god_n have_v by_o his_o own_o choice_n of_o writing_n give_v the_o preference_n to_o it_o nor_o have_v he_o bare_o choose_v it_o but_o have_v make_v it_o the_o standard_n by_o which_o to_o measure_n all_o succeed_a pretence_n it_o be_v the_o mean_n he_o prescribe_v for_o distinguish_v divine_a from_o diabolical_a inspiration_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isai_n 8.20_o and_o when_o the_o lawyer_n interrogated_a our_o saviour_n what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o inherit_v eternal_a life_n he_o send_v he_o not_o to_o ransac_fw-mi tradition_n or_o the_o cabalistical_a divinity_n of_o the_o rabbin_n but_o refer_v he_o to_o the_o law_n what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n how_o read_v thou_o luk._n 10.26_o and_o indeed_o throout_v the_o gospel_n we_o still_o find_v he_o in_o his_o discourse_n appeal_n to_o scripture_n and_o assert_v its_o authority_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n inveigh_v against_o those_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n which_o have_v evacuate_v the_o write_a word_n you_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o your_o tradition_n mat._n 15.6_o which_o as_o it_o abundant_o show_v christ_n adherence_n to_o the_o write_a word_n so_o it_o be_v a_o pregnant_a instance_n how_o possible_a it_o be_v for_o tradition_n to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o make_v the_o instrument_n of_o impose_v man_n fancy_n even_o in_o contradiction_n to_o god_n command_n 31._o and_o since_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v make_v scripture_n the_o test_n whereby_o to_o try_v tradition_n we_o may_v sure_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o decision_n and_o either_o embrace_n or_o reject_v tradition_n according_a as_o they_o correspond_v to_o the_o supreme_a rule_n the_o write_a word_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o very_a unwarrantable_a attemt_fw-mi to_o set_v up_o tradition_n in_o competition_n with_o much_o more_o in_o contradiction_n to_o that_o to_o which_o christ_n himself_o have_v subject_v it_o 32._o saint_n paul_n reckon_v it_o as_o the_o principal_a privilege_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n that_o it_o have_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o it_o i.e._n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v deposit_v and_o put_v in_o its_o custody_n and_o in_o this_o the_o christian_a church_n succeed_v it_o and_o be_v the_o guardian_n and_o conservator_fw-la of_o holy_a writ_n i_o ask_v then_o have_v the_o jewish_a church_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o be_v keeper_n a_o power_n to_o supersede_n any_o part_n of_o those_o oracle_n entrust_v to_o they_o if_o so_o saint_n paul_n be_v much_o out_o in_o his_o estimate_n and_o aught_o to_o have_v reckon_v that_o as_o their_o high_a privilege_n but_o indeed_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o trust_n imply_v the_o contrary_a and_o beside_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o be_v the_o very_a crime_n christ_n charge_v upon_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v and_o if_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v no_o such_o right_a upon_o what_o account_n can_v the_o christian_a claim_n any_o have_v christ_n enlarge_v its_o charter_n have_v he_o leave_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n with_o she_o not_o to_o preserve_v and_o practice_n but_o to_o regulate_v and_o reform_v to_o fill_v up_o its_o vacancy_n and_o supply_v its_o defect_n by_o her_o own_o tradition_n if_o so_o let_v the_o commission_n be_v produce_v but_o if_o her_o office_n be_v only_o that_o of_o guardianship_n and_o trust_n she_o must_v neither_o subtract_v from_o nor_o by_o any_o superaddition_n of_o her_o own_o evacuate_v its_o meaning_n and_o efficacy_n and_o to_o do_v so_o will_v be_v the_o same_o guilt_n that_o it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o person_n entrust_v with_o the_o fundamental_a record_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o foist_v in_o such_o clause_n as_o himself_o please_v 33._o in_o short_a god_n have_v in_o the_o scripture_n lay_v down_o exact_a rule_n for_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n and_o have_v entrust_v the_o church_n to_o convey_v they_o to_o we_o if_o she_o vary_v or_o any_o way_n enervate_v they_o she_o be_v false_a to_o that_o trust_n but_o can_v by_v it_o oblige_v we_o to_o recede_v from_o that_o rule_n she_o shall_v deliver_v to_o comply_v with_o that_o she_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o the_o case_n may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o a_o easy_a resemblance_n suppose_v a_o king_n have_v a_o foreign_a principality_n for_o which_o he_o compose_v a_o body_n of_o law_n annex_n to_o they_o reward_n and_o penalty_n and_o require_v a_o exact_a and_o indispensable_a conformity_n to_o they_o these_o be_v put_v in_o writing_n he_o send_v by_o a_o select_a messenger_n now_o suppose_v this_o messenger_n deliver_v they_o yet_o say_v withal_o that_o himself_o have_v authority_n from_o the_o king_n to_o supersede_n these_o law_n at_o his_o pleasure_n so_o that_o their_o last_o resort_n must_v be_v to_o his_o dictate_v yet_o produce_v no_o other_o testimony_n but_o his_o own_o bare_a affirmation_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o man_n in_o their_o wit_n shall_v be_v so_o stupid_o credulous_a as_o to_o incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o those_o law_n upon_o so_o improbable_a a_o indemnity_n and_o sure_o it_o will_v be_v no_o whit_n less_o madness_n in_o christian_n to_o violate_v any_o precept_n of_o god_n on_o a_o ungrounded_a supposal_n of_o the_o church_n power_n to_o dispense_v with_o they_o 34._o and_o if_o the_o church_n universal_a have_v not_o this_o power_n nor_o indeed_o ever_o claim_v it_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a insolence_n for_o any_o particular_a church_n to_o pretend_v to_o it_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v owe_v to_o her_o tradition_n all_o our_o scripture_n and_o all_o our_o faith_n insomuch_o that_o without_o the_o supply_n which_o she_o afford_v from_o the_o oracle_n of_o her_o chair_n our_o religion_n be_v imperfect_a and_o our_o salvation_n insecure_a upon_o which_o wild_a dictate_v i_o shall_v take_v liberty_n in_o a_o distinct_a section_n far_o to_o animadvert_v sect_n vi_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n concern_v the_o propriety_n and_o fitness_n which_o the_o scripture_n hat_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o excellent_a end_n against_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o oppose_v itself_o as_o we_o have_v already_o intimate_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v only_o a_o imperfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n say_v in_o the_o four_o session_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o christian_a faith_n and_o discipline_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n write_v and_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o in_o the_o four_o rule_n of_o the_o index_n put_v forth_o by_o command_n of_o the_o say_a council_n the_o scripture_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o useful_a that_o its_o read_n be_v pernicious_a if_o permit_v promiscuous_o in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v withhold_v insomuch_o that_o the_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n be_v common_o by_o person_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n impute_v to_o protestant_n as_o part_v of_o their_o heresy_n they_o be_v call_v by_o they_o in_o contemt_a the_o evangelical_n man_n and_o scripturarians_n and_o the_o bible_n in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n of_o any_o nation_n be_v common_o reckon_v among_o prohibit_v book_n and_o as_o such_o public_o burn_v when_o meet_v with_o by_o the_o inquisitor_n and_o the_o person_n who_o be_v find_v with_o it_o or_o to_o read_v therein_o be_v subject_v to_o severe_a penalty_n 2._o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o put_v to_o shame_v those_o unhappy_a innovator_n who_o amid_o great_a pretence_n to_o antiquity_n and_o veneration_n to_o the_o scripture_n prevaricat_a from_o both_o i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o show_v plain_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n herein_o and_o that_o in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o the_o matter_n will_v admit_v 3._o first_o i_o premise_v that_o ireneus_fw-la and_o tertullian_n have_v to_o do_v with_o heretic_n who_o boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v emendator_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o wise_a than_o they_o despise_v their_o authority_n reject_v several_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o obtrude_a other_o write_n in_o their_o steed_n have_v have_v recourse_n unto_o tradition_n with_o a_o seem_a preference_n of_o it_o unto_o scripture_n their_o adversary_n have_v no_o common_a principle_n beside_o the_o own_n the_o name_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o convince_v they_o but_o by_o a_o recourse_n to_o such_o a_o medium_n which_o they_o will_v allow_v but_o these_o father_n be_v to_o set_v down_o and_o establish_v their_o faith_n be_v most_o express_a in_o resolve_v it_o into_o scripture_n and_o when_o they_o recommend_v tradition_n ever_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v also_o apostolical_a 4._o ireneus_fw-la in_o the_o
advantage_n god_n close_v with_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o enjoin_v as_o buy_v those_o little_a service_n he_o ask_v from_o we_o 3._o but_o because_o some_o man_n nature_n be_v so_o disingenuous_a as_o to_o hate_v to_o be_v oblige_v no_o less_o then_o to_o be_v reform_v the_o scripture_n have_v goad_n and_o scourge_n to_o drive_v such_o beast_n as_o will_v not_o be_v lead_v terror_n and_o threaten_n and_o those_o of_o most_o formidable_a sort_n to_o affright_v those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v allure_v nay_o lest_o incredulous_a man_n shall_v question_v the_o reality_n of_o future_a reward_n or_o punishment_n the_o scripture_n give_v as_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o they_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v in_o this_o world_n by_o register_n such_o signal_n protection_n and_o judgement_n proportion_v to_o virtue_n and_o vice_n as_o sufficient_o atte_v the_o psalmist_n axiom_n doubtless_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v the_o earth_n psal_n 58.11_o and_o leave_v nothing_o to_o the_o impenitent_a sinner_n but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o that_o fiery_a indignation_n threaten_v hereafter_o heb._n 10.27_o 4._o and_o now_o methinks_v the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o net_n our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o that_o catch_v of_o every_o sort_n mat._n 13.47_o it_o be_v of_o so_o vast_a a_o compass_n that_o it_o must_v one_o will_v think_v fetch_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o temper_n and_o sure_o have_v we_o not_o mix_v nature_n with_o fiend_n contract_v some_o of_o their_o malice_n and_o obstinacy_n mere_a human_a pravity_n can_v not_o hold_v out_o 5._o and_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v thus_o fit_o proportion_v to_o its_o end_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n so_o be_v it_o also_o in_o reference_n to_o its_o circumstance_n which_o all_o conspire_v to_o render_v it_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n ro._n 1.16_o in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o those_o we_o must_v place_v its_o divine_a original_n which_o stamp_v it_o with_o a_o uncontrollable_a authority_n and_o be_v a_o infallible_a security_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v perfect_o true_a since_o it_o proceed_v from_o that_o essential_a verity_n which_o can_v abuse_v we_o with_o fraudulent_a promise_n or_o threaten_n and_o from_o that_o infinite_a power_n that_o can_v be_v impede_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o what_o he_o purpose_v 6._o yet_o to_o render_v this_o circumstance_n efficacious_a there_o need_v another_o to_o wit_n that_o its_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_o testify_v to_o we_o and_o we_o have_v in_o the_o foregoing_a discourse_n evince_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o in_o the_o utmost_a degree_n that_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v capable_a of_o beyond_o which_o no_o sober_a man_n will_v require_v evidence_n in_o any_o thing_n and_o certain_o these_o two_o circumstance_n thus_o unite_v have_v a_o mighty_a force_n to_o impress_v the_o dictate_v of_o scripture_n on_o we_o and_o we_o must_v rebel_v against_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conviction_n too_o to_o hold_v out_o against_o it_o 7._o a_o three_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o frame_n and_o composure_n of_o this_o divine_a book_n both_o as_o to_o method_n and_o stile_n concern_v which_o i_o have_v already_o make_v some_o reflection_n but_o now_o that_o i_o may_v speak_v more_o distinct_o i_o observe_v it_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o first_o point_n of_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o mankind_n to_o be_v concern_v and_o so_o gradual_o proceed_v to_o its_o fall_n and_o renovation_n show_v we_o first_o our_o need_n of_o a_o redeemer_n and_o then_o point_v we_o out_o who_o it_o be_v by_o type_n and_o promise_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o by_o way_n of_o history_n and_o completion_n in_o the_o new_a in_o the_o former_a it_o acquaint_v we_o with_o that_o pedagogy_n of_o the_o law_n which_o god_n design_v as_o our_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n gal._n 3.25_o and_o in_o the_o gospel_n show_v we_o yet_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n present_v we_o with_o those_o more_o sublime_a elevate_a doctrine_n which_o christ_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o revele_v 8._o as_o for_o the_o stile_n that_o be_v full_a of_o grateful_a variety_n sometime_o high_a and_o majestic_a as_o become_v that_o high_a and_o holy_a one_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n esai_n 57.15_o and_o sometime_o so_o humble_a and_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o agree_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o character_n his_o dwell_n be_v with_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a spirit_n isaiah_n 57.15_o i_o know_v profane_a wit_n be_v apt_a to_o brand_v this_o as_o a_o unevenness_n of_o stile_n but_o they_o may_v as_o well_o accuse_v the_o various_a note_n of_o music_n as_o destructive_a to_o harmony_n or_o blame_v a_o orator_n for_o be_v able_a to_o tune_v his_o tongue_n to_o the_o most_o different_a strain_n 9_o another_o excellency_n of_o the_o stile_n be_v its_o propriety_n to_o the_o several_a subject_n it_o treat_v of_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n will_v not_o have_v man_n pry_v into_o it_o wrap_v they_o up_o in_o cloud_n and_o thick_a darkness_n by_o that_o mean_n to_o deter_v inquisitive_a man_n as_o he_o do_v at_o sinai_n from_o break_v into_o the_o mount_n ex._n 20._o and_o that_o he_o give_v any_o intimation_n at_o all_o of_o such_o