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 doctrine_n reformation_n 2,270 5 10.2756 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
A58804 The Christian life. Vol. 5 and last wherein is shew'd : I. The worth and excellency of the soul, II. The divinity and incarnation of our Saviour, III. The authority of the Holy Scripture, IV. A dissuasive from apostacy / by John Scott ... Scott, John, 1639-1695. 1699 (1699) Wing S2059; ESTC R3097 251,737 514

There are 16 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o prove_v by_o the_o unanimous_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n that_o any_o unwritten_a doctrine_n be_v part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n be_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o for_o several_a age_n after_o our_o saviour_n the_o church_n unanimous_o teach_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o for_o the_o same_o church_n at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o testify_v that_o this_o or_o that_o unwritten_a doctrine_n be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n word_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o yet_o that_o all_o doctrine_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v be_v write_v be_v plain_o to_o contradict_v itself_o and_o yet_o we_o find_v the_o primitive_a father_n unanimous_o attest_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n from_o whence_o we_o draw_v all_o the_o assertion_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o last_o will_n and_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o which_o all_o controversy_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v the_o boundary_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o to_o depart_v the_o touchstone_n of_o truth_n the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o the_o only_a certain_a principle_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o demonstration_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n these_o be_v their_o own_o expression_n and_o abundance_n more_o than_o these_o we_o meet_v with_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o which_o be_v very_o observable_a they_o not_o only_o assert_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o full_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o severe_o declaim_v against_o all_o addition_n to_o it_o thus_o eusebius_n pamphilus_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v believe_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o write_v neither_o think_v upon_o nor_o inquire_v after_o thus_o also_o st._n austin_n quicquid_fw-la inde_fw-la audieritis_fw-la è_fw-la scripturâ_fw-la sacrâ_fw-la hoc_fw-la vobis_fw-la bene_fw-la sapiat_fw-la quicquid_fw-la extra_fw-la est_fw-la respuite_o ne_fw-la erretis_fw-la in_o nebula_fw-la whatsoever_o you_o hear_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n let_v it_o savour_v well_o with_o you_o whatsoever_o be_v without_o they_o refuse_v lest_o you_o wander_v in_o a_o cloud_n st._n bazil_n declare_v that_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a fall_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o arrogancy_n either_o to_o reject_v any_o point_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v or_o to_o bring_v in_o any_o of_o those_o which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n to_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o not_o to_o dare_v either_o to_o reject_v or_o to_o add_v any_o thing_n thereunto_o thus_o tertullian_n advers._fw-la hermog_n si_fw-mi enim_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la scriptum_fw-la timeat_fw-la vae_fw-la illud_fw-la adjicientibus_fw-la aut_fw-la detrahentibus_fw-la destinatum_fw-la if_o what_o he_o pretend_v be_v not_o write_v let_v he_o fear_v that_o woe_n that_o be_v denounce_v against_o such_o as_o add_v or_o take_v away_o what_o likelihood_n therefore_o be_v there_o that_o they_o who_o thus_o severe_o forbid_v add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n do_v ever_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o another_o word_n of_o god_n consist_v of_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o indeed_o methinks_v it_o be_v very_o strange_a if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o other_o word_n of_o god_n beside_o what_o be_v write_v there_o shall_v no_o notice_n be_v take_v of_o it_o in_o that_o which_o be_v write_v especial_o consider_v that_o if_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o the_o roman_a church_n define_v it_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v direction_n where_o to_o find_v it_o and_o how_o to_o know_v it_o when_o we_o have_v it_o but_o of_o this_o we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n in_o scripture_n for_o as_o for_o those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n 2_o thess._n 2._o 15._o hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o by_o word_n or_o our_o epistle_n all_o that_o can_v be_v just_o infer_v from_o they_o be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o thessalonian_n at_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n have_v only_o a_o oral_a tradition_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o gospel_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v preach_v to_o they_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o yet_o either_o not_o collect_v into_o write_v or_o not_o disperse_v abroad_o into_o the_o church_n so_o that_o then_o this_o and_o his_o former_a epistle_n to_o they_o be_v perhaps_o the_o only_o write_v part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v yet_o arrive_v to_o their_o hand_n and_o if_o so_o than_o this_o command_n of_o hold_v the_o tradition_n by_o word_n do_v oblige_v no_o long_o than_o till_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o write_a gospel_n because_o then_o those_o tradition_n by_o word_n be_v all_o record_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v there_o record_v they_o be_v thenceforth_o oblige_v to_o hold_v they_o as_o scripture_n and_o no_o long_o as_o tradition_n by_o word_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v still_o unwritten_a tradition_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n but_o yet_o be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o be_v equal_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o the_o scripture_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o we_o who_o live_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n shall_v either_o know_v where_o to_o find_v or_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v such_o when_o we_o have_v they_o we_o know_v very_o well_o that_o even_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n there_o be_v sundry_a counterfeit_n tradition_n which_o heretic_n pretend_v to_o derive_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o counterfeit_v tradition_n then_o how_o much_o more_o easy_a be_v it_o now_o i_o confess_v vincentius_n lirinensis_n give_v we_o a_o very_a good_a rule_n how_o to_o distinguish_v counterfeit_a from_o true_a tradition_n quod_fw-la ubique_fw-la quod_fw-la semper_fw-la quod_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la creditum_fw-la est_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la veer_fw-la proprieque_fw-la catholicum_fw-la that_o which_o be_v every_o where_o and_o always_o and_o by_o all_o christian_n believe_v that_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o catholic_n and_o by_o this_o rule_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o abide_v if_o they_o can_v show_v we_o any_o article_n of_o christianity_n not_o record_v in_o scripture_n which_o have_v be_v every_o where_o and_o always_o believe_v by_o all_o christian_n we_o will_v ready_o admit_v it_o as_o a_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o same_o respect_n and_o reverence_n as_o we_o do_v that_o which_o be_v write_v but_o this_o we_o be_v full_o assure_v they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v see_v as_o be_v show_v before_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v with_o one_o consent_n attest_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o entire_a rule_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o all_o the_o article_n of_o christianity_n be_v contain_v but_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o for_o these_o unwritten_a tradition_n we_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o present_a church_n of_o every_o age_n and_o receive_v as_o a_o divine_a tradition_n whatsoever_o she_o define_v to_o be_v so_o where_o by_o the_o present_a church_n be_v mean_v the_o present_a roman_a church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v whatsoever_o this_o church_n define_v we_o must_v believe_v it_o because_o she_o define_v it_o which_o we_o can_v but_o think_v be_v a_o hard_a case_n first_o because_o we_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o we_o know_v no_o right_n that_o any_o part_n have_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o whole_a and_o to_o oblige_v it_o to_o believe_v whatsoever_o she_o propose_v mere_o because_o she_o propose_v it_o second_o because_o in_o fact_n we_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sincere_a preserver_n of_o tradition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n have_v more_o studious_o attempt_v to_o counterfeit_v and_o deprave_v it_o of_o which_o innumerable_a instance_n be_v give_v by_o our_o author_n many_o of_o which_o be_v now_o acknowledge_v even_o by_o their_o author_n to_o be_v true_a for_o even_o their_o vulgar_a latin_a edition_n of_o the_o bible_n itself_o which_o they_o prefer_v before_o the_o original_n be_v confess_v by_o themselves_o to_o abound_v with_o manifest_a error_n and_o corruption_n and_o even_o to_o the_o very_a canon_n of_o the_o bible_n they_o have_v add_v sundry_a apocryphal_a book_n which_o we_o certain_o
know_v the_o primitive_a tradition_n never_o admit_v as_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o it_o be_v notorious_a to_o all_o the_o world_n how_o many_o book_n and_o write_n they_o have_v forge_v and_o how_o many_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n they_o have_v geld_v and_o interpolate_v to_o defend_v and_o support_v those_o pretend_a tradition_n which_o they_o have_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o after_o she_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o so_o many_o apparent_a falsification_n we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o we_o shall_v still_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v she_o upon_o her_o own_o bare_a word_n for_o in_o the_o three_o place_n at_o this_o rate_n of_o proceed_v we_o must_v in_o many_o instance_n condemn_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o compliment_n to_o those_o of_o the_o present_a roman_a which_o if_o we_o believe_v our_o own_o eye_n and_o the_o most_o authentic_a history_n and_o record_n of_o those_o time_n do_v express_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o since_o if_o we_o will_v never_o so_o fain_o we_o can_v never_o believe_v both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n we_o must_v in_o believe_v the_o one_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o the_o other_o nay_o four_o and_o last_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v persuade_v as_o we_o think_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v that_o many_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o only_o not_o mention_v in_o scripture_n but_o direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n their_o perform_v divine_a service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n which_o we_o think_v be_v as_o contrary_a to_o 1_o cor._n 14._o as_o one_o proposition_n can_v be_v to_o another_o yet_o if_o that_o church_n definition_n do_v by_o their_o own_o authority_n oblige_v our_o faith_n we_o must_v believe_v she_o against_o scripture_n itself_o and_o this_o we_o think_v intolerable_a that_o any_o church_n of_o christian_a shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o upon_o the_o most_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n they_o be_v very_o persuade_v it_o contradict_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o one_o or_o tother_o must_v be_v make_v void_a we_o think_v it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o the_o voice_n of_o her_o pretend_a unwritten_a word_n shall_v be_v silence_v by_o that_o more_o certain_a one_o of_o the_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n but_o after_o all_o if_o what_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v be_v prove_v viz._n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o conduct_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n this_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o evacuate_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v for_o this_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n for_o god_n and_o nature_n we_o know_v do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a and_o therefore_o if_o one_o word_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a viz._n that_o which_o be_v write_v what_o need_n have_v we_o of_o this_o other_o which_o be_v unwritten_a and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o necessary_a property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v full_a and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o as_o to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o ii_o the_o second_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o intelligible_a to_o those_o who_o faith_n and_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a and_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a to_o all_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n that_o it_o be_v throughout_o so_o in_o all_o its_o proposal_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n not_o only_o in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n but_o also_o in_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n hard_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o exceed_v the_o apprehension_n of_o common_a capacity_n but_o also_o puzzle_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o most_o acute_a and_o profound_a enquirer_n but_o that_o which_o i_o assert_v be_v this_o that_o all_o those_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o manner_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o practice_v in_o order_n to_o their_o attainment_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v so_o plain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v no_o honest_a teachable_a mind_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v common_a sense_n but_o may_v from_o thence_o receive_v full_a information_n of_o they_o upon_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a enquiry_n and_o though_o in_o some_o text_n these_o necessary_n be_v not_o so_o plain_o propose_v as_o in_o other_o yet_o in_o some_o text_n or_o other_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o plain_o propose_v that_o no_o man_n can_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o still_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o without_o be_v wilful_o blind_a for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o out_o of_o it_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v 1._o from_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n 2._o from_o the_o avow_a design_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n 3._o from_o the_o frequent_a command_v god_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n 4._o from_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v and_o receive_v all_o those_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n contain_v in_o it_o 1._o from_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n at_o least_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a and_o pla●n_a for_o to_o be_v sure_a if_o in_o any_o thing_n the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a it_o be_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o know_v and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v obscure_a in_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v it_o be_v plain_a in_o nothing_o but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o many_o thing_n plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v evident_a from_o its_o own_o testimony_n for_o thus_o of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n it_o be_v express_o affirm_v by_o moses_n this_o commandment_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n it_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o neither_o be_v it_o far_o off_o deut._n 30._o 11._o where_o moses_n speak_v not_o only_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n which_o consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v upon_o that_o account_n more_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o of_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o moses_n in_o general_a whether_o ceremonial_a judicial_a or_o natural_a for_o so_o v_o 16._o this_o commandment_n we_o find_v contain_v as_o well_o the_o statute_n and_o judgement_n as_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n all_o which_o must_v take_v in_o the_o whole_a mosaic_a institution_n and_o according_o ps._n 119._o 105._o david_n call_v this_o word_n of_o god_n a_o lamp_n unto_o his_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o his_o path_n which_o how_o can_v it_o be_v if_o it_o do_v not_o burn_v clear_a enough_o to_o guide_v and_o direct_v he_o and_o if_o it_o do_v then_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o burn_v clear_a enough_o to_o direct_v he_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o be_v direct_v again_o in_o the_o 19_o ps._n 7_o 8._o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a make_v wise_a the_o simple_a and_o that_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n but_o how_o can_v any_o law_n make_v the_o simple_a wise_a or_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n unless_o it_o be_v so_o plain_o and_o clear_o deliver_v as_o that_o the_o simple_a may_v be_v capable_a of_o apprehend_v and_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n of_o discern_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o i_o know_v it_o be_v object_v by_o bellarmin_n that_o these_o word_n do_v only_o imply_v that_o this_o law_n indeed_o be_v understand_v do_v enlighten_v man_n eye_n and_o direct_v their_o practice_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n that_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a cavil_v for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v by_o understand_v the_o law_n that_o the_o simple_a be_v make_v wise_a and_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n enlighten_v if_o therefore_o this_o law_n be_v so_o obscure_a in_o its_o self_n as_o that_o it_o can_v make_v itself_o understand_v by_o all_o that_o sincere_o inquire_v into_o it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o it_o shall_v make_v they_o wise_a or_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o mind_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o intent_n of_o those_o passage_n
