it_o much_o rather_o then_o aâ—…y_a thing_n else_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o care_v so_o little_a sore_a tradition_n because_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n for_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n to_o save_v we_o but_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o know_v not_o how_o we_o can_v have_v faith_n in_o god_n but_o by_o receive_v the_o testimony_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v when_o papist_n attribute_v so_o much_o to_o tradition_n for_o ascertain_v scripture_n we_o can_v yield_v to_o they_o in_o it_o because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n so_o speak_v to_o man_n as_o they_o may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v if_o he_o do_v not_o it_o be_v because_o he_o will_v not_o or_o because_o he_o can_v that_o he_o can_v no_o man_n can_v say_v without_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v he_o will_v not_o be_v little_o better_a for_o he_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a but_o open_o and_o plain_o so_o as_o they_o to_o who_o he_o have_v speak_v have_v know_v certain_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n not_o only_o to_o declâ—…re_v the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o to_o ascertain_v those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o such_o be_v scripture_n uz._n a_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v so_o make_v as_o man_n may_v know_v that_o god_n have_v speak_v wherefore_o though_o papist_n say_v of_o scripture_n as_o the_o jew_n say_v of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o bear_v record_v of_o thyself_o thy_o record_n be_v not_o true_a we_o answer_v as_o christ_n answer_v for_o himself_o though_o it_o bear_v record_n of_o itself_o yet_o its_o record_n be_v true_a for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v understand_v his_o mind_n so_o he_o speak_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o they_o may_v know_v it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v and_o not_o man_n or_o any_o creature_n for_o what_o can_v be_v say_v or_o think_v more_o unworthy_a of_o god_n then_o that_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o man_n but_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o can_v be_v understand_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o other_o to_o ascertain_v they_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v we_o can_v speak_v to_o one_o another_o either_o by_o word_n or_o writing_n so_o as_o to_o know_v who_o speak_v as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v speak_v but_o god_n it_o seem_v to_o papist_n must_v have_v some_o other_o to_o pass_v their_o word_n for_o he_o before_o he_o can_v have_v any_o credit_n with_o man_n and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o must_v ascertain_v we_o beyond_o all_o further_a question_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n only_o tradition_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n successive_o convey_v down_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o need_v or_o desire_v it_o we_o shall_v enlarge_v in_o our_o answer_n yet_o not_o to_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o our_o intend_a breviy_n 1._o we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v testimony_n to_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o true_a church_n have_v so_o do_v in_o all_o age_n we_o protestant_n do_v believe_v but_o we_o say_v withal_o that_o the_o church_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a instrument_n or_o mean_n in_o give_v this_o testimony_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n such_o as_o papist_n plead_v for_o or_o dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o we_o stand_v to_o affirm_v we_o do_v not_o beâ—…ieve_v the_o scripture_n because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o we_o believe_v it_o such_o for_o its_o own_o and_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n though_o no_o man_n bear_v witness_n to_o it_o for_o what_o be_v the_o church_n make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n more_o or_o less_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o have_v these_o man_n this_o doctrine_n or_o how_o come_v then_o by_o it_o have_v they_o it_o not_o in_o scripture_n christ_n indeed_o deliver_v it_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o they_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n but_o i_o hope_v papist_n will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o pen_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n or_o that_o the_o next_o church_n receive_v any_o doctrine_n other_o than_o be_v therein_o record_v so_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v mention_v ephes._n 2._o 20._o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o scripture_n and_o not_o scripture_n upon_o the_o church_n indeed_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o believe_v scripture_n and_o make_v it_o the_o ground_n work_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v it_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o society_n the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v or_o frame_v the_o scripture_n but_o receive_v it_o make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n god_n have_v his_o secretary_n who_o write_v his_o will_n and_o command_n and_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o man_n have_v be_v call_v and_o such_o as_o submit_v and_o come_v in_o have_v be_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n hence_o the_o church_n we_o say_v have_v more_o need_n of_o scripture_n testimony_n than_o scripture_n have_v of_o the_o church_n and_o according_o