to_o the_o people_n and_o that_o in_o so_o do_v he_o not_o only_o give_v they_o a_o right_n but_o also_o lay_v on_o they_o a_o obligation_n to_o read_v they_o i_o have_v already_o show_v if_o therefore_o the_o read_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o people_n be_v such_o a_o unavoidable_a in_o let_v of_o error_n and_o heresy_n as_o this_o objection_n pretend_v it_o be_v doubtless_o very_o unadvised_o do_v of_o god_n to_o publish_v such_o a_o dangerous_a book_n to_o the_o world_n which_o those_o for_o who_o he_o publish_v and_o to_o who_o he_o direct_v it_o can_v familiar_o converse_v with_o without_o eminent_a peril_n of_o be_v infect_v with_o heresy_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v such_o a_o quarrelsome_a knife_n as_o these_o man_n say_v it_o be_v that_o the_o people_n can_v hardly_o touch_v it_o without_o cut_v their_o finger_n they_o be_v certain_o more_o behold_v to_o the_o church_n for_o take_v it_o from_o they_o than_o they_o be_v to_o god_n for_o bestow_v it_o on_o they_o 3._o this_o objection_n make_v as_o much_o at_o least_o against_o the_o priest_n read_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o people_n for_o most_o of_o those_o heresy_n that_o have_v be_v broach_v to_o the_o people_n be_v first_o brew_v by_o the_o priest_n from_o who_o lip_n the_o people_n do_v common_o derive_v their_o error_n as_o well_o as_o their_o knowledge_n witness_v those_o famous_a heresy_n with_o which_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v so_o distract_v from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o such_o as_o the_o novatian_a the_o donatist_n the_o arian_n the_o pelagian_a the_o eutichian_a the_o eunomian_a all_o which_o counterfeit_v and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o be_v first_o coin_v by_o the_o clergy_n and_o disperse_v for_o current_n christianity_n among_o the_o laity_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o pretence_n that_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n open_v a_o gap_n to_o heresy_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o the_o laity_n shall_v not_o read_v it_o it_o be_v a_o much_o more_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o the_o clergy_n shall_v not_o read_v it_o for_o it_o require_v skill_n and_o learning_n as_o well_o to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n into_o such_o false_a sense_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o to_o interpret_v it_o into_o its_o true_a sense_n and_o i_o be_o very_o sure_a that_o it_o ordinary_o require_v more_o wit_n and_o art_n to_o extort_v from_o the_o scripture_n probable_a error_n than_o it_o do_v to_o discover_v by_o it_o necessary_a truth_n and_o if_o so_o then_o if_o the_o danger_n of_o let_v in_o heresy_n be_v a_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o shall_v not_o read_v it_o it_o be_v much_o more_o a_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o learned_a shall_v not_o read_v it_o than_o the_o unlearned_a and_o confequent_o why_o the_o priest_n shall_v not_o read_v it_o than_o the_o people_n see_v the_o former_a be_v more_o qualify_v to_o extract_v heresy_n from_o it_o than_o the_o late_a if_o therefore_o this_o objection_n signify_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n for_o any_o body_n to_o read_v the_o bible_n that_o this_o same_o divine_a book_n which_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n think_v fit_a to_o oblige_v all_o that_o be_v able_a to_o peruse_v and_o study_v be_v now_o become_v such_o a_o dangerous_a inlet_n of_o heresy_n that_o like_o pandora_n box_n you_o can_v no_o soon_o open_v it_o but_o swarm_n of_o error_n and_o false_a doctrine_n will_v present_o fly_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o well_o for_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v either_o utter_o extinguish_v or_o hide_v in_o some_o inaccessible_a repository_n where_o no_o mortal_a eye_n may_v ever_o approach_v it_o 4_o this_o objection_n express_o contradict_v our_o saviour_n and_o the_o primitive_a father_n for_o matt._n 22.29_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o sadducee_n who_o be_v cavil_v with_o he_o about_o the_o resurrection_n you_o do_v err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n have_v therefore_o the_o sadducee_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o our_o objector_n they_o will_v doubtless_o have_v tell_v he_o by_o your_o good_a leave_n sir_n in_o this_o point_n you_o yourself_o be_v in_o a_o error_n for_o in_o all_o probability_n have_v we_o know_v the_o scripture_n or_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v err_v much_o more_o either_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n be_v mistake_v in_o charge_v the_o error_n of_o the_o sadducee_n upon_o their_o ignorance_n of_o scripture_n or_o our_o objector_n be_v mistake_v in_o make_v it_o so_o necessary_a a_o expedient_a for_o the_o prevention_n of_o error_n to_o forbid_v the_o people_n be_v acquaint_v with_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o and_o they_o be_v of_o quite_o different_a opinion_n in_o the_o case_n but_o whatever_o their_o opinion_n be_v i_o be_o sure_a the_o primitive_a father_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o our_o saviour_n for_o irenaeus_n write_v of_o the_o valentinian_n heretic_n 12._o heretic_n lib._n 3._o c._n 12._o all_o those_o error_n they_o fall_v into_o because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o scripture_n so_o st._n jerom_n 4._o jerom_n in_o ep._n ad_fw-la ephes_n l._n 3._o c._n 4._o we_o must_v search_v the_o scripture_n with_o all_o diligence_n that_o so_o as_o be_v good_a exchanger_n we_o may_v know_v the_o lawful_a coin_n from_o the_o copper_n and_o elsewhere_o that_o infinite_a evil_n arise_v from_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o from_o this_o cause_n the_o great_a part_n of_o heresy_n have_v proceed_v st._n chrysostom_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o if_o man_n will_v be_v conversant_a with_o the_o scripture_n and_o attend_v to_o they_o they_o will_v not_o only_o not_o fall_v into_o error_n themselves_o but_o be_v able_a to_o rescue_v those_o that_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o the_o scripture_n will_v instruct_v man_n both_o in_o right_a opinion_n and_o good_a life_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o theophilact_fw-mi tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o can_v deceive_v they_o who_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o that_o say_v he_o be_v the_o candle_n whereby_o the_o thief_n be_v discover_v but_o it_o seem_v according_a to_o modern_a experiment_n this_o candle_n of_o scripture_n rather_o serve_v to_o light_v the_o thief_n into_o the_o house_n than_o to_o discover_v he_o when_o he_o be_v there_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v think_v necessary_a for_o honest_a man_n security_n either_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v whole_o extinguish_v or_o at_o least_o hinder_v from_o give_v light_n by_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o a_o dark_a lantern_n of_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n but_o when_o they_o who_o be_v once_o the_o honest_a man_n be_v become_v the_o thief_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o shall_v thus_o change_v their_o note_n and_o complain_v of_o the_o light_n of_o this_o candle_n as_o dangerous_a to_o they_o which_o heretofore_o they_o esteem_v their_o great_a securith_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o reason_n assigine_v by_o st._n peter_n why_o some_o man_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n be_v not_o their_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o contrary_a wise_a their_z not_o read_v it_o enough_o which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a say_v he_o wrest_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o unlearned_a in_o what_o why_o doubtless_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o as_o to_o humane_a learning_n st._n peter_n himself_o be_v as_o unlearned_a as_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v their_o be_v unlearned_a in_o scripture_n that_o occasion_v they_o to_o wrest_v it_o into_o a_o heretical_a sense_n than_o it_o be_v not_o man_n read_v the_o scripture_n that_o lead_v they_o into_o heresy_n but_o their_o not_o read_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v therefore_o that_o the_o people_n read_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o inlet_n of_o heresy_n and_o to_o say_v no_o it_o be_v not_o their_o read_n it_o but_o their_o not_o read_v it_o enough_o be_v the_o inlet_n of_o heresy_n be_v a_o express_a contradiction_n the_o former_a our_o objector_n say_v the_o late_a our_o saviour_n his_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n say_v and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o determine_v which_o of_o these_o two_o contradiction_n we_o ought_v to_o believe_v 5._o and_o last_o according_a to_o this_o objection_n the_o best_a way_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o be_v heretic_n be_v to_o deprive_v they_o of_o all_o mean_n of_o arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a certain_a way_n though_o not_o a_o very_a honest_a one_o let_v man_n know_v nothing_o of_o religion_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o can_v be_v heretic_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o err_v in_o their_o conception_n of_o those_o thing_n whereof_o
344._o 2._o from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n approbation_n of_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n p_o 345_o 346._o 3_o from_o the_o great_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n p._n 347_o 348._o 4._o from_o the_o direction_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n to_o the_o people_n p._n 349._o to_o 352._o 5._o from_o the_o great_a concernmènt_n the_o people_n have_v in_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n p._n 352._o to_o 356._o 6._o from_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o this_o matter_n p._n 355._o to_o 359._o a_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o a_o general_a permission_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n must_v necessary_o open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o error_n and_o heresy_n p._n 360._o to_o 366._o another_o objection_n that_o it_o will_v prove_v a_o unavoidable_a occasion_n of_o great_a corruption_n in_o manner_n answer_v p._n 367._o to_o 371._o two_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a p._n 372._o to_o the_o end_n dis_n v._o a_o dissuasive_a from_o apostasy_n a_o explication_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n p._n 385._o to_o p._n 388._o the_o general_a proposition_n p._n 389._o six_o instance_n of_o the_o mighty_a tendency_n there_o be_v in_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n to_o error_n and_o apostasy_n from_o true_a religion_n as_o 1._o it_o corrupt_v man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n p._n 390_o 391._o 2._o it_o render_v the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n uneasy_a to_o their_o mind_n p._n 392_o 393_o 394._o 3._o it_o deprive_v man_n of_o the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o religion_n p._n 395._o 4._o it_o weaken_v the_o natural_a force_n of_o man_n conscience_n p._n 396._o to_o p._n 399._o 5._o it_o strengthen_v and_o enforce_v the_o temptation_n to_o apostasy_n p._n 400._o to_o 402._o 6._o it_o provoke_v god_n to_o give_v we_o up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n p._n 403._o to_o p._n 406._o two_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a p._n 406._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n part_n iv_o matth_n xuj_o 26._o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n in_o the_o 24_o verse_n our_o saviour_n urge_v his_o disciple_n to_o that_o necessary_a duty_n of_o deny_v themselves_o that_o be_v of_o surrender_v up_o their_o will_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o he_o and_o renounce_v all_o their_o worldly_a interest_n when_o it_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o that_o be_v of_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o endure_v persecution_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o to_o persist_v courageous_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o religion_n whatsoever_o opposition_n they_o shall_v meet_v with_o from_o the_o world_n and_o to_o press_v they_o hereunto_o he_o urge_v this_o argument_n ver._n 25._o for_o whosoever_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o whosoever_o will_v lose_v his_o life_n shall_v find_v it_o where_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v life_n may_v perhaps_o be_v better_o render_v himself_o it_o be_v familiar_a both_o with_o hebrew_n and_o syrian_n to_o call_v a_o man_n life_n and_o soul_n himself_o so_o the_o psalmist_n thou_o shall_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n that_o be_v thou_o shall_v not_o leave_v i_o perish_v in_o my_o grave_n psal_n 16.10_o and_o levit._n 20.25_o you_o shall_v not_o make_v your_o soul_n abominable_a i._n e._n yourselves_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o render_v here_o be_v evident_a because_o st._n luke_n so_o expound_v it_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v himself_o or_o be_v cast_v away_o luke_n 9.25_o and_o indeed_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o a_o man_n and_o that_o which_o advance_v he_o into_o a_o species_n of_o be_v above_o that_o of_o a_o mere_a animal_n may_v very_o well_o be_v call_v himself_o according_a to_o that_o of_o hierecles_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thy_o soul_n be_v thou_o thy_o body_n thou_o and_o thy_o outward_a good_n thy_o body_n and_o if_o instead_o of_o life_n we_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d himself_o the_o word_n will_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a for_o whosoever_o will_v save_v himself_o by_o renounce_v i_o and_o my_o religion_n shall_v lose_v himself_o for_o ever_o and_o whosoever_o will_v be_v content_a to_o lose_v himself_o for_o my_o sake_n shall_v save_v himself_o for_o ever_o and_o this_o he_o far_o enforce_v in_o the_o text_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n that_o be_v what_o will_v it_o avail_v a_o man_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n if_o he_o for_o ever_o ruin_v himself_o by_o it_o and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o ruin_v himself_o what_o will_v he_o give_v if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o save_v and_o recover_v himself_o again_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v i_o shall_v resolve_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o into_o these_o five_o proposition_n i._o that_o a_o man_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o inestimable_a price_n and_o value_n for_o our_o saviour_n here_o weigh_v it_o against_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o be_v against_o all_o the_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o honour_n that_o this_o inferior_a world_n can_v afford_v and_o declare_v that_o in_o the_o just_a balance_n of_o his_o esteem_n it_o outweigh_v they_o all_o and_o certain_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v exceed_v precious_a who_o worth_a the_o whole_a world_n can_v counter-poise_n ii_o that_o this_o precious_a soul_n may_v be_v lose_v this_o our_o saviour_n plain_o suppose_v in_o these_o word_n if_o he_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n iii_o that_o our_o renounce_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n will_v most_o certain_o infer_v this_o loss_n for_o these_o word_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o our_o saviour_n urge_v as_o a_o argument_n to_o dissuade_v man_n from_o apostasy_n but_o if_o without_o lose_v our_o soul_n we_o may_v renounce_v he_o and_o apostatise_v from_o he_o there_o will_v be_v no_o force_n in_o all_o this_o argument_n to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o it_o iv_o that_o when_o this_o soul_n be_v lose_v it_o be_v lose_v irrecoverable_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n where_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v exchange_n be_v use_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o price_n of_o redemption_n denote_v that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v or_o can_v give_v never_o so_o much_o to_o buy_v his_o soul_n from_o perdition_n yet_o no_o price_n of_o redemption_n will_v be_v take_v for_o it_o v._o that_o this_o irrecoverable_a loss_n of_o a_o soul_n be_v of_o such_o a_o vast_a moment_n that_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o compensate_a it_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v that_o be_v he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o profit_v nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o he_o be_v a_o vast_a loser_n i._o that_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o a_o inestimable_a price_n and_o value_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o proposition_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o represent_v to_o you_o of_o what_o vast_a worth_n it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o its_o own_o natural_a capacity_n second_o to_o show_v you_o of_o what_o vast_a esteem_v it_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o those_o who_o as_o we_o must_v needs_o suppose_v do_v best_a understand_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o 1._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o of_o what_o vast_a worth_n it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o its_o own_o natural_a capacity_n particular_o in_o these_o four_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o its_o capacity_n of_o understanding_n 2._o of_o moral_a perfection_n 3._o of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n 4._o of_o immortality_n 1._o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v of_o vast_a worth_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o capacity_n of_o understanding_n for_o certain_o to_o understand_v be_v the_o great_a and_o noble_a operation_n that_o a_o be_v be_v capable_a of_o for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o give_v beauty_n and_o excellence_n to_o all_o our_o other_o operation_n whether_o they_o be_v natural_a or_o moral_a it_o be_v this_o that_o propose_v the_o end_n and_o direct_v the_o course_n and_o prescribe_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o our_o other_o action_n and_o though_o we_o have_v never_o so_o much_o force_n or_o
