convince_v or_o satisfy_v the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n such_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n the_o father_n have_v so_o carry_v themselves_o towards_o heretic_n yea_o s_o austustine_n himself_o speak_v of_o the_o manichaean_n 17._o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v use_v perscription_n in_o any_o such_o case_n it_o have_v be_v in_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o proper_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n or_o if_o the_o doctrine_n be_v quaestion_v then_o have_v they_o to_o do_v with_o they_o 7._o who_o ground_v not_o themselves_o especial_o upon_o the_o scripture_n but_o wrest_v according_a as_o they_o list_v some_o certain_a piece_n of_o it_o force_v they_o to_o their_o purpose_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o torture_n make_v they_o to_o confess_v what_o they_o never_o know_v and_o therefore_o the_o same_o father_n call_v they_o sucifugas_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la man_n who_o shun_v the_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n 47._o yea_o in_o those_o time_n prescription_n become_v they_o well_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o decline_a and_o fall_v from_o the_o truth_n the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n which_o have_v already_o begin_v to_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o cradle_n our_o condition_n at_o this_o day_n be_v otherwise_o who_o be_v come_v unto_o the_o last_o time_n who_o reckon_v a_o thousand_o and_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n since_o the_o flourish_a and_o happy_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n during_o which_o so_o long_a space_n of_o time_n this_o mystery_n shall_v in_o probability_n be_v well_o grow_v we_o see_v the_o most_o flourish_a church_n in_o time_n past_o plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n now_o bring_v into_o desolation_n and_o we_o can_v now_o call_v to_o witness_v the_o memory_n of_o man_n chap._n 4._o wherein_o be_v propose_v the_o allegation_n against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o judge_n to_o who_o those_o who_o desire_v a_o reformation_n do_v appeal_v but_o for_o all_o this_o they_o call_v in_o doubt_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o judge_n before_o who_o the_o accuser_n commence_v their_o suit_n to_o wit_n god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o by_o the_o scripture_n 1_o they_o doubt_v whether_o he_o can_v be_v judge_n consider_v after_o that_o manner_n because_o say_v they_o every_o judge_n ought_v to_o speak_v judge_n now_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o though_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v at_o all_o the_o scripture_n have_v need_n itself_o to_o be_v propound_v and_o apply_v by_o some_o other_o 2_o and_o beside_o the_o word_n of_o a_o judge_n ought_v to_o be_v clear_a &_o intelligible_a &_o this_o write_a word_n be_v obscure_a as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v 3_o three_o the_o scripture_n be_v ambiguous_a and_o subject_a to_o divers_a interpretation_n whereas_o the_o decree_n of_o a_o judge_n ought_v to_o be_v certain_a and_o positive_a 4_o four_o the_o scripture_n be_v defective_a and_o imperfect_a and_o therefore_o can_v be_v extend_v nor_o apply_v to_o the_o decision_n of_o our_o controversy_n 5_o five_o the_o resolution_n of_o a_o judge_n ought_v to_o make_v they_o agree_v who_o refer_v themselves_o to_o he_o whereas_o it_o be_v see_v what_o discord_n there_o be_v even_o among_o those_o who_o will_v end_v these_o variance_n by_o the_o scripture_n 6_o six_o the_o heretic_n themselves_o make_v use_v of_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n can_v advantage_v the_o party_n condemn_v by_o he_o 7_o seaventhly_a if_o god_n speak_v in_o or_o by_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o judge_n to_o what_o end_n then_o serve_v the_o counsel_n 8_o final_o if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o determination_n then_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n we_o must_v needs_o always_o live_v in_o uncertainty_n for_o the_o weakness_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n understanding_n consider_v who_o among_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n &_o in_o such_o a_o discord_n of_o those_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v know_v and_o discern_v who_o have_v it_o who_o amid_o such_o a_o number_n of_o those_o who_o think_v they_o have_v it_o &_o be_v deceive_v in_o their_o opinion_n can_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v it_o what_o then_o do_v they_o refuse_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o no_o mean_n in_o appearance_n but_o they_o will_v have_v the_o church_n to_o be_v judge_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o when_o that_o come_v to_o the_o upshot_n we_o find_v that_o this_o church_n be_v themselves_o who_o will_v be_v both_o judge_n and_o party_n as_o shall_v be_v more_o plain_o show_v hereafter_o chap._n 5._o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o nullity_n against_o the_o foresay_a allegation_n and_o the_o verify_n of_o the_o first_o mean_n against_o the_o first_o and_o second_o allegation_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v their_o argument_n allege_v against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o judge_n before_o who_o they_o be_v summon_v which_o if_o they_o be_v not_o 1_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o design_n 2._o to_o the_o truth_n 3._o if_o they_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o accuser_n refuse_v not_o to_o accept_v of_o they_o but_o if_o they_o be_v find_v incompatible_a 1._o with_o the_o cause_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o which_o they_o be_v allege_v 2._o with_o the_o truth_n 3._o with_o the_o authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n no_o body_n will_v condemn_v the_o accuser_n of_o false_a deal_n if_o they_o keep_v themselves_o to_o their_o first_o citation_n and_o appeal_n but_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o all_o these_o mean_n of_o nullity_n may_v adversary_n easy_o be_v verify_v and_o that_o we_o may_v proceed_v in_o order_n let_v we_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o and_o let_v we_o consider_v all_o these_o reason_n one_o after_o another_o if_o they_o do_v not_o oppose_v that_o cause_n in_o favour_n of_o which_o they_o be_v produce_v 1_o and_o as_o for_o the_o first_o if_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o by_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o if_o he_o speak_v not_o at_o all_o under_o a_o colour_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v dumb_a and_o give_v no_o sound_n ought_v we_o not_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o father_n speak_v in_o their_o write_n the_o church_n speak_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o counsel_n the_o pope_n in_o his_o decree_n and_o decretall_n in_o his_o breefe_n and_o in_o his_o bull_n and_o indulgence_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o the_o father_n church_n and_o pope_n speak_v not_o at_o all_o and_o ought_v not_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n