yield_v more_o easy_o to_o the_o antecedent_n argument_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o church_n but_o if_o the_o doctrine_n for_o which_o she_o vouch_v this_o authority_n do_v upon_o the_o most_o impartial_a trial_n that_o i_o can_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v worldly_a unscriptural_a or_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n then_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o her_o pretence_n more_o severe_o than_o in_o the_o former_a case_n and_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o such_o doctrine_n may_v be_v teach_v by_o man_n pretend_v to_o inspiration_n or_o infallibility_n which_o will_v justify_v a_o man_n in_o reject_v that_o pretence_n out_o of_o hand_n and_o trouble_v himself_o no_o more_o about_o it_o if_o a_o physician_n of_o never_o so_o great_a name_n shall_v tell_v i_o that_o he_o will_v infallible_o cure_v my_o disease_n and_o then_o prescribe_v a_o dose_n of_o arsenic_n i_o think_v reason_n will_v advise_v rather_o to_o question_v his_o infallibility_n because_o he_o go_v thus_o mad_o to_o work_v than_o to_o take_v his_o poison_n because_o he_o promise_v a_o infallible_a cure_n now_o if_o i_o be_o not_o to_o do_v violence_n to_o my_o own_o understanding_n in_o thing_n that_o concern_v my_o bodily_a health_n much_o less_o shall_v i_o do_v the_o same_o in_o thing_n that_o regard_v my_o everlasting_a state_n and_o they_o be_v a_o strange_a sort_n of_o man_n who_o will_v allow_v people_n the_o liberty_n of_o use_v their_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v for_o the_o security_n of_o their_o worldly_a interest_n but_o will_v have_v they_o be_v lead_v in_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o religion_n and_o eternity_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o for_o to_o judge_v aright_o and_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v our_o high_a concernment_n be_v the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o we_o have_v reason_n and_o be_v creature_n of_o judgement_n and_o choice_n and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o a_o man_n to_o walk_v abroad_o with_o his_o eye_n open_a as_o that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o he_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o to_o judge_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n or_o not_o §_o 2._o if_o we_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o answer_v the_o second_o question_n 2._o whether_o a_o liberty_n of_o examine_v and_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n do_v mischief_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o to_o affirm_v this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o it_o have_v be_v much_o better_o in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o prevail_a of_o truth_n that_o man_n have_v be_v near_o to_o stock_n and_o stone_n than_o endue_v with_o natural_a ability_n of_o judge_v and_o natural_a propension_n to_o use_v those_o ability_n which_o i_o think_v will_v be_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o maker_n for_o certain_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o man_n to_o have_v want_v the_o faculty_n of_o judge_v and_o prove_v if_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o much_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v against_o her_o interest_n for_o man_n to_o examine_v her_o doctrine_n and_o use_v their_o reason_n about_o it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o examination_n and_o judgement_n in_o order_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o cause_v heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o the_o not_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o this_o liberty_n i._n e._n mens_fw-la enter_v upon_o this_o work_n with_o pride_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o worldly_a interest_n their_o want_n of_o care_n and_o diligence_n and_o of_o prove_v thing_n sufficient_o their_o take_v up_o opinion_n without_o reasonable_a examination_n and_o then_o seek_v for_o pretence_n to_o colour_v their_o obstinacy_n the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n be_v against_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n but_o not_o the_o use_n of_o that_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o divine_a part_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o restrain_v and_o govern_v our_o inferior_a faculty_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o if_o few_o or_o none_o trouble_v themselves_o at_o all_o to_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o will_v be_v no_o heresy_n but_o it_o be_v true_a too_o that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n at_o all_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o heresy_n and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v heresy_n in_o religion_n but_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o reason_n or_o religion_n be_v therefore_o the_o cause_n of_o heresy_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o say_v this_o as_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o heresy_n these_o thing_n be_v too_o gross_a to_o need_v a_o confutation_n and_o yet_o this_o pretence_n against_o the_o liberty_n of_o prove_v