evident_a to_o any_o one_o that_o read_v it_o to_o be_v sure_a among_o these_o thing_n be_v contain_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v 2._o from_o the_o avow_a design_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a it_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a for_o thus_o concern_v the_o old_a testament_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v afore_o time_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n rom._n 15.4_o and_o if_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o instruction_n to_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v so_o write_v as_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v we_o that_o be_v plain_o and_o clear_o especial_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o have_v most_o need_v to_o be_v instruct_v and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o new_a testament_n st._n luke_n tell_v his_o theophilus_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o writing_n his_o gospel_n be_v that_o he_o may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v sure_o believe_v among_o christian_n and_o wherein_o he_o himself_o have_v be_v instruct_v and_o if_o it_o be_v to_o ascertain_v we_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n that_o he_o write_v his_o gospel_n certain_o he_o will_v take_v care_n to_o write_v it_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o those_o that_o read_v it_o may_v understand_v it_o otherwise_o he_o must_v run_v counter_a to_o his_o own_o design_n thus_o also_o st._n john_n say_v that_o he_o write_v his_o gospel_n that_o man_n may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o how_o can_v his_o gospel_n induce_v man_n to_o believe_v this_o unless_o it_o be_v so_o write_v as_o that_o man_n may_v understand_v it_o and_o so_o also_o for_o his_o epistle_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o write_v they_o that_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o jesus_n may_v know_v that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o that_o they_o may_v believe_v or_o continue_v to_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v his_o end_n to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v take_v care_n to_o write_v so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v understand_v otherwise_o how_o can_v they_o know_v by_o his_o write_n that_o they_o have_v eternal_a life_n or_o be_v move_v thereby_o to_o continue_v to_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v create_v in_o man_n either_o knowledge_n or_o faith_n but_o what_o they_o understand_v see_v therefore_o the_o great_a end_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o instruct_v the_o world_n in_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n either_o we_o must_v say_v that_o both_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o inspire_v they_o be_v defective_a in_o skill_n or_o in_o care_n so_o to_o write_v as_o to_o obtain_v this_o end_n or_o that_o their_o write_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v unless_o they_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a as_o to_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n in_o short_a every_o wise_a agent_n pursue_v his_o end_n by_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o to_o write_v plain_o or_o obscure_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a mean_n to_o instruct_v man_n by_o write_v if_o to_o write_v plain_o then_o either_o the_o apostle_n write_v so_o or_o they_o be_v not_o wise_a agent_n since_o to_o instruct_v be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o their_o write_n the_o most_o natural_a way_n of_o convey_v to_o man_n mind_n the_o notice_n of_o thing_n be_v by_o word_n either_o speak_v or_o write_v and_o see_v whatsoever_o can_v be_v speak_v in_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a word_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o word_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o those_o word_n will_v be_v as_o intelligible_a when_o they_o be_v write_v as_o when_o they_o be_v speak_v for_o why_o shall_v the_o same_o word_n be_v more_o obscure_a when_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o our_o eye_n than_o when_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o our_o ear_n see_v then_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v as_o plain_o convey_v by_o word_n write_v as_o by_o word_n speak_v and_o see_v that_o even_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o plainness_n of_o scripture_n do_v yet_o allow_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o may_v be_v plain_o convey_v by_o word_n speak_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n oral_a tradition_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o plain_a it_o can_v be_v resolve_v into_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o this_o that_o god_n will_v not_o have_v it_o so_o for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o can_v have_v speak_v as_o plain_o as_o man_n and_o have_v write_v as_o plain_o as_o he_o speak_v and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o it_o be_v because_o he_o will_v not_o but_o to_o say_v that_o he_o will_v not_o write_v those_o thing_n plain_o which_o he_o think_v necessary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o know_v and_o which_o he_o write_v on_o purpose_n that_o all_o man_n may_v know_v be_v to_o say_v that_o he_o will_v and_o will_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o that_o he_o write_v they_o on_o purpose_n that_o man_n may_v know_v they_o and_o yet_o that_o he_o write_v so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o know_v they_o 3._o from_o the_o frequent_a command_v god_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o in_o all_o necessary_a thing_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o will_v and_o rquire_v we_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v show_v at_o large_a hereafter_o when_o i_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o search_v the_o scripture_n suppose_v therefore_o at_o present_a the_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a i_o will_v fain_o know_v to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v god_n require_v we_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n if_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n to_o know_v and_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a do_v god_n require_v we_o to_o read_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o read_v it_o or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o understand_v it_o if_o the_o former_a read_v any_o other_o book_n may_v as_o well_o have_v answer_v god_n end_n as_o read_v the_o scripture_n because_o read_v be_v read_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o we_o read_v if_o the_o late_a then_o either_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a as_o to_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v we_o to_o understand_v or_o he_o require_v we_o to_o read_v it_o in_o vain_a for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v we_o read_v that_o we_o may_v understand_v if_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o read_v be_v not_o plain_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o berean_o act_n 17.11_o be_v high_o commend_v for_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v be_v this_o a_o virtue_n in_o they_o or_o be_v it_o not_o if_o not_o why_o be_v they_o commend_v for_o it_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v certain_o their_o duty_n what_o be_v the_o intendment_n of_o it_o be_v it_o only_o that_o they_o may_v be_v expert_a reader_n why_o be_v they_o so_o commend_v for_o read_v the_o scripture_n above_o any_o other_o book_n see_v that_o read_v any_o other_o book_n will_v have_v do_v as_o well_o for_o that_o purpose_n as_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o the_o text_n itself_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o intendment_n of_o their_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v that_o they_o may_v know_v whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o not_o which_o st._n paul_n have_v preach_v to_o they_o but_o how_o shall_v they_o know_v this_o by_o read_v the_o scripture_n if_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o read_v be_v not_o plain_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o again_o st._n paul_n give_v this_o as_o a_o great_a commendation_n of_o his_o son_n timothy_n that_o from_o a_o child_n he_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n whence_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o reproach_n to_o our_o church_n as_o the_o romanist_n intend_v it_o for_o that_o we_o permit_v woman_n and_o child_n tinker_n and_o cobbler_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o i_o pray_v what_o be_v the_o mean_v of_o timothy_n know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o a_o child_n be_v it_o that_o he_o know_v the_o word_n of_o it_o only_o or_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o also_o if_o the_o former_a a_o parrot_n may_v be_v teach_v as_o much_o as_o timothy_n have_v learn_v and_o consequent_o deserve_v as_o high_a a_o commendation_n as_o he_o if_o the_o late_a than_o it_o seem_v the_o scripture_n be_v
then_o to_o be_v sure_a our_o saviour_n here_o mention_n it_o at_o least_o with_o approbation_n and_o what_o he_o approve_v when_o do_v that_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v have_v we_o do_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o command_n or_o of_o a_o bare_a assertion_n it_o be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o command_n it_o be_v at_o least_o a_o assertion_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o he_o approve_v and_o consequent_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o practise_v but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o numerous_a party_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o do_v not_o only_o forbid_v the_o people_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n but_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o practice_n of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n it_o be_v hereby_o become_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o assert_v but_o prove_v their_o obligation_n to_o it_o which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v very_o needless_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a and_o evident_a in_o itself_o now_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o search_n and_o read_v the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v argue_v the_o point_n from_o these_o follow_a topic_n 1._o from_o the_o obligation_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v underto_a read_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n 2._o from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n approbation_n of_o their_o practice_n in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o their_o obligation_n 3._o from_o the_o great_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n 4._o from_o the_o direction_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n to_o the_o people_n 5._o from_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o 6._o from_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o this_o matter_n 1._o from_o the_o general_a obligation_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o the_o read_v and_o search_v their_o scripture_n for_o so_o god_n require_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o word_n which_o he_o command_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o their_o child_n and_o to_o talk_v of_o they_o as_o they_o sit_v in_o their_o house_n and_o as_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n and_o when_o they_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o they_o rise_v up_o and_o to_o bind_v they_o as_o a_o sign_n upon_o their_o hand_n deut._n 6.6_o 7_o 8._o and_o elsewhere_o this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n but_o thou_o shatl_n meditate_v therein_o day_n and_o night_n speak_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o general_a jos_n 1.8_o and_o again_o you_o shall_v lay_v lip_n these_o my_o word_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o in_o your_o soul_n that_o your_o day_n may_v be_v multiply_v and_o the_o day_n of_o your_o child_n in_o the_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n swear_v unto_o your_o father_n to_o give_v they_o as_o the_o day_n of_o heaven_n upon_o the_o earth_n deut._n 11.18_o 21._o and_o to_o meditate_v on_o god_n law_n day_n and_o night_n david_n make_v a_o part_n of_o the_o character_n of_o the_o bless_a man_n psal_n 1.3_o now_o if_o they_o can_v not_o keep_v god_n law_n in_o their_o heart_n as_o most_o certain_o they_o can_v not_o if_o they_o can_v not_o teach_v they_o to_o their_o child_n if_o they_o can_v not_o talk_v of_o they_o upon_o all_o just_a and_o proper_a occasion_n and_o in_o a_o word_n if_o they_o can_v not_o meditate_v on_o they_o day_n and_o night_n without_o be_v very_o well_o acquaint_v with_o they_o by_o diligent_a search_n and_o read_v they_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o to_o read_v and_o search_v into_o they_o be_v their_o indispensible_a duty_n now_o if_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v read_v the_o scripture_n as_o there_o be_v why_o the_o jew_n shall_v than_o the_o obligation_n of_o these_o command_n must_v extend_v to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o because_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o law_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a even_o beyond_o contradiction_n that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n assignable_a for_o the_o one_o which_o be_v not_o of_o equal_a force_n for_o the_o other_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v object_v by_o our_o adversary_n in_o this_o point_n