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not_o perfect_o understand_v and_o in_o which_o theophilus_n have_v not_o be_v before_o instruct_v thus_o also_o st._n john_n testify_v of_o his_o gospel_n chap._n 20._o 31._o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o by_o these_o thing_n the_o apostle_n only_o mean_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o not_o his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o this_o be_v notorious_o false_a since_o by_o these_o thing_n st._n john_n mean_v his_o gospel_n in_o which_o not_o only_o the_o miracle_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v contain_v and_o therefore_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 5._o 13._o he_o say_v these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v unto_o you_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v 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the_o scripture_n viz._n tradition_n which_o they_o equalise_v with_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v almost_o verbatim_o the_o very_a assertion_n which_o both_o irenaeus_n and_o terullian_n condemn_v for_o heresy_n and_o as_o they_o be_v the_o same_o so_o we_o find_v they_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o same_o authority_n for_o those_o very_a text_n of_o scripture_n which_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n urge_v for_o their_o tradition_n be_v urge_v by_o bellarmin_n for_o the_o tradition_n of_o his_o church_n thus_o for_o their_o tradition_n as_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n acquaint_v we_o they_o urge_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a and_o also_o o_o timothy_n keep_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o thy_o trust_n and_o again_o that_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o thou_o keep_v all_o which_o text_n be_v urge_v by_o bellarmin_n in_o his_o four_o and_o 5_o book_n de_fw-la verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la in_o behalf_n of_o that_o tradition_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n contend_v for_o and_o it_o be_v something_o hard_o that_o that_o which_o be_v damn_v for_o heresy_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o present_a roman_a not_o that_o we_o do_v disallow_v of_o tradition_n universal_o receive_v in_o all_o church_n and_o age_n for_o we_o frank_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v tradition_n before_o it_o be_v scripture_n as_o be_v first_o deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n before_o it_o be_v collect_v into_o write_v and_o therefore_o whensoever_o it_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v any_o unwritten_a doctrine_n bear_v the_o same_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n with_o those_o that_o be_v write_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v they_o with_o the_o same_o veneration_n as_o we_o do_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o for_o it_o be_v not_o their_o be_v write_v that_o do_v authorise_v they_o but_o their_o be_v from_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o when_o once_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v to_o we_o that_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n teach_v so_o and_o so_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o command_v our_o assent_n and_o submission_n whether_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v from_o scripture_n or_o tradition_n so_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o embrace_v some_o doctrine_n and_o reject_v other_o be_v not_o mere_o because_o the_o one_o be_v write_v and_o the_o other_o not_o but_o because_o to_o we_o who_o live_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o can_v never_o be_v make_v so_o evident_a that_o what_o be_v not_o write_v be_v teach_v by_o they_o as_o what_o be_v what_o be_v write_v have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o unanimous_a tradition_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a can_v never_o be_v just_o pretend_v of_o any_o one_o 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oral_a tradition_n how_o can_v i_o know_v what_o that_o be_v who_o never_o hear_v she_o speak_v either_o in_o its_o diffuse_a body_n or_o in_o a_o general_n council_n or_o in_o any_o other_o representative_a unless_o it_o be_v that_o of_o my_o own_o parish-priest_n perhaps_o who_o for_o all_o i_o know_v may_v be_v ignorant_a or_o heretical_a and_o so_o either_o not_o understand_v himself_o the_o church_n oral_a tradition_n or_o wilful_o pervert_v it_o to_o a_o contrary_n mean_v and_o if_o the_o church_n deliver_v her_o sense_n to_o i_o by_o write_v as_o she_o have_v do_v in_o the_o write_a decree_n of_o her_o general_a council_n must_v i_o read_v over_o all_o her_o decree_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v that_o who_o understand_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o language_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v or_o suppose_v they_o be_v translate_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o they_o be_v faithful_o render_v any_o more_o than_o i_o do_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o but_o suppose_v i_o be_v 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testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o which_o all_o controversy_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v the_o boundary_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o to_o depart_v the_o touchstone_n of_o truth_n the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o