those_o solemn_a and_o holy_a intention_n which_o become_v the_o dignity_n of_o its_o author_n according_o we_o find_v holy_a man_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v affect_v with_o it_o and_o some_o to_o the_o inward_a reverence_n of_o the_o mind_n have_v join_v the_o outward_a of_o the_o body_n also_o and_o never_o read_v it_o but_o upon_o their_o knee_n a_o example_n that_o may_v both_o instruct_v and_o reproach_v our_o profaneness_n who_o common_o read_v by_o chance_n and_o at_o a_o venture_n if_o a_o bible_n happen_v in_o our_o way_n we_o take_v it_o up_o as_o we_o will_v do_v a_o romance_n or_o playbook_n only_o herein_o we_o differ_v that_o we_o dismiss_v it_o much_o soon_o and_o retain_v less_o of_o its_o impression_n 18._o it_o be_v a_o law_n of_o numa_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v meddle_v with_o divine_a thing_n or_o worship_v the_o god_n in_o pass_v or_o by_o accident_n but_o make_v it_o a_o set_v and_o solemn_a business_n and_o every_o one_o know_v with_o how_o great_a ceremony_n and_o solemnity_n the_o heathen_a oracle_n be_v consult_v how_o great_a a_o shame_n be_v it_o then_o for_o christian_n to_o defalk_v that_o reverence_n from_o the_o true_a god_n which_o heathen_n allow_v their_o false_a one_o 19_o now_o this_o proceed_v sometime_o from_o the_o want_n of_o that_o habitual_a reverence_n we_o shall_v always_o have_v to_o it_o as_o god_n word_n and_o sometime_o from_o want_n of_o actual_a exciting_a it_o when_o we_o go_v to_o read_v for_o if_o the_o habit_n lie_v only_o dormant_a in_o we_o and_o be_v not_o awake_v by_o actual_a consideration_n it_o avail_v we_o as_o little_a in_o our_o read_n as_o the_o habitual_a strength_n of_o a_o man_n do_v towards_o labour_n when_o he_o will_v not_o exert_v it_o for_o that_o end_n 20._o we_o ought_v therefore_o as_o to_o make_v it_o our_o deliberate_a choice_n to_o read_v god_n word_n so_o when_o we_o do_v it_o to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o those_o solemn_a apprehension_n of_o its_o dignity_n and_o authority_n as_o may_v render_v we_o malleable_a and_o apt_a to_o receive_v its_o impression_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o reverence_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o genuine_a or_o last_a obedience_n 21._o saint_n austin_n in_o his_o tract_n to_o honoratus_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o believe_v make_v the_o first_o requisite_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o love_n of_o they_o believe_v i_o say_v he_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v sublime_a and_o divine_a its_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n be_v most_o accommodate_v to_o the_o refreshment_n and_o build_v up_o of_o our_o mind_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n so_o order_v that_o every_o one_o may_v draw_v thence_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o provide_v he_o approach_v it_o with_o devotion_n piety_n and_o religion_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o may_v require_v much_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o this_o i_o be_o first_o to_o persuade_v that_o you_o do_v not_o hate_v the_o author_n and_o then_o that_o you_o love_v they_o have_v we_o a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o virgil_n nay_o if_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o reputation_n he_o have_v gain_v with_o our_o predecessor_n we_o do_v not_o great_o love_v before_o we_o understand_v he_o we_o shall_v never_o patient_o go_v through_o all_o the_o difficult_a question_n grammarian_n raise_v about_o he_o many_o employ_v themselves_o in_o comment_v upon_o he_o we_o esteem_v he_o most_o who_o exposition_n most_o commend_v the_o book_n and_o show_v that_o the_o author_n not_o only_o be_v free_a from_o error_n but_o do_v excellent_o well_o where_o he_o be_v not_o understand_v and_o if_o such_o a_o account_n happen_v not_o to_o be_v give_v we_o impute_v it_o rather_o to_o the_o interpreter_n then_o the_o poet._n 22._o thus_o the_o good_a father_n who_o word_n i_o have_v transcribe_v at_o large_a as_o be_v remarkable_a to_o the_o present_a purpose_n he_o also_o show_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o no_o author_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v from_o one_o averse_a to_o his_o doctrine_n as_o that_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o inquire_v of_o aristotle_n book_n from_o one_o of_o a_o different_a sect_n or_o of_o archimedes_n from_o epicurus_n the_o discourse_n will_v be_v as_o displease_v as_o the_o speaker_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v esteem_v absurd_a which_o come_v from_o one_o that_o be_v envy_v or_o despise_v 23._o a_o three_o preparative_n to_o our_o read_n shall_v be_v prayer_n the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v dictate_v at_o first_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n so_o must_v still_o owe_v its_o effect_n and_o influence_n to_o its_o cooperation_n the_o thing_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o and_o though_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v well_o enough_o apprehend_v the_o letter_n and_o grammatical_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o its_o power_n and_o energy_n that_o insinuative_a persuasive_a force_n whereby_o it_o work_v on_o heart_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o without_o his_o aid_n the_o scripture_n whilst_o it_o lie_v open_a before_o our_o eye_n may_v still_o be_v as_o a_o book_n that_o be_v seal_v esai_n 29.11_o be_v as_o ineffective_a as_o if_o the_o character_n be_v illegible_a 24._o beside_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o the_o devil_n be_v still_o busy_a to_o steal_v away_o the_o seed_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v sow_v mat._n 13.17_o and_o unless_o we_o have_v some_o better_a guard_n than_o our_o own_o vigilance_n he_o be_v sure_a enough_o to_o prosper_v in_o his_o attemt_fw-mi let_v it_o therefore_o be_v our_o care_n to_o invoke_v the_o divine_a aid_n and_o when_o ever_o we_o take_v the_o bible_n into_o our_o hand_n to_o dart_v up_o at_o least_o a_o hearty_a ejaculation_n that_o we_o may_v find_v its_o effect_n in_o our_o heart_n let_v we_o say_v with_o holy_a david_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n o_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n bless_v be_v thou_o o_o lord_n o_o teach_v i_o thy_o statute_n ps_n 119._o nay_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v fit_a matter_n of_o a_o daily_a solemn_a devotion_n as_o our_o church_n have_v make_v it_o a_o annual_a in_o the_o collect_n on_o the_o second_o sunday_n in_o advent_n a_o prayer_n so_o apt_a and_o full_o expressive_a of_o what_o we_o shall_v desire_v in_o this_o particular_a that_o if_o we_o transcribe_v not_o only_o the_o example_n but_o the_o very_a word_n i_o know_v not_o how_o we_o can_v form_v that_o part_n of_o our_o devotion_n more_o advantageous_o 25._o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o at_o the_o time_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n which_o consist_v principal_o in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v attention_n which_o be_v so_o indispensable_o requisite_a that_o without_o it_o all_o book_n be_v alike_o and_o all_o equal_o insignificant_a for_o he_o that_o advert_v not_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o he_o read_v the_o wise_a discourse_n signify_v no_o more_o to_o he_o than_o the_o most_o exquisite_a music_n do_v to_o a_o man_n perfect_o deaf_a the_o letter_n and_o syllable_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v no_o more_o sacred_a than_o those_o of_o another_o book_n it_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n only_o that_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o he_o that_o consider_v only_o the_o former_a may_v as_o well_o entertain_v himself_o with_o a_o spellingbook_n 26._o we_o must_v therefore_o keep_v our_o mind_n fix_v and_o attent_a to_o what_o we_o read_v it_o be_v a_o folly_n and_o lightness_n not_o to_o do_v so_o in_o human_a author_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o danger_n not_o to_o do_v so_o in_o this_o divine_a book_n we_o know_v there_o can_v scarce_o be_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o contemt_a and_o disvalue_n then_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n speak_v and_o not_o at_o all_o mind_n what_o he_o say_v yet_o this_o vile_a affront_n do_v all_o those_o put_v upon_o god_n who_o hear_v or_o read_v his_o word_n and_o give_v it_o no_o attention_n yet_o i_o fear_v the_o practice_n be_v not_o more_o impious_a than_o it_o be_v frequent_a for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o read_v the_o bible_n who_o if_o at_o the_o end_n of_o each_o chapter_n they_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o account_v i_o doubt_v they_o can_v produce_v very_o slender_a collection_n and_o true_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a consideration_n that_o that_o sacred_a book_n be_v read_v most_o attentive_o by_o those_o who_o read_v it_o as_o some_o preach_v the_o gospel_n phil._n 1.15_o out_o of_o envy_n and_o strife_n how_o curious_o do_v man_n inspect_v nay_o ransac_n and_o embowel_v a_o text_n to_o find_v a_o pretence_n for_o cavil_n and_o objection_n whilst_o man_n who_o profess_v to_o look_v there_o for_o life_n and_o salvation_n read_v with_o such_o a_o retchless_n