seem_v design_v only_o to_o give_v we_o a_o just_a estimate_n how_o shallow_a our_o comprehension_n be_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o adore_v and_o admire_v that_o abyss_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o we_o can_v never_o fathom_v 10._o thing_n of_o a_o middle_a nature_n which_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o some_o but_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a to_o all_o the_o scripture_n leave_v more_o accessible_a yet_o not_o so_o obvious_a as_o to_o be_v within_o every_o man_n reach_n but_o make_v they_o only_o the_o prize_n of_o industry_n prayer_n and_o humble_a endeavour_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a benefit_n that_o those_o who_o covet_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v by_o it_o engage_v to_o take_v these_o virtue_n in_o the_o way_n beside_o there_o be_v so_o much_o time_n require_v to_o that_o study_n as_o render_v it_o inconsistent_a with_o those_o secular_a business_n wherein_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v immerse_v and_o consequent_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o those_o who_o addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o one_o have_v competent_a vacancy_n from_o the_o other_o and_o in_o this_o it_o have_v a_o visible_a use_n by_o be_v very_o contributive_a to_o the_o maintain_v that_o spiritual_a subordination_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o pastor_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v miriam_n and_o corahs_n partisan_n be_v a_o pregnant_a instance_n how_o much_o the_o opinion_n of_o equal_a knowledge_n unfit_v for_o subjection_n and_o we_o see_v by_o sad_a experience_n how_o much_o the_o bare_a pretence_n of_o it_o have_v disturb_v the_o church_n and_o make_v those_o turn_n preacher_n who_o never_o be_v understand_v hearer_n 11._o but_o beside_o these_o more_o abstruse_a there_o be_v easy_a truth_n in_o which_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v the_o explicit_a knowledge_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o i_o mean_v the_o divine_a rule_n for_o save_a faith_n and_o manner_n and_o in_o those_o the_o scripture_n stile_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o be_v possible_a condescend_v to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o rude_a capacity_n so_o that_o none_o that_o can_v read_v the_o scripture_n but_o will_v there_o find_v the_o way_n to_o bliss_n evident_o chalk_v out_o to_o he_o that_o i_o may_v use_v the_o word_n of_o saint_n gregory_n the_o lamb_n may_v wade_v in_o those_o water_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o the_o elephant_n may_v swim_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o lib._n 2._o of_o christian_a doctrine_n cap._n 6._o have_v make_v in_o the_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n magnificent_a and_o healthful_a provision_n for_o our_o hunger_n and_o in_o the_o obscure_a against_o satiety_n for_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n draw_v from_o obscure_a place_n which_o in_o other_o be_v not_o speak_v most_o plain_o and_o he_o far_o add_v that_o if_o any_o thing_n happen_v to_o be_v no_o where_o explain_v every_o man_n may_v there_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n 12._o so_o again_o in_o the_o same_o book_n cap._n 9_o he_o say_v that_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v faith_n and_o manner_n be_v plain_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o saint_n jerom_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o es_fw-ge 19_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o close_v obscure_a say_n with_o those_o that_o be_v easy_a and_o what_o be_v first_o express_v dark_o to_o propose_v in_o evident_a word_n which_o very_a thing_n be_v say_v likewise_o by_o saint_n chrysostom_n hom._n
not_o according_a to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isaiah_n 8.20_o so_o that_o the_o veneration_n which_o they_o have_v before_o acquire_v be_v still_o anew_o excite_v by_o fresh_a inspiration_n which_o both_o attest_v the_o old_a and_o become_v new_a part_n of_o their_o canon_n 27._o nor_o can_v it_o be_v esteem_v a_o small_a confirmation_n to_o the_o scripture_n to_o find_v in_o succeed_a age_n the_o signal_n accomplishment_n of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o be_v long_o before_o register_v in_o those_o book_n for_o nothing_o less_o than_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n can_v foretell_v and_o also_o verify_v they_o upon_o these_o ground_n the_o jew_n universal_o through_o all_o succession_n receive_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o divine_a oracle_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o great_a trust_n that_o can_v be_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o according_o be_v so_o scrupulous_o vigilant_a in_o conserve_n they_o that_o their_o masorit_n number_v not_o only_o the_o section_n but_o the_o very_a word_n nay_o letter_n that_o no_o fraud_n or_o inadvertency_n may_v corrupt_v or_o defalk_v the_o least_o iota_fw-la of_o what_o they_o esteem_v so_o sacred_a a_o far_a testimony_n and_o sepiment_n to_o which_o be_v the_o samaritan_n chaldee_n and_o greek_a version_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o synagogs_n of_o jew_n in_o their_o dispersion_n and_o the_o samaritan_n at_o sichem_n can_v not_o at_o those_o distance_n receive_v a_o uniform_a alteration_n and_o any_o other_o will_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o original_a exemplar_n of_o the_o law_n be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n that_o the_o prince_n be_v to_o have_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o always_o by_o he_o and_o transcribe_v it_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o every_o jew_n be_v to_o make_v it_o his_o constant_a discourse_n and_o meditation_n teach_v it_o his_o child_n and_o wear_v part_n of_o it_o upon_o his_o hand_n and_o forehead_n and_o now_o sure_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imagine_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v more_o careful_o deduce_v or_o irrefragable_o testify_v nor_o any_o thing_n believe_v upon_o strong_a evidence_n 28._o that_o all_o this_o be_v true_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o do_v thus_o own_o these_o write_n as_o divine_a appear_v not_o only_o by_o the_o record_n of_o past_a age_n but_o by_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o present_a who_o still_o own_v they_o and_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o combination_n with_o the_o christian_n and_o if_o these_o be_v reasonable_a ground_n of_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n as_o he_o must_v be_v most_o absurd_o sceptical_a that_o shall_v deny_v they_o must_v be_v so_o to_o we_o christian_n also_o who_o derive_v they_o from_o they_o and_o that_o with_o this_o far_a advantage_n to_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o see_v the_o clear_a completion_n of_o those_o evangelical_n prophecy_n which_o remain_v dark_a to_o they_o and_o consequent_o have_v a_o far_a argument_n to_o confirm_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v certain_o divine_a 29._o the_o new_a have_v also_o the_o like_a mean_n of_o probation_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v if_o true_o relate_v be_v acknowlege_v no_o less_o divine_a than_o what_o they_o oral_o deliver_v so_o that_o they_o who_o doubt_v its_o be_v divine_a must_v either_o deny_v what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o be_v so_o or_o else_o distrust_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o relation_n the_o former_a strike_v at_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n which_o if_o only_o of_o man_n must_v not_o only_o be_v fallible_a but_o be_v actual_o a_o deceit_n whilst_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o to_o such_o objector_n we_o have_v to_o oppose_v those_o stupendous_a miracle_n with_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v attest_v such_o as_o demonstrate_v a_o more_o than_o human_a efficacy_n and_o that_o god_n shall_v lend_v his_o omnipotence_n to_o abet_v the_o false_a pretension_n of_o man_n be_v a_o conceit_n too_o unworthy_a even_o for_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n to_o entertain_v 30._o it_o be_v true_a there_o have_v be_v by_o god_n permit_v lie_v miracle_n as_o well_o as_o true_a one_o have_v be_v do_v by_o he_o such_o as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o magician_n in_o egypt_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o of_o moses_n but_o then_o the_o difference_n between_o both_o be_v so_o conspicuous_a that_o he_o must_v be_v more_o partial_a and_o disingenuous_a then_o even_o those_o magician_n be_v who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o disparity_n and_o confess_v in_o those_o which_o be_v true_o supernatural_a the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n 8.19_o therefore_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v predict_v that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o do_v sign_n and_o wonder_n deut._n 13.1_o mat._n 24.11.24_o as_o a_o trial_n of_o their_o fidelity_n who_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o will_v prefer_v the_o few_o and_o trivial_a sleight_n which_o recommend_v a_o deceiver_n before_o those_o great_a and_o numberless_a miracle_n which_o attest_v the_o sacred_a oracle_n deliver_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n whether_o the_o trick_n of_o a_o barchochebas_n to_o hold_v fire_n in_o his_o mouth_n that_o of_o marcus_n the_o heretic_n to_o make_v the_o wine_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n appear_v blood_n or_o that_o of_o mahomet_n to_o bring_v a_o pigeon_n to_o his_o ear_n aught_o to_o be_v put_v in_o balance_n against_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o the_o silly_a story_n which_o jamblichus_n solemn_o relate_v of_o pythagoras_n or_o those_o philostratus_n tell_v of_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n deserve_v to_o rival_n those_o of_o the_o evangelist_n it_o be_v a_o most_o just_a judgement_n and_o according_o threaten_v by_o almighty_a god_n that_o they_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n 2_o thes_n 2.11_o but_o still_o the_o almighty_a where_o any_o man_n or_o devil_n do_v proud_o be_v evident_o above_o he_o exod._n 18.11_o will_v be_v justify_v in_o his_o say_n and_o be_v clear_a when_o he_o be_v judge_v rom._n 3.4_o 31._o but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v sceptic_n and_o doubt_v every_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o matter_n call_v into_o question_n be_v of_o a_o nature_n that_o admit_v but_o two_o way_n of_o solution_n probability_n and_o testimony_n first_o for_o probability_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v who_o be_v the_o first_o promulger_n of_o christ_n miracle_n in_o his_o life_n time_n they_o be_v either_o the_o patient_n on_o who_o his_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v or_o the_o common_a people_n that_o be_v spectator_n the_o former_a as_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o but_o must_v needs_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v cure_v or_o no_o so_o what_o imaginable_a design_n can_v they_o have_v to_o deceive_v other_o many_o indeed_o have_v pretend_a impotency_n as_o a_o motive_n of_o compassion_n but_o what_o can_v they_o gain_v by_o own_v a_o cure_n they_o have_v not_o as_o for_o the_o spectator_n as_o their_o multitude_n add_v to_o their_o credibility_n it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o so_o many_o shall_v at_o once_o be_v delude_v in_o a_o matter_n obvious_a to_o their_o sense_n so_o do_v it_o also_o acquit_v they_o from_o fraud_n and_o combination_n cheat_n and_o forgery_n be_v always_o hatch_v in_o the_o dark_a in_o close_a cabal_n and_o private_a juncto_n that_o five_o thousand_o man_n at_o one_o time_n and_o four_o thousand_o at_o another_o shall_v conspire_v to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v miraculous_o feed_v when_o they_o be_v not_o and_o all_o prove_v true_a to_o the_o fiction_n and_o not_o betray_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n as_o irrational_a to_o be_v suppose_v as_o impossible_a to_o be_v parallel_v 32._o beside_o admit_v it_o possible_a that_o so_o many_o can_v have_v join_v in_o the_o deceit_n yet_o what_o imaginable_a end_n can_v they_o have_v in_o it_o have_v their_o lie_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o design_n of_o some_o potent_a prince_n that_o may_v have_v reward_v it_o there_o have_v be_v some_o temptation_n but_o what_o can_v they_o expect_v from_o the_o repute_a son_n of_o a_o carpenter_n who_o have_v not_o himself_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n nay_o who_o disclaim_v all_o secular_a power_n convey_v himself_o away_o from_o their_o importunity_n when_o they_o will_v have_v force_v he_o to_o be_v a_o king_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o be_v look_v on_o as_o one_o that_o will_v head_n a_o sedition_n or_o attemt_a to_o raise_v himself_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o reward_v his_o abettor_n upon_o all_o these_o consideration_n there_o appear_v not_o the_o
