for_o this_o be_v confess_v and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o deny_v that_o scripture_n be_v pen_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o in_o the_o several_a language_n of_o all_o people_n but_o in_o two_o only_a which_o few_o now_o adays_o in_o compâ—…on_n do_v understand_v hence_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o translate_n and_o inâ—…erpreting_v scripture_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n have_v give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o these_o gift_n we_o use_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o need_v our_o adversary_n quarrel_v we_o about_o what_o we_o can_v help_v but_o we_o know_v what_o lie_v at_o bottom_n they_o will_v fain_o have_v we_o go_v down_o to_o they_o to_o sharpen_v our_o share_n and_o our_o coulter_n &_o c._n which_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o do_v so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v smith_n enough_o at_o home_n to_o make_v we_o sword_n and_o spear_n i_o shall_v now_o conclude_v our_o answer_n with_o that_o which_o we_o count_v the_o pillar_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o as_o i_o may_v say_v the_o sure-footing_a of_o our_o faith_n in_o scripture_n we_o do_v indeed_o make_v the_o scripture_n our_o only_a rule_n and_o believe_v that_o in_o they_o alone_o be_v prescribe_v to_o we_o whatever_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o know_v and_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n and_o in_o this_o our_o faith_n we_o own_o the_o divine_a authority_n whereof_o we_o see_v so_o many_o evident_a token_n in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o but_o yet_o we_o say_v that_o as_o god_n only_o be_v a_o competent_a witness_n of_o himself_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n so_o his_o word_n be_v never_o well_o root_v in_o our_o heart_n till_o it_o be_v seal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o spirit_n which_o speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n pierâ—…ing_v our_o heart_n and_o persuade_v we_o that_o what_o god_n command_v have_v be_v faithful_o deliver_v to_o we_o according_o and_o this_o promise_n we_o have_v isa._n 59_o 21._o not_o his_o word_n only_o but_o his_o spirit_n also_o to_o seal_v it_o upon_o the_o soul_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n to_o this_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o owe_v all_o that_o acquiescency_n we_o have_v in_o scripture_n for_o when_o we_o be_v therewith_o enlighten_v and_o enliven_v we_o do_v no_o more_o trust_v our_o own_o or_o other_o judgement_n but_o be_v carry_v up_o above_o whatever_o be_v of_o man_n and_o so_o we_o resolve_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n and_o fear_n that_o scripture_n be_v of_o god_n alone_o then_o we_o look_v no_o more_o after_o proof_n or_o probability_n but_o submit_v our_o reason_n and_o all_o we_o have_v to_o that_o authority_n which_o we_o dare_v not_o any_o long_a to_o deny_v or_o dispute_v for_o than_o we_o have_v a_o inward_a lively_a sense_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v effectual_o draw_v witting_o and_o willing_o to_o submit_v to_o our_o master_n in_o heaven_n so_o we_o account_v as_o we_o have_v reason_n that_o only_o to_o be_v faith_n unfeigned_a which_o god_n 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all_o the_o world_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o christ_n word_n and_o his_o spirit_n open_v their_o heart_n to_o receive_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o do_v not_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n open_a and_o expound_v the_o old_a teslament_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n luke_n 24._o 27._o act_n 26._o 22._o and_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n work_v that_o faith_n whereby_o thousand_o believe_v that_o truth_n but_o this_o be_v scâ—…ipture_n and_o it_o must_v not_o be_v allow_v if_o our_o adversary_n be_v judge_n to_o give_v evidence_n for_o we_o in_o this_o case_n we_o shall_v therefore_o require_v they_o to_o show_v what_o service_n tradition_n do_v when_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n pâ—…eached_v the_o gospel_n we_o hope_v they_o viz._n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v assure_v some_o other_o way_n that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o they_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o 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witness_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o himself_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v any_o other_o way_n of_o receive_v any_o testimony_n nor_o our_o adversary_n neither_o as_o we_o think_v we_o know_v too_o that_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o that_o faith_n which_o will_v bring_v he_o to_o his_o happiness_n the_o devil_n it_o be_v say_v cite_v and_o urge_v scripture_n 6._o as_o god_n word_n though_o to_o a_o very_a bad_a purpose_n certain_o that_o faith_n which_o bring_v man_n to_o their_o happiness_n be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a belief_n of_o scripture-truth_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o receive_n of_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o promise_n such_o as_o cause_n we_o to_o account_v all_o but_o loss_n and_o dung_n for_o christ._n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o now_o it_o almost_o amaze_v we_o to_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o faith_n wrought_v by_o tradition_n what!_o have_v god_n no_o word_n at_o all_o or_o have_v he_o give_v no_o testimony_n nor_o witness_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o scripture_n if_o this_o strange_a doctrine_n take_v place_n for_o say_v our_o adversary_n tradition_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o have_v admirable_a strength_n by_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nay_o further_o we_o must_v be_v all_o fanatic_n if_o we_o hold_v to_o scripture_n and_o let_v go_v tradition_n but_o this_o need_v no_o answer_n with_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o word_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o his_o will_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o god_n there_o may_v be_v we_o grant_v and_o question_n nor_o some_o force_n of_o tradition_n for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n unless_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n while_o by_o it_o and_o not_o by_o his_o word_n he_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v alas_o what_o faith_n do_v our_o adversary_n count_v upon_o do_v they_o dream_v of_o be_v save_v only_o by_o a_o certain_a persuasion_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o truth_n and_o no_o lie_n if_o they_o do_v let_v they_o keep_v their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o we_o count_v upon_o somewhat_o else_o which_o we_o be_v sure_a can_v never_o be_v effectual_o
shall_v we_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o or_o that_o translation_n sol._n we_o grant_v that_o some_o have_v err_v and_o any_o may_v unless_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a spirit_n to_o aâ—…st_v what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o who_o maintain_v not_o this_o or_o that_o translation_n but_o the_o scripture_n well_o and_o faithful_o translate_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n true_o our_o translation_n have_v be_v alter_v but_o this_o alteration_n have_v be_v in_o word_n more_o than_o matter_n and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sense_n may_v be_v express_v divers_a way_n so_o we_o may_v have_v different_a translation_n without_o any_o error_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o doctrine_n nay_o further_o what_o if_o one_o translation_n shall_v differ_v from_o another_o in_o sense_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o bind_v to_o quit_v our_o english_a bibles_n unless_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o we_o have_v not_o in_o they_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o châ—…istian_a doctrine_n and_o here_o we_o require_v it_o be_v show_v and_o prove_v that_o our_o various_a translation_n do_v not_o all_o agree_v exact_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v in_o they_o all_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n the_o difference_n in_o all_o our_o translation_n be_v not_o such_o or_o so_o many_o as_o that_o we_o shall_v need_v the_o church_n authority_n to_o assure_v and_o settle_v we_o for_o god_n open_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n to_o know_v his_o voice_n from_o other_o while_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n give_v testimony_n to_o itself_o and_o receive_v authority_n from_o no_o other_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v see_v by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o as_o we_o discern_v sweet_a from_o sour_a by_o its_o own_o taste_n however_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n have_v say_v we_o deny_v not_o that_o there_o be_v divers_a mean_n whereby_o our_o conscience_n may_v be_v assure_v some_o private_a as_o skill_n in_o tongue_n learning_n labour_n prayer_n conference_n etc._n etc._n some_o public_a as_o the_o ministry_n which_o act_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o authority_n to_o secure_v but_o ministry_n to_o show_v we_o that_o which_o shall_v secure_v we_o which_o ministry_n be_v found_v on_o the_o scripture_n itself_o in_o that_o from_o thence_o it_o fetch_v the_o reason_n that_o may_v pâ—…rswade_v we_o and_o shâ—…weth_v the_o light_n that_o do_v infallible_o assure_v we_o and_o the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o be_v this_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o inward_a mean_n the_o teach_n of_o the_o