search_v the_o scripture_n a_o treatise_n show_v that_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n with_o direction_n to_o they_o therein_o in_o three_o part_n london_n print_v for_o r._n royston_n bookseller_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n 1685._o introduction_n the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o first_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n teach_v all_o its_o child_n in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o it_o be_v such_o a_o fountain_n and_o well_o of_o truth_n that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v desirous_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o right_n and_o perfect_a way_n unto_o god_n must_v apply_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o without_o which_o they_o can_v neither_o sufficient_o know_v god_n and_o his_o will_n nor_o their_o own_o office_n and_o duty_n for_o in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v full_o contain_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o eschew_v what_o to_o believe_v what_o to_o love_n and_o what_o to_o look_v for_o at_o god_n hand_n at_o length_n and_o 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the_o second_o exception_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o which_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o allege_v among_o other_o place_n those_o remarkable_a word_n of_o st._n peter_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n the_o three_o chapter_n and_o sixteenth_o verse_n where_o have_v make_v mention_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n which_o treat_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n that_o he_o have_v just_a before_o explain_v he_o say_v in_o which_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n behold_v say_v they_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v for_o common_a people_n to_o meddle_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v compare_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o to_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n for_o fear_v they_o destroy_v themselves_o therewith_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n teach_v we_o rom._n 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meaning_n of_o they_o and_o iii_o three_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o who_o read_v those_o difficult_a passage_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o wrest_v they_o but_o only_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a who_o abuse_v the_o plain_a truth_n to_o their_o own_o ruin_n as_o for_o other_o they_o may_v read_v even_o the_o hard_a place_n in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n safe_o enough_o nay_o receive_v great_a profit_n from_o thence_o as_o well_o as_o from_o other_o scripture_n and_o they_o who_o wrest_v they_o be_v not_o to_o leave_v read_v they_o but_o to_o grow_v in_o true_a christian_a knowledge_n and_o in_o stability_n of_o mind_n these_o be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n in_o treat_v and_o read_v of_o which_o let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o the_o second_o homily_n conclude_v that_o we_o may_v speak_v think_v believe_v live_v and_o depart_v hence_o according_a to_o the_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o verity_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n in_o this_o world_n have_v god_n defence_n favour_n and_o grace_n with_o the_o unspeakable_a solace_n of_o peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o conscience_n and_o after_o this_o miserable_a life_n enjoy_v the_o endless_a bliss_n and_o glory_n of_o heaven_n part_n i._n that_o the_o right_a of_o god_n people_n to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_v by_o these_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n appear_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o wrest_v of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a do_v suppose_v that_o even_o such_o person_n do_v then_o read_v they_o which_o overthrow_v the_o conclusion_n which_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n endeavour_v to_o draw_v from_o this_o place_n for_o there_o have_v be_v no_o possibility_n of_o pervert_v their_o sense_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n at_o that_o time_n as_o they_o be_v in_o we_o now_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o reprehend_v their_o meddle_v with_o they_o but_o their_o ignorance_n and_o their_o heedlesnes_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n they_o misunderstand_v they_o and_o may_v have_v be_v prevent_v by_o a_o little_a diligence_n and_o care_n without_o throw_v they_o quite_o away_o for_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o there_o but_o in_o themselves_o who_o come_v to_o the_o perusal_n of_o holy_a thing_n with_o unprepared_a mind_n now_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o then_o and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o be_v debar_v the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n which_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v unto_o his_o church_n as_o a_o common_a inheritance_n you_o may_v be_v please_v to_o weigh_v these_o thing_n follow_v which_o will_v full_o settle_v your_o mind_n in_o this_o persuasion_n i._o first_o that_o the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n be_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o require_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v so_o conversant_a in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v their_o child_n god_n commandment_n and_o for_o that_o end_n to_o talk_v of_o they_o when_o they_o sit_v in_o their_o house_n or_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n when_o they_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o they_o rise_v up_o nay_o to_o write_v they_o upon_o the_o door_n of_o their_o house_n and_o on_o their_o gate_n that_o whensoever_o they_o go_v out_o or_o come_v in_o they_o may_v have_v they_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o they_o deut._n vi_o 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o the_o lawgiver_n think_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n that_o a_o little_a after_o in_o the_o very_a same_o book_n he_o enjoin_v it_o over_o again_o for_o fear_v they_o shall_v neglect_v it_o chap._n xi_o 18_o 19_o 20._o for_o the_o very_a root_n and_o