know_v it_o but_o also_o by_o its_o prescribe_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o best_a and_o which_o a_o sober_a heathen_a will_v adjudge_v fit_a to_o be_v reward_v and_o as_o to_o our_o temporal_a happiness_n i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o unprejudiced_a man_n whether_o any_o thing_n can_v contribute_v more_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o real_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n than_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o scripture_n rule_n will_v do_v will_v god_n we_o will_v all_o conspire_v to_o make_v the_o experiment_n and_o then_o doubtless_o not_o only_o our_o reason_n but_o our_o sense_n too_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o 93._o and_o as_o the_o design_n be_v thus_o beneficial_a so_o in_o the_o second_o place_n be_v it_o as_o extensive_a also_o time_n be_v when_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o enclosure_n of_o divine_a revelation_n when_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v their_o peculiar_a depositum_fw-la and_o the_o heathen_a have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n ps_n 147._o ult_n but_o since_o that_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o gentile_n be_v become_v fellow-heir_n eph._n 3.6_o he_o have_v also_o deliver_v into_o their_o hand_n the_o deed_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o future_a state_n give_v they_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o exact_a and_o authentic_a register_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o these_o not_o to_o be_v like_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n appropriate_v to_o some_o one_o or_o two_o particular_a place_n so_o that_o they_o can_v be_v consult_v but_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o a_o pilgrimage_n but_o lay_v open_a to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o that_o will_v believe_v themselves_o concern_v 94._o it_o be_v a_o large_a commission_n our_o saviour_n give_v his_o disciple_n go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n mar._n 16.15_o which_o in_o the_o narrow_a acception_n must_v be_v the_o gentile_a world_n and_o yet_o their_o oral_a gospel_n do_v not_o reach_v far_o than_o the_o write_v for_o wherever_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v plant_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v leave_v as_o the_o record_n of_o it_o nay_o as_o the_o conserver_n of_o it_o too_o the_o stand_a rule_n by_o which_o all_o corruption_n be_v to_o be_v detect_v it_o be_v true_a the_o entire_a canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o be_v not_o all_o at_o once_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n be_v successive_o write_v as_o the_o need_v of_o christian_n and_o the_o encroachment_n of_o heretic_n give_v occasion_n but_o at_o last_o they_o become_v all_o together_o the_o common_a magazine_n of_o the_o church_n to_o furnish_v arm_n both_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a for_o as_o the_o gospel_n put_v in_o our_o hand_n the_o shield_n of_o faith_n so_o the_o epistle_n help_v we_o to_o hold_v it_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v wrest_v out_o of_o our_o hand_n again_o either_o by_o the_o force_n of_o persecution_n or_o the_o sly_a insinuation_n of_o vice_n or_o heresy_n 95._o thus_o the_o apostle_n like_o prudent_a leader_n have_v beat_v up_o the_o ambush_n discover_v the_o snare_n that_o be_v lay_v for_o we_o and_o by_o discomfit_v satan_n forlorn_a hope_n that_o early_a set_a of_o false_a teacher_n and_o corrupt_a practice_n which_o then_o invade_v the_o church_n have_v lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o victory_n to_o the_o succeed_a age_n if_o they_o will_v but_o keep_v close_a to_o their_o conduct_n adhere_v to_o those_o sacred_a write_n they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o in_o every_o church_n for_o that_o purpose_n 96._o now_o what_o be_v there_o deposit_v be_v design_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o that_o church_n the_o bible_n be_v not_o commit_v like_o the_o regalia_z or_o rarity_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o be_v keep_v under_o lock_n and_o key_n and_o consequent_o to_o constitute_v a_o profitable_a office_n for_o the_o keeper_n but_o expose_v like_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n for_o universal_a view_n and_o benefit_n that_o sacred_a book_n like_o the_o common_a air_n be_v every_o man_n propriety_n yet_o no_o man_n enclosure_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n who_o eye_n have_v be_v evil_a because_o god_n have_v be_v good_a who_o have_v seal_v up_o this_o spring_n monopolise_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o will_v allow_v none_o to_o partake_v of_o it_o but_o such_o person_n and_o in_o such_o proportion_n as_o they_o please_v to_o retail_v it_o a_o attemt_a very_o insolent_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n who_o purpose_n they_o contradict_v and_o very_o injurious_a in_o respect_n of_o man_n who_o advantage_n they_o obstruct_v the_o iniquity_n of_o it_o will_v be_v very_o apparent_a if_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o follow_a section_n sect_n iv._o the_o custody_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o privilege_n and_o right_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o which_o can_v without_o impiety_n to_o god_n and_o injustice_n unto_o it_o and_o they_o be_v take_v away_o or_o impeach_v beside_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o be_v obsequious_a and_o import_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o all_o its_o precept_n common_o express_v in_o scripture_n by_o keep_v the_o commandment_n harken_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o observe_v and_o do_v his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n there_o be_v a_o possessory_a keep_n it_o in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o in_o respect_n whereof_o almighty_a god_n deut._n 6._o and_o elsewhere_o frequent_o have_v enjoin_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o that_o the_o word_n which_o he_o command_v they_o shall_v be_v in_o their_o heart_n he_o add_v that_o they_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o their_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o they_o sit_v down_o in_o their_o house_n and_o when_o they_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o they_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o they_o rise_v up_o and_o that_o they_o bind_v they_o for_o a_o sign_n upon_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o frontlet_n between_o their_o eye_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v write_v they_o upon_o the_o post_n of_o their_o house_n and_o on_o their_o gate_n so_o just_o be_v the_o law_n call_v the_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o they_o and_o wear_v upon_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o body_n inscribe_v upon_o the_o wall_n of_o their_o house_n the_o entrance_n of_o their_o door_n and_o gate_n of_o their_o city_n and_o in_o a_o word_n place_v before_o their_o eye_n wherever_o they_o converse_v 2._o and_o this_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o matter_n of_o privilege_n and_o favour_n to_o they_o say_v saint_n paul_n rom._n 9.4_o pertain_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o same_o saint_n paul_n at_o the_o 3._o chap._n 2._o v._n of_o that_o epistle_n unto_o the_o question_n what_o advantage_n have_v the_o jew_n or_o what_o profit_n be_v there_o of_o circumcision_n answer_n that_o it_o be_v much_o every_o way_n chief_o because_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n this_o depositum_fw-la or_o trust_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o father_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v continue_v down_o unto_o their_o child_n he_o make_v a_o covenant_n say_v david_n ps_n 78._o v._n 5._o with_o jacob_n and_o give_v israel_n a_o law_n which_o he_o command_v our_o forefather_n to_o teach_v their_o child_n that_o their_o posterity_n may_v know_v it_o and_o the_o child_n which_o be_v yet_o unborn_a to_o the_o intent_n that_o when_o they_o come_v up_o they_o may_v show_v their_o child_n the_o same_o which_o scripture_n by_o a_o perpetual_a succession_n be_v to_o be_v hand_v down_o unto_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o apostle_n on_o all_o occasion_n appeal_n unto_o they_o as_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n act._n 13.27_o and_o also_o private_o in_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o they_o may_v at_o pleasure_n search_v into_o they_o jo._n 5.39_o act._n 17.11_o hereupon_o the_o jew_n be_v by_o saint_n austin_n call_v the_o capsarii_fw-la or_o servant_n that_o carry_v the_o christian_n book_n and_o athanasius_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o incarnation_n say_v the_o law_n be_v not_o for_o the_o jew_n only_o nor_o be_v the_o prophet_n send_v for_o they_o alone_o but_o that_o nation_n be_v the_o divinity-schole_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v to_o fetch_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n of_o spiritual_a live_n which_o amount_v to_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v galat._n 3.24_o that_o the_o law_n be_v a_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v we_o unto_o
christ_n 3._o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o very_a same_o word_n rom._n 3.2_o in_o the_o text_n even_o now_o recite_v which_o express_v the_o commit_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n to_o the_o jew_n be_v make_v use_n of_o constant_o by_o saint_n paul_n when_o he_o declare_v the_o trust_n and_o duty_n encumbent_a on_o he_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o see_v 1_o cor._n 9.17_o gal._n 2.7_o 1_o thes_n 2.4_o 1_o tim._n 1.11_o tit._n 1.3_o and_o therefore_o as_o he_o say_v 1_o cor._n 9_o though_o i_o preach_v the_o gospel_n i_o have_v nothing_o to_o glory_n of_o for_o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o i_o yea_o woe_n be_v unto_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o i_o do_v this_o thing_n willing_o i_o have_v a_o reward_n but_o if_o against_o my_o will_n a_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v commit_v unto_o i_o so_o may_v all_o christian_n say_v if_o we_o ourselves_o keep_v and_o transmit_v to_o our_o posterity_n the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o glory_n of_o for_o a_o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o we_o and_o woe_n be_v unto_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o ourselves_o keep_v and_o transmit_v to_o our_o posterity_n the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o we_o do_v this_o thing_n willing_o we_o have_v a_o reward_n but_o if_o against_o our_o will_n the_o custody_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o at_o least_o that_o dispensation_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o we_o but_o if_o we_o be_v traditor_n and_o give_v up_o our_o bibles_n or_o take_v they_o away_o from_o other_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o black_a a_o apostasy_n and_o sacrilege_n we_o shall_v incur_v 4._o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v a_o temporary_a constitution_n and_o only_o a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v heb._n 10.1_o but_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o its_o duration_n as_o well_o as_o its_o intendment_n everlasting_a rev._n 14.6_o and_o to_o remain_v when_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o rev._n 10.6_o it_o be_v a_o infinite_o more_o precious_a depositum_fw-la and_o so_o with_o great_a care_n and_o solemner_n attestation_n to_o be_v preserve_v not_o only_o the_o clergy_n or_o the_o people_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n nor_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o universal_a be_v entrust_v with_o this_o care_n but_o it_o be_v the_o charge_n the_o privilege_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a man_n that_o either_o be_v or_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o world_n even_o that_o collective_a church_n which_o above_o all_o competition_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o against_o which_o the_o assault_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n and_o even_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v mat._n 16.18_o 5._o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o write_v by_o their_o holy_a penman_n to_o instruct_v the_o apostle_n but_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o they_o may_v believe_v jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v they_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n jo._n 20.31_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o address_v peculiar_o to_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n but_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o all_o those_o that_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n rom._n 1.7_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o 2_o cor._n 1.1_o galat._n 1.2_o eph._n 1.1_o col._n 4.16_o 1_o thes_n 5.27_o phil._n 1.1_o jam._n 1.1_o 1_o pet._n 1.1_o 2_o pet._n 1.1_o revel_v 1.4_o or_o if_o by_o chance_n some_o one_o or_o two_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v address_v to_o a_o ecclesiastic_a person_n as_o those_o to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n their_o purport_n plain_o refer_v to_o the_o community_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o depositum_fw-la commit_v to_o their_o trust_n tim._n 6.20_o and_o saint_n john_n on_o the_o other_o side_n direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o those_o who_o be_v plain_o secular_a to_o father_n young_a man_n and_o little_a child_n and_o a_o lady_n and_o her_o child_n epist_n 1._o chap._n 2.12_o 13_o 14._o and_o epist_n 2.1.1_o 6._o but_o beside_o the_o interest_n which_o every_o christian_a have_v in_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o be_v a_o depositum_fw-la entrust_v to_o he_o he_o have_v also_o another_o no_o less_o forcible_a that_o it_o be_v the_o testament_n of_o his_o saviour_n by_o which_o he_o become_v a_o son_n of_o god_n no_o more_o a_o servant_n but_o a_o son_n and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o son_n it_o be_v the_o apostle_n inference_n that_o he_o be_v then_o a_o heir_n a_o heir_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n gal._n 4.7_o now_o as_o he_o who_o be_v heir_n to_o a_o estate_n be_v also_o to_o the_o deed_n and_o conveyance_n thereof_o which_o without_o injury_n can_v be_v detain_v or_o if_o they_o be_v there_o be_v a_o remedy_n at_o law_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o they_o so_o it_o fare_v in_o our_o christian_a inheritance_n every_o believer_n by_o the_o privilege_n of_o faith_n be_v make_v a_o son_n of_o abraham_n and_o a_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o the_o father_n whereby_o he_o have_v a_o hereditary_a interest_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o also_o by_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n he_o have_v a_o firm_a right_n to_o the_o purchase_a possession_n eph._n 1.14_o and_o the_o charter_n thereof_o the_o new_a therefore_o the_o detention_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o these_o two_o part_n be_v a_o manifest_a injustice_n and_o sacrilegious_a invasion_n of_o right_n which_o the_o person_n wrong_v be_v empower_v nay_o be_v strict_o oblige_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o vindicate_v 7._o which_o invasion_n of_o right_n will_v appear_v more_o flagrant_a when_o the_o nature_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o be_v consider_v which_o relate_v to_o man_n spiritual_a interest_n render_v the_o violation_n infinite_o more_o injurious_a than_o it_o can_v be_v in_o any_o secular_a i_o may_v mention_v several_a detriment_n consequent_a to_o this_o detention_n of_o scripture_n even_o as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v benefit_n appendant_a to_o the_o free_a use_n of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v one_o of_o so_o fundamental_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o nature_n that_o i_o need_v name_n no_o more_o and_o that_o be_v that_o it_o deliver_v man_n up_o to_o any_o delusion_n their_o teacher_n shall_v impose_v upon_o they_o by_o deprive_v they_o of_o mean_n of_o detect_v they_o where_o there_o be_v no_o standard_n or_o mesure_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o man_n to_o falsify_v both_o and_o no_o less_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o adulterate_a doctrine_n where_o no_o recourse_n can_v be_v have_v to_o the_o primary_n rule_n now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n that_o false_a teacher_n may_v arise_v we_o have_v all_o assurance_n nay_o we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o all_o ecclesiastic_a story_n to_o attest_v it_o have_v be_v so_o and_o if_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n those_o age_n of_o more_o immediate_a illumination_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n find_v instrument_n whereby_o to_o blind_v man_n mind_n 2_o cor._n 4.4_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v impossible_a or_o improbable_a he_o shall_v do_v so_o now_o 8._o but_o to_o leave_v general_n and_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o that_o church_n which_o magisterial_o prohibit_v scripture_n to_o the_o vulgar_a she_o manifest_o stand_v liable_a to_o that_o charge_n of_o our_o saviour_n luk._n 11_o 52._o you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o by_o allow_v the_o common_a people_n no_o more_o scripture_n than_o what_o she_o afford_v they_o in_o their_o sermon_n and_o private_a manual_n keep_v it_o in_o her_o power_n to_o impose_v on_o they_o what_o she_o please_v for_o it_o be_v sure_a those_o portion_n she_o select_v for_o they_o shall_v be_v none_o of_o those_o which_o clash_n with_o the_o doctrine_n she_o recommend_v and_o when_o ever_o she_o will_v use_v this_o power_n to_o the_o corrupt_a their_o faith_n or_o worship_n yea_o or_o their_o manner_n either_o they_o must_v brutish_o submit_v to_o it_o because_o they_o can_v bring_v she_o dictate_v to_o the_o test_n 9_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v this_o danger_n she_o ward_v by_o her_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n that_o be_v she_o enervate_v a_o probable_a supposition_n attest_v by_o event_n by_o a_o impossible_a one_o confute_v by_o event_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o particular_a church_n may_v err_v and_o though_o the_o consciousness_n of_o that_o force_v the_o roman_a church_n upon_o the_o absurd_a pretence_n of_o universality_n to_o assert_v her_o infallibility_n yet_o alas_o tiber_n may_v as_o well_o call_v itself_o the_o ocean_n or_o italy_n the_o world_n as_o the_o roman_a church_n may_v name_v itself_o the_o