against_o our_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v of_o equal_a validity_n against_o the_o jew_n read_v they_o it_o be_v object_v that_o our_o read_v they_o through_o our_o incapacity_n to_o understand_v they_o must_v occasion_v a_o great_a many_o error_n and_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n and_o why_o shall_v not_o their_o read_v they_o occasion_n the_o same_o since_o neither_o their_o understanding_n be_v large_a than_o we_o nor_o their_o scripture_n clear_a and_o more_o intelligible_a than_o we_o it_o be_v far_a object_v that_o because_o of_o the_o many_o ill_a example_n record_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o the_o people_n to_o read_v it_o because_o of_o their_o aptness_n to_o be_v mislead_v and_o corrupt_v by_o example_n but_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v there_o not_o more_o bad_a example_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n than_o in_o the_o new_a and_o be_v not_o the_o jew_n as_o apt_a to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o they_o as_o we_o christian_n and_o therefore_o since_o these_o objection_n do_v press_v as_o much_o against_o their_o read_v the_o scripture_n as_o we_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o ought_v to_o keep_v both_o from_o it_o or_o neither_o see_v therefore_o notwithstanding_o these_o objection_n god_n oblige_v the_o jew_n to_o read_v they_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v not_o of_o force_n enough_o to_o disoblige_v we_o from_o do_v the_o same_o 2._o from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n approbation_n of_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o obligation_n to_o it_o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o same_o that_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v ordinary_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o our_o saviou's_fw-mi time_n be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o the_o text_n search_v the_o scripture_n which_o if_o you_o take_v they_o indicative_o be_v a_o express_a declaration_n that_o they_o do_v read_v they_o and_o if_o you_o take_v they_o imperative_o necessary_o imply_v that_o they_o themselves_o own_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o read_v they_o but_o also_o from_o those_o question_n which_o our_o saviour_n frequent_o ask_v they_o in_o his_o conference_n with_o they_o such_o as_o have_v you_o not_o read_v have_v you_o never_o read_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v so_o and_o so_o which_o question_n will_v be_v very_o impertinent_a if_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o then_o ordinary_o practise_v by_o that_o people_n and_o that_o even_o their_o holy_a woman_n be_v then_o so_o well_o instruct_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v their_o child_n timothy_n be_v a_o signal_n instance_n who_o though_o his_o father_n be_v a_o heathen_a have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o a_o child_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o which_o knowledge_n he_o must_v necessary_o have_v derive_v from_o his_o grandmother_n lois_fw-fr and_o his_o mother_n eunice_n who_o faith_n st._n paul_n celebrate_v 2_o tim._n 1.5_o and_o this_o practice_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v so_o common_a among_o that_o people_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v discontinue_v either_o by_o himself_o or_o his_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v always_o mention_v by_o they_o with_o applause_n and_o approbation_n thus_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v as_o a_o people_n of_o a_o noble_a strain_n than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n because_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v preach_v to_o they_o be_v so_o or_o no._n and_o st._n paul_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reprehend_v timothy_n for_o meddle_v with_o the_o scripture_n whilst_o he_o be_v a_o layman_n that_o he_o mention_n it_o to_o his_o honour_n that_o he_o have_v know_v the_o scripture_n from_o a_o child_n and_o in_o all_o those_o passage_n wherein_o our_o saviour_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v read_v the_o scripture_n we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o his_o dislike_n of_o their_o practice_n which_o we_o shall_v certain_o have_v have_v have_v he_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v either_o dangerous_a or_o unwarrantable_a see_v therefore_o neither_o our_o saviour_n nor_o his_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o least_o disallow_v of_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v by_o the_o common_a people_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v express_o commend_v it_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v their_o intention_n to_o perpetuate_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o future_a age_n for_o see_v the_o jew_n read_v the_o scripture_n in_o obedience_n to_o a_o express_a command_n of_o
end_n shall_v we_o read_v the_o scripture_n see_v the_o only_a end_n of_o reading_n be_v to_o learn_v the_o sense_n of_o what_o we_o read_v which_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v learn_v from_o scripture_n so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o wise_a end_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o only_o to_o learn_v from_o it_o what_o it_o mean_v yet_o it_o seem_v for_o man_n to_o read_v it_o for_o this_o end_n be_v a_o perfect_a labour_n in_o vain_a see_v it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v to_o learn_v the_o mean_v of_o scripture_n for_o as_o for_o the_o scripture_n if_o these_o man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o heap_n of_o unsense_v character_n so_o they_o express_o term_v it_o but_o what_o do_v they_o mean_v by_o it_o be_v it_o that_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o a_o company_n of_o letter_n and_o syllable_n and_o word_n that_o carry_v with_o they_o no_o determinate_a sense_n that_o god_n almighty_n have_v write_v and_o publish_v a_o book_n to_o the_o world_n that_o mean_v nothing_o if_o so_o then_o when_o the_o church_n by_o its_o infallible_a authority_n pretend_v to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n her_o meaning_n be_v not_o to_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o to_o impose_v a_o sense_n on_o it_o which_o be_v never_o in_o it_o for_o how_o can_v she_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o book_n which_o have_v no_o sense_n in_o it_o if_o the_o church_n be_v to_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n must_v have_v a_o certain_a determinate_a sense_n in_o it_o before_o she_o expound_v it_o for_o to_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o which_o have_v no_o sense_n be_v nonsense_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o certain_a sense_n in_o it_o antcedent_o to_o the_o church_n exposition_n of_o it_o why_o do_v they_o call_v it_o a_o parcel_n of_o vnsense_v character_n if_o their_o mean_v be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o ambiguous_a that_o without_o the_o infallible_a exposition_n of_o the_o church_n we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a what_o it_o be_v beside_o that_o this_o be_v notorious_o false_a the_o scripture_n in_o all_o necessary_a point_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n be_v so_o very_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o any_o man_n that_o read_v it_o with_o a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n may_v be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o he_o can_v be_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o write_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o write_a exposition_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o whatever_o these_o man_n pretend_v it_o be_v not_o mere_o because_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o scripture_n that_o they_o oblige_v man_n to_o ground_n their_o faith_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o own_o as_o well_o as_o we_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o clear_a and_o yet_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v man_n to_o ground_n their_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o all_o must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o all_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o the_o plain_a scripture_n they_o will_v still_o contend_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n rely_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o they_o contend_v for_o it_o be_v not_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a but_o because_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o advance_v their_o church_n authority_n we_o own_o as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o authoty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o free_o allow_v to_o be_v the_o best_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o be_v this_o that_o whereas_o we_o require_v plain_a man_n to_o judge_v of_o plain_a thing_n with_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o all_o man_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o content_v themselves_o to_o see_v with_o the_o church_n eye_n where_o they_o be_v able_a to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v these_o man_n but_o to_o have_v all_o man_n as_o well_o wise_a as_o simple_a surrender_v up_o their_o faith_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o church_n and_o wink_v hard_a and_o believe_v whatever_o the_o church_n believe_v pure_o because_o the_o church_n believe_v it_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v we_o to_o believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n not_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a though_o this_o they_o pretend_v for_o be_v it_o never_o so_o plain_a the_o case_n will_v be_v the_o same_o but_o because_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o this_o will_v inevitable_o subvert_v their_o usurp_a dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n but_o we_o must_v believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o who_o be_v this_o church_n i_o beseech_v you_o why_o they_o themselves_o be_v this_o church_n so_o that_o whereas_o god_n have_v publish_v a_o book_n call_v the_o bible_n on_o purpose_n to_o declare_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n here_o be_v start_v up_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n who_o very_o grave_o tell_v we_o sir_n you_o must_v not_o so_o much_o as_o look_v into_o this_o book_n or_o if_o you_o do_v must_v not_o believe_v any_o one_o word_n in_o it_o upon_o its_o own_o credit_n and_o authority_n for_o though_o we_o do_v confess_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o be_v the_o sole_a judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o we_o decalre_a be_v its_o sense_n how_o unlikely_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o you_o you_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o receive_v and_o believe_v it_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o wedeclare_v it_o in_o short_a you_o must_v resign_v up_o your_o eye_n your_o faith_n your_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o we_o and_o see_v only_o with_o our_o eye_n and_o believe_v only_o with_o our_o faith_n and_o judge_v only_o with_o our_o judgement_n and_o whithersoever_o we_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o lead_v you_o you_o must_v tame_o follow_v we_o without_o presume_v to_o examine_v whether_o we_o lead_v you_o right_n or_o wrong_n but_o yet_o after_o all_o to_o induce_v we_o thus_o to_o enslave_v our_o understanding_n to_o they_o they_o themselves_o be_v fain_o to_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o allow_v we_o in_o some_o thing_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o to_o believe_v those_o thing_n upon_o its_o authority_n for_o no_o wise_a and_o honest_a man_n will_v ever_o believe_v either_o that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n or_o the_o infallible_a judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n without_o some_o proof_n and_o evidence_n and_o for_o this_o this_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o produce_v several_a text_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n now_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v notorious_o false_a viz._n that_o those_o text_n do_v necessary_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a true_a catholic_n church_n and_o that_o as_o such_o they_o be_v constitute_v by_o god_n infallible_a judge_n of_o scripture_n yet_o before_o i_o can_v believe_v so_o i_o must_v judge_v for_o myself_o whether_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o or_o no_o and_o if_o i_o judge_v it_o be_v i_o must_v believe_v that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o infallible_a upon_o the_o scripture_n authority_n and_o not_o they_o for_o their_o authority_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o debate_n and_o i_o can_v believe_v upon_o it_o before_o i_o believe_v it_o so_o then_o though_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o else_o upon_o scripture_n authority_n yet_o upon_o this_o very_a authority_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o be_v infallible_a which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v we_o must_v believe_v as_o much_o upon_o scripture_n authority_n as_o will_v sever_v their_o turn_n and_o no_o more_o but_o may_v i_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o two_o fundamental_a principle_n upon_o scripture_n authority_n or_o no_o if_o i_o may_v why_o may_v i_o not_o as_o well_o be_v infallible_o certain_a upon_o the_o same_o authority_n
that_o a_o company_n of_o dead_a atom_n which_o can_v move_v unless_o they_o be_v move_v can_v ever_o be_v capable_a of_o frame_v syllogism_n in_o mood_n and_o figure_n and_o dispute_v pro_fw-la and_o con_v whether_o they_o be_v atom_n or_o no_o that_o such_o inert_n and_o sluggish_a body_n shall_v by_o their_o impetuous_a jostle_n together_o awaken_v one_o another_o out_o of_o their_o senseless_a passiveness_n and_o make_v each_o other_o hear_v and_o feel_v their_o mutual_a knock_v be_v and_o jostling_n and_o then_o from_o this_o sense_n into_o which_o they_o have_v thus_o awaken_v one_o another_o and_o which_o they_o be_v as_o incapable_a of_o as_o a_o musical_a instrument_n be_v of_o hear_v its_o own_o sound_n or_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o harmonious_a air_n that_o be_v play_v upon_o it_o shall_v proceed_v and_o consult_v together_o to_o make_v wise_a law_n and_o contrive_v the_o best_a model_n of_o government_n to_o investigate_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o deduce_v from_o they_o the_o several_a system_n of_o art_n and_o science_n in_o a_o word_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o company_n of_o fluid_a mote_n and_o particle_n of_o matter_n shall_v ever_o be_v so_o artificial_o complicate_v and_o twist_v one_o with_o another_o as_o to_o form_v a_o understanding_n that_o can_v lift_v up_o its_o eye_n and_o look_v beyond_o all_o this_o sensible_a world_n into_o that_o of_o immaterial_a being_n and_o conceive_v abstract_v notion_n of_o thing_n which_o can_v never_o be_v object_n to_o any_o material_a sense_n such_o as_o a_o pure_a point_n equality_n and_o proportion_n symmetry_n and_o asymmetry_n of_o magnitude_n the_o rise_n and_o propagation_n of_o dimension_n infinite_a divisibilty_n and_o the_o like_a notion_n that_o never_o be_v in_o matter_n nor_o consequent_o can_v ever_o be_v extract_v out_o of_o it_o that_o can_v correct_v the_o error_n of_o all_o our_o material_a perception_n and_o demonstrate_v thing_n to_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o what_o they_o apprehend_v and_o report_v they_o can_v prove_v the_o sun_n for_o instance_n to_o be_v one_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o time_n big_a than_o the_o earth_n when_o to_o our_o eye_n and_o imagination_n it_o appear_v no_o big_a than_o a_o bushel_n that_o can_v lodge_v within_o itself_o all_o that_o mass_n of_o sensible_a thing_n which_o take_v up_o so_o much_o room_n without_o it_o and_o when_o it_o have_v pile_v they_o up_o upon_o one_o