search_v the_o scripture_n a_o treatise_n show_v that_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n with_o direction_n to_o they_o therein_o in_o three_o part_n london_n print_v for_o r._n royston_n bookseller_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n 1685._o introduction_n the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o first_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n teach_v all_o its_o child_n in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o it_o be_v such_o a_o fountain_n and_o well_o of_o truth_n that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v desirous_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o right_n and_o perfect_a way_n unto_o god_n must_v apply_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o without_o which_o they_o can_v neither_o sufficient_o know_v god_n and_o his_o will_n nor_o their_o own_o office_n and_o duty_n for_o in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v full_o contain_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o eschew_v what_o to_o believe_v what_o to_o love_n and_o what_o to_o look_v for_o at_o god_n hand_n at_o length_n and_o therefore_o these_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v much_o in_o our_o hand_n in_o our_o eye_n in_o our_o ear_n in_o our_o mouth_n but_o most_o of_o all_o in_o our_o heart_n unto_o which_o sort_n of_o discourse_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o vi_o article_n of_o our_o religion_n they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v a_o double_a exception_n one_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v there_o but_o must_v be_v receive_v from_o ancient_a tradition_n the_o other_o be_v that_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a that_o common_a people_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o read_n of_o they_o now_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o have_v be_v some_o time_n ago_o a_o plain_a answer_n make_v in_o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n therefore_o this_o treatise_n be_v intend_v only_o as_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o exception_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o which_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o allege_v among_o other_o place_n those_o remarkable_a word_n of_o st._n peter_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n the_o three_o chapter_n and_o sixteenth_o verse_n where_o have_v make_v mention_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n which_o treat_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n that_o he_o have_v just_a before_o explain_v he_o say_v in_o which_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n behold_v say_v they_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v for_o common_a people_n to_o meddle_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v compare_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o to_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n for_o fear_v they_o destroy_v themselves_o therewith_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n teach_v we_o rom._n xv._o 4._o that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o be_v profitable_a as_o he_o write_v elsewhere_o 2_o tim._n iii_o 16._o for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n but_o this_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v say_v they_o such_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o great_a apostle_n st._n peter_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v profitable_a for_o all_o people_n but_o rather_o hurtful_a to_o they_o that_o be_v ignorant_a who_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o read_v they_o by_o which_o single_a instance_n the_o reader_n may_v learn_v if_o he_o mark_v it_o well_o what_o sort_n of_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v like_a to_o have_v if_o we_o trust_v to_o they_o alone_o and_o do_v not_o see_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n when_o these_o very_a word_n of_o st._n peter_n do_v plain_o teach_v we_o the_o quite_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o that_o which_o they_o will_v establish_v by_o they_o i._o for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o contain_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n shall_v not_o read_v they_o that_o first_o they_o evident_o suppose_v the_o common_a people_n even_o the_o unlearned_a among_o they_o do_v in_o those_o day_n read_v the_o scripture_n else_o they_o can_v not_o have_v wrest_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o do_v and_o complain_v of_o that_o but_o not_o of_o their_o read_v they_o and_o ii_o second_o these_o word_n do_v not_o affirm_v the_o whole_a scripture_n to_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o only_o some_o part_n of_o it_o st._n paul_n epistle_n at_o the_o most_o or_o rather_o the_o thing_n of_o which_o st._n peter_n have_v be_v treat_v and_o not_o all_o of_o they_o neither_o but_o only_o some_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o few_o thing_n which_o will_v require_v pain_n and_o diligent_a attention_n of_o mind_n to_o comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o iii_o three_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o who_o read_v those_o difficult_a passage_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o