church_n a_o outward_a the_o spirit_n secure_v we_o by_o kiss_v own_o authority_n the_o church_n direct_v we_o by_o her_o ministry_n the_o spirit_n have_v light_a in_o itself_o the_o church_n borrow_v she_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o certain_a god_n never_o since_o his_o people_n have_v his_o law_n write_v to_o they_o have_v leave_v they_o without_o a_o ministry_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o that_o ministry_n to_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o how_o this_o can_v be_v do_v among_o our_o vulgar_a unless_o by_o translate_n the_o scripture_n let_v they_o show_v that_o can_v for_o we_o can_v whereas_o our_o adversary_n take_v occasion_n hence_o to_o quarrel_v scripture_n as_o no_o competent_a rule_n of_o faith_n because_o the_o unlearned_a vulgar_a want_n a_o rule_n and_o can_v have_v no_o other_o than_o a_o bible_n translate_v which_o be_v liable_a to_o many_o and_o great_a mistake_n we_o may_v just_o question_v they_o about_o their_o translation_n for_o they_o know_v there_o be_v a_o latin_a translation_n not_o the_o original_a for_o certain_a which_o be_v with_o they_o commend_v as_o authentical_a to_o say_v no_o more_o only_o we_o desire_v they_o first_o to_o answer_v for_o themselves_o however_o we_o may_v just_o marvel_v that_o they_o send_v we_o to_o tradition_n for_o our_o assurance_n about_o translation_n 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absolute_a necessity_n of_o translation_n unless_o we_o know_v of_o any_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a way_n of_o bring_v our_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o his_o write_a word_n and_o what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v or_o what_o can_v we_o do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o poor_a soul_n there_o be_v some_o perhaps_o who_o can_v resolve_v this_o otherwise_o then_o we_o dare_v and_o say_v let_v they_o alone_o to_o be_v as_o ignorant_a as_o may_v be_v and_o believe_v only_o as_o the_o church_n believe_v right_a or_o wrong_n but_o for_o our_o part_n we_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n that_o our_o people_n will_v never_o grope_v out_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n while_o they_o be_v blindfolded_a nor_o can_v we_o be_v persuade_v that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n though_o we_o know_v it_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o superstition_n god_n 〈◊〉_d mâ—…n_n from_o darkness_n uâ—…to_fw-la light_n when_o he_o turn_v they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n 〈◊〉_d himself_o act._n 26._o 18_o and_o why_o come_v our_o saviour_n a_o lighâ—…_n into_o the_o world_n if_o we_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n as_o blind_a as_o we_o be_v bear_v what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v while_o we_o be_v here_o â—…pon_o earth_n more_o than_o to_o get_v grace_n and_o knowledge_n and_o grow_v in_o it_o more_o and_o more_o heaven_n be_v call_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o hell_n be_v call_v utter_a darkness_n to_o say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n translate_v into_o english_a because_o the_o great_a number_n of_o our_o people_n who_o soul_n be_v as_o precious_a as_o other_o can_v otherwise_o understand_v they_o without_o a_o miracle_n and_o we_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n we_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o make_v our_o people_n know_v god_n mind_n and_o will_n in_o 〈◊〉_d write_v word_n and_o for_o tradition_n we_o know_v no_o use_n of_o it_o unless_o iâ—…_n be_v fiâ—…st_o resolve_v beyond_o all_o exception_n that_o we_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v whatever_o the_o scripture_n say_v what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a query_n may_v serve_v in_o part_n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d hand_n last_o qâ—…ery_n about_o the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n however_o we_o shall_v say_v what_o we_o thâ—…nk_v about_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n not_o sense_v and_o to_o be_v sense_v now_o the_o sense_n of_o 〈◊〉_d that_o scripture_n have_v word_n and_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o they_o read_v it_o as_o any_o mâ—…n_n read_v his_o friend_n or_o correspondent_o letter_n to_o know_v his_o mind_n in_o they_o or_o as_o factouâ—…s_n beyond_o sea_n come_v to_o know_v their_o merchant_n order_n give_v they_o in_o and_o by_o their_o letter_n sometime_o a_o difference_n arise_v among_o these_o and_o â—…hen_o what_o can_v a_o factor_n do_v to_o clear_v himself_o more_o then_o to_o produce_v his_o merchant_n leâ—…ters_n and_o say_v here_o be_v the_o order_n you_o give_v i_o and_o i_o have_v follow_v it_o so_o do_v we_o when_o we_o be_v question_v about_o our_o faith_n we_o know_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o this_o that_o we_o have_v order_n give_v we_o in_o scripture_n to_o believe_v so_o and_o so_o and_o not_o otherwise_o we_o can_v in_o this_o case_n abstract_n the_o leâ—…ter_n from_o the_o sense_n scholar_n indeed_o in_o their_o contemplation_n may_v make_v such_o abstraction_n but_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o they_o in_o practical_a use_n or_o about_o moral_a action_n for_o in_o such_o case_n we_o must_v as_o all_o sober_a man_n do_v take_v word_n and_o sense_n together_o word_n and_o letter_n as_o far_o as_o we_o ever_o learn_v serve_v only_o to_o signifiâ—…_n man_n sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o so_o do_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n signify_v god_n mind_n
place_n speak_v more_o plain_o and_o the_o plaiâ—…_n place_n well_o remember_v will_v be_v as_o a_o commentary_n upon_o the_o more_o dark_a and_o difficult_a and_o for_o this_o purpose_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o scripture_n be_v difficult_a to_o none_o so_o much_o as_o to_o those_o who_o be_v great_a stranger_n to_o it_o and_o seldom_o take_v a_o bible_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o read_v in_o it_o with_o any_o attention_n whereas_o many_o and_o i_o wish_v there_o be_v more_o who_o can_v only_o read_v it_o and_o use_v such_o small_a help_n as_o god_n minister_v to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v concionable_a in_o what_o be_v their_o duty_n be_v able_a to_o prove_v and_o justify_v the_o main_a ground_n and_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o any_o that_o question_v they_o what_o if_o some_o thing_n be_v difficult_a so_o long_o as_o these_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a be_v plain_a and_o easy_a all_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v no_o sober_a man_n will_v question_v i_o be_o now_o persuade_v those_o of_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a rank_n to_o study_v what_o i_o say_v again_o they_o may_v sufficient_o understand_v though_o they_o have_v none_o to_o guide_v they_o and_o let_v they_o be_v still_o press_v forward_o and_o pry_v further_o to_o discover_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v see_v and_o know_v for_o why_o have_v god_n reveal_v his_o will_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o it_o let_v the_o word_n 1._o of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o etc._n etc._n i._n e._n plentiful_o abundant_o he_o mean_v it_o shall_v not_o lodge_v as_o a_o stranger_n for_o a_o night_n but_o abide_v with_o they_o and_o they_o to_o give_v it_o rich_a and_o liberal_a entertainment_n and_o make_v it_o their_o familiar_a by_o frequent_a read_n hear_v meditate_v upon_o and_o confer_v about_o the_o scripture_n and_o they_o who_o take_v this_o 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search_n the_o wise_a of_o we_o must_v leave_v the_o world_n sign_v some_o text_n with_o a_o non_fw-fr lâ—…quet_n in_o these_o we_o can_v never_o be_v resolve_v man_n have_v be_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o nature_n mystery_n ever_o since_o the_o creation_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v much_o that_o need_v a_o further_a enquiry_n yea_o somewhat_o if_o not_o very_o much_o that_o will_v never_o i_o doubt_v be_v find_v out_o by_o any_o but_o however_o it_o be_v in_o nature_n we_o may_v reasonable_o conceive_v that_o in_o supernatural_a revelation_n we_o can_v never_o stretch_v ourselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o reach_v the_o utmost_a all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n be_v easy_a enough_o to_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o understand_v and_o therefore_o ignorance_n can_v be_v no_o excuse_n but_o all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o the_o like_a necessity_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v think_v i_o hope_v without_o prejudice_n that_o as_o god_n spirit_n have_v write_v some_o thing_n more_o dark_o to_o exercise_v our_o diligence_n so_o he_o have_v write_v some_o also_o to_o humble_v we_o and_o make_v we_o know_v ourselves_o and_o what_o of_o all_o this_o scripture_n be_v still_o a_o plain_a and_o complete_a rule_n fit_a for_o any_o that_o will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o even_o such_o as_o can_v only_o read_v it_o and_o their_o read_n it_o will_v help_v they_o to_o understand_v enough_o if_o they_o be_v serious_a and_o attentive_a in_o it_o though_o i_o will_v have_v they_o neglect_v no_o other_o mean_n offer_v they_o viz._n meditation_n conference_n &_o c._n and_o unto_o all_o let_v they_o add_v servant_n prayer_n never_o open_v the_o bible_n without_o put_v up_o to_o god_n that_o which_o be_v david_n great_a request_n psal._n 119._o 18._o lord_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o thy_o law_n 4_o let_v they_o not_o bring_v their_o own_o sense_n to_o scripture_n but_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o from_o