another_o in_o vast_a and_o most_o prodigious_a number_n be_v still_o as_o capacious_a of_o more_o as_o when_o it_o be_v altogether_o empty_a in_o a_o word_n that_o can_v grasp_v the_o universe_n with_o a_o thought_n and_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a latitude_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n within_o its_o own_o indivisible_a centre_n how_o senseless_a be_v it_o to_o imagine_v that_o such_o noble_a operation_n as_o these_o can_v be_v perform_v by_o a_o mere_a complex_fw-la of_o dead_a atom_n and_o senseless_a particle_n of_o matter_n and_o if_o they_o can_v as_o doubtless_o they_o can_v then_o from_o hence_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o immaterial_a thing_n furthermore_o we_o see_v that_o though_o the_o soul_n take_v in_o object_n of_o all_o size_n yet_o when_o once_o they_o be_v in_o they_o be_v not_o as_o body_n in_o a_o material_a place_n in_o which_o the_o great_a take_v up_o more_o room_n than_o the_o less_o for_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o mile_n or_o ten_o thousand_o mile_n do_v no_o more_o fill_v or_o stretch_v a_o soul_n than_o that_o of_o a_o foot_n or_o a_o inch_n or_o a_o mathematical_a point_n and_o whereas_o all_o matter_n have_v its_o part_n and_o those_o extend_a one_o without_o another_o into_o length_n and_o breadth_n and_o thickness_n and_o so_o be_v measurable_a by_o inch_n yard_n or_o solid_a measure_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o measurable_a extension_n in_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o soul_n for_o in_o cogitation_n which_o be_v the_o essence_n of_o a_o soul_n there_o be_v neither_o length_n nor_o breadth_n nor_o thickness_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o have_v any_o conceit_n of_o foot_n of_o thought_n or_o a_o yard_n of_o reason_n a_o pound_n of_o wisdom_n or_o a_o quart_n of_o virtue_n and_o if_o what_o belong_v to_o a_o soul_n be_v immaterial_a it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o soul_n itself_o be_v immaterial_a too_o and_o as_o such_o capable_a of_o immortality_n for_o immaterial_a nature_n be_v pure_a and_o simple_a have_v neither_o contrary_a quality_n nor_o divisible_a part_n in_o they_o as_o material_a thing_n have_v can_v have_v no_o principle_n of_o alteration_n and_o corruption_n in_o they_o and_o be_v devoid_a of_o these_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v capable_a of_o live_v and_o subsist_v for_o ever_o what_o noble_a being_n therefore_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o together_o with_o those_o vast_a capacity_n of_o understanding_n of_o moral_a perfection_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n be_v natural_o capable_a of_o immortality_n and_o consequent_o of_o improve_n in_o knowledge_n in_o goodness_n and_o in_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n unto_o all_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o certain_o a_o soul_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o most_o precious_a thing_n that_o can_v thus_o outlive_v all_o sublunary_a being_n and_z subsist_v forever_o in_o so_o sublime_a a_o state_n of_o glory_n and_o beatitude_n have_v thus_o show_v you_o the_o invaluable_a worth_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o own_o natural_a capacity_n i_o proceed_v 2._o to_o show_v you_o of_o what_o vast_a esteem_v it_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o those_o who_o we_o must_v needs_o suppose_v to_o best_o understand_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a world_n of_o spirit_n for_o to_o be_v sure_a spirit_n must_v best_o understand_v the_o excellency_n of_o spirit_n because_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a insight_n into_o each_o other_o nature_n and_o a_o more_o immediate_a prospect_n of_o the_o virtue_n power_n and_o excellency_n of_o each_o other_o faculty_n for_o as_o for_o we_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o embody_a state_n and_o do_v understand_v by_o corporeal_a organ_n we_o general_o judge_v of_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o impression_n they_o make_v upon_o our_o sense_n and_o as_o these_o be_v more_o or_o less_o gratify_v and_o affect_v with_o they_o we_o set_v a_o high_a or_o low_a value_n upon_o they_o since_o therefore_o spirit_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o being_n that_n can_v touch_v or_o affect_v our_o bodily_a sense_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v competent_a judge_n of_o the_o true_a worth_n and_o value_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o spirit_n who_o must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v a_o more_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o one_o another_o nature_n and_o if_o we_o will_v be_v guide_v by_o these_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o whole_a world_n of_o spirit_n even_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a unanimous_o rate_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n at_o a_o inestimable_a price_n and_o value_n and_o to_o make_v this_o appear_v i_o shall_v show_v you_o the_o vast_a price_n there_o be_v set_v upon_o they_o 1._o by_o god_n the_o father_n 2._o by_o god_n the_o son_n 3._o by_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n 4._o by_o the_o holy_a angel_n 5._o by_o the_o devil_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o vast_a price_n which_o god_n the_o father_n have_v set_v upon_o soul_n for_o when_o he_o intend_v to_o form_v these_o noble_a being_n and_o transmit_v they_o into_o terrestrial_a body_n that_o so_o be_v compound_v with_o a_o sensitive_a nature_n they_o may_v clasp_v the_o spiritual_a and_o animal_n world_n together_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o vast_a hazard_n and_o infinite_a snare_n they_o will_v be_v expose_v too_o be_v so_o deep_o concern_v for_o their_o preservation_n that_o he_o think_v nothing_o too_o dear_a to_o save_v and_o secure_v they_o and_o foreseeing_a their_o fall_n from_o that_o terrestrial_a happiness_n which_o he_o original_o design_v they_o notwithstanding_o the_o liberal_a care_n he_o have_v take_v to_o preserve_v they_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n he_o design_v to_o remove_v the_o scene_n of_o their_o happiness_n from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n be_v resolve_v if_o possible_a to_o repair_v the_o loss_n of_o a_o terrestrial_a with_o a_o calestial_a paradise_n for_o which_o end_n instead_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o innocence_n the_o blessing_n whereof_o by_o their_o sin_n they_o have_v forever_o forfeit_v he_o introduce_v the_o covenant_n of_o repentance_n that_o so_o by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o plank_n after_o their_o general_a shipwreck_n they_o may_v be_v preserve_v and_o to_o safe_a to_o the_o shoar_n of_o a_o happy_a eternity_n and_o that_o by_o this_o covenant_n he_o may_v the_o more_o effectual_o recover_v
of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 466._o 〈◊〉_d de_fw-fr somn._fw-la p._n 466._o the_o viceroy_n of_o god_n and_o also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 100_o 〈◊〉_d lib._n cherub_n p._n 100_o that_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o god_n by_o who_o he_o make_v the_o world_n as_o in_o christ_n the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v say_v to_o dwell_v colos_n 2.9_o so_o plotin_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v fill_v with_o god_n 12._o god_n ennead_n 5._o l._n 3._o c._n 12._o as_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 2.25_o so_o philo_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n who_o be_v king_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o world_n have_v appoint_v the_o word_n his_o first-begotten_a son_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 152._o 〈◊〉_d de_fw-fr agricult_a p._n 152._o to_o undertake_v the_o care_n of_o his_o sacred_a flock_n as_o his_o own_o viceroy_n and_o substitute_n and_o according_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o make_v the_o word_n to_o be_v that_o angel_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o send_v before_o the_o camp_n of_o israel_n to_o conduct_v they_o through_o the_o wilderness_n in_o short_a as_o the_o angel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v subject_a unto_o christ_n 1_o pet._n 3.22_o and_o as_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o angel_n or_o messenger_n of_o god_n joh._n 9.4_o so_o philo_n call_v the_o most_o ancient_a word_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 397._o 〈◊〉_d quaest_n rerum_fw-la divin_fw-fr haer_fw-mi p._n 397._o that_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 466._o 〈◊〉_d de_fw-fr somn._fw-la p._n 466._o the_o angel_n or_o messenger_n of_o god_n and_o to_o name_n no_o more_o as_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n heb._n 12.24_o and_o the_o intercessor_n between_o god_n and_o man_n heb._n 7.25_o and_o the_o propitiation_n and_o atonement_n so_o say_v philo_n which_o be_v high_o worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n 397._o etc._n quaest_n rerum_fw-la divin_n she_o p._n 397._o be_v the_o intercessor_n for_o mortal_n with_o the_o immortal_a god_n and_o also_o the_o ambassador_n of_o that_o great_a king_n to_o his_o subject_n which_o office_n say_v he_o he_o willing_o undertake_v say_v i_o will_v stand_v in_o the_o middle_n between_o the_o lord_n and_o you_o as_o be_v neither_o unborn_a as_o god_n nor_o bear_v as_o you_o but_o be_v a_o medium_fw-la between_o those_o two_o extreme_n i_o will_v be_v a_o pledge_n for_o both_o for_o his_o creature_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o utter_o apostatise_v from_o he_o for_o god_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v want_v in_o his_o fatherly_a care_n towards_o they_o and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 447._o 〈◊〉_d de_fw-fr somniis_fw-la p._n 447._o that_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n of_o god_n goodwill_n to_o the_o world_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o propitiation_n and_o these_o authority_n of_o philo_n i_o have_v the_o rather_o insist_v upon_o because_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n and_o a_o platonic_a philosopher_n must_v needs_o understand_v the_o theology_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o live_v about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v write_v in_o term_n that_o be_v then_o in_o use_n and_o be_v very_o well_o understand_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o this_o phrase_n the_o word_n so_o common_a in_o that_o author_n be_v very_o common_o use_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o they_o and_o so_o appropriate_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o inspire_a writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v how_o those_o inspire_a writer_n shall_v ever_o have_v so_o exact_o agree_v with_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o the_o title_n and_o character_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n have_v not_o either_o they_o themselves_o or_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o dictate_v to_o they_o purposely_o derive_v it_o from_o they_o 2._o that_o the_o new_a testament_n give_v no_o distinct_a explication_n of_o this_o phrase_n the_o word_n it_o be_v most_o safe_a and_o reasonable_a to_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o from_o that_o ancient_a theology_n whence_o it_o be_v derive_v i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o all_o writer_n to_o use_v term_n and_o phrase_n by_o way_n of_o accommodation_n and_o to_o illustrate_v their_o sense_n by_o allude_v to_o something_o that_o be_v like_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o sense_n which_o those_o term_n and_o phrase_n do_v most_o common_o signify_v but_o in_o a_o sense_n that_o have_v some_o proportion_n with_o it_o as_o the_o drift_n and_o connection_n of_o their_o discourse_n do_v plain_o intimate_v but_o when_o writer_n use_v word_n in_o a_o literal_a sense_n without_o any_o note_n of_o allusion_n and_o without_o explain_v themselves_o into_o any_o different_a sense_n either_o they_o must_v mean_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o those_o word_n do_v common_o signify_v or_o else_o they_o must_v mean_v to_o deceive_v and_o impose_v upon_o their_o reader_n and_o thus_o stand_v the_o case_n before_o we_o our_o saviour_n be_v here_o style_v the_o word_n a_o term_n of_o art_n which_o be_v very_o common_a both_o in_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a philosophy_n and_o neither_o here_o nor_o any_o where_o else_o be_v there_o the_o least_o intimation_n that_o he_o be_v call_v so_o only_o by_o way_n of_o allusion_n nor_o be_v it_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n explain_v into_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o that_o wherein_o it_o be_v common_o use_v and_o therefore_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n in_o use_v it_o must_v be_v either_o to_o denote_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o it_o signify_v before_o or_o to_o deceive_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n but_o doubtless_o if_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o inspire_v those_o writer_n have_v mean_v any_o thing_n else_o by_o it_o than_o what_o it_o ordinary_o signify_v he_o will_v have_v tell_v we_o of_o it_o and_o not_o have_v give_v we_o such_o a_o unavoidable_a occasion_n to_o mistake_v in_o so_o great_a a_o doctrine_n by_o clothe_v its_o sense_n in_o such_o a_o phrase_n as_o general_o signify_v what_o he_o never_o mean_v for_o when_o he_o call_v christ_n by_o the_o same_o name_n and_o attribute_v the_o same_o title_n and_o character_n by_o which_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v wont_a to_o describe_v their_o λογος_n he_o can_v not_o but_o foresee_v that_o all_o inquisitive_a person_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o he_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v not_o mean_v so_o he_o will_v doubtless_o either_o not_o have_v give_v he_o that_o name_n and_o those_o title_n or_o else_o to_o prevent_v our_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o they_o he_o will_v have_v explain_v they_o into_o some_o other_o meaning_n which_o since_o he_o have_v not_o do_v we_o may_v safe_o and_o rational_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o this_o name_n and_o those_o title_n with_o those_o from_o who_o he_o do_v derive_v they_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o most_o certain_a way_n for_o we_o to_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o word_n be_v to_o consider_v what_o those_o jew_n and_o gentile_n mean_v by_o it_o from_o who_o philosophy_n it_o be_v first_o borrow_v and_o derive_v 3._o that_o both_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a theology_n use_v this_o phrase_n the_o word_n to_o signify_v a_o vital_a and_o divine_a subsistence_n for_o as_o for_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o by_o the_o word_n they_o mean_v the_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o ps_n 110._o which_o they_o say_v contain_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n instead_o of_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o my_o lord_n read_v the_o lord_n say_v unto_o his_o word_n that_o be_v consequent_o to_o his_o messiah_n and_o rab._n arama_n upon_o genesis_n explain_v that_o passage_n in_o the_o 107_o ps_n 20._o the_o lord_n send_v forth_o his_o word_n and_o they_o be_v heal_v express_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o this_o word_n be_v mean_v the_o messiah_n and_o rab._n simeon_n the_o son_n of_o johni_n expound_v those_o word_n of_o job_n 19.26_o yet_o in_o my_o flesh_n shall_v i_o see_v god_n faith_n that_o the_o mercy_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o high_a wisdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v crown_v by_o the_o word_n and_o take_v flesh_n of_o a_o woman_n by_o which_o
