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the_o laity_n which_o soon_o emprove_v into_o a_o necessity_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o that_o gross_a superstition_n which_o render_v christianity_n abominate_v by_o turk_n and_o jew_n and_o heathen_n unto_o this_o day_n 2._o i_o will_v not_o be_v hasty_a in_o charge_v idolatry_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o all_o in_o her_o communion_n but_o that_o their_o image-worship_n be_v a_o most_o fatal_a snare_n in_o which_o vast_a number_n of_o unhappy_a soul_n be_v take_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v who_o have_v with_o any_o regard_n travail_v in_o popish_a country_n i_o myself_o and_o thousand_o of_o other_o who_o the_o late_a trouble_n or_o other_o occasion_n send_v abroad_o be_v and_o have_v be_v witness_n thereof_o charity_n it_o be_v true_a believe_v all_o thing_n but_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v man_n to_o disbelieve_v their_o eye_n it_o be_v the_o outcry_n of_o micah_n against_o the_o danite_n jud._n 18._o 24._o you_o have_v take_v away_o my_o god_n which_o i_o have_v make_v 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imprimatur_fw-la jo._n nicholas_n vice_n cancel_v oxon._n junii_fw-la 10._o 1678._o the_o lively_a oracle_n give_v to_o we_o or_o the_o christian_n birthright_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o custody_n and_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n search_v the_o scripture_n jo._n 5._o 39_o at_o the_o theater_n in_o oxford_n 1678._o the_o lively_a oracle_n give_v to_o we_o or_o the_o christian_n birthright_n &_o duty_n in_o the_o custody_n &_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o preface_n in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o tongue_n publish_v by_o i_o heretofore_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n among_o the_o exorbitance_n of_o that_o unruly_a part_n which_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o nature_n and_o its_o self_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n from_o hell_n jam._n 3._o 6._o of_o the_o impious_a vanity_n prevail_v in_o this_o age_n whereby_o man_n play_v with_o sacred_a thing_n and_o exercise_v their_o wit_n upon_o those_o scripture_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n joh._n 12._o 48._o but_o that_o holy_a book_n not_o only_o suffer_v by_o the_o petulancy_n of_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o heart_n out_o of_o the_o abundance_n whereof_o the_o mouth_n speak_v mat._n 12._o 34._o and_o also_o from_o that_o irreligion_n prepossession_n and_o supiness_n which_o the_o pursuit_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n certain_o produce_v the_o mischief_n be_v too_o much_o diffuse_v and_o deep_o root_v to_o be_v control_v by_o a_o few_o casual_a reflection_n i_o have_v therefore_o think_v it_o necessary_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o subject_n as_o also_o the_o prevalence_n of_o the_o opposition_n to_o attemt_a a_o profess_a and_o particular_a vindication_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o display_v their_o native_a excellence_n and_o beauty_n and_o enforce_v the_o veneration_n and_o 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of_o unintelligible_a quotation_n and_o keep_v myself_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o te_fw-fr unlearned_a christian_a reader_n to_o who_o use_n my_o labour_n have_v be_v ever_o dedicate_v all_o that_o i_o require_v be_v that_o man_n will_v bring_v as_o much_o readiness_n to_o entertain_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o read_v profane_a author_n i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o say_v as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o incentives_n of_o vice_n and_o folly_n nay_o to_o the_o libel_n and_o invective_n that_o be_v level_v against_o the_o scripture_n if_o i_o obtain_v this_o i_o will_v make_v no_o doubt_n that_o i_o shall_v gain_v a_o far_a point_n that_o from_o the_o perusal_n of_o my_o imperfect_a conception_n the_o reader_n will_v proceed_v to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o there_o taste_n and_o see_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v ps._n 34._o 8._o and_o as_o the_o angel_n command_v saint_n john_n rev._n 10._o 9_o eat_v the_o book_n where_o he_o will_v experimental_o find_v the_o word_n of_o david_n verify_v ps._n 19_o 7._o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o undefiled_a law_n convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a and_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a and_o give_v light_a to_o the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clean_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v be_v they_o then_o gold_n yea_o than_o much_o fine_a gold_n sweet_a also_o than_o honey_n and_o the_o hony-comb_n moreover_o by_o they_o be_v thy_o servant_n teach_v and_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n it_o be_v say_v of_o moses_n ex._n 34._o 29._o that_o have_v receive_v the_o law_n from_o god_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o mount_n sina_n forty_o day_n together_o his_o face_n shine_v and_o have_v a_o brightness_n fix_v upon_o it_o that_o dazzle_a the_o beholder_n a_o pledge_n and_o short_a essay_n not_o only_o of_o the_o appearance_n at_o mount_n tabor_n mat._n 17._o 1._o where_o at_o the_o transfiguration_n he_o again_o be_v see_v in_o glory_n but_o of_o that_o great_a and_o yet_o future_a change_n when_o he_o shall_v see_v indeed_o his_o god_n face_n to_o face_n and_o share_v his_o glory_n unto_o all_o eternity_n the_o same_o divine_a goodness_n give_v still_o his_o law_n to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o let_v we_o receive_v it_o with_o due_a regard_n and_o veneration_n converse_v with_o he_o therein_o instead_o of_o forty_o day_n during_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o so_o anticipate_v and_o certain_o assure_v our_o interest_n in_o that_o great_a transfiguration_n when_o all_o the_o faithful_a shall_v put_v of_o their_o mortal_a flesh_n be_v translate_v from_o glory_n to_o glory_n eternal_o behold_v their_o god_n see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o so_o enjoy_v he_o conversation_n have_v every_o where_o a_o assimilate_v power_n we_o be_v general_o such_o as_o be_v the_o man_n and_o book_n and_o business_n that_o we_o deal_v with_o but_o sure_o no_o familiarity_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n on_o life_n and_o manner_n as_o when_o man_n hear_v god_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o his_o word_n that_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 4._o 12._o declare_v to_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o all_o our_o book_n however_o recommend_v for_o subtlety_n of_o discourse_n exactness_n of_o method_n variety_n of_o matter_n or_o eloquence_n of_o language_n when_o all_o our_o curious_a act_n like_o those_o mention_v act._n 19_o 19_o shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o and_o burn_v before_o all_o 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send_v from_o the_o other_o world_n who_o may_v testify_v of_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n this_o expectation_n the_o scripture_n charge_v every_o where_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o temt_a god_n and_o indeed_o it_o real_o involve_v this_o insolent_a proposal_n that_o the_o almighty_a shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o break_v his_o own_o law_n that_o man_n may_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o keep_v he_o but_o shall_v he_o think_v fit_a to_o comply_v herein_o the_o condescension_n will_v be_v as_o successless_a in_o the_o event_n as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a in_o the_o offer_n our_o saviour_n assure_v that_o they_o who_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o instruction_n and_o command_n lay_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n will_v not_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o any_o other_o method_n will_v not_o be_v persuade_v by_o that_o which_o they_o allow_v for_o irresistible_a conviction_n
though_o one_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a luke_n 16._o 31._o the_o lively_a oracle_n give_v to_o we_o or_o the_o christian_n birthright_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o custody_n and_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sect_n i._o the_o several_a method_n of_o god_n communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o god_n as_o he_o be_v invisible_a to_o human_a eye_n so_o be_v he_o unfathomable_a by_o human_a understanding_n the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o impotency_n of_o we_o set_v we_o at_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n to_o have_v any_o clear_a perception_n of_o he_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o a_o full_a comprehension_n that_o we_o can_v discern_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o he_o but_o by_o his_o own_o light_n those_o discovery_n he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o 2._o those_o have_v be_v of_o several_a sort_n the_o first_o be_v by_o infusion_n in_o man_n creation_n when_o god_n interweave_v into_o man_n very_a constitution_n and_o be_v the_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n when_o he_o breathe_v into_o he_o a_o live_a soul_n impress_v on_o it_o that_o native_a religion_n which_o teach_v he_o to_o know_v and_o reverence_v his_o creator_n which_o we_o may_v call_v the_o instinct_n of_o humanity_n nor_o be_v those_o principle_n dark_a and_o confuse_a but_o clear_a and_o evident_a proportionable_a to_o the_o end_n they_o be_v design_v to_o which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o contemplate_v the_o nature_n but_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n practice_n be_v even_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n preferable_a before_o a_o unactive_a speculation_n 3._o but_o this_o light_n be_v soon_o eclipse_v by_o adam_n disobedience_n there_o remain_v to_o his_o benight_a posterity_n only_o some_o faint_a glimmering_n which_o be_v utter_o insufficient_a to_o guide_v they_o though_o their_o end_n without_o fresh_a aid_n and_o renew_v manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o they_o it_o please_v god_n therefore_o to_o repair_v this_o ruin_n and_o by_o frequent_a revelation_n to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o patriarch_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n afterward_o to_o prophet_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n till_o at_o last_o he_o revel_v himself_o yet_o more_o illustrious_o in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o 4._o this_o be_v the_o one_o great_a comprehensive_a revelation_n wherein_o all_o the_o former_a be_v involve_v and_o to_o which_o they_o point_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v comprise_v in_o this_o of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o consequent_n thereof_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o whereby_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o effect_v our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n so_o he_o declare_v both_o that_o and_o all_o thing_n else_o that_o it_o concern_v man_n to_o know_v in_o order_n to_o bliss_n in_o his_o doctrine_n and_o holy_a life_n and_o this_o teacher_n be_v not_o only_o send_v from_o god_n jo._n 3._o but_o be_v himself_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o it_o can_v be_v that_o his_o instruction_n can_v want_v any_o supplement_n yet_o that_o they_o may_v not_o want_v attestation_n neither_o to_o the_o incredulous_a world_n he_o confirm_v they_o by_o the_o repeted_a miracle_n of_o his_o life_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o see_v the_o more_o irrefragable_a conviction_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n and_o that_o they_o also_o may_v not_o want_v credit_n and_o enforcement_n the_o holy_a spirit_n set_v to_o his_o seal_n and_o by_o his_o miraculous_a descent_n upon_o the_o apostle_n both_o assert_v their_o commission_n and_o enable_v they_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o by_o all_o gift_n necessary_a for_o the_o propagate_a the_o faith_n of_o christ_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n 5._o these_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o revele_v himself_o to_o to_o the_o forefather_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o their_o sake_n but_o we_o also_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o derive_v those_o divine_a dictate_v they_o have_v receive_v saint_n stephen_n tell_v we_o those_o under_o the_o law_n receive_v the_o lively_a oracle_n to_o deliver_v down_o to_o their_o posterity_n act._n 7._o 38._o and_o those_o under_o the_o gospel_n who_o receive_v yet_o more_o lively_a oracle_n from_o he_o who_o be_v both_o the_o word_n and_o the_o life_n do_v it_o for_o the_o like_a purpose_n to_o transmit_v it_o to_o we_o upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v by_o this_o all_o need_n of_o repeted_a revelation_n be_v supersede_v the_o faithful_a derive_v of_o the_o former_a be_v sufficient_a to_o we_o for_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 3_o 6._o and_o for_o this_o god_n who_o care_n be_v equal_a for_o all_o succession_n of_o man_n have_v gracious_o provide_v by_o cause_v holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v by_o which_o he_o have_v derive_v on_o every_o succeed_a age_n the_o illumination_n of_o the_o former_a and_o for_o that_o purpose_n endow_v the_o writer_n not_o only_o with_o that_o moral_a fidelity_n requisite_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o history_n but_o with_o a_o divine_a spirit_n proportionable_a to_o the_o great_a design_n of_o fix_v a_o immutable_a rule_n for_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o to_o give_v we_o the_o full_a security_n herein_o he_o have_v choose_v no_o other_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o those_o who_o be_v the_o first_o oral_n promulger_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o they_o have_v leave_v to_o we_o the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o he_o that_o acknowledge_v they_o divine_o inspire_v in_o what_o they_o preach_v can_v doubt_v they_o to_o be_v so_o in_o what_o they_o write_v so_o that_o we_o all_o may_v enjoy_v virtual_o and_o effective_o that_o wish_n of_o the_o devout_a father_n who_o desire_v to_o be_v saint_n paul_n auditor_n for_o he_o that_o hear_v any_o of_o his_o epistle_n read_v be_v as_o real_o speak_v to_o by_o saint_n paul_n as_o those_o who_o be_v within_o the_o sound_n of_o his_o voice_n thus_o god_n who_o in_o time_n past_a speak_v at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o diverse_a manner_n to_o our_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o late_a day_n by_o his_o son_n heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o continue_v still_o to_o speak_v to_o we_o by_o these_o inspire_a writer_n and_o what_o christ_n once_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n in_o relation_n to_o their_o preach_n be_v no_o less_o true_a of_o their_o write_n he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o luk._n 10._o 16._o all_o the_o contemt_a that_o be_v at_o any_o time_n fling_v on_o these_o sacred_a write_n rebound_v high_a and_o final_o devolve_v on_o the_o first_o author_n of_o those_o doctrine_n whereof_o these_o be_v the_o registres_n and_o transcript_n 7._o but_o this_o be_v a_o guilt_n which_o one_o will_v think_v peculiar_a to_o infidel_n and_o pagan_n and_o not_o incident_a to_o any_o who_o have_v in_o their_o baptism_n list_v themselves_o under_o christ_n banner_n yet_o i_o fear_v i_o may_v say_v of_o the_o two_o party_n the_o scripture_n have_v meet_v with_o the_o worst_a treatment_n from_o the_o late_a for_o if_o we_o measure_n by_o the_o frequency_n and_o variety_n of_o injury_n i_o fear_v christian_n will_v appear_v to_o have_v out-vied_n heathen_n these_o blunt_o disbelieve_v they_o neglect_n nay_o perhaps_o scornful_o deride_v they_o alas_o christian_n do_v this_o and_o more_o they_o not_o only_o put_v contemt_n but_o trick_n upon_o the_o scripture_n wrest_v and_o distort_v it_o to_o justify_v all_o their_o wild_a fancy_n or_o secular_a design_n and_o suborn_v its_o patronage_n to_o those_o thing_n it_o forbid_v and_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n abhor_v 8._o indeed_o so_o many_o be_v the_o abuse_v we_o offer_v it_o that_o he_o that_o consider_v they_o will_v scarce_o think_v we_o own_a it_o for_o the_o word_n of_o a_o sensible_a man_n much_o less_o of_o the_o great_a omniscient_a god_n and_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v hard_a to_o assign_v any_o one_o so_o comprehensive_a and_o efficacious_a cause_n of_o the_o universal_a depravation_n of_o manner_n as_o the_o disvalue_v of_o this_o divine_a book_n which_o be_v design_v to_o regulate_v they_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o work_n worthy_a another_o inspire_a writing_n to_o attemt_a the_o rescue_n of_o this_o and_o recover_v it_o to_o its_o just_a estimate_n yet_o alas_o can_v we_o hope_v for_o that_o we_o have_v scoffer_n who_o will_v as_o well_o despise_v the_o new_a as_o the_o old_a and_o like_o the_o husbandman_n in_o the_o gospel_n mat._n 21._o 36._o will_v answer_v such_o a_o succession_n of_o message_n by_o repete_v the_o same_o injury_n 9_o to_o such_o as_o these_o it_o be_v i_o confess_v
