Selected quad for the lemma: scripture_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
scripture_n	rule_n	tradition_n	unwritten_a	2,845	5	12.5918	5	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A75017	The lively oracles given to us. Or the Christians birth-right and duty, in the custody and use of the Holy Scripture. By the author of the Whole duty of man, &c.	Allestree, Richard, 1619-1681.; Pakington, Dorothy Coventry, Lady, d. 1679, attributed name.; Sterne, Richard, 1596?-1683, attributed name.; Fell, John, 1625-1686, attributed name.; Henchman, Humphrey, 1592-1675, attributed name.; Burghers, M., engraver.	1678 (1678)	Wing A1151B; ESTC R3556	108,574	250

god_n have_v by_o his_o own_o choice_n of_o writing_n give_v the_o preference_n to_o it_o nor_o have_v he_o bare_o choose_v it_o but_o have_v make_v it_o the_o standard_n by_o which_o to_o measure_n all_o succeed_a pretence_n it_o be_v the_o mean_n he_o prescribe_v for_o distinguish_v divine_a from_o diabolical_a inspiration_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isai_n 8.20_o and_o when_o the_o lawyer_n interrogated_a our_o saviour_n what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o inherit_v eternal_a life_n he_o send_v he_o not_o to_o ransac_fw-mi tradition_n or_o the_o cabalistical_a divinity_n of_o the_o rabbin_n but_o refer_v he_o to_o the_o law_n what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n how_o read_v thou_o luk._n 10.26_o and_o indeed_o throout_v the_o gospel_n we_o still_o find_v he_o in_o his_o discourse_n appeal_n to_o scripture_n and_o assert_v its_o authority_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n inveigh_v against_o those_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n which_o have_v evacuate_v the_o write_a word_n you_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o your_o tradition_n mat._n 15.6_o which_o as_o it_o abundant_o show_v christ_n adherence_n to_o the_o write_a word_n so_o it_o be_v a_o pregnant_a instance_n how_o possible_a it_o be_v for_o tradition_n to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o make_v the_o instrument_n of_o impose_v man_n fancy_n even_o in_o contradiction_n to_o god_n command_n 31._o and_o since_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v make_v scripture_n the_o test_n whereby_o to_o try_v tradition_n we_o may_v sure_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o decision_n and_o either_o embrace_n or_o reject_v tradition_n according_a as_o they_o correspond_v to_o the_o supreme_a rule_n the_o write_a word_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o very_a unwarrantable_a attemt_fw-mi to_o set_v up_o tradition_n in_o competition_n with_o much_o more_o in_o contradiction_n to_o that_o to_o which_o christ_n himself_o have_v subject_v it_o 32._o saint_n paul_n reckon_v it_o as_o the_o principal_a privilege_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n that_o it_o have_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o it_o i.e._n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v deposit_v and_o put_v in_o its_o custody_n and_o in_o this_o the_o christian_a church_n succeed_v it_o and_o be_v the_o guardian_n and_o conservator_fw-la of_o holy_a writ_n i_o ask_v then_o have_v the_o jewish_a church_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o be_v keeper_n a_o power_n to_o supersede_n any_o part_n of_o those_o oracle_n entrust_v to_o they_o if_o so_o saint_n paul_n be_v much_o out_o in_o his_o estimate_n and_o aught_o to_o have_v reckon_v that_o as_o their_o high_a privilege_n but_o indeed_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o trust_n imply_v the_o contrary_a and_o beside_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o be_v the_o very_a crime_n christ_n charge_v upon_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v and_o if_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v no_o such_o right_a upon_o what_o account_n can_v the_o christian_a claim_n any_o have_v christ_n enlarge_v its_o charter_n have_v he_o leave_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n with_o she_o not_o to_o preserve_v and_o practice_n but_o to_o regulate_v and_o reform_v to_o fill_v up_o its_o vacancy_n and_o supply_v its_o defect_n by_o her_o own_o tradition_n if_o so_o let_v the_o commission_n be_v produce_v but_o if_o her_o office_n be_v only_o that_o of_o guardianship_n and_o trust_n she_o must_v neither_o subtract_v from_o nor_o by_o any_o superaddition_n of_o her_o own_o evacuate_v its_o meaning_n and_o efficacy_n and_o to_o do_v so_o will_v be_v the_o same_o guilt_n that_o it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o person_n entrust_v with_o the_o fundamental_a record_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o foist_v in_o such_o clause_n as_o himself_o please_v 33._o in_o short_a god_n have_v in_o the_o scripture_n lay_v down_o exact_a rule_n for_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n and_o have_v entrust_v the_o church_n to_o convey_v they_o to_o we_o if_o she_o vary_v or_o any_o way_n enervate_v they_o she_o be_v false_a to_o that_o trust_n but_o can_v by_v it_o oblige_v we_o to_o recede_v from_o that_o rule_n she_o shall_v deliver_v to_o comply_v with_o that_o she_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o the_o case_n may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o a_o easy_a resemblance_n suppose_v a_o king_n have_v a_o foreign_a principality_n for_o which_o he_o compose_v a_o body_n of_o law_n annex_n to_o they_o reward_n and_o penalty_n and_o require_v a_o exact_a and_o indispensable_a conformity_n to_o they_o these_o be_v put_v in_o writing_n he_o send_v by_o a_o select_a messenger_n now_o suppose_v this_o messenger_n deliver_v they_o yet_o say_v withal_o that_o himself_o have_v authority_n from_o the_o king_n to_o supersede_n these_o law_n at_o his_o pleasure_n so_o that_o their_o last_o resort_n must_v be_v to_o his_o dictate_v yet_o produce_v no_o other_o testimony_n but_o his_o own_o bare_a affirmation_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o man_n in_o their_o wit_n shall_v be_v so_o stupid_o credulous_a as_o to_o incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o those_o law_n upon_o so_o improbable_a a_o