the_o canon_n of_o the_o counsel_n the_o decree_n and_o decretal_n the_o brief_n bull_n and_o indulgence_n be_v propound_v and_o apply_v nay_o and_o that_o by_o such_o who_o be_v not_o qualify_v for_o judge_n to_o wit_v the_o particular_a or_o ecclesiastical_a person_n who_o may_v err_v as_o not_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n every_o one_o a_o part_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o pulpitt_n in_o their_o state_n or_o less_o solemn_a exhortation_n propose_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o father_n the_o canon_n of_o the_o counsel_n the_o decree_n &_o constitution_n of_o the_o pope_n their_o breefe_n bull_n and_o indulgence_n this_o first_o reason_n then_o draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v dumb_a that_o it_o have_v need_v to_o be_v propound_v and_o apply_v can_v be_v admit_v unless_o they_o will_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n annihilate_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n counsel_n pope_n in_o who_o word_n the_o very_a pretend_a defect_n be_v to_o be_v find_v as_o plain_o appear_v 2_o and_o for_o the_o second_o allegation_n touch_v the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o can_v be_v maintain_v but_o it_o must_v be_v withal_o aver_v that_o all_o the_o proof_n draw_v from_o this_o word_n be_v likewise_o obscure_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o romish_a religion_n can_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o by_o guess_n and_o conjecture_n so_o that_o all_o the_o proof_n draw_v from_o this_o scripture_n to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n shall_v be_v mere_a conjecture_n and_o guess_n and_o be_v they_o not_o to_o blame_v then_o upon_o this_o reckon_n not_o to_o bind_v those_o that_o accuse_v the_o romish_a church_n of_o revolt_n to_o keep_v themselves_o to_o the_o judge_n before_o who_o they_o have_v make_v their_o appeal_n see_v he_o speak_v so_o obscure_o on_o the_o accuser_n side_n that_o he_o will_v never_o justify_v his_o accusation_n neither_o condemn_v the_o party_n accuse_v who_o be_v in_o possession_n whereas_o the_o accuser_n be_v the_o plaintiff_n if_o the_o evidence_n by_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o verify_v his_o accusation_n be_v obscure_a and_o
intricate_a ought_v rather_o oblige_v he_o to_o produce_v they_o then_o oppose_v or_o hinder_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o he_o that_o accuse_v and_o for_o proof_n of_o his_o accusation_n allege_v reason_n too_o hard_o to_o be_v ununderstood_v that_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o speak_v welsh_a or_o irish_a both_o justify_v the_o party_n accuse_v and_o make_v himself_o worthy_a to_o be_v laugh_v at_o chap._n 6._o the_o verification_n of_o the_o first_o mean_n of_o nullity_n against_o the_o three_o and_o four_o allegation_n 3_o but_o if_o as_o by_o the_o three_o allegation_n it_o seem_v the_o scripture_n be_v ambiguous_a and_o capable_a of_o divers_a interpretation_n wherefore_o and_o with_o what_o reason_n be_v it_o that_o the_o doctor_n that_o term_v themselves_o catholic_n do_v make_v more_o account_n of_o one_o expression_n of_o scripture_n then_o of_o another_o ground_v themselves_o either_o upon_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o very_a text_n which_o be_v expound_v or_o upon_o some_o other_o passage_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o sense_n whereof_o be_v clear_a manifest_a and_o certain_a and_o not_o simple_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o they_o say_v a_o nose_n of_o wax_n theramenes_n buskin_n a_o shoe_n for_o both_o foot_n a_o weathercock_n which_o turn_v with_o the_o wind_n wherefore_o do_v they_o refute_v by_o scripture_n the_o interpretation_n nay_o rather_o the_o false_a gloss_n of_o heretic_n wherefore_o do_v they_o not_o bare_o allege_v unto_o they_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n very_o according_a to_o their_o reckon_n for_o the_o proove_n of_o transubstantiation_n they_o need_v no_o more_o urge_v the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n hoc_fw-la est_fw-la corpus_fw-la meum_fw-la neither_o to_o say_v that_o they_o must_v be_v take_v as_o they_o sound_v as_o be_v word_n of_o a_o last_o will_v and_o testament_n see_v that_o this_o passage_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o their_o allegation_n be_v true_a ambiguous_a and_o capable_a of_o divers_a interpretation_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v transubstantiation_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n but_o because_o it_o have_v please_v the_o church_n so_o to_o interpret_v it_o and_o so_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v not_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n nor_o rule_v according_a to_o it_o but_o quite_o contrary_a the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v rule_v and_o ground_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o foundation_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o house_n and_o the_o building_n be_v the_o level_n and_o the_o square_n and_o to_o conclude_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n prove_v so_o distinct_o so_o clear_o so_o evident_o the_o pretend_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o wonder_v how_o those_o that_o do_v but_o read_v the_o scripture_n can_v admit_v it_o if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v ambiguous_a and_o of_o a_o double_a meaning_n as_o have_v be_v pretend_v by_o the_o three_o allegation_n 4_o touch_v the_o four_o defect_n object_v against_o the_o scripture_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v imperfect_a and_o do_v not_o sufficient_o furnish_v we_o with_o reason_n for_o to_o prove_v or_o refute_v what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o matter_n of_o controversy_n betwixt_o us._n if_o this_o objection_n be_v receive_v how_o have_v the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v call_v catholic_a undertake_v to_o prove_v all_o the_o point_n of_o the_o romish_a religion_n by_o the_o scripture_n have_v they_o take_v upon_o they_o rash_o a_o thing_n impossible_a will_v they_o show_v themselves_o in_o this_o sophister_n and_o cavil_v disputer_n seek_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o which_o be_v not_o there_o to_o be_v find_v and_o prove_v a_o truth_n by_o a_o lie_n or_o be_v there_o some_o point_n of_o doctrine_n believe_v in_o the_o church_n term_v catholic_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n who_o among_o they_o all_o dare_v undertake_v to_o make_v a_o catalogue_n of_o any_o such_o point_n what_o may_v those_o point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v that_o be_v not_o handle_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o be_v silent_a in_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v term_v imperfect_a they_o be_v not_o point_n touch_v the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n or_o of_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n of_o hope_n charity_n and_o repentance_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n of_o life_n eternal_a of_o baptism_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a supper_n these_o point_n and_o those_o that_o