Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
truth_n	derive_v	faith_n	great_a	34	3	2.0658	3	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A23752	The lively oracles given to us, or, The Christians birth-right and duty, in the custody and use of the Holy Scripture by the author of The whole duty of man, &c.	Allestree, Richard, 1619-1681.; Sterne, Richard, 1596?-1683.; Pakington, Dorothy Coventry, Lady, d. 1679.; Boyle, Robert, 1627-1691.	1678 (1678)	Wing A1149; ESTC R170102	108,974	240

though_o one_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a luke_n 16._o 31._o the_o lively_a oracle_n give_v to_o we_o or_o the_o christian_n birthright_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o custody_n and_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sect_n i._o the_o several_a method_n of_o god_n communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o god_n as_o he_o be_v invisible_a to_o human_a eye_n so_o be_v he_o unfathomable_a by_o human_a understanding_n the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o impotency_n of_o we_o set_v we_o at_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n to_o have_v any_o clear_a perception_n of_o he_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o a_o full_a comprehension_n that_o we_o can_v discern_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o he_o but_o by_o his_o own_o light_n those_o discovery_n he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o 2._o those_o have_v be_v of_o several_a sort_n the_o first_o be_v by_o infusion_n in_o man_n creation_n when_o god_n interweave_v into_o man_n very_a constitution_n and_o be_v the_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n when_o he_o breathe_v into_o he_o a_o live_a soul_n impress_v on_o it_o that_o native_a religion_n which_o teach_v he_o to_o know_v and_o reverence_v his_o creator_n which_o we_o may_v call_v the_o instinct_n of_o humanity_n nor_o be_v those_o principle_n dark_a and_o confuse_a but_o clear_a and_o evident_a proportionable_a to_o the_o end_n they_o be_v design_v to_o which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o contemplate_v the_o nature_n but_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n practice_n be_v even_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n preferable_a before_o a_o unactive_a speculation_n 3._o but_o this_o light_n be_v soon_o eclipse_v by_o adam_n disobedience_n there_o remain_v to_o his_o benight_a posterity_n only_o some_o faint_a glimmering_n which_o be_v utter_o insufficient_a to_o guide_v they_o though_o their_o end_n without_o fresh_a aid_n and_o renew_v manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o they_o it_o please_v god_n therefore_o to_o repair_v this_o ruin_n and_o by_o frequent_a revelation_n to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o patriarch_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n afterward_o to_o prophet_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n till_o at_o last_o he_o revel_v himself_o yet_o more_o illustrious_o in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o 4._o this_o be_v the_o one_o great_a comprehensive_a revelation_n wherein_o all_o the_o former_a be_v involve_v and_o to_o which_o they_o point_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v comprise_v in_o this_o of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o consequent_n thereof_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o whereby_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o effect_v our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n so_o he_o declare_v both_o that_o and_o all_o thing_n else_o that_o it_o concern_v man_n to_o know_v in_o order_n to_o bliss_n in_o his_o doctrine_n and_o holy_a life_n and_o this_o teacher_n be_v not_o only_o send_v from_o god_n jo._n 3._o but_o be_v himself_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o it_o can_v be_v that_o his_o instruction_n can_v want_v any_o supplement_n yet_o that_o they_o may_v not_o want_v attestation_n neither_o to_o the_o incredulous_a world_n he_o confirm_v they_o by_o the_o repeted_a miracle_n of_o his_o life_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o see_v the_o more_o irrefragable_a conviction_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n and_o that_o they_o also_o may_v not_o want_v credit_n and_o enforcement_n the_o holy_a spirit_n set_v to_o his_o seal_n and_o by_o his_o miraculous_a descent_n upon_o the_o apostle_n both_o assert_v their_o commission_n and_o enable_v they_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o by_o all_o