to_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v obscure_a and_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a and_o of_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n either_o the_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n must_v be_v plain_o and_o clear_o express_v in_o scripture_n or_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o and_o to_o say_v god_n will_v damn_v we_o for_o not_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o give_v we_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v be_v to_o charge_v he_o with_o the_o most_o outrageous_a oppression_n and_o injustice_n but_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o though_o god_n have_v not_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n yet_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o for_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o all_o age_n who_o he_o have_v authorize_v to_o explain_v and_o define_v to_o we_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v which_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v upon_o her_o authority_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o if_o we_o firm_o believe_v what_o she_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o those_o of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n rely_v on_o i_o desire_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v serious_o consider_v 1._o that_o before_o we_o can_v reasonable_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n that_o we_o must_v believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n 2._o that_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v believe_v from_o scripture_n before_o we_o can_v rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n be_v at_o least_o as_o obscure_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n as_o any_o other_o article_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n 3._o that_o after_o all_o these_o thing_n upon_o our_o rely_v on_o that_o church_n authority_n we_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o same_o or_o great_a uncertainty_n than_o upon_o our_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n 4._o that_o in_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v leave_v to_o no_o other_o uncertainty_n than_o just_a what_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v our_o faith_n virtuous_a and_o rewardable_a whereas_o by_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o certain_a ground_n as_o it_o be_v pretend_v our_o faith_n will_v have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o virtue_n in_o it_o 1._o that_o before_o we_o can_v reasonable_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n in_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n that_o we_o must_v believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n as_o for_o instance_n we_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n or_o incorporate_v by_o a_o peculiar_a divine_a charter_n now_o whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n or_o no_o be_v a_o question_n that_o must_v be_v resolve_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o by_o the_o church_n because_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n because_o the_o church_n say_v there_o be_v a_o church_n be_v to_o take_v that_o for_o grant_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n second_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o this_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o must_v also_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v believe_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o of_o the_o church_n for_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n that_o have_v authority_n to_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o how_o can_v i_o believe_v this_o upon_o the_o church_n authority_n unless_o i_o can_v believe_v it_o before_o i_o do_v believe_v it_o three_o before_o we_o can_v rely_v upon_o this_o church_n authority_n in_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o this_o church_n be_v infallible_a for_o if_o she_o be_v not_o infallible_a how_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v she_o see_v in_o so_o do_v he_o must_v oblige_v we_o whensoever_o she_o err_v to_o believe_v her_o error_n but_o that_o she_o be_v infallible_a be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v upon_o she_o own_o authority_n for_o than_o her_o infallible_a authority_n must_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n that_o she_o be_v infallible_a that_o be_v we_o must_v believe_v her_o infallible_a because_o we_o believe_v her_o infallible_a see_v then_o we_o can_v believe_v it_o on_o her_o own_o authority_n if_o we_o believe_v it_o at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n four_o before_o we_o can_v rely_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n authority_n to_o define_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v believe_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v this_o infallible_a church_n but_o see_v this_o be_v no_o self-evident_a principle_n we_o must_v have_v some_o other_o evidence_n beside_o herself_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o what_o else_o can_v that_o be_v but_o scripture_n we_o be_v tell_v indeed_o by_o some_o of_o her_o great_a divine_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a mark_n and_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v her_o the_o true_a church_n such_o as_o antiquity_n universality_n holiness_n of_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n but_o see_v no_o doctrine_n can_v be_v holy_a that_o be_v not_o true_a we_o must_v be_v satisfy_v that_o that_o church_n be_v true_a before_o we_o can_v know_v that_o it_o be_v holy_a so_o that_o before_o we_o can_v reasonable_o submit_v to_o her_o authority_n we_o must_v be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o her_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o this_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o by_o her_o authority_n because_o that_o as_o yet_o be_v the_o matter_n in_o qustion_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o assure_v of_o it_o but_o only_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o when_o we_o be_v assure_v beforehand_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n that_o her_o doctrine_n be_v true_a her_o authority_n come_v too_o late_o to_o assure_v we_o see_v therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v some_o if_o not_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o roman_a faith_n that_o must_v be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n before_o we_o can_v safe_o rely_v upon_o her_o authority_n to_o define_v they_o to_o we_o how_o can_v we_o be_v oblige_v to_o settle_v our_o faith_n upon_o her_o authority_n when_o as_o before_o we_o can_v reasonable_o admit_v her_o authority_n we_o must_v believe_v several_a of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v be_v these_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o no_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n that_o this_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o define_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o in_o so_o define_v this_o church_n be_v infallible_a and_o that_o this_o infallible_a church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o they_o be_v as_o they_o themselves_o own_o they_o be_v than_o there_o be_v some_o article_n it_o seem_v that_o must_v be_v believe_v without_o the_o church_n authority_n upon_o the_o single_a authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o some_o why_o not_o all_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o sufficient_a to_o authorise_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o rest_n as_o these_o since_o its_o authority_n be_v as_o great_a in_o one_o text_n as_o in_o another_o especial_o consider_v 2._o that_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v believe_v from_o scripture_n before_o we_o can_v rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v at_o least_o as_o obscure_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n as_o any_o other_o article_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n the_o great_a reason_n urge_v by_o the_o romanist_n against_o our_o reliance_n upon_o the_o scripture_n for_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o obscurity_n of_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n it_o prove_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o they_o will_v have_v it_o
faith_n have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o we_o st._n james_n assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dead_a faith_n and_o will_v profit_v we_o nothing_o but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o our_o believe_v such_o and_o such_o proposition_n shall_v move_v and_o persuade_v we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o those_o proposition_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o they_o what_o man_n can_v be_v persuade_v by_o such_o proposal_n as_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o of_o which_o he_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o explicit_a knowledge_n a_o heathen_a that_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o god_n teach_v be_v true_a do_v implicit_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v from_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n teach_v this_o but_o what_o be_v he_o the_o better_a for_o this_o his_o implicit_a belief_n what_o influence_n can_v it_o have_v upon_o his_o heart_n and_o manner_n who_o perhaps_o never_o hear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o of_o any_o one_o proposition_n which_o he_o reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o so_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n teach_v be_v true_a do_v implicit_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o future_a judgement_n a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o a_o everlasting_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n after_o death_n because_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o church_n teach_v but_o if_o he_o never_o hear_v of_o they_o or_o have_v no_o explicit_a knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o they_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v operate_v on_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n or_o ever_o persuade_v he_o to_o be_v the_o better_a man_n or_o the_o better_a christian_a and_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o other_o article_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o either_o we_o must_v believe_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o insignificant_a faith_n that_o will_v not_o at_o all_o avail_v we_o or_o take_v up_o our_o faith_n upon_o trust_n from_o fallible_a teacher_n who_o may_v mislead_v we_o into_o damnable_a error_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v we_o must_v be_v liable_a to_o answer_v for_o it_o in_o our_o person_n and_o at_o our_o own_o eternal_a peril_n or_o which_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n we_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o inquire_v and_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o at_o least_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n see_v therefore_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o the_o scripture_n itself_o oblige_v i_o upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v it_o hence_o necessary_o follow_v that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v what_o it_o teach_v it_o oblige_v i_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o teach_v otherwise_o i_o must_v believe_v i_o know_v not_o what_o which_o be_v impossible_a and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v i_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o teach_v it_o must_v oblige_v i_o to_o search_v inquire_v and_o judge_v what_o it_o teach_v because_o i_o can_v understand_v without_o inquire_v and_o judge_v but_o how_o can_v i_o inquire_v what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v if_o i_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o read_v and_o consult_v the_o scripture_n and_o so_o again_o there_o be_v many_o duty_n in_o scripture_n which_o the_o scripture_n itself_o oblige_v i_o to_o practice_v upon_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o how_o can_v it_o oblige_v i_o to_o practise_v what_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v i_o to_o understand_v or_o how_o can_v it_o oblige_v i_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v i_o to_o inquire_v after_o but_o how_o can_v i_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v i_o to_o practise_v when_o i_o be_o forbid_v all_o access_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v lock_v up_o from_o i_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o short_a therefore_o see_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v of_o the_o high_a moment_n to_o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o their_o soul_n be_v worth_a not_o to_o believe_v and_o practise_v what_o it_o teach_v and_o see_v they_o can_v neither_o believe_v nor_o practise_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o be_v of_o infinite_a concern_v to_o they_o so_o far_o at_o least_o to_o read_v consult_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n as_o they_o stand_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o practise_v its_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n 6._o and_o last_o from_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o read_v or_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o above_o six_o hundred_o year_n be_v so_o far_o from_o debar_v the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o continual_o urge_v and_o press_v it_o upon_o they_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o indispensable_a obligation_n for_o so_o origen_n wish_n that_o all_o will_v do_v as_o it_o be_v write_v viz._n search_v the_o scripture_n so_o also_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n harken_v you_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o harken_v you_o that_o be_v near_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v hide_v from_o no_o man_n it_o be_v a_o light_n common_a to_o all_o man_n and_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n in_o it_o so_o also_o st._n austin_n gent._n think_v it_o not_o sufficient_a that_o you_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o church_n but_o do_v you_o also_o read_v the_o scripture_n yourselves_o in_o your_o own_o house_n or_o get_v some_o other_o to_o read_v they_o to_o you_o so_o also_o st._n jerom_n 86._o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o gospel_n not_o that_o a_o few_o but_o all_o shall_v understand_v and_o elsewhere_o speak_v of_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v at_o bethlehem_n with_o paula_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a say_v he_o for_o any_o one_o of_o all_o the_o sister_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o psalm_n nor_o to_o pass_v over_o any_o day_n without_o learning_n some_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o elsewhere_o 3._o we_o be_v teach_v say_v he_o that_o the_o lay-people_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o only_o sufficient_o but_o also_o with_o abundance_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v and_o counsel_v other_o so_o also_o st._n chrysostome_n 9_o hear_v i_o o_o layty_n get_v you_o the_o bible_n the_o most_o wholesome_a remedy_n for_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o you_o will_v no_o more_o at_o least_o get_v the_o new_a testament_n st._n paul_n epistle_n and_o the_o act_n that_o they_o may_v be_v your_o continual_a and_o earnest_a teacher_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o affirm_v 3._o that_o it_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o the_o lay-people_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n than_o either_o for_o the_o monk_n or_o priest_n or_o any_o other_o and_o to_o cite_v no_o more_o of_o the_o infinite_a authority_n of_o the_o father_n to_o this_o purpose_n st._n basil_n observe_v 1_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n be_v like_o a_o apothecary_n shop_n full_a of_o medicine_n of_o sundry_a sort_n that_o so_o every_o man_n may_v there_o choose_v a_o convenient_a remedy_n for_o his_o disease_n and_o that_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o priest_n be_v then_o allow_v the_o use_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v evident_a from_o a_o notorious_a matter_n of_o fact_n for_o when_o the_o roman_a emperor_n endeavour_v to_o force_v the_o christian_n by_o persecution_n and_o torment_n to_o deliver_v up_o their_o bibles_n to_o be_v burn_v that_o so_o by_o extinguish_v those_o sacred_a record_n they_o may_v extinguish_v christianity_n they_o examine_v not_o only_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n but_o also_o the_o people_n of_o all_o degree_n and_o both_o sex_n many_o of_o who_o as_o well_o woman_n as_o man_n own_a that_o they_o have_v bibles_n but_o rather_o choose_v to_o die_v than_o to_o deliver_v they_o up_o and_o many_o other_o who_o to_o avoid_v death_n deliver_v up_o their_o bibles_n and_o be_v therefore_o brand_v with_o the_o ignominious_a name_n of_o traditor_n for_o which_o they_o be_v exclude_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o can_v not_o be_v readmit_v without_o a_o long_a and_o severe_a penance_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o people_n can_v have_v be_v traditor_n if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o bibles_n to_o deliver_v up_o and_o therefore_o be_v so_o be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n that_o the_o people_n be_v then_o allow_v the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o the_o priest_n and_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o any_o community_n of_o christian_n shall_v think_v that_o a_o proper_a way_n to_o extinguish_v heresy_n which_o those_o heathen_a persecutor_n make_v use_v of_o to_o extinguish_v christianity_n but_o that_o in_o those_o first_o age_n the_o people_n be_v allow_v the_o