depend_v on_o they_o be_v without_o doubt_n retain_v in_o the_o scripture_n what_o then_o can_v these_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v of_o which_o the_o prophet_n the_o apostle_n nay_o god_n himself_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v it_o the_o article_n of_o the_o pope_n authority_n not_o only_o now_o to_o excommunitate_fw-la but_o also_o to_o depose_v king_n his_o authority_n of_o dispence_v with_o marriage_n with_o which_o god_n dispense_v not_o in_o his_o word_n to_o make_v eat_v of_o flesh_n in_o lent_n a_o thing_n of_o itself_o indifferent_a to_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o that_o a_o incestuous_a marriage_n be_v not_o incestuous_a or_o else_o the_o article_n of_o his_o imperial_a dominion_n so_o sovereign_a and_o supreme_a that_o although_o he_o shall_v lead_v whole_a troop_n of_o silly_a soul_n into_o hell_n none_o may_v presume_v to_o say_v unto_o he_o my_o lord_n why_o do_v you_o so_o and_o of_o so_o large_a extent_n that_o it_o reach_v unto_o the_o soul_n both_o of_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a or_o be_v they_o the_o article_n of_o worship_v of_o image_n of_o invocation_n of_o saint_n of_o the_o fire_n of_o purgatory_n as_o hot_a as_o that_o of_o hell_n of_o work_n of_o supererogation_n of_o merit_n ex_fw-la congruo_fw-la &_o ex_fw-la condigno_fw-la that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v sacrifice_v himself_o upon_o earth_n twice_o to_o wit_n when_o he_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a supper_n with_o his_o disciple_n and_o not_o once_o alone_o upon_o the_o cross_n that_o divine_a service_n ought_v to_o be_v say_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n that_o christ_n have_v not_o save_v by_o his_o death_n the_o little_a child_n which_o die_v without_o baptism_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o article_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v no_o mention_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v write_v nothing_o no_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v dictate_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v write_v the_o clean_a contrary_n that_o the_o temporal_a authority_n of_o king_n be_v immediate_o from_o god_n 5._o that_o every_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o and_o not_o above_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o the_o very_a apostle_n be_v the_o servant_n but_o not_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n 13._o that_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o which_o die_v in_o christ_n rest_n from_o their_o labour_n 14._o that_o we_o must_v not_o call_v on_o he_o in_o who_o we_o have_v not_o believe_v that_o we_o must_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o image_n cb_n that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o can_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n that_o christ_n have_v not_o offer_v himself_o oftentimes_o but_o once_o that_o the_o use_n of_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o the_o church_n be_v a_o curse_n 1â—_n that_o christ_n receive_v the_o little_a child_n yea_o before_o baptism_n chap._n 7._o a_o verify_n of_o the_o first_o mean_n of_o nullity_n against_o the_o five_o and_o six_o allegation_n and_o for_o the_o five_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o the_o scripture_n to_o wit_n that_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n to_o end_v their_o controversy_n by_o its_o determination_n be_v disagree_v in_o opinion_n if_o this_o consideration_n shall_v make_v that_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o by_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o competent_a judge_n to_o determine_v our_o controversy_n it_o will_v follow_v also_o from_o thence_o that_o neither_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v our_o judge_n since_o in_o this_o respect_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n for_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n both_o arrian_n and_o orthodox_n donatist_n &_o catholic_n do_v pretend_v to_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n the_o arrian_n do_v reject_v the_o council_n of_o nice_a require_v a_o new_a council_n yea_o many_o arrian_n in_o effect_n protest_v that_o they_o will_v hold_v themselves_o to_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a so_o that_o by_o this_o account_n the_o church_n itself_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o judge_n if_o from_o the_o discord_n of_o they_o who_o profess_v to_o refer_v themselves_o to_o the_o decision_n of_o a_o
whatsoever_o thing_n have_v be_v write_v afore_o time_n have_v be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n 4._o and_o therefore_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n clear_o &_o plain_o there_o be_v no_o great_a enemy_n to_o learning_n then_o obscurity_n it_o be_v the_o scripture_n which_o he_o term_v to_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 19_o and_o profitable_a to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v how_o can_v this_o be_v if_o it_o be_v obscure_a likewise_o he_o say_v that_o timothy_n have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o his_o child_n hood_n nay_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o his_o very_a infancy_n do_v we_o use_v to_o read_v dark_a obscure_a author_n unto_o little_a child_n it_o be_v the_o scripture_n which_o the_o apostle_n saint_n peter_n call_v a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n 19_o and_o what_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o darkness_n and_o light_n a_o lantern_n and_o obscurity_n and_o to_o be_v brief_a it_o be_v the_o scripture_n the_o read_n of_o which_o have_v be_v so_o much_o recommend_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n namely_o by_o saint_n chrysostome_n who_o exhortation_n so_o pathetical_a and_o pithy_a laz._n so_o often_o reiterated_a and_o inculcate_v show_v plain_o that_o this_o abuse_n of_o not_o read_v the_o scripture_n under_o a_o colour_n of_o their_o obscurity_n do_v long_o ago_o in_o his_o time_n begin_v to_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n but_o be_v neither_o receive_v nor_o approve_v by_o it_o as_o now_o it_o be_v and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v say_v unto_o we_o that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v answer_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a otherwise_o to_o what_o end_n serve_v so_o many_o commentary_n homily_n and_o sermon_n but_o the_o answer_n be_v very_o easy_a that_o we_o deny_v not_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o many_o place_n very_o obscure_a god_n have_v so_o ordain_v it_o of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n for_o to_o beat_v down_o the_o presumption_n of_o man_n and_o to_o rouse_v up_o his_o laziness_n to_o a_o holy_a study_n and_o diligent_a read_n of_o it_o as_o sâ—_n augustine_n have_v very_o well_o observe_v but_o we_o say_v with_o the_o same_o father_n that_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v contain_v all_o thing_n which_o concern_v faith_n and_o good_a manner_n for_o as_o touch_v what_o be_v over_o and_o above_o that_o the_o whole_a militant_a church_n be_v it_o unite_v in_o one_o