assume_v or_o take_v into_o the_o word_n both_o be_v unite_v into_o one_o person_n the_o nature_n be_v preserve_v entire_a and_o distinct_a without_o any_o mixture_n or_o confusion_n for_o as_o the_o four_o general_n council_n have_v define_v it_o he_o be_v so_o make_v flesh_n that_o he_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v the_o word_n never_o change_v that_o he_o be_v but_o assume_v that_o which_o he_o be_v not_o and_o though_o our_o humanity_n be_v advance_v by_o it_o yet_o his_o divinity_n be_v not_o at_o all_o diminish_v and_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v no_o detriment_n to_o the_o godhead_n which_o be_v always_o unchangeable_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o the_o seem_a harshness_n of_o this_o expression_n may_v be_v easy_o mollify_v by_o compare_v it_o with_o other_o of_o the_o same_o import_n for_o elsewhere_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o which_o only_o denote_v that_o the_o divinity_n be_v make_v know_v and_o do_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n in_o a_o humane_a nature_n elsewhere_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o take_v on_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n heb._n 2.16_o which_o only_o denote_v that_o the_o divinity_n do_v assume_v the_o humane_a nature_n to_o it_o and_o be_v personal_o unite_v with_o it_o so_o here_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n that_o be_v the_o word_n be_v make_v one_o with_o the_o flesh_n by_o assume_v the_o humane_a nature_n into_o a_o personal_a union_n with_o itself_o have_v thus_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n i_o shall_v now_o conclude_v this_o argument_n with_o three_o or_o four_o short_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a 1._o from_o hence_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o eternal_a divinity_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n even_o from_o this_o great_a name_n the_o word_n that_o be_v here_o attribute_v to_o he_o for_o since_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_a that_o this_o phrase_n be_v a_o term_n of_o art_n derive_v from_o the_o school_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o since_o by_o it_o they_o do_v all_o so_o general_o understand_v a_o divine_a person_n subsist_v from_o all_o eternity_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n derive_v it_o from_o they_o and_o apply_v it_o to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n must_v use_v it_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n for_o otherwise_o he_o be_v better_o never_o to_o have_v use_v it_o at_o all_o because_o by_o discourse_v in_o the_o same_o language_n with_o they_o he_o will_v give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o think_v that_o he_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n namely_o that_o christ_n who_o he_o call_v the_o word_n be_v a_o divine_a person_n subsist_v from_o all_o eternity_n which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a by_o use_v that_o term_n he_o will_v almost_o necessary_o betray_v we_o into_o a_o false_a belief_n concern_v our_o saviour_n as_o to_o instance_n brief_o in_o a_o case_n of_o another_o nature_n our_o saviour_n in_o his_o sermon_n do_v frequent_o press_v we_o to_o meekness_n and_o patience_n humility_n and_o charity_n all_o which_o be_v term_n frequent_o use_v long_o before_o in_o the_o moral_a philosophy_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n by_o which_o they_o signify_v fuch_o and_o fuch_v particular_a virtue_n since_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n do_v use_v the_o same_o term_n with_o they_o we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o mean_v the_o same_o virtue_n by_o they_o and_o shall_v he_o mean_v any_o thing_n else_o his_o very_a use_v of_o these_o term_n will_v necessary_o impose_v upon_o we_o a_o false_a sense_n of_o his_o meaning_n for_o how_o shall_v we_o understand_v his_o mean_v but_o by_o his_o word_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o understand_v his_o word_n but_o by_o the_o common_a import_n and_o signification_n of_o they_o and_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n will_v have_v when_fw-mi describe_v our_o saviour_n by_o a_o term_n that_o be_v so_o general_o use_v to_o signify_v a_o divine_a person_n subsist_v from_o all_o eternity_n and_o use_v it_o too_o as_o he_o do_v without_o any_o restraint_n or_o limitation_n nay_o and_o so_o seem_o at_o least_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o three_o first_o verse_n of_o his_o chapter_n where_o he_o describe_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o operation_n of_o christ_n the_o word_n in_o the_o same_o term_n in_o which_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v wont_a to_o describe_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o λογος_n can_v we_o imagine_v i_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v have_v do_v thus_o have_v he_o know_v christ_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o mere_a man_n that_o never_o be_v before_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o his_o mother_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o charge_v that_o bless_a spirit_n with_o impose_v such_o a_o delusion_n upon_o mankind_n 2._o hence_o i_o infer_v the_o astonish_a love_n of_o our_o blesed_a saviour_n in_o condescend_v so_o low_a as_o to_o be_v make_v flesh_n for_o we_o and_o assume_v our_o nature_n for_o what_o he_o be_v before_o he_o take_v our_o nature_n you_o have_v hear_v already_o he_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o eternal_a word_n of_o the_o father_n in_o who_o bosom_n he_o enjoy_v the_o supreme_a degree_n of_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n be_v crown_v with_o glory_n and_o encircle_v about_o with_o the_o essential_a ray_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v his_o love_n to_o poor_a mortal_n so_o infinite_a be_v his_o zeal_n and_o concern_v for_o our_o happiness_n that_o see_v the_o misery_n we_o be_v plunge_v into_o he_o can_v not_o rest_v no_o not_o in_o the_o bless_a arm_n of_o his_o father_n but_o strip_v himself_o of_o all_o his_o majesty_n and_o bliss_n and_o come_v down_o among_o we_o and_o assume_v our_o nature_n to_o save_v and_o rescue_v we_o and_o invite_v and_o lead_v we_o to_o those_o heavenly_a mansion_n from_o whence_o he_o descend_v to_o we_o lord_n what_o a_o prodigy_n of_o love_n be_v here_o as_o do_v not_o only_o puzzle_v my_o conceit_n but_o outreach_v my_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n for_o when_o i_o serious_o consider_v it_o though_o it_o be_v a_o blessing_n beyond_o all_o my_o hope_n and_o such_o as_o i_o can_v never_o have_v have_v the_o impudence_n to_o desire_v yet_o it_o fill_v my_o mind_n with_o a_o awful_a horror_n to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o great_a god_n be_v here_o upon_o the_o earth_n in_o my_o form_n and_o nature_n and_o converse_v familiar_o with_o such_o mortal_a wight_n as_o myself_o and_o for_o my_o sake_n and_o such_o poor_a worm_n as_o i_o patient_o undergo_v the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o man_n and_o willing_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n of_o a_o malevolent_a world_n and_o the_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o those_o barbarous_a man_n to_o who_o he_o give_v be_v and_o can_v with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o nostril_n have_v scatter_v into_o atom_n and_o all_o this_o in_o mere_a compassion_n to_o a_o company_n of_o apostatise_v nature_n who_o have_v so_o high_o deserve_v to_o be_v throw_v from_o his_o care_n and_o mercy_n for_o ever_o o_o my_o soul_n how_o be_o i_o astonish_v at_o this_o miracle_n of_o love_n methinks_v when_o i_o consider_v it_o i_o be_o look_v down_o from_o a_o stupendous_a precipice_n who_o height_n fill_v i_o with_o a_o tremble_a horror_n and_o even_o over-setting_a reason_n 3._o from_o hence_o i_o infer_v what_o may_v obligation_n we_o have_v for_o ever_o to_o love_v and_o serve_v our_o bless_a redeemer_n if_o our_o heart_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v warm_v into_o any_o degree_n of_o affection_n sure_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o we_o must_v be_v affect_v at_o such_o a_o unheard_a of_o instance_n of_o love_n for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v his_o father_n bosom_n where_o he_o be_v infinite_o more_o happy_a than_o we_o can_v express_v and_o think_v of_o and_o disguise_v himself_o in_o mortal_a flesh_n and_o become_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n that_o the_o may_v make_v i_o a_o man_n of_o endless_a joy_n can_v my_o heart_n hold_v when_o i_o think_v of_o this_o be_v it_o possible_a i_o shall_v reflect_v upon_o such_o a_o prodigious_a instance_n of_o affection_n without_o be_v wrap_v into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o love_n bless_a jesus_n what_o barbarous_a heart_n do_v we_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o that_o will_v not_o melt_v before_o the_o flame_n of_o thy_o love_n flame_n that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o kindle_v seraphim_n and_o to_o fill_v all_o reasonable_a breast_n with_o burn_a affection_n towards_o thou_o for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o man_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v that_o any_o devil_n shall_v be_v so_o disingenuous_a and_o ill-natured_a as_o not_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o such_o stupendous_a
of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o they_o be_v they_o say_v he_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o other_o scripture_n which_o can_v testfy_v of_o christ_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n but_o only_o those_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o prephet_n these_o be_v the_o only_a scripture_n who_o testimony_n they_o credit_v but_o yet_o the_o reason_n which_o our_o saviour_n urge_v to_o move_v they_o to_o read_v the_o old_a testament_n do_v as_o much_o oblige_v we_o to_o read_v the_o new_a as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a as_o it_o do_v they_o to_o read_v the_o old_a for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n that_o be_v in_o they_o yet_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n promise_v and_o all_o the_o necessary_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v by_o you_o in_o order_n to_o your_o obtain_n it_o propose_v to_o you_o and_o indeed_o as_o they_o think_v so_o it_o be_v they_o have_v eternal_a life_n propose_v to_o they_o in_o hieroglyphic_n for_o that_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o their_o holy_a of_o holies_n that_o be_v the_o interpretation_n of_o their_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o all_o their_o general_a promise_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v they_o have_v all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o duty_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o attainment_n of_o eternal_a life_n exhibit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o write_n of_o their_o prophet_n and_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o their_o law_n for_o it_o be_v by_o this_o rule_n alone_o that_o all_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n do_v live_v and_o believe_v and_o either_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o eternal_a life_n or_o they_o be_v leave_v under_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o do_v enlighten_v their_o eye_n and_o rejoice_v their_o heart_n and_o convert_v their_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v in_o keep_v it_o that_o they_o find_v great_a reward_n ps_n 19.7_o 8_o 11._o and_o therefore_o either_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n notwithstanding_o this_o their_o illumination_n and_o conversion_n or_o they_o find_v it_o in_o keep_v that_o law_n by_o which_o they_o be_v illuminate_v and_o convert_v and_o if_o in_o keep_v their_o law_n they_o find_v eternal_a life_n then_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o their_o law_n they_o have_v it_o so_o that_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n do_v not_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o think_v so_o or_o at_o least_o they_o only_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o think_v to_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n by_o adber_v to_o the_o prime_n and_o literal_a sense_n of_o their_o law_n without_o pursue_v the_o mystery_n and_o spiritual_a mean_v of_o it_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o error_n of_o the_o pharisee_n with_o who_o our_o saviour_n be_v here_o discourse_v for_o the_o internal_a sense_n and_o mystery_n of_o their_o law_n be_v the_o gospel_n all_o who_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o precept_n of_o duty_n be_v though_o dark_o and_o obscure_o express_v and_o represent_v in_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n tell_v that_o both_o the_o priest_n and_o their_o oblation_n do_v serve_v unto_o the_o example_n and_o shadow_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n heb._n 8.5_o so_o that_o the_o heavenly_a thing_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o substantial_a idea_n which_o those_o legal_a type_n and_o pattern_n contain_v and_o represent_v and_o the_o same_o author_n call_v that_o law_n a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v heb._n 10.1_o that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o obscure_a scheme_n or_o prefiguration_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o eternal_a life_n be_v a_o principal_a part._n since_o therefore_o the_o law_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o only_o the_o gospel_n in_o dark_a and_o obscure_a cipher_n if_o in_o this_o we_o christian_n have_v eternal_a life_n in_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v it_o also_o and_o therefore_o the_o reason_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o urge_v to_o oblige_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v have_v eternal_a life_n do_v at_o least_o equal_o oblige_v we_o christian_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a for_o if_o they_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o think_v they_o have_v eternal_a life_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o be_v thereupon_o oblige_v to_o search_v into_o it_o we_o have_v rather_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o we_o have_v eternal_a life_n in_o the_o new_a since_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o only_o the_o old_a deciphered_a and_o unriddle_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o only_o have_v eternal_a life_n in_o this_o as_o they_o have_v in_o that_o but_o we_o must_v also_o have_v it_o far_o more_o express_o than_o they_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o to_o show_v you_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o have_v eternal_a life_n ii_o that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a forcible_a reason_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o search_v they_o i._n first_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o have_v eternal_a life_n that_o be_v that_o in_o they_o we_o have_v eternal_a life_n propose_v to_o we_o together_o with_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_n it_o or_o in_o other_o word_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o this_o be_v one_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o we_o be_v require_v to_o explain_v to_o the_o people_n for_o so_o in_o her_o six_o article_n our_o church_n profess_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o read_v therein_o or_o may_v be_v prove_v thence_o be_v not_o require_v of_o any_o man_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v believe_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o be_v think_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n now_o to_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o sufficient_a rule_n as_o to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n necessary_a first_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v full_a and_o second_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v clear_a both_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n as_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o will_v evident_o appear_v from_o these_o three_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inspire_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n 2._o that_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n all_o those_o necessary_n with_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inspire_v they_o 3._o that_o all_o those_o necessary_a truth_n which_o they_o preach_v be_v comprehend_v in_o those_o sacred_a write_n of_o they_o of_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n consist_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n infpire_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n for_o first_o our_o saviour_n by_o who_o they_o be_v original_o instruct_v declare_v that_o as_o the_o father_n love_v he_o and_o show_v he_o all_o thing_n that_o himself_o do_v joh._n 5.20_o so_o he_o have_v make_v know_v to_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o his_o father_n job_n 17.8_o and_o then_o when_o he_o go_v from_o they_o and_o cease_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o his_o own_o person_n he_o promise_v that_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v say_v unto_o they_o job_n 14.26_o and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n he_o will_v guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n job_n 16.13_o if_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n do_v perform_v this_o promise_n to_o they_o as_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o do_v than_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o do_v teach_v they_o over_o again_o whatsoever_o christ_n have_v teach_v they_o before_o and_o if_o christ_n have_v teach_v they_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o his_o father_n as_o he_o declare_v he_o have_v than_o it_o be_v certain_a either_o that_o he_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n or_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v not_o hear_v from_o his_o father_n all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a thereunto_o 2._o that_o as_o