the_o only_a certain_a principle_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o demonstration_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n these_o be_v their_o own_o expression_n and_o abundance_n more_o than_o these_o we_o meet_v with_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o which_o be_v very_o observable_a they_o not_o only_o assert_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o full_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o severe_o declaim_v against_o all_o addition_n to_o it_o thus_o eusebius_n pamphilus_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v believe_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o write_v neither_o think_v upon_o nor_o inquire_v after_o thus_o also_o st._n austin_n quicquid_fw-la inde_fw-la audieritis_fw-la è_fw-la scripturâ_fw-la sacrâ_fw-la hoc_fw-la vobis_fw-la bene_fw-la sapiat_fw-la quicquid_fw-la extra_fw-la est_fw-la respuite_o ne_fw-la erretis_fw-la in_o nebula_fw-la whatsoever_o you_o hear_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n let_v it_o savour_v well_o with_o you_o whatsoever_o be_v without_o they_o refuse_v lest_o you_o wander_v in_o a_o cloud_n st._n bazil_n declare_v that_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a fall_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o arrogancy_n either_o to_o reject_v any_o point_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v or_o to_o bring_v in_o any_o of_o those_o which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n to_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o not_o to_o dare_v either_o to_o reject_v or_o to_o add_v any_o thing_n thereunto_o thus_o 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direction_n where_o to_o find_v it_o and_o how_o to_o know_v it_o when_o we_o have_v it_o but_o of_o this_o we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n in_o scripture_n for_o as_o for_o those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n 2_o thess._n 2._o 15._o hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o by_o word_n or_o our_o epistle_n all_o that_o can_v be_v just_o infer_v from_o they_o be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o thessalonian_n at_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n have_v only_o a_o oral_a tradition_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o gospel_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v preach_v to_o they_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o yet_o either_o not_o collect_v into_o write_v or_o not_o disperse_v abroad_o into_o the_o church_n so_o that_o then_o this_o and_o his_o former_a epistle_n to_o they_o be_v perhaps_o the_o only_o write_v part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v yet_o arrive_v to_o their_o hand_n and_o if_o so_o than_o this_o command_n of_o hold_v the_o tradition_n 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of_o david_n be_v to_o excite_v and_o encourage_v man_n to_o study_v and_o observe_v the_o law_n but_o what_o though_o the_o law_n make_v the_o simple_a wise_a when_o they_o understand_v it_o what_o encouragement_n be_v this_o for_o the_o simple_a to_o study_v it_o if_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_a that_o they_o can_v understand_v it_o and_o since_o they_o must_v understand_v it_o before_o they_o can_v observe_v it_o what_o encouragement_n do_v this_o consideration_n give_v they_o to_o observe_v it_o that_o it_o will_v make_v they_o wise_a when_o they_o understand_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a enough_o for_o they_o to_o understand_v it_o but_o then_o that_o forecited_a passage_n of_o moses_n do_v in_o express_a word_n contradict_v this_o cavil_v of_o bellarmin_n for_o he_o tell_v the_o people_n that_o the_o commandment_n he_o give_v they_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o they_o whereas_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o obscure_o deliver_v to_o they_o by_o moses_n that_o upon_o their_o sincere_a and_o diligent_a enquiry_n they_o can_v not_o understand_v it_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o have_v be_v still_o hide_v from_o they_o how_o wise_a soever_o it_o may_v make_v they_o when_o they_o do_v understand_v it_o and_o to_o say_v that_o such_o a_o proposition_n will_v make_v i_o wise_a when_o i_o do_v understand_v it_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o that_o it_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o i_o if_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_o express_v as_o that_o upon_o my_o sincere_a enquiry_n i_o be_o not_o capable_a of_o understand_v it_o but_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n at_o least_o in_o all_o necessary_a matter_n be_v plain_a enough_o even_o to_o common_a capacity_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o frequent_a appeal_v our_o saviour_n make_v to_o it_o in_o he_o contest_v with_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n thus_o in_o the_o text_n he_o bid_v they_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o in_o other_o place_n what_o say_v the_o scripture_n 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for_o thus_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 2_o 3_o 4._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o do_v not_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v themselves_o to_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o suppose_v then_o that_o they_o write_v with_o the_o same_o plainness_n and_o clearness_n with_o which_o they_o speak_v