vain_a for_o man_n to_o address_v nay_o it_o be_v insolence_n to_o expect_v that_o human_a oratory_n shall_v succeed_v where_o the_o divine_a fail_n yet_o the_o spread_a infection_n of_o these_o render_v it_o necessary_a to_o administer_v antidote_n to_o other_o and_o beside_o though_o god_n be_v blessed_v all_o be_v not_o of_o this_o form_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o who_o though_o not_o arrive_v to_o this_o contempt_n yet_o want_v some_o degree_n of_o that_o just_a reverence_n they_o owe_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n who_o give_v a_o confuse_a general_a assent_n to_o they_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o afford_v they_o not_o a_o consideration_n and_o respect_n answerable_a to_o such_o a_o acknowledgement_n to_o such_o as_o these_o i_o shall_v hope_v it_o may_v not_o be_v utter_o vain_a to_o attemt_a the_o exciting_a of_o those_o drowsy_a notion_n that_o lie_v unactive_a in_o they_o by_o present_v to_o they_o some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o excellence_n and_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v all_o but_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o that_o principle_n they_o be_v suppose_v to_o own_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v god_n word_n i_o can_v much_o question_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o speculative_a part_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v as_o probable_o assure_v myself_o of_o the_o practic_a 10._o indeed_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o be_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o holy_a writ_n but_o that_o it_o be_v god_n word_n that_o be_v enough_o to_o command_v the_o most_o awful_a regard_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o just_a we_o make_v that_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a consideration_n in_o our_o present_a discourse_n but_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o that_o can_v want_v other_o to_o attend_v it_o since_o whatsoever_o god_n say_v be_v in_o all_o respect_v complete_o good_a i_o shall_v therefore_o to_o that_o of_o its_o divine_a original_n add_v second_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o subject_a matter_n three_o of_o its_o excellent_a and_o no_o less_o diffusive_a end_n and_o design_n and_o four_a of_o its_o exact_a propriety_n and_o fitness_n to_o that_o design_n which_o be_v all_o such_o qualification_n that_o where_o they_o concur_v nothing_o more_o can_v be_v require_v to_o commend_v a_o writing_n to_o the_o esteem_n of_o rational_a man_n and_o upon_o all_o these_o test_n notwithstanding_o the_o cavil_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o other_o who_o force_n we_o shall_v examine_v with_o the_o unhappy_a issue_n of_o contrary_a counsel_n this_o law_n of_o god_n will_v be_v find_v to_o answer_v the_o psalmist_n character_n of_o it_o ps._n 19_o 7._o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o custody_n and_o use_n thereof_o be_v the_o birthright_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o christian._n all_o which_o several_n be_v faithful_o deduce_v it_o will_v only_o remain_v that_o i_o add_v such_o caution_n as_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a duty_n and_o our_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n render_v perfect_a as_o this_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o author_n thereof_o himself_o be_v perfect_a mat._n 5._o 48._o sect_n ii_o the_o divine_a original_a endearment_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n man_n judgement_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v biased_n by_o their_o affection_n that_o we_o often_o find_v they_o ready_a to_o consider_v who_o speak_v than_o what_o be_v speak_v a_o temper_n very_o unsafe_a and_o the_o principle_n of_o great_a injustice_n in_o our_o inferior_a transaction_n with_o man_n yet_o here_o there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o we_o that_o can_v whole_o divest_v ourselves_o of_o it_o whereas_o when_o we_o deal_v with_o god_n in_o who_o alone_o a_o implicit_a faith_n may_v secure_o be_v repose_v we_o be_v nice_a and_o wary_a bring_v our_o scale_n and_o mesure_n will_v take_v nothing_o upon_o his_o word_n which_o hold_v not_o weight_n in_o our_o own_o balance_n it_o be_v true_a he_o need_v not_o our_o partiality_n to_o be_v justify_v in_o his_o say_n psal._n 51._o 4._o his_o word_n be_v pure_a even_o as_o the_o silver_n try_v seven_o time_n in_o the_o fire_n psal._n 12._o 6._o able_a to_o pass_v the_o strict_a test_n that_o right_a reason_n true_o so_o call_v can_v put_v they_o to_o yet_o it_o show_v a_o great_a perverseness_n in_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o who_o so_o easy_o resign_v our_o understanding_n to_o fallible_a man_n stand_v thus_o upon_o our_o guard_n against_o god_n make_v he_o dispute_v for_o every_o inch_n he_o gain_v on_o we_o nor_o will_v afford_v he_o what_o we_o daily_o grant_v to_o any_o credible_a man_n to_o receive_v a_o affirmation_n upon_o trust_n of_o his_o veracity_n 2._o i_o be_o far_o from_o contradict_v our_o savior_n precept_n of_o search_n the_o scripture_n jo._n 7._o or_o saint_n paul_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o we_o can_v be_v too_o industrious_a in_o our_o inquest_n after_o truth_n provide_v we_o still_o reserve_v to_o god_n the_o decisive_a vote_n and_o humble_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o sense_n how_o distant_a soever_o from_o our_o own_o so_o that_o when_o we_o consult_v scripture_n i_o may_v add_v reason_n either_o it_o be_v not_o to_o resolve_v we_o whether_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o no_o in_o what_o he_o have_v say_v but_o whether_o he_o have_v say_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o be_v convince_v he_o have_v reason_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n command_v our_o assert_v 3._o whatever_o therefore_o god_n have_v say_v we_o be_v to_o pay_v it_o a_o reverence_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o author_n over_o and_o above_o what_o the_o excellence_n of_o the_o matter_n exact_v and_o to_o this_o we_o have_v all_o inducement_n as_o well_o as_o obligation_n there_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o render_v the_o word_n of_o man_n estimable_a to_o we_o which_o be_v not_o eminent_o and_o transcendent_o appliable_a to_o those_o of_o god_n 4._o those_o motive_n we_o may_v reduce_v to_o four_o first_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n second_o his_o kindness_n three_o his_o wisdom_n and_o four_a his_o truth_n first_o for_o that_o of_o authority_n that_o may_v be_v either_o native_a or_o acquire_v the_o native_a be_v that_o of_o a_o parent_n which_o be_v such_o a_o charm_n of_o observance_n that_o we_o see_v saâ—omon_n when_o he_o will_v impress_v his_o counsel_n assume_v the_o person_n of_o a_o father_n hear_v o_o my_o child_n the_o instruction_n of_o a_o father_n prov._n 4._o 1._o and_o general_o through_o that_o whole_a book_n he_o use_v the_o compellation_n of_o my_o son_n as_o the_o great_a endearment_n to_o engage_v attention_n and_o reverence_n nay_o so_o indispensible_a be_v the_o obligation_n of_o child_n in_o this_o respect_n that_o we_o see_v the_o contumacious_a child_n that_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o parent_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o adjudge_v to_o death_n deut._n 21._o 20._o 5._o nor_o have_v only_a god_n but_o man_n law_n exact_v that_o filial_a reverence_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o parent_n but_o certain_o no_o parent_n can_v pretend_v such_o a_o title_n to_o it_o as_o god_n who_o be_v not_o only_o the_o immediate_a father_n of_o our_o person_n but_o the_o original_a father_n of_o our_o very_a nature_n not_o only_o of_o our_o flesh_n but_o of_o our_o spirit_n also_o heb._n 12._o 9_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n antithesis_fw-la in_o that_o place_n be_v as_o proper_o apply_v to_o counsel_n as_o correction_n and_o we_o may_v as_o right_o infer_v that_o if_o we_o give_v reverence_n to_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o earthly_a parent_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o this_o father_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v the_o very_a same_o reason_n wherewith_o to_o enforce_v it_o for_o the_o father_n of_o our_o flesh_n do_v as_o often_o dictate_v as_o correct_v according_a to_o their_o own_o pleasure_n prescribe_v to_o their_o child_n not_o according_a to_o the_o exact_a mesure_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n but_o after_o that_o humour_n which_o most_o predominate_v in_o themselves_o but_o god_n always_o direct_v his_o admonition_n to_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n heb._n 12._o 11._o so_o that_o we_o be_v as_o unkind_a to_o ourselves_o as_o irreverent_a towards_o he_o whenever_o we_o let_v any_o of_o his_o word_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n who_o claim_n to_o this_o part_n of_o our_o reverence_n be_v much_o more_o irrefragable_a than_o that_o of_o our_o natural_a parent_n 6._o but_o beside_o this_o native_a authority_n there_o be_v also_o a_o acquire_v and_o that_o we_o may_v distinguish_v into_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o of_o dominion_n the_o other_o of_o reputation_n to_o the_o first_o kind_n belong_v that_o of_o prince_n magistrate_n master_n or_o any_o that_o have_v coercive_a power_n over_o we_o and_o our_o
if_o such_o a_o unparalleled_a love_n in_o god_n may_v not_o as_o much_o affect_v we_o as_o the_o slight_a benefaction_n of_o every_o ordinary_a friend_n if_o it_o can_v so_o much_o recommend_v he_o to_o our_o regard_n as_o to_o rescue_v his_o word_n from_o contemt_a and_o dispose_v we_o to_o receive_v impression_n from_o it_o especial_o when_o his_o very_a speak_n be_v a_o new_a act_n of_o his_o kindness_n and_o design_v to_o our_o great_a advantage_n 13._o but_o if_o all_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o can_v obtain_v he_o so_o much_o from_o we_o we_o must_v sure_o confess_v our_o disingenuity_n be_v as_o superlative_a as_o his_o love_n for_o in_o this_o instance_n we_o have_v â—o_o plea_n for_o ourselves_o the_o discourse_n of_o man_n â—tis_o true_a may_v sometime_o be_v so_o weak_a and_o irrational_a that_o though_o kindness_n may_v suggest_v pity_n it_o can_v reverence_v but_o this_o can_v never_o happen_v in_o god_n who_o wisdom_n be_v as_o infinite_a as_o his_o love_n he_o talk_v not_o at_o our_o vain_a rate_n who_o often_o talk_v only_o for_o talk_n sake_n but_o his_o word_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o most_o important_a end_n and_o address_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o befit_v he_o in_o who_o be_v all_o the_o tresure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n col._n 2._o and_o this_o be_v our_o three_o consideration_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o speaker_n 14._o how_o attractive_a a_o thing_n wisdom_n be_v we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n who_o come_v from_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o christ_n say_v mat._n 12._o 42._o to_o hear_v the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n and_o the_o like_a be_v note_v of_o the_o greek_a sage_n that_o they_o be_v address_v to_o from_o all_o part_n by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n and_o quality_n to_o hear_v their_o lecture_n and_o indeed_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o man_n do_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o sympathetic_a motion_n close_o with_o whatever_o have_v the_o stamp_n of_o reason_n upon_o it_o but_o alas_o what_o be_v the_o profound_a wisdom_n of_o man_n compare_v with_o that_o of_o god_n he_o be_v the_o essential_a reason_n and_o all_o that_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v but_o a_o emanation_n from_o he_o a_o ray_n of_o his_o sun_n a_o drop_n of_o his_o ocean_n which_o as_o he_o give_v so_o he_o can_v also_o take_v away_o he_o can_v infatuate_a the_o most_o subtle_a designer_n and_o as_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o make_v the_o diviner_n mad_a turn_v the_o wise_a man_n back_o and_o make_v their_o wisdom_n foolishness_n isaiah_n 44._o 25._o 15._o how_o impious_a a_o folly_n be_v it_o then_o in_o we_o to_o idolise_v human_a wisdom_n with_o all_o its_o imperfection_n and_o despise_v the_o divine_a yet_o this_o every_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o who_o be_v not_o attract_v to_o the_o study_n of_o sacred_a writ_n by_o the_o supereminent_a wisdom_n of_o its_o author_n for_o such_o man_n must_v either_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v not_o such_o a_o supereminency_n or_o that_o though_o he_o have_v in_o himself_o he_o â—ath_v noth_z exert_v it_o in_o this_o write_n the_o former_a be_v downright_a blasphemy_n and_o true_o the_o â—â—ter_n be_v the_o same_o a_o little_a vary_v for_o that_o any_o â—hing_n but_o what_o be_v exact_o wise_a can_v proceed_v â—â—om_o infinite_a wisdom_n be_v too_o absurd_a for_o any_o â—an_v to_o imagine_v and_o therefore_o he_o that_o charge_v god_n word_n with_o defect_n of_o wisdom_n â—ust_z interpretative_o charge_v god_n so_o too_o for_o â—â—o_o it_o be_v true_a a_o wise_a man_n may_v sometime_o speak_v foolish_o yet_o that_o happen_v through_o that_o mixture_n of_o ignorance_n or_o passion_n which_o be_v in_o the_o most_o know_v of_o mortal_n but_o in_o god_n who_o be_v a_o pure_a act_n and_o essential_a wisdom_n that_o be_v a_o impossible_a supposition_n 16._o nay_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o tax_v he_o of_o folly_n beyond_o what_o be_v incident_a to_o any_o sensible_a man_n who_o will_v still_o proportion_v his_o instrument_n to_o the_o work_n he_o design_n shall_v we_o not_o conclude_v he_o mad_a that_o shall_v attemt_fw-mi to_o fell_a a_o mighty_a oak_n with_o a_o penknife_n or_o stop_v a_o torrent_n with_o a_o wisp_n of_o straw_n and_o sure_a their_o conception_n be_v not_o much_o more_o reverend_a of_o god_n who_o can_v suppose_v that_o a_o write_v design_v by_o he_o for_o such_o important_a end_n as_o the_o make_n man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o the_o cast_v down_o all_o that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 5._o shall_v itself_o be_v foolish_a and_o weak_a or_o that_o he_o shall_v give_v it_o those_o great_a attribute_n of_o be_v sharp_a than_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n heb._n 4._o 14._o if_o its_o discourse_n be_v so_o flat_a and_o insipid_a as_o some_o in_o this_o profane_a age_n will_v represent_v they_o 17._o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o it_o be_v not_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 6._o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o not_o the_o art_n of_o undermine_a government_n defraud_v and_o circumvent_a our_o brethren_n but_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o which_o will_v tend_v much_o more_o even_a to_o our_o temporal_a felicity_n and_o as_o reason_n promt_v we_o to_o aspire_v to_o happiness_n so_o it_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o be_v the_o high_a wisdom_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o attain_v it_o 18._o and_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v thus_o recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o its_o author_n so_o in_o the_o last_o place_n be_v it_o by_o his_o truth_n without_o which_o the_o other_o may_v rather_o raise_v our_o jealousy_n then_o our_o reverence_n for_o wisdom_n without_o sincerity_n degenerate_v into_o serpentine_a guile_n and_o we_o rather_o fear_v to_o be_v ensnare_v then_o hope_v to_o be_v advantage_v by_o it_o the_o most_o subtle_a address_n and_o most_o cogent_a argument_n prevail_v not_o upon_o we_o where_o we_o suspect_v some_o insidious_a design_n but_o where_o wisdom_n and_o fidelity_n meet_v in_o the_o same_o person_n we_o do_v not_o only_o attend_v but_o confide_v in_o