Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n according_a holy_a word_n 2,175 5 3.9389 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A56691 Search the Scriptures a treatise shewing that all Christians ought to read the Holy Books : with directions to them therein : in three parts. Patrick, Simon, 1626-1707. 1685 (1685) Wing P835; ESTC R23033 72,298 205

There are 10 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

according_a unto_o godliness_n unto_o which_o if_o man_n will_v not_o attend_v there_o be_v no_o remedy_n they_o will_v fall_v into_o heresy_n or_o worse_a whether_o they_o read_v the_o scripture_n or_o read_v they_o not_o the_o scripture_n itself_o tell_v we_o as_o much_o that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n 1_o cor._n xi_o 19_o that_o be_v god_n will_v not_o hinder_v it_o unless_o man_n will_v be_v guide_v by_o he_o and_o be_v true_o good_a but_o he_o have_v a_o very_a good_a end_n as_o it_o there_o follow_v in_o permit_v it_o which_o be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v manifest_a who_o be_v honest-hearted_a christian_n sincere_o in_o love_n with_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o who_o be_v not_o and_o that_o must_v be_v the_o care_n of_o every_o good_a man_n not_o to_o take_v or_o throw_v away_o the_o scripture_n to_o prevent_v heresy_n but_o if_o heresy_n do_v arise_v to_o endeavour_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o approve_v his_o integrity_n unto_o god_n by_o steadfast_a continuance_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n must_v he_o govern_v himself_o if_o the_o guide_n of_o his_o soul_n do_v not_o perform_v their_o duty_n which_o i_o shall_v represent_v in_o the_o word_n of_o erasmus_n out_o of_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n before_o his_o annotation_n on_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v the_o pastor_n office_n to_o distribute_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n to_o the_o people_n but_o what_o if_o they_o do_v not_o their_o duty_n what_o must_v the_o people_n do_v they_o must_v implore_v the_o help_n of_o the_o supreme_a pastor_n christ_n jesus_n who_o still_o live_v and_o have_v not_o forsake_v the_o care_n of_o his_o flock_n but_o be_v solicit_v by_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o his_o people_n will_v do_v what_o be_v promise_v in_o ezekiel_n behold_v i_o will_v both_o search_v my_o sheep_n and_o seek_v they_o out_o as_o a_o shepherd_n seek_v out_o his_o flock_n in_o the_o day_n that_o they_o be_v scatter_v so_o will_v i_o seek_v out_o my_o sheep_n and_o will_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o all_o place_n where_o they_o have_v be_v scatter_v in_o the_o cloudy_a and_o dark_a day_n with_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o there_o follow_v xxx_o ezek._n 12_o 13_o etc._n etc._n the_o vulgar_a people_n be_v sheep_n but_o endue_v with_o reason_n and_o out_o of_o those_o sheep_n be_v pastor_n make_v and_o sometime_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o sheep_n may_v know_v more_o than_o his_o pastor_n as_o a_o layman_n therefore_o ought_v not_o seditious_o to_o rebel_v against_o the_o priest_n lest_o that_o order_n be_v confound_v which_o st._n paul_n will_v have_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o the_o priest_n ought_v not_o to_o exercise_v tyranny_n over_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o they_o do_v the_o sedition_n will_v lie_v at_o their_o door_n when_o the_o pastor_n do_v their_o duty_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reverent_o hear_v as_o angel_n of_o god_n by_o who_o christ_n speak_v to_o we_o and_o when_o they_o teach_v unsincere_o the_o people_n must_v pick_v out_o all_o that_o be_v good_a if_o there_o be_v any_o mix_v with_o it_o but_o if_o they_o teach_v not_o at_o all_o or_o teach_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_o repugnant_a to_o the_o gospel_n let_v every_o man_n refresh_v his_o soul_n with_o private_a read_n and_o christ_n who_o promise_v to_o be_v present_a when_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n will_v not_o be_v want_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o one_o soul_n that_o meditate_v pious_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n in_o vain_a be_v six_o thousand_o gather_v together_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o name_n now_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n who_o have_v respect_n to_o nothing_o but_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n conclusion_n i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o great_a man_n st._n athanasius_n who_o write_v a_o little_a treatise_n on_o purpose_n to_o reprove_v the_o audaciousness_n as_o he_o call_v it_o of_o those_o who_o say_v that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o look_v into_o the_o scripture_n and_o bad_a man_n not_o to_o search_v into_o they_o nor_o to_o speak_v out_o of_o they_o but_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v receive_v for_o search_v into_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o do_v but_o make_v thing_n more_o obscure_a to_o which_o he_o reply_v many_o thing_n which_o i_o may_v digest_v into_o head_n but_o i_o shall_v present_v they_o to_o the_o reader_n just_a as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o second_o tome_n of_o his_o work_n pag._n 295._o of_o the_o paris_n edition_n mdcxxvii_o this_o very_a assertion_n say_v he_o show_v the_o inconsistency_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o that_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o support_v it_o he_o mean_v they_o will_v not_o be_v afraid_a man_n shall_v search_v into_o the_o scripture_n if_o they_o think_v what_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o will_v be_v there_o justify_v but_o we_o trust_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o mystery_n i._n e._n the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o help_n of_o he_o who_o can_v lie_v who_o say_v every_o one_o that_o seek_v shall_v find_v therefore_o we_o seek_v as_o we_o ought_v and_o we_o find_v what_o we_o ought_v and_o we_o speak_v with_o demonstration_n and_o we_o hear_v with_o a_o genuine_a intention_n that_o we_o may_v persuade_v our_o domestics_n and_o that_o we_o may_v confute_v our_o adversary_n and_o that_o we_o may_v by_o our_o search_n be_v gainer_n ourselves_o and_o not_o propound_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a unto_o other_o will_v you_o have_v i_o neglect_v the_o scripture_n whence_o then_o shall_v i_o have_v knowledge_n will_v you_o not_o have_v i_o to_o mind_n knowledge_n but_o whence_o then_o shall_v i_o have_v faith_n paul_n cry_v how_o shall_v they_o believe_v unless_o they_o hear_v and_o again_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o then_o who_o forbid_v the_o word_n obstruct_v hear_v and_o throw_v out_o faith_n no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o roman_a law_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o empire_n without_o danger_n they_o then_o who_o forbid_v we_o to_o study_v and_o learn_v the_o great_a oracle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n what_o kind_n of_o mischief_n do_v they_o not_o crafty_o contrive_v against_o we_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o food_n of_o the_o soul_n cease_v then_o o_o man_n to_o starve_v the_o inward_a man_n and_o to_o kill_v it_o with_o hunger_n introduce_v a_o famine_n not_o of_o bread_n nor_o of_o water_n but_o of_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v one_o that_o inflict_v wound_n and_o do_v thou_o forbid_v the_o application_n of_o medicine_n for_o shame_n do_v not_o talk_v as_o if_o the_o various_a wisdom_n in_o the_o book_n of_o physician_n be_v vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n one_o may_v as_o well_o he_o mean_v bid_v people_n not_o mind_n their_o prescription_n though_o there_o be_v many_o disease_n in_o the_o world_n as_o not_o read_v the_o scripture_n when_o their_o soul_n be_v in_o danger_n reverence_n that_o lover_n of_o god_n word_n the_o eunuch_n who_o do_v not_o neglect_v read_v upon_o the_o road_n who_o good_a intention_n our_o lord_n accept_v send_v he_o straightway_o a_o instructor_n who_o make_v he_o understand_v what_o he_o read_v and_z by_o the_o scripture_n bring_v he_o to_o his_o saviour_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n command_v search_v the_o scripture_n by_o search_v mean_v careful_a and_o sober_a inquiry_n into_o hide_a thing_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o thing_n obscure_a the_o confirmation_n of_o hope_n the_o event_n of_o promise_n the_o find_v of_o our_o saviour_n according_a to_o that_o we_o have_v find_v he_o of_o who_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n write_v paul_n himself_o use_v scripture_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o if_o he_o that_o hear_v ineffable_a thing_n he_o that_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o secret_n he_o that_o have_v christ_n speak_v in_o he_o do_v not_o simple_o use_v his_o own_o private_a authority_n without_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n how_o can_v we_o with_o safety_n now_o neglect_v the_o divine_a legislation_n and_o speak_v what_o we_o think_v good_a out_o of_o our_o own_o heart_n but_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n transcend_v our_o conception_n i_o say_v so_o too_o and_o this_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o thing_n be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o seek_v after_o as_o be_v attainable_a for_o it_o be_v neither_o pious_a to_o venture_v upon_o all_o thing_n nor_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o holiness_n to_o neglect_v all_o thing_n what_o we_o worship_v we_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v write_v we_o know_v what_o we_o worship_v but_o how_o great_a or_o what_o kind_n or_o after_o what_o manner_n or_o where_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o madman_n to_o inquire_v they_o that_o will_v have_v none_o to_o judge_v of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o themselves_o deter_v man_n from_o read_v the_o scripture_n pretend_v it_o be_v immodest_a to_o pry_v into_o such_o inaccessible_a thing_n but_o in_o truth_n fear_v to_o be_v convince_v out_o of_o they_o of_o hold_v bad_a opinion_n i_o omit_v the_o rest_n which_o be_v but_o little_o more_o than_o i_o have_v represent_v and_o shall_v end_v all_o with_o his_o word_n to_o macarius_n in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o his_o work_n against_o the_o gentile_n the_o holy_a and_o divine_o inspire_v scripture_n be_v sufficient_a of_o themselves_o for_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v many_o book_n compose_v about_o the_o same_o thing_n by_o our_o teacher_n of_o bless_a memory_n which_o if_o any_o man_n peruse_v he_o will_v know_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n he_o desire_v the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o part._n the_o end_n a_o catalogue_n of_o some_o book_n print_v for_o r._n royston_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o amen-corner_n book_n write_v by_o the_o reverend_a doctor_n patrick_n the_o christian_a sacrifice_n a_o treatise_n show_v the_o necessity_n end_n and_o manner_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n together_o with_o suitable_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n for_o every_o month_n in_o the_o year_n and_o for_o the_o principal_a festival_n in_o memory_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o four_o part_n the_o eight_o edition_n correct_v in_o octavo_n the_o devout_a christian_a instruct_v how_o to_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n or_o a_o book_n of_o devotion_n for_o family_n and_o particular_a person_n in_o most_o of_o the_o concern_v of_o humane_a life_n the_o five_o edition_n in_o twelves_o a_o advice_n to_o a_o friend_n the_o four_o edition_n in_o twelves_o jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n justify_v by_o witness_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n in_o two_o part_n in_o