describe_v the_o office_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n we_o feed_v our_o faith_n with_o the_o sacred_a word_n we_o raise_v our_o hope_n and_o establish_v our_o reliance_n 15._o and_o as_o the_o jew_n think_v it_o indecent_a for_o person_n profess_v piety_n to_o let_v three_o day_n pass_v without_o the_o office_n thereof_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o meet_v in_o their_o synagogue_n upon_o every_o tuesday_n and_o thursday_n in_o the_o week_n and_o there_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o fast_v prayer_n and_o hear_v the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v which_o be_v the_o boast_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi luk._n 18.12_o in_o conformity_n hereto_o the_o christian_n also_o their_o sabbath_n be_v bring_v forward_o from_o the_o saturday_n to_o the_o day_n follow_v that_o the_o like_a number_n of_o day_n may_v not_o pass_v they_o without_o perform_v the_o aforesaid_a duty_n in_o the_o congregation_n meet_v together_o on_o the_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n which_o be_v the_o day_n of_o station_n so_o frequent_o mention_v in_o tertullian_n and_o other_o the_o first_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n tertullian_n express_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n dedicate_v to_o the_o office_n of_o piety_n the_o four_o and_o six_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o clemens_n alex._n say_v of_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o understand_v the_o secret_a reason_n of_o their_o weekly_a fast_n to_o wit_n those_o of_o the_o four_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o that_o of_o preparation_n before_o the_o sabbath_n common_o call_v wednesday_n and_o friday_n where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n what_o ground_n there_o be_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n in_o our_o church_n and_o the_o litany_n then_o appoint_v so_o much_o neglect_v in_o this_o profligate_v age._n 16._o but_o second_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v diligent_a in_o the_o private_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v teach_v it_o from_o their_o infancy_n which_o custom_n saint_n paul_n refer_v to_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o whereof_o josephus_n against_o appion_n say_v that_o if_o a_o man_n ask_v any_o jew_n concern_v the_o law_n he_o will_v tell_v every_o thing_n ready_a than_o his_o name_n for_o learn_v they_o from_o the_o first_o time_n they_o have_v sense_n of_o any_o thing_n they_o retain_v they_o imprint_v in_o their_o mind_n so_o be_v the_o first_o christian_n equal_o industrious_a in_o improve_n their_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o whole_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a say_v clem._n alex._n strom._n l._n 7._o be_v a_o holy_a solemnity_n there_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v prayer_n and_o praise_n before_o every_o meal_n he_o have_v the_o reading_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o meal_n which_o tertullian_n also_o describe_v in_o his_o apol._n and_o saint_n cyprian_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epist_n to_o donatus_n 17._o and_o this_o be_v far_o evidence_v by_o the_o early_a and_o numerous_a version_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o all_o vulgar_a language_n concern_v which_o theodoret_n speak_v in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o greek_n serm._n 5._o we_o christian_n say_v he_o be_v enable_v to_o show_v the_o power_n of_o apostolic_a and_o prophetic_a doctrine_n which_o have_v fill_v all_o country_n under_o heaven_n for_o that_o which_o be_v former_o utter_v in_o hebrew_n be_v not_o only_o translate_v into_o the_o language_n of_o the_o grecian_n but_o also_o the_o roman_n egyptian_n persian_n indian_n armenian_n scythian_n samaritan_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o all_o the_o language_n that_o be_v use_v by_o any_o nation_n the_o same_o be_v say_v by_o saint_n chrysostom_n in_o his_o first_o homily_n upon_o saint_n john_n 18._o nor_o be_v this_o don_n by_o the_o blind_a zeal_n of_o inconsiderable_a man_n but_o the_o most_o eminent_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v herein_o such_o as_o origen_n who_o with_o infinite_a labour_n contrive_v the_o hexapla_n saint_n chrysostom_n who_o translate_v the_o new_a testament_n psalm_n and_o some_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n into_o the_o armenian_a tongue_n as_o witness_n geor._n alex._n in_o the_o life_n of_o chrysost_n so_o vlphilas_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o goth_n translate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n into_o the_o gothic_n as_o socrat._v eccl._n hist_n l._n 4._o cap._n 33._o and_o other_o testify_v saint_n jerom_n who_o translate_v they_o not_o only_o into_o latin_a from_o the_o hebrew_n the_o old_a italic_a version_n have_v be_v from_o the_o greek_a but_o also_o into_o his_o native_a vulgar_a dalmatic_n which_o he_o say_v himself_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o sophronius_n 19_o but_o the_o people_n have_v they_o for_o their_o private_a and_o constant_a use_n appear_v far_o by_o the_o heathen_n make_v the_o extort_n of_o they_o a_o part_n of_o their_o persecution_n and_o when_o diverse_a do_v faint_a in_o that_o trial_n and_o base_o surrender_v they_o we_o find_v the_o church_n level_v her_o severity_n only_o against_o the_o offend_a person_n do_v not_o according_a to_o the_o romish_a equity_n punish_v the_o innocent_a by_o deprive_v they_o of_o that_o sacred_a book_n because_o the_o other_o have_v so_o unworthy_o prostitute_v it_o though_o the_o prevention_n of_o such_o a_o profanation_n for_o the_o future_a have_v be_v as_o fair_a a_o plea_n for_o it_o as_o the_o romanist_n do_v now_o make_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o primitive_a father_n be_v frequent_a nay_o indeed_o importunat_a in_o their_o exhortation_n to_o the_o private_a study_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o recommend_v to_o christian_n of_o all_o rank_n age_n and_o sex_n 20._o as_o a_o instance_n hereof_o let_v we_o hear_v clemens_n of_o alex._n in_o his_o exhort_v the_o word_n say_v he_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o any_o it_o be_v a_o common_a light_n that_o shine_v to_o all_o man_n there_o be_v no_o obscurity_n in_o it_o hear_v it_o you_o that_o be_v far_o off_o and_o hear_v it_o you_o that_o be_v nigh_o 21._o to_o this_o purpose_n st._n jerom_n speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o leta_fw-la who_o he_o direct_v in_o the_o education_n of_o her_o young_a daughter_n and_o advise_v that_o instead_o of_o gem_n and_o silk_n she_o be_v enamour_a with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o not_o gold_n or_o skin_n or_o babylonian_a embroidery_n but_o a_o correct_a and_o beautiful_a variety_n produce_v faith_n will_v recommend_v its_o self_n let_v she_o first_o learn_v the_o psalter_n and_o be_v entertain_v with_o those_o song_n then_o be_v instruct_v unto_o life_n by_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n let_v she_o learn_v from_o ecclesiaste_n to_o despise_v worldly_a thing_n transcribe_v from_o job_n the_o practice_n of_o patience_n and_o virtue_n let_v she_o pass_v then_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o never_o let_v they_o be_v out_o of_o her_o hand_n and_o then_o imbibe_n with_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o epistle_n when_o she_o have_v enrich_v the_o store-house_n of_o her_o breast_n with_o these_o tresure_n let_v she_o learn_v the_o prophet_n the_o heptateuch_n or_o book_n of_o moses_n joshua_n and_o judge_n the_o book_n of_o king_n and_o chronicle_n the_o volume_n of_o ezra_n and_o esther_n and_o last_o the_o canticle_n and_o indeed_o this_o father_n be_v so_o concern_v to_o have_v the_o unlettered_a female_a sex_n skilful_a in_o the_o scripture_n that_o though_o he_o sharp_o rebuke_n their_o pride_n and_o overwening_a he_o not_o only_o frequent_o resolve_v their_o doubt_n concern_v difficult_a place_n in_o the_o say_a scripture_n but_o dedicate_v several_a of_o his_o commentary_n to_o they_o 22._o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o saint_n austin_n who_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o unlettered_a laic_n encourage_v their_o inquiry_n concern_v the_o scripture_n assure_v volusianus_n ep._n 3._o that_o it_o speak_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_a to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a as_o a_o familiar_a friend_n in_o the_o mysterious_a mount_v not_o up_o into_o high_a phrase_n which_o may_v deter_v a_o slow_a and_o unlearned_a mind_n as_o the_o poor_a be_v in_o their_o address_n to_o the_o rich_a but_o invite_v all_o with_o lowly_a speech_n feed_v with_o manifest_a truth_n and_o exercise_v with_o secret_a and_o ep._n 1.21_o tell_v the_o devout_a proba_n that_o in_o this_o world_n where_o we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n and_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n the_o soul_n be_v to_o think_v itself_o desolate_a and_o never_o cease_v from_o prayer_n and_o the_o word_n of_o divine_a and_o holy_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n 23._o saint_n chrysostom_n in_o his_o three_o homily_n of_o lazarus_n thus_o address_v himself_o to_o marry_a person_n householders_n and_o people_n engage_v in_o trade_n and_o secular_a profession_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o
great_a defensative_a against_o sin_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o ignorance_n thereof_o be_v a_o deep_a and_o headlong_a precipice_n that_o not_o to_o know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o utter_a loss_n of_o salvation_n that_o this_o have_v cause_v heresy_n and_o corruption_n of_o life_n and_o have_v confound_v the_o order_n of_o thing_n for_o it_o can_v be_v by_o any_o mean_n that_o his_o labour_n shall_v be_v fruitless_a who_o employ_v himself_o in_o a_o daily_a and_o attentive_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n 24._o i_o be_o not_o say_v the_o same_o st._n chry._n hom._n 9_o on_o colos_n 3._o a_o monk_n i_o have_v wife_n and_o child_n and_o the_o care_n of_o a_o family_n but_o it_o be_v a_o destructive_a opinion_n that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n pertain_v only_o to_o those_o who_o have_v addict_v themselves_o to_o a_o monastic_a life_n when_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n be_v much_o more_o necessary_a for_o secular_a person_n for_o they_o who_o converse_v abroad_o and_o receive_v frequent_a wound_n be_v in_o great_a need_n of_o remedy_n and_o preservative_n so_o hom._n 2._o on_o mat._n harken_v all_o you_o that_o be_v secular_a how_o you_o ought_v to_o order_v your_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o how_o you_o be_v particular_o enjoin_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o not_o perfunctory_o or_o by_o chance_n but_o very_o diligent_o 25._o likewise_o hom._n 3._o on_o laz._n what_o say_v thou_o o_o man_n it_o be_v not_o thy_o business_n to_o turn_v over_o the_o scripture_n be_v distract_v by_o innumerable_a care_n no_o thou_o have_v therefore_o the_o great_a obligation_n other_o do_v not_o so_o much_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o they_o who_o be_v conversant_a in_o much_o business_n far_o hom._n 8._o on_o heb._n 5._o i_o beseech_v you_o neglect_v not_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o whether_o we_o comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v or_o not_o let_v we_o always_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o for_o daily_a meditation_n strengthen_v the_o memory_n and_o it_o frequent_o happen_v that_o what_o you_o now_o can_v find_v out_o if_o you_o attemt_fw-mi it_o again_o you_o will_v the_o next_o day_n discover_v for_o god_n of_o his_o goodness_n will_v enlighten_v the_o mind_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o transcribe_v all_o the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n and_o father_n of_o the_o church_n they_o not_o only_o permit_v but_o earnest_o press_v upon_o all_o christian_n whatever_o their_o estate_n or_o condition_n be_v the_o constant_a read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o indeed_o be_v their_o restraint_n ever_o hear_v of_o till_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v espouse_v such_o doctrine_n as_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o test_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o as_o those_o who_o deal_v in_o false_a ware_n be_v use_v to_o do_v they_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o proportion_v their_o light_n according_o 26._o this_o peter_n suitor_n in_o his_o second_o book_n cap._n 22._o of_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o scripture_n honest_o confess_v say_v that_o whereas_o many_o thing_n be_v enjoin_v which_o be_v not_o express_o in_o scripture_n the_o unlearned_a observe_v this_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o murmur_v and_o complain_v that_o so_o heavy_a burden_n be_v lay_v upon_o they_o and_o their_o christian_a liberty_n infringe_v they_o will_v easy_o be_v with-drawn_a from_o observe_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o frivolous_a suggestion_n the_o desperate_a attemt_fw-mi of_o the_o romanist_n above_o mention_v in_o leave_v out_o the_o second_o commandment_n in_o their_o primer_n and_o catechism_n which_o they_o communicate_v to_o the_o people_n may_v pass_v for_o a_o irrefragable_a evidence_n for_o what_o layman_n will_v not_o be_v shockt_v to_o find_v almighty_a god_n command_v not_o to_o make_v any_o grave_a image_n nor_o the_o