his_o counsel_n and_o this_o qualification_n be_v most_o eminent_o in_o god_n the_o child_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a upon_o the_o weight_n psal._n 62._o 9_o much_o guile_n often_o lurk_v indiscernible_o under_o the_o fair_a appearance_n but_o god_n veracity_n be_v as_o essential_o himself_o as_o his_o wisdom_n and_o he_o can_v no_o more_o deceive_v we_o than_o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o he_o be_v not_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v num._n 23._o 19_o he_o design_v not_o as_o man_n often_o do_v to_o sport_v himself_o with_o our_o credulity_n and_o raise_v hope_n which_o he_o never_o mean_v to_o satisfy_v he_o say_v not_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n seek_v you_o i_o in_o vain_a ex._n 45._o 19_o but_o all_o his_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 20._o he_o be_v perfect_o sincere_a in_o all_o the_o proposal_n he_o make_v in_o his_o word_n which_o be_v a_o most_o rational_a motive_n for_o we_o to_o advert_v to_o it_o not_o only_o with_o reverence_n but_o love_n 19_o and_o now_o when_o all_o these_o motive_n be_v thus_o combine_v the_o authority_n the_o kindness_n the_o wisdom_n the_o veracity_n of_o the_o speaker_n what_o can_v be_v require_v more_o to_o render_v his_o word_n of_o weight_n with_o we_o if_o this_o fourfold_a cord_n will_v not_o draw_v we_o we_o have_v sure_o the_o strength_n not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o that_o legion_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o gospel_n mar._n 5._o 9_o for_o these_o be_v so_o much_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n so_o adapt_v to_o our_o nature_n nay_o to_o our_o constant_a usage_n in_o other_o thing_n that_o we_o must_v put_v off_o much_o of_o our_o humanity_n disclaim_v the_o common_a mesure_n of_o mankind_n if_o we_o be_v not_o attract_v by_o 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of_o two_o or_o three_o but_o in_o such_o as_o he_o intimate_v to_o abraham_n when_o he_o show_v he_o the_o star_n as_o the_o representative_a of_o his_o numerous_a offspring_n gen._n 15._o 5._o when_o he_o teach_v we_o that_o high_a and_o yet_o most_o certain_a alchemy_n of_o refine_n and_o multiply_v our_o enjoiment_n and_o then_o perpetuate_a they_o 20._o all_o this_o god_n do_v in_o scripture_n and_o we_o must_v be_v stupid_o improvident_a if_o we_o will_v take_v no_o advantage_n by_o it_o it_o be_v once_o the_o complaint_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o jew_n i_o be_o come_v in_o my_o father_n name_n and_o you_o receive_v i_o not_o if_o another_o shall_v come_v in_o his_o own_o name_n him_z you_o will_v receive_v jo._n 5._o 43._o and_o what_o be_v say_v by_o he_o the_o eternal_a essential_a word_n be_v no_o less_o applicable_a to_o the_o write_v which_o come_v in_o the_o name_n and_o upon_o the_o message_n of_o god_n be_v despise_v and_o slight_v and_o every_o the_o light_a composure_n of_o man_n prefer_v before_o it_o as_o if_o that_o signature_n of_o divinity_n it_o carry_v serve_v rather_o as_o a_o brand_n to_o stigmatize_v and_o defame_v then_o adorn_v and_o recommend_v it_o a_o contemt_fw-mi which_o strike_v immediate_o at_o god_n himself_o who_o resentment_n of_o it_o though_o for_o the_o present_a suppress_v by_o his_o long-suffering_a will_v at_o last_o break_v out_o upon_o all_o who_o persevere_v so_o to_o affront_v he_o in_o a_o judgement_n worthy_a of_o god_n wis._n 12._o 26._o 21._o but_o after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o foresee_v some_o may_v say_v that_o i_o have_v all_o this_o while_n but_o beat_v the_o air_n have_v build_v upon_o a_o principle_n which_o some_o flat_o deny_v other_o doubt_v of_o and_o have_v run_v away_o with_o a_o supposition_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v of_o divine_a original_a without_o any_o attemt_fw-mi of_o proof_n to_o such_o as_o these_o i_o may_v just_o enough_o object_v the_o extreme_a hard_a measure_n they_o offer_v 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whether_o those_o who_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o those_o ground_n will_v not_o be_v equal_o so_o with_o any_o other_o way_n of_o attestation_n 23._o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o rigorous_a demonstrative_a evidence_n as_o mathematical_a proposition_n be_v to_o render_v a_o thing_n fit_a for_o rational_a belief_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v but_o that_o the_o motive_n for_o it_o do_v over-poise_n those_o against_o it_o and_o in_o that_o degree_n they_o do_v so_o so_o be_v the_o belief_n strong_a or_o weak_a 24._o now_o the_o motive_n of_o our_o belief_n in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v such_o as_o be_v extrinsic_n or_o intrinsic_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o which_o the_o extrinsic_n be_v first_o and_o preparative_n to_o the_o other_o and_o indeed_o all_o that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v insist_v on_o to_o a_o gain-say_a who_o must_v be_v suppose_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o late_a but_o as_o to_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v adventure_v to_o say_v that_o the_o diâ—ine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n have_v as_o great_a ground_n of_o credibility_n as_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n for_o whether_o god_n â—nspired_v the_o penman_n of_o holy_a writ_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o be_v so_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o other_o external_a evidence_n but_o that_o of_o testimony_n and_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v also_o in_o point_n of_o time_n so_o remote_a from_o we_o can_v be_v judge_v of_o only_a by_o a_o series_n of_o testimony_n derive_v from_o that_o age_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v to_o this_o and_o the_o more_o credible_a the_o testifier_n and_o the_o more_o universal_a the_o testimony_n so_o much_o the_o more_o convince_a be_v they_o to_o all_o consider_v man_n 25._o and_o this_o attestation_n the_o scripture_n have_v in_o the_o high_a circumstance_n it_o have_v be_v witness_v to_o in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o those_o age_n by_o all_o person_n that_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v own_a by_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o write_n of_o man_n inspire_v by_o god_n and_o that_o with_o such_o evidence_n of_o their_o mission_n as_o abundant_o satisfy_v those_o of_o that_o age_n of_o their_o be_v so_o inspire_v and_o they_o derive_v those_o write_n with_o that_o attestation_n to_o their_o posterity_n now_o that_o those_o of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v not_o deceive_v be_v as_o moral_o certain_a as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v suppose_v for_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v contain_v the_o history_n of_o those_o miracle_n wherewith_o god_n rescue_v that_o people_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o instate_v they_o in_o canaan_n now_o if_o they_o who_o live_v at_o that_o time_n know_v that_o such_o miracle_n be_v never_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v receive_v 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as_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n be_v yet_o god_n be_v blessed_v undeniable_a though_o at_o the_o rate_n it_o have_v of_o late_o decline_v god_n know_v how_o long_o it_o will_v be_v so_o we_o say_v it_o come_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o it_o be_v attest_v by_o a_o uninterrupted_a testimony_n of_o all_o the_o intervening_a age_n the_o suffrage_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n from_o that_o day_n to_o this_o and_o sure_o they_o who_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n be_v the_o most_o competent_a witness_n from_o whence_o they_o receive_v it_o 40._o yet_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o thought_n party_n to_o the_o design_n and_o their_o witness_n except_v against_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o give_v we_o collateral_a assurance_n and_o make_v both_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a writer_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o antiquity_n of_o christianity_n josephus_n do_v this_o lib._n 20._o chap._n 8._o and_o lib._n 18._o chap._n 4._o where_o after_o he_o have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o christ_n exact_o agree_v with_o the_o evangelist_n he_o conclude_v and_o to_o this_o day_n the_o christian_a people_n who_o of_o he_o borrow_v their_o name_n cease_v not_o to_o increase_v i_o add_v not_o the_o personal_a elogium_fw-la which_o he_o give_v of_o our_o saviour_n because_o some_o be_v so_o hardy_a to_o control_v it_o also_o i_o pass_v what_o philo_n mention_n of_o the_o religious_a in_o egypt_n because_o several_a learned_a man_n refer_v it_o to_o the_o essen_v a_o sect_n among_o the_o jew_n or_o some_o other_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o what_o tacitus_n and_o other_o roman_a historian_n speak_v of_o christ_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o have_v do_v if_o there_o have_v then_o be_v no_o such_o doctrine_n or_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o be_v know_v as_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o so_o afterward_o pliny_n give_v the_o emperor_n trajan_n a_o account_n both_o of_o the_o manner_n and_o multitude_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o make_v the_o innocence_n of_o the_o one_o &_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o other_o a_o argument_n to_o slacken_v the_o persecution_n against_o they_o nay_o the_o very_a bloody_a edict_n of_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n &_o the_o scoff_v and_o reproach_n of_o celsus_n porphyry_n lucian_n and_o other_o profane_a opposer_n of_o this_o doctrine_n do_v undeniable_o assert_v its_o be_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o christianity_n have_v in_o those_o age_n not_o only_o a_o be_v but_o have_v also_o obtain_v mighty_o in_o the_o world_n and_o draw_v in_o vast_a number_n to_o its_o profession_n and_o vast_a indeed_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v to_o furnish_v out_o that_o whole_a army_n of_o martyr_n of_o which_o profane_a as_o well_o as_o ecclesiastic_a writer_n speak_v and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o evince_v that_o christianity_n steal_v not_o clancular_o into_o the_o world_n but_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o â—hose_v time_n and_o person_n it_o pretend_v we_o must_v â—enounce_v all_o faith_n of_o testimony_n and_o not_o believe_v a_o inch_n far_o than_o we_o see_v 41._o i_o suppose_v i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o to_o show_v that_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o those_o portentous_a miracle_n which_o attest_v it_o be_v no_o forgery_n or_o stratagem_n of_o man_n i_o come_v now_o to_o that_o doubt_n which_o more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n whether_o all_o these_o transaction_n be_v so_o faithful_o relate_v there_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v they_o to_o have_v be_v dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o for_o this_o the_o process_n need_v be_v â—ut_v short_a if_o we_o consider_v who_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n even_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o matthew_n and_o john_n who_o write_v two_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v certain_o so_o and_o mark_v as_o all_o the_o ancient_n aver_v be_v but_o the_o amanuensis_fw-la to_o saint_n peter_n who_o dictate_v that_o gospel_n saint_n luke_n indeed_o come_v not_o under_o this_o first_o rank_n of_o apostle_n yet_o be_v by_o some_o affirm_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n however_o a_o apostolical_a person_n it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n for_o such_o to_o be_v inspire_v for_o in_o those_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n man_n act_v more_o by_o immediate_a inflation_n of_o the_o spirit_n then_o since_o and_o according_o we_o find_v stephen_n though_o but_o a_o deacon_n have_v the_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o preach_v as_o divine_o as_o the_o prime_a apostle_n act._n 7._o and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v then_o a_o usual_a concomitant_a of_o conversion_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o story_n of_o cornelius_n act_v 10._o 45_o 46._o beside_o saint_n luke_n be_v a_o constant_a attendant_n on_o saint_n paul_n who_o derive_v the_o faith_n not_o from_o man_n but_o by_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o himself_o profess_v gal._n 1._o 12._o and_o be_v by_o some_o say_v to_o have_v write_v by_o dictat_fw-la from_o he_o as_o mark_n do_v from_o saint_n peter_n then_o as_o to_o the_o epistle_n they_o all_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o apostle_n except_o that_o to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o yet_o be_v upon_o very_o good_a ground_n presume_v to_o be_v saint_n paul_n now_o these_o be_v the_o person_n commissionated_a by_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o be_v signal_o assist_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n so_o that_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v not_o they_o who_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n that_o speak_v in_o they_o mat._n 13._o 11._o and_o if_o they_o speak_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n there_o can_v be_v no_o question_n that_o they_o write_v so_o also_o nay_o indeed_o of_o the_o two_o it_o seem_v more_o necessary_a they_o shall_v do_v the_o late_a for_o have_v they_o err_v in_o any_o thing_n they_o oral_o deliver_v they_o may_v have_v retract_v and_o cure_v the_o mischief_n but_o these_o book_n be_v design_v as_o a_o stand_a immutable_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o all_o succession_n any_o error_n in_o they_o will_v have_v be_v irreparable_a and_o have_v entail_v itself_o upon_o posterity_n which_o agree_v neither_o with_o the_o truth_n nor_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o permit_v 42._o now_o that_o these_o book_n be_v indeed_o write_v by_o they_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v we_o have_v as_o much_o assurance_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o that_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o we_o for_o however_o some_o of_o they_o may_v have_v be_v controvert_v yet_o the_o great_a part_n have_v admit_v no_o dispute_n who_o doctrine_n agree_v exact_o with_o the_o other_o give_v testimony_n to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o bulk_n of_o those_o write_n it_o be_v notorious_a that_o the_o first_o christian_n receive_v they_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o transmit_v they_o to_o the_o ensue_a age_n which_o receive_v they_o with_o the_o like_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n they_o can_v be_v corrupt_v say_v saint_n austin_n in_o the_o thirty_o second_o book_n against_o faustus_n the_o manich._n c._n 16._o because_o they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v first_o attemt_fw-mi a_o alteration_n he_o will_v be_v confute_v by_o the_o inspection_n of_o other_o ancient_a copy_n beside_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o in_o some_o one_o language_n but_o translate_v into_o many_o so_o that_o the_o fault_n of_o one_o book_n will_v be_v correct_v by_o other_o more_o ancient_a or_o in_o a_o different_a tongue_n 43._o and_o how_o much_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n be_v in_o earnest_n concern_v to_o take_v care_n in_o this_o matter_n appear_v by_o very_o costly_a evidence_n multitude_n of_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o part_n with_o their_o life_n then_o their_o bibles_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o their_o reverence_n of_o that_o book_n be_v very_o avow_v and_o manifest_a when_o their_o heathen_a persecuter_n make_v that_o one_o part_n of_o their_o persecution_n so_o that_o as_o wherever_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v receive_v this_o book_n be_v also_o under_o the_o notion_n we_o now_o plead_v for_o viz._n as_o the_o write_n of_o man_n inspire_v by_o god_n so_o it_o be_v also_o contend_v for_o even_o unto_o death_n and_o to_o part_v with_o the_o bible_n be_v to_o renounce_v the_o faith_n and_o now_o after_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o testimony_n we_o may_v sure_o take_v up_o that_o ill-applied_n say_v of_o the_o high_a priest_n mat._n 26._o 65._o what_o far_a need_n have_v we_o of_o witness_n 44._o yet_o beside_o these_o another_o sort_n of_o witness_n there_o be_v i_o mean_v