octavo_n the_o book_n of_o job_n paraphrase_v in_o octavo_n the_o book_n of_o psalm_n paraphrase_v in_o octavo_n the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o octavo_n the_o glorious_a epiphany_n with_o the_o devout_a christian_n love_n to_o it_o in_o octavo_n the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n paraphrase_a with_o the_o argument_n of_o each_o chapter_n which_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o comment_v in_o octavo_n a_o paraphrase_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n and_o the_o song_n of_o solomon_n with_o argument_n to_o each_o chapter_n and_o annotation_n thereupon_o in_o octavo_n new_a a_o book_n for_o beginner_n or_o a_o help_n to_o young_a communicant_n that_o they_o may_v be_v sit_v for_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o receive_v it_o with_o profit_n a_o friendly_a debate_n between_o a_o conformist_n and_o a_o nonconformist_a in_o two_o part_n the_o six_o edition_n correct_v and_o englarge_v a_o treatise_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o frequency_n of_o rece_n ving_z the_o holy_a communion_n with_o a_o resolution_n of_o doubt_n about_o it_o in_o three_o discourse_n begin_v upon_o whitsunday_n in_o the_o cathedral_n church_n of_o peterburgh_n new_a winter-evening_n conference_n between_o neighbour_n in_o two_o part_n the_o second_o edition_n correct_v in_o octavo_n the_o old_a religion_n demonstrate_v in_o its_o principle_n and_o describe_v in_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n thereof_o in_o twelves_o new_a 22_o sermon_n preach_v partly_o before_o his_o majesty_n at_o whitehall_n and_o partly_o before_o anne_n duchess_n of_o york_n at_o the_o chapel_n at_o st_n james_n by_o henry_n killigrew_n d._n d._n master_n of_o the_o savoy_n and_o almoner_n to_o his_o royal_a highness_n new_a in_o quarto_n animadversion_n upon_o a_o book_n entitle_v fanaticism_n fanatical_o impute_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o dr._n stillingfleet_n and_o the_o imputation_n refute_v and_o retort_v by_o s._n c._n by_o a_o person_n of_o honour_n the_o three_o edition_n in_o octavo_n the_o end_n of_o the_o catalogue_n
presumption_n that_o god_n bless_v these_o pious_a endeavour_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a understanding_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o search_n into_o the_o scripture_n according_a as_o it_o there_o follow_v therefore_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v and_o thus_o st._n peter_n also_o in_o this_o very_a epistle_n chap._n i._n 19_o commend_v his_o countryman_n who_o attentive_o read_v and_o consider_v the_o prophetical_a write_n we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o which_o word_n to_o i_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o praiseworthy_a thing_n in_o those_o jewish_a convert_v to_o who_o he_o write_v who_o as_o yet_o be_v but_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n that_o they_o do_v give_v heed_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sure_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o in_o they_o they_o will_v sin_v the_o lord_n jesus_n plain_o descrihe_v if_o they_o compare_v what_o the_o apostle_n preach_v with_o that_o which_o they_o foretell_v as_o the_o beraean_o do_v those_o write_n indeed_o of_o the_o prophet_n do_v but_o obscure_o treat_v of_o christ_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o discovery_n of_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o apostolical_a write_n which_o he_o compare_v to_o the_o daystar_n and_o the_o old_a prophet_n but_o to_o a_o candle_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n yet_o the_o one_o will_v lead_v they_o to_o the_o other_o and_o by_o take_v attentive_a heed_n to_o the_o prophetical_a write_n they_o will_v in_o time_n find_v the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o be_v arrive_v by_o degree_n at_o clear_a demonstration_n and_o a_o full_a and_o bright_a knowledge_n of_o christian_a truth_n deliver_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n give_v light_n even_o to_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o discourage_v any_o christian_n in_o their_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o they_o commend_v those_o who_o read_v even_o the_o hard_a book_n among_o they_o those_o word_n be_v very_o remarkable_a i._o revel_v 3._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v therein_o which_o comfortable_a encouragement_n i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o we_o may_v not_o with_o the_o great_a satisfaction_n apply_v to_o ourselves_o now_o as_o they_o do_v then_o to_o quicken_v we_o to_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o thing_n contain_v therein_o for_o though_o we_o do_v not_o certain_o understand_v every_o one_o of_o those_o prophecy_n yet_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o most_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o admonition_n encouragement_n and_o consolation_n intersperse_v throughout_o that_o book_n which_o make_v it_o sit_v to_o be_v read_v by_o christian_a people_n for_o their_o direction_n and_o support_v and_o we_o may_v likewise_o from_o hence_o take_v the_o confidence_n to_o argue_v in_o this_o manner_n if_o a_o blessedness_n be_v pronounce_v to_o those_o that_o read_v or_o hear_v that_o prophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v therein_o then_o they_o can_v be_v accurse_v who_o for_o the_o same_o end_n read_v other_o holy_a book_n where_o such_o instruction_n and_o comfort_n be_v more_o plentiful_o and_o plain_o and_o on_o purpose_n deliver_v nor_o can_v they_o expect_v god_n blessing_n who_o prohibit_v the_o read_n even_o of_o those_o easy_a and_o more_o familiar_a scripture_n which_o be_v accommodate_v by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o most_o vulgar_a capacity_n every_o one_o ought_v to_o drink_v of_o these_o fountain_n nor_o will_v i_o forbid_v say_v erasmus_n very_o pious_o those_o that_o thirst_n after_o christian_a knowledge_n to_o read_v even_o those_o book_n which_o be_v not_o so_o open_a but_o like_o a_o fountain_n seal_v up_o because_o they_o will_v reap_v this_o fruit_n at_o least_o that_o they_o will_v come_v more_o sit_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o sermon_n which_o touch_v upon_o or_o allude_v to_o those_o more_o obscure_a passage_n they_o will_v hear_v also_o those_o thing_n more_o willing_o of_o which_o they_o have_v already_o some_o knowledge_n and_o understand_v those_o thing_n more_o easy_o of_o which_o they_o have_v a_o small_a taste_n vi_o and_o there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o our_o complete_a spiritual_a armour_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v lie_v so_o open_a to_o the_o assault_n of_o our_o enemy_n that_o it_o will_v very_o much_o hazard_v our_o salvation_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v expose_v to_o any_o danger_n when_o we_o may_v defend_v ourselves_o by_o the_o use_n of_o those_o weapon_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v provide_v for_o we_o or_o how_o can_v they_o be_v friend_n to_o our_o soul_n who_o will_v expose_v we_o by_o take_v those_o weapon_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n read_v the_o vi_o ephes_n 11._o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n or_o complete_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o all_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n enumerate_v the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o armour_n and_o the_o last_o piece_n of_o it_o but_o one_o be_v v._n 17_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o show_v that_o as_o while_o we_o have_v enemy_n to_o fight_v withal_o and_o very_o powerful_a subtle_a enemy_n we_o have_v need_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o weapon_n that_o god_n have_v furnish_v we_o withal_o for_o our_o defence_n so_o we_o be_v not_o complete_o appoint_v for_o our_o defence_n without_o this_o weapon_n the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o more_o than_o a_o soldier_n be_v without_o his_o sword_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o go_v about_o to_o deprive_v we_o of_o this_o leave_v we_o in_o great_a part_n naked_a to_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n by_o wrest_v that_o weapon_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n whereby_o we_o shall_v beat_v they_o off_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o devil_n temptation_n you_o may_v observe_v iu._n st._n matth._n but_o our_o saviour_n vanquish_v it_o by_o this_o weapon_n tell_v he_o it_o be_v so_o and_o so_o write_v and_o the_o tempter_n have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v nor_o know_v what_o to_o oppose_v thereunto_o and_o therefore_o our_o safety_n lie_v in_o the_o same_o divine_a armoury_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n unto_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v resort_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o there_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o such_o holy_a precept_n example_n promise_n and_o threaten_n as_o we_o may_v have_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o oppose_v to_o every_o temptation_n it_o be_v usual_o say_v as_o i_o note_v in_o the_o beginning_n that_o man_n may_v wound_v themselves_o with_o a_o sword_n as_o soon_o as_o their_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o let_v every_o body_n take_v this_o weapon_n into_o his_o hand_n but_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n as_o much_o aware_a of_o this_o as_o we_o be_v not_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v then_o as_o now_o and_o we_o by_o this_o reason_n shall_v leave_v neither_o sun_n in_o heaven_n nor_o any_o good_a creature_n here_o upon_o earth_n as_o a_o great_a man_n of_o our_o own_o somewhere_o speak_v for_o they_o have_v be_v all_o wretched_o abuse_v to_o very_o ill_a purpose_n by_o evil_a man_n and_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o man_n may_v as_o soon_o hurt_v themselves_o as_o their_o enemy_n with_o this_o sword_n for_o who_o but_o mad_a man_n or_o desperate_a person_n run_v that_o weapon_n into_o their_o own_o body_n wherewith_o they_o shall_v defend_v their_o life_n and_o who_o but_o they_o that_o be_v distract_v themselves_o will_v suppose_v the_o generality_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v such_o a_o frantic_a fort_n of_o people_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o preservation_n but_o must_v have_v even_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n take_v from_o they_o for_o fear_v they_o surfeit_v of_o it_o but_o this_o will_v be_v more_o full_o answer_v hereafter_o and_o that_o which_o i_o have_v next_o to_o represent_v to_o your_o consideration_n will_v give_v great_a satisfaction_n to_o it_o which_o be_v this_o vii_o that_o the_o great_a doctor_n in_o the_o church_n have_v most_o earnest_o exhort_v the_o people_n with_o all_o the_o rhetoric_n they_o can_v invent_v to_o give_v themselves_o leisure_n