9_o 2_o cor._n 4.11_o who_o in_o his_o first_o homily_n on_o saint_n mat._n far_a declare_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o expose_v to_o vulgar_a capacity_n 13._o he_o say_v again_o hom_o upon_o isaiah_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o metal_n that_o require_v the_o help_n of_o miner_n but_o afford_v a_o treasure_n easy_o to_o be_v bad_a to_o they_o that_o seek_v the_o riches_n contain_v in_o they_o it_o be_v enough_o only_a to_o stoop_v down_o and_o look_v upon_o they_o and_o depart_v replenish_v with_o wealth_n it_o be_v enough_o only_a to_o open_v they_o and_o behold_v the_o splendour_n of_o those_o gem_n again_o hom._n 3._o on_o the_o second_o ep._n to_o the_o thess_n 2._o all_o thing_n be_v evident_a and_o strait_a which_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whatever_o be_v necessary_a be_v manifest_a so_o also_o hom._n 3._o on_o gen._n 14._o it_o can_v be_v that_o he_o who_o be_v studious_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v reject_v for_o though_o the_o instruction_n of_o man_n be_v want_v the_o lord_n from_o above_o will_v enlighten_v our_o mind_n shine_v in_o upon_o our_o reason_n revele_v what_o be_v secret_a and_o teach_v what_o we_o do_v not_o know_v so_o hom._n 1._o on_o jo._n 11._o almighty_a god_n involve_v his_o doctrine_n with_o no_o mist_n and_o darkness_n as_o do_v the_o philosopher_n his_o doctrine_n be_v bright_a than_o the_o sunbeam_n and_o more_o illustrious_a and_o therefore_o every_o where_o diffuse_v and_o hom._n 6._o on_o jo._n 11._o his_o doctrine_n be_v so_o facile_a that_o not_o only_o the_o wise_a but_o even_o woman_n and_o youth_n must_v comprehend_v it_o hom._n 13._o on_o gen._n 2._o let_v we_o go_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o our_o mark_n which_o be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n and_o soon_o after_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n interpret_v itself_o and_o suffer_v not_o its_o auditor_n to_o err_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n say_v cyril_n in_o his_o three_o book_n against_o julian_n in_o the_o scripture_n nothing_o be_v difficult_a to_o they_o who_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v 14._o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o groundless_a cavil_n which_o man_n make_v at_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n since_o it_o be_v not_o obscure_a in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v our_o common_a interest_n it_o shall_v be_v plain_a which_o sufficient_o justify_v its_o propriety_n to_o that_o great_a end_n of_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v less_o intelligible_a to_o we_o many_o of_o they_o become_v so_o not_o by_o the_o innate_a obscurity_n of_o the_o text_n but_o by_o extrinsic_n circumstance_n of_o which_o perhaps_o the_o overbusy_a tamper_n of_o paraphrast_n please_v with_o new_a notion_n of_o their_o own_o may_v be_v reckon_v for_o one_o but_o this_o subject_a the_o reader_n may_v find_v so_o well_o pursue_v in_o mr._n boil_v tract_n concern_v the_o stile_n of_o scripture_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v kind_a both_o to_o he_o and_o it_o to_o refer_v he_o thither_o as_o also_o for_o answer_v to_o those_o other_o querulous_a objection_n which_o man_n gall_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v make_v to_o its_o stile_n 15._o a_o three_o circumstance_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v fit_v to_o attain_v its_o end_n be_v its_o be_v commit_v to_o writing_n as_o that_o be_v distinguish_v from_o oral_a delivery_n it_o be_v most_o true_a the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n and_o efficacy_n which_o way_n soever_o it_o be_v deliver_v the_o sermon_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v every_o jot_n as_o divine_a and_o powerful_a out_o of_o their_o mouth_n as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o their_o story_n all_o the_o advantage_n therefore_o that_o the_o write_a word_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v in_o order_n to_o its_o perpetuity_n as_o it_o be_v a_o secure_a way_n of_o derivation_n to_o posterity_n then_o that_o of_o oral_a tradition_n to_o evince_v that_o it_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v first_o weigh_v the_o rational_a probability_n on_o either_o side_n second_o i_o shall_v consider_v to_o which_o god_n himself_o appear_v in_o scripture_n to_o give_v the_o deference_n 16._o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v propose_v this_o consideration_n which_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o intimate_v before_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v for_o the_o universal_a use_n of_o the_o faithful_a it_o be_v as_o universal_o disperse_v among_o they_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o law_n not_o only_o in_o their_o synagogue_n but_o in_o their_o private_a house_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o evangelical_n book_n be_v write_v they_o be_v scatter_v into_o all_o place_n where_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v obtain_v now_o when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o vast_a multitude_n of_o copy_n and_o those_o so_o revere_v by_o the_o possessor_n that_o they_o think_v it_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o sacrilege_n to_o expose_v they_o it_o must_v sure_o be_v next_o to_o impossible_a entire_o to_o suppress_v that_o book_n beside_o it_o can_v never_o be_v attemt_v but_o by_o some_o eminent_a violence_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o heathen_a persecutor_n which_o according_a to_o the_o common_a effect_n of_o opposition_n serve_v to_o enhance_v the_o christian_n value_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o consequent_o when_o the_o storm_n be_v past_a to_o excite_v their_o diligence_n for_o recruit_v the_o number_n so_o that_o unless_o in_o after_o age_n all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v at_o once_o make_v a_o voluntary_a defection_n and_o conspire_v to_o eradicate_v their_o religion_n the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v utter_o extinguish_v 17._o and_o that_o which_o secure_v it_o from_o total_a suppression_n do_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n do_v so_o from_o corruption_n and_o falsification_n for_o while_o so_o many_o genuine_a copy_n be_v extant_a in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v appeal_v to_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o impose_v a_o spurious_a one_o especial_o if_o the_o change_n be_v so_o material_a as_o to_o awaken_v man_n jealousy_n and_o it_o must_v be_v only_o in_o a_o place_n and_o age_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n that_o any_o can_v be_v dare_v enough_o to_o attemt_fw-mi it_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v to_o succeed_v in_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o universal_a and_o to_o think_v to_o have_v the_o forgery_n admit_v there_o be_v as_o a_o learned_a man_n say_v like_v attemt_a to_o poison_v the_o sea_n 18._o on_o the_o other_o side_n oral_a tradition_n seem_v much_o more_o liable_a to_o hazard_n error_n may_v there_o insinuate_v itself_o much_o more_o insensible_o and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o universal_a conspiracy_n to_o admit_v it_o at_o first_o yet_o like_o a_o small_a eruption_n of_o water_n it_o widen_v its_o own_o passage_n till_o it_o cause_v a_o inundation_n there_o be_v no_o impression_n so_o deep_a but_o time_n and_o intervening_a accident_n may_v wear_v out_o of_o man_n mind_n especial_o where_o the_o notion_n be_v many_o and_o be_v found_v not_o in_o nature_n but_o positive_a institution_n as_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v and_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o various_a temper_n of_o man_n it_o will_v not_o be_v strange_a that_o succeed_a age_n will_v not_o always_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o former_a some_o be_v pragmatic_n and_o think_v themselves_o fit_a to_o prescribe_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o their_o posterity_n then_o to_o follow_v that_o of_o their_o ancestor_n some_o have_v interest_n and_o design_n which_o will_v be_v better_o serve_v by_o new_a tenet_n and_o some_o be_v ignorant_a and_o mistake_v and_o may_v unaware_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n they_o shall_v bare_o deliver_v and_o of_o this_o last_o sort_n we_o may_v guess_v there_o may_v be_v many_o since_o it_o fall_v common_o to_o the_o mother_n lot_n to_o imbue_v child_n with_o the_o first_o rudiment_n 19_o now_o in_o all_o these_o case_n how_o possible_a be_v it_o that_o primitive_a tradition_n may_v be_v either_o lose_v or_o adulterate_v and_o consequent_o and_o in_o proportion_n to_o that_o possibility_n our_o confidence_n of_o it_o must_v be_v stagger_v i_o be_o sure_a according_a to_o the_o common_a estimate_n in_o secular_o it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o he_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o credit_v a_o relation_n which_o come_v from_o a_o eie-witness_n then_o at_o the_o three_o or_o four_o much_o more_o at_o the_o hundred_o rebound_n as_o in_o this_o case_n and_o daily_a experience_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o true_a and_o probable_a story_n by_o pass_v through_o many_o hand_n often_o grow_v to_o a_o improbable_a lie_n this_o man_n think_v he_o can_v add_v one_o become_v circumstance_n that_o man_n another_o and_o whilst_o most_o
i_o confess_v vain_a for_o man_n to_o address_v nay_o it_o be_v insolence_n to_o expect_v that_o human_a oratory_n shall_v succeed_v where_o the_o divine_a fail_n yet_o the_o spread_a infection_n of_o these_o render_v it_o necessary_a to_o administer_v antidote_n to_o other_o and_o beside_o though_o god_n be_v blessed_v all_o be_v not_o of_o this_o form_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o who_o though_o not_o arrive_v to_o this_o contemt_a yet_o want_v some_o degree_n of_o that_o just_a reverence_n they_o owe_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n who_o give_v a_o confuse_a general_a assent_n to_o they_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o afford_v they_o not_o a_o consideration_n and_o respect_n answerable_a to_o such_o a_o acknowledgement_n to_o such_o as_o these_o i_o shall_v hope_v it_o may_v not_o be_v utter_o vain_a to_o attemt_a the_o exciting_a of_o those_o drowsy_a notion_n that_o lie_v unactive_a in_o they_o by_o present_v to_o they_o some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o excellence_n and_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v all_o but_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o that_o principle_n they_o be_v suppose_v to_o own_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v god_n word_n i_o can_v much_o question_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o speculative_a part_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v as_o probable_o assure_v myself_o of_o the_o practic_a 10._o indeed_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o be_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o holy_a writ_n but_o that_o it_o be_v god_n word_n that_o be_v enough_o to_o command_v the_o most_o awful_a regard_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o just_a we_o make_v that_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a consideration_n in_o our_o present_a discourse_n but_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o that_o can_v want_v other_o to_o attend_v it_o since_o whatsoever_o god_n say_v be_v in_o all_o respect_v complete_o good_a i_o shall_v therefore_o to_o that_o of_o its_o divine_a original_n add_v