be_v pen_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o any_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v know_v these_o record_n be_v very_o ancient_a some_o of_o they_o of_o some_o thousand_o year_n stand_v and_o must_v we_o now_o prove_v every_o particular_a as_o if_o we_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n be_v it_o not_o enough_o if_o we_o have_v more_o certainty_n of_o these_o then_o can_v be_v have_v of_o any_o other_o that_o bear_v the_o same_o date_n or_o somewhat_o near_o not_o to_o say_v that_o that_o this_o question_n seem_v to_o strike_v at_o the_o force_n of_o all_o ancient_a record_n and_o evidence_n for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v by_o any_o concern_v how_o be_v we_o sure_a that_o these_o be_v the_o authentic_a copy_n or_o transcribe_v exact_o to_o a_o letter_n 2._o we_o be_v certain_o assure_v in_o this_o case_n as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o question_v we_o see_v they_o pretend_v only_o to_o tradition_n for_o their_o security_n and_o we_o know_v no_o certainty_n of_o that_o more_o than_o of_o scripture_n 3._o we_o know_v the_o original_a old_a testament_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o our_o bibles_n and_o those_o which_o the_o jew_n preserve_v to_o this_o day_n as_o we_o think_v by_o a_o special_a providence_n what_o better_a evidence_n can_v there_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n then_o this_o they_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o have_v the_o lively_a oracle_n commit_v to_o they_o and_o we_o never_o hear_v they_o can_v be_v just_o blame_v for_o be_v â—…alse_a to_o their_o trust_n thus_o far_o and_o these_o infidel_n still_o retain_v the_o old_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v though_o the_o christian_n make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o justify_v the_o christian_a faith_n against_o they_o and_o if_o they_o have_v attempt_v any_o alteration_n they_o can_v never_o have_v effect_v it_o as_o be_v show_v before_o now_o while_o their_o copy_n and_o we_o agree_v so_o well_o together_o as_o we_o have_v no_o difference_n with_o they_o about_o this_o have_v we_o not_o good_a reason_n to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o our_o original_a bibles_n be_v as_o at_o first_o 4._o we_o know_v it_o by_o as_o good_a evidence_n as_o our_o adversary_n know_v it_o viz._n by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o age_n bear_v witness_n to_o it_o we_o do_v not_o indeed_o plead_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n testimony_n as_o papist_n do_v nor_o have_v we_o need_v see_v the_o testimony_n may_v be_v valid_a through_o its_o truth_n without_o any_o such_o authority_n we_o give_v as_o much_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o the_o church_n when_o we_o say_v it_o have_v be_v all_o along_o a_o external_a instrument_n or_o medium_fw-la to_o declare_v and_o testifiâ—…_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o scripture_n and_o so_o it_o have_v testify_v the_o original_n to_o be_v as_o at_o first_o i_o have_v yet_o more_o to_o say_v for_o clear_v this_o question_n only_o i_o must_v needs_o insert_v that_o we_o can_v think_v ourselves_o so_o fair_o deal_v withal_o in_o such_o a_o question_n for_o we_o lay_v our_o claim_n by_o prescription_n and_o therefore_o think_v our_o adversary_n shall_v rather_o prove_v the_o contrary_a by_o undeniable_a argument_n then_o pick_v quarrel_n with_o we_o by_o captious_a question_n such_o as_o they_o can_v no_o better_o answer_v then_o we_o but_o we_o know_v the_o design_n and_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o it_o 5._o it_o be_v enough_o if_o the_o original_n be_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o they_o the_o same_o as_o at_o first_o that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o alteration_n as_o to_o letter_n or_o word_n in_o the_o transcribe_v and_o print_v of_o they_o who_o question_n since_o the_o transcriber_n and_o printer_n have_v no_o infallible_a spirit_n that_o we_o ever_o hear_v of_o but_o this_o be_v grant_v we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v scripture_n authority_n any_o whit_n the_o more_o what_o though_o no_o original_a copy_n now_o extant_a be_v so_o absolute_o pure_a as_o no_o mixture_n can_v possible_o be_v find_v in_o it_o as_o to_z word_n and_o letter_n yet_o scripture_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v in_o it_o no_o violation_n mutilation_n or_o falsification_n through_o the_o ignorance_n negligence_n or_o malice_n of_o man_n as_o disable_v it_o for_o teach_v all_o man_n what_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n for_o this_o be_v it_o which_o we_o contend_v for_o that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v unto_o salvation_n we_o have_v in_o our_o present_a bibles_n and_o this_o doctrine_n the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n it_o lie_v still_o however_o on_o our_o adversary_n to_o prove_v any_o alteration_n so_o much_o as_o in_o any_o word_n hence_o we_o say_v further_o that_o book_n make_v of_o ink_n and_o parchment_n or_o paper_n be_v thing_n that_o be_v perishable_a yea_o and_o will_v come_v to_o nothing_o but_o dare_v papist_n say_v that_o god_n have_v not_o give_v his_o law_n in_o writing_n darenot_v they_o say_v that_o there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n who_o at_o god_n command_v deliver_v a_o law_n to_o israel_n and_o after_o it_o be_v write_v cause_v it_o to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o all_o the_o people_n or_o dare_v they_o say_v there_o never_o be_v such_o man_n as_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o that_o they_o never_o write_v any_o such_o book_n as_o be_v now_o call_v the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o therefore_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o they_o have_v hiâ—…herto_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o we_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n as_o to_o believe_v they_o will_v never_o say_v it_o what_o mean_v they_o then_o by_o such_o quirk_n and_o quible_n as_o these_o viz._n that_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v now_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o alter_v from_o what_o they_o be_v at_o first_o etc._n etc._n what_o thought_n have_v they_o of_o god_n almighty_a be_v he_o not_o wise_a enough_o to_o foresee_v what_o may_v be_v object_v in_o after_o time_n so_o as_o to_o provide_v against_o it_o and_o prevent_v all_o such_o question_n as_o they_o now_o make_v about_o the_o write_a word_n this_o we_o know_v and_o they_o too_o that_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n think_v it_o best_a to_o have_v the_o lively_a oracle_n commit_v to_o writing_n though_o he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n there_o may_v be_v some_o alteration_n in_o those_o write_n and_o that_o the_o outside_n material_n as_o parchment_n etc._n etc._n be_v such_o as_o waste_v and_o wear_v out_o yea_o this_o way_n of_o writing_n be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v consecrate_v at_o first_o by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n who_o write_v the_o ten_o commandment_n in_o two_o tâ—…bles_n of_o sione_n and_o those_o two_o table_n be_v soon_o break_v and_o the_o other_o afterward_o prepare_v at_o god_n command_n and_o keep_v along_o time_n be_v yet_o long_o since_o go_v so_o as_o none_o can_v give_v any_o account_n of_o they_o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n nor_o we_o hope_v will_v any_o say_v these_o be_v not_o the_o same_o that_o god_n write_v at_o first_o or_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o they_o be_v so_o alas_o to_o argue_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v to_o bring_v heaven_n and_o earth_n together_o then_o farewell_n all_o the_o credit_n of_o all_o ancient_a record_n that_o ever_o have_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n yea_o then_o let_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a record_n in_o the_o world_n go_v too_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n and_o this_o we_o think_v some_o will_v have_v or_o they_o will_v no_o more_o trouble_v the_o world_n with_o such_o frivolous_a query_n as_o these_o how_o say_v they_o can_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o original_n be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v first_o pen_v what_o pity_v it_o be_v that_o these_o man_n stand_v not_o by_o when_o god_n command_v a_o law_n to_o be_v write_v for_o his_o people_n and_o the_o same_o to_o continue_v unto_o all_o genera_fw-la lion_z they_o can_v have_v prompt_v god_n and_o tell_v he_o what_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v of_o viz._n that_o those_o book_n may_v decay_v in_o time_n and_o the_o copy_n be_v corrupt_v in_o the_o transcribe_v of_o they_o or_o they_o may_v be_v lose_v and_o hide_v aside_o for_o so_o they_o be_v in_o josiahs_n time_n when_o 8â—…_n one_o copy_n be_v light_v on_o by_o chance_n and_o count_v as_o a_o jewel_n for_o its_o rarity_n and_o that_o in_o after_o age_n there_o may_v be_v much_o question_n about_o they_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o under_o the_o revolution_n of_o many_o age_n be_v alter_v from_o what_o they_o be_v at_o first_o by_o his_o
lineal_a succession_n but_o look_v only_o after_o succession_n in_o doctrine_n and_o this_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o do_v see_v the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n be_v entail_v only_o upon_o those_o who_o know_v and_o obey_v the_o truth_n and_o where_o be_v this_o truth_n if_o not_o in_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o once_o let_v go_v scripture_n verdict_n in_o the_o cause_n must_v we_o not_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o more_o than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v pretend_v unto_o but_o let_v scripture_n be_v judge_n in_o the_o case_n and_o it_o will_v soon_o appear_v that_o all_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a and_o empty_a pretence_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o appeal_v to_o it_o alone_o and_o leave_v it_o to_o umpire_n the_o difference_n our_o adversary_n never_o dare_v say_v as_o yet_o for_o aught_o i_o have_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v speak_v most_o unworthy_o of_o it_o and_o reproach_v it_o so_o as_o none_o will_v i_o think_v do_v that_o serious_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n however_o they_o say_v not_o in_o term_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o that_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o what_o they_o say_v and_o that_o we_o think_v unavoidable_a if_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v sure_o to_o we_o it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o if_o it_o have_v no_o credit_n as_o to_o we_o without_o a_o certificate_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n it_o deserve_v no_o credit_n at_o all_o such_o as_o we_o must_v give_v to_o it_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o ground_n work_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o this_o be_v rational_a because_o than_o we_o need_v not_o go_v to_o scripture_n since_o there_o be_v somewhat_o else_o that_o be_v more_o to_o be_v credit_v than_o it_o for_o no_o man_n that_o be_v reasonable_a can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o what_o make_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v must_v be_v more_o such_o if_o not_o formal_o yet_o virtual_o or_o eminent_o and_o our_o adversary_n take_v it_o so_o and_o therefore_o say_v plain_o that_o scripture_n for_o many_o reason_n be_v no_o competent_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o tradition_n do_v the_o work_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o every_o respect_n complete_a now_o let_v this_o be_v grant_v and_o then_o look_v about_o and_o see_v what_o follow_v they_o say_v and_o think_v though_o not_o true_o that_o they_o have_v tradition_n by_o the_o forepart_n viz._n that_o all_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n hold_v as_o they_o do_v now_o and_o for_o the_o hinder_a end_n they_o hâ—…ve_v it_o fast_o enough_o as_o we_o all_o know_v for_o we_o must_v grant_v what_o we_o can_v without_o impudence_n deny_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o these_o part_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ward_n for_o many_o of_o the_o latter_a age_n and_o we_o do_v not_o wonder_v at_o it_o because_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o scripture_n have_v foretell_v and_o now_o if_o scripture_n be_v thus_o lay_v by_o what_o will_v become_v of_o all_o that_o faith_n which_o we_o have_v other_o than_o what_o papist_n have_v or_o how_o can_v we_o refuse_v whatever_o they_o shall_v impose_v by_o their_o tradition_n and_o shall_v it_o be_v ever_o say_v that_o we_o have_v make_v a_o separation_n so_o long_o and_o now_o turn_v back_o again_o upon_o no_o other_o ground_n then_o this_o viz._n that_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o scripture_n be_v every_o way_n unfit_a for_o such_o a_o work_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o cast_v dirt_n in_o the_o face_n of_o all_o that_o go_v before_o we_o and_o hazard_v all_o to_o vindicate_v and_o obâ—…ain_v that_o liberty_n which_o the_o write_a word_n so_o long_o suppress_v have_v since_o have_v among_o we_o for_o this_o be_v the_o rise_n and_o root_n of_o all_o the_o disorder_n and_o distemper_n that_o ever_o have_v be_v since_o the_o apostle_n time_n unto_o this_o day_n viz._n that_o man_n have_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o rule_n of_o god_n make_v but_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n will_v frame_v law_n unto_o themselves_o and_o this_o begin_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o false_a apostle_n who_o will_v then_o keep_v up_o the_o ancient_a law_n of_o god_n intend_v only_o till_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n when_o according_a to_o his_o will_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o this_o i_o say_v we_o may_v just_o suspect_v to_o have_v give_v the_o first_o occasion_n to_o other_o afterward_o of_o devise_v many_o thing_n beside_o the_o only_a rule_n and_o so_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o many_o degree_n at_o last_o that_o scripture_n be_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o if_o some_o man_n may_v be_v credit_v in_o what_o they_o say_v and_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o we_o have_v be_v adoing_o for_o a_o hundred_o year_n and_o more_o have_v we_o all_o this_o while_n believe_v in_o vain_a and_o have_v all_o those_o who_o be_v go_v to_o another_o world_n before_o our_o eye_n die_v without_o hope_n what!_o have_v we_o be_v in_o a_o sweet_a dream_n so_o long_o and_o can_v never_o be_v awaken_v till_o now_o be_v we_o now_o to_o seek_v of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n indeed_o we_o have_v then_o believe_v to_o small_a purpose_n and_o so_o have_v many_o other_o who_o we_o have_v hitherto_o think_v to_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n what!_o have_v we_o never_o receive_v any_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o as_o have_v be_v a_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o write_a word_n so_o as_o we_o can_v say_v we_o know_v what_o and_o who_o we_o have_v believe_v be_v our_o eye_n never_o open_v nor_o our_o heart_n ever_o humble_v or_o melt_v if_o they_o have_v be_v then_o consider_v what_o doctrine_n have_v be_v preach_v to_o we_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o come_v to_o be_v what_o we_o be_v and_o have_v we_o not_o enough_o for_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n we_o have_v jesus_n christ_n evident_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n and_o no_o where_o else_o and_o have_v we_o need_v of_o any_o other_o saviour_n we_o have_v the_o way_n of_o holiness_n in_o scripture_n as_o no_o where_o else_o and_o can_v we_o go_v to_o heaven_n in_o any_o other_o way_n be_v we_o in_o danger_n of_o perish_v by_o believe_v in_o christ_n alone_a or_o will_v the_o denial_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n as_o scripture_n command_v and_o require_v hazard_v our_o soul_n nay_o will_v not_o faith_n in_o christ_n alone_o such_o faith_n i_o mean_v as_o work_n by_o love_n save_v we_o then_o what_o will_v become_v of_o i_o and_o other_o who_o never_o yet_o learn_v any_o other_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o resolve_v through_o god_n help_n and_o grace_n never_o to_o think_v of_o any_o other_o but_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o when_o i_o have_v relate_v one_o story_n darbishire_n benner_n kinsman_n say_v to_o hawk_n the_o martyr_n you_o will_v have_v nothing_o but_o your_o pretty_a god_n book_n no_o say_v hawk_n and_o be_v not_o that_o enough_o for_o my_o salvation_n yes_o say_v the_o other_o but_o not_o for_o your_o instruction_n then_o say_v hawk_n god_n send_v i_o the_o salvation_n and_o take_v you_o the_o instruction_n and_o of_o his_o mind_n be_o i_o and_o many_o other_o too_o i_o hope_v if_o scripture_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o show_v and_o assure_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n as_o some_o will_v persuade_v we_o we_o be_v resolve_v however_o to_o leave_v our_o soul_n to_o god_n free_a mercy_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v therein_o and_o leave_v other_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o take_v all_o the_o instruction_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o tradition_n finis_fw-la a_o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o late_a dreadful_a fire_n kindle_v by_o our_o god-provoking_a sin_n and_o abomination_n transcend_v all_o our_o forefather_n after_o so_o many_o miracle_n of_o mercy_n and_o deliverance_n within_o three_o day_n space_n turn_v no_o less_o than_o 88_o pariâ—…es_n and_o pâ—…ish-churches_n with_o the_o cathedâ—…al_a church_n of_o the_o late_a great_a and_o glorious_a city_n of_o london_n into_o heap_n of_o ash_n and_o rubbish_n to_o the_o just_a horror_n and_o amazement_n of_o all_o spectator_n of_o their_o â—…mes_n and_o ruin_n which_o as_o it_o prove_v extreme_o prejudicial_a and_o destructive_a to_o most_o company_n of_o the_o city_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o receive_v so_o grand_a loss_n and_o damage_n by_o that_o devour_a conflagration_n as_o the_o company_n of_o stationer_n most_o of_o
