tradition_n whether_o by_o word_n or_o epistle_n deliver_v to_o we_o 2._o thes_n 2_o 15_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v there_o show_v 1._o that_o the_o apostolic_a authority_n whether_o in_o speak_v or_o write_v be_v the_o same_o and_o that_o to_o both_o the_o church_n be_v to_o give_v the_o same_o credit_n 2._o that_o what_o be_v teach_v from_o the_o apostle_n by_o word_n be_v the_o very_a same_o deliver_v by_o epistle_n but_o thence_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o receive_v of_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v not_o only_o different_a from_o the_o scripture_n but_o visible_o contrary_a thereto_o when_o neither_o scripture_n reason_n nor_o antiquity_n discover_v their_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n qu._n be_v not_o oral_a tradition_n such_o as_o can_v possible_o deceive_v whereby_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v deliver_v down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n and_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o ans_fw-fr to_o this_o of_o late_o do_v a_o part_n of_o this_o of_o late_o do_v a_o part_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n fly_v though_o nothing_o more_o visible_o repugnant_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n if_o man_n but_o open_a their_o eye_n to_o see_v 1._o that_o no_o more_o sure_a and_o plain_a delivery_n of_o the_o truth_n can_v be_v to_o we_o by_o speak_v than_o by_o write_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v possible_o judge_v how_o a_o certainty_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o traditional_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v more_o than_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n 2._o this_o be_v to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n not_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n but_o on_o what_o the_o father_n &_o forefather_n have_v tell_v to_o the_o child_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o pass_v from_o all_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o deny_v that_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o way_n of_o be_v eternal_o save_v which_o with_o most_o convince_a evidence_n be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n 3._o we_o see_v how_o far_o tradition_n in_o a_o few_o age_n differ_v from_o itself_o and_o have_v be_v the_o rise_n of_o such_o fabulous_a romance_n the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o about_o matter_n of_o fact_n from_o former_a time_n yea_o how_o oft_o the_o church_n have_v be_v almost_o swallow_v up_o of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n so_o that_o if_o one_o will_v trace_v back_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n by_o tradition_n they_o shall_v go_v near_o to_o lose_v the_o scent_n when_o it_o come_v to_o athanasiâ—s's_n time_n whilst_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n seem_v to_o be_v arrian_n qu._n be_v there_o no_o necessity_n of_o tradition_n when_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o refute_v all_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr can_v it_o be_v possible_a to_o understand_v heresy_n but_o as_o they_o be_v against_o the_o scripture_n or_o how_o to_o have_v another_o conception_n thereof_o and_o yet_o that_o not_o sufficient_a for_o their_o refutation_n this_o be_v i_o confess_v a_o doctrine_n meet_v for_o such_o who_o can_v make_v contradiction_n meet_v and_o agree_v at_o their_o pleasure_n sect_n viii_o qu._n have_v we_o not_o safe_a and_o unanswerable_a ground_n from_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o romish_a doctrine_n and_o its_o long_a continue_a succession_n to_o find_v a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o its_o truth_n ans_fw-fr none_o can_v deny_v these_o 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o true_a antiquity_n and_o what_o be_v not_o according_a to_o this_o be_v a_o novelty_n bring_v in_o on_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o the_o rise_n and_o pedigree_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v trace_v back_o to_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o beginning_n to_o work_v who_o gradual_a breaking-up_a do_v then_o hasten_v to_o a_o more_o full_a appearance_n 3._o but_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a also_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o some_o age_n know_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o popery_n in_o so_o horrid_a a_o corrupt_a of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o after_o follow_v nor_o what_o a_o universal_a bishop_n and_o his_o infallibility_n mean_v qu._n but_o can_v any_o evidence_n be_v find_v from_o these_o first_o time_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o will_v import_v a_o contradict_v of_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v now_o profess_a ans_fw-fr there_o be_v no_o accident_n where_o the_o thing_n itself_o have_v no_o be_v nor_o can_v these_o possible_o write_v against_o popery_n in_o such_o head_n as_o the_o romish_a infallibility_n the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o saint_n etc._n etc._n before_o they_o be_v once_o bring_v to_o light_v but_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n it_o be_v clear_a they_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o alone_a rule_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n therefore_o not_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o that_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o same_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v shut_v up_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o error_n yea_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o place_n after_o death_n without_o the_o least_o touch_n or_o mention_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o purgatory_n this_o also_o be_v the_o know_a doctrine_n of_o the_o first_o time_n that_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o alone_a way_n of_o salvation_n therefore_o not_o by_o oâ—r_n own_o merit_n sect_n ix_o qu._n be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n for_o which_o the_o romish_a church_n so_o much_o contend_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v secure_o rest_v upon_o that_o man_n by_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n may_v be_v save_v ans_fw-fr it_o be_v clear_a we_o must_v go_v to_o heaven_n by_o merit_n though_o not_o our_o own_o yea_o upon_o the_o exact_a term_n of_o justice_n it_o be_v due_a to_o he_o who_o have_v pay_v the_o price_n to_o the_o utmost_a value_n that_o none_o of_o his_o purchase_n be_v lose_v but_o to_o we_o it_o be_v only_o of_o grace_n nor_o can_v such_o work_n be_v meritorious_a where_o 1._o we_o owe_v all_o and_o do_v nothing_o which_o be_v not_o a_o debt_n upon_o we_o be_v not_o our_o own_o but_o buy_v with_o a_o price_n 1_o cor._n 6_o 17._o 2._o where_o no_o equality_n proportion_n or_o suitablenesse_n can_v be_v betwixt_o the_o