according_a unto_o godliness_n unto_o which_o if_o man_n will_v not_o attend_v there_o be_v no_o remedy_n they_o will_v fall_v into_o heresy_n or_o worse_a whether_o they_o read_v the_o scripture_n or_o read_v they_o not_o the_o scripture_n itself_o tell_v we_o as_o much_o that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n 1_o cor._n xi_o 19_o that_o be_v god_n will_v not_o hinder_v it_o unless_o man_n will_v be_v guide_v by_o he_o and_o be_v true_o good_a but_o he_o have_v a_o very_a good_a end_n as_o it_o there_o follow_v in_o permit_v it_o which_o be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v manifest_a who_o be_v honest-hearted_a christian_n sincere_o in_o love_n with_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o who_o be_v not_o and_o that_o must_v be_v the_o care_n of_o every_o good_a man_n not_o to_o take_v or_o throw_v away_o the_o scripture_n to_o prevent_v heresy_n but_o if_o heresy_n do_v arise_v to_o endeavour_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o approve_v his_o integrity_n unto_o god_n by_o steadfast_a continuance_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n must_v he_o govern_v himself_o if_o the_o guide_n of_o his_o soul_n do_v not_o perform_v their_o duty_n which_o i_o shall_v represent_v in_o the_o word_n of_o erasmus_n out_o of_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n before_o his_o annotation_n on_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v the_o pastor_n office_n to_o distribute_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n to_o the_o people_n but_o what_o if_o they_o do_v not_o their_o duty_n what_o must_v the_o people_n do_v they_o must_v implore_v the_o help_n of_o the_o supreme_a pastor_n christ_n jesus_n who_o still_o live_v and_o have_v not_o forsake_v the_o care_n of_o his_o flock_n but_o be_v solicit_v by_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o his_o people_n will_v do_v what_o be_v promise_v in_o ezekiel_n behold_v i_o will_v both_o search_v my_o sheep_n and_o seek_v they_o out_o as_o a_o shepherd_n seek_v out_o his_o flock_n in_o the_o day_n that_o they_o be_v scatter_v so_o will_v i_o seek_v out_o my_o sheep_n and_o will_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o all_o place_n where_o they_o have_v be_v scatter_v in_o the_o cloudy_a and_o dark_a day_n with_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o there_o follow_v xxx_o ezek._n 12_o 13_o etc._n etc._n the_o vulgar_a people_n be_v sheep_n but_o endue_v with_o reason_n and_o out_o of_o those_o sheep_n be_v pastor_n make_v and_o sometime_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o sheep_n may_v know_v more_o than_o his_o pastor_n as_o a_o layman_n therefore_o ought_v not_o seditious_o to_o rebel_v against_o the_o priest_n lest_o that_o order_n be_v confound_v which_o st._n paul_n will_v have_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o the_o priest_n ought_v not_o to_o exercise_v tyranny_n over_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o they_o do_v the_o sedition_n will_v lie_v at_o their_o door_n when_o the_o pastor_n do_v their_o duty_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reverent_o hear_v as_o angel_n of_o god_n by_o who_o christ_n speak_v to_o we_o and_o when_o they_o teach_v unsincere_o the_o people_n must_v pick_v out_o all_o that_o be_v good_a if_o there_o be_v any_o mix_v with_o it_o but_o if_o they_o teach_v not_o at_o all_o or_o teach_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_o repugnant_a to_o the_o gospel_n let_v every_o man_n refresh_v his_o soul_n with_o private_a read_n and_o christ_n who_o promise_v to_o be_v present_a when_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n will_v not_o be_v want_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o one_o soul_n that_o meditate_v pious_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n in_o vain_a be_v six_o thousand_o gather_v together_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o name_n now_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n who_o have_v respect_n to_o nothing_o but_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n conclusion_n i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o great_a man_n st._n athanasius_n who_o write_v a_o little_a treatise_n on_o purpose_n to_o reprove_v the_o audaciousness_n as_o he_o call_v it_o of_o those_o who_o say_v that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o look_v into_o the_o scripture_n and_o bad_a man_n not_o to_o search_v into_o they_o nor_o to_o speak_v out_o of_o they_o but_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v receive_v for_o search_v into_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o do_v but_o make_v thing_n more_o obscure_a to_o which_o he_o reply_v many_o thing_n which_o i_o may_v digest_v into_o head_n but_o i_o shall_v present_v they_o to_o the_o reader_n just_a as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o second_o tome_n of_o his_o work_n pag._n 295._o of_o the_o paris_n edition_n mdcxxvii_o this_o very_a assertion_n say_v he_o show_v the_o inconsistency_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o that_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o support_v it_o he_o mean_v they_o will_v not_o be_v afraid_a man_n shall_v search_v into_o the_o scripture_n if_o they_o think_v what_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o will_v be_v there_o justify_v but_o we_o trust_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o mystery_n i._n e._n the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o help_n of_o he_o who_o can_v lie_v who_o say_v every_o one_o that_o seek_v shall_v find_v therefore_o we_o seek_v as_o we_o ought_v and_o we_o find_v what_o we_o ought_v and_o we_o speak_v with_o demonstration_n and_o we_o hear_v with_o a_o genuine_a intention_n that_o we_o may_v persuade_v our_o domestics_n and_o that_o we_o may_v confute_v our_o adversary_n and_o that_o we_o may_v by_o our_o search_n be_v gainer_n ourselves_o and_o not_o propound_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a unto_o other_o will_v you_o have_v i_o neglect_v the_o scripture_n whence_o then_o shall_v i_o have_v knowledge_n will_v you_o not_o have_v i_o to_o mind_n knowledge_n but_o whence_o then_o shall_v i_o have_v faith_n paul_n cry_v how_o shall_v they_o believe_v unless_o they_o hear_v and_o again_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o then_o who_o forbid_v the_o word_n obstruct_v hear_v and_o throw_v out_o faith_n no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o roman_a law_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o