which_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o then_o from_o these_o word_n it_o be_v evident_a first_o that_o they_o do_v neither_o in_o their_o preach_a nor_o write_n affect_v to_o discourse_v dubious_o or_o obscure_o but_o that_o their_o great_a design_n be_v so_o to_o 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to_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v obscure_a and_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a and_o of_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n either_o the_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n must_v be_v plain_o and_o clear_o express_v in_o scripture_n or_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o and_o to_o say_v god_n will_v damn_v we_o for_o not_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o give_v we_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v be_v to_o charge_v he_o with_o the_o most_o outrageous_a oppression_n and_o injustice_n but_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o though_o god_n have_v not_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n yet_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o for_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o all_o age_n who_o he_o have_v authorize_v to_o explain_v and_o define_v to_o we_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v which_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v upon_o her_o authority_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o if_o we_o firm_o believe_v what_o she_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o those_o of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n rely_v on_o i_o desire_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v serious_o consider_v 1._o that_o before_o we_o can_v reasonable_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n that_o we_o must_v believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n 2._o that_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v believe_v 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a_o loss_n again_o because_o i_o meet_v with_o several_a instance_n of_o one_o pope_n define_v one_o thing_n in_o one_o general_n council_n and_o another_o pope_n the_o quite_o contrary_a in_o another_o and_o therefore_o in_o one_o or_o other_o council_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o one_o or_o other_o pope_n be_v mistake_v and_o as_o for_o general_a council_n themselves_o there_o be_v sundry_a of_o they_o which_o be_v own_v by_o some_o and_o reject_v by_o other_o of_o the_o principal_a doctor_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n and_o even_o when_o council_n be_v legal_o assemble_v there_o be_v so_o many_o nice_a dispute_n among_o they_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v they_o general_n and_o when_o it_o be_v that_o they_o act_n conciliariter_fw-la as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o be_v so_o as_o to_o render_v their_o decree_n perpetual_o and_o universal_o oblige_v that_o though_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o church_n yet_o if_o we_o will_v use_v that_o caution_n in_o believe_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o involve_v in_o great_a uncertainty_n concern_v these_o thing_n than_o we_o be_v concern_v the_o sense_n even_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n but_o than_o three_o when_o we_o be_v pass_v over_o all_o these_o difficulty_n we_o be_v still_o at_o as_o great_a a_o loss_n to_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o as_o what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o deliver_v her_o sense_n to_o we_o but_o either_o by_o oral_a tradition_n that_o be_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o by_o write_v if_o she_o deliver_v her_o sense_n to_o i_o by_o
depend_v upon_o her_o authority_n as_o that_o i_o can_v be_v mistake_v for_o this_o very_a reason_n i_o can_v depend_v upon_o it_o because_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o this_o that_o god_n never_o design_v for_o i_o any_o such_o mean_n of_o believe_v as_o shall_v render_v my_o faith_n infallible_a for_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v he_o require_v i_o to_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o care_n to_o secure_v my_o faith_n from_o error_n if_o he_o have_v furnish_v i_o with_o any_o certain_a mean_n of_o be_v infallible_a it_o will_v be_v but_o apply_v that_o mean_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o my_o danger_n will_v be_v immediate_o over_o and_o then_o i_o need_v trouble_v my_o head_n no_o further_o be_v now_o so_o secure_v as_o that_o i_o can_v be_v mistake_v after_o which_o it_o will_v be_v very_o impertinent_a methinks_v for_o god_n to_o trouble_v i_o with_o those_o unnecessary_a injunction_n of_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a of_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o take_v heed_n whilst_o i_o stand_v lest_o i_o fall_v what_o need_v a_o man_n be_v at_o the_o expense_n of_o all_o this_o labour_n and_o caution_n who_o faith_n be_v already_o secure_v see_v therefore_o god_n require_v these_o thing_n at_o our_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o he_o never_o intend_v we_o any_o method_n how_o to_o be_v infallible_a in_o believe_v and_o therefore_o since_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n authority_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v such_o a_o method_n for_o that_o reason_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v reject_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o god_n intend_v