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 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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
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
god_n so_o that_o my_o work_n be_v to_o let_v other_o see_v the_o light_n wherein_o scripture_n show_v itself_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o in_o this_o undertake_n charge_n papist_n as_o deny_v in_o term_n the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v for_o they_o grant_v it_o in_o a_o sort_n when_o they_o say_v the_o church_n testimony_n make_v it_o not_o authentical_a and_o canonical_a in_o itself_o but_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la in_o respect_n to_o we_o who_o can_v otherwise_o be_v ascertain_v of_o its_o divine_a authority_n 3._o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v expect_v from_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n so_o as_o to_o silence_v all_o gainsayers_a since_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o prove_v as_o there_o will_v not_o be_v some_o to_o make_v exception_n what_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o god_n existence_n and_o yet_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o deny_v or_o question_n i._o christ_n come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n and_o what_o christian_n dare_v say_v or_o think_v he_o do_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n yet_o all_o he_o can_v say_v or_o do_v for_o that_o purpose_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o most_o of_o his_o countryman_n and_o kindred_n that_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n christ._n all_o that_o i_o can_v reasonable_o design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o scripture_n be_v a_o shine_a light_n that_o do_v sufficient_o prove_v itself_o to_o be_v inspire_v of_o god_n though_o many_o have_v not_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o 4._o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v in_o this_o discourse_n that_o as_o there_o be_v one_o live_v and_o true_a god_n so_o this_o god_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o adore_v by_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n with_o that_o service_n and_o worship_n which_o may_v become_v his_o infinite_a and_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n hence_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v by_o god_n himself_o concern_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n wherein_o he_o will_v have_v his_o creature_n to_o serve_v he_o for_o who_o can_v know_v what_o please_v god_n but_o he_o himself_o and_o they_o to_o who_o he_o make_v know_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n now_o suppose_v some_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v in_o order_n to_o that_o service_n which_o he_o will_v accept_v and_o be_v well_o please_v with_o i_o may_v ask_v this_o question_n viz._n if_o scripture_n be_v not_o this_o revelation_n where_o be_v it_o and_o this_o will_v lie_v hard_a upon_o all_o who_o acknowledge_v one_o only_o true_a god_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o show_v some_o other_o and_o better_a manifestation_n concern_v the_o will_n and_o way_n of_o god_n than_o what_o he_o have_v make_v in_o his_o write_a word_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v discuss_v hereafter_o and_o for_o the_o present_a i_o be_o to_o show_v how_o and_o wherein_o scripture_n speak_v itself_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o protestant_n be_v persuade_v that_o scripture_n be_v divine_o inspire_v 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o do_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o so_o punctual_o and_o perfect_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o particular_n which_o concern_v his_o glory_n or_o man_n everlasting_a happiness_n as_o scripture_n do_v to_o enforce_v this_o a_o little_a we_o ready_o grant_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v a_o light_n show_v we_o somewhat_o yea_o very_o much_o of_o god_n and_o concern_v our_o duty_n towards_o he_o but_o how_o imperfect_a and_o obscure_a be_v this_o light_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o shine_v out_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n scripture_n indeed_o do_v not_o contradict_v it_o how_o shall_v it_o both_o be_v of_o god_n and_o one_o truth_n can_v possible_o contradict_v another_o nay_o further_o as_o scripture_n consent_v to_o and_o concur_v with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n so_o it_o reprove_v the_o neglect_n and_o incite_v to_o a_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v show_v in_o many_o particular_n if_o we_o be_v put_v to_o it_o but_o how_o dim_a and_o dark_a be_v nature_n light_n as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o god_n when_o it_o teach_v nothing_o at_o all_o about_o it_o the_o heathen_n have_v their_o offering_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o appease_v their_o god_n and_o in_o these_o for_o aught_o any_o can_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v light_a from_o god_n people_n who_o have_v the_o divine_a oracle_n but_o all_o those_o offering_n of_o they_o be_v lie_v vanity_n because_o they_o have_v not_o any_o the_o least_o apprebension_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v a_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n and_o what_o revelation_n have_v god_n make_v of_o his_o mind_n about_o this_o great_a concernment_n beside_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n do_v ever_o any_o of_o the_o learned_a heathen_n so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o such_o a_o work_n as_o god_n reconcile_a the_o world_n to_o