the_o christian_a life_n wherein_o be_v show_v i._o the_o worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o the_o soul_n ii_o the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n iii_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n iv._o a_o dissuasive_a from_o apostasy_n vol._n v._o and_o last_o by_o john_n scott_n d._n d._n late_a rector_n of_o st._n gile_n in_o the_o field_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxcix_o to_o the_o honourable_a susanna_n noel_n mother_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a baptist_n earl_n of_o gainsborough_n this_o last_o volume_n of_o the_o work_n of_o my_o dear_a decease_a friend_n the_o reverend_a dr._n scott_n be_v humble_o and_o grateful_o dedicate_v by_o her_o honour_n most_o oblige_v and_o most_o devote_a servant_n humphrey_z zouch_n the_o content_n discourse_n i._o of_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o connexion_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o text_n p._n 1_o 2._o the_o inestimable_a price_n and_o value_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o own_o natural_a capacity_n represent_v under_o 4_o head_n viz._n it_o be_v capacity_n of_o understanding_n p._n 5_o 6._o of_o moral_a perfection_n p._n 7_o 8_o 9_o of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n p._n 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o of_o immortality_n p._n 14._o to_o p._n 19_o of_o what_o esteem_v the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o best_a know_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o whole_a world_n of_o spirit_n p._n 20._o to_o p._n 32._o four_o inference_n from_o hence_o p._n 33._o to_o p._n 43._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o lose_v one_o soul_n explain_v p._n 44._o the_o soul_n liable_a to_o a_o sevenfold_a damage_n in_o the_o other_o world_n p._n 45._o to_o p._n 65._o seven_o cause_n of_o the_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o of_o incur_v this_o damage_n p._n 66._o to_o p._n 89._o man_n may_v forsake_v christ_n and_o thereby_o lose_v their_o soul_n 4_o way_n by_o a_o total_a apostasy_n p._n 90_o 91._o by_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o doctrine_n p._n 92_o 93._o by_o obstinate_a heresy_n p._n 93_o 94_o 95._o by_o a_o wilful_a course_n of_o disobedience_n of_o which_o there_o be_v three_o degree_n the_o first_o proceed_v from_o a_o wilful_a ignorance_n of_o christ_n law_n the_o 2d_o from_o a_o wilful_a inconsideration_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o they_o the_o 3d_o from_o a_o obstinacy_n in_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n p._n 95._o to_o 103._o four_o reason_n why_o our_o forsake_v of_o christ_n infer_v this_o fearful_a loss_n of_o our_o soul_n p._n 104._o to_o 115._o that_o god_n if_o he_o be_v so_o determine_v may_v without_o any_o injury_n either_o to_o his_o justice_n or_o goodness_n detain_v lose_v soul_n in_o the_o bondage_n of_o hell_n for_o ever_o prove_v in_o 6_o proposition_n p._n 117._o to_o 130._o that_o god_n be_v actual_o determine_v so_o to_o do_v demonstrate_v by_o 3_o argument_n p._n 131._o to_o 139._o a_o comparison_n between_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n in_o 6_o particular_n whereby_o be_v show_v of_o which_o side_n the_o advantage_n lie_v p._n 140._o to_o 164._o discourse_n ii_o of_o the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n a_o general_n explication_n of_o this_o term._n the_o word_n p._n 166._o a_o full_a account_n of_o it_o in_o 4_o proposition_n show_v that_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o theology_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n 167._o to_o 174._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o from_o that_o ancient_a theology_n p._n 174_o 176._o that_o in_o that_o theology_n it_o signify_v a_o vital_a and_o divine_a subsistence_n p._n 176._o to_o 180._o and_o that_o our_o saviour_n to_o who_o it_o be_v apply_v in_o the_o newtestament_n be_v that_o vital_a and_o divine_a subsistence_n p._n 180_o 181_o 182._o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n denote_v 4_o thing_n to_o be_v generate_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o father_n to_o be_v the_o perfect_a image_n of_o that_o mind_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o father_n mind_n and_o to_o be_v the_o executer_n of_o it_o and_o in_o these_o be_v found_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v call_v the_o word_n p._n 183._o to_o 196._o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n p._n 197_o 198._o five_o inference_n from_o this_o doctrine_n p._n 199._o to_o 213._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n dwell_v among_o we_o explain_v p._n 215._o to_o 225._o he_o be_v dwell_v among_o we_o full_a of_o grace_n explain_v in_o five_o particular_n p._n 226._o to_o 245._o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o full_a of_o truth_n explain_v in_o general_a p._n 246_o to_o 256._o four_o instance_n of_o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o full_a of_o truth_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o that_o obscure_a typical_a way_n of_o his_o tabernacle_v among_o the_o jew_n p._n 247._o to_o 270._o four_o inference_n the_o first_o from_o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o p._n 270._o to_o 277._o the_o second_o from_o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o full_a of_o grace_n and_o that_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o own_o personal_a disposition_n p._n 277._o to_o 280._o 2._o of_o his_o law_n p._n 281_o 282_o 283._o 3_o of_o the_o gracious_a pardon_n which_o he_o have_v procure_v for_o we_o and_o promise_v to_o we_o p._n 284_o 285_o 286._o 4._o of_o the_o abundant_a assistance_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o vouchsafe_v we_o p._n 287_o 288._o and_o 5._o of_o the_o glorious_a recompense_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o and_o prepare_v for_o we_o p._n 289_o 290._o the_o 3d_o from_o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o full_a of_o truth_n p._n 291._o to_o 296._o the_o four_o from_o all_o these_o lay_v together_o he_o dwell_v among_o we_o full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n p._n 297._o to_o 305._o the_o glory_n of_o the_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n behold_v consist_v in_o 4_o thing_n 1._o a_o visible_a splendour_n and_o brightness_n which_o encompass_v he_o at_o his_o baptism_n and_o transfiguration_n p._n 307._o to_o 311._o 2._o those_o great_a and_o stupendous_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v p._n 311_o 312_o 313._o 3._o the_o surpass_a excellency_n and_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n p._n 314._o to_o 317._o 4._o the_o incomparable_a sanctity_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o life_n p._n 317._o to_o 321._o this_o expression_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only-begotten_a son_n explain_v p._n 321_o 322._o that_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v such_o as_o become_v the_o only-begotten_a son_n of_o the_o father_n prove_v in_o the_o several_a particular_n ●●herein_o it_o consist_v p._n 323._o to_o 336._o four_o inference_n from_o this_o fourfold_a glory_n of_o the_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n see_v p._n 337._o to_o the_o end_n dis._n 3._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o fullness_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n prove_v in_o 3_o proposition_n 1._o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inspire_v the_o writer_n of_o they_o with_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a 〈◊〉_d eternal_a life_n p._n 364._o 2._o that_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n all_o those_o necessary_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v p._n 365._o 3._o that_o all_o those_o necessary_a truth_n which_o they_o preach_v be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o scripture_n p._n 366._o to_o 380._o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o scripture_n prove_v 1._o from_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n p._n 381._o to_o 386._o 2._o from_o the_o avow_a design_n of_o write_v it_o p._n 387_o 388._o 3._o from_o the_o frequent_a command_v god_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o read_v it_o p._n 389_o 390._o 4._o from_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v and_o receive_v all_o those_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n contain_v in_o it_o p._n 391._o four_o consideration_n in_o answer_n to_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o reveal_v clear_o in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o since_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o condact_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n p._n 392._o to_o the_o end_n dis._n iu._n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o people_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o search_v and_o read_v the_o scripture_n prove_v 1._o from_o the_o obligation_n the_o jew_n be_v under_o to_o read_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a test_n p._n 408_o 409._o 2._o from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n apprebation_n of_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n p._n 410_o 411._o 3._o from_o the_o great_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n p._n 412_o 413._o
their_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o all_o their_o general_a promise_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v they_o have_v all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o duty_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o attainment_n of_o eternal_a life_n exhibit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o write_n of_o their_o prophet_n and_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o their_o law_n for_o it_o be_v by_o this_o rule_n alone_o that_o all_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n do_v live_v and_o believe_v and_o either_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o eternal_a life_n or_o they_o be_v leave_v under_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o do_v enlighten_v their_o eye_n and_o rejoice_v their_o heart_n and_o convert_v their_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v in_o keep_v it_o that_o they_o find_v great_a reward_n ps._n 19_o 7_o 8_o 11._o and_o therefore_o either_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n notwithstanding_o this_o their_o illumination_n and_o conversion_n or_o they_o find_v it_o in_o keep_v that_o law_n by_o which_o they_o be_v illuminate_v and_o convert_v and_o if_o in_o keep_v their_o law_n they_o find_v eternal_a life_n then_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o their_o law_n they_o have_v it_o so_o that_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n do_v not_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o think_v so_o or_o at_o least_o they_o only_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o think_v to_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n by_o adhere_v to_o the_o prime_n and_o literal_a sense_n of_o their_o law_n without_o pursue_v the_o mystery_n and_o spiritual_a mean_v of_o it_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o error_n of_o the_o pharisee_n with_o who_o our_o saviour_n be_v here_o discourse_v for_o the_o internal_a sense_n and_o mystery_n of_o their_o law_n be_v the_o gospel_n all_o who_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o precept_n of_o duty_n be_v though_o dark_o and_o obscure_o express_v and_o represent_v in_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o both_o the_o priest_n and_o their_o oblation_n do_v serve_v unto_o the_o example_n and_o shadow_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n heb._n 8._o 5._o so_o that_o the_o heavenly_a thing_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o substantial_a idea_n which_o those_o legal_a type_n and_o pattern_n contain_v and_o represent_v and_o the_o same_o author_n call_v that_o law_n a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v heb._n 10._o 1._o that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o obscure_a scheme_n or_o prefiguration_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o eternal_a life_n be_v a_o principal_a part._n since_o therefore_o the_o law_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o only_o the_o gospel_n in_o dark_a and_o obscure_a cipher_n if_o in_o this_o we_o christian_n have_v eternal_a life_n in_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v it_o also_o and_o therefore_o the_o reason_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o urge_v to_o oblige_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n do_v at_o least_o equal_o oblige_v we_o christian_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a for_o if_o they_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o think_v they_o have_v eternal_a life_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o be_v thereupon_o oblige_v to_o search_v into_o it_o we_o have_v rather_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o we_o have_v eternal_a life_n in_o the_o new_a since_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o only_o the_o old_a deciphered_a and_o unriddle_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o only_o have_v eternal_a life_n in_o this_o as_o they_o have_v in_o that_o but_o we_o must_v also_o have_v it_o far_o more_o express_o than_o they_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o to_o show_v you_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o have_v eternal_a life_n ii_o that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a forcible_a reason_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o search_v they_o i._n first_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o have_v eternal_a life_n that_o be_v that_o in_o they_o we_o have_v eternal_a life_n propose_v to_o we_o together_o with_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_n it_o or_o in_o other_o word_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v 〈◊〉_d to_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o this_o be_v one_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o we_o be_v require_v to_o explain_v to_o the_o people_n for_o so_o in_o her_o six_o article_n our_o church_n profess_v that_o the_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 or_o may_v be_v prove_v thence_o be_v not_o 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 now_o to_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o sufficient_a rule_n as_o to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n necessary_a first_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v full_a and_o second_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v clear_a both_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n as_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o will_v evident_o appear_v from_o these_o three_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inspire_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n 2._o that_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n all_o those_o necessary_n with_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inspire_v they_o 3._o that_o all_o those_o necessary_a truth_n which_o they_o preach_v be_v comprehend_v in_o those_o sacred_a write_n of_o they_o of_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n consist_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inspire_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n for_o first_o our_o saviour_n by_o who_o they_o be_v original_o instruct_v declare_v that_o as_o the_o father_n love_v he_o and_o show_v he_o all_o thing_n that_o himself_o do_v joh._n 5._o 20._o so_o he_o have_v make_v know_v to_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o his_o father_n joh._n 17._o 8._o and_o then_o when_o he_o go_v from_o they_o and_o cease_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o his_o own_o person_n he_o promise_v that_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v say_v unto_o they_o joh._n 14._o 26._o and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n he_o will_v guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n joh._n 16._o 13._o if_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n do_v perform_v this_o promise_n to_o they_o as_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o do_v than_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o do_v teach_v they_o over_o again_o whatsoever_o christ_n have_v teach_v they_o before_o and_o if_o christ_n have_v teach_v they_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o his_o father_n as_o he_o declare_v he_o have_v than_o it_o be_v certain_a either_o that_o he_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n or_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v not_o hear_v from_o his_o father_n all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a thereunto_o 2._o that_o as_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n so_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v they_o preach_v and_o deliver_v to_o the_o world_n for_o so_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o to_o go_v forth_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o teach_v all_o nation_n to_o observe_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v they_o matth._n 28._o 19_o 20._o which_o injunction_n of_o his_o they_o strict_o observe_v for_o so_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o in_o obedience_n to_o it_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o mark_v 16._o 20._o and_o that_o their_o preach_v extend_v to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v evident_a from_o their_o own_o testimony_n for_o thus_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o ephesian_n that_o he_o have_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v unto_o they_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n act_v 20._o 27._o and_o to_o be_v sure_a in_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n must_v be_v include_v and_o concern_v that_o gospel_n which_o he_o