those_o intrinsic_n evidence_n which_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o of_o these_o i_o think_v not_o proper_a here_o to_o insist_v partly_o because_o the_o subject_n will_v be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n coincident_a with_o that_o of_o the_o second_o general_a consideration_n and_o partly_o because_o these_o can_v be_v argumentative_a to_o none_o who_o be_v not_o qualify_v to_o discern_v they_o let_v those_o who_o doubt_v the_o divine_a original_a of_o scripture_n well_o digest_v the_o former_a ground_n which_o be_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o reason_n and_o when_o by_o those_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o read_v it_o with_o due_a reverence_n they_o will_v not_o want_v argument_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o confirm_v their_o veneration_n of_o it_o 45._o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o evince_v how_o proper_a the_o former_a discourse_n be_v to_o find_v a_o rational_a belief_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v compare_v it_o with_o those_o mesure_n of_o credibility_n upon_o which_o all_o human_a transaction_n move_v and_o upon_o which_o man_n trust_v their_o great_a concern_v without_o diffidence_n or_o dispute_n 46._o that_o we_o must_v in_o many_o thing_n trust_v the_o report_n of_o other_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o human_a society_n can_v subsist_v what_o a_o multitude_n of_o subject_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n who_o never_o see_v their_o prince_n nor_o be_v at_o the_o make_n of_o any_o law_n if_o all_o these_o shall_v deny_v their_o obedience_n because_o they_o have_v it_o only_o by_o hear-say_n there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n and_o such_o law_n what_o will_v become_v of_o government_n so_o also_o for_o property_n if_o nothing_o of_o testimony_n may_v be_v admit_v how_o shall_v any_o man_n prove_v his_o right_n to_o any_o thing_n all_o plea_n must_v be_v decide_v by_o the_o sword_n and_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o that_o state_n which_o some_o have_v phancy_v the_o primitive_a of_o universal_a hostility_n in_o like_a manner_n for_o traffic_n and_o commerce_n how_o shall_v any_o merchant_n first_fw-mi attemt_fw-mi a_o trade_n to_o any_o foreign_a part_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o place_n there_o be_v and_o how_o can_v he_o believe_v that_o but_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v there_o nay_o indeed_o how_o can_v any_o man_n first_o attemt_a to_o go_v but_o to_o the_o next_o market_n town_n if_o he_o do_v not_o from_o the_o report_n of_o other_o conclude_v that_o such_o a_o one_o there_o be_v so_o that_o if_o this_o universal_a diffidence_n shall_v prevail_v every_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o plantagnus_fw-la fix_v to_o the_o soil_n he_o first_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o absurdity_n be_v indeed_o so_o infinite_a and_o so_o obvious_a that_o i_o need_v not_o dilate_v upon_o they_o 47._o but_o it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v say_v that_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v tell_v we_o by_o our_o contemporary_n and_o that_o relate_v to_o our_o own_o time_n man_n will_v be_v less_o apt_a to_o deceive_v we_o because_o they_o know_v it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o examine_v and_o discover_v the_o truth_n to_o this_o i_o may_v say_v that_o in_o many_o instance_n it_o will_v scarce_o quit_v cost_v to_o do_v so_o and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o trial_n will_v exceed_v those_o of_o belief_n but_o i_o shall_v willing_o admit_v this_o probable_a argument_n and_o only_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o our_o main_a question_n by_o consider_v whether_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o divine_v have_v not_o the_o same_o security_n of_o not_o be_v deceive_v who_o have_v as_o great_a opportunity_n of_o examine_v and_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o do_v it_o throly_a since_o they_o be_v to_o engage_v not_o only_o their_o future_a hope_n in_o another_o world_n but_o that_o which_o to_o nature_n be_v much_o more_o sensible_a all_o their_o present_a enjoiment_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 48._o but_o because_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o we_o who_o be_v so_o many_o age_n remove_v from_o they_o have_v not_o their_o mean_n of_o assurance_n let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v whether_o a_o assent_n to_o those_o testimony_n they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o mankind_n in_o other_o case_n who_o be_v there_o that_o question_n there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o william_n the_o conqueror_n in_o this_o island_n or_o to_o lay_v the_o scene_n far_o who_o doubt_v there_o be_v a_o alexander_n a_o julius_n caesar_n a_o augustus_n now_o what_o have_v we_o to_o found_v this_o confidence_n on_o beside_o the_o faith_n of_o history_n and_o i_o presume_v even_o those_o who_o exact_v the_o severe_a demonstration_n for_o ecclesiastic_a story_n will_v think_v he_o a_o very_a impertinent_a sceptic_a that_o shall_v do_v the_o like_a in_o these_o so_o also_o as_o to_o the_o author_n of_o book_n who_o dispute_v whether_o homer_n write_v the_o iliad_n or_o virgil_n the_o aeneid_n or_o caesar_n the_o commentary_n that_o pass_v under_o their_o name_n yet_o none_o of_o these_o have_v be_v attest_v in_o any_o degree_n like_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o that_o caesar_n venture_v his_o own_o life_n to_o save_v his_o commentary_n employ_v one_o hand_n to_o hold_v that_o above_o the_o water_n when_o it_o shall_v have_v assist_v he_o in_o swim_v but_o who_o ever_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o attestation_n of_o that_o or_o any_o human_a composure_n as_o multitude_n of_o man_n have_v do_v for_o the_o bible_n 49._o but_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o the_o small_a concern_v man_n have_v who_o write_v these_o or_o other_o the_o like_a book_n incline_v they_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o common_a opinion_n to_o this_o i_o must_v say_v that_o many_o thing_n inconsiderable_a to_o mankind_n have_v oft_o be_v very_o laborious_o discuss_v as_o appear_v by_o many_o unedifying_a volume_n both_o of_o philosopher_n and_o schoolman_n but_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v in_o this_o instance_n it_o be_v manifest_a there_o be_v other_o wherein_o man_n real_a and_o great_a interest_n be_v entrust_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o former_a age_n for_o example_n a_o man_n possess_v a_o estate_n which_o be_v buy_v by_o his_o great_a grandfather_n or_o perhaps_o elder_a progenitor_n he_o chary_o preserve_v that_o deed_n of_o purchase_n and_o never_o look_v for_o far_a security_n of_o his_o title_n yet_o alas_o at_o the_o rate_n that_o man_n object_n against_o the_o bible_n what_o numberless_a cavil_n may_v be_v raise_v against_o such_o a_o deed_n how_o shall_v it_o be_v know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o either_o seller_n or_o purchaser_n if_o by_o the_o witness_n they_o be_v as_o liable_a to_o doubt_v as_o the_o other_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o forge_v the_o attestation_n as_o the_o main_a writing_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o possible_a deceit_n nothing_o but_o a_o positive_a proof_n of_o forgery_n can_v invalidate_v this_o deed_n let_v but_o the_o scripture_n have_v the_o same_o measure_n be_v allow_v to_o stand_v in_o force_n to_o be_v what_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v till_o the_o contrary_n be_v not_o by_o surmise_n and_o possible_a conjecture_n but_o by_o evident_a proof_n evince_v and_o its_o great_a advocat_n will_v ask_v no_o more_o 50._o a_o like_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v in_o public_a concern_v the_o immunity_n and_o right_n of_o any_o nation_n particular_o here_o of_o our_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la grant_v many_o age_n since_o and_o deposit_v among_o the_o public_a record_n to_o make_v this_o signify_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o this_o be_v without_o falsification_n preserve_v to_o our_o time_n yet_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o suggest_v that_o in_o so_o long_a a_o succession_n of_o its_o keeper_n some_o may_v have_v be_v prevail_v on_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o prince_n to_o abridge_v and_o curtail_v its_o concession_n other_o by_o a_o prevail_a faction_n of_o the_o people_n to_o amplify_v and_o extend_v it_o nay_o if_o man_n be_v as_o great_a sceptic_n in_o law_n as_o they_o be_v in_o divinity_n they_o may_v exact_v demonstration_n that_o the_o whole_a thing_n be_v not_o a_o forgery_n yet_o for_o all_o these_o possible_a surmise_n we_o still_o build_v upon_o it_o and_o shall_v think_v he_o argue_v very_o fallacious_o that_o shall_v go_v to_o evacuate_v it_o upon_o the_o force_n of_o such_o remote_a supposition_n 51._o now_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v whether_o our_o security_n concern_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o as_o great_a nay_o great_a than_o it_o can_v be_v of_o this_o for_o first_o this_o be_v a_o concern_v only_o of_o a_o particular_a nation_n and_o
mank_v with_o the_o particular_n wherein_o that_o obedience_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v this_o sure_a be_v so_o disagreeable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o it_o can_v be_v charge_v upon_o his_o will_n and_o consequent_o they_o who_o own_v not_o that_o he_o have_v make_v any_o such_o revelation_n must_v tacit_o tax_v he_o of_o impotence_n that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v it_o but_o if_o any_o man_n will_v say_v he_o have_v and_o yet_o reject_v all_o this_o which_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n receive_v as_o such_o let_v he_o produce_v his_o testimony_n for_o the_o other_o or_o rather_o to_o retort_v his_o own_o measure_n his_o demonstration_n and_o then_o let_v it_o appear_v whether_o his_o scheme_n of_o doctrine_n or_o we_o will_v need_v the_o great_a aid_n of_o that_o easy_a credulity_n he_o reproach_n we_o with_o 64._o i_o have_v now_o go_v through_o the_o method_n i_o propose_v for_o evince_v the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o shall_v not_o descend_v to_o examine_v those_o more_o minute_n and_o particular_a cavil_n which_o profane_a man_n make_v against_o they_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o virtual_o supersede_v all_o those_o for_o if_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v reasonable_a also_o to_o believe_v it_o of_o perfection_n proportionable_a to_o the_o author_n and_o then_o certain_o it_o must_v be_v advance_v beyond_o all_o our_o objection_n for_o to_o those_o who_o except_o to_o the_o stile_n the_o incoherence_n the_o contradiction_n or_o whatever_o else_o in_o scripture_n i_o shall_v only_o ask_v this_o one_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o much_o more_o possible_a that_o they_o who_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v nothing_o above_o fallible_a man_n may_v misjudg_v then_o that_o the_o infallible_a god_n shall_v dictate_v any_o thing_n just_o liable_a to_o those_o charge_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o must_v depart_v as_o much_o from_o reason_n as_o religion_n to_o affirm_v the_o contrary_n but_o alas_o instead_o of_o this_o implicit_a submission_n to_o god_n word_n man_n take_v up_o explicit_a prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o condemn_v it_o without_o ever_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o allegation_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o a_o write_n of_o such_o antiquity_n who_o original_a language_n have_v idiom_n and_o phrase_n so_o peculiar_a who_o country_n have_v custom_n so_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o judge_n of_o it_o without_o reference_n to_o all_o those_o circumstance_n add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o hebrew_n have_v be_v a_o dead_a language_n for_o well_o nigh_o two_o thousand_o year_n nowhere_o in_o common_a use_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o ancient_a book_n now_o extant_a in_o it_o beside_o those_o yet_o not_o all_o neither_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n 65._o now_o of_o those_o many_o who_o defame_v holy_a writ_n how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o have_v the_o industry_n to_o inquire_v into_o those_o particular_n and_o when_o for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n some_o passage_n seem_v improper_a or_o perhaps_o contradictory_n the_o scripture_n must_v bear_v the_o blame_n of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o be_v accuse_v as_o absurd_a and_o unintelligible_a because_o themselves_o be_v stupid_a and_o negligent_a it_o be_v therefore_o methinks_v but_o a_o reasonable_a proposal_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v arraign_v it_o till_o they_o have_v use_v all_o honest_a diligence_n take_v in_o all_o probable_a help_n for_o the_o understanding_n it_o and_o if_o this_o may_v be_v obtain_v i_o believe_v most_o of_o its_o accuser_n will_v like_v those_o of_o the_o woman_n in_o the_o gospel_n jo._n 8._o 9_o drop_n away_o as_o conscious_a of_o their_o own_o incompetency_n the_o loud_a out-cry_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o be_v common_o of_o those_o who_o fall_v upon_o it_o only_o as_o a_o fashionable_a theme_n of_o discourse_n and_o hope_v to_o acquire_v themselves_o the_o reputation_n of_o wit_n by_o thus_o charge_v god_n foolish_o but_o he_o that_o will_v candid_o and_o upright_o endeavour_v to_o comprehend_v before_o he_o judge_n and_o to_o that_o end_n industrious_o use_v those_o mean_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o labour_n of_o pious_a man_n have_v afford_v he_o will_v certain_o find_v cause_n to_o acquit_v the_o scripture_n of_o those_o imputation_n which_o our_o bold_a critic_n have_v cast_v upon_o it_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v all_o the_o obscurity_n of_o it_o perfect_o clear_a 〈◊〉_d to_o he_o but_o he_o shall_v have_v so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o be_v for_o his_o real_a advantage_n and_o shall_v discern_v such_o reason_n why_o the_o rest_n remain_v unfathomable_a as_o may_v make_v he_o not_o only_o justify_v but_o celebrate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o author_n 66._o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v only_o upon_o the_o forementioned_a condition_n viz._n that_o he_o come_v with_o sincere_a and_o honest_a intention_n foâ—_n as_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o the_o scripture_n with_o design_n and_o wish_n to_o find_v matter_n of_o cavil_n and_o accusation_n there_o be_v little_a doubt_n but_o thaâ—_n spirit_n of_o impiety_n and_o profaneness_n which_o senâ—_n he_o thither_o will_v meet_v he_o there_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o occecation_n that_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n will_v cast_v such_o mist_n raise_v such_o black_a vapour_n that_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o shine_v unto_o he_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o indeed_o be_v such_o a_o man_n leave_v only_o to_o the_o natural_a efficacy_n of_o prejudice_n that_o be_v of_o itself_o so_o blind_a so_o infatuate_a a_o thing_n as_o common_o fortify_v against_o all_o conviction_n we_o see_v it_o in_o all_o the_o common_a instance_n of_o life_n mens_fw-la very_a sense_n be_v often_o enslave_v by_o it_o the_o prepossession_n of_o a_o strong_a fancy_n will_v make_v the_o object_n of_o sight_n or_o hear_n appear_v quite_o different_a from_o what_o they_o be_v but_o in_o the_o present_a case_n when_o this_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o satanical_a illusion_n and_o both_o leave_v to_o their_o operation_n by_o god_n withdraw_a his_o illuminate_a grace_n the_o case_n of_o such_o a_o man_n answer_v that_o description_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o have_v eye_n and_o see_v not_o ear_n have_v they_o and_o hear_v not_o rom._n 11._o 8._o and_o that_o god_n will_v so_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o believe_v he_o have_v promise_v it_o only_o to_o the_o meek_a to_o those_o who_o come_v with_o malleable_a ductile_a spirit_n to_o learn_v not_o to_o deride_v or_o cavil_v saint_n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 15._o and_o if_o god_n permit_v such_o to_o do_v so_o much_o more_o will_v he_o the_o proud_a malicious_a 67._o i_o say_v not_o this_o to_o deter_v any_o from_o the_o study_n of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o only_o to_o caution_n they_o to_o bring_v a_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n along_o with_o they_o god_n word_n be_v like_o a_o generous_a sovereign_a medicament_n which_o if_o simple_o and_o regular_o take_v be_v of_o the_o great_a benefit_n but_o if_o mix_v with_o poison_n serve_v only_o to_o make_v that_o more_o fatal_o operative_a to_o conclude_v he_o that_o will_v have_v his_o doubt_n solve_v concern_v scripture_n let_v he_o follow_v the_o method_n our_o bless_a lord_n have_v describe_v let_v he_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n jo._n 7._o 17._o let_v he_o bring_v with_o he_o a_o probity_n of_o mind_n a_o willingness_n to_o assent_v to_o all_o conviction_n he_o shall_v there_o meet_v with_o and_o then_o he_o will_v find_v ground_n sufficient_a to_o assure_v he_o that_o it_o be_v god_n word_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o all_o the_o submission_n and_o reverence_n that_o its_o be_v so_o exact_v sect_n iii_o the_o subject_a matter_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v excellent_a as_o be_v also_o its_o end_n and_o design_n we_o have_v hitherto_o consider_v the_o holy_a scripture_n only_o under_o one_o notion_n as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o come_v now_o to_o view_v it_o in_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o it_o the_o several_a part_n whereof_o it_o consist_v which_o be_v so_o various_a and_o comprehensive_a as_o show_v the_o whole_a be_v derive_v from_o he_o who_o be_v all_o in_o all_o 1_o cor._n 19_o 28._o but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o speak_v only_o loose_o and_o at_o â—overs_n we_o will_v take_v this_o excellent_a frame_n in_o piece_n and_o consider_v its_o most_o eminent_a part_n distinct_o now_o the_o part_n of_o holy_a writ_n seem_v to_o branch_n themselves_o into_o these_o