empire_n without_o danger_n they_o then_o who_o forbid_v we_o to_o study_v and_o learn_v the_o great_a oracle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n what_o kind_n of_o mischief_n do_v they_o not_o crafty_o contrive_v against_o we_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o food_n of_o the_o soul_n cease_v then_o o_o man_n to_o starve_v the_o inward_a man_n and_o to_o kill_v it_o with_o hunger_n introduce_v a_o famine_n not_o of_o bread_n nor_o of_o water_n but_o of_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v one_o that_o inflict_v wound_n and_o do_v thou_o forbid_v the_o application_n of_o medicine_n for_o shame_n do_v not_o talk_v as_o if_o the_o various_a wisdom_n in_o the_o book_n of_o physician_n be_v vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n one_o may_v as_o well_o he_o mean_v bid_v people_n not_o mind_n their_o prescription_n though_o there_o be_v many_o disease_n in_o the_o world_n as_o not_o read_v the_o scripture_n when_o their_o soul_n be_v in_o danger_n reverence_n that_o lover_n of_o god_n word_n the_o eunuch_n who_o do_v not_o neglect_v read_v upon_o the_o road_n who_o good_a intention_n our_o lord_n accept_v send_v he_o straightway_o a_o instructor_n who_o make_v he_o understand_v what_o he_o read_v and_z by_o the_o scripture_n bring_v he_o to_o his_o saviour_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n command_v search_v the_o scripture_n by_o search_v mean_v careful_a and_o sober_a inquiry_n into_o hide_a thing_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o thing_n obscure_a the_o confirmation_n of_o hope_n the_o event_n of_o promise_n the_o find_v of_o our_o saviour_n according_a to_o that_o we_o have_v find_v he_o of_o who_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n write_v paul_n himself_o use_v scripture_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o if_o he_o that_o hear_v ineffable_a thing_n he_o that_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o secret_n he_o that_o have_v christ_n speak_v in_o he_o do_v not_o simple_o use_v his_o own_o private_a authority_n without_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n how_o can_v we_o with_o safety_n now_o neglect_v the_o divine_a legislation_n and_o speak_v what_o we_o think_v good_a out_o of_o our_o own_o heart_n but_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n transcend_v our_o conception_n i_o say_v so_o too_o and_o this_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o thing_n be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o seek_v after_o as_o be_v attainable_a for_o it_o be_v neither_o pious_a to_o venture_v upon_o all_o thing_n nor_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o holiness_n to_o neglect_v all_o thing_n what_o we_o worship_v we_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v write_v we_o know_v what_o we_o worship_v but_o how_o great_a or_o what_o kind_n or_o after_o what_o manner_n or_o where_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o madman_n to_o 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the_o end_n of_o the_o catalogue_n
king_n shall_v be_v furnish_v with_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n and_o keep_v it_o by_o he_o that_o he_o may_v read_v therein_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n and_o learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o to_o keep_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n and_o these_o statute_n to_o do_v they_o xvii_o deut._n 18_o 19_o nay_o the_o more_o to_o imprint_v the_o word_n of_o this_o book_n upon_o his_o mind_n the_o law_n enjoin_v this_o as_o a_o duty_n belong_v to_o the_o king_n himself_o say_v he_o shall_v write_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o this_o law_n in_o a_o book_n out_o of_o that_o which_o be_v before_o the_o priest_n the_o levite_n which_o though_o some_o be_v please_v to_o think_v a_o privilege_n indulge_v only_o to_o the_o king_n the_o jew_n who_o be_v willing_a enough_o to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o such_o laborious_a thing_n constant_o affirm_v that_o every_o private_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o that_o though_o the_o king_n have_v do_v it_o 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the_o law_n bring_v to_o he_o which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o temple_n not_o only_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o people_n but_o as_o the_o jew_n with_o great_a reason_n affirm_v command_v the_o priest_n and_o scribe_n to_o write_v copy_n of_o it_o and_o deliver_v they_o to_o the_o people_n for_o how_o shall_v they_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v the_o word_n of_o the_o covenantwritten_a in_o that_o book_n unto_o which_o josiah_n engage_v they_o 2_o kings_z xxiii_o 2_o 3._o unless_o they_o know_v they_o and_o how_o shall_v they_o know_v they_o more_o than_o they_o have_v do_v former_o if_o they_o do_v only_o once_o bare_o hear_v they_o which_o may_v give_v they_o some_o present_a sense_n of_o their_o duty_n but_o can_v not_o be_v remember_v unless_o they_o have_v the_o word_n they_o be_v to_o perform_v constant_o before_o their_o eye_n there_o may_v much_o more_o be_v add_v on_o this_o subject_n but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o introduce_v what_o follow_v ii_o that_o what_o be_v thus_o enjoin_v by_o moses_n and_o practise_v by_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n our_o saviour_n confirm_v by_o his_o command_n or_o at_o least_o by_o his_o approbation_n say_v v._o john_n 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o some_o indeed_o translate_v the_o word_n thus_o you_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o they_o be_v a_o plain_a acknowledgement_n of_o what_o be_v then_o in_o use_n nay_o a_o approbation_n if_o not_o commendation_n of_o their_o diligence_n in_o turn_v over_o the_o holy_a book_n wherein_o they_o hope_v to_o find_v so_o great_a a_o treasure_n as_o eternal_a life_n but_o if_o they_o be_v render_v as_o we_o and_o as_o many_o of_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o translate_v they_o search_v the_o scripture_n than_o they_o be_v a_o command_n wherein_o our_o bless_a saviour_n require_v what_o moses_n have_v former_o do_v and_o charge_v they_o not_o to_o neglect_v this_o duty_n of_o make_v a_o diligent_a inquiry_n into_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n for_o there_o they_o will_v find_v plain_a testimony_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n