that_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v a_o grace_n and_o a_o virtue_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o act_n of_o our_o will_n as_o well_o as_o of_o our_o understanding_n which_o suppose_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o not_o to_o be_v irresistible_a for_o what_o virtue_n be_v it_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v when_o it_o glare_v 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and_o sinful_a prejudices_fw-la or_o will_v not_o submit_v our_o understanding_n to_o it_o upon_o the_o clear_a conviction_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o we_o may_v be_v ignorant_a and_o we_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o it_o be_v but_o just_a and_o fit_a that_o we_o shall_v and_o if_o notwithstanding_o these_o fault_n we_o can_v not_o err_v for_o god_n sake_n what_o virtue_n will_v it_o be_v to_o be_v orthodox_n but_o if_o with_o honest_a humble_a and_o teachable_a mind_n we_o will_v diligent_o inquire_v into_o divine_a revelation_n we_o shall_v there_o find_v all_o the_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n so_o clear_o and_o plain_o propose_v to_o we_o that_o it_o will_v be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o we_o either_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o deceive_v about_o they_o so_o that_o by_o rely_v on_o scripture_n you_o see_v we_o be_v expose_v to_o no_o other_o uncertainty_n than_o just_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v our_o faith_n a_o 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eternal_a life_n whether_o these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v render_v indicative_o you_o do_v search_v the_o scripture_n as_o some_o will_v have_v they_o or_o imperative_o search_v the_o scripture_n as_o our_o translation_n render_v they_o amount_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o render_v they_o indicative_o you_o do_v search_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v speak_v with_o approbation_n you_o do_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o you_o do_v very_o well_o in_o so_o do_v for_o thus_o we_o find_v the_o berean_o commend_v for_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o timothy_n for_o know_v they_o from_o a_o child_n and_o if_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o commendable_a practice_n then_o to_o be_v sure_a our_o saviour_n here_o mention_n it_o at_o least_o with_o approbation_n and_o what_o he_o approve_v when_o do_v that_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v have_v we_o do_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o command_n or_o of_o a_o 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brief_o as_o i_o can_v argue_v the_o point_n from_o these_o follow_a topic_n 1._o from_o the_o obligation_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o to_o read_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n 2._o from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n approbation_n of_o their_o practice_n in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o their_o obligation_n 3._o from_o the_o great_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n 4._o from_o the_o direction_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n to_o the_o people_n 5._o from_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o 6._o from_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o this_o matter_n 1._o from_o the_o general_a obligation_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o to_o read_v and_o search_v their_o scripture_n for_o so_o god_n require_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o word_n which_o he_o command_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o their_o child_n 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now_o if_o they_o can_v not_o keep_v god_n law_n in_o their_o heart_n as_o most_o certain_o they_o can_v not_o if_o they_o can_v not_o teach_v they_o to_o their_o child_n if_o they_o can_v not_o talk_v of_o they_o upon_o all_o just_a and_o proper_a occasion_n and_o in_o a_o word_n if_o they_o can_v not_o meditate_v on_o they_o day_n and_o night_n without_o be_v very_o well_o acquaint_v with_o they_o by_o diligent_a search_n and_o read_v they_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o to_o read_v and_o search_v into_o they_o be_v their_o indispensable_a duty_n now_o if_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v read_v the_o scripture_n as_o there_o be_v why_o the_o jew_n shall_v than_o the_o obligation_n of_o these_o command_n must_v extend_v to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o because_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o law_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a even_o beyond_o contradiction_n that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n assignable_a for_o the_o one_o which_o be_v 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not_o the_o jew_n as_o apt_a to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o they_o as_o we_o christian_n and_o therefore_o since_o these_o objection_n do_v press_v as_o much_o against_o their_o read_v the_o scripture_n as_o we_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o ought_v to_o keep_v both_o from_o it_o or_o neither_o see_v therefore_o notwithstanding_o these_o objection_n god_n oblige_v the_o jew_n to_o read_v they_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v not_o of_o force_n enough_o to_o disoblige_v we_o from_o do_v the_o same_o 2._o from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n