what_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o in_o religion_n be_v intend_v chief_o against_o private_a and_o ordinary_a person_n but_o not_o against_o the_o public_a guide_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o in_o truth_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o it_o hold_v more_o strong_o against_o these_o than_o against_o the_o other_o and_o that_o because_o the_o most_o pernicious_a heresy_n that_o ever_o come_v into_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o pretence_n be_v good_a they_o of_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v forbid_v to_o inquire_v into_o matter_n of_o religion_n because_o if_o they_o fall_v into_o any_o dangerous_a mistake_n their_o authority_n be_v likely_a to_o give_v reputation_n to_o it_o and_o to_o make_v it_o go_v down_o more_o easy_o with_o the_o common_a people_n than_o if_o it_o have_v be_v start_v by_o one_o of_o themselves_o so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o lay_v the_o heresy_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o liberty_n we_o have_v be_v contend_v for_o unless_o we_o will_v be_v content_a to_o exclude_v all_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o prove_v what_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o 〈◊〉_d and_o no_o man_n can_v think_v this_o reasonable_a unless_o he_o 〈◊〉_d all_o religion_n to_o be_v equal_o true_a that_o be_v every_o one_o to_o be_v alike_o false_a and_o he_o that_o believe_v this_o need_v not_o care_v what_o heresy_n he_o be_v of_o §_o 3._o 3._o but_o if_o every_o man_n have_v a_o just_a liberty_n and_o right_a to_o examine_v for_o himself_o be_v not_o this_o a_o good_a reason_n for_o toleration_n or_o for_o the_o universal_a liberty_n of_o practise_v according_a to_o a_o man_n conscience_n or_o persuasion_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v liberty_n of_o enquiry_n if_o after_o all_o i_o must_v be_v conclude_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o my_o superior_n or_o else_o suffer_v under_o those_o law_n by_o which_o they_o provide_v for_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o every_o man_n right_a and_o duty_n to_o judge_v for_o himself_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o good_a reason_n for_o toleration_n unless_o it_o be_v also_o apparent_a that_o every_o man_n use_v that_o right_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v i._n e._n with_o industry_n deliberation_n and_o impartiality_n if_o all_o man_n be_v sincere_a and_o will_v examine_v without_o prejudice_n without_o that_o bias_n to_o one_o side_n which_o be_v make_v by_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o worldly_a interest_n if_o they_o all_o intend_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v do_v their_o duty_n then_o doubtless_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o all_o shall_v enjoy_v a_o undisturbed_a liberty_n of_o practice_n according_a to_o their_o judgement_n for_o than_o no_o man_n will_v err_v in_o thing_n plain_a and_o necessary_a to_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n for_o our_o lord_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n but_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v that_o hypocrisy_n in_o the_o world_n whereof_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o so_o long_o as_o all_o those_o vice_n also_o reign_v which_o insensible_o corrupt_v the_o judgement_n and_o make_v man_n disloyal_a to_o the_o truth_n
understanding_n for_o when_o hypocrite_n have_v for_o their_o worldly_a interest_n debauch_a religion_n in_o this_o manner_n they_o know_v that_o the_o mean_a people_n will_v never_o swallow_v their_o gross_a absurdity_n unless_o they_o can_v first_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o trust_v their_o own_o eye_n or_o to_o hearken_v to_o any_o discourse_n from_o principle_n of_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o clear_a and_o strong_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o merit_n to_o believe_v thing_n incredible_a and_o to_o stick_v to_o a_o conclusion_n the_o fast_o the_o more_o impossible_a it_o seem_v to_o be_v true_a but_o by_o the_o way_n if_o reason_n be_v one_o and_o that_o the_o first_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o shall_v make_v bold_a to_o say_v it_o be_v i_o shall_v vehement_o suspect_v without_o far_a examination_n that_o they_o know_v their_o opinion_n to_o be_v very_o foolish_a who_o at_o first_o dash_n renounce_v the_o most_o general_a and_o necessary_a rule_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v try_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o because_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o all_o the_o world_n over_o reason_n be_v therefore_o the_o most_o public_a rule_n and_o test_n whereby_o to_o judge_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n and_o therefore_o if_o a_o council_n define_v thing_n in_o that_o manner_n that_o i_o must_v forsake_v right_a reason_n to_o follow_v its_o definition_n when_o i_o make_v this_o plain_a this_o be_v not_o oppose_v a_o private_a spirit_n to_o a_o public_a judgement_n but_o appeal_n from_o a_o less_o public_a judgement_n to_o the_o most_o public_a sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n §_o 6._o 