second_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o subject_a matter_n three_o of_o its_o excellent_a and_o no_o less_o diffusive_a end_n and_o design_n and_o four_a of_o its_o exact_a propriety_n and_o fitness_n to_o that_o design_n which_o be_v all_o such_o qualification_n that_o where_o they_o concur_v nothing_o more_o can_v be_v require_v to_o commend_v a_o writing_n to_o the_o esteem_n of_o rational_a man_n and_o upon_o all_o these_o test_n notwithstanding_o the_o cavil_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o other_o who_o force_n we_o shall_v examine_v with_o the_o unhappy_a issue_n of_o contrary_a counsel_n this_o law_n of_o god_n will_v be_v find_v to_o answer_v the_o psalmist_n character_n of_o it_o ps_n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a and_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o custody_n and_o use_n thereof_o be_v the_o birthright_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a all_o which_o several_n be_v faithful_o deduce_v it_o will_v only_o remain_v that_o i_o add_v such_o caution_n as_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a duty_n and_o our_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n render_v perfect_a as_o this_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o author_n thereof_o himself_o be_v perfect_a mat._n 5.48_o sect_n ii_o the_o divine_a original_a endearment_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n man_n judgement_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v biased_n by_o their_o affection_n that_o we_o often_o find_v they_o ready_a to_o consider_v who_o speak_v than_o what_o be_v speak_v a_o temper_n very_o unsafe_a and_o the_o principle_n of_o great_a injustice_n in_o our_o inferior_a transaction_n with_o man_n yet_o here_o there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o we_o that_o can_v whole_o divest_v ourselves_o of_o it_o whereas_o when_o we_o deal_v with_o god_n in_o who_o alone_o a_o implicit_a faith_n may_v secure_o be_v repose_v we_o be_v nice_a and_o wary_a bring_v our_o scale_n and_o mesure_n will_v take_v nothing_o upon_o his_o word_n which_o hold_v not_o weight_n in_o our_o own_o balance_n it_o be_v true_a he_o need_v not_o our_o partiality_n to_o be_v justify_v in_o his_o say_n psal_n 51.4_o his_o word_n be_v pure_a even_o as_o the_o silver_n try_v seven_o time_n in_o the_o fire_n psal_n 12.6_o able_a to_o pass_v the_o strict_a test_n that_o right_a reason_n true_o so_o call_v can_v put_v they_o to_o yet_o it_o show_v a_o great_a perverseness_n in_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o who_o so_o easy_o resign_v our_o understanding_n to_o fallible_a man_n stand_v thus_o upon_o our_o guard_n against_o god_n make_v he_o dispute_v for_o every_o inch_n he_o gain_v on_o we_o nor_o will_v afford_v he_o what_o we_o daily_o grant_v to_o any_o credible_a man_n to_o receive_v a_o affirmation_n upon_o trust_n of_o his_o veracity_n 2._o i_o be_o far_o from_o contradict_v our_o savior_n precept_n of_o search_n the_o scripture_n jo._n 7._o or_o saint_n paul_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n 1_o thes_n 5.21_o we_o can_v be_v too_o industrious_a in_o our_o inquest_n after_o truth_n provide_v we_o still_o reserve_v to_o god_n the_o decisive_a vote_n and_o humble_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o sense_n how_o distant_a soever_o from_o our_o own_o so_o that_o when_o we_o consult_v scripture_n i_o may_v add_v reason_n either_o it_o be_v not_o to_o resolve_v we_o whether_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o no_o in_o what_o he_o have_v say_v but_o whether_o he_o have_v say_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o be_v convince_v he_o have_v reason_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n command_v our_o assent_n 3._o whatever_o therefore_o god_n have_v say_v we_o be_v to_o pay_v it_o a_o reverence_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o author_n over_o and_o above_o what_o the_o excellence_n of_o the_o matter_n exact_v and_o to_o this_o we_o have_v all_o inducement_n as_o well_o as_o obligation_n there_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o render_v the_o word_n of_o man_n estimable_a to_o we_o which_o be_v not_o eminent_o and_o transcendent_o appliable_a to_o those_o of_o god_n 4._o those_o motive_n we_o may_v reduce_v to_o four_o first_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n second_o his_o kindness_n three_o his_o wisdom_n and_o four_a his_o truth_n first_o for_o that_o of_o authority_n that_o may_v be_v either_o native_a or_o acquire_v the_o native_a be_v that_o of_o a_o parent_n which_o be_v such_o a_o charm_n of_o observance_n that_o we_o see_v solomon_n when_o he_o will_v impress_v his_o counsel_n assume_v the_o person_n of_o a_o father_n hear_v o_o my_o child_n the_o instruction_n of_o a_o father_n prov._n 4.1_o and_o general_o through_o that_o whole_a book_n he_o use_v the_o compellation_n of_o my_o son_n as_o the_o great_a endearment_n to_o engage_v attention_n and_o reverence_n nay_o so_o indispensible_a be_v the_o obligation_n of_o child_n in_o this_o respect_n that_o we_o see_v the_o contumacious_a child_n that_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o parent_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o adjudge_v to_o death_n deut._n 21.20_o 5._o nor_o have_v only_a god_n but_o man_n law_n exact_v that_o filial_a reverence_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o parent_n but_o certain_o no_o parent_n can_v pretend_v such_o a_o title_n to_o it_o as_o god_n who_o be_v not_o only_o the_o immediate_a father_n of_o our_o person_n but_o the_o original_a father_n of_o our_o very_a nature_n not_o only_o of_o our_o flesh_n but_o of_o our_o spirit_n also_o heb._n 12.9_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n antithesis_fw-la in_o that_o place_n be_v as_o proper_o apply_v to_o counsel_n as_o correction_n and_o we_o may_v as_o right_o infer_v that_o if_o we_o give_v reverence_n to_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o earthly_a parent_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o this_o father_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v the_o very_a same_o reason_n wherewith_o to_o enforce_v it_o for_o the_o father_n of_o our_o flesh_n do_v as_o often_o dictate_v as_o correct_v according_a to_o their_o own_o pleasure_n prescribe_v to_o their_o child_n not_o according_a to_o the_o exact_a mesure_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n but_o after_o that_o humour_n which_o most_o predominate_v in_o themselves_o but_o god_n always_o direct_v his_o admonition_n to_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n heb._n 12.11_o so_o that_o we_o be_v as_o unkind_a to_o ourselves_o as_o irreverent_a towards_o he_o whenever_o we_o let_v any_o of_o his_o word_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n who_o claim_n to_o this_o part_n of_o our_o reverence_n be_v much_o more_o irrefragable_a than_o that_o of_o our_o natural_a parent_n 6._o but_o beside_o this_o native_a authority_n there_o be_v also_o a_o acquire_v and_o that_o we_o may_v distinguish_v into_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o of_o dominion_n the_o other_o of_o reputation_n to_o the_o first_o kind_n belong_v that_o of_o prince_n magistrate_n master_n or_o any_o that_o have_v coercive_a power_n over_o we_o and_o our_o own_o interest_n teach_v we_o not_o to_o
but_o in_o a_o great_a and_o more_o incurable_a one_o whilst_o that_o blood_n which_o alone_o can_v cleanse_v it_o serve_v but_o to_o imbrue_v and_o pollute_v it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v flush_a and_o excite_v it_o to_o all_o immanities_n and_o vileness_n and_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o filthy_a it_o be_v the_o doom_n pronounce_v against_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v filthy_a still_o rev._n 22.11_o 68_o and_o then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o calm_a can_v there_o be_v to_o such_o a_o mind_n what_o remain_v to_o such_o a_o person_n but_o that_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o wrath_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o the_o apostle_n mention_n heb._n 10.27_o indeed_o be_v there_o none_o but_o temporal_a mischief_n to_o fear_v yet_o it_o be_v very_o unplesant_a to_o think_v one_o self_n like_a cain_n outlaw_v from_o the_o presence_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n to_o be_v afraid_a that_o every_o man_n that_o meet_v we_o shall_v slay_v we_o gen._n 4.14_o nay_o those_o confuse_a indistinct_a fear_n of_o indefinite_a evil_n which_o attend_v guilt_n be_v very_o unquiet_a uneasy_a inmate_n in_o the_o mind_n this_o be_v excellent_o describe_v by_o moses_n the_o lord_n shall_v give_v thou_o a_o tremble_a heart_n and_o fail_v of_o eye_n and_o sorrow_n of_o mind_n and_o thy_o life_n shall_v hang_v in_o doubt_n before_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v fear_v day_n and_o night_n in_o the_o morning_n thou_o shall_v say_v will_v god_n it_o be_v evening_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n will_v god_n it_o be_v morning_n deut._n 28.65_o 66_o 67._o 69._o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o wretched_a then_o to_o have_v a_o mind_n thus_o agitate_a and_o toss_v rack_v and_o torture_v especial_o when_o through_o all_o these_o cloud_n it_o see_v a_o glimpse_n of_o the_o eternal_a tophet_n and_o know_v that_o from_o the_o billow_n of_o this_o uneasy_a state_n it_o must_v be_v toss_v into_o that_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o dregs_o of_o the_o cup_n of_o god_n wrath_n the_o dread_a full_a and_o most_o astonish_a of_o all_o scripture_n denunciation_n this_o comprehend_v all_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o suffer_v divine_n distinguish_v it_o into_o the_o pain_n of_o sense_n and_o of_o loss_n that_o of_o sense_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o fire_n and_o that_o accend_v and_o render_v noisome_a as_o well_o as_o painful_a by_o brimstone_n that_o afflict_v the_o smell_n as_o well_o as_o the_o touch_n sometime_o by_o outer_a darkness_n wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n to_o grate_v the_o ear_n and_o consume_v the_o eye_n by_o intolerable_a thirst_n to_o torment_v the_o palate_n not_o that_o we_o be_v to_o think_v the_o sensitive_a pain_n of_o hell_n do_v not_o infinite_o exceed_v all_o these_o but_o because_o these_o be_v the_o high_a mesure_n our_o present_a capacity_n can_v make_v and_o be_v adequate_a to_o those_o sense_n for_o who_o carnal_a satisfaction_n we_o incur_v they_o 70._o the_o pain_n of_o loss_n