protestant_n judge_v of_o the_o church_n by_o scripture_n and_o not_o of_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n questionless_a when_o god_n shall_v judge_v all_o by_o the_o man_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v he_o will_v try_v all_o church_n and_o man_n by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o where_o those_o law_n be_v we_o leave_v papist_n to_o inquire_v for_o we_o know_v none_o but_o such_o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n they_o tell_v we_o a_o very_a fair_a tale_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o the_o first_o church_n which_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v so_o unnatural_a as_o witting_o to_o hide_v it_o from_o posterity_n and_o deliver_v over_o to_o the_o next_o generation_n such_o lie_n as_o will_v unavoidable_o damn_v they_o now_o we_o suppose_v as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o all_o parent_n and_o progenitor_n have_v so_o much_o natural_a affection_n as_o not_o to_o procure_v willing_o or_o witting_o the_o damnation_n of_o their_o child_n but_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v say_v we_o tradition_n to_o be_v so_o infallible_a as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o for_o tradition_n or_o deliver_v any_o matter_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n be_v and_o must_v be_v uncertain_a yea_o and_o soon_o fail_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o record_n whereupon_o to_o bottom_v it_o and_o for_o this_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o in_o the_o first_o age_n god_n be_v please_v to_o let_v his_o will_v be_v make_v know_v from_o father_n to_o son_n after_o he_o have_v once_o declare_v and_o reveal_v it_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o leave_v all_o to_o tradition_n but_o ever_o and_o anon_o renew_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n as_o occasion_v require_v and_o this_o he_o do_v when_o those_o patriarch_n live_v ten_o time_n so_o long_o as_o any_o have_v ordinary_o live_v for_o very_a many_o age_n and_o when_o afterward_o abraham_n seed_n be_v grow_v into_o a_o multitude_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o have_v the_o lively_a oracle_n enroll_v and_o commit_v to_o writing_n hence_o we_o think_v it_o rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n think_v his_o will_n write_v to_o be_v more_o infallible_a and_o certain_a then_o as_o deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n once_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o while_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v deliver_v without_o write_v it_o all_o the_o world_n be_v corrupt_v so_o as_o all_o flesh_n have_v pervert_v their_o way_n in_o the_o time_n of_o noah_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o at_o first_o the_o doctrine_n which_o god_n reveal_v to_o adam_n and_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v corrupt_v as_o they_o be_v if_o tradition_n can_v possible_o fail_v or_o how_o come_v the_o world_n after_o the_o flood_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o idol_n so_o as_o abraham_n must_v be_v call_v out_o from_o the_o posterity_n of_o shem_n who_o posterity_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n deliver_v to_o they_o if_o tradition_n be_v so_o faithful_a in_o the_o delivery_n of_o what_o be_v commit_v to_o it_o we_o wonder_v how_o true_a religion_n shall_v fail_v so_o soon_o and_o that_o not_o among_o a_o few_o but_o all_o the_o world_n over_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o heretic_n have_v rise_v
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
for_o this_o be_v confess_v and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o deny_v that_o scripture_n be_v pen_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o in_o the_o several_a language_n of_o all_o people_n but_o in_o two_o only_a which_o few_o now_o adays_o in_o compâ—…on_n do_v understand_v hence_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o translate_n and_o inâ—…erpreting_v scripture_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n have_v give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o these_o gift_n we_o use_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o need_v our_o adversary_n quarrel_v we_o about_o what_o we_o can_v help_v but_o we_o know_v what_o lie_v at_o bottom_n they_o will_v fain_o have_v we_o go_v down_o to_o they_o to_o sharpen_v our_o share_n and_o our_o coulter_n &_o c._n which_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o do_v so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v smith_n enough_o at_o home_n to_o make_v we_o sword_n and_o spear_n i_o shall_v now_o conclude_v our_o answer_n with_o that_o which_o we_o count_v the_o pillar_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o as_o i_o may_v say_v the_o sure-footing_a of_o our_o faith_n in_o scripture_n we_o do_v indeed_o make_v the_o scripture_n our_o only_a rule_n and_o believe_v that_o in_o they_o alone_o be_v prescribe_v to_o we_o whatever_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o know_v and_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n and_o in_o this_o our_o faith_n we_o own_o the_o divine_a authority_n whereof_o we_o see_v so_o many_o evident_a token_n in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o but_o yet_o we_o say_v that_o as_o god_n only_o be_v a_o competent_a witness_n of_o himself_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n so_o his_o word_n be_v never_o well_o root_v in_o our_o heart_n till_o it_o be_v seal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o spirit_n which_o speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n pierâ—…ing_v our_o heart_n and_o persuade_v we_o