out_o of_o itself_o because_o as_o one_o say_v the_o divine_a scripture_n contain_v the_o whole_a and_o firm_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o its_o authority_n must_v sway_v we_o to_o take_v up_o that_o which_o it_o i_o yes_o down_o and_o nothing_o else_o they_o take_v a_o wrong_a coarse_a therefore_o who_o first_o entertain_v and_o harbour_v a_o conceit_n or_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o upon_o some_o base_a or_o by-respect_n and_o then_o search_v and_o rack_n and_o torture_v scripture_n to_o make_v it_o speak_v what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n in_o wrest_v his_o word_n to_o justify_v and_o avouch_v the_o groundless_a conceit_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n deceive_v heart_n the_o only_a right_a way_n to_o know_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n in_o any_o doubtful_a case_n be_v to_o bring_v heart_n as_o pure_a as_o white_a paper_n apt_a to_o receive_v and_o rest_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o whatever_o they_o be_v though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o our_o design_n qâ—…_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o know_v the_o true_a and_o right_a determination_n as_o scripture_n give_v it_o especial_o when_o many_o as_o know_v as_o ourselves_o can_v agree_v about_o it_o sol._n 1._o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o some_o man_n to_o understand_v aright_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n because_o they_o inquire_v after_o it_o with_o a_o mind_n resolve_v to_o hold_v what_o they_o have_v once_o take_v up_o whatever_o it_o be_v such_o be_v all_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o wilful_a in_o their_o own_o way_n wed_v to_o their_o will_n and_o abandon_v to_o their_o filthy_a and_o fleshly_a interest_n such_o as_o these_o be_v constant_a and_o ordinary_a in_o work_n and_o way_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n notwithstanding_o scripture-commands_a be_v so_o express_o and_o clear_o against_o they_o what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o the_o 6_o seven_o 8_o and_o 9th_o commandment_n and_o yet_o how_o many_o make_v a_o constant_a trade_n as_o i_o may_v say_v of_o uncleaness_n and_o cruelty_n oppression_n deceit_n and_o falsehood_n these_o may_v easy_o know_v god_n mind_n if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o but_o they_o be_v rebel_n against_o the_o light_n resolve_v to_o serve_v their_o lust_n and_o have_v their_o will_n whatever_o god_n have_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o till_o these_o come_v to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o can_v never_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n as_o he_o intend_v it_o 2._o to_o be_v resolve_v aright_o in_o all_o practical_a question_n and_o case_n we_o must_v first_o resolve_v to_o renounce_v and_o abandon_v our_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n our_o lust_n and_o interest_n as_o the_o apostle_n advise_v jac._n 1._o 22._o 1_o pet._n 2.1_o no_o paper_n that_o be_v besmear_v or_o blot_v can_v be_v good_a to_o write_v upon_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a such_o as_o all_o be_v who_o be_v sway_v by_o their_o own_o lust_n will_v pervert_v all_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o qâ—…_n but_o what_o must_v there_o be_v sol._n a_o honest_a upright_a heart_n dispose_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o obedience_n it_o be_v sabdue_v by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v 18._o to_o feed_v on_o that_o which_o breed_v they_o now_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n they_o be_v beget_v and_o that_o the_o apostle_n peter_n call_v milk_n exhort_v christian_n â—…c_n after_o they_o be_v new_o bear_v to_o desire_v it_o as_o little_a infant_n do_v
2._o cor._n 5._o 14._o that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o such_o and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o manifestation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o love_n to_o our_o soul_n as_o we_o can_v never_o be_v thankful_a as_o we_o ought_v but_o in_o a_o full_a and_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o we_o have_v to_o his_o service_n and_o glory_n 2._o i_o advise_v yet_o farâ—…her_o that_o in_o our_o great_a inlargement_n we_o walk_v humble_o with_o god_n as_o know_v that_o his_o power_n alone_o be_v all_o the_o strength_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o stand_v peter_n preâ—…umptuous_a confidence_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n wrought_v nothing_o but_o repentance_n for_o his_o saint_n in_o a_o evil_a day_n by_o his_o own_o strength_n shall_v 9_o no_o man_n prevail_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n eph._n 6._o 10._o and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n v_o ii_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o keep_v the_o foot_n of_o his_o saint_n 1_o sam._n 2._o 9_o there_o need_v no_o motive_n i_o hope_v to_o persuade_v however_o consider_v 1._o what_o we_o have_v believe_v not_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n but_o a_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n 9_o seem_v to_o prefer_v if_o the_o comparative_a be_v sense_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n before_o vision_n and_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o he_o may_v so_o call_v they_o because_o the_o prophecy_n may_v be_v more_o sure_a to_o the_o godly_a jew_n through_o long_a use_n and_o acquaintance_n we_o know_v the_o jew_n at_o berea_n examine_v paul_n doctrine_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v not_o tax_v but_o commend_v for_o it_o and_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o those_o bless_a spirit_n indeed_o never_o do_v it_o nor_o ever_o will_n but_o we_o make_v the_o supposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v gal._n 1._o for_o the_o more_o emphasis_n for_o scripture-truth_n they_o be_v of_o long_o stand_v and_o approve_v by_o their_o abide_n the_o test_n and_o trial_n of_o so_o many_o age_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n make_v the_o old_a testament_n the_o standard_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o appeal_v to_o it_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v more_o to_o be_v heed_v then_o if_o a_o man_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a luk._n 16._o 31._o and_o they_o who_o hear_v not_o the_o one_o will_v never_o regard_v the_o other_o if_o our_o saviour_n say_v true_a be_v it_o ever_o hear_v that_o any_o doctrine_n so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n antiquity_n or_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o thing_n but_o certain_a truth_n shall_v outstand_v the_o sift_n and_o winnowing_n of_o so_o many_o age_n special_o when_o it_o have_v have_v so_o many_o profess_a enemy_n shall_v we_o now_o call_v in_o question_n what_o be_v never_o question_v before_o have_v not_o all_o christian_n who_o deserve_v that_o name_n unanimous_o agree_v in_o believe_v the_o faith_n and_o truth_n deliver_v in_o scripture_n or_o do_v protestant_n now_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o believe_v by_o all_o saint_n ever_o since_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v pen_v we_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o and_o this_o doctrine_n we_o have_v in_o mosâ—…s_n who_o be_v the_o first_o penman_n of_o scripture_n and_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v 46_o write_v of_o he_o must_v we_o now_o call_v in_o question_n all_o that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v yea_o and_o cry_v it_o down_o as_o no_o rule_n of_o faith_n then_o farewell_n all_o our_o christianity_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o once_o for_o where_o have_v we_o learn_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 3._o fin_n who_o or_o what_o have_v give_v we_o to_o know_v what_o have_v be_v all_o the_o transaction_n of_o god_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n from_o the_o beginning_n will_v our_o adversary_n say_v roundly_o once_o for_o all_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n let_v they_o speak_v out_o if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o say_v so_o and_o then_o we_o know_v what_o to_o answer_v they_o but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o avow_v this_o as_o indeed_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o in_o plain_a term_n we_o have_v this_o to_o say_v for_o ourselves_o that_o we_o believe_v what_o they_o deny_v not_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n that_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o otherwise_o then_o by_o tradition_n have_v be_v already_o answer_v and_o no_o more_o needs_o to_o be_v say_v about_o it_o for_o man_n tradition_n we_o know_v it_o will_v serve_v nothing_o better_a to_o usher_v in_o and_o establish_v man_n invention_n but_o shall_v we_o renounce_v our_o own_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o to_o appeal_v to_o man_n who_o be_v all_o liar_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v by_o he_o that_o can_v lie_v oh_o consider_v and_o remember_v that_o in_o believe_a scripture_n we_o believe_v not_o prophecy_n or_o prodigy_n not_o hear_v of_o till_o yesterday_o no_o we_o believe_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n and_o the_o good_a old_a way_n to_o rest_n and_o peace_n the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o practical_a godliness_n and_o moral_a righteousness_n teach_v we_o in_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v but_o assent_v unto_o it_o as_o agree_v with_o and_o approve_v by_o our_o natural_a light_n so_o as_o we_o must_v forfeit_v out_o reason_n ere_o we_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o question_v scripture_n authority_n