of_o david_n be_v to_o excite_v and_o encourage_v man_n to_o study_v and_o observe_v the_o law_n but_o what_o though_o the_o law_n make_v the_o simple_a wise_a when_o they_o understand_v it_o what_o encouragement_n be_v this_o for_o the_o simple_a to_o study_v it_o if_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_a that_o they_o can_v understand_v it_o and_o since_o they_o must_v understand_v it_o before_o they_o can_v observe_v it_o what_o encouragement_n do_v this_o consideration_n give_v they_o to_o observe_v it_o that_o it_o will_v make_v they_o wise_a when_o they_o understand_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a enough_o for_o they_o to_o understand_v it_o but_o then_o that_o forecited_a passage_n of_o moses_n do_v in_o express_a word_n contradict_v this_o cavil_v of_o bellarmin_n for_o he_o tell_v the_o people_n that_o the_o commandment_n he_o give_v they_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o they_o whereas_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o obscure_o deliver_v to_o they_o by_o moses_n that_o upon_o their_o sincere_a and_o diligent_a enquiry_n they_o can_v not_o understand_v it_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o have_v be_v still_o hide_v from_o they_o how_o wise_a soever_o it_o may_v make_v they_o when_o they_o do_v understand_v it_o and_o to_o say_v that_o such_o a_o proposition_n will_v make_v i_o wise_a when_o i_o do_v understand_v it_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o that_o it_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o i_o if_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_o express_v as_o that_o upon_o my_o sincere_a enquiry_n i_o be_o not_o capable_a of_o understand_v it_o but_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n at_o least_o in_o all_o necessary_a matter_n be_v plain_a enough_o even_o to_o common_a capacity_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o frequent_a appeal_v our_o saviour_n make_v to_o it_o in_o he_o contest_v with_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n thus_o in_o the_o text_n he_o bid_v they_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o in_o other_o place_n what_o say_v the_o scripture_n and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v so_o and_o so_o now_o how_o impertinent_a will_v it_o have_v be_v for_o our_o saviour_n thus_o to_o appeal_v to_o it_o at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o people_n if_o he_o think_v it_o so_o obscure_a that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o understand_v it_o how_o trifle_a will_v it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o appeal_v to_o suarez'_v metaphysic_n in_o a_o controversy_n with_o a_o ploughman_n or_o to_o refer_v he_o to_o euclid_n element_n for_o the_o determine_v the_o bound_n and_o measure_n of_o a_o field_n and_o as_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v at_o least_o in_o all_o necessary_n plain_a and_o clear_a to_o the_o jew_n so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o to_o christian_n since_o it_o give_v the_o same_o testimony_n to_o itself_o of_o its_o own_o clearness_n as_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v for_o thus_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 2_o 3_o 4._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o do_v not_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v themselves_o to_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o suppose_v then_o that_o they_o write_v with_o the_o same_o plainness_n and_o clearness_n with_o which_o they_o speak_v which_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o then_o from_o these_o word_n it_o be_v evident_a first_o that_o they_o do_v neither_o in_o their_o preach_a nor_o write_n affect_v to_o discourse_v dubious_o or_o obscure_o but_o that_o their_o great_a design_n be_v so_o to_o manifest_v and_o make_v know_v the_o truth_n as_o that_o by_o their_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n they_o may_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o that_o hear_v or_o read_v they_o second_o that_o in_o fact_n they_o have_v in_o their_o sermon_n and_o write_n so_o clear_o teach_v the_o gospel_n that_o if_o after_o all_o it_o remain_v hide_v or_o obscure_a to_o any_o it_o be_v only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v lose_v and_o irrecoverable_a three_o that_o that_o which_o render_v the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v teach_v and_o write_v hide_a or_o obscure_a to_o such_o be_v not_o the_o obscurity_n either_o of_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o teach_v or_o of_o their_o manner_n of_o teach_v it_o but_o their_o own_o worldly_a affection_n which_o blind_v their_o eye_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o see_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v illustrious_o visible_a which_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a evidence_n of_o the_o clearness_n and_o plainness_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o all_o necessary_a thing_n for_o if_o they_o be_v clear_a to_o all_o but_o such_o as_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o they_o they_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o they_o need_v be_v to_o honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v clear_a enough_o to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o understand_v and_o according_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n be_v say_v to_o have_v appear_v or_o shine_v forth_o to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2._o 11._o now_o if_o the_o gospel_n do_v shine_v forth_o unto_o all_o man_n it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n of_o those_o that_o have_v preach_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o if_o they_o so_o preach_v it_o as_o that_o it_o shine_v forth_o to_o all_o man_n they_o must_v necessary_o have_v preach_v it_o very_o plain_o and_o clear_o either_o therefore_o it_o be_v write_v as_o it_o be_v preach_v or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v not_o write_v true_o and_o sincere_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v write_v very_o plain_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v and_o shine_v forth_o to_o all_o that_o read_v it_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o thing_n obscure_a both_o in_o the_o old_a scripture_n and_o new_a but_o then_o these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o necessary_n and_o essential_o of_o religion_n such_o thing_n as_o man_n may_v be_v safe_o ignorant_a of_o or_o be_v mistake_v about_o without_o any_o hazard_n of_o their_o eternal_a life_n for_o all_o that_o the_o forecited_n testimony_n prove_v be_v only_o this_o that_o that_o true_a religion_n by_o which_o god_n govern_v the_o faith_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v plain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v to_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o beside_o this_o all_o man_n agree_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n reveal_v in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o because_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o understand_v be_v many_o of_o they_o not_o so_o plain_o reveal_v as_o that_o all_o man_n may_v understand_v they_o but_o since_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v man_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o teach_v they_o most_o plain_o that_o which_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o that_o read_v it_o to_o be_v sure_a among_o these_o thing_n be_v contain_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v 2._o from_o the_o avow_a design_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a it_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a for_o thus_o concern_v the_o old_a testament_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v writtenafore_o time_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n rom._n 15._o 4._o and_o if_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o instruction_n to_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v so_o write_v as_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v we_o that_o be_v plain_o and_o clear_o especial_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o have_v most_o need_v to_o be_v instruct_v and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o new_a testament_n st._n luke_n tell_v his_o theophilus_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o writing_n his_o gospel_n be_v that_o he_o may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o
those_o thing_n that_o be_v sure_o believe_v among_o christian_n and_o wherein_o he_o himself_o have_v be_v instruct_v and_o if_o it_o be_v to_o assertain_v we_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o chrstianity_n that_o he_o write_v his_o gospel_n certain_o he_o will_v take_v care_n to_o write_v it_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o those_o that_o read_v it_o may_v understand_v it_o otherwise_o he_o must_v run_v counter_a to_o his_o own_o design_n thus_o also_o st._n john_n say_v that_o he_o write_v his_o gospel_n that_o man_n may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o how_o can_v his_o gospel_n induce_v man_n to_o believe_v this_o unless_o it_o be_v so_o write_v as_o that_o man_n may_v understand_v it_o and_o so_o also_o for_o his_o epistle_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o write_v they_o that_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o jesus_n may_v know_v that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o that_o they_o may_v believe_v or_o continue_v to_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v his_o end_n to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v take_v care_n to_o write_v so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v understand_v otherwise_o how_o can_v they_o know_v by_o his_o write_n that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n or_o be_v move_v thereby_o to_o continue_v to_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v create_v in_o man_n either_o knowledge_n or_o faith_n but_o what_o they_o understand_v see_v therefore_o the_o great_a end_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o instruct_v the_o world_n in_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n either_o we_o must_v say_v that_o both_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o inspire_v they_o be_v defective_a in_o skill_n or_o in_o care_n so_o to_o write_v as_o to_o obtain_v this_o end_n or_o that_o their_o write_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v unless_o they_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a as_o to_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n in_o short_a every_o wise_a agent_n pursue_v his_o end_n by_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o to_o write_v plain_o or_o obscure_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a mean_n to_o instruct_v man_n by_o write_v if_o to_o write_v plain_o then_o either_o the_o apostle_n write_v so_o or_o they_o be_v not_o wise_a agent_n since_o to_o instruct_v be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o their_o write_n the_o most_o natural_a way_n of_o convey_v to_o man_n mind_n the_o notice_n of_o thing_n be_v by_o word_n either_o speak_v or_o write_v and_o see_v whatsoever_o can_v be_v speak_v in_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a word_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o word_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o those_o word_n will_v be_v as_o intelligible_a when_o they_o be_v write_v as_o when_o they_o be_v speak_v for_o why_o shall_v the_o same_o word_n be_v more_o obscure_a when_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o our_o eye_n than_o when_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o our_o ear_n see_v then_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v as_o plain_o convey_v by_o word_n write_v as_o by_o word_n speak_v and_o see_v that_o even_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o plainness_n of_o scripture_n do_v yet_o allow_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o may_v be_v plain_o convey_v by_o word_n speak_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n oral_a tradition_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o plain_a it_o can_v be_v resolve_v into_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o this_o that_o god_n will_v not_o have_v it_o so_o for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o can_v have_v speak_v as_o plain_o as_o man_n and_o have_v write_v as_o plain_o as_o he_o speak_v and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o it_o be_v because_o he_o will_v not_o but_o to_o say_v that_o he_o will_v not_o write_v those_o thing_n plain_o which_o he_o think_v necessary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o know_v and_o which_o he_o write_v on_o purpose_n that_o all_o man_n may_v know_v be_v to_o say_v that_o he_o will_v and_o will_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o that_o he_o write_v they_o on_o purpose_n that_o man_n may_v know_v they_o and_o yet_o that_o he_o write_v so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o know_v they_o 3._o from_o the_o frequent_a command_v god_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o in_o all_o necessary_a thing_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o will_v and_o require_v we_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v show_v at_o large_a hereafter_o when_o i_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o search_v the_o scripture_n suppose_v therefore_o at_o present_a the_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a i_o will_v fain_o know_v to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v god_n require_v we_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n if_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n to_o know_v and_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a do_v god_n require_v we_o to_o read_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o read_v it_o or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o understand_v it_o if_o the_o former_a read_v any_o other_o book_n may_v as_o well_o have_v answer_v god_n end_n as_o read_v the_o scripture_n because_o read_v be_v read_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o we_o read_v if_o the_o late_a then_o either_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a as_o to_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v we_o to_o understand_v or_o he_o require_v we_o to_o read_v it_o in_o vain_a for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v we_o read_v that_o we_o may_v understand_v if_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o read_v be_v not_o plain_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o berean_o act_n 17._o 11._o be_v high_o commend_v for_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v be_v this_o a_o virtue_n in_o they_o or_o be_v it_o not_o if_o not_o why_o be_v they_o commend_v for_o it_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v certain_o their_o duty_n what_o be_v the_o intendment_n of_o it_o be_v it_o only_o that_o they_o may_v be_v expert_a reader_n why_o be_v they_o so_o commend_v for_o read_v the_o scripture_n above_o any_o other_o book_n see_v that_o read_v any_o other_o book_n will_v have_v do_v as_o well_o for_o that_o purpose_n as_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o the_o text_n itself_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o intendment_n of_o their_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v that_o they_o may_v know_v whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o no_o which_o st._n paul_n have_v preach_v to_o they_o but_o how_o shall_v they_o know_v this_o by_o read_v the_o scripture_n if_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o read_v be_v not_o plain_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o again_o st._n paul_n give_v this_o as_o a_o great_a commendation_n of_o his_o son_n timothy_n that_o from_o a_o child_n he_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n whence_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o reproach_n to_o our_o church_n as_o the_o romanist_n intend_v it_o for_o that_o we_o permit_v woman_n and_o child_n tinker_n and_o cobbler_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o i_o pray_v what_o be_v the_o mean_v of_o timothy_n know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o a_o child_n be_v it_o that_o he_o know_v the_o word_n of_o it_o only_o or_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o also_o if_o the_o former_a a_o parrot_n may_v be_v teach_v as_o much_o as_o timothy_n have_v learn_v and_o consequent_o deserve_v as_o high_a a_o commendation_n as_o he_o if_o the_o late_a than_o it_o seem_v the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a enough_o for_o a_o well-disposed_a child_n to_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o so_o far_o forth_o at_o least_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o we_o desire_v if_o therefore_o god_n require_v we_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n as_o timothy_n do_v to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v know_v and_o understand_v it_o as_o he_o do_v then_o either_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o by_o read_v it_o or_o else_o god_n require_v we_o to_o read_v it_o in_o vain_a 4._o and_o last_o from_o the_o obligation_n we_o lie_v under_o upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v and_o receive_v those_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n contain_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o as_o to_o all_o those_o necessary_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n all_o that_o the_o scripture_n propose_v as_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n but_o how_o can_v man_n be_v just_o oblige_v