gift_n necessary_a for_o the_o propagate_a the_o faith_n of_o christ_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n 5._o these_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o revele_v himself_o to_o to_o the_o forefather_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o their_o sake_n but_o we_o also_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o derive_v those_o divine_a dictate_v they_o have_v receive_v saint_n stephen_n tell_v we_o those_o under_o the_o law_n receive_v the_o lively_a oracle_n to_o deliver_v down_o to_o their_o posterity_n act._n 7._o 38._o and_o those_o under_o the_o gospel_n who_o receive_v yet_o more_o lively_a oracle_n from_o he_o who_o be_v both_o the_o word_n and_o the_o life_n do_v it_o for_o the_o like_a purpose_n to_o transmit_v it_o to_o we_o upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v by_o this_o all_o need_n of_o repeted_a revelation_n be_v supersede_v the_o faithful_a derive_v of_o the_o former_a be_v sufficient_a to_o we_o for_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 3_o 6._o and_o for_o this_o god_n who_o care_n be_v equal_a for_o all_o succession_n of_o man_n have_v gracious_o provide_v by_o cause_v holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v by_o which_o he_o have_v derive_v on_o every_o succeed_a age_n the_o illumination_n of_o the_o former_a and_o for_o that_o purpose_n endow_v the_o writer_n not_o only_o with_o that_o moral_a fidelity_n requisite_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o history_n but_o with_o a_o divine_a spirit_n proportionable_a to_o the_o great_a design_n of_o fix_v a_o immutable_a rule_n for_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o to_o give_v we_o the_o full_a security_n herein_o he_o have_v choose_v no_o other_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o those_o who_o be_v the_o first_o oral_n promulger_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o they_o have_v leave_v to_o we_o the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o he_o that_o acknowledge_v they_o divine_o inspire_v in_o what_o they_o preach_v can_v doubt_v they_o to_o be_v so_o in_o what_o they_o write_v so_o that_o we_o all_o may_v enjoy_v virtual_o and_o effective_o that_o wish_n of_o the_o devout_a father_n who_o desire_v to_o be_v saint_n paul_n auditor_n for_o he_o that_o hear_v any_o of_o his_o epistle_n read_v be_v as_o real_o speak_v to_o by_o saint_n paul_n as_o those_o who_o be_v within_o the_o sound_n of_o his_o voice_n thus_o god_n who_o in_o time_n past_a speak_v at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o diverse_a manner_n to_o our_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o late_a day_n by_o his_o son_n heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o continue_v still_o to_o speak_v to_o we_o by_o these_o inspire_a writer_n and_o what_o christ_n once_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n in_o relation_n to_o their_o preach_n be_v no_o less_o true_a of_o their_o write_n he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o luk._n 10._o 16._o all_o the_o contemt_a that_o be_v at_o any_o time_n fling_v on_o these_o sacred_a write_n rebound_v high_a and_o final_o devolve_v on_o the_o first_o author_n of_o those_o doctrine_n whereof_o these_o be_v the_o registres_n and_o transcript_n 7._o but_o this_o be_v a_o guilt_n which_o one_o will_v think_v peculiar_a to_o infidel_n and_o pagan_n and_o not_o incident_a to_o any_o who_o have_v in_o their_o baptism_n list_v themselves_o under_o christ_n banner_n yet_o i_o fear_v i_o may_v say_v of_o the_o two_o party_n the_o scripture_n have_v meet_v with_o the_o worst_a treatment_n from_o the_o late_a for_o if_o we_o measure_n by_o the_o frequency_n and_o variety_n of_o injury_n i_o fear_v christian_n will_v appear_v to_o have_v out-vied_n heathen_n these_o blunt_o disbelieve_v they_o neglect_n nay_o perhaps_o scornful_o deride_v they_o alas_o christian_n do_v this_o and_o more_o they_o not_o only_o put_v contemt_n but_o trick_n upon_o the_o scripture_n wrest_v and_o distort_v it_o to_o justify_v all_o their_o wild_a fancy_n or_o secular_a design_n and_o suborn_v its_o patronage_n to_o those_o thing_n it_o forbid_v and_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n abhor_v 8._o indeed_o so_o many_o be_v the_o abuse_v we_o offer_v it_o that_o he_o that_o consider_v they_o will_v scarce_o think_v we_o own_a it_o for_o the_o word_n of_o a_o sensible_a man_n much_o less_o of_o the_o great_a omniscient_a god_n and_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v hard_a to_o assign_v any_o