who_o they_o expect_v and_o i_o can_v see_v how_o this_o precept_n may_v be_v safe_o disobey_v but_o as_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n xvi_o luke_n 29._o bring_v in_o abraham_n send_v the_o rich_a man_n brethren_n unto_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n i._n e._n to_o their_o write_n for_o they_o themselves_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v for_o their_o instruction_n from_o who_o they_o may_v learn_v enough_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o come_v into_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n so_o we_o in_o like_a manner_n aught_o to_o tell_v man_n if_o they_o will_v know_v how_o to_o be_v save_v they_o must_v repair_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o out_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o apostolical_a instruction_n learn_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o how_o to_o escape_v eternal_a damnation_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o good_a reason_n allege_v why_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v permit_v nay_o command_v to_o read_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o we_o not_o be_v allow_v but_o forbid_v to_o read_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o we_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v or_o rather_o more_o in_o these_o as_o they_o be_v in_o they_o and_o they_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o than_o the_o old_a scripture_n be_v by_o they_o we_o have_v the_o same_o mean_n the_o same_o help_n that_o they_o have_v if_o not_o far_o better_a to_o prosit_fw-la by_o they_o and_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o our_o preacher_n now_o but_o a_o honest_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o say_v to_o their_o people_n as_o origen_n do_v to_o his_o in_o his_o second_o homily_n upon_o isaiah_n will_v to_o god_n we_o do_v all_o practice_n that_o which_o be_v write_v search_v the_o scripture_n and_o as_o st._n basil_n in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o baptism_n cap._n 4._o let_v we_o obey_v our_o lord_n who_o say_v search_v the_o scripture_n and_o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o apostle_n who_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n himself_o the_o interpretation_n of_o his_o own_o word_n learn_v the_o truth_n and_o wholesomeness_n of_o what_o he_o say_v in_o one_o place_n by_o what_o he_o speak_v in_o another_o so_o far_o be_v these_o great_a and_o holy_a man_n from_o discountenance_v the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o they_o most_o earnest_o press_v every_o body_n to_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o full_o before_o i_o have_v do_v iii_o let_v we_o now_o further_o consider_v that_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v concern_v that_o what_o they_o write_v concern_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v read_v not_o only_o by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o their_o write_n be_v direct_v but_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o who_o be_v under_o their_o instruction_n this_o appear_v from_o st._n paul_n most_o solemn_a charge_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v to_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n 1._o v._o 27._o who_o shall_v read_v it_o to_o they_o but_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o no_o doubt_n first_o receive_v it_o but_o be_v not_o to_o keep_v it_o to_o themselves_o but_o impart_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a community_n and_o if_o they_o read_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a society_n we_o can_v think_v they_o refuse_v to_o give_v copy_n of_o it_o to_o they_o if_o any_o desire_v it_o that_o they_o may_v read_v it_o themselves_o or_o rather_o they_o take_v care_n to_o disperse_v this_o letter_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n among_o their_o flock_n as_o they_o do_v also_o send_v it_o to_o other_o church_n whereby_o by_o it_o become_v common_a to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o great_a importance_n that_o all_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o sense_n that_o his_o charge_n be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o adjuration_n that_o if_o they_o neglect_v he_o the_o command_n shall_v be_v obey_v for_o the_o adjuration_n sake_n for_o adjuration_n be_v dreadful_a to_o the_o ancient_a christian_n though_o now_o alas_o woe_n be_v to_o we_o they_o be_v little_o regard_v they_o be_v word_n of_o theophylact._n and_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n theodoret_n gloss_n he_o add_v a_o adjuration_n contrive_v that_o all_o may_v have_v the_o
presumption_n that_o god_n bless_v these_o pious_a endeavour_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a understanding_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o search_n into_o the_o scripture_n according_a as_o it_o there_o follow_v therefore_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v and_o thus_o st._n peter_n also_o in_o this_o very_a epistle_n chap._n i._n 19_o commend_v his_o countryman_n who_o attentive_o read_v and_o consider_v the_o prophetical_a write_n we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o which_o word_n to_o i_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o praiseworthy_a thing_n in_o those_o jewish_a convert_v to_o who_o he_o write_v who_o as_o yet_o be_v but_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n that_o they_o do_v give_v heed_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sure_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o in_o they_o they_o will_v sin_v the_o lord_n jesus_n plain_o descrihe_v if_o they_o compare_v what_o the_o apostle_n preach_v with_o that_o which_o they_o foretell_v as_o the_o beraean_o do_v those_o write_n indeed_o of_o the_o prophet_n do_v but_o obscure_o treat_v of_o christ_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o discovery_n of_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o apostolical_a write_n which_o he_o compare_v to_o the_o daystar_n and_o the_o old_a prophet_n but_o to_o a_o candle_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n yet_o the_o one_o will_v lead_v they_o to_o the_o other_o and_o by_o take_v attentive_a heed_n to_o the_o prophetical_a write_n they_o will_v in_o time_n find_v the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o be_v arrive_v by_o degree_n