viz._n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o rely_v upon_o scripture_n even_o for_o those_o article_n without_o believe_v of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v be_v it_o clear_a and_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o the_o present_a catholic_n church_n of_o every_o age_n have_v authority_n to_o define_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o in_o all_o its_o definition_n it_o be_v infallible_a and_o that_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v this_o catholic_n church_n if_o so_o how_o come_v those_o text_n upon_o which_o those_o article_n be_v found_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o quite_o different_a sense_n not_o only_o by_o we_o but_o by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o primitive_a father_n as_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o protestant_a writer_n suppose_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o blind_v by_o our_o partiality_n to_o our_o own_o tenet_n as_o to_o misapprehend_v plain_a and_o clear_a expression_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a methinks_v that_o the_o father_n who_o be_v never_o engage_v in_o the_o controversy_n and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v biased_a either_o one_o way_n or_o tother_o shall_v yet_o misapprehend_v they_o too_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o say_v that_o let_v man_n be_v never_o so_o indifferent_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v easy_o mistake_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o very_a plain_a and_o clear_a expression_n and_o if_o so_o what_o signify_v either_o speak_v or_o write_v but_o to_o proceed_v to_o some_o instance_n will_v any_o modest_a man_n in_o the_o world_n affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n infallibility_n in_o define_v article_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n be_v more_o plain_o express_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n than_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o first_o chaper_fw-fr of_o st._n john_n gospel_n where_o it_o be_v express_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v god_n whereas_o in_o the_o other_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n either_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o of_o infallibility_n or_o define_v article_n of_o faith_n why_o may_v we_o not_o then_o as_o well_o depend_v upon_o the_o one_o text_n for_o the_o article_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n as_o upon_o the_o other_o for_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n infallibility_n again_o be_v there_o not_o innumerable_a text_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o article_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a the_o last_o judgement_n and_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v at_o least_o as_o plain_o express_v as_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n infallibility_n be_v in_o any_o of_o those_o text_n that_o be_v urge_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o late_a upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n notwithstanding_o the_o pretend_a obscurity_n of_o it_o why_o may_v we_o not_o as_o well_o upon_o the_o same_o authority_n believe_v all_o the_o former_a since_o the_o former_a be_v at_o least_o as_o plain_o express_v as_o the_o late_a either_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a enough_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o to_o this_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n infallibility_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o our_o dependence_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o her_o definition_n and_o proposal_n if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v plain_a enough_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o in_o all_o other_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n since_o these_o be_v all_o as_o plain_o at_o least_o express_v in_o scripture_n as_o that_o for_o if_o we_o may_v not_o rely_v upon_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a then_o where_o it_o be_v equal_o plain_a it_o be_v equal_o to_o be_v rely_v on_o 3._o that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o rely_v upon_o this_o church_n authority_n we_o be_v expose_v to_o far_o great_a uncertainty_n than_o while_o we_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o be_v of_o all_o side_n agree_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v infallible_a and_o that_o such_o and_o such_o write_n be_v part_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o be_v absolute_o secure_a that_o if_o we_o follow_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o it_o can_v mislead_v we_o but_o the_o much_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n deny_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v infallible_a even_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o own_v the_o authority_n we_o rely_v on_o to_o be_v infallible_a but_o all_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o beside_o those_o of_o she_o own_o communion_n disallow_v she_o to_o be_v so_o and_o to_o forsake_v our_o dependence_n upon_o a_o infallibility_n which_o all_o own_o to_o rely_v upon_o a_o infallibility_n which_o but_o few_o in_o comparison_n admit_v be_v certain_o a_o very_a dangerous_a venture_n and_o then_o second_o as_o for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v certain_a where_o to_o find_v it_o viz._n in_o every_o text_n and_o in_o every_o proposition_n therein_o contain_v which_o be_v all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v all_o infallible_a but_o as_o for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o they_o have_v handle_v the_o matter_n it_o be_v almost_o as_o difficult_a to_o find_v as_o to_o prove_v it_o some_o cry_n lo_o it_o be_v here_o and_o some_o lo_o it_o be_v there_o some_o place_n it_o in_o the_o pope_n only_o other_o in_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o college_n of_o cardinal_n some_o in_o the_o pope_n preside_v in_o a_o general_n council_n other_o in_o a_o general_n council_n whether_o the_o pope_n preside_v in_o it_o or_o no._n so_o that_o in_o this_o church_n it_o seem_v there_o be_v infallibility_n somewhere_o but_o what_o be_v we_o the_o better_a for_o it_o if_o we_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v it_o if_o we_o go_v to_o the_o pope_n for_o it_o there_o have_v be_v two_o or_o three_o pope_n at_o once_o that_o have_v decree_v against_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o one_o or_o tother_o of_o they_o to_o be_v sure_o be_v mistake_v how_o then_o shall_v we_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a infallible_a one_o and_o when_o i_o have_v find_v the_o true_a pope_n other_o tell_v i_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o arrive_v at_o the_o seat_n of_o infallibility_n until_o i_o have_v find_v he_o in_o his_o college_n of_o cardinal_n and_o when_o i_o have_v find_v he_o here_o i_o be_o still_o to_o seek_v see_v i_o find_v the_o same_o pope_n eugenius_n the_o four_o for_o instance_n decree_a one_o thing_n in_o his_o college_n of_o cardinal_n and_o the_o quite_o contrary_a in_o a_o general_a council_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v not_o be_v infallible_a in_o both_o therefore_o other_o send_v i_o to_o the_o pope_n in_o a_o general_n council_n but_o when_o i_o come_v thither_o i_o find_v myself_o at_o a_o loss_n again_o because_o i_o meet_v with_o several_a instance_n of_o one_o pope_n define_v one_o thing_n in_o one_o general_n council_n and_o another_o pope_n the_o quite_o contrary_a in_o another_o and_o therefore_o in_o one_o or_o other_o council_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o one_o or_o other_o pope_n be_v mistake_v and_o as_o for_o general_a council_n themselves_o there_o be_v sundry_a of_o they_o which_o be_v own_v by_o some_o and_o reject_v by_o other_o of_o the_o principal_a doctor_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n and_o even_o when_o council_n be_v legal_o assemble_v there_o be_v so_o many_o nice_a dispute_n among_o they_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v they_o general_n and_o when_o it_o be_v that_o they_o act_n conciliariter_fw-la as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o be_v so_o as_o to_o render_v their_o decree_n perpetual_o and_o universal_o oblige_v that_o though_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o church_n yet_o if_o we_o will_v use_v that_o caution_n in_o believe_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o involve_v in_o great_a uncertainty_n concern_v these_o thing_n than_o we_o be_v concern_v the_o sense_n even_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n but_o than_o three_o when_o we_o be_v pass_v over_o all_o these_o difficulty_n we_o be_v still_o at_o as_o great_a a_o loss_n to_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o as_o what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o deliver_v her_o sense_n to_o we_o but_o either_o by_o oral_a tradition_n that_o be_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o by_o write_v if_o she_o deliver_v her_o sense_n to_o i_o by_o
oral_a tradition_n how_o can_v i_o know_v what_o that_o be_v who_o never_o hear_v she_o speak_v either_o in_o its_o diffuse_a body_n or_o in_o a_o general_n council_n or_o in_o any_o other_o representative_a unless_o it_o be_v that_o of_o my_o own_o parish-priest_n perhaps_o who_o for_o all_o i_o know_v may_v be_v ignorant_a or_o heretical_a and_o so_o either_o not_o understand_v himself_o the_o church_n oral_a tradition_n or_o wilful_o pervert_v it_o to_o a_o contrary_n mean_v and_o if_o the_o church_n deliver_v her_o sense_n to_o i_o by_o write_v as_o she_o have_v do_v in_o the_o write_a decree_n of_o her_o general_a council_n must_v i_o read_v over_o all_o her_o decree_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v that_o who_o understand_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o language_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v or_o suppose_v they_o be_v translate_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o they_o be_v faithful_o render_v any_o more_o than_o i_o do_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o but_o suppose_v i_o be_v certain_a of_o this_o and_o shall_v thereupon_o proceed_v to_o read_v they_o alas_o i_o find_v in_o they_o a_o great_a many_o difficult_a and_o dubious_a expression_n yea_o and_o at_o least_o seem_a contradiction_n to_o each_o other_o how_o then_o can_v i_o be_v more_o certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o these_o write_n then_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o write_n of_o scripture_n but_o you_o will_v say_v the_o church_n have_v digest_v her_o sense_n of_o all_o her_o article_n of_o faith_n into_o a_o plain_a creed_n and_o catechism_n viz._n that_o of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n whereby_o the_o plain_a reader_n may_v without_o any_o laborious_a inquiry_n be_v ready_o instruct_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o believe_v this_o i_o confess_v be_v something_o but_o as_o for_o those_o article_n of_o faith_n wherein_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v agree_v we_o find_v they_o as_o plain_o express_v in_o scripture_n as_o in_o that_o creed_n and_o catechism_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o if_o those_o article_n wherein_o we_o disagree_v have_v ever_o be_v intend_v for_o article_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v have_v be_v as_o plain_o express_v there_o as_o these_o but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v they_o plain_o express_v there_o when_o we_o can_v find_v they_o express_v there_o at_o all_o but_o do_v we_o not_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n even_o in_o the_o plain_a expression_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n have_v yet_o be_v pervert_v by_o heretic_n into_o a_o contrary_n mean_v and_o what_o then_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o council_n as_o liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v into_o a_o contrary_n mean_v as_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n for_o do_v not_o the_o roman_a doctor_n differ_v as_o much_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o council_n as_o we_o do_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o scripture_n yea_o and_o have_v we_o not_o a_o notorious_a instance_n of_o it_o at_o this_o very_a day_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a than_o belarmine_n exposition_n of_o the_o trent_n faith_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o condom_n and_o yet_o both_o allow_v by_o the_o pope_n who_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o council_n be_v make_v sole_a arbitrator_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o than_o four_o and_o last_o as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n our_o reliance_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n leave_v we_o at_o as_o great_a a_o uncertainty_n as_o it_o find_v we_o for_o where_o the_o scripture_n design_n to_o speak_v plain_o as_o it_o do_v in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o church_n can_v speak_v plain_a and_o therefore_o there_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n as_o well_o without_o the_o church_n as_o with_o it_o but_o where_o it_o do_v not_o speak_v plain_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v leave_v we_o no_o infallible_a commentary_n whereby_o to_o understand_v it_o so_o that_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a she_o have_v not_o make_v it_o plain_o and_o where_o it_o be_v obscure_a she_o have_v leave_v it_o as_o obscure_a as_o ever_o so_o that_o after_o all_o the_o noise_n that_o be_v make_v of_o infallibility_n her_o doctor_n be_v fain_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o method_n of_o understanding_n scripture_n that_o be_v to_o consult_v the_o sense_n of_o antiquity_n and_o compare_v text_n with_o text_n and_o the_o like_a that_o we_o fallible_a protestant_n do_v and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o be_v as_o liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v as_o we_o nay_o they_o themselves_o confess_v that_o even_o general_a council_n themselves_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o their_o application_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v that_o they_o may_v misapply_v they_o to_o wrong_v purpose_n which_o they_o can_v do_v without_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o of_o which_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o notorious_a instance_n in_o the_o second_o council_n of_o nice_a which_o to_o prove_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o worship_v image_n urge_v god_n take_v clay_n and_o make_v man_n after_o his_o own_o image_n and_o likewise_o that_o of_o isaiah_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o sign_n and_o testimony_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o also_o those_o passage_n of_o david_n confession_n and_o beauty_n be_v before_o he_o lord_n i_o have_v love_v the_o beauty_n of_o thy_o house_n o_o lord_n my_o face_n have_v seek_v for_o thou_o o_o lord_n i_o will_v seek_v after_o thy_o countenance_n o_o lord_n the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n be_v seal_v over_o we_o and_o from_o that_o passage_n as_o we_o have_v see_v so_o have_v we_o hear_v they_o argue_v that_o there_o must_v be_v image_n to_o look_v on_o and_o because_o it_o be_v say_v god_n be_v marvellous_a in_o his_o saint_n they_o conclude_v that_o the_o church_n must_v be_v deck_v with_o picture_n and_o from_o no_o man_n light_v a_o candle_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n they_o wise_o infer_v that_o image_n must_v be_v set_v upon_o the_o altar_n all_o which_o be_v as_o remote_a from_o their_o sense_n as_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n what_o great_a certainty_n have_v they_o with_o their_o infallibility_n than_o we_o without_o it_o we_o can_v know_v as_o well_o the_o sense_n of_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n as_o of_o plain_a text_n of_o council_n or_o creed_n or_o catechism_n and_o we_o can_v as_o easy_o pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v not_o plain_a even_o general_a council_n you_o see_v for_o all_o their_o infallibility_n may_v be_v mistake_v about_o they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o so_o that_o when_o all_o come_v to_o all_o by_o forsake_v the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o scripture_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o that_o church_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o arrive_v at_o a_o great_a certainty_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o be_v involve_v in_o great_a uncertainty_n than_o ever_o but_o then_o 4._o and_o last_o in_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v leave_v to_o no_o other_o uncertainty_n than_o just_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v our_o faith_n virtuous_a and_o rewardable_a whereas_o by_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n suppose_v it_o be_v as_o sure_a a_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v pretend_v our_o faith_n will_v have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o virtue_n in_o it_o it_o be_v pretend_v though_o false_o you_o see_v that_o that_o church_n authority_n be_v so_o sure_a a_o ground_n of_o faith_n that_o while_o a_o man_n depend_v upon_o it_o he_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o any_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o in_o reality_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o while_o a_o man_n believe_v as_o that_o church_n believe_v which_o infallible_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n he_o infallible_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o true_a that_o while_o a_o man_n believe_v as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v which_o infallible_o teach_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n he_o infallible_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o be_v both_o be_v equal_o false_a for_o no_o man_n can_v infallible_o believe_v either_o the_o church_n or_o scripture_n because_o infallibility_n exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o humane_a nature_n no_o man_n can_v so_o believe_v either_o but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v mistake_v and_o if_o he_o may_v be_v mistake_v its_o possible_a he_o may_v not_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n whether_o he_o ground_n his_o faith_n upon_o the_o church_n or_o the_o scripture_n but_o because_o this_o church_n pretend_v so_o to_o secure_v my_o faith_n while_o i_o