will_v not_o be_v worth_a our_o while_n to_o receive_v and_o peruse_v the_o content_n of_o those_o sacred_a epistle_n which_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o holy_a penman_n he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o direct_v to_o we_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o our_o contempt_n to_o say_v that_o in_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o proneness_n to_o err_v and_o mistake_v we_o ought_v to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o this_o that_o our_o spiritual_a guide_n shall_v read_v god_n write_n for_o we_o and_o deliver_v the_o sense_n and_o content_n of_o they_o to_o we_o for_o to_o be_v sure_a have_v god_n intend_v that_o the_o priest_n only_o shall_v read_v they_o he_o will_v have_v direct_v they_o only_o to_o the_o priest_n and_o order_v they_o only_o to_o deliver_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o to_o the_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o since_o he_o have_v direct_v they_o to_o both_o this_o necessary_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v his_o intention_n that_o both_o shall_v read_v they_o for_o if_o god_n have_v not_o direct_v they_o to_o man_n neither_o priest_n nor_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o read_v they_o and_o therefore_o see_v the_o great_a reason_n why_o any_o man_n ought_v to_o read_v they_o be_v because_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o man_n this_o reason_n oblige_v all_o man_n to_o read_v they_o because_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o all_o men._n for_o not_o to_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n write_v to_o we_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o have_v a_o very_a mean_a regard_n both_o of_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n but_o to_o be_v sure_o whosoever_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o know_v what_o such_o a_o write_n contain_v will_n if_o he_o can_v be_v very_o curious_a to_o peruse_v it_o with_o his_o own_o eye_n at_o least_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o give_v that_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n as_o the_o information_n of_o his_o own_o sense_n so_o that_o for_o man_n wilful_o to_o neglect_v read_v the_o scripture_n which_o god_n have_v so_o express_o direct_v to_o they_o and_o thereby_o not_o only_o license_v but_o oblige_v they_o to_o read_v it_o argue_v a_o very_a profane_a disregard_n both_o of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o matter_n it_o contain_v and_o for_o any_o man_n or_o society_n of_o man_n to_o forbid_v the_o people_n to_o read_v what_o god_n have_v write_v and_o direct_v to_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o a_o right_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o but_o also_o to_o acquit_v they_o of_o a_o duty_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v upon_o they_o for_o st._n paul_n in_o those_o epistle_n which_o he_o write_v to_o the_o christian_a people_n in_o general_n of_o such_o and_o such_o church_n still_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o will_v read_v they_o as_o be_v not_o only_o warrant_v but_o oblige_v thereunto_o by_o his_o write_v they_o for_o so_o ephes_n 3.3_o 4._o speak_v of_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o call_n the_o gentile_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o he_o concern_v which_o say_v he_o i_o write_v afore_o in_o few_o word_n whereby_o when_o you_o read_v you_o may_v understand_v my_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n so_o also_o 2_o cor._n 1.13_o we_o write_v no_o other_o thing_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o you_o read_v that_o be_v than_o what_o you_o may_v at_o least_o and_o be_v oblige_v to_o read_v by_o virtue_n of_o our_o write_v they_o to_o you_o and_o as_o for_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o which_o he_o write_v to_o that_o whole_a church_n he_o give_v charge_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v to_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n 1_o thes_n 5.27_o so_o also_o for_o that_o of_o the_o colossian_n when_o this_o epistle_n be_v or_o have_v be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o be_v read_v also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n where_o you_o see_v he_o all_o along_o either_o suppose_n or_o require_v that_o what_o he_o write_v to_o all_o shall_v be_v read_v by_o all_o and_o to_o all_o if_o therefore_o this_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v sufficient_a to_o over_o rule_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o pretend_a successor_n of_o st._n peter_n then_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v still_o the_o duty_n of_o layman_n notwithstanding_o any_o papal_a prohibition_n to_o the_o contrary_n 5._o from_o the_o great_a concernment_n the_o people_n have_v in_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v oblige_v if_o they_o be_v able_a to_o read_v it_o and_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o it_o for_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n which_o the_o scripture_n contain_v they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o everlasting_a moment_n to_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o clergy_n the_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o people_n as_o by_o the_o clergy_n the_o precept_n of_o life_n which_o the_o scripture_n prescribe_v be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o people_n as_o by_o the_o clergy_n the_o promise_n and_o threat_n with_o which_o the_o scripture_n enforce_v those_o precept_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v by_o the_o people_n as_o by_o the_o clergy_n and_o see_v both_o be_v equal_o concern_v in_o the_o great_a matter_n which_o the_o scripture_n contain_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o both_o shall_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o they_o i_o know_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o study_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o for_o themselves_o and_o that_o therefore_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o trust_n from_o their_o teacher_n without_o make_v any_o far_a enquiry_n but_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v you_o sure_a that_o your_o teacher_n be_v infallible_a that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o be_v most_o certain_a it_o be_v notorious_a that_o most_o of_o the_o prevail_a heresy_n of_o christendom_n be_v first_o set_v on_o broach_n by_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v infallible_a who_o have_v so_o often_o actual_o err_v even_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n suppose_v then_o what_o be_v fair_o supposable_a that_o your_o teacher_n shall_v mislead_v you_o and_o not_o only_o into_o dangerous_a but_o damnable_a error_n be_v you_o sure_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v damn_v for_o you_o and_o that_o you_o shall_v escape_v if_o so_o then_o heresy_n in_o the_o laity_n can_v never_o be_v damnable_a if_o they_o receive_v it_o upon_o trust_n from_o their_o teacher_n and_o consequent_o their_o soul_n be_v as_o safe_a under_o the_o conduct_n of_o false_a teacher_n as_o true_a provide_v always_o that_o right_a or_o wrong_n they_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o but_o if_o yourselves_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n as_o well_o for_o your_o faith_n as_o for_o your_o manner_n and_o be_v liable_a in_o your_o own_o person_n to_o eternal_a damnation_n as_o most_o certain_o you_o be_v as_o well_o for_o heresy_n as_o immorality_n than_o it_o be_v the_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o you_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v your_o teacher_n upon_o trust_n for_o at_o this_o rate_n a_o man_n may_v be_v eternal_o damn_v mere_o for_o believe_v what_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o particular_a pastor_n teach_v but_o what_o the_o church_n teach_v they_o and_o the_o church_n can_v err_v though_o their_o particular_a pastor_n may_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o shall_v the_o people_n be_v otherwise_o inform_v what_o the_o church_n teach_v they_o than_o by_o the_o exposition_n of_o their_o particular_a pastor_n they_o be_v at_o least_o as_o incapable_a of_o inform_v themselves_o what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v and_o therefore_o if_o their_o pastor_n shall_v err_v damnable_o in_o expound_v to_o they_o what_o the_o church_n teach_v as_o it_o be_v supposable_a he_o may_v if_o he_o be_v not_o infallible_a there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o they_o must_v err_v damnable_o in_o believe_v whatsoever_o their_o pastor_n teach_v but_o we_o be_v far_o tell_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o people_n that_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o gross_a that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n teach_v be_v true_a and_o that_o as_o for_o the_o particular_n there_o
be_v no_o necessity_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v inform_v about_o they_o because_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o the_o church_n teach_v be_v true_a implicit_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a see_v the_o church_n teach_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a but_o the_o mischief_n of_o it_o be_v that_o this_o compendious_a way_n of_o belief_n be_v utter_o insignificant_a and_o do_v no_o way_n comport_v with_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n for_o god_n do_v not_o require_v our_o faith_n mere_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o in_o order_n to_o a_o far_a end_n that_o it_o may_v purify_v our_o heart_n and_o influence_n our_o life_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v that_o the_o matter_n which_o we_o believe_v might_n by_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o affect_v our_o will_n and_o continual_o move_v and_o persuade_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o if_o our_o faith_n have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o we_o st._n james_n assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dead_a faith_n and_o will_v profit_v we_o nothing_o but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o our_o believe_v such_o and_o such_o proposition_n shall_v move_v and_o persuade_v we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o those_o proposition_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o they_o what_o man_n can_v be_v persuade_v by_o such_o proposal_n as_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o of_o which_o he_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o explicit_a knowledge_n a_o heathen_a that_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o god_n teach_v be_v true_a do_v implicit_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v from_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n teach_v this_o but_o what_o be_v he_o the_o better_a for_o this_o his_o implicit_a belief_n what_o influence_n can_v it_o have_v upon_o his_o herd_n and_o manner_n who_o perhaps_o never_o hear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o of_o any_o one_o proposition_n which_o he_o reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o so_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n teach_v be_v true_a do_v implicit_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o future_a judgement_n a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o a_o everlasting_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n after_o death_n because_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o church_n teach_v but_o if_o he_o never_o hear_v of_o they_o or_o have_v no_o explicit_a knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o they_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v operate_v on_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n or_o ever_o persuade_v he_o to_o be_v the_o better_a man_n or_o the_o better_a christian_a and_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o other_o article_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o either_o we_o must_v believe_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o insignificant_a faith_n that_o will_v not_o at_o all_o avail_v we_o or_o take_v up_o our_o faith_n upon_o trust_n from_o fallible_a teacher_n who_o may_v mislead_v we_o into_o damnable_a error_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v we_o must_v be_v liable_a to_o answer_v for_o it_o in_o our_o person_n and_o at_o our_o own_o eternal_a peril_n or_o which_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n we_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o inquire_v and_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o at_o least_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n see_v therefore_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o the_o scripture_n itself_o oblige_v i_o upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v it_o hence_o necessary_o follow_v that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v what_o it_o teach_v it_o oblige_v i_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o teach_v otherwise_o i_o must_v believe_v i_o know_v not_o what_o which_o be_v impossible_a and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v i_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o teach_v it_o must_v oblige_v i_o to_o search_v inquire_v and_o judge_v what_o it_o teach_v because_o i_o can_v understand_v without_o inquire_v and_o judge_v but_o how_o can_v i_o inquire_v what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v if_o i_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o read_v and_o consult_v the_o scripture_n and_o so_o again_o there_o be_v many_o duty_n in_o scripture_n which_o the_o scripture_n itself_o oblige_v i_o to_o practice_v upon_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o how_o can_v it_o oblige_v i_o to_o practise_v what_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v i_o to_o understand_v or_o how_o can_v it_o oblige_v i_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v i_o to_o inquire_v after_o but_o how_o can_v i_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v i_o to_o practise_v when_o i_o be_o forbid_v all_o access_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v