work_n and_o the_o reward_n as_o be_v clear_a 2_o cor._n 4_o 17._o rom._n 3_o 28._o 3._o which_o at_o the_o best_a have_v some_o spot_n and_o stain_v cleave_v thereto_o and_o come_v so_o short_a to_o answer_v what_o the_o law_n require_v isa_n 64_o 4._o but_o we_o be_v all_o as_o a_o unclean_a thing_n and_o all_o our_o righteousness_n as_o filthy_a rag_n 4._o it_o be_v most_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n rom._n 11_o 6._o if_o by_o grace_n it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o work_n otherwise_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n rom._n 4_o 4._o nâ—w_o to_o he_o that_o work_v be_v the_o reward_n not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n but_o to_o he_o who_o work_v not_o but_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o justifi_v the_o ungodly_a his_o faith_n be_v count_v for_o righteousness_n and_o chap._n 3_o 28._o wherefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o law_n qu._n yet_o may_v not_o some_o in_o a_o unconverted_a state_n deserve_v a_o confer_v of_o grace_n upon_o they_o by_o put_v themselves_o forth_o to_o the_o utmost_a for_o their_o own_o conversion_n which_o the_o romish_a church_n call_v the_o merit_n of_o congruity_n ans_fw-fr from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o before_o renew_v grace_n all_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n who_o of_o themselves_o can_v frame_v their_o thought_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a nor_o have_v a_o active_a concurrence_n for_o such_o a_o change_n 2_o cor._n 3_o 5._o and_o that_o the_o alone_a cause_n which_o make_v one_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o be_v that_o rom._n 9_o vers_fw-la 15._o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n therefore_o no_o plea_n for_o merit_n by_o any_o improvement_n of_o man_n natural_a ability_n qu._n but_o do_v not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o regenerate_v which_o follow_v justification_n deserve_v eternal_a life_n not_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n but_o from_o their_o own_o intrinsic_a worth_n and_o proportionableness_n to_o the_o reward_n which_o be_v call_v the_o merit_n of_o condignity_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v to_o subvert_v the_o whole_a contrivance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o judicial_a transfer_v our_o sin_n as_o a_o debt_n on_o christ_n the_o surety_n and_o of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o merit_n to_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o our_o justification_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o work_n and_o lay_v down_o the_o very_a same_o way_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o
be_v clear_a 2_o cor._n 5_o 21._o qu._n be_v not_o heaven_n hold_v forth_o be_v a_o reward_n so_o as_o our_o work_n do_v merit_n by_o bargain_n and_o covenant_n mat._n 20_o 12._o ans_fw-fr no_o reward_n of_o debt_n can_v be_v find_v there_o as_o that_o which_o be_v in_o strict_a justice_n due_a but_o to_o show_v it_o be_v only_o of_o grace_n and_o no_o proportion_n betwixt_o that_o which_o be_v give_v and_o their_o work_n we_o see_v these_o who_o come_v in_o at_o the_o last_o hour_n have_v the_o same_o measure_n with_o they_o who_o have_v work_v all_o the_o day_n math._n 20_o 9_o nor_o can_v any_o merit_n be_v in_o that_o claim_n and_o reckon_v the_o great_a labourer_n must_v still_o say_v when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o unprofitable_a servant_n luke_n 17_o 10._o qu._n be_v it_o not_o promise_v rev._n 3_o 4._o that_o some_o shall_v walk_v with_o chrest_n in_o white_a because_o they_o be_v worthy_a ans_fw-fr there_o it_o be_v clear_a the_o lord_n do_v account_v they_o so_o who_o he_o have_v accept_v in_o his_o son_n and_o for_o who_o sake_n alone_o it_o be_v 1_o cor._n 4_o 7._o for_o who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o and_o what_o have_v thou_o which_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v then_o if_o thoâ—_n do_v receive_v it_o why_o do_v thou_o glory_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v qu._n be_v there_o no_o necessity_n of_o work_n here_o even_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n ans_fw-fr we_o know_v 1._o this_o be_v the_o way_n in_o which_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o walk_v for_o our_o attain_n salvation_n 2._o though_o they_o be_v not_o cause_n of_o our_o justification_n yet_o they_o be_v necessary_o require_v in_o the_o subject_n and_o person_n justify_v as_o the_o inseparable_a fruit_n of_o justify_v faith_n by_o which_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o other_o jam._n 2_o 16._o 3._o they_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n for_o a_o christian_n comfort_n and_o assurance_n 4._o they_o bring_v much_o honour_n to_o god_n joh._n 15_o 8._o but_o it_o be_v sure_a nothing_o can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v in_o assert_v this_o sect_n x._o qu._n if_o there_o be_v no_o humane_a satisfaction_n and_o merit_n what_o safe_a adventure_n can_v be_v on_o the_o overmeriting_a of_o some_o for_o other_o and_o that_o treasure_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n hand_n from_o the_o work_n of_o supererogation_n whereon_o their_o absolution_n and_o indulgence_n depend_v ans_fw-fr so_o horrid_a a_o imposture_n may_v let_v we_o see_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v give_v up_o unto_o strong_a delusion_n when_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a 1._o that_o the_o wise_a virgin_n can_v spare_v no_o oil_n out_o of_o their_o lamp_n to_o other_o matt._n 25_o 9_o 2._o that_o every_o one_o must_v prove_v his_o own_o work_n and_o bear_v his_o own_o burden_n gal._n 6_o 6._o 3._o if_o we_o credit_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n and_o its_o infinite_a value_n as_o the_o scripture_n hold_v it_o forth_o heb._n 10_o 14._o who_o by_o one_o offering_n have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o those_o who_o be_v sanctify_v and_o heb._n 7_o 25._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a then_o no_o use_n can_v be_v allege_v for_o this_o supply_n of_o humane_a satisfaction_n 4._o let_v man_n but_o exercise_n reason_n and_o consider_v how_o this_o possible_o can_v be_v know_v that_o such_o a_o overplus_n of_o merit_n be_v sure_a or_o more_o than_o they_o need_v themselves_o and_o where_o any_o rule_n can_v be_v find_v which_o the_o scripture_n never_o show_v how_o to_o apply_v the_o same_o or_o in_o who_o hand_n this_o trust_n be_v to_o be_v put_v qu._n be_v not_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n only_o for_o the_o guilt_n of_o mortal_a sin_n and_o to_o free_v we_o from_o eternal_a punishment_n but_o not_o of_o temporal_a therefore_o we_o see_v a_o fill_n up_o of_o what_o be_v behind_o of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n for_o his_o body_n which_o be_v the_o church_n col._n 1_o 24._o ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o jesus_n