depend_v upon_o her_o authority_n as_o that_o i_o can_v be_v mistake_v for_o this_o very_a reason_n i_o can_v depend_v upon_o it_o because_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o this_o that_o god_n never_o design_v for_o i_o any_o such_o mean_n of_o believe_v as_o shall_v render_v my_o faith_n infallible_a for_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v he_o require_v i_o to_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o care_n to_o secure_v my_o faith_n from_o error_n if_o he_o have_v furnish_v i_o with_o any_o certain_a mean_n of_o be_v infallible_a it_o will_v be_v but_o apply_v that_o mean_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o my_o danger_n will_v be_v immediate_o over_o and_o then_o i_o need_v trouble_v my_o head_n no_o further_o be_v now_o so_o secure_v as_o that_o i_o can_v be_v mistake_v after_o which_o it_o will_v be_v very_o impertinent_a methinks_v for_o god_n to_o trouble_v i_o with_o those_o unnecessary_a injunction_n of_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a of_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o take_v heed_n whilst_o i_o stand_v lest_o i_o fall_v what_o need_v a_o man_n be_v at_o the_o expense_n of_o all_o this_o labour_n and_o caution_n who_o faith_n be_v already_o secure_v see_v therefore_o god_n require_v these_o thing_n at_o our_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o he_o never_o intend_v we_o any_o method_n how_o to_o be_v infallible_a in_o believe_v and_o therefore_o since_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n authority_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v such_o a_o method_n for_o that_o reason_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v reject_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o god_n intend_v that_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v a_o grace_n and_o a_o virtue_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o act_n of_o our_o will_n as_o well_o as_o of_o our_o understanding_n which_o suppose_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o not_o to_o be_v irresistible_a for_o what_o virtue_n be_v it_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v when_o it_o glare_v full_a in_o our_o eye_n since_o therefore_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a assent_n upon_o such_o motive_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o honest_a mind_n but_o not_o to_o compel_v either_o a_o obstinate_a infidel_n or_o self-deceived_n hypocrite_n god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a so_o to_o secure_v our_o faith_n as_o to_o leave_v it_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o err_v damnable_o and_o indeed_o if_o he_o have_v it_o will_v have_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o we_o to_o believe_v saving_o for_o what_o virtue_n be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o not_o to_o do_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o can_v err_v damnable_o in_o our_o faith_n without_o some_o damnable_a fault_n in_o our_o will_n but_o if_o we_o either_o refuse_v to_o inquire_v into_o this_o revelation_n for_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v or_o will_v only_o inquire_v into_o it_o with_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v bias_v with_o wicked_a and_o sinful_a prejudices_fw-la or_o will_v not_o submit_v our_o understanding_n to_o it_o upon_o the_o clear_a conviction_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o we_o may_v be_v ignorant_a and_o we_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o it_o be_v but_o just_a and_o fit_a that_o we_o shall_v and_o if_o notwithstanding_o these_o fault_n we_o can_v not_o err_v for_o god_n sake_n what_o virtue_n will_v it_o be_v to_o be_v orthodox_n but_o if_o with_o honest_a humble_a and_o teachable_a mind_n we_o will_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o divine_a revelation_n we_o shall_v there_o find_v all_o the_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n so_o clear_o and_o plain_o propose_v to_o we_o that_o it_o will_v be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o we_o either_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o deceive_v about_o they_o so_o that_o by_o rely_v on_o scripture_n you_o see_v we_o be_v expose_v to_o no_o other_o uncertainty_n than_o just_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v our_o faith_n a_o virtue_n and_o god_n do_v as_o much_o require_v that_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v virtuous_a as_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v orthodox_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o honest_a humble_a diligent_a and_o teachable_a mind_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v extend_v to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n now_o our_o faith_n may_v be_v orthodox_n without_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n but_o it_o can_v be_v virtuous_a and_o rewardable_a with_o it_o to_o what_o purpose_n then_o do_v the_o romanist_n talk_v of_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n in_o believe_v be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v more_o certainty_n than_o god_n ever_o intend_v to_o give_v he_o have_v give_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o honest_a mind_n and_o no_o more_o and_o whether_o knave_n and_o hypocrite_n believe_v right_a or_o wrong_n be_v of_o no_o great_a concernment_n if_o therefore_o our_o faith_n be_v liable_a to_o no_o other_o uncertainty_n than_o just_a what_o be_v necessary_a to_o try_v our_o honesty_n that_o be_v much_o better_a for_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o our_o faith_n than_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n suppose_v therefore_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v as_o infallible_a as_o it_o pretend_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o infallible_a as_o that_o but_o whether_o we_o rely_v upon_o one_o or_o tother_o we_o be_v fallible_a still_o and_o can_v that_o church_n render_v we_o as_o infallible_o certain_a as_o it_o pretend_v it_o will_v thereby_o preserve_v indeed_o the_o orthodoxy_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o then_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o will_v destroy_v the_o virtue_n of_o it_o for_o to_o believe_v right_a when_o we_o can_v believe_v wrong_a be_v fatal_a and_o necessary_a but_o to_o believe_v right_a when_o through_o our_o own_o default_n we_o may_v believe_v wrong_a this_o be_v virtuous_a and_o rewardable_a by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v therefore_o i_o think_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o rely_v and_o not_o upon_o the_o church_n especial_o upon_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o since_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v these_o thing_n upon_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v be_v plain_a and_o clear_a and_o scripture_n otherwise_o we_o can_v not_o be_v just_o so_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o great_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o that_o as_o such_o it_o be_v both_o full_a and_o clear_a as_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o propose_v they_o so_o plain_o and_o clear_o as_o that_o upon_o a_o honest_a and_o diligent_a enquiry_n all_o man_n may_v find_v and_o discover_v they_o a_o second_o discourse_n upon_o john_n v._n 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n whether_o these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v render_v indicative_o you_o do_v search_v the_o scripture_n as_o some_o will_v have_v they_o or_o imperative_o search_v the_o scripture_n as_o our_o translation_n render_v they_o amount_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o render_v they_o indicative_o you_o do_v search_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v speak_v with_o approbation_n you_o do_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o you_o do_v very_o well_o in_o so_o do_v for_o thus_o we_o find_v the_o berean_o commend_v for_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o timothy_n for_o know_v they_o from_o a_o child_n and_o if_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o commendable_a practice_n then_o to_o be_v sure_a our_o saviour_n here_o mention_n it_o at_o least_o with_o approbation_n and_o what_o he_o approve_v when_o do_v that_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v have_v we_o do_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o command_n or_o of_o a_o bare_a assertion_n it_o be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o command_n it_o be_v at_o least_o a_o assertion_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o he_o approve_v and_o consequent_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o practise_v but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o numerous_a party_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o do_v not_o only_o forbid_v the_o people_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n but_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o practice_n of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n it_o be_v hereby_o become_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o assert_v but_o prove_v their_o obligation_n to_o it_o which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v very_o needless_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a and_o evident_a in_o itself_o now_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o search_n and_o read_v the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v as_o
direct_v they_o to_o man_n neither_o priest_n nor_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o read_v they_o and_o therefore_o see_v the_o great_a reason_n why_o any_o man_n ought_v to_o read_v they_o be_v because_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o man_n this_o reason_n oblige_v all_o man_n to_o read_v they_o because_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o all_o men._n for_o not_o to_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n write_v to_o we_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o have_v a_o very_a mean_a regard_n both_o of_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n but_o to_o be_v sure_o whosoever_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o know_v what_o such_o a_o write_n contain_v will_n if_o he_o can_v be_v very_o curious_a to_o peruse_v it_o with_o his_o own_o eye_n at_o least_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o give_v that_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n as_o the_o information_n of_o his_o own_o sense_n so_o that_o for_o man_n wilful_o to_o neglect_v read_v the_o scripture_n which_o god_n have_v so_o express_o direct_v to_o they_o and_o thereby_o not_o only_o license_v but_o oblige_v they_o to_o read_v it_o argue_v a_o very_a profane_a disregard_n both_o of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o matter_n it_o contain_v and_o for_o any_o man_n or_o society_n of_o man_n to_o forbid_v the_o people_n to_o read_v what_o god_n have_v write_v and_o direct_v to_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o a_o right_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o but_o also_o to_o acquit_v they_o of_o a_o duty_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v upon_o they_o for_o st._n paul_n in_o those_o epistle_n which_o he_o write_v to_o the_o christian_a people_n in_o general_n of_o such_o and_o such_o church_n still_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o will_v read_v they_o as_o be_v not_o only_o warrant_v but_o oblige_v thereunto_o by_o his_o write_v they_o for_o so_o ephes._n 3._o 3_o 4._o speak_v of_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o call_n the_o gentile_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o he_o concern_v which_o say_v he_o i_o write_v afore_o in_o few_o word_n whereby_o when_o you_o read_v you_o may_v understand_v my_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ._n so_o also_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 13._o we_o write_v no_o other_o thing_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o you_o read_v that_o be_v than_o what_o you_o may_v at_o least_o and_o be_v oblige_v to_o read_v by_o virtue_n of_o our_o write_v they_o to_o you_o and_o as_o for_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n which_o he_o write_v to_o that_o whole_a church_n he_o give_v charge_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v to_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n 1_o thes._n 5._o 27._o so_o also_o for_o that_o of_o the_o colossians_n when_o this_o epistle_n be_v or_o have_v be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o be_v read_v also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n where_o you_o see_v he_o all_o along_o either_o suppose_n or_o require_v that_o what_o he_o write_v to_o all_o shall_v be_v read_v by_o all_o and_o to_o all_o if_o therefore_o this_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v sufficient_a to_o over-rule_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o pretend_a successor_n of_o st._n peter_n then_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v still_o the_o duty_n of_o layman_n notwithstanding_o any_o papal_a prohibition_n to_o the_o contrary_n 5._o from_o the_o great_a concernment_n the_o people_n have_v in_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v oblige_v if_o they_o be_v able_a to_o read_v it_o and_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o it_o for_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n which_o the_o scripture_n contain_v they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o everlasting_a moment_n to_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o clergy_n the_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o people_n as_o by_o the_o clergy_n the_o precept_n of_o life_n which_o the_o scripture_n prescribe_v be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o people_n as_o by_o the_o clergy_n the_o promise_n and_o threat_n with_o which_o the_o scripture_n enforce_v those_o precept_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v by_o the_o people_n as_o by_o the_o clergy_n and_o see_v both_o be_v equal_o concern_v in_o the_o great_a matter_n which_o the_o scripture_n contain_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o both_o shall_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o they_o i_o know_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o study_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o for_o themselves_o and_o that_o therefore_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o trust_n from_o their_o teacher_n without_o make_v any_o far_a enquiry_n but_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v you_o sure_a that_o your_o teacher_n be_v infallible_a that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o be_v most_o certain_a it_o be_v notorious_a that_o most_o of_o the_o prevail_a heresy_n of_o christendom_n be_v first_o set_v on_o broach_n by_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v infallible_a who_o have_v so_o often_o actual_o err_v even_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n suppose_v then_o what_o be_v fair_o supposable_a that_o your_o teacher_n shall_v mislead_v you_o and_o not_o only_o into_o dangerous_a but_o damnable_a error_n be_v you_o sure_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v damn_v for_o you_o and_o that_o you_o shall_v escape_v if_o so_o then_o heresy_n in_o the_o laity_n can_v never_o be_v damnable_a if_o they_o receive_v it_o upon_o trust_n from_o their_o teacher_n and_o consequent_o their_o soul_n be_v as_o safe_a under_o the_o conduct_n of_o false_a teacher_n as_o true_a provide_v always_o that_o right_a or_o wrong_n they_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o but_o if_o yourselves_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n as_o well_o for_o your_o faith_n as_o for_o your_o manner_n and_o be_v liable_a in_o your_o own_o person_n to_o eternal_a damnation_n as_o most_o certain_o you_o be_v as_o well_o for_o heresy_n as_o immorality_n than_o it_o be_v the_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o you_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v your_o teacher_n upon_o trust_n for_o at_o this_o rate_n a_o man_n may_v be_v eternal_o damn_v mere_o for_o believe_v what_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o particular_a pastor_n teach_v but_o what_o the_o church_n teach_v they_o and_o the_o church_n can_v err_v though_o their_o particular_a pastor_n may_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o shall_v the_o people_n be_v otherwise_o inform_v what_o the_o church_n teach_v they_o than_o by_o the_o exposition_n of_o their_o particular_a pastor_n they_o be_v at_o least_o as_o incapable_a of_o inform_v themselves_o what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v and_o therefore_o if_o their_o pastor_n shall_v err_v damnable_o in_o expound_v to_o they_o what_o the_o church_n teach_v as_o it_o be_v supposable_a he_o may_v if_o he_o be_v not_o infallible_a there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o they_o must_v err_v damnable_o in_o believe_v whatsoever_o their_o pastor_n teach_v but_o we_o be_v far_o tell_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o people_n that_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o gross_a that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n teach_v be_v true_a and_o that_o as_o for_o the_o particular_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v inform_v about_o they_o because_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o the_o church_n teach_v be_v true_a implicit_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a see_v the_o church_n teach_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a but_o the_o mischief_n of_o it_o be_v that_o this_o compendious_a way_n of_o belief_n be_v utter_o insignificant_a and_o do_v no_o way_n comport_v with_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n for_o god_n do_v not_o require_v our_o faith_n mere_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o in_o order_n to_o a_o far_a end_n that_o it_o may_v purify_v our_o heart_n and_o influence_n our_o life_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v that_o the_o matter_n which_o we_o believe_v might_n by_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o affect_v our_o will_n and_o continual_o move_v and_o persuade_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o if_o our_o