approbation_n of_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o it_o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o same_o that_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v ordinary_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o the_o text_n search_v the_o scripture_n which_o if_o you_o take_v they_o indicative_o be_v a_o express_a declaration_n that_o 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that_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v read_v the_o scripture_n we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o his_o dislike_n of_o their_o practice_n which_o we_o shall_v certain_o have_v have_v have_v he_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v either_o dangerous_a or_o unwarrantable_a see_v therefore_o neither_o our_o saviour_n nor_o his_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o least_o disallow_v of_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v by_o the_o common_a people_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v express_o commend_v it_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v their_o intention_n to_o perpetuate_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o future_a age_n for_o see_v the_o jew_n read_v the_o scripture_n in_o obedience_n to_o a_o express_a command_n of_o god_n as_o be_v show_v before_o have_v our_o saviour_n intend_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o continue_v it_o he_o will_v doubtless_o have_v repeal_v that_o command_n by_o some_o countermand_n which_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v that_o he_o 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rom._n 15._o 4._o and_o for_o our_o admonition_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 11._o and_o as_o for_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o it_o be_v write_v that_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v we_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n joh._n 20._o 31._o and_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o write_v both_o his_o epistle_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o pure_a mind_n of_o christian_n by_o way_n of_o remembrance_n and_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v speak_v before_o by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 1._o and_o st._n john_n give_v we_o this_o account_n of_o his_o write_v his_o epistle_n these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v to_o you_o that_o you_o sin_v not_o 1_o joh._n 2._o â—_o and_o st._n jude_n this_o of_o he_o belove_v when_o i_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o write_v unto_o you_o of_o the_o common_a salvation_n it_o be_v needful_a for_o i_o to_o write_v unto_o you_o and_o exhort_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n v_o 3._o these_o be_v the_o end_v for_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v but_o how_o can_v the_o write_n of_o it_o contribute_v to_o these_o end_n if_o we_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o read_v what_o be_v write_v for_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v to_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o clergy_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v by_o and_o by_o but_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v it_o be_v write_v to_o the_o people_n to_o instruct_v and_o admonish_v they_o if_o the_o people_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o read_v its_o instruction_n and_o admonition_n what_o influence_n can_v the_o write_v it_o have_v upon_o the_o people_n belief_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o they_o have_v be_v debar_v from_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o what_o be_v write_v 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the_o church_n teach_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a but_o the_o mischief_n of_o it_o be_v that_o this_o compendious_a way_n of_o belief_n be_v utter_o insignificant_a and_o do_v no_o way_n comport_v with_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n for_o god_n do_v not_o require_v our_o faith_n mere_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o in_o order_n to_o a_o far_a end_n that_o it_o may_v purify_v our_o heart_n and_o influence_n our_o life_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v that_o the_o matter_n which_o we_o believe_v might_n by_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o affect_v our_o will_n and_o continual_o move_v and_o persuade_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o if_o our_o
the_o people_n mind_n and_o manner_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o quite_o contrary_a these_o thing_n be_v our_o example_n to_o the_o intent_n we_o shall_v not_o lust_n after_o evil_a thing_n as_o they_o i._n e._n the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n lust_v neither_o be_v you_o idolater_n as_o be_v some_o of_o they_o neither_o let_v we_o commit_v fornication_n as_o some_o of_o they_o commit_v and_o fall_v in_o one_o day_n three_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o neither_o let_v we_o tempt_v christ_n as_o some_o of_o they_o also_o tempt_v and_o be_v destroy_v of_o serpent_n neither_o murmur_v you_o as_o some_o of_o they_o also_o murmur_v and_o be_v destroy_v of_o the_o destroyer_n now_o all_o these_o thing_n happen_v unto_o they_o for_o ensample_n and_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v 1_o cor._n 10._o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o whereas_o this_o objection_n urge_v that_o there_o