we_o perform_v our_o part_n of_o the_o condition_n it_o give_v we_o the_o most_o certain_a assurance_n engage_v god_n veracity_n that_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v on_o he_o by_o this_o it_o give_v we_o support_v against_o all_o the_o adversity_n of_o life_n assure_v we_o the_o suffering_n of_o it_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n we_o expect_v rom._n 8._o 18._o yea_o and_o against_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n too_o by_o assure_v we_o that_o what_o we_o look_v on_o as_o a_o dissolution_n be_v but_o a_o temporary_a part_n and_o we_o only_o put_v off_o our_o body_n that_o they_o may_v put_v of_o corruption_n and_o be_v clothe_v with_o immortality_n 28._o these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v the_o doctrine_n the_o holy_a scripture_n offer_v to_o we_o and_o we_o may_v certain_o say_v they_o be_v faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 15._o the_o notion_n it_o give_v we_o of_o god_n be_v so_o sublime_a and_o great_a that_o they_o can_v but_o affect_v we_o with_o reverence_n and_o admiration_n and_o yet_o withal_o so_o amiable_a and_o endear_n that_o they_o can_v but_o raise_v love_n and_o gratitude_n affiance_n and_o delight_n 29._o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o these_o mild_a attribute_n be_v apt_a to_o inspirit_v we_o with_o a_o generous_a ambition_n of_o assimilation_n excite_v we_o to_o transcribe_v all_o his_o imitable_a excellency_n in_o which_o the_o very_a heathen_n can_v discern_v consist_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o human_a felicity_n 30._o and_o then_o the_o knowledge_n it_o give_v we_o of_o ourselves_o do_v we_o the_o kind_a office_n imaginable_a keep_v we_o from_o those_o swell_a thought_n we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o entertain_v and_o show_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o bottome_v our_o hope_n upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n and_o then_o again_o keep_v we_o from_o be_v lazy_a or_o secure_a by_o show_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n in_o a_o word_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o be_v humble_a and_o industrious_a and_o whoever_o be_v so_o ballast_v can_v hardly_o be_v shipwrack_v 31._o these_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o scripture_n which_o also_o render_v they_o most_o apt_o preparative_n for_o the_o preceptive_a and_o indeed_o so_o they_o be_v design_v the_o credenda_fw-la and_o the_o agenda_fw-la be_v such_o inseparable_a relation_n that_o whoever_o part_v they_o forfeit_v the_o advantage_n of_o both_o the_o most_o solemn_a profession_n of_o christ_n the_o most_o importunate_a invocation_n lord_n lord_n will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o they_o which_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v mat._n 7._o and_o how_o excellent_a how_o rational_a those_o precept_n be_v which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v to_o we_o from_o he_o be_v our_o next_o point_n of_o consideration_n 32._o the_o first_o law_n which_o god_n give_v to_o mankind_n be_v that_o of_o nature_n and_o though_o the_o impression_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o mind_n be_v by_o adam_n fall_v exceed_o dim_v and_o deface_v yet_o that_o derogate_v nothing_o from_o the_o dignity_n and_o worth_n of_o that_o law_n which_o god_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o cancel_v that_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v make_v it_o the_o rule_n and_o square_v of_o his_o subsequent_a law_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v enjoin_v in_o those_o but_o what_o be_v consonant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o that_o the_o moral_a law_n give_v in_o the_o decalogue_n to_o the_o jew_n the_o evangelical_n law_n give_v in_o the_o gospel_n though_o christian_n have_v this_o natural_a law_n for_o their_o basis_n and_o foundation_n they_o licence_v nothing_o which_o that_o prohibit_n and_o very_o rare_o prohibit_v any_o thing_n which_o it_o licence_n 33._o it_o be_v true_a christ_n in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n raise_v christian_n to_o a_o great_a strictness_n than_o the_o jew_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o but_o that_o be_v not_o by_o contradict_v either_o the_o natural_a or_o moral_a law_n but_o by_o rescue_v the_o late_a from_o those_o corruption_n which_o the_o false_a gloss_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v mix_v with_o it_o and_o reduce_v it_o to_o its_o primitive_a integrity_n and_o extent_n in_o a_o word_n as_o the_o decalogue_n be_v give_v to_o repair_v the_o defacing_n and_o renew_v the_o impression_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n so_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v design_v to_o revive_v and_o illustrate_v both_o and_o according_o we_o find_v christ_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o divorce_n call_v they_o back_o to_o this_o natural_a law_n in_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o mat._n 19_o 8._o i_o say_v not_o but_o that_o even_o these_o natural_a notion_n be_v in_o some_o instance_n refine_v and_o elevate_v by_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n be_v to_o repair_v the_o fall_n of_o the_o first_o with_o advantage_n but_o yet_o he_o still_o build_v upon_o that_o groundwork_n introduce_v nothing_o that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o 34._o and_o this_o accordance_n between_o these_o several_a law_n be_v a_o circumstance_n that_o high_o recommend_v scripture_n precept_n to_o we_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o that_o god_n who_o make_v man_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o a_o recipient_a of_o all_o communicable_a part_n of_o his_o happiness_n will_v assign_v he_o such_o rule_n and_o mesure_n as_o be_v most_o conducive_a to_o those_o end_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o scripture_n injunction_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mould_n we_o must_v conclude_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o be_v the_o make_v we_o what_o god_n original_o intend_v we_o and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v that_o will_v certain_o choose_v much_o worse_a for_o himself_o 35._o i_o know_v there_o have_v be_v prejudices_fw-la take_v up_o against_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o they_o impose_v unreasonable_a unsupportable_a strictness_n upon_o man_n and_o some_o have_v assume_v liberty_n to_o argue_v mutinous_o against_o they_o nay_o against_o god_n too_o for_o put_v such_o natural_a appetite_n into_o man_n and_o then_o forbid_v they_o to_o satisfy_v they_o 36._o but_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o cavil_n be_v the_o not_o right_o distinguish_v of_o natural_a appetite_n which_o be_v to_o be_v difference_v according_a to_o the_o two_o state_n of_o rectitude_n and_o depravation_n those_o of_o the_o first_o rank_n be_v the_o appetite_n god_n put_v into_o man_n and_o those_o be_v all_o regular_a and_o innocent_a such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o be_v nature_n in_o its_o first_o integrity_n mesure_v its_o desire_n by_o its_o need_n now_o christ_n prohibition_n be_v not_o direct_v against_o these_o he_o forbid_v no_o one_o kind_a of_o these_o desire_n and_o though_o the_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n may_v sometime_o restrain_v we_o in_o some_o particular_a act_n yet_o that_o be_v but_o proportionable_a to_o that_o restraint_n adam_n be_v under_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o forbid_a tree_n a_o particular_a instance_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o fence_v of_o his_o safety_n so_o that_o if_o man_n will_v consider_v nature_n under_o this_o its_o first_o and_o best_a notion_n they_o can_v accuse_v christ_n of_o be_v severe_a to_o it_o 37._o but_o it_o be_v manifest_a they_o take_v it_o in_o another_o acception_n and_o mean_v that_o corruption_n of_o nature_n which_o inordinate_o incline_v to_o sensitive_a thing_n and_o on_o this_o account_n they_o call_v their_o riot_n their_o luxury_n appetite_n put_v into_o they_o by_o god_n whereas_o it_o be_v manifest_a this_o be_v superinduce_v from_o another_o coast_n the_o wise_a man_n give_v we_o its_o true_a pedigree_n in_o what_o he_o say_v of_o death_n which_o be_v its_o twin-sister_n by_o the_o envy_n of_o the_o devil_n come_v death_n into_o the_o world_n wis._n 2._o 24._o and_o can_v they_o expect_v that_o christ_n who_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 8._o shall_v frame_v law_n in_o their_o favour_n make_v act_n of_o toleration_n and_o indulgence_n for_o they_o this_o be_v to_o annul_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o restore_v we_o from_o our_o lapse_v estate_n and_o elevate_v we_o to_o those_o high_a degree_n of_o purity_n which_o he_o come_v not_o only_o to_o prescribe_v but_o to_o exemplify_v to_o we_o 38._o but_o in_o this_o affair_n man_n often_o take_v nature_n â—n_v a_o yet_o wide_o and_o worse_a notion_n and_o under_o natural_a desire_n comprehend_v whatever_o upon_o any_o sort_n of_o motive_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o do_v the_o awe_n of_o a_o superior_a the_o importunity_n of_o a_o companion_n custom_n and_o example_n make_v man_n do_v many_o ill_a thing_n to_o which_o their_o nature_n will_v never_o promt_v they_o nay_o many_o time_n such_o as_o their_o nature_n
threaten_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o yet_o more_o severe_a wilful_a impenitent_a sinner_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n nor_o bare_o so_o but_o look_v upon_o as_o despiser_n of_o it_o and_o that_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o which_o it_o be_v seal_v heb._n 10._o 29._o nay_o as_o those_o murderous_a wretch_n that_o shed_v it_o they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o heb._n 6._o 6._o and_o this_o be_v the_o fataly_a sentence_n that_o can_v fall_v on_o any_o man_n in_o this_o life_n to_o be_v thus_o disfranchise_v of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o rank_v as_o well_o in_o punishment_n as_o guilt_n with_o the_o most_o criminous_a of_o mankind_n 67._o from_o hence_o it_o be_v consequent_a that_o the_o mind_n remain_v not_o only_o in_o its_o native_a impurity_n but_o in_o a_o great_a and_o more_o incurable_a one_o whilst_o that_o blood_n which_o alone_o can_v cleanse_v it_o serve_v but_o to_o imbrue_v and_o pollute_v it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v flush_a and_o excite_v it_o to_o all_o immanities_n and_o vileness_n and_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o filthy_a it_o be_v the_o doom_n pronounce_v against_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v filthy_a still_o rev._n 22._o 11._o 68_o and_o then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o calm_a can_v there_o be_v to_o such_o a_o mind_n what_o remain_v to_o such_o a_o person_n but_o that_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o wrath_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o the_o apostle_n mention_n heb._n 10._o 27._o indeed_o be_v there_o none_o but_o temporal_a mischief_n to_o fear_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o unplesant_a to_o think_v one_o self_n like_a cain_n outlaw_v from_o the_o presence_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n to_o be_v afraid_a that_o every_o man_n that_o meet_v we_o shall_v slay_v we_o gen._n 4._o 14._o nay_o those_o confuse_a indistinct_a fear_n of_o indefinite_a evil_n which_o attend_v guilt_n be_v very_o unquiet_a uneasy_a inmate_n in_o the_o mind_n this_o be_v excellent_o describe_v by_o moses_n the_o lord_n shall_v give_v thou_o a_o tremble_a heart_n and_o fail_v of_o eye_n and_o sorrow_n of_o mind_n and_o thy_o life_n shall_v â—ang_v in_o doubt_n before_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v fear_v day_n and_o night_n in_o the_o morning_n thou_o shall_v say_v will_v god_n it_o be_v evening_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n will_v god_n it_o be_v morning_n deut_n 28._o 65_o 66_o 67._o 69._o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o wretched_a then_o to_o have_v a_o mind_n thus_o agitate_a and_o toss_v rack_v and_o torture_v especial_o when_o through_o all_o these_o cloud_n it_o see_v a_o glimpse_n of_o the_o eternal_a toâ—het_n and_o know_v that_o from_o the_o billow_n of_o this_o uneasy_a state_n it_o must_v be_v toss_v into_o that_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o dregs_o of_o the_o cup_n of_o god_n wrath_n the_o dreadful_a and_o most_o astonish_a of_o all_o scripture_n denunciation_n this_o comprehend_v all_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o suffer_v divine_n distinguish_v it_o into_o the_o pain_n of_o sense_n and_o of_o loss_n that_o of_o sense_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o fire_n and_o that_o accend_v and_o render_v noisome_a as_o well_o as_o painful_a by_o brimstone_n that_o afflict_v the_o smell_n as_o well_o as_o the_o touch_n sometime_o by_o outer_a darkness_n wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n to_o grate_v the_o ear_n and_o consume_v the_o eye_n by_o intolerable_a thirst_n to_o torment_v the_o palate_n not_o that_o we_o be_v to_o think_v the_o sensitive_a pain_n of_o hell_n do_v not_o infinite_o exceed_v all_o these_o but_o because_o these_o be_v the_o high_a mesure_n our_o present_a capacity_n can_v make_v and_o be_v adequate_a to_o those_o sense_n for_o who_o carnal_a satisfaction_n we_o incur_v they_o 70._o the_o pain_n of_o loss_n be_v yet_o more_o dismal_a as_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o soul_n who_o spiritual_a nature_n will_v then_o serve_v it_o only_o to_o render_v its_o torment_n more_o refine_v and_o acute_a with_o what_o anguish_n will_v it_o then_o see_v itself_o banish_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o from_o all_o that_o may_v give_v satisfaction_n and_o bliss_n to_o the_o creature_n but_o yet_o with_o how_o much_o deep_a anguish_n will_v it_o reflect_v on_o itself_o as_o the_o author_n of_o that_o deprivation_n how_o will_v it_o recollect_v the_o many_o despise_a tender_n of_o grace_n the_o easy_a term_n on_o which_o salvation_n may_v have_v be_v have_v and_o how_o sad_o will_v conscience_n then_o revenge_v all_o it_o be_v stifle_v admonition_n by_o a_o unsilenceable_a clamour_n that_o worm_n which_o never_o die_v mar._n 9_o 48._o how_o wound_v will_v it_o then_o be_v to_o see_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n luk._n 13._o 28._o nay_o that_o poor_a lazarus_n who_o here_o man_n turn_v over_o to_o the_o charity_n of_o their_o dog_n and_o itself_o in_o the_o company_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n who_o will_v then_o upbraid_v what_o they_o