be_v yet_o more_o dismal_a as_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o soul_n who_o spiritual_a nature_n will_v then_o serve_v it_o only_o to_o render_v its_o torment_n more_o refine_v and_o acute_a with_o what_o anguish_n will_v it_o then_o see_v itself_o banish_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o from_o all_o that_o may_v give_v satisfaction_n and_o bliss_n to_o the_o creature_n but_o yet_o with_o how_o much_o deep_a anguish_n will_v it_o reflect_v on_o itself_o as_o the_o author_n of_o that_o deprivation_n how_o will_v it_o recollect_v the_o many_o despise_a tender_n of_o grace_n the_o easy_a term_n on_o which_o salvation_n may_v have_v be_v have_v and_o how_o sad_o will_v conscience_n then_o revenge_v all_o it_o be_v stifle_v admonition_n by_o a_o unsilenceable_a clamour_n that_o worm_n which_o never_o die_v mar._n 9.48_o how_o wound_v will_v it_o then_o be_v to_o see_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n luk._n 13.28_o nay_o that_o poor_a lazarus_n who_o here_o man_n turn_v over_o to_o the_o charity_n of_o their_o dog_n and_o itself_o in_o the_o company_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n who_o will_v then_o upbraid_v what_o they_o once_o entice_v to_o 71._o nature_n abhor_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o have_v our_o misery_n insult_v over_o by_o those_o who_o draw_v we_o into_o it_o yet_o that_o no_o circumstance_n may_v be_v lack_v to_o their_o torment_n this_o must_v be_v the_o perpetual_a entertainment_n of_o damn_a soul_n and_o to_o all_o this_o eternity_n be_v the_o dismal_a adjunct_n which_o be_v of_o all_o other_o circumstance_n the_o most_o disconsolate_a as_o leave_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o glimpse_n of_o hope_n which_o here_o use_v still_o to_o be_v the_o reserve_n and_o last_o resort_n of_o the_o miserable_a 72._o this_o eternity_n be_v that_o which_o give_v a_o edge_n infuse_v a_o new_a acrimony_n into_o the_o torment_n and_o be_v the_o high_a strain_n the_o vertical_a point_n of_o misery_n these_o be_v those_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o which_o the_o scripture_n acquaint_v we_o and_o sure_o we_o can_v say_v that_o these_o be_v flat_a contemptible_a menace_n but_o such_o as_o suit_v the_o dreadful_a majesty_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n heb._n 12.29_o so_o that_o these_o be_v as_o apt_o accommodate_v for_o the_o exciting_a our_o dread_n as_o the_o promise_n be_v of_o our_o love_n both_o joint_o concur_v to_o awake_v our_o industry_n 73._o for_o god_n have_v be_v so_o good_a to_o mankind_n as_o to_o make_v the_o threat_n conditional_a as_o well_o as_o the_o promise_n so_o that_o we_o as_o well_o know_v the_o way_n to_o avoid_v the_o one_o as_o we_o do_v to_o attain_v the_o other_o nor_o have_v he_o any_o other_o intendment_n or_o end_n in_o propose_v they_o but_o that_o we_o may_v do_v so_o see_v to_o this_o purpose_n with_o what_o solemnity_n he_o protest_v it_o by_o moses_n i_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o record_v against_o you_o this_o day_n that_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v therefore_o choose_v life_n that_o both_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n may_v live_v deut._n 30.19_o 74._o i_o have_v now_o run_v through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v of_o and_o though_o i_o have_v in_o each_o give_v rather_o short_a instance_n and_o essay_n than_o a_o exact_a description_n yet_o even_o in_o these_o contract_a lineament_n the_o exquisite_a proportion_n may_v be_v discern_v and_o if_o the_o reader_n shall_v hence_o be_v encourage_v to_o extend_v his_o contemplation_n and_o as_o he_o read_v holy_a scripture_n observe_v it_o in_o all_o its_o grace_n and_o full_a dimension_n i_o doubt_v not_o he_o will_v pronounce_v from_o his_o experience_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o divine_a book_n be_v very_o correspondent_a to_o the_o author_n which_o be_v the_o high_a eulogy_n imaginable_a 75._o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o relation_n to_o its_o end_n and_o design_n in_o proportion_n to_o which_o every_o thing_n be_v more_o or_o less_o valuable_a the_o most_o exquisite_a frame_n and_o curious_a contrivance_n that_o have_v no_o determinat_fw-la end_n or_o use_v be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o industrious_a folly_n a_o spider_n web_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v isa_n 59.5_o now_o those_o design_n have_v always_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o excellent_a that_o have_v have_v the_o most_o worthy_a subject_n and_o be_v of_o the_o great_a extent_n according_o those_o who_o have_v project_v the_o oblige_a and_o benefit_v of_o other_o man_n though_o but_o within_o a_o private_a sphere_n have_v always_o be_v look_v on_o as_o man_n of_o generous_a and_o noble_a design_n those_o who_o have_v take_v their_o level_n high_a and_o direct_v their_o aim_n to_o a_o more_o public_a good_a though_o but_o of_o a_o city_n or_o nation_n have_v proportionable_o acquire_v a_o great_a esteem_n but_o those_o who_o have_v aspire_v to_o be_v universal_a benefactor_n to_o do_v something_o for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o world_n their_o fame_n have_v common_o reach_v as_o far_o as_o their_o influence_n man_n have_v reverence_v nay_o sometime_o according_a to_o the_o common_a excess_n of_o man_n nature_n adore_v they_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a deity_n especial_o their_o demigod_n have_v be_v only_o those_o person_n who_o by_o introduce_v some_o useful_a art_n or_o other_o part_n of_o knowledge_n have_v oblige_v mankind_n so_o we_o see_v what_o a_o natural_a gratitude_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o pay_v to_o worthy_a and_o generous_a design_n and_o if_o we_o will_v be_v content_a but_o to_o stand_v to_o this_o common_a award_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o scripture_n will_v have_v the_o fair_a claim_n imaginable_a to_o our_o reverence_n and_o
thankfulness_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o design_n 76._o nor_o need_v we_o borrow_v the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n to_o weigh_v they_o in_o we_o may_v do_v it_o in_o our_o own_o scale_n for_o they_o exact_o answer_v the_o two_o property_n above_o mention_v of_o profit_n and_o diffusiveness_n which_o in_o secular_a concern_v be_v the_o standard_n rule_v of_o good_a design_n for_o first_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a scope_n and_o aim_n of_o scripture_n the_o very_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v write_v to_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n man_n and_o that_o second_o not_o only_o some_o small_a select_a number_n some_o little_a angle_n or_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n the_o entire_a universe_n and_o he_o that_o can_v imagine_v a_o more_o diffusive_a design_n must_v imagine_v more_o world_n also_o 77._o now_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o benefit_v man_n we_o need_v appeal_v but_o to_o scripture_n itself_o which_o sure_o can_v give_v the_o best_a account_n to_o what_o end_v it_o be_v direct_v and_o that_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o in_o which_o be_v comprehend_v the_o great_a benefit_n that_o man_n nature_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o make_v we_o wise_a while_o we_o live_v here_o and_o the_o save_v we_o eternal_o and_o this_o sure_a be_v the_o most_o generous_a the_o most_o oblige_a design_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a even_o for_o the_o creator_n to_o have_v upon_o the_o creature_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n negotiate_v with_o we_o 78._o and_o first_o the_o make_v we_o wise_a be_v so_o invite_v a_o proposal_n to_o humanity_n that_o we_o see_v when_o that_o be_v much_o wise_a than_o now_o it_o be_v it_o catch_v at_o a_o fallacious_a tender_a of_o it_o the_o very_a sound_n of_o it_o though_o out_o of_o the_o devil_n mouth_n fascinated_a our_o first_o parent_n and_o hurry_v they_o to_o the_o high_a disobedience_n and_o certain_a ruin_n and_o therefore_o now_o god_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v we_o a_o offer_n as_o much_o more_o safe_a as_o it_o be_v more_o sincere_a when_o he_o send_v his_o word_n thus_o to_o be_v a_o lamp_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n to_o our_o path_n ps_n 119.105_o to_o teach_v we_o all_o that_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o know_v our_o affectation_n of_o ignorance_n will_v be_v more_o culpable_a than_o they_o of_o knowledge_n if_o we_o do_v not_o admire_v the_o kindness_n &_o embrace_v the_o bounty_n of_o such_o a_o tender_a 79._o now_o the_o make_v we_o wise_a must_v be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o wisdom_n which_o be_v not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n which_o come_v to_o nought_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 2.5_o but_o that_o wisdom_n which_o descend_v from_o above_o ja._n 3.17_o which_o he_o there_o describe_v to_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n indeed_o the_o scripture_n usual_o comprehend_v these_o and_o all_o other_o grace_n under_o wisdom_n for_o it_o make_v it_o synonymous_a to_o that_o which_o include_v they_o all_o viz._n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o we_o find_v throout_v the_o whole_a book_n of_o proverb_n these_o use_v as_o term_n convertible_a in_o short_a wisdom_n be_v that_o practical_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o which_o engage_v we_o to_o obedience_n and_o duty_n and_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o definition_n the_o wise_a man_n give_v of_o it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prudent_a be_v to_o understand_v his_o way_n pro._n 14.8_o without_o this_o all_o the_o most_o refine_a and_o aerial_a speculation_n be_v but_o like_o thales_n stargazing_a which_o secure_v he_o not_o from_o fall_v in_o the_o water_n nay_o betray_v he_o to_o it_o in_o this_o be_v all_o solid_a wisdom_n comprise_v 80._o the_o utmost_a all_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v pretend_v to_o be_v but_o to_o know_v what_o true_a happiness_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o and_o what_o they_o seek_v with_o so_o much_o study_n and_o so_o little_a success_n the_o scripture_n present_v we_o with_o in_o the_o great_a certainty_n and_o plain_a character_n such_o as_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v hab._n 2.2_o it_o acquaint_v we_o with_o that_o supreme_a