i_o confess_v vain_a for_o man_n to_o address_v nay_o it_o be_v insolence_n to_o expect_v that_o human_a oratory_n shall_v succeed_v where_o the_o divine_a fail_n yet_o the_o spread_a infection_n of_o these_o render_v it_o necessary_a to_o administer_v antidote_n to_o other_o and_o beside_o though_o god_n be_v blessed_v all_o be_v not_o of_o this_o form_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o who_o though_o not_o arrive_v to_o this_o contemt_a yet_o want_v some_o degree_n of_o that_o just_a reverence_n they_o owe_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n who_o give_v a_o confuse_a general_a assent_n to_o they_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o afford_v they_o not_o a_o consideration_n and_o respect_n answerable_a to_o such_o a_o acknowledgement_n to_o such_o as_o these_o i_o shall_v hope_v it_o may_v not_o be_v utter_o vain_a to_o attemt_a the_o exciting_a of_o those_o drowsy_a notion_n that_o lie_v unactive_a in_o they_o by_o present_v to_o they_o some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o excellence_n and_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v all_o but_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o that_o principle_n they_o be_v suppose_v to_o own_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v god_n word_n i_o can_v much_o question_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o speculative_a part_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v as_o probable_o assure_v myself_o of_o the_o practic_a 10._o indeed_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o be_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o holy_a writ_n but_o that_o it_o be_v god_n word_n that_o be_v enough_o to_o command_v the_o most_o awful_a regard_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o just_a we_o make_v that_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a consideration_n in_o our_o present_a discourse_n but_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o that_o can_v want_v other_o to_o attend_v it_o since_o whatsoever_o god_n say_v be_v in_o all_o respect_v complete_o good_a i_o shall_v therefore_o to_o that_o of_o its_o divine_a original_n add_v second_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o subject_a matter_n three_o of_o its_o excellent_a and_o no_o less_o diffusive_a end_n and_o design_n and_o four_a of_o its_o exact_a propriety_n and_o fitness_n to_o that_o design_n which_o be_v all_o such_o qualification_n that_o where_o they_o concur_v nothing_o more_o can_v be_v require_v to_o commend_v a_o writing_n to_o the_o esteem_n of_o rational_a man_n and_o upon_o all_o these_o test_n notwithstanding_o the_o cavil_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o other_o who_o force_n we_o shall_v examine_v with_o the_o unhappy_a issue_n of_o contrary_a counsel_n this_o law_n of_o god_n will_v be_v find_v to_o answer_v the_o psalmist_n character_n of_o it_o ps_n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a and_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o custody_n and_o use_n thereof_o be_v the_o birthright_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a all_o which_o several_n be_v faithful_o deduce_v it_o will_v only_o remain_v that_o i_o add_v such_o caution_n as_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a duty_n and_o our_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n render_v perfect_a as_o this_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o author_n thereof_o himself_o be_v perfect_a mat._n 5.48_o sect_n ii_o the_o divine_a original_a endearment_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n man_n judgement_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v biased_n by_o their_o affection_n that_o we_o often_o find_v they_o ready_a to_o consider_v who_o speak_v than_o what_o be_v speak_v a_o temper_n very_o unsafe_a and_o the_o principle_n of_o great_a injustice_n in_o our_o inferior_a transaction_n with_o man_n yet_o here_o there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o we_o that_o can_v whole_o divest_v ourselves_o of_o it_o whereas_o when_o we_o deal_v with_o god_n in_o who_o alone_o a_o implicit_a faith_n may_v secure_o be_v repose_v we_o be_v nice_a and_o wary_a bring_v our_o scale_n and_o mesure_n will_v take_v nothing_o upon_o his_o word_n which_o hold_v not_o weight_n in_o our_o own_o balance_n it_o be_v true_a he_o need_v not_o our_o partiality_n to_o be_v justify_v in_o his_o say_n psal_n 51.4_o his_o word_n be_v pure_a even_o as_o the_o silver_n try_v seven_o time_n in_o the_o fire_n psal_n 12.6_o able_a to_o pass_v the_o strict_a test_n that_o right_a reason_n true_o so_o call_v can_v put_v they_o to_o yet_o it_o show_v a_o great_a perverseness_n in_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o who_o so_o easy_o resign_v our_o understanding_n to_o fallible_a man_n stand_v thus_o upon_o our_o guard_n against_o god_n make_v he_o dispute_v for_o every_o inch_n he_o gain_v on_o we_o nor_o will_v afford_v he_o what_o we_o daily_o grant_v to_o any_o credible_a man_n to_o receive_v a_o affirmation_n upon_o trust_n of_o his_o veracity_n 2._o i_o be_o far_o from_o contradict_v our_o savior_n precept_n of_o search_n the_o scripture_n jo._n 7._o or_o saint_n paul_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n 1_o thes_n 5.21_o we_o can_v be_v too_o industrious_a in_o our_o inquest_n after_o truth_n provide_v we_o still_o reserve_v to_o god_n the_o decisive_a vote_n and_o humble_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o sense_n how_o distant_a soever_o from_o our_o own_o so_o that_o when_o we_o consult_v scripture_n i_o may_v add_v reason_n either_o it_o be_v not_o to_o resolve_v we_o whether_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o no_o in_o what_o he_o have_v say_v but_o whether_o he_o have_v say_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o be_v convince_v he_o have_v reason_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n command_v our_o assent_n 3._o whatever_o therefore_o god_n have_v say_v we_o be_v to_o pay_v it_o a_o reverence_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o author_n over_o and_o above_o what_o the_o excellence_n of_o the_o matter_n exact_v and_o to_o this_o we_o have_v all_o inducement_n as_o well_o as_o obligation_n there_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o render_v the_o word_n of_o man_n estimable_a to_o we_o which_o be_v not_o eminent_o and_o transcendent_o appliable_a to_o those_o of_o god_n 4._o those_o motive_n we_o may_v reduce_v to_o four_o first_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n second_o his_o kindness_n three_o his_o wisdom_n and_o four_a his_o truth_n first_o for_o that_o of_o authority_n that_o may_v be_v either_o native_a or_o acquire_v the_o native_a be_v that_o of_o a_o parent_n which_o be_v such_o a_o charm_n of_o observance_n that_o we_o see_v solomon_n when_o he_o will_v impress_v his_o counsel_n assume_v the_o person_n of_o a_o father_n hear_v o_o my_o child_n the_o instruction_n of_o a_o father_n prov._n 4.1_o and_o general_o through_o that_o whole_a book_n he_o use_v the_o compellation_n of_o my_o son_n as_o the_o great_a endearment_n to_o engage_v attention_n and_o reverence_n nay_o so_o indispensible_a be_v the_o obligation_n of_o child_n in_o this_o respect_n that_o we_o see_v the_o contumacious_a child_n that_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o parent_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o adjudge_v to_o death_n deut._n 21.20_o 5._o nor_o have_v only_a god_n but_o man_n law_n exact_v that_o filial_a reverence_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o parent_n but_o certain_o no_o parent_n can_v pretend_v such_o a_o title_n to_o it_o as_o god_n who_o be_v not_o only_o the_o immediate_a father_n of_o our_o person_n but_o the_o original_a father_n of_o our_o very_a nature_n not_o only_o of_o our_o flesh_n but_o of_o our_o spirit_n also_o heb._n 12.9_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n antithesis_fw-la in_o that_o place_n be_v as_o proper_o apply_v to_o counsel_n as_o correction_n and_o we_o may_v as_o right_o infer_v that_o if_o we_o give_v reverence_n to_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o earthly_a parent_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o this_o father_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v the_o very_a same_o reason_n wherewith_o to_o enforce_v it_o for_o the_o father_n of_o our_o flesh_n do_v as_o often_o dictate_v as_o correct_v according_a to_o their_o own_o pleasure_n prescribe_v to_o their_o child_n not_o according_a to_o the_o exact_a mesure_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n but_o after_o that_o humour_n which_o most_o predominate_v in_o themselves_o but_o god_n always_o direct_v his_o admonition_n to_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n heb._n 12.11_o so_o that_o we_o be_v as_o unkind_a to_o ourselves_o as_o irreverent_a towards_o he_o whenever_o we_o let_v any_o of_o his_o word_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n who_o claim_n to_o this_o part_n of_o our_o reverence_n be_v much_o more_o irrefragable_a than_o that_o of_o our_o natural_a parent_n 6._o but_o beside_o this_o native_a authority_n there_o be_v also_o a_o acquire_v and_o that_o we_o may_v distinguish_v into_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o of_o dominion_n the_o other_o of_o reputation_n to_o the_o first_o kind_n belong_v that_o of_o prince_n magistrate_n master_n or_o any_o that_o have_v coercive_a power_n over_o we_o and_o our_o own_o interest_n teach_v we_o not_o to_o
10._o athanasius_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o incarnation_n say_v it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o relinquish_v it_o think_v by_o syllogism_n to_o evade_v what_o be_v there_o clear_o deliver_v again_o in_o his_o tract_n to_o serap_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ask_v not_o say_v he_o concern_v the_o trinity_n but_o learn_v only_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o instruction_n which_o you_o will_v find_v there_o be_v sufficient_a and_o in_o his_o oration_n against_o the_o gentile_n declare_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n 11._o agreeable_a to_o these_o be_v optatus_n in_o his_o 5._o book_n against_o parman_n who_o reason_n thus_o you_o say_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o rebaptize_v we_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a betwixt_o your_o say_n and_o our_o gainsaying_n the_o people_n mind_n be_v amuse_v let_v no_o man_n believe_v either_o you_o or_o we_o all_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v contentious_a therefore_o judge_n be_v to_o be_v call_v in_o christian_n they_o can_v be_v for_o they_o will_v be_v party_n and_o thereby_o partial_a therefore_o a_o judge_n be_v to_o be_v look_v out_o from_o abroad_o if_o a_o pagan_a he_o know_v not_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n if_o a_o jew_n he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o our_o baptism_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o earthly_a judge_n but_o one_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v from_o heaven_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o resort_n to_o heaven_n when_o we_o have_v in_o the_o gospel_n a_o testament_n and_o in_o this_o case_n celestial_a thing_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o earthly_a so_o it_o be_v as_o with_o a_o father_n who_o have_v many_o child_n while_o he_o be_v present_a he_o order_v they_o all_o and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o write_a will_n according_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v present_a upon_o earth_n from_o time_n to_o time_n command_v the_o apostle_n whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a but_o as_o the_o earthly_a father_n find_v himself_o to_o be_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n and_o fear_v that_o after_o his_o departure_n his_o child_n shall_v quarrel_v among_o themselves_o he_o call_v witness_n and_o put_v his_o mind_n in_o writing_n and_o if_o any_o difference_n arise_v among_o the_o brethren_n they_o go_v not_o to_o their_o father_n sepulchre_n but_o repair_v to_o his_o will_n and_o testament_n and_o he_o who_o rest_v in_o his_o grave_n speak_v still_o in_o his_o writing_n as_o if_o he_o be_v alive_a our_o lord_n who_o leave_v his_o will_n among_o we_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n therefore_o let_v we_o seek_v his_o command_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o in_o his_o will._n 12._o thus_o cyril_n of_o jerus_n cat._n 4._o nothing_o no_o not_o the_o least_o concernment_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v without_o the_o holy_a scripture_n believe_v not_o i_o unless_o i_o give_v you_o a_o demonstration_n of_o what_o i_o say_v from_o the_o scripture_n 13._o saint_n basil_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n say_v if_o god_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o say_n his_o word_n and_o work_n they_o remain_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v do_v in_o truth_n and_o equity_n it_o must_v be_v a_o evident_a sign_n of_o infidelity_n and_o pride_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v reject_v what_o be_v write_v and_o introduce_v what_o be_v not_o write_v in_o which_o book_n he_o general_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v write_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o he_o abhor_v from_o take_v it_o elsewhere_o in_o his_o 29._o homily_n against_o the_o antitrinit_a believe_v say_v he_o those_o which_o be_v write_v seek_v not_o those_o which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o in_o his_o eth._n reg_fw-la 26._o every_o word_n and_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_o inspire_v