himself_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o papist_n i_o hope_v will_v acknowledge_v with_o we_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o propitiation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n now_o how_o come_v we_o and_o they_o to_o know_v this_o great_a mystery_n if_o we_o learn_v it_o not_o from_o scripture_n and_o can_v any_o but_o god_n reveal_v it_o to_o we_o and_o since_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n have_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n for_o the_o only_a way_n of_o purge_a sin_n and_o sanctify_v our_o sinful_a nature_n what_o have_v any_o heathen_n do_v by_o their_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o their_o natural_a light_n they_o have_v indeed_o many_o of_o they_o commend_a virtue_n to_o the_o sky_n and_o exhort_v other_o to_o it_o but_o what_o be_v that_o moral_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o the_o philosopher_n and_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v labour_v to_o promote_v among_o man_n be_v it_o not_o of_o a_o far_o inferior_a nature_n and_o quite_o another_o thing_n from_o that_o true_a holiness_n which_o be_v teach_v in_o scripture_n for_o this_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o a_o learned_a discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n not_o long_o since_o print_v and_o only_o say_v though_o many_o heathen_n by_o their_o natural_a light_n discover_v many_o vice_n to_o shun_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o be_v sober_a just_a and_o temperate_a in_o comparison_n of_o other_o yet_o all_o this_o moral_a righteousness_n in_o they_o be_v far_o short_a of_o god_n image_n and_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o those_o who_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o different_a as_o a_o live_a man_n and_o his_o statue_n or_o picture_n though_o draw_v as_o we_o say_v to_o the_o life_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o true_a holiness_n consist_v especial_o in_o the_o inward_a impression_n and_o disposition_n which_o make_v a_o man_n meet_v for_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o in_o the_o inclination_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n immediate_o such_o as_o meet_v moralist_n never_o know_v there_o be_v a_o fountain_n and_o root_n within_o from_o whence_o spring_v all_o that_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n and_o purity_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o outward_a conversation_n and_o all_o be_v from_o a_o man_n be_v ingraft_v into_o christ_n and_o receive_v from_o he_o a_o continual_a supply_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v papist_n will_v not_o deny_v viz._n that_o all_o spiritual_a good_a be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o this_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v teach_v we_o in_o scripture_n we_o conclude_v scripture_n to_o be_v write_v with_o god_n finger_n because_o no_o other_o than_o god_n can_v reveal_v such_o glorious_a truth_n to_o we_o let_v it_o be_v show_v we_o how_o these_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v write_v where_o we_o find_v they_o and_o who_o write_v they_o if_o god_n do_v not_o once_o we_o think_v it_o a_o rational_a and_o unquestionable_a conclusion_n that_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n because_o we_o find_v in_o it_o the_o only_a way_n of_o our_o access_n to_o and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o only_a way_n of_o purify_n we_o so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v meet_a for_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o ever_o and_o why_o even_o because_o god_n alone_o can_v teach_v we_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v conceive_v all_o this_o while_n we_o grant_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o some_o man_n before_o they_o be_v record_v in_o the_o write_a word_n but_o we_o expect_v papist_n will_v not_o send_v we_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
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 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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
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and_o letter_n yet_o scripture_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v in_o it_o no_o violation_n mutilation_n or_o falsification_n through_o the_o ignorance_n negligence_n or_o malice_n of_o man_n as_o disable_v it_o for_o teach_v all_o man_n what_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n for_o this_o be_v it_o which_o we_o contend_v for_o that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v unto_o salvation_n we_o have_v in_o our_o present_a bibles_n and_o this_o doctrine_n the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n it_o lie_v still_o however_o on_o our_o adversary_n to_o prove_v any_o alteration_n so_o much_o as_o in_o any_o word_n hence_o we_o say_v further_o that_o book_n make_v of_o ink_n and_o parchment_n or_o paper_n be_v thing_n that_o be_v perishable_a yea_o and_o will_v come_v to_o nothing_o but_o dare_v papist_n say_v that_o god_n have_v not_o give_v his_o 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 foresee_v what_o may_v be_v object_v in_o after_o time_n so_o as_o to_o provide_v against_o it_o and_o prevent_v all_o such_o question_n as_o they_o now_o make_v about_o the_o write_a word_n this_o we_o know_v and_o they_o too_o that_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n think_v it_o best_a to_o have_v the_o lively_a oracle_n commit_v to_o writing_n though_o he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n there_o may_v be_v some_o alteration_n in_o those_o write_n and_o that_o the_o outside_n material_n as_o parchment_n etc._n etc._n