indemnity_n and_o sure_o it_o will_v be_v no_o whit_n less_o madness_n in_o christian_n to_o violate_v any_o precept_n of_o god_n on_o a_o ungrounded_a supposal_n of_o the_o church_n power_n to_o dispense_v with_o they_o 34._o and_o if_o the_o church_n universal_a have_v not_o this_o power_n nor_o indeed_o ever_o claim_v it_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a insolence_n for_o any_o particular_a church_n to_o pretend_v to_o it_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v owe_v to_o her_o tradition_n all_o our_o scripture_n and_o all_o our_o faith_n insomuch_o that_o without_o the_o supply_n which_o she_o afford_v from_o the_o oracle_n of_o her_o chair_n our_o religion_n be_v imperfect_a and_o our_o salvation_n insecure_a upon_o which_o wild_a dictate_v i_o shall_v take_v liberty_n in_o a_o distinct_a section_n far_o to_o animadvert_v sect_n vi_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n concern_v the_o propriety_n and_o fitness_n which_o the_o scripture_n hat_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o excellent_a end_n against_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o oppose_v itself_o as_o we_o have_v already_o intimate_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v only_o a_o imperfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n say_v in_o the_o four_o session_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o christian_a faith_n and_o discipline_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n write_v and_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o in_o the_o four_o rule_n of_o the_o index_n put_v forth_o by_o command_n of_o the_o say_a council_n the_o scripture_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o useful_a that_o its_o read_n be_v pernicious_a if_o permit_v promiscuous_o in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v withhold_v insomuch_o that_o the_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n be_v common_o by_o person_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n impute_v to_o protestant_n as_o part_v of_o their_o heresy_n they_o be_v call_v by_o they_o in_o contemt_a the_o evangelical_n man_n and_o scripturarians_n and_o the_o bible_n in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n of_o any_o nation_n be_v common_o reckon_v among_o prohibit_v book_n and_o as_o such_o public_o burn_v when_o meet_v with_o by_o the_o inquisitor_n and_o the_o person_n who_o be_v find_v with_o it_o or_o to_o read_v therein_o be_v subject_v to_o severe_a penalty_n 2._o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o put_v to_o shame_v those_o unhappy_a innovator_n who_o amid_o great_a pretence_n to_o antiquity_n and_o veneration_n to_o the_o scripture_n prevaricat_a from_o both_o i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o show_v plain_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n herein_o and_o that_o in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o the_o matter_n will_v admit_v 3._o first_o i_o premise_v that_o ireneus_fw-la and_o tertullian_n have_v to_o do_v with_o heretic_n who_o boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v emendator_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o wise_a than_o they_o despise_v their_o authority_n reject_v several_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o obtrude_a other_o write_n in_o their_o steed_n have_v have_v recourse_n unto_o tradition_n with_o a_o seem_a preference_n of_o it_o unto_o scripture_n their_o adversary_n have_v no_o common_a principle_n beside_o the_o own_n the_o name_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o convince_v they_o but_o by_o a_o recourse_n to_o such_o a_o medium_n which_o they_o will_v allow_v but_o these_o father_n be_v to_o set_v down_o and_o establish_v their_o faith_n be_v most_o express_a in_o resolve_v it_o into_o scripture_n and_o when_o they_o recommend_v tradition_n ever_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v also_o apostolical_a 4._o ireneus_fw-la in_o the_o

have_v be_v witness_v to_o by_o person_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o those_o not_o single_a but_o collective_a body_n and_o society_n even_o as_o many_o as_o there_o have_v be_v christian_a church_n throout_v the_o world_n and_o the_o same_o that_o be_v its_o attestor_n have_v be_v its_o guardian_n also_o and_o by_o their_o multitude_n make_v it_o a_o very_a difficult_a if_o not_o a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o falsify_v it_o in_o any_o considerable_a degree_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a as_o i_o show_v before_o from_o st._n austin_n all_o church_n shall_v combine_v to_o do_v it_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o the_o fraud_n can_v not_o pass_v undetect_v and_o if_o no_o eminent_a change_n can_v happen_v much_o less_o can_v any_o new_a any_o counterfeit_a gospel_n be_v obtrude_v after_o innumerable_a copy_n of_o the_o first_o have_v be_v translate_v into_o almost_o all_o language_n and_o disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n 52._o the_o imperial_a law_n compile_v by_o justinian_n be_v soon_o after_o his_o death_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o inroad_n of_o the_o goth_n and_o other_o barbarous_a nation_n utter_o lose_v in_o the_o western_a world_n and_o scarce_o once_o hear_v of_o for_o the_o space_n of_o five_o hundred_o year_n and_o then_o come_v casual_o to_o be_v retrieve_v upon_o the_o take_n of_o amalsis_n by_o the_o pisans_n one_o single_a copy_n be_v find_v there_o at_o the_o plunder_v of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o whole_a credit_n of_o those_o pandect_n which_o have_v ever_o since_o govern_v the_o western_a world_n depend_v in_o a_o manner_n on_o that_o single_a book_n former_o call_v the_o pisan_a and_o now_o after_o that_o pisa_n be_v take_v by_o the_o florentine_n the_o florentine_a copy_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o body_n of_o the_o civil_a law_n obtain_v and_o no_o man_n think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o question_v its_o be_v real_o what_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v notwithstanding_o its_o single_a and_o so_o long_o interrupt_v derivation_n i_o may_v draw_v