god_n so_o that_o my_o work_n be_v to_o let_v other_o see_v the_o light_n wherein_o scripture_n show_v itself_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o in_o this_o undertake_n charge_n papist_n as_o deny_v in_o term_n the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v for_o they_o grant_v it_o in_o a_o sort_n when_o they_o say_v the_o church_n testimony_n make_v it_o not_o authentical_a and_o canonical_a in_o itself_o but_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la in_o respect_n to_o we_o who_o can_v otherwise_o be_v ascertain_v of_o its_o divine_a authority_n 3._o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v expect_v from_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n so_o as_o to_o silence_v all_o gainsayers_a since_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o prove_v as_o there_o will_v not_o be_v some_o to_o make_v exception_n what_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o god_n existence_n and_o yet_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o deny_v or_o question_n i._o christ_n come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n and_o what_o christian_n dare_v say_v or_o think_v he_o do_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n yet_o all_o he_o can_v say_v or_o do_v for_o that_o purpose_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o most_o of_o his_o countryman_n and_o kindred_n that_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n christ._n all_o that_o i_o can_v reasonable_o design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o scripture_n be_v a_o shine_a light_n that_o do_v sufficient_o prove_v itself_o to_o be_v inspire_v of_o god_n though_o many_o have_v not_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o 4._o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v in_o this_o discourse_n that_o as_o there_o be_v one_o live_v and_o true_a god_n so_o this_o god_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o adore_v by_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n with_o that_o service_n and_o worship_n which_o may_v become_v his_o infinite_a and_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n hence_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v by_o god_n himself_o concern_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n wherein_o he_o will_v have_v his_o creature_n to_o serve_v he_o for_o who_o can_v know_v what_o please_v god_n but_o he_o himself_o and_o they_o to_o who_o he_o make_v know_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n now_o suppose_v some_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v in_o order_n to_o that_o service_n which_o he_o will_v accept_v and_o be_v well_o please_v with_o i_o may_v ask_v this_o question_n viz._n if_o scripture_n be_v not_o this_o revelation_n where_o be_v it_o and_o this_o will_v lie_v hard_a upon_o all_o who_o acknowledge_v one_o only_o true_a god_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o show_v some_o other_o and_o better_a manifestation_n concern_v the_o will_n and_o way_n of_o god_n than_o what_o he_o have_v make_v in_o his_o write_a word_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v discuss_v hereafter_o and_o for_o the_o present_a i_o be_o to_o show_v how_o and_o wherein_o scripture_n speak_v itself_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o protestant_n be_v persuade_v that_o scripture_n be_v divine_o inspire_v 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o do_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o so_o punctual_o and_o perfect_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o particular_n which_o concern_v his_o glory_n or_o man_n everlasting_a happiness_n as_o scripture_n do_v to_o enforce_v this_o a_o little_a we_o ready_o grant_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v a_o light_n show_v we_o somewhat_o yea_o very_o much_o of_o god_n and_o concern_v our_o duty_n towards_o he_o but_o how_o imperfect_a and_o obscure_a be_v this_o light_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o shine_v out_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n scripture_n indeed_o do_v not_o contradict_v it_o how_o shall_v it_o both_o be_v of_o god_n and_o one_o truth_n can_v possible_o contradict_v another_o nay_o further_o as_o scripture_n consent_v to_o and_o concur_v with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n so_o it_o reprove_v the_o neglect_n and_o incite_v to_o a_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v show_v in_o many_o particular_n if_o we_o be_v put_v to_o it_o but_o how_o dim_a and_o dark_a be_v nature_n light_n as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o god_n when_o it_o teach_v nothing_o at_o all_o about_o it_o the_o heathen_n have_v their_o offering_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o appease_v their_o god_n and_o in_o these_o for_o aught_o any_o can_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v light_a from_o god_n people_n who_o have_v the_o divine_a oracle_n but_o all_o those_o offering_n of_o they_o be_v lie_v vanity_n because_o they_o have_v not_o any_o the_o least_o apprebension_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v a_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n and_o what_o revelation_n have_v god_n make_v of_o his_o mind_n about_o this_o great_a concernment_n beside_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n do_v ever_o any_o of_o the_o learned_a heathen_n so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o such_o a_o work_n as_o god_n reconcile_a the_o world_n to_o himself_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o papist_n i_o hope_v will_v acknowledge_v with_o we_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o propitiation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n now_o how_o come_v we_o and_o they_o to_o know_v this_o great_a mystery_n if_o we_o learn_v it_o not_o from_o scripture_n and_o can_v any_o but_o god_n reveal_v it_o to_o we_o and_o since_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n have_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n for_o the_o only_a way_n of_o purge_a sin_n and_o sanctify_v our_o sinful_a nature_n what_o have_v any_o heathen_n do_v by_o their_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o their_o natural_a light_n they_o have_v indeed_o many_o of_o they_o commend_a virtue_n to_o the_o sky_n and_o exhort_v other_o to_o it_o but_o what_o be_v that_o moral_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o the_o philosopher_n and_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v labour_v to_o promote_v among_o man_n be_v it_o not_o of_o a_o far_o inferior_a nature_n and_o quite_o another_o thing_n from_o that_o true_a holiness_n which_o be_v teach_v in_o scripture_n for_o this_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o a_o learned_a discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n not_o long_o since_o print_v and_o only_o say_v though_o many_o heathen_n by_o their_o natural_a light_n discover_v many_o vice_n to_o shun_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o be_v sober_a just_a and_o temperate_a in_o comparison_n of_o other_o yet_o all_o this_o moral_a righteousness_n in_o they_o be_v far_o short_a of_o god_n image_n and_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o those_o who_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o different_a as_o a_o live_a man_n and_o his_o statue_n or_o picture_n though_o draw_v as_o we_o say_v to_o the_o life_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o true_a holiness_n consist_v especial_o in_o the_o inward_a impression_n and_o disposition_n which_o make_v a_o man_n meet_v for_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o in_o the_o inclination_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n immediate_o such_o as_o meet_v moralist_n never_o know_v there_o be_v a_o fountain_n and_o root_n within_o from_o whence_o spring_v all_o that_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n and_o purity_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o outward_a conversation_n and_o all_o be_v from_o a_o man_n be_v ingraft_v into_o christ_n and_o receive_v from_o he_o a_o continual_a supply_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v papist_n will_v not_o deny_v viz._n that_o all_o spiritual_a good_a be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o this_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v teach_v we_o in_o scripture_n we_o conclude_v scripture_n to_o be_v write_v with_o god_n finger_n because_o no_o other_o than_o god_n can_v reveal_v such_o glorious_a truth_n to_o we_o let_v it_o be_v show_v we_o how_o these_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v write_v where_o we_o find_v they_o and_o who_o write_v they_o if_o god_n do_v not_o once_o we_o think_v it_o a_o rational_a and_o unquestionable_a conclusion_n that_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n because_o we_o find_v in_o it_o the_o only_a way_n of_o our_o access_n to_o and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o only_a way_n of_o purify_n we_o so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v meet_a for_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o ever_o and_o why_o even_o because_o god_n alone_o can_v teach_v we_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v conceive_v all_o this_o while_n we_o grant_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o some_o man_n before_o they_o be_v record_v in_o the_o write_a word_n but_o we_o expect_v papist_n will_v not_o send_v we_o
of_o the_o event_n every_o way_n answerable_a to_o the_o prediction_n 2._o what_o need_v we_o any_o more_o witness_n when_o all_o that_o scripture_n have_v foretell_v and_o declare_v as_o the_o counsel_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v always_o fulfil_v every_o day_n as_o we_o may_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n and_o this_o serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o it_o that_o no_o work_n of_o god_n be_v contrary_a to_o his_o word_n or_o vary_v from_o it_o in_o the_o least_o but_o all_o his_o providence_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n in_o all_o change_n and_o chance_n â—…ill_v answer_v his_o promise_n and_o threatâ—…ings_n in_o scripture_n yea_o the_o suffering_n of_o god_n servant_n show_v as_o clear_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o write_a word_n since_o nothing_o be_v spoâ—…en_v of_o in_o scripture_n more_o often_o full_o or_o plain_o and_o here_o we_o may_v challenge_v the_o world_n to_o show_v any_o particular_a passage_n of_o providence_n which_o â—…utes_v not_o exact_o with_o what_o be_v reveal_v â—…n_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v confident_a of_o this_o consent_n between_o the_o word_n and_o work_n of_o god_n as_o a_o strong_a evidence_n in_o the_o case_n for_o how_o impossible_a be_v it_o that_o any_o one_o or_o all_o man_n together_o shall_v pen_v a_o book_n so_o precise_o anâ—…weting_v to_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n that_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n what_o i_o pray_v have_v happen_v to_o this_o hoâ—…r_n whereof_o a_o obiesvant_n and_o know_a christian_n may_v not_o say_v this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v foretell_v and_o no_o other_o than_o what_o god_n have_v say_v in_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v indeed_o atheist_n and_o epicure_n may_v dally_v awhile_o with_o scripture_n as_o they_o do_v with_o god_n himself_o and_o count_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o of_o small_a consideration_n but_o they_o of_o they_o who_o be_v yeâ—…_n alive_a may_v see_v if_o they_o shut_v not_o their_o eye_n how_o scripture_n be_v continual_o fulfil_v in_o their_o fellow_n and_o hence_o we_o be_v bold_a to_o question_v they_o yeâ—…_n and_o dare_v they_o to_o show_v that_o goâ—…_n word_n have_v not_o lay_v hold_v on_o such_o as_o they_o be_v just_o so_o as_o be_v foretell_v 〈◊〉_d scripture_n oh_o that_o these_o misâ—…_n will_v but_o read_v and_o observe_v scripture_n sure_o than_o they_o will_v discerâ—…_n what_o will_v be_v their_o end_n even_o the_o same_o as_o of_o those_o that_o go_v before_o they_o and_o though_o god_n have_v leave_v himself_o a_o latitude_n in_o all_o his_o providâ—…ial_a dispensation_n so_o as_o we_o can_v precise_o resolve_v in_o every_o particular_a concern_v wicked_a one_o what_o shalâ—…_n befall_v they_o on_o earth_n yet_o even_o that_o latitude_n be_v hint_v and_o what_o case_n be_v there_o wherein_o we_o be_v not_o provide_v for_o by_o some_o resolution_n of_o it_o in_o scripture_n to_o instance_n yet_o again_o what_o design_n have_v the_o devil_n be_v drive_v on_o in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n for_o trouble_v and_o diâ—…bing_v the_o church_n or_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o and_o about_o it_o of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o precedent_n or_o parallel_v instance_n in_o scripture_n or_o what_o distress_n danger_n and_o suffering_n have_v ever_o attend_v god_n people_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o some_o the_o same_o or_o like_v to_o be_v find_v upon_o record_n in_o the_o write_a word_n that_o so_o all_o saint_n even_o to_o the_o world_n end_n through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n and_o hence_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n have_v this_o to_o encourage_v they_o that_o their_o trouble_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o other_o before_o they_o have_v undergo_v and_o that_o when_o it_o be_v at_o worst_a there_o will_v be_v deliverance_n and_o enlargement_n as_o there_o have_v be_v always_o heretofore_o in_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a case_n and_o hence_o also_o they_o may_v challenge_v all_o those_o who_o quarrel_n scripture_n authority_n who_o or_o where_o be_v he_o that_o conceive_v and_o contrive_v such_o a_o write_n beside_o he_o who_o alone_o can_v foresee_v and_o provide_v against_o all_o event_n though_o never_o so_o contingent_a and_o casual_a let_v atheist_n then_o sport_v themselves_o as_o they_o please_v and_o as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v their_o time_n be_v short_a and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v long_o ere_o they_o come_v to_o know_v whether_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o doubtless_o the_o continual_a fulfil_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o course_n of_o god_n providence_n be_v a_o singulaâ—…_n good_a argument_n to_o any_o sound_a christian_a who_o can_v set_v his_o seal_n to_o scripture_n and_o say_v this_o be_v so_o and_o i_o know_v it_o by_o what_o be_v to_o be_v see_v every_o day_n scripture_n show_v itself_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mighty_a force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n sometime_o in_o cast_v down_o and_o sometime_o again_o in_o comfort_v and_o lift_v up_o yea_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o on_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o wicked_a as_o may_v be_v show_v by_o many_o instance_n but_o i_o may_v not_o enlarge_v myself_o this_o way_n not_o be_v there_o need_v more_o than_o to_o hint_n it_o as_o a_o argument_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o by_o such_o as_o be_v sober_a and_o perswadable_a all_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v more_o be_v only_o to_o answer_v a_o objection_n which_o be_v this_o viz._n that_o only_o some_o obj._n precise_a and_o overnice_a people_n so_o conceit_n as_o if_o scripture_n can_v do_v great_a matter_n but_o other_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o a_o belief_n of_o their_o fancy_n for_o themselves_o they_o find_v no_o such_o power_n it_o have_v to_o wound_v or_o search_v their_o heart_n and_o therefore_o they_o believe_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o some_o talk_n of_o about_o the_o force_n of_o scripture_n work_v upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o discover_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n they_o be_v not_o fanatic_n only_o who_o be_v so_o conceit_v of_o scripture_n there_o sol._n be_v and_o have_v be_v many_o too_o well_o conceit_v of_o themselves_o and_o who_o have_v little_a regard_n either_o to_o the_o scripture_n or_o he_o that_o we_o say_v pen_v it_o with_o his_o own_o finger_n which_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n the_o mighty_a force_n of_o it_o prevail_a against_o and_o over_o they_o but_o i_o forbear_v instance_n and_o shall_v only_o argue_v thus_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o nature_n run_v out_o in_o so_o many_o infinite_o various_a way_n as_o it_o have_v and_o sâ—…ill_o do_v and_o so_o cunning_o hide_v itself_o as_o much_o as_o possible_o from_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n how_o shall_v the_o write_a word_n meet_v with_o it_o in_o all_o and_o every_o of_o those_o way_n as_o it_o do_v if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n that_o alone_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o whether_o it_o do_v or_o no_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o most_o profane_a scoffer_n what_o be_v it_o let_v they_o speak_v that_o have_v many_o time_n challenge_v they_o for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o secret_a when_o no_o eye_n but_o that_o of_o god_n can_v see_v they_o be_v it_o not_o conscience_n within_o they_o and_o can_v conscience_n have_v thus_o challenge_v they_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v some_o law_n where_o on_o to_o draw_v the_o indictment_n how_o can_v any_o man_n heart_n smite_v he_o for_o what_o no_o creature_n know_v but_o himself_o if_o his_o heart_n do_v not_o know_v there_o be_v a_o judgement_n and_o a_o sovereign_a power_n that_o will_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o the_o hide_a thing_n of_o darkness_n it_o must_v be_v some_o sense_n of_o a_o supreme_a authority_n that_o keep_v the_o heart_n in_o awe_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o reflect_v sad_o upon_o its_o irregularity_n in_o secret_a and_o this_o sense_n must_v arise_v from_o some_o manifestation_n which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o only_a lawgiver_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n man_n be_v never_o afraid_a of_o man_n for_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v sure_a can_v never_o be_v find_v out_o or_o prove_v against_o they_o but_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n judgement_n which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o know_a law_n that_o fâ—…ighted_v they_o with_o sad_a expectation_n and_o what_o law_n can_v that_o be_v other_z then_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n now_o let_v they_o speak_v if_o any_o can_v what_o it_o be_v that_o ever_o enter_v into_o their_o heart_n which_o the_o write_a word_n do_v not_o let_v they_o know_v as_o well_o as_o they_o themselves_o in_o every_o circumstance_n if_o they_o please_v to_o consider_v it_o and_o
that_o the_o record_n we_o have_v to_o tâ—…_n day_n have_v in_o they_o all_o the_o mind_n god_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o orâ—…_n to_o our_o salvation_n they_o who_o maâ—…_n tain_v a_o reliâ—…ion_n that_o can_v be_v maâ—…_n good_a by_o scripture_n may_v well_o quarâ—…_n it_o as_o they_o have_v cause_n but_o all_o wâ—…_n believe_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v know_v much_o efficacy_n in_o it_o as_o they_o will_v nâ—…_n easy_o heed_n such_o flim-flam_n as_o â—…ome_v now_o adays_o be_v bâ—…zzing_v into_o people_n ear_n alâ—…s_n poor_a soul_n that_o have_v taste_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v in_o his_o word_n have_v a_o argument_n which_o all_o the_o world_n can_v never_o answer_v to_o they_o whatever_o it_o may_v do_v to_o other_o these_o man_n know_v and_o be_v sensible_a of_o a_o light_n within_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o they_o heed_n and_o attend_v it_o but_o they_o know_v too_o that_o scripture_n be_v a_o far_o more_o glorious_a light_n show_v they_o the_o way_n of_o life_n by_o faith_n in_o a_o saviouâ—…_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o light_n show_v the_o only_a way_n of_o life_n they_o find_v so_o to_o perfect_v all_o the_o natural_a light_n in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o scripture-revelation_n for_o no_o man_n ever_o deny_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o nature_n to_o be_v the_o impression_n of_o god_n except_v atheist_n of_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o now_o adays_o hence_o every_o civil_a and_o sober_a man_n consider_v serious_o how_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n and_o nature_n agree_v and_o that_o the_o one_o be_v superad_v not_o to_o eclipse_v but_o to_o clear_v the_o other_o by_o a_o more_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o a_o mediator_n for_o pardon_v and_o purge_v all_o sin_n which_o else_o can_v never_o have_v be_v he_o be_v therefore_o the_o more_o persuade_v of_o scâ—…iptures_n descent_n from_o god_n as_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n to_o give_v a_o lustre_n to_o the_o more_o obscure_a principle_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n within_o he_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v god_n word_n be_v know_v as_o his_o work_n be_v know_v and_o how_o be_v that_o even_o because_o none_o can_v do_v as_o god_n do_v he_o work_v like_o himself_o so_o that_o any_o man_n may_v say_v when_o he_o look_v on_o god_n work_n here_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n dent._n 3._o 24._o be_v not_o every_o work_n of_o god_n such_o as_o no_o creature_n can_v do_v the_o like_a and_o such_o be_v every_o word_n that_o god_n have_v speak_v as_o any_o man_n that_o have_v reason_n may_v say_v this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n who_o can_v thunder_v with_o a_o voice_n like_o he_o so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o scripture_n who_o but_o god_n can_v â—…eak_v such_o thing_n or_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n never_o man_n speak_v like_o this_o man_n say_v the_o officer_n who_o be_v send_v to_o apprehend_v christ_n john_n 7._o 46._o so_o say_v we_o never_o any_o creature_n do_v or_o can_v speak_v as_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o be_v thus_o persuade_v we_o infer_v what_o we_o think_v will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n for_o let_v papiâ—…_n say_v what_o they_o can_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n too_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v for_o that_o end_n what!