scripture_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o good_a and_o reproof_n of_o the_o wicked_a 14._o saint_n ambrose_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o offic._n say_v how_o can_v we_o make_v use_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o his_o instit_n of_o virgin_n i_o read_v he_o be_v the_o first_o but_o read_v not_o he_o be_v the_o second_o let_v they_o who_o say_v he_o be_v second_o show_v it_o from_o the_o read_n 15._o greg._n nyssen_n in_o his_o dial._n of_o the_o soul_n and_o resurrect_v say_v it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o truth_n be_v there_o only_o to_o be_v place_v where_o there_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o scripture_n testimony_n 16._o saint_n jerom_n against_o helvidius_n declare_v as_o we_o deny_v not_o that_o which_o be_v write_v so_o we_o refuse_v those_o which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o 98._o ps_n every_o thing_n that_o we_o assert_v we_o must_v show_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v have_v not_o that_o authority_n as_o god_n precept_n and_o on_o the_o 87._o ps_n whatever_o be_v say_v after_o the_o apostle_n let_v it_o be_v cut_v off_o nor_o have_v afterward_o authority_n though_o one_o be_v holy_a after_o the_o apostle_n though_o one_o be_v eloquent_a yet_o have_v he_o not_o authority_n 17._o saint_n austin_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n c._n 12._o acknowledge_v that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v convince_v but_o by_o the_o scripture_n of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o add_v they_o be_v read_v with_o such_o manifestation_n that_o he_o who_o believe_v they_o must_v confess_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v most_o true_a in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n c._n 9_o he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n be_v find_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v faith_n and_o manner_n and_o in_o epist_n 42._o all_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v exhibit_v heretofore_o as_o don_v to_o mankind_n and_o what_o we_o now_o see_v and_o deliver_v to_o our_o posterity_n the_o scripture_n have_v not_o pass_v they_o in_o silence_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o concern_v the_o search_n or_o defence_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o good_a of_o widowhood_n he_o say_v to_o julian_n the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o address_v what_o shall_v i_o teach_v you_o more_o than_o that_o we_o read_v in_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n settle_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o doctrine_n that_o we_o think_v not_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v sober_o as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n therefore_o my_o teach_n be_v only_o to_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o this_o doctor_n ep._n 157._o where_o any_o subject_n be_v obscure_a and_o pass_v our_o comprehension_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o plain_o afford_v its_o help_n there_o human_a conjecture_n be_v presumptuous_a in_o define_v 18._o theophilus_n of_o alex._n in_o his_o second_o paschal_n homily_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o suggestion_n of_o a_o diabolical_a spirit_n to_o think_v that_o any_o thing_n beside_o the_o scripture_n have_v divine_a authority_n and_o in_o his_o three_o he_o add_v that_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n lay_v firm_a foundation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n 19_o chrysostom_n in_o his_o three_o homily_n on_o the_o first_o of_o the_o thessaly_n assert_n that_o from_o the_o alone_a read_n or_o hear_v of_o the_o scripture_n one_o may_v learn_v all_o thing_n necessary_a so_o hom._n 34._o on_o act._n 15._o he_o declare_v a_o heathen_a come_v and_o say_v i_o will_v willing_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o i_o know_v not_o who_o to_o join_v myself_o to_o for_o there_o be_v many_o contention_n among_o you_o many_o sedition_n and_o tumult_n so_o that_o i_o be_o in_o doubt_n what_o opinion_n i_o shall_v abuse_v each_o man_n say_v what_o i_o say_v be_v true_a and_o i_o know_v not_o who_o to_o believe_v each_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n which_o i_o be_o ignorant_a of_o it_o be_v very_o well_o the_o issue_n be_v put_v here_o for_o if_o the_o appeal_n be_v to_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n there_o will_v be_v just_a occasion_n of_o be_v trouble_v but_o when_o we_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o they_o be_v simple_a and_o certain_a you_o may_v easy_o yourself_o judge_v he_o that_o agree_v with_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o christian_n he_o that_o resist_v they_o be_v far_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o on_o ps_n 95._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v say_v without_o the_o scripture_n the_o mind_n halt_v between_o different_a opinion_n sometime_o incline_v as_o to_o what_o be_v probable_a anon_o reject_v as_o what_o be_v frivolous_a but_o when_o the_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n
way_n of_o revelation_n by_o vision_n be_v where_o the_o man_n be_v wrap_v into_o a_o ecstasy_n his_o spirit_n for_o a_o while_n suspend_v from_o all_o sensible_a communication_n with_o the_o body_n and_o entertain_v with_o supernatural_a light_n in_o these_o the_o prophet_n see_v emblematical_a representation_n of_o future_a event_n receive_v knowledge_n of_o divine_a mystery_n and_o commission_n and_o ability_n to_o discharge_v the_o whole_a prophetic_a office_n now_o suppose_v god_n shall_v now_o raise_v we_o prophet_n and_o inspire_v they_o after_o this_o manner_n what_o will_v the_o merry_a man_n of_o this_o time_n say_v to_o it_o can_v we_o think_v that_o they_o who_o rally_v upon_o all_o that_o the_o former_a prophet_n have_v write_v will_v look_v with_o much_o reverence_n on_o what_o the_o new_a one_o shall_v say_v some_o perhaps_o will_v construe_v their_o rapture_n to_o be_v but_o like_o mahomet_n epilepsy_n other_o a_o fit_a of_o frenzy_n other_o perhaps_o a_o be_v drink_v with_o new_a wine_n act._n 2.13_o but_o those_o that_o do_v the_o most_o sober_o consider_v it_o will_v still_o need_v a_o new_a revelation_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o there_o be_v far_o more_o convince_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n divine_a than_o any_o man_n can_v allege_v to_o prove_v his_o inspiration_n to_o be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v sure_a a_o very_a irrational_a method_n to_o attemt_a the_o clear_n of_o a_o doubt_n by_o somewhat_o which_o be_v itself_o more_o doubtful_a 59_o a_o three_o way_n be_v by_o urim_n and_o thummim_n which_o writer_n tell_v we_o be_v a_o oracle_n result_v from_o the_o letter_n which_o be_v grave_v the_o high_a priest_n pectoral_a to_o which_o in_o all_o important_a doubt_n the_o jew_n of_o those_o age_n resort_v and_o receive_v response_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v by_o the_o sudden_a prominency_n or_o resplendency_n of_o the_o letter_n or_o by_o any_o other_o way_n be_v not_o material_a in_o this_o place_n to_o inquire_v one_o thing_n be_v certain_a that_o the_o ephod_n and_o consequent_o the_o pectoral_a be_v in_o the_o priest_n custody_n and_o that_o he_o have_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o whole_a affair_n now_o i_o refer_v it_o to_o consideration_n whether_o this_o one_o circumstance_n will_v not_o to_o those_o prejudice_v man_n i_o speak_v of_o utter_o evacuate_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o oracle_n they_o have_v teach_v themselves_o to_o look_v on_o priesthood_n whether_o legal_a or_o evangelical_n only_o as_o a_o better_a name_n for_o imposture_n and_o cozenage_n and_o they_o that_o can_v accuse_v the_o priest_n for_o have_v keep_v up_o a_o cheat_n for_o so_o many_o age_n must_v needs_o think_v they_o such_o omnipotent_a juggler_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v fence_n against_o their_o legerdemain_n and_o by_o consequence_n this_o way_n of_o revelation_n will_v rather_o foment_n their_o displesure_n at_o the_o ecclesiastic_o then_o satisfy_v their_o doubt_n of_o the_o scripture_n 60._o last_o for_o the_o four_o way_n that_o of_o thunder_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n though_o that_o will_v be_v a_o signal_n way_n of_o conviction_n to_o unprejudiced_a man_n yet_o it_o will_v probable_o have_v as_o little_a effect_n as_o the_o rest_n upon_o the_o other_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o such_o deep_a reason_n will_v think_v it_o childish_a to_o be_v fright_v out_o of_o their_o opinion_n by_o a_o clap_n of_o thunder_n some_o philosophical_a reason_n shall_v be_v find_v out_o to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n only_o of_o some_o natural_a cause_n and_o any_o the_o most_o improbable_a shall_v serve_v turn_n to_o supplant_v the_o fear_n of_o its_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o that_o which_o they_o be_v so_o unwilling_a shall_v be_v true_a as_o for_o the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n it_o must_v either_o be_v hear_v by_o other_o and_o relate_v to_o they_o or_o else_o immediate_o by_o themselves_o if_o the_o former_a it_o will_v lie_v under_o the_o same_o prejudice_n which_o the_o bible_n already_o do_v that_o they_o have_v it_o but_o by_o hear-say_n and_o reporter_n will_v fall_v under_o the_o reproach_n either_o of_o design_n or_o frenzy_n that_o they_o mean_v to_o deceive_v or_o be_v themselves_o deceive_v by_o their_o own_o distemper_a fancy_n but_o if_o themselves_o shall_v be_v auditor_n of_o it_o it_o be_v odds_o but_o their_o bottomless_a jealousy_n in_o divine_a matter_n will_v suggest_v a_o possibility_n of_o fraud_n though_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o trace_v it_o nay_o it_o be_v more_o then_o possible_a that_o they_o will_v rather_o disbelieve_v their_o own_o sense_n then_o in_o this_o instance_n take_v their_o testimony_n with_o all_o its_o consequence_n 61._o nor_o be_v this_o a_o wild_a supposition_n for_o we_o see_v it_o possible_a not_o only_o for_o single_a man_n but_o multitude_n to_o disbelieve_v their_o sense_n through_o a_o excess_n of_o credulity_n witness_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n why_o may_v it_o not_o then_o be_v as_o possible_a for_o other_o to_o do_v the_o like_v through_o a_o great_a excess_n of_o incredulity_n beside_o man_n prepossession_n and_o affection_n have_v a_o strange_a influence_n on_o their_o faith_n man_n many_o time_n will_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o believe_v the_o most_o credible_a thing_n if_o they_o cross_v their_o inclination_n how_o often_o do_v we_o see_v irregular_a patient_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o their_o appetite_n crave_v will_v do_v they_o hurt_v though_o their_o physician_n nay_o their_o own_o even_o sensitive_a experience_n attest_v it_o to_o they_o and_o can_v we_o think_v that_o a_o disease_a mind_n gasp_v with_o a_o hydropic_a thirst_n after_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n will_v ever_o assent_v to_o those_o premise_n who_o conclusion_n will_v engage_v to_o the_o renounce_v they_o will_v not_o a_o luxurious_a voluptuous_a person_n be_v willing_a rather_o to_o give_v his_o ear_n the_o lie_n to_o disbelieve_v what_o he_o hear_v then_o permit_v they_o more_o deep_o to_o disoblige_v his_o other_o sense_n by_o bring_v in_o those_o restraint_n and_o mortification_n which_o the_o scripture_n will_v impose_v upon_o they_o 62._o thus_o we_o see_v how_o little_a probability_n there_o be_v that_o any_o of_o these_o way_n of_o revelation_n will_v convince_v these_o incredulous_a man_n and_o indeed_o those_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v upon_o such_o inducement_n as_o may_v satisfy_v man_n of_o sober_a reason_n will_v hardly_o submit_v to_o any_o other_o method_n according_a to_o that_o assertion_n of_o father_n abraham_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a luk._n 16.31_o now_o at_o this_o rate_n of_o infidelity_n what_o way_n will_v they_o leave_v god_n to_o manifest_v any_o thing_n convince_o to_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o put_v he_o under_o a_o impotency_n great_a than_o adhere_v to_o humanity_n for_o we_o man_n have_v power_n to_o communicate_v our_o mind_n to_o other_o to_o tell_v whether_o we_o own_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n to_o which_o we_o be_v entitle_v and_o we_o can_v satisfy_v our_o auditor_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o we_o that_o speak_v to_o they_o but_o if_o every_o method_n god_n use_v do_v rather_o increase_v then_o satisfy_v man_n doubt_n all_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v intercept_v and_o he_o must_v do_v that_o of_o necessity_n which_o epicurus_n phancy_v he_o do_v of_o choice_n viz._n keep_v himself_o unconcern_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o mortal_n as_o have_v no_o way_n of_o communicate_v with_o they_o nay_o what_o be_v yet_o if_o possible_a more_o absurd_a he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v put_v the_o work_n of_o his_o creation_n out_o of_o his_o own_o reach_n to_o have_v give_v man_n discursive_a faculty_n and_o leave_v himself_o no_o way_n of_o address_n to_o they_o 63._o these_o inference_n how_o horrid_o soever_o they_o sound_v yet_o i_o see_v not_o how_o they_o can_v be_v disclaim_v by_o those_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o all_o those_o way_n by_o which_o god_n have_v hitherto_o revel_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n for_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o god_n who_o create_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n that_o himself_o may_v be_v glorify_v in_o his_o free_a and_o rational_a obedience_n when_o all_o other_o creature_n obey_v upon_o impulse_n and_o instinct_n can_v it_o i_o say_v be_v imagine_v that_o he_o shall_v so_o remiss_o pursue_v his_o own_o design_n as_o to_o let_v so_o many_o age_n pass_v since_o the_o creation_n and_o never_o to_o acquaint_v mankind_n with_o the_o particular_n wherein_o that_o obedience_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v this_o sure_a be_v so_o disagreeable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o it_o can_v be_v charge_v upon_o his_o will_n and_o consequent_o they_o who_o own_v not_o that_o he_o have_v make_v any_o such_o revelation_n