this_o parallel_n through_o many_o other_o instance_n but_o these_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o if_o the_o scripture_n may_v find_v but_o so_o much_o equity_n as_o to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o common_a mesure_n of_o other_o thing_n it_o it_o will_v very_o well_o pass_v the_o test_n 53._o but_o man_n seem_v in_o this_o case_n like_o our_o late_a legislator_n to_o set_v up_o new_a extraregular_a court_n of_o justice_n to_o try_v those_o who_o no_o ordinary_a rule_n will_v cast_v yet_o their_o design_n re-require_a shall_v be_v condemn_v and_o we_o may_v conclude_v it_o be_v not_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n but_o of_o prejudice_n that_o make_v they_o so_o unequal_a to_o themselves_o as_o to_o reject_v the_o scripture_n when_o they_o receive_v every_o thing_n else_o upon_o far_o weak_a ground_n the_o bottom_n of_o it_o be_v they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o obey_v its_o precept_n and_o therefore_o think_v it_o the_o short_a cut_n to_o disavow_v its_o authority_n for_o shall_v they_o once_o own_o that_o they_o will_v find_v themselves_o entangle_v in_o the_o most_o inextricable_a dilemma_n that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n about_o john_n baptist_n if_o we_o say_v from_o heaven_n he_o will_v say_v why_o then_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v he_o mat._n 21.25_o if_o they_o confess_v the_o scripture_n divine_a they_o must_v be_v self-condemned_a in_o not_o obey_v they_o and_o true_o man_n that_o have_v such_o preingagement_n to_o their_o lust_n that_o they_o must_v admit_v nothing_o that_o will_v disturb_v they_o do_v but_o prevaricate_v when_o they_o call_v for_o great_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n for_o those_o bosom_n sophister_n will_v elude_v the_o most_o manifest_a conviction_n and_o like_o juggler_n make_v man_n disbelieve_v even_o their_o own_o sense_n so_o that_o any_o other_o way_n of_o evidence_n will_v be_v as_o disputable_a with_o they_o as_o those_o already_o offer_v which_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v 54._o it_o have_v be_v sometime_o see_v in_o popular_a mutiny_n that_o when_o blank_n have_v be_v send_v they_o they_o can_v not_o agree_v what_o to_o ask_v and_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o god_n shall_v so_o far_o court_v the_o infidelity_n of_o man_n as_o to_o allow_v they_o to_o make_v their_o own_o demand_n to_o set_v down_o what_o way_n of_o proof_n will_v persuade_v they_o i_o doubt_v not_o there_o be_v many_o have_v obstinacy_n enough_o to_o defeat_v their_o own_o method_n as_o well_o as_o they_o now_o do_v go_n it_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a way_n of_o conviction_n leave_v for_o they_o to_o ask_v god_n have_v already_o as_o have_v also_o be_v show_v afford_v that_o they_o must_v therefore_o resort_v to_o immediate_a revelation_n expect_v instant_a assurance_n from_o heaven_n that_o this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 55._o my_o first_o question_n than_o be_v in_o what_o manner_n this_o revelation_n must_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v credible_a to_o they_o the_o best_a account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o several_a way_n of_o revelation_n be_v from_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o god_n be_v please_v upon_o new_a emergency_n signal_o to_o revele_v himself_o these_o be_v first_o dream_n second_o vision_n by_o both_o which_o the_o prophet_n receive_v their_o inspiration_n three_o vrim_fw-he and_o thummim_n four_o the_o bath-col_a as_o they_o term_v it_o thunder_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n let_v we_o consider_v they_o distinct_o and_o see_v whether_o our_o sceptical_a man_n may_v not_o probable_o find_v somewhat_o to_o dispute_v in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o and_o first_o for_o dream_n it_o be_v among_o we_o so_o hard_o to_o distinguish_v between_o those_o that_o arise_v from_o constitution_n prepossession_n of_o fancy_n diabolical_a or_o divine_a infusion_n that_o those_o that_o have_v the_o most_o critical_o consider_v they_o do_v rather_o difference_n they_o by_o their_o matter_n than_o any_o certain_a discriminate_a circumstance_n and_o unless_o we_o have_v some_o infallible_a way_n of_o discern_v our_o dependence_n on_o they_o may_v more_o probable_o betray_v then_o direct_v we_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o usual_o fancy_n have_v the_o great_a stroke_n in_o they_o and_o if_o he_o that_o shall_v commit_v himself_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o wake_a fancy_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v over-wise_o govern_v what_o can_v we_o expect_v from_o his_o sleep_n all_o this_o and_o more_o may_v doubtless_o be_v sober_o enough_o object_v against_o the_o validity_n of_o our_o common_a dream_n 56._o but_o admit_v there_o be_v now_o such_o divine_a dream_n as_o bring_v their_o evidence_n along_o with_o they_o yet_o sure_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o prejudice_v man_n to_o resist_v even_o the_o clear_a conviction_n for_o do_v we_o not_o see_v some_o that_o have_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o extinguish_v that_o natural_a light_n those_o notion_n which_o be_v interweave_v into_o the_o very_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o their_o mind_n that_o so_o they_o may_v sin_v more_o at_o ease_n and_o without_o reluctancy_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o close_v their_o eye_n against_o all_o ray_n from_o without_o too_o to_o resist_v revelation_n as_o well_o as_o instinct_n and_o more_o likely_a by_o how_o much_o a_o transient_a cause_n be_v natural_o less_o operative_a than_o a_o permanent_a a_o instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o balaam_n who_o be_v in_o these_o nightly_a visitation_n prohibit_v by_o god_n to_o go_v to_o balack_n and_o though_o he_o know_v then_o what_o he_o afterward_o say_v num._n 23.19_o that_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v nor_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o take_v god_n at_o his_o first_o word_n but_o upon_o a_o fresh_a bait_n to_o his_o