likeness_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o or_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o or_o in_o the_o water_n under_o the_o earth_n that_o no_o one_o shall_v bow_v down_o to_o they_o nor_o worship_v they_o when_o he_o see_v the_o contrary_a be_v practise_v and_o command_v by_o the_o church_n 27._o but_o will_v god_n none_o but_o the_o romamanist_n be_v impeachable_a of_o this_o detention_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v too_o many_o among_o we_o that_o be_v thus_o false_a and_o envious_a to_o themselves_o and_o what_o the_o former_a do_v upon_o policy_n and_o pretence_n of_o reverence_n those_o do_v upon_o mere_a oscitancy_n and_o avow_v profaneness_n which_o be_v much_o worse_a inducement_n and_o for_o such_o as_o these_o to_o declaim_v against_o detention_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v like_o the_o lawsuit_n of_o those_o who_o contend_v only_o about_o such_o little_a punctilio_n as_o themselves_o design_v no_o advantage_n from_o but_o only_o the_o wor_v their_o adversary_n and_o it_o will_v be_v much_o safe_a for_o they_o to_o lie_v under_o the_o interdict_v of_o other_o than_o thus_o to_o restrain_v themselves_o even_o as_o much_o as_o the_o error_n of_o obedience_n be_v more_o excusable_a than_o those_o of_o contemt_a and_o profaneness_n 28._o and_o here_o i_o will_v have_v it_o serious_o consider_v that_o the_o edict_n of_o diocletian_a for_o the_o demolish_n the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o burn_a their_o bibles_n become_v the_o character_n and_o particular_a aggravation_n of_o his_o most_o bloody_a persecution_n now_o shall_v almighty_a god_n call_v we_o to_o the_o like_a trial_n shall_v antichristian_a violence_n whether_o heathen_a or_o other_o take_v from_o we_o our_o church_n and_o our_o bibles_n what_o comfort_n can_v we_o have_v in_o that_o calamity_n if_o our_o contemt_fw-mi of_o those_o blessing_n drive_v they_o from_o we_o nay_o prevent_v persecution_n and_o bereave_v we_o of_o they_o even_o whilst_o we_o have_v they_o in_o our_o power_n he_o who_o neglect_v to_o make_v his_o constant_a resort_n unto_o the_o church_n which_o by_o god_n mercy_n now_o stand_v open_a or_o to_o read_v diligent_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o by_o the_o same_o divine_a goodness_n be_v free_a for_o he_o to_o use_v be_v his_o own_o diocletian_a and_o without_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n or_o torment_n have_v renounce_v if_o not_o the_o faith_n the_o great_a instrument_n of_o its_o conveyance_n and_o pledge_v of_o god_n almighty_n presence_n among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 29._o but_o what_o if_o man_n either_o upon_o the_o one_o motive_n or_o the_o other_o will_v not_o read_v yet_o the_o scripture_n continue_v still_o most_o worthy_a to_o be_v read_v they_o retain_v still_o their_o propriety_n for_o all_o those_o excellent_a end_n to_o which_o god_n design_v they_o and_o as_o the_o prophet_n tell_v the_o jew_n ez._n 2.5_o whether_o they_o will_v hear_v or_o whether_o they_o will_v forbear_v they_o shall_v know_v there_o have_v be_v a_o prophet_n among_o they_o so_o whether_o we_o will_v take_v the_o benefit_n or_o no_o we_o shall_v one_o day_n find_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v have_v make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n if_o through_o our_o fault_n alone_o they_o fail_v to_o do_v so_o they_o will_v one_o day_n assume_v a_o less_o grateful_a office_n and_o from_o guide_n and_o assistant_n become_v accuser_n and_o witness_n against_o we_o sect_n v._o the_o scripture_n have_v great_a propriety_n and_o fitness_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o excellent_a end_n we_o be_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v how_o exact_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v adapt_v to_o those_o great_a end_n to_o which_o they_o be_v direct_v how_o sufficient_a they_o be_v for_o that_o important_a negotiation_n on_o which_o they_o be_v send_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v certain_o find_v they_o if_o we_o look_v on_o they_o either_o intrinsical_o or_o circumstantial_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o notion_n we_o need_v only_o to_o reflect_v on_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n where_o the_o scripture_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n be_v evince_v to_o be_v a_o system_fw-la of_o the_o most_o excellent_a law_n back_v with_o the_o most_o transcendent_a reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o confirm_v by_o such_o pregnant_a instance_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o vengeance_n in_o this_o world_n as_o be_v the_o sure_a gauge_n and_o earnest_n of_o what_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o expect_v in_o another_o 2._o now_o what_o method_n imaginable_a can_v there_o be_v use_v to_o rational_a creature_n of_o more_o force_n and_o energy_n nay_o it_o seem_v to_o descend_v even_o to_o our_o passion_n and_o accommodate_n itself_o to_o our_o several_a inclination_n and_o see_v how_o few_o proselyte_n there_o be_v to_o bare_a and_o naked_a virtue_n and_o how_o many_o to_o interest_n and_o
second_o book_n 47._o c._n tell_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_a as_o dictate_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o same_o father_n begin_v his_o three_o book_n in_o this_o manner_n the_o disposition_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v no_o otherwise_o know_v by_o we_o then_o by_o those_o by_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v to_o we_o which_o indeed_o they_o first_o preach_v but_o afterward_o deliver_v it_o to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o may_v we_o imagine_v that_o they_o begin_v to_o preach_v to_o other_o before_o they_o themselves_o have_v perfect_a knowledge_n as_o some_o be_v bold_a to_o say_v boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v emendator_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o after_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n they_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o on_o high_a and_o have_v perfect_a knowledge_n go_v forth_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n and_o celestial_a praise_n unto_o man_n each_o and_o all_o of_o who_o have_v the_o gospel_n of_o god_n so_o saint_n matthew_n write_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o their_o tongue_n saint_n peter_n and_o saint_n paul_n preach_v at_o rome_n and_o there_o found_v a_o church_n mark_v the_o disciple_n and_o interpreter_n of_o peter_n deliver_v in_o write_v what_o he_o have_v preach_v and_o luke_n the_o follower_n of_o paul_n set_v down_o in_o his_o book_n the_o gospel_n he_o have_v deliver_v afterwards_o saint_n john_n at_o ephesus_n in_o asia_n publish_v his_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n in_o his_o four_o book_n c._n 66._o he_o direct_v all_o the_o heretic_n with_o who_o he_o deal_v to_o read_v diligent_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o also_o read_v diligent_o the_o prophet_n assure_v they_o shall_v there_o find_v every_o action_n every_o doctrine_n and_o every_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n declare_v by_o they_o 5._o thus_o tertullian_n in_o his_o book_n of_o prescription_n c._n 6._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o introduce_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o own_o will_n nor_o make_v any_o choice_n upon_o our_o arbitrement_n we_o have_v the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o our_o author_n who_o themselves_o take_v up_o nothing_o on_o their_o own_o will_n or_o choice_n but_o faithful_o impart_v to_o the_o nation_n the_o discipline_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n so_o that_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v another_o doctrine_n he_o be_v to_o be_v accurse_v and_o c._n 25._o it_o be_v madness_n say_v he_o of_o the_o heretic_n when_o they_o confess_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o nor_o teach_v thing_n different_a to_o think_v that_o they_o do_v not_o revele_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o which_o he_o enforce_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n in_o his_o book_n against_o hermogenes_n c._n 23._o he_o discourse_v thus_o i_o adore_v the_o plenitude_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o discover_v to_o i_o the_o creator_n and_o what_o be_v create_v also_o in_o the_o gospel_n i_o find_v the_o word_n be_v the_o arbiter_n and_o agent_n in_o the_o creation_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v of_o preexistent_a matter_n i_o never_o read_v let_v hermogenes_n and_o his_o journeyman_n show_v that_o it_o be_v write_v if_o it_o be_v not_o write_v let_v he_o fear_v the_o woe_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o that_o add_v or_o detract_v and_o in_o the_o 39_o ch_z of_o his_o prescript_n we_o feed_v our_o faith_n raise_v our_o hope_n and_o establish_v our_o reliance_n with_o the_o sacred_a word_n 6._o in_o like_a manner_n hippolytus_n in_o the_o homily_n against_o noetus_n declare_v that_o we_o acknowledge_v only_o from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o whereas_o secular_a philosophy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v but_o from_o the_o read_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o philosopher_n so_o whosoever_o of_o we_o will_v preserve_v piety_n towards_o god_n he_o can_v otherwise_o learn_v it_o then_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n according_o origen_n in_o the_o five_o homily_n on_o leviticus_n say_v that_o in_o the_o scripture_n every_o word_n appertain_v to_o god_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v and_o discuss_v and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v 7._o what_o saint_n cyprian_n opinion_n be_v in_o this_o point_n we_o learn_v at_o large_a from_o his_o epistle_n to_o pompey_n for_o when_o tradition_n be_v object_v to_o he_o he_o answer_v whence_o be_v this_o tradition_n be_v it_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o gospel_n or_o come_v it_o from_o the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n almighty_a god_n declare_v that_o what_o be_v write_v shall_v be_v obey_v and_o practise_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n say_v he_o in_o joshua_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thy_o mouth_n but_o thou_o shall_v meditate_v in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n that_o you_o may_v observe_v and_o keep_v all_o that_o be_v write_v therein_o so_o our_o lord_n send_v his_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v command_v again_o what_o obstinacy_n and_o presumption_n be_v it_o to_o prefer_v human_a tradition_n to_o divine_a command_n not_o consider_v that_o god_n wrath_n be_v kindle_v as_o often_o as_o his_o precept_n be_v dissolve_v and_o neglect_v by_o reason_n of_o human_a tradition_n thus_o god_n warn_v and_o speak_v by_o isaiah_n this_o people_n honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o but_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n also_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n check_v and_o reprove_v say_v you_o reject_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v establish_v your_o tradition_n of_o which_o precept_n the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n be_v mindful_a admonish_v and_o instruct_v say_v if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o hearken_v not_o to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o from_o such_o we_o must_v depart_v and_o again_o he_o add_v there_o be_v a_o compendious_a way_n for_o religious_a and_o sincere_a mind_n both_o to_o deposit_v their_o error_n and_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n for_o if_o we_o return_v to_o the_o source_n and_o original_n of_o divine_a tradition_n human_a error_n will_v cease_v and_o the_o ground_n of_o heavenly_a mystery_n be_v see_v whatsoever_o be_v hide_v with_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n will_v be_v manifest_a by_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n if_o a_o pipe_n that_o bring_v plentiful_a supply_n of_o water_n fail_v on_o the_o sudden_a do_v not_o man_n look_v to_o the_o fountain_n and_o thence_o learn_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o defect_n whether_o the_o spring_n itself_o be_v dry_a or_o if_o run_v free_o the_o water_n be_v stop_v in_o its_o passage_n that_o if_o by_o interrupt_a or_o break_a conveyance_n it_o be_v hinder_v to_o pass_v they_o be_v repair_v it_o may_v again_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o city_n with_o the_o same_o plenty_n as_o it_o flow_v from_o the_o spring_n and_o this_o god_n priest_n ought_v to_o do_v at_o this_o time_n obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o if_o truth_n have_v swerve_v or_o fail_v in_o any_o particular_a we_o go_v backward_o to_o the_o source_n of_o the_o evangelical_n and_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o there_o find_v our_o act_n from_o whence_o their_o order_n and_o origination_n begin_v 8._o it_o be_v true_a bellarmine_n reproach_n this_o discourse_n as_o erroneous_a but_o whatever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o inference_n which_o saint_n cyprian_a draw_v from_o it_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o saint_n austin_n though_o sufficient_o engage_v against_o saint_n cyprian_n conclusion_n allow_v the_o position_n as_o most_o orthodox_n say_v in_o the_o four_o book_n of_o baptism_n c._n 35._o whereas_o he_o admonish_v to_o go_v back_o to_o the_o fountain_n that_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o thence_o bring_v the_o stream_n down_o to_o our_o time_n it_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o without_o doubt_n to_o be_v do_v 9_o thus_o eusebius_n express_v himself_o in_o his_o second_o book_n against_o sabellius_n as_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o sloth_n not_o to_o seek_v into_o those_o thing_n whereof_o one_o may_v inquire_v so_o it_o be_v insolence_n to_o be_v inquisitive_a in_o other_o but_o what_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o inquire_v into_o even_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o there_o to_o be_v find_v let_v we_o not_o seek_v after_o for_o if_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o omit_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n