felicity_n that_o chief_a good_a whereof_o philosophy_n can_v only_o give_v we_o a_o name_n and_o it_o show_v we_o the_o mean_n mark_v we_o out_o a_o path_n which_o will_v infallible_o lead_v we_o to_o it_o according_o we_o find_v that_o solomon_n after_o all_o the_o accurate_a search_n he_o have_v make_v to_o find_v what_o be_v that_o good_a for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o shut_v up_o his_o inquest_n in_o this_o plain_a conclusion_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o god_n shall_v bring_v every_o work_n unto_o judgement_n eccles_n 12.13_o 14._o the_o regulate_v our_o life_n so_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o piety_n as_o may_v acquit_v we_o at_o our_o final_a account_n be_v the_o most_o eligible_a thing_n that_o fall_v within_o human_a cognizance_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o superlative_a happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n but_o even_o to_o the_o quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o for_o alas_o we_o be_v impotent_a giddy_a creature_n sway_v sometime_o by_o one_o passion_n sometime_o by_o another_o nay_o often_o the_o inter_fw-la fear_v of_o our_o appetite_n make_v we_o irresolute_a which_o we_o be_v to_o gratify_v whilst_o in_o the_o interim_n their_o struggle_a agitate_v and_o turmoil_v the_o mind_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o desirable_a in_o such_o a_o case_n then_o to_o put_v ourselves_o under_o a_o wise_a conduct_n than_o our_o own_o and_o as_o oppress_v state_n use_v to_o defeat_v all_o lesser_a pretender_n by_o become_a homager_n to_o some_o more_o potent_a so_o for_o we_o to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o our_o lust_n by_o give_v up_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o who_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n 81._o be_v there_o no_o other_o advantage_n of_o the_o exchange_n but_o the_o bring_v we_o under_o fix_a and_o determinat_fw-la law_n it_o be_v very_o considerable_a every_o man_n will_v glad_o know_v the_o term_n of_o his_o subjection_n and_o have_v some_o stand_a rule_n to_o guide_v himself_o by_o and_o god_n law_n be_v so_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v what_o he_o require_v of_o we_o but_o the_o mandate_n of_o our_o passion_n be_v arbitrary_a and_o extemporary_a what_o please_v they_o to_o day_n disgust_n they_o to_o morrow_n and_o we_o must_v always_o be_v in_o readiness_n to_o do_v we_o know_v not_o what_o and_o of_o all_o the_o arbitrary_a government_n that_o man_n either_o feel_v or_o fear_n this_o be_v doubtless_o the_o most_o miserable_a i_o wish_v our_o apprehension_n of_o it_o be_v but_o as_o sensible_a and_o then_o we_o shall_v think_v the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v we_o the_o office_n of_o a_o patriot_n in_o offer_v we_o a_o rescue_n from_o so_o vile_a a_o slavery_n 82._o and_o that_o it_o do_v make_v we_o this_o offer_n be_v manifest_a by_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n for_o first_o it_o rouse_v and_o awake_v we_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o condition_n show_v we_o that_o what_o we_o call_v liberty_n be_v indeed_o the_o sad_a servitude_n that_o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n jo._n 8.34_o that_o those_o vice_n which_o pretend_v to_o serve_v and_o gratify_v we_o do_v real_o subdue_v and_o enslave_v we_o and_o fetter_v when_o they_o seem_v to_o embrace_v and_o whereas_o the_o will_n in_o all_o other_o oppression_n retain_v its_o liberty_n this_o tyranny_n bring_v that_o also_o into_o vassalage_n render_v our_o spirit_n so_o mean_a and_o servile_a that_o we_o choose_v bondage_n be_v apt_a to_o say_v with_o the_o israelite_n let_v we_o alone_o that_o we_o may_v serve_v the_o egyptian_n ex._n 14.12_o 83._o and_o what_o great_a kindness_n can_v be_v do_v for_o people_n in_o this_o forlorn_a abject_a condition_n then_o to_o animate_v they_o to_o cast_v off_o this_o yoke_n and_o recover_v their_o freedom_n and_o to_o this_o be_v most_o of_o the_o scripture_n exhortation_n address_v as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o a_o multitude_n of_o place_n particular_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n the_o whole_a scope_n whereof_o be_v direct_o to_o this_o purpose_n 84._o nor_o do_v it_o only_o sound_v the_o alarm_n put_v we_o upon_o the_o contest_v with_o our_o enemy_n but_o it_o assist_v we_o in_o it_o furnish_v we_o with_o that_o whole_a
know_v it_o but_o also_o by_o its_o prescribe_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o best_a and_o which_o a_o sober_a heathen_a will_v adjudge_v fit_a to_o be_v reward_v and_o as_o to_o our_o temporal_a happiness_n i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o unprejudiced_a man_n whether_o any_o thing_n can_v contribute_v more_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o real_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n than_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o scripture_n rule_n will_v do_v will_v god_n we_o will_v all_o conspire_v to_o make_v the_o experiment_n and_o then_o doubtless_o not_o only_o our_o reason_n but_o our_o sense_n too_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o 93._o and_o as_o the_o design_n be_v thus_o beneficial_a so_o in_o the_o second_o place_n be_v it_o as_o extensive_a also_o time_n be_v when_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o enclosure_n of_o divine_a revelation_n when_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v their_o peculiar_a depositum_fw-la and_o the_o heathen_a have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n ps_n 147._o ult_n but_o since_o that_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o gentile_n be_v become_v fellow-heir_n eph._n 3.6_o he_o have_v also_o deliver_v into_o their_o hand_n the_o deed_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o future_a state_n give_v they_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o exact_a and_o authentic_a register_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o these_o not_o to_o be_v like_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n appropriate_v to_o some_o one_o or_o two_o particular_a place_n so_o that_o they_o can_v be_v consult_v but_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o a_o pilgrimage_n but_o lay_v open_a to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o that_o will_v believe_v themselves_o concern_v 94._o it_o be_v a_o large_a commission_n our_o saviour_n give_v his_o disciple_n go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n mar._n 16.15_o which_o in_o the_o narrow_a acception_n must_v be_v the_o gentile_a world_n and_o yet_o their_o oral_a gospel_n do_v not_o reach_v far_o than_o the_o write_v for_o wherever_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v plant_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v leave_v as_o the_o record_n of_o it_o nay_o as_o the_o conserver_n of_o it_o too_o the_o stand_a rule_n by_o which_o all_o corruption_n be_v to_o be_v detect_v it_o be_v true_a the_o entire_a canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o be_v not_o all_o at_o once_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n be_v successive_o write_v as_o the_o need_v of_o christian_n and_o the_o encroachment_n of_o heretic_n give_v occasion_n but_o at_o last_o they_o become_v all_o together_o the_o common_a magazine_n of_o the_o church_n to_o furnish_v arm_n both_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a for_o as_o the_o gospel_n put_v in_o our_o hand_n the_o shield_n of_o faith_n so_o the_o epistle_n help_v we_o to_o hold_v it_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v wrest_v out_o of_o our_o hand_n again_o either_o by_o the_o force_n of_o persecution_n or_o the_o sly_a insinuation_n of_o vice_n or_o heresy_n 95._o thus_o the_o apostle_n like_o prudent_a leader_n have_v beat_v up_o the_o ambush_n discover_v the_o snare_n that_o be_v lay_v for_o we_o and_o by_o discomfit_v satan_n forlorn_a hope_n that_o early_a set_a of_o false_a teacher_n and_o corrupt_a practice_n which_o then_o invade_v the_o church_n have_v lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o victory_n to_o the_o succeed_a age_n if_o they_o will_v but_o keep_v close_a to_o their_o conduct_n adhere_v to_o those_o sacred_a write_n they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o in_o every_o church_n for_o that_o purpose_n 96._o now_o what_o be_v there_o deposit_v be_v design_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o that_o church_n the_o bible_n be_v not_o commit_v like_o the_o regalia_z or_o rarity_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o be_v keep_v under_o lock_n and_o key_n and_o consequent_o to_o constitute_v a_o profitable_a office_n for_o the_o keeper_n but_o expose_v like_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n for_o universal_a view_n and_o benefit_n that_o sacred_a book_n like_o the_o common_a air_n be_v every_o man_n propriety_n yet_o no_o man_n enclosure_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n who_o eye_n have_v be_v evil_a because_o god_n have_v be_v good_a who_o have_v seal_v up_o this_o spring_n monopolise_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o will_v allow_v none_o to_o partake_v of_o it_o but_o such_o person_n and_o in_o such_o proportion_n as_o they_o please_v to_o retail_v it_o a_o attemt_a very_o insolent_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n who_o purpose_n they_o contradict_v and_o very_o injurious_a in_o respect_n of_o man_n who_o advantage_n they_o obstruct_v the_o iniquity_n of_o it_o will_v be_v very_o apparent_a if_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o follow_a section_n sect_n iv._o the_o custody_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o privilege_n and_o right_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o which_o can_v without_o impiety_n to_o god_n and_o injustice_n unto_o it_o and_o they_o be_v take_v away_o or_o impeach_v beside_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o be_v obsequious_a and_o import_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o all_o its_o precept_n common_o express_v in_o scripture_n by_o keep_v the_o commandment_n harken_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o observe_v and_o do_v his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n there_o be_v a_o possessory_a keep_n it_o in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o in_o respect_n whereof_o almighty_a god_n deut._n 6._o and_o elsewhere_o frequent_o have_v enjoin_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o