_o shall_v man_n or_o any_o creature_n prescribe_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v the_o matter_n of_o god_n it_o be_v against_o all_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n so_o to_o imagine_v but_o i_o shall_v dispute_v the_o case_n in_o two_o consideration_n whereof_o one_o be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o a_o rule_n the_o other_o from_o the_o office_n and_o work_v of_o faith_n first_o a_o rule_n as_o it_o regulate_v or_o he_o that_o use_v it_o so_o it_o sway_v and_o command_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o that_o they_o stand_v or_o fall_v be_v allow_v or_o reject_v as_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o it_o or_o otherwise_o and_o this_o hold_v good_a in_o every_o rule_n whether_o proper_o or_o improper_o so_o call_v the_o standard_n of_o all_o weight_n and_o measure_n have_v as_o i_o may_v say_v a_o authority_n to_o allow_v or_o lay_v aside_o all_o other_o weight_n and_o measure_n that_o do_v not_o exact_o answer_v to_o it_o and_o so_o be_v scripture_n a_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o not_o but_o here_o i_o must_v prevent_v what_o will_v be_v object_v by_o papist_n viz._n that_o scripture_n be_v no_o complete_a rule_n 〈◊〉_d but_o some_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o it_o 1._o that_o popery_n have_v many_o such_o sol._n thing_n as_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n we_o believe_v but_o therefore_o we_o reject_v they_o because_o to_o make_v scripture_n a_o rule_n not_o complete_a be_v indeed_o to_o make_v it_o none_o at_o all_o who_o ever_o hear_v of_o a_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o usfficient_a to_o regulate_v all_o thing_n for_o which_o it_o be_v intend_v or_o if_o there_o be_v devise_v such_o a_o rule_n who_o can_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o call_v or_o count_v it_o so_o sure_o mason_n and_o carpenter_n make_v use_v of_o no_o rule_n but_o such_o as_o will_v serve_v to_o measure_v all_o the_o work_n which_o they_o take_v in_o hand_n 2._o whereas_o they_o say_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v some_o thing_n unwritten_a to_o pass_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n by_o tradition_n who_o shall_v believe_v this_o more_o than_o what_o the_o jew_n have_v say_v a_o long_a time_n and_o for_o many_o age_n that_o moses_n have_v some_o command_n give_v he_o to_o be_v write_v and_o other_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o father_n to_o son_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n alas_o we_o know_v what_o account_n our_o saviour_n make_v of_o their_o oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n which_o he_o call_v vain_a and_o so_o may_v we_o just_o account_v of_o these_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n 9_o and_o condemn_v all_o their_o tradition_n and_o why_o may_v not_o we_o take_v the_o same_o course_n and_o say_v 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 it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isa._n 8._o 20._o 3._o let_v popish_a tradition_n give_v as_o much_o evidence_n for_o their_o descent_n from_o heaven_n as_o scripture_n do_v and_o we_o shall_v embrace_v both_o alike_o bâ—…t_v in_o this_o case_n we_o say_v as_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o another_o we_o know_v that_o god_n speak_v unto_o moses_n but_o for_o this_o fellow_n we_o 29_o know_v not_o whence_o he_o be_v we_o know_v by_o the_o content_n and_o matter_n of_o scripture_n the_o majesty_n of_o the_o dispensation_n the_o power_n it_o have_v upon_o conscience_n the_o certain_a fulfil_n of_o all_o the_o prophecy_n to_o a_o tittle_n and_o many_o other_o token_n and_o testim_fw-la ony_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o no_o other_o when_o tradition_n can_v produce_v such_o and_o the_o like_a evidence_n we_o may_v haply_o attend_v it_o more_o than_o we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n and_o can_v believe_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o unwritten_a word_n which_o papist_n count_v so_o much_o of_o to_o be_v of_o like_a authority_n because_o one_o contradict_v the_o other_o in_o many_o particular_n to_o instance_n scripture_n show_v a_o communion_n in_o both_o kind_n so_o institute_v as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o all_o the_o evangelist_n and_o so_o administer_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 23_o etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n but_o papist_n give_v only_a bread_n to_o the_o laity_n afâ—…er_v the_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v a_o while_n receive_v here_o be_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n of_o scripture_n by_o practical_a tradition_n and_o so_o there_o be_v in_o forbid_a priest_n marriage_n which_o scripture_n allow_v as_o honourable_a among_o all_o man_n except_v none_o heb._n 13._o 4._o and_o tax_n the_o prohibition_n as_o a_o depart_n from_o the_o faith_n &_o c._n 1_o tim._n 4._o 1_o 8._o what_o shall_v i_o mention_v abstinence_n from_o meat_n have_v public_a divine_a service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n worship_v god_n in_o and_o before_o a_o image_n and_o the_o like_a if_o these_o do_v not_o contradict_v scripture_n there_o be_v no_o thing_n contradictory_n to_o be_v sound_a upon_o
earth_n yea_o worship_v god_n in_o a_o image_n be_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n if_o the_o apostle_n speak_v truth_n rom._n 1._o 19_o 20_o 21_o &_o c._n and_o particular_o ver_n 25._o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o heathen_n idolatry_n be_v serve_v the_o creature_n with_o the_o crea_n or_o to_o return_v where_o we_o be_v before_o we_o call_v scriâ—…ture_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o command_v our_o belief_n for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o such_o a_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v in_o scripture_n we_o know_v not_o where_o to_o look_v for_o it_o and_o they_o who_o question_v we_o about_o this_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o show_v we_o another_o revelation_n of_o god_n mind_n then_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n for_o as_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n only_o so_o we_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o to_o have_v dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n and_o hence_o we_o can_v acknowledge_v no_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o god_n himself_o have_v make_v for_o certain_a what_o be_v the_o rule_n must_v be_v the_o law_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o who_o can_v make_v a_o law_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o god_n only_o and_o this_o i_o leave_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n whether_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v the_o law_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v not_o a_o law_n of_o god_n what!_o shall_v man_n or_o any_o creature_n prescribe_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v god_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v it_o and_o then_o let_v it_o be_v further_o consider_v if_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o all_o one_o for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o do_v not_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v prescribe_v what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o secuâ—…e_v â—…s_n of_o the_o promise_v good_a viz._n eternal_a life_n upon_o our_o believe_v as_o we_o be_v command_v and_o this_o lead_v we_o to_o our_o second_o argument_n from_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v such_o a_o believe_a god_n in_o reveal_v truth_n as_o lead_v we_o to_o our_o bliss_n there_o be_v a_o faith_n that_o save_v not_o as_o all_o grant_n and_o i_o need_v not_o show_v what_o it_o be_v but_o we_o mean_v a_o true_a faith_n or_o a_o sincere_a and_o save_a faith_n and_o this_o be_v undeniable_a let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o this_o faith_n beside_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n but_o of_o this_o we_o may_v take_v more_o notice_n hereafter_o in_o the_o interim_n we_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o sober_a man_n whether_o we_o be_v not_o rational_a in_o make_v divine_a revelation_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o divine_a faith_n for_o sure_a foot_n to_o our_o faith_n we_o hope_v we_o have_v it_o where_o alone_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o this_o will_v appear_v more_o plain_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o question_n whether_o tradition_n the_o church_n testimony_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v or_o can_v bâ—…_n the_o rule_n of_o faâ—…th_n the_o second_o part._n wherein_o be_v debate_v this_o question_n viz._n whether_o tradition_n the_o church_n testimony_n or_o any_o thing_n beside_o scripture_n be_v or_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o question_v protestant_n hold_v the_o negative_a and_o say_v that_o scripture_n alone_o be_v and_o tradition_n can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o now_o i_o must_v first_o show_v what_o papist_n mean_v by_o tradition_n not_o as_o they_o say_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v but_o a_o delivery_n down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n bâ—…_n word_n and_o a_o constâ—…t_a course_n of_o frequent_a and_o visible_a action_n conformable_a to_o those_o word_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o faith_n oâ—…_n fâ—…re-fathers_n this_o they_o call_v oral_a or_o practical_a tradition_n and_o this_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n for_o they_o charge_v scripture_n with_o imperfection_n and_o obscurity_n and_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v no_o competent_a rule_n as_o be_v not_o evident_a or_o certain_a in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o not_o sufficient_a to_o ascertain_v other_o hence_o they_o speak_v of_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n regulate_v by_o tradition_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o say_v it_o be_v none_o at_o all_o and_o this_o they_o avouch_v some_o of_o they_o in_o express_a term_n before_o all_o the_o world_n now_o if_o we_o protestant_n be_v once_o compeâ—…led_v to_o let_v go_v all_o scripture_n authority_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v nothing_o we_o have_v to_o do_v more_o then_o burn_v our_o bibles_n and_o as_o fast_o as_o we_o can_v turn_z roman_z catholic_n papist_n do_v not_o indeed_o say_v as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v that_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o they_o say_v plain_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v ascertain_v to_o we_o without_o tradition_n and_o so_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n rule_v as_o iâ—…_n aâ—…lures_v we_o what_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n and_o what_o not_o yea_o they_o say_v express_o tradition_n be_v a_o competent_a rule_n and_o scripture_n be_v not_o now_o in_o this_o we_o can_v yield_v to_o they_o and_o we_o have_v this_o argument_n for_o our_o dissent_n tradition_n by_o their_o own_o concession_n be_v but_o a_o certain_a way_n of_o deliver_v down_o the_o faith_n and_o can_v be_v no_o other_o at_o most_o and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o much_o we_o can_v yield_v but_o suppose_v it_o only_o we_o say_v therefore_o it_o can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o it_o only_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o the_o rule_n and_o if_o any_o think_v this_o reason_n weak_a let_v he_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o also_o to_o back_o it_o that_o tradition_n be_v but_o a_o humane_a testimony_n and_o can_v therefore_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o divine_a faith_n what!_o the_o faith_n divine_a and_o the_o testimony_n receive_v by_o it_o humane_a what_o reason_n be_v in_o this_o let_v any_o reasonable_a man_n judge_v i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o nor_o will_v it_o help_v in_o this_o case_n to_o allege_v the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o our_o argument_n be_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v as_o the_o testimony_n receive_v by_o it_o if_o therefore_o the_o testimony_n be_v humane_a the_o faith_n be_v such_o and_o where_o be_v we_o then_o be_v our_o faith_n in_o god_n that_o must_v save_v our_o soul_n only_o a_o humane_a and_o not_o a_o divine_a faith_n who_o ever_o hear_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o if_o it_o be_v say_v again_o that_o this_o humane_a testimony_n serve_v to_o ascertain_v we_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n even_o so_o it_o can_v be_v the_o rule_n for_o it_o be_v of_o man_n and_o it_o must_v be_v somewhat_o of_o god_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n fâ—…r_n i_o may_v just_o question_v in_o this_o case_n in_o who_o do_v we_o believe_v to_o the_o save_n of_o our_o soul_n sure_o no_o man_n will_v say_v other_o then_o that_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n well_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n it_o must_v be_v because_o of_o some_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o and_o this_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o his_o promise_n in_o christ_n of_o grace_n and_o pardon_v to_o poor_a sinner_n this_o be_v the_o testimony_n or_o record_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o we_o 5._o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o life_n be_v in_o his_o son_n and_o this_o be_v the_o testimony_n we_o receive_v by_o faith_n and_o so_o our_o faith_n be_v divine_a if_o we_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n our_o faith_n be_v only_o humane_a this_o i_o say_v again_o be_v our_o argument_n that_o our_o faith_n be_v divine_a the_o testimony_n receive_v by_o it_o be_v so_o also_o and_o therefore_o we_o receive_v only_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n it_o can_v be_v reasonable_o imagine_v that_o our_o faith_n shall_v have_v its_o foundation_n and_o sure_a foot_n in_o any_o thing_n of_o man_n but_o here_o they_o ferch_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o to_o little_a purpose_n see_v those_o assistance_n be_v yield_v we_o most_o likely_a to_o help_v we_o in_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o may_v not_o protestant_n more_o rational_o by_o far_o say_v they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o papist_n say_v that_o tradition_n receive_v incomparable_a strength_n by_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o same_o holy_a ghost_n sure_o if_o god_n have_v make_v any_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n his_o spiâ—…it_n most_o likely_a will_v help_v we_o to_o believe_v
it_o be_v so_o agree_v very_o early_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v because_o coâ—…stantine_n in_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n will_v not_o else_o have_v persuade_v the_o father_n assemble_v to_o examine_v and_o try_v all_o question_n and_o controversy_n by_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n for_o have_v it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o have_v be_v rational_a to_o move_v they_o first_o to_o resolve_v what_o the_o canon_n be_v once_o we_o know_v the_o christian_a church_n have_v need_v to_o be_v resolve_v of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n at_o least_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v depart_v this_o life_n for_o if_o any_o thing_n sure_o this_o be_v of_o concernment_n to_o the_o church_n viz._n to_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n state_v as_o the_o standard_n whereby_o all_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v weigh_v and_o measure_v and_o this_o we_o think_v be_v do_v even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o determination_n which_o they_o have_v make_v so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o such_o question_n of_o old_a about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o papist_n have_v make_v of_o late_a that_o some_o have_v question_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o know_v but_o we_o say_v they_o be_v only_o some_o and_o not_o the_o whole_a church_n beside_o to_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o few_o book_n be_v not_o to_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o indeed_o this_o question_n be_v never_o make_v till_o of_o latter_a time_n when_o papist_n can_v no_o more_o defend_v their_o tenet_n by_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n 5._o we_o will_v know_v how_o the_o church_n come_v to_o know_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o this_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o question_n because_o papist_n make_v so_o much_o of_o the_o church_n testimony_n as_o if_o scripture_n have_v no_o authority_n as_o to_o we_o at_o least_o without_o it_o whatâ—…_n do_v the_o church_n devise_v the_o whole_a model_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n out_o of_o her_o own_o heart_n no_o certain_o this_o will_v never_o be_v say_v by_o any_o that_o be_v sober_a what_o then_o questionless_a she_o be_v teach_v it_o of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o i_o hope_v we_o all_o agree_v well_o and_o how_o be_v she_o teach_v it_o be_v it_o not_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o where_o be_v this_o revelation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n but_o i_o proceed_v and_o say_v the_o christian_a church_n learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n from_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n work_v with_o the_o word_n for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n bring_v to_o light_v what_o have_v never_o be_v hear_v of_o or_o think_v on_o before_o but_o they_o only_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n the_o performance_n of_o what_o god_n have_v foretell_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n and_o make_v under_o the_o law_n when_o once_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v and_o so_o the_o apostle_n avow_v act_v 26._o 22._o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v signify_v before_o and_o do_v not_o christ_n come_v to_o fulfil_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o father_n which_o promise_n be_v record_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o and_o christ_n himself_o expound_v the_o scripture_n concern_v himself_o lukâ—…_n 24._o 27._o and_o vers_fw-la 25._o he_o up_o 〈◊〉_d he_o two_o disciple_n with_o their_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v 〈◊〉_d iâ—…_n the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d themselves_o know_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o christ_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v we_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n once_o 〈◊〉_d if_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n 〈◊〉_d let_v papist_n tell_v we_o what_o it_o serve_v â—…or_a true_o we_o be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o know_v no_o use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o that_o be_v grant_v which_o our_o adversary_n plead_v for_o why_o may_v we_o not_o hearken_v to_o the_o church_n and_o her_o tradition_n and_o never_o look_v on_o scripture_n more_o for_o they_o have_v of_o late_o frame_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v all-sufficient_a and_o tell_v we_o plain_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o sure_o if_o we_o thus_o let_v go_v the_o word_n and_o take_v up_o tradition_n we_o have_v best_o let_v god_n go_v also_o and_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o church_n but_o there_o be_v some_o question_n to_o be_v answer_v and_o till_o this_o be_v do_v we_o talk_v to_o no_o purpose_n whatever_o we_o say_v of_o scripture_n or_o against_o tradition_n for_o how_o know_v we_o 1._o whether_o the_o original_n be_v entire_a and_o the_o same_o with_o those_o which_o be_v first_o pon_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n 2._o what_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v canonical_a and_o what_o not_o 3._o whether_o the_o original_n be_v right_o translate_v into_o the_o english_a and_o other_o vulgar_a language_n 4._o whether_o they_o be_v true_o senâ—…ed_v and_o interpret_v etc._n etc._n and_o what_o not_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v press_v upon_o we_o to_o enervate_a the_o source_n of_o scripture_n authority_n and_o prove_v it_o no_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n say_v papist_n must_v be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o and_o it_o must_v evidence_n itself_o so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v ascertain_v of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o how_o can_v the_o vulgar_a be_v sure_a of_o this_o when_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a be_v not_o well_o agree_v about_o it_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o the_o unlearned_a and_o such_o as_o make_v any_o doubt_n about_o these_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v many_o such_o whereof_o some_o be_v rational_a and_o other_o sceptical_a and_o other_o no_o question_n be_v atheistical_a to_o a_o high_a degree_n to_o all_o these_o we_o count_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o answer_v and_o our_o answer_n in_o general_n be_v i._o that_o if_o scripture_n be_v never_o so_o plain_a and_o certain_a there_o will_v be_v some_o doubter_n and_o dissenter_n and_o enemy_n to_o it_o also_o there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o question_n and_o some_o who_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v there_o no_o certainty_n therefore_o of_o god_n existence_n or_o have_v not_o god_n sufficient_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v know_v as_o he_o be_v so_o do_v christ_n give_v evidence_n enough_o of_o himself_o though_o the_o blind_a pharisee_n can_v nor_o or_o rather_o will_v not_o see_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v we_o know_v there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v dissenter_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a honesty_n and_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v plain_a enough_o and_o papist_n i_o be_o confident_a think_v so_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a if_o scripture_n prove_v itself_o so_o far_o as_o all_o honest_a sober_a and_o unintere_v person_n may_v be_v satisfy_v these_o i_o be_o sure_a will_v be_v content_v with_o such_o proof_n as_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n will_v bear_v and_o who_o that_o be_v reasonable_a will_v expect_v argument_n in_o this_o case_n to_o prove_v more_o than_o a_o moral_a certainty_n always_o except_v that_o inward_a assurance_n which_o a_o gracious_a soul_n have_v by_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n spirit_n 2._o we_o answer_v that_o the_o rule_n may_v be_v easy_a though_o all_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v it_o and_o such_o be_v scripture_n easy_a we_o say_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o that_o will_v use_v mean_n for_o that_o end_n what!_o do_v our_o adversary_n think_v it_o may_v be_v know_v by_o dream_v of_o it_o or_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n have_v not_o sufficient_o provide_v for_o our_o soul_n because_o we_o can_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o salvation_n by_o it_o without_o painstaking_a this_o be_v to_o say_v no_o more_o unreasonable_a what_o can_v be_v learn_v without_o use_v mean_n and_o take_v pain_n 3._o we_o may_v just_o look_v on_o these_o query_n about_o scripture_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v ask_v another_o how_o do_v you_o know_v light_a from_o darkness_n white_a from_o black_a sour_a from_o sweet_a for_o scripture_n give_v as_o clear_v a_o discovery_n of_o itself_o as_o thing_n white_a and_o black_a sour_a and_o sweet_a show_v their_o taste_n and_o colour_n but_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v particular_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o order_n to_o the_o first_o question_n about_o the_o original_n we_o answer_v 1._o that_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v entire_a and_o not_o defective_a and_o the_o same_o with_o those_o that_o