wrest_v they_o but_o only_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a who_o abuse_v the_o plain_a truth_n to_o their_o own_o ruin_n as_o for_o other_o they_o may_v read_v even_o the_o hard_a place_n in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n safe_o enough_o nay_o receive_v great_a profit_n from_o thence_o as_o well_o as_o from_o other_o scripture_n and_o they_o who_o wrest_v they_o be_v not_o to_o leave_v read_v they_o but_o to_o grow_v in_o true_a christian_a knowledge_n and_o in_o stability_n of_o mind_n these_o be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n in_o treat_v and_o read_v of_o which_o let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o the_o second_o homily_n conclude_v that_o we_o may_v speak_v think_v believe_v live_v and_o depart_v hence_o according_a to_o the_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o verity_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n in_o this_o world_n have_v god_n defence_n favour_n and_o grace_n with_o the_o unspeakable_a solace_n of_o peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o conscience_n and_o after_o this_o miserable_a life_n enjoy_v the_o endless_a bliss_n and_o glory_n of_o heaven_n part_n i._n that_o the_o right_a of_o god_n people_n to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_v by_o these_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n appear_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o wrest_v of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a do_v suppose_v that_o even_o such_o person_n do_v then_o read_v they_o which_o overthrow_v the_o conclusion_n which_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n endeavour_v to_o draw_v from_o this_o place_n for_o there_o have_v be_v no_o possibility_n of_o pervert_v their_o sense_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n at_o that_o time_n as_o they_o be_v in_o we_o now_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o reprehend_v their_o meddle_v with_o they_o but_o their_o ignorance_n and_o their_o heedlesnes_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n they_o misunderstand_v they_o and_o may_v have_v be_v prevent_v by_o a_o little_a diligence_n and_o care_n without_o throw_v they_o quite_o away_o for_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o there_o but_o in_o themselves_o who_o come_v to_o the_o perusal_n of_o holy_a thing_n with_o unprepared_a mind_n now_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o then_o and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o be_v debar_v the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n which_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v unto_o his_o church_n as_o a_o common_a inheritance_n you_o may_v be_v please_v to_o weigh_v these_o thing_n follow_v which_o will_v full_o settle_v your_o mind_n in_o this_o persuasion_n i._o first_o that_o the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n be_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o require_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v so_o conversant_a in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v their_o child_n god_n commandment_n and_o for_o that_o end_n to_o talk_v of_o they_o when_o they_o sit_v in_o their_o house_n or_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n when_o they_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o they_o rise_v up_o nay_o to_o write_v they_o upon_o the_o door_n of_o their_o house_n and_o on_o their_o gate_n that_o whensoever_o they_o go_v out_o or_o come_v in_o they_o may_v have_v they_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o they_o deut._n vi_o 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o the_o lawgiver_n think_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n that_o a_o little_a after_o in_o the_o very_a same_o book_n he_o enjoin_v it_o over_o again_o for_o fear_v they_o shall_v neglect_v it_o chap._n xi_o 18_o 19_o 20._o for_o the_o very_a root_n and_o
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
vain_a opinion_n of_o himself_o who_o he_o have_v better_a opportunity_n to_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o think_v right_a in_o the_o first_o thing_n he_o inquire_v into_o have_v great_a encouragement_n and_o security_n to_o proceed_v with_o hope_n of_o good_a success_n in_o all_o that_o follow_v it_o be_v true_a when_o a_o man_n know_v himself_o he_o find_v that_o he_o be_v a_o creature_n apt_a to_o mistake_v prone_a to_o judge_v amiss_o forward_o to_o follow_v little_a fancy_n rather_o than_o reason_n or_o reason_n dip_v in_o passion_n and_o interest_n and_o to_o forsake_v that_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o unbiased_a but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o discouragement_n or_o hindrance_n to_o he_o in_o search_v after_o god_n holy_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o dispose_v he_o for_o it_o and_o will_v secure_v he_o in_o it_o for_o if_o he_o keep_v this_o humble_a sense_n in_o his_o mind_n how_o weak_a and_o frail_a a_o creature_n he_o be_v it_o will_v do_v he_o great_a service_n by_o preserve_v he_o from_o rashness_n in_o embrace_v any_o thing_n without_o great_a deliberation_n and_o much_o more_o from_o hastiness_n in_o vent_v any_o singular_a conceit_n and_o still_o much_o more_o from_o pertinacity_n in_o