once_o entice_v to_o 71._o nature_n abhor_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o have_v our_o misery_n insult_v over_o by_o those_o who_o draw_v we_o into_o it_o yet_o that_o no_o circumstance_n may_v be_v lack_v to_o their_o torment_n this_o must_v be_v the_o perpetual_a entertainment_n of_o damn_a soul_n and_o to_o all_o this_o eternity_n be_v the_o dismal_a adjunct_n which_o be_v of_o all_o other_o circumstance_n the_o most_o disconsolate_a as_o leave_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o glimpse_n of_o hope_n which_o here_o use_v still_o to_o be_v the_o reserve_n and_o last_o resort_n of_o the_o miserable_a 72._o this_o eternity_n be_v that_o which_o give_v a_o edge_n infuse_v a_o new_a acrimony_n into_o the_o torment_n and_o be_v the_o high_a strain_n the_o vertical_a point_n of_o misery_n these_o be_v those_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o which_o the_o scripture_n acquaint_v we_o and_o sure_o we_o can_v say_v that_o these_o be_v flat_a contemptible_a menace_n but_o such_o as_o suit_v the_o dreadful_a majesty_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n heb._n 12._o 29._o so_o that_o these_o be_v as_o apt_o accommodate_v for_o the_o exciting_a our_o dread_n as_o the_o promise_n be_v of_o our_o love_n both_o joint_o concur_v to_o awake_v our_o industry_n 73._o for_o god_n have_v be_v so_o good_a to_o mankind_n as_o to_o make_v the_o threat_n conditional_a as_o well_o as_o the_o promise_n so_o that_o we_o as_o well_o know_v the_o way_n to_o avoid_v the_o one_o as_o we_o do_v to_o attain_v the_o other_o nor_o have_v he_o any_o other_o intendment_n or_o end_n in_o propose_v they_o but_o that_o we_o may_v do_v so_o see_v to_o this_o purpose_n with_o what_o solemnity_n he_o protest_v it_o by_o moses_n i_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o record_v against_o you_o this_o day_n that_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v therefore_o choose_v life_n that_o both_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n may_v live_v deut._n 30._o 19_o 74._o i_o have_v now_o run_v through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v of_o and_o though_o i_o have_v in_o each_o give_v rather_o short_a instance_n and_o essay_n than_o a_o exact_a description_n yet_o even_o in_o these_o contract_a lineament_n the_o exquisite_a proportion_n may_v be_v discern_v and_o if_o the_o reader_n shall_v hence_o be_v encourage_v to_o extend_v his_o contemplation_n and_o as_o he_o read_v holy_a scripture_n observe_v it_o in_o all_o its_o grace_n and_o full_a dimension_n i_o doubt_v not_o he_o will_v pronounce_v from_o his_o experience_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o divine_a book_n be_v very_o correspondent_a to_o the_o author_n which_o be_v the_o high_a eulogy_n imaginable_a 75._o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o relation_n to_o its_o end_n and_o design_n in_o proportion_n to_o which_o every_o thing_n be_v more_o or_o less_o valuable_a the_o most_o exquisite_a frame_n and_o curious_a contrivance_n that_o have_v no_o determinat_fw-la end_n or_o use_v be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o industrious_a folly_n a_o spider_n web_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v isa._n 59_o 5._o now_o those_o design_n have_v always_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o excellent_a that_o have_v have_v te_fw-la most_o worthy_a subject_n and_o be_v of_o the_o great_a extent_n according_o those_o who_o have_v project_v the_o oblige_a and_o benefit_v of_o other_o man_n though_o but_o within_o a_o private_a sphere_n have_v always_o be_v look_v on_o as_o man_n of_o generous_a and_o noble_a design_n those_o who_o have_v take_v their_o level_n high_a and_o direct_v their_o aim_n to_o a_o more_o public_a good_a
though_o but_o of_o a_o city_n or_o nation_n have_v proportionable_o acquire_v a_o great_a esteem_n but_o those_o who_o have_v aspire_v to_o be_v universal_a benefactor_n to_o do_v something_o for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o world_n their_o fame_n have_v common_o teach_v as_o far_o as_o their_o influence_n man_n have_v reverence_v nay_o sometime_o according_a to_o the_o common_a excess_n of_o man_n nature_n adore_v they_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a deity_n especial_o their_o demigod_n have_v be_v only_o those_o person_n who_o by_o introduce_v some_o useful_a art_n or_o other_o part_n of_o knowledge_n have_v oblige_v mankind_n so_o we_o see_v what_o a_o natural_a gratitude_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o pay_v to_o worthy_a and_o generous_a design_n and_o if_o we_o will_v be_v content_a but_o to_o stand_v to_o this_o common_a award_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o scripture_n will_v have_v the_o fair_a claim_n imaginable_a to_o our_o reverence_n and_o thankfulness_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o design_n 76._o nor_o need_v we_o borrow_v the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n to_o weigh_v they_o in_o we_o may_v do_v it_o in_o our_o own_o scale_n for_o they_o exact_o answer_v the_o two_o property_n above_o mention_v of_o profit_n and_o diffusiveness_n which_o in_o secular_a concern_v be_v the_o standard_n rule_v of_o good_a design_n for_o first_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a scope_n and_o aim_n of_o scripture_n the_o very_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v write_v to_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n man_n and_o that_o second_o not_o only_o some_o small_a select_a number_n some_o little_a angle_n or_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n the_o entire_a universe_n and_o he_o that_o can_v imagine_v a_o more_o diffusive_a design_n must_v imagine_v more_o world_n also_o 77._o now_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o benefit_v man_n we_o need_v appeal_v but_o to_o scripture_n itself_o which_o sure_o can_v give_v the_o best_a account_n to_o what_o end_v it_o be_v direct_v and_o that_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o in_o which_o be_v comprehend_v the_o great_a benefit_n that_o man_n nature_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o make_v we_o wise_a while_o we_o live_v here_o and_o the_o save_v we_o eternal_o and_o this_o sure_a be_v the_o most_o generous_a the_o most_o oblige_a design_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a even_o for_o the_o creator_n to_o have_v upon_o the_o creature_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n negotiate_v with_o we_o 78._o and_o first_o the_o make_v we_o wise_a be_v so_o invite_v a_o proposal_n to_o humanity_n that_o we_o see_v when_o that_o be_v much_o wise_a than_o now_o it_o be_v it_o catch_v at_o a_o fallacious_a tender_a of_o it_o the_o very_a sound_n of_o it_o though_o out_o of_o the_o devil_n mouth_n fascinated_a our_o first_o parent_n and_o hurry_v they_o to_o the_o high_a disobedience_n and_o certain_a ruin_n and_o therefore_o now_o god_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v we_o a_o offer_n as_o much_o more_o safe_a as_o it_o be_v more_o sincere_a when_o he_o send_v his_o word_n thus_o to_o be_v a_o lamp_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n to_o our_o path_n ps._n 119._o 105._o to_o teach_v we_o all_o that_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o know_v our_o affectation_n of_o ignorance_n will_v be_v more_o culpable_a than_o they_o of_o knowledge_n if_o we_o do_v not_o admire_v the_o kindness_n &_o embrace_v the_o bounty_n of_o such_o a_o tender_a 79._o now_o the_o make_v we_o wise_a must_v be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o wisdom_n which_o be_v not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n which_o come_v to_o â—ought_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 5._o but_o that_o wisdom_n which_o descend_v from_o above_o ja._n 3._o 17._o which_o he_o there_o describe_v to_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n indeed_o the_o scripture_n usual_o comprehend_v these_o and_o all_o other_o grace_n under_o wisdom_n for_o it_o make_v it_o synonymous_a to_o that_o which_o include_v they_o all_o viz._n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o we_o find_v throout_v the_o whole_a book_n of_o proverb_n these_o use_v as_o term_n convertible_a in_o short_a wisdom_n be_v that_o practical_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o which_o engage_v we_o to_o obedience_n and_o duty_n and_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o definition_n the_o wise_a man_n give_v of_o it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prudent_a be_v to_o understand_v his_o way_n pro._n 14._o 8._o without_o this_o all_o the_o most_o refine_a and_o aerial_a speculation_n be_v but_o like_o thales_n stargazing_a which_o secure_v he_o not_o from_o fall_v in_o the_o water_n nay_o betray_v he_o to_o it_o in_o this_o be_v all_o solid_a wisdom_n comprise_v 80._o the_o utmost_a all_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v pretend_v to_o be_v but_o to_o know_v what_o true_a happiness_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o and_o what_o they_o seek_v with_o so_o much_o study_n and_o so_o little_a success_n the_o scripture_n present_v we_o with_o in_o the_o great_a certainty_n and_o plain_a character_n such_o as_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v hab._n 2._o 2._o it_o acquaint_v we_o with_o that_o supreme_a felicity_n that_o chief_a good_a whereof_o philosophy_n can_v only_o give_v we_o a_o name_n and_o it_o show_v we_o the_o mean_n mark_v we_o out_o a_o path_n which_o will_v infallible_o lead_v we_o to_o it_o according_o we_o find_v that_o solomon_n after_o all_o the_o accurate_a search_n he_o have_v make_v to_o find_v what_o be_v that_o good_a for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o shut_v up_o his_o inquest_n in_o this_o plain_a conclusion_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o god_n shall_v bring_v every_o work_n unto_o judgement_n eccles._n 12._o 13_o 14_o the_o regulate_v our_o life_n so_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o piety_n as_o may_v acquit_v we_o at_o our_o final_a account_n be_v the_o most_o eligible_a thing_n that_o fall_v within_o human_a cognizance_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o superlative_a happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n but_o even_o to_o the_o quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o for_o alas_o we_o be_v impotent_a giddy_a â—_z sway_v sometime_o by_o one_o passion_n sometimes_o by_o another_o nay_o often_o the_o interfearing_a of_o our_o appetite_n make_v we_o irresolute_a which_o we_o be_v to_o gratify_v whilst_o in_o the_o interim_n their_o struggle_n agitate_v and_o turmoil_v the_o mind_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o desirable_a in_o such_o a_o â—ase_n then_o to_o put_v ourselves_o under_o a_o wise_a conduct_n than_o our_o own_o and_o as_o oppress_v state_n â—se_v to_o defeat_v all_o lesser_a pretender_n by_o become_a homager_n to_o some_o more_o potent_a so_o for_o we_o to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o our_o â—usts_n by_o give_v up_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o who_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n 81._o be_v there_o no_o other_o advantage_n of_o the_o exchange_n but_o the_o bring_v we_o under_o fix_a and_o determinat_fw-la law_n it_o be_v very_o consideraable_a every_o man_n will_v glad_o know_v the_o term_n of_o his_o subjection_n and_o have_v some_o stand_a â—ule_n to_o guide_v himself_o by_o and_o god_n law_n be_v â—o_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v what_o he_o require_v of_o we_o but_o the_o mandate_n of_o our_o passion_n be_v arbitrary_a and_o extemporary_a what_o please_v they_o to_o day_n disgust_n they_o to_o morrow_n and_o we_o must_v always_o be_v in_o readiness_n to_o do_v we_o know_v not_o what_o and_o of_o all_o the_o arbitrary_a government_n that_o man_n either_o feel_v or_o fear_n â—his_fw-la be_v doubtless_o the_o most_o miserable_a i_o wish_v our_o apprehension_n of_o it_o be_v but_o as_o sensible_a and_o then_o we_o shall_v think_v the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v we_o the_o office_n of_o a_o patriot_n in_o offer_v we_o a_o rescue_n from_o so_o vile_a a_o slavery_n 82._o and_o that_o it_o do_v make_v we_o this_o offer_n be_v manifest_a by_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n for_o first_o it_o rouse_v and_o awake_v we_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o condition_n show_v we_o that_o what_o we_o call_v liberty_n be_v indeed_o the_o sad_a servitude_n that_o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n jo._n 8._o 34._o that_o those_o vice_n which_o pretend_v to_o serve_v and_o gratify_v we_o do_v real_o subdue_v and_o enslave_v we_o and_o fetter_v when_o they_o seem_v to_o embrace_v and_o
whereas_o the_o will_n in_o all_o other_o oppression_n retain_v its_o liberty_n this_o tyranny_n bring_v that_o also_o into_o vassalage_n render_v our_o spirit_n so_o mean_a and_o servile_a that_o we_o choose_v bondage_n be_v apt_a to_o say_v with_o the_o israelite_n let_v we_o alone_o that_o we_o may_v serve_v the_o egyptian_n ex._n 14._o 12._o 83._o and_o what_o great_a kindness_n can_v be_v do_v for_o people_n in_o this_o forlorn_a abject_a condition_n then_o to_o animate_v they_o to_o cast_v off_o this_o yoke_n and_o recover_v their_o freedom_n and_o to_o this_o be_v most_o of_o the_o scripture_n exhortation_n address_v as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o a_o multitude_n of_o place_n particular_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n the_o whole_a scope_n whereof_o be_v direct_o to_o this_o purpose_n 84._o nor_o do_v it_o only_o sound_v the_o alarm_n put_v we_o upon_o the_o contest_v with_o our_o enemy_n but_o it_o assist_v we_o in_o it_o furnish_v we_o with_o that_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n which_o we_o find_v describe_v eph._n 6._o 13._o nay_o further_o it_o excite_v our_o courage_n by_o assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v not_o base_o surrender_v ourselves_o we_o can_v never_o be_v overpower_v if_o we_o do_v but_o stand_v our_o ground_n resist_v our_o enemy_n he_o will_v fly_v from_o we_o ja._n 4._o 7._o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n it_o direct_v we_o under_o what_o banner_n we_o be_v to_o listen_v ourselves_o even_o his_o who_o have_v spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n col._n 2._o 15._o to_o who_o conduct_n and_o discipline_n if_o we_o constant_o adhere_v we_o can_v miss_v of_o victory_n 85._o and_o then_o last_o it_o set_v before_o we_o the_o prize_n of_o this_o conquest_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o recover_v our_o liberty_n manumit_v ourselves_o from_o the_o vile_a bondage_n to_o the_o vile_a and_o cruel_a oppressor_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v crown_v for_o it_o too_o be_v reward_v for_o be_v kind_a to_o ourselves_o and_o be_v make_v happy_a eternal_o hereafter_o for_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v happy_a here_o 89._o and_o sure_o these_o be_v term_n so_o apparent_o advantageous_a that_o he_o must_v be_v infinite_o stupid_a foolish_a to_o destruction_n that_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n that_o despife_n or_o cavil_n at_o this_o divine_a book_n which_o mean_v he_o so_o much_o good_a which_o design_n to_o make_v he_o live_v here_o generous_o and_o according_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o next_o world_n to_o have_v that_o nature_n sublimate_v and_o exalt_v make_v more_o capacious_a of_o those_o refine_a and_o immense_a felicity_n which_o there_o await_v all_o who_o will_v qualify_v themselves_o for_o they_o who_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n rom._n 2._o 7._o 87._o but_o beside_o the_o great_a and_o principal_a advantage_n which_o concern_v our_o spiritual_a interest_n it_o take_v in_o also_o the_o care_n of_o our_o secular_a direct_v we_o to_o such_o a_o managery_n of_o ourselves_o as_o be_v natural_o apt_a to_o promote_v a_o quiet_a and_o happy_a life_n it_o be_v injunction_n to_o live_v peaceable_a with_o all_o man_n keep_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o many_o misadventure_n which_o turbulent_a unruly_a spirit_n meet_v with_o and_o so_o secure_v our_o peace_n so_o also_o as_o to_o wealth_n it_o put_v we_o into_o the_o fair_a road_n to_o riches_n by_o prescribe_v diligence_n in_o our_o calling_n what_o be_v thus_o get_v be_v like_o sound_a flesh_n which_o will_v stick_v by_o we_o whereas_o the_o hasty_a growth_n of_o ill-gotten_a wealth_n be_v but_o a_o tumour_n and_o imposthume_n which_o the_o big_a it_o swell_v the_o soon_o it_o burst_v and_o leave_v we_o lanker_n then_o