be_v not_o able_a to_o expound_v all_o the_o obscure_a place_n in_o the_o scripture_n otherwise_o she_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o not_o to_o have_v take_v care_n to_o have_v furnish_v her_o child_n with_o a_o ample_a and_o authentic_a conmentary_n which_o may_v make_v all_o the_o scripture_n clear_a and_o without_o obscurity_n and_o as_o touch_v preach_v and_o commentary_n they_o serve_v not_o always_o to_o illustrate_v and_o explain_v but_o oftentimes_o to_o delate_v and_o amplify_v and_o when_o they_o do_v illustrate_v they_o do_v it_o not_o by_o any_o light_n borrow_v elsewhere_o then_o from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o follow_v therein_o the_o council_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o levite_n of_o who_o it_o be_v write_v that_o they_o do_v read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n expound_v it_o 8._o and_o render_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o we_o way_n judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o which_o be_v obscure_a by_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o which_o be_v clear_a &_o likewise_o discern_v whether_o the_o interpretation_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o that_o which_o go_v before_o and_o follow_v after_o whereas_o in_o a_o place_n that_o be_v difficult_a to_o speak_v proper_o when_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o be_v give_v can_v be_v receive_v but_o upon_o credit_n and_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o interpreter_n because_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o can_v see_v the_o correspondence_n that_o be_v between_o the_o text_n and_o the_o commentary_n the_o word_n and_o the_o sense_n which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o good_a &_o whole_a some_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v condemn_v of_o obscurity_n chap._n 11._o the_o verification_n of_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o nullity_n against_o the_o three_o and_o four_o allegation_n the_o three_o accusation_n of_o ambiguity_n be_v as_o unjust_a as_o the_o two_o former_a for_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v ambiguous_a and_o capable_a of_o divers_a interpretation_n how_o have_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o apostle_n sâ—_n paul_n to_o convince_v the_o jew_n by_o the_o scripture_n can_v one_o by_o any_o say_n have_v a_o ambiguous_a and_o double_a meaning_n force_v the_o understanding_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o obdurate_a and_o obstinate_a enemy_n how_o can_v the_o jew_n of_o berea_n examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n s._n paul_n that_o which_o be_v ambiguous_a and_o may_v be_v bend_v too_o and_o fro_o can_v it_o serve_v for_o a_o rule_n the_o question_v not_o be_v of_o a_o lesbian_a rule_n which_o be_v rather_o rule_v than_o do_v rule_v and_o measure_v than_o itself_o a_o measure_n which_o be_v bow_v and_o bend_a whither_o soever_o we_o list_v but_o of_o a_o certain_a and_o constant_a rule_n which_o be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o how_o do_v our_o lord_n employ_v not_o only_o his_o authority_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o the_o scripture_n itself_o when_o he_o will_v prove_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a against_o the_o sadducee_n and_o so_o pregnant_o that_o even_o the_o devil_n himself_o with_o all_o his_o sophistry_n can_v not_o answer_v the_o argument_n shall_v we_o think_v he_o prove_v a_o truth_n which_o he_o undertake_v to_o clear_v and_o put_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n by_o a_o passage_n the_o sense_n whereof_o be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a and_o what_o for_o we_o also_o allege_v the_o father_n be_v not_o both_o athanasius_n and_o s._n augustine_n of_o this_o opinion_n that_o by_o a_o due_a consideration_n have_v of_o what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v after_o and_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n it_o have_v with_o the_o principal_a scope_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v there_o treat_v of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v against_o heretic_n how_o can_v it_o be_v show_v by_o the_o same_o scripture_n which_o be_v yet_o daily_o practise_v that_o a_o false_a and_o heretical_a interpretation_n do_v not_o agree_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o final_o be_v it_o in_o conscience_n seemly_a in_o call_v the_o scripture_n ambiguous_a to_o brand_v they_o and_o disgrace_v they_o so_o far_o as_o to_o fasten_v upon_o they_o the_o mark_n of_o satan_n oracle_n if_o they_o have_v be_v such_o if_o tertullian_n have_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v such_o the_o heretic_n have_v never_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o call_v they_o he_o himself_o have_v never_o call_v they_o lucifugas_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la such_o as_o shun_v and_o fly_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o owl_n or_o batte_fw-it do_v the_o clear_a sunshine_n the_o four_o accusation_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o less_o grievous_a and_o unjust_a for_o since_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n â—7_n and_o perfect_a unto_o every_o good_a work_n it_o must_v without_o doubt_n contain_v all_o doctrine_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o attain_v its_o end_n and_o since_o scripture_n itself_o do_v promise_n this_o so_o exact_a and_o perfect_a doctrine_n either_o its_o witness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n or_o what_o it_o testify_v of_o itself_o be_v true_a nay_o which_o be_v more_o god_n have_v express_o prohibit_v to_o add_v to_o it_o or_o to_o diminish_v any_o thing_n from_o it_o and_o if_o this_o have_v have_v place_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n shall_v it_o not_o in_o the_o new_a which_o be_v much_o more_o full_a and_o perfect_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v let_v we_o then_o adore_v as_o tertullian_n speak_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o let_v we_o not_o hear_v as_o athanasius_n speak_v neither_o receive_v any_o thing_n beside_o or_o above_o they_o in_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n for_o touch_v the_o policy_n &_o ceremony_n use_v in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v another_o matter_n we_o avouch_v that_o the_o father_n do_v not_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o by_o the_o scripture_n but_o a_o great_a part_n of_o those_o ceremony_n use_v in_o their_o time_n have_v be_v quite_o abolish_v so_o that_o they_o be_v