10._o athanasius_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o incarnation_n say_v it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o relinquish_v it_o think_v by_o syllogism_n to_o evade_v what_o be_v there_o clear_o deliver_v again_o in_o his_o tract_n to_o serap_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ask_v not_o say_v he_o concern_v the_o trinity_n but_o learn_v only_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o instruction_n which_o you_o will_v find_v there_o be_v sufficient_a and_o in_o his_o oration_n against_o the_o gentile_n declare_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n 11._o agreeable_a to_o these_o be_v optatus_n in_o his_o 5._o book_n against_o parman_n who_o reason_n thus_o you_o say_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o rebaptize_v we_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a betwixt_o your_o say_n and_o our_o gainsaying_n the_o people_n mind_n be_v amuse_v let_v no_o man_n believe_v either_o you_o or_o we_o all_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v contentious_a therefore_o judge_n be_v to_o be_v call_v in_o christian_n they_o can_v be_v for_o they_o will_v be_v party_n and_o thereby_o partial_a therefore_o a_o judge_n be_v to_o be_v look_v out_o from_o abroad_o if_o a_o pagan_a he_o know_v not_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n if_o a_o jew_n he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o our_o baptism_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o earthly_a judge_n but_o one_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v from_o heaven_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o resort_n to_o heaven_n when_o we_o have_v in_o the_o gospel_n a_o testament_n and_o in_o this_o case_n celestial_a thing_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o earthly_a so_o it_o be_v as_o with_o a_o father_n who_o have_v many_o child_n while_o he_o be_v present_a he_o order_v they_o all_o and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o write_a will_n according_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v present_a upon_o earth_n from_o time_n to_o time_n command_v the_o apostle_n whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a but_o as_o the_o earthly_a father_n find_v himself_o to_o be_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n and_o fear_v that_o after_o his_o departure_n his_o child_n shall_v quarrel_v among_o themselves_o he_o call_v witness_n and_o put_v his_o mind_n in_o writing_n and_o if_o any_o difference_n arise_v among_o the_o brethren_n they_o go_v not_o to_o their_o father_n sepulchre_n but_o repair_v to_o his_o will_n and_o testament_n and_o he_o who_o rest_v in_o his_o grave_n speak_v still_o in_o his_o writing_n as_o if_o he_o be_v alive_a our_o lord_n who_o leave_v his_o will_n among_o we_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n therefore_o let_v we_o seek_v his_o command_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o in_o his_o will._n 12._o thus_o cyril_n of_o jerus_n cat._n 4._o nothing_o no_o not_o the_o least_o concernment_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v without_o the_o holy_a scripture_n believe_v not_o i_o unless_o i_o give_v you_o a_o demonstration_n of_o what_o i_o say_v from_o the_o scripture_n 13._o saint_n basil_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n say_v if_o god_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o say_n his_o word_n and_o work_n they_o remain_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v do_v in_o truth_n and_o equity_n it_o must_v be_v a_o evident_a sign_n of_o infidelity_n and_o pride_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v reject_v what_o be_v write_v and_o introduce_v what_o be_v not_o write_v in_o which_o book_n he_o general_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v write_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o he_o abhor_v from_o take_v it_o elsewhere_o in_o his_o 29._o homily_n against_o the_o antitrinit_a believe_v say_v he_o those_o which_o be_v write_v seek_v not_o those_o which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o in_o his_o eth._n reg_fw-la 26._o every_o word_n and_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_o inspire_v scripture_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o good_a and_o reproof_n of_o the_o wicked_a 14._o saint_n ambrose_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o offic._n say_v how_o can_v we_o make_v use_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o his_o instit_n of_o virgin_n i_o read_v he_o be_v the_o first_o but_o read_v not_o he_o be_v the_o second_o let_v they_o who_o say_v he_o be_v second_o show_v it_o from_o the_o read_n 15._o greg._n nyssen_n in_o his_o dial._n of_o the_o soul_n and_o resurrect_v say_v it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o truth_n be_v there_o only_o to_o be_v place_v where_o there_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o scripture_n testimony_n 16._o saint_n jerom_n against_o helvidius_n declare_v as_o we_o deny_v not_o that_o which_o be_v write_v so_o we_o refuse_v those_o which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o 98._o ps_n every_o thing_n that_o we_o assert_v we_o must_v show_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v have_v not_o that_o authority_n as_o god_n precept_n and_o on_o the_o 87._o ps_n whatever_o be_v say_v after_o the_o apostle_n let_v it_o be_v cut_v off_o nor_o have_v afterward_o authority_n though_o one_o be_v holy_a after_o the_o apostle_n though_o one_o be_v eloquent_a yet_o have_v he_o not_o authority_n 17._o saint_n austin_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n c._n 12._o acknowledge_v that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v convince_v but_o by_o the_o scripture_n of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o add_v they_o be_v read_v with_o such_o manifestation_n that_o he_o who_o believe_v they_o must_v confess_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v most_o true_a in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n c._n 9_o he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n be_v find_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v faith_n and_o manner_n and_o in_o epist_n 42._o all_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v exhibit_v heretofore_o as_o don_v to_o mankind_n and_o what_o we_o now_o see_v and_o deliver_v to_o our_o posterity_n the_o scripture_n have_v not_o pass_v they_o in_o silence_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o concern_v the_o search_n or_o defence_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o good_a of_o widowhood_n he_o say_v to_o julian_n the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o address_v what_o shall_v i_o teach_v you_o more_o than_o that_o we_o read_v in_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n settle_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o doctrine_n that_o we_o think_v not_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v sober_o as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n therefore_o my_o teach_n be_v only_o to_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o this_o doctor_n ep._n 157._o where_o any_o subject_n be_v obscure_a and_o pass_v our_o comprehension_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o plain_o afford_v its_o help_n there_o human_a conjecture_n be_v presumptuous_a in_o define_v 18._o theophilus_n of_o alex._n in_o his_o second_o paschal_n homily_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o suggestion_n of_o a_o diabolical_a spirit_n to_o think_v that_o any_o thing_n beside_o the_o scripture_n have_v divine_a authority_n and_o in_o his_o three_o he_o add_v that_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n lay_v firm_a foundation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n 19_o chrysostom_n in_o his_o three_o homily_n on_o the_o first_o of_o the_o thessaly_n assert_n that_o from_o the_o alone_a read_n or_o hear_v of_o the_o scripture_n one_o may_v learn_v all_o thing_n necessary_a so_o hom._n 34._o on_o act._n 15._o he_o declare_v a_o heathen_a come_v and_o say_v i_o will_v willing_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o i_o know_v not_o who_o to_o join_v myself_o to_o for_o there_o be_v many_o contention_n among_o you_o many_o sedition_n and_o tumult_n so_o that_o i_o be_o in_o doubt_n what_o opinion_n i_o shall_v abuse_v each_o man_n say_v what_o i_o say_v be_v true_a and_o i_o know_v not_o who_o to_o believe_v each_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n which_o i_o be_o ignorant_a of_o it_o be_v very_o well_o the_o issue_n be_v put_v here_o for_o if_o the_o appeal_n be_v to_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n there_o will_v be_v just_a occasion_n of_o be_v trouble_v but_o when_o we_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o they_o be_v simple_a and_o certain_a you_o may_v easy_o yourself_o judge_v he_o that_o agree_v with_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o christian_n he_o that_o resist_v they_o be_v far_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o on_o ps_n 95._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v say_v without_o the_o scripture_n the_o mind_n halt_v between_o different_a opinion_n sometime_o incline_v as_o to_o what_o be_v probable_a anon_o reject_v as_o what_o be_v frivolous_a but_o when_o the_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n
upon_o or_o else_o frame_v to_o a_o worse_a intent_n that_o christianity_n by_o they_o may_v be_v make_v ridiculous_a yet_o these_o be_v recommend_v to_o use_v and_o veneration_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v utter_o forbid_v whereby_o the_o party_n to_o this_o unhappy_a practice_n that_o i_o may_v speak_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n jerem._n 2.13_o have_v commit_v two_o evil_n they_o have_v forsake_v the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n and_o hew_v they_o out_o cistern_n break_a cistern_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n 5._o far_o yet_o the_o same_o unreasonable_a tyranny_n which_o permit_v not_o the_o laity_n to_o understand_v almighty_a god_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n hinder_v they_o from_o be_v suffer_v to_o understand_v the_o church_n or_o themselves_o speak_v to_o he_o in_o their_o prayer_n whilst_o the_o whole_a roman_a office_n be_v so_o dispose_v that_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n 1_o cor._n 14._o he_o that_o occupy_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a must_v say_v amen_o to_o those_o prayer_n and_o praise_n which_o he_o have_v no_o comprehension_n of_o and_o by_o his_o endless_a repetition_n of_o pater_n ave_n and_o credo's_n fall_v into_o that_o battology_n reprove_v by_o our_o saviour_n mat_n 6.7_o and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n jo._n 4.22_o know_v not_o what_o he_o worship_v yet_o this_o unaccountable_a practice_n be_v so_o much_o the_o darling_n of_o that_o church_n that_o when_o in_o france_n about_o eighteen_o year_n since_o the_o roman_a missal_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o publish_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o several_a of_o their_o bishop_n the_o clergy_n of_o france_n rise_v up_o in_o great_a fury_n against_o the_o attemt_a anathematise_v in_o their_o circular_a epistle_n all_o that_o sell_v read_v or_o use_v the_o say_a book_n and_o upon_o complaint_n unto_o pope_n alex._n the_o 7._o he_o resent_v the_o matter_n so_o deep_o as_o to_o issue_v out_o his_o bull_n against_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n 6._o whereas_o son_n of_o perdition_n endevor_v the_o destruction_n of_o soul_n have_v translate_v the_o roman_a missal_n into_o the_o french_a tongue_n and_o so_o attemt_v to_o throw_v down_o and_o trample_v upon_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o holy_a rite_n comprehend_v in_o latin_a word_n as_o we_o abominate_a and_o detest_v the_o novelty_n which_o will_v deform_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o produce_v disobedience_n temerity_n boldness_n sedition_n and_o schism_n so_o we_o condemn_v reprobate_a and_o forbid_v the_o say_a and_o all_o other_o such_o translation_n and_o interdict_v the_o read_n and_o keep_v to_o all_o and_o singular_a the_o faithful_a of_o whatever_o sex_n degree_n order_n condition_n dignity_n honour_n or_o preeminence_n etc._n etc._n under_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n and_o we_o command_v the_o copy_n to_o be_v immediate_o burn_v etc._n etc._n so_o mortal_a a_o sin_n it_o seem_v it_o be_v think_v for_o the_o laity_n to_o understand_v the_o prayer_n in_o which_o they_o must_v communicate_v 7._o nor_o be_v this_o all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o other_o attemt_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o bold_a insolence_n of_o make_v a_o new_a authentic_a text_n in_o that_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o which_o the_o office_n of_o prayer_n have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v disguise_v which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o the_o four_o session_n but_o when_o the_o council_n have_v give_v this_o prerogative_n to_o the_o version_n which_o it_o call_v vulgar_a the_o succeed_a pope_n begin_v to_o consider_v what_o that_o version_n be_v and_o this_o work_n pius_n the_o four_o and_o five_o set_v upon_o but_o prevent_v by_o death_n fail_v to_o complete_a it_o so_o that_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o performance_n fall_v to_o sixtus_n the_o five_o who_o in_o the_o plenitude_n of_o his_o apostolic_a power_n the_o translation_n be_v reform_v to_o his_o mind_n command_v it_o to_o be_v that_o genuine_a ancient_a edition_n which_o the_o trent_n father_n have_v before_o make_v authentic_a and_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n require_v it_o to_o be_v so_o receive_v which_o he_o do_v in_o this_o form_n of_o our_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o the_o plenitude_n of_o apostolic_a power_n we_o order_n and_o declare_v that_o vulgar_a edition_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v for_o authentic_a by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v without_o doubt_n or_o controversy_n to_o be_v esteem_v this_o very_a one_o which_o be_v amend_v as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o print_v at_o the_o vatican_n press_n we_o publish_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o whole_a christian_a republic_n and_o in_o all_o church_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n decree_v that_o it_o have_v be_v approve_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o holy_a universal_a church_n and_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o then_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o general_a council_n of_o trent_n and_o now_o by_o the_o apostolic_a authority_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o true_a legitimate_a authentic_a and_o undoubted_a which_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o hold_v in_o all_o public_a and_o private_a disputation_n lecture_n preach_n and_o exposition_n etc._n etc._n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o plenitude_n of_o apostolic_a power_n soon_o after_o come_v clement_n the_o eight_o and_o again_o resume_v the_o work_n of_o his_o predecessor_n sixtus_n discover_v great_a and_o many_o error_n in_o it_o and_o put_v out_o one_o more_o reform_v yet_o confess_v by_o himself_o to_o be_v imperfect_a which_o now_o stand_v for_o the_o authentic_a text_n and_o carry_v the_o title_n of_o the_o bible_n put_v forth_o by_o sixtus_n notwithstanding_o all_o its_o alteration_n so_o well_o do_v the_o roman_a church_n deserve_v the_o honour_n which_o she_o pretend_v to_o of_o be_v the_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o so_o infallible_a be_v the_o holy_a chair_n in_o its_o determination_n and_o last_o so_o authentic_a a_o transcript_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v which_o it_o be_v say_v mat._n 5.18_o one_o jot_n or_o one_o title_n shall_v not_o fail_v be_v that_o which_o she_o establish_v and_o that_o have_v receive_v so_o many_o and_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o