estimate_n when_o he_o pronounce_v they_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v then_o gold_n yea_o than_o much_o fine_a gold_n psal_n 19.10_o 2._o to_o speak_v first_o of_o the_o historical_a part_n the_o thing_n which_o chiefl_o recommend_v a_o history_n be_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o subject_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n and_o those_o pleasant_a or_o profitable_a observation_n which_o be_v interweave_v with_o it_o and_o first_o for_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o subject_n the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o excel_v all_o other_o those_o show_v the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o some_o one_o people_n or_o empire_n this_o show_v we_o the_o original_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n and_o particular_o of_o man_n for_o who_o use_n and_o benefit_v the_o whole_a creation_n be_v design_v by_o this_o mankind_n be_v bring_v into_o acquaintance_n with_o itself_o make_v to_o know_v the_o element_n of_o its_o constitution_n and_o teach_v to_o put_v a_o differ_a value_n upon_o that_o spirit_n which_o be_v breathe_v into_o it_o by_o god_n gen._n 2.7_o and_o the_o flesh_n who_o foundation_n be_v in_o the_o dust_n job_n 4.19_o and_o when_o this_o historical_a part_n of_o scripture_n contract_n and_o draw_v into_o a_o narrow_a channel_n when_o it_o record_v the_o concern_v but_o of_o one_o nation_n yet_o it_o be_v that_o which_o god_n have_v dignify_v above_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n mark_v it_o out_o for_o his_o own_o peculiar_a make_v it_o the_o repository_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o the_o visible_a stock_n from_o whence_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v gen._n 18.18_o so_o that_o in_o this_o one_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v virtual_o enfold_v the_o high_a and_o most_o important_a interest_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v no_o story_n can_v have_v a_o noble_a subject_n to_o treat_v of_o 3._o second_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n though_o to_o those_o who_o own_o it_o god_n word_n there_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n yet_o it_o want_v not_o human_a argument_n to_o confirm_v it_o the_o most_o undoubted_a symtome_n of_o sincerity_n in_o a_o historian_n be_v impartiality_n now_o this_o be_v very_o eminent_a in_o scripture_n writer_n they_o do_v not_o record_v other_o fault_n and_o balk_v their_o own_o but_o indifferent_o accuse_v themselves_o as_o well_o as_o other_o moses_n mention_n his_o own_o diffidence_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o go_v on_o god_n message_n ex._n 4.13_o his_o provocation_n of_o god_n at_o the_o water_n of_o meribah_n num._n 20._o jonah_n record_v his_o own_o sullen_a behaviour_n towards_o god_n with_o as_o great_a aggravation_n as_o any_o of_o his_o enemy_n can_v have_v do_v peter_n in_o his_o dictating_a saint_n mark_v gospel_n neither_o omit_v nor_o extenuate_v his_o sin_n all_o he_o seem_v to_o speak_v short_a in_o be_v his_o repentance_n saint_n paul_n register_n himself_o as_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n 4._o and_o as_o they_o be_v not_o indulgent_a to_o their_o own_o personal_a fault_n so_o neither_o do_v any_o nearness_n of_o relation_n any_o respect_n of_o quality_n bribe_v they_o to_o a_o concelement_n moses_n relate_v the_o offence_n of_o his_o sister_n miriam_n in_o mutine_a num._n 12.1_o of_o his_o brother_n aaron_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o calf_n ex._n 32.4_o with_o as_o little_a disguise_n as_o that_o of_o korah_n and_o his_o company_n david_n though_o a_o king_n have_v his_o adultery_n and_o murder_n display_v in_o the_o black_a character_n and_o king_n hezekiahs_n little_a vanity_n of_o show_v his_o tresure_n do_v not_o escape_v a_o remark_n nay_o even_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o nation_n can_v not_o bias_n the_o sacred_a writer_n but_o they_o free_o tax_v their_o crime_n the_o israelite_n murmur_n in_o the_o wilderness_n their_o idolatry_n in_o canaan_n be_v set_v down_o without_o any_o palliation_n or_o excuse_n and_o they_o be_v as_o frequent_o brand_v for_o their_o stubborness_n and_o ingratitude_n as_o the_o canaanite_n be_v for_o their_o abomination_n so_o that_o certain_o no_o history_n in_o the_o world_n do_v better_a attest_v its_o truth_n by_o this_o evidence_n of_o impartiality_n 5._o in_o the_o last_o place_n it_o commend_v itself_o both_o by_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n it_o yield_v the_o rarity_n of_o those_o event_n it_o record_v surprise_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o delightful_a admiration_n and_o that_o mixture_n of_o sage_a discourse_n and_o well-coucht_a parable_n wherewith_o it_o abound_v do_v at_o once_o please_v and_o instruct_v how_o ingenuous_o apt_a be_v nathan_n apologue_n to_o david_n whereby_o with_o holy_a artifice_n he_o ensnare_v he_o into_o repentance_n and_o it_o remain_v still_o matter_n of_o instruction_n to_o we_o to_o show_v we_o with_o what_o unequal_a scale_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o weigh_v the_o same_o crime_n in_o other_o and_o ourselves_o so_o also_o that_o long_a train_n of_o smart_a calamity_n which_o succeed_v his_o sin_n be_v set_v out_o with_o such_o particularity_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v exact_o the_o crime_n reverse_v his_o own_o lust_n with_o bathsheba_n be_v answer_v with_o amnons_n towards_o thamar_n his_o murder_n of_o vriah_n with_o that_o of_o amnon_n his_o treacherous_a contrivance_n of_o that_o murder_n with_o absoloms_n traitorous_a conspiracy_n against_o he_o so_o that_o every_o circumstance_n of_o his_o punishment_n be_v the_o very_a echo_n and_o reverberation_n of_o his_o guilt_n a_o multitude_n of_o the_o like_a instance_n may_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o holy_a writ_n all_o concur_v to_o admonish_v we_o that_o god_n exact_o mark_n and_o will_v repay_v our_o crime_n and_o that_o common_o with_o such_o propriety_n that_o we_o need_v no_o other_o clue_n to_o guide_v we_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o suffering_n than_o the_o very_a suffering_n themselves_o indeed_o innumerable_a be_v the_o profitable_a observation_n arise_v from_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o scripture_n that_o flow_v so_o easy_o and_o unconstrein_v that_o nothing_o but_o a_o stupid_a inadvertence_n in_o the_o reader_n can_v make_v he_o balk_v they_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v impertinent_a here_o to_o multiply_v instance_n 6._o let_v we_o next_o consider_v the_o prophetic_a part_n of_o scripture_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o no_o less_o excellent_a in_o its_o kind_n the_o prophetic_a book_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n make_v up_o as_o the_o prophetic_a office_n be_v of_o two_o part_n prediction_n and_o instruction_n when_o god_n raise_v up_o prophet_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o acquaint_v man_n with_o future_a event_n but_o to_o reform_v their_o present_a manner_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v call_v seer_n in_o one_o respect_n so_o they_o be_v watchman_n and_o shepherd_n in_o another_o nay_o indeed_o the_o former_a be_v often_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o other_o as_o to_o the_o noble_a end_n their_o gift_n of_o foretell_v be_v to_o gain_v they_o authority_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o their_o commission_n to_o convince_v man_n that_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n and_o so_o to_o render_v they_o the_o more_o pliant_a to_o their_o reproof_n and_o admonition_n and_o the_o very_a matter_n of_o their_o prophecy_n be_v usual_o adapt_v to_o this_o end_n the_o denounce_v of_o judgement_n be_v the_o most_o frequent_a theme_n and_o that_o design_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n as_o appear_v experimental_o in_o the_o case_n of_o nineveh_n and_o in_o this_o latter_a part_n of_o their_o office_n the_o prophet_n act_v with_o the_o great_a incitation_n and_o vehemence_n 7._o with_o what_o liberty_n and_o zeal_n do_v elijah_n arraign_v ahab_n of_o naboth_n murder_n and_o foretell_v the_o fatal_a event_n of_o it_o without_o any_o fear_n of_o his_o power_n or_o reverence_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o samuel_n when_o he_o deliver_v saul_n the_o fatal_a message_n of_o his_o rejection_n do_v passionate_o and_o convince_o expostulate_v with_o he_o concern_v his_o sin_n 1_o sam._n 15.17_o now_o the_o very_a same_o spirit_n still_o breathe_v in_o all_o the_o prophetic_a write_n the_o same_o truth_n of_o prediction_n and_o the_o same_o zeal_n against_o vice_n 8._o first_o for_o the_o prediction_n what_o signal_n completion_n do_v we_o find_v how_o exact_o be_v all_o the_o denunciation_n of_o judgement_n fulfil_v where_o repentance_n have_v not_o intervene_v he_o that_o read_v the_o 28._o chap._n of_o deut._n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o jew_n calamity_n both_o under_o the_o assyrian_n and_o babylonian_n and_o especial_o under_o the_o roman_n will_v think_v their_o oppressor_n have_v consult_v it_o and_o transcribe_v their_o severity_n thence_o and_o even_o these_o nation_n who_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o accomplish_v those_o dismal_a presage_n have_v their_o own_o ruin_n foretell_v and_o as_o punctual_o execute_v and_o as_o in_o kingdom_n and_o
nation_n so_o to_o private_a person_n none_o of_o the_o prophetic_a threaten_n ever_o return_v emty_n the_o sentence_n pronounce_v against_o ahab_n jezabel_n and_o their_o posterity_n be_v fulfil_v even_o to_o the_o most_o minute_n circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o manner_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o compare_v the_o denunciation_n of_o elijah_n 1_o king_n 21.19.23_o with_o their_o tragical_a end_n record_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n and_o as_o for_o jehu_n who_o service_n god_n be_v please_v to_o use_v in_o that_o execution_n though_o he_o reward_v it_o with_o entail_v the_o crown_n of_o israel_n on_o he_o for_o four_o descent_n yet_o he_o foretell_v those_o shall_v be_v the_o limit_n and_o according_o we_o find_v zachariah_n the_o four_o descendent_a of_o his_o line_n be_v the_o last_o of_o it_o that_o sit_v on_o that_o throne_n 2_o king_n 15.10_o so_o also_o the_o destruction_n of_o achitophel_n and_o judas_n the_o one_o immediate_a the_o other_o many_o hundred_o year_n remote_a be_v foretold_v by_o david_n psal_n 109._o and_o we_o find_v exact_o answer_v in_o the_o event_n 9_o nor_o be_v this_o exactness_n confine_v only_o to_o the_o severe_a prediction_n but_o as_o eminent_a in_o the_o more_o gracious_a all_o the_o blessing_n which_o god_n by_o himself_o or_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o prophet_n promise_v be_v still_o infallible_o make_v good_a at_o the_o time_n of_o life_n god_n return_v and_o visit_v sarah_n with_o conception_n notwithstanding_o those_o natural_a improbability_n which_o make_v she_o not_o only_a distrust_n but_o even_o deride_v and_o laugh_v at_o the_o promise_n gen._n 18._o the_o posterity_n of_o that_o son_n of_o promise_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o abraham_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o egyptian_a bondage_n and_o possess_v of_o canaan_n at_o the_o precise_a time_n which_o god_n have_v long_o before_o signify_v to_o abraham_n gen._n 15._o so_o likewise_o the_o return_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n be_v foretold_v many_o year_n before_o their_o deportation_n and_o cyrus_n name_v for_o their_o restorer_n before_o he_o have_v either_o name_n or_o be_v save_o only_a in_o god_n prescience_n be_v 44.28_o but_o i_o need_v not_o multiply_v instance_n of_o national_a or_o personal_a promise_n the_o early_a and_o most_o comprehensive_a promise_n of_o all_o be_v that_o of_o the_o messiah_n in_o who_o all_o person_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v blessed_v gen._n 22.11_o that_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o shall_v bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n gen._n 3.15_o to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_n as_o saint_n peter_n observe_v act_n 10._o and_o he_o who_o be_v the_o subject_n make_v himself_o also_o the_o expounder_n of_o those_o prophecy_n in_o his_o walk_n to_o emmaus_n with_o the_o two_o disciple_n lu._n 24.13_o begin_n at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o expound_v to_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o 10._o this_o as_o it_o be_v infinite_o the_o great_a blessing_n afford_v mankind_n so_o be_v it_o the_o most_o frequent_o and_o eminent_o predict_v and_o that_o with_o the_o most_o exact_a particularity_n as_o to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n his_o immaculate_a conception_n the_o union_n of_o his_o two_o nature_n imply_v in_o his_o name_n immanuel_n behold_v a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n and_o shall_v call_v his_o name_n