it_o oblige_v we_o to_o judge_v better_o of_o a_o multitude_n what_o than_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o he_o keep_v his_o promise_n and_o shall_v not_o he_o be_v justify_v when_o he_o speak_v nay_o let_v every_o man_n be_v declare_v a_o liar_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v acknowledge_v faithful_a and_o true_a for_o he_o have_v promise_v not_o to_o a_o multitude_n only_o but_o also_o to_o two_o or_o three_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o their_o consultation_n to_o wit_n if_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n if_o they_o seek_v he_o in_o truth_n but_o who_o can_v discern_v who_o be_v they_o if_o not_o by_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o constitution_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o find_v in_o they_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v assemble_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n nor_o consequent_o that_o they_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a promise_n saint_n augustine_n well_o know_v this_o truth_n when_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o counsel_n even_o those_o which_o be_v general_a may_v be_v correct_v and_o reform_v to_o what_o good_a then_o serve_v the_o counsel_n true_o oftentimes_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v good_a that_o they_o be_v pernicious_a for_o if_o the_o number_n of_o those_o which_o be_v good_a be_v the_o less_o without_o doubt_n the_o multitude_n will_v carry_v it_o and_o it_o will_v be_v as_o the_o council_n of_o the_o four_o hundred_o prophet_n and_o one_o hold_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o jehosaphat_n and_o ahab_n where_o the_o 400_o evil_a prophet_n crush_v the_o one_o good_a and_o carry_v it_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o resistance_n he_o can_v make_v for_o which_o cause_n the_o religious_a wisdom_n of_o holy_a athanasius_n can_v sufficient_o be_v praise_v oppose_v himself_o against_o they_o who_o require_v synod_n under_o pretence_n of_o reform_v the_o faith_n in_o allege_v unto_o they_o that_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n more_o proper_a for_o this_o purpose_n then_o any_o other_o mean_n whatsoever_o yea_o that_o because_o he_o doubt_v least_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o worse_a part_n may_v sway_v the_o balance_n in_o the_o time_n of_o gregory_n nazianzen_n thing_n be_v come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o corruption_n that_o be_v summon_v by_o procopius_n in_o the_o emperor_n name_n to_o come_v to_o a_o synod_n viâ—i_fw-la he_o excuse_v himself_o say_v that_o he_o never_o see_v any_o good_a issue_n of_o a_o synod_n but_o when_o a_o council_n may_v be_v hold_v compose_v of_o man_n well_o red_a in_o the_o scripture_n zealous_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n lover_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o such_o a_o assembly_n may_v bring_v forth_o much_o good_a because_o it_o may_v clear_v that_o which_o be_v difficult_a not_o by_o its_o own_o authority_n but_o by_o its_o sufficiency_n even_o as_o when_o a_o window_n be_v open_v by_o a_o strong_a dextrous_a hand_n which_o be_v shut_v up_o before_o the_o more_o weak_a and_o unable_a who_o can_v not_o open_v it_o do_v see_v the_o sun_n perceive_v the_o open_n not_o because_o of_o any_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o open_v it_o but_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o strength_n &_o dexterity_n manifest_v itself_o by_o a_o visible_a and_o sensible_a effect_n but_o such_o counsel_n we_o may_v rather_o wish_v than_o look_v for_o the_o deluge_n of_o vice_n which_o have_v overflow_v christendom_n have_v draw_v upon_o we_o this_o horrible_a judgement_n such_o be_v that_o first_o council_n of_o nice_a that_o take_v the_o scripture_n only_o for_o the_o rule_n and_o square_v of_o its_o judgement_n and_o refuse_v not_o to_o submit_v itself_o to_o the_o touchstone_n and_o trial_n as_o sâ—_n athanasius_n witness_v propose_v to_o other_o counsel_n or_o rather_o conventicle_n the_o example_n of_o this_o counsel_n modesty_n to_o make_v they_o blush_v with_o shame_n and_o confound_v their_o pride_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o remarkable_a thing_n that_o the_o father_n protest_v that_o they_o will_v not_o use_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a against_o the_o arrian_n but_o of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o which_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a be_v found_v what_o shall_v we_o then_o conclude_v but_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o approve_v of_o the_o good_a counsel_n receive_v their_o ordinance_n with_o reverence_n not_o because_o they_o can_v not_o err_v but_o if_o so_o they_o have_v not_o err_v and_o argue_v in_o this_o manner_n against_o heretic_n when_o matter_n of_o right_n be_v call_v in_o question_n the_o council_n have_v so_o conclude_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o it_o be_v true_a and_o not_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o council_n have_v so_o conclude_v therefore_o it_o be_v so_o but_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o touch_v history_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v that_o which_o be_v universal_o believe_v and_o receive_v and_o by_o the_o great_a part_n we_o may_v well_o conclude_v from_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n that_o it_o be_v believe_v and_o receive_v general_o and_o therefore_o the_o counsel_n also_o be_v good_a for_o this_o purpose_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o heretic_n who_o may_v pretend_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o such_o a_o protestation_n give_v some_o scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a which_o by_o this_o mean_n may_v easy_o be_v take_v away_o true_o if_o the_o counsel_n have_v think_v that_o their_o consultation_n shall_v be_v approve_v because_o of_o their_o authority_n simple_o &_o not_o much_o more_o rather_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o their_o conformity_n with_o the_o scripture_n they_o have_v never_o insert_v in_o their_o act_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o reason_n on_o which_o they_o ground_v themselves_o they_o have_v never_o frame_v we_o a_o man_n may_v say_v a_o verbal_a process_n of_o all_o that_o have_v pass_v but_o they_o will_v have_v content_v themselves_o to_o have_v insert_v the_o canon_n only_o without_o any_o further_a declaration_n but_o not_o proceed_v after_o this_o manner_n they_o will_v give_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o their_o deliberation_n and_o recommend_v themselves_o famous_a not_o by_o the_o usurpation_n of_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n but_o by_o a_o declaration_n and_o exposition_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o so_o our_o faith_n may_v not_o be_v ground_v upon_o humane_a authority_n but_o upon_o that_o of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o true_o to_o what_o end_n be_v the_o ceremony_n of_o lay_v the_o bible_n upon_o the_o table_n in_o a_o council_n be_v it_o not_o to_o declare_v that_o its_o authority_n be_v rule_v by_o a_o law_n and_o as_o a_o judge_n in_o a_o politic_a estate_n who_o have_v the_o prince_n law_n for_o his_o rule_n aught_o to_o judge_v according_a to_o that_o law_n and_o be_v accountable_a for_o his_o judgement_n so_o be_v the_o counsel_n to_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v apparent_a unto_o the_o conscience_n as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o they_o that_o they_o have_v judge_v according_a unto_o it_o but_o some_o may_v say_v counsel_n at_o least_o be_v subordinate_a judge_n be_v it_o so_o but_o we_o seek_v a_o sovereign_a judge_n a_o judge_n from_o