one_o so_o comprehensive_a and_o efficacious_a cause_n of_o the_o universal_a depravation_n of_o manner_n as_o the_o disvalue_v of_o this_o divine_a book_n which_o be_v design_v to_o regulate_v they_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o work_n worthy_a another_o inspire_a writing_n to_o attemt_a the_o rescue_n of_o this_o and_o recover_v it_o to_o its_o just_a estimate_n yet_o alas_o can_v we_o hope_v for_o that_o we_o have_v scoffer_n who_o will_v as_o well_o despise_v the_o new_a as_o the_o old_a and_o like_o the_o husbandman_n in_o the_o gospel_n mat._n 21._o 36._o will_v answer_v such_o a_o succession_n of_o message_n by_o repete_v the_o same_o injury_n 9_o to_o such_o as_o these_o it_o be_v i_o confess_v

justice_n and_o honesty_n which_o they_o be_v design_v to_o inculcate_v not_o to_o supplant_v and_o this_o design_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o most_o excellent_a most_o worthy_a the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n so_o we_o have_v see_v that_o it_o have_v be_v pursue_v by_o all_o the_o most_o apt_a and_o most_o powerful_a medium_n that_o the_o thing_n or_o person_n address_v to_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o so_o that_o the_o prophet_n be_v no_o less_o eminent_a for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o exhortatory_n part_n of_o their_o office_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o former_a of_o the_o predict_v 19_o the_o next_o part_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v be_v the_o doctrinal_a by_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o this_o place_n understand_v the_o whole_a complex_fw-la of_o faith_n and_o manner_n together_o but_o restrain_v it_o only_o to_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o these_o be_v so_o sublime_a as_o show_v flesh_n and_o blood_n never_o revel_v they_o those_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n the_o hypostatical_a union_n the_o redemtion_n of_o the_o world_n by_o make_v the_o offend_a party_n the_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o offence_n be_v thing_n of_o so_o high_a and_o abstruse_a speculation_n as_o no_o finite_a understanding_n can_v full_o fathom_v i_o know_v their_o be_v so_o be_v by_o some_o make_v a_o argument_n for_o disbelief_n but_o doubtless_o very_o unjust_o for_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o faith_n and_o science_n by_o which_o that_o become_v a_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o one_o which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o other_o our_o non-comprehension_n be_v rather_o a_o indication_n that_o they_o have_v a_o high_a rise_n and_o render_v it_o infinite_o improbable_a that_o they_o can_v spring_v from_o man_n invention_n for_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v too_o great_a a_o disproportion_n between_o human_a faculty_n to_o think_v man_n can_v invent_v what_o themselves_o can_v not_o understand_v indeed_o these_o thing_n lie_v so_o much_o out_o of_o the_o road_n of_o human_a imagination_n that_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o most_o perverse_a gainsayers_a whether_o ever_o they_o can_v have_v fall_v into_o their_o thought_n without_o suggestion_n from_o without_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o malicious_a contradiction_n to_o reject_v these_o truth_n because_o of_o their_o dissonancy_n from_o human_a reason_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o ascribe_v their_o original_n to_o man_n but_o certain_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o inconsistent_a with_o mere_a natural_a reason_n then_o to_o think_v god_n can_v be_v or_o do_v no_o more_o than_o man_n can_v comprehend_v never_o any_o nation_n or_o person_n that_o own_a a_o deity_n do_v ever_o attemt_a so_o to_o circumscribe_v he_o and_o it_o be_v proportionable_a only_o to_o the_o licentious_a profaneness_n of_o these_o late_a day_n thus_o to_o measure_n immensity_n and_o omnipotence_n by_o our_o narrow_a scantling_n 20._o the_o more_o genuine_a and_o proper_a effect_n of_o these_o supernatural_a truth_n be_v to_o raise_v our_o admiration_n of_o that_o divine_a wisdom_n who_o waier_n be_v so_o past_o find_v out_o and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o that_o infinite_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o it_o and_o the_o high_a of_o that_o reason_n wherein_o we_o so_o pride_n ourselves_o and_o the_o great_a propriety_n these_o doctrine_n have_v to_o that_o end_n may_v well_o be_v ●eckoned_v as_o one_o part_n of_o their_o excellency_n 