defend_v it_o if_o it_o be_v vent_v and_o most_o of_o all_o from_o faction_n and_o side_v and_o uncharitable_a course_n and_o from_o that_o great_a danger_n of_o mistake_v and_o never_o reform_v a_o erroneous_a understanding_n more_o particular_o in_o this_o business_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n this_o humble_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n will_v first_o make_v he_o read_v they_o with_o great_a care_n attention_n and_o diligence_n remember_v how_o prone_a he_o be_v to_o mistake_v even_o when_o he_o be_v very_o serious_a and_o therefore_o second_o it_o will_v make_v he_o distrust_v his_o own_o best_a endeavour_n without_o divine_a assistance_n which_o he_o will_v pray_v and_o wait_v for_o with_o a_o humility_n as_o great_a as_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o three_o it_o will_v dispose_v he_o to_o listen_v unto_o and_o inquire_v after_o the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o man_n who_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v able_a than_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v of_o they_o four_o and_o more_o particular_o incline_v he_o to_o follow_v the_o guide_n of_o soul_n not_o with_o a_o blind_a obedience_n but_o with_o a_o due_a attention_n to_o their_o direction_n and_o a_o great_a deference_n to_o their_o judgement_n and_o where_o any_o doubt_n be_v public_o determine_v a_o quiet_a submission_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o last_o to_o name_n no_o more_o content_v himself_o with_o plain_a and_o safe_a and_o necessary_a thing_n at_o least_o preserve_v he_o from_o be_v too_o forward_o before_o he_o be_v well_o prepare_v to_o meddle_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o within_o every_o body_n reach_n now_o when_o we_o consider_v all_o these_o bless_a effect_n of_o humility_n we_o can_v but_o say_v it_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n from_o god_n who_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a st_o austin_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o this_o that_o he_o advise_v dioscurus_n vi_o epist_n i_o vi_o not_o to_o think_v of_o any_o other_o way_n to_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o that_o alone_a which_o god_n himself_o who_o know_v how_o weak_a we_o be_v and_o how_o apt_a to_o slip_v have_v chalk_v out_o for_o we_o ea_fw-la est_fw-la autem_fw-la prima_fw-la humilitas_fw-la secunda_fw-la humilitas_fw-la tertia_fw-la humilita_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o that_o way_n be_v first_o humility_n second_o humility_n three_o humility_n and_o shall_v thou_o ask_v i_o never_o so_o often_o about_o the_o way_n i_o will_v give_v thou_o no_o other_o answer_n not_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o precept_n to_o be_v learn_v but_o unless_o humility_n in_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v do_v first_o go_v before_o and_o second_o accompany_v and_o three_o follow_v after_o pride_n and_o vain_a conceit_n while_o we_o be_v please_v ourselves_o in_o our_o good_a deed_n will_v wrest_v all_o the_o profit_n of_o it_o out_o of_o our_o hand_n and_o make_v we_o lose_v our_o labour_n vitia_n quip_n cetera_fw-la in_o peccatis_fw-la superbia_fw-la verò_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o rectè_fw-la factis_fw-la timenda_fw-la est_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o though_o we_o need_v fear_v no_o other_o vice_n but_o when_o we_o do_v ill_a yet_o this_o may_v steal_v upon_o we_o even_o when_o we_o do_v well_o and_o great_a care_n must_v be_v use_v lest_o by_o the_o desire_n of_o praise_n we_o spoil_v those_o action_n which_o be_v real_o praiseworthy_a therefore_o as_o the_o noble_a orator_n when_o he_o be_v ask_v what_o he_o think_v be_v chief_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o eloquence_n be_v say_v to_o have_v answer_v pronunciation_n and_o be_v ask_v what_o next_o still_o answer_v pronunciation_n and_o the_o three_o time_n be_v ask_v the_o same_o question_n again_o reply_v nothing_o but_o pronunciation_n so_o as_o oft_o as_o thou_o shall_v ask_v i_o of_o the_o precept_n of_o christian_a religion_n i_o will_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o answer_v any_o thing_n but_o humility_n this_o wholesome_a humility_n then_o which_o that_o our_o lord_n may_v teach_v we_o he_o humble_v himself_o let_v we_o careful_o learn_v yea_o let_v we_o be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n as_o st._n peter_n speak_v and_o always_o carry_v in_o mind_n that_o of_o st._n paul_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o there_o be_v danger_n in_o read_v and_o get_v knowledge_n unless_o humility_n usher_v it_o in_o and_o attend_v upon_o it_o and_o perpetual_o go_v along_o with_o it_o for_o it_o will_v not_o minister_v to_o the_o nourish_a of_o goodness_n but_o to_o the_o feed_v our_o ambition_n and_o foment_v contention_n and_o inflame_v of_o indiscreet_a zeal_n and_o thereby_o trouble_v the_o state_n of_o god_n church_n but_o humility_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o meekness_n and_o peaceableness_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v both_o most_o capable_a of_o wisdom_n and_o also_o most_o fit_a to_o communicate_v it_o unto_o other_o with_o advantage_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v as_o lovely_a to_o