that_o the_o word_n which_o he_o command_v they_o shall_v be_v in_o their_o heart_n he_o add_v that_o they_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o their_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o they_o sit_v down_o in_o their_o house_n and_o when_o they_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o they_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o they_o rise_v up_o and_o that_o they_o bind_v they_o for_o a_o sign_n upon_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o frontlet_n between_o their_o eye_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v write_v they_o upon_o the_o post_n of_o their_o house_n and_o on_o their_o gate_n so_o just_o be_v the_o law_n call_v the_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o they_o and_o wear_v upon_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o body_n inscribe_v upon_o the_o wall_n of_o their_o house_n the_o entrance_n of_o their_o door_n and_o gate_n of_o their_o city_n and_o in_o a_o word_n place_v before_o their_o eye_n wherever_o they_o converse_v 2._o and_o this_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o matter_n of_o privilege_n and_o favour_n to_o they_o say_v saint_n paul_n rom._n 9.4_o pertain_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o same_o saint_n paul_n at_o the_o 3._o chap._n 2._o v._n of_o that_o epistle_n unto_o the_o question_n what_o advantage_n have_v the_o jew_n or_o what_o profit_n be_v there_o of_o circumcision_n answer_n that_o it_o be_v much_o every_o way_n chief_o because_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n this_o depositum_fw-la or_o trust_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o father_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v continue_v down_o unto_o their_o child_n he_o make_v a_o covenant_n say_v david_n ps_n 78._o v._n 5._o with_o jacob_n and_o give_v israel_n a_o law_n which_o he_o command_v our_o forefather_n to_o teach_v their_o child_n that_o their_o posterity_n may_v know_v it_o and_o the_o child_n which_o be_v yet_o unborn_a to_o the_o intent_n that_o when_o they_o come_v up_o they_o may_v show_v their_o child_n the_o same_o which_o scripture_n by_o a_o perpetual_a succession_n be_v to_o be_v hand_v down_o unto_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o apostle_n on_o all_o occasion_n appeal_n unto_o they_o as_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n act._n 13.27_o and_o also_o private_o in_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o they_o may_v at_o pleasure_n search_v into_o they_o jo._n 5.39_o act._n 17.11_o hereupon_o the_o jew_n be_v by_o saint_n austin_n call_v the_o capsarii_fw-la or_o servant_n that_o carry_v the_o christian_n book_n and_o athanasius_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o incarnation_n say_v the_o law_n be_v not_o for_o the_o jew_n only_o nor_o be_v the_o prophet_n send_v for_o they_o alone_o but_o that_o nation_n be_v the_o divinity-schole_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v to_o fetch_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n of_o spiritual_a live_n which_o amount_v to_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v galat._n 3.24_o that_o the_o law_n be_v a_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v we_o unto_o
describe_v the_o office_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n we_o feed_v our_o faith_n with_o the_o sacred_a word_n we_o raise_v our_o hope_n and_o establish_v our_o reliance_n 15._o and_o as_o the_o jew_n think_v it_o indecent_a for_o person_n profess_v piety_n to_o let_v three_o day_n pass_v without_o the_o office_n thereof_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o meet_v in_o their_o synagogue_n upon_o every_o tuesday_n and_o thursday_n in_o the_o week_n and_o there_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o fast_v prayer_n and_o hear_v the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v which_o be_v the_o boast_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi luk._n 18.12_o in_o conformity_n hereto_o the_o christian_n also_o their_o sabbath_n be_v bring_v forward_o from_o the_o saturday_n to_o the_o day_n follow_v that_o the_o like_a number_n of_o day_n may_v not_o pass_v they_o without_o perform_v the_o aforesaid_a duty_n in_o the_o congregation_n meet_v together_o on_o the_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n which_o be_v the_o day_n of_o station_n so_o frequent_o mention_v in_o tertullian_n and_o other_o the_o first_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n tertullian_n express_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n dedicate_v to_o the_o office_n of_o piety_n the_o four_o and_o six_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o clemens_n alex._n say_v of_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o understand_v the_o secret_a reason_n of_o their_o weekly_a fast_n to_o wit_n those_o of_o the_o four_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o that_o of_o preparation_n before_o the_o sabbath_n common_o call_v wednesday_n and_o friday_n where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n what_o ground_n there_o be_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n in_o our_o church_n and_o the_o litany_n then_o appoint_v so_o much_o neglect_v in_o this_o profligate_v age._n 16._o but_o second_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v diligent_a in_o the_o private_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v teach_v it_o from_o their_o infancy_n which_o custom_n saint_n paul_n refer_v to_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o whereof_o josephus_n against_o appion_n say_v that_o if_o a_o man_n ask_v any_o jew_n concern_v the_o law_n he_o will_v tell_v every_o thing_n ready_a than_o his_o name_n for_o learn_v they_o from_o the_o first_o time_n they_o have_v sense_n of_o any_o thing_n they_o retain_v they_o imprint_v in_o their_o mind_n so_o be_v the_o first_o christian_n equal_o industrious_a in_o improve_n their_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o whole_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a say_v clem._n alex._n strom._n l._n 7._o be_v a_o holy_a solemnity_n there_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v prayer_n and_o praise_n before_o every_o meal_n he_o have_v the_o reading_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o meal_n which_o tertullian_n also_o describe_v in_o his_o apol._n and_o saint_n cyprian_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epist_n to_o donatus_n 17._o and_o this_o be_v far_o evidence_v by_o the_o early_a and_o numerous_a version_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o all_o vulgar_a language_n concern_v which_o theodoret_n speak_v in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o greek_n serm._n 5._o we_o christian_n say_v he_o be_v enable_v to_o show_v the_o power_n of_o apostolic_a and_o prophetic_a doctrine_n which_o have_v fill_v all_o country_n under_o heaven_n for_o that_o which_o be_v former_o utter_v in_o hebrew_n be_v not_o only_o translate_v into_o the_o language_n of_o the_o grecian_n but_o also_o the_o roman_n egyptian_n persian_n indian_n armenian_n scythian_n samaritan_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o all_o the_o language_n that_o be_v use_v by_o any_o nation_n the_o same_o be_v say_v by_o saint_n chrysostom_n in_o his_o first_o homily_n upon_o saint_n john_n 18._o nor_o be_v this_o don_n by_o the_o blind_a zeal_n of_o inconsiderable_a man_n but_o the_o most_o eminent_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v herein_o such_o as_o origen_n who_o with_o infinite_a labour_n contrive_v the_o hexapla_n saint_n chrysostom_n who_o translate_v the_o new_a testament_n psalm_n and_o some_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n into_o the_o armenian_a tongue_n as_o witness_n geor._n alex._n in_o the_o life_n of_o chrysost_n so_o vlphilas_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o goth_n translate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n into_o the_o gothic_n as_o socrat._v eccl._n hist_n l._n 4._o cap._n 33._o and_o other_o testify_v saint_n jerom_n who_o translate_v they_o not_o only_o into_o latin_a from_o the_o hebrew_n the_o old_a italic_a version_n have_v be_v from_o the_o greek_a but_o also_o into_o his_o native_a vulgar_a dalmatic_n which_o he_o say_v himself_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o sophronius_n 19_o but_o the_o people_n have_v they_o for_o their_o private_a and_o constant_a use_n appear_v far_o by_o the_o heathen_n make_v the_o extort_n of_o they_o a_o part_n of_o their_o persecution_n and_o when_o diverse_a do_v faint_a in_o that_o trial_n and_o base_o surrender_v they_o we_o find_v the_o church_n level_v her_o severity_n only_o against_o the_o offend_a person_n do_v not_o according_a to_o the_o romish_a equity_n punish_v the_o innocent_a by_o deprive_v they_o of_o that_o sacred_a book_n because_o the_o other_o have_v so_o unworthy_o prostitute_v it_o though_o the_o prevention_n of_o such_o a_o profanation_n for_o the_o future_a have_v be_v as_o fair_a a_o plea_n for_o it_o as_o the_o romanist_n do_v now_o make_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o primitive_a father_n be_v frequent_a nay_o indeed_o importunat_a in_o their_o exhortation_n to_o the_o private_a study_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o recommend_v to_o christian_n of_o all_o rank_n age_n and_o sex_n 20._o as_o a_o instance_n hereof_o let_v we_o hear_v clemens_n of_o alex._n in_o his_o exhort_v the_o word_n say_v he_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o any_o it_o be_v a_o common_a light_n that_o shine_v to_o all_o man_n there_o be_v no_o obscurity_n in_o it_o hear_v it_o you_o that_o be_v far_o off_o and_o hear_v it_o you_o that_o be_v nigh_o 21._o to_o this_o purpose_n st._n jerom_n speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o leta_fw-la who_o he_o direct_v in_o the_o education_n of_o her_o young_a daughter_n and_o advise_v that_o instead_o of_o gem_n and_o silk_n she_o be_v enamour_a with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o not_o gold_n or_o skin_n or_o babylonian_a embroidery_n but_o a_o correct_a and_o beautiful_a variety_n produce_v faith_n will_v recommend_v its_o self_n let_v she_o first_o learn_v the_o psalter_n and_o be_v entertain_v with_o those_o song_n then_o be_v instruct_v unto_o life_n by_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n let_v she_o learn_v from_o ecclesiaste_n to_o despise_v worldly_a thing_n transcribe_v from_o job_n the_o practice_n of_o patience_n