that_o what_o god_n command_v have_v be_v faithful_o deliver_v to_o we_o according_o and_o this_o promise_n we_o have_v isa._n 59_o 21._o not_o his_o word_n only_o but_o his_o spirit_n also_o to_o seal_v it_o upon_o the_o soul_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n to_o this_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o owe_v all_o that_o acquiescency_n we_o have_v in_o scripture_n for_o when_o we_o be_v therewith_o enlighten_v and_o enliven_v we_o do_v no_o more_o trust_v our_o own_o or_o other_o judgement_n but_o be_v carry_v up_o above_o whatever_o be_v of_o man_n and_o so_o we_o resolve_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n and_o fear_n that_o scripture_n be_v of_o god_n alone_o then_o we_o look_v no_o more_o after_o proof_n or_o probability_n but_o submit_v our_o reason_n and_o all_o we_o have_v to_o that_o authority_n which_o we_o dare_v not_o any_o long_a to_o deny_v or_o dispute_v for_o than_o we_o have_v a_o inward_a lively_a sense_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v effectual_o draw_v witting_o and_o willing_o to_o submit_v to_o our_o master_n in_o heaven_n so_o we_o account_v as_o we_o have_v reason_n that_o only_o to_o be_v faith_n unfeigned_a which_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n seal_v upon_o our_o heart_n in_o our_o hear_n and_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o this_o may_v seem_v strange_a doctrine_n to_o such_o as_o know_v nothing_o of_o these_o matter_n by_o experience_n therefore_o i_o shall_v discourse_v it_o a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v if_o possible_a make_v it_o manifest_v even_o to_o reason_n the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n be_v about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n this_o faith_n iâ—…_n be_v grant_v be_v such_o as_o lead_v we_o to_o our_o bliss_n hence_o we_o protestant_n conclude_v that_o this_o faith_n can_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o alone_o work_v all_o spiriâ—…ual_a good_a and_o this_o alâ—…o_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v it_o ordinary_o at_o least_o by_o the_o word_n as_o its_o most_o proper_a instrument_n will_v any_o put_v we_o to_o prove_v this_o sure_o they_o must_v have_v too_o much_o of_o the_o aâ—…heist_n that_o question_n it_o for_o how_o be_v all_o the_o world_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o christ_n word_n and_o his_o spirit_n open_v their_o heart_n to_o receive_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o do_v not_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n open_a and_o expound_v the_o old_a teslament_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n luke_n 24._o 27._o act_n 26._o 22._o and_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n work_v that_o faith_n whereby_o thousand_o believe_v that_o truth_n but_o this_o be_v scâ—…ipture_n and_o it_o must_v not_o be_v allow_v if_o our_o adversary_n be_v judge_n to_o give_v evidence_n for_o we_o in_o this_o case_n we_o shall_v therefore_o require_v they_o to_o show_v what_o service_n tradition_n do_v when_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n pâ—…eached_v the_o gospel_n we_o hope_v they_o viz._n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v assure_v some_o other_o way_n that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o they_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o open_v the_o blind_a eye_n we_o may_v be_v excuse_v for_o say_v that_o god_n work_v faith_n in_o man_n by_o his_o word_n as_o the_o most_o usual_a instrument_n and_o if_o this_o also_o be_v question_v let_v papist_n show_v how_o faith_n which_o save_v our_o soul_n be_v or_o can_v be_v wrought_v by_o their_o oâ—…al_n or_o practical_a tradition_n we_o know_v well_o that_o child_n be_v apt_a enough_o to_o take_v up_o what_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v their_o progenâ—…tors_n do_v or_o say_v before_o they_o and_o so_o they_o common_o p_o ofess_v the_o religion_n whatever_o it_o be_v which_o they_o find_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n yea_o it_o be_v with_o many_o the_o great_a argument_n for_o their_o religion_n that_o their_o forefather_n be_v so_o mind_v but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o bring_v we_o unto_o a_o sound_n believe_v on_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o save_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o believe_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v the_o witness_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o himself_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v any_o other_o way_n of_o receive_v any_o testimony_n nor_o our_o adversary_n neither_o as_o we_o think_v we_o know_v too_o that_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o that_o faith_n which_o will_v bring_v he_o to_o his_o happiness_n the_o devil_n it_o be_v say_v cite_v and_o urge_v scripture_n 6._o as_o god_n word_n though_o to_o a_o very_a bad_a purpose_n certain_o that_o faith_n which_o bring_v man_n to_o their_o happiness_n be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a belief_n of_o scripture-truth_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o receive_n of_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o promise_n such_o as_o cause_n we_o to_o account_v all_o but_o loss_n and_o dung_n for_o christ._n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o now_o it_o almost_o amaze_v we_o to_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o faith_n wrought_v by_o tradition_n what!