christ_n make_v a_o perfect_a reconciliation_n for_o sin_n dan._n 9_o 24._o john_n 1_o 29._o and_o no_o mite_n leave_v for_o we_o to_o pay_v by_o he_o who_o answer_v the_o full_a price_n 2._o what_o the_o apostle_n there_o show_v none_o can_v aver_v be_v of_o christ_n expiatory_a suffering_n but_o to_o show_v that_o as_o his_o suffering_n be_v the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n so_o be_v they_o a_o seal_n and_o witness_v to_o the_o truth_n joh._n 18_o 37_o in_o which_o respect_n the_o saint_n also_o have_v their_o share_n in_o all_o follow_a age_n to_o fill_v up_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o body_n which_o be_v the_o church_n as_o a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o the_o great_a witness_n himself_o do_v seal_v and_o confirm_v with_o his_o blood_n who_o before_o pontius_n pilate_n give_v a_o good_a confession_n qu._n yet_o may_v not_o this_o warrant_v such_o plenary_a indulgence_n and_o absolution_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o a_o power_n to_o apply_v the_o merit_n of_o other_o which_o be_v so_o express_v joh._n 20_o 23._o who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v shall_v be_v remit_v ans_fw-fr it_o be_v a_o sad_a commentary_n destroy_v the_o text_n which_o here_o have_v respect_n to_o church-censure_n and_o be_v to_o show_v what_o authority_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v clothe_v with_o and_o impower_v by_o their_o master_n commission_n to_o declare_v sinner_n bind_v or_o loose_v from_o their_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o validity_n of_o that_o declarative_a sentence_n thus_o insure_v as_o they_o follow_v that_o rule_n for_o the_o same_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n but_o not_o the_o least_o ground_n be_v here_o for_o such_o plenary_a indulgence_n they_o pretend_v or_o to_o absolve_v and_o relieve_v soul_n out_o of_o purgatory_n sect_n xi_o qu._n be_v there_o not_o clear_a ground_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n whereon_o a_o great_a stress_n of_o many_o of_o the_o romish_a principle_n visible_o lie_v that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o acquittance_n from_o eternal_a death_n for_o the_o true_o penitent_a yet_o be_v there_o a_o place_n after_o this_o life_n where_o they_o must_v for_o a_o time_n be_v torment_v and_o suffer_v these_o pain_n of_o purgatory_n to_o expiate_v venial_a sin_n which_o their_o prayer_n and_o pennance_n here_o can_v not_o do_v ans_fw-fr the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o thence_o it_o be_v clear_a 1._o that_o sin_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n only_o can_v be_v expiate_v and_o be_v his_o alone_a work_n who_o have_v purge_v our_o sin_n himself_o heb._n 1_o 3._o 2._o that_o forgiveness_n from_o the_o lord_n to_o those_o who_o repent_v be_v with_o no_o reserve_n of_o venial_a sin_n or_o a_o temporal_a punishment_n for_o such_o to_o satisfy_v justice_n ezeck_n 18_o 22._o all_o his_o transgression_n which_o have_v commit_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v heb._n 8_o 12._o i_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o their_o unrighteousness_n and_o their_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n i_o will_v remember_v no_o more_o 3._o from_o the_o scripture_n we_o can_v know_v only_o a_o two_o fold_v state_n of_o man_n after_o this_o life_n joh._n 3_o 36._o and_o two_o way_n that_o according_o lead_v thereto_o matth._n 7_o 14._o straight_o be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o the_o way_n to_o destruction_n broad_a the_o apostle_n show_v that_o no_o middle_a place_n be_v betwixt_o the_o saint_n be_v unclothe_v and_o clothe_v upon_o 2_o cor._n 5_o 1_o 2._o 5._o the_o unconverted_a thief_n find_v no_o purgatory_n by_o the_o way_n who_o have_v no_o pennance_n nor_o church_n indulgence_n to_o lead_v he_o by_o the_o same_o if_o the_o infinite_a merit_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o all_o in_o a_o word_n this_o do_v manifest_o charge_n god_n with_o injustice_n as_o exact_v double_a satisfaction_n for_o sin_n one_o from_o christ_n the_o other_o from_o the_o sinner_n qu._n but_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n show_v there_o be_v a_o be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n 1_o cor._n 3_o 15._o ans_fw-fr nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a if_o any_o read_v that_o scripture_n than_o that_o there_o be_v a_o figurative_a expression_n and_o the_o same_o with_o verse_n 13._o the_o fire_n shall_v try_v every_o man_n work_n which_o none_o can_v expound_v to_o be_v purgatory_n but_o that_o not_o without_o temporal_a loss_n so_o as_o to_o have_v their_o work_n burn_v these_o shall_v escape_v qu._n be_v not_o some_o venial_a sin_n which_o a_o temporal_a punishment_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o expiate_v and_o therefore_o such_o pain_n do_v follow_v sin_n here_o as_o may_v evince_v a_o purgatory_n after_o this_o
but_o see_v what_o palpable_a ignorance_n in_o some_o and_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n be_v in_o other_o of_o those_o they_o thus_o implicit_o credit_v and_o that_o the_o concern_v of_o this_o earth_n and_o their_o private_a interest_n do_v for_o the_o most_o of_o such_o more_o sway_n than_o any_o thing_n of_o religion_n 3._o it_o be_v by_o clear_a consequence_n manifest_a that_o this_o be_v a_o visible_a betake_v of_o themselves_o to_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o to_o stand_v thereby_o in_o the_o most_o express_a opposition_n to_o the_o great_a intent_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n it_o be_v merit_n yea_o their_o own_o proper_a merit_n must_v be_v the_o way_n for_o their_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n and_o all_o they_o ascribe_v to_o jesus_n christ_n herein_o be_v this_o only_o to_o give_v life_n and_o salvation_n to_o their_o merit_n which_o yet_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o from_o their_o own_o intrinsic_a worth_n without_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n merit_n thereto_o thus_o meritorious_a as_o they_o term_v it_o ex_fw-la â—ondigno_fw-la and_o thus_o only_o do_v they_o admit_v a_o restore_n again_o by_o he_o of_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n on_o the_o same_o term_n with_o the_o first_o do_v this_o and_o live_v 4._o it_o must_v be_v at_o that_o rate_n one_o can_v be_v this_o day_n popish_a of_o the_o gross_a idolatry_n and_o a_o turn_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n into_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o corruptible_a man_n rom._n 1_o vers_fw-la 23._o with_o a_o most_o express_v counteracting_a of_o that_o great_a precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n against_o bow_v down_o and_o worship_v of_o any_o grave_a image_n they_o be_v no_o less_o thus_o guilty_a of_o a_o idolatrous_a worship_n than_o either_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n of_o old_a or_o the_o pagan_a