more_o plain_o than_o to_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a and_o that_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o fear_n god_n so_o likewise_o to_o honour_v the_o king_n and_o his_o minister_n and_o to_o obey_v those_o that_o watch_n over_o our_o soul_n nay_o to_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n which_o will_v dispose_v we_o most_o certain_o if_o we_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o pride_n or_o any_o other_o vicious_a affection_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o in_o dubious_a thing_n and_o as_o it_o there_o follow_v in_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thess_n v._o 13._o to_o be_v at_o peace_n among_o ourselves_o i_o must_v beseech_v therefore_o every_o member_n of_o this_o church_n both_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o be_v as_o careful_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o i_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n take_v your_o guide_n along_o with_o you_o do_v not_o think_v yourselves_o safe_a without_o their_o conduct_n be_v not_o only_o willing_a but_o desirous_a to_o learn_v of_o they_o reverence_v their_o instruction_n do_v not_o easy_o dissent_v from_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o oppose_v they_o especial_o when_o you_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v they_o to_o be_v serious_a studious_a know_v and_o conscientious_a man_n who_o take_v care_n to_o inform_v themselves_o aright_o that_o they_o may_v not_o misinform_v you_o for_o such_o man_n look_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v bind_v as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o treatise_n of_o tradition_n pag._n 24._o to_o guide_v themselves_o in_o their_o direction_n of_o other_o by_o what_o the_o catholic_n father_n and_o ancient_a bishop_n have_v teach_v out_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o thereby_o preserve_v their_o flock_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n also_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v which_o by_o their_o subscription_n they_o own_v to_o have_v authority_n in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v no_o less_o preserve_v they_o in_o unity_n and_o in_o peace_n to_o conclude_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o every_o body_n must_v reap_v great_a fruit_n by_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o they_o read_v they_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o they_o may_v go_v away_o better_o from_o the_o read_n of_o they_o than_o they_o come_v to_o it_o and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o accommodate_v they_o to_o their_o own_o affection_n but_o correct_v all_o their_o affection_n and_o desire_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n by_o this_o exact_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n according_a to_o which_o if_o we_o square_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v present_o learn_v in_o difficult_a thing_n to_o be_v wise_a unto_o sobriety_n and_o in_o plain_a thing_n to_o be_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n that_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o do_v what_o we_o certain_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o only_a wisdom_n that_o the_o scripture_n magnify_v which_o will_v be_v the_o sure_a way_n both_o to_o know_v more_o and_o to_o know_v it_o better_o that_o be_v to_o feel_v the_o comfort_n of_o what_o we_o know_v in_o a_o bless_a and_o assure_a hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o part._n part_n ii_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n that_o those_o word_n of_o st_n peter_n 2._o iii_o 16._o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v allege_v against_o the_o read_n of_o holy_a scripture_n do_v plain_o suppose_v that_o the_o people_n do_v then_o read_v they_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o deter_v man_n from_o read_v they_o by_o represent_v the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o the_o danger_n of_o wrest_v they_o for_o he_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o consequent_o liable_a to_o be_v wrest_v but_o only_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n in_o treat_v of_o which_o three_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v consider_v i._n first_o that_o most_o thing_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v that_o they_o be_v easy_a nay_o all_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a for_o we_o be_v very_o easy_a ii_o second_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a may_v be_v understand_v though_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o it_o that_o be_v they_o will_v require_v some_o pain_n to_o understand_v they_o which_o shall_v not_o deter_v we_o from_o read_v but_o only_o make_v we_o laborious_a to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o we_o read_v iii_o three_o when_o we_o do_v thorough_o understand_v and_o hearty_o believe_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v easy_a it_o will_v abate_v much_o of_o that_o difficulty_n and_o make_v other_o thing_n more_o easy_a i._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o apostle_n only_o say_v some_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o suppose_v that_o most_o be_v not_o but_o rather_o easy_a as_o all_o those_o thing_n especial_o be_v which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v and_o do_v for_o the_o obtain_n salvation_n that_o which_o make_v thing_n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v the_o plain_a and_o perspicuous_a delivery_n of_o they_o in_o the_o word_n wherein_o they_o be_v write_v or_o speak_v now_o nothing_o a_o be_v plain_a or_o clear_a than_o the_o word_n wherein_o all_o the_o great_a christian_a truth_n be_v reveal_v and_o deliver_v to_o we_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v obscure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o see_v the_o light_n than_o it_o be_v to_o apprehend_v and_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o some_o particular_n and_o have_v a_o eye_n all_o the_o way_n upon_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o which_o s._n peter_n be_v common_o think_v to_o have_v respect_n wherein_o though_o some_o thing_n be_v difficult_a yet_o these_o be_v most_o clear_o discover_v first_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n as_o he_o express_o write_v 1_o cor._n viii_o 6._o second_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n remember_v we_o out_o of_o moses_n iu._n matt._n 10._o be_v the_o great_a thing_n press_v in_o his_o very_a entrance_n into_o any_o place_n where_o he_o preach_v 1_o thess_n l._n 9_o 10._o xvii_o act_n 23_o 24._o three_o as_o our_o lord_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v engage_v by_o our_o baptism_n to_o worship_v one_o god_n in_o three_o person_n xxviii_o matth._n 19_o so_o s._n paul_n affirm_v the_o same_o plain_o enough_o in_o that_o solemn_a prayer_n for_o the_o corinthian_n 2._o xiii_o ult_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v with_o you_o all_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o place_n wherein_o he_o affirm_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o ix_o rom._n 5._o and_o the_o spirit_n to_o search_v even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o know_v his_o mind_n exact_o for_o so_o it_o follow_v 1_o cor._n ii_o 10_o 11._o that_o as_o none_o can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o plain_o tell_v we_o if_o we_o mind_v it_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v in_o god_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v in_o man_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n be_v god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o full_o acquaint_v with_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n there_o be_v some_o little_a labour_n indeed_o in_o make_v this_o deduction_n but_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a if_o we_o consider_v all_o these_o place_n together_o four_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n none_o can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o who_o do_v but_o look_v into_o the_o holy_a book_n where_o he_o will_v immediate_o see_v he_o represent_v to_o be_v almighty_a most_o wise_a most_o gracious_a faithful_a to_o his_o word_n and_o the_o live_a god_n who_o endure_v for_o ever_o which_o be_v truth_n write_v there_o in_o such_o great_a letter_n that_o every_o one_o who_o run_v as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v and_o do_v but_o cast_v a_o transient_a eye_n upon_o they_o may_v easy_o read_v they_o five_o particular_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o kindness_n towards_o we_o the_o child_n of_o man_n lie_v before_o we_o so_o fair_o and_o shine_v so_o bright_o in_o our_o
and_o easy_a to_o such_o as_o faithful_o practice_v their_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a precept_n but_o hard_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v aright_o of_o such_o as_o wilful_o transgress_v they_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o perspicuous_o set_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n than_o this_o as_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v if_o it_o will_v not_o enlarge_v this_o book_n too_o much_o from_o such_o word_n as_o those_o of_o st._n peter_n god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o therefore_o shall_v we_o admit_v of_o any_o authority_n equivalent_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o question_n will_v still_o remain_v whether_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o authority_n can_v take_v away_o that_o blindness_n of_o heart_n which_o by_o god_n just_a judgement_n fall_v upon_o all_o those_o who_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o vnrighteousness_n if_o for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o evident_a and_o plain_a truth_n god_n punish_v they_o with_o such_o spiritual_a darkness_n that_o they_o discern_v not_o his_o will_n reveal_v in_o his_o write_a word_n no_o other_o infallible_a authority_n can_v inlighten_v they_o and_o make_v those_o scale_n fall_v from_o their_o eye_n which_o hinder_v their_o sight_n in_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n they_o will_v everlasting_o go_v on_o in_o darkness_n because_o have_v light_o present_v to_o they_o they_o prefer_v darkness_n before_o it_o those_o naughty_a affection_n which_o have_v keep_v the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n from_o shine_v into_o they_o will_v close_v their_o eye_n so_o fast_o that_o no_o other_o light_n will_v open_v they_o but_o they_o must_v either_o receive_v and_o follow_v the_o plain_a direction_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o recover_v their_o sight_n by_o a_o sincere_a practice_n of_o know_a duty_n or_o walk_v on_o still_o in_o darkness_n and_o remain_v in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o day_n unto_o which_o plain_a direction_n if_o man_n will_v unfeigned_o submit_v if_o thereby_o they_o be_v not_o lead_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o hard_a scripture_n they_o will_v however_o have_v this_o benefit_n that_o they_o will_v be_v secure_v from_o misunderstand_v they_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o by_o understanding_n believe_a and_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o knowledge_n of_o the_o easy_a and_o evident_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o put_v any_o dangerous_a interpretation_n upon_o those_o place_n which_o be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a ignorant_a of_o they_o we_o may_v continue_v or_o perhaps_o mistake_v their_o meaning_n but_o still_o innocent_o so_o as_o not_o to_o do_v hurt_v to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o by_o they_o a_o illustrious_a example_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o st._n augustine_n book_n de_n fide_fw-la &_o operibus_fw-la where_o discourse_v chap._n xv._o upon_o that_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n iii_o 12_o 13._o which_o he_o take_v to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o which_o st._n peter_n say_v be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o his_o epistle_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o understand_v the_o build_a gold_n silver_z precious_a stone_n upon_o this_o foundation_n to_o be_v mean_v of_o add_v good_a work_n to_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o build_v wood_n hay_n stubble_n upon_o it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o those_o that_o hold_v the_o same_o faith_n but_o do_v evil_a from_o whence_o they_o fancy_v that_o by_o certain_a pain_n of_o fire_n such_o evil_a man_n may_v be_v purge_v to_o obtain_v salvation_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o foundation_n that_o be_v by_o a_o right_a faith_n only_o because_o the_o apostle_n say_v v._o 15._o they_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n say_v that_o excellent_a father_n than_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v no_o obscurity_n no_o ambiguity_n in_o they_o must_v be_v take_v to_o be_v