read_v but_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o psalm_n and_o the_o proverb_n and_o paul_n epistle_n or_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n and_o consider_v the_o precept_n of_o sobriety_n temperance_n righteousness_n justice_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v there_o so_o many_o and_o will_v not_o our_o conscience_n say_v these_o be_v all_o of_o god_n and_o we_o know_v they_o be_v divine_a by_o the_o natural_a light_n which_o be_v in_o we_o who_o can_v have_v clear_v up_o the_o inbred_a notion_n and_o impression_n that_o be_v upon_o all_o man_n heart_n so_o as_o they_o be_v clear_v in_o scripture_n but_o that_o light_a in_o which_o alone_o we_o see_v light_n for_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n we_o know_v it_o be_v altogether_o of_o supernatural_a divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v such_o what_o need_n be_v there_o or_o can_v there_o be_v of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n authority_n to_o confirm_v it_o to_o say_v no_o more_o let_v reason_n judge_v and_o determine_v whether_o the_o faith_n of_o man_n can_v authoritative_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o it_o must_v if_o we_o can_v be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o yea_o and_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n testimony_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n as_o yield_v to_o we_o the_o great_a certainty_n beyond_o all_o doubt_n or_o question_n consider_v i_o say_v what_o we_o have_v believe_v viz._n the_o ancient_a yea_o eternal_a word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n and_o this_o word_n always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o god_n be_v only_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n it_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o these_o last_o time_n to_o we_o by_o the_o son_n himself_o and_o such_o as_o he_o have_v send_v 2._o consider_v that_o in_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o write_a word_n we_o believe_v and_o receive_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o forefather_n who_o suffer_v for_o their_o close_a adhere_n to_o scripture_n doctrine_n and_o can_v not_o be_v part_v from_o it_o but_o rather_o choose_v to_o part_v with_o their_o life_n for_o it_o and_o herein_o they_o approve_v themselves_o the_o genuine_a and_o kindly_a issue_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a martyr_n who_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n we_o shall_v too_o much_o wrong_v ourselves_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o yield_v that_o which_o our_o adversary_n will_v never_o be_v able_a by_o dint_n of_o argument_n to_o force_v from_o we_o viz._n that_o we_o be_v upstart_n new_o sâ—…rung_v out_o of_o the_o ash_n of_o our_o late_a reformer_n they_o be_v as_o we_o call_v they_o reformer_n that_o repair_v the_o desolation_n which_o
down_o the_o kingdom_n which_o satan_n have_v always_o labour_v to_o set_v up_o to_o himself_o in_o the_o will_v through_o the_o lust_n of_o men._n there_o be_v but_o two_o party_n in_o the_o world_n whatever_o man_n may_v dream_v and_o of_o these_o one_o be_v for_o god_n and_o the_o other_o for_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n and_o command_v now_o while_o all_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n and_o of_o themselves_o addict_v to_o the_o devil_n interest_n in_o serve_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o the_o most_o be_v alwaâ—…es_n this_o way_n give_v there_o must_v be_v more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a power_n to_o preserve_v that_o doctrine_n which_o cry_v down_o all_o sinful_a interest_n and_o advance_v only_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n the_o great_a work_n do_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o subâ—…uing_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o only_a lawgiver_n but_o while_o it_o be_v a_o do_v this_o work_n it_o always_o meet_v with_o many_o and_o great_a disadvantage_n from_o the_o world_n that_o make_v account_n to_o silence_v it_o quite_o and_o even_o swallow_v it_o up_o and_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v what_o contrariety_n and_o enmity_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n against_o this_o doctrine_n and_o the_o weak_a and_o contemptibie_n mean_v it_o have_v to_o advance_v and_o promote_v it_o against_o that_o arm_n of_o flesh_n which_o be_v list_v up_o against_o it_o who_o can_v conclude_v otherwise_o then_o that_o god_n alone_o be_v its_o strength_n and_o therein_o show_v himself_o the_o owner_n and_o author_n of_o it_o for_o the_o penman_n and_o first_o publisher_n of_o it_o they_o be_v most_o of_o they_o of_o low_a estate_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v indeed_o nothing_o to_o protect_v they_o more_o than_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o almighty_n wing_n and_o for_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o scripture_n be_v they_o not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n and_o quality_n for_o the_o penman_n they_o never_o insinuate_v themselves_o to_o curry_v favour_n with_o any_o by_o goodly_a title_n or_o flattery_n as_o man_n common_o do_v that_o write_v by_o their_o own_o instinct_n nor_o be_v scripture_n compose_v as_o may_v be_v observe_v as_o if_o it_o mean_v to_o take_v man_n with_o excellency_n of_o speech_n or_o man_n wisdom_n only_o which_o be_v remarkable_a there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o majesty_n and_o it_o speak_v with_o a_o majestic_a auâ—…hority_n such_o as_o pretend_v a_o author_n of_o it_o more_o than_o man_n for_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o scripture_n what_o reward_n have_v they_o in_o the_o world_n more_o than_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n even_o to_o great_a extremity_n many_o of_o they_o now_o who_o can_v look_v on_o these_o who_o have_v be_v the_o instrument_n and_o mean_n of_o propagate_a and_o promote_a the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o not_o present_o bethink_v himself_o of_o some_o hide_a invisible_a power_n that_o uphold_v they_o and_o the_o work_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v too_o that_o those_o poor_a soul_n who_o in_o all_o age_n choose_v to_o suffer_v rather_o than_o forsake_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n teach_v in_o scripture_n can_v be_v rational_o suspect_v as_o guilty_a of_o a_o perverse_a spirit_n transport_v they_o to_o maintain_v what_o once_o they_o have_v take_v up_o though_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o for_o how_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o such_o a_o multitude_n at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n both_o in_o place_n and_o time_n shall_v be_v all_o so_o unanimous_a and_o that_o in_o cool_a blood_n against_o many_o temptation_n and_o entreaty_n to_o favour_n themselves_o in_o a_o deliberate_a resolve_v lay_v down_o life_n and_o all_o for_o a_o thing_n of_o uncertainty_n yea_o for_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o eternity_n nothing_o else_o can_v provoke_v and_o put_v they_o on_o to_o encounter_v those_o hard_a trial_n of_o affliction_n but_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v in_o scripture-promise_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o that_o word_n which_o threaten_v all_o without_o exception_n promise_v such_o as_o no_o creature_n dare_v to_o make_v and_o threat_n of_o judgement_n and_o vengeance_n beyond_o all_o the_o power_n of_o creature_n to_o inflict_v these_o consideration_n and_o nothing_o else_o can_v â—…way_v they_o to_o hate_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o house_n and_o land_n yeâ—…_n and_o their_o own_o life_n see_v they_o be_v not_o mad_a man_n or_o such_o as_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o natural_a affection_n to_o themselves_o or_o they_o but_o hold_v they_o clear_a and_o precious_a as_o their_o own_o soul_n nothing_o for_o certain_a can_v put_v they_o upon_o such_o hâ—…zards_n and_o adventure_n but_o the_o impulâ—…es_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o speak_v and_o write_v those_o scripture-truth_n as_o their_o great_a and_o only_a concernment_n and_o to_o reason_n no_o further_o how_o credible_a be_v it_o that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o be_v so_o long_o abuse_v and_o deceive_v by_o a_o fardel_n of_o lie_n father_v upon_o himself_o questionless_a if_o scripture_n be_v not_o indeed_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o most_o pernicious_a and_o blasphemous_a lie_n that_o ever_o be_v vent_v by_o man_n or_o devil_n for_o it_o call_v itself_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n word_n and_o avouch_v he_o the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o false_a and_o blasphemous_a if_o it_o be_v â—…ot_v what_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v and_o will_v god_n suffer_v such_o a_o lie_n to_o pass_v â—…urrant_n so_o long_o in_o the_o world_n to_o his_o â—…ishonour_n without_o check_v it_o some_o imposture_n have_v prevail_v obj._n 〈◊〉_d and_o for_o a_o long_a time_n they_o have_v and_o it_o be_v confess_v and_o mahomet_n alcoran_n may_v be_v a_o instance_n but_o how_o come_v that_o to_o get_v place_n with_o â—…o_o many_o be_v it_o not_o beat_v as_o i_o may_v â—…ay_v into_o man_n brain_n with_o dint_n of_o word_n beside_o be_v it_o not_o a_o doctrine_n â—…hat_o gain_v itself_o credit_n by_o gratify_a â—…ens_n â—…ilthy_a lust_n avenge_v yourselves_o say_v he_o to_o his_o follower_n and_o take_v as_o â—…any_n wiuâ—…s_v as_o you_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v and_o what_o have_v serve_v to_o spread_v and_o propagate_v other_o device_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o the_o craft_n and_o subtlety_n of_o â—…uch_o as_o