search_v the_o scripture_n a_o treatise_n show_v that_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n with_o direction_n to_o they_o therein_o in_o three_o part_n london_n print_v for_o r._n royston_n bookseller_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n 1685._o introduction_n the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o first_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n teach_v all_o its_o child_n in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o it_o be_v such_o a_o fountain_n and_o well_o of_o truth_n that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v desirous_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o right_n and_o perfect_a way_n unto_o god_n must_v apply_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o without_o which_o they_o can_v neither_o sufficient_o know_v god_n and_o his_o will_n nor_o their_o own_o office_n and_o duty_n for_o in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v full_o contain_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o eschew_v what_o to_o believe_v what_o to_o love_n and_o what_o to_o look_v for_o at_o god_n hand_n at_o length_n and_o therefore_o these_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v much_o in_o our_o hand_n in_o our_o eye_n in_o our_o ear_n in_o our_o mouth_n but_o most_o of_o all_o in_o our_o heart_n unto_o which_o sort_n of_o discourse_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o vi_o article_n of_o our_o religion_n they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v a_o double_a exception_n one_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v there_o but_o must_v be_v receive_v from_o ancient_a tradition_n the_o other_o be_v that_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a that_o common_a people_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o read_n of_o they_o now_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o have_v be_v some_o time_n ago_o a_o plain_a answer_n make_v in_o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n therefore_o this_o treatise_n be_v intend_v only_o as_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o exception_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o which_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o allege_v among_o other_o place_n those_o remarkable_a word_n of_o st._n peter_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n the_o three_o chapter_n and_o sixteenth_o verse_n where_o have_v make_v mention_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n which_o treat_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n that_o he_o have_v just_a before_o explain_v he_o say_v in_o which_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n behold_v say_v they_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v for_o common_a people_n to_o meddle_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v compare_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o to_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n for_o fear_v they_o destroy_v themselves_o therewith_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n teach_v we_o rom._n xv._o 4._o that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o be_v profitable_a as_o he_o write_v elsewhere_o 2_o tim._n iii_o 16._o for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n but_o this_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v say_v they_o such_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o great_a apostle_n st._n peter_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v profitable_a for_o all_o people_n but_o rather_o hurtful_a to_o they_o that_o be_v ignorant_a who_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o read_v they_o by_o which_o single_a instance_n the_o reader_n may_v learn_v if_o he_o mark_v it_o well_o what_o sort_n of_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v like_a to_o have_v if_o we_o trust_v to_o they_o alone_o and_o do_v not_o see_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n when_o these_o very_a word_n of_o st._n peter_n do_v plain_o teach_v we_o the_o quite_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o that_o which_o they_o will_v establish_v by_o they_o i._o for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o contain_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n shall_v not_o read_v they_o that_o first_o they_o evident_o suppose_v the_o common_a people_n even_o the_o unlearned_a among_o they_o do_v in_o those_o day_n read_v the_o scripture_n else_o they_o can_v not_o have_v wrest_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o do_v and_o complain_v of_o that_o but_o not_o of_o their_o read_v they_o and_o ii_o second_o these_o word_n do_v not_o affirm_v the_o whole_a scripture_n to_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o only_o some_o part_n of_o it_o st._n paul_n epistle_n at_o the_o most_o or_o rather_o the_o thing_n of_o which_o st._n peter_n have_v be_v treat_v and_o not_o all_o of_o they_o neither_o but_o only_o some_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o few_o thing_n