before_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o show_v we_o also_o how_o to_o guard_v our_o reputation_n by_o provide_v honest_a thing_n not_o only_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o also_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n cor._n 8._o 28._o by_o abstain_v even_o from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n 1_o thes._n 5._o 22._o and_o make_v our_o light_a shine_n before_o man_n mat._n 5._o 16._o it_o provide_v too_o for_o our_o ease_n and_o tranquillity_n supersede_v our_o anxious_a care_n and_o sollicitud_n by_o direct_v we_o to_o cast_v our_o burden_n upon_o the_o lord_n psal._n 55._o 22._o and_o by_o a_o reliance_n on_o his_o providence_n how_o to_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o all_o we_o real_o want_v final_o it_o fix_v we_o in_o all_o the_o change_n support_v we_o under_o all_o the_o pressure_n comfort_v we_o amid_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n by_o assure_v we_o they_o shall_v all_o work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o those_o that_o love_n god_n ro._n 8._o 28._o 88_o nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n design_n to_o promote_v our_o interest_n consider_v only_o single_o and_o personal_o but_o also_o in_o relation_n to_o society_n and_o community_n it_o give_v we_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o distributive_a and_o commutative_a justice_n teach_v we_o to_o render_v to_o all_o their_o due_n ro._n 13._o 7._o to_o keep_v our_o word_n to_o observe_v inviolable_o all_o our_o pact_n and_o contract_n nay_o though_o they_o prove_v to_o our_o damage_n psa._n 15._o 4._o and_o to_o preserve_v exact_a fidelity_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o sinew_n of_o human_a commerce_n it_o infuse_v into_o we_o noble_a and_o generous_a principle_n to_o prefer_v a_o common_a good_a before_o our_o private_a and_o that_o high_a flight_n of_o ethnic_a virtue_n that_o of_o die_v for_o one_o country_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o scripture_n prescribe_v even_o for_o our_o common_a brethren_n 1_o to._n 3._o 16._o 89._o but_o beside_o these_o general_n it_o descend_v to_o more_o minute_n direction_n accommodate_v to_o our_o several_a circumstance_n it_o give_v we_o appropriate_a rule_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o distinct_a relation_n whether_o natural_a civil_a ecclesiastical_a or_o oeconomical_a and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o universal_o conform_v to_o they_o to_o what_o a_o bless_a harmony_n will_v it_o tune_v the_o world_n what_o order_n and_o peace_n will_v it_o introduce_v there_o will_v then_o be_v no_o oppressive_a governor_n nor_o mutinous_a subject_n no_o unnatural_a parent_n nor_o contumacious_a child_n no_o idle_a shepherd_n or_o stray_a flock_n none_o of_o those_o domestic_a jar_n which_o oft_o disquiet_a and_o sometime_o subvert_v family_n all_o will_v be_v calm_a and_o serene_a and_o give_v we_o in_o reality_n that_o golden_a age_n whereof_o the_o poet_n do_v but_o dream_n 90._o this_o tendency_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v remarkable_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o our_o public_a judicatory_n where_o before_o any_o testimony_n be_v admit_v we_o cause_v the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o give_v his_o testimony_n first_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o with_o his_o hand_n then_o with_o his_o mouth_n to_o kiss_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o hand_n which_o hold_v the_o mystery_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v immediate_o employ_v in_o work_a falsehood_n or_o that_o those_o lip_n which_o have_v adore_v those_o holy_a oracle_n shall_v be_v pollute_v with_o perjury_n and_o lie_n and_o i_o fear_v the_o civil_a government_n be_v exceed_o shake_v at_o this_o day_n in_o its_o firm_a foundation_n by_o the_o little_a regard_n be_v general_o have_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o what_o be_v consequent_a thereto_o the_o oath_n that_o be_v take_v upon_o they_o 91._o it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o that_o state_n which_o esaiah_n prophesy_v of_o under_o the_o gospel_n though_o we_o have_v the_o bible_n among_o we_o that_o when_o the_o law_n shall_v go_v forth_o of_o zion_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n they_o shall_v heat_v their_o sword_n into_o ploughshare_n and_o their_o spear_n into_o prune_a hook_n es._n 2._o 4._o but_o that_o be_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n in_o it_o but_o from_o our_o own_o perverseness_n we_o have_v it_o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o another_o sense_n as_o if_o we_o have_v it_o not_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 29._o we_o have_v it_o that_o be_v use_v it_o to_o purpose_n wide_o different_a from_o what_o it_o mean_v some_o have_v it_o as_o a_o supersedeas_fw-la to_o all_o the_o duty_n it_o injoin_v and_o so_o they_o can_v but_o cap_n text_n talk_v glib_o of_o scripture_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v to_o practise_v it_o some_o have_v it_o as_o their_o arsenal_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o weapon_n not_o against_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n but_o their_o secular_a apply_v all_o the_o damnatory_a sentence_n they_o there_o find_v to_o all_o those_o to_o who_o person_n or_o opinion_n they_o have_v prejudice_n and_o some_o have_v it_o as_o a_o scene_n of_o their_o mirth_n
a_o topic_a of_o raillery_n dress_v their_o profane_a and_o scurrilous_a jest_n in_o its_o language_n and_o study_v it_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o abuse_v it_o and_o whilst_o we_o treat_v it_o at_o this_o vile_a rate_n no_o wonder_n we_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o it_o for_o alas_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v we_o to_o have_v the_o most_o sovereign_a balsam_n in_o our_o possession_n if_o instead_o of_o apply_v it_o to_o our_o wound_n we_o trample_v it_o under_o our_o foot_n 92_o but_o though_o we_o may_v frustrate_v the_o use_n we_o can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n god_n design_n in_o give_v we_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o make_v we_o as_o happy_a as_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v and_o the_o scripture_n be_v excellent_o adapt_v to_o this_o end_n for_o as_o to_o our_o eternal_a felicity_n all_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o state_n must_v acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n chalk_v we_o out_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o it_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v dictate_v by_o god_n who_o infallible_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._o 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 registres_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._o 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 froutlet_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_o 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 prosit_fw-la 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._o 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._o 39_o act._n 17._o 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 this_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._o 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._o 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 incumbent_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_o 17._o gal._n 2._o 7._o 1_o thes._n 2._o 4._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 11._o tit._n 1._o 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._o 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._o 6._o and_o to_o remain_v when_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o rev._n 10._o 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._o 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._o 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._o 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_o 7._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 1._o galat._n 1._o 2._o eph._n 1._o 1._o col._n 4._o 16._o 1_o thes._n 5._o 27._o phil._n 1._o 1._o jam._n 1._o 1._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 1._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 1._o revel_v 1._o 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._o 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._o 12._o 13_o 14._o and_o epist._n 2._o 1._o 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._o 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._o 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 impower_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._o 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
be_v against_o error_n and_o learn_v how_o little_a be_v get_v by_o that_o policy_n which_o control_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n 14_o nor_o can_v they_o take_v shelter_n in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o they_o in_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yield_v not_o unto_o the_o jew_n whereas_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o scripture_n read_v public_o to_o they_o every_o sabbath_n day_n which_o josephus_n against_o appion_n thus_o express_v moses_n propound_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o most_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a learning_n of_o the_o law_n not_o by_o hear_v it_o once_o or_o twice_o but_o every_o seven_o day_n lay_v aside_o their_o work_n he_o command_v they_o to_o assemble_v for_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o law_n and_o thorough_o and_o exact_o to_o learn_v it_o parallel_v to_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n perform_v by_o the_o lector_fw-la or_o reader_n of_o which_o justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o 2._o apol._n give_v this_o account_n on_o the_o day_n call_v sunday_n all_o that_o abide_v in_o town_n or_o the_o country_n about_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v read_v so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v place_n so_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apol_n 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._o 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._o 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 hâ—ve_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_o 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_a 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 thâ—t_v 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 band_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 semale_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._o 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 siu_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 wise_a 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 strengtheus_fw-la 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 romanist_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 perfecution_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 in_o 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 iâ—_n 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._o 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 intrinsically_a 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 source_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 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._o 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._o 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._o 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._o 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._o 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_o 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 dwelling_n be_v with_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a spirit_n isaiah_n 57_o 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 sathom_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 not_o 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 to_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 chap._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 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._n 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 9_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 11._o who_o in_o his_o first_o homily_n on_o saint_n mat._n far_a declare_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o expose_v to_o vulgar_a capacity_n 13._o he_o say_v again_o hom._n upon_o isaiah_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o metal_n that_o require_v the_o help_n of_o miner_n but_o afford_v a_o treasure_n easy_o to_o be_v have_v to_o they_o that_o seek_v the_o riches_n contain_v in_o they_o it_o be_v enough_o only_a to_o stoop_v down_o and_o look_v upon_o they_o and_o depart_v replenish_v with_o wealth_n it_o be_v enough_o only_a to_o open_v they_o and_o behold_v the_o splendour_n of_o those_o gem_n again_o hom._n 3._o on_o the_o second_o ep._n to_o the_o thess._n 2._o all_o thing_n be_v evident_a and_o strait_a which_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whatever_o be_v necessary_a be_v manifest_a so_o also_o hom._n 3._o on_o gen._n 14._o it_o can_v be_v that_o he_o who_o be_v studious_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v reject_v for_o though_o the_o instruction_n of_o man_n be_v want_v the_o lord_n from_o above_o will_v enlighten_v our_o mind_n shine_v in_o upon_o our_o reason_n revele_v what_o be_v secret_a and_o teach_v what_o we_o do_v not_o know_v so_o hom._n 1._o on_o jo._n 11._o almighty_a god_n involve_v his_o doctrine_n with_o no_o mist_n and_o darkness_n as_o do_v the_o philosopher_n his_o doctrine_n be_v bright_a than_o the_o sunbeam_n and_o more_o illustrious_a and_o therefore_o every_o where_o diffuse_v and_o hom._n 6._o on_o jo._n 11._o his_o doctrine_n be_v so_o facile_a that_o not_o only_o the_o wise_a but_o even_o woman_n and_o youth_n must_v comprehend_v it_o hom._n 13._o on_o gen._n 2._o let_v we_o go_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o our_o mark_n which_o be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n and_o soon_o after_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n interpret_v itself_o and_o suffer_v not_o its_o auditor_n to_o err_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n say_v cyril_n in_o his_o three_o book_n against_o julian_n in_o the_o scripture_n nothing_o be_v difficult_a to_o they_o who_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v 14._o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o groundless_a cavil_n which_o man_n make_v at_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n since_o it_o be_v not_o obscure_a in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v our_o common_a interest_n it_o shall_v be_v plain_a which_o sufficient_o justify_v its_o propriety_n to_o that_o great_a end_n of_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v less_o intelligible_a to_o we_o many_o of_o they_o become_v so_o not_o by_o the_o innate_a obscurity_n of_o the_o text_n but_o by_o extrinsic_n circumstance_n of_o which_o perhaps_o the_o overbusy_a tamper_n of_o paraphrast_n please_v with_o new_a notion_n of_o their_o own_o may_v be_v reckon_v for_o one_o but_o this_o subject_a the_o reader_n may_v find_v so_o well_o pursue_v in_o mr._n boil_v tract_n concern_v the_o stile_n of_o scripture_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v kind_a both_o to_o he_o and_o it_o to_o refer_v he_o thither_o as_o also_o for_o answer_v to_o those_o other_o querulous_a objection_n which_o man_n gall_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v make_v to_o its_o stile_n 15._o a_o three_o circumstance_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v fit_v to_o attain_v its_o end_n be_v its_o be_v commit_v to_o writing_n as_o that_o be_v distinguish_v from_o oral_a delivery_n it_o be_v most_o true_a the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n and_o efficacy_n which_o way_n soever_o it_o be_v deliver_v the_o sermon_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v every_o jot_n as_o divine_a and_o powerful_a out_o of_o their_o mouth_n as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o their_o story_n all_o the_o advantage_n therefore_o that_o the_o write_a word_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v in_o order_n to_o its_o perpetuity_n as_o it_o be_v a_o secure_a way_n of_o derivation_n to_o posterity_n then_o that_o of_o oral_a tradition_n to_o evince_v that_o it_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v first_o weigh_v the_o rational_a probability_n on_o either_o side_n second_o i_o shall_v consider_v to_o which_o god_n himself_o appear_v in_o scripture_n to_o give_v