_o have_v god_n no_o word_n at_o all_o or_o have_v he_o give_v no_o testimony_n nor_o witness_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o scripture_n if_o this_o strange_a doctrine_n take_v place_n for_o say_v our_o adversary_n tradition_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o have_v admirable_a strength_n by_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nay_o further_o we_o must_v be_v all_o fanatic_n if_o we_o hold_v to_o scripture_n and_o let_v go_v tradition_n but_o this_o need_v no_o answer_n with_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o word_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o his_o will_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o god_n there_o may_v be_v we_o grant_v and_o question_n nor_o some_o force_n of_o tradition_n for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n unless_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n while_o by_o it_o and_o not_o by_o his_o word_n he_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v alas_o what_o faith_n do_v our_o adversary_n count_v upon_o do_v they_o dream_v of_o be_v save_v only_o by_o a_o certain_a persuasion_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o truth_n and_o no_o lie_n if_o they_o do_v let_v they_o keep_v their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o we_o count_v upon_o somewhat_o else_o which_o we_o be_v sure_a can_v never_o be_v effectual_o
lineal_a succession_n but_o look_v only_o after_o succession_n in_o doctrine_n and_o this_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o do_v see_v the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n be_v entail_v only_o upon_o those_o who_o know_v and_o obey_v the_o truth_n and_o where_o be_v this_o truth_n if_o not_o in_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o once_o let_v go_v scripture_n verdict_n in_o the_o cause_n must_v we_o not_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o more_o than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v pretend_v unto_o but_o let_v scripture_n be_v judge_n in_o the_o case_n and_o it_o will_v soon_o appear_v that_o all_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a and_o empty_a pretence_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o appeal_v to_o it_o alone_o and_o leave_v it_o to_o umpire_n the_o difference_n our_o adversary_n never_o dare_v say_v as_o yet_o for_o aught_o i_o have_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v speak_v most_o unworthy_o of_o it_o and_o reproach_v it_o so_o as_o none_o will_v i_o think_v do_v that_o serious_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n however_o they_o say_v not_o in_o term_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o that_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o what_o they_o say_v and_o that_o we_o think_v unavoidable_a if_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v sure_o to_o we_o it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o if_o it_o have_v no_o credit_n as_o to_o we_o without_o a_o certificate_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n it_o deserve_v no_o credit_n at_o all_o such_o as_o we_o must_v give_v to_o it_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o ground_n work_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o this_o be_v rational_a because_o than_o we_o need_v not_o go_v to_o scripture_n since_o there_o be_v somewhat_o else_o that_o be_v more_o to_o be_v credit_v than_o it_o for_o no_o man_n that_o be_v reasonable_a can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o what_o make_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v must_v be_v more_o such_o if_o not_o formal_o yet_o virtual_o or_o eminent_o and_o our_o adversary_n take_v it_o so_o and_o therefore_o say_v plain_o that_o scripture_n for_o many_o reason_n be_v no_o competent_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o tradition_n do_v the_o work_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o every_o respect_n complete_a now_o let_v this_o be_v grant_v and_o then_o look_v about_o and_o see_v what_o follow_v they_o say_v and_o think_v though_o not_o true_o that_o they_o have_v tradition_n by_o the_o forepart_n viz._n that_o all_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n hold_v as_o they_o do_v now_o and_o for_o the_o hinder_a end_n they_o hâ—…ve_v it_o fast_o enough_o as_o we_o all_o know_v for_o we_o must_v grant_v what_o we_o can_v without_o impudence_n deny_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o these_o part_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ward_n for_o many_o of_o the_o latter_a age_n and_o we_o do_v not_o wonder_v at_o it_o because_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o scripture_n have_v foretell_v and_o now_o if_o scripture_n be_v thus_o lay_v by_o what_o will_v become_v of_o all_o that_o faith_n which_o we_o have_v other_o than_o what_o papist_n have_v or_o how_o can_v we_o refuse_v whatever_o they_o shall_v impose_v by_o their_o tradition_n and_o shall_v it_o be_v ever_o say_v that_o we_o have_v make_v a_o separation_n so_o long_o and_o now_o turn_v back_o again_o upon_o no_o other_o ground_n then_o this_o viz._n that_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o scripture_n be_v every_o way_n unfit_a for_o such_o a_o work_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o cast_v dirt_n in_o the_o face_n of_o all_o that_o go_v before_o we_o and_o hazard_v all_o to_o vindicate_v and_o obâ—…ain_v that_o liberty_n which_o the_o write_a word_n so_o long_o suppress_v have_v since_o have_v among_o we_o for_o this_o be_v the_o rise_n and_o root_n of_o all_o the_o disorder_n and_o distemper_n that_o ever_o have_v be_v since_o the_o apostle_n time_n unto_o this_o day_n viz._n that_o man_n have_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o rule_n of_o god_n make_v but_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n will_v frame_v law_n unto_o themselves_o and_o this_o begin_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o