which_o will_v require_v pain_n and_o diligent_a attention_n of_o mind_n to_o comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o iii_o three_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o who_o read_v those_o difficult_a passage_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o wrest_v they_o but_o only_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a who_o abuse_v the_o plain_a truth_n to_o their_o own_o ruin_n as_o for_o other_o they_o may_v read_v even_o the_o hard_a place_n in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n safe_o enough_o nay_o receive_v great_a profit_n from_o thence_o as_o well_o as_o from_o other_o scripture_n and_o they_o who_o wrest_v they_o be_v not_o to_o leave_v read_v they_o but_o to_o grow_v in_o true_a christian_a knowledge_n and_o in_o stability_n of_o mind_n these_o be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n in_o treat_v and_o read_v of_o which_o let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o the_o second_o homily_n conclude_v that_o we_o may_v speak_v think_v believe_v live_v and_o depart_v hence_o according_a to_o the_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o verity_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n in_o this_o world_n have_v god_n defence_n favour_n and_o grace_n with_o the_o unspeakable_a solace_n of_o peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o conscience_n and_o after_o this_o miserable_a life_n enjoy_v the_o endless_a bliss_n and_o glory_n of_o heaven_n part_n i._n that_o the_o right_a of_o god_n people_n to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_v by_o these_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n appear_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o wrest_v of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a do_v suppose_v that_o even_o such_o person_n do_v then_o read_v they_o which_o overthrow_v the_o conclusion_n which_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n endeavour_v to_o draw_v from_o this_o place_n for_o there_o have_v be_v no_o possibility_n of_o pervert_v their_o sense_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n at_o that_o time_n as_o they_o be_v in_o we_o now_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o reprehend_v their_o meddle_v with_o they_o but_o their_o ignorance_n and_o their_o heedlesnes_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n they_o misunderstand_v they_o and_o may_v have_v be_v prevent_v by_o a_o little_a diligence_n and_o care_n without_o throw_v they_o quite_o away_o for_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o there_o but_o in_o themselves_o who_o come_v to_o the_o perusal_n of_o holy_a thing_n with_o unprepared_a mind_n now_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o then_o and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o be_v debar_v the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n which_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v unto_o his_o church_n as_o a_o common_a inheritance_n you_o may_v be_v please_v to_o weigh_v these_o thing_n follow_v which_o will_v full_o settle_v your_o mind_n in_o this_o persuasion_n i._o first_o that_o the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n be_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o require_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v so_o conversant_a in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v their_o child_n god_n commandment_n and_o for_o that_o end_n to_o talk_v of_o they_o when_o they_o sit_v in_o their_o house_n or_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n when_o they_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o they_o rise_v up_o nay_o to_o write_v they_o upon_o the_o door_n of_o their_o house_n and_o on_o their_o gate_n that_o whensoever_o they_o go_v out_o or_o come_v in_o they_o may_v have_v they_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o they_o deut._n vi_o 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o the_o lawgiver_n think_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n that_o a_o little_a after_o in_o the_o very_a same_o book_n he_o enjoin_v it_o over_o again_o for_o fear_v they_o shall_v neglect_v it_o chap._n xi_o 18_o 19_o 20._o for_o the_o very_a root_n and_o
to_o oppose_v our_o doctrine_n and_o that_o the_o difficulty_n we_o at_o present_a find_v in_o some_o place_n may_v be_v overcome_v and_o that_o one_o mean_n to_o overcome_v they_o be_v by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o wise_a interpreter_n who_o may_v in_o many_o case_n at_o least_o present_o satisfy_v we_o and_o take_v away_o the_o obscurity_n there_o be_v another_o instance_n of_o such_o weak_a proof_n in_o the_o same_o author_n who_o allege_v xxiv_o luke_n 25._o to_o prove_v the_o difficulty_n of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o danger_n of_o read_v they_o because_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n themselves_o who_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o and_o therefore_o be_v reproach_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o