21._o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n but_o be_v natural_o productive_a of_o some_o peculiar_a virtue_n as_o the_o whole_a scheme_n together_o engage_v we_o to_o be_v universal_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 15._o and_o it_o be_v the_o supereminent_a advantage_n true_a religion_n have_v over_o all_o false_a one_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o so_o laudable_a a_o end_n 22._o the_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v ●n_v many_o instance_n a_o extract_n and_o quintessence_n of_o vice_n their_o most_o solemn_a rite_n and_o sacrede_a mystery_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o instead_o of_o refine_n and_o elevate_n they_o corrupt_v and_o debase_v their_o votary_n immerse_v they_o in_o all_o those_o abominable_a pollution_n which_o sober_a nature_n abhor_v whereas_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o faith_n serve_v to_o spiritualise_v and_o rectify_v we_o to_o raise_v we_o as_o much_o above_o mere_a manhood_n as_o they_o cast_v they_o below_o it_o 23._o and_o as_o they_o be_v of_o this_o vast_a advantage_n ●o_o we_o so_o also_o be_v they_o just_a to_o god_n in_o give_v we_o ●ight_a notion_n of_o he_o what_o vile_a unworthy_a apprehension_n have_v the_o heathen_a of_o their_o deity_n intitle_v they_o not_o only_o to_o the_o passion_n but_o even_o to_o the_o crime_n of_o man_n make_v jupiter_n a_o adulterer_n mercury_n a_o thief_n bacchus_n a_o drunkard_n etc._n etc._n proportionable_o of_o the_o rest_n whereas_o our_o god_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o as_o a_o essence_n so_o spiritual_a and_o incorporeal_a that_o we_o must_v be_v unbodied_a ourselves_o before_o we_o can_v perfect_o conceive_v what_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o impotent_a affection_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n that_o he_o have_v neither_o part_n nor_o passion_n and_o be_v fain_o to_o veil_v himself_o under_o that_o disguise_n to_o speak_v sometime_o as_o if_o he_o have_v mere_o in_o condescension_n to_o our_o grosser_n faculty_n and_o again_o so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o example_n a_o patron_n of_o vice_n this_o his_o eye_n be_v too_o pure_a to_o behold_v iniquity_n hab._n 1._o 13._o holiness_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o he_o must_v deny_v himself_o to_o put_v it_o off_o 24._o the_o great_a descent_n that_o ever_o he_o make_v to_o humanity_n be_v in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o second_o person_n yet_o even_o in_o that_o though_o he_o be_v link_v with_o a_o sinful_a nature_n yet_o he_o preserve_v the_o person_n immaculate_a and_o while_o he_o have_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o he_o by_o imputation_n suffer_v not_o any_o one_o to_o be_v inherent_a in_o he_o 25._o to_o conclude_v the_o scripture_n describe_v our_o god_n to_o we_o by_o all_o those_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o infinity_n power_n and_o justice_n which_o may_v render_v he_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o adoration_n and_o reverence_n and_o it_o describe_v he_o also_o in_o those_o gentle_a attribute_n of_o goodness_n mercy_n and_o truth_n which_o may_v excite_v our_o love_n of_o and_o dependence_n on_o he_o these_o be_v representation_n something_o worthy_o of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o impress_v upon_o our_o mind_n great_a thought_n of_o he_o 26._o but_o never_o do_v the_o divine_a attribute_n so_o concur_v to_o exert_v themselves_o as_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemtion_n where_o his_o justice_n be_v satisfy_v without_o diminution_n to_o his_o mercy_n and_o his_o mercy_n without_o entrench_v on_o his_o justice_n his_o holiness_n most_o eminent_a in_o his_o indignation_n against_o sin_n and_o yet_o his_o love_n no_o less_o so_o in_o spare_v sinner_n these_o contradiction_n be_v reconcile_v this_o discord_n compose_v into_o harmony_n by_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n this_o be_v that_o stupendous_a mystery_n into_o which_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v 1_o pet_n 1._o 12._o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o we_o as_o it_o follow_v ver_fw-la 25._o 27._o and_o as_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o this_o knowledge_n of_o god_n so_o it_o do_v also_o of_o ourselves_o in_o which_o two_o all_o profitable_a knowledge_n be_v comprise_v it_o teach_v we_o how_o vile_a we_o be_v in_o our_o original_a dust_n and_o how_o much_o vile_a yet_o in_o our_o fall_n