false_a apostle_n who_o will_v then_o keep_v up_o the_o ancient_a law_n of_o god_n intend_v only_o till_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n when_o according_a to_o his_o will_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o this_o i_o say_v we_o may_v just_o suspect_v to_o have_v give_v the_o first_o occasion_n to_o other_o afterward_o of_o devise_v many_o thing_n beside_o the_o only_a rule_n and_o so_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o many_o degree_n at_o last_o that_o scripture_n be_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o if_o some_o man_n may_v be_v credit_v in_o what_o they_o say_v and_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o we_o have_v be_v adoing_o for_o a_o hundred_o year_n and_o more_o have_v we_o all_o this_o while_n believe_v in_o vain_a and_o have_v all_o those_o who_o be_v go_v to_o another_o world_n before_o our_o eye_n die_v without_o hope_n what!_o have_v we_o be_v in_o a_o sweet_a dream_n so_o long_o and_o can_v never_o be_v awaken_v till_o now_o be_v we_o now_o to_o seek_v of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n indeed_o we_o have_v then_o believe_v to_o small_a purpose_n and_o so_o have_v many_o other_o who_o we_o have_v hitherto_o think_v to_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n what!_o have_v we_o never_o receive_v any_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o as_o have_v be_v a_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o write_a word_n so_o as_o we_o can_v say_v we_o know_v what_o and_o who_o we_o have_v believe_v be_v our_o eye_n never_o open_v nor_o our_o heart_n ever_o humble_v or_o melt_v if_o they_o have_v be_v then_o consider_v what_o doctrine_n have_v be_v preach_v to_o we_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o come_v to_o be_v what_o we_o be_v and_o have_v we_o not_o enough_o for_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n we_o have_v jesus_n christ_n evident_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n and_o no_o where_o else_o and_o have_v we_o need_v of_o any_o other_o saviour_n we_o have_v the_o way_n of_o holiness_n in_o scripture_n as_o no_o where_o else_o and_o can_v we_o go_v to_o heaven_n in_o any_o other_o way_n be_v we_o in_o danger_n of_o perish_v by_o believe_v in_o christ_n alone_a or_o will_v the_o denial_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n as_o scripture_n command_v and_o require_v hazard_v our_o soul_n nay_o will_v not_o faith_n in_o christ_n alone_o such_o faith_n i_o mean_v as_o work_n by_o love_n save_v we_o then_o what_o will_v become_v of_o i_o and_o other_o who_o never_o yet_o learn_v any_o other_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o resolve_v through_o god_n help_n and_o grace_n never_o to_o think_v of_o any_o other_o but_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o when_o i_o have_v relate_v one_o story_n darbishire_n benner_n kinsman_n say_v to_o hawk_n the_o martyr_n you_o will_v have_v nothing_o but_o your_o pretty_a god_n book_n no_o say_v hawk_n and_o be_v not_o that_o enough_o for_o my_o salvation_n yes_o say_v the_o other_o but_o not_o for_o your_o instruction_n then_o say_v hawk_n god_n send_v i_o the_o salvation_n and_o take_v you_o the_o instruction_n and_o of_o his_o mind_n be_o i_o and_o many_o other_o too_o i_o hope_v if_o scripture_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o show_v and_o assure_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n as_o some_o will_v persuade_v we_o we_o be_v resolve_v however_o to_o leave_v our_o soul_n to_o god_n free_a mercy_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v therein_o and_o leave_v other_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o take_v all_o the_o instruction_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o tradition_n finis_fw-la a_o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o late_a dreadful_a fire_n kindle_v by_o our_o god-provoking_a sin_n and_o abomination_n transcend_v all_o our_o forefather_n after_o so_o many_o miracle_n of_o mercy_n and_o deliverance_n within_o three_o day_n space_n turn_v no_o less_o than_o 88_o pariâ—…es_n and_o pâ—…ish-churches_n with_o the_o cathedâ—…al_a church_n of_o the_o late_a great_a and_o glorious_a city_n of_o london_n into_o heap_n of_o ash_n and_o rubbish_n to_o the_o just_a horror_n and_o amazement_n of_o all_o spectator_n of_o their_o â—…mes_n and_o ruin_n which_o as_o it_o prove_v extreme_o prejudicial_a and_o destructive_a to_o most_o company_n of_o the_o city_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o receive_v so_o grand_a loss_n and_o damage_n by_o that_o devour_a conflagration_n as_o the_o company_n of_o stationer_n most_o of_o
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
2._o cor._n 5._o 14._o that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o such_o and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o manifestation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o love_n to_o our_o soul_n as_o we_o can_v never_o be_v thankful_a as_o we_o ought_v but_o in_o a_o full_a and_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o we_o have_v to_o his_o service_n and_o glory_n 2._o i_o advise_v yet_o farâ—…her_o that_o in_o our_o great_a inlargement_n we_o walk_v humble_o with_o god_n as_o know_v that_o his_o power_n alone_o be_v all_o the_o strength_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o stand_v peter_n preâ—…umptuous_a confidence_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n wrought_v nothing_o but_o repentance_n for_o his_o saint_n in_o a_o evil_a day_n by_o his_o own_o strength_n shall_v 9_o no_o man_n prevail_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n eph._n 6._o 10._o and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n