use_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o case_n so_o plain_a that_o they_o who_o of_o late_a age_n have_v think_v meet_a to_o repeal_v this_o allowance_n have_v never_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v so_o much_o as_o one_o probable_a colour_n of_o primitive_a authority_n to_o warrant_v their_o practice_n and_o though_o in_o other_o point_n they_o not_o only_o claim_v but_o ravish_v antiquity_n in_o despite_n of_o modesty_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n yet_o here_o they_o be_v so_o abandon_v of_o all_o pretence_n to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o produce_v so_o much_o as_o one_o passage_n of_o any_o primitive_a father_n that_o seem_v to_o discourage_v the_o people_n from_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o much_o less_o that_o forbid_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o it_o be_v notorious_a to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n when_o the_o latin_a be_v the_o vulgar_a language_n of_o the_o roman_n the_o bible_n be_v translate_v into_o that_o language_n for_o the_o use_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n but_o when_o through_o the_o many_o incursion_n of_o the_o barbarous_a nation_n into_o the_o roman_a empire_n this_o language_n be_v wear_v out_o by_o degree_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v the_o vulgar_a become_v a_o unknown_a tongue_n to_o that_o people_n the_o governor_n of_o that_o church_n have_v to_o serve_v their_o own_o secular_a end_n introduce_v into_o it_o sundry_a corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o they_o fear_v the_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v detect_v to_o the_o people_n they_o think_v it_o most_o advisable_v not_o to_o translate_v it_o into_o the_o new_a vulgar_a but_o to_o let_v it_o remain_v lock_v up_o from_o their_o cognizance_n in_o the_o old_a latin_a which_o by_o this_o time_n very_o few_o except_o the_o clergy_n understand_v and_o when_o for_o some_o time_n it_o have_v lie_v hide_v from_o they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n they_o proceed_v at_o last_o whole_o to_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o the_o laity_n so_o that_o about_o the_o nine_o and_o ten_o age_n which_o all_o agree_n be_v overcast_v with_o gross_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n the_o scripture_n be_v shut_v up_o like_o the_o sybilline_a oracle_n in_o the_o capitol_n and_o none_o but_o the_o priest_n be_v allow_v to_o read_v and_o consult_v they_o and_o though_o upon_o the_o commencement_n of_o the_o reformation_n the_o bible_n be_v for_o some_o time_n set_v forth_o again_o in_o sundry_a vulgar_a language_n among_o the_o people_n yet_o do_v the_o guide_n of_o that_o church_n soon_o find_v it_o necessary_a for_o defence_n of_o their_o own_o vnscriptural_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n to_o remit_v it_o to_o its_o old_a confinement_n for_o first_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o the_o four_o rule_n of_o their_o index_n expurgatorius_fw-la forbid_v the_o laity_n to_o read_v or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o have_v the_o bible_n in_o the_o vulgar_a language_n though_o translate_v by_o those_o of_o their_o own_o church_n without_o a_o licence_n in_o write_v from_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n or_o the_o inquisitor_n and_o this_o upon_o pain_n of_o not_o receive_v absolution_n of_o their_o sin_n unless_o they_o deliver_v up_o those_o their_o bibles_n to_o their_o ordinary_n to_o which_o rule_n pope_n clement_n the_o eight_o afterward_o add_v this_o observation_n that_o hitherto_o by_o the_o command_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a roman_a and_o universal_a inquisition_n the_o faculty_n of_o grant_v such_o licence_n for_o read_v or_o keep_v bibles_n in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n or_o any_o summary_n or_o historical_a compendium_n of_o the_o say_v bibles_n be_v take_v away_o which_o be_v to_o be_v inviolable_o observe_v and_o in_o the_o index_n of_o prohibit_v book_n publish_v by_o pope_n alexander_n the_o seven_o not_o only_o those_o bibles_n that_o be_v translate_v and_o print_v by_o heretic_n but_o also_o all_o bibles_n in_o any_o vulgar_a tongue_n be_v absolute_o forbid_v and_o though_o where_o the_o reformation_n have_v prevail_v they_o be_v force_v against_o their_o own_o law_n more_o free_o to_o indulge_v the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o their_o people_n yet_o in_o those_o country_n where_o they_o be_v sole_a master_n this_o privilege_n be_v very_o rare_o grant_v and_o now_o be_v thus_o necessitate_v to_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n lest_o they_o shall_v thereby_o discover_v their_o error_n and_o corruption_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o invent_v some_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o justify_v a_o practice_n so_o contrary_a both_o to_o scripture_n and_o primitive_a antiquity_n and_o so_o enormous_o derogatory_n to_o the_o common_a right_n of_o christian_n and_o when_o it_o must_v be_v do_v it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n if_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n can_v find_v something_o to_o say_v for_o any_o thing_n now_o the_o two_o main_a pretence_n that_o be_v urge_v in_o this_o case_n be_v first_o that_o a_o general_a permission_n of_o the_o use_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n must_v necessary_o open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o error_n and_o heresy_n second_o that_o it_o will_v prove_v a_o unavoidable_a occasion_n of_o great_a corruption_n in_o manner_n 1._o that_o a_o general_a permission_n of_o the_o use_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n must_v necessary_o open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o error_n and_o heresy_n because_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o which_o the_o unlearned_a who_o be_v unqualify_v to_o understand_v they_o aright_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o wrest_v into_o a_o wrong_a sense_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o reason_n hold_v as_o good_a against_o the_o writing_n and_o publish_v the_o scripture_n at_o first_o in_o language_n that_o be_v vulgar_o know_v to_o the_o people_n as_o against_o the_o translate_n they_o now_o into_o the_o vulgar_a language_n for_o the_o hebrew_n in_o which_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v be_v the_o vulgar_a language_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o greek_a in_o which_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v be_v then_o the_o most_o vulgar_a language_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v the_o same_o hard_a thing_n then_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o now_o and_o the_o people_n be_v as_o unlearned_a then_o and_o as_o apt_a to_o wrest_v these_o hard_a scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n then_o as_o now_o yet_o god_n notwithstanding_o think_v fit_a to_o write_v and_o publish_v it_o in_o language_n that_o be_v most_o know_v to_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o either_o we_o must_v say_v that_o he_o do_v not_o take_v that_o care_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v to_o prevent_v error_n and_o heresy_n or_o that_o this_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v debar_v of_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o own_o vulgar_a language_n for_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o write_v the_o scripture_n at_o first_o in_o the_o vulgar_a language_n as_o much_o open_a a_o door_n to_o heresy_n as_o the_o translate_n they_o afterward_o see_v it_o be_v neither_o their_o be_v write_v in_o the_o vulgar_a language_n nor_o their_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o vulgar_a language_n but_o their_o be_v in_o the_o vulgar_a language_n that_o be_v here_o pretend_a to_o set_v open_a this_o dangerous_a door_n to_o heresy_n 2._o this_o objection_n strike_v with_o equal_a force_n against_o god_n writing_n and_o publish_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n as_o against_o their_o read_n and_o consult_v it_o for_o that_o god_n write_v these_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n and_o that_o in_o so_o do_v he_o not_o only_o give_v they_o a_o right_n but_o also_o lay_v on_o they_o a_o obligation_n to_o read_v they_o i_o have_v already_o show_v if_o therefore_o the_o read_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o people_n be_v such_o a_o unavoidable_a inlet_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n as_o this_o objection_n pretend_v it_o be_v doubtless_o very_o unadvised_o do_v of_o god_n to_o publish_v such_o a_o dangerous_a book_n to_o the_o world_n which_o those_o for_o who_o he_o publish_v and_o to_o who_o he_o direct_v it_o can_v familiar_o converse_v with_o without_o eminent_a peril_n of_o be_v infect_v with_o heresy_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v such_o a_o quarrelsome_a knife_n as_o these_o man_n say_v it_o be_v that_o the_o people_n can_v hardly_o touch_v it_o without_o cut_v their_o finger_n they_o be_v certain_o more_o behold_v to_o the_o church_n for_o take_v it_o from_o they_o than_o they_o be_v to_o god_n for_o bestow_v it_o on_o they_o 3._o this_o objection_n make_v as_o much_o at_o least_o against_o the_o priest_n read_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o people_n for_o most_o of_o those_o heresy_n that_o have_v be_v broach_v to_o the_o people_n be_v first_o
the_o people_n mind_n and_o manner_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o quite_o contrary_a these_o thing_n be_v our_o example_n to_o the_o intent_n we_o shall_v not_o lust_n after_o evil_a thing_n as_o they_o i._n e._n the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n lust_v neither_o be_v you_o idolater_n as_o be_v some_o of_o they_o neither_o let_v we_o commit_v fornication_n as_o some_o of_o they_o commit_v and_o fall_v in_o one_o day_n three_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o neither_o let_v we_o tempt_v christ_n as_o some_o of_o they_o also_o tempt_v and_o be_v destroy_v of_o serpent_n neither_o murmur_v you_o as_o some_o of_o they_o also_o murmur_v and_o be_v destroy_v of_o the_o destroyer_n now_o all_o these_o thing_n happen_v unto_o they_o for_o ensample_n and_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v 1_o cor._n 10._o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o whereas_o this_o objection_n urge_v that_o there_o be_v sundry_a passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o shall_v the_o people_n read_v will_v excite_v evil_a thought_n in_o their_o mind_n the_o same_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o scripture_n be_v profitable_a not_o only_o for_o doctrine_n and_o reproof_n but_o also_o for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o whereas_o this_o objection_n pretend_v that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o unsafe_a for_o young_a people_n especial_o to_o be_v allow_v the_o scripture_n because_o there_o be_v several_a amorous_a story_n and_o passage_n in_o it_o which_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o suggest_v wanton_a thought_n to_o their_o gay_a and_o amorous_a fancy_n david_n it_o be_v plain_a be_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a mind_n for_o wherewith_o say_v he_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n cleanse_v his_o way_n by_o take_v heed_n thereto_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n psal._n 119._o 9_o than_o which_o two_o passage_n what_o assertion_n can_v be_v more_o contrary_a one_o to_o another_o 4._o and_o last_o that_o suppose_v this_o objection_n to_o be_v thus_o ●ar_v true_a that_o there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o may_v sometime_o occasional_o excite_v bad_a thought_n in_o man_n mind_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n why_o the_o use_v of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v forbid_v to_o the_o people_n for_o every_o thing_n which_o the_o people_n occasional_o make_v bad_a uses_n of_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n to_o be_v forbid_v to_o they_o even_o prayer_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n ought_v to_o be_v forbid_v they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n see_v of_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o other_o many_o people_n do_v occasional_o make_v very_o bad_a uses_n so_o long_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o and_o apt_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o instruct_v and_o edify_v those_o that_o read_v it_o this_o be_v sufficient_a not_o only_o to_o warrant_v the_o people_n use_n of_o it_o but_o to_o enjoin_v and_o require_v it_o and_o if_o it_o sometime_o occasion_n corrupt_a thought_n in_o corrupt_a mind_n this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o light_n of_o it_o than_o some_o bad_a man_n make_v ill_a use_v of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v why_o the_o sun_n shall_v be_v extinguish_v or_o why_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o shut_v up_o from_o the_o light_n of_o it_o in_o dark_a and_o dismal_a dungeon_n but_o as_o for_o those_o very_a passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v sometime_o occasion_v ill_a thought_n in_o man_n mind_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v it_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n that_o as_o they_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o natural_o apt_a to_o repress_v bad_a thought_n and_o to_o arm_n and_o fortify_v man_n mind_n against_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o bad_a example_n record_v in_o scripture_n be_v general_o deliver_v with_o infamous_a character_n severe_a prohibition_n and_o dreadful_a instance_n of_o god_n vengeance_n attend_v they_o which_o render_v they_o much_o more_o apt_a to_o repress_v than_o to_o excite_v evil_a thought_n in_o man_n mind_n to_o quicken_v they_o to_o prayer_n and_o watchfulness_n against_o temptation_n and_o when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o have_v be_v overcome_v by_o they_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o repentance_n or_o when_o they_o have_v overcome_v they_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o that_o prevent_n and_o assist_v grace_n of_o god_n by_o which_o they_o have_v be_v enable_v to_o resist_v and_o repel_v they_o these_o be_v the_o natural_a uses_n of_o those_o bad_a example_n record_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o if_o instead_o of_o make_v these_o use_v of_o they_o some_o man_n pervert_v they_o to_o bad_a purpose_n that_o be_v their_o fault_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o bad_a example_n in_o scripture_n as_o they_o be_v there_o record_v be_v in_o themselves_o of_o excellent_a use_n to_o the_o people_n but_o shall_v man_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o use_n of_o every_o good_a thing_n they_o abuse_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o one_o good_a thing_n will_v be_v leave_v free_a to_o their_o enjoyment_n and_o now_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a the_o people_n right_a and_o obligation_n to_o use_v and_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o answer_v the_o main_a objection_n against_o it_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o these_o two_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a 1._o if_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o scripture_n than_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n those_o divine_a truth_n which_o it_o propose_v to_o their_o belief_n for_o to_o what_o other_o end_n shall_v we_o be_v oblige_v to_o read_v and_o consult_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o it_o what_o be_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o learn_v from_o scripture_n what_o god_n mind_n be_v if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v what_o he_o therein_o declare_v upon_o scripture_n authority_n if_o i_o must_v not_o believe_v when_o i_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o this_o be_v god_n mind_n because_o the_o scripture_n say_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a i_o shall_v ever_o learn_v god_n mind_n by_o read_v it_o and_o consequent_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o read_v it_o to_o no_o purpose_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v teach_v i_o what_o god_n mind_n be_v but_o that_o which_o give_v i_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o what_o it_o teach_v be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n when_o therefore_o i_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o find_v such_o a_o proposition_n plain_o assert_v in_o it_o be_v this_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n or_o no_o for_o i_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v than_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o my_o belief_n if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o the_o scripture_n can_v teach_v i_o what_o god_n mind_n be_v because_o it_o can_v give_v i_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v any_o one_o proposition_n in_o it_o to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n we_o be_v tell_v indeed_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o receive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o church_n who_o alone_o have_v authority_n to_o expound_v it_o to_o we_o and_o who_o exposition_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v infallible_a but_o if_o this_o be_v so_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v we_o read_v the_o scripture_n see_v the_o only_a end_n of_o reading_n be_v to_o learn_v the_o sense_n of_o what_o we_o read_v which_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v learn_v from_o scripture_n so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o wise_a end_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o only_o to_o learn_v from_o it_o what_o it_o mean_v yet_o it_o seem_v for_o man_n to_o read_v it_o for_o this_o end_n be_v a_o perfect_a labour_n in_o vain_a see_v it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v to_o learn_v the_o mean_v of_o scripture_n for_o as_o for_o the_o scripture_n if_o these_o man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o heap_n of_o unsense_v character_n so_o they_o express_o term_v it_o but_o what_o do_v they_o mean_v by_o it_o be_v it_o that_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o a_o company_n of_o letter_n and_o syllable_n and_o word_n that_o carry_v with_o they_o no_o determinate_a sense_n that_o god_n almighty_n have_v write_v and_o publish_v a_o book_n to_o the_o world_n that_o mean_v nothing_o if_o so_o then_o when_o the_o church_n by_o its_o infallible_a authority_n pretend_v to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n her_o meaning_n be_v not_o to_o expound_v the_o