covetousness_n try_v again_o for_o a_o answer_n more_o indulgent_a to_o his_o interest_n beside_o if_o god_n shall_v thus_o revele_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a person_n yet_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o precedent_n or_o imagination_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o to_o every_o man_n and_o then_o how_o shall_v those_o who_o have_v these_o dream_n be_v able_a to_o convince_v other_o that_o they_o be_v divine_a 57_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o guess_v what_o reception_n a_o man_n that_o produce_v no_o other_o authority_n will_v have_v in_o this_o ludicrous_a age_n he_o will_v certain_o be_v think_v rather_o to_o want_v sleep_n then_o to_o have_v have_v revelation_n in_o it_o and_o if_o jacob_n and_o the_o patriarch_n who_o be_v themselves_o acquaint_v with_o divine_a dream_n yet_o do_v not_o believe_v joseph_n any_o man_n that_o shall_v now_o pretend_v in_o that_o kind_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o fall_v under_o the_o same_o irony_n that_o he_o do_v to_o be_v entertain_v with_o a_o behold_v this_o dreamer_n come_v gen._n 37.19_o 58._o the_o second_o

may_v put_v off_o corruption_n and_o he_o 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 4.15_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 to_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 begin_n it_o be_v not_o so_o mat._n 19.8_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 strickness_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_n 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 super-induced_n 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_v 2.24_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 3.8_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 in_o 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 reluct_v to_o and_o abhor_v it_o be_v certain_o thus_o in_o all_o debauchery_n and_o excess_n it_o be_v evident_a it_o gratify_v no_o man_n nature_n to_o be_v drink_v or_o to_o lie_v under_o undigested_a load_n of_o meat_n these_o be_v outrage_n and_o violence_n upon_o nature_n take_v it_o only_o in_o the_o most_o sensitive_a notion_n such_o as_o she_o struggle_v to_o avert_v and_o yet_o man_n make_v she_o bear_v not_o only_o the_o oppression_n but_o the_o blame_n too_o 39_o but_o beside_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o man_n include_v reason_n as_o well_o as_o sense_n and_o to_o this_o all_o

be_v all_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n and_o the_o cattle_n upon_o a_o thousand_o hill_n psal_n 50.10_o 49._o and_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o secure_v of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v a_o equal_a mercy_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o great_a abundance_n which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o a_o lade_n one_o self_n with_o thick_a clay_n in_o the_o prophet_n phrase_n hab._n 2.6_o but_o be_v often_o a_o snare_n as_o well_o as_o a_o burden_n 50._o beside_o the_o gospel_n by_o its_o precept_n of_o temperance_n and_o self-denial_n do_v so_o contract_v our_o appetite_n that_o a_o competence_n be_v a_o more_o adequate_a promise_n to_o they_o then_o that_o of_o superfluity_n will_v have_v be_v and_o it_o be_v also_o the_o measure_n wherein_o all_o the_o true_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o sense_n consist_v which_o be_v gratify_v with_o moderate_a pleasure_n but_o suffocate_v and_o overwhelm_v with_o excessive_a the_o temperate_a man_n taste_v and_o relish_v his_o portion_n whilst_o the_o voluptuous_a may_v rather_o be_v say_v to_o wallow_v in_o his_o plenty_n then_o enjoy_v it_o 51._o and_o as_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n so_o life_n itself_o and_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o be_v a_o scripture_n promise_n the_o five_o commandment_n affix_n it_o to_o one_o particular_a duty_n but_o it_o be_v in_o a_o multitude_n of_o place_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n annex_v to_o general_a obedience_n thus_o it_o be_v deut._n 11.9_o and_o again_o ver_fw-la 21._o and_o solomon_n propose_v this_o practical_a wisdom_n as_o the_o multiplier_n of_o day_n by_o i_o thy_o day_n shall_v be_v multiply_v and_o the_o year_n of_o thy_o life_n shall_v be_v increase_v pro._n 9.11_o and_o chap._n 3._o length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n ver_fw-la 16._o and_o though_o we_o find_v not_o this_o promise_n repete_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o neither_o be_v it_o retract_v it_o be_v true_a the_o gospel_n bid_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o christ_n sake_n but_o it_o tell_v we_o withal_o that_o he_o that_o will_v lose_v his_o life_n shall_v save_v it_o which_o though_o it_o be_v universal_o true_a only_o in_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n yet_o it_o often_o prove_v so_o in_o a_o literal_a it_o do_v so_o eminent_o in_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n where_o the_o most_o resolute_a christian_n escape_v while_o the_o base_a complier_n perish_v together_o with_o those_o they_o seek_v to_o endear_v this_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v not_o express_o promise_v long_a life_n yet_o it_o do_v by_o its_o rule_n of_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n contentedness_n and_o cheerfulness_n very_o much_o promote_v it_o and_o so_o do_v virtual_o and_o efficacious_o ratify_v those_o the_o old_a testament_n make_v 52._o the_o next_o outward_a blessing_n be_v reputation_n and_o this_o also_o be_v a_o scripture_n promise_n the_o wise_a shall_v inherit_v glory_n prov._n 3.38_o and_o the_o virtuous_a woman_n solomon_n describe_v be_v not_o only_o bless_v by_o her_o child_n and_o husband_n but_o she_o be_v praise_v in_o the_o gate_n pro._n 31._o ult_n nay_o this_o blessing_n be_v extend_v even_o beyond_o life_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o just_a shall_v be_v bless_v pro._n 10.7_o nor_o do_v the_o gospel_n evacuate_v this_o promise_n but_o rather_o promt_v we_o to_o the_o way_n of_o have_v it_o make_v good_a to_o we_o by_o advise_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n 1_o thes_n 5.22_o