at_o clear_a demonstration_n and_o a_o full_a and_o bright_a knowledge_n of_o christian_a truth_n deliver_v 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admonition_n encouragement_n and_o consolation_n intersperse_v throughout_o that_o book_n which_o make_v it_o sit_v to_o be_v read_v by_o christian_a people_n for_o their_o direction_n and_o support_v and_o we_o may_v likewise_o from_o hence_o take_v the_o confidence_n to_o argue_v in_o this_o manner_n if_o a_o blessedness_n be_v pronounce_v to_o those_o that_o read_v or_o hear_v that_o prophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v therein_o then_o they_o can_v be_v accurse_v who_o for_o the_o same_o end_n read_v other_o holy_a book_n where_o such_o instruction_n and_o comfort_n be_v more_o plentiful_o and_o plain_o and_o on_o purpose_n deliver_v nor_o can_v they_o expect_v god_n blessing_n who_o prohibit_v the_o read_n even_o of_o those_o easy_a and_o more_o familiar_a scripture_n which_o be_v accommodate_v by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o most_o vulgar_a capacity_n every_o one_o ought_v to_o drink_v of_o these_o fountain_n nor_o will_v i_o forbid_v say_v erasmus_n very_o pious_o those_o that_o thirst_n after_o christian_a knowledge_n to_o read_v even_o those_o book_n which_o be_v not_o so_o open_a but_o like_o a_o fountain_n seal_v up_o because_o they_o will_v reap_v this_o fruit_n at_o least_o that_o they_o will_v come_v more_o sit_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o sermon_n which_o touch_v upon_o or_o allude_v to_o those_o more_o obscure_a passage_n they_o will_v hear_v also_o those_o thing_n more_o willing_o of_o which_o they_o have_v already_o some_o knowledge_n and_o understand_v those_o thing_n more_o easy_o of_o which_o they_o have_v a_o small_a taste_n vi_o and_o there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o our_o complete_a spiritual_a armour_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v lie_v so_o open_a to_o the_o assault_n of_o our_o enemy_n that_o it_o will_v very_o much_o hazard_v our_o salvation_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v expose_v to_o any_o danger_n 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into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o that_o you_o will_v read_v they_o with_o attention_n that_o by_o the_o profit_n we_o receive_v from_o they_o we_o may_v at_o last_o though_o we_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n about_o it_o come_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o virtue_n which_o god_n will_v approve_v the_o same_o he_o urge_v again_o in_o the_o xxxv_o homily_n upon_o the_o same_o book_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o eunuch_n read_v the_o scripture_n in_o his_o chariot_n which_o he_o thus_o conclude_v i_o have_v lay_v this_o history_n before_o you_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o imitate_v this_o eunuch_n nor_o neglect_v read_v no_o not_o in_o a_o journey_n for_o this_o barbarian_a alone_o may_v suffice_v for_o a_o master_n to_o we_o all_o both_o to_o those_o that_o lead_v a_o private_a country-life_n and_o to_o those_o who_o be_v list_v to_o serve_v in_o the_o army_n and_o to_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o court_n and_o in_o 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maintain_v in_o answer_n to_o all_o objection_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_a this_o doctrine_n iii_o that_o as_o none_o ought_v to_o neglect_v read_v because_o they_o be_v man_n of_o business_n so_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o excuse_v themselves_o because_o they_o want_v bibles_n or_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o concern_v business_n you_o have_v hear_v already_o what_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o say_v and_o concern_v want_n of_o bibles_n he_o tell_v they_o the_o rich_a can_v pretend_v this_o and_o as_o for_o the_o poor_a i_o will_v ask_v they_o say_v he_o this_o question_n whether_o they_o have_v not_o all_o the_o tool_n belong_v to_o their_o trade_n and_o since_o they_o can_v furnish_v themselves_o with_o such_o necessary_a implement_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o judge_v it_o most_o absurd_a to_o be_v whole_o unprovided_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v as_o necessary_a for_o their_o spiritual_a as_o the_o 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in_o his_o power_n he_o continue_v read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o gracious_a lord_n of_o all_o see_v his_o ardent_a desire_n do_v not_o overlook_v he_o nor_o leave_v he_o unprovided_a but_o straightway_o send_v he_o a_o master_n to_o inform_v he_o see_v here_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n how_o he_o expect_v till_o he_o first_o do_v what_o he_o can_v and_o then_o he_o manifest_v his_o own_o powerful_a aid_n because_o he_o prepare_v himself_o the_o best_a he_o be_v able_a a_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v send_v to_o philip_n that_o he_o may_v do_v the_o rest_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o argument_n he_o prosecute_v most_o large_o in_o his_o three_o sermon_n upon_o lazarus_n where_o first_o of_o all_o he_o say_v a_o man_n can_v look_v into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o he_o must_v be_v make_v better_a god_n converse_v with_o he_o there_o in_o those_o write_n so_o that_o though_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o he_o read_v yet_o his_o mind_n will_v 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they_o design_v they_o effect_v for_o to_o who_o be_v not_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n manifest_a and_o clear_a who_o be_v there_o that_o read_v these_o word_n bless_a be_v the_o meek_a bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n and_o the_o like_a that_o need_v any_o other_o teacher_n to_o instruct_v he_o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v say_v and_o be_v not_o all_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n clear_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o these_o objection_n be_v but_o a_o cover_n and_o pretext_n under_o which_o man_n hide_v their_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n which_o further_o appear_v from_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o man_n that_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v count_v worthy_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o compose_v all_o thing_n not_o as_o they_o without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n for_o ostentation_n and_o their_o own_o vainglory_n sake_n but_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n indeed_o and_o orator_n and_o other_o writer_n not_o seek_v the_o common_a good_a of_o all_o but_o aim_v at_o the_o make_n themselves_o admire_v when_o they_o say_v any_o profitable_a thing_n make_v it_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o wrap_v it_o up_o in_o some_o obscurity_n but_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n do_v all_o quite_o contrary_a make_v all_o plain_a and_o clear_a as_o the_o common_a teacher_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o every_o one_o may_v be_v able_a of_o himself_o to_o learn_v by_o the_o bare_a read_n only_o such_o necessary_a thing_n as_o those_o now_o mention_v which_o the_o prophet_n foreshow_v when_o he_o say_v they_o shall_v all_o be_v teach_v
