter_n testam_fw-la in_o proleg_n ad_fw-la exercit_fw-la in_o novum_fw-la testam_fw-la and_o this_o they_o intend_v as_o sepimentum_fw-la legis_fw-la a_o mound_n or_o fence_v of_o the_o law_n against_o alteration_n the_o jew_n have_v not_o a_o great_a and_o more_o sacred_a estimation_n of_o the_o law_n than_o the_o christian_n have_v for_o both_o law_n and_o gospel_n particular_o the_o father_n 1._o their_o great_a laboriousness_n in_o the_o study_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n in_o their_o many_o comment_n and_o homily_n be_v a_o indication_n of_o their_o incomparable_a honour_n for_o they_o in_o which_o work_n they_o do_v so_o abound_v that_o suppose_v the_o bibles_n shall_v be_v lose_v which_o be_v suppose_v only_o not_o grant_v far_o the_o great_a part_n rather_o the_o whole_a may_v be_v recover_v out_o of_o their_o comment_n homily_n and_o occasional_a citation_n in_o their_o other_o write_n as_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o their_o singular_a honour_n for_o the_o scripture_n so_o it_o be_v a_o providential_a relief_n and_o supernumerary_a way_n of_o retrieve_n of_o they_o suppose_v the_o loss_n of_o they_o 2_o the_o father_n high_a estimation_n and_o reverence_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v legible_a in_o expression_n concern_v they_o and_o deference_n to_o they_o irenaeus_n thus_o begin_v his_o three_o book_n we_o have_v not_o know_v the_o disposition_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o other_o than_o those_o by_o who_o the_o gospel_n come_v unto_o we_o which_o indeed_o they_o then_o preach_v but_o afterward_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n deliver_v it_o to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o future_a foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n afterward_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 66th_o chap._n of_o his_o four_o book_n he_o bid_v all_o heretic_n and_o principal_o the_o marcionit●●_n and_o those_o who_o be_v like_o they_o say_v that_o the_o prophecy_n come_v from_o another_o god_n read_v diligent_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o we_o and_o read_v diligent_o the_o prophet_n and_o you_o will_v find_v every_o action_n every_o doctrine_n and_o every_o suffer_v of_o our_o lord_n deliver_v in_o they_o tertullian_n against_o hermogenes_n c._n 23._o i_o adore_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o scripture_n let_v hermogenes_n and_o he_o show_v that_o it_o be_v write_v if_o it_o be_v not_o write_v let_v he_o dread_v the_o woe_n which_o pertain_v to_o they_o who_o add_v or_o detract_v athanasius_n in_o his_o oration_n against_o the_o gentile_n say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v enough_o for_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n st._n jerom._n on_o ps_n 98._o every_o thing_n that_o we_o assert_v we_o must_v show_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o thing_n which_o concern_v faith_n and_o manner_n be_v find_v in_o the_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o st._n augustine_n in_o the_o 9th_o chap._n of_o his_o 2d_o book_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n these_o be_v some_o among_o other_o of_o the_o father_n reverential_a acknowledgement_n their_o full_a and_o clear_a deposition_n for_o holy_a scripture_n sufficiency_n for_o and_o prerogative_n of_o be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o this_o point_n they_o speak_v like_a as_o very_a protestant_n as_o those_o who_o form_v the_o theol._n the_o the_o word_n of_o the_o article_n be_v these_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o read_v therein_o nor_o may_v be_v prove_v thereby_o be_v not_o to_o be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v believe_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o be_v think_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n evangel_n nigrum_fw-la atram_fw-la theol._n 6_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o