false_a as_o for_o example_n that_o of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o same_o epistle_n though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n so_o that_o i_o can_v remove_v mountain_n and_o have_v no_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o and_o that_o of_o st._n james_n what_o do_v it_o profit_n brethren_n if_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n but_o have_v no_o work_n can_v faith_n save_v he_o and_o that_o place_n also_o will_v be_v false_a be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o they_o that_o serve_v idol_n nor_o adulterer_n etc._n etc._n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o that_o also_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a which_o be_v adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n etc._n etc._n of_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o again_o as_o i_o have_v do_v former_o that_o they_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n these_o be_v all_o false_a if_o that_o interpretation_n be_v true_a st._n paul_n contradict_v himself_o and_o in_o this_o obscure_a place_n clash_n with_o his_o plain_a word_n for_o according_a to_o this_o exposition_n if_o man_n only_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o fire_n though_o they_o persevere_v in_o such_o wicked_a course_n as_o those_o now_o mention_v and_o then_o i_o do_v not_o see_v to_o what_o purpose_n our_o lord_n say_v if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n tell_v he_o what_o belong_v unto_o good_a manner_n and_o how_o will_v that_o be_v true_a which_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o will_v say_v to_o they_o on_o his_o left_a hand_n go_v you_o curse_v etc._n etc._n who_o he_o send_v to_o hell-fire_n not_o because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o do_v good_a work_n thus_o that_o father_n go_v on_o heap_v up_o a_o great_a many_o other_o place_n which_o evident_o speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o then_o conclude_v if_o therefore_o these_o thing_n and_o innumerable_a other_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o any_o ambiguity_n be_v false_a then_o that_o sense_n may_v be_v true_a concern_v the_o wood_n hay_n and_o stubble_n viz._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o sire_n who_o only_o hold_v faith_n in_o christ_n have_v neglect_v good_a work_n si_fw-mi autem_fw-la &_o vera_fw-la &_o clara_fw-la sunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v both_o true_a and_o also_o clear_a then_o without_o doubt_n another_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o number_n of_o those_o which_o s._n peter_n say_v be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o pervert_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n by_o endeavour_v from_o they_o against_o the_o most_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v the_o most_o lewd_a people_n secure_a of_o obtain_v salvation_n though_o they_o pertinacious_o continue_v in_o their_o wickedness_n not_o at_o all_o change_v by_o amendment_n or_o repentance_n as_o for_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o that_o scripture_n though_o he_o venture_v at_o it_o yet_o he_o say_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n he_o have_v rather_o be_v inform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v more_o learned_a and_o more_o understanding_n who_o can_v so_o expound_v it_o as_o to_o let_v all_o those_o thing_n above_o mention_v remain_v true_a and_o unshaken_a in_o which_o the_o scripture_n most_o open_o avow_v that_o faith_n profit_v nothing_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n define_v that_o be_v faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n but_o without_o work_n can_v save_v man_n neither_o without_o fire_n nor_o by_o fire_n still_o he_o stick_v to_o this_o rule_n as_o most_o certain_a and_o unmoveable_a that_o whatsoever_o sense_n be_v give_v of_o a_o obscure_a scripture_n it_o contradict_v not_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v more_o plain_a especial_o those_o which_o teach_v we_o to_o live_v well_o and_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o which_o none_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n will_v ever_o prejudice_v by_o any_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v out_o of_o my_o way_n to_o attempt_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o place_n now_o mention_v have_v no_o other_o business_n in_o hand_n at_o present_a but_o to_o show_v that_o by_o adhere_v as_o this_o holy_a man_n do_v to_o the_o evident_a truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v never_o permit_v we_o to_o put_v any_o bad_a and_o pernicious_a sense_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v less_o evident_a let_v we_o stick_v as_o he_o do_v to_o this_o rule_n and_o we_o shall_v either_o put_v a_o harmless_a sense_n upon_o they_o or_o none_o at_o all_o but_o then_o we_o must_v as_o i_o say_v be_v hearty_o in_o love_n with_o these_o plain_a truth_n and_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o
they_o for_o else_o we_o shall_v not_o use_v due_a care_n not_o to_o cross_v they_o in_o our_o doctrine_n if_o we_o cross_v they_o in_o our_o deed_n but_o rather_o be_v content_a that_o by_o false_a gloss_n upon_o other_o place_n where_o the_o fraud_n will_v be_v less_o discernible_a the_o light_n of_o those_o glorious_a truth_n shall_v be_v obscure_v and_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o they_o enervate_v and_o break_v for_o what_o will_v not_o man_n say_v and_o do_v to_o defend_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n even_o against_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n which_o their_o bad_a assection_n teach_v they_o to_o oppose_v nay_o make_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o resist_v and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o give_v a_o few_o direction_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o if_o we_o observe_v in_o our_o read_v they_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v preserve_v from_o dangerous_a mistake_n but_o reap_v great_a benefit_n by_o they_o and_o i_o shall_v the_o rather_o do_v it_o because_o it_o will_v be_v a_o good_a introduction_n to_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n i._o the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v a_o rule_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o all_o science_n or_o part_n of_o knowledge_n viz_o to_o learn_v easy_a thing_n first_o we_o can_v have_v no_o sound_a understanding_n in_o the_o scripture_n unless_o we_o will_v follow_v their_o own_o method_n which_o be_v to_o learn_v first_o to_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o therein_o lie_v the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n as_o he_o often_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v against_o the_o very_a direction_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o to_o be_v so_o confident_a as_o to_o venture_v present_o into_o all_o the_o depth_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o to_o lose_v our_o time_n in_o puzzle_v our_o mind_n to_o untie_v the_o knot_n of_o difficult_a place_n for_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v salve_v but_o by_o those_o who_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o what_o the_o scripture_n principal_o aim_v at_o which_o it_o teach_v we_o in_o plain_a and_o easy_a word_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v first_o learn_v as_o our_o guide_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o high_a contemplation_n and_o he_o who_o be_v resolve_v upon_o this_o method_n will_v find_v plain_a truth_n enough_o to_o busy_a and_o employ_v a_o honest_a and_o pious_a mind_n a_o long_a time_n by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o prepare_v and_o sit_v himself_o for_o more_o difficult_a inquiry_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o he_o to_o make_v they_o though_o the_o truth_n be_v ordinary_a capacity_n may_v safe_o pass_v by_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v hard_a and_o obscure_a and_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o easy_a and_o perspicuous_a doctrine_n without_o any_o further_a search_n consult_v thereby_o best_o for_o their_o own_o ease_n and_o quiet_a and_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o profession_n it_o be_v to_o devote_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o all_o holy_a writ_n even_o they_o must_v be_v sure_a for_o their_o own_o safety_n and_o other_o to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n well_o here_o by_o thorough_o digest_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v after_o godliness_n and_o deep_o tincture_v as_o i_o may_v say_v their_o mind_n therewith_o before_o they_o meddle_v with_o other_o matter_n for_o a_o sense_n of_o true_a goodness_n will_v be_v as_o a_o light_n to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o interpret_n those_o thing_n which_o seem_v dark_a and_o need_v something_o to_o illustrate_v they_o and_o what_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o shall_v be_v but_o something_o contain_v in_o the_o same_o book_n even_o the_o true_a light_n of_o life_n the_o light_n which_o chase_v away_o all_o man_n evil_a desire_n and_o the_o deed_n of_o darkness_n which_o make_v the_o soul_n pure_a and_o without_o prejudice_n which_o dispose_v it_o to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o love_v he_o and_o to_o love_v all_o man_n for_o his_o sake_n this_o will_v instruct_v we_o how_o to_o interpret_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o not_o suffer_v we_o to_o entertain_v any_o sense_n of_o they_o in_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o hinder_v the_o practice_n and_o increase_v of_o true_a godliness_n or_o prejudices_fw-la charity_n and_o disturb_v christian_a society_n but_o conform_v all_o our_o thought_n unto_o a_o happy_a agreement_n with_o those_o great_a and_o obvious_a truth_n which_o therefore_o let_v we_o observe_v and_o mark_v as_o the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o religion_n nay_o let_v we_o imprint_v they_o on_o our_o mind_n as_o the_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o remember_v and_o carry_v constant_o in_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v never_o admit_v any_o thing_n to_o their_o prejudice_n for_o unless_o we_o be_v thus_o dispose_v we_o shall_v not_o only_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o confound_v all_o thing_n and_o overturn_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v be_v just_a like_o that_o fool_n who_o melancthon_n speak_v of_o who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o carry_v fuel_n daily_o to_o the_o kitchen_n and_o come_v to_o a_o great_a pile_n of_o wood_n where_o little_a piece_n lay_v uppermost_a and_o the_o great_a below_n he_o will_v needs_o begin_v at_o the_o bottom_n for_o which_o he_o give_v this_o wise_a reason_n that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o do_v the_o hard_a work_n first_o and_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v better_a able_a to_o deal_v with_o that_o which_o be_v easy_a i_o need_v not_o make_v the_o application_n to_o those_o who_o love_v to_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o some_o deep_a and_o i_o may_v say_v dangerous_a point_n if_o not_o well_o understand_v before_o they_o be_v well_o study_v in_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o godliness_n and_o have_v learn_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n this_o be_v a_o preposterous_a course_n contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a light_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n which_o teach_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o make_v this_o inquiry_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o we_o be_v sure_a none_o can_v be_v save_v but_o they_o who_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o faith_n therefore_o teach_v we_o to_o study_v his_o precept_n before_o we_o meddle_v with_o other_o matter_n and_o these_o precept_n