2._o as_o reason_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o all_o man_n so_o be_v scripture_n a_o rule_n to_o all_o christian_n at_o least_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o and_o all_o pretend_v to_o make_v it_o a_o rule_n for_o their_o judgement_n by_o appeal_n to_o it_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n indeed_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v but_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o say_v it_o be_v a_o entire_a and_o perfect_a rule_n thereof_o however_o so_o long_o as_o she_o acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n though_o she_o pretend_v there_o be_v another_o rule_n beside_o that_o she_o be_v to_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o be_v acquit_v by_o she_o in_o not_o believe_v she_o against_o the_o scripture_n now_o every_o body_n must_v grant_v that_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v right_o by_o the_o scripture_n where_o we_o mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text._n and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o sense_n wherein_o we_o take_v any_o place_n be_v the_o true_a sense_n before_o we_o make_v our_o interpretation_n of_o it_o a_o rule_n whereby_o to_o examine_v other_o thing_n where_o the_o sense_n be_v very_o plain_a it_o require_v nothing_o more_o than_o common_a sense_n and_o common_a honesty_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v all_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o clear_o and_o plain_o that_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a for_o a_o honest_a man_n to_o understand_v what_o they_o be_v but_o because_o there_o be_v many_o obscure_a place_n in_o the_o scripture_n we_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o ground_v any_o doctrine_n upon_o they_o till_o we_o have_v well_o weigh_v and_o examine_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o place_n and_o the_o way_n to_o be_v secure_a from_o any_o dangerous_a mistake_n in_o conclude_v from_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v more_o or_o less_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v to_o observe_v such_o caution_n as_o these_o be_v which_o i_o think_v all_o christian_n must_v allow_v to_o be_v reasonable_a 1._o that_o we_o take_v no_o text_n in_o a_o sense_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n 2._o that_o we_o put_v no_o sense_n upon_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o general_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o we_o understand_v no_o difficult_a place_n in_o a_o sense_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o to_o those_o place_n who_o meaning_n be_v plain_a and_o manifest_a to_o all_o man_n 4._o that_o we_o mistake_v not_o those_o place_n for_o plain_a which_o be_v not_o so_o 5._o that_o we_o put_v no_o other_o sense_n upon_o a_o text_n than_o what_o agree_v with_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o that_o particular_a discourse_n wherein_o we_o find_v it_o 1._o before_o we_o conclude_v upon_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o text_n so_o as_o to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o it_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o sense_n be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o natural_a reason_n for_o if_o it_o be_v it_o can_v be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o god_n be_v the_o original_a of_o natural_a truth_n as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o which_o come_v by_o particular_a revelation_n and_o as_o hierocles_n say_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v right_a reason_n and_o to_o follow_v god_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o therefore_o no_o proposition_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o reason_n can_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o part_n of_o god_n book_n and_o that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n can_v no_o more_o be_v true_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o scripture_n than_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o can_v contradict_v himself_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o that_o sense_n which_o make_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o contradiction_n shall_v be_v true_a and_o we_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a that_o any_o thing_n be_v true_a than_o we_o be_v that_o that_o doctrine_n be_v false_a there_o be_v some_o other_o doctrine_n maintain_v by_o man_n of_o name_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v no_o better_a ground_n for_o than_o obscure_a text_n interpret_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o religion_n this_o caution_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v in_o the_o first_o place_n 2._o we_o must_v put_v no_o sense_n upon_o a_o difficult_a place_n which_o contradict_v the_o great_a end_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n now_o that_o be_v to_o work_v faith_n in_o man_n and_o thereby_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n do_v natural_o tend_v to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o the_o care_n of_o holy_a live_n by_o nourish_v they_o in_o foolish_a presumption_n or_o drive_v they_o