and_o virtue_n let_v she_o pass_v then_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o never_o let_v they_o be_v out_o of_o her_o hand_n and_o then_o imbibe_n with_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o epistle_n when_o she_o have_v enrich_v the_o store-house_n of_o her_o breast_n with_o these_o tresure_n let_v she_o learn_v the_o prophet_n the_o heptateuch_n or_o book_n of_o moses_n joshua_n and_o judge_n the_o book_n of_o king_n and_o chronicle_n the_o volume_n of_o ezra_n and_o esther_n and_o last_o the_o canticle_n and_o indeed_o this_o father_n be_v so_o concern_v to_o have_v the_o unlettered_a female_a sex_n skilful_a in_o the_o scripture_n that_o though_o he_o sharp_o rebuke_n their_o pride_n and_o overwening_a he_o not_o only_o frequent_o resolve_v their_o doubt_n concern_v difficult_a place_n in_o the_o say_a scripture_n but_o dedicate_v several_a of_o his_o commentary_n to_o they_o 22._o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o saint_n austin_n who_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o unlettered_a laic_n encourage_v their_o inquiry_n concern_v the_o scripture_n assure_v volusianus_n ep._n 3._o that_o it_o speak_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_a to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a as_o a_o familiar_a friend_n in_o the_o mysterious_a mount_v not_o up_o into_o high_a phrase_n which_o may_v deter_v a_o slow_a and_o unlearned_a mind_n as_o the_o poor_a be_v in_o their_o address_n to_o the_o rich_a but_o invite_v all_o with_o lowly_a speech_n feed_v with_o manifest_a truth_n and_o exercise_v with_o secret_a and_o ep._n 1.21_o tell_v the_o devout_a proba_n that_o in_o this_o world_n where_o we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n and_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n the_o soul_n be_v to_o think_v itself_o desolate_a and_o never_o cease_v from_o prayer_n and_o the_o word_n of_o divine_a and_o holy_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n 23._o saint_n chrysostom_n in_o his_o three_o homily_n of_o lazarus_n thus_o address_v himself_o to_o marry_a person_n householders_n and_o people_n engage_v in_o trade_n and_o secular_a profession_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o
man_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v so_o the_o relation_n grow_v as_o monstrous_a as_o such_o a_o heap_n of_o incoherent_a fancy_n can_v make_v it_o 20._o if_o to_o this_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o happen_v only_o in_o trivial_a secular_a matter_n but_o that_o in_o the_o weighty_a concern_v of_o religion_n mankind_n be_v certain_o more_o serious_a and_o sincere_a i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o they_o be_v since_o it_o be_v obvious_a in_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n be_v postpone_v to_o every_o little_a worldly_a concern_v and_o therefore_o when_o a_o temporal_a advantage_n require_v the_o bend_n and_o warp_a of_o religion_n there_o will_v never_o be_v want_v some_o that_o will_v attemt_fw-mi it_o 21._o beside_o there_o be_v still_o leave_v in_o human_a nature_n so_o much_o of_o the_o venom_n of_o the_o serpent_n first_o temptation_n that_o though_o man_n can_v be_v as_o god_n yet_o they_o love_v to_o be_v prescribe_v to_o he_o and_o to_o be_v their_o own_o assessor_n as_o to_o that_o worship_n and_o homage_n they_o be_v to_o pay_v he_o 22._o but_o above_o all_o it_o be_v considerable_a that_o in_o this_o case_n satan_n have_v a_o more_o peculiar_a concern_v and_o can_v serve_v himself_o more_o by_o a_o falsification_n here_o then_o in_o temporal_a affair_n for_o if_o he_o can_v but_o corrupt_a religion_n it_o cease_v to_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o become_v one_o of_o his_o most_o useful_a engine_n as_o sufficient_o appear_v in_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n we_o have_v therefore_o no_o cause_n to_o think_v this_o a_o exempt_a case_n but_o to_o presume_v it_o may_v be_v influence_v by_o the_o same_o pravity_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o prevail_v in_o other_o and_o consequent_o be_v oblige_v to_o bless_v god_n that_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v our_o spiritual_a concern_v to_o such_o hazard_n but_o have_v lodge_v they_o in_o a_o more_o secure_a repository_n the_o write_a word_n 23._o but_o i_o foresee_v it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o whilst_o i_o thus_o disparage_v tradition_n i_o do_v virtual_o invalidate_v the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o come_v to_o we_o upon_o its_o credit_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o since_o god_n have_v with-drawn_a immediate_a revelation_n from_o the_o world_n tradition_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o first_o notice_n that_o this_o book_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n he_o afford_v we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o depend_v on_o his_o goodness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v that_o to_o be_v evacuate_v to_o we_o and_o that_o how_o liable_a soever_o tradition_n may_v be_v to_o err_v yet_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o actual_o err_v in_o this_o particular_a 24._o but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o tradition_n seem_v not_o so_o liable_a to_o falsification_n as_o other_o it_o be_v so_o very_o short_a and_o simple_a a_o proposition_n such_o and_o such_o write_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a room_n for_o sophistry_n or_o mistake_n to_o pervert_v the_o sense_n the_o only_a possible_a deception_n must_v be_v to_o change_v the_o subject_n and_o obtrude_v supposititious_a write_n in_o room_n of_o the_o true_a under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o this_o have_v already_o appear_v to_o be_v unpracticable_a because_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n which_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o world_n by_o which_o such_o a_o attemt_a will_v soon_o have_v be_v detect_v there_o appear_v more_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o more_o necessity_n to_o rely_v upon_o tradition_n in_o this_o then_o in_o most_o other_o particular_n 25._o neither_o yet_o do_v i_o so_o far_o decry_v oral_a tradition_n in_o any_o as_o to_o conclude_v it_o impossible_a it_o shall_v derive_v any_o truth_n to_o posterity_n i_o only_o look_v on_o it_o as_o more_o casual_a and_o consequent_o a_o less_o fit_a conveyance_n of_o the_o most_o important_a and_o necessary_a verity_n than_o the_o write_v word_n in_o which_o i_o conceive_v myself_o justify_v by_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n who_o use_n to_o commit_v those_o thing_n to_o writing_n which_o they_o be_v most_o solicitous_a to_o derive_v to_o posterity_n do_v any_o nation_n trust_v their_o fundamental_a law_n only_o to_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o take_v no_o other_o course_n to_o transmit_v they_o to_o the_o future_a do_v any_o man_n purchase_v a_o estate_n and_o leave_v no_o way_n for_o his_o child_n to_o lay_v claim_n to_o it_o but_o the_o tradition_n the_o present_a witness_n shall_v leave_v of_o it_o nay_o do_v any_o consider_a man_n ordinary_o make_v any_o important_a pact_n or_o bargain_n though_o without_o relation_n to_o posterity_n without_o put_v the_o article_n in_o writing_n and_o whence_o be_v all_o this_o caution_n but_o from_o a_o universal_a consent_n that_o writing_n be_v the_o sure_a way_n of_o transmit_v 26._o but_o we_o have_v yet_o a_o high_a appeal_n in_o this_o matter_n then_o to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o man_n god_n himself_o seem_v to_o have_v determine_v it_o and_o what_o his_o decision_n be_v it_o be_v our_o next_o business_n to_o inquire_v 27._o and_o first_o he_o have_v give_v the_o most_o real_a and_o comprehensive_a attestation_n to_o this_o way_n of_o writing_n by_o have_v himself_o choose_v it_o for_o he_o be_v too_o wise_a to_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o estimate_n of_o better_a and_o worse_o and_o too_o kind_a to_o choose_v the_o worst_a for_o we_o and_o yet_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o writing_n and_o have_v sum_v up_o all_o the_o eternal_a concern_v of_o mankind_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o leave_v those_o sacred_a record_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v both_o inform_v and_o govern_v which_o if_o oral_a tradition_n will_v infallible_o have_v do_v have_v be_v utter_o needless_a and_o god_n sure_o be_v not_o so_o prodigal_a of_o his_o spirit_n as_o to_o inspire_v the_o autor_n of_o scripture_n to_o write_v that_o who_o use_n be_v supersede_v by_o a_o former_a more_o certain_a expedient_a 28._o nay_o under_o the_o mosaic_a oeconomy_n when_o he_o make_v use_v of_o other_o way_n of_o revel_v himself_o yet_o to_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n even_o of_o those_o revelation_n he_o choose_v to_o have_v they_o write_v at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n god_n speak_v then_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-mi and_o with_o that_o pomp_n of_o dreadful_a solemnity_n as_o certain_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o deep_a impression_n yet_o god_n foresee_v that_o through_o every_o succeed_a age_n that_o stamp_n will_v grow_v more_o dim_a and_o in_o a_o long_a revolution_n may_v at_o last_o be_v extinct_a and_o therefore_o how_o warm_a soever_o the_o israelite_n apprehension_n then_o be_v he_o will_v not_o trust_v to_o they_o for_o the_o perpetuate_a his_o law_n but_o commit_v it_o to_o writing_n ex._n 31.18_o nay_o write_v it_o twice_o himself_o 29._o yet_o far_o even_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n though_o not_o intend_v to_o be_v of_o perpetual_a obligation_n be_v not_o yet_o refer_v to_o the_o traditionary_a way_n but_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n and_o deposit_v with_o the_o priest_n deut._n 31.9_o and_o after-event_n show_v this_o be_v no_o needless_a caution_n for_o when_o under_o manasses_n idolatry_n have_v prevail_v in_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v not_o by_o any_o dormant_a tradition_n but_o by_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n find_v in_o the_o temple_n that_o josiah_n be_v both_o excite_a to_o reform_v religion_n and_o instruct_v how_o to_o do_v it_o 2._o king_n 22.10_o and_o have_v not_o that_o or_o some_o other_o copy_n be_v produce_v they_o have_v be_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o the_o particular_n of_o their_o reformation_n which_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v convey_v by_o tradition_n appear_v by_o the_o sudden_a startle_v of_o the_o king_n upon_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v have_v he_o be_v before_o possess_v with_o the_o content_n of_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o find_v in_o nehemiah_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n be_v recover_v by_o consult_v the_o law_n the_o tradition_n whereof_o be_v whole_o wear_v out_o or_o else_o it_o have_v sure_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o can_v for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n have_v be_v intermit_v neh._n 8.18_o and_o yet_o man_n memory_n be_v common_o more_o retentive_a of_o a_o external_a visible_a rite_n than_o they_o be_v of_o speculative_a proposition_n or_o moral_a precept_n 30._o these_o instance_n show_v how_o fallible_a a_o expedient_a mere_a oral_a tradition_n be_v for_o transmission_n to_o posterity_n but_o admit_v no_o such_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v it_o be_v argument_n enough_o that_o