shall_v we_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o or_o that_o translation_n sol._n we_o grant_v that_o some_o have_v err_v and_o any_o may_v unless_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a spirit_n to_o aâ—…st_v what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o who_o maintain_v not_o this_o or_o that_o translation_n but_o the_o scripture_n well_o and_o faithful_o translate_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n true_o our_o translation_n have_v be_v alter_v but_o this_o alteration_n have_v be_v in_o word_n more_o than_o matter_n and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sense_n may_v be_v express_v divers_a way_n so_o we_o may_v have_v different_a translation_n without_o any_o error_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o doctrine_n nay_o further_o what_o if_o one_o translation_n shall_v differ_v from_o another_o in_o sense_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o bind_v to_o quit_v our_o english_a bibles_n unless_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o we_o have_v not_o in_o they_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o châ—…istian_a doctrine_n and_o here_o we_o require_v it_o be_v show_v and_o prove_v that_o our_o various_a translation_n do_v not_o all_o agree_v exact_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v in_o they_o all_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n the_o difference_n in_o all_o our_o translation_n be_v not_o such_o or_o so_o many_o as_o that_o we_o shall_v need_v the_o church_n authority_n to_o assure_v and_o settle_v we_o for_o god_n open_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n to_o know_v his_o voice_n from_o other_o while_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n give_v testimony_n to_o itself_o and_o receive_v authority_n from_o no_o other_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v see_v by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o as_o we_o discern_v sweet_a from_o sour_a by_o its_o own_o taste_n however_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n have_v say_v we_o deny_v not_o that_o there_o be_v divers_a mean_n whereby_o our_o conscience_n may_v be_v assure_v some_o private_a as_o skill_n in_o tongue_n learning_n labour_n prayer_n conference_n etc._n etc._n some_o public_a as_o the_o ministry_n which_o act_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o authority_n to_o secure_v but_o ministry_n to_o show_v we_o that_o which_o shall_v secure_v we_o which_o ministry_n be_v found_v on_o the_o scripture_n itself_o in_o that_o from_o thence_o it_o fetch_v the_o reason_n that_o may_v pâ—…rswade_v we_o and_o shâ—…weth_v the_o light_n that_o do_v infallible_o assure_v we_o and_o the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o be_v this_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o inward_a mean_n the_o teach_n of_o the_o church_n a_o outward_a the_o spirit_n secure_v we_o by_o kiss_v own_o authority_n the_o church_n direct_v we_o by_o her_o ministry_n the_o spirit_n have_v light_a in_o itself_o the_o church_n borrow_v she_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o certain_a god_n never_o since_o his_o people_n have_v his_o law_n write_v to_o they_o have_v leave_v they_o without_o a_o ministry_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o that_o ministry_n to_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o how_o this_o can_v be_v do_v among_o our_o vulgar_a unless_o by_o translate_n the_o scripture_n let_v they_o show_v that_o can_v for_o we_o can_v whereas_o our_o adversary_n take_v occasion_n hence_o to_o quarrel_v scripture_n as_o no_o competent_a rule_n of_o faith_n because_o the_o unlearned_a vulgar_a want_n a_o rule_n and_o can_v have_v no_o other_o than_o a_o bible_n translate_v which_o be_v liable_a to_o many_o and_o great_a mistake_n we_o may_v just_o question_v they_o about_o their_o translation_n for_o they_o know_v there_o be_v a_o latin_a translation_n not_o the_o original_a for_o certain_a which_o be_v with_o they_o commend_v as_o authentical_a to_o say_v no_o more_o only_o we_o desire_v they_o first_o to_o answer_v for_o themselves_o however_o we_o may_v just_o marvel_v that_o they_o send_v we_o to_o tradition_n for_o our_o assurance_n about_o translation_n see_v our_o present_a english_a translation_n be_v of_o no_o such_o ancient_a date_n as_o we_o need_v to_o inquire_v much_o what_o our_o father_n thought_n of_o they_o they_o be_v best_a know_v and_o discern_v by_o those_o who_o best_a understand_v the_o original_n and_o have_v the_o most_o help_n and_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v allow_v for_o such_o a_o work_n as_o translate_n the_o scripture_n and_o for_o these_o we_o may_v without_o ostentation_n say_v that_o we_o have_v as_o good_a and_o as_o many_o as_o they_o have_v and_o the_o translation_n we_o have_v be_v approve_v of_o by_o our_o church_n though_o not_o by_o they_o if_o the_o papist_n will_v or_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v translate_v at_o all_o or_o else_o help_v we_o to_o a_o translation_n absolute_o answerable_a to_o the_o original_n and_o give_v we_o good_a security_n for_o it_o they_o shall_v do_v both_o we_o and_o themselves_o a_o good_a piece_n of_o service_n but_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o translation_n unless_o we_o know_v of_o any_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a way_n of_o bring_v our_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o his_o write_a word_n and_o what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v or_o what_o can_v we_o do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o poor_a soul_n there_o be_v some_o perhaps_o who_o can_v resolve_v this_o otherwise_o then_o we_o dare_v and_o say_v let_v they_o alone_o to_o be_v as_o ignorant_a as_o may_v be_v and_o believe_v only_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v right_a or_o wrong_n but_o for_o our_o part_n we_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n that_o our_o people_n will_v never_o grope_v out_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n while_o they_o be_v blindfolded_a nor_o can_v we_o be_v persuade_v that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n though_o we_o know_v it_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o superstition_n god_n 〈◊〉_d mâ—…n_n from_o darkness_n uâ—…to_fw-la light_n when_o he_o turn_v they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n 〈◊〉_d himself_o act._n 26._o 18_o and_o why_o come_v our_o saviour_n a_o lighâ—…_n into_o the_o world_n if_o we_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n as_o blind_a as_o we_o be_v bear_v what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v while_o we_o be_v here_o â—…pon_o earth_n more_o than_o to_o get_v grace_n and_o knowledge_n and_o grow_v in_o it_o more_o and_o more_o heaven_n be_v call_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o hell_n be_v call_v utter_a darkness_n to_o say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n translate_v into_o english_a because_o the_o great_a number_n of_o our_o people_n who_o soul_n be_v as_o precious_a as_o other_o can_v otherwise_o understand_v they_o without_o a_o miracle_n and_o we_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n we_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o make_v our_o people_n know_v god_n mind_n and_o will_n in_o 〈◊〉_d write_v word_n and_o for_o tradition_n we_o know_v no_o use_n of_o it_o unless_o iâ—…_n be_v fiâ—…st_o resolve_v beyond_o all_o exception_n that_o we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v whatever_o the_o scripture_n say_v what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a query_n may_v serve_v in_o part_n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d hand_n last_o qâ—…ery_n about_o the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n however_o we_o shall_v say_v what_o we_o thâ—…nk_v about_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n not_o sense_v and_o to_o be_v sense_v now_o the_o sense_n of_o 〈◊〉_d that_o scripture_n have_v word_n and_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o they_o read_v it_o as_o any_o mâ—…n_n read_v his_o friend_n or_o correspondent_o letter_n to_o know_v his_o mind_n in_o they_o or_o as_o factouâ—…s_n beyond_o sea_n come_v to_o know_v their_o merchant_n order_n give_v they_o in_o and_o by_o their_o letter_n sometime_o a_o difference_n arise_v among_o these_o and_o â—…hen_o what_o can_v a_o factor_n do_v to_o clear_v himself_o more_o then_o to_o produce_v his_o merchant_n leâ—…ters_n and_o say_v here_o be_v the_o order_n you_o give_v i_o and_o i_o have_v follow_v it_o so_o do_v we_o when_o we_o be_v question_v about_o our_o faith_n we_o know_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o this_o that_o we_o have_v order_n give_v we_o in_o scripture_n to_o believe_v so_o and_o so_o and_o not_o otherwise_o we_o can_v in_o this_o case_n abstract_n the_o leâ—…ter_n from_o the_o sense_n scholar_n indeed_o in_o their_o contemplation_n may_v make_v such_o abstraction_n but_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o they_o in_o practical_a use_n or_o about_o moral_a action_n for_o in_o such_o case_n we_o must_v as_o all_o sober_a man_n do_v take_v word_n and_o sense_n together_o word_n and_o letter_n as_o far_o as_o we_o ever_o learn_v serve_v only_o to_o signifiâ—…_n man_n sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o so_o do_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n signify_v god_n mind_n
and_o meaning_n in_o iâ—…_n and_o so_o we_o produce_v they_o in_o any_o matter_n of_o question_n as_o man_n do_v their_o write_a evidence_n in_o a_o trial_n at_o law_n will_v it_o be_v allow_v in_o such_o a_o case_n that_o a_o lawyer_n if_o any_o such_o can_v possible_o be_v find_v shall_v evade_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n by_o abstract_v the_o letter_n from_o the_o sense_n all_o man_n of_o common_a reason_n know_v that_o write_v evidence_n be_v intend_v to_o show_v man_n sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o that_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o sense_n can_v be_v separate_v though_o every_o puny_a sophister_n can_v distinguish_v they_o in_o this_o distinguish_n between_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o say_v that_o protestant_n have_v only_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n for_o their_o rule_n we_o can_v guess_v at_o no_o design_n but_o this_o that_o 〈◊〉_d will_v have_v we_o run_v as_o far_o as_o rome_n to_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n thence_o and_o then_o we_o may_v have_v it_o senâ—…ed_v as_o it_o have_v be_v heretofore_o by_o some_o of_o they_o for_o instance_n â—…ehold_v here_o be_v two_o sword_n lâ—…ke_v 22._o 38._o that_o be_v the_o pope_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o spiâ—…itual_a and_o temporal_a sword_n then_o â—…ast_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o fâ—…et_n 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o fi_fw-la 〈◊〉_d pâ—…l_n 8._o 6_o 7._o and_o this_o be_v apply_v to_o christ_n heb._n 2._o but_o the_o roman_a sense_n be_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o pope_n by_o catteâ—…_n they_o will_v have_v we_o understand_v man_n on_o earth_n by_o the_o fish_n in_o the_o sea_n the_o soul_n in_o purgatory_n and_o the_o bird_n be_v the_o bless_a soul_n in_o heaven_n or_o as_o they_o all_o seem_v to_o sense_n that_o command_n of_o christ_n drink_v you_o all_o of_o this_o drink_v you_o not_o not_o all_o of_o this_o these_o seem_v foâ—…_n certain_a to_o make_v neither_o the_o letter_n nor_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n bâ—…t_v someâ—…hat_o else_o but_o the_o letter_n can_v be_v a_o rule_n obâ—…_n say_v they_o see_v the_o letter_n speak_v thing_n otherwise_o then_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o letter_n attribute_n hand_n and_o sit_fw-mi 〈◊〉_d to_o 〈◊〉_d which_o must_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o imagine_v see_v he_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d we_o need_v not_o for_o all_o this_o be_v behold_v sol._n to_o tradition_n oâ—…_n seek_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n our_o reason_n if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o thing_n to_o help_v we_o will_v reach_v we_o that_o god_n have_v no_o limb_n nor_o sense_n as_o we_o man_n have_v and_o therefore_o we_o abhor_v to_o make_v any_o representation_n of_o god_n in_o any_o bodily_a shape_n as_o know_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o represent_v god_n by_o the_o similitude_n of_o any_o creature_n what_o reasonable_a man_n can_v be_v ignerant_a that_o god_n hand_n 〈◊〉_d his_o power_n and_o his_o eye_n his_o providence_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o such_o expression_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o a_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o our_o inâ—…rmity_n to_o say_v no_o more_o these_o reason_n be_v no_o better_a than_o 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v best_a 〈◊〉_d by_o take_v least_o notice_n oâ—…_n they_o for_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o have_v the_o ministry_n which_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n appoint_v for_o that_o end_n so_o 〈◊〉_d el_fw-es have_v a_o law_n and_o priest_n to_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o malac._n 2._o 7._o and_o we_o have_v a_o precedent_n record_v nâ—…hem_n 8._o 8._o and_o we_o think_v that_o papist_n meaning_n be_v the_o people_n shall_v seek_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n at_o the_o pâ—…iests_n lip_n see_v they_o allow_v they_o to_o have_v no_o bibles_n but_o what_o need_v they_o make_v such_o ado_n about_o this_o be_v they_o or_o can_v they_o be_v ignorant_a that_o all_o the_o great_a necessary_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v set_v down_o so_o plain_o in_o scripture_n as_o no_o man_n can_v miss_v of_o the_o true_a sense_n if_o he_o do_v but_o read_v they_o with_o deliberation_n there_o be_v no_o translation_n but_o have_v all_o these_o and_o no_o man_n in_o his_o sense_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o if_o he_o will_v but_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o this_o be_v the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o to_o give_v we_o a_o plain_a and_o a_o easy_a rule_n what_o though_o some_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o exercise_v our_o diligence_n yet_o all_o the_o necessary_a save_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v open_a and_o obvious_a to_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o understand_v and_o to_o use_v mean_n for_o that_o end_n thus_o god_n have_v write_v law_n as_o man_n do_v for_o such_o as_o be_v concern_v and_o both_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o all_o if_o they_o will_v do_v what_o be_v their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o it_o there_o be_v record_n of_o man_n law_n which_o we_o may_v call_v the_o original_n and_o there_o be_v statute-b_a ok_n print_v for_o man_n to_o read_v and_o know_v the_o law_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o transgress_v these_o law_n be_v question_v and_o punish_v though_o there_o be_v many_o that_o can_v read_v they_o because_o they_o know_v not_o a_o letter_n for_o it_o be_v just_o and_o reasonable_o presuâ—…ed_v that_o all_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n may_v come_v to_o know_v the_o law_n so_o much_o as_o concern_v they_o and_o so_o may_v our_o people_n say_v we_o come_v to_o know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n if_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o it_o therefore_o such_o query_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n &_o c._n be_v no_o better_o than_o quibble_n they_o that_o bâ—…sie_n themselves_o to_o trouble_v we_o with_o such_o captious_a question_n may_v do_v well_o to_o bestow_v their_o pain_n about_o some_o other_o who_o may_v give_v they_o more_o thanks_o than_o we_o can_v for_o their_o labour_n i_o mean_v our_o untoward_o people_n who_o be_v some_o of_o they_o sometime_o try_v for_o their_o life_n be_v indict_v upon_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o our_o land_n let_v they_o prompt_v these_o poor_a wretch_n to_o plead_v that_o the_o law_n be_v no_o rule_n for_o they_o to_o walk_v by_o see_v they_o never_o can_v read_v they_o nor_o perhaps_o ever_o see_v a_o statute-book_n and_o they_o can_v be_v sure_a the_o print_a staâ—…utes_n be_v the_o same_o word_n for_o word_n with_o the_o original_a record_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v sure_a what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n for_o lawyer_n be_v sometime_o divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n about_o it_o o_o what_o a_o brave_a piece_n of_o service_n this_o will_v be_v count_v by_o some_o thus_o to_o make_v void_a all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n but_o the_o law_n of_o england_n must_v not_o be_v lay_v down_o upon_o such_o preâ—…ences_n and_o we_o hope_v the_o lâ—…ws_n of_o god_n in_o scâ—…ipture_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v void_a upon_o no_o better_a ground_n for_o our_o vulgar_a they_o have_v as_o many_o advantage_n to_o know_v the_o rule_n of_o â—…aith_n in_o scripture_n as_o they_o have_v to_o know_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o no_o â—…ber_a man_n can_v say_v or_o think_v otherwise_o for_o as_o we_o have_v such_o as_o be_v study_v and_o understand_v in_o the_o law_n of_o england_n so_o we_o have_v such_o as_o be_v by_o office_n bind_v to_o cause_v other_o to_o know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o have_v god_n provide_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o his_o people_n may_v not_o perish_v for_o lack_v of_o knowledge_n true_a the_o priest_n may_v as_o once_o they_o do_v mâ—…l_a c._n 2._o 8._o depart_n out_o of_o the_o war_n and_o cause_n mâ—…ny_o to_o stumbâ—…e_v at_o the_o law_n and_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o no_o marvel_n if_o tradition_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o 〈◊〉_d a_o witness_n of_o the_o say_v of_o forefather_n see_v most_o as_o be_v the_o pâ—…iest_n so_o be_v the_o people_n however_o this_o have_v be_v god_n ordinary_a way_n for_o teach_v his_o people_n and_o god_n ordinance_n be_v not_o the_o worse_a for_o man_n abuse_n his_o law_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v by_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a and_o will_v use_v mean_n to_o learn_v they_o because_o he_o have_v appoint_v officer_n to_o teach_v the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n and_o will_n hence_o we_o may_v just_o say_v of_o these_o exception_n that_o they_o be_v to_o small_a purpose_n and_o whoever_o weigh_v the_o argument_n will_v find_v it_o to_o strike_v almost_o direct_o at_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n in_o declare_v and_o dispense_n the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n