v_o ii_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o keep_v the_o foot_n of_o his_o saint_n 1_o sam._n 2._o 9_o there_o need_v no_o motive_n i_o hope_v to_o persuade_v however_o consider_v 1._o what_o we_o have_v believe_v not_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n but_o a_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n 9_o seem_v to_o prefer_v if_o the_o comparative_a be_v sense_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n before_o vision_n and_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o he_o may_v so_o call_v they_o because_o the_o prophecy_n may_v be_v more_o sure_a to_o the_o godly_a jew_n through_o long_a use_n and_o acquaintance_n we_o know_v the_o jew_n at_o berea_n examine_v paul_n doctrine_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v not_o tax_v but_o commend_v for_o it_o and_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o those_o bless_a spirit_n indeed_o never_o do_v it_o nor_o ever_o will_n but_o we_o make_v the_o supposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v gal._n 1._o for_o the_o more_o emphasis_n for_o scripture-truth_n they_o be_v of_o long_o stand_v and_o approve_v by_o their_o abide_n the_o test_n and_o trial_n of_o so_o many_o age_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n make_v the_o old_a testament_n the_o standard_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o appeal_v to_o it_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v more_o to_o be_v heed_v then_o if_o a_o man_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a luk._n 16._o 31._o and_o they_o who_o hear_v not_o the_o one_o will_v never_o regard_v the_o other_o if_o our_o saviour_n say_v true_a be_v it_o ever_o hear_v that_o any_o doctrine_n so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n antiquity_n or_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o thing_n but_o certain_a truth_n shall_v outstand_v the_o sift_n and_o winnowing_n of_o so_o many_o age_n special_o when_o it_o have_v have_v so_o many_o profess_a enemy_n shall_v we_o now_o call_v in_o question_n what_o be_v never_o question_v before_o have_v not_o all_o christian_n who_o deserve_v that_o name_n unanimous_o agree_v in_o believe_v the_o faith_n and_o truth_n deliver_v in_o scripture_n or_o do_v protestant_n now_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o believe_v by_o all_o saint_n ever_o since_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v pen_v we_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o and_o this_o doctrine_n we_o have_v in_o mosâ—…s_n who_o be_v the_o first_o penman_n of_o scripture_n and_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v 46_o write_v of_o he_o must_v we_o now_o call_v in_o question_n all_o that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v yea_o and_o cry_v it_o down_o as_o no_o rule_n of_o faith_n then_o farewell_n all_o our_o christianity_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o once_o for_o where_o have_v we_o learn_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 3._o fin_n who_o or_o what_o have_v give_v we_o to_o know_v what_o have_v be_v all_o the_o transaction_n of_o god_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n from_o the_o beginning_n will_v our_o adversary_n say_v roundly_o once_o for_o all_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n let_v they_o speak_v out_o if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o say_v so_o and_o then_o we_o know_v what_o to_o answer_v they_o but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o avow_v this_o as_o indeed_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o in_o plain_a term_n we_o have_v this_o to_o say_v for_o ourselves_o that_o we_o believe_v what_o they_o deny_v not_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n that_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o otherwise_o then_o by_o tradition_n have_v be_v already_o answer_v and_o no_o more_o needs_o to_o be_v say_v about_o it_o for_o man_n tradition_n we_o know_v it_o will_v serve_v nothing_o better_a to_o usher_v in_o and_o establish_v man_n invention_n but_o shall_v we_o renounce_v our_o own_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o to_o appeal_v to_o man_n who_o be_v all_o liar_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v by_o he_o that_o can_v lie_v oh_o consider_v and_o remember_v that_o in_o believe_a scripture_n we_o believe_v not_o prophecy_n or_o prodigy_n not_o hear_v of_o till_o yesterday_o no_o we_o believe_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n and_o the_o good_a old_a way_n to_o rest_n and_o peace_n the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o practical_a godliness_n and_o moral_a righteousness_n teach_v we_o in_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v but_o assent_v unto_o it_o as_o agree_v with_o and_o approve_v by_o our_o natural_a light_n so_o as_o we_o must_v forfeit_v out_o reason_n ere_o we_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o question_v scripture_n authority_n read_v but_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o psalm_n and_o the_o proverb_n and_o paul_n epistle_n or_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n and_o consider_v the_o precept_n of_o sobriety_n temperance_n righteousness_n justice_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v there_o so_o many_o and_o will_v not_o our_o conscience_n say_v these_o be_v all_o of_o god_n and_o we_o know_v they_o be_v divine_a by_o the_o natural_a light_n which_o be_v in_o we_o who_o can_v have_v clear_v up_o the_o inbred_a notion_n and_o impression_n that_o be_v upon_o all_o man_n heart_n so_o as_o they_o be_v clear_v in_o scripture_n but_o that_o light_a in_o which_o alone_o we_o see_v light_n