lay_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v or_o the_o â—…uelty_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n that_o know_v the_o most_o of_o the_o world_n be_v wonâ—…_n to_o comply_v with_o that_o religion_n which_o comply_v most_o with_o their_o ease_n and_o fleshly_a interest_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n design_v nothing_o but_o self_n denial_n and_o to_o this_o it_o do_v most_o authoritative_o call_v both_o high_a and_o low_a rich_a and_o poor_a none_o except_v no_o not_o 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a upon_o earth_n now_o thâ—…_n a_o doctrine_n which_o require_v a_o man_n wiâ—…_n great_a importunity_n to_o submit_v all_o 〈◊〉_d interest_n and_o enjoyment_n to_o the_o wiâ—…_n of_o god_n and_o make_v performance_n according_o whenever_o the_o glory_n 〈◊〉_d god_n or_o the_o good_a of_o man_n call_v for_o it_o or_o give_v occasion_n of_o it_o shall_v take_v place_n and_o prevail_v and_o that_o against_o all_o mean_n use_v for_o suppress_v it_o 〈◊〉_d such_o a_o miracle_n of_o divine_a providence_n as_o we_o may_v just_o call_v it_o a_o seal_n which_o god_n have_v set_v to_o assure_v we_o of_o scriptureâ—…_n divine_a authority_n we_o know_v well_o that_o any_o doctrine_n which_o suit_n with_o and_o will_v serve_v the_o lust_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n may_v easy_o find_v entertainment_n but_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o a_o doctrine_n of_o deny_v self_n and_o all_o thing_n else_o even_o the_o most_o please_a to_o corrupt_v and_o sinful_a nature_n shall_v preserve_v and_o propagate_v itself_o without_o the_o help_n of_o such_o a_o hand_n as_o be_v â—…ble_a to_o subdue_v all_o thing_n now_o scripture_n be_v prepare_v and_o pen_a â—…or_n no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o show_v man_n the_o way_n of_o honour_v god_n with_o the_o utmost_a abase_v of_o themselves_o â—…nd_v it_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a engine_n â—…hat_o god_n use_v to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n â—…nd_v whatever_o be_v exalt_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o glory_n and_o government_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o â—…ay_v no_o more_o of_o this_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n have_v subdue_v mankind_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o name_n so_o far_o as_o the_o world_n be_v or_o can_v be_v just_o call_v and_o account_v christian._n it_o be_v easy_a for_o i_o
to_o multiply_v argument_n in_o this_o kind_n as_o so_o many_o evidence_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o â—…he_a scripture_n but_o i_o shall_v forbear_v â—…nd_v proceed_v to_o somewhat_o that_o come_v near_a to_o the_o question_n concern_v â—…he_a rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o this_o question_n have_v be_v much_o dispute_v between_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n for_o many_o year_n and_o that_o two_o thing_n especial_o have_v be_v insist_v on_o by_o they_o to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n no_o competent_a rule_n of_o faith_n viz._n the_o obscurity_n and_o the_o imperfection_n 〈◊〉_d it_o in_o this_o dispute_n they_o have_v labour_v to_o puzzle_v and_o plunge_v we_o by_o put_v we_o to_o show_v how_o scripture_n proveâ—…_n itself_o to_o be_v what_o we_o account_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o this_o we_o may_v just_o think_v it_o 〈◊〉_d sufficient_a answer_n to_o say_v as_o one_o yea_o many_o have_v say_v long_o since_o thaâ—…_n in_o every_o profession_n the_o principle_n aâ—…_n indemonstrable_a assent_v to_o without_o discourse_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v thâ—…_n principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n anâ—…_n therefore_o first_o we_o must_v grant_v they_o to_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n and_o therâ—…_n say_v they_o contain_v all_o point_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v and_o since_o scripture_n avouch_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o 2_o pâ—…t_fw-la 1._o 20_o 21_o luke_n 1._o 70._o it_o be_v rational_a in_o we_o to_o believe_v it_o notwithstanding_o our_o adversary_n be_v not_o satisfy_v but_o insisâ—…_n much_o on_o this_o question_n viz._n how_o we_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n that_o say_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o in_o very_a deed_n to_o this_o the_o protestant_n have_v long_a since_o answer_v that_o they_o know_v this_o first_o and_o principal_o by_o the_o illumination_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o the_o inward_a mean_n and_o then_o by_o the_o restimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o as_o the_o outward_a mean_n and_o last_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n induce_v we_o to_o assent_v here_o we_o say_v not_o that_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v in_o any_o particular_a place_n or_o book_n of_o it_o but_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n that_o show_v itself_o in_o every_o line_n and_o leaf_n of_o the_o bible_n proclaim_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n and_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n discern_v the_o voice_n and_o light_v thereof_o as_o man_n discern_v light_a from_o darkness_n and_o as_o child_n be_v know_v by_o their_o face_n and_o favour_n resemble_v their_o parent_n as_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o many_o particular_n else_o some_o of_o which_o i_o have_v hint_v before_o and_o whoever_o will_v see_v they_o more_o full_o may_v find_v they_o in_o a_o large_a and_o learned_a discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o name_v the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v a_o book_n which_o the_o vulgar_a may_v better_v understand_v than_o many_o other_o that_o handle_v this_o question_n though_o the_o ground_n i_o have_v hint_v and_o other_o which_o i_o have_v omit_v induce_v we_o strong_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n divine_a authority_n and_o we_o may_v count_v they_o sufficient_a to_o fence_v we_o against_o the_o cavil_n of_o our_o adversary_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o answer_v the_o argument_n of_o man_n and_o another_o to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_n and_o fear_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n therefore_o we_o stand_v to_o this_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v effectual_o persuade_v of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o order_n to_o a_o sound_n and_o save_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n therein_o contain_v unless_o he_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n by_o the_o teach_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o alone_o teach_v to_o know_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n god_n we_o say_v be_v the_o best_a witness_n to_o his_o own_o word_n and_o his_o spirit_n the_o best_a seal_n that_o can_v be_v put_v to_o it_o in_o the_o particular_n forementioned_a and_o many_o other_o we_o see_v evident_a token_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o faith_n that_o save_v we_o must_v have_v this_o foundation_n viz._n god_n seal_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v then_o be_v a_o man_n full_o persuade_v and_o confident_a indeed_o so_o as_o he_o can_v say_v and_o swear_v too_o if_o there_o be_v need_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o scripture_n be_v that_o which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o lead_v and_o guide_v i_o to_o my_o happiness_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o then_o and_o not_o before_o a_o man_n have_v comfort_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v have_v not_o only_o a_o grant_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n put_v to_o it_o such_o a_o man_n so_o assure_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o spirit_n unless_o in_o a_o fit_a of_o temptation_n never_o trouble_v himself_o about_o this_o question_n whether_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o trouble_n be_v most_o about_o his_o own_o deceitful_a and_o unbelieving_a heart_n that_o he_o can_v trust_v god_n no_o better_o when_o he_o have_v so_o good_a security_n for_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a in_o order_n to_o his_o happiness_n he_o never_o think_v what_o some_o have_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v corrupt_v and_o be_v not_o what_o once_o they_o be_v he_o know_v that_o god_n word_n be_v pure_a and_o perfect_a and_o be_v only_o trouble_v at_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n papist_n to_o show_v what_o good_a will_n and_o respect_n they_o have_v to_o scripture_n have_v a_o long_a time_n be_v quarrel_v it_o as_o if_o some_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n be_v lose_v and_o some_o of_o we_o seem_v to_o yield_v somewhat_o to_o this_o think_v no_o prejudice_n to_o come_v thereby_o to_o it_o but_o other_o conceive_v that_o no_o part_n or_o member_n of_o scripture_n that_o ever_o be_v canonical_a be_v lose_v buâ—…_n that_o we_o have_v it_o as_o whole_a and_o compieat_a as_o ever_o it_o be_v indeed_o aâ—…_n one_o faith_n if_o any_o book_n be_v lose_v oâ—…_n those_o which_o be_v commend_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o must_v argue_v a_o strange_a conspiâ—…acy_n of_o this_o whole_a church_n iâ—…_n carelessness_n and_o negligence_n such_o aâ—…_n be_v not_o light_o incident_a to_o this_o generation_n of_o man_n we_o grant_v that_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o single_a person_n have_v doubt_v some_o part_n oâ—…_n scripture_n now_o general_o acknowledge_v for_o canonical_a but_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v ever_o do_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o