for_o this_o be_v confess_v and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o deny_v that_o scripture_n be_v pen_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o in_o the_o several_a language_n of_o all_o people_n but_o in_o two_o only_a which_o few_o now_o adays_o in_o compâ—…on_n do_v understand_v hence_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o translate_n and_o inâ—…erpreting_v scripture_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n have_v give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o these_o gift_n we_o use_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o need_v our_o adversary_n quarrel_v we_o about_o what_o we_o can_v help_v but_o we_o know_v what_o lie_v at_o bottom_n they_o will_v fain_o have_v we_o go_v down_o to_o they_o to_o sharpen_v our_o share_n and_o our_o coulter_n &_o c._n which_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o do_v so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v smith_n enough_o at_o home_n to_o make_v we_o sword_n and_o spear_n i_o shall_v now_o conclude_v our_o answer_n with_o that_o which_o we_o count_v the_o pillar_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o as_o i_o may_v say_v the_o sure-footing_a of_o our_o faith_n in_o scripture_n we_o do_v indeed_o make_v the_o scripture_n our_o only_a rule_n and_o believe_v that_o in_o they_o alone_o be_v prescribe_v to_o we_o whatever_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o know_v and_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n and_o in_o this_o our_o faith_n we_o own_o the_o divine_a authority_n whereof_o we_o see_v so_o many_o evident_a token_n in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o but_o yet_o we_o say_v that_o as_o god_n only_o be_v a_o competent_a witness_n of_o himself_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n so_o his_o word_n be_v never_o well_o root_v in_o our_o heart_n till_o it_o be_v seal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o spirit_n which_o speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n pierâ—…ing_v our_o heart_n and_o persuade_v we_o that_o what_o god_n command_v have_v be_v faithful_o deliver_v to_o we_o according_o and_o this_o promise_n we_o have_v isa._n 59_o 21._o not_o his_o word_n only_o but_o his_o spirit_n also_o to_o seal_v it_o upon_o the_o soul_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n to_o this_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o owe_v all_o that_o acquiescency_n we_o have_v in_o scripture_n for_o when_o we_o be_v therewith_o enlighten_v and_o enliven_v we_o do_v no_o more_o trust_v our_o own_o or_o other_o judgement_n but_o be_v carry_v up_o above_o whatever_o be_v of_o man_n and_o so_o we_o resolve_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n and_o fear_n that_o scripture_n be_v of_o god_n alone_o then_o we_o look_v no_o more_o after_o proof_n or_o probability_n but_o submit_v our_o reason_n and_o all_o we_o have_v to_o that_o authority_n which_o we_o dare_v not_o any_o long_a to_o deny_v or_o dispute_v for_o than_o we_o have_v a_o inward_a lively_a sense_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v effectual_o draw_v witting_o and_o willing_o to_o submit_v to_o our_o master_n in_o heaven_n so_o we_o account_v as_o we_o have_v reason_n that_o only_o to_o be_v faith_n unfeigned_a which_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n seal_v upon_o our_o heart_n in_o our_o hear_n and_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o this_o may_v seem_v strange_a doctrine_n to_o such_o as_o know_v nothing_o of_o these_o matter_n by_o experience_n therefore_o i_o shall_v discourse_v it_o a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v if_o possible_a make_v it_o manifest_v even_o to_o reason_n the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n be_v about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n this_o faith_n iâ—…_n be_v grant_v be_v such_o as_o lead_v we_o to_o our_o bliss_n hence_o we_o protestant_n conclude_v that_o this_o faith_n can_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o alone_o work_v all_o spiriâ—…ual_a good_a and_o this_o alâ—…o_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v it_o ordinary_o at_o least_o by_o the_o word_n as_o its_o most_o proper_a instrument_n will_v any_o put_v we_o to_o prove_v this_o sure_o they_o must_v have_v too_o much_o of_o the_o aâ—…heist_n that_o question_n it_o for_o how_o be_v all_o the_o world_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o christ_n word_n and_o his_o spirit_n open_v their_o heart_n to_o receive_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o do_v not_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n open_a and_o expound_v the_o old_a teslament_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n luke_n 24._o 27._o act_n 26._o 22._o and_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n work_v that_o faith_n whereby_o thousand_o believe_v that_o truth_n but_o this_o be_v scâ—…ipture_n and_o it_o must_v not_o be_v allow_v if_o our_o adversary_n be_v judge_n to_o give_v evidence_n for_o we_o in_o this_o case_n we_o shall_v therefore_o require_v they_o to_o show_v what_o service_n tradition_n do_v when_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n pâ—…eached_v the_o gospel_n we_o hope_v they_o viz._n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v assure_v some_o other_o way_n that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o they_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o open_v the_o blind_a eye_n we_o may_v be_v excuse_v for_o say_v that_o god_n work_v faith_n in_o man_n by_o his_o word_n as_o the_o most_o usual_a instrument_n and_o if_o this_o also_o be_v question_v let_v papist_n show_v how_o faith_n which_o save_v our_o soul_n be_v or_o can_v be_v wrought_v by_o their_o oâ—…al_n or_o practical_a tradition_n we_o know_v well_o that_o child_n be_v apt_a enough_o to_o take_v up_o what_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v their_o progenâ—…tors_n do_v or_o say_v before_o they_o and_o so_o they_o common_o p_o ofess_v the_o religion_n whatever_o it_o be_v which_o they_o find_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n yea_o it_o be_v with_o many_o the_o great_a argument_n for_o their_o religion_n that_o their_o forefather_n be_v so_o mind_v but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o bring_v we_o unto_o a_o sound_n believe_v on_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o save_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o believe_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v the_o witness_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o himself_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v any_o other_o way_n of_o receive_v any_o testimony_n nor_o our_o adversary_n neither_o as_o we_o think_v we_o know_v too_o that_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o that_o faith_n which_o will_v bring_v he_o to_o his_o happiness_n the_o devil_n it_o be_v say_v cite_v and_o urge_v scripture_n 6._o as_o god_n word_n though_o to_o a_o very_a bad_a purpose_n certain_o that_o faith_n which_o bring_v man_n to_o their_o happiness_n be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a belief_n of_o scripture-truth_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o receive_n of_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o promise_n such_o as_o cause_n we_o to_o account_v all_o but_o loss_n and_o dung_n for_o christ._n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o now_o it_o almost_o amaze_v we_o to_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o faith_n wrought_v by_o tradition_n what!_o have_v god_n no_o word_n at_o all_o or_o have_v he_o give_v no_o testimony_n nor_o witness_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o scripture_n if_o this_o strange_a doctrine_n take_v place_n for_o say_v our_o adversary_n tradition_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o have_v admirable_a strength_n by_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nay_o further_o we_o must_v be_v all_o fanatic_n if_o we_o hold_v to_o scripture_n and_o let_v go_v tradition_n but_o this_o need_v no_o answer_n with_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o word_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o his_o will_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o god_n there_o may_v be_v we_o grant_v and_o question_n nor_o some_o force_n of_o tradition_n for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n unless_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n while_o by_o it_o and_o not_o by_o his_o word_n he_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v alas_o what_o faith_n do_v our_o adversary_n count_v upon_o do_v they_o dream_v of_o be_v save_v only_o by_o a_o certain_a persuasion_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o truth_n and_o no_o lie_n if_o they_o do_v let_v they_o keep_v their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o we_o count_v upon_o somewhat_o else_o which_o we_o be_v sure_a can_v never_o be_v effectual_o
wrought_v in_o we_o bâ—…t_o by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o yield_v to_o they_o that_o we_o can_v be_v no_o other_o way_n ascertain_v of_o the_o doctrine_n oâ—…_n christ_n as_o true_a then_o by_o tradition_n for_o we_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n and_o shall_v i_o hope_v while_o we_o live_v account_v of_o it_o more_o than_o tradition_n or_o any_o testimony_n of_o man_n i_o shall_v now_o add_v somewhat_o as_o a_o answer_n in_o general_a to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o former_a exception_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o same_o or_o like_o kind_n we_o sâ—…y_v that_o there_o be_v one_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o that_o be_v the_o divine_a truth_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v sum_v up_o into_o these_o two_o general_a head_n viz._n faith_n and_o obedâ—…ence_n or_o faith_n and_o holiness_n according_a to_o what_o god_n have_v declare_v as_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n what_o he_o promise_v we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o when_o he_o command_v we_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o in_o both_o we_o fulfil_v the_o will_n of_o god_n aâ—…d_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o eternal_a life_n this_o divine_a truth_n we_o never_o find_v any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o our_o adversariâ—…s_n have_v make_v any_o other_o discovery_n we_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o it_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v man_n died_z and_o roâ—…e_v again_o etc._n etc._n for_o our_o redemption_n all_o christian_n acknowledge_v as_o also_o that_o all_o who_o hope_v for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n must_v deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o live_v sober_o â—…ighteously_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o this_o to_o know_v and_o do_v be_v eternal_a life_n and_o if_o our_o adversary_n or_o any_o before_o theâ—…_n ever_o know_v this_o doctrine_n otherwise_o then_o by_o scripture_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o leaâ—…n_v for_o their_o tradition_n as_o they_o signify_v râ—…straditas_fw-la we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o for_o the_o question_n put_v to_o we_o be_v only_o this_o how_o we_o be_v or_o can_v be_v ascertain_v of_o scripture_n that_o it_o have_v deliver_v over_o to_o we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o question_n draw_v out_o into_o many_o and_o several_a query_n we_o have_v answer_v already_o and_o now_o give_v this_o as_o a_o answer_n to_o all_o of_o they_o or_o any_o the_o like_a and_o this_o we_o do_v not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o as_o be_v more_o know_v and_o better_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o only_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o poor_a soul_n who_o through_o want_n and_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n may_v be_v puzzle_v with_o such_o question_n now_o to_o these_o we_o say_v again_o that_o we_o hold_v nothing_o for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o divine_a truth_n which_o teach_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ._n for_o original_n or_o translation_n of_o scripture_n we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v neither_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v ever_o since_o god_n have_v a_o church_n upon_o earth_n a_o revelation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n hence_o this_o doctrine_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v no_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o two_o thousand_o year_n and_o more_o for_o whatever_o god_n reveal_v as_o his_o mind_n that_o we_o must_v heed_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v there_o may_v be_v a_o difference_n and_o have_v be_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o revelation_n but_o the_o divine_a truth_n reveal_v be_v always_o the_o same_o viz._n jesus_n christ_n the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o heb._n 13._o 8._o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o man_n can_v be_v save_v act._n 4._o 12._o this_o we_o believe_v as_o all_o god_n people_n have_v do_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o this_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o find_v no_o where_o but_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o law_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o the_o rule_n be_v and_o have_v be_v always_o the_o same_o though_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o reveal_v it_o have_v be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o that_o at_o first_o more_o obâ—…cure_a and_o after_o more_o and_o more_o clear_a till_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n arise_v and_o of_o this_o doctrine_n reveal_v no_o christian_n we_o suppose_v have_v ever_o make_v question_n what_o need_n be_v there_o then_o of_o such_o captious_a query_n about_o the_o original_n and_o translation_n or_o about_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o all_o original_n and_o translation_n offer_v and_o hold_v forth_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o whatever_o the_o letter_n be_v this_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a salvation_n of_o god_n and_o be_v there_o indeed_o no_o way_n of_o assure_v this_o to_o we_o but_o tradition_n or_o the_o church_n testimony_n as_o it_o have_v be_v give_v in_o all_o age_n this_o â—…as_v have_v be_v say_v be_v to_o confirm_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n by_o that_o of_o man_n and_o if_o our_o faith_n be_v ground_v only_o on_o the_o translation_n english_a or_o other_o our_o foundation_n be_v the_o knowledge_n skill_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o man_n and_o they_o that_o can_v read_v as_o some_o we_o be_v sure_a can_v must_v have_v no_o foundation_n at_o all_o but_o he_o that_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n whether_o in_o the_o original_n or_o translation_n or_o whetesoever_o have_v a_o sure_a foundation_n viz._n the_o unchangeable_a counsel_n of_o god_n which_o never_o fail_v as_o for_o the_o translation_n or_o the_o original_n though_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v the_o rule_n yet_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v any_o part_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v only_o mean_v to_o convey_v and_o deliver_v over_o to_o man_n the_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n and_o this_o we_o have_v i_o say_v again_o in_o all_o original_n and_o translation_n and_o whatever_o sense_n have_v be_v make_v of_o scripture_n by_o any_o all_o agree_v unanimous_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ._n what_o need_v we_o then_o be_v question_v about_o that_o which_o no_o christian_a ever_o make_v question_n of_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o as_o doubt_v whether_o man_n be_v save_v by_o christ_n only_o or_o whether_o they_o who_o be_v save_v by_o he_o must_v walk_v in_o love_n and_o show_v their_o love_n by_o keep_v his_o commandment_n we_o desire_v to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o as_o not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o whether_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o doctrine_n in_o no_o other_o way_n then_o by_o tradition_n i_o shall_v now_o leave_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o such_o as_o will_v impartial_o weigh_v what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o have_v now_o do_v argue_v and_o answer_v and_o shall_v only_o advise_v such_o as_o be_v by_o their_o profession_n protestant_n that_o they_o will_v serious_o bethink_v themselves_o how_o they_o may_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v unto_o the_o end_n the_o advice_n i_o offer_v they_o be_v 1._o that_o they_o labour_v much_o and_o earnest_o to_o understand_v the_o mind_n and_o meaning_n of_o god_n in_o his_o write_a word_n and_o good_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o it_o god_n word_n be_v his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n by_o which_o alone_o we_o come_v to_o know_v what_o inheritance_n there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o we_o in_o heaven_n and_o what_o legacy_n he_o have_v bequeath_v we_o for_o our_o livelihood_n and_o subsistence_n to_o all_o eternity_n scripture_n be_v as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o the_o charter_n by_o which_o we_o have_v and_o hold_v all_o the_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n which_o be_v free_o confer_v and_o bestow_v on_o we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o also_o all_o the_o law_n and_o order_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o observe_v as_o we_o be_v citizen_n of_o the_o new_a and_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n what_o shall_v christian_n than_o do_v other_o then_o read_v over_o their_o father_n will_n and_o study_v exact_o in_o every_o particular_a what_o concern_v they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o everlasting_a happiness_n the_o letter_n and_o the_o sense_n the_o history_n and_o the_o mystery_n every_o part_n and_o particle_n shall_v be_v in_o our_o heaâ—…ts_n and_o head_n so_o as_o we_o may_v have_v they_o as_o we_o say_v at_o our_o finger_n end_n if_o any_o ask_v how_o