to_o provide_v for_o 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 2_o cor._n 8.21_o 53._o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o christ_n forewarns_a his_o disciple_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v revile_v and_o have_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n speak_v against_o they_o false_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n but_o then_o the_o cause_n transform_v the_o suffering_n and_o make_v it_o so_o honourable_a that_o they_o be_v to_o count_v it_o matter_n of_o joy_n mat._n 5.11.12_o neither_o be_v this_o any_o paradox_n even_o in_o relation_n to_o their_o reputation_n which_o though_o sully_v by_o a_o few_o ill_a man_n of_o that_o age_n yet_o have_v be_v most_o illustrious_a among_o all_o age_n since_o their_o suffering_n and_o indignity_n give_v they_o a_o new_a title_n of_o honour_n and_o add_v the_o martyr_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o event_n have_v be_v proportionable_a in_o all_o succession_n since_o those_o holy_a man_n that_o fill_v up_o the_o pagan_a prison_n fill_v up_o the_o church_n diptics_n also_o and_o have_v be_v have_v as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n ps_n 112.6_o 54._o and_o as_o scripture_n promise_v thus_o take_v in_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o outward_a man_n so_o do_v they_o also_o of_o the_o inward_a the_o fundamental_a promise_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v that_o of_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n and_o in_o he_o establish_v the_o new_a covenant_n which_o we_o find_v jer._n 31.31_o and_o be_v refer_v to_o by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o their_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n will_v i_o remember_v no_o more_o heb._n 10.16_o 55._o and_o this_o be_v so_o comprehensive_a a_o promise_n as_o include_v all_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o inward_a man_n the_o evil_n incident_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o two_o impurity_n and_o inquietude_n and_o here_o be_v a_o cure_n to_o both_o the_o divine_a law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n drive_v thence_o all_o those_o swarm_n of_o noisome_a lust_n which_o like_o the_o egyptian_a frog_n overrun_v and_o putrify_v the_o soul_n where_o that_o be_v seat_v and_o enshrine_v those_o can_v no_o more_o stand_v before_o it_o than_o dagon_n before_o the_o ark._n this_o repair_v the_o divine_a image_n in_o we_o in_o which_o consist_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n renew_v we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n eph._n 4.22_o and_o purge_v our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n heb._n 9.4_o which_o all_o the_o cathartic_n and_o lustration_n among_o the_o heathen_a all_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v 56._o second_o this_o promise_n secure_v the_o mind_n from_o that_o restlessness_n and_o unquietness_n which_o attend_v both_o the_o dominion_n and_o guilt_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o man_n lust_n and_o corrupt_a appetite_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o vile_a vassalage_n they_o be_v the_o cruel_a taskmaster_n and_o allow_v their_o slave_n no_o rest_n no_o intermission_n of_o their_o drudgery_n and_o then_o again_o the_o guilt_n that_o torture_n and_o rack_n the_o mind_n with_o dreadful_a expectation_n keep_v it_o in_o perpetual_a agitation_n and_o tumult_n which_o be_v excellent_o describe_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v out_o mire_n and_o dirt_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a be_v 48.22_o how_o prosperous_a soever_o vice_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o there_o be_v such_o secret_a pang_n and_o horror_n that_o dog_n it_o that_o as_o solomon_n say_v even_o in_o laughter_n the_o heart_n be_v sorrowful_a prov._n 14.13_o 57_o but_o this_o evangelical_n promise_n of_o be_v merciful_a to_o our_o iniquity_n and_o remember_v our_o sin_n no_o more_o calm_v this_o tempest_n introduce_v peace_n and_o serenity_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o reconcile_v we_o at_o once_o to_o god_n and_o ourselves_o and_o sure_o we_o may_v well_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n these_o be_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n 2._o pet._n 1.4_o 58._o there_o be_v beside_o many_o other_o which_o spring_n from_o these_o principal_n as_o sucker_n from_o the_o root_n such_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o fresh_a supply_n of_o grace_n upon_o a_o good_a employment_n of_o the_o former_a to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v mat._n 25.29_o nay_o even_o of_o the_o source_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n he_o shall_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o mat._n 7.11_o such_o be_v that_o of_o support_v we_o in_o all_o difficulty_n and_o assault_n than_o not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v temt_v above_o that_o we_o be_v able_a 1_o cor._n 10.13_o which_o like_o god_n bow_v set_v in_o the_o cloud_n gen._n 9_o be_v our_o security_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v overwhelmed_a by_o any_o deluge_n of_o temptation_n and_o to_o instance_n no_o more_o such_o be_v that_o comprehensive_a promise_n of_o hear_v our_o prayer_n ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o mat._n 7.7_o this_o put_v all_o good_a thing_n within_o our_o reach_n give_v we_o the_o key_n of_o god_n storehouse_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v furnish_v