to_o miserable_a despair_n can_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o doctrine_n can_v be_v prove_v from_o any_o obscure_a text_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o sense_n of_o a_o obsure_n text_n from_o which_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v be_v not_o the_o true_a sense_n unless_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n teach_v something_o that_o undermine_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o whole_a there_o be_v too_o many_o opinion_n among_o some_o christian_n that_o have_v no_o other_o colour_n for_o they_o than_o scripture_n interpret_v without_o this_o necessary_a caution_n which_o must_v therefore_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a 3._o we_o must_v not_o understand_v a_o difficult_a place_n in_o a_o sense_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o those_o place_n who_o meaning_n be_v plain_a and_o manifest_a to_o all_o man_n for_o the_o scripture_n can_v teach_v one_o thing_n plain_o in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o quite_o contrary_a obscure_o in_o another_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a therefore_o in_o try_v to_o understand_v a_o difficult_a place_n or_o in_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v any_o thing_n from_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n and_o the_o obscure_a place_n with_o those_o that_o be_v plain_a not_o to_o interpret_v the_o plain_a by_o the_o obscure_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o rule_n of_o discourse_n but_o the_o obscure_a by_o the_o plain_a especial_o because_o the_o plain_a place_n contain_v thing_n that_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v without_o great_a danger_n forsake_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v as_o every_o man_n in_o effect_n do_v who_o take_v a_o difficult_a place_n in_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o that_o doctrine_n in_o a_o word_n the_o scripture_n be_v our_o rule_n principal_o where_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o the_o
scripture_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o discourse_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n and_o scope_n of_o that_o discourse_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v this_o rule_n as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o to_o observe_v so_o it_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v urge_v upon_o man_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o interpret_v place_n that_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o plain_a by_o those_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v already_o possess_v with_o a_o belief_n of_o but_o for_o which_o they_o have_v little_a ground_n beside_o the_o mere_a sound_n of_o some_o text_n which_o at_o first_o hear_v seem_v to_o be_v of_o their_o side_n but_o which_o if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a writer_n in_o that_o chapter_n or_o book_n will_v be_v find_v to_o mean_v quite_o another_o thing_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v beside_o of_o this_o rule_n be_v that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o many_o place_n that_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o plain_a will_v be_v remove_v by_o observe_v it_o for_o instance_n by_o this_o way_n we_o shall_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v that_o that_o forementioned_a place_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o be_v chief_o mean_v of_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n which_o be_v distribute_v among_o believer_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o though_o in_o a_o qualify_a sense_n this_o be_v true_a of_o all_o save_a grace_n it_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o all_o those_o scripture_n that_o suppose_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a to_o depend_v upon_o something_o which_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o righteous_a if_o we_o mangle_v coherent_a discourse_n and_o take_v a_o shred_n or_o a_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n by_o itself_o without_o regard_n to_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o this_o to_o prove_v what_o what_o we_o will_v have_v we_o do_v not_o try_v our_o opinion_n by_o scripture_n but_o we_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o our_o own_o opinion_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v what_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o judge_v by_o scripture_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o equal_a and_o if_o all_o man_n have_v observe_v they_o who_o have_v a_o just_a veneration_n for_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v be_v better_o understand_v and_o less_o wrest_v unsound_a divinity_n have_v not_o easy_o pass_v for_o scriptural_a truth_n and_o all_o occasion_n of_o those_o unjust_a reproach_n have_v be_v take_v away_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n throw_v upon_o we_o for_o allow_v to_o all_o christian_n the_o free_a use_n of_o god_n holy_a book_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n 3._o the_o three_o i_o mention_v be_v antiquity_n and_o catholic_n tradition_n now_o if_o this_o