sharp_a term_n o_o fool_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v all_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v etc._n etc._n where_o it_o be_v manifest_a they_o be_v only_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o those_o be_v the_o prophet_n which_o have_v some_o obscurity_n as_o i_o say_v till_o their_o accomplishment_n and_o prophecy_n only_o concern_v one_o thing_n viz._n his_o death_n and_o passion_n which_o he_o be_v to_o undergo_v before_o he_o can_v ascend_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v hard_o to_o they_o at_o that_o present_a but_o be_v now_o easy_a by_o our_o saviour_n interpretation_n and_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o those_o day_n when_o notwithstanding_o they_o read_v they_o or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v blame_v for_o not_o understand_v they_o but_o what_o they_o be_v now_o unto_o we_o who_o have_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o he_o illuminate_v and_o last_o his_o call_v they_o fool_n for_o their_o slowness_n and_o dulness_n to_o believe_v be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o even_o then_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o disability_n in_o the_o two_o disciple_n to_o understand_v what_o the_o prophet_n say_v as_o a_o non-attention_n of_o mind_n heedlessness_n and_o want_v of_o consideration_n to_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a however_o our_o lord_n have_v pity_n upon_o they_o all_o and_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n v._o 45._o which_o the_o poor_a member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v now_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o that_o present_a ignorant_a be_v full_o persuade_v that_o it_o behove_v christ_n to_o suffer_v and_o to_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o day_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o then_o show_v they_o be_v write_v of_o he_o i_o conclude_v this_o with_o a_o brief_a state_n of_o this_o case_n some_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o some_o person_n and_o by_o some_o capacity_n and_o in_o some_o age_n and_o time_n and_o some_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o of_o general_a concernment_n but_o in_o that_o which_o concern_v man_n of_o all_o age_n capacity_n and_o condition_n and_o to_o every_o man_n in_o his_o order_n and_o vocation_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n gift_n bestow_v on_o he_o we_o affirm_v with_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v provide_v man_n have_v a_o will_v to_o learn_v what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o cross_a to_o their_o inclination_n interest_n affection_n and_o passion_n if_o these_o be_v suffer_v to_o intermeddle_v the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o beforehand_o in_o plain_a word_n that_o man_n will_v not_o see_v even_o when_o they_o see_v according_a to_o those_o word_n very_o often_o mention_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o by_o his_o apostle_n hear_v you_o shall_v hear_v and_o shall_v not_o understand_v and_o see_v you_o shall_v see_v and_o shall_v not_o perceive_v etc._n etc._n by_o reason_n that_o be_v of_o their_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n worldly-mindedness_a and_o ambition_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n which_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o that_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a but_o this_o be_v their_o condemnation_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n iii_o john_n 19_o which_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v unless_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n have_v be_v clear_o discover_v unto_o they_o iii_o which_o lead_v i_o now_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n propose_v to_o consideration_n in_o this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n that_o when_o we_o have_v thorough_o digest_v and_o do_v hearty_o believe_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v easy_a and_o plain_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o will_v abate_v much_o of_o the_o difficulty_n which_o be_v in_o other_o place_n and_o prepare_v our_o mind_n for_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o which_o i_o may_v wave_v here_o in_o this_o place_n because_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_o clear_v in_o the_o last_o part_n of_o this_o little_a treatise_n concern_v those_o that_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n but_o since_o it_o be_v profitable_a to_o have_v thing_n distinct_o represent_v i_o shall_v say_v something_o to_o it_o by_o itself_o there_o be_v a_o near_a alliance_n between_o all_o truth_n and_o the_o more_o familiar_a any_o of_o they_o be_v to_o our_o mind_n the_o better_a dispose_v we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o there_o be_v some_o of_o great_a force_n than_o other_o to_o widen_v the_o capacity_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o to_o