who_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o appeal_v a_o infallible_a judge_n this_o authority_n this_o privilege_n can_v be_v give_v to_o counsel_n we_o seek_v a_o judge_n that_o be_v always_o on_o bench_n give_v audience_n a_o judge_n to_o who_o we_o may_v at_o all_o time_n have_v recourse_n and_o such_o counsel_n can_v be_v chap._n 15._o the_o verify_n of_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o nullity_n against_o the_o eight_o allegation_n by_o declare_v the_o impertinasy_n thereof_o the_o last_o point_n remain_v to_o be_v clear_v to_o wit_n whether_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o humane_a judgement_n can_v cause_v that_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n shall_v not_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v our_o judge_n since_o a_o man_n can_v know_v neither_o who_o have_v nor_o whether_o he_o himself_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o not_o and_o here_o first_o of_o all_o can_v we_o answer_v that_o touch_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o we_o can_v know_v immediate_o or_o as_o the_o school_n speak_v à _fw-la priori_fw-la who_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o only_o who_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v resolve_v by_o confer_v the_o scripture_n with_o that_o which_o be_v propose_v we_o may_v easy_o conclude_v if_o passion_n and_o malice_n darken_v not_o the_o understanding_n who_o propose_v the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n discern_v à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la as_o they_o say_v who_o have_v the_o spirit_n see_v that_o in_o regard_n of_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n none_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o
those_o to_o who_o the_o spirit_n have_v suggest_v they_o how_o wicked_a and_o detestable_a soever_o otherwise_o they_o may_v be_v so_o that_o the_o question_n be_v bring_v to_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o wit_n who_o propose_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o question_n be_v clear_v in_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n propose_v by_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o proportion_n of_o a_o build_n be_v know_v by_o apply_v of_o the_o square_a and_o level_n for_o example_n the_o jew_n of_o boerea_n do_v not_o direct_o and_o à _fw-la priori_fw-la inquire_v whether_o saint_n paul_n when_o he_o preach_v unto_o they_o be_v inspire_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o no_o it_o have_v be_v a_o impossible_a thing_n for_o they_o see_v it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o god_n alone_o to_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n but_o they_o make_v inquiry_n for_o all_o that_o whether_o saint_n paul_n do_v speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v by_o confer_v of_o saint_n paul_n doctrine_n with_o the_o scripture_n discover_v the_o conformity_n and_o how_o they_o answer_v the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o they_o judge_v true_o &_o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o wit_n that_o saint_n paul_n speak_v not_o of_o himself_o but_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n yea_o the_o ancient_n themselves_o have_v to_o do_v with_o heretic_n who_o make_v show_v to_o hold_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o rule_n have_v not_o refuse_v to_o dispute_v before_o a_o pagan_a judge_n who_o although_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o unbelief_n he_o be_v not_o capable_a to_o judge_v whether_o of_o two_o party_n maintain_v the_o truth_n pronounce_v nevertheless_o and_o very_o happy_o which_o of_o the_o two_o conclude_v most_o conformable_o to_o the_o scripture_n which_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o allege_v for_o their_o purpose_n but_o the_o same_o suffice_v we_o at_o this_o day_n in_o our_o controversy_n for_o if_o it_o be_v apparent_a who_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n no_o man_n who_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n doubt_v of_o the_o scripture_n the_o conclusion_n will_v be_v plain_a and_o evident_a that_o whosoever_o he_o be_v speak_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v much_o difference_n between_o believe_v the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o judge_v who_o teach_v most_o conformable_o to_o those_o principle_n to_o the_o first_o faith_n and_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o second_o common_a sense_n be_v sufficient_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a when_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n the_o son_n god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n also_o that_o the_o father_n be_v not_o the_o son_n nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o for_o this_o faith_n only_o be_v require_v but_o to_o infer_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v one_o in_o number_n that_o the_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v distinct_a yet_o not_o divide_v that_o they_o communicate_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o nature_n for_o this_o i_o say_v common_a sense_n alone_o suffice_v which_o can_v deny_v the_o consequent_a the_o truth_n of_o the_o antecedent_n once_o grant_v which_o without_o all_o doubt_n can_v be_v comprehend_v but_o by_o faith_n it_o be_v then_o in_o vain_a to_o ask_v who_o shall_v judge_v of_o the_o consequence_n as_o if_o a_o man_n have_v learn_v in_o a_o history_n how_o many_o company_n and_o how_o many_o soldier_n in_o every_o company_n be_v in_o a_o army_n how_o many_o troop_n of_o horse_n and_o how_o many_o horseman_n in_o every_o troop_n one_o shall_v demand_v who_o shall_v judge_v whether_o the_o number_n of_o the_o soldier_n of_o which_o the_o army_n do_v consist_v be_v right_o collect_v from_o thence_o in_o like_a manner_n if_o we_o can_v prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o that_o which_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n be_v bread_n break_v and_o if_o we_o prove_v by_o the_o same_o scripture_n that_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o break_v in_o the_o eucharist_n and_o that_o yet_o much_o less_o the_o bread_n break_v be_v christ_n body_n to_o demand_v here_o who_o shall_v judge_v whether_o a_o man_n may_v infer_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o lord_n give_v not_o we_o external_o his_o own_o body_n in_o the_o eucharist_n be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o ask_v who_o have_v common_a sense_n likewise_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o grace_n through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o ourselves_o 9_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v if_o it_o be_v ask_v here_o who_o shall_v judge_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o hence_o that_o we_o be_v not_o save_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o work_n but_o by_o faith_n whole_o rely_v upon_o this_o grace_n without_o have_v merit_v it_o ourselves_o by_o any_o work_n of_o we_o be_v not_o this_o to_o ask_v how_o a_o man_n may_v know_v that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o sense_n but_o if_o the_o consequence_n be_v so_o obscure_a