as_o they_o be_v not_o grievous_a to_o those_o that_o obey_v they_o so_o they_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v learn_v in_o order_n to_o that_o obedience_n but_o whatsoever_o concern_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n in_o the_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v of_o parent_n and_o child_n husband_n and_o wife_n master_n and_o servant_n prince_n and_o people_n teacher_n and_o learner_n be_v all_o i_o have_v show_v deliver_v here_o with_o such_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n that_o no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o teach_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n about_o these_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n together_o with_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o christian_a faith_n we_o must_v employ_v our_o most_o earnest_a care_n to_o settle_v they_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o bring_v these_o thing_n into_o our_o mind_n i_o must_v add_v another_o rule_n no_o less_o necessary_a than_o this_o which_o be_v ii_o that_o to_o do_v what_o we_o know_v be_v the_o way_n to_o know_v more_o what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v this_o i_o have_v suggest_v already_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o commend_v the_o serious_a practice_n of_o one_o particular_a duty_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_o mention_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o from_o thence_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v it_o be_v of_o exceed_v great_a moment_n it_o be_v humility_n not_o to_o think_v of_o ourselves_o more_o high_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v nor_o to_o be_v wise_a in_o our_o own_o conceit_n but_o to_o think_v sober_o and_o to_o be_v lowly_a in_o our_o own_o eye_n there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o precept_n of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o these_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o study_v diligent_o and_o then_o hearty_o obey_v who_o will_v advance_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n for_o the_o meek_a i._n e._n the_o humble_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n if_o a_o man_n begin_v at_o first_o to_o think_v wrong_a of_o himself_o he_o be_v not_o like_a to_o hit_v right_a in_o other_o thing_n but_o the_o easy_a mistake_n in_o they_o when_o he_o have_v suffer_v such_o a_o cheat_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o he_o as_o to_o have_v a_o
lord_n and_o be_v high_o offensive_a upon_o many_o account_n to_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v appoint_v he_o to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o affair_n who_o love_v we_o better_o than_o any_o saint_n or_o angel_n can_v do_v because_o he_o die_v for_o we_o and_o therefore_o be_v more_o incline_v to_o have_v compassion_n upon_o we_o because_o he_o have_v that_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n which_o no_o angel_n be_v ever_o touch_v withal_o nor_o any_o saint_n in_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o he_o be_v who_o can_v also_o do_v more_o for_o we_o than_o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n put_v together_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n nine_o which_o be_v another_o thing_n here_o clear_o reveal_v the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n we_o all_o with_o open_a face_n without_o any_o veil_n draw_v before_o our_o eye_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 2_o cor._n iii_o ult_n the_o gospel_n that_o be_v which_o he_o preach_v and_o which_o we_o read_v represent_v his_o transcendent_a majesty_n so_o evident_o that_o our_o own_o face_n do_v not_o appear_v more_o clear_o to_o we_o in_o a_o glass_n than_o christ_n be_v set_v before_o we_o there_o as_o advance_v far_o above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n to_o use_v his_o word_n in_o another_o place_n i._o ephes_n 21._o and_o may_v and_o dominion_n and_o every_o name_n that_o be_v name_v not_o only_o in_o this_o world_n but_o also_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v god_n have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n what_o may_v we_o not_o expect_v from_o so_o great_a a_o prince_n who_o have_v all_o thing_n at_o his_o command_n and_o that_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n if_o we_o faithful_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o he_o alone_o ten_o i_o may_v say_v the_o like_a of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v here_o plain_o teach_v but_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o christ_n procure_v and_o do_v dispense_v the_o divine_a grace_n to_o we_o be_v evident_o declare_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v hope_v to_o obtain_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n satisfaction_n and_o intercession_n with_o god_n for_o we_o repent_v and_o be_v convert_v and_o your_o sin_n shall_v be_v blot_v out_o iii_o act_n 19_o be_v word_n plain_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o so_o be_v these_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v refresh_v you_o take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o and_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o your_o soul_n xi_o matth._n 28_o 29._o and_o these_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n a_o new_a creature_n or_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o in_o all_o these_o term_n for_o the_o great_a clearness_n sake_n and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v be_v mistake_v be_v this_o matter_n declare_v by_o st_n paul_n 1_o cor._n vii_o 19_o v._o gal._n 6._o vi_o gal._n 15._o and_o therefore_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n 2_o tit._n ii_o 12._o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n nor_o be_v the_o particular_a duty_n which_o belong_v to_o every_o one_o place_n and_o state_n less_o clear_a and_o conspicuous_a than_o these_o general_a line_n of_o our_o duty_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v draw_v in_o those_o comprehensive_a word_n for_o when_o the_o same_o apostle_n st._n paul_n direct_v his_o speech_n as_o he_o do_v common_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o his_o epistle_n unto_o master_n of_o family_n and_o servant_n unto_o husband_n and_o wife_n father_n and_o child_n his_o rule_n be_v as_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o now_o as_o they_o be_v to_o those_o person_n who_o first_o receive_v they_o so_o plain_a and_o easy_a they_o be_v unto_o all_o age_n so_o familiar_a especial_o to_o man_n of_o mean_a rank_n that_o i_o much_o doubt_v say_v a_o great_a champion_n of_o our_o church_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o creed_n 12._o creed_n dr._n jackson_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 12._o whether_o the_o pope_n himself_o and_o the_o whole_a conclave_n of_o cardinal_n will_v be_v able_a in_o this_o present_a age_n to_o speak_v so_o plain_o unto_o the_o capacity_n or_o so_o familiar_o to_o the_o experience_n of_o man_n of_o their_o quality_n unto_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v for_o set_v aside_o the_o absolute_a truth_n and_o infallibility_n of_o his_o doctrine_n the_o manner_n of_o deliver_v they_o be_v so_o familiar_a so_o lowly_a so_o hearty_o humble_a so_o natural_a and_o so_o well-befitting_a such_o man_n disposition_n in_o their_o sober_a thought_n as_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o pope_n to_o attain_v unto_o or_o imitate_v unless_o he_o will_v lay_v aside_o his_o court-state_n and_o for_o seven_o year_n addict_v himself_o unto_o familiarity_n with_o such_o man_n in_o a_o pastoral_n charge_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v his_o way_n of_o speak_v when_o he_o set_v down_o any_o other_o christian_a duty_n whether_o private_a or_o public_a no_o man_n can_v ever_o pretend_v any_o difficulty_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n which_o treat_v of_o a_o holy_a life_n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v in_o man_n will_n to_o be_v persuade_v to_o consent_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o these_o law_n which_o they_o can_v choose_v but_o well_o enough_o understand_v and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v persuade_v christ_n have_v leave_v we_o exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o contain_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o gospel-grace_n the_o very_a end_n of_o which_o be_v to_o move_v we_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n vii_o 1._o what_o word_n can_v be_v more_o perspicuous_a than_o these_o and_o with_o the_o same_o clearness_n these_o book_n pronounce_v the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n without_o which_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n can_v save_v we_o follow_v peace_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n xii_o heb._n 14._o know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o unrighteous_a shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o adulterer_n &c_n &c_n nor_o thief_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o drunkard_n nor_o reviler_n nor_o extortioner_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n vi_o 9_o 10._o now_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a mark_v that_o word_n adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n lasciviousness_n idolatry_n witchcraft_n hatred_n variance_n emulation_n wrath_n strife_n sedition_n heresy_n envy_n murder_n drunkenness_n revel_n and_o such_o like_a of_o which_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o in_o time_n past_a that_o they_o which_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n against_o such_o there_o be_v no_o law_n and_o they_o that_o be_v christ_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n if_o we_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n let_v we_o also_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n v._o gal._n 19_o 20_o etc._n etc._n what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n which_o put_v we_o in_o hope_n and_o all_o his_o threaten_n which_o be_v design_v to_o put_v we_o in_o fear_n upon_o which_o two_o hinge_n all_o religion_n turn_v be_v you_o see_v already_o declare_v so_o express_o and_o clear_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n about_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v even_o eternal_a life_n 1_o joh._n ii_o 25._o and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n i._n rom._n 18._o for_o he_o will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o honour_n glory_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o