λογος_n αυτοπιστος_n or_o scripture_n self-evidence_n to_o prove_v its_o existence_n authority_n certainty_n in_o itself_o and_o sufficiency_n in_o its_o kind_n to_o ascertain_v other_o that_o it_o be_v inspire_a of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n publish_a as_o a_o plea_n for_o protestant_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o intend_v only_o for_o the_o use_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n isa._n 8._o 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n john_n 5._o 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n canonica_n autoritas_fw-la veteris_fw-la &_o novi_fw-la testamenti_fw-la quae_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la consirmata_fw-la temporibus_fw-la per_fw-la successiones_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la &_o propagationes_fw-la ecclesiâ—rum_fw-la tanquam_fw-la in_o sede_fw-la quâdam_fw-la sublimitèr_fw-la constituta_fw-la est_fw-la aug._n contr_n faust._n ma._n 1._o 11._o c._n 5._o london_n print_v for_o edward_n brewster_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o mr._n marriotts_n a_o scrivener_n over_o against_o hicks-hall_n in_o st._n john_n street_n 1667._o to_o all_o well-meaning_n protestant_n who_o desire_n and_o resolve_v to_o hold_v fast_o their_o profession_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v least_o able_a to_o dispute_v controversy_n sir_n i_o marvel_v not_o if_o you_o think_v yourselves_o well_o ground_a in_o your_o religion_n while_o you_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o by_o prove_v the_o article_n of_o your_o faith_n out_o of_o scripture_n for_o in_o this_o persuasion_n you_o be_v of_o 〈◊〉_d same_o mind_n with_o i_o whoever_o you_o be_v however_o i_o must_v admonish_v you_o that_o what_o please_v you_o and_o i_o do_v not_o satisfy_v all_o for_o there_o be_v still_o as_o of_o late_o have_v be_v such_o as_o will_v ask_v you_o how_o you_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n therefore_o it_o concern_v you_o and_o i_o too_o as_o the_o time_n be_v to_o bethink_v ourselves_o what_o to_o answer_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o the_o question_n and_o that_o you_o may_v have_v some_o what_o to_o reply_v i_o have_v in_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n give_v you_o some_o of_o those_o thought_n which_o i_o have_v take_v up_o by_o occasion_n of_o this_o question_n that_o may_v be_v put_v to_o we_o i_o know_v well_o that_o divers_a learned_a both_o english_a and_o outlandish_a divine_v have_v bestow_v their_o pain_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o we_o account_v it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o labour_n of_o those_o learned_a man_n be_v such_o either_o for_o language_n or_o somewhat_o else_o as_o they_o will_v be_v to_o you_o if_o you_o have_v they_o by_o you_o as_o the_o word_n of_o a_o book_n that_o be_v seal_v i_o have_v therefore_o compose_v this_o discourse_n in_o a_o plain_a english_a style_n and_o phrase_n and_o of_o no_o great_a price_n to_o ease_v your_o purse_n that_o you_o may_v have_v by_o you_o somewhat_o to_o answer_v your_o adversary_n in_o it_o i_o use_v and_o urge_v scripture_n very_o little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o in_o a_o manner_n because_o i_o will_v cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o our_o adversary_n who_o will_v else_o say_v i_o prove_v my_o conclusion_n by_o that_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o you_o to_o be_v well_o inform_v in_o this_o case_n and_o to_o be_v fortify_v against_o the_o assault_n of_o such_o as_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o undermine_v you_o and_o turn_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o your_o faith_n i_o must_v leave_v you_o to_o be_v judge_n for_o our_o adversary_n i_o be_o resolve_v never_o to_o draw_v the_o see_v against_o they_o partly_o because_o of_o my_o insufficiency_n many_o way_n to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o such_o giantlike_a man_n and_o especial_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o worthy_n on_o our_o side_n who_o great_a ability_n and_o advantage_n such_o as_o i_o want_v can_v but_o encourage_v they_o to_o what_o i_o dare_v not_o undertake_v all_o my_o design_n be_v to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a who_o desire_n be_v to_o learn_v and_o to_o such_o i_o offer_v these_o weak_a endeavour_n of_o i_o in_o hope_n they_o may_v suggest_v somewhat_o that_o may_v serve_v to_o stay_v and_o uphold_v the_o weak_a till_o they_o be_v further_o establish_v by_o the_o help_n of_o some_o more_o able_a hand_n and_o if_o this_o be_v i_o have_v all_o my_o design_n so_o as_o god_n may_v have_v all_o the_o glory_n scripture_n the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n protestant's_n have_v always_o count_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o that_o they_o may_v abide_v and_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o in_o this_o persuasion_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v my_o heart_n desire_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o they_o but_o though_o they_o hold_v scripture_n for_o a_o principle_n and_o ground-plot_n of_o their_o faith_n yet_o they_o be_v call_v upon_o somewhat_o methinks_v beside_o the_o law_n of_o science_n to_o prove_v it_o and_o this_o task_n i_o be_o willing_a in_o their_o behalf_n to_o undertake_v because_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v we_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a 15._o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o for_o this_o consideration_n and_o nothing_o else_o have_v embolden_v i_o to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v the_o rational_a ground_n which_o protestant_n have_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o write_v by_o his_o command_n to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n unto_o all_o christian_n and_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o account_n i_o shall_v reduce_v unto_o these_o two_o particular_n 1._o i_o shall_v allege_v some_o of_o those_o rational_a ground_n by_o which_o protestant_n be_v induce_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v with_o the_o conclusion_n which_o we_o think_v must_v unavoidable_o follow_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n 2._o i_o shall_v a_o little_a discuss_v the_o queflion_n wherhe_a tradition_n the_o church_n testimony_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n can_v be_v rational_o allow_v this_o great_a privilege_n of_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o conclude_v all_o with_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o grand_a objection_n of_o papist_n against_o scripture_n because_o as_o it_o be_v all_o they_o can_v say_v worth_a our_o notice_n so_o it_o be_v look_v on_o by_o they_o as_o a_o invincible_a achilles_n and_o a_o short_a but_o serious_a admonition_n to_o all_o protestant_n who_o mind_n the_o concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n or_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o it_o the_o former_a part_n show_v the_o rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o protestant_n believe_v scripture_n to_o be_v inspire_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n scripture_n be_v as_o it_o call_v itself_o a_o light_n and_o therefore_o be_v best_a see_v in_o and_o by_o and_o of_o itself_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o show_v it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o we_o have_v say_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v to_o prove_v its_o divine_a authority_n we_o must_v â—…i_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v see_v in_o its_o own_o light_n and_o to_o prove_v it_o selâ—…_n the_o manitestation_n of_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n make_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o upon_o due_a consideration_n it_o will_v appear_v so_o to_o any_o that_o be_v judicious_a and_o impartial_a for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v by_o any_o argument_n beside_o the_o attestation_n give_v it_o by_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o evident_a token_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o it_o and_o so_o it_o prove_v itself_o just_a as_o a_o learned_a man_n prove_v himself_o a_o scholar_n by_o his_o learned_a exercise_n when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o they_o or_o as_o god_n prove_v himself_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v by_o what_o he_o say_v and_o do_v however_o we_o be_v put_v to_o prove_v our_o principle_n and_o we_o be_v content_v so_o to_o do_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v i_o say_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v because_o all_o scholar_n know_v that_o principle_n be_v most_o hard_o prove_v against_o such_o as_o have_v impudence_n enough_o to_o deny_v they_o and_o here_o i_o must_v in_o order_n to_o my_o intend_a work_n request_v the_o reader_n to_o grant_v i_o somewhat_o which_o seem_v very_o reasonable_a and_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v suppose_v such_o by_o all_o that_o be_v indifferent_a and_o impartial_a 1._o that_o in_o this_o case_n i_o can_v allege_v no_o rational_a argument_n other_o than_o such_o as_o scripture_n yield_v and_o offer_v to_o prove_v itself_o inspire_v of_o
it_o much_o rather_o then_o aâ—…y_a thing_n else_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o care_v so_o little_a sore_a tradition_n because_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n for_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n to_o save_v we_o but_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o know_v not_o how_o we_o can_v have_v faith_n in_o god_n but_o by_o receive_v the_o testimony_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v when_o papist_n attribute_v so_o much_o to_o tradition_n for_o ascertain_v scripture_n we_o can_v yield_v to_o they_o in_o it_o because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n so_o speak_v to_o man_n as_o they_o may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v if_o he_o do_v not_o it_o be_v because_o he_o will_v not_o or_o because_o he_o can_v that_o he_o can_v no_o man_n can_v say_v without_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v he_o will_v not_o be_v little_o better_a for_o he_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a but_o open_o and_o plain_o so_o as_o they_o to_o who_o he_o have_v speak_v have_v know_v certain_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n not_o only_o to_o declâ—…re_v the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o to_o ascertain_v those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o such_o be_v scripture_n uz._n a_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v so_o make_v as_o man_n may_v know_v that_o god_n have_v speak_v wherefore_o though_o papist_n say_v of_o scripture_n as_o the_o jew_n say_v of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o bear_v record_v of_o thyself_o thy_o record_n be_v not_o true_a we_o answer_v as_o christ_n answer_v for_o himself_o though_o it_o bear_v record_n of_o itself_o yet_o its_o record_n be_v true_a for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v understand_v his_o mind_n so_o he_o speak_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o they_o may_v know_v it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v and_o not_o man_n or_o any_o creature_n for_o what_o can_v be_v say_v or_o think_v more_o unworthy_a of_o god_n then_o that_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o man_n but_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o can_v be_v understand_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o other_o to_o ascertain_v they_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v we_o can_v speak_v to_o one_o another_o either_o by_o word_n or_o writing_n so_o as_o to_o know_v who_o speak_v as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v speak_v but_o god_n it_o seem_v to_o papist_n must_v have_v some_o other_o to_o pass_v their_o word_n for_o he_o before_o he_o can_v have_v any_o credit_n with_o man_n and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o must_v ascertain_v we_o beyond_o all_o further_a question_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n only_o tradition_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n successive_o convey_v down_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o need_v or_o desire_v it_o we_o shall_v enlarge_v in_o our_o answer_n yet_o not_o to_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o our_o intend_a breviy_n 1._o we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v testimony_n to_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o true_a church_n have_v so_o do_v in_o all_o age_n we_o protestant_n do_v believe_v but_o we_o say_v withal_o that_o the_o church_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a instrument_n or_o mean_n in_o give_v this_o testimony_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n such_o as_o papist_n plead_v for_o or_o dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o we_o stand_v to_o affirm_v we_o do_v not_o beâ—…ieve_v the_o scripture_n because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o we_o believe_v it_o such_o for_o its_o own_o and_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n though_o no_o man_n bear_v witness_n to_o it_o for_o what_o be_v the_o church_n make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n more_o or_o less_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o have_v these_o man_n this_o doctrine_n or_o how_o come_v then_o by_o it_o have_v they_o it_o not_o in_o scripture_n christ_n indeed_o deliver_v it_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o they_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n but_o i_o hope_v papist_n will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o pen_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n or_o that_o the_o next_o church_n receive_v any_o doctrine_n other_o than_o be_v therein_o record_v so_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v mention_v ephes._n 2._o 20._o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o scripture_n and_o not_o scripture_n upon_o the_o church_n indeed_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o believe_v scripture_n and_o make_v it_o the_o ground_n work_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v it_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o society_n the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v or_o frame_v the_o scripture_n but_o receive_v it_o make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n god_n have_v his_o secretary_n who_o write_v his_o will_n and_o command_n and_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o man_n have_v be_v call_v and_o such_o as_o submit_v and_o come_v in_o have_v be_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n hence_o the_o church_n we_o say_v have_v more_o need_n of_o scripture_n testimony_n than_o scripture_n have_v of_o the_o church_n and_o according_o protestant_n judge_v of_o the_o church_n by_o scripture_n and_o not_o of_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n questionless_a when_o god_n shall_v judge_v all_o by_o the_o man_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v he_o will_v try_v all_o church_n and_o man_n by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o where_o those_o law_n be_v we_o leave_v papist_n to_o inquire_v for_o we_o know_v none_o but_o such_o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n they_o tell_v we_o a_o very_a fair_a tale_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o the_o first_o church_n which_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v so_o unnatural_a as_o witting_o to_o hide_v it_o from_o posterity_n and_o deliver_v over_o to_o the_o next_o generation_n such_o lie_n as_o will_v unavoidable_o damn_v they_o now_o we_o suppose_v as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o all_o parent_n and_o progenitor_n have_v so_o much_o natural_a affection_n as_o not_o to_o procure_v willing_o or_o witting_o the_o damnation_n of_o their_o child_n but_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v say_v we_o tradition_n to_o be_v so_o infallible_a as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o for_o tradition_n or_o deliver_v any_o matter_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n be_v and_o must_v be_v uncertain_a yea_o and_o soon_o fail_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o record_n whereupon_o to_o bottom_v it_o and_o for_o this_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o in_o the_o first_o age_n god_n be_v please_v to_o let_v his_o will_v be_v make_v know_v from_o father_n to_o son_n after_o he_o have_v once_o declare_v and_o reveal_v it_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o leave_v all_o to_o tradition_n but_o ever_o and_o anon_o renew_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n as_o occasion_v require_v and_o this_o he_o do_v when_o those_o patriarch_n live_v ten_o time_n so_o long_o as_o any_o have_v ordinary_o live_v for_o very_a many_o age_n and_o when_o afterward_o abraham_n seed_n be_v grow_v into_o a_o multitude_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o have_v the_o lively_a oracle_n enroll_v and_o commit_v to_o writing_n hence_o we_o think_v it_o rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n think_v his_o will_n write_v to_o be_v more_o infallible_a and_o certain_a then_o as_o deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n once_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o while_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v deliver_v without_o write_v it_o all_o the_o world_n be_v corrupt_v so_o as_o all_o flesh_n have_v pervert_v their_o way_n in_o the_o time_n of_o noah_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o at_o first_o the_o doctrine_n which_o god_n reveal_v to_o adam_n and_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v corrupt_v as_o they_o be_v if_o tradition_n can_v possible_o fail_v or_o how_o come_v the_o world_n after_o the_o flood_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o idol_n so_o as_o abraham_n must_v be_v call_v out_o from_o the_o posterity_n of_o shem_n who_o posterity_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n deliver_v to_o they_o if_o tradition_n be_v so_o faithful_a in_o the_o delivery_n of_o what_o be_v commit_v to_o it_o we_o wonder_v how_o true_a religion_n shall_v fail_v so_o soon_o and_o that_o not_o among_o a_o few_o but_o all_o the_o world_n over_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o heretic_n have_v rise_v
it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n we_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o show_v how_o tradition_n which_o they_o so_o much_o commend_v and_o magnify_v may_v fail_v and_o so_o prove_v no_o infallible_a testimony_n and_o who_o be_v our_o forefather_n from_o who_o we_o learn_v our_o faith_n we_o have_v show_v already_o and_o now_o shall_v name_v some_o of_o they_o viz._n the_o reformer_n in_o the_o last_o age_n and_o jo._n hu_o and_o hiâ—…rome_n of_o prague_n and_o before_o they_o wickliff_n and_o before_o he_o the_o waldenses_n and_o all_o that_o protest_v against_o the_o church_n corruption_n in_o all_o age_n upward_o as_o may_v be_v show_v if_o it_o be_v pertinent_a jo._n whites_n way_n p._n 336._o §_o 45._o &_o 337._o digress_v 48._o 2._o tradition_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n let_v papist_n first_o ascertain_v we_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n who_o testimony_n we_o must_v believe_v for_o our_o part_n we_o know_v none_o upon_o earth_n that_o pretend_v to_o christianity_n that_o do_v not_o account_v themselves_o the_o true_a church_n and_o that_o avow_v not_o themselves_o to_o have_v the_o true_a faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v now_o there_o be_v so_o many_o pretender_n we_o be_v at_o as_o great_a a_o loss_n which_o tradition_n as_o without_o it_o since_o all_o say_v they_o hold_v the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o yet_o extreme_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o not_o in_o few_o matter_n or_o small_a at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v say_v and_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v dissenter_n and_o of_o these_o some_o be_v ignorant_a and_o some_o obstinate_a and_o some_o sceptic_n and_o we_o know_v too_o many_o profess_v christian_n who_o be_v in_o their_o way_n and_o do_n no_o better_o than_o infidel_n now_o may_v not_o any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o question_n tradition_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o they_o know_v not_o which_o be_v the_o church_n who_o testimony_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v say_v as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o some_o that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o know_v the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v just_o reply_v that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o know_v the_o scripture_n as_o well_o for_o all_o that_o own_o not_o scripture_n we_o may_v just_o disow_v they_o as_o be_v no_o christian_n a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o christian_n it_o be_v confess_v though_o he_o never_o see_v a_o bible_n if_o he_o have_v hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o many_o gentile_n yea_o all_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v do_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n but_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o not_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o pure_a contradiction_n now_o how_o we_o shall_v know_v which_o church_n give_v the_o true_a testimony_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n if_o not_o by_o scripture_n let_v papist_n resolve_v we_o for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o answer_v we_o think_v among_o so_o many_o pretender_n there_o will_v be_v difference_n such_o as_o extradition_n will_v no_o better_o reconcile_v then_o scripture_n and_o that_o as_o protestant_n can_v agree_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o some_o interpret_v it_o one_o way_n and_o some_o another_o so_o they_o and_o other_o will_v agree_v no_o better_o about_o the_o church_n and_o its_o tradition_n for_o as_o i_o have_v say_v there_o be_v many_o church_n and_o those_o huge_o differ_v in_o some_o thing_n and_o yet_o all_o pretend_v to_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n therefore_o we_o have_v need_n of_o somewhat_o to_o ascertain_v we_o of_o that_o church_n which_o have_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v down_o all_o along_o the_o same_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v for_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n we_o believe_v it_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o its_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o age_n but_o we_o protestant_n can_v own_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o such_o though_o we_o know_v there_o be_v there_o one_o sound_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n papist_n indeed_o pretend_v and_o boast_v great_a thing_n of_o their_o