world_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o since_o both_o have_v a_o respect_n further_o than_o the_o image_n itself_o the_o one_o to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o other_o to_o their_o feign_a deity_n 5._o what_o ever_o liberty_n this_o way_n give_v to_o sin_n and_o to_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o their_o inward_a peace_n on_o the_o priest_n absolution_n yet_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o at_o that_o rate_n on_o these_o term_n can_v one_o be_v popish_a this_o day_n to_o subject_v themselves_o to_o a_o yoke_n and_o bondage_n from_o man_n that_o without_o a_o judicial_a stroke_n on_o their_o conscience_n may_v seem_v intolerable_a such_o as_o auricular_a confession_n to_o a_o priest_n of_o their_o most_o secret_a sin_n and_o this_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o damnation_n their_o pennanâ—es_n with_o that_o blind_a and_o unlimited_a obedience_n therein_o to_o their_o church_n guide_v without_o access_n to_o consult_v the_o scripture_n as_o if_o this_o way_n of_o expiate_a sin_n can_v be_v a_o satisfaction_n before_o the_o holy_a god_n such_o as_o their_o whip_n of_o themselves_o and_o go_v in_o pilgrimage_n to_o some_o superstitious_a place_n yea_o thus_o meritorious_a because_o they_o be_v grievous_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o why_o not_o rather_o a_o offer_v up_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o soul_n as_o those_o of_o old_a unto_o molech_n which_o may_v witness_v a_o further_a degree_n of_o do_v violence_n to_o their_o own_o flesh_n if_o man_n may_v thus_o think_v by_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o their_o devise_v to_o appease_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n 6._o this_o necessary_o also_o must_v follow_v a_o embracement_n of_o popery_n and_o subject_v to_o that_o way_n to_o be_v put_v beyond_o a_o possibility_n of_o any_o inward_a peace_n here_o or_o quiet_a as_o to_o their_o future_a state_n in_o another_o world_n since_o it_o be_v undeniable_a 1._o they_o must_v have_v some_o merit_n of_o their_o own_o and_o a_o humane_a satisfaction_n to_o confide_v in_o and_o on_o that_o foundation_n of_o good_a work_n lay_v the_o weight_n of_o obtain_v life_n whilst_o yeâ—_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n they_o see_v there_o be_v no_o possible_a be_v sure_a if_o these_o shall_v be_v find_v equivalent_a in_o value_n to_o answer_v this_o end_n 2._o that_o no_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v so_o much_o as_o attaineable_a according_a to_o their_o doctrine_n 3._o how_o sad_a a_o cure_n as_o have_v no_o suteableness_n therewith_o to_o ease_v a_o disquiet_n and_o awaken_v conscience_n do_v their_o principle_n bring_v such_o as_o pennance_n their_o own_o satisfaction_n the_o pop_n pardon_n or_o absolution_n of_o the_o priest_n invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o image_n whence_o it_o be_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o popery_n most_o find_v themselves_o under_o that_o enforcement_n for_o so_o many_o dotation_n and_o to_o stretch_v their_o state_n to_o the_o further_a for_o soul-mass_n since_o they_o can_v find_v no_o ground_n for_o their_o soul_n quiet_a here_o 4._o and_o do_v not_o this_o way_n and_o doctrine_n most_o visible_o pursue_v man_n not_o unto_o death_n only_o but_o beyond_o it_o through_o these_o torment_a thought_n and_o fear_n of_o a_o purgatory_n to_o come_v and_o that_o uncertainty_n as_o to_o the_o time_n or_o term_n of_o release_n so_o as_o at_o the_o best_a death_n must_v have_v a_o terrible_a and_o affright_a look_n 7._o if_o man_n will_v bring_v this_o near_o their_o thought_n no_o less_o can_v serve_v to_o be_v a_o popish_a proselyte_n than_o a_o manifest_a involvement_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n which_o have_v be_v shed_v and_o serve_v themselves_o heir_n to_o both_o the_o guilt_n and_o judgement_n of_o such_o horrid_a and_o unexpressible_a cruelty_n exerce_v by_o the_o romish_a church_n on_o those_o for_o so_o many_o age_n past_a who_o through_o grace_n do_v resist_v unto_o the_o death_n strive_v for_o the_o truth_n against_o antichristianisme_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a how_o such_o come_v on_o the_o same_o score_n by_o their_o virtual_a consent_n and_o justify_v the_o same_o with_o as_o real_a accession_n before_o the_o lord_n thereunto_o as_o though_o they_o have_v actual_o concur_v oh_o what_o a_o reckon_n will_v this_o once_o be_v find_v to_o enter_v into_o eternity_n with_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n 8_o and_o be_v it_o now_o possible_a for_o any_o to_o be_v popish_a but_o at_o that_o rate_n of_o resist_v the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o a_o express_v do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n a_o refuse_v to_o be_v cure_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o light_n now_o when_o antichristianisme_n be_v by_o such_o undeniable_a evidence_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n as_o man_n can_v be_v in_o the_o dark_a who_o this_o great_a adversary_n be_v that_o do_v not_o shut_v their_o own_o eye_n from_o it_o oh_o what_o a_o revenge_n do_v hatred_n and_o malice_n at_o the_o truth_n cause_n that_o can_v turn_v man_n cruel_a against_o themselves_o nor_o be_v that_o stroke_n of_o judicial_a blindness_n more_o strange_a and_o amaze_a this_o day_n on_o the_o jew_n when_o surround_v with_o so_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n than_o this_o now_o may_v be_v which_o be_v upon_o the_o romish_a church_n thaâ—_n can_v see_v that_o desperate_a state_n they_o be_v in_o when_o such_o undeniable_a light_n be_v hold_v out_o from_o the_o scripture_n there_o anent_o nay_o it_o must_v be_v say_v who_o will_v not_o see_v this_o 9_o i_o must_v here_o further_o add_v how_o evident_a also_o this_o be_v to_o be_v popish_a and_o enroll_v with_o such_o a_o party_n that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o stand_v under_o that_o most_o dreadful_a peremptory_a threaten_a as_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o bible_n denounce_v against_o such_o as_o iâ—_n these_o time_n of_o light_n shall_v engage_v with_o that_o way_n rev._n 14_o 9_o if_o any_o man_n worship_n the_o beast_n and_o his_o image_n and_o receive_v his_o mark_n in_o his_o fore_n head_n or_o in_o his_o hand_n the_o same_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o wine_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v pour_v out_o without_o mixture_n into_o the_o cup_n of_o his_o indignation_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v torment_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o in_o presence_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o smoke_n of_o their_o torment_n ascend_v up_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o they_o have_v no_o rest_n day_n nor_o night_n who_o worship_n the_o beast_n and_o his_o imagâ—_n and_o who_o so_o receive_v the_o mark_n of_o his_o name_n oh_o if_o man_n will_v be_v so_o far_o awake_v with_o the_o dread_n of_o this_o threaten_n as_o once_o to_o come_v and_o see_v but_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n to_o what_o party_n this_o be_v applicable_a and_o express_o point_v at_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o and_o it_o be_v sure_a they_o can_v not_o then_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a how_o deep_a it_o draw_v under_o