immanuel_n be_v most_o plain_o foretell_v by_o be_v chap._n 7.14_o nay_o the_o very_a place_n of_o his_o birth_n so_o punctual_o foretold_v that_o the_o priest_n and_o scribe_n can_v ready_o resolve_v herod_n question_n upon_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o assure_v he_o christ_n must_v be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n mat._n 2.5_o as_o for_o the_o whole_a business_n and_o design_n of_o his_o life_n we_o find_v it_o so_o describe_v by_o isaiah_n chap._n 61._o as_o christ_n himself_o own_v it_o luk._n 4.18_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n to_o the_o meek_a he_o have_v send_v i_o to_o bind_v up_o the_o break_a heart_a to_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o recover_v of_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a to_o set_v at_o liberty_n they_o that_o be_v bruise_v to_o preach_v the_o acceptable_a year_n of_o the_o lord_n 11._o if_o we_o look_v far_o to_o his_o death_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v a_o direct_a aspect_n on_o it_o all_o the_o levitical_a oeconomy_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o ablution_n be_v but_o prophetic_a rite_n and_o ocular_a prediction_n of_o that_o one_o expiatory_a oblation_n nay_o most_o of_o god_n providential_a dispensation_n to_o the_o jew_n carry_v in_o they_o type_n and_o prefiguration_n of_o this_o their_o rescue_n from_o egypt_n the_o sprinkle_n of_o blood_n to_o secure_v from_o the_o destroy_a angel_n the_o manna_n with_o which_o they_o be_v feed_v the_o rock_n which_o supply_v they_o water_n these_o and_o many_o more_o refer_v to_o christ_n as_o their_o final_a and_o high_a signification_n 12._o but_o beside_o these_o dark_a adumbration_n we_o have_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n saint_n peter_n in_o his_o calculation_n begin_v with_o moses_n take_v in_o samuel_n and_o the_o whole_a succession_n of_o prophet_n after_o he_o as_o bearing_z witness_n to_o this_o great_a event_n of_o christ_n passion_n act_v 4.22.24_o and_o indeed_o he_o that_o read_v the_o prophet_n consider_o shall_v find_v it_o so_o punctual_o describe_v that_o the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o much_o more_o full_o instruct_v he_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o daniel_n tell_v we_o his_o death_n as_o to_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v violent_a the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o and_o as_o to_o the_o design_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o for_o himself_o dan._n 9.26_o but_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n give_v we_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a negative_a account_n of_o it_o and_o express_o say_v he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n he_o be_v bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n the_o chastisement_n of_o our_o peace_n be_v on_o he_o and_o by_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v chap._n 53.5_o and_o again_o ver_fw-la 10._o thou_o shall_v make_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n and_o ver_fw-la 11._o my_o righteous_a servant_n shall_v justify_v many_o for_o he_o shall_v bear_v their_o iniquity_n nor_o be_v job_n a_o idumean_n much_o short_a of_o even_o this_o evangelical_n prophet_n in_o that_o short_a creed_n of_o he_o wherein_o he_o own_v he_o as_o his_o redeemer_n i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v etc._n etc._n job_n 19.25_o 13._o and_o as_o the_o end_n so_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v most_o of_o they_o under_o prediction_n his_o extension_n upon_o the_o cross_n be_v mention_v by_o the_o psalmist_n they_o pierce_v my_o hand_n and_o my_o foot_n i_o may_v tell_v all_o my_o bone_n psal_n 22.16.17_o as_o for_o his_o inward_a dolour_n they_o be_v in_o that_o psalm_n so_o pathetical_o describe_v that_o christ_n choose_v that_o very_a form_n to_o breathe_v they_o out_o in_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o ver_fw-la 1._o so_o his_o reviler_n do_v also_o transcribe_v part_n of_o their_o reproach_n from_o ver_fw-la 8._o he_o trust_v in_o god_n let_v he_o deliver_v he_o now_o if_o he_o will_v have_v he_o mat._n 27.43_o that_o vinegar_n which_o be_v offer_v he_o on_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o completion_n of_o a_o prophecy_n in_o my_o thirst_n they_o give_v i_o vinegar_n to_o drink_v ps_n 69.21_o the_o pierce_a of_o his_o side_n be_v express_o foretold_v by_o zachary_n they_o shall_v look_v on_o he_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v zach._n 10.12_o the_o company_n in_o which_o he_o suffer_v and_o the_o interment_n he_o have_v be_v also_o intimate_v by_o isaiah_n he_o make_v his_o grave_n with_o the_o wicked_a and_o with_o the_o rich_a in_o his_o death_n isai_n 53.9_o nay_o even_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o garment_n be_v not_o without_o a_o prophecy_n they_o part_v my_o garment_n among_o they_o and_o upon_o my_o vesture_n do_v they_o cast_v lot_n ps_n 22.18_o here_o be_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n which_o as_o they_o serve_v eminent_o to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n so_o do_v they_o to_o evince_v the_o excellency_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n as_o to_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o prophetic_a part_n 14._o as_o to_o the_o admonitory_a part_n of_o the_o prophetic_a write_n they_o be_v in_o their_o kind_n no_o way_n inferior_a to_o the_o other_o the_o reproof_n be_v autoritative_a and_o convince_a what_o pierce_a exprobration_n do_v we_o find_v of_o israel_n ingratitude_n how_o often_o be_v they_o upbraid_v with_o the_o better_a example_n of_o the_o bruit_n creature_n with_o the_o ox_n and_o the_o ass_n by_o isaiah_n chap._n
armour_n of_o god_n which_o we_o find_v describe_v eph._n 6.13_o nay_o further_o it_o excite_v our_o courage_n by_o assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v not_o base_o surrender_v ourselves_o we_o can_v never_o be_v overpower_v if_o we_o do_v but_o stand_v our_o ground_n resist_v our_o enemy_n he_o will_v fly_v from_o we_o ja._n 4.7_o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n it_o direct_v we_o under_o what_o banner_n we_o be_v to_o listen_v ourselves_o even_o his_o who_o have_v spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n col._n 2.15_o to_o who_o conduct_n and_o discipline_n if_o we_o constant_o adhere_v we_o can_v miss_v of_o victory_n 85._o and_o then_o last_o it_o set_v before_o we_o the_o prize_n of_o this_o conquest_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o recover_v our_o liberty_n manumit_v ourselves_o from_o the_o vile_a bondage_n to_o the_o vile_a and_o cruel_a oppressor_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v crown_v for_o it_o too_o be_v reward_v for_o be_v kind_a to_o ourselves_o and_o be_v make_v happy_a eternal_o hereafter_o for_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v happy_a here_o 85._o and_o sure_o these_o be_v term_n so_o apparent_o advantageous_a that_o he_o must_v be_v infinite_o stupid_a foolish_a to_o destruction_n that_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n that_o despise_v or_o cavil_v at_o this_o divine_a book_n which_o mean_v he_o so_o much_o good_a which_o design_n to_o make_v he_o live_v here_o generous_o and_o according_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o next_o world_n to_o have_v that_o nature_n sublimate_v and_o exalt_v make_v more_o capacious_a of_o those_o refine_a and_o immense_a felicity_n which_o there_o await_v all_o who_o will_v qualify_v themselves_o for_o they_o who_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n rom._n 2.7_o 87._o but_o beside_o the_o great_a and_o principal_a advantage_n which_o concern_v our_o spiritual_a interest_n it_o take_v in_o also_o the_o care_n of_o our_o secular_a direct_v we_o to_o such_o a_o managery_n of_o ourselves_o as_o be_v natural_o apt_a to_o promote_v a_o quiet_a and_o happy_a life_n it_o be_v injunction_n to_o live_v peaceable_a with_o all_o man_n keep_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o many_o misadventure_n which_o turbulent_a unruly_a spirit_n meet_v with_o and_o so_o secure_v our_o peace_n so_o also_o as_o to_o wealth_n it_o put_v we_o into_o the_o fair_a road_n to_o riches_n by_o prescribe_v diligence_n in_o our_o calling_n what_o be_v thus_o get_v be_v like_o sound_a flesh_n which_o will_v stick_v by_o we_o whereas_o the_o hasty_a growth_n of_o ill-gotten_a wealth_n be_v but_o a_o tumour_n and_o imposthume_n which_o the_o big_a it_o swell_v the_o soon_o it_o burst_v and_o leave_v we_o lanker_n then_o before_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o show_v we_o also_o how_o to_o guard_v our_o reputation_n by_o provide_v honest_a thing_n not_o only_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o also_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n cor._n 8.28_o by_o abstain_v even_o from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n 1_o thes_n 5.22_o and_o make_v our_o light_a shine_n before_o man_n mat._n 5.16_o it_o provide_v too_o for_o our_o ease_n and_o tranquillity_n supersede_v our_o anxious_a care_n and_o sollicitud_n by_o direct_v we_o to_o cast_v our_o burden_n upon_o the_o lord_n psal_n 55.22_o and_o by_o a_o reliance_n on_o his_o providence_n how_o to_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o all_o we_o real_o want_v final_o it_o fix_v we_o in_o all_o the_o change_n support_v we_o under_o all_o the_o pressure_n comfort_v we_o amid_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n by_o assure_v we_o they_o shall_v all_o work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o those_o that_o love_n god_n ro._n 8.28_o 88_o nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n design_n to_o promote_v our_o interest_n consider_v only_o single_o and_o personal_o but_o also_o in_o relation_n to_o society_n and_o community_n it_o give_v we_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o distributive_a and_o commutative_a justice_n teach_v we_o to_o render_v to_o all_o their_o due_n ro._n 13.7_o to_o keep_v our_o word_n to_o observe_v inviolable_o all_o our_o pact_n and_o contract_n nay_o though_o they_o prove_v to_o our_o damage_n psa_n 15.4_o and_o to_o preserve_v exact_a fidelity_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o sinew_n of_o human_a commerce_n it_o infuse_v into_o we_o noble_a and_o generous_a principle_n to_o prefer_v a_o common_a good_a before_o our_o private_a and_o that_o high_a flight_n of_o ethnic_a virtue_n that_o of_o die_v for_o one_o country_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o scripture_n prescribe_v even_o for_o our_o common_a brethren_n 1_o jo._n 3.16_o 89._o but_o beside_o these_o general_n it_o descend_v to_o more_o minute_n direction_n accommodate_v to_o our_o several_a circumstance_n it_o give_v we_o appropriate_a rule_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o distinct_a relation_n whether_o natural_a civil_a ecclesiastical_a or_o oeconomical_a and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o universal_o conform_v to_o they_o to_o what_o a_o bless_a harmony_n will_v it_o tune_v the_o world_n what_o order_n and_o peace_n will_v it_o introduce_v there_o will_v then_o be_v no_o oppressive_a governor_n nor_o mutinous_a subject_n no_o unnatural_a parent_n nor_o contumacious_a child_n no_o idle_a shepherd_n or_o stray_a flock_n none_o of_o those_o domestic_a jar_n which_o oft_o disquiet_a and_o sometime_o subvert_v family_n all_o will_v be_v calm_a and_o serene_a and_o give_v we_o in_o reality_n that_o golden_a age_n whereof_o the_o poet_n do_v but_o dream_n 90._o this_o tendency_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v remarkable_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o our_o public_a judicatory_n where_o before_o any_o testimony_n be_v admit_v we_o cause_v the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o give_v his_o testimony_n first_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o with_o his_o hand_n then_o with_o his_o mouth_n to_o kiss_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o hand_n which_o hold_v the_o mystery_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v immediate_o employ_v in_o work_a falsehood_n or_o that_o those_o lip_n which_o have_v adore_v those_o holy_a oracle_n shall_v be_v pollute_v with_o perjury_n and_o lie_n and_o i_o fear_v the_o civil_a government_n be_v exceed_o shake_v at_o this_o day_n in_o its_o firm_a foundation_n by_o the_o little_a regard_n be_v general_o have_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o what_o be_v consequent_a thereto_o the_o oath_n that_o be_v take_v upon_o they_o 91._o it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o that_o state_n which_o esaiah_n prophesy_v of_o under_o the_o gospel_n though_o we_o have_v the_o bible_n among_o we_o that_o when_o the_o law_n shall_v go_v forth_o of_o zion_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n they_o shall_v beat_v their_o sword_n into_o ploughshare_n and_o their_o spear_n into_o prune_a hook_n es_fw-ge 2.4_o but_o that_o be_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n in_o it_o but_o from_o our_o own_o perverseness_n we_o have_v it_o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o another_o sense_n as_o if_o we_o have_v it_o not_o 1_o cor._n 7.29_o we_o have_v it_o that_o be_v use_v it_o to_o purpose_n wide_o different_a from_o what_o it_o mean_v some_o have_v it_o as_o a_o supersedeas_fw-la to_o all_o the_o duty_n it_o injoin_v and_o so_o they_o can_v but_o cap_n text_n talk_v glib_o of_o scripture_n be_v not_o all_o concern_v to_o practise_v it_o some_o have_v it_o as_o their_o arsenal_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o weapon_n not_o against_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n but_o their_o secular_a apply_v all_o the_o damnatory_a sentence_n they_o there_o find_v to_o all_o those_o to_o who_o person_n or_o opinion_n they_o have_v prejudice_n and_o some_o have_v it_o as_o a_o scene_n of_o their_o mirth_n a_o topic_a of_o raillery_n dress_v their_o profane_a and_o scurrilous_a jest_n in_o its_o language_n and_o study_v it_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o abuse_v it_o and_o whilst_o we_o treat_v it_o at_o this_o vile_a rate_n no_o wonder_n we_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o it_o for_o alas_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v we_o to_o have_v the_o most_o sovereign_a balsam_n in_o our_o possession_n if_o instead_o of_o apply_v it_o to_o our_o wound_n we_o trample_v it_o under_o our_o foot_n 92._o but_o though_o we_o may_v frustrate_v the_o use_n we_o can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n god_n design_n in_o give_v we_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o make_v we_o as_o happy_a as_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v and_o the_o scripture_n be_v excellent_o adapt_v to_o this_o end_n for_o as_o to_o our_o eternal_a felicity_n all_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o state_n must_v acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n chalk_v we_o out_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o it_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v dictate_v by_o god_n who_o infallible_o