which_o will_v have_v sink_v we_o below_o our_o first_o principle_n send_v we_o not_o only_o to_o earth_n but_o hell_n it_o show_v the_o impotence_n of_o our_o lapse_v estate_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a of_o ourselves_o so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n and_o it_o show_v we_o also_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o renovated_a estate_n that_o we_o be_v heir_n of_o god_n and_o fellow-heir_n with_o christ_n ro._n 8._o 17._o yet_o lest_o this_o might_n puff_n we_o up_o with_o mistake_a hope_n it_o plain_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o condition_n on_o which_o this_o depend_v that_o it_o must_v be_v our_o obedience_n both_o active_a and_o passive_a which_o be_v to_o entitle_v we_o to_o it_o that_o we_o must_v be_v faithful_a to_o death_n if_o we_o mean_v to_o inherit_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n rev._n 2._o 10._o and_o that_o we_o must_v suffer_v with_o christ_n if_o we_o will_v be_v glorify_v with_o he_o ro._n 8._o 17._o and_o upon_o supposition_n that_o

their_o posterity_n then_o to_o follow_v that_o of_o their_o ancestor_n some_o have_v interest_n and_o design_n which_o will_v be_v better_o serve_v by_o new_a tenet_n and_o some_o be_v ignorant_a and_o mistake_v and_o may_v unaware_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n they_o shall_v bare_o deliver_v and_o of_o this_o last_o sort_n we_o may_v guess_v there_o may_v be_v many_o since_o it_o fall_v common_o to_o the_o mother_n lot_n to_o imbue_v child_n with_o the_o first_o rudiment_n 19_o now_o in_o all_o these_o case_n how_o possible_a be_v it_o that_o primitive_a tradition_n may_v be_v either_o lose_v or_o adulterate_v and_o consequent_o and_o in_o proportion_n to_o that_o possibility_n our_o confidence_n of_o it_o must_v be_v stagger_v i_o be_o sure_a according_a to_o the_o common_a estimate_n in_o secular_o it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o he_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o credit_v a_o relation_n which_o come_v from_o a_o eie-witness_n then_o at_o the_o three_o or_o four_o much_o more_o at_o the_o hundred_o rebound_n as_o in_o this_o case_n and_o daily_a experience_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o true_a and_o probable_a story_n by_o pass_v through_o many_o hand_n often_o grow_v to_o a_o improbable_a lie_n this_o man_n think_v he_o can_v add_v one_o become_v circumstance_n that_o man_n another_o and_o whilst_o most_o man_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v so_o the_o relation_n grow_v as_o monstrous_a as_o such_o a_o heap_n of_o incoherent_a fancy_n can_v make_v it_o 20._o if_o to_o this_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o happen_v only_o in_o trivial_a secular_a matter_n but_o that_o in_o the_o weighty_a concern_v of_o religion_n mankind_n be_v certain_o more_o serious_a and_o sincere_a i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o they_o be_v since_o it_o be_v obvious_a in_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n be_v postpone_v to_o every_o little_a worldly_a concern_v and_o therefore_o when_o a_o temporal_a advantage_n require_v the_o bend_n and_o warp_a of_o religion_n there_o will_v never_o be_v want_v some_o that_o will_v attemt_fw-mi it_o 21._o beside_o there_o be_v still_o leave_v in_o human_a nature_n so_o much_o of_o the_o venom_n of_o the_o serpent_n first_o temptation_n that_o though_o man_n can_v be_v as_o god_n yet_o they_o love_v to_o be_v prescribe_v to_o he_o and_o to_o be_v their_o own_o assessor_n as_o to_o that_o worship_n and_o homage_n they_o be_v to_o pay_v he_o 22._o but_o above_o all_o it_o be_v considerable_a that_o in_o this_o case_n satan_n have_v a_o more_o peculiar_a concern_v and_o can_v serve_v himself_o more_o by_o a_o falsification_n here_o then_o in_o temporal_a affair_n for_o if_o he_o can_v but_o corrupt_a religion_n it_o cease_v to_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o become_v one_o of_o his_o most_o useful_a engine_n as_o sufficient_o appear_v in_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n we_o have_v therefore_o no_o cause_n to_o think_v this_o a_o exempt_a case_n but_o to_o presume_v it_o may_v be_v influence_v by_o the_o same_o pravity_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o prevail_v in_o other_o and_o consequent_o be_v oblige_v to_o bless_v god_n that_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v our_o spiritual_a concern_v to_o such_o hazard_n but_o have_v lodge_v they_o in_o a_o more_o secure_a repository_n the_o write_a word_n 23._o