for_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n we_o know_v it_o be_v altogether_o of_o supernatural_a divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v such_o what_o need_n be_v there_o or_o can_v there_o be_v of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n authority_n to_o confirm_v it_o to_o say_v no_o more_o let_v reason_n judge_v and_o determine_v whether_o the_o faith_n of_o man_n can_v authoritative_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o it_o must_v if_o we_o can_v be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o yea_o and_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n testimony_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n as_o yield_v to_o we_o the_o great_a certainty_n beyond_o all_o doubt_n or_o question_n consider_v i_o say_v what_o we_o have_v believe_v viz._n the_o ancient_a yea_o eternal_a word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n and_o this_o word_n always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o god_n be_v only_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n it_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o these_o last_o time_n to_o we_o by_o the_o son_n himself_o and_o such_o as_o he_o have_v send_v 2._o consider_v that_o in_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o write_a word_n we_o believe_v and_o receive_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o forefather_n who_o suffer_v for_o their_o close_a adhere_n to_o scripture_n doctrine_n and_o can_v not_o be_v part_v from_o it_o but_o rather_o choose_v to_o part_v with_o their_o life_n for_o it_o and_o herein_o they_o approve_v themselves_o the_o genuine_a and_o kindly_a issue_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a martyr_n who_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n we_o shall_v too_o much_o wrong_v ourselves_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o yield_v that_o which_o our_o adversary_n will_v never_o be_v able_a by_o dint_n of_o argument_n to_o force_v from_o we_o viz._n that_o we_o be_v upstart_n new_o sâ—…rung_v out_o of_o the_o ash_n of_o our_o late_a reformer_n they_o be_v as_o we_o call_v they_o reformer_n that_o repair_v the_o desolation_n which_o
have_v be_v make_v in_o many_o age_n and_o do_v not_o coin_v a_o new_a faith_n never_o before_o hear_v of_o we_o be_v not_o calvinist_n or_o lutheran_n though_o so_o miscall_v by_o some_o but_o christian_n as_o luther_n calvin_n and_o other_o be_v in_o the_o last_o age_n and_o they_o and_o all_o other_o of_o the_o same_o profession_n stand_v to_o maintain_v their_o doctrine_n as_o the_o faith_n of_o forefather_n all_o along_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o our_o adversary_n be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o this_o have_v be_v hold_v and_o sufficient_o make_v good_a by_o the_o vote_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n unto_o who_o our_o learned_a have_v appeal_v as_o unto_o judge_n in_o this_o cause_n but_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o in_o the_o father_n never_o so_o ancient_a or_o learned_a but_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o we_o have_v learn_v to_o count_v and_o call_v our_o father_n and_o master_n as_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n only_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o father_n thus_o far_o as_o to_o produce_v they_o for_o our_o witness_n and_o know_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o allege_v their_o testimony_n because_o they_o own_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o now_o do_v and_o though_o the_o appellation_n of_o protestant_n be_v occasion_v in_o the_o last_o age_n by_o the_o protestation_n make_v against_o the_o interim_n yet_o these_o be_v but_o successor_n to_o those_o who_o have_v for_o many_o age_n before_o protest_v against_o the_o addition_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n beside_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o can_v therefore_o plead_v antiquity_n and_o succession_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o better_a too_o unless_o they_o can_v prove_v better_a than_o they_o have_v do_v yet_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o this_o be_v it_o which_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o and_o by_o this_o be_v we_o confirm_v in_o it_o viz._n that_o we_o profess_v the_o same_o truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v from_o christ_n and_o deliver_v unto_o the_o first_o christian_n churches_n hence_o we_o say_v when_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o tenet_n of_o our_o adversary_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o have_v be_v receive_v for_o many_o age_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o old_a as_o the_o apostle_n beside_o we_o know_v that_o custom_n beside_o or_o i._n against_o truth_n be_v but_o a_o old_a error_n and_o whatsoâ—…ver_o be_v against_o truth_n be_v a_o heresy_n though_o never_o so_o old_a truth_n be_v old_a than_o error_n and_o good_a be_v before_o any_o evil_n and_o so_o we_o consent_v that_o what_o be_v first_o be_v best_a but_o that_o our_o adversary_n tenet_n be_v such_o we_o deny_v and_o say_v they_o be_v not_o from_o the_o beginning_n though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v take_v up_o early_o enough_o and_o too_o soon_o as_o we_o know_v it_o be_v not_o long_o ere_o sin_v get_v into_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v after_o god_n have_v make_v man_n righteous_a our_o saviour_n matth._n 5._o correct_v many_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v long_o receive_v and_o go_v for_o currant_n by_o oppose_v his_o word_n against_o they_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v