for_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o can_v just_o suspect_v â—…he_a jew_n for_o corrupt_v they_o when_o â—…heir_a zeal_n for_o they_o even_o almost_o to_o â—…uperstition_n have_v be_v so_o notorious_a â—…n_n all_o age_n and_o be_v so_o still_o even_o to_o this_o â—…ay_n our_o saviour_n blame_v they_o â—…uch_o and_o often_o for_o their_o vain_a traâ—…itions_n but_o never_o speak_v one_o word_n â—…out_v their_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n â—…hich_v questionless_a he_o will_v have_v â—…ne_v have_v there_o be_v cause_n since_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o high_a concernent_fw-la and_o if_o any_o have_v attempt_v it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o accomplish_v it_o when_o there_o be_v so_o any_o copy_n disperse_v in_o all_o place_n â—…d_v country_n which_o be_v many_o â—…erein_o the_o jew_n dwell_v if_o any_o â—…ereticks_n have_v assay_v it_o since_o the_o â—…w_a testament_n be_v write_v how_o â—…uld_v one_o party_n have_v observe_v anoâ—…er_o and_o so_o prevenâ—…ed_v the_o design_n â—…d_a to_o say_v no_o more_o it_o be_v impossible_a â—…ess_v we_o imagine_v that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o who_o have_v a_o bible_n shall_v at_o once_o with_o one_o consent_n in_o all_o place_n oâ—…_n the_o world_n resolve_v to_o corrupt_v those_o ancient_a record_n commend_v to_o mankind_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o clear_v this_o further_a have_v insert_v it_o here_o occasional_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v write_v in_o parchment_n and_o papeâ—…_n which_o be_v thing_n perishable_a and_o ic_fw-mi be_v subject_n to_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n but_o who_o know_v not_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o paper_n and_o parchment_n anâ—…_n ink_n which_o have_v be_v use_v to_o preserve_v and_o convey_v it_o to_o we_o god_n woâ—…_n must_v and_o shall_v stand_v when_o all_o theâ—…_n parchment_n and_o paper_n record_v shâ—…_n be_v no_o more_o and_o whatever_o alteâ—…_n tion_n there_o have_v be_v we_o stand_v to_o iâ—…_n
from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o these_o follow_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o humour_n and_o interest_n have_v pervert_v and_o draw_v aside_o other_o we_o grant_v it_o but_o we_o say_v too_o that_o not_o a_o few_o or_o a_o small_a party_n but_o multirule_v have_v be_v corrupt_v as_o once_o it_o be_v when_o all_o the_o world_n wonder_v to_o see_v itself_o arian_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o time_n of_o noah_n and_o elijah_n which_o be_v famous_a for_o a_o general_a apostasy_n we_o ask_v how_o all_o israel_n come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v after_o joshua_n and_o the_o judg_n that_o outlive_v he_o yea_o how_o the_o body_n of_o that_o people_n be_v corrupt_v even_o while_o moses_n be_v alive_a and_o upon_o all'occasion_n turn_v themselves_o to_o idol_n and_o how_o come_v the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n to_o have_v so_o many_o tradition_n not_o only_o beside_o but_o contrary_a to_o the_o write_a word_n now_o the_o force_n of_o our_o argue_v lie_v in_o this_o that_o notwithstanding_o tradition_n and_o a_o write_a word_n too_o for_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n past_a the_o generality_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o people_n who_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o they_o have_v be_v corrupt_v and_o pervert_v and_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o what_o credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o tradition_n or_o what_o shall_v the_o father_n deliver_v over_o to_o their_o child_n other_o than_o they_o themselves_o have_v receive_v believe_v and_o practise_v we_o can_v enough_o wonder_v at_o papist_n arguing_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v in_o some_o particular_n ere_o we_o can_v yield_v so_o much_o to_o tradition_n as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o 1._o we_o will_v know_v who_o these_o foref_n they_o be_v that_o have_v so_o careful_o deliver_v over_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n for_o our_o forefather_n after_o the_o flesh_n till_o this_o and_o the_o last_o age_n we_o know_v and_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o that_o they_o be_v roman_a catholic_n this_o land_n have_v take_v the_o infection_n as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o place_n and_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o other_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n be_v as_o they_o so_o as_o those_o who_o we_o count_v our_o forefather_n after_o the_o faith_n be_v for_o a_o great_a while_n up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o that_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n in_o elijah_n time_n and_o what_o then_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o tradition_n of_o forefather_n we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o precious_a promise_n isa._n 59_o 21._o that_o god_n word_n and_o spirit_n shall_v continue_v with_o his_o church_n and_o the_o church_n child_n to_o all_o generation_n as_o our_o saviour_n promise_v his_o disciple_n mat._n 28._o 20._o to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o observe_v the_o spirit_n be_v promise_v as_o well_o as_o the_o word_n because_o one_o be_v unavailable_a without_o the_o other_o cooperate_n with_o it_o isa._n 30._o 20_o 21._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 16._o 2_o cor._n 3._o 6._o and_o 4._o 13._o but_o where_o be_v there_o any_o promise_n that_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n shall_v continue_v with_o any_o one_o people_n uninterrupted_o unto_o the_o world_n end_n we_o read_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o it_o be_v and_o be_v not_o restore_v to_o they_o yet_o and_o in_o many_o place_n where_o once_o be_v famous_a christian_a church_n there_o be_v not_o to_o be_v see_v at_o this_o day_n so_o much_o as_o a_o relic_n of_o christianity_n witness_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n now_o possess_v by_o mahometan_n we_o think_v it_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a that_o error_n and_o impiety_n of_o all_o sort_n may_v infect_v whole_a nation_n of_o such_o as_o have_v profess_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o when_o the_o infection_n have_v once_o take_v a_o few_o it_o will_v spread_v like_o a_o gangrene_n till_o the_o body_n be_v all_o overrun_a so_o when_o some_o have_v once_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n other_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o follow_v and_o the_o tare_n soon_o outgrow_a the_o good_a seed_n hence_o we_o answer_v that_o we_o can_v admit_v tradition_n as_o a_o infallible_a witness_n since_o multitude_n yea_o whole_a nation_n have_v be_v overspread_v with_o error_n and_o those_o no_o small_a one_o for_o when_o a_o generation_n be_v once_o corrupt_v in_o their_o principle_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a to_o we_o how_o they_o shall_v teach_v their_o child_n other_o then_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v learn_v so_o our_o forefather_n after_o the_o flesh_n will_v we_o believe_v have_v teach_v we_o the_o same_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v teach_v they_o for_o many_o age_n i._n e._n the_o popish_a or_o romish_n but_o we_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v our_o forefather_n as_o to_o our_o faith_n if_o any_o ask_v we_o who_o these_o be_v we_o answer_v all_z they_o who_o in_o all_o age_n protest_v against_o the_o error_n and_o abuse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o know_v well_o that_o england_n be_v christian_n before_o austin_n the_o monk_n come_v hither_o for_o he_o find_v such_o here_o as_o stout_o withstand_v his_o romish_a imposition_n though_o it_o cost_v they_o dear_a and_o what_o if_o there_o never_o have_v be_v a_o church_n in_o england_n before_o or_o that_o church_n have_v utter_o fail_v yet_o the_o church_n true_o catholic_n never_o fail_v but_o god_n have_v have_v always_o and_o will_v have_v to_o the_o end_n a_o company_n that_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o desire_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o these_o we_o own_o for_o our_o forefather_n as_o to_o our_o faith_n and_o from_o these_o we_o receive_v what_o we_o now_o profess_v and_o believe_v according_a to_o scripture_n to_o clear_v the_o matter_n yet_o further_o we_o say_v this_o argument_n of_o tradition_n suppose_v what_o we_o can_v yield_v viz._n that_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n hold_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o all_o particular_n with_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a church_n and_o that_o the_o same_o faith_n have_v be_v hand_v down_o to_o they_o in_o all_o age_n successive_o to_o this_o day_n that_o there_o be_v once_o a_o famous_a church_n at_o rome_n we_o grant_v but_o that_o the_o present_a faith_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n can_v never_o be_v make_v good_a unless_o papist_n will_v have_v the_o difference_n of_o mea_n and_o day_n to_o be_v the_o whole_a catholic_n faith_n let_v they_o now_o prove_v their_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o we_o may_v then_o heed_v this_o argument_n more_o than_o now_o we_o can_v for_o our_o part_n we_o stand_v to_o prove_v as_o other_o before_o we_o have_v do_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a depart_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o when_o the_o generality_n be_v once_o corrupt_v in_o principle_n and_o practice_n we_o know_v not_o what_o they_o shall_v teach_v posterity_n other_o then_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v learn_v do_v not_o heathen_n now_o as_o in_o all_o