rule_n as_o i_o say_v at_o first_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a way_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n by_o it_o who_o stick_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n though_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o use_v it_o otherwise_o for_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o be_v most_o ancient_o teach_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v receive_v all_o along_o in_o the_o best_a age_n of_o the_o church_n then_o he_o that_o can_v prove_v his_o faith_n by_o scripture_n have_v the_o argument_n of_o antiquity_n and_o catholic_n tradition_n unquestionable_o on_o his_o side_n because_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a record_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o as_o such_o from_o the_o begin_n through_o all_o age_n to_o our_o present_a time_n but_o we_o acknowledge_v also_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n of_o something_o of_o a_o late_a date_n that_o be_v of_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v of_o very_o good_a use_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o some_o place_n in_o scripture_n for_o show_v what_o order_n and_o discipline_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n for_o confirm_v we_o in_o point_n of_o faith_n ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n but_o which_o have_v be_v dispute_v and_o oppose_v by_o heretic_n and_o likewise_o for_o confute_v those_o gross_a error_n in_o belief_n or_o practice_n which_o of_o late_a day_n have_v be_v bring_v in_o among_o christian_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o how_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o this_o rule_n i_o shall_v not_o etc._n here_o direct_v because_o this_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o a_o excellent_a discourse_n already_o publish_v and_o thus_o much_o concern_v rule_n whereby_o to_o try_v opinion_n in_o religion_n §_o 7._o iii_o the_o disposition_n wherewith_o we_o be_v to_o search_v for_o the_o truth_n by_o these_o mean_n be_v also_o of_o necessary_a consideration_n for_o whatever_o other_o advantage_n we_o have_v if_o we_o be_v great_o defective_a in_o these_o we_o shall_v very_o often_o lose_v our_o labour_n and_o fall_v into_o mistake_n of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o qualify_v a_o man_n for_o receive_v truth_n when_o propound_v with_o sufficient_a evidence_n or_o to_o find_v it_o out_o by_o his_o own_o search_n there_o must_v be_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o a_o prepare_a mind_n 2._o competent_a diligence_n 3._o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o that_o diligence_n 1._o a_o prepare_a mind_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n now_o this_o consist_v in_o humility_n ingenuity_n and_o sincerity_n humility_n be_v necessary_a because_o overween_v and_o self-concit_a make_v a_o man_n apt_a to_o despise_v what_o those_o of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n can_v say_v for_o themselves_o before_o their_o argument_n be_v consider_v and_o in_o general_a to_o neglect_v that_o help_n which_o may_v be_v have_v by_o the_o advice_n and_o reason_n of_o other_o so_o likewise_o vainglory_n fix_v a_o man_n in_o a_o error_n he_o have_v once_o defend_v and_o while_o he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o acknowledge_v a_o mistake_n he_o strain_v all_o his_o wit_n to_o delude_v himself_o into_o a_o strong_a belief_n of_o it_o and_o of_o his_o ability_n to_o defend_v it_o in_o controversy_n he_o be_v desirous_a of_o victory_n and_o will_v fain_o be_v think_v somebody_o and_o therefore_o he_o study_v more_o to_o expose_v a_o adversary_n than_o to_o inform_v himself_o and_o if_o he_o be_v yet_o to_o choose_v his_o side_n of_o a_o question_n he_o take_v the_o wrong_a one_o if_o it_o be_v more_o fashionable_a than_o the_o right_n therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n whosoever_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o a_o little_a child_n i._n e._n with_o a_o meek_a and_o pliable_a spirit_n shall_v not_o enter_v therein_o again_o say_v he_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n intimate_v that_o they_o will_v be_v easy_o convince_v who_o be_v of_o tractable_a and_o humble_a mind_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v concern_v the_o pharisee_n that_o they_o reject_v he_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o his_o sheep_n i._n e._n because_o of_o their_o haughty_a and_o inflexible_a disposition_n prejudice_n be_v apt_a to_o bar_v the_o mind_n against_o conviction_n as_o well_o as_o pride_n and_o therefore_o to_o humility_n we_o must_v add_v ingenuity_n and_o sincerity_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v qualify_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o suggestion_n of_o prejudice_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o force_n of_o good_a reason_n on_o the_o other_o ingenuity_n be_v oppose_v to_o those_o prejudices_fw-la that_o be_v either_o unavoidable_o contract_v or_o take_v up_o through_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n or_o converse_v altogether_o with_o our_o own_o party_n man_n be_v general_o prepossess_v with_o great_a favour_n to_o those_o