the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o protestant_a faith_n with_o a_o short_a and_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n in_o its_o visible_a opposition_n to_o scripture_n and_o the_o very_o be_v of_o christianity_n to_o which_o be_v adjoin_v some_o serious_a consideration_n anent_o popery_n &_o the_o state_n of_o that_o controversy_n i._o pet._n iii_o ver._n 15._o and_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o revel_v fourteen_o ver._n 9_o if_o any_o man_n worship_v the_o beast_n or_o his_o image_n and_o reâ—eive_v his_o mark_n in_o his_o forehead_n or_o in_o his_o hand_n ver._n 10._o the_o same_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o wine_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v pour_v out_o without_o mixture_n into_o the_o cup_n of_o his_o indignation_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v torment_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lamb._n ver._n 11._o and_o the_o smoke_n of_o their_o torment_n shall_v ascend_v up_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o print_a in_o the_o year_n 1678._o epistle_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n reader_n these_o few_o sheet_n adjoin_v here_o against_o popery_n be_v in_o part_n former_o publish_v but_o be_v with_o some_o further_a enlargement_n now_o reprint_v i_o hope_v it_o may_v not_o be_v find_v unsuitable_a to_o set_v they_o down_o here_o in_o the_o close_a when_o so_o convince_a &_o necessary_a a_o rise_n from_o the_o forego_n subject_n be_v clear_a though_o such_o as_o desire_v may_v have_v it_o by_o itself_o also_o without_o the_o precede_a treatise_n these_o ground_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n press_v i_o now_o to_o the_o present_a publish_n thereof_o 1._o that_o the_o import_n of_o this_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o romish_a and_o reform_a church_n concern_v the_o mean_a this_o day_n no_o less_o than_o the_o more_o know_v and_o learned_a and_o that_o to_o be_v a_o protestant_n in_o earnest_n must_v necessary_o require_v a_o see_v the_o truth_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n yea_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v the_o result_n of_o a_o judgement_n upon_o diligent_a search_n convince_v by_o the_o scripture_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o hour_n of_o great_a trial_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n when_o the_o popish_a adversary_n be_v visible_o at_o work_n almost_o every_o where_o to_o sow_v tare_n whilst_o so_o few_o even_o of_o those_o who_o seem_v serious_a in_o profess_v the_o truth_n can_v give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o grossness_n of_o popery_n and_o solid_a ground_n of_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n when_o thus_o assault_v but_o lyâ—_n naked_a thereto_o as_o without_o defence_n though_o abound_v and_o clear_a light_n have_v be_v hold_v forth_o for_o that_o end_n and_o at_o a_o sad_a disavantage_fw-fr to_o hold_v fast_o their_o profession_n by_o suffering_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v thereto_o as_o in_o former_a time_n 3._o the_o visible_a hazard_n of_o many_o young_a one_o in_o this_o generation_n to_o be_v make_v a_o prey_n of_o and_o easy_o poison_v with_o popery_n who_o but_o seldom_o work_n out_o in_o their_o age_n and_o ripe_a year_n what_o they_o thus_o drink_v in_o in_o their_o youth_n 4._o that_o such_o a_o essay_n seem_v convince_o needful_a for_o these_o who_o age_n want_n of_o time_n indisposition_n to_o read_v or_o loathness_n too_o be_v at_o expense_n in_o buy_v book_n be_v too_o visible_a a_o let_v for_o their_o improve_n what_o have_v be_v more_o large_o write_v by_o other_o 5._o that_o as_o i_o hope_v it_o shall_v be_v find_v what_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n or_o necessary_a use_n to_o be_v know_v in_o these_o controversy_n be_v â—ere_z comprise_v though_o in_o small_a bound_n yet_o with_o such_o plainless_a that_o the_o mean_a reader_n may_v understand_v and_o know_v the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o popery_n and_o what_o argument_n they_o pretend_v to_o be_v most_o strong_a hold_v forth_o in_o the_o question_n here_o propose_v with_o a_o clear_a view_n of_o their_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o answer_n thereto_o so_o as_o in_o a_o very_a few_o hour_n these_o for_o who_o this_o be_v most_o design_v may_v by_o read_v it_o but_o some_o time_n over_o have_v it_o so_o far_o impress_v on_o they_o as_o to_o know_v how_o to_o answer_v and_o give_v a_o solid_a account_n of_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n and_o grossness_n of_o popery_n when_o assault_v by_o any_o seducer_n if_o to_o any_o such_o this_o small_a essay_n may_v be_v of_o use_n i_o may_v then_o say_v the_o author_n have_v not_o lose_v his_o desire_n and_o aim_v what_o ever_o entertainment_n it_o shall_v otherwise_o meet_v with_o the_o time_n hasten_v when_o that_o only_a which_o tend_v to_o a_o solid_a peace_n with_o jesus_n christ_n will_v abide_v and_o â—y_a near_o to_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n will_v be_v of_o small_a value_n i_o shall_v but_o add_v that_o nothing_o be_v here_o charge_v on_o the_o romish_a adversary_n as_o their_o principle_n which_o their_o own_o great_a writer_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n do_v not_o clear_o attest_v the_o reader_n will_v consider_v that_o these_o section_n into_o which_o this_o be_v divide_v be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o particular_a head_n of_o the_o romish_a doctrine_n which_o be_v there_o handle_v there_o be_v several_a mistake_v in_o word_n from_o the_o press_n which_o i_o hope_v the_o judicious_a reader_n will_v discern_v without_o have_v the_o sense_n darken_v thereby_o and_o pardon_v with_o some_o visible_a mistake_v also_o in_o the_o point_n sect_n 1._o qu._n sing_v our_o great_a interest_n be_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o religion_n we_o profess_v what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o protestant_n reform_v religion_n as_o under_o such_o a_o designation_n it_o be_v now_o hold_v forth_o ans_fw-fr the_o scripture_n unto_o who_o trial_n this_o offer_v itself_o clear_o show_v that_o it_o be_v no_o new_a doctrine_n bring_v in_o on_o the_o world_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n on_o the_o reform_a church_n confess_v assert_v and_o purge_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o popery_n and_o have_v the_o very_a same_o ground_n to_o prove_v