former_a age_n teach_v their_o child_n to_o worship_n idol_n as_o themselves_o have_v do_v and_o be_v it_o so_o hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o face_n yea_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v overspread_v by_o error_n and_o heresy_n who_o know_v not_o that_o one_o scab_a sheep_n will_v infect_v a_o whole_a flock_n and_o how_o a_o little_a leaven_n will_v soon_o leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n we_o hear_v of_o vain_a conversation_n receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o forefather_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 18._o and_o we_o know_v too_o well_o that_o child_n for_o the_o most_o part_n betake_v themselves_o to_o such_o course_n as_o their_o father_n have_v take_v before_o they_o that_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v the_o whole_a truth_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o they_o to_o the_o church_n in_o those_o time_n we_o make_v no_o question_n yea_o we_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o question_v it_o but_o we_o know_v and_o can_v show_v how_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n degenerate_v quick_o and_o by_o degree_n come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o be_v this_o strange_a alas_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n how_o be_v some_o church_n pervert_v in_o so_o much_o as_o he_o wonder_v gal._n 1._o 6._o they_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v to_o another_o gospel_n and_o here_o i_o may_v enlarge_v in_o show_v how_o by_o degree_n the_o first_o church_n come_v to_o be_v pervert_v and_o corrupt_v but_o it_o lie_v on_o our_o adversary_n to_o prove_v their_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v as_o
it_o be_v so_o agree_v very_o early_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v because_o coâ—…stantine_n in_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n will_v not_o else_o have_v persuade_v the_o father_n assemble_v to_o examine_v and_o try_v all_o question_n and_o controversy_n by_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n for_o have_v it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o have_v be_v rational_a to_o move_v they_o first_o to_o resolve_v what_o the_o canon_n be_v once_o we_o know_v the_o christian_a church_n have_v need_v to_o be_v resolve_v of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n at_o least_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v depart_v this_o life_n for_o if_o any_o thing_n sure_o this_o be_v of_o concernment_n to_o the_o church_n viz._n to_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n state_v as_o the_o standard_n whereby_o all_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v weigh_v and_o measure_v and_o this_o we_o think_v be_v do_v even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o determination_n which_o they_o have_v make_v so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o such_o question_n of_o old_a about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o papist_n have_v make_v of_o late_a that_o some_o have_v question_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o know_v but_o we_o say_v they_o be_v only_o some_o and_o not_o the_o whole_a church_n beside_o to_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o few_o book_n be_v not_o to_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o indeed_o this_o question_n be_v never_o make_v till_o of_o latter_a time_n when_o papist_n can_v no_o more_o defend_v their_o tenet_n by_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n 5._o we_o will_v know_v how_o the_o church_n come_v to_o know_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o this_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o question_n because_o papist_n make_v so_o much_o of_o the_o church_n testimony_n as_o if_o scripture_n have_v no_o authority_n as_o to_o we_o at_o least_o without_o it_o whatâ—…_n do_v the_o church_n devise_v the_o whole_a model_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n out_o of_o her_o own_o heart_n no_o certain_o this_o will_v never_o be_v say_v by_o any_o that_o be_v sober_a what_o then_o questionless_a she_o be_v teach_v it_o of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o i_o hope_v we_o all_o agree_v well_o and_o how_o be_v she_o teach_v it_o be_v it_o not_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o where_o be_v this_o revelation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n but_o i_o proceed_v and_o say_v the_o christian_a church_n learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n from_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n work_v with_o the_o word_n for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n bring_v to_o light_v what_o have_v never_o be_v hear_v of_o or_o think_v on_o before_o but_o they_o only_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n the_o performance_n of_o what_o god_n have_v foretell_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n and_o make_v under_o the_o law_n when_o once_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v and_o so_o the_o apostle_n avow_v act_v 26._o 22._o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v signify_v before_o and_o do_v not_o christ_n come_v to_o fulfil_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o father_n which_o promise_n be_v record_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o and_o christ_n himself_o expound_v the_o scripture_n concern_v himself_o lukâ—…_n 24._o 27._o and_o vers_fw-la 25._o he_o up_o 〈◊〉_d he_o two_o disciple_n with_o their_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v 〈◊〉_d iâ—…_n the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d themselves_o know_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o christ_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v we_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n once_o 〈◊〉_d if_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n 〈◊〉_d let_v papist_n tell_v we_o what_o it_o serve_v â—…or_a true_o we_o be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o know_v no_o use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o that_o be_v grant_v which_o our_o adversary_n plead_v for_o why_o may_v we_o not_o hearken_v to_o the_o church_n and_o her_o tradition_n and_o never_o look_v on_o scripture_n more_o for_o they_o have_v of_o late_o frame_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v all-sufficient_a and_o tell_v we_o plain_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o sure_o if_o we_o thus_o let_v go_v the_o word_n and_o take_v up_o tradition_n we_o have_v best_o let_v god_n go_v also_o and_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o church_n but_o there_o be_v some_o question_n to_o be_v answer_v and_o till_o this_o be_v do_v we_o talk_v to_o no_o purpose_n whatever_o we_o say_v of_o scripture_n or_o against_o tradition_n for_o how_o know_v we_o 1._o whether_o the_o original_n be_v entire_a and_o the_o same_o with_o those_o which_o be_v first_o pon_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n 2._o what_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v canonical_a and_o 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law_n in_o writing_n darenot_v they_o say_v that_o there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n who_o at_o god_n command_v deliver_v a_o law_n to_o israel_n and_o after_o it_o be_v write_v cause_v it_o to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o all_o the_o people_n or_o dare_v they_o say_v there_o never_o be_v such_o man_n as_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o that_o they_o never_o write_v any_o such_o book_n as_o be_v now_o call_v the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o therefore_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o they_o have_v hiâ—…herto_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o we_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n as_o to_o believe_v they_o will_v never_o say_v it_o what_o mean_v they_o then_o by_o such_o quirk_n and_o quible_n as_o these_o viz._n that_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v now_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o alter_v from_o what_o they_o be_v at_o first_o etc._n etc._n what_o thought_n have_v they_o of_o god_n almighty_a be_v he_o not_o wise_a enough_o to_o 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and_o the_o same_o to_o continue_v unto_o all_o genera_fw-la lion_z they_o can_v have_v prompt_v god_n and_o tell_v he_o what_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v of_o viz._n that_o those_o book_n may_v decay_v in_o time_n and_o the_o copy_n be_v corrupt_v in_o the_o transcribe_v of_o they_o or_o they_o may_v be_v lose_v and_o hide_v aside_o for_o so_o they_o be_v in_o josiahs_n time_n when_o 8â—…_n one_o copy_n be_v light_v on_o by_o chance_n and_o count_v as_o a_o jewel_n for_o its_o rarity_n and_o that_o in_o after_o age_n there_o may_v be_v much_o question_n about_o they_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o under_o the_o revolution_n of_o many_o age_n be_v alter_v from_o what_o they_o be_v at_o first_o by_o his_o