advantage_n god_n close_v with_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o enjoin_v as_o buy_v those_o little_a service_n he_o ask_v from_o we_o 3._o but_o because_o some_o man_n nature_n be_v so_o disingenuous_a as_o to_o hate_v to_o be_v oblige_v no_o less_o then_o to_o be_v reform_v the_o scripture_n have_v goad_n and_o scourge_n to_o drive_v such_o beast_n as_o will_v not_o be_v lead_v terror_n and_o threaten_n and_o those_o of_o most_o formidable_a sort_n to_o affright_v those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v allure_v nay_o lest_o incredulous_a man_n shall_v question_v the_o reality_n of_o future_a reward_n or_o punishment_n the_o scripture_n give_v as_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o they_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v in_o this_o world_n by_o register_n such_o signal_n protection_n and_o judgement_n proportion_v to_o virtue_n and_o vice_n as_o sufficient_o atte_v the_o psalmist_n axiom_n doubtless_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v the_o earth_n psal_n 58.11_o and_o leave_v nothing_o to_o the_o impenitent_a sinner_n but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o that_o fiery_a indignation_n threaten_v hereafter_o heb._n 10.27_o 4._o and_o now_o methinks_v the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o net_n our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o that_o catch_v of_o every_o sort_n mat._n 13.47_o it_o be_v of_o so_o vast_a a_o compass_n that_o it_o must_v one_o will_v think_v fetch_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o temper_n and_o sure_o have_v we_o not_o mix_v nature_n with_o fiend_n contract_v some_o of_o their_o malice_n and_o obstinacy_n mere_a human_a pravity_n can_v not_o hold_v out_o 5._o and_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v thus_o fit_o proportion_v to_o its_o end_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n so_o be_v it_o also_o in_o reference_n to_o its_o circumstance_n which_o all_o conspire_v to_o render_v it_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n ro._n 1.16_o in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o those_o we_o must_v place_v its_o divine_a original_n which_o stamp_v it_o with_o a_o uncontrollable_a authority_n and_o be_v a_o infallible_a security_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v perfect_o true_a since_o it_o proceed_v from_o that_o essential_a verity_n which_o can_v abuse_v we_o with_o fraudulent_a promise_n or_o threaten_n and_o from_o that_o infinite_a power_n that_o can_v be_v impede_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o what_o he_o purpose_v 6._o yet_o to_o render_v this_o circumstance_n efficacious_a there_o need_v another_o to_o wit_n that_o its_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_o testify_v to_o we_o and_o we_o have_v in_o the_o foregoing_a discourse_n evince_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o in_o the_o utmost_a degree_n that_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v capable_a of_o beyond_o which_o no_o sober_a man_n will_v require_v evidence_n in_o any_o thing_n and_o certain_o these_o two_o circumstance_n thus_o unite_v have_v a_o mighty_a force_n to_o impress_v the_o dictate_v of_o scripture_n on_o we_o and_o we_o must_v rebel_v against_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conviction_n too_o to_o hold_v out_o against_o it_o 7._o a_o three_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o frame_n and_o composure_n of_o this_o divine_a book_n both_o as_o to_o method_n and_o stile_n concern_v which_o i_o have_v already_o make_v some_o reflection_n but_o now_o that_o i_o may_v speak_v more_o distinct_o i_o observe_v it_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o first_o point_n of_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o mankind_n to_o be_v concern_v and_o so_o gradual_o proceed_v to_o its_o fall_n and_o renovation_n show_v we_o first_o our_o need_n of_o a_o redeemer_n and_o then_o point_v we_o out_o who_o it_o be_v by_o type_n and_o promise_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o by_o way_n of_o history_n and_o completion_n in_o the_o new_a in_o the_o former_a it_o acquaint_v we_o with_o that_o pedagogy_n of_o the_o law_n which_o god_n design_v as_o our_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n gal._n 3.25_o and_o in_o the_o gospel_n show_v we_o yet_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n present_v we_o with_o those_o more_o sublime_a elevate_a doctrine_n which_o christ_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o revele_v 8._o as_o for_o the_o stile_n that_o be_v full_a of_o grateful_a variety_n sometime_o high_a and_o majestic_a as_o become_v that_o high_a and_o holy_a one_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n esai_n 57.15_o and_o sometime_o so_o humble_a and_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o agree_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o character_n his_o dwell_n be_v with_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a spirit_n isaiah_n 57.15_o i_o know_v profane_a wit_n be_v apt_a to_o brand_v this_o as_o a_o unevenness_n of_o stile_n but_o they_o may_v as_o well_o accuse_v the_o various_a note_n of_o music_n as_o destructive_a to_o harmony_n or_o blame_v a_o orator_n for_o be_v able_a to_o tune_v his_o tongue_n to_o the_o most_o different_a strain_n 9_o another_o excellency_n of_o the_o stile_n be_v its_o propriety_n to_o the_o several_a subject_n it_o treat_v of_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n will_v not_o have_v man_n pry_v into_o it_o wrap_v they_o up_o in_o cloud_n and_o thick_a darkness_n by_o that_o mean_n to_o deter_v inquisitive_a man_n as_o he_o do_v at_o sinai_n from_o break_v into_o the_o mount_n ex._n 20._o and_o that_o he_o give_v any_o intimation_n at_o all_o of_o such_o seem_v design_v only_o to_o give_v we_o a_o just_a estimate_n how_o shallow_a our_o comprehension_n be_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o adore_v and_o admire_v that_o abyss_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o we_o can_v never_o fathom_v 10._o thing_n of_o a_o middle_a nature_n which_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o some_o but_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a to_o all_o the_o scripture_n leave_v more_o accessible_a yet_o not_o so_o obvious_a as_o to_o be_v within_o every_o man_n reach_n but_o make_v they_o only_o the_o prize_n of_o industry_n prayer_n and_o humble_a endeavour_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a benefit_n that_o those_o who_o covet_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v by_o it_o engage_v to_o take_v these_o virtue_n in_o the_o way_n beside_o there_o be_v so_o much_o time_n require_v to_o that_o study_n as_o render_v it_o inconsistent_a with_o those_o secular_a business_n