that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o judge_v of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v no_o consequence_n at_o all_o the_o nature_n of_o which_o be_v such_o that_o in_o a_o manner_n it_o force_v our_o understanding_n to_o yield_v unto_o it_o and_o to_o allow_v of_o it_o albeit_o we_o have_v study_v in_o no_o other_o logic_n then_o that_o of_o nature_n chap._n 16._o the_o verify_n of_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o nullity_n against_o the_o eight_o allegation_n by_o declare_v the_o untrueth_n thereof_o but_o if_o we_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o demand_v how_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o declare_a will_n of_o god_n since_o a_o man_n can_v know_v neither_o who_o have_v nor_o whether_o he_o himself_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o no_o the_o answer_n be_v very_o easy_a he_o who_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n or_o no_o belong_v not_o to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a if_o he_o know_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n but_o all_o those_o who_o belong_v to_o christ_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o spirit_n 16._o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o cry_v abba_n father_n in_o their_o heart_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v to_o their_o spirit_n 14._o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n they_o be_v seal_v until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o purchase_a possession_n he_o be_v unto_o they_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n 5._o they_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n they_o hear_v and_o know_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o shepherd_n they_o follow_v he_o 16._o and_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n they_o will_v not_o follow_v but_o will_v fly_v from_o he_o for_o they_o know_v not_o his_o voice_n the_o father_n drive_v they_o to_o christ_n they_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n they_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o father_n 27._o they_o be_v spiritual_a and_o therefore_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n because_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o they_o &_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v they_o have_v receive_v the_o anoint_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n 78._o god_n have_v write_v his_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n christ_n dwell_v there_o by_o faith_n their_o body_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o those_o who_o be_v adorn_v and_o enrich_v so_o sumptuous_o can_v they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o diamond_n and_o the_o magnificencie_n of_o the_o riches_n which_o they_o possess_v those_o who_o be_v enlighten_v with_o such_o a_o light_n upon_o who_o the_o lord_n cause_v the_o day_n to_o spring_v from_o on_o high_a to_o shine_v and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n to_o airse_v to_o who_o he_o be_v the_o sun_n and_o buckler_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n bear_v health_n under_o his_o wing_n who_o eye_n he_o have_v enlighten_v can_v they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o walk_v in_o his_o light_n shall_v the_o natural_a man_n by_o his_o reason_n comprehend_v that_o he_o discourse_v and_o the_o spiritual_a man_n shall_v not_o he_o discern_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o here_o some_o man_n may_v say_v unto_o we_o but_o how_o many_o may_v be_v find_v who_o boast_n nay_o who_o think_v very_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n
and_o yet_o be_v gross_o deceive_v how_o many_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o err_v oftentimes_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o but_o be_v it_o not_o either_o a_o strange_a perversity_n or_o indiscretion_n to_o infer_v from_o thence_o that_o none_o can_v know_v that_o none_o can_v judge_v and_o discern_v assure_o to_o salvation_n the_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v outward_o to_o his_o by_o his_o word_n &_o inward_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o do_v we_o not_o see_v among_o man_n how_o many_o there_o be_v who_o glory_n and_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o false_a opinion_n of_o wisdom_n be_v indeed_o imprudent_a &_o foolish_a &_o yet_o whosoever_o will_v conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o he_o who_o be_v true_o wise_a can_v know_v that_o he_o be_v so_o shall_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n not_o that_o of_o the_o academique_n but_o even_o the_o pyrronian_a suspense_n of_o judgement_n if_o then_o the_o boast_n and_o vanity_n of_o a_o fool_n can_v prejudice_v the_o assure_a knowledge_n which_o he_o who_o be_v wise_a can_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v of_o wisdom_n no_o more_o can_v the_o false_a persuasion_n of_o hypocrite_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o illusion_n of_o satan_n shake_v the_o certainty_n of_o that_o assurance_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o spiritual_a man_n and_o give_v as_o we_o have_v say_v testimony_n to_o his_o spirit_n yea_o the_o conformity_n of_o his_o motion_n with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n assure_v and_o strengthen_v he_o and_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o sense_n and_o feeling_n he_o have_v and_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o false_a illusion_n of_o satan_n which_o have_v no_o other_o rule_n then_o itself_o from_o the_o same_o fountain_n either_o of_o malice_n or_o unadvisednesse_n it_o proceed_v that_o under_o pretence_n that_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n do_v err_v sometime_o they_o will_v conclude_v that_o in_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n they_o can_v pass_v any_o certain_a judgement_n for_o the_o wise_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o worldly_a business_n may_v offend_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o wisdom_n and_o yet_o who_o will_v deny_v for_o all_o this_o but_o they_o can_v give_v advise_v and_o sure_a counsel_n we_o say_v sure_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o wisdom_n for_o no_o man_n can_v answer_v for_o the_o event_n which_o be_v oftentimes_o contrary_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o counsel_n and_o favour_v rash_a attempt_n the_o learned_a be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o thing_n but_o not_o of_o such_o without_o which_o they_o can_v deserve_v that_o name_n as_o then_o the_o prudent_a differ_v not_o from_o fool_n in_o this_o that_o they_o never_o commit_v any_o folly_n but_o in_o this_o that_o their_o folly_n be_v not_o gross_a be_v not_o ordinary_a and_o as_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o learned_a &_o the_o ignorant_a consist_v in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a in_o the_o science_n which_o he_o profess_v the_o ignorant_a on_o the_o contrary_n be_v either_o ignorant_a of_o all_o or_o know_v very_o little_a and_o even_o that_o little_a which_o he_o know_v to_o speak_v proper_o he_o know_v not_o so_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o