describe_v the_o office_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n we_o feed_v our_o faith_n with_o the_o sacred_a word_n we_o raise_v our_o hope_n and_o establish_v our_o reliance_n 15._o and_o as_o the_o jew_n think_v it_o indecent_a for_o person_n profess_v piety_n to_o let_v three_o day_n pass_v without_o the_o office_n thereof_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o meet_v in_o their_o synagogue_n upon_o every_o tuesday_n and_o thursday_n in_o the_o week_n and_o there_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o fast_v prayer_n and_o hear_v the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v which_o be_v the_o boast_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi luk._n 18.12_o in_o conformity_n hereto_o the_o christian_n also_o their_o sabbath_n be_v bring_v forward_o from_o the_o saturday_n to_o the_o day_n follow_v that_o the_o like_a number_n of_o day_n may_v not_o pass_v they_o without_o perform_v the_o aforesaid_a duty_n in_o the_o congregation_n meet_v together_o on_o the_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n which_o be_v the_o day_n of_o station_n so_o frequent_o mention_v in_o tertullian_n and_o other_o the_o first_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n tertullian_n express_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n dedicate_v to_o the_o office_n of_o piety_n the_o four_o and_o six_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o clemens_n alex._n say_v of_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o understand_v the_o secret_a reason_n of_o their_o weekly_a fast_n to_o wit_n those_o of_o the_o four_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o that_o of_o preparation_n before_o the_o sabbath_n common_o call_v wednesday_n and_o friday_n where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n what_o ground_n there_o be_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n in_o our_o church_n and_o the_o litany_n then_o appoint_v so_o much_o neglect_v in_o this_o profligate_v age._n 16._o but_o second_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v diligent_a in_o the_o private_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v teach_v it_o from_o their_o infancy_n which_o custom_n saint_n paul_n refer_v to_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o whereof_o josephus_n against_o appion_n say_v that_o if_o a_o man_n ask_v any_o jew_n concern_v the_o law_n he_o will_v tell_v every_o thing_n ready_a than_o his_o name_n for_o learn_v they_o from_o the_o first_o time_n they_o have_v sense_n of_o any_o thing_n they_o retain_v they_o imprint_v in_o their_o mind_n so_o be_v the_o first_o christian_n equal_o industrious_a in_o improve_n their_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o whole_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a say_v clem._n alex._n strom._n l._n 7._o be_v a_o holy_a solemnity_n there_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v prayer_n and_o praise_n before_o every_o meal_n he_o have_v the_o reading_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o meal_n which_o tertullian_n also_o describe_v in_o his_o apol._n and_o saint_n cyprian_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epist_n to_o donatus_n 17._o and_o this_o be_v far_o evidence_v by_o the_o early_a and_o numerous_a version_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o all_o vulgar_a language_n concern_v which_o theodoret_n speak_v in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o greek_n serm._n 5._o we_o christian_n say_v he_o be_v enable_v to_o show_v the_o power_n of_o apostolic_a and_o prophetic_a doctrine_n which_o have_v fill_v all_o country_n under_o heaven_n for_o that_o which_o be_v former_o utter_v in_o hebrew_n be_v not_o only_o translate_v into_o the_o language_n of_o the_o grecian_n but_o also_o the_o roman_n egyptian_n persian_n indian_n armenian_n scythian_n samaritan_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o all_o the_o language_n that_o be_v use_v by_o any_o nation_n the_o same_o be_v say_v by_o saint_n chrysostom_n in_o his_o first_o homily_n upon_o saint_n john_n 18._o nor_o be_v this_o don_n by_o the_o blind_a zeal_n of_o inconsiderable_a man_n but_o the_o most_o eminent_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v herein_o such_o as_o origen_n who_o with_o infinite_a labour_n contrive_v the_o hexapla_n saint_n chrysostom_n who_o translate_v the_o new_a testament_n psalm_n and_o some_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n into_o the_o armenian_a tongue_n as_o witness_n geor._n alex._n in_o the_o life_n of_o chrysost_n so_o vlphilas_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o goth_n translate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n into_o the_o gothic_n as_o socrat._v eccl._n hist_n l._n 4._o cap._n 33._o and_o other_o testify_v saint_n jerom_n who_o translate_v they_o not_o only_o into_o latin_a from_o the_o hebrew_n the_o old_a italic_a version_n have_v be_v from_o the_o greek_a but_o also_o into_o his_o native_a vulgar_a dalmatic_n which_o he_o say_v himself_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o sophronius_n 19_o but_o the_o people_n have_v they_o for_o their_o private_a and_o constant_a use_n appear_v far_o by_o the_o heathen_n make_v the_o extort_n of_o they_o a_o part_n of_o their_o persecution_n and_o when_o diverse_a do_v faint_a in_o that_o trial_n and_o base_o surrender_v they_o we_o find_v the_o church_n level_v her_o severity_n only_o against_o the_o offend_a person_n do_v not_o according_a to_o the_o romish_a equity_n punish_v the_o innocent_a by_o deprive_v they_o of_o that_o sacred_a book_n because_o the_o other_o have_v so_o unworthy_o prostitute_v it_o though_o the_o prevention_n of_o such_o a_o profanation_n for_o the_o future_a have_v be_v as_o fair_a a_o plea_n for_o it_o as_o the_o romanist_n do_v now_o make_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o primitive_a father_n be_v frequent_a nay_o indeed_o importunat_a in_o their_o exhortation_n to_o the_o private_a study_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o recommend_v to_o christian_n of_o all_o rank_n age_n and_o sex_n 20._o as_o a_o instance_n hereof_o let_v we_o hear_v clemens_n of_o alex._n in_o his_o exhort_v the_o word_n say_v he_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o any_o it_o be_v a_o common_a light_n that_o shine_v to_o all_o man_n there_o be_v no_o obscurity_n in_o it_o hear_v it_o you_o that_o be_v far_o off_o and_o hear_v it_o you_o that_o be_v nigh_o 21._o to_o this_o purpose_n st._n jerom_n speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o leta_fw-la who_o he_o direct_v in_o the_o education_n of_o her_o young_a daughter_n and_o advise_v that_o instead_o of_o gem_n and_o silk_n she_o be_v enamour_a with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o not_o gold_n or_o skin_n or_o babylonian_a embroidery_n but_o a_o correct_a and_o beautiful_a variety_n produce_v faith_n will_v recommend_v its_o self_n let_v she_o first_o learn_v the_o psalter_n and_o be_v entertain_v with_o those_o song_n then_o be_v instruct_v unto_o life_n by_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n let_v she_o learn_v from_o ecclesiaste_n to_o despise_v worldly_a thing_n transcribe_v from_o job_n the_o practice_n of_o patience_n and_o virtue_n let_v she_o pass_v then_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o never_o let_v they_o be_v out_o of_o her_o hand_n and_o then_o imbibe_n with_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o epistle_n when_o she_o have_v enrich_v the_o store-house_n of_o her_o breast_n with_o these_o tresure_n let_v she_o learn_v the_o prophet_n the_o heptateuch_n or_o book_n of_o moses_n joshua_n and_o judge_n the_o book_n of_o king_n and_o chronicle_n the_o volume_n of_o ezra_n and_o esther_n and_o last_o the_o canticle_n and_o indeed_o this_o father_n be_v so_o concern_v to_o have_v the_o unlettered_a female_a sex_n skilful_a in_o the_o scripture_n that_o though_o he_o sharp_o rebuke_n their_o pride_n and_o overwening_a he_o not_o only_o frequent_o resolve_v their_o doubt_n concern_v difficult_a place_n in_o the_o say_a scripture_n but_o dedicate_v several_a of_o his_o commentary_n to_o they_o 22._o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o saint_n austin_n who_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o unlettered_a laic_n encourage_v their_o inquiry_n concern_v the_o scripture_n assure_v volusianus_n ep._n 3._o that_o it_o speak_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_a to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a as_o a_o familiar_a friend_n in_o the_o mysterious_a mount_v not_o up_o into_o high_a phrase_n which_o may_v deter_v a_o slow_a and_o unlearned_a mind_n as_o the_o poor_a be_v in_o their_o address_n to_o the_o rich_a but_o invite_v all_o with_o lowly_a speech_n feed_v with_o manifest_a truth_n and_o exercise_v with_o secret_a and_o ep._n 1.21_o tell_v the_o devout_a proba_n that_o in_o this_o world_n where_o we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n and_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n the_o soul_n be_v to_o think_v itself_o desolate_a and_o never_o cease_v from_o prayer_n and_o the_o word_n of_o divine_a and_o holy_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n 23._o saint_n chrysostom_n in_o his_o three_o homily_n of_o lazarus_n thus_o address_v himself_o to_o marry_a person_n householders_n and_o people_n engage_v in_o trade_n and_o secular_a profession_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o
advantage_n god_n close_v with_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o enjoin_v as_o buy_v those_o little_a service_n he_o ask_v from_o we_o 3._o but_o because_o some_o man_n nature_n be_v so_o disingenuous_a as_o to_o hate_v to_o be_v oblige_v no_o less_o then_o to_o be_v reform_v the_o scripture_n have_v goad_n and_o scourge_n to_o drive_v such_o beast_n as_o will_v not_o be_v lead_v terror_n and_o threaten_n and_o those_o of_o most_o formidable_a sort_n to_o affright_v those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v allure_v nay_o lest_o incredulous_a man_n shall_v question_v the_o reality_n of_o future_a reward_n or_o punishment_n the_o scripture_n give_v as_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o they_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v in_o this_o world_n by_o register_n such_o signal_n protection_n and_o judgement_n proportion_v to_o virtue_n and_o vice_n as_o sufficient_o atte_v the_o psalmist_n axiom_n doubtless_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v the_o earth_n psal_n 58.11_o and_o leave_v nothing_o to_o the_o impenitent_a sinner_n but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o that_o fiery_a indignation_n threaten_v hereafter_o heb._n 10.27_o 4._o and_o now_o methinks_v the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o net_n our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o that_o catch_v of_o every_o sort_n mat._n 13.47_o it_o be_v of_o so_o vast_a a_o compass_n that_o it_o must_v one_o will_v think_v fetch_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o temper_n and_o sure_o have_v we_o not_o mix_v nature_n with_o fiend_n contract_v some_o of_o their_o malice_n and_o obstinacy_n mere_a human_a pravity_n can_v not_o hold_v out_o 5._o and_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v thus_o fit_o proportion_v to_o its_o end_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n so_o be_v it_o also_o in_o reference_n to_o its_o circumstance_n which_o all_o conspire_v to_o render_v it_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n ro._n 1.16_o in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o those_o we_o must_v place_v its_o divine_a original_n which_o stamp_v it_o with_o a_o uncontrollable_a authority_n and_o be_v a_o infallible_a security_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v perfect_o true_a since_o it_o proceed_v from_o that_o essential_a verity_n which_o can_v abuse_v we_o with_o fraudulent_a promise_n or_o threaten_n and_o from_o that_o infinite_a power_n that_o can_v be_v impede_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o what_o he_o purpose_v 6._o yet_o to_o render_v this_o circumstance_n efficacious_a there_o need_v another_o to_o wit_n that_o its_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_o testify_v to_o we_o and_o we_o have_v in_o the_o