free_v they_o from_o all_o opposite_a quality_n and_o impediment_n that_o they_o may_v entertain_v it_o easy_o and_o they_o be_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o and_o a_o hearty_a affection_n unto_o all_o those_o plain_a lesson_n which_o teach_v we_o our_o whole_a christian_a duty_n which_o if_o we_o thorough_o learn_v we_o be_v certain_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v illuminate_v by_o he_o to_o understand_v the_o high_a mystery_n as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o and_o our_o mind_n be_v able_a to_o reach_v they_o for_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o his_o covenant_n be_v to_o make_v they_o know_v it_o xxv_o psal_n 14._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o ill_a advice_n which_o cardinal_n pool_n if_o i_o mistake_v not_o give_v for_o the_o read_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o begin_v always_o at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o they_o for_o be_v we_o well_o verse_v therein_o by_o a_o serious_a study_n that_o be_v and_o sincere_a practice_n of_o those_o christian_a duty_n which_o he_o there_o commend_v unto_o we_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o way_n more_o clear_o to_o come_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v common_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v than_o the_o latter_a for_o our_o mind_n be_v true_o humble_a and_o heavenly_a and_o thereby_o sedate_v and_o quiet_a free_a from_o ambition_n covetousness_n or_o any_o secular_a desire_n and_o design_n they_o will_v be_v more_o serene_a and_o clear_a in_o themselves_o and_o also_o sitter_n to_o receive_v irradiation_n from_o above_o whereby_o we_o may_v certain_o discern_v thus_o much_o which_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v what_o the_o general_a aim_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o his_o epistle_n though_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o meaning_n and_o coherence_n of_o every_o particular_a verse_n in_o that_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v there_o be_v sometime_o no_o small_a difficulty_n because_o the_o apostle_n write_v against_o the_o disputer_n of_o that_o age_n we_o can_v at_o this_o distance_n certain_o know_v every_o little_a conceit_n or_o subtlety_n of_o they_o upon_o which_o he_o brief_o reflect_v and_o confute_v as_o he_o pass_v along_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o may_v be_v abundant_o satisfy_v in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o he_o either_o assert_n or_o oppose_v which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n of_o use_n to_o we_o and_o enough_o to_o reward_v the_o painful_a inquiry_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n among_o we_o who_o by_o all_o their_o study_n can_v perhaps_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o every_o particular_a passage_n nay_o will_v not_o see_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o conspicuous_a to_o other_o if_o they_o do_v not_o amend_v their_o life_n by_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o other_o place_n for_o of_o this_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n as_o a_o excellent_a man_n speak_v and_o his_o unalterable_a decree_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n at_o least_o in_o their_o drift_n and_o design_n shall_v be_v plain_a
and_o easy_a to_o such_o as_o faithful_o practice_v their_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a precept_n but_o hard_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v aright_o of_o such_o as_o wilful_o transgress_v they_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o perspicuous_o set_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n than_o this_o as_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v if_o it_o will_v not_o enlarge_v this_o book_n too_o much_o from_o such_o word_n as_o those_o of_o st._n peter_n god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o therefore_o shall_v we_o admit_v of_o any_o authority_n equivalent_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o question_n will_v still_o remain_v whether_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o authority_n can_v take_v away_o that_o blindness_n of_o heart_n which_o by_o god_n just_a judgement_n fall_v upon_o all_o those_o who_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o vnrighteousness_n if_o for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o evident_a and_o plain_a truth_n god_n punish_v they_o with_o such_o spiritual_a darkness_n that_o they_o discern_v not_o his_o will_n reveal_v in_o his_o write_a word_n no_o other_o infallible_a authority_n can_v inlighten_v they_o and_o make_v those_o scale_n fall_v from_o their_o eye_n which_o hinder_v their_o sight_n in_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n they_o will_v everlasting_o go_v on_o in_o darkness_n because_o have_v light_o present_v to_o they_o they_o prefer_v darkness_n before_o it_o those_o naughty_a affection_n which_o have_v keep_v