be_v sundry_a passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o shall_v the_o people_n read_v will_v excite_v evil_a thought_n in_o their_o mind_n the_o same_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o scripture_n be_v profitable_a not_o only_o for_o doctrine_n and_o reproof_n but_o also_o for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o whereas_o this_o objection_n pretend_v that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o unsafe_a for_o young_a people_n especial_o to_o be_v allow_v the_o scripture_n because_o there_o be_v several_a amorous_a story_n and_o passage_n in_o it_o which_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o suggest_v wanton_a thought_n to_o their_o gay_a and_o amorous_a fancy_n david_n it_o be_v plain_a be_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a mind_n for_o wherewith_o say_v he_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n cleanse_v his_o way_n by_o take_v heed_n thereto_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n psal._n 119._o 9_o than_o which_o two_o passage_n what_o assertion_n can_v be_v more_o contrary_a one_o to_o another_o 4._o and_o last_o that_o suppose_v this_o objection_n to_o be_v thus_o â—ar_v true_a that_o there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o may_v sometime_o occasional_o excite_v bad_a thought_n in_o man_n mind_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n why_o the_o use_v of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v forbid_v to_o the_o people_n for_o every_o thing_n which_o the_o people_n occasional_o make_v bad_a uses_n of_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n to_o be_v forbid_v to_o they_o even_o prayer_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n ought_v to_o be_v forbid_v they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n see_v of_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o other_o many_o people_n do_v occasional_o make_v very_o bad_a uses_n so_o long_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o and_o apt_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o instruct_v and_o edify_v those_o that_o read_v it_o this_o be_v sufficient_a not_o only_o to_o warrant_v the_o people_n use_n of_o it_o but_o to_o enjoin_v and_o require_v it_o 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themselves_o of_o excellent_a use_n to_o the_o people_n but_o shall_v man_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o use_n of_o every_o good_a thing_n they_o abuse_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o one_o good_a thing_n will_v be_v leave_v free_a to_o their_o enjoyment_n and_o now_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a the_o people_n right_a and_o obligation_n to_o use_v and_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o answer_v the_o main_a objection_n against_o it_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o these_o two_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a 1._o if_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o scripture_n than_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n those_o divine_a truth_n which_o it_o propose_v to_o their_o belief_n for_o to_o what_o other_o end_n shall_v we_o be_v oblige_v to_o read_v and_o consult_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o it_o what_o be_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o learn_v 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be_v the_o church_n and_o yet_o still_o be_v mistake_v in_o short_a no_o authority_n can_v render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a but_o that_o which_o be_v infallible_a no_o infallibility_n can_v render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a but_o that_o of_o which_o i_o have_v a_o infallible_a certainty_n either_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n can_v render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n and_o if_o it_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o can_v or_o it_o can_v if_o it_o can_v why_o may_v it_o not_o as_o well_o render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a of_o other_o principle_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v at_o least_o as_o plain_o reveal_v in_o it_o as_o that_o if_o it_o can_v how_o can_v i_o be_v infallible_o certain_a that_o any_o thing_n she_o define_v and_o declare_v to_o i_o be_v true_a if_o then_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n can_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n we_o have_v as_o just_a a_o pretence_n to_o it_o as_o they_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o authority_n that_o we_o ground_n our_o faith_n if_o it_o can_v neither_o they_o nor_o we_o can_v just_o pretend_v to_o it_o because_o they_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o their_o own_o infallibility_n but_o by_o scripture_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v god_n never_o intend_v either_o that_o they_o or_o we_o shall_v be_v infallible_o certain_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o after_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o certainty_n that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o he_o still_o suppose_v that_o we_o may_v err_v and_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o that_o even_o from_o among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n where_o infallible_a certainty_n be_v if_o it_o be_v any_o where_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a teacher_n who_o shall_v bring_v in_o damnable_a doctrine_n which_o can_v never_o have_v happen_v