foregoing_a discourse_n evince_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o in_o the_o utmost_a degree_n that_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v capable_a of_o beyond_o which_o no_o sober_a man_n will_v require_v evidence_n in_o any_o thing_n and_o certain_o these_o two_o circumstance_n thus_o unite_v have_v a_o mighty_a force_n to_o impress_v the_o dictate_v of_o scripture_n on_o we_o and_o we_o must_v rebel_v against_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conviction_n too_o to_o hold_v out_o against_o it_o 7._o a_o three_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o frame_n and_o composure_n of_o this_o divine_a book_n both_o as_o to_o method_n and_o stile_n concern_v which_o i_o have_v already_o make_v some_o reflection_n but_o now_o that_o i_o may_v speak_v more_o distinct_o i_o observe_v it_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o first_o point_n of_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o mankind_n to_o be_v concern_v and_o so_o gradual_o proceed_v to_o its_o fall_n and_o renovation_n show_v we_o first_o our_o need_n of_o a_o redeemer_n and_o then_o point_v we_o out_o who_o it_o be_v by_o type_n and_o promise_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o by_o way_n of_o history_n and_o completion_n in_o the_o new_a in_o the_o former_a it_o acquaint_v we_o with_o that_o pedagogy_n of_o the_o law_n which_o god_n design_v as_o our_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n gal._n 3.25_o and_o in_o the_o gospel_n show_v we_o yet_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n present_v we_o with_o those_o more_o sublime_a elevate_a doctrine_n which_o christ_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o revele_v 8._o as_o for_o the_o stile_n that_o be_v full_a of_o grateful_a variety_n sometime_o high_a and_o majestic_a as_o become_v that_o high_a and_o holy_a one_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n esai_n 57.15_o and_o sometime_o so_o humble_a and_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o agree_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o character_n his_o dwell_n be_v with_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a spirit_n isaiah_n 57.15_o i_o know_v profane_a wit_n be_v apt_a to_o brand_v this_o as_o a_o unevenness_n of_o stile_n but_o they_o may_v as_o well_o accuse_v the_o various_a note_n of_o music_n as_o destructive_a to_o harmony_n or_o blame_v a_o orator_n for_o be_v able_a to_o tune_v his_o tongue_n to_o the_o most_o different_a strain_n 9_o another_o excellency_n of_o the_o stile_n be_v its_o propriety_n to_o the_o several_a subject_n it_o treat_v of_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n will_v not_o have_v man_n pry_v into_o it_o wrap_v they_o up_o in_o cloud_n and_o thick_a darkness_n by_o that_o mean_n to_o deter_v inquisitive_a man_n as_o he_o do_v at_o sinai_n from_o break_v into_o the_o mount_n ex._n 20._o and_o that_o he_o give_v any_o intimation_n at_o all_o of_o such_o seem_v design_v only_o to_o give_v we_o a_o just_a estimate_n how_o shallow_a our_o comprehension_n be_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o adore_v and_o admire_v that_o abyss_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o we_o can_v never_o fathom_v 10._o thing_n of_o a_o middle_a nature_n which_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o some_o but_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a to_o all_o the_o scripture_n leave_v more_o accessible_a yet_o not_o so_o obvious_a as_o to_o be_v within_o every_o man_n reach_n but_o make_v they_o only_o the_o prize_n of_o industry_n prayer_n and_o humble_a endeavour_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a benefit_n that_o those_o who_o covet_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v by_o it_o engage_v to_o take_v these_o virtue_n in_o the_o way_n beside_o there_o be_v so_o much_o time_n require_v to_o that_o study_n as_o render_v it_o inconsistent_a with_o those_o secular_a business_n wherein_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v immerse_v and_o consequent_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o those_o who_o addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o one_o have_v competent_a vacancy_n from_o the_o other_o and_o in_o this_o it_o have_v a_o visible_a use_n by_o be_v very_o contributive_a to_o the_o maintain_v that_o spiritual_a subordination_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o pastor_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v miriam_n and_o corahs_n partisan_n be_v a_o pregnant_a instance_n how_o much_o the_o opinion_n of_o equal_a knowledge_n unfit_v for_o subjection_n and_o we_o see_v by_o sad_a experience_n how_o much_o the_o bare_a pretence_n of_o it_o have_v disturb_v the_o church_n and_o make_v those_o turn_n preacher_n who_o never_o be_v understand_v hearer_n 11._o but_o beside_o these_o more_o abstruse_a there_o be_v easy_a truth_n in_o which_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v the_o explicit_a knowledge_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o i_o mean_v the_o divine_a rule_n for_o save_a faith_n and_o manner_n and_o in_o those_o the_o scripture_n stile_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o be_v possible_a condescend_v to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o rude_a capacity_n so_o that_o none_o that_o can_v read_v the_o scripture_n but_o will_v there_o find_v the_o way_n to_o bliss_n evident_o chalk_v out_o to_o he_o that_o i_o may_v use_v the_o word_n of_o saint_n gregory_n the_o lamb_n may_v wade_v in_o those_o water_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o the_o elephant_n may_v swim_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o lib._n 2._o of_o christian_a doctrine_n cap._n 6._o have_v make_v in_o the_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n magnificent_a and_o healthful_a provision_n for_o our_o hunger_n and_o in_o the_o obscure_a against_o satiety_n for_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n draw_v from_o obscure_a place_n which_o in_o other_o be_v not_o speak_v most_o plain_o and_o he_o far_o add_v that_o if_o any_o thing_n happen_v to_o be_v no_o where_o explain_v every_o man_n may_v there_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n 12._o so_o again_o in_o the_o same_o book_n cap._n 9_o he_o say_v that_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v faith_n and_o manner_n be_v plain_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o saint_n jerom_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o es_fw-ge 19_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o close_v obscure_a say_n with_o those_o that_o be_v easy_a and_o what_o be_v first_o express_v dark_o to_o propose_v in_o evident_a word_n which_o very_a thing_n be_v say_v likewise_o by_o saint_n chrysostom_n hom._n
god_n have_v by_o his_o own_o choice_n of_o writing_n give_v the_o preference_n to_o it_o nor_o have_v he_o bare_o choose_v it_o but_o have_v make_v it_o the_o standard_n by_o which_o to_o measure_n all_o succeed_a pretence_n it_o be_v the_o mean_n he_o prescribe_v for_o distinguish_v divine_a from_o diabolical_a inspiration_n 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 there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isai_n 8.20_o and_o when_o the_o lawyer_n interrogated_a our_o saviour_n what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o inherit_v eternal_a life_n he_o send_v he_o not_o to_o ransac_fw-mi tradition_n or_o the_o cabalistical_a divinity_n of_o the_o rabbin_n but_o refer_v he_o to_o the_o law_n what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n how_o read_v thou_o luk._n 10.26_o and_o indeed_o throout_v the_o gospel_n we_o still_o find_v he_o in_o his_o discourse_n appeal_n to_o scripture_n and_o assert_v its_o authority_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n 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they_o to_o we_o if_o she_o vary_v or_o any_o way_n enervate_v they_o she_o be_v false_a to_o that_o trust_n but_o can_v by_v it_o oblige_v we_o to_o recede_v from_o that_o rule_n she_o shall_v deliver_v to_o comply_v with_o that_o she_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o the_o case_n may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o a_o easy_a resemblance_n suppose_v a_o king_n have_v a_o foreign_a principality_n for_o which_o he_o compose_v a_o body_n of_o law_n annex_n to_o they_o reward_n and_o penalty_n and_o require_v a_o exact_a and_o indispensable_a conformity_n to_o they_o these_o be_v put_v in_o writing_n he_o send_v by_o a_o select_a messenger_n now_o suppose_v this_o messenger_n deliver_v they_o yet_o say_v withal_o that_o himself_o have_v authority_n from_o the_o king_n to_o supersede_n these_o law_n at_o his_o pleasure_n so_o that_o their_o last_o resort_n must_v be_v to_o his_o dictate_v yet_o produce_v no_o other_o testimony_n but_o his_o own_o bare_a affirmation_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o man_n in_o their_o wit_n shall_v be_v so_o stupid_o credulous_a as_o to_o incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o those_o law_n upon_o so_o improbable_a a_o indemnity_n and_o sure_o it_o will_v be_v no_o whit_n less_o madness_n in_o christian_n to_o violate_v any_o precept_n of_o god_n on_o a_o ungrounded_a supposal_n of_o the_o church_n power_n to_o dispense_v with_o they_o 34._o and_o if_o the_o church_n universal_a have_v not_o this_o power_n nor_o indeed_o ever_o claim_v it_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a insolence_n for_o any_o particular_a church_n to_o pretend_v to_o it_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v owe_v to_o her_o tradition_n all_o our_o scripture_n and_o all_o our_o faith_n insomuch_o that_o without_o the_o supply_n which_o she_o afford_v from_o the_o oracle_n of_o her_o chair_n our_o religion_n be_v imperfect_a and_o our_o salvation_n insecure_a upon_o which_o wild_a dictate_v i_o shall_v take_v liberty_n in_o a_o distinct_a section_n far_o to_o animadvert_v sect_n vi_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n concern_v the_o propriety_n and_o fitness_n which_o the_o scripture_n hat_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o excellent_a end_n against_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o oppose_v itself_o as_o we_o have_v already_o intimate_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v only_o a_o imperfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n say_v in_o the_o four_o session_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o christian_a faith_n and_o discipline_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n write_v and_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o in_o the_o four_o rule_n of_o the_o index_n put_v forth_o by_o command_n of_o the_o say_a council_n the_o scripture_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o useful_a that_o its_o read_n be_v pernicious_a if_o permit_v promiscuous_o in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v withhold_v insomuch_o that_o the_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n be_v common_o by_o person_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n impute_v to_o protestant_n as_o part_v of_o their_o heresy_n they_o be_v call_v by_o they_o in_o contemt_a the_o evangelical_n man_n and_o scripturarians_n and_o the_o bible_n in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n of_o any_o nation_n be_v common_o reckon_v among_o prohibit_v book_n and_o as_o such_o public_o burn_v when_o meet_v with_o by_o the_o inquisitor_n and_o the_o person_n who_o be_v find_v with_o it_o or_o to_o read_v therein_o be_v subject_v to_o severe_a penalty_n 2._o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o put_v to_o shame_v those_o unhappy_a innovator_n who_o amid_o great_a pretence_n to_o antiquity_n and_o veneration_n to_o the_o scripture_n prevaricat_a from_o both_o i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o show_v plain_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n herein_o and_o that_o in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o the_o matter_n will_v admit_v 3._o first_o i_o premise_v that_o ireneus_fw-la and_o tertullian_n have_v to_o do_v with_o heretic_n who_o boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v emendator_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o wise_a than_o they_o despise_v their_o authority_n reject_v several_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o obtrude_a other_o write_n in_o their_o steed_n have_v have_v recourse_n unto_o tradition_n with_o a_o seem_a preference_n of_o it_o unto_o scripture_n their_o adversary_n have_v no_o common_a principle_n beside_o the_o own_n the_o name_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o convince_v they_o but_o by_o a_o recourse_n to_o such_o a_o medium_n which_o they_o will_v allow_v but_o these_o father_n be_v to_o set_v down_o and_o establish_v their_o faith_n be_v most_o express_a in_o resolve_v it_o into_o scripture_n and_o when_o they_o recommend_v tradition_n ever_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v also_o apostolical_a 4._o ireneus_fw-la in_o the_o