opinion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v all_o along_o train_v up_o and_o which_o have_v be_v instill_v into_o they_o by_o all_o that_o they_o have_v converse_v with_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v meet_a inquirer_n after_o truth_n if_o we_o want_v the_o ingenuity_n of_o suspect_v ourselves_o on_o this_o side_n and_o try_v those_o persuasion_n in_o which_o we_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o with_o the_o great_a impartiality_n and_o severity_n some_o man_n be_v prejudice_v by_o a_o unaccountable_a inclination_n towards_o a_o opinion_n or_o a_o antipathy_n against_o it_o and_o these_o aught_o the_o more_o careful_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o warmth_n of_o their_o imagination_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o force_n of_o argument_n on_o the_o other_o and_o not_o to_o take_v a_o passionate_a fondness_n for_o a_o conclusion_n or_o a_o aversion_n from_o it_o to_o be_v a_o reason_n one_o way_n or_o other_o it_o be_v very_o incident_a to_o weak_a mind_n to_o prejudg_v in_o favour_n of_o
meaning_n be_v most_o plain_a and_o evident_a but_o this_o caution_n will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n if_o we_o take_v the_o next_o along_o with_o we_o and_o that_o be_v this_o 4._o in_o try_v opinion_n by_o scripture_n we_o must_v be_v something_o careful_a lest_o we_o mistake_v those_o place_n for_o plain_a which_o indeed_o be_v not_o so_o but_o more_o or_o less_o obscure_a and_o here_o i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o show_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o the_o plainness_n or_o by_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o text._n a_o text_n be_v then_o plain_a when_o that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o intend_a meaning_n of_o it_o which_o the_o first_o read_v or_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n do_v suggest_v to_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o plain_a in_o necessary_a point_n especial_o in_o the_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n thereof_o which_o though_o in_o some_o place_n they_o be_v couch_v under_o more_o obscure_a term_n yet_o in_o other_o they_o be_v deliver_v with_o this_o plainness_n a_o text_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v difficult_a when_o we_o do_v not_o hit_v of_o the_o true_a and_o intend_a sense_n upon_o the_o first_o read_v or_o gather_v it_o from_o the_o bare_a surface_n of_o the_o word_n but_o must_v search_v and_o inquire_v far_a to_o know_v it_o and_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o difficult_a text_n in_o scripture_n some_o place_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v that_o upon_o the_o first_o read_v of_o the_o word_n or_o phrase_n no_o tolerable_a or_o intelligible_a sense_n can_v be_v put_v on_o they_o at_o all_o without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o far_a study_n and_o enquiry_n the_o difficult_a place_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v more_o seldom_o pervert_v to_o maintain_v any_o ill_a opinion_n for_o no_o body_n go_v about_o to_o make_v a_o text_n a_o scriptural_a proof_n of_o any_o thing_n without_o he_o first_o determine_v with_o himself_o in_o what_o sense_n to_o take_v it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o hard_a place_n of_o this_o kind_n it_o be_v not_o obvious_a at_o the_o first_o read_v what_o sense_n they_o can_v bear_v a_o man_n can_v well_o offer_v to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o they_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o difficult_a text_n be_v those_o which_o be_v take_v by_o themselves_o do_v upon_o the_o first_o sight_n or_o sound_v of_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o plain_a sense_n and_o meaning_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o that_o sense_n the_o word_n will_v be_v upon_o the_o first_o read_v of_o they_o and_o these_o be_v the_o hard_a place_n in_o god_n word_n which_o be_v most_o pervert_v and_o take_v in_o such_o sense_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n never_o intend_v for_o than_o be_v a_o hard_a place_n like_o to_o be_v wrest_v when_o it_o seem_v plain_a to_o he_o who_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o and_o a_o difficult_a text_n may_v seem_v plain_a to_o he_o who_o for_o want_v of_o study_v and_o consider_v think_v he_o understand_v it_o but_o do_v not_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o difficult_a text_n of_o the_o latter_a sort_n which_o have_v be_v mistake_v for_o plain_a that_o be_v erroneous_o take_v to_o have_v such_o a_o meaning_n as_o they_o appear_v to_o have_v upon_o the_o first_o read_v in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n we_o have_v these_o word_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v of_o work_n but_o of_o he_o that_o call_v some_o take_v this_o for_o a_o plain_a place_n and_o therefore_o think_v it_o a_o clear_a scriptural_a truth_n that_o our_o salvation_n be_v not_o at_o all_o of_o our_o work_n but_o only_o proceed_v from_o a_o absolute_a decree_n of_o heaven_n so_o again_o we_o have_v it_o affirm_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o same_o chapter_n it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v