and_o easy_a to_o such_o as_o faithful_o practice_v their_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a precept_n but_o hard_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v aright_o of_o such_o as_o wilful_o transgress_v they_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o perspicuous_o set_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n than_o this_o as_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v if_o it_o will_v not_o enlarge_v this_o book_n too_o much_o from_o such_o word_n as_o those_o of_o st._n peter_n god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o therefore_o shall_v we_o admit_v of_o any_o authority_n equivalent_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o question_n will_v still_o remain_v whether_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o authority_n can_v take_v away_o that_o blindness_n of_o heart_n which_o by_o god_n just_a judgement_n fall_v upon_o all_o those_o who_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o vnrighteousness_n if_o for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o evident_a and_o plain_a truth_n god_n punish_v they_o 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which_o plain_a direction_n if_o man_n will_v unfeigned_o submit_v if_o thereby_o they_o be_v not_o lead_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o hard_a scripture_n they_o will_v however_o have_v this_o benefit_n that_o they_o will_v be_v secure_v from_o misunderstand_v they_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o by_o understanding_n believe_a and_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o knowledge_n of_o the_o easy_a and_o evident_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o put_v any_o dangerous_a interpretation_n upon_o those_o place_n which_o be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a ignorant_a of_o they_o we_o may_v continue_v or_o perhaps_o mistake_v their_o meaning_n but_o still_o innocent_o so_o as_o not_o to_o do_v hurt_v to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o by_o they_o a_o illustrious_a example_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o st._n augustine_n book_n de_n fide_fw-la &_o operibus_fw-la where_o discourse_v chap._n xv._o upon_o that_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n iii_o 12_o 13._o which_o he_o take_v to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o which_o st._n peter_n say_v be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o his_o epistle_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o understand_v the_o build_a gold_n silver_z precious_a stone_n upon_o this_o foundation_n to_o be_v mean_v of_o add_v good_a work_n to_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o build_v wood_n hay_n stubble_n upon_o it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o those_o that_o hold_v the_o same_o faith_n but_o do_v evil_a from_o whence_o they_o fancy_v that_o by_o certain_a pain_n of_o fire_n such_o evil_a man_n may_v be_v purge_v to_o obtain_v salvation_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o foundation_n that_o be_v by_o a_o right_a faith_n only_o because_o the_o apostle_n say_v v._o 15._o they_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n say_v that_o excellent_a father_n than_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v no_o obscurity_n no_o ambiguity_n in_o they_o must_v 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this_o obscure_a place_n clash_n with_o his_o plain_a word_n for_o according_a to_o this_o exposition_n if_o man_n only_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o fire_n though_o they_o persevere_v in_o such_o wicked_a course_n as_o those_o now_o mention_v and_o then_o i_o do_v not_o see_v to_o what_o purpose_n our_o lord_n say_v if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n tell_v he_o what_o belong_v unto_o good_a manner_n and_o how_o will_v that_o be_v true_a which_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o will_v say_v to_o they_o on_o his_o left_a hand_n go_v you_o curse_v etc._n etc._n who_o he_o send_v to_o hell-fire_n not_o because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o do_v good_a work_n thus_o that_o father_n go_v on_o heap_v up_o a_o great_a many_o other_o place_n which_o evident_o speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o then_o conclude_v if_o therefore_o these_o thing_n and_o innumerable_a other_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o any_o ambiguity_n be_v false_a then_o that_o sense_n may_v be_v true_a concern_v the_o wood_n hay_n and_o stubble_n viz._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o sire_n who_o only_o hold_v faith_n in_o christ_n have_v neglect_v good_a work_n si_fw-mi autem_fw-la &_o vera_fw-la &_o clara_fw-la sunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v both_o true_a and_o also_o clear_a then_o without_o doubt_n another_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o number_n of_o those_o which_o s._n peter_n say_v be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o pervert_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n by_o endeavour_v from_o they_o against_o the_o most_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v the_o most_o lewd_a people_n secure_a of_o obtain_v salvation_n though_o they_o pertinacious_o continue_v in_o their_o wickedness_n not_o at_o all_o change_v by_o amendment_n or_o repentance_n as_o for_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o that_o scripture_n though_o he_o venture_v at_o it_o yet_o he_o say_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n