they_o as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o royal_a prophet_n for_o it_o in_o the_o place_n before_o mention_v xxv_o psal_n 9_o and_o of_o his_o great_a son_n solomon_n who_o maxim_n this_o be_v with_o the_o lowly_a be_v wisdom_n xi_o prov._n 2._o and_o which_o be_v more_o than_o all_o of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o thank_v his_o heavenly_a father_n xi_o mat._n 25._o because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a that_o be_v from_o the_o self-conceited_a pharisee_n and_o reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n single-hearted_n and_o humble_a person_n even_o so_o father_n for_o so_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n this_o be_v most_o agreeable_a and_o please_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o communicate_v itself_o not_o to_o those_o who_o think_v themselves_o wise_a but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v true_o desirous_a and_o studious_a so_o to_o be_v and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o three_o rule_n which_o be_v a_o general_a one_o too_o and_o arise_v from_o the_o former_a iii_o which_o suppose_v that_o do_v god_n will_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n at_o which_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o aim_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o thence_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o propound_v no_o other_o end_n to_o ourselves_o in_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n but_o that_o we_o may_v thereby_o grow_v more_o holy_a and_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o this_o be_v not_o always_o our_o end_n we_o and_o these_o holy_a book_n do_v not_o design_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o so_o we_o be_v never_o like_a to_o meet_v their_o design_n it_o be_v visible_a be_v to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n to_o purify_v we_o even_o as_o our_o lord_n be_v pure_a to_o help_v we_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n if_o we_o aim_v not_o therefore_o at_o this_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v to_o we_o if_o we_o lie_v aside_o these_o thought_n and_o divert_v to_o something_o else_o in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v wander_v in_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a speculation_n and_o perhaps_o trouble_v the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o with_o unnecessary_a doctrine_n which_o engender_v strife_n and_o destroy_v charity_n and_o disturb_v peace_n and_o turn_v man_n quite_o away_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n if_o we_o will_v be_v true_o know_v and_o thorough_o wise_a with_o the_o scripture-wisdom_n we_o must_v ever_o draw_v all_o we_o know_v and_o meet_v
eye_n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o wilful_o shut_v they_o we_o can_v but_o read_v it_o to_o our_o infinite_a satisfaction_n for_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n say_v our_o lord_n himself_o that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n for_o god_n send_v not_o his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o world_n but_o that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v iii_o john_n 16_o 17._o and_o so_o st._n paul_n write_v but_o god_n who_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n for_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o even_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n have_v quicken_v we_o together_o with_o christ_n jesus_n by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v and_o have_v raise_v we_o up_o together_o and_o make_v we_o sit_v together_o in_o heavenly_a place_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v he_o may_v show_v the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o his_o kindness_n towards_o we_o through_o christ_n jesus_n ii_o ephes_n 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o who_o can_v doubt_v at_o all_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n his_o exceed_a great_a and_o rich_a favour_n towards_o we_o who_o do_v but_o cast_v his_o eye_n on_o such_o word_n as_o these_o and_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v write_v for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o in_o all_o future_a age_n of_o the_o world_n after_o the_o apostle_n be_v go_v man_n may_v discern_v how_o abundant_a the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v in_o his_o kindness_n manifest_v towards_o we_o in_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o therefore_o we_o in_o this_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o all_o that_o be_v before_o we_o may_v conclude_v without_o any_o scruple_n that_o god_n be_v love_n as_o st._n john_n speak_v and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v good_a to_o we_o for_o christ_n sake_n though_o we_o have_v great_o offend_v his_o majesty_n six_o for_o that_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n the_o kindness_n of_o god_n towards_o sinful_a man_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o favour_n and_o love_v again_o be_v here_o also_o so_o perspicuous_o reveal_v that_o there_o need_v be_v no_o question_n make_v of_o it_o in_o this_o be_v manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o because_o that_o god_n