not_o only_o the_o unlearned_a but_o the_o unstable_a also_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n ii_o unstable_a who_o those_o be_v be_v now_o easy_o to_o determine_v if_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o other_o be_v admit_v they_o be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o steadfast_o believe_v what_o they_o have_v learn_v who_o have_v entertain_v the_o truth_n do_v not_o stick_v to_o those_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o plain_a revelation_n nor_o be_v settle_v in_o they_o but_o sometime_o believe_v they_o and_o sometime_o question_n or_o disbelieve_v they_o such_o person_n the_o same_o st._n paul_n also_o describe_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o can_v six_z no_z where_o but_o roll_v in_o uncertainty_n from_o one_o opinion_n to_o another_o till_o they_o lose_v themselves_o in_o infidelity_n iu._n eph._n 14._o the_o principle_n they_o have_v receive_v be_v float_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o never_o come_v to_o any_o certain_a constant_a resolution_n which_o make_v they_o apt_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n according_a as_o their_o own_o fancy_n or_o the_o confident_a suggestion_n of_o some_o bold_a seducer_n incline_v they_o for_o some_o man_n deliver_v the_o vain_a conceit_n with_o such_o a_o assurance_n and_o earnest_a zeal_n that_o they_o may_v be_v well_o compare_v to_o a_o violent_a blast_n which_o carry_v those_o along_o with_o it_o who_o be_v not_o settle_v and_o confirm_v in_o their_o belief_n i_o may_v make_v many_o more_o word_n about_o this_o but_o i_o shall_v scarce_o make_v it_o plain_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o endeavour_v it_o but_o now_o desire_v you_o to_o mind_n what_o course_n these_o word_n thus_o explain_v direct_v we_o to_o take_v that_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o abuse_v the_o liberty_n we_o have_v of_o consult_v on_o all_o occasion_n with_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n there_o be_v some_o learning_n you_o see_v require_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o you_o need_v not_o go_v far_o to_o seek_v it_o for_o it_o consist_v only_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o natural_a truth_n as_o be_v engrave_v upon_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o of_o those_o plain_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o god_n word_n so_o clear_o that_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n about_o they_o especial_o of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o christianity_n which_o st._n john_n express_v in_o this_o short_a sentence_n these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o sin_v not_o this_o be_v very_o solid_a and_o deep_a learning_n to_o know_v that_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a end_n of_o divine_a write_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o live_v well_o and_o the_o next_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n of_o st._n john_n 1._o ii_o 1._o if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a &c_n &c_n be_v not_o discourage_v if_o contrary_a to_o the_o grent_a design_n of_o christianity_n you_o fall_v into_o sin_n but_o hope_v for_o mercy_n through_o the_o propitiation_n make_v by_o christ_n jesus_n who_o will_v intercede_v for_o the_o sius_fw-la of_o those_o who_o hearty_o make_v this_o their_o main_a design_n and_o business_n not_o to_o sin_n which_o truth_n of_o both_o sort_n we_o must_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o six_o in_o our_o raind_n and_o root_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o our_o belief_n of_o they_o may_v not_o be_v shake_v by_o any_o other_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o much_o less_o by_o any_o sudden_a conceit_n which_o start_v up_o in_o our_o mind_n or_o be_v suggest_v to_o we_o by_o other_o and_o the_o way_n to_o do_v that_o be_v to_o live_v by_o they_o for_o nothing_o settle_v knowledge_n so_o much_o as_o saithful_a practice_n according_a to_o it_o especial_o when_o we_o be_v settle_v in_o this_o practice_n for_o those_o st._n peter_n call_v unstable_a soul_n in_o the_o chapter_n before_o this_o v._o 14._o apt_a to_o be_v beguile_v and_o ensnare_v who_o have_v not_o arrive_v at_o a_o settle_a resolution_n and_o a_o habitual_a course_n of_o well-doing_n now_o when_o this_o be_v do_v which_o must_v be_v our_o first_o work_n there_o be_v but_o one_o rule_n which_o i_o shall_v propose_v because_o if_o well_o follow_v it_o comprehend_v all_o in_o it_o to_o make_v our_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n safe_a and_o secure_a which_o be_v this_o never_o to_o admit_v any_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n from_o other_o or_o fasten_v any_o sense_n upon_o they_o ourselves_o which_o contradict_v those_o know_a truth_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o in_o which_o we_o be_v fix_v as_o the_o undoubted_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n they_o must_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n by_o they_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o all_o thing_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a whatsoever_o overthrow_v they_o and_o will_v not_o consist_v with_o they_o must_v be_v reject_v it_o must_v not_o make_v we_o doubt_v of_o they_o but_o they_o must_v make_v we_o conclude_v it_o be_v a_o safe_a interpretation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n whatsoever_o agree_v with_o they_o though_o it_o shall_v happen_v not_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n into_o which_o we_o inquire_v it_o can_v do_v no_o harm_n if_o it_o be_v entertain_v and_o here_o now_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o use_v this_o rule_n second_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o keep_v to_o it_o three_o how_o ready_o thereby_o we_o may_v salve_v many_o seem_a difficulty_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n at_o least_o pass_v by_o they_o safe_o if_o we_o observe_v it_o i._o concern_v the_o first_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v these_o two_o thing_n i._n first_o that_o we_o must_v never_o admit_v any_o interpretation_n on_o a_o sudden_a till_o we_o have_v examine_v how_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o know_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n fancy_n will_v be_v suggest_v thing_n to_o we_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o attentive_a will_v sometime_o insinuate_v very_o absurd_a notion_n into_o our_o belief_n here_o therefore_o our_o care_n and_o labour_n be_v require_v to_o bring_v along_o with_o we_o to_o the_o read_n of_o holy_a scripture_n such_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o know_a duty_n to_o he_o and_o of_o the_o end_n and_o intention_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o may_v be_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o correct_v our_o extempore_o conceit_n and_o apprehension_n which_o will_v be_v forward_o to_o mislead_v we_o and_o if_o they_o represent_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o which_o make_v he_o unjust_a or_o unmerciful_a if_o they_o plain_o lead_v we_o to_o negligence_n and_o carelessness_n in_o our_o duty_n if_o they_o strike_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n which_o be_v charity_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a we_o must_v as_o sudden_o lay_v they_o aside_o as_o they_o obtrude_v themselves_o upon_o we_o for_o that_o can_v be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n which_o cross_v the_o natural_a notion_n we_o all_o have_v of_o he_o or_o thwart_v the_o plain_a revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o his_o bless_a nature_n and_o will_n or_o tend_v to_o make_v we_o less_o diligent_a in_o his_o service_n less_o zealous_a of_o good_a work_n unto_o which_o we_o be_v create_v and_o form_v in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o ii_o ephes_n 10._o and_o we_o be_v all_o concern_v to_o watch_v careful_o lest_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n insinuate_v itself_o to_o the_o high_a dishonour_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o infinite_a hazard_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n and_o to_o watch_v not_o only_a when_o we_o be_v read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o ii_o second_o at_o all_o other_o time_n we_o must_v use_v due_a care_n lest_o our_o thought_n lead_v we_o to_o form_v any_o opinion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o humanity_n and_o christianity_n the_o thought_n of_o man_n be_v restless_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o cast_v themselves_o into_o a_o thousand_o shape_n and_o frame_v innumerable_a conceit_n now_o if_o we_o let_v any_o settle_v in_o our_o mind_n which_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o truth_n i_o have_v often_o name_v they_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o be_v intermeddle_v when_o we_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o draw_v it_o to_o speak_v in_o their_o favour_n contrary_a to_o its_o meaning_n there_o be_v no_o private_a opinion_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v but_o we_o be_v natural_o desirous_a to_o have_v it_o justify_v and_o confirm_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_n take_v care_n to_o entertain_v none_o that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o piety_n for_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o catch_v at_o every_o
word_n of_o holy_a scripture_n to_o give_v they_o countenance_n by_o its_o great_a authority_n and_o press_v it_o against_o its_o will_n to_o come_v to_o their_o service_n at_o every_o turn_n they_o will_v be_v interpose_v their_o inclination_n and_o prove_v a_o bias_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o carry_v they_o aside_o from_o the_o mark_n and_o the_o full_a we_o be_v of_o these_o and_o the_o more_o desirous_a to_o have_v they_o confirm_v the_o more_o hasty_o shall_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v in_o their_o favour_n and_o proffer_v itself_o as_o a_o witness_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o conceit_n let_v we_o provide_v therefore_o by_o a_o due_a vigilance_n and_o attentive_a consideration_n that_o they_o be_v not_o form_v by_o our_o own_o private_a imagination_n but_o by_o the_o common_a stand_a rule_n of_o natural_a honesty_n justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o by_o all_o other_o certain_a principle_n ingraft_v in_o we_o or_o reveal_v to_o we_o which_o serve_v as_o a_o index_n to_o point_v we_o which_o way_n our_o thought_n shall_v run_v and_o where_o they_o shall_v six_o themselves_o ii_o the_o necessity_n of_o which_o care_n be_v the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o be_v brief_o consider_v and_o here_o two_o thing_n more_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v due_o weigh_v first_o that_o without_o this_o care_n the_o plain_a scripture_n will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v pervert_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o most_o difficult_a second_o the_o very_a same_o place_n of_o scripture_n will_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v shameful_o wrest_v to_o serve_v different_a purpose_n i._n first_o i_o say_v the_o plain_a scripture_n will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v pervert_v and_o very_o dangerous_o too_o as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o difficult_a for_o it_o be_v not_o their_o difficulty_n that_o make_v they_o be_v pervert_v but_o man_n own_o easiness_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o their_o private_a desire_n will_v have_v to_o be_v true_a though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o sound_v reason_n and_o religion_n which_o if_o they_o have_v regard_v will_v have_v direct_v they_o to_o make_v another_o construction_n of_o holy_a write_n all_o the_o metaphor_n for_o instance_n and_o resemblance_n borrow_v from_o thing_n visible_a to_o represent_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n heavenly_a kingdom_n make_v the_o miserable_a jew_n as_o their_o forefather_n do_v before_o they_o still_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o pleasant_a dream_n of_o a_o glorious_a pompous_a monarchy_n here_o on_o earth_n though_o the_o prophet_n in_o as_o plain_a word_n as_o can_v be_v devise_v represent_v christ_n their_o king_n as_o a_o man_n of_o suffering_n who_o shall_v endure_v great_a indignity_n than_o any_o man_n ever_o do_v and_o at_o last_o die_v and_o so_o rise_v again_o to_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n from_o thence_o to_o fill_v all_o the_o earth_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o thereby_o make_v they_o pious_a subject_n of_o a_o divine_a kingdom_n this_o drowsiness_n be_v so_o hereditary_a to_o their_o nation_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o their_o slumber_n by_o consider_v how_o much_o more_o the_o soul_n be_v god_n care_n than_o the_o body_n and_o what_o the_o prophet_n speak_v concern_v christ_n government_n over_o man_n mind_n and_o conscience_n and_o the_o reformation_n he_o shall_v come_v to_o make_v in_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n some_o christian_n have_v be_v delude_v with_o the_o same_o fancy_n as_o if_o they_o have_v dream_v upon_o their_o pillow_n but_o there_o be_v more_o palpable_a instance_n of_o the_o abuse_v commit_v among_o they_o