they_o and_o this_o light_n be_v so_o glorious_a as_o those_o atocryphals_n dare_v not_o pretend_v to_o it_o but_o rather_o seem_v willing_a to_o be_v in_o a_o low_a form_n for_o this_o i_o instance_n in_o 2_o mac._n 2._o 24._o where_o the_o author_n whoever_o he_o be_v consess_v that_o he_o have_v take_v what_o he_o write_v out_o of_o jason_n of_o cyrene_n and_o contract_v five_o book_n of_o his_o into_o one_o volume_n and_o whoever_o please_v to_o read_v on_o in_o that_o chapter_n may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o speak_v by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n can_v never_o frame_v to_o speak_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n god_n in_o scripture_n as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v speak_v pro_fw-la imperio_fw-la as_o the_o only_o most_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o never_o make_v apology_n for_o himself_o to_o be_v excuse_v with_o those_o to_o who_o he_o speak_v for_o why_o shall_v he_o see_v they_o be_v all_o his_o vassal_n his_o creature_n the_o distance_n be_v so_o 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and_o much_o different_a if_o not_o in_o many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o one_o another_o and_o then_o how_o shall_v the_o vulgar_a understand_v which_o of_o they_o do_v indeed_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n or_o how_o shall_v the_o unlearned_a be_v infallible_o sure_a that_o this_o or_o that_o translation_n do_v not_o err_v now_o to_o clear_v ourselves_o in_o this_o puzzle_v question_n i_o say_v what_o papist_n can_v deny_v that_o the_o whole_a canon_n be_v at_o first_o write_v in_o two_o language_n which_o very_o few_o in_o comparison_n for_o these_o many_o age_n have_v understand_v better_o than_o our_o common_a people_n do_v but_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v these_o language_n viz._n hebrew_n and_o greek_n be_v best_a know_v to_o the_o church_n of_o any_o other_o hebrew_n be_v the_o mother_n tongue_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_a be_v a_o language_n very_o familiar_a to_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o before_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o then_o see_v 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that_o which_o our_o adversaty_n think_v will_v give_v the_o cause_n whole_o on_o their_o side_n for_o see_v all_o translation_n be_v liable_a to_o mistake_n the_o vulgar_a and_o unlearned_a can_v never_o have_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o scripture_n say_v they_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o quit_v ouâ—…_n claim_v to_o scripture_n for_o all_o this_o for_o we_o can_v distinguish_v as_o that_o learned_a divine_a have_v between_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v in_o church_n the_o scriptu_fw-la e_fw-la and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o our_o capacity_n as_o between_o thing_n and_o word_n the_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n be_v say_v we_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o translation_n be_v only_a mean_n to_o show_v it_o we_o and_o the_o vessel_n wherein_o it_o be_v present_v to_o we_o and_o thus_o in_o rigour_n of_o speech_n we_o do_v not_o count_v the_o english_a or_o any_o other_o translation_n no_o nor_o the_o greek_a or_o hebrew_a 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milk_n to_o grow_v thereby_o and_o lest_o they_o may_v think_v he_o mean_v they_o shall_v be_v always_o child_n he_o call_v it_o *_o reasonable_a sincere_a milk_n to_o show_v they_o shall_v be_v in_o understand_a man_n as_o well_o as_o in_o malice_n child_n a_o honest_a heart_n can_v never_o miss_v the_o mark_n because_o it_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o to_o know_v and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o such_o a_o one_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o his_o security_n the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o 14._o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n and_o vers_fw-la 12._o he_o shall_v he_o teach_v in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o shall_v choose_v let_v none_o therefore_o that_o be_v true_o honest_a and_o sound_v at_o heart_n fear_n or_o doubt_n lest_o they_o shall_v mistake_v their_o way_n so_o long_o as_o god_n undertake_v to_o be_v their_o guide_n the_o word_n be_v as_o god_n himself_o a_o light_n and_o often_o 8._o so_o call_v and_o how_o can_v he_o go_v astray_o that_o have_v god_n and_o his_o word_n to_o lead_v he_o yea_o the_o entrance_n of_o thy_o word_n 130._o be_v light_n it_o give_v understanding_n unto_o the_o simple_a say_v the_o psalmist_n even_o the_o very_a idiot_n may_v here_o learn_v at_o first_o sight_n what_o the_o wile_a of_o the_o world_n without_o grace_n will_v never_o attain_v unto_o and_o what_o if_o such_o poor_a soul_n shall_v never_o understand_v all_o scripture-passage_n so_o as_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o about_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o sure_o there_o be_v no_o hutt_v nor_o hazard_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o close_v up_o this_o read_v i_o say_v with_o a_o intention_n and_o resolution_n to_o practise_v all_o that_o appear_v to_o be_v duty_n and_o remember_v well_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n joh._n 7._o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o 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34_o with_o they_o but_o against_o they_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v they_o more_o as_o he_o take_v away_o from_o they_o even_o that_o which_o they_o have_v 5_o let_v their_o delight_n be_v in_o god_n word_n to_o meditate_v and_o muse_v often_o and_o serious_o upon_o what_o they_o have_v read_v and_o hear_v this_o be_v david_n constant_a practice_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v by_o his_o profess_v it_o so_o often_o in_o the_o psalm_n and_o psal._n 1._o 2._o he_o give_v it_o as_o the_o character_n of_o a_o bless_a man_n and_o one_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a whoever_o delight_v in_o any_o thing_n can_v but_o often_o think_v of_o it_o yea_o and_o take_v any_o occasion_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o because_o his_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o it_o and_o this_o often_o think_v and_o speak_v of_o the_o word_n cause_v we_o both_o to_o understand_v it_o and_o also_o to_o be_v more_o affect_v with_o it_o read_v and_o hear_v be_v as_o take_v in_o meat_n meditation_n be_v as_o 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will_v be_v at_o home_n always_o at_o hand_n to_o answer_v those_o bad_a neighbour_n that_o will_v be_v always_o about_o our_o door_n to_o creep_v in_o whenever_o there_o be_v a_o opportunity_n yea_o and_o thrust_v they_o out_o when_o they_o be_v urgent_a as_o troublesome_a unwelcome_a guest_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n upon_o they_o so_o much_o be_v clear_o imply_v in_o the_o place_n next_o abovecit_v the_o word_n in_o the_o heart_n as_o in_o a_o place_n of_o constant_a residence_n be_v a_o barricado_n against_o all_o the_o assault_n and_o insinuation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o our_o saviour_n give_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n and_o experiment_n of_o it_o when_o he_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n mat._n 4._o search_v the_o word_n therefore_o so_o as_o to_o get_v it_o into_o thy_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v lodge_v there_o to_o be_v as_o a_o guard_n about_o thou_o and_o whoever_o read_v or_o hear_v it_o with_o any_o other_o intention_n i_o dare_v warrant_v he_o shall_v never_o 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measure_v and_o examine_v how_o their_o work_n answer_v and_o agree_v with_o it_o now_o our_o work_n in_o order_n to_o our_o eternity_n be_v of_o infinite_o more_o consequence_n we_o have_v more_o need_n to_o be_v always_o measure_v that_o we_o go_v not_o beyond_o or_o beside_o the_o line_n this_o do_v therefore_o when_o you_o read_v and_o study_v scripture_n viz._n apply_v it_o to_o the_o frame_n of_o your_o spirit_n and_o the_o course_n of_o your_o life_n by_o a_o serious_a question_v your_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n or_o somewhat_o like_a viz._n do_v i_o this_o or_o that_o according_a to_o
lineal_a succession_n but_o look_v only_o after_o succession_n in_o doctrine_n and_o this_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o do_v see_v the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n be_v entail_v only_o upon_o those_o who_o know_v and_o obey_v the_o truth_n and_o where_o be_v this_o truth_n if_o not_o in_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o once_o let_v go_v scripture_n verdict_n in_o the_o cause_n must_v we_o not_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o more_o than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v pretend_v unto_o but_o let_v scripture_n be_v judge_n in_o the_o case_n and_o it_o will_v soon_o appear_v that_o all_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a and_o empty_a pretence_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o appeal_v to_o it_o alone_o and_o leave_v it_o to_o umpire_n the_o difference_n our_o adversary_n never_o dare_v say_v as_o yet_o for_o aught_o i_o have_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v 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i_o intend_v it_o not_o to_o allow_v or_o countenance_v any_o wilful_a neglect_n or_o affect_a ignorance_n of_o any_o scripture-truths_n but_o only_o to_o salve_v the_o conscience_n of_o such_o as_o can_v after_o all_o their_o most_o careful_a enquiry_n come_v to_o know_v all_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o every_o particular_a as_o scripture_n have_v it_o can_v any_o man_n reasonable_o think_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o mind_n and_o remember_v every_o descent_n in_o all_o the_o genealogy_n as_o we_o be_v to_o have_v in_o mind_n the_o birth_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o know_v not_o the_o dâ—…fference_n that_o have_v be_v among_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o still_o be_v in_o reconcile_a the_o genealogy_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o it_o be_v with_o some_o difference_n record_v in_o two_o evangelist_n and_o be_v there_o not_o think_v we_o many_o in_o heaven_n who_o never_o much_o study_a christ_n pedigree_n after_o the_o flesh_n to_o 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