lock_v up_o from_o i_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o short_a therefore_o see_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v of_o the_o high_a moment_n to_o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o their_o soul_n be_v worth_a not_o to_o believe_v and_o practise_v what_o it_o teach_v and_o see_v they_o can_v neither_o believe_v nor_o practise_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o be_v of_o infinite_a concern_v to_o they_o so_o far_o at_o least_o to_o read_v consult_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n as_o they_o stand_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o practise_v its_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n 6._o and_o last_o from_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o read_v or_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o above_o six_o hundred_o year_n be_v so_o far_o from_o debar_v the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o continual_o urge_v and_o press_v it_o upon_o they_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o indispensable_a obligation_n for_o so_o origen_n wish_n that_o all_o will_v do_v as_o it_o be_v write_v viz._n search_v the_o scripture_n so_o also_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n harken_v you_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o harken_v you_o that_o be_v near_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v hide_v from_o no_o man_n it_o be_v a_o light_n common_a to_o all_o man_n and_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n in_o it_o so_o also_o st._n austin_n gent._n austin_n in_o orat._n adhort_a ad_fw-la gent._n think_v it_o not_o sufficient_a that_o you_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o church_n but_o do_v you_o also_o read_v the_o scripture_n yourselves_o in_o your_o own_o house_n or_o get_v some_o other_o to_o read_v they_o to_o you_o so_o also_o st._n jerom_n 86._o jerom_n in_o psal_n 86._o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o gospel_n not_o that_o a_o few_o but_o all_o shall_v understand_v and_o elsewhere_o speak_v of_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v at_o bethlehem_n with_o paula_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a say_v he_o for_o any_o one_o of_o all_o the_o sister_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o psalm_n nor_o to_o pass_v over_o any_o day_n without_o learning_n some_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o elsewhere_o 3._o elsewhere_o ep._n ad_fw-la coloss_n c._n 3._o we_o be_v teach_v say_v he_o that_o the_o lay-people_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o only_o sufficient_o but_o also_o with_o abundance_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v and_o counsel_v other_o so_o also_o st._n chrysostome_n 9_o chrysostome_n ep._n ad_fw-la colos_n hom._n 9_o hear_v i_o o_o laity_n get_v you_o the_o bible_n the_o most_o wholesome_a remedy_n for_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o you_o will_v no_o more_o at_o least_o get_v the_o new_a testament_n st._n paul_n epistle_n and_o the_o act_n that_o they_o may_v be_v your_o continual_a and_o earnest_a teacher_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o affirm_v 3._o affirm_v in_o matth._n hom._n 3._o that_o it_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o the_o lay-people_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n than_o either_o for_o the_o monk_n or_o priest_n or_o any_o other_o and_o to_o cite_v no_o more_o of_o the_o infinite_a authority_n of_o the_o father_n to_o this_o purpose_n st._n basil_n observe_v 1._o observe_v in_o psal_n 1._o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n be_v like_o a_o apothecary_n shop_n full_a of_o medicine_n of_o sundry_a sort_n that_o so_o every_o man_n may_v there_o choose_v a_o convenient_a remedy_n for_o his_o disease_n and_o that_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o priest_n be_v then_o allow_v the_o use_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v evident_a from_o a_o notorious_a matter_n of_o face_n for_o when_o the_o roman_a emperor_n endeavour_v to_o force_v the_o christian_n by_o persecution_n and_o torment_n to_o deliver_v up_o their_o bibles_n to_o be_v burn_v that_o so_o by_o extinguish_v those_o sacred_a record_n they_o may_v
be_v true_a or_o false_a yet_o they_o seldom_o undergo_v any_o mild_a name_n than_o heresy_n or_o gentle_a doom_n than_o damnation_n which_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o grand_a occasion_n of_o all_o the_o rupture_n and_o division_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o as_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v of_o a_o much_o less_o bulk_n than_o what_o it_o be_v now_o arrive_v to_o by_o roll_v through_o the_o wild_a opiniatry_n of_o sixteen_o disputation_n age_n which_o by_o degree_n have_v swell_v it_o from_o a_o short_a script_n into_o a_o large_a volume_n for_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o into_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o primitive_a father_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o sum_n of_o christian_a faith_n therein_o contain_v consist_v of_o very_a few_o article_n and_o those_o such_o only_a as_o be_v essential_a to_o christian_a religion_n and_o such_o as_o wherein_o almost_o all_o the_o differ_a persuasion_n of_o christian_n do_v to_o this_o day_n concentre_v to_o hold_v the_o faith_n therefore_o be_v to_o persevere_v immovable_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o desert_n or_o forsake_v it_o either_o through_o fear_n of_o persecution_n or_o hope_v of_o temporal_a advantage_n or_o the_o knavish_a art_n and_o sly_a insinuation_n of_o false_a teacher_n 2._o the_o second_o term_n here_o to_o be_v explain_v be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n conscience_n in_o general_n be_v nothing_o but_o our_o practical_a judgement_n direct_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o avoid_v and_o approve_v or_o reprove_v according_a as_o we_o follow_v its_o direction_n or_o run_v counter_a to_o they_o the_o conscience_n therefore_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a according_a as_o the_o direction_n be_v which_o it_o give_v for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n if_o our_o judgement_n be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a and_o direct_v we_o to_o do_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o avoid_v or_o to_o avoid_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o bad_a conscience_n that_o instead_o of_o be_v a_o light_n to_o guide_v our_o step_n in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n be_v only_o a_o wander_a night-fire_n that_o lead_v we_o into_o bog_n and_o quagmire_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o good_a conscience_n be_v our_o practical_a judgement_n well_o inform_v and_o true_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o action_n what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o avoid_v for_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v the_o true_a echo_n of_o god_n within_o we_o that_o faithful_o resound_v his_o voice_n and_o upon_o all_o opportunity_n of_o action_n repeat_v after_o he_o to_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n therefore_o imply_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o maintain_v in_o our_o mind_n a_o true_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o preserve_v our_o practical_a judgement_n pure_a from_o all_o false_a principle_n of_o action_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v either_o our_o vicious_a inclination_n or_o worldly_a interest_n to_o warp_v and_o seduce_v it_o and_o cause_v it_o to_o mistake_v evil_a for_o good_a and_o good_a for_o evil._n second_o it_o imply_v our_o follow_v the_o dictate_v and_o direction_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n our_o do_v what_o it_o bid_v and_o abstain_v from_o what_o it_o forbid_v and_o faithful_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o its_o conduct_n and_o government_n and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o any_o temptation_n whatsoever_o to_o act_v counter_a to_o its_o sense_n and_o persuasion_n in_o short_a to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n be_v to_o live_v in_o a_o strict_a conformity_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o well-informed_n judgement_n and_o not_o to_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o any_o course_n of_o action_n which_o this_o vice-god_n within_o we_o forbid_v or_o disapprove_v 3._o the_o three_o term_n to_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o text_n be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v direct_o oppose_v here_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n must_v denote_v the_o contrary_n to_o it_o to_o put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n therefore_o be_v either_o first_o to_o corrupt_v our_o own_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o action_n out_o of_o vicious_a affection_n or_o worldly_a interest_n and_o impose_v upon_o ourselves_o false_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a or_o second_o to_o act_v direct_o contrary_a to_o our_o sense_n and_o persuasion_n to_o leave_v undo_v those_o thing_n which_o our_o own_o conscience_n tell_v we_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o it_o tell_v we_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v in_o short_a to_o put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a course_n of_o sin_n either_o of_o omission_n or_o commission_n to_o practice_v contradiction_n to_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o inclination_n of_o our_o will_n against_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n 4._o the_o last_o enquiry_n be_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v here_o set_v in_o opposition_n to_o hold_v or_o keep_v the_o faith_n must_v signify_v opposite_o and_o consequent_o must_v denote_v not_o hold_v and_o keep_v it_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n lose_v and_o abandon_v it_o for_o in_o this_o allegory_n the_o true_a christian_a faith_n be_v represent_v as_o a_o ship_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o a_o pure_a and_o holy_a life_n as_o the_o pilot_n that_o steer_v and_o govern_v it_o and_o indeed_o in_o that_o state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o other_o pilot_n but_o purity_n of_o conscience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n be_v able_a to_o conduct_v and_o preserve_v this_o ship_n and_o carry_v it_o safe_a through_o those_o incessant_a storm_n of_o persecution_n wherein_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v toss_v and_o agitate_a for_o when_o christian_n have_v once_o throw_v off_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n by_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o a_o wicked_a and_o dissolute_a life_n what_o be_v there_o left_a to_o restrain_v they_o from_o abandon_v their_o faith_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o their_o worldly_a ease_n and_o interest_n and_o though_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o competition_n between_o their_o faith_n and_o interest_n but_o they_o may_v free_o enjoy_v they_o both_o without_o any_o disturbance_n yet_o their_o wicked_a life_n will_v natural_o tempt_v they_o to_o corrupt_v their_o faith_n with_o wicked_a principle_n of_o which_o late_a in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o give_v a_o eminent_a instance_n in_o hymenaeus_n who_o have_v not_o whole_o desert_v christianity_n but_o only_o renounce_v one_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a as_o of_o the_o former_a he_o give_v another_o instance_n in_o alexander_n who_o as_o it_o seem_v probable_a have_v through_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n desert_v christianity_n itself_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v may_v be_v resolve_v into_o this_o sense_n that_o man_n live_v wicked_o against_o the_o conviction_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o conscience_n do_v very_o much_o expose_v they_o to_o apostasy_n from_o true_a religion_n into_o gross_a and_o impious_a error_n thus_o to_o the_o love_n of_o money_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a the_o apostle_n attribute_n man_n err_v from_o the_o faith_n 1_o tim._n 6.10_o and_o that_o which_o expose_v those_o silly_a woman_n 2_o tim._n 3.6_o to_o the_o seduction_n of_o false_a teacher_n be_v their_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n and_o lead_v away_o with_o divers_a lust_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n ascribe_v demas_n apostasy_n to_o his_o covetousness_n or_o inordinate_a love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n 2_o tim._n 4.10_o but_o that_o i_o may_v evince_v this_o truth_n more_o full_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o particular_a instance_n of_o the_o mighty_a tendency_n there_o be_v in_o every_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n to_o error_n and_o apostasy_n from_o true_a religion_n 1._o it_o corrupt_v and_o debauch_n man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n 2._o it_o render_v the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n uneasy_a to_o their_o mind_n 3._o it_o deprive_v man_n of_o the_o high_a encouragement_n to_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n 4._o it_o weaken_v the_o natural_a force_n of_o their_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o great_a restraint_n from_o apostasy_n 5._o it_o strengthen_v the_o temptation_n to_o apostasy_n 6._o it_o provoke_v god_n to_o give_v we_o up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n 1._o live_v in_o any_o know_v and_o wilful_a course_n of_o sin_n corrupt_v and_o debauch_n man_n reason_n and_o
understanding_n so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n he_o do_v not_o only_o live_v without_o but_o against_o his_o reason_n which_o instead_o of_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o his_o action_n have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o do_v with_o they_o but_o like_o a_o idle_a spectator_n do_v only_o behold_v the_o brutish_a scene_n without_o any_o part_n or_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o whilst_o a_o man_n thus_o abandon_v himself_o to_o the_o government_n of_o his_o own_o blind_a will_n and_o live_v not_o only_o in_o the_o perpetual_a neglect_n but_o contempt_n of_o his_o reason_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o not_o to_o waste_v and_o impair_v it_o for_o as_o our_o rational_a faculty_n be_v improve_v and_o perfect_v by_o exercise_n so_o they_o natural_o languish_v and_o decay_n through_o disuse_n and_o inactivity_n and_o consequent_o the_o less_o use_v we_o make_v of_o they_o in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n which_o be_v their_o proper_a office_n and_o employment_n like_o stand_v water_n they_o must_v corrupt_v and_o putrify_v and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o impure_a lust_n but_o do_v by_o its_o own_o natural_a efficacy_n disable_v man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o these_o body_n our_o mind_n be_v fain_o to_o work_v by_o bodily_a instrument_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o brain_n and_o blood_n and_o spirit_n in_o all_o its_o operation_n and_o according_a as_o their_o temper_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a its_o operation_n will_v be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a but_o while_o a_o man_n indulge_v himself_o in_o any_o impure_a affection_n that_o will_v natural_o distemper_v these_o organ_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o indispose_v they_o for_o the_o use_v of_o his_o reason_n for_o so_o madness_n which_o be_v such_o a_o distemperature_n of_o the_o brain_n and_o blood_n and_o spirit_n do_v whole_o alienate_v they_o from_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_n be_v usual_o find_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a affection_n such_o as_o pride_n or_o covetousness_n anger_n or_o fearfulness_n jealousy_n or_o lust_n and_o if_o these_o passion_n be_v once_o arrive_v to_o their_o utmost_a rage_n and_o excess_n do_v so_o often_o run_v into_o downright_a madness_n and_o