be_v produce_v the_o mind_n both_o of_o speaker_n and_o hearer_n be_v confirm_v and_o hom._n 4._o on_o lazar_n though_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a or_o a_o angel_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n we_o must_v believe_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v frame_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o quick_a and_o dead_a and_o hom._n 13._o 2_o cor._n 7._o be_v it_o not_o a_o absurd_a thing_n that_o when_o we_o deal_v with_o man_n about_o money_n we_o will_v trust_v no_o body_n but_o cast_v up_o the_o sum_n and_o make_v use_n of_o our_o counter_n but_o in_o religious_a affair_n suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v aside_o by_o other_o man_n opinion_n even_o then_o when_o we_o have_v by_o a_o exact_a scale_n and_o touchstone_n the_o dictat_fw-la of_o the_o divine_a law_n therefore_o i_o pray_v and_o exhort_v you_o that_o give_v no_o heed_n to_o what_o this_o or_o that_o man_n say_v you_o will_v consult_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o thence_o learn_v the_o divine_a riches_n and_o pursue_v what_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o hom._n 58._o on_o jo._n 10.1_o it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o thief_n that_o he_o come_v not_o in_o by_o the_o door_n but_o another_o way_n now_o by_o the_o door_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v signify_v and_o hom._n on_o gal._n 1.8_o the_o apostle_n say_v not_o if_o any_o man_n teach_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v or_o if_o he_o subvert_v the_o whole_a gospel_n but_o if_o he_o teach_v any_o thing_n beside_o the_o gospel_n which_o you_o have_v receive_v or_o vary_v any_o little_a thing_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v 20._o cyril_n of_o alex._n against_o jul._n l._n 7._o say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o who_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o endue_v with_o most_o ample_a knowledge_n 21._o theodoret_n dial._n 1_o i_o be_o persuade_v only_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o dial._n 2._o i_o be_o not_o so_o bold_a to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n not_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o again_o qu._n 45._o upon_o genes_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o inquire_v after_o what_o be_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n but_o acquiesce_v in_o what_o be_v write_v 22._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o enlarge_v this_o discourse_n into_o a_o volume_n but_o have_v take_v as_o they_o offer_v themselves_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o four_o first_o century_n i_o shall_v not_o proceed_v to_o those_o that_o follow_v if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o all_o christian_n heretofore_o we_o may_v reasonable_o assure_v ourselves_o it_o be_v so_o still_o and_o will_v now_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o consequent_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o oral_a tradition_n or_o the_o new_a mintage_n of_o a_o live_a infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o the_o impartial_a reader_n will_v be_v enable_v to_o judge_n whether_o our_o appeal_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o all_o occasion_n of_o controversy_n and_o recommendation_n of_o it_o to_o the_o study_n of_o every_o christian_a be_v that_o heresy_n and_o innovation_n which_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 23._o it_o be_v we_o know_v severe_o impute_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n by_o our_o saviour_n that_o they_o take_v from_o the_o people_n the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n luk._n 11.52_o and_o have_v make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o their_o tradition_n mat._n 15.6_o but_o they_o never_o attemt_v what_o have_v be_v since_o practise_v by_o their_o successor_n in_o the_o western_a church_n to_o take_v away_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o testament_n itself_o and_o cut_v off_o not_o only_o the_o efficacy_n but_o very_a possession_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o their_o tradition_n sure_o this_o have_v be_v exceed_v criminal_a from_o any_o hand_n but_o that_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o universal_a and_o infallible_a pastor_n of_o it_o who_o claim_v the_o office_n to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n exhort_v unto_o and_o assist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o man_n who_o thus_o rob_v the_o people_n of_o they_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o high_a aggravation_n both_o of_o cruelty_n and_o breach_n of_o trust_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v take_v away_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n of_o this_o prophecy_n say_v saint_n john_n revel_v 22.19_o god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o part_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a city_n and_o from_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n what_o vengeance_n therefore_o await_v those_o who_o have_v take_v away_o not_o only_o from_o one_o book_n but_o at_o once_o the_o book_n themselves_o even_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n sect_n vii_o historical_a reflection_n upon_o the_o event_n which_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o church_n since_o the_o withdraw_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o will_v in_o this_o place_n be_v no_o useless_a contemplation_n to_o observe_v after_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v ravish_v from_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n what_o pitiful_a pretender_n be_v admit_v to_o succeed_v and_o first_o because_o layman_n be_v presume_v to_o be_v illiterate_a and_o easy_o seducible_a by_o those_o write_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o difficult_a and_o will_v be_v wrest_v by_o the_o unlearned_a to_o their_o own_o destruction_n picture_n be_v recommend_v in_o their_o steed_n and_o complemented_a as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o laity_n which_o soon_o emprove_v into_o a_o necessity_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o that_o gross_a superstition_n which_o render_v christianity_n abominate_v by_o turk_n and_o jew_n and_o heathen_n unto_o this_o day_n 2._o i_o will_v not_o be_v hasty_a in_o charge_v idolatry_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o all_o in_o her_o communion_n but_o that_o their_o image-worship_n be_v a_o most_o fatal_a snare_n in_o which_o vast_a number_n of_o unhappy_a soul_n be_v take_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v who_o have_v with_o any_o regard_n travail_v in_o popish_a country_n i_o myself_o and_o thousand_o of_o other_o who_o the_o late_a trouble_n or_o other_o occasion_n send_v abroad_o be_v and_o have_v be_v witness_n thereof_o charity_n it_o be_v true_a believe_v all_o thing_n but_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v man_n to_o disbelieve_v their_o eye_n it_o be_v the_o outcry_n of_o micah_n against_o the_o danite_n jud._n 18.24_o you_o have_v take_v away_o my_o god_n which_o i_o have_v make_v and_o the_o priest_n and_o be_v go_v away_o and_o what_o have_v i_o more_o but_o the_o laity_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n may_v enlarge_v the_o complaint_n and_o say_v you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o oracle_n of_o our_o god_n and_o set_v up_o every_o where_o among_o we_o grave_v and_o melt_a image_n and_o teraphim_n and_o what_o have_v we_o more_o and_o it_o be_v late_o the_o loud_a and_o i_o doubt_v i_o be_v still_o the_o unanswerable_a complaint_n of_o the_o poor_a american_n that_o they_o be_v deny_v to_o worship_v their_o pagod_n once_o in_o the_o year_n when_o they_o who_o forbid_v they_o worship_v they_o every_o day_n 3._o the_o jew_n before_o the_o captivity_n notwithstanding_o the_o recent_a memory_n of_o the_o miracle_n in_o egypt_n and_o the_o wilderness_n and_o the_o first_o conquest_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n with_o those_o that_o succeed_v under_o the_o judge_n and_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o juda_n as_o also_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o menace_n of_o prophet_n ever_o and_o anon_o fall_v to_o downright_a idolatry_n but_o after_o their_o return_n unto_o this_o day_n have_v keep_v themselves_o from_o fall_v into_o that_o sin_n though_o they_o have_v no_o prophet_n to_o instruct_v they_o no_o miracle_n or_o government_n to_o encourage_v or_o constrain_v they_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o a_o very_a learned_a man_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n take_v to_o be_v the_o reading_z and_o teach_v of_o the_o law_n in_o their_o synagogue_n which_o be_v perform_v with_o great_a exactness_n after_o the_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n but_o be_v not_o so_o perform_v before_o and_o may_v we_o not_o invert_v the_o observation_n and_o impute_v the_o image-worship_n now_o set_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o church_n and_o interdict_v the_o private_a use_n and_o institution_n in_o they_o 4._o for_o a_o far_a supplement_n in_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o history_n be_v think_v not_o edify_v enough_o the_o legend_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v introduce_v story_n so_o stupid_a that_o one_o will_v imagine_v they_o design_v as_o a_o experiment_n how_o far_o credulity_n can_v be_v impose_v
wine_n the_o bread_n that_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o cup_n that_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o and_o again_o he_o that_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n unworthy_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 11.29_o can_v make_v no_o appearance_n of_o a_o argument_n 8._o thus_o man_n once_o engage_v ransac_n for_o text_n that_o carry_v some_o correspondency_n to_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v imbibe_v and_o those_o how_o do_v they_o rack_v and_o serve_v to_o bring_v to_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n and_o improve_v every_o little_a probability_n into_o a_o demonstration_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o contrary_a text_n they_o look_v on_o as_o enemy_n and_o consider_v they_o no_o far_o than_o to_o provide_v fence_n and_o guard_n against_o they_o so_o they_o bring_v text_n not_o into_o the_o scale_n to_o weigh_v but_o into_o the_o field_n to_o skirmish_v as_o partisan_n and_o auxiliary_n of_o such_o or_o such_o opinion_n 9_o by_o this_o force_n of_o prepossession_n it_o be_v that_o that_o sacred_a rule_n which_o be_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o all_o rectitude_n be_v itself_o bow_v and_o distort_v to_o countenance_n and_o abet_v the_o most_o contrary_a tenet_n and_o like_o a_o variable_a picture_n represent_v differ_v shape_n according_a to_o the_o light_n in_o which_o you_o view_v it_o and_o sure_o we_o can_v do_v it_o a_o worse_a office_n then_o to_o represent_v it_o thus_o dissonant_n to_o itself_o yet_o thus_o it_o must_v still_o be_v till_o man_n come_v unbiased_a to_o the_o read_n of_o it_o and_o certain_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v do_v so_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v but_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 1.9_o and_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a the_o scripture_n can_v best_o direct_v we_o what_o faith_n it_o be_v which_o will_v lead_v we_o to_o that_o end_n 10._o why_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o have_v the_o same_o indifference_n which_o a_o traveller_n have_v whether_o his_o way_n lie_v on_o this_o hand_n or_o that_o so_o as_o it_o be_v the_o direct_a road_n to_o his_o journey_n end_n for_o although_o it_o be_v infinite_o material_a that_o i_o embrace_v right_a principle_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v right_o rather_o than_o the_o other_o and_o our_o wish_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o proceed_v only_o from_o our_o prepossession_n and_o fondness_n of_o our_o own_o conception_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o intercept_v the_o clear_a view_n of_o truth_n it_o therefore_o near_o concern_v we_o to_o deposit_v they_o and_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o without_o reserve_n to_o the_o guidance_n of_o god_n word_n and_o give_v it_o equal_a credit_n when_o it_o thwart_v as_o when_o it_o comply_v with_o our_o own_o notion_n 11._o without_o this_o though_o we_o may_v call_v scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o judge_v of_o controversy_n yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a we_o make_v it_o not_o so_o but_o reserve_v still_o the_o last_o appeal_n to_o our_o own_o prejudicate_v fancy_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n though_o we_o fall_v under_o the_o same_o occoecation_n which_o our_o saviour_n upbraid_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o see_v we_o see_v not_o neither_o do_v we_o understand_v mat._n 13.14_o for_o he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v save_v god_n way_n will_v hardly_o be_v so_o by_o his_o own_o he_o that_o resolve_v not_o impartial_o to_o embrace_v all_o the_o scripture_n dictate_v come_v to_o they_o as_o unsincere_o as_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v to_o jeremiah_n to_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o which_o he_o no_o soon_o have_v do_v but_o they_o protest_v against_o his_o message_n jer._n 42.20_o and_o may_v expect_v as_o fatal_a a_o event_n 12._o but_o there_o be_v a_o set_v of_o man_n who_o deal_v yet_o more_o insincere_o with_o the_o word_n that_o read_v it_o insiduous_o on_o purpose_n to_o collect_v matter_n of_o objection_n and_o cavil_n that_o with_o a_o malicious_a diligence_n compare_v text_n in_o hope_n to_o find_v contradiction_n and_o read_v attentive_o but_o to_o no_o other_o end_n then_o to_o remark_n incoherence_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o stile_n which_o when_o they_o think_v they_o have_v start_v they_o have_v their_o design_n and_o never_o will_v use_v a_o quarter_n of_o the_o same_o diligence_n in_o consider_v how_o they_o may_v be_v solve_v or_o consult_v with_o those_o who_o may_v assist_v they_o in_o it_o for_o i_o think_v i_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o have_v raise_v the_o loud_a clamour_n against_o