but_o of_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n hence_o some_o think_v it_o be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n that_o what_o we_o do_v signify_v little_a all_o be_v from_o a_o arbitrary_a favour_n of_o god_n again_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 7._o we_o find_v these_o word_n who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o from_o the_o sound_n of_o which_o word_n some_o gather_v that_o we_o be_v not_o free_a agent_n in_o our_o own_o conversion_n but_o that_o if_o we_o be_v better_a than_o our_o neighbour_n it_o be_v a_o almighty_a power_n have_v make_v we_o so_o and_o not_o any_o free_a choice_n or_o care_n of_o our_o own_o now_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o we_o mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o a_o text_n of_o scripture_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o plain_v when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o consequent_o in_o this_o case_n we_o can_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v what_o be_v orthodox_n or_o erroneous_a by_o have_v recourse_n to_o any_o scripture_n so_o misapprehend_v but_o how_o can_v i_o know_v when_o a_o place_n be_v but_o seem_o plain_a and_o not_o real_o so_o i._n e._n when_o i_o be_o not_o to_o take_v that_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o place_n which_o i_o may_v apprehend_v upon_o the_o first_o run_v of_o the_o word_n and_o sound_n of_o the_o phrase_n this_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o compare_v place_n together_o and_o go_v by_o this_o rule_n a_o place_n seem_v only_o to_o be_v plain_a but_o be_v not_o when_o it_o be_v uppermost_a sense_n and_o what_o it_o offer_v to_o we_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o place_n undoubted_o plain_a for_o instance_n the_o text_n now_o mention_v may_v seem_v plain_a to_o those_o who_o will_v prove_v their_o erroneous_a persuasion_n to_o be_v scriptural_a truth_n by_o they_o yet_o if_o we_o suppose_v they_o plain_a i._n e._n if_o we_o think_v they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o that_o sense_n which_o they_o will_v bear_v at_o the_o first_o read_v than_o they_o be_v text_n undeniable_o repugnant_a to_o such_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n as_o all_o must_v believe_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v plain_a for_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v of_o work_n etc._n etc._n in_o another_o place_n he_o give_v we_o this_o plain_a precept_n work_v out_o your_o salvation_n be_v not_o salvation_n of_o work_n and_o 12._o yet_o must_v we_o work_v it_o out_o either_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o true_a in_o the_o sense_n some_o take_v the_o word_n that_o salvation_n be_v not_o of_o work_n or_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o bid_v we_o work_v it_o out_o wherefore_o by_o this_o plain_a place_n work_n out_o your_o salvation_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o the_o other_o place_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v of_o work_n whatsoever_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o may_v be_v it_o can_v have_v this_o meaning_n that_o our_o salvation_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o our_o work_n or_o do_n in_o like_a manner_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v etc._n etc._n do_v he_o not_o in_o a_o plain_a practical_a discourse_n wherein_o he_o compare_v the_o christian_a life_n to_o a_o race_n exhort_v we_o so_o to_o run_v that_o we_o 24._o may_v obtain_v now_o be_v it_o not_o of_o run_v that_o we_o obtain_v and_o yet_o do_v he_o bid_v we_o so_o run_v that_o we_o may_v obtain_v wherefore_o the_o plain_a precept_n to_o run_v etc._n etc._n evident_o show_v that_o it_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o other_o place_n that_o it_o be_v not_o by_o run_v or_o by_o diligence_n in_o a_o christian_a life_n that_o we_o obtain_v salvation_n 7._o again_o whereas_o he_o ask_v in_o one_o place_n who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o he_o also_o exhort_v in_o another_o 2._o be_v not_o conform_v to_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o former_a clause_n can_v be_v that_o the_o righteous_a man_n who_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n do_v nothing_o towards_o the_o make_n of_o that_o difference_n for_o than_o it_o will_v be_v very_o improper_a to_o exhort_v a_o man_n to_o make_v that_o difference_n by_o not_o conform_v to_o the_o world_n final_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n which_o i_o have_v now_o compare_v can_v be_v all_o of_o they_o plain_o for_o than_o they_o be_v irreconcilable_o repugnant_a to_o one_o another_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o all_o plain_a than_o some_o of_o they_o must_v not_o be_v think_v to_o have_v such_o a_o meaning_n as_o the_o first_o read_v of_o the_o word_n may_v make_v we_o think_v they_o have_v and_o therefore_o in_o judge_a thing_n by_o scripture_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o prove_v or_o disprove_v they_o by_o scripture_n mistake_v for_o plain_a when_o they_o be_v not_o so_o 5._o we_o must_v also_o see_v that_o the_o sense_n wherein_o we_o take_v a_o passage_n of_o