the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n from_o shine_v into_o they_o will_v close_v their_o eye_n so_o fast_o that_o no_o other_o light_n will_v open_v they_o but_o they_o must_v either_o receive_v and_o follow_v the_o plain_a direction_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o recover_v their_o sight_n by_o a_o sincere_a practice_n of_o know_a duty_n or_o walk_v on_o still_o in_o darkness_n and_o remain_v in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o day_n unto_o which_o plain_a direction_n if_o man_n will_v unfeigned_o submit_v if_o thereby_o they_o be_v not_o lead_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o hard_a scripture_n they_o will_v however_o have_v this_o benefit_n that_o they_o will_v be_v secure_v from_o misunderstand_v they_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o by_o understanding_n believe_a and_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o knowledge_n of_o the_o easy_a and_o evident_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o put_v any_o dangerous_a interpretation_n upon_o those_o place_n which_o be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a ignorant_a of_o they_o we_o may_v continue_v or_o perhaps_o mistake_v their_o meaning_n but_o still_o innocent_o so_o as_o not_o to_o do_v hurt_v to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o by_o they_o a_o illustrious_a example_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o st._n augustine_n book_n de_n fide_fw-la &_o operibus_fw-la where_o discourse_v chap._n xv._o upon_o that_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n iii_o 12_o 13._o which_o he_o take_v to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o which_o st._n peter_n say_v be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o his_o epistle_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o understand_v the_o build_a gold_n silver_z precious_a stone_n upon_o this_o foundation_n to_o be_v mean_v of_o add_v good_a work_n to_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o build_v wood_n hay_n stubble_n upon_o it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o those_o that_o hold_v the_o same_o faith_n but_o do_v evil_a from_o whence_o they_o fancy_v that_o by_o certain_a pain_n of_o fire_n such_o evil_a man_n may_v be_v purge_v to_o obtain_v salvation_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o foundation_n that_o be_v by_o a_o right_a faith_n only_o because_o the_o apostle_n say_v v._o 15._o they_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n say_v that_o excellent_a father_n than_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v no_o obscurity_n no_o ambiguity_n in_o they_o must_v be_v take_v to_o be_v false_a as_o for_o example_n that_o of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o same_o epistle_n though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n so_o that_o i_o can_v remove_v mountain_n and_o have_v no_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o and_o that_o of_o st._n james_n what_o do_v it_o profit_n brethren_n if_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n but_o have_v no_o work_n can_v faith_n save_v he_o and_o that_o place_n also_o will_v be_v false_a be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o they_o that_o serve_v idol_n nor_o adulterer_n etc._n etc._n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o that_o also_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a which_o be_v adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n etc._n etc._n of_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o again_o as_o i_o have_v do_v former_o that_o they_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n these_o be_v all_o false_a if_o that_o interpretation_n be_v true_a st._n paul_n contradict_v himself_o and_o in_o this_o obscure_a place_n clash_n with_o his_o plain_a word_n for_o according_a to_o this_o exposition_n if_o man_n only_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o fire_n though_o they_o persevere_v in_o such_o wicked_a course_n as_o those_o now_o mention_v and_o then_o i_o do_v not_o see_v to_o what_o purpose_n our_o lord_n say_v if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n tell_v he_o what_o belong_v unto_o good_a manner_n and_o how_o will_v that_o be_v true_a which_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o will_v say_v to_o they_o on_o his_o left_a hand_n go_v you_o curse_v etc._n etc._n who_o he_o send_v to_o hell-fire_n not_o because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o do_v good_a work_n thus_o that_o father_n go_v on_o heap_v up_o a_o great_a many_o other_o place_n which_o evident_o speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o then_o conclude_v if_o therefore_o these_o thing_n and_o innumerable_a other_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o any_o ambiguity_n be_v false_a then_o that_o sense_n may_v be_v true_a concern_v the_o wood_n hay_n and_o stubble_n viz._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o sire_n who_o only_o hold_v faith_n in_o christ_n have_v neglect_v good_a work_n