he_o have_v rather_o be_v inform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v more_o learned_a and_o more_o understanding_n who_o can_v so_o expound_v it_o as_o to_o let_v all_o those_o thing_n above_o mention_v remain_v true_a and_o unshaken_a in_o which_o the_o scripture_n most_o open_o avow_v that_o faith_n profit_v nothing_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n define_v that_o be_v faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n but_o without_o work_n can_v save_v man_n neither_o without_o fire_n nor_o by_o fire_n still_o he_o stick_v to_o this_o rule_n as_o most_o certain_a and_o unmoveable_a that_o whatsoever_o sense_n be_v give_v of_o a_o obscure_a scripture_n it_o contradict_v not_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v more_o plain_a especial_o those_o which_o teach_v we_o to_o live_v well_o and_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o which_o none_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n will_v ever_o prejudice_v by_o any_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v out_o of_o my_o way_n to_o attempt_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o place_n now_o mention_v have_v no_o other_o business_n in_o hand_n at_o present_a but_o to_o show_v that_o by_o adhere_v as_o this_o holy_a man_n do_v to_o the_o evident_a truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v never_o permit_v we_o to_o put_v any_o bad_a and_o pernicious_a sense_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v less_o evident_a let_v we_o stick_v as_o he_o do_v to_o this_o rule_n and_o we_o shall_v either_o put_v a_o harmless_a sense_n upon_o they_o or_o none_o at_o all_o but_o then_o we_o must_v as_o i_o say_v be_v hearty_o in_o love_n with_o these_o plain_a truth_n and_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o
not_o only_o the_o unlearned_a but_o the_o unstable_a also_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n ii_o unstable_a who_o those_o be_v be_v now_o easy_o to_o determine_v if_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o other_o be_v admit_v they_o be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o steadfast_o believe_v what_o they_o have_v learn_v who_o have_v entertain_v the_o truth_n do_v not_o stick_v to_o those_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o plain_a revelation_n nor_o be_v settle_v in_o they_o but_o sometime_o believe_v they_o and_o sometime_o question_n or_o disbelieve_v they_o such_o person_n the_o same_o st._n paul_n also_o describe_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o can_v six_z no_z where_o but_o roll_v in_o uncertainty_n from_o one_o opinion_n to_o another_o till_o they_o lose_v themselves_o in_o infidelity_n iu._n eph._n 14._o the_o principle_n they_o have_v receive_v be_v float_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o never_o come_v to_o any_o certain_a constant_a resolution_n which_o make_v they_o apt_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n according_a as_o their_o own_o fancy_n or_o the_o confident_a suggestion_n of_o some_o bold_a seducer_n incline_v they_o for_o some_o man_n deliver_v the_o vain_a conceit_n with_o such_o a_o assurance_n and_o earnest_a zeal_n that_o they_o may_v be_v well_o compare_v to_o a_o violent_a blast_n which_o carry_v those_o along_o with_o it_o who_o be_v not_o settle_v and_o confirm_v in_o their_o belief_n i_o may_v make_v many_o more_o word_n about_o this_o but_o i_o shall_v scarce_o make_v it_o plain_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o endeavour_v it_o but_o now_o desire_v you_o to_o mind_n what_o course_n these_o word_n thus_o explain_v direct_v we_o to_o take_v that_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o abuse_v the_o liberty_n we_o have_v of_o consult_v on_o all_o occasion_n with_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n there_o be_v some_o 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word_n of_o holy_a scripture_n to_o give_v they_o countenance_n by_o its_o great_a authority_n and_o press_v it_o against_o its_o will_n to_o come_v to_o their_o service_n at_o every_o turn_n they_o will_v be_v interpose_v their_o inclination_n and_o prove_v a_o bias_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o carry_v they_o aside_o from_o the_o mark_n and_o the_o full_a we_o be_v of_o these_o and_o the_o more_o desirous_a to_o have_v they_o confirm_v the_o more_o hasty_o shall_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v in_o their_o favour_n and_o proffer_v itself_o as_o a_o witness_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o conceit_n let_v we_o provide_v therefore_o by_o a_o due_a vigilance_n and_o attentive_a consideration_n that_o they_o be_v not_o form_v by_o our_o own_o private_a imagination_n but_o by_o the_o common_a stand_a rule_n of_o natural_a honesty_n justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o by_o all_o other_o certain_a principle_n ingraft_v in_o we_o or_o reveal_v to_o we_o which_o serve_v as_o a_o index_n to_o point_v we_o which_o way_n our_o thought_n shall_v run_v and_o where_o they_o shall_v six_o themselves_o ii_o the_o necessity_n of_o which_o care_n be_v the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o be_v brief_o consider_v and_o here_o two_o thing_n more_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v due_o weigh_v first_o that_o without_o this_o care_n the_o plain_a scripture_n will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v pervert_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o most_o difficult_a second_o the_o very_a same_o place_n of_o scripture_n will_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v shameful_o wrest_v to_o serve_v different_a purpose_n i._n first_o i_o say_v the_o plain_a scripture_n will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v pervert_v and_o very_o dangerous_o too_o as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o difficult_a for_o it_o be_v not_o their_o difficulty_n that_o make_v they_o be_v pervert_v but_o man_n own_o easiness_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o their_o private_a desire_n will_v 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according_a to_o their_o fancy_n mere_o to_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n just_a as_o many_o make_v it_o do_v now_o for_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o who_o after_o their_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n still_o follow_v the_o trade_n of_o make_v idol_n