man_n spiritual_o wise_a &_o he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a according_a to_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v not_o in_o this_o that_o the_o spiritual_a man_n never_o but_o in_o that_o he_o err_v not_o gross_o and_o ordinary_o not_o in_o that_o he_o know_v all_o but_o in_o that_o he_o know_v all_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a in_o his_o profession_n whereas_o he_o that_o be_v spiritual_o foolish_a and_o ignorant_a err_v almost_o always_o err_v ordinary_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v know_v for_o the_o make_n of_o himself_o such_o as_o he_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v and_o even_o as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a disproportion_n between_o fool_n and_o wiseman_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n and_o carriage_n of_o their_o life_n between_o the_o learned_a and_o ignorant_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a art_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o wise_a in_o that_o kind_n be_v not_o equal_o wise_a nor_o all_o the_o learned_a equal_o learn_v nay_o in_o that_o very_a humane_a and_o secular_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n there_o be_v no_o one_o perfect_o wise_a perfect_o learn_v so_o great_a be_v the_o difference_n between_o those_o who_o god_n have_v enlighten_v with_o his_o knowledge_n and_o those_o who_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o one_o among_o they_o all_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n we_o conclude_v then_o that_o as_o those_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n can_v assure_v themselves_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o by_o consequent_a can_v discern_v his_o word_n unto_o salvation_n so_o all_o those_o that_o be_v he_o do_v feel_v the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n even_o as_o they_o feel_v and_o find_v in_o themselves_o by_o experience_n the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o judge_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n propose_v in_o the_o word_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o by_o reason_n they_o judge_v of_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o it_o it_o suffice_v we_o to_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o faithful_a have_v a_o assure_a and_o certain_a rule_n in_o the_o scripture_n chap._n 17._o the_o verify_n of_o the_o three_o mean_n of_o nullity_n against_o the_o allegation_n and_o by_o these_o reason_n we_o think_v we_o have_v make_v good_a the_o two_o first_o mean_n of_o nullity_n propose_v against_o the_o eight_o allegation_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o verify_v the_o three_o to_o wit_n that_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o come_v then_o to_o the_o point_n let_v ut_fw-la first_o of_o all_o consider_v that_o their_o aim_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o a_o christian_n can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o his_o religion_n of_o that_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o believe_v by_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v dumb_a obscure_a ambiguous_a imperfect_a which_o can_v assure_v those_o who_o depend_v on_o it_o and_o may_v be_v allege_v in_o favour_n of_o heretic_n if_o that_o detestable_a opinion_n be_v once_o engraft_v in_o the_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o and_o maintain_v by_o word_n and_o write_v what_o will_v become_v i_o pray_v you_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n if_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v so_o falty_n be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o building_n will_v sink_v if_o a_o christian_a can_v yea_o ought_v not_o to_o ground_n himself_o upon_o the_o scripture_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o pretend_a imperfection_n with_o what_o confidence_n shall_v he_o ground_v himself_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n which_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n than_o this_o foundation_n so_o imperfect_a if_o the_o foresay_a allegation_n be_v true_a but_o if_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o prop_n of_o faith_n fail_v this_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o that_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n ground_v on_o the_o scripture_n as_o of_o necessity_n when_o the_o foundation_n be_v undermine_v those_o that_o lean_a upon_o the_o wall_n must_v fall_v together_o with_o the_o wall_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o right_a of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o she_o either_o as_o a_o daughter_n produce_v the_o scripture_n the_o copy_n of_o the_o testament_n of_o her_o father_n or_o as_o a_o spouse_n bring_v forth_o the_o scripture_n the_o contract_n of_o her_o marriage_n and_o this_o testament_n be_v find_v dumb_a obscure_a ambiguous_a of_o a_o double_a 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she_o confess_v to_o be_v set_v down_o in_o dumb_a word_n obscure_a ambiguous_a applyable_a to_o every_o sense_n and_o which_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o urge_v against_o herself_o how_o will_v the_o atheist_n laugh_v at_o this_o &_o how_o alas_o will_v the_o conscience_n of_o they_o be_v shake_v that_o believe_v and_o receive_v this_o opinion_n of_o the_o obscurity_n ambiguity_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n let_v we_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o their_o aim_n be_v to_o cast_v all_o christian_n into_o incertainty_n strive_v to_o prove_v by_o these_o allegation_n that_o a_o man_n in_o what_o concern_v religion_n ought_v to_o mistrust_v his_o own_o judgement_n which_o be_v once_o grant_v how_o shall_v a_o man_n know_v whether_o he_o deceive_v not_o himself_o in_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n here_o the_o scripture_n can_v succour_v or_o help_v for_o it_o be_v presuppose_v that_o it_o can_v afford_v any_o certainty_n it_o be_v lay_v for_o 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certain_a knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v have_v shall_v it_o be_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o allegation_n presuppose_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a shall_v it_o be_v from_o the_o church_n never_o the_o near_o for_o it_o so_o little_a appear_v which_o be_v the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v controverse_v what_o be_v her_o mark_n by_o which_o she_o be_v know_v let_v we_o in_o the_o four_o place_n consider_v that_o grant_v we_o have_v find_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o allegation_n which_o cast_v man_n into_o incertitude_n it_o can_v not_o be_v discern_v to_o what_o congregation_n to_o apply_v they_o among_o so_o many_o and_o divers_a assembly_n who_o challenge_v they_o for_o it_o be_v suppose_v as_o grant_v according_a to_o the_o allegation_n that_o the_o scripture_n can_v here_o guide_v we_o that_o we_o may_v deceive_v ourselves_o in_o make_v the_o choice_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n can_v as_o little_a help_n we_o if_o first_o of_o 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