si_fw-mi autem_fw-la &_o vera_fw-la &_o clara_fw-la sunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v both_o true_a and_o also_o clear_a then_o without_o doubt_n another_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o number_n of_o those_o which_o s._n peter_n say_v be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o pervert_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n by_o endeavour_v from_o they_o against_o the_o most_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v the_o most_o lewd_a people_n secure_a of_o obtain_v salvation_n though_o they_o pertinacious_o continue_v in_o their_o wickedness_n not_o at_o all_o change_v by_o amendment_n or_o repentance_n as_o for_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o that_o scripture_n though_o he_o venture_v at_o it_o yet_o he_o say_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n he_o have_v rather_o be_v inform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v more_o learned_a and_o more_o understanding_n who_o can_v so_o expound_v it_o as_o to_o let_v all_o those_o thing_n above_o mention_v remain_v true_a and_o unshaken_a in_o which_o the_o scripture_n most_o open_o avow_v that_o faith_n profit_v nothing_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n define_v that_o be_v faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n but_o without_o work_n can_v save_v man_n neither_o without_o fire_n nor_o by_o fire_n still_o he_o stick_v to_o this_o rule_n as_o most_o certain_a and_o unmoveable_a that_o whatsoever_o sense_n be_v give_v of_o a_o obscure_a scripture_n it_o contradict_v not_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v more_o plain_a especial_o those_o which_o teach_v we_o to_o live_v well_o and_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o which_o none_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n will_v ever_o prejudice_v by_o any_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v out_o of_o my_o way_n to_o attempt_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o place_n now_o mention_v have_v no_o other_o business_n in_o hand_n at_o present_a but_o to_o show_v that_o by_o adhere_v as_o this_o holy_a man_n do_v to_o the_o evident_a truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v never_o permit_v we_o to_o put_v any_o bad_a and_o pernicious_a sense_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v less_o evident_a let_v we_o stick_v as_o he_o do_v to_o this_o rule_n and_o we_o shall_v either_o put_v a_o harmless_a sense_n upon_o they_o or_o none_o at_o all_o but_o then_o we_o must_v as_o i_o say_v be_v hearty_o in_o love_n with_o these_o plain_a truth_n and_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o
against_o vain_a philosophy_n ii_o col._n 8._o from_o whence_o we_o may_v note_v that_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o assign_v the_o original_a of_o heresy_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o it_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o lead_v we_o into_o they_o three_o and_o there_o be_v a_o three_o cause_n of_o they_o mention_v in_o scripture_n also_o viz._n the_o tradition_n of_o man_n vii_o mark_z 7_o 8._o and_o thus_o firmilian_a observe_v in_o his_o letter_n to_o st._n cyprian_n that_o martion_n the_o disciple_n of_o cerdo_n a_o great_a while_n after_o the_o apostle_n induxit_fw-la sacrilegaem_fw-la adversus_fw-la deum_fw-la traditionem_fw-la bring_v in_o a_o sacrilegious_a tradition_n against_o god_n apelles_n also_o consent_v to_o his_o blasphemy_n add_v multa_fw-la alia_fw-la nova_fw-la many_o other_o novelty_n which_o be_v more_o grievous_a and_o direct_o opposite_a to_o faith_n and_o truth_n and_o so_o do_v valentinus_n and_o basilides_n who_o rebel_v against_o god_n church_n by_o their_o wicked_a forgery_n and_o thus_o st._n hierom_n introduce_v heretic_n maintain_v their_o error_n in_o the_o very_a dialect_n of_o the_o now_o roman_a doctor_n we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o those_o wise_a man_n who_o from_o the_o beginning_n deliver_v unto_o we_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n etc._n etc._n lib._n vii_o in_o esaiam_n cap._n xix_o but_o s._n cyprian_n every_o where_o appeal_v from_o all_o pretend_a tradition_n whatsoever_o unto_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n i._n e._n unto_o scripture-tradition_n particular_o in_o that_o famous_a epistle_n of_o he_o to_o pompeius_n all_o religious_a and_o simple_a mind_n have_v a_o compendious_a mean_n both_o to_o lay_v aside_o error_n and_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n nam_fw-la si_fw-la ad_fw-la divinae_fw-la traditionis_fw-la caput_fw-la &_o originem_fw-la revertamur_fw-la cessat_fw-la error_n humanus_fw-la for_o if_o we_o go_v back_o to_o the_o head_n and_o original_a of_o divine_a tradition_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o humane_a error_n and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o this_o divine_a tradition_n when_o he_o say_v if_o there_o be_v any_o doubt_n any_o waver_a about_o the_o truth_n let_v we_o return_v ad_fw-la