wherein_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v immerse_v and_o consequent_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o those_o who_o addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o one_o have_v competent_a vacancy_n from_o the_o other_o and_o in_o this_o it_o have_v a_o visible_a use_n by_o be_v very_o contributive_a to_o the_o maintain_v that_o spiritual_a subordination_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o pastor_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v miriam_n and_o corahs_n partisan_n be_v a_o pregnant_a instance_n how_o much_o the_o opinion_n of_o equal_a knowledge_n unfit_v for_o subjection_n and_o we_o see_v by_o sad_a experience_n how_o much_o the_o bare_a pretence_n of_o it_o have_v disturb_v the_o church_n and_o make_v those_o turn_n preacher_n who_o never_o be_v understand_v hearer_n 11._o but_o beside_o these_o more_o abstruse_a there_o be_v easy_a truth_n in_o which_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v the_o explicit_a knowledge_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o i_o mean_v the_o divine_a rule_n for_o save_a faith_n and_o manner_n and_o in_o those_o the_o scripture_n stile_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o be_v possible_a condescend_v to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o rude_a capacity_n so_o that_o none_o that_o can_v read_v the_o scripture_n but_o will_v there_o find_v the_o way_n to_o bliss_n evident_o chalk_v out_o to_o he_o that_o i_o may_v use_v the_o word_n of_o saint_n gregory_n the_o lamb_n may_v wade_v in_o those_o water_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o the_o elephant_n may_v swim_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o lib._n 2._o of_o christian_a doctrine_n cap._n 6._o have_v make_v in_o the_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n magnificent_a and_o healthful_a provision_n for_o our_o hunger_n and_o in_o the_o obscure_a against_o satiety_n for_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n draw_v from_o obscure_a place_n which_o in_o other_o be_v not_o speak_v most_o plain_o and_o he_o far_o add_v that_o if_o any_o thing_n happen_v to_o be_v no_o where_o explain_v every_o man_n may_v there_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n 12._o so_o again_o in_o the_o same_o book_n cap._n 9_o he_o say_v that_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v faith_n and_o manner_n be_v plain_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o saint_n jerom_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o es_fw-ge 19_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o close_v obscure_a say_n with_o those_o that_o be_v easy_a and_o what_o be_v first_o express_v dark_o to_o propose_v in_o evident_a word_n which_o very_a thing_n be_v say_v likewise_o by_o saint_n chrysostom_n hom._n

the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n but_o to_o reprove_v that_o preposterous_a course_n many_o take_v who_o lie_v the_o great_a weight_n upon_o those_o thing_n on_o which_o god_n lay_v the_o least_o and_o have_v more_o zeal_n for_o oblique_a intimation_n then_o for_o express_v downright_a command_n nay_o think_v by_o the_o one_o to_o commute_v for_o the_o contemt_fw-mi of_o the_o other_o for_o example_n fast_v be_v recommend_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n but_o in_o a_o far_o low_a key_n then_o moral_a duty_n rather_o as_o a_o expedient_a and_o help_v to_o virtue_n then_o as_o proper_o a_o virtue_n itself_o and_o yet_o we_o may_v see_v man_n scrupulous_a in_o that_o who_o startle_v not_o at_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n that_o clamorous_a sin_n that_o cry_v to_o heaven_n who_o pretend_v to_o mortify_v their_o appetite_n by_o deny_v it_o its_o proper_a food_n or_o be_v luxurious_a in_o one_o sort_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o glut_v their_o avarice_n eat_v up_o the_o poor_a and_o devour_v widow_n house_n mat._n 23._o 37._o to_o such_o as_o these_o it_o will_v be_v good_a advice_n to_o fix_v their_o attention_n on_o the_o absolute_a command_n to_o study_v moral_a honesty_n and_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n to_o make_v a_o good_a progress_n there_o and_o do_v what_o god_n indispensable_o require_v and_o then_o it_o may_v be_v seasonable_a to_o think_v of_o voluntary_a oblation_n but_o till_o then_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o homage_n that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o reproachful_a flattery_n a_o attemt_a to_o bribe_v god_n against_o himself_o and_o a_o sacrilege_n like_o that_o of_o dionysius_n who_o take_v away_o apollo_n golden_a robe_n and_o give_v he_o a_o stuff_n one_o 38._o the_o second_o thing_n requisite_a in_o our_o read_n be_v application_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o our_o attention_n and_o without_o this_o we_o may_v be_v very_o busy_a to_o very_o little_a purpose_n the_o most_o laborious_a attention_n without_o it_o put_v we_o but_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o poor_a slave_n that_o labour_v in_o the_o mine_n who_o with_o infinite_a toil_n dig_v that_o ore_n of_o which_o they_o shall_v never_o partake_v if_o therefore_o we_o will_v appropriate_v that_o rich_a treasure_n we_o must_v apply_v and_o so_o make_v it_o our_o own_o 39_o let_v we_o then_o at_o every_o period_n of_o holy_a writ_n reflect_v and_o look_v on_o ourselves_o as_o the_o person_n speak_v to_o when_o we_o find_v philip_n give_v baptism_n to_o the_o eunuch_n upon_o this_o condition_n that_o he_o believe_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n act._n 8._o let_v we_o consider_v that_o unless_o we_o do_v so_o our_o baptism_n like_o a_o thing_n surreptitious_o obtain_v convei_v no_o title_n to_o we_o will_v avail_v we_o nothing_o 40._o when_o we_o read_v our_o saviour_n denunciation_n to_o the_o jew_n except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v lu._n 13.5_o we_o be_v to_o look_v on_o it_o as_o if_o address_v immediate_o to_o ourselves_o and_o conclude_v as_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o our_o repentance_n in_o those_o black_a catalogue_n of_o crime_n which_o the_o apostle_n mention_n 1_o cor._n 6.10_o and_o