be_v such_o as_o waste_v and_o wear_v out_o yea_o this_o way_n of_o writing_n be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v consecrate_v at_o first_o by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n who_o write_v the_o ten_o commandment_n in_o two_o tâ—…bles_n of_o sione_n and_o those_o two_o table_n be_v soon_o break_v and_o the_o other_o afterward_o prepare_v at_o god_n command_n and_o keep_v along_o time_n be_v yet_o long_o since_o go_v so_o as_o none_o can_v give_v any_o account_n of_o they_o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n nor_o we_o hope_v will_v any_o say_v these_o be_v not_o the_o same_o that_o god_n write_v at_o first_o or_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o they_o be_v so_o alas_o to_o argue_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v to_o bring_v heaven_n and_o earth_n together_o then_o farewell_n all_o the_o credit_n of_o all_o ancient_a record_n that_o ever_o have_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n yea_o then_o let_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a record_n in_o the_o world_n go_v too_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n and_o this_o we_o think_v some_o will_v have_v or_o they_o will_v no_o more_o trouble_v the_o world_n with_o such_o frivolous_a query_n as_o these_o how_o say_v they_o can_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o original_n be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v first_o pen_v what_o pity_v it_o be_v that_o these_o man_n stand_v not_o by_o when_o god_n command_v a_o law_n to_o be_v write_v for_o his_o people_n 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
wrought_v in_o we_o bâ—…t_o by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o yield_v to_o they_o that_o we_o can_v be_v no_o other_o way_n ascertain_v of_o the_o doctrine_n oâ—…_n christ_n as_o true_a then_o by_o tradition_n for_o we_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n and_o shall_v i_o hope_v while_o we_o live_v account_v of_o it_o more_o than_o tradition_n or_o any_o testimony_n of_o man_n i_o shall_v now_o add_v somewhat_o as_o a_o answer_n in_o general_a to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o former_a exception_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o same_o or_o like_o kind_n we_o sâ—…y_v that_o there_o be_v one_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o that_o be_v the_o divine_a truth_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v sum_v up_o into_o these_o two_o general_a head_n viz._n faith_n and_o obedâ—…ence_n or_o faith_n and_o holiness_n according_a to_o what_o god_n have_v declare_v as_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n what_o he_o promise_v we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o when_o he_o command_v we_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o in_o both_o we_o fulfil_v the_o will_n of_o god_n aâ—…d_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o eternal_a life_n this_o divine_a truth_n we_o never_o find_v any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o our_o adversariâ—…s_n have_v make_v any_o other_o discovery_n we_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o it_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v man_n died_z and_o roâ—…e_v again_o etc._n etc._n for_o our_o redemption_n all_o christian_n acknowledge_v as_o also_o that_o all_o who_o hope_v for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n must_v deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o live_v sober_o â—…ighteously_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o this_o to_o know_v and_o do_v be_v eternal_a life_n and_o if_o our_o adversary_n or_o any_o before_o theâ—…_n ever_o know_v this_o doctrine_n otherwise_o then_o by_o scripture_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o leaâ—…n_v for_o their_o tradition_n as_o they_o signify_v râ—…straditas_fw-la we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o for_o the_o question_n put_v to_o we_o be_v only_o this_o how_o we_o be_v or_o can_v be_v ascertain_v of_o scripture_n that_o it_o have_v deliver_v over_o to_o we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o question_n draw_v out_o into_o many_o and_o several_a query_n we_o have_v answer_v already_o and_o now_o give_v this_o as_o a_o answer_n to_o all_o of_o they_o or_o any_o the_o like_a and_o this_o we_o do_v not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o as_o be_v more_o know_v and_o better_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o only_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o poor_a soul_n who_o through_o want_n and_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n may_v be_v puzzle_v with_o such_o question_n now_o to_o these_o we_o say_v again_o that_o we_o hold_v nothing_o for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o divine_a truth_n which_o teach_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o 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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 return_v therefore_o where_o we_o leave_v i_o say_v again_o observe_v those_o thing_n especial_o which_o be_v most_o insist_v on_o because_o those_o be_v of_o most_o concernment_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n often_o repeat_v they_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a mind_n and_o remember_v they_o we_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o in_o some_o one_o or_o more_o book_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v reveal_v so_o much_o of_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o give_v we_o his_o mind_n in_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n about_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o many_o other_o beside_o