infallible_a corrector_n want_v still_o more_o alteration_n 8._o dependent_a upon_o this_o and_o as_o great_a a_o mischief_n as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a consequent_a to_o the_o withdraw_a of_o the_o scripture_n i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o step_n it_o make_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o most_o useful_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o point_n of_o penance_n who_o rigour_n always_o heretofore_o precede_v the_o possibility_n of_o have_v absolution_n now_o of_o this_o we_o know_v a_o solemn_a part_n be_v the_o state_n of_o audience_n when_o the_o lapse_v person_n be_v receive_v after_o long_a attendance_n without_o door_n prostration_n and_o lamentation_n there_o within_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v permit_v with_o the_o catechuman_n or_o candidat_n of_o baptism_n to_o hear_v the_o reading_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o stay_v till_o prayer_n begin_v but_o then_o depart_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o threat_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n to_o stand_v among_o the_o unbaptised_a and_o heathen_a multitude_n and_o learn_v again_o the_o element_n of_o that_o holy_a faith_n from_o which_o he_o have_v prevaricate_v and_o so_o in_o time_n be_v render_v capable_a of_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o afterward_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o eucharist_n but_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v think_v useless_a or_o dangerous_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o hear_v it_o be_v consequent_a that_o the_o state_n of_o audience_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o penance_n and_o that_o the_o next_o to_o it_o upon_o the_o selfsame_a principle_n shall_v be_v dismiss_v and_o so_o the_o long_a probation_n former_o require_v shall_v be_v supplant_v and_o the_o compendious_a way_n of_o pardon_v first_o and_o repent_v afterward_o the_o endless_a circle_n of_o sin_v and_o be_v absolve_v and_o then_o sin_v and_o be_v absolve_v again_o shall_v prevail_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o still_o obtain_v notwithstanding_o the_o complaint_n and_o irrefragable_a demonstration_n of_o learned_a man_n even_o of_o the_o romish_a communion_n who_o plain_o show_v this_o now_o receive_a method_n to_o be_v a_o innovation_n groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o most_o pernicious_a in_o its_o consequent_n 9_o and_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v not_o only_o by_o the_o learned_a but_o mean_a
christian_a and_o the_o interest_n they_o have_v therein_o then_o be_v the_o ancient_a course_n of_o penance_n establish_v by_o the_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o first_o age_n and_o almost_o as_o many_o council_n whether_o general_a or_o local_a as_o have_v decree_v any_o thing_n concern_v discipline_n with_o the_o penitentiary_n book_n and_o canon_n which_o be_v write_v for_o the_o first_o eleven_o hundred_o year_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n for_o if_o even_o the_o unbaptised_a catechumen_n and_o the_o lapse_v sinner_n notwithstanding_o their_o slender_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n or_o frail_a pretence_n to_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o state_n of_o audience_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v the_o scripture_n read_v sure_o the_o mean_a unobnoxious_a laic_a be_v in_o as_o advantageous_a circumstance_n and_o may_v not_o only_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o read_n of_o those_o sacred_a book_n but_o may_v claim_v they_o as_o his_o birthright_n 10._o i_o may_v just_o over_o and_o above_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o allege_v impute_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o their_o withhold_v from_o the_o laity_n the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o many_o dangerous_a error_n gross_a ignorances_n and_o scandalous_a immorality_n which_o have_v prevail_v among_o they_o both_o it_o be_v no_o new_a method_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v like_o people_n like_o priest_n hos_n 4.9_o and_o that_o the_o idol_n shepherd_n who_o lead_v his_o flock_n into_o the_o ditch_n shall_v fall_v therein_o himself_o mat._n 15.14_o and_o as_o the_o prophet_n zachary_n describe_v it_o c._n 11.17_o the_o sword_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o arm_n and_o upon_o his_o right_a eye_n his_o arm_n shall_v be_v clean_o dry_v up_o and_o his_o right_a eye_n shall_v be_v utter_o darken_v 11._o but_o no_o consequence_n can_v be_v more_o obvious_o deducible_a from_o that_o practice_n than_o that_o man_n shall_v justify_v the_o withhold_a of_o the_o scripture_n by_o lessen_v its_o credit_n and_o depreciate_a its_o worth_a which_o have_v occasion_v those_o reproach_n which_o by_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o best_a note_n have_v be_v cast_v upon_o it_o as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o nose_n of_o wax_n a_o leaden_a rule_n a_o deaf_a and_o useless_a deputy_n to_o god_n in_o the_o office_n of_o a_o judge_n of_o less_o authority_n than_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o of_o no_o more_o credit_n than_o esop_n fable_n but_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o say_a church_n that_o they_o contain_v thing_n apt_a to_o raise_v laughter_n or_o indignation_n that_o the_o latin_a translation_n in_o the_o complutensian_a bible_n be_v place_v between_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o the_o septuagint_n version_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v at_o his_o crucifixion_n between_o two_o thief_n and_o that_o the_o vulgar_a edition_n be_v of_o such_o authority_n that_o the_o original_n ought_v to_o be_v mend_v by_o it_o rather_o than_o it_o shall_v be_v mend_v from_o they_o which_o be_v the_o compliment_n of_o cardinal_n bellarmin_n hosius_n eckius_fw-la perron_n ximenes_n coqueus_fw-la and_o other_o of_o that_o communion_n word_n to_o be_v answer_v by_o a_o thunderbolt_n and_o fit_a for_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o celsus_n or_o a_o porphyry_n then_o of_o the_o pious_a son_n and_o zealous_a champion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 12._o it_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v that_o the_o romanist_n shall_v now_o wipe_v their_o mouth_n and_o plead_v not_o guilty_a tell_v we_o that_o they_o permit_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o laity_n in_o their_o mother_n tongue_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n the_o father_n of_o rheims_n and_o douai_n have_v publish_v a_o english_a bible_n for_o those_o of_o their_o communion_n i_o shall_v therefore_o give_v a_o short_a and_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a affair_n as_o real_o it_o stand_v and_o then_o on_o god_n name_n let_v the_o romanist_n make_v the_o best_a of_o their_o apology_n 13._o the_o four_o rule_n of_o the_o index_n of_o prohibit_v book_n compose_v upon_o the_o command_n and_o auspice_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o publish_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o pius_n the_o four_o sixtus_n the_o five_o and_o clement_n the_o eight_o run_v thus_o since_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o experience_n that_o if_o the_o holy_a bible_n be_v suffer_v promiscuous_o in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n such_o be_v the_o temerity_n of_o man_n that_o great_a detriment_n than_o advantage_n will_v thence_o arise_v in_o this_o matter_n let_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o inquisitor_n be_v stand_v to_o that_o with_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o curate_n or_o confessor_n they_o may_v give_v leave_n for_o the_o read_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n translate_v by_o catholic_o to_o such_o as_o they_o know_v will_v not_o receive_v damage_n but_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n thereby_o which_o faculty_n they_o shall_v have_v in_o writing_n and_o whosoever_o without_o such_o faculty_n shall_v presume_v to_o have_v or_o to_o read_v the_o bible_n he_o shall_v not_o till_o he_o have_v deliver_v it_o up_o receive_v absolution_n of_o his_o sin_n now_o to_o pass_v over_o the_o iniquity_n of_o oblige_a man_n to_o ask_v leave_n to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n almighty_a command_n when_o it_o be_v consider_v how_o few_o of_o the_o laity_n can_v make_v mean_n to_o the_o bishop_n or_o inquisitor_n or_o convince_v they_o or_o the_o curate_n or_o confessor_n that_o they_o be_v such_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v damage_n but_o increase_v of_o faith_n and_o piety_n by_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o also_o have_v interest_n to_o prevail_v with_o they_o for_o their_o favour_n herein_o and_o after_o all_o can_v and_o will_v be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o take_v out_o the_o faculty_n which_o be_v so_o penal_o require_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o guess_v what_o thin_a number_n of_o the_o laity_n be_v likely_a or_o indeed_o capable_a of_o reap_v benefit_n by_o this_o indulgence_n pretend_v to_o be_v allow_v they_o 14._o but_o beside_o all_o this_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v if_o the_o power_n itself_o of_o give_v licence_n be_v a_o mere_a show_n and_o real_o signify_v just_o nothing_o in_o the_o observation_n subjoin_v to_o this_o four_o rule_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o impression_n and_o edition_n thereof_o give_v no_o new_a faculty_n to_o bishop_n or_o inquisitor_n or_o superïor_n of_o regular_o to_o grant_v licence_n of_o buy_v read_v or_o retain_v bibles_n publish_v in_o a_o vulgar_a tongue_n since_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 power_n of_o give_v such_o faculty_n to_o read_v or_o retain_v vulgar_a bibles_n or_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n in_o any_o vulgar_a tongue_n or_o also_o summary_n or_o historical_a compendium_n of_o the_o say_v bibles_n or_o book_n of_o scripture_n in_o whatsoever_o tongue_n they_o be_v write_v have_v be_v take_v away_o and_o sure_a if_o a_o layman_n can_v read_v the_o bible_n without_o a_o faculty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o in_o any_o one_o power_n to_o grant_v it_o it_o will_v evident_o follow_v that_o he_o can_v read_v it_o and_o so_o the_o pretence_n of_o give_v liberty_n own_v the_o shame_n of_o open_o refuse_v it_o but_o have_v no_o other_o effect_n or_o consequence_n and_o if_o any_o romanist_n among_o we_o or_o in_o any_o other_o protestant_n country_n enjoy_v any_o liberty_n herein_o it_o be_v mere_o by_o connivance_n and_o owe_v to_o a_o fear_n least_o the_o votary_n will_v be_v lose_v and_o take_v the_o bible_n where_o it_o be_v without_o difficulty_n to_o be_v have_v if_o strictness_n shall_v be_v use_v and_o shall_v popery_n which_o god_n forbid_v become_v paramount_n the_o translation_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o our_o mother_n tongue_n will_v be_v no_o more_o endure_v here_o than_o they_o be_v in_o spain_n and_o they_o who_o have_v former_o be_v wary_a in_o communicate_v the_o scripture_n remember_v how_o thereby_o their_o error_n have_v be_v detect_v will_v upon_o a_o revolution_n effectual_o provide_v for_o the_o future_a and_o be_v sure_a to_o keep_v their_o people_n in_o a_o egyptian_a darkness_n that_o may_v itself_o be_v feel_v but_o that_o allow_v the_o notice_n of_o no_o other_o object_n they_o will_v not_o be_v content_a with_o that_o composition_n of_o the_o ammonite_n to_o thrust_v out_o all_o the_o right_a eye_n of_o those_o that_o submit_v to_o they_o 1_o sam._n 11.2_o but_o will_v put_v out_o both_o as_o the_o philistine_n do_v to_o samson_n that_o they_o may_v make_v their_o miserable_a captive_n for_o ever_o grind_v in_o their_o mill_n jud._n 16.21_o 15._o but_o this_o heavy_a of_o judgement_n will_v never_o fall_v upon_o the_o reform_a church_n till_o by_o their_o vicious_a
practice_n and_o contemt_fw-mi of_o the_o divine_a law_n they_o have_v desert_v their_o profession_n and_o make_v themselves_o utter_o unworthy_a of_o the_o blessing_n they_o enjoy_v and_o the_o light_n of_o that_o gospel_n which_o with_o noonday_n brightness_n have_v shine_v among_o they_o upon_o which_o account_n i_o suppose_v it_o may_v not_o be_v impertinent_a in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o subjoin_v some_o plain_a direction_n and_o cautionary_a advice_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o these_o sacred_a book_n sect_n viii_o necessary_a caution_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v a_o common_a observation_n that_o the_o most_o generous_a and_o sprightly_a medicine_n be_v the_o most_o unsafe_a if_o not_o apply_v with_o due_a care_n and_o regimen_n and_o the_o remark_n hold_v as_o well_o in_o spiritual_a as_o corporal_a remedy_n the_o apostle_n assert_n it_o upon_o his_o own_o experience_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o some_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n be_v to_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n 2_o cor._n 2.15_o and_o the_o same_o effect_n that_o the_o oral_a word_n have_v then_o the_o write_a word_n may_v have_v now_o not_o that_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o that_o be_v of_o itself_o mortiferous_a but_o become_v so_o by_o the_o ill_a disposition_n of_o the_o person_n who_o so_o pervert_v it_o it_o be_v therefore_o well_o worth_a our_o inquiry_n what_o qualification_n on_o our_o part_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v the_o word_n be_v to_o we_o what_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n rom._n 1.16_o of_o these_o some_o be_v previous_a before_o our_o read_n some_o be_v concomitant_a with_o it_o and_o some_o be_v subsequent_a and_o follow_v after_o it_o 2._o of_o those_o that_o go_v before_o sincerity_n be_v a_o most_o essential_a requisite_a by_o sincerity_n i_o mean_v a_o upright_a intention_n by_o which_o we_o direct_v our_o read_n to_o that_o proper_a end_n for_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v design_v viz._n the_o know_a god_n will_v in_o order_n to_o the_o practise_v it_o this_o honest_a simplicity_n of_o heart_n be_v that_o which_o christ_n represent_v by_o the_o good_a ground_n where_o alone_o it_o be_v that_o the_o seed_n can_v fructify_v mat._n 13.8_o and_o he_o that_o bring_v not_o this_o with_o he_o bring_v only_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o disciple_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v indeed_o sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n heb._n 4.12_o but_o what_o impression_n can_v a_o sword_n make_v on_o a_o body_n of_o air_n which_o still_o slip_v from_o and_o elude_v its_o thrust_n and_o as_o little_o can_v all_o the_o practical_a discourse_n of_o holy_a writ_n make_v on_o he_o who_o bring_v only_o his_o speculative_a faculty_n with_o he_o and_o leave_v his_o will_n and_o affection_n behind_o he_o which_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a subject_n for_o it_o to_o work_v on_o 3._o to_o this_o we_o may_v probable_o impute_v that_o strange_a inefficaciousness_n we_o see_v of_o the_o word_n alas_o man_n rare_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o