abundant_o enough_o to_o justify_v we_o in_o what_o we_o hold_v that_o we_o find_v our_o faith_n in_o scripture_n and_o this_o our_o adversary_n know_v very_o well_o and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o marvel_n that_o they_o be_v so_o busy_a in_o raise_v doubt_n and_o question_n about_o its_o divine_a authority_n for_o let_v we_o once_o let_v scripture_n go_v as_o some_o will_v have_v we_o our_o faith_n be_v go_v also_o be_v it_o not_o for_o scripture_n i_o know_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v why_o every_o man_n may_v not_o coin_n a_o faith_n to_o himself_o and_o say_v it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n yea_o deny_v christ_n and_o all_o christianity_n for_o what_o have_v we_o to_o prove_v it_o beside_o the_o scripture_n or_o how_o can_v we_o disprove_v any_o damnable_a doctrine_n and_o device_n of_o man_n without_o it_o o_o let_v we_o never_o think_v of_o turn_v from_o the_o good_a old_a way_n wherein_o we_o follow_v all_o those_o champion_n who_o nothing_o can_v persuade_v to_o part_v with_o it_o 3._o consider_v what_o and_o how_o much_o we_o lose_v if_o we_o hold_v not_o fast_o this_o ground_n of_o our_o confidence_n steadfast_a unto_o the_o end_n it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o our_o adversary_n press_v and_o urge_v we_o so_o much_o this_o way_n they_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o let_v go_v this_o and_o all_o be_v go_v and_o they_o say_v true_o in_o it_o for_o our_o faith_n have_v no_o sure_a foot_n if_o scripture_n authority_n be_v such_o as_o they_o will_v make_v it_o we_o have_v separate_v from_o they_o for_o many_o year_n past_a and_o the_o true_a reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o separation_n be_v that_o they_o hold_v and_o practise_v so_o many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o lay_v they_o aside_o hereupon_o we_o resolve_v to_o communicate_v no_o long_o with_o they_o because_o we_o can_v not_o admit_v what_o we_o judge_v sinful_a as_o be_v against_o or_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o count_v the_o only_a rule_n this_o i_o say_v have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o quarrel_n between_o we_o for_o if_o it_o be_v observe_v in_o our_o difference_n with_o they_o we_o still_o be_v on_o the_o negative_a part_n and_o why_o so_o sure_o because_o our_o difference_n be_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o hold_v beside_o and_o against_o scripture_n for_o in_o these_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o deny_v what_o they_o affirm_v i_o say_v again_o bind_v sub_fw-la poenâ_fw-la of_o lose_v all_o our_o profession_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v protestant_n in_o opposition_n to_o papist_n and_o this_o let_v any_o man_n that_o be_v sober_a and_o intelligent_a judge_n of_o for_o let_v oral_a and_o practical_a tradition_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n what_o be_v become_v of_o scripture_n may_v i_o not_o just_o ask_v whether_o it_o be_v something_o or_o a_o mere_a empty_a nothing_o what_o can_v it_o be_v at_o best_o more_o than_o a_o cipher_n which_o we_o know_v in_o number_v stand_v for_o nothing_o unless_o a_o figure_n be_v put_v to_o it_o tradition_n say_v they_o be_v that_o and_o that_o only_a which_o can_v ascertain_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o believe_v and_o than_o what_o be_v scripture_n more_o than_o a_o dead_a letter_n and_o tradition_n be_v it_o which_o give_v spirit_n and_o life_n to_o it_o and_o where_o be_v we_o then_o even_o where_o our_o adversary_n will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v then_o we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o church_n for_o our_o faith_n and_o take_v that_o for_o the_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o for_o many_o age_n whatever_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n the_o church_n say_v they_o can_v err_v and_o so_o say_v we_o but_o they_o and_o we_o be_v not_o agree_v for_o all_o this_o for_o they_o mean_v no_o other_o church_n than_o their_o own_o and_o this_o say_v they_o have_v the_o true_a faith_n which_o from_o the_o apostle_n be_v deliver_v at_o first_o and_o have_v be_v convey_v down_o succesfive_o in_o all_o age_n and_o it_o now_o rest_v only_o among_o roman_a catholic_n god_n have_v and_o ever_o have_v say_v we_o a_o church_n or_o society_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n who_o do_v not_o indeed_o can_v not_o because_o of_o god_n promise_n err_v in_o any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n but_o we_o can_v admit_v their_o church_n and_o this_o to_o be_v all_o one_o god_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n to_o his_o church_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o church_n shall_v be_v lead_v into_o all_o necessary_a save_a truth_n but_o let_v our_o adversary_n show_v we_o if_o they_o can_v one_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o any_o generation_n of_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n such_o as_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n seed_n and_o be_v make_v good_a to_o they_o until_o the_o promise_a seed_n come_v israel_n so_o long_o continue_v to_o be_v god_n people_n because_o of_o his_o promise_n but_o god_n have_v no_o one_o people_n of_o one_o stock_n and_o kindred_n ever_o since_o unto_o which_o he_o have_v make_v any_o such_o promise_n for_o many_o who_o be_v once_o a_o people_n to_o god_n afterward_o become_v none_o and_o they_o who_o yet_o be_v none_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v god_n people_n and_o shall_v be_v such_o when_o he_o please_v to_o call_v they_o hence_o we_o count_v nothing_o of_o any_o argument_n draw_v from_o personal_a and_o