send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o herein_o be_v love_n not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n 1_o john_n iu_o 9_o 10._o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n write_v st._n paul_n after_o the_o kindness_n and_o love_n or_o pity_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n towards_o man_n appear_v not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n that_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v justify_v by_o his_o grace_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v heir_n according_a to_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n iii_o tit._n 4_o 5._o nay_o for_o this_o very_a end_n he_o say_v god_n show_v mercy_n to_o he_o though_o a_o very_a great_a sinner_n a_o blasphemer_n of_o christ_n a_o persecutor_n of_o his_o disciple_n that_o man_n may_v be_v encourage_v to_o hope_v in_o god_n if_o they_o will_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o he_o as_o he_o do_v 1_o tim._n i._n 14_o 15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n read_v the_o place_n and_o you_o will_v see_v that_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v devise_v plain_a and_o clear_a word_n to_o express_v the_o exceed_a grace_n of_o god_n towards_o all_o man_n which_o be_v declare_v so_o full_o as_o well_o as_o familiar_o that_o his_o word_n need_v no_o commentary_n to_o explain_v they_o and_o make_v they_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v seven_o with_o the_o same_o evidence_n the_o gospel_n speak_v of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o this_o forgiveness_n be_v procure_v for_o we_o and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o death_n and_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v deliver_v say_v the_o apostle_n for_o our_o offence_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n iu._n rom._n ult_n in_o who_o we_o have_v redemption_n through_o his_o blood_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n i._o ephes_n 7._o it_o be_v god_n that_o justify_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v yea_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o who_o be_v even_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o also_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n viii_o rom._n 34_o 35_o etc._n etc._n it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o recite_v all_o that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v on_o this_o subject_n in_o term_n as_o plain_a and_o clear_a as_o these_o so_o that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o doubt_v if_o we_o believe_v these_o book_n that_o by_o one_o offering_n of_o himself_o he_o have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n speak_v x._o 12_o 13_o 14._o this_o man_n after_o he_o have_v offer_v one_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n for_o ever_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n from_o henceforth_o expect_v till_o his_o enemy_n be_v make_v his_o footstool_n for_o by_o one_o offering_n he_o have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o etc._n etc._n they_o that_o will_v make_v any_o other_o satisfaction_n necessary_a by_o the_o merit_n of_o saint_n or_o any_o other_o oblation_n of_o christ_n necessary_a but_o that_o one_o which_o he_o himself_o offer_v direct_o contradict_v the_o express_a word_n of_o this_o book_n which_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o any_o that_o the_o most_o study_a invention_n of_o man_n can_v indite_v eight_o and_o so_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o these_o blessing_n thus_o purchase_v be_v communicate_v to_o we_o viz._n the_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n jesus_n on_o our_o behalf_n whereby_o he_o can_v save_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o vii_o heb._n 25._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o that_o can_v perform_v this_o office_n for_o we_o but_o he_o for_o as_o there_o be_v one_o god_n so_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n as_o st._n paul_n teach_v in_o so_o many_o word_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 4._o whereby_o we_o can_v but_o in_o reason_n think_v he_o mean_v there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o mediator_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o god_n who_o communicate_v his_o mind_n to_o we_o by_o this_o alone_a mediator_n as_o we_o must_v address_v ourselves_o to_o he_o by_o no_o other_o which_o st._n paul_n declare_v more_o full_o in_o 1_o cor._n viii_o 5_o 6._o where_o he_o say_v though_o there_o be_v many_o that_o be_v call_v god_n as_o there_o be_v god_n many_o and_o lord_n many_o yet_o to_o we_o christian_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o in_o or_o for_o or_o to_o he_o and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o that_o be_v as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sole_a fountain_n of_o all_o good_a unto_o who_o we_o be_v to_o direct_v our_o prayer_n and_o all_o we_o do_v for_o the_o first_o cause_n must_v be_v our_o last_o end_n so_o he_o derive_v all_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n alone_o by_o who_o therefore_o and_o by_o he_o alone_o we_o be_v to_o go_v to_o god_n the_o father_n for_o what_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o receive_v from_o he_o none_o else_o