church_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o who_o can_v well_o distinguish_v between_o a_o roman-catholick_n and_o a_o catholic_n christian._n here_o than_o we_o protestant_n resolve_v to_o believe_v the_o church_n for_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o we_o allow_v what_o that_o ancient_a father_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v scripture_n but_o for_o the_o church_n for_o we_o know_v that_o after_o he_o come_v once_o to_o learn_v the_o scripture_n he_o then_o believe_v it_o not_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n but_o it_o be_v own_o only_a the_o church_n we_o grant_v may_v at_o first_o persuade_v infidel_n to_o attend_v and_o heed_n the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n even_o as_o the_o woman_n persuade_v her_o neighbour_n to_o come_v and_o see_v christ._n but_o as_o they_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v he_o themselves_o 44._o believe_v not_o because_o of_o her_o say_n but_o because_o of_o his_o own_o word_n even_o so_o be_v â—…in_o the_o case_n that_o now_o be_v in_o question_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o office_n of_o ministry_n to_o hold_v out_o the_o light_n that_o other_o who_o be_v in_o darkeness_n may_v see_v it_o but_o this_o will_v never_o prove_v the_o church_n to_o have_v such_o a_o authority_n as_o papist_n plead_v for_o and_o much_o less_o that_o their_o church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n which_o only_o hold_v the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o when_o they_o have_v say_v all_o they_o can_v they_o say_v no_o more_o than_o any_o church_n never_o so_o corrupt_a will_v say_v for_o itself_o viz._n that_o it_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v hence_o we_o say_v again_o that_o tradition_n leave_v we_o at_o a_o irrecoverable_a loss_n and_o that_o we_o must_v have_v somewhat_o more_o certain_a than_o the_o church_n testimony_n which_o any_o company_n of_o never_o so_o corrupt_a principle_n may_v pretend_v unto_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 3._o we_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v down_o be_v true_a because_o the_o church_n have_v deliver_v it_o or_o that_o the_o church_n have_v deliver_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n for_o we_o think_v the_o church_n ought_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v the_o truth_n only_o and_o to_o deliver_v that_o and_o nothing_o else_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o other_o and_o if_o it_o receive_v other_o than_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v deceive_v and_o if_o it_o deliver_v other_o it_o be_v not_o only_o deceive_v but_o deceive_v other_o also_o the_o church_n can_v make_v nothing_o to_o be_v true_a but_o what_o be_v such_o before_o of_o itself_o and_o all_o it_o can_v do_v be_v to_o declare_v the_o truth_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v and_o persuade_v other_o to_o believe_v it_o therefore_o when_o papist_n press_v we_o as_o they_o do_v about_o our_o be_v assure_v of_o scripture_n we_o say_v that_o we_o believe_v it_o upon_o account_n of_o its_o own_o authority_n because_o it_o speak_v itself_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o when_o a_o place_n of_o trust_n and_o honour_n be_v confer_v upon_o a_o person_n by_o his_o prince_n and_o assure_v to_o he_o under_o the_o great_a seal_n though_o the_o messenger_n that_o bring_v the_o patent_n may_v avow_v it_o to_o be_v the_o prince_n act_n yet_o that_o which_o give_v assurance_n to_o the_o person_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o that_o office_n and_o honour_n be_v the_o patent_n itself_o and_o the_o seal_v annex_v so_o we_o know_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o even_o so_o have_v the_o true_a church_n in_o all_o age_n receive_v scripture_n as_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n and_o commend_v it_o to_o other_o for_o such_o as_o a_o patent_n seal_v from_o heaven_n 4._o we_o desire_v to_o know_v when_o the_o church_n first_o resolve_v the_o case_n in_o question_n and_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d council_n we_o count_v they_o of_o a_o latter_a date_n and_o but_o of_o yesterday_o in_o comparison_n for_o our_o part_n we_o think_v under_o correction_n of_o better_a judgement_n that_o the_o canon_n be_v agree_v upon_o very_o early_o because_o two_o eminent_a one_o among_o the_o ancient_n â—…counted_v upon_o 5._o the_o same_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n which_o we_o now_o do_v and_o one_o of_o they_o say_v that_o the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v confirm_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o that_o
appointment_n but_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n who_o certain_o can_v foresee_v all_o these_o thing_n think_v it_o best_a to_o have_v his_o word_n write_v and_o yet_o make_v no_o extraordinary_a provision_n for_o transcribe_v they_o upon_o occasion_n or_o prevent_v such_o question_n as_o be_v now_o make_v by_o some_o sure_o we_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o jew_n to_o scripture_n and_o they_o do_v not_o excuse_v themselves_o by_o say_v they_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o have_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o it_o be_v first_o deliver_v nay_o they_o confess_v that_o god_n speak_v by_o moses_n and_o they_o know_v it_o and_o our_o saviour_n pu_o s_o the_o question_n whether_o he_o be_v the_o ch_z in_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n 39_o strange_a that_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n shall_v not_o foresee_v this_o quarrel_n miâ—…h_v be_v make_v in_o after_o age_n which_o pâ—…pists_n make_v now_o for_o may_v not_o the_o 〈◊〉_d the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v no_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o evidence_n their_o own_o certainty_n so_o as_o to_o ascertain_v they_o and_o how_o can_v they_o â—…icertain_v they_o then_o more_o than_o we_o new_a but_o tradition_n be_v it_o which_o must_v secure_v all_o by_o its_o affidavit_n make_v to_o oâ—…j_fw-la scripture_n and_o what_o do_v we_o then_o believe_v in_o sol._n believe_v scripture_n the_o authority_n of_o god_n or_o man_n if_o scripture_n authority_n as_o to_o we_o depend_v upon_o the_o church_n testimony_n in_o our_o belief_n of_o scripture_n we_o believe_v man_n and_o not_o god_n at_o least_o we_o believe_v god_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o what_o kind_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v let_v they_o who_o question_v we_o so_o much_o about_o scripture_n resolve_v we_o for_o the_o various_a reading_n that_o be_v in_o the_o original_n we_o acknowledge_v they_o and_o think_v they_o happen_v much_o through_o the_o mistake_v of_o those_o who_o transcribe_v the_o copy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n however_o they_o happen_v for_o we_o stand_v not_o much_o upon_o it_o papist_n know_v that_o the_o jew_n masore_v have_v well_o provide_v for_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o though_o the_o new_a have_v very_o many_o we_o stand_v to_o maintain_v that_o all_o those_o various_a reading_n put_v together_o let_v the_o worst_a be_v make_v of_o they_o can_v never_o be_v improve_v to_o prejudice_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n in_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n for_o all_o the_o write_v and_o print_v copy_n of_o the_o original_a bibles_n do_v concur_v in_o the_o whole_a main_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n throughout_o and_o thereupon_o we_o challenge_v papist_n to_o show_n any_o alteration_n that_o clash_n with_o the_o doctrine_n first_o deliver_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o various_a reading_n in_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o copy_n hence_o we_o conclude_v as_o a_o learned_a man_n have_v it_o that_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o ink_n and_o paper_n nor_o any_o writing_n or_o write_n whether_o original_n or_o translation_n but_o that_o substance_n of_o matter_n those_o gracious_a counsel_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v indeed_o represent_v and_o 〈◊〉_d both_o in_o translation_n and_o orginal_n but_o be_v real_o and_o 〈◊〉_d distinct_a from_o both_o and_o no_o way_n for_o their_o nature_n and_o being_n depend_v on_o either_o of_o they_o the_o writing_n as_o he_o say_v declare_v the_o nature_n or_o tenor_n of_o the_o bargain_n which_o be_v in_o reality_n and_o compleatness_n of_o be_v before_o the_o writing_n and_o consequent_o the_o wâ—…iting_n can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n concern_v man_n salvation_n bad_a its_o be_v in_o god_n himself_o long_o before_o any_o part_n of_o it_o be_v impart_v unto_o the_o world_n by_o any_o writing_n for_o it_o be_v saving_o impart_v first_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o god_n unto_o some_o man_n and_o secendly_a by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o these_o to_o many_o other_o long_o before_o any_o part_n of_o it_o be_v order_v by_o god_n to_o be_v set_v down_o in_o writing_n so_o that_o no_o book_n or_o writing_n whatsoever_o be_v either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n the_o word_n or_o will_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o no_o foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n unless_o we_o make_v some_o other_o foundation_n beside_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o for_o the_o original_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v entire_a and_o not_o defective_a as_o any_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o so_o long_o stand_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v bold_a to_o think_v that_o they_o who_o question_v we_o as_o they_o do_v in_o this_o kind_n may_v rather_o have_v question_v god_n himself_o for_o represent_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o writing_n when_o he_o can_v not_o but_o foresee_v that_o such_o manner_n of_o question_n may_v be_v put_v in_o after-age_n as_o be_v make_v now_o adays_o none_o dare_v say_v that_o god_n never_o order_v his_o will_n to_o be_v write_v and_o see_v it_o be_v so_o order_v by_o he_o why_o shall_v we_o question_v the_o wise_a and_o gracious_a hand_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o contrive_v the_o preservation_n of_o these_o ancient_a record_n unto_o all_o posterity_n for_o who_o he_o intend_v they_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o more_o direct_a course_n for_o our_o adversary_n to_o take_v if_o they_o will_v say_v downright_a that_o god_n never_o commit_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o writing_n then_o now_o to_o say_v as_o they_o do_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a that_o these_o write_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v at_o first_o for_o this_o seem_v to_o cast_v a_o aspersion_n upon_o god_n for_o take_v such_o a_o way_n of_o represent_v his_o mind_n unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o must_v leave_v those_o of_o these_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n under_o invincible_a doubt_n about_o his_o will_n that_o respect_v their_o great_a and_o only_a concernment_n as_o for_o their_o expedient_a of_o tradition_n what_o do_v it_o other_o then_o resolve_v all_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n for_o they_o say_v scripture_n can_v ascertain_v we_o concern_v itself_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o tradition_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o so_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n as_o to_o we_o must_v be_v less_o than_o that_o of_o man_n to_o the_o second_o querie_n we_o need_v not_o say_v much_o in_o way_n of_o answer_v it_o see_v the_o book_n account_v by_o we_o apocryphal_a do_v sufficient_o show_v what_o account_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v of_o they_o while_o they_o confute_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o content_n that_o the_o maccabee_n be_v a_o story_n of_o which_o there_o be_v good_a use_n we_o deny_v not_o and_o that_o ecclesiâ—…sticus_n and_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n etc._n etc._n contain_v many_o and_o sundry_a moral_a instruction_n we_o do_v not_o question_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o like_a be_v find_v in_o other_o book_n which_o yet_o pretend_v not_o to_o divine_a authority_n but_o this_o prove_v they_o not_o to_o be_v canonical_a as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v determine_v once_o the_o jewish_a church_n never_o own_v they_o for_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n nor_o be_v they_o ever_o write_v in_o their_o language_n as_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a 〈◊〉_d true_o they_o have_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v read_v in_o some_o church_n for_o instruction_n in_o manner_n but_o the_o christian_a church_n never_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n nor_o will_v it_o ever_o be_v prove_v the_o romish_a church_n indeed_o for_o what_o cause_n she_o best_a know_v have_v canonize_v these_o book_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o who_o can_v as_o easy_o distinguish_v in_o this_o case_n as_o we_o can_v between_o light_n and_o darkness_n but_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o church_n testimony_n and_o say_v that_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n have_v no_o other_o canonical_a book_n than_o what_o we_o own_o for_o such_o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o who_o question_v some_o particular_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testâ—…ment_n but_o that_o question_n continue_v not_o long_o and_o if_o some_o also_o give_v too_o much_o to_o these_o apocryphal_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o countervail_v the_o general_a vote_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o always_o reject_v they_o from_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o canon_n hence_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o we_o know_v what_o book_n be_v canonical_a by_o that_o light_n and_o lustre_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o shine_v out_o and_o show_v itself_o in_o
they_o and_o this_o light_n be_v so_o glorious_a as_o those_o atocryphals_n dare_v not_o pretend_v to_o it_o but_o rather_o seem_v willing_a to_o be_v in_o a_o low_a form_n for_o this_o i_o instance_n in_o 2_o mac._n 2._o 24._o where_o the_o author_n whoever_o he_o be_v consess_v that_o he_o have_v take_v what_o he_o write_v out_o of_o jason_n of_o cyrene_n and_o contract_v five_o book_n of_o his_o into_o one_o volume_n and_o whoever_o please_v to_o read_v on_o in_o that_o chapter_n may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o speak_v by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n can_v never_o frame_v to_o speak_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n god_n in_o scripture_n as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v speak_v pro_fw-la imperio_fw-la as_o the_o only_o most_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o never_o make_v apology_n for_o himself_o to_o be_v excuse_v with_o those_o to_o who_o he_o speak_v for_o why_o shall_v he_o see_v they_o be_v all_o his_o vassal_n his_o creature_n the_o distance_n be_v so_o infinite_o great_a between_o he_o and_o they_o as_o it_o can_v be_v reasonable_o imagine_v that_o he_o shall_v court_v they_o as_o that_o author_n do_v for_o the_o many_o fiction_n and_o tale_n tell_v in_o some_o of_o those_o apocryphal_o i_o â—…all_v not_o mention_v they_o because_o they_o be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o such_o as_o have_v peruse_v they_o and_o may_v be_v to_o other_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v satisfy_v what_o need_n have_v we_o then_o of_o tradition_n to_o determine_v in_o this_o case_n and_o whoever_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v further_o satisfy_v may_v find_v enough_o in_o all_o our_o divine_n who_o have_v maintain_v scripture_n authority_n against_o our_o adversary_n but_o the_o great_a question_n be_v about_o the_o scripture_n translâ—…ted_v for_o our_o adversary_n think_v we_o can_v never_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o rule_n say_v they_o must_v be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a but_o translation_n be_v many_o and_o various_a and_o much_o different_a if_o not_o in_o many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o one_o another_o and_o then_o how_o shall_v the_o vulgar_a understand_v which_o of_o they_o do_v indeed_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n or_o how_o shall_v the_o unlearned_a be_v infallible_o sure_a that_o this_o or_o that_o translation_n do_v not_o err_v now_o to_o clear_v ourselves_o in_o this_o puzzle_v question_n i_o say_v what_o papist_n can_v deny_v that_o the_o whole_a canon_n be_v at_o first_o write_v in_o two_o language_n which_o very_o few_o in_o comparison_n for_o these_o many_o age_n have_v understand_v better_o than_o our_o common_a people_n do_v but_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v these_o language_n viz._n hebrew_n and_o greek_n be_v best_a know_v to_o the_o church_n of_o any_o other_o hebrew_n be_v the_o mother_n tongue_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_a be_v a_o language_n very_o familiar_a to_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o before_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o then_o see_v they_o be_v call_v hellenist_n or_o grecist_n for_o use_v the_o greek_a translation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o seventy_o for_o the_o gentile_n unto_o who_o the_o gospel_n come_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n many_o of_o they_o have_v it_o for_o their_o mother-tongue_n and_o other_o familiar_o use_v it_o because_o the_o grecian_a monarchy_n have_v not_o long_o before_o sway_v in_o all_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n this_o i_o think_v good_a to_o mention_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v the_o more_o probable_a that_o god_n mind_n be_v to_o have_v his_o word_n understand_v by_o all_o but_o there_o be_v other_o people_n who_o obj._n understand_v neither_o of_o those_o language_n there_o be_v and_o be_v still_o such_o sol._n and_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v it_o but_o this_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n be_v not_o please_v to_o cause_v his_o word_n to_o be_v write_v at_o first_o in_o the_o vulgar_a language_n of_o all_o nation_n for_o if_o he_o have_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v poze_v as_o now_o we_o be_v with_o this_o question_n however_o what_o i_o have_v say_v and_o can_v be_v deny_v serve_v to_o hint_n this_o that_o god_n mind_n be_v to_o have_v his_o word_n understand_v by_o those_o to_o who_o it_o come_v see_v he_o write_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o hebrew_n and_o to_o the_o grecian_n in_o greek_a true_o other_o people_n can_v not_o understand_v it_o without_o a_o translation_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v in_o this_o case_n god_n do_v not_o cause_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v pen_v at_o first_o in_o the_o several_a language_n of_o all_o people_n and_o nation_n we_o must_v here_o leave_v out_o adversary_n to_o question_n god_n for_o it_o for_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v at_o first_o only_o in_o two_o laguage_n which_o many_o can_v not_o possible_o understand_v without_o a_o miracle_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v translate_v only_o since_o it_o be_v thus_o we_o hope_v our_o adversary_n will_v not_o say_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v translate_v see_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o it_o which_o else_o can_v never_o have_v be_v without_o a_o miracle_n but_o how_o shall_v the_o vulgar_a know_v qâ—…est_n whether_o translation_n be_v according_a to_o the_o original_n and_o then_o how_o can_v the_o scripture_n translate_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o must_v be_v such_o as_o a_o man_n may_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v no_o error_n in_o it_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o question_n sol._n where_o with_o they_o go_v about_o to_o puzzle_v we_o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o as_o translate_v into_o the_o english_a tongue_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o not_o infallible_a and_o to_o this_o we_o intend_v wotton_n to_o answer_v though_o other_o have_v answer_v it_o long_o ago*_n and_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o 1._o we_o know_v of_o no_o infallible_a spiâ—…it_n promise_v or_o give_v of_o god_n for_o translate_n scripture_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o adversaty_n think_v will_v give_v the_o cause_n whole_o on_o their_o side_n for_o see_v all_o translation_n be_v liable_a to_o mistake_n the_o vulgar_a and_o unlearned_a can_v never_o have_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o scripture_n say_v they_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o quit_v ouâ—…_n claim_v to_o scripture_n for_o all_o this_o for_o we_o can_v distinguish_v as_o that_o learned_a divine_a have_v between_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v in_o church_n the_o scriptu_fw-la e_fw-la and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o our_o capacity_n as_o between_o thing_n and_o word_n the_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n be_v say_v we_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o translation_n be_v only_a mean_n to_o show_v it_o we_o and_o the_o vessel_n wherein_o it_o be_v present_v to_o we_o and_o thus_o in_o rigour_n of_o speech_n we_o do_v not_o count_v the_o english_a or_o any_o other_o translation_n no_o nor_o the_o greek_a or_o hebrew_a the_o rule_n because_o all_o language_n be_v but_o a_o certain_a form_n or_o manner_n or_o mean_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o we_o but_o because_o the_o doctrine_n be_v not_o make_v know_v but_o by_o word_n and_o language_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n translate_v into_o english_a be_v a_o divine_a authority_n for_o faith_n so_o man_n believe_v a_o divine_a truth_n although_o deliver_v by_o humane_a voice_n in_o pâ—…eaching_v and_o just_o so_o we_o have_v the_o infallible_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scriptute_fw-la immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o by_o a_o humane_a translation_n it_o be_v manifest_v to_o we_o 2._o but_o how_o do_v we_o know_v that_o our_o translation_n be_v right_a and_o according_a to_o the_o original_n or_o how_o can_v our_o unlearned_a people_n be_v sure_a of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o can_v how_o can_v the_o english_a bibles_n be_v to_o they_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n sol._n our_o english_a bible_n say_v our_o learned_a white_a contain_v in_o it_o two_o thing_n viz._n the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o translation_n the_o doctrine_n be_v inspire_v by_o god_n and_o write_v by_o man_n infallible_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o translation_n be_v do_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n and_o industry_n of_o certain_a man_n who_o thâ—…ugh_v they_o haâ—…_n no_o supernatural_a inspiration_n yet_o we_o know_v infallible_o they_o have_v not_o err_v in_o the_o mattâ—…r_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n whereby_o we_o know_v other_o truth_n and_o discern_v other_o article_n of_o chriâ—…ian_a faith_n viz._n the_o light_n of_o the_o doctrine_n transl._n .ted_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o rulâ—…s_n of_o art_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n obj._n some_o translation_n have_v err_v and_o how_o