the_o scripture_n whether_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o render_v themselves_o competent_a judge_n of_o it_o by_o inquire_v into_o the_o original_n or_o inform_v themselves_o of_o those_o local_a custom_n peculiar_a idiom_n and_o many_o other_o circumstance_n by_o which_o obscure_a text_n be_v to_o be_v clear_v and_o though_o i_o do_v not_o affirm_v it_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v do_v this_o yet_o i_o may_v affirm_v it_o necessary_a to_o he_o that_o will_v pretend_v to_o judge_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o he_o that_o without_o this_o condem_n it_o do_v it_o as_o manifest_a injury_n as_o a_o judge_n that_o shall_v pass_v sentence_n only_o upon_o the_o indictment_n without_o hear_v the_o defence_n 13._o and_o certain_o there_o can_v be_v any_o thing_n more_o unmanly_a and_o disingenovos_a then_o for_o man_n to_o inveigh_v and_o condemn_v before_o they_o inquire_v and_o examine_v yet_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n upon_o which_o so_o many_o value_n themselves_o assume_v to_o be_v man_n of_o reason_n for_o that_o for_o which_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v they_o brute_n beast_n viz._n the_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o 2_o pet._n 2.12_o will_v man_n use_v due_a diligence_n no_o doubt_n many_o of_o those_o seem_a contradiction_n will_v be_v reconcile_v and_o the_o obscurity_n clear_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v after_o all_o remain_n he_o may_v find_v twenty_o thing_n fit_a to_o charge_v it_o on_o then_o want_v of_o verity_n or_o discourse_n in_o the_o inspire_a writer_n 14._o alas_o what_o human_a writing_n be_v there_o of_o near_o that_o antiquity_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o many_o passage_n unintelligible_a and_o indeed_o unless_o modern_a time_n know_v all_o those_o national_a custom_n obsolete_a law_n particular_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n phrase_n and_o proverbial_a say_n to_o which_o such_o ancient_a book_n refer_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o some_o passage_n must_v still_o remain_v obscure_a yet_o in_o these_o we_o ordinary_o have_v so_o much_o candour_n as_o to_o impute_v their_o unintelligibleness_n to_o our_o own_o ignorance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v clear_v they_o the_o impropriety_n of_o stile_n to_o the_o variation_n that_o time_n make_v in_o dialect_n or_o to_o the_o error_n of_o scribe_n and_o do_v not_o present_o exclaim_v against_o the_o author_n as_o false_a or_o impertinent_a or_o discard_v the_o whole_a book_n for_o some_o such_o passage_n 15._o and_o sure_o what_o allowance_n we_o make_v to_o other_o book_n may_v with_o more_o reason_n be_v make_v to_o the_o bible_n which_o have_v be_v write_v so_o many_o age_n since_o pass_v through_o infinite_a variety_n of_o hand_n and_o which_o be_v above_o all_o have_v be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n malice_n lie_v under_o great_a disadvantage_n than_o any_o human_a composure_n and_o doubtless_o man_n will_v be_v as_o equitable_a to_o that_o as_o they_o be_v to_o other_o be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o more_o wish_v to_o have_v that_o false_a or_o irrational_a than_o any_o other_o book_n the_o plain_a part_n of_o it_o the_o precept_n and_o threaten_n speak_v clear_a than_o they_o desire_v gall_n and_o fret_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v revenge_v themselves_o upon_o the_o obscurer_n and_o seem_v angry_a that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o when_o indeed_o their_o real_a displesure_n be_v at_o those_o they_o do_v 16._o a_o second_o qualification_n preparatory_a to_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v reverence_n when_o we_o take_v the_o bible_n in_o our_o hand_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o with_o other_o sentiment_n and_o apprehension_n then_o when_o we_o take_v a_o common_a book_n consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n or_o upon_o our_o abuse_n of_o it_o a_o promoter_n of_o our_o ruin_n 17._o and_o sure_o this_o if_o due_o apprehend_v can_v but_o strike_v we_o with_o a_o reverential_a awe_n make_v we_o to_o say_v with_o jacob_n gen._n 28.17_o sure_o god_n be_v in_o this_o place_n control_v all_o trifle_a fancy_n and_o make_v we_o read_v not_o for_o custom_n or_o divertisement_n but_o with_o
those_o solemn_a and_o holy_a intention_n which_o become_v the_o dignity_n of_o its_o author_n according_o we_o find_v holy_a man_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v affect_v with_o it_o and_o some_o to_o the_o inward_a reverence_n of_o the_o mind_n have_v join_v the_o outward_a of_o the_o body_n also_o and_o never_o read_v it_o but_o upon_o their_o knee_n a_o example_n that_o may_v both_o instruct_v and_o reproach_v our_o profaneness_n who_o common_o read_v by_o chance_n and_o at_o a_o venture_n if_o a_o bible_n happen_v in_o our_o way_n we_o take_v it_o up_o as_o we_o will_v do_v a_o romance_n or_o playbook_n only_o herein_o we_o differ_v that_o we_o dismiss_v it_o much_o soon_o and_o retain_v less_o of_o its_o impression_n 18._o it_o be_v a_o law_n of_o numa_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v meddle_v with_o divine_a thing_n or_o worship_v the_o god_n in_o pass_v or_o by_o accident_n but_o make_v it_o a_o set_v and_o solemn_a business_n and_o every_o one_o know_v with_o how_o great_a ceremony_n and_o solemnity_n the_o heathen_a oracle_n be_v consult_v how_o great_a a_o shame_n be_v it_o then_o for_o christian_n to_o defalk_v that_o reverence_n from_o the_o true_a god_n which_o heathen_n allow_v their_o false_a one_o 19_o now_o this_o proceed_v sometime_o from_o the_o want_n of_o that_o habitual_a reverence_n we_o shall_v always_o have_v to_o it_o as_o god_n word_n and_o sometime_o from_o want_n of_o actual_a exciting_a it_o when_o we_o go_v to_o read_v for_o if_o the_o habit_n lie_v only_o dormant_a in_o we_o and_o be_v not_o awake_v by_o actual_a consideration_n it_o avail_v we_o as_o little_a in_o our_o read_n as_o the_o habitual_a strength_n of_o a_o man_n do_v towards_o labour_n when_o he_o will_v not_o exert_v it_o for_o that_o end_n 20._o we_o ought_v therefore_o as_o to_o make_v it_o our_o deliberate_a choice_n to_o read_v god_n word_n so_o when_o we_o do_v it_o to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o those_o solemn_a apprehension_n of_o its_o dignity_n and_o authority_n as_o may_v render_v we_o malleable_a and_o apt_a to_o receive_v its_o impression_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o reverence_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o genuine_a or_o last_a obedience_n 21._o saint_n austin_n in_o his_o tract_n to_o honoratus_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o believe_v make_v the_o first_o requisite_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o love_n of_o they_o believe_v i_o say_v he_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v sublime_a and_o divine_a its_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n be_v most_o accommodate_v to_o the_o refreshment_n and_o build_v up_o of_o our_o mind_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n so_o order_v that_o every_o one_o may_v draw_v thence_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o provide_v he_o approach_v it_o with_o devotion_n piety_n and_o religion_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o may_v require_v much_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o this_o i_o be_o first_o to_o persuade_v that_o you_o do_v not_o hate_v the_o author_n and_o then_o that_o you_o love_v they_o have_v we_o a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o virgil_n nay_o if_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o reputation_n he_o have_v gain_v with_o our_o predecessor_n we_o do_v not_o great_o love_v before_o we_o understand_v he_o we_o shall_v never_o patient_o go_v through_o all_o the_o difficult_a question_n grammarian_n raise_v about_o he_o many_o employ_v themselves_o in_o comment_v upon_o he_o we_o esteem_v he_o most_o who_o exposition_n most_o commend_v the_o book_n and_o show_v that_o the_o author_n not_o only_o be_v free_a from_o error_n but_o do_v excellent_o well_o where_o he_o be_v not_o understand_v and_o if_o such_o a_o account_n happen_v not_o to_o be_v give_v we_o impute_v it_o rather_o to_o the_o interpreter_n then_o the_o poet._n 22._o thus_o the_o good_a father_n who_o word_n i_o have_v transcribe_v at_o large_a as_o be_v remarkable_a to_o the_o present_a purpose_n he_o also_o show_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o no_o author_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v from_o one_o averse_a to_o his_o doctrine_n as_o that_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o inquire_v of_o aristotle_n book_n from_o one_o of_o a_o different_a sect_n or_o of_o archimedes_n from_o epicurus_n the_o discourse_n will_v be_v as_o displease_v as_o the_o speaker_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v esteem_v absurd_a which_o come_v from_o one_o that_o be_v envy_v or_o despise_v 23._o a_o three_o preparative_n to_o our_o read_n shall_v be_v prayer_n the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v dictate_v at_o first_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n so_o must_v still_o owe_v its_o effect_n and_o influence_n to_o its_o cooperation_n the_o thing_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o and_o though_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v well_o enough_o apprehend_v the_o letter_n and_o grammatical_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o its_o power_n and_o energy_n that_o insinuative_a persuasive_a force_n whereby_o it_o work_v on_o heart_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o without_o his_o aid_n the_o scripture_n whilst_o it_o lie_v open_a before_o our_o eye_n may_v still_o be_v as_o a_o book_n that_o be_v seal_v esai_n 29.11_o be_v as_o ineffective_a as_o if_o the_o character_n be_v illegible_a 24._o beside_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o the_o devil_n be_v still_o busy_a to_o steal_v away_o the_o seed_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v sow_v mat._n 13.17_o and_o unless_o we_o have_v some_o better_a guard_n than_o our_o own_o vigilance_n he_o be_v sure_a enough_o to_o prosper_v in_o his_o attemt_fw-mi let_v it_o therefore_o be_v our_o care_n to_o invoke_v the_o divine_a aid_n and_o when_o ever_o we_o take_v the_o bible_n into_o our_o hand_n to_o dart_v up_o at_o least_o a_o hearty_a ejaculation_n that_o we_o may_v find_v its_o effect_n in_o our_o heart_n let_v we_o say_v with_o holy_a david_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n o_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n bless_v be_v thou_o o_o lord_n o_o teach_v i_o thy_o statute_n ps_n 119._o nay_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v fit_a matter_n of_o a_o daily_a solemn_a devotion_n as_o our_o church_n have_v make_v it_o a_o annual_a in_o the_o collect_n on_o the_o second_o sunday_n in_o advent_n a_o prayer_n so_o apt_a and_o full_o expressive_a of_o what_o we_o shall_v desire_v in_o this_o particular_a that_o if_o we_o transcribe_v not_o only_o the_o example_n but_o the_o very_a word_n i_o know_v not_o how_o we_o can_v form_v that_o part_n of_o our_o devotion_n more_o advantageous_o 25._o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o at_o the_o time_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n which_o consist_v principal_o in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v attention_n which_o be_v so_o indispensable_o requisite_a that_o without_o it_o all_o book_n be_v alike_o and_o all_o equal_o insignificant_a for_o he_o that_o advert_v not_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o he_o read_v the_o wise_a discourse_n signify_v no_o more_o to_o he_o than_o the_o most_o exquisite_a music_n do_v to_o a_o man_n perfect_o deaf_a the_o letter_n and_o syllable_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v no_o more_o sacred_a than_o those_o of_o another_o book_n it_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n only_o that_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o he_o that_o consider_v only_o the_o former_a may_v as_o well_o entertain_v himself_o with_o a_o spellingbook_n 26._o we_o must_v therefore_o keep_v our_o mind_n fix_v and_o attent_a to_o what_o we_o read_v it_o be_v a_o folly_n and_o lightness_n not_o to_o do_v so_o in_o human_a author_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o danger_n not_o to_o do_v so_o in_o this_o divine_a book_n we_o know_v there_o can_v scarce_o be_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o contemt_a and_o disvalue_n then_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n speak_v and_o not_o at_o all_o mind_n what_o he_o say_v yet_o this_o vile_a affront_n do_v all_o those_o put_v upon_o god_n who_o hear_v or_o read_v his_o word_n and_o give_v it_o no_o attention_n yet_o i_o fear_v the_o practice_n be_v not_o more_o impious_a than_o it_o be_v frequent_a for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o read_v the_o bible_n who_o if_o at_o the_o end_n of_o each_o chapter_n they_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o account_v i_o doubt_v they_o can_v produce_v very_o slender_a collection_n and_o true_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a consideration_n that_o that_o sacred_a book_n be_v read_v most_o attentive_o by_o those_o who_o read_v it_o as_o some_o preach_v the_o gospel_n phil._n 1.15_o out_o of_o envy_n and_o strife_n how_o curious_o do_v man_n inspect_v nay_o ransac_n and_o embowel_v a_o text_n to_o find_v a_o pretence_n for_o cavil_n and_o objection_n whilst_o man_n who_o profess_v to_o look_v there_o for_o life_n and_o salvation_n read_v with_o such_o a_o retchless_n