but_o i_o foresee_v it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o whilst_o i_o thus_o disparage_v tradition_n i_o do_v virtual_o invalidate_v the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o come_v to_o we_o upon_o its_o credit_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o since_o god_n have_v with-drawn_a immediate_a revelation_n from_o the_o world_n tradition_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o first_o notice_n that_o this_o book_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n he_o afford_v we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o depend_v on_o his_o goodness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v that_o to_o be_v evacuate_v to_o we_o and_o that_o how_o liable_a soever_o tradition_n may_v be_v to_o err_v yet_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o actual_o err_v in_o this_o particular_a 24._o but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o tradition_n seem_v not_o so_o liable_a to_o falsification_n as_o other_o it_o be_v so_o very_o short_a and_o simple_a a_o proposition_n such_o and_o such_o write_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a room_n for_o sophistry_n or_o mistake_n to_o pervert_v the_o sense_n the_o only_a possible_a deception_n must_v be_v to_o change_v the_o subject_n and_o obtrude_v suppositious_a write_n in_o room_n of_o the_o true_a under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o this_o have_v already_o appear_v to_o be_v unpracticable_a because_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n which_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o world_n by_o which_o such_o a_o attemt_a will_v soon_o have_v be_v detect_v there_o appear_v therefore_o more_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o more_o necessity_n to_o rely_v upon_o tradition_n in_o this_o then_o in_o most_o other_o particular_n 25._o neither_o yet_o do_v i_o so_o far_o decry_v oral_a tradition_n in_o any_o as_o to_o conclude_v it_o impossible_a it_o shall_v derive_v any_o truth_n to_o posterity_n i_o only_o look_v on_o it_o as_o more_o casual_a and_o consequent_o a_o less_o fit_a conveyance_n of_o the_o most_o important_a and_o necessary_a verity_n than_o the_o write_v word_n in_o which_o i_o conceive_v myself_o justify_v by_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n who_o use_n to_o commit_v those_o thing_n to_o writing_n which_o they_o be_v most_o solicitous_a to_o derive_v to_o posterity_n do_v any_o nation_n trust_v their_o fundamental_a law_n only_o to_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o take_v no_o other_o course_n to_o transmit_v they_o to_o the_o future_a do_v any_o man_n purchase_v a_o estate_n and_o leave_v no_o way_n for_o his_o child_n to_o lay_v claim_n to_o it_o but_o the_o tradition_n the_o present_a witness_n shall_v leave_v of_o it_o nay_o do_v any_o consider_a man_n ordinary_o make_v any_o important_a pact_n or_o bargain_n though_o without_o relation_n to_o posterity_n without_o put_v the_o article_n in_o writing_n and_o whence_o be_v all_o this_o caution_n but_o from_o a_o universal_a consent_n that_o writing_n be_v the_o sure_a way_n of_o transmit_v 26._o but_o we_o have_v yet_o a_o high_a appeal_n in_o this_o matter_n then_o to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o man_n god_n himself_o seem_v to_o have_v determine_v it_o and_o what_o his_o decision_n be_v it_o be_v our_o next_o business_n to_o inquire_v 27._o and_o first_o he_o have_v give_v the_o most_o real_a and_o comprehensive_a attestation_n to_o this_o way_n of_o writing_n by_o have_v himself_o choose_v it_o for_o he_o be_v too_o wise_a to_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o estimate_n of_o better_a and_o worse_o and_o too_o kind_a to_o choose_v the_o worst_a for_o we_o and_o yet_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o writing_n and_o have_v sum_v up_o all_o the_o eternal_a concern_v of_o mankind_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o leave_v those_o sacred_a record_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v both_o inform_v and_o govern_v which_o if_o oral_a tradition_n will_v infallible_o have_v do_v have_v be_v utter_o needless_a and_o god_n sure_o be_v not_o so_o prodigal_a of_o his_o spirit_n as_o to_o inspire_v the_o author_n of_o scripture_n to_o write_v that_o who_o use_n be_v supersede_v by_o a_o former_a more_o certain_a expedient_a 28._o nay_o under_o the_o mosaic_a oeconomy_n when_o he_o make_v use_v of_o other_o way_n of_o revel_v himself_o yet_o to_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n