it_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v qu._n be_v it_o not_o of_o late_a the_o name_n of_o protestant_n much_o less_o as_o a_o church_n be_v know_v and_o from_o visible_a appearance_n but_o little_a to_o evidence_n its_o be_v and_o succession_n in_o the_o world_n when_o popery_n for_o many_o age_n have_v a_o conspicuous_a and_o flourish_a state_n ans_fw-fr we_o deny_v not_o the_o reformation_n to_o be_v late_o and_o that_o name_n of_o protestant_n which_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o a_o solemn_a protestation_n of_o several_a prince_n and_o city_n against_o popery_n but_o these_o also_o be_v demonstrable_o clear_a 1._o how_o it_o be_v the_o same_o truth_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a church_n wherein_o they_o walk_v though_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n after_o darken_a as_o antichristianisme_n grow_v up_o which_o have_v be_v unanswerable_o prove_v to_o the_o world_n 2._o that_o in_o the_o scripture_n no_o ground_n can_v be_v show_v for_o a_o continual_a visibility_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o unite_v body_n and_o in_o a_o flourish_a outward_a state_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v foretell_v how_o obscure_a &_o low_o her_o condition_n shall_v be_v during_o antichrist_n reign_n so_o as_o a_o place_n of_o hide_v be_v then_o prepare_v for_o she_o rev._n 12_o 6._o 3._o yet_o even_o in_o the_o dark_a time_n there_o do_v not_o want_v some_o visibility_n of_o the_o true_a church_n by_o a_o continue_a succession_n of_o witness_n to_o appear_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o against_o the_o romish_a apostasy_n which_o as_o a_o fresh_a river_n make_v its_o way_n through_o that_o horrid_a lake_n without_o mix_v with_o it_o qu._n what_o peculiar_a ground_n be_v to_o prove_v this_o or_o enforce_v a_o conviction_n on_o other_o that_o the_o protestant_a religion_n this_o day_n be_v the_o pure_a and_o ancient_a christian_a religion_n ans_fw-fr if_o man_n shut_v not_o their_o eye_n none_o can_v deny_v these_o ground_n as_o a_o test_n of_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o 1._o it_o be_v exact_a conformity_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o genuine_a and_o perspicuous_a sense_n thereof_o than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o clear_a if_o we_o will_v but_o compare_v these_o together_o 2._o that_o the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o all_o the_o essential_o thereof_o be_v the_o very_a same_o and_o exact_o agree_v with_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o first_o three_o century_n and_o for_o
term_n that_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n certain_o we_o must_v either_o quit_v the_o scripture_n or_o acknowledge_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n reveal_v there_o than_o such_o doctrine_n qu._n be_v there_o no_o infallible_a rule_n and_o judge_n to_o determine_v herein_o on_o who_o decisive_a sentence_n we_o may_v secure_o rest_v in_o the_o great_a controversy_n ans_fw-fr if_o we_o own_v ourselves_o christian_n this_o can_v be_v no_o debate_n that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o the_o church_n rom._n 3_o 2._o to_o give_v answer_n in_o every_o dark_a case_n the_o type_n and_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n rom._n 6_o 17._o unto_o who_o sentence_n we_o be_v in_o all_o matter_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n express_o refer_v by_o the_o lord_n isaiah_n 8_o 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o sect_n ii_o qu._n since_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a can_v the_o scripture_n be_v such_o which_o according_a to_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n be_v a_o mass_n of_o dead_a and_o dark_a character_n until_o their_o church_n put_v a_o sense_n thereon_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v own_o witness_n be_v clear_a 1._o that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o make_v the_o simple_a wise_a psal_n 19_o 7._o and_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n to_o which_o we_o be_v call_v to_o take_v heed_n 2_o pet_n 1_o v._n 19_o a_o lamp_n to_o our_o foot_n psal_n 119_o 105._o 2._o we_o see_v what_o be_v write_v there_o be_v for_o our_o learning_n rom._n 15_o 4._o and_o give_v we_o for_o that_o end_n that_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v 3._o it_o be_v clear_a the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n joh._n 16_o 13._o do_v belong_v to_o every_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o can_v pretend_v no_o extraordinary_a revelation_n for_o lead_v of_o they_o 4._o we_o know_v the_o father_n and_o ancient_a church_n do_v still_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n from_o the_o scripture_n as_o not_o only_o of_o more_o authority_n but_o more_o clear_a than_o their_o comment_n 5._o though_o some_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o plain_a as_o other_o and_o several_a prophecy_n seal_v up_o until_o their_o take_a place_n in_o the_o event_n yet_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o those_o scripture_n truth_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o the_o world_n may_v see_v it_o be_v not_o obscurity_n against_o which_o their_o true_a quarrel_n be_v but_o a_o too_o clear_a evidence_n before_o which_o their_o interest_n can_v stand_v qu._n yet_o be_v this_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v translate_v into_o our_o own_o language_n so_o as_o every_o man_n may_v read_v and_o have_v access_n thereto_o which_o the_o romish_a church_n so_o express_o forbid_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n ans_fw-fr we_o know_v 1._o the_o command_n be_v express_v for_o all_o to_o read_v and_o teach_v their_o child_n deut._n 6_o 11._o 2._o that_o under_o the_o law_n the_o jewish_a church_n have_v no_o restraint_n and_o shall_v the_o church_n now_o be_v in_o a_o worse_a case_n and_o live_v in_o more_o darkness_n 3._o upon_o this_o account_n be_v the_o berean_o so_o high_o commend_v for_o examine_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n by_o the_o write_a word_n which_o they_o can_v never_o have_v do_v if_o any_o such_o restraint_n to_o read_v the_o same_o have_v be_v upon_o they_o 4._o it_o be_v a_o strange_a cure_n to_o keep_v from_o the_o light_n for_o fear_n of_o go_v wrong_n and_o when_o christ_n say_v you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n maâ—t_v 22_o 22._o that_o ignorance_n thereof_o shall_v be_v the_o way_n to_o keep_v we_o right_n qu._n be_v it_o not_o evident_a 2_o pet._n 3_o five_o 16._o how_o there_o be_v thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o paul_n epistle_n which_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v there_o show_v 1._o some_o thing_n be_v more_o dark_a in_o the_o scripture_n which_o none_o do_v deny_v 2._o we_o see_v those_o who_o thus_o stumble_v be_v such_o as_o wrest_v the_o word_n and_o not_o of_o a_o humble_a sober_a and_o serious_a spirit_n by_o