not_o by_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o forbid_v but_o by_o not_o observe_v the_o rule_n i_o be_o now_o establish_v it_o be_v usual_a for_o people_n even_o in_o the_o ancient_a time_n of_o christianity_n to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n according_a to_o their_o fancy_n mere_o to_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n just_a as_o many_o make_v it_o do_v now_o for_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o who_o after_o their_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n still_o follow_v the_o trade_n of_o make_v idol_n and_o image_n for_o the_o heathen_a to_o worship_n defend_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v reprehend_v for_o it_o by_o a_o say_v in_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n vii_o 20._o which_o they_o thus_o contract_v ut_fw-la cuique_fw-la fuerit_fw-la inventus_fw-la ita_fw-la &_o perseveret_fw-la as_o every_o man_n be_v find_v when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o christianity_n so_o let_v he_o continue_v there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o read_v what_o follow_v but_o plain_o see_v if_o he_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o shut_v his_o eye_n against_o all_o that_o contradict_v his_o desire_n the_o apostle_n design_v nothing_o but_o that_o all_o man_n shall_v remain_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o condition_n in_o which_o they_o be_v when_o convert_v to_o christ_n that_o if_o they_o be_v mere_a slave_n they_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o continue_v so_o and_o not_o depart_v from_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n unless_o they_o will_v give_v they_o their_o liberty_n which_o he_o grant_v be_v much_o to_o be_v desire_v but_o if_o the_o follow_a word_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n yet_o the_o rule_n before_o mention_v will_v have_v sufficient_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o ill_a use_n they_o make_v of_o his_o word_n for_o as_o tertullian_n well_o observe_v in_o his_o book_n of_o idolatry_n cap._n v._o where_o he_o treat_v of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v a_o interpretation_n that_o direct_o lead_v to_o all_o wickedness_n possumus_fw-la igitur_fw-la omnes_fw-la in_o peccatis_fw-la perseverare_fw-la ex_fw-la ista_fw-la interpretatione_n etc._n etc._n as_o his_o word_n be_v we_o may_v all_o then_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o this_o interpretation_n for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o we_o who_o be_v not_o find_v a_o sinner_n when_o he_o be_v call_v into_o christ_n service_n who_o come_v down_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n but_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n they_o also_o abuse_v he_o observe_v there_o some_o other_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n wherein_o he_o require_v that_o after_o his_o example_n every_o man_n shall_v work_v and_o get_v his_o live_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n 1_o cor._n iu_o 10._o 2_o thess_n iii_o 9_o 10._o by_o which_o precept_n if_o all_o that_o man_n wrought_v with_o their_o hand_n may_v be_v defend_v then_o thief_n and_o highway_n man_n and_o coiner_n of_o false_a money_n and_o all_o other_o wicked_a person_n will_v be_v justify_v by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o these_o image-maker_n who_o allege_v they_o in_o a_o word_n let_v the_o gate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v set_v wide_o open_a say_v he_o for_o all_o comer_n who_o live_v by_o their_o labour_n if_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n of_o such_o art_n and_o trade_n as_o the_o discipline_n of_o god_n do_v not_o receive_v and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n itself_o teach_v we_o this_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o difficult_a place_n only_o which_o man_n wrest_v to_o their_o destruction_n but_o the_o plain_a also_o when_o thereby_o they_o can_v have_v some_o colour_n for_o their_o evil_a practice_n as_o for_o example_n what_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n never_o give_v any_o encouragement_n by_o his_o doctrine_n for_o man_n to_o say_v much_o less_o say_v thus_o himself_o let_v we_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v that_o be_v a_o good_a end_n will_v warrant_v evil_a action_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v so_o audacious_a as_o to_o affirm_v he_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n who_o he_o content_v himself_o to_o confute_v with_o these_o few_o word_n and_o vouchsafe_v they_o no_o other_o answer_n who_o damnation_n be_v just_a iii_o rome_n 8._o there_o be_v no_o ground_n that_o be_v for_o such_o a_o interpretation_n of_o his_o word_n but_o only_o their_o own_o evil_a principle_n and_o affection_n which_o lead_v they_o to_o make_v this_o conclusion_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n and_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v for_o such_o man_n but_o they_o will_v perish_v and_o nothing_o be_v more_o just_a than_o that_o god_n shall_v leave_v they_o under_o condemnation_n who_o pervert_v holy_a word_n to_o a_o meaning_n so_o cross_a to_o all_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v truth_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o occumenius_n upon_o this_o very_a text_n of_o st._n peter_n gives_z another_z such_o like_a instance_n of_o wrest_v st._n paul_n word_n which_o he_o say_v may_v serve_v instead_o of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v v._o rom._n 20._o where_o sin_n abound_v grace_n do_v much_o more_o abound_v ungodly_a man_n
pervert_v his_o sense_n say_v we_o have_v paul_n on_o our_o side_n who_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o sin_v the_o more_o abundant_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o abundant_o pardon_v which_o they_o do_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n say_v st._n peter_n for_o they_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o that_o destrey_n and_o takeaway_n their_o word_n by_o a_o perverse_a interpretation_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o condemnation_n because_o they_o slay_v they_o that_o the_o world_n may_v be_v no_o long_o teach_v by_o they_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n wrest_v or_o put_v upon_o the_o rack_n their_o word_n that_o none_o by_o they_o may_v work_v out_o their_o salvation_n again_o what_o be_v there_o clear_a in_o the_o apostolical_a write_n than_o that_o they_o every_o where_n teach_v god_n will_v raise_v the_o dead_a at_o the_o last_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v those_o who_o wrest_v these_o word_n so_o foul_o that_o some_o say_v the_o resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o of_o who_o be_v hymenaeus_n and_o philetas_n 2_o tim._n ii_o 17_o 18._o and_o other_o say_v there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n 1_o cor._n xv._o 12._o and_o other_o say_v christ_n will_v never_o come_v again_o but_o laugh_v at_o his_o promise_n of_o come_v to_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o at_o his_o threaten_n of_o come_v to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o in_o this_o very_a chapter_n v._o 3_o 4._o know_v this_o first_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n there_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o scoff_a saying_n where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n for_o since_o the_o first_o man_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v have_v the_o impudence_n to_o affirm_v it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o disprove_v they_o have_v they_o not_o affect_v as_o he_o show_v v._o 5._o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v as_o plain_o record_v in_o the_o holy_a book_n as_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o that_o there_o have_v already_o be_v long_o ago_o a_o great_a change_n make_v by_o the_o flood_n which_o sweep_v away_o the_o world_n of_o the_o ungodly_a which_o if_o they_o have_v be_v serious_a will_v have_v keep_v they_o from_o mock_v at_o another_o destruction_n threaten_v to_o the_o wicked_a with_o a_o promise_n of_o salvation_n to_o the_o godly_a at_o our_o saviour_n second_n come_v and_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o what_o be_v past_a as_o a_o example_n of_o the_o like_a future_a judgement_n i_o may_v give_v more_o numerous_a instance_n which_o will_v prove_v something_o beyond_o this_o that_o unpurged_a mind_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a soul_n will_v not_o only_o wrest_v plain_a truth_n to_o serve_v their_o lust_n and_o humour_n but_o thereby_o be_v apt_a to_o grow_v more_o wicked_a and_o more_o prejudice_v against_o god_n and_o goodness_n for_o the_o opinion_n or_o presumption_n as_o be_v excellent_o observe_v by_o a_o great_a man_n that_o any_o of_o our_o evil_a action_n or_o disposition_n be_v countenance_v from_o god_n word_n do_v mighty_o heighten_v they_o in_o a_o degree_n of_o evil_n more_o than_o usual_a the_o covetous_a niggardly_a and_o unmerciful_a for_o instance_n if_o they_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o precept_n of_o frugality_n and_o diligence_n be_v exceed_o stiffen_a and_o root_v in_o those_o sin_n with_o the_o pleasure_n they_o take_v in_o their_o conceit_a conformity_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o avoid_v riot_n and_o luxury_n sloth_n and_o negligence_n and_o thus_o the_o stubborn_a and_o self-willed_a be_v encourage_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n by_o the_o commendation_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o constant_a and_o the_o well-resolved_n and_o the_o malicious_a turbulent_a and_o seditious_a spirit_n justify_v their_o bitterness_n fury_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n from_o the_o example_n of_o excessive_a zeal_n or_o indignation_n swell_v in_o holy_a man_n upon_o just_a occasion_n and_o that_o perhaps_o by_o a_o special_a divine_a incitation_n which_o be_v not_o by_o any_o man_n to_o be_v now_o imitate_v but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o leave_v this_o and_o to_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o other_o ii_o it_o be_v no_o less_o usual_a for_o want_v of_o observe_v this_o plain_a rule_n to_o press_v one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o scripture_n to_o serve_v for_o different_a purpose_n unto_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a oracle_n which_o man_n from_o hence_o imagine_v have_v a_o uncertain_a find_v i_o may_v instance_n in_o some_o very_a ancient_a abuse_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n x._o matth._n 25._o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o disciple_n that_o he_o be_v as_o his_o master_n may_v be_v strain_v to_o prove_v no_o body_n know_v how_o many_o absurdity_n you_o may_v guess_v at_o the_o rest_n by_o this_o one_o that_o it_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o ebionite_n to_o prove_v that_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v circumcise_v because_o christ_n their_o master_n be_v as_o epiphanius_n express_o remember_v and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n may_v be_v urge_v to_o prove_v that_o no_o christian_n ought_v to_o marry_v because_o christ_n their_o master_n never_o marry_v but_o there_o be_v modern_a instance_n more_o than_o enough_o of_o this_o such_o as_o show_v that_o not_o only_o ignorant_a people_n but_o the_o most_o instruct_v in_o humane_a learning_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n notorious_o if_o they_o keep_v not_o close_o to_o principle_n of_o know_a morality_n and_o piety_n from_o those_o two_o word_n pasce_fw-la oves_fw-la feed_v my_o sheep_n i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o thing_n be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n if_o you_o ask_v how_o they_o prove_v the_o pope_n monarchy_n and_o supreme_a dominion_n in_o the_o church_n the_o answer_n be_v christ_n say_v to_o peter_n simon_n bar-jona_n feed_v my_o sheep_n i._n e._n say_v bellarmine_n