heedlessness_n as_o if_o it_o can_v tell_v they_o nothing_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o and_o to_o such_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o their_o read_n bring_v no_o advantage_n god_n be_v not_o in_o this_o sense_n find_v of_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o esai_n 65.1_o it_o be_v satan_n part_n to_o serve_v himself_o of_o the_o bare_a word_n and_o character_n of_o holy_a writ_n for_o charm_n and_o amulet_n the_o virtue_n god_n have_v put_v there_o consist_v in_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o can_v never_o be_v draw_v out_o by_o drowsy_a inadvert_v reader_n 27._o this_o unattentiveness_n forestall_n all_o possibility_n of_o good_a how_o shall_v that_o convince_v the_o understanding_n or_o persuade_v the_o affection_n which_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o enter_v the_o imagination_n so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n the_o seed_n seem_v more_o cast_v away_o then_o in_o any_o of_o those_o instance_n the_o parable_n give_v mat._n 13._o in_o those_o it_o still_o fell_a upon_o the_o soil_n but_o in_o this_o it_o never_o reach_v that_o but_o be_v scatter_v and_o dissipate_v as_o with_o a_o mighty_a wind_n by_o those_o thought_n which_o have_v prepossess_v the_o mind_n let_v no_o man_n therefore_o take_v this_o sacred_a book_n into_o his_o hand_n till_o he_o have_v turn_v out_o all_o distract_n fancy_n and_o have_v his_o faculty_n free_a and_o vacant_a for_o those_o better_a object_n which_o will_v there_o present_v themselves_o and_o when_o he_o have_v so_o dispose_v himself_o for_o attention_n then_o let_v he_o contrive_v to_o improve_v that_o attention_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n 28._o to_o which_o purpose_n it_o may_v be_v very_o conducive_a to_o put_v it_o into_o some_o order_n and_o method_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o he_o read_v the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o scripture_n let_v he_o first_o and_o principal_o advert_v to_o those_o plain_a text_n which_o contain_v the_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v not_o owe_v his_o creed_n only_o to_o his_o education_n the_o institution_n of_o his_o parent_n or_o tutor_n but_o may_v know_v the_o true_a foundation_n on_o which_o it_o be_v bottom_v viz._n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o may_v thence_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v his_o faith_n and_o as_o saint_n peter_n exhort_v be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v he_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o he_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o for_o want_v of_o this_o it_o be_v that_o religion_n sit_v so_o loose_a upon_o man_n that_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n blow_v they_o into_o distinct_a and_o various_a form_n till_o at_o last_o their_o christianity_n itself_o vapour_n away_o and_o disappear_v 29._o but_o let_v man_n be_v careful_a thus_o to_o secure_v the_o foundation_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v commendable_a in_o they_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o to_o aspire_v to_o high_a degree_n of_o speculation_n yet_o even_o in_o these_o it_o will_v be_v their_o safe_a course_n chief_o to_o pursue_v such_o as_o have_v the_o most_o immediate_a influence_n on_o practice_n and_o be_v more_o industrious_a to_o make_v observation_n of_o that_o sort_n then_o curious_a and_o critical_a remark_n or_o bold_a conjecture_n upon_o those_o mystery_n on_o which_o god_n have_v spread_v a_o veil_n 30._o but_o beside_o a_o man_n own_o particular_a collection_n it_o will_v be_v prudence_n in_o he_o to_o advantage_n himself_o of_o those_o of_o other_o and_o to_o consult_v the_o learned_a and_o best_a expositor_n and_o that_o not_o only_o upon_o a_o present_a emergency_n when_o he_o be_v to_o dispute_v a_o point_n as_o most_o do_v but_o in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o his_o read_n wherein_o he_o will_v most_o sedat_o and_o dispassionat_o judge_v of_o the_o notion_n they_o offer_v 31._o as_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o portion_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v read_v in_o course_n though_o i_o shall_v not_o condemn_v that_o of_o read_v the_o whole_a bible_n in_o order_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o some_o part_n of_o it_o as_o that_o of_o the_o levitical_a law_n be_v not_o so_o apt_o accommodate_v to_o our_o present_a state_n as_o other_o be_v and_o consequent_o not_o so_o edificatory_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v see_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v oblige_v himself_o to_o a_o equal_a frequency_n in_o read_v they_o and_o to_o this_o our_o church_n seem_v to_o give_v her_o suffrage_n by_o exclude_v such_o out_o of_o her_o public_a lesson_n and_o if_o we_o govern_v our_o private_a read_n by_o her_o mesure_n it_o will_v well_o express_v our_o deference_n to_o her_o judgement_n who_o have_v select_v some_o part_n of_o scripture_n not_o that_o she_o will_v keep_v her_o child_n in_o ignorance_n of_o any_o but_o because_o they_o tend_v most_o immediate_o to_o practice_n 32._o neither_o will_v the_o daily_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o rubric_n order_n hinder_v any_o man_n from_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o rest_n for_o he_o may_v take_v in_o the_o other_o part_n as_o supernumerary_n to_o his_o constant_a task_n and_o read_v they_o as_o his_o leisure_n and_o inclination_n shall_v promt_v so_o that_o all_o the_o hurt_n that_o can_v accrue_v to_o he_o by_o this_o method_n be_v the_o be_v invite_v to_o read_v sometime_o extraordinary_a proportion_n 33._o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o to_o those_o who_o daily_o hear_v the_o church_n service_n it_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o tautology_n first_o to_o read_v those_o lesson_n in_o private_a which_o soon_o after_o they_o shall_v hear_v read_v public_o i_o answer_v that_o whatever_o man_n may_v please_v to_o call_v it_o it_o will_v real_o be_v a_o advantage_n for_o he_o that_o shall_v read_v a_o chapter_n by_o himself_o with_o due_a consideration_n and_o consult_v of_o good_a paraphrast_n will_v have_v dive_v so_o far_o into_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o he_o will_v much_o better_o comprehend_v it_o when_o he_o hear_v it_o read_v as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o hear_n it_o read_v so_o immediate_o after_o will_v serve_v to_o confirm_v and_o rivet_v the_o sense_n in_o his_o mind_n the_o one_o be_v as_o the_o cunning_a the_o other_o the_o repeat_v the_o lesson_n which_o every_o schole-boy_n can_v tell_v we_o be_v best_o do_v at_o the_o near_a distance_n to_o each_o other_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o contend_v for_o this_o or_o any_o particular_a method_n let_v the_o scripture_n be_v read_v in_o proportion_n to_o every_o man_n leisure_n and_o capacity_n and_o read_v with_o attention_n and_o we_o need_v not_o be_v scrupulous_a about_o circumstance_n when_o the_o main_a duty_n be_v secure_v 34._o but_o as_o in_o the_o doctrinal_a so_o in_o the_o preceptive_a part_n there_o be_v a_o caution_n to_o be_v use_v in_o our_o attention_n for_o we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o those_o temporary_a precept_n that_o be_v adapt_v to_o particular_a time_n and_o occasion_n and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o perpetual_a obligation_n he_o that_o do_v not_o this_o may_v bring_v himself_o under_o the_o jewish_a law_n or_o believe_v a_o necessity_n of_o sell_v all_o and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a because_o it_o be_v christ_n command_n to_o the_o rich_a man_n mat._n 19_o or_o incur_v other_o considerable_a mischief_n 35._o thus_o frequent_o command_v be_v put_v in_o comprehensive_a indefinite_a word_n but_o concern_v only_o the_o generality_n to_o who_o the_o law_n be_v write_v and_o not_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o vindication_n of_o their_o contemt_fw-mi according_o be_v say_v thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v mark_n 10.19_o which_o concern_v the_o private_a person_n but_o extend_v not_o to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n who_o be_v a_o revenger_n appoint_v by_o god_n and_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a rom._n 13.4_o so_o the_o injunction_n not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o mat._n 5.34_o refer_v to_o the_o common_a transaction_n of_o life_n but_o not_o those_o solemn_a occasion_n where_o a_o oath_n be_v to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n heb._n 6.16_o yet_o these_o mistake_n at_o this_o day_n prevail_v with_o anabaptist_n and_o quaker_n and_o bottom_n their_o denial_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o protect_v his_o subject_n by_o war_n and_o to_o determine_v difference_n in_o peace_n by_o the_o oath_n of_o witness_n in_o judicial_a proceed_n 36._o there_o be_v another_o distinction_n we_o be_v to_o attend_v to_o and_o that_o be_v between_o absolute_a and_o primary_n command_v and_o secundary_a one_o the_o former_a we_o be_v to_o set_v a_o special_a remark_n upon_o as_o those_o upon_o who_o observance_n or_o violation_n our_o eternal_a life_n or_o death_n inseparable_o depend_v and_o therefore_o our_o first_o and_o most_o solicitous_a care_n must_v be_v concern_v they_o i_o mention_v this_o not_o to_o divert_v any_o from_o aspire_v to_o