who_o none_o will_v judge_v the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v the_o whole_a of_o believer_n within_o the_o church_n except_o the_o doctor_n thereof_o nor_o have_v it_o more_o weight_n to_o forbid_v christian_n use_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o read_v the_o same_o than_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o meat_n because_o some_o unsober_a abuse_n the_o same_o to_o their_o hurt_n qu._n whâ—t_a inducement_n shall_v the_o romish_a church_n have_v to_o restrain_v christian_n in_o this_o if_o it_o be_v so_o visible_o cross_v to_o the_o rule_n ans_fw-fr they_o have_v i_o confess_v this_o plea_n for_o necessity_n since_o their_o case_n so_o stand_v they_o must_v either_o ruin_v their_o interest_n and_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o great_a imposture_n that_o ever_o be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n or_o have_v the_o bible_n shut_v up_o though_o to_o ruin_v the_o soul_n of_o many_o million_o of_o the_o poor_a people_n nor_o be_v it_o strange_a such_o hate_n the_o light_n who_o deed_n be_v evil_a lest_o they_o be_v reprove_v sect_n iii_o qu._n be_v it_o not_o to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o no_o private_a person_n that_o the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v judge_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o do_v belong_v ans_fw-fr the_o scripture_n be_v the_o alone_a infallible_a rule_n for_o interpret_n itself_o and_o to_o none_o but_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v to_o we_o there_o can_v such_o authority_n be_v ascribe_v 1._o because_o scripture_n be_v the_o supreme_a standard_n by_o which_o we_o be_v call_v to_o prove_v all_o thing_n 1_o thes_n 5_o 21._o and_o to_o know_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o 1_o joh._n 4_o 1._o yea_o thus_o must_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n be_v know_v 2._o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o thence_o only_o can_v be_v seek_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indite_v it_o 3._o we_o see_v by_o innumerable_a instance_n that_o where_o in_o one_o place_n it_o speak_v more_o dark_o it_o do_v explain_v itself_o in_o another_o and_o thus_o refer_v we_o to_o its_o own_o interpretation_n yea_o how_o with_o a_o great_a light_n and_o plainness_n truth_n be_v open_v up_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o more_o dark_o and_o as_o under_o a_o veil_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o old_a qu._n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o no_o private_a interpretation_n therefore_o to_o the_o church_n only_o it_o must_v belong_v ans_fw-fr this_o only_o show_v the_o scripture_n interpretation_n can_v be_v subject_v to_o no_o humane_a comment_n nor_o have_v its_o authority_n of_o man_n and_o from_o their_o private_a judgement_n whatever_o place_n they_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n but_o must_v be_v seek_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n but_o no_o ground_n in_o the_o least_o to_o deny_v access_n to_o private_a person_n to_o know_v and_o seek_v after_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n qu._n what_o assurance_n can_v any_o have_v that_o such_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o some_o authoritative_a decision_n of_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr we_o know_v 1._o that_o the_o promise_n joh._n 7_o 17._o stand_v good_a to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o saint_n if_o any_o man_n do_v my_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v my_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o such_o who_o object_n this_o dare_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a restrict_n the_o give_v of_o the_o spirit_n for_o that_o end_n to_o their_o church-doctor_n only_o 2._o if_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o thing_n write_v can_v be_v understand_v than_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o most_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obviouslie_o plain_a as_o they_o can_v bear_v no_o other_o sense_n and_o meaning_n except_o man_n quit_v the_o very_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n 3._o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v more_o dark_a there_o want_v not_o peculiar_a help_n and_o mean_n for_o a_o christian_n attain_v the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o such_o as_o serious_a prayer_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o original_a language_n and_o repair_v to_o these_o fountain_n themselves_o advertency_n to_o the_o scope_n and_o intent_n of_o
the_o scripture_n yea_o a_o dexterous_a compare_v of_o one_o place_n with_o another_o with_o a_o prudent_a use_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o commentary_n of_o such_o as_o have_v write_v thereon_o though_o not_o implicit_o to_o rest_v upon_o they_o qu._n buâ—_n have_v not_o the_o scripture_n so_o various_a sense_n as_o necessary_o require_v a_o live_n and_o visible_a judge_n to_o decide_v when_o to_o take_v it_o in_o a_o literal_a or_o in_o a_o figurative_a sense_n ans_fw-fr it_o concern_v the_o romish_a church_n to_o impose_v divers_a sense_n on_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o may_v have_v none_o at_o all_o though_o we_o deny_v not_o some_o figurative_a expression_n the_o true_a sense_n whereof_o must_v be_v understand_v from_o what_o be_v the_o obvious_a intent_n as_o the_o scope_n of_o such_o a_o scripture_n &_o not_o the_o very_a word_n themselves_o such_o as_o mat._n 5_o 29._o if_o thy_o eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o psal_n 91_o 13._o thou_o shalâ—_n tread_v upon_o the_o lion_n and_o the_o dragon_n but_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a 1._o that_o one_o true_a and_o genuine_a sense_n the_o scripture_n only_o have_v from_o the_o word_n right_o understand_v which_o be_v the_o literal_a sense_n and_o thence_o only_a argument_n can_v be_v take_v to_o prove_v any_o truth_n 2._o that_o in_o truth_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v no_o thing_n figurative_o express_v but_o what_o be_v with_o great_a plainness_n to_o the_o discern_a of_o all_o hold_v forth_o 3._o what_o the_o romish_a church_n plead_v for_o of_o a_o allegoric_a moral_a and_o typical_a sense_n they_o be_v no_o different_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o a_o different_a application_n and_o accommodation_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o scripture_n divers_a way_n in_o the_o use_n whereof_o much_o caution_n and_o sobriety_n be_v needful_a and_o though_o a_o necessary_a respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v always_o to_o the_o type_n and_o the_o thing_n typify_v yet_o even_o there_o be_v the_o sense_n still_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sect_n iv_o qu._n how_o know_v you_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o god_n or_o can_v be_v infallible_o sure_a of_o its_o divinity_n but_o