even_o of_o those_o revelation_n he_o choose_v to_o have_v they_o write_v at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n god_n speak_v then_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-mi and_o with_o that_o pomp_n of_o dreadful_a solemnity_n as_o certain_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o deep_a impression_n yet_o god_n foresee_v that_o through_o every_o succeed_a age_n that_o stamp_n will_v grow_v more_o dim_a and_o in_o a_o long_a revolution_n may_v at_o last_o be_v extinct_a and_o therefore_o how_o warm_a soever_o the_o israelite_n apprehension_n then_o be_v he_o will_v not_o trust_v to_o they_o for_o the_o perpetuate_a his_o law_n but_o commit_v it_o to_o writing_n ex._n 13._o 18._o nay_o write_v it_o twice_o himself_o 29._o yet_o far_o even_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n though_o not_o intend_v to_o be_v of_o perpetual_a obligation_n be_v not_o yet_o refer_v to_o the_o traditionary_a way_n but_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n and_o deposit_v with_o the_o priest_n deut._n 31._o 9_o and_o after-event_n show_v this_o be_v no_o needless_a caution_n for_o when_o under_o manasses_n idolatry_n have_v prevail_v in_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v not_o by_o any_o dormant_a

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 second_o book_n 47._o c._n tell_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_a as_o dictate_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o same_o father_n begin_v his_o three_o book_n in_o this_o manner_n the_o disposition_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v no_o otherwise_o know_v by_o we_o then_o by_o those_o by_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v to_o we_o which_o indeed_o they_o first_o preach_v but_o afterward_o deliver_v it_o to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o may_v we_o imagine_v that_o they_o begin_v to_o preach_v to_o other_o before_o they_o themselves_o have_v perfect_a knowledge_n as_o some_o be_v bold_a to_o say_v boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v emendator_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o after_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n they_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o on_o high_a and_o have_v perfect_a knowledge_n go_v forth_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n and_o celestial_a praise_n unto_o man_n each_o and_o all_o of_o who_o have_v the_o gospel_n of_o god_n so_o saint_n matthew_n write_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o their_o tongue_n saint_n peter_n and_o saint_n paul_n preach_v at_o rome_n and_o there_o found_v a_o church_n mark_v the_o disciple_n and_o interpreter_n of_o peter_n deliver_v in_o write_v what_o he_o have_v preach_v and_o luke_n the_o follower_n of_o paul_n set_v down_o in_o his_o book_n the_o gospel_n he_o have_v deliver_v afterwards_o saint_n john_n at_o ephesus_n in_o asia_n publish_v his_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n in_o his_o four_o book_n c._n 66._o he_o direct_v all_o the_o heretic_n with_o who_o he_o deal_v to_o read_v diligent_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o also_o read_v diligent_o the_o prophet_n assure_v they_o shall_v there_o find_v every_o action_n every_o doctrine_n and_o every_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n declare_v by_o they_o 5._o thus_o tertullian_n in_o his_o book_n of_o prescription_n c._n 6._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o introduce_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o own_o will_n nor_o make_v any_o choice_n upon_o our_o arbitrement_n we_o have_v the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o our_o author_n who_o themselves_o take_v up_o nothing_o on_o their_o own_o will_n or_o choice_n but_o faithful_o impart_v to_o the_o nation_n the_o discipline_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o christ._n so_o that_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v another_o doctrine_n he_o be_v to_o be_v accurse_v and._n c._n 25._o it_o be_v madness_n say_v he_o of_o the_o heretic_n when_o they_o confess_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o nor_o teach_v thing_n different_a to_o think_v that_o they_o do_v not_o revele_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o which_o he_o enforce_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n in_o his_o book_n against_o hermogenes_n c._n 23._o he_o discourse_v thus_o i_o adore_v the_o plenitude_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o