that_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o many_o may_v the_o more_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o we_o may_v in_o that_o which_o so_o much_o concern_v our_o soul_n have_v full_a measure_n press_v down_o and_o run_v over_o witness_v the_o evangelist_n all_o record_v the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o some_o variety_n though_o no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o least_o as_o also_o paul_n epistle_n so_o often_o repeat_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n alone_o through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o their_o relation_n now_o i_o say_v again_o observe_v and_o attend_v those_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o other_o also_o in_o their_o order_n for_o in_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o know_v so_o much_o as_o we_o need_v to_o do_v in_o a_o word_n read_v attentive_o and_o that_o as_o often_o as_o may_v be_v with_o all_o humility_n and_o a_o earnest_a sincere_a desire_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o your_o do_v it_o always_o beg_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n who_o alone_o teach_v we_o to_o 〈◊〉_d then_o will_v your_o own_o experience_n convince_v you_o against_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n that_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a 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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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poze_v as_o now_o we_o be_v with_o this_o question_n however_o what_o i_o have_v say_v and_o can_v be_v deny_v serve_v to_o hint_n this_o that_o god_n mind_n be_v to_o have_v his_o word_n understand_v by_o those_o to_o who_o it_o come_v see_v he_o write_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o hebrew_n and_o to_o the_o grecian_n in_o greek_a true_o other_o people_n can_v not_o understand_v it_o without_o a_o translation_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v in_o this_o case_n god_n do_v not_o cause_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v pen_v at_o first_o in_o the_o several_a language_n of_o all_o people_n and_o nation_n we_o must_v here_o leave_v out_o adversary_n to_o question_n god_n for_o it_o for_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v at_o first_o only_o in_o two_o laguage_n which_o many_o can_v not_o possible_o understand_v without_o a_o miracle_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v translate_v only_o since_o it_o be_v thus_o we_o hope_v our_o adversary_n will_v not_o say_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v translate_v see_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o it_o which_o else_o can_v never_o have_v be_v without_o a_o miracle_n but_o how_o shall_v the_o vulgar_a know_v qâ—…est_n whether_o translation_n be_v according_a to_o the_o original_n and_o then_o how_o can_v the_o scripture_n translate_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o must_v be_v such_o as_o a_o man_n may_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v no_o error_n in_o it_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o question_n sol._n where_o with_o they_o go_v about_o to_o puzzle_v we_o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o as_o translate_v into_o the_o english_a tongue_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o not_o infallible_a and_o to_o this_o we_o intend_v wotton_n to_o answer_v though_o other_o have_v answer_v it_o long_o ago*_n and_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o 1._o we_o know_v of_o no_o infallible_a spiâ—…it_n promise_v or_o give_v of_o god_n for_o translate_n scripture_n and_o this_o be_v 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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two_o thing_n viz._n the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o translation_n the_o doctrine_n be_v inspire_v by_o god_n and_o write_v by_o man_n infallible_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o translation_n be_v do_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n and_o industry_n of_o certain_a man_n who_o thâ—…ugh_v they_o haâ—…_n no_o supernatural_a inspiration_n yet_o we_o know_v infallible_o they_o have_v not_o err_v in_o the_o mattâ—…r_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n whereby_o we_o know_v other_o truth_n and_o discern_v other_o article_n of_o chriâ—…ian_a faith_n viz._n the_o light_n of_o the_o doctrine_n transl._n .ted_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o rulâ—…s_n of_o art_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n obj._n some_o translation_n have_v err_v and_o how_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 see_v our_o present_a english_a translation_n be_v of_o no_o such_o ancient_a date_n as_o we_o need_v to_o inquire_v much_o what_o our_o father_n thought_n of_o they_o they_o be_v best_a know_v and_o discern_v by_o those_o who_o best_a understand_v the_o original_n and_o have_v the_o most_o help_n and_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v allow_v for_o such_o a_o work_n as_o translate_n the_o scripture_n and_o for_o these_o we_o may_v without_o ostentation_n say_v that_o we_o have_v as_o good_a and_o as_o many_o as_o they_o have_v and_o the_o translation_n we_o have_v be_v approve_v of_o by_o our_o church_n though_o not_o by_o they_o if_o the_o papist_n will_v or_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v translate_v at_o all_o or_o else_o help_v we_o to_o a_o translation_n absolute_o answerable_a to_o the_o original_n and_o give_v we_o good_a security_n for_o it_o they_o shall_v do_v both_o we_o and_o themselves_o a_o good_a piece_n of_o service_n but_o there_o be_v a_o 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