originem_fw-la dominicam_fw-la &_o evangelicam_fw-la &_o apostolicam_fw-la traditionem_fw-la to_o our_o lord_n be_v original_a or_o beginning_n both_o the_o evangelical_n and_o apostolical_a tradition_n that_o be_v to_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n four_o another_o spring_n of_o heresy_n be_v pretend_v revelation_n thus_o the_o cataphrygae_n as_o the_o same_o firmilian_a tell_v we_o &_o novas_fw-la prophetias_fw-la usurpare_fw-la conantur_fw-la endeavour_v also_o to_o make_v use_n of_o new_a prophecy_n and_o a_o little_a after_o we_o know_v they_o can_v have_v christ_n who_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o their_o false_a prophecy_n against_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o whence_o they_o have_v their_o illumination_n who_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n invent_v a_o five_o gospel_n which_o threaten_v the_o overthrow_n of_o our_o four_a be_v not_o hard_a to_o resolve_v not_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a and_o therefore_o the_o take_v away_o they_o from_o the_o people_n will_v not_o prevent_v all_o heresy_n but_o they_o will_v start_v up_o as_o they_o have_v do_v from_o other_o cause_n and_o they_o will_v the_o soon_o start_v up_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v neglect_v ii_o but_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o as_o heresy_n will_v spring_v up_o from_o other_o cause_n though_o man_n do_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n so_o layman_n have_v not_o be_v always_o the_o deviser_n of_o they_o but_o they_o to_o who_o none_o deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n for_o the_o most_o pernicious_a heresy_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n have_v their_o beginning_n from_o priest_n as_o appear_v by_o arius_n and_o nestorius_n and_o indeed_o no_o man_n can_v frame_v a_o heresy_n but_o he_o that_o be_v of_o excellent_a part_n as_o st._n hierom_n opinion_n be_v who_o word_n be_v these_o upon_o the_o x._o of_o hosea_n no_o man_n can_v devise_v and_o set_v up_o a_o heresy_n but_o he_o that_o be_v arden_n ingenii_fw-la of_o a_o extraordinary_a wit_n and_o have_v gift_n of_o nature_n create_v by_o god_n the_o great_a artificer_n such_o be_v valentinus_n such_o be_v martion_n who_o we_o read_v to_o have_v be_v most_o learned_a such_o be_v bardesanes_n who_o wit_n the_o philosopher_n themselves_o admire_v and_o therefore_o either_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v whole_o lay_v aside_o the_o great_a man_n for_o learning_n and_o part_n be_v apt_a to_o abuse_v they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o humble_a and_o thorough_o good_a or_o man_n must_v be_v teach_v how_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o read_n of_o they_o and_o what_o to_o seek_v for_o there_o and_o then_o any_o body_n may_v safe_o take_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n and_o make_v they_o their_o constant_a companion_n iii_o it_o must_v likewise_o be_v further_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v something_o else_o to_o be_v fear_v beside_o heresy_n and_o that_o be_v stupid_a ignorance_n or_o gross_a infidelity_n which_o experience_n show_v we_o have_v follow_v upon_o the_o take_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n even_o as_o darkness_n come_v and_o cover_v the_o earth_n when_o the_o light_n be_v withdraw_v from_o it_o and_o ought_v we_o not_o in_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v as_o studious_a and_o solicitous_a to_o prevent_v these_o as_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n since_o they_o be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a or_o rather_o more_o dangerous_a by_o far_o even_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o they_o make_v man_n liable_a to_o fall_v into_o the_o most_o sottish_a superstition_n if_o not_o into_o downright_a idolatry_n which_o be_v a_o worse_a thing_n than_o heresy_n how_o image_n come_v to_o be_v layman_n book_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o relate_v the_o matter_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o how_o image-worship_n thence_o arise_v and_o how_o fatal_a this_o have_v be_v to_o the_o vulgar_a people_n i_o have_v not_o room_n to_o discourse_v nor_o how_o legend_n of_o saint_n be_v invent_v full_a of_o absurd_a and_o incredible_a story_n which_o have_v disgrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o tempt_v many_o to_o disbelieve_v the_o true_a history_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n miraculous_a operation_n but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v devise_v to_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n may_v have_v something_o to_o entertain_v they_o when_o they_o be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n at_o least_o of_o that_o these_o fabulous_a story_n be_v recommend_v to_o the_o people_n affection_n when_o they_o be_v fright_v from_o meddle_v with_o the_o bible_n as_o a_o dangerous_a book_n nay_o when_o it_o 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