right_a place_n our_o most_o inveterat_fw-la disease_n lie_v in_o our_o moral_n and_o we_o suffer_v the_o medicine_n to_o reach_v no_o far_o than_o our_o intellect_n as_o if_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ulcer_n in_o his_o bowel_n shall_v apply_v all_o his_o balsam_n and_o sanative_n only_o to_o his_o head_n it_o be_v true_a the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o tresury_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o oracle_n to_o which_o we_o shall_v resort_v for_o save_a knowledge_n but_o they_o be_v also_o the_o rule_n and_o guide_v of_o holy_a life_n and_o he_o that_o covet_v to_o know_v god_n will_v for_o any_o purpose_n but_o to_o practise_v it_o be_v only_o studious_a to_o entitle_v himself_o to_o the_o great_a number_n of_o stripe_n luk._n 12.47_o 4._o nay_o far_o he_o that_o affect_v only_o the_o bare_a knowledge_n be_v oft_o disappoint_v even_o of_o that_o the_o scripture_n like_o the_o pillar_n of_o fire_n and_o cloud_n enlighten_v the_o israelite_n those_o who_o sincere_o resign_v themselves_o to_o its_o guidance_n but_o it_o darken_v and_o confound_v the_o egyptian_n ex._n 14.20_o and_o it_o be_v frequent_o see_v that_o those_o who_o read_v only_o to_o become_v know_v be_v toll_v on_o by_o their_o curiosity_n into_o the_o more_o abstruse_a and_o mysterious_a part_n of_o scripture_n where_o they_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o inextricable_a maze_n and_o confusion_n and_o instead_o of_o acquire_v a_o more_o superlative_a knowledge_n lose_v those_o easy_a and_o common_a notion_n which_o lie_v obvious_a to_o every_o plain_a well_o mean_v reader_n i_o fear_v this_o age_n afford_v too_o many_o and_o too_o frequent_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o man_n who_o have_v lose_v god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o word_n and_o study_a scripture_n till_o they_o have_v renounce_v its_o author_n 5._o and_o sure_o this_o infatuation_n be_v very_o just_a and_o no_o more_o than_o god_n himself_o have_v warn_v we_o of_o who_o take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o craftiness_n job_n 5.12_o but_o appropriate_v his_o secret_n only_o to_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o have_v promise_v to_o teach_v the_o meek_a his_o way_n psal_n 25.9.14_o and_o this_o be_v the_o method_n christ_n observe_v in_o his_o preach_n unveil_v those_o truth_n to_o his_o disciple_n which_o to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n his_o inquisitive_a yet_o refractory_a hearer_n he_o wrap_v up_o in_o parable_n not_o that_o he_o dislike_v their_o desire_n of_o knowledge_n but_o their_o want_n of_o sincerity_n which_o be_v so_o fatal_a a_o defect_n as_o blast_v our_o pursuit_n though_o of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o never_o so_o excellent_a this_o we_o find_v exemplify_v in_o simon_n magus_n act_v 8._o who_o though_o he_o covet_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o very_o desirable_a the_o power_n of_o confer_v the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o desire_v it_o not_o only_o upon_o undue_a condition_n but_o for_o sinister_a end_n he_o not_o only_o miss_v of_o that_o but_o be_v after_o all_o his_o convincement_n by_o the_o apostle_n miracle_n and_o the_o engagement_n of_o his_o baptism_n immerse_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o at_o last_o advance_v to_o that_o height_n of_o blasphemy_n as_o to_o set_v up_o himself_o for_o a_o god_n so_o become_v a_o last_a memento_n how_o unsafe_a it_o be_v to_o prevaricate_v in_o holy_a thing_n 6._o but_o as_o there_o be_v a_o sincerity_n of_o the_o will_n in_o order_n to_o practice_n so_o there_o be_v also_o a_o sincerity_n of_o the_o understanding_n in_o order_n to_o belief_n and_o this_o be_v also_o no_o less_o requisite_a to_o the_o profitable_a read_n of_o scripture_n i_o mean_v by_o this_o that_o we_o come_v with_o a_o preparation_n of_o mind_n to_o embrace_v indifferent_o whatever_o god_n there_o reveles_a as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o bring_v our_o own_o opinion_n not_o as_o the_o clue_n by_o which_o to_o unfold_v scripture_n but_o to_o be_v try_v and_o regulate_v by_o it_o the_o want_n of_o this_o have_v be_v of_o very_o pernicious_a consequence_n in_o matter_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o speculation_n man_n be_v common_o prepossess_v strong_o with_o their_o own_o notion_n and_o their_o errand_n to_o scripture_n be_v not_o to_o lend_v they_o light_n to_o judge_n of_o they_o but_o aid_n to_o back_n and_o defend_v they_o 7._o of_o this_o there_o be_v no_o book_n of_o controversy_n that_o do_v not_o give_v notorious_a proof_n the_o socinian_n can_v easy_o overlook_a the_o begin_n of_o saint_n john_n that_o say_v the_o word_n be_v god_n jo._n 1.1_o and_o all_o those_o other_o place_n which_o plain_o assert_v the_o deity_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o he_o can_v but_o divert_v to_o that_o other_o more_o agreeable_a text_n that_o the_o father_n be_v great_a than_o i_o among_o the_o romanist_n peter_n be_v say_v to_o be_v first_o among_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 10.2_o and_o that_o on_o that_o rock_n christ_n will_v build_v his_o church_n mat._n 16.18_o carry_v away_o all_o attention_n from_o those_o other_o place_n where_o saint_n paul_n say_v he_o be_v not_o behind_o the_o very_o chief_a of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 11.5_o that_o upon_o he_o lay_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11.28_o and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o some_o one_o but_o all_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n revel_v 21.14_o so_o it_o fare_v in_o the_o business_n of_o the_o eucharist_n this_o be_v my_o body_n mat._n 26.26_o carry_v it_o away_o clear_a for_o transubstantiation_n when_o our_o savior_n call_v that_o which_o he_o drink_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n mat._n 26.29_o and_o then_o saint_n paul_n name_v the_o element_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n several_a time_n over_o bread_n and_o
wine_n the_o bread_n that_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o cup_n that_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o and_o again_o he_o that_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n unworthy_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 11.29_o can_v make_v no_o appearance_n of_o a_o argument_n 8._o thus_o man_n once_o engage_v ransac_n for_o text_n that_o carry_v some_o correspondency_n to_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v imbibe_v and_o those_o how_o do_v they_o rack_v and_o serve_v to_o bring_v to_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n and_o improve_v every_o little_a probability_n into_o a_o demonstration_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o contrary_a text_n they_o look_v on_o as_o enemy_n and_o consider_v they_o no_o far_o than_o to_o provide_v fence_n and_o guard_n against_o they_o so_o they_o bring_v text_n not_o into_o the_o scale_n to_o weigh_v but_o into_o the_o field_n to_o skirmish_v as_o partisan_n and_o auxiliary_n of_o such_o or_o such_o opinion_n 9_o by_o this_o force_n of_o prepossession_n it_o be_v that_o that_o sacred_a rule_n which_o be_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o all_o rectitude_n be_v itself_o bow_v and_o distort_v to_o countenance_n and_o abet_v the_o most_o contrary_a tenet_n and_o like_o a_o variable_a picture_n represent_v differ_v shape_n according_a to_o the_o light_n in_o which_o you_o view_v it_o and_o sure_o we_o can_v do_v it_o a_o worse_a office_n then_o to_o represent_v it_o thus_o dissonant_n to_o itself_o yet_o thus_o it_o must_v still_o be_v till_o man_n come_v unbiased_a to_o the_o read_n of_o it_o and_o certain_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v do_v so_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v but_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 1.9_o and_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a the_o scripture_n can_v best_o direct_v we_o what_o faith_n it_o be_v which_o will_v lead_v we_o to_o that_o end_n 10._o why_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o have_v the_o same_o indifference_n which_o a_o traveller_n have_v whether_o his_o way_n lie_v on_o this_o hand_n or_o that_o so_o as_o it_o be_v the_o direct_a road_n to_o his_o journey_n end_n for_o although_o it_o be_v infinite_o material_a that_o i_o embrace_v right_a principle_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v right_o rather_o than_o the_o other_o and_o our_o wish_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o proceed_v only_o from_o our_o prepossession_n and_o fondness_n of_o our_o own_o conception_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o intercept_v the_o clear_a view_n of_o truth_n it_o therefore_o near_o concern_v we_o to_o deposit_v they_o and_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o without_o reserve_n to_o the_o guidance_n of_o god_n word_n and_o give_v it_o equal_a credit_n when_o it_o thwart_v as_o when_o it_o comply_v with_o our_o own_o notion_n 11._o without_o this_o though_o we_o may_v call_v scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a we_o make_v it_o not_o so_o but_o reserve_v still_o the_o last_o appeal_n to_o our_o own_o prejudicate_v fancy_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n though_o we_o fall_v under_o the_o same_o occoecation_n which_o our_o saviour_n upbraid_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o see_v we_o see_v not_o neither_o do_v we_o understand_v mat._n 13.14_o for_o he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v save_v god_n way_n will_v hardly_o be_v so_o by_o his_o own_o he_o that_o resolve_v not_o impartial_o to_o embrace_v all_o the_o scripture_n dictate_v come_v to_o they_o as_o unsincere_o as_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v to_o jeremiah_n to_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o which_o he_o no_o soon_o have_v do_v but_o they_o protest_v against_o his_o message_n jer._n 42.20_o and_o may_v expect_v as_o fatal_a a_o event_n 12._o but_o there_o be_v a_o set_v of_o man_n who_o deal_v yet_o more_o insincere_o with_o the_o word_n that_o read_v it_o insiduous_o on_o purpose_n to_o collect_v matter_n of_o objection_n and_o cavil_n that_o with_o a_o malicious_a diligence_n compare_v text_n in_o hope_n to_o find_v contradiction_n and_o read_v attentive_o but_o to_o no_o other_o end_n then_o to_o remark_n incoherence_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o stile_n which_o when_o they_o think_v they_o have_v start_v they_o have_v their_o design_n and_o never_o will_v use_v a_o quarter_n of_o the_o same_o diligence_n in_o consider_v how_o they_o may_v be_v solve_v or_o consult_v with_o those_o who_o may_v assist_v they_o in_o it_o for_o i_o think_v i_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o have_v raise_v the_o loud_a clamour_n against_o the_o scripture_n whether_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o render_v themselves_o competent_a judge_n of_o it_o by_o inquire_v into_o the_o original_n or_o inform_v themselves_o of_o those_o local_a custom_n peculiar_a idiom_n and_o many_o other_o circumstance_n by_o which_o obscure_a text_n be_v to_o be_v clear_v and_o though_o i_o do_v not_o affirm_v it_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v do_v this_o yet_o i_o may_v affirm_v it_o necessary_a to_o he_o that_o will_v pretend_v to_o judge_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o he_o that_o without_o this_o condem_n it_o do_v it_o as_o manifest_a injury_n as_o a_o judge_n that_o shall_v pass_v sentence_n only_o upon_o the_o indictment_n without_o hear_v the_o defence_n 13._o and_o certain_o there_o can_v be_v any_o thing_n more_o unmanly_a and_o disingenovos_a then_o for_o man_n to_o inveigh_v and_o condemn_v before_o they_o inquire_v and_o examine_v yet_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n upon_o which_o so_o many_o value_n themselves_o assume_v to_o be_v man_n of_o reason_n for_o that_o for_o which_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v they_o brute_n beast_n viz._n the_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o 2_o pet._n 2.12_o will_v man_n use_v due_a diligence_n no_o doubt_n many_o of_o those_o seem_a contradiction_n will_v be_v reconcile_v and_o the_o obscurity_n clear_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v after_o all_o remain_n he_o may_v find_v twenty_o thing_n fit_a to_o charge_v it_o on_o then_o want_v of_o verity_n or_o discourse_n in_o the_o inspire_a writer_n 14._o alas_o what_o human_a writing_n be_v there_o of_o near_o that_o antiquity_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o many_o passage_n unintelligible_a and_o indeed_o unless_o modern_a time_n know_v all_o those_o national_a custom_n obsolete_a law_n particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n phrase_n and_o proverbial_a say_n to_o which_o such_o ancient_a book_n refer_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o some_o passage_n must_v still_o remain_v obscure_a yet_o in_o these_o we_o ordinary_o have_v so_o much_o candour_n as_o to_o impute_v their_o unintelligibleness_n to_o our_o own_o ignorance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v clear_v they_o the_o impropriety_n of_o stile_n to_o the_o variation_n that_o time_n make_v in_o dialect_n or_o to_o the_o error_n of_o scribe_n and_o do_v not_o present_o exclaim_v against_o the_o author_n as_o false_a or_o impertinent_a or_o discard_v the_o whole_a book_n for_o some_o such_o passage_n 15._o and_o sure_o what_o allowance_n we_o make_v to_o other_o book_n may_v with_o more_o reason_n be_v make_v to_o the_o bible_n which_o have_v be_v write_v so_o many_o age_n since_o pass_v through_o infinite_a variety_n of_o hand_n and_o which_o be_v above_o all_o have_v be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n malice_n lie_v under_o great_a disadvantage_n than_o any_o human_a composure_n and_o doubtless_o man_n will_v be_v as_o equitable_a to_o that_o as_o they_o be_v to_o other_o be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o more_o wish_v to_o have_v that_o false_a or_o irrational_a than_o any_o other_o book_n the_o plain_a part_n of_o it_o the_o precept_n and_o threaten_n speak_v clear_a than_o they_o desire_v gall_n and_o fret_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v revenge_v themselves_o upon_o the_o obscurer_n and_o seem_v angry_a that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o when_o indeed_o their_o real_a displesure_n be_v at_o those_o they_o do_v 16._o a_o second_o qualification_n preparatory_a to_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v reverence_n when_o we_o take_v the_o bible_n in_o our_o hand_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o with_o other_o sentiment_n and_o apprehension_n then_o when_o we_o take_v a_o common_a book_n consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n or_o upon_o our_o abuse_n of_o it_o a_o promoter_n of_o our_o ruin_n 17._o and_o sure_o this_o if_o due_o apprehend_v can_v but_o strike_v we_o with_o a_o reverential_a awe_n make_v we_o to_o say_v with_o jacob_n gen._n 28.17_o sure_o god_n be_v in_o this_o place_n control_v all_o trifle_a fancy_n and_o make_v we_o read_v not_o for_o custom_n or_o divertisement_n but_o with_o