regio_fw-la more_fw-it impera_fw-la command_v after_o a_o regal_a manner_n if_o you_o ask_v again_o by_o what_o right_o he_o challenge_v to_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n which_o ancient_o be_v think_v to_o belong_v to_o general_n council_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o same_o doctor_n tell_v you_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o same_o word_n feed_v my_o sheep_n hence_o he_o prove_v also_o his_o infallibility_n or_o that_o he_o can_v err_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n because_o christ_n say_v feed_v my_o sheep_n nay_o by_o the_o same_o word_n a_o four_o prerogative_n be_v establish_v which_o be_v a_o power_n to_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o think_v good_a they_o be_v allege_v also_o for_o a_o five_o purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o have_v a_o treasure_n make_v up_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o saint_n which_o he_o dispense_v as_o he_o please_v to_o the_o faithful_a for_o so_o the_o same_o doctor_n teach_v in_o his_o book_n of_o indulgence_n because_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n by_o which_o wonderful_a word_n also_o he_o and_o other_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o pope_n can_v transfer_v kingdom_n absolve_v subject_n from_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o depose_v they_o from_o their_o throne_n and_o becanus_n from_o the_o same_o word_n still_o gather_v that_o he_o may_v inflict_v temporal_a punishment_n as_o they_o call_v they_o not_o except_v death_n upon_o those_o prince_n that_o be_v disobedient_a to_o he_o so_o strange_o be_v man_n bend_v to_o force_v the_o meaning_n of_o holy_a writ_n though_o they_o have_v never_o so_o good_a part_n and_o great_a learning_n when_o they_o have_v once_o forsake_v the_o guidance_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o the_o obvious_a notion_n of_o christianity_n nay_o the_o more_o witty_a they_o be_v the_o worse_o they_o be_v if_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o conscience_n and_o keep_v not_o strict_o to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n there_o be_v another_o example_n to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n from_o those_o word_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n etc._n etc._n one_o be_v content_a to_o prove_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o the_o universal_a church_n can_v err_v but_o another_o from_o hence_o affirm_v that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o present_a church_n can_v err_v which_o will_v not_o satisfy_v other_o who_o conclude_v from_o the_o same_o word_n that_o the_o pope_n can_v err_v and_o there_o be_v those_o who_o
that_o be_v thus_o enter_v we_o can_v continue_v in_o that_o state_n unless_o according_a to_o our_o holy_a purpose_n we_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n what_o he_o say_v of_o god_n harden_v man_n heart_n be_v not_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o those_o who_o be_v not_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a but_o be_v skilful_a in_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o of_o true_a christianity_n and_o who_o be_v root_v in_o they_o so_o that_o they_o hold_v they_o fast_o whatscever_o expression_n there_o may_v be_v that_o seem_v to_o contradict_v they_o but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o draw_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o treatise_n which_o shall_v end_v as_o it_o begin_v the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n it_o appear_v be_v most_o pure_a and_o sincere_a in_o this_o point_n and_o most_o conformable_a to_o what_o we_o find_v deliver_v by_o the_o holy_a doctor_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o best_a age_n and_o therefore_o no_o member_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v persuade_v for_o any_o reason_n to_o lay_v aside_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o there_o be_v a_o more_o pious_a course_n to_o which_o they_o themselves_o direct_v we_o which_o be_v to_o learn_v those_o thing_n well_o which_o we_o can_v misapprehend_v if_o we_o mind_v they_o and_o which_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o misapprehend_v all_o other_o thing_n if_o we_o stick_v to_o they_o and_o will_v not_o desert_v they_o let_v that_o be_v your_o first_o business_n to_o learn_v all_o general_n truth_n which_o comprehend_v the_o particular_a in_o they_o and_o when_o you_o have_v learn_v they_o receive_v no_o particular_a opinion_n which_o cross_v those_o general_a truth_n for_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v false_a because_o one_o truth_n can_v cross_v another_o and_o all_o conclusion_n must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o prime_a truth_n which_o ought_v to_o stand_v unmoveable_a but_o above_o all_o let_v we_o establish_v those_o truth_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o be_v good_a for_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n about_o this_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v devout_o religious_a and_o sober_a and_o just_a and_o temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n meek_a also_o humble_a patient_a ready_a to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o forgive_v and_o if_o we_o exercise_v ourselves_o continual_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a virtue_n which_o be_v evident_o teach_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a book_n they_o will_v preserve_v we_o from_o make_v any_o ill_a use_n of_o any_o thing_n we_o read_v there_o and_o teach_v we_o to_o turn_v all_o we_o read_v into_o our_o nourishment_n and_o increase_n in_o true_a godliness_n hear_v the_o first_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o in_o read_v god_n word_n he_o most_o profit_v not_o always_o that_o be_v most_o ready_a in_o turn_v of_o the_o book_n or_o in_o say_v of_o it_o without_o book_n but_o he_o that_o be_v most_o turn_v into_o it_o that_o be_v most_o inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n most_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n alter_v and_o change_v into_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o read_v he_o that_o be_v daily_o less_o and_o less_o proud_a less_o wrathful_a less_o covetous_a and_o less_o desirous_a of_o worldly_a and_o vain_a pleasure_n he_o that_o daily_o for_o sake_z his_o old_a vicious_a life_n increase_v in_o virtue_n more_o and_o more_o and_o to_o be_v short_a there_o be_v nothing_o that_o more_o maintain_v godliness_n of_o mind_n and_o drive_v away_o ungodliness_n than_o do_v the_o continual_a read_n or_o hear_v of_o god_n word_n if_o it_o be_v join_v with_o a_o godly_a mind_n and_o a_o good_a affection_n to_o know_v and_o follow_v god_n will._n for_o without_o a_o single_a eye_n pure_a intent_n and_o good_a mind_n nothing_o be_v allow_v for_o good_a before_o god_n objection_n the_o great_a objection_n against_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v that_o notwithstanding_o these_o direction_n layman_n we_o see_v do_v abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o which_o be_v more_o the_o reading_z of_o they_o have_v breed_v infinite_a heresy_n and_o therefore_o the_o safe_a course_n be_v to_o forbid_v they_o to_o be_v read_v by_o the_o common_a people_n answer_n i._n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o which_o a_o answer_n have_v be_v return_v already_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n so_o useful_a and_o necessary_a but_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v and_o yet_o it_o must_v not_o therefore_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o vulgar_a people_n for_o their_o common_a benefit_n what_o more_o useful_a nay_o necessary_a than_o fire_n and_o yet_o malicious_a or_o negligent_a people_n may_v burn_v the_o best_a house_n that_o be_v with_o it_o which_o they_o shall_v only_o warm_v but_o beside_o this_o i_o have_v one_o short_a reply_n more_o to_o make_v that_o none_o have_v be_v more_o guilty_a of_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n than_o they_o who_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v guide_n to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n by_o a_o sound_a interpretation_n thereof_o example_n of_o which_o i_o be_o not_o dispose_v to_o name_n unless_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o untoward_a as_o to_o deny_v it_o and_o then_o a_o great_a many_o may_v be_v produce_v like_v to_o that_o of_o he_o who_o because_o moses_n say_v if_o a_o beast_n touch_v the_o mountain_n let_v it_o be_v stone_v conclude_v that_o no_o simple_a or_o unlearned_a man_n aught_o to_o presume_v to_o meddle_v with_o the_o sublimity_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n a_o hard_a case_n this_o that_o vulgar_a people_n shall_v be_v treat_v like_o beast_n but_o thus_o learned_a man_n will_v misinterpret_v scripture_n when_o they_o be_v incline_v only_o to_o serve_v their_o cause_n and_o be_v as_o forward_o if_o they_o be_v not_o disinterest_v to_o mislead_v the_o people_n as_o the_o people_n be_v to_o mislead_v themselves_o answer_v ii_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n i_o shall_v give_v something_o full_a satisfaction_n i._o and_o first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o all_o heresy_n have_v spring_v from_o man_n read_v the_o scripture_n or_o from_o their_o misunderstand_v they_o but_o rather_o from_o their_o not_o read_v they_o as_o st._n chrysostom_n you_o have_v hear_v be_v of_o opinion_n who_o word_n i_o have_v quote_v more_o than_o once_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n xxii_o matth._n 29._o you_o do_v err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o what_o natural_a reason_n teach_v concern_v god_n omnipotency_n as_o well_o as_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v about_o the_o resurrection_n here_o it_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o observe_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o father_n observe_v all_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n do_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o st._n austin_n lib._n iii_o cap._n 9_o de_fw-fr genesi_fw-la ad_fw-la literam_fw-la for_o neither_o do_v all_o heretic_n read_v the_o catholic_n scripture_n nor_o be_v they_o heretic_n for_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o not_o understand_v they_o aright_o pertinacious_o assert_v their_o own_o false_a opinion_n against_o their_o truth_n and_o thus_o st._n hierom_n in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o vii_o of_o hosea_n all_o the_o question_n of_o the_o heretic_n and_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v the_o same_o because_o they_o follow_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o sense_n of_o humane_a reason_n second_o they_o observe_v that_o the_o man_n who_o pretend_v most_o to_o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o heresy_n viz._n the_o philosopher_n thus_o tertullian_n in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o martion_n speak_v of_o the_o professor_n of_o wisdom_n say_v de_fw-fr quorum_fw-la ingeniis_fw-la omnis_fw-la haeresis_fw-la animatur_fw-la from_o who_o wit_n all_o heresy_n be_v beget_v and_o encourage_v and_o more_o full_o in_o his_o book_n of_o prescription_n cap._n 7._o ipsae_fw-la denique_fw-la haereses_fw-la à_fw-la philosophia_fw-la animantur_fw-la heresy_n themselves_o have_v life_n give_v they_o from_o philosophy_n for_o the_o aeones_n come_v out_o of_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n marcion_n god_n come_v from_o the_o stoic_n and_o the_o soul_n mortality_n from_o the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n be_v take_v from_o one_o school_n of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v show_v how_o the_o fable_n the_o endless_a genealogy_n the_o unprofitable_a question_n and_o dispute_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n come_v out_o of_o the_o same_o forge_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o when_o he_o give_v the_o colossian_n a_o caveat_n