in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o honour_n but_o this_o great_a lord_n alone_o who_o the_o father_n love_v and_o have_v give_v all_o thing_n into_o his_o hand_n iii_o john_n 35._o as_o any_o one_o that_o read_v this_o place_n serious_o may_v easy_o discern_v and_o therefore_o they_o who_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o any_o other_o patron_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o heavenly_a grace_n be_v concern_v to_o hide_v this_o book_n from_o the_o people_n eye_n and_o to_o discourage_v they_o from_o read_v it_o by_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v obscure_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o they_o who_o do_v read_v it_o see_v this_o truth_n so_o full_o and_o express_o assert_v there_o that_o if_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o prejudice_v they_o can_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o in_o the_o heavenly_a court_n which_o apparent_o derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o
small_a observation_n which_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v we_o that_o if_o man_n take_v heed_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o laziness_n and_o careless_a read_n and_o interest_n will_v make_v they_o it_o be_v only_o this_o to_o what_o the_o word_n which_o relate_v when_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o which_o be_v some_o thing_n etc._n etc._n whether_o to_o st._n paul_n epistle_n or_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o st._n peter_n be_v treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n as_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o some_o of_o his_o epistle_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a to_o those_o who_o will_v be_v at_o so_o much_o pain_n as_o to_o ask_v any_o honest_a man_n that_o understand_v the_o original_a language_n that_o it_o refer_v not_o to_o all_o st._n paul_n epistle_n but_o to_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o st._n peter_n have_v be_v discourse_v for_o the_o word_n be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o which_o epistle_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o which_o thing_n or_o among_o which_o thing_n some_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v now_o that_o which_o st._n peter_n have_v be_v speak_v of_o be_v the_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n concern_v which_o he_o say_v st._n paul_n also_o have_v write_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o determine_v that_o s._n peter_n here_o mean_v that_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v write_v in_o his_o epistle_n about_o christ_n come_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o the_o rest_n and_o what_o great_a matter_n be_v it_o if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o thing_n relate_v to_o his_o come_v since_o we_o know_v and_o be_v certain_a by_o undoubted_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o will_v come_v and_o come_v to_o render_v unto_o all_o according_a to_o their_o work_n let_v we_o believe_v this_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o use_n which_o st._n peter_n make_v of_o it_o in_o the_o eleven_o verse_n what_o manner_n of_o person_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n it_o will_v be_v very_o ill_a for_o we_o if_o christ_n shall_v come_v now_o and_o find_v we_o instead_o of_o reform_v our_o life_n by_o practise_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispute_v against_o that_o gospel_n and_o cast_v reflection_n upon_o it_o as_o a_o obscure_a book_n which_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o breed_v heresy_n than_o to_o teach_v man_n the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o whensoever_o he_o do_v come_v it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a for_o some_o man_n to_o answer_v this_o charge_n which_o will_v be_v bring_v against_o they_o of_o asperse_v his_o will_n and_o testament_n on_o this_o fashion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v his_o child_n fall_v out_o and_o not_o rather_o agree_v together_o in_o pious_a love_n and_o charity_n but_o let_v those_o who_o be_v concern_v look_v to_o that_o let_v we_o who_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o read_v his_o holy_a will_n and_o be_v encourage_v so_o to_o do_v only_a endeavour_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v to_o have_v our_o conversation_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v therein_o let_v our_o next_o thought_n be_v that_o there_o be_v enough_o which_o we_o do_v understand_v and_o that_o if_o we_o practise_v it_o and_o will_v take_v pain_n we_o may_v in_o time_n understand_v the_o rest_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v we_o in_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o if_o we_o extend_v the_o meaning_n of_o st._n peter_n further_o as_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o do_v and_o look_v into_o all_o those_o part_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n that_o be_v think_v the_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v we_o may_v with_o some_o diligence_n and_o observation_n comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o well_o enough_o and_o till_o we_o use_v that_o diligence_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o