the_o deference_n 16._o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v propose_v this_o consideration_n which_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o intimate_v before_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v for_o the_o universal_a use_n of_o the_o faithful_a it_o be_v as_o universal_o disperse_v among_o they_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o law_n not_o only_o in_o their_o synagogue_n but_o in_o their_o private_a house_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o evangelical_n book_n be_v write_v they_o be_v scatter_v into_o all_o place_n where_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v obtain_v now_o when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o vast_a multitude_n of_o copy_n and_o those_o so_o revere_v by_o the_o possessor_n that_o they_o think_v it_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o sacrilege_n to_o expose_v they_o it_o must_v sure_o be_v next_o to_o impossible_a entire_o to_o suppress_v that_o book_n beside_o it_o can_v never_o be_v attemt_v but_o by_o some_o eminent_a violence_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o heathen_a persecutor_n which_o according_a to_o the_o common_a effect_n of_o opposition_n serve_v to_o enhance_v the_o christian_n value_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o consequent_o when_o the_o storm_n be_v past_a to_o excite_v their_o diligence_n for_o recruit_v the_o number_n so_o that_o unless_o in_o after_o age_n all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v at_o once_o make_v a_o voluntary_a defection_n and_o conspire_v to_o eradicate_v their_o religion_n the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v utter_o extinguish_v 17._o and_o that_o which_o secure_v it_o from_o total_a suppression_n do_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n do_v so_o from_o corruption_n and_o falsification_n for_o whilst_o so_o many_o genuine_a copy_n be_v extant_a in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v appeal_v to_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o impose_v a_o spurious_a one_o especial_o if_o the_o change_n be_v so_o material_a as_o to_o awaken_v man_n jealousy_n and_o it_o must_v be_v only_o in_o a_o place_n and_o age_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n that_o any_o can_v be_v dare_v enough_o to_o attemt_fw-mi it_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v to_o succeed_v in_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o universal_a and_o to_o think_v to_o have_v the_o forgery_n admit_v there_o be_v as_o a_o learned_a man_n say_v like_v attemt_a to_o poison_v the_o sea_n 18._o on_o the_o other_o side_n oral_a tradition_n seem_v much_o more_o liable_a to_o hazard_n error_n may_v there_o insinuate_v itself_o much_o more_o insensible_o and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o universal_a conspiracy_n to_o admit_v it_o at_o first_o yet_o like_o a_o small_a eruption_n of_o water_n it_o widen_v its_o own_o passage_n till_o it_o cause_v a_o inundation_n there_o be_v no_o impression_n so_o deep_a but_o time_n and_o intervening_a accident_n may_v wear_v out_o of_o man_n mind_n especial_o where_o the_o notion_n be_v many_o and_o be_v found_v not_o in_o nature_n but_o positive_a institution_n as_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v and_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o various_a temper_n of_o man_n it_o will_v not_o be_v strange_a that_o succeed_a age_n will_v not_o always_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o former_a some_o be_v pragmatic_n and_o think_v themselves_o fit_a to_o prescribe_v to_o the_o belief_n of_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 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._n 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 thad_z 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 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 what_o soever_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 origation_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 the_o one_o be_v holy_a after_o the_o apostle_n the_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 â—ract_n of_o the_o good_a of_o widowhood_n he_o say_v to_o â—ulian_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 settlos_fw-la 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 soâ—erly_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 â—ny_a 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 presumâ—â—ous_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
conquest_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n with_o those_o that_o succeed_v under_o the_o judge_n and_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o juda_n as_o also_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o menace_n of_o prophet_n ever_o and_o anon_o fall_v to_o downright_a idolatry_n but_o after_o their_o return_n unto_o this_o day_n have_v keep_v themselves_o from_o fall_v into_o that_o sin_n though_o they_o have_v no_o prophet_n to_o instruct_v they_o no_o miracle_n or_o government_n to_o encourage_v or_o constrain_v they_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o a_o very_a learned_a man_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n take_v to_o be_v the_o reading_z and_o teach_v of_o the_o law_n in_o their_o synagogue_n which_o be_v perform_v with_o great_a exactness_n after_o the_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n but_o be_v not_o so_o perform_v before_o and_o may_v we_o not_o invert_v the_o observation_n and_o impute_v the_o image-worship_n now_o set_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o church_n and_o interdict_v the_o private_a use_n and_o institution_n in_o they_o 4._o for_o a_o far_a supplement_n in_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o history_n be_v think_v not_o edify_v enough_o the_o legend_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v introduce_v story_n so_o stupid_a that_o one_o will_v imagine_v they_o design_v as_o a_o experiment_n how_o far_o credulity_n can_v be_v impose_v 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._o 13._o have_v commit_v two_o evil_n they_o have_v for_o saken_a 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._o 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._o 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 teach_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 hin_n 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._o 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 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._o 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._o 14._o and_o as_o the_o prophet_n zachary_n describe_v it_o c._n 11._o 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 superior_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._o 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._o 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._o 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._o 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._o 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._o 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._o 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._o 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._o 12._o but_o appropriate_n 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._o 9_o 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
psal._n 138._o 2._o can_v brook_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o vile_a and_o cheap_a play_n and_o dally_v with_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o capital_a crime_n to_o convert_v any_o of_o the_o perfume_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n to_o common_a use_n ex._n 30._o 32._o can_v we_o think_v god_n can_v be_v please_v to_o see_v his_o more_o sacred_a word_n the_o theme_n of_o our_o giddy_a mirth_n and_o have_v his_o own_o word_n echo_v to_o he_o in_o profane_a drollery_n 52._o but_o beside_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o this_o wanton_a liberty_n be_v a_o step_n to_o the_o more_o solemn_a and_o deliberate_a contemt_a of_o god_n word_n custom_n do_v strange_o prescribe_v to_o we_o and_o he_o that_o a_o while_n have_v use_v any_o thing_n irreverent_o will_v at_o last_o bring_v his_o practice_n into_o argument_n and_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o reverence_n due_a to_o it_o god_n know_v we_o be_v natural_o too_o apt_a to_o slight_v and_o easy_a apprehension_n of_o sacred_a thing_n and_o have_v need_v to_o use_v all_o art_n and_o instrument_n to_o impress_v a_o awe_n upon_o our_o mind_n 53._o it_o will_v sure_o then_o be_v very_o unsafe_a for_o we_o to_o trifle_v with_o they_o and_o by_o so_o undue_a a_o familiarity_n draw_v on_o that_o contemt_a which_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o our_o care_n to_o avoid_v the_o wise_a man_n say_v he_o that_o contemn_v small_a thing_n shall_v fall_v by_o little_a and_o little_a eccl._n 19_o 1._o and_o though_o no_o degree_n of_o irreverence_n towards_o god_n or_o his_o word_n can_v be_v call_v a_o small_a thing_n absolute_o consider_v yet_o comparative_o with_o the_o more_o exorbitant_a degree_n it_o may_v and_o yet_o that_o small_a be_v the_o seed_n and_o parent_n of_o the_o great_a it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o sin_n the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n like_o that_o of_o god_n may_v be_v compare_v '_o to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n mat._n 13._o 31._o which_o tho_o little_a in_o itself_o be_v mighty_a in_o its_o increase_n 54._o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o begin_v at_o the_o top_n of_o villainy_n but_o the_o advance_n be_v still_o gradual_a from_o one_o degree_n to_o another_o each_o commission_n smooth_v and_o glib_v the_o way_n to_o the_o next_o he_o that_o accustom_n in_o his_o ordinary_a discourse_n to_o use_v the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n with_o as_o little_a sentiment_n and_o reverence_n as_o he_o do_v that_o of_o his_o neighbour_n or_o servant_n that_o make_v it_o his_o common_a byword_n and_o cry_v lord_n and_o god_n upon_o every_o the_o light_a occasion_n of_o exclamation_n or_o wonder_n this_o man_n have_v a_o very_a short_a step_n to_o the_o use_v it_o in_o oath_n and_o upon_o all_o frivolous_a occasion_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v vain_o be_v at_o no_o great_a distance_n from_o swear_v false_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o that_o indulge_v his_o wit_n to_o rally_v with_o they_o will_v soon_o come_v to_o think_v they_o such_o tame_a thing_n that_o he_o may_v downright_o scorn_v they_o and_o when_o he_o be_v arrive_v to_o that_o than_o he_o must_v pick_v quarrel_n to_o justify_v it_o till_o at_o last_o he_o arrive_v even_o to_o the_o height_n of_o enmity_n 55._o let_v every_o man_n therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o set_v so_o much_o as_o one_o step_n in_o this_o fatal_a circle_n guard_v himself_o against_o the_o first_o insinuation_n of_o this_o guilt_n and_o when_o a_o jest_n offer_v itself_o as_o a_o temptation_n let_v he_o balance_v that_o with_o a_o sober_a thought_n and_o consider_v whether_o the_o jest_n can_v quit_v the_o cost_n of_o the_o profanation_n let_v he_o possess_v his_o mind_n with_o a_o habitual_a awe_n take_v up_o the_o bible_n with_o solemner_n thought_n and_o other_o kind_n of_o apprehension_n than_o any_o human_a author_n and_o if_o he_o habituate_v himself_o to_o this_o reverence_n every_o clause_n and_o phrase_n of_o it_o that_o occur_v to_o his_o mind_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o excite_v he_o to_o devout_a ejaculation_n then_o vain_a laughter_n 56._o it_o be_v report_v of_o our_o excellent_a prince_n king_n edward_z the_o six_o that_o when_o in_o his_o council_n chamber_n a_o paper_n that_o be_v call_v for_o happen_v to_o lie_v out_o of_o reach_n and_o the_o person_n concern_v to_o produce_v it_o take_v a_o bible_n that_o lie_v by_o and_o stand_v upon_o it_o reach_v down_o the_o paper_n the_o king_n observe_v what_o be_v do_v run_v himself_o to_o the_o place_n and_o take_v the_o bible_n in_o his_o hand_n kiss_v it_o and_o lay_v it_o up_o again_o of_o this_o it_o be_v a_o very_a desirable_a moral_n that_o prince_n and_o all_o person_n in_o authority_n will_v take_v care_n not_o to_o permit_v any_o to_o raise_v themselves_o by_o either_o a_o hypocritical_a or_o profane_a trample_n upon_o holy_a thing_n but_o beside_o that_o a_o more_o general_a application_n offer_v its_o self_n that_o all_o man_n of_o what_o condition_n soever_o shall_v both_o themselves_o abstain_v from_o every_o action_n that_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o contemt_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o also_o when_o they_o observe_v it_o in_o other_o discountenance_v the_o insolence_n and_o by_o their_o word_n and_o action_n give_v testimony_n of_o the_o veneration_n which_o they_o have_v for_o that_o holy_a book_n they_o see_v other_o so_o wretched_o despise_v 57_o but_o above_o all_o let_v he_o who_o read_v the_o scripture_n serious_o set_v himself_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o daily_o examine_v how_o he_o proceed_v in_o it_o he_o that_o diligent_o do_v this_o will_v not_o be_v much_o at_o leisure_n to_o sport_n with_o it_o he_o will_v scarce_o meet_v with_o a_o text_n which_o will_v not_o give_v he_o cause_n of_o reflection_n and_o provide_v he_o work_v within_o his_o own_o breast_n every_o duty_n enjoin_v will_n promt_v he_o to_o examine_v how_o he_o have_v perform_v every_o sin_n forbid_v will_v call_v he_o to_o recollect_v how_o guilty_a he_o have_v be_v every_o pathetic_a strain_n of_o devotion_n will_v kindle_v his_o zeal_n or_o at_o least_o upbraid_v his_o coldness_n every_o heroic_a example_n will_v excite_v his_o emulation_n in_o a_o word_n every_o part_n of_o scripture_n will_v if_o due_o apply_v contribute_v to_o some_o good_a and_o excellent_a end_n and_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v proper_a for_o such_o noble_a purpose_n can_v it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o apply_v it_o only_o to_o mean_v and_o trivial_a will_v any_o but_o a_o idiot_n be_v that_o sovereign_a liquor_n in_o the_o wash_n of_o his_o foot_n which_o be_v give_v he_o to_o expel_v poison_n from_o his_o heart_n and_o be_v not_o we_o guilty_a of_o the_o like_a folly_n when_o we_o apply_v god_n word_n to_o serve_v only_o a_o ludicrous_a humour_n and_o make_v ourselves_o merry_a with_o that_o which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o most_o important_a purpose_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o indeed_o who_o ever_o take_v any_o low_a aim_n than_o that_o and_o the_o virtue_n preparatory_a to_o it_o in_o his_o study_n of_o scripture_n extreme_o debase_v it_o 58._o let_v we_o therefore_o keep_v a_o steady_a eye_n upon_o that_o mark_n and_o press_v towards_o it_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v phil._n 3._o 14._o walk_n by_o that_o rule_n the_o holy_a scripture_n propose_v faithful_o and_o diligent_o observe_v its_o precept_n that_o we_o may_v final_o partake_v its_o promise_n to_o this_o end_n continual_o pray_v we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o holy_a mother_n the_o church_n unto_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v cause_v all_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o may_v in_o such_o wise_a hear_v they_o read_z mark_v learn_v and_o inward_o digest_v they_o that_o by_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n we_o may_v embrace_v and_o ever_o hold_v fast_o the_o bless_a hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o he_o have_v give_v in_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n the_o content_n section_n sect._n 1_o the_o several_a method_n of_o god_n communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o pag._n 1._o sect._n 2._o the_o divine_a original_a endearment_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 9_o sect._n 3_o the_o subject_a matter_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v excellent_a as_o be_v also_o its_o end_n and_o design_n p._n 63._o sect._n 4._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 p._n 123._o sect._n 5._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 p._n 145._o sect._n 6._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 have_v towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o excellent_a end_n p._n 165._o sect._n 7._o historical_a reflection_n upon_o the_o event_n which_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o church_n since_o the_o withdraw_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 180._o sect._n 8._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 p._n 193._o finis_fw-la