and_o image_n for_o the_o heathen_a to_o worship_n defend_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v reprehend_v for_o it_o by_o a_o say_v in_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n vii_o 20._o which_o they_o thus_o contract_v ut_fw-la cuique_fw-la fuerit_fw-la inventus_fw-la ita_fw-la &_o perseveret_fw-la as_o every_o man_n be_v find_v when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o christianity_n so_o let_v he_o continue_v there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o read_v what_o follow_v but_o plain_o see_v if_o he_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o shut_v his_o eye_n against_o all_o that_o contradict_v his_o desire_n the_o apostle_n design_v nothing_o but_o that_o all_o man_n shall_v remain_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o condition_n in_o which_o they_o be_v when_o convert_v 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the_o discipline_n of_o god_n do_v not_o receive_v and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n itself_o teach_v we_o this_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o difficult_a place_n only_o which_o man_n wrest_v to_o their_o destruction_n but_o the_o plain_a also_o when_o thereby_o they_o can_v have_v some_o colour_n for_o their_o evil_a practice_n as_o for_o example_n what_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n never_o give_v any_o encouragement_n by_o his_o doctrine_n for_o man_n to_o say_v much_o less_o say_v thus_o himself_o let_v we_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v that_o be_v a_o good_a end_n will_v warrant_v evil_a action_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v so_o audacious_a as_o to_o affirm_v he_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n who_o he_o content_v himself_o to_o confute_v with_o these_o few_o word_n and_o vouchsafe_v they_o no_o other_o answer_n who_o damnation_n be_v just_a iii_o rome_n 8._o there_o be_v no_o ground_n that_o be_v for_o such_o a_o 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therefore_o no_o member_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v persuade_v for_o any_o reason_n to_o lay_v aside_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o there_o be_v a_o more_o pious_a course_n to_o which_o they_o themselves_o direct_v we_o which_o be_v to_o learn_v those_o thing_n well_o which_o we_o can_v misapprehend_v if_o we_o mind_v they_o and_o which_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o misapprehend_v all_o other_o thing_n if_o we_o stick_v to_o they_o and_o will_v not_o desert_v they_o let_v that_o be_v your_o first_o business_n to_o learn_v all_o general_n truth_n which_o comprehend_v the_o particular_a in_o they_o and_o when_o you_o have_v learn_v they_o receive_v no_o particular_a opinion_n which_o cross_v those_o general_a truth_n for_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v false_a because_o one_o truth_n can_v cross_v another_o and_o all_o conclusion_n must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o prime_a truth_n which_o ought_v to_o stand_v unmoveable_a but_o above_o all_o let_v we_o establish_v 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direction_n layman_n we_o see_v do_v abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o which_o be_v more_o the_o reading_z of_o they_o have_v breed_v infinite_a heresy_n and_o therefore_o the_o safe_a course_n be_v to_o forbid_v they_o to_o be_v read_v by_o the_o common_a people_n answer_n i._n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o which_o a_o answer_n have_v be_v return_v already_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n so_o useful_a and_o necessary_a but_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v and_o yet_o it_o must_v not_o therefore_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o vulgar_a people_n for_o their_o common_a benefit_n what_o more_o useful_a nay_o necessary_a than_o fire_n and_o yet_o malicious_a or_o negligent_a people_n may_v burn_v the_o best_a house_n that_o be_v with_o it_o which_o they_o shall_v only_o warm_v but_o beside_o this_o i_o have_v one_o short_a reply_n more_o to_o make_v that_o none_o have_v be_v more_o guilty_a of_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n than_o they_o who_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v guide_n to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n by_o a_o sound_a interpretation_n thereof_o example_n of_o which_o i_o be_o not_o dispose_v to_o name_n unless_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o untoward_a as_o to_o deny_v it_o and_o then_o a_o great_a many_o may_v be_v produce_v like_v to_o that_o of_o he_o who_o because_o moses_n say_v if_o a_o beast_n touch_v the_o mountain_n let_v it_o be_v stone_v conclude_v that_o no_o simple_a or_o unlearned_a man_n aught_o to_o presume_v to_o meddle_v with_o the_o sublimity_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n a_o hard_a case_n this_o that_o vulgar_a people_n shall_v be_v treat_v like_o beast_n but_o thus_o learned_a man_n will_v misinterpret_v scripture_n when_o they_o be_v incline_v only_o to_o serve_v their_o cause_n and_o be_v as_o forward_o if_o they_o be_v not_o disinterest_v to_o mislead_v the_o people_n as_o the_o people_n be_v to_o mislead_v themselves_o answer_v ii_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n i_o 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of_o st._n austin_n lib._n iii_o cap._n 9_o de_fw-fr genesi_fw-la ad_fw-la literam_fw-la for_o neither_o do_v all_o heretic_n read_v the_o catholic_n scripture_n nor_o be_v they_o heretic_n for_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o not_o understand_v they_o aright_o pertinacious_o assert_v their_o own_o false_a opinion_n against_o their_o truth_n and_o thus_o st._n hierom_n in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o vii_o of_o hosea_n all_o the_o question_n of_o the_o heretic_n and_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v the_o same_o because_o they_o follow_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o sense_n of_o humane_a reason_n second_o they_o observe_v that_o the_o man_n who_o pretend_v most_o to_o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o heresy_n viz._n the_o philosopher_n thus_o tertullian_n in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o martion_n speak_v of_o the_o professor_n of_o wisdom_n say_v de_fw-fr quorum_fw-la ingeniis_fw-la omnis_fw-la haeresis_fw-la 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