discover_v to_o i_o the_o creator_n and_o what_o be_v create_v also_o in_o the_o gospel_n i_o find_v the_o word_n be_v the_o arbiter_n and_o agent_n in_o the_o creation_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v of_o preexistent_a matter_n i_o never_o read_v let_v hermogenes_n and_o his_o journeyman_n show_v that_o it_o be_v write_v if_o it_o be_v not_o write_v let_v he_o fear_v the_o woe_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o thad_z add_v or_o detract_v and_o in_o the_o 39_o ch_z of_o his_o prescript_n we_o feed_v our_o faith_n raise_v our_o hope_n and_o establish_v our_o reliance_n with_o the_o sacred_a word_n 6._o in_o like_a manner_n hippolytus_n in_o the_o homily_n against_o noetus_n declare_v that_o we_o acknowledge_v only_o from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o whereas_o secular_a philosophy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v but_o from_o the_o read_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o philosopher_n so_o whosoever_o of_o we_o will_v preserve_v piety_n towards_o god_n he_o can_v otherwise_o learn_v it_o then_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n according_o origen_n in_o the_o five_o homily_n on_o leviticus_n say_v in_o the_o scripture_n every_o word_n appertain_v to_o god_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v and_o discuss_v and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v 7._o what_o saint_n cyprian_n opinion_n be_v in_o this_o point_n we_o learn_v at_o large_a from_o his_o epistle_n to_o pompey_n for_o when_o tradition_n be_v object_v to_o he_o he_o answer_v whence_o be_v this_o tradition_n be_v it_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o gospel_n or_o come_v it_o from_o the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n almighty_a god_n declare_v that_o what_o be_v write_v shall_v be_v obey_v and_o practise_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n say_v he_o in_o joshua_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thy_o mouth_n but_o thou_o shall_v meditate_v in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n that_o you_o may_v observe_v and_o keep_v all_o that_o be_v write_v therein_o so_o our_o lord_n send_v his_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v command_v again_o what_o obstinacy_n and_o presumption_n be_v it_o to_o prefer_v human_a tradition_n to_o divine_a command_n not_o consider_v that_o god_n wrath_n be_v kindle_v as_o often_o as_o his_o precept_n be_v dissolve_v and_o neglect_v by_o reason_n of_o human_a tradition_n thus_o god_n warn_v and_o speak_v by_o isaiah_n this_o people_n honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o but_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n also_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n check_v and_o reprove_v say_v you_o reject_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v establish_v your_o tradition_n of_o which_o precept_n the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n be_v mindful_a admonish_v and_o instruct_v say_v if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o hearken_v not_o to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o from_o such_o we_o must_v depart_v and_o again_o he_o add_v there_o be_v a_o compendious_a way_n for_o religious_a and_o sincere_a mind_n both_o to_o deposit_v their_o error_n and_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n for_o if_o we_o return_v to_o the_o source_n and_o original_n of_o divine_a tradition_n human_a error_n will_v cease_v and_o the_o ground_n of_o heavenly_a mystery_n be_v see_v what_o soever_o be_v hide_v with_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n will_v be_v manifest_a by_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n if_o a_o pipe_n that_o bring_v plentiful_a supply_n of_o water_n fail_v on_o the_o sudden_a do_v not_o man_n look_v to_o the_o fountain_n and_o thence_o learn_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o defect_n whether_o the_o spring_n itself_o be_v dry_a or_o if_o run_v free_o the_o water_n be_v stop_v in_o its_o passage_n that_o if_o by_o interrupt_a or_o break_a conveyance_n it_o be_v hinder_v to_o pass_v they_o be_v repair_v it_o may_v again_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o city_n with_o the_o same_o plenty_n as_o it_o flow_v from_o the_o spring_n and_o this_o god_n priest_n ought_v to_o do_v at_o this_o time_n obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o if_o truth_n have_v swerve_v or_o fail_v in_o any_o particular_a we_o go_v backward_o to_o the_o source_n of_o the_o evangelical_n