if_o he_o have_v leave_v any_o such_o mean_n to_o his_o church_n as_o shall_v render_v her_o child_n infallible_o certain_a all_o that_o he_o design_v be_v to_o leave_v we_o such_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o certainty_n in_o religion_n as_o that_o we_o may_v not_o err_v either_o dangerous_o or_o damnable_o without_o our_o own_o fault_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o his_o word_n and_o in_o that_o have_v plain_o discover_v to_o we_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o a_o stand_a ministry_n in_o his_o church_n to_o explain_v his_o word_n to_o we_o and_o to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n but_o still_o he_o require_v we_o to_o search_v the_o one_o and_o attend_v to_o the_o other_o with_o honest_a humble_a and_o teachable_a mind_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o may_v err_v not_o only_o dangerous_o but_o damnable_o and_o it_o be_v but_o fit_a and_o just_a we_o shall_v but_o if_o we_o diligent_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o faithful_o rely_v upon_o its_o authority_n without_o do_v of_o which_o we_o search_v it_o in_o vain_a if_o we_o sincere_o attend_v to_o the_o public_a ministry_n with_o mind_n prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o though_o we_o may_v possible_o err_v in_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n yet_o as_o to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n our_o faith_n shall_v be_v inviolable_o secure_v and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o honest_a man_n needs_o or_o as_o any_o honest_a church_n can_v promise_v 2._o from_o hence_o also_o i_o infer_v that_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o religion_n god_n do_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n for_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v he_o put_v we_o upon_o search_v the_o scripture_n but_o that_o thereby_o we_o may_v inform_v ourselves_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o he_o have_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o practice_v but_o if_o it_o be_v his_o mind_n that_o we_o shall_v whole_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o church_n or_o of_o our_o spiritual_a â—â—ids_n and_o submit_v our_o faith_n to_o their_o dictate_v without_o any_o examination_n what_o a_o needless_a and_o impertinent_a employment_n will_v this_o be_v for_o we_o to_o search_v and_o consult_v the_o scripture_n consult_v they_o for_o what_o it_o we_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v their_o guidance_n and_o direction_n and_o to_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o manner_n from_o they_o and_o if_o for_o this_o end_n god_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o consult_v they_o as_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o can_v be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o employ_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n to_o consider_v what_o they_o say_v and_o inquire_v what_o they_o mean_v otherwise_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o consult_v they_o to_o no_o purpose_n it_o be_v as_o evident_a therefore_o that_o god_n will_v have_v we_o use_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o discern_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o what_o not_o in_o religion_n and_o not_o lazy_o rely_v upon_o other_o to_o see_v and_o discern_v and_o believe_v for_o we_o as_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o search_v and_o consult_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o i_o think_v be_v evident_a enough_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o any_o one_o that_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o admit_v of_o a_o conviction_n and_o indeed_o see_v our_o reason_n be_v the_o noble_a faculty_n we_o have_v it_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a if_o god_n shall_v not_o allow_v it_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o high_a and_o most_o important_a affair_n wherein_o he_o have_v engage_v we_o and_o see_v it_o be_v our_o reason_n only_o that_o render_v we_o capable_a of_o religion_n what_o a_o odd_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v for_o god_n to_o forbid_v we_o make_v use_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o most_o important_a concern_v of_o religion_n that_o be_v indistinguish_v what_o be_v true_a religion_n from_o what_o be_v false_a and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v from_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o reject_v i_o know_v it_o be_v pretend_v by_o those_o who_o urge_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o submit_v our_o reason_n to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o allow_v man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o discover_v which_o the_o true_a church_n be_v and_o that_o all_o they_o contend_v for_o be_v only_o this_o that_o when_o once_o man_n have_v find_v the_o true_a church_n they_o ought_v to_o inquire_v no_o far_o but_o immediate_o to_o deliver_v up_o their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o it_o and_o believe_v every_o thing_n it_o believe_v without_o any_o far_a examination_n so_o that_o before_o man_n come_v into_o their_o church_n it_o seem_v they_o be_v allow_v to_o see_v for_o themselves_o but_o after_o they_o be_v in_o they_o must_v wink_v and_o follow_v their_o guide_n and_o depute_v they_o to_o see_v and_o understand_v for_o they_o which_o to_o such_o man_n as_o be_v 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