by_o the_o church_n and_o its_o testimony_n ans_fw-fr we_o deny_v not_o this_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a motive_n and_o inducement_n for_o a_o high_a and_o reverend_a esteem_n thereof_o and_o a_o ministerial_a help_n to_o our_o faith_n though_o with_o no_o authoritative_a dominion_n over_o the_o same_o but_o 1._o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o these_o express_a character_n and_o mark_n of_o divinity_n it_o bear_v which_o convince_o show_v who_o it_o be_v so_o as_o the_o mean_a christian_n may_v know_v this_o without_o any_o humane_a testimony_n 2._o there_o need_v also_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o beget_v a_o firm_a and_o through_o persuasion_n thereof_o upon_o the_o soul_n qu._n but_o how_o do_v you_o know_v you_o perceive_v such_o a_o light_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o you_o speak_v of_o or_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o other_o that_o you_o be_v not_o deceive_v therein_o ans_fw-fr none_o will_v distrust_v their_o own_o eve_n though_o by_o no_o argument_n they_o can_v persuade_v those_o who_o be_v blind_a that_o they_o real_o behold_v so_o excellent_a a_o light_n as_o the_o sun_n but_o it_o be_v strange_a and_o absurd_a to_o demand_v a_o reason_n of_o sense_n or_o for_o a_o blind_a man_n to_o require_v he_o who_o see_v to_o prove_v unto_o he_o by_o argument_n that_o he_o certain_o see_v and_o behold_v such_o thing_n qu._n be_v not_o this_o torun_v in_o a_o round_a and_o circle_n from_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o spirit_n &_o from_o the_o spirit_n again_o to_o the_o scripture_n when_o thâ—s_n you_o know_v by_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o revelation_n to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o scripture_n ans_fw-fr no_o ground_n be_v here_o for_o any_o such_o challenge_n 1._o because_o we_o admit_v no_o private_a or_o particular_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n different_a from_o what_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o 2._o it_o can_v be_v no_o circle_n when_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a the_o scripture_n and_o spirit_n mutual_o prove_v one_o another_o by_o different_a way_n and_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o argument_n that_o the_o scripture_n prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o spirit_n hold_v out_o such_o truth_n whence_o we_o know_v how_o to_o discern_v the_o spirit_n but_o effective_o and_o as_o a_o instrument_n do_v the_o spirit_n prove_v the_o scripture_n by_o enable_v we_o to_o see_v that_o marvellous_a light_n which_o be_v therein_o 3._o as_o have_v be_v already_o clear_v there_o be_v argument_n of_o another_o nature_n and_o independent_a on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v solid_o know_v and_o demonstrate_v qu._n can_v you_o know_v the_o scripture_n be_v canonical_a or_o that_o these_o apocrypha_fw-la book_n which_o protestant_n reject_v be_v no_o part_n thereof_o without_o the_o church_n decision_n ans_fw-fr we_o know_v 1._o that_o these_o be_v never_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o jewish_a church_n before_o christ_n to_o which_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v nor_o read_v and_o expound_v in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o their_o most_o ancient_a writer_n and_o of_o the_o great_a credit_n among_o they_o witness_n 2._o they_o be_v not_o write_v in_o hebrew_n the_o language_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o which_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v general_o write_v 3._o though_o with_o that_o severe_a caution_n be_v the_o ancient_a church_n careful_a to_o keep_v the_o scripture_n so_o as_o the_o number_n of_o the_o verse_n &_o letter_n thereof_o be_v most_o exact_o reckon_v and_o look_v to_o yet_o none_o of_o these_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v ever_o receive_v or_o admit_v by_o they_o 4._o by_o the_o primitive_a church_n after_o the_o apostle_n such_o be_v not_o own_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o by_o some_o allow_v to_o be_v read_v for_o instruction_n of_o manner_n 5._o they_o be_v convict_v of_o notorious_a falsehood_n in_o many_o place_n both_o of_o doctrine_n and_o history_n which_o all_o may_v see_v repugnant_a to_o truth_n and_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n qu._n bus_fw-la wat_fw-mi certainty_n can_v be_v on_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o translation_n that_o all_o know_v to_o be_v fallible_a ans_fw-fr nothing_o can_v be_v more_o for_o moral_a assurance_n when_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a 1._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o translation_n though_o in_o divers_a time_n and_o different_a language_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n 2._o that_o solid_a relief_n be_v at_o hand_n to_o go_v unto_o the_o fountain_n themselves_o the_o original_a language_n and_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n if_o the_o translation_n thereof_o be_v not_o faithful_a and_o true_a which_o by_o a_o little_a pain_n and_o diligent_a use_n of_o help_n for_o such_o a_o end_n be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o attain_v 3._o it_o be_v not_o on_o naked_a word_n but_o on_o the_o clear_a and_o genuine_a sense_n thereof_o in_o whatever_o language_n hold_v forth_o that_o we_o find_v our_o faith_n nor_o can_v any_o deny_v the_o scripture_n true_o render_v in_o english_a to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o not_o in_o the_o very_a same_o character_n in_o which_o the_o prophet_n write_v the_o same_o 4._o these_o evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n divinity_n that_o it_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o convert_v the_o soul_n with_o its_o authority_n over_o the_o conscience_n we_o know_v to_o be_v no_o less_o discernable_o and_o convince_o witness_v in_o man_n vulgar_a language_n through_o all_o age_n than_o in_o the_o greek_a and_o hebrew_n sect_n v._o qu._n be_v the_o scripture_n of_o a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o faith_n for_o a_o private_a christian_a which_o according_a to_o the_o romish_a doctrine_n must_v have_v its_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v no_o scripture_n nor_o canonical_a ans_fw-fr they_o be_v indeed_o concern_v to_o put_v down_o all_o divine_a record_n that_o they_o may_v be_v alone_a judge_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n but_o we_o know_v 1._o that_o the_o apostolic_a church_n have_v no_o such_o claim_n 2_o cor._n 1_o 24._o not_o that_o we_o have_v dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n 2._o that_o they_o do_v bind_v their_o authority_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o scripture_n gal._n 1_o 8._o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v another_o doctrine_n than_o that_o we_o have_v preach_v to_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v 3._o thus_o shall_v the_o