sense_n of_o it_o but_o to_o impose_v a_o sense_n on_o it_o which_o be_v never_o in_o it_o for_o how_o can_v she_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o book_n which_o have_v no_o sense_n in_o it_o if_o the_o church_n be_v to_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n must_v have_v a_o certain_a determinate_a sense_n in_o it_o before_o she_o expound_v it_o for_o to_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o which_o have_v no_o sense_n be_v nonsense_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o certain_a sense_n in_o it_o antecedent_o to_o the_o church_n exposition_n of_o it_o why_o do_v they_o call_v it_o a_o parcel_n of_o vnsense_v character_n if_o their_o mean_v be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o ambiguous_a that_o without_o the_o infallible_a exposition_n of_o the_o church_n we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a what_o it_o be_v beside_o that_o this_o be_v notorious_o false_a the_o scripture_n in_o all_o necessary_a point_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n be_v so_o very_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o any_o man_n that_o read_v it_o with_o a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n may_v be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o he_o can_v be_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o write_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o write_a exposition_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o whatever_o these_o man_n pretend_v it_o be_v not_o mere_o because_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o scripture_n that_o they_o oblige_v man_n to_o ground_n their_o faith_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o own_o as_o well_o as_o we_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o clear_a and_o yet_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v man_n to_o ground_n their_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o all_o must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o all_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o the_o plain_a scripture_n they_o will_v still_o contend_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n rely_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o they_o contend_v for_o it_o be_v not_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a but_o because_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o advance_v their_o church_n authority_n we_o own_o as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o free_o allow_v to_o be_v the_o best_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o be_v this_o that_o whereas_o we_o require_v plain_a man_n to_o judge_v of_o plain_a thing_n with_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o all_o man_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o content_v themselves_o to_o see_v with_o the_o church_n eye_n where_o they_o be_v able_a to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v these_o man_n but_o to_o have_v all_o man_n as_o well_o wise_a as_o simple_a surrender_v up_o their_o faith_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o church_n and_o wink_v hard_a and_o believe_v whatever_o the_o church_n believe_v pure_o because_o the_o church_n believe_v it_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v we_o to_o believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n not_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a though_o this_o they_o pretend_v for_o be_v it_o never_o so_o plain_a the_o case_n will_v be_v the_o same_o but_o because_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o this_o will_v inevitable_o subvert_v their_o usurp_a dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n but_o we_o must_v believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o who_o be_v this_o church_n i_o beseech_v you_o why_o they_o themselves_o be_v this_o church_n so_o that_o whereas_o god_n have_v publish_v a_o book_n call_v the_o bible_n on_o purpose_n to_o declare_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n here_o be_v start_v up_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n who_o very_o grave_o tell_v we_o sir_n you_o must_v not_o so_o much_o as_o look_v into_o this_o book_n or_o if_o you_o do_v must_v not_o believe_v any_o one_o word_n in_o it_o upon_o its_o own_o credit_n and_o authority_n for_o though_o we_o do_v confess_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o be_v the_o sole_a judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o we_o declare_v be_v its_o sense_n how_o unlikely_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o you_o you_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o receive_v and_o believe_v it_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o we_o declare_v it_o in_o short_a you_o must_v resign_v up_o your_o eye_n your_o faith_n your_o reason_n and_o understand_n to_o we_o and_o see_v only_o with_o our_o eye_n and_o believe_v only_o with_o our_o faith_n and_o judge_v only_o with_o our_o judgement_n and_o whithersoever_o we_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o lead_v you_o you_o must_v tame_o follow_v we_o without_o presume_v to_o examine_v whether_o we_o lead_v you_o right_n or_o wrong_n but_o yet_o after_o all_o to_o induce_v we_o thus_o to_o enslave_v our_o understanding_n to_o they_o they_o themselves_o be_v fain_o to_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o allow_v we_o in_o some_o thing_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o to_o believe_v those_o thing_n upon_o its_o authority_n for_o no_o wise_a and_o honest_a man_n will_v ever_o believe_v either_o that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n or_o the_o infallible_a judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n without_o some_o proof_n and_o evidence_n and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o produce_v several_a text_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n now_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v notorious_o false_a viz._n that_o those_o text_n do_v necessary_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a true_a catholic_n church_n and_o that_o as_o such_o they_o be_v constitute_v by_o god_n infallible_a judge_n of_o scripture_n yet_o before_o i_o can_v believe_v so_o i_o must_v judge_v for_o myself_o whether_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o or_o no_o and_o if_o i_o judge_v it_o be_v i_o must_v believe_v that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o infallible_a upon_o the_o scripture_n authority_n and_o not_o they_o for_o their_o authority_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o debate_n and_o i_o can_v believe_v upon_o it_o before_o i_o believe_v it_o so_o then_o though_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o else_o upon_o scripture_n authority_n yet_o upon_o this_o very_a authority_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o be_v infallible_a which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v we_o must_v believe_v as_o much_o upon_o scripture_n authority_n as_o will_v serve_v their_o turn_n and_o no_o more_o but_o may_v i_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o two_o fundamental_a principle_n upon_o scripture_n authority_n or_o no_o if_o i_o may_v why_o may_v i_o not_o as_o well_o be_v infallible_o certain_a upon_o the_o same_o authority_n of_o other_o principle_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o those_o see_v there_o be_v no_o common_a principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o what_o be_v at_o least_o as_o plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n as_o these_o but_o this_o will_v spoil_v all_o for_o if_o man_n may_v be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n upon_o scripture_n authority_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n rely_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o this_o principle_n that_o man_n can_v arrive_v at_o no_o infallible_a certainty_n in_o religion_n by_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o indeed_o any_o other_o authority_n but_o the_o church_n but_o if_o i_o can_v be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o those_o two_o principle_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o infallible_a by_o those_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o urge_v to_o prove_v they_o how_o can_v i_o be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o declare_v and_o define_v for_o if_o i_o be_o not_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n for_o all_o i_o know_v the_o church_n may_v be_v infallible_a and_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v and_o if_o i_o be_o not_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v infallible_a for_o all_o i_o know_v they_o may_v
be_v the_o church_n and_o yet_o still_o be_v mistake_v in_o short_a no_o authority_n can_v render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a but_o that_o which_o be_v infallible_a no_o infallibility_n can_v render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a but_o that_o of_o which_o i_o have_v a_o infallible_a certainty_n either_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n can_v render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n and_o if_o it_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o can_v or_o it_o can_v if_o it_o can_v why_o may_v it_o not_o as_o well_o render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a of_o other_o principle_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v at_o least_o as_o plain_o reveal_v in_o it_o as_o that_o if_o it_o can_v how_o can_v i_o be_v infallible_o certain_a that_o any_o thing_n she_o define_v and_o declare_v to_o i_o be_v true_a if_o then_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n can_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n we_o have_v as_o just_a a_o pretence_n to_o it_o as_o they_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o authority_n that_o we_o ground_n our_o faith_n if_o it_o can_v neither_o they_o nor_o we_o can_v just_o pretend_v to_o it_o because_o they_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o their_o own_o infallibility_n but_o by_o scripture_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v god_n never_o intend_v either_o that_o they_o or_o we_o shall_v be_v infallible_o certain_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o after_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o certainty_n that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o he_o still_o suppose_v that_o we_o may_v err_v and_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o that_o even_o from_o among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n where_o infallible_a certainty_n be_v if_o it_o be_v any_o where_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a teacher_n who_o shall_v bring_v in_o damnable_a doctrine_n which_o can_v never_o have_v happen_v if_o he_o have_v leave_v any_o such_o mean_n to_o his_o church_n as_o shall_v render_v her_o child_n infallible_o certain_a all_o that_o he_o design_v be_v to_o leave_v we_o such_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o certainty_n in_o religion_n as_o that_o we_o may_v not_o err_v either_o dangerous_o or_o damnable_o without_o our_o own_o fault_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o his_o word_n and_o in_o that_o have_v plain_o discover_v to_o we_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o a_o stand_a ministry_n in_o his_o church_n to_o explain_v his_o word_n to_o we_o and_o to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n but_o still_o he_o require_v we_o to_o search_v the_o one_o and_o attend_v to_o the_o other_o with_o honest_a humble_a and_o teachable_a mind_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o may_v err_v not_o only_o dangerous_o but_o damnable_o and_o it_o be_v but_o fit_a and_o just_a we_o shall_v but_o if_o we_o diligent_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o faithful_o rely_v upon_o its_o authority_n without_o do_v of_o which_o we_o search_v it_o in_o vain_a if_o we_o sincere_o attend_v to_o the_o public_a ministry_n with_o mind_n prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o though_o we_o may_v possible_o err_v in_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n yet_o as_o to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n our_o faith_n shall_v be_v inviolable_o secure_v and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o honest_a man_n needs_o or_o as_o any_o honest_a church_n can_v promise_v 2._o from_o hence_o also_o i_o infer_v that_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o religion_n god_n do_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n for_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v he_o put_v we_o upon_o search_v the_o scripture_n but_o that_o thereby_o we_o may_v inform_v ourselves_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o he_o have_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o practice_v but_o if_o it_o be_v his_o mind_n that_o we_o shall_v whole_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o church_n or_o of_o our_o spiritual_a ●●ids_n and_o submit_v our_o faith_n to_o their_o dictate_v without_o any_o examination_n what_o a_o needless_a and_o impertinent_a employment_n will_v this_o be_v for_o we_o to_o search_v and_o consult_v the_o scripture_n consult_v they_o for_o what_o it_o we_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v their_o guidance_n and_o direction_n and_o to_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o manner_n from_o they_o and_o if_o for_o this_o end_n god_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o consult_v they_o as_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o can_v be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o employ_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n to_o consider_v what_o they_o say_v and_o inquire_v what_o they_o mean_v otherwise_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o consult_v they_o to_o no_o purpose_n it_o be_v as_o evident_a therefore_o that_o god_n will_v have_v we_o use_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o discern_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o what_o not_o in_o religion_n and_o not_o lazy_o rely_v upon_o other_o to_o see_v and_o discern_v and_o believe_v for_o we_o as_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o search_v and_o consult_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o i_o think_v be_v evident_a enough_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o any_o one_o that_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o admit_v of_o a_o conviction_n and_o indeed_o see_v our_o reason_n be_v the_o noble_a faculty_n we_o have_v it_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a if_o god_n shall_v not_o allow_v it_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o high_a and_o most_o important_a affair_n wherein_o he_o have_v engage_v we_o and_o see_v it_o be_v our_o reason_n only_o that_o render_v we_o capable_a of_o religion_n what_o a_o odd_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v for_o god_n to_o forbid_v we_o make_v use_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o most_o important_a concern_v of_o religion_n that_o be_v indistinguish_v what_o be_v true_a religion_n from_o what_o be_v false_a and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v from_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o reject_v i_o know_v it_o be_v pretend_v by_o those_o who_o urge_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o submit_v our_o reason_n to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o allow_v man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o discover_v which_o the_o true_a church_n be_v and_o that_o all_o they_o contend_v for_o be_v only_o this_o that_o when_o once_o man_n have_v find_v the_o true_a church_n they_o ought_v to_o inquire_v no_o far_o but_o immediate_o to_o deliver_v up_o their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o it_o and_o believe_v every_o thing_n it_o believe_v without_o any_o far_a examination_n so_o that_o before_o man_n come_v into_o their_o church_n it_o seem_v they_o be_v allow_v to_o see_v for_o themselves_o but_o after_o they_o be_v in_o they_o must_v wink_v and_o follow_v their_o guide_n and_o depute_v they_o to_o see_v and_o understand_v for_o they_o which_o to_o such_o man_n as_o be_v not_o quite_o sick_a of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n shall_v methinks_v be_v a_o great_a temptation_n to_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o their_o church_n for_o ever_o for_o if_o i_o may_v judge_v for_o myself_o while_o i_o be_o out_o of_o it_o but_o must_v not_o while_o i_o be_o in_o it_o i_o must_v be_v very_o fond_a of_o part_v with_o my_o own_o eye_n and_o reason_n if_o ever_o i_o come_v into_o it_o at_o all_o but_o suppose_v i_o be_v always_o in_o it_o and_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o its_o communion_n from_o my_o infancy_n will_v they_o allow_v i_o when_o i_o come_v to_o the_o full_a use_n of_o my_o reason_n fair_o to_o question_v whether_o they_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n or_o no_o and_o to_o hear_v the_o reason_n and_o examine_v the_o scripture_n and_o consult_v the_o doctor_n on_o both_o side_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n this_o i_o be_o forbid_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o priestly_a absolution_n so_o that_o in_o short_a they_o will_v allow_v i_o to_o make_v use_n of_o my_o reason_n if_o i_o have_v be_v breed_v a_o heretic_n in_o order_n to_o my_o reconciliation_n to_o their_o church_n but_o if_o i_o have_v never_o be_v a_o heretic_n i_o must_v never_o use_v my_o reason_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n either_o of_o my_o church_n or_o religion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o may_v use_v my_o reason_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o remedy_n and_o i_o must_v continue_v a_o heretic_n if_o i_o do_v not_o but_o it_o be_v much_o better_a that_o i_o have_v never_o have_v occasion_n to_o use_v my_o reason_n at_o all_o so_o that_o according_a to_o these_o man_n the_o use_v of_o our_o reason_n in_o religion_n be_v only_o the_o least_o of_o two_o evil_n