2._o cor._n 5._o 14._o that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o such_o and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o manifestation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o love_n to_o our_o soul_n as_o we_o can_v never_o be_v thankful_a as_o we_o ought_v but_o in_o a_o full_a and_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o we_o have_v to_o his_o service_n and_o glory_n 2._o i_o advise_v yet_o farâ—…her_o that_o in_o our_o great_a inlargement_n we_o walk_v humble_o with_o god_n as_o know_v that_o his_o power_n alone_o be_v all_o the_o strength_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o stand_v peter_n preâ—…umptuous_a confidence_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n wrought_v nothing_o but_o repentance_n for_o his_o saint_n in_o a_o evil_a day_n by_o his_o own_o strength_n shall_v 9_o no_o man_n prevail_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n eph._n 6._o 10._o and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n v_o ii_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o keep_v the_o foot_n of_o his_o saint_n 1_o sam._n 2._o 9_o there_o need_v no_o motive_n i_o hope_v to_o persuade_v however_o consider_v 1._o what_o we_o have_v believe_v not_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n but_o a_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n 9_o seem_v to_o prefer_v if_o the_o comparative_a be_v sense_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n before_o vision_n and_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o he_o may_v so_o call_v they_o because_o the_o prophecy_n may_v be_v more_o sure_a to_o the_o godly_a jew_n through_o long_a use_n and_o acquaintance_n we_o know_v the_o jew_n at_o berea_n examine_v paul_n doctrine_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v not_o tax_v but_o commend_v for_o it_o and_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o those_o bless_a spirit_n indeed_o never_o do_v it_o nor_o ever_o will_n but_o we_o make_v the_o supposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v gal._n 1._o for_o the_o more_o emphasis_n for_o scripture-truth_n they_o be_v of_o long_o stand_v and_o approve_v by_o their_o abide_n the_o test_n and_o trial_n of_o so_o many_o age_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n make_v the_o old_a testament_n the_o standard_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o appeal_v to_o it_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v more_o to_o be_v heed_v then_o if_o a_o man_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a luk._n 16._o 31._o and_o they_o who_o hear_v not_o the_o one_o will_v never_o regard_v the_o other_o if_o our_o saviour_n say_v true_a be_v it_o ever_o hear_v that_o any_o doctrine_n so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n antiquity_n or_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o thing_n but_o certain_a truth_n shall_v outstand_v the_o sift_n and_o winnowing_n of_o so_o many_o age_n special_o when_o it_o have_v have_v so_o many_o profess_a enemy_n shall_v we_o now_o call_v in_o question_n what_o be_v never_o question_v before_o have_v not_o all_o christian_n who_o deserve_v that_o name_n unanimous_o agree_v in_o believe_v the_o faith_n and_o truth_n deliver_v in_o scripture_n or_o do_v protestant_n now_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o believe_v by_o all_o saint_n ever_o since_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v pen_v we_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o and_o this_o doctrine_n we_o have_v in_o mosâ—…s_n who_o be_v the_o first_o penman_n of_o scripture_n and_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v 46_o write_v of_o he_o must_v we_o now_o call_v in_o question_n all_o that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v yea_o and_o cry_v it_o down_o as_o no_o rule_n of_o faith_n then_o farewell_n all_o our_o christianity_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o once_o for_o where_o have_v we_o learn_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 3._o fin_n who_o or_o what_o have_v give_v we_o to_o know_v what_o have_v be_v all_o the_o transaction_n of_o god_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n from_o the_o beginning_n will_v our_o adversary_n say_v roundly_o once_o for_o all_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n let_v they_o speak_v out_o if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o say_v so_o and_o then_o we_o know_v what_o to_o answer_v they_o but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o avow_v this_o as_o indeed_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o in_o plain_a term_n we_o have_v this_o to_o say_v for_o ourselves_o that_o we_o believe_v what_o they_o deny_v not_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n that_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o otherwise_o then_o by_o tradition_n have_v be_v already_o answer_v and_o no_o more_o needs_o to_o be_v say_v about_o it_o for_o man_n tradition_n we_o know_v it_o will_v serve_v nothing_o better_a to_o usher_v in_o and_o establish_v man_n invention_n but_o shall_v we_o renounce_v our_o own_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o to_o appeal_v to_o man_n who_o be_v all_o liar_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v by_o he_o that_o can_v lie_v oh_o consider_v and_o remember_v that_o in_o believe_a scripture_n we_o believe_v not_o prophecy_n or_o prodigy_n not_o hear_v of_o till_o yesterday_o no_o we_o believe_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n and_o the_o good_a old_a way_n to_o rest_n and_o peace_n the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o practical_a godliness_n and_o moral_a righteousness_n teach_v we_o in_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v but_o assent_v unto_o it_o as_o agree_v with_o and_o approve_v by_o our_o natural_a light_n so_o as_o we_o must_v forfeit_v out_o reason_n ere_o we_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o question_v scripture_n authority_n read_v but_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o psalm_n and_o the_o proverb_n and_o paul_n epistle_n or_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n and_o consider_v the_o precept_n of_o sobriety_n temperance_n righteousness_n justice_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v there_o so_o many_o and_o will_v not_o our_o conscience_n say_v these_o be_v all_o of_o god_n and_o we_o know_v they_o be_v divine_a by_o the_o natural_a light_n which_o be_v in_o we_o who_o can_v have_v clear_v up_o the_o inbred_a notion_n and_o impression_n that_o be_v upon_o all_o man_n heart_n so_o as_o they_o be_v clear_v in_o scripture_n but_o that_o light_a in_o which_o alone_o we_o see_v light_n for_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n we_o know_v it_o be_v altogether_o of_o supernatural_a divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v such_o what_o need_n be_v there_o or_o can_v there_o be_v of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n authority_n to_o confirm_v it_o to_o say_v no_o more_o let_v reason_n judge_v and_o determine_v whether_o the_o faith_n of_o man_n can_v authoritative_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o it_o must_v if_o we_o can_v be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o yea_o and_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n testimony_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n as_o yield_v to_o we_o the_o great_a certainty_n beyond_o all_o doubt_n or_o question_n consider_v i_o say_v what_o we_o have_v believe_v viz._n the_o ancient_a yea_o eternal_a word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n and_o this_o word_n always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o god_n be_v only_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n it_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o these_o last_o time_n to_o we_o by_o the_o son_n himself_o and_o such_o as_o he_o have_v send_v 2._o consider_v that_o in_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o write_a word_n we_o believe_v and_o receive_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o forefather_n who_o suffer_v for_o their_o close_a adhere_n to_o scripture_n doctrine_n and_o can_v not_o be_v part_v from_o it_o but_o rather_o choose_v to_o part_v with_o their_o life_n for_o it_o and_o herein_o they_o approve_v themselves_o the_o genuine_a and_o kindly_a issue_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a martyr_n who_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n we_o shall_v too_o much_o wrong_v ourselves_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o yield_v that_o which_o our_o adversary_n will_v never_o be_v able_a by_o dint_n of_o argument_n to_o force_v from_o we_o viz._n that_o we_o be_v upstart_n new_o sâ—…rung_v out_o of_o the_o ash_n of_o our_o late_a reformer_n they_o be_v as_o we_o call_v they_o reformer_n that_o repair_v the_o desolation_n which_o
have_v be_v make_v in_o many_o age_n and_o do_v not_o coin_v a_o new_a faith_n never_o before_o hear_v of_o we_o be_v not_o calvinist_n or_o lutheran_n though_o so_o miscall_v by_o some_o but_o christian_n as_o luther_n calvin_n and_o other_o be_v in_o the_o last_o age_n and_o they_o and_o all_o other_o of_o the_o same_o profession_n stand_v to_o maintain_v their_o doctrine_n as_o the_o faith_n of_o forefather_n all_o along_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o our_o adversary_n be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o this_o have_v be_v hold_v and_o sufficient_o make_v good_a by_o the_o vote_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n unto_o who_o our_o learned_a have_v appeal_v as_o unto_o judge_n in_o this_o cause_n but_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o in_o the_o father_n never_o so_o ancient_a or_o learned_a but_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o we_o have_v learn_v to_o count_v and_o call_v our_o father_n and_o master_n as_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n only_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o father_n thus_o far_o as_o to_o produce_v they_o for_o our_o witness_n and_o know_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o allege_v their_o testimony_n because_o they_o own_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o now_o do_v and_o though_o the_o appellation_n of_o protestant_n be_v occasion_v in_o the_o last_o age_n by_o the_o protestation_n make_v against_o the_o interim_n yet_o these_o be_v but_o successor_n to_o those_o who_o have_v for_o many_o age_n before_o protest_v against_o the_o addition_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n beside_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o can_v therefore_o plead_v antiquity_n and_o succession_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o better_a too_o unless_o they_o can_v prove_v better_a than_o they_o have_v do_v yet_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o this_o be_v it_o which_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o and_o by_o this_o be_v we_o confirm_v in_o it_o viz._n that_o we_o profess_v the_o same_o truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v from_o christ_n and_o deliver_v unto_o the_o first_o christian_n churches_n hence_o we_o say_v when_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o tenet_n of_o our_o adversary_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o have_v be_v receive_v for_o many_o age_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o old_a as_o the_o apostle_n beside_o we_o know_v that_o custom_n beside_o or_o i._n against_o truth_n be_v but_o a_o old_a error_n and_o whatsoâ—…ver_o be_v against_o truth_n be_v a_o heresy_n though_o never_o so_o old_a truth_n be_v old_a than_o error_n and_o good_a be_v before_o any_o evil_n and_o so_o we_o consent_v that_o what_o be_v first_o be_v best_a but_o that_o our_o adversary_n tenet_n be_v such_o we_o deny_v and_o say_v they_o be_v not_o from_o the_o beginning_n though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v take_v up_o early_o enough_o and_o too_o soon_o as_o we_o know_v it_o be_v not_o long_o ere_o sin_v get_v into_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v after_o god_n have_v make_v man_n righteous_a our_o saviour_n matth._n 5._o correct_v many_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v long_o receive_v and_o go_v for_o currant_n by_o oppose_v his_o word_n against_o they_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v abundant_o enough_o to_o justify_v we_o in_o what_o we_o hold_v that_o we_o find_v our_o faith_n in_o scripture_n and_o this_o our_o adversary_n know_v very_o well_o and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o marvel_n that_o they_o be_v so_o busy_a in_o raise_v doubt_n and_o question_n about_o its_o divine_a authority_n for_o let_v we_o once_o let_v scripture_n go_v as_o some_o will_v have_v we_o our_o faith_n be_v go_v also_o be_v it_o not_o for_o scripture_n i_o know_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v why_o every_o man_n may_v not_o coin_n a_o faith_n to_o himself_o and_o say_v it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n yea_o deny_v christ_n and_o all_o christianity_n for_o what_o have_v we_o to_o prove_v it_o beside_o the_o scripture_n or_o how_o can_v we_o disprove_v any_o damnable_a doctrine_n and_o device_n of_o man_n without_o it_o o_o let_v we_o never_o think_v of_o turn_v from_o the_o good_a old_a way_n wherein_o we_o follow_v all_o those_o champion_n who_o nothing_o can_v persuade_v to_o part_v with_o it_o 3._o consider_v what_o and_o how_o much_o we_o lose_v if_o we_o hold_v not_o fast_o this_o ground_n of_o our_o confidence_n steadfast_a unto_o the_o end_n it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o our_o adversary_n press_v and_o urge_v we_o so_o much_o this_o way_n they_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o let_v go_v this_o and_o all_o be_v go_v and_o they_o say_v true_o in_o it_o for_o our_o faith_n have_v no_o sure_a foot_n if_o scripture_n authority_n be_v such_o as_o they_o will_v make_v it_o we_o have_v separate_v from_o they_o for_o many_o year_n past_a and_o the_o true_a reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o separation_n be_v that_o they_o hold_v and_o practise_v so_o many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o lay_v they_o aside_o hereupon_o we_o resolve_v to_o communicate_v no_o long_o with_o they_o because_o we_o can_v not_o admit_v what_o we_o judge_v sinful_a as_o be_v against_o or_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o count_v the_o only_a rule_n this_o i_o say_v have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o quarrel_n between_o we_o for_o if_o it_o be_v observe_v in_o our_o difference_n with_o they_o we_o still_o be_v on_o the_o negative_a part_n and_o why_o so_o sure_o because_o our_o difference_n be_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o hold_v beside_o and_o against_o scripture_n for_o in_o these_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o deny_v what_o they_o affirm_v i_o say_v again_o bind_v sub_fw-la poenâ_fw-la of_o lose_v all_o our_o profession_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v protestant_n in_o opposition_n to_o papist_n and_o this_o let_v any_o man_n that_o be_v sober_a and_o intelligent_a judge_n of_o for_o let_v oral_a and_o practical_a tradition_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n what_o be_v become_v of_o scripture_n may_v i_o not_o just_o ask_v whether_o it_o be_v something_o or_o a_o mere_a empty_a nothing_o what_o can_v it_o be_v at_o best_o more_o than_o a_o cipher_n which_o we_o know_v in_o number_v stand_v for_o nothing_o unless_o a_o figure_n be_v put_v to_o it_o tradition_n say_v they_o be_v that_o and_o that_o only_a which_o can_v ascertain_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o believe_v and_o than_o what_o be_v scripture_n more_o than_o a_o dead_a letter_n and_o tradition_n be_v it_o which_o give_v spirit_n and_o life_n to_o it_o and_o where_o be_v we_o then_o even_o where_o our_o adversary_n will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v then_o we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o church_n for_o our_o faith_n and_o take_v that_o for_o the_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o for_o many_o age_n whatever_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n the_o church_n say_v they_o can_v err_v and_o so_o say_v we_o but_o they_o and_o we_o be_v not_o agree_v for_o all_o this_o for_o they_o mean_v no_o other_o church_n than_o their_o own_o and_o this_o say_v they_o have_v the_o true_a faith_n which_o from_o the_o apostle_n be_v deliver_v at_o first_o and_o have_v be_v convey_v down_o succesfive_o in_o all_o age_n and_o it_o now_o rest_v only_o among_o roman_a catholic_n god_n have_v and_o ever_o have_v say_v we_o a_o church_n or_o society_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n who_o do_v not_o indeed_o can_v not_o because_o of_o god_n promise_n err_v in_o any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n but_o we_o can_v admit_v their_o church_n and_o this_o to_o be_v all_o one_o god_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n to_o his_o church_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o church_n shall_v be_v lead_v into_o all_o necessary_a save_a truth_n but_o let_v our_o adversary_n show_v we_o if_o they_o can_v one_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o any_o generation_n of_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n such_o as_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n seed_n and_o be_v make_v good_a to_o they_o until_o the_o promise_a seed_n come_v israel_n so_o long_o continue_v to_o be_v god_n people_n because_o of_o his_o promise_n but_o god_n have_v no_o one_o people_n of_o one_o stock_n and_o kindred_n ever_o since_o unto_o which_o he_o have_v make_v any_o such_o promise_n for_o many_o who_o be_v once_o a_o people_n to_o god_n afterward_o become_v none_o and_o they_o who_o yet_o be_v none_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v god_n people_n and_o shall_v be_v such_o when_o he_o please_v to_o call_v they_o hence_o we_o count_v nothing_o of_o any_o argument_n draw_v from_o personal_a and_o