distraction_n to_o be_v sure_o every_o inordinate_a degree_n of_o they_o must_v be_v a_o tendency_n towards_o it_o a_o great_a disturbance_n of_o mind_n though_o not_o a_o total_a distraction_n and_o how_o much_o they_o exceed_v their_o due_a bound_n and_o measure_n by_o so_o much_o they_o must_v taint_v and_o vitiate_v these_o necessary_a instrument_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o reason_n thus_o every_o inordinate_a lust_n do_v by_o a_o natural_a influence_n disturb_v man_n reason_n and_o sully_v the_o clearness_n of_o their_o discern_a faculty_n so_o that_o what_o clearness_n be_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n that_o purity_n from_o vicious_a affection_n be_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o brighten_v its_o apprehension_n and_o render_v its_o conception_n of_o thing_n more_o quick_a distinct_a and_o vigorous_a whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o disorderly_a affection_n do_v more_o or_o less_o cloud_n and_o disturb_v the_o brain_n chill_a or_o inflame_v the_o spirit_n hurry_v they_o into_o tumultuous_a motion_n or_o render_v they_o listless_a and_o unactive_a by_o which_o continual_a disorder_n our_o discern_a faculty_n must_v by_o degree_n be_v extreme_o weaken_v and_o confound_v and_o whilst_o the_o mind_n be_v thus_o lose_v in_o the_o fog_n of_o inordinate_a affection_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o seduce_v and_o mislead_v it_o it_o be_v through_o the_o dimness_n of_o its_o sight_n apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o false_a colour_n and_o tincture_v with_o prejudice_n and_o undue_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n weak_a mind_n be_v easy_o abuse_v especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v place_v beyond_o the_o prospect_n of_o sense_n require_v a_o severe_a attention_n in_o order_n to_o the_o form_n of_o right_a apprehension_n concern_v they_o and_o therefore_o the_o more_o man_n weaken_v their_o understanding_n by_o their_o lust_n the_o more_o they_o must_v be_v expose_v to_o error_n and_o delusion_n but_o they_o 2._o live_v in_o any_o know_a course_n of_o sin_n render_v the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n uneasy_a to_o man_n mind_n whilst_o a_o man_n lead_v a_o wicked_a life_n his_o religious_a principle_n if_o they_o be_v pure_a and_o true_a will_v perpetual_o reproach_v and_o upbraid_v he_o for_o there_o be_v no_o contrary_n in_o nature_n more_o irreconcilable_a to_o one_o another_o than_o true_a faith_n and_o bad_a manner_n the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o true_a faith_n be_v to_o move_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n if_o therefore_o a_o man_n faith_n be_v true_a and_o genuine_a he_o can_v live_v wicked_o without_o act_v against_o the_o full_a persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o must_v necessary_o render_v he_o very_o uneasy_a for_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n he_o act_v with_o a_o self-condemning_a judgement_n and_o every_o compliance_n with_o his_o inclination_n set_v he_o at_o odds_o with_o his_o reason_n all_o the_o while_o he_o be_v meditate_v any_o wicked_a design_n he_o struggle_v with_o his_o conscience_n and_o confront_v and_o outrage_n his_o own_o conviction_n and_o when_o he_o have_v act_v it_o every_o reflection_n he_o make_v on_o it_o be_v a_o bitter_a invective_n against_o himself_o thus_o so_o long_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n possess_v his_o mind_n he_o find_v himself_o continual_o hag_v and_o oppress_v by_o they_o they_o sit_v as_o a_o uneasy_a load_n upon_o his_o soul_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o sin_n in_o quiet_a but_o perpetual_o cause_v his_o sinful_a delight_n to_o go_v off_o with_o a_o ungrateful_a farewell_o and_o recoil_v upon_o he_o in_o many_o a_o sickly_a qualm_n and_o convulsion_n in_o which_o state_n of_o thing_n he_o have_v no_o other_o remedy_n but_o either_o to_o forsake_v his_o principle_n or_o his_o lust_n or_o to_o live_v in_o perpetual_a variance_n with_o himself_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o still_o resolve_v to_o sin_n on_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o will_v soon_o grow_v quite_o weary_a of_o true_a religion_n and_o quit_v his_o mind_n as_o soon_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v of_o those_o stern_a and_o inflexible_a principle_n which_o create_v these_o discord_n in_o his_o breast_n and_o whilst_o he_o be_v in_o this_o temper_n it_o will_v be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o pervert_v he_o to_o any_o religion_n that_o will_v give_v ease_n to_o his_o straitlaced_a conscience_n and_o cast_v a_o more_o favourable_o aspect_n on_o his_o lust_n for_o be_v resolve_v to_o follow_v his_o vicious_a inclination_n he_o now_o see_v through_o they_o and_o understand_v by_o they_o and_o whilst_o his_o mind_n run_v upon_o the_o false_a bias_n of_o his_o lust_n that_o religion_n which_o be_v most_o grateful_a to_o they_o will_v seem_v most_o reasonable_a to_o he_o show_v he_o a_o way_n how_o he_o may_v worship_n god_n acceptable_o without_o the_o expense_n of_o a_o strict_a attention_n and_o the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o heavenly_a affection_n mere_o by_o number_v so_o many_o prayer_n on_o a_o string_n of_o bead_n by_o see_v a_o priest_n act_n over_o such_o a_o set_a of_o ceremony_n and_o hear_v he_o in_o vary_a tone_n sometime_o pronounce_v and_o sometime_o murmur_v a_o form_n of_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a language_n and_o though_o at_o first_o view_v it_o may_v seem_v very_o absurd_a to_o he_o yet_o the_o very_a looseness_n and_o carnality_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o engage_v his_o affection_n to_o it_o and_o then_o they_o by_o degree_n will_v go_v near_o to_o wheedle_n his_o understanding_n into_o a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o it_o propose_v to_o he_o a_o expedient_a how_o he_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n at_o last_o without_o undergo_n the_o severity_n of_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n tell_v he_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a church_n in_o the_o world_n who_o priest_n if_o he_o confess_v his_o sin_n to_o they_o with_o any_o degree_n of_o sorrow_n and_o remorse_n have_v full_a power_n to_o pardon_n and_o absolve_v he_o so_o that_o if_o he_o do_v but_o take_v care_v not_o to_o die_v without_o confession_n however_o he_o live_v he_o can_v miscarry_v for_o ever_o he_o may_v indeed_o go_v into_o a_o very_a hot_a place_n call_v purgatory_n and_o there_o suffer_v a_o while_n very_o grievous_a thing_n before_o he_o get_v to_o heaven_n but_o if_o instead_o of_o part_v with_o his_o lust_n while_o he_o live_v he_o will_v part_v with_o his_o money_n when_o he_o die_v he_o may_v at_o easy_a rate_n purchase_v of_o that_o church_n such_o a_o
ill_a daughter_n of_o a_o bad_a mother_n a_o debauch_a and_o a_o dissolute_a conscience_n and_o consequent_o partake_v of_o all_o its_o natural_a bane_n and_o malignity_n even_o as_o all_o other_o bad_a effect_n do_v of_o the_o malignant_a nature_n of_o their_o bad_a cause_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o particular_a evil_n which_o man_n inconstancy_n to_o and_o proneness_n to_o revolt_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n imply_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o these_o five_o instance_n 1._o the_o great_a impiety_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o foul_a dishonesty_n of_o it_o 4._o the_o shameful_a cowardice_n of_o it_o 5._o the_o vast_a hazard_n and_o insecurity_n of_o it_o 1._o consider_v the_o great_a impiety_n of_o it_o he_o who_o can_v part_v with_o his_o religion_n or_o any_o principle_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o be_v either_o a_o downright_a atheist_n who_o believe_v no_o religion_n to_o be_v true_a govern_v himself_o by_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o wise_a course_n be_v to_o profess_v none_o but_o that_o which_o be_v uppermost_a and_o most_o for_o his_o interest_n or_o a_o profane_a and_o impious_a wretch_n who_o though_o he_o believe_v his_o own_o religion_n true_a exchange_n it_o for_o another_o which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a upon_o no_o other_o consideration_n but_o so_o much_o temporal_a advantage_n to_o boot_v by_o which_o he_o plain_o declare_v that_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o his_o estimation_n the_o odds_o between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n the_o declaration_n of_o god_n and_o the_o imposture_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o inconsiderable_a that_o the_o least_o addition_n of_o the_o transitory_a good_n of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o late_a render_v it_o of_o sufficient_a weight_n to_o turn_v the_o scale_n against_o the_o former_a and_o that_o for_o his_o part_n he_o be_v not_o much_o concern_v whether_o the_o almighty_a be_v his_o friend_n or_o foe_n and_o provide_v he_o may_v but_o enjoy_v his_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n a_o few_o year_n long_o here_o he_o be_v very_o well_o content_v to_o part_n with_o all_o his_o hope_n and_o interest_n in_o god_n for_o ever_o for_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a construction_n of_o man_n apostasy_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o consideration_n of_o their_o worldly_a interest_n that_o that_o interest_n be_v in_o their_o esteem_n far_o more_o eligible_a than_o god_n with_o all_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n than_o without_o preferment_n and_o that_o that_o man_n make_v a_o very_a good_a bargain_n who_o get_v a_o good_a place_n in_o exchange_n for_o his_o maker_n and_o with_o the_o treacherous_a judas_n fell_v his_o saviour_n though_o it_o be_v but_o for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n which_o be_v such_o a_o monstrous_a degree_n of_o impiety_n as_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o scare_v and_o affright_v the_o most_o courageous_a sinner_n that_o have_v but_o the_o least_o apprehension_n of_o god_n or_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n but_o then_o 2._o consider_v the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o man_n abandon_v their_o religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o their_o vicious_a affection_n for_o he_o who_o without_o through_o conviction_n abandon_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a do_v together_o with_o that_o most_o certain_o abandon_v all_o the_o bless_a reward_n and_o incur_v all_o the_o dreadful_a penalty_n that_o true_a religion_n promise_n and_o denounce_v because_o though_o his_o religion_n perhaps_o may_v be_v false_a yet_o in_o renounce_v it_o whilst_o he_o believe_v it_o true_a his_o will_n do_v as_o malicious_o renounce_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o if_o it_o real_o be_v so_o he_o think_v it_o true_a and_o yet_o renounce_v it_o by_o which_o he_o plain_o declare_v that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v true_a he_o will_v have_v renounce_v it_o so_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o his_o will_n be_v the_o same_o his_o crime_n and_o gild_n the_o same_o it_o be_v true_a religion_n he_o intentional_o renounce_v and_o therefore_o in_o so_o do_v he_o do_v intentional_o renounce_v all_o his_o concern_v and_o interest_n in_o true_a religion_n now_o what_o a_o desperate_a piece_n of_o folly_n be_v this_o for_o a_o man_n to_o part_v with_o all_o his_o stock_n in_o the_o common_a bank_n of_o religion_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o down_o right_a shame_n and_o imposture_n be_v of_o everlasting_a moment_n and_o concern_v to_o he_o only_o for_o a_o present_a gratification_n of_o some_o vain_a and_o unreasonable_a lust_n to_o divorce_v himself_o for_o ever_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o quit_v all_o title_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n only_o to_o curry_v a_o short-lived_a favour_n with_o man_n with_o man_n who_o breath_n be_v in_o their_o nostril_n and_o who_o within_o a_o few_o day_n or_o year_n must_v go_v off_o the_o stage_n and_o leave_v we_o here_o perhaps_o forlorn_a and_o destitute_a to_o part_v with_o all_o my_o glorious_a hope_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v my_o best_a heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o with_o heaven_n itself_o where_o i_o have_v treasure_n of_o bliss_n sufficient_a to_o maintain_v i_o in_o a_o most_o happy_a port_n to_o eternal_a age_n only_o to_o gain_v or_o secure_v a_o transitory_a estate_n or_o preferment_n which_o while_o i_o have_v it_o can_v make_v i_o happy_a and_o from_o which_o erelong_o i_o shall_v be_v tear_v and_o divide_v and_o not_o be_v a_o farthing_n the_o better_a for_o forever_o to_o expose_v one_o self_n as_o a_o public_a spectacle_n of_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n to_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o all_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a part_n of_o the_o rational_a world_n for_o a_o short_a extemporary_a blaze_n of_o pompous_a splendour_n and_o greatness_n which_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o counter-blast_n of_o fortune_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n will_v ever_o long_o expire_v in_o smoke_n and_o stink_n wretchedness_n and_o infamy_n to_o plunge_v one_o self_n headlong_o into_o all_o the_o agony_n and_o torment_n the_o horror_n and_o desperation_n of_o a_o woeful_a eternity_n only_o to_o escape_v a_o short_a persecution_n and_o a_o glorious_a martyrdom_n when_o a_o little_a after_o perhaps_o i_o shall_v suffer_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o and_o long_o under_o the_o gout_n or_o stone_n or_o strangury_n without_o the_o comfort_n of_o die_v in_o a_o brave_a cause_n and_o be_v assure_v of_o a_o immortal_a recompense_n than_o i_o can_v have_v do_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o executioner_n with_o it_o and_o yet_o all_o these_o mad_a prank_n that_o man_n play_v at_o once_o who_o abandon_v his_o religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o his_o lust_n 3._o consider_v the_o soul_n dishonesty_n of_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o sacred_a pledge_n commit_v to_o we_o by_o god_n for_o our_o own_o use_n and_o the_o use_v of_o our_o late_a posterity_n we_o can_v vicous_o desert_v and_o abandon_v it_o without_o betray_v of_o god_n and_o falsify_v our_o trust_n to_o he_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o without_o squander_v away_o the_o most_o inestimable_a good_a that_o ever_o he_o commit_v to_o man_n upon_o our_o own_o base_a lust_n and_o his_o most_o execrable_a enemy_n which_o be_v dishonesty_n blacken_v with_o the_o foul_a ingratitude_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v by_o forsake_v our_o religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o any_o lewd_a affection_n we_o not_o only_o do_v a_o dishonest_a thing_n at_o present_a but_o also_o total_o discard_v the_o obligation_n to_o honesty_n for_o the_o future_a for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v rational_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o be_v thorough_o honest_a but_o only_a his_o religion_n or_o inward_a sense_n that_o it_o be_v his_o indispensable_a duty_n towards_o god_n before_o who_o righteous_a tribunal_n he_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o his_o action_n the_o two_o great_a motive_n of_o humane_a action_n be_v religion_n and_o worldly_a interest_n now_o as_o for_o religion_n that_o consist_v of_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a principle_n which_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n ply_v or_o bend_v to_o the_o alteration_n of_o outward_a affair_n and_o circumstance_n but_o do_v in_o all_o condition_n move_v and_o oblige_v we_o with_o equal_a force_n and_o vigour_n whereas_o worldly_a interest_n be_v a_o fickle_a and_o mutable_a thing_n that_o vary_v and_o alter_v with_o every_o outward_a turn_n and_o revolution_n so_o that_o that_o which_o be_v my_o interest_n to_o day_n may_v prove_v my_o damage_n to_o morrow_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v whatever_o part_n i_o act_v to_o