accuse_v the_o scripture_n of_o obscurity_n but_o ourselves_o of_o negligence_n all_o it_o be_v true_a can_v use_v that_o diligence_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o understand_v he_o in_o all_o point_n because_o their_o business_n will_v not_o permit_v it_o but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a they_o shall_v understand_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n so_o if_o they_o can_v use_v that_o diligence_n which_o be_v requisite_a they_o may_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v see_v in_o st._n peter_n word_n understand_v he_o throughout_o for_o he_o only_o say_v there_o be_v difficult_a thing_n in_o st._n paul_n but_o difficulty_n be_v short_a of_o impossibility_n and_o we_o see_v very_o great_a difficulty_n in_o other_o matter_n overcome_v by_o man_n industry_n and_o god_n blessing_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v be_v overcome_v here_o by_o those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n and_o have_v capacity_n to_o comprehend_v his_o meaning_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v every_o particular_a expression_n or_o passage_n yet_o his_o scope_n and_o drift_n in_o the_o whole_a discourse_n may_v with_o careful_a attention_n and_o observation_n be_v clear_o discern_v at_o least_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o st._n peter_n word_n which_o contradict_v this_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v vain_o allege_v to_o prove_v the_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o scripture_n when_o they_o can_v extend_v but_o to_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n i._n e._n st._n paul_n epistle_n and_o but_o to_o some_o thing_n in_o they_o nay_o but_o to_o some_o thing_n i_o have_v show_v in_o one_o particular_a discourse_n in_o they_o about_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n which_o have_v no_o further_a obscurity_n in_o they_o neither_o but_o what_o be_v only_o a_o exercise_n of_o our_o diligence_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v understand_v but_o just_o thus_o other_o place_n be_v wrest_v to_o prove_v the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o will_v instance_n in_o one_o or_o two_o the_o abridger_n of_o controversy_n fear_v not_o to_o allege_v the_o viii_o act_n 30_o 31._o to_o this_o purpose_n where_o st._n philip_n ask_v the_o eunuch_n if_o he_o understand_v what_o he_o read_v and_o he_o confess_v he_o do_v not_o but_o ask_v he_o again_o how_o can_v i_o except_o some_o man_n shall_v guide_v i_o from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v they_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v to_o which_o the_o reply_n be_v so_o easy_a that_o he_o must_v have_v a_o film_n before_o his_o eye_n who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o this_o place_n be_v a_o argument_n against_o they_o that_o allege_v it_o for_o it_o prove_v as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o first_o part_n that_o man_n do_v then_o read_v the_o scripture_n though_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o they_o read_v and_o it_o prove_v not_o that_o the_o eunuch_n understand_v nothing_o but_o only_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o particular_a place_n which_o st._n philip_n find_v he_o read_v and_o that_o be_v a_o place_n in_o a_o prophecy_n which_o have_v some_o obscurity_n in_o it_o till_o it_o be_v accomplish_v though_o not_o afterward_o and_o it_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n he_o do_v not_o understand_v in_o that_o prophecy_n for_o he_o know_v what_o the_o prophet_n say_v but_o can_v not_o tell_v of_o who_o i_o pray_v thou_o tell_v i_o say_v he_o to_o the_o evangelist_n of_o who_o speak_v the_o prophet_n of_o himself_o or_o of_o some_o other_o that_o be_v all_o the_o inquiry_n the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o that_o one_o single_a point_n and_o in_o that_o also_o only_o for_o a_o time_n for_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o interpreter_n he_o soon_o understand_v the_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v and_o in_o who_o it_o be_v fulfil_v so_o that_o this_o very_a place_n have_v now_o no_o difficulty_n at_o all_o in_o it_o unto_o we_o when_o we_o read_v it_o though_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n difficult_a to_o he_o what_o a_o number_n of_o insufficiency_n be_v there_o in_o this_o allegation_n as_o bishop_n montague_n just_o complain_v to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v all_o that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o be_v that_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a in_o a_o particular_a case_n and_o in_o one_o point_n only_o of_o that_o case_n and_o at_o that_o time_n and_o i_o may_v further_o add_v to_o a_o stranger_n who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o so_o be_v not_o from_o the_o beginning_n acquaint_v with_o their_o book_n who_o notwithstanding_o with_o a_o little_a help_n present_o find_v it_o be_v no_o long_o hard_o to_o be_v understand_v but_o very_o easy_a as_o it_o be_v now_o to_o we_o this_o be_v enough_o both_o to_o show_v how_o insufficient_a the_o proof_n be_v which_o be_v bring_v
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
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