gal._n 5.19_o 20_o 21._o as_o exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o be_v to_o behold_v our_o own_o guilt_n arraign_v and_o to_o resolve_v that_o the_o same_o crime_n will_v as_o certain_o shut_v heaven_n gate_n against_o we_o as_o those_o to_o who_o those_o epistle_n be_v immediate_o direct_v in_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o good_a life_n and_o christian_a virtue_n we_o be_v to_o think_v ourselves_o as_o near_o and_o particular_o concern_v as_o if_o we_o have_v be_v christ_n auditor_n on_o the_o mount_n so_o proportionable_o in_o all_o the_o threat_n and_o promise_v we_o be_v either_o to_o tremble_v or_o hope_v according_a as_o we_o find_v ourselves_o adhere_v to_o those_o sin_n or_o virtue_n to_o which_o they_o be_v affix_v 41._o this_o close_a application_n will_v render_v what_o we_o read_v operative_a and_o effective_a which_o without_o it_o will_v be_v useless_a and_o insignificant_a we_o may_v see_v a_o instance_n of_o it_o in_o david_n who_o be_v not_o at_o all_o convince_v of_o his_o own_o guilt_n by_o nathan_n parable_n though_o the_o most_o apposite_a that_o be_v imaginable_a till_o he_o roundly_o apply_v it_o say_v thou_o be_v the_o man_n 2_o sam._n 12._o and_o unless_o we_o treat_v ourselves_o at_o the_o same_o rate_n the_o scripture_n may_v fill_v our_o head_n with_o high_a notion_n nay_o with_o many_o speculative_a truth_n which_o yet_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o the_o devil_n theology_n ja._n 2.19_o and_o will_v as_o little_a advantage_n we_o 42._o it_o now_o remain_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v after_o our_o read_n which_o may_v be_v sum_v up_o in_o two_o word_n recollect_v and_o practice_n our_o memory_n be_v very_o frail_a as_o to_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o impress_v they_o as_o deep_a as_o we_o can_v by_o reflect_v on_o what_o we_o have_v read_v it_o be_v a_o observation_n out_o of_o the_o levitical_a law_n that_o those_o beast_n only_o be_v clean_a and_o fit_a for_o sacrifice_v that_o chew_v the_o cud_n leu._n 11.4_o and_o though_o the_o ceremony_n be_v jewish_n the_o moral_n be_v christian_a and_o admonish_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v revolve_v and_o ruminate_v on_o spiritual_a instruction_n without_o this_o what_o we_o hear_v or_o read_v slip_n insensible_o from_o we_o and_o like_a letter_n write_v in_o chalk_n be_v wipe_v out_o by_o the_o next_o succeed_a thought_n but_o recollection_n engrave_v and_o indent_n the_o character_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o he_o that_o will_v due_o use_v it_o will_v find_v other_o manner_n of_o impression_n more_o affective_a and_o more_o last_a then_o bare_a read_n will_v leave_v 43._o we_o find_v it_o thus_o in_o all_o science_n he_o that_o only_o read_v over_o the_o rule_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o together_o with_o his_o book_n will_v make_v but_o a_o slow_a advance_v while_o he_o that_o plod_v and_o study_v upon_o they_o repete_n and_o reinforce_v they_o upon_o his_o mind_n soon_o arrive_v to_o a_o eminency_n by_o this_o it_o be_v that_o david_n attain_v to_o that_o perfection_n in_o god_n law_n as_o to_o outstrip_v his_o teacher_n and_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n psal_n 119.99_o 100_o because_o it_o be_v his_o meditation_n as_o himself_o tell_v we_o ver_fw-la 97.99_o 44._o let_v we_o therefore_o pursue_v the_o same_o method_n and_o when_o we_o have_v read_v a_o portion_n of_o scripture_n let_v we_o recollect_v what_o observable_a thing_n we_o have_v there_o meet_v with_o what_o exhortation_n to_o virtue_n or_o determent_n from_o vice_n what_o promise_v to_o obedience_n or_o menace_n for_o the_o contrary_a what_o example_n of_o god_n vengeance_n against_o such_o or_o such_o sin_n or_o what_o instance_n of_o his_o blessing_n upon_o duty_n if_o we_o do_v this_o daily_a we_o can_v but_o amass_o together_o a_o great_a stock_n of_o scripture_n document_n which_o will_v be_v ready_a for_o we_o to_o produce_v upon_o every_o occasion_n satan_n can_v assault_v we_o no_o where_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v provide_v of_o a_o guard_n a_o scriptum_n est_fw-la which_o we_o see_v be_v the_o sole_a armour_n the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n use_v in_o his_o encounter_n with_o he_o mat._n 4._o ver_fw-la 4.7_o and_o 10._o and_o will_v be_v as_o successful_a to_o we_o if_o we_o will_v due_o manage_v it_o 45._o the_o last_o thing_n require_v as_o consequent_a to_o our_o read_n be_v practice_n this_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n to_o which_o all_o the_o foregoing_a qualification_n be_v direct_v and_o if_o we_o fail_v here_o the_o most_o assiduous_a diligence_n in_o all_o the_o former_a will_v be_v but_o lose_v labour_n let_v we_o mean_v never_o so_o well_o attend_v never_o so_o close_o recollect_v never_o so_o exact_o if_o after_o all_o we_o do_v not_o practice_n all_o the_o rest_n will_v serve_v but_o to_o enhance_v our_o guilt_n christianity_n be_v a_o active_a science_n and_o the_o bible_n be_v give_v we_o not_o mere_o for_o a_o theme_n of_o speculation_n but_o for_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n 46._o and_o alas_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v we_o that_o our_o opinion_n be_v right_a if_o our_o manner_n be_v crooked_a when_o the_o scripture_n have_v show_v we_o what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o nay_o have_v evince_v to_o we_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o injunction_n the_o great_a agreeableness_n which_o they_o have_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o have_v back_v this_o with_o the_o assurance_n that_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a reward_n ps_n 19.11_o if_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o importunate_a invitation_n to_o life_n we_o will_v choose_v death_n we_o 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 to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n mat._n 13.31_o which_o though_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 proce_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 3.14_o walk_v 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