to_o oppose_v our_o doctrine_n and_o that_o the_o difficulty_n we_o at_o present_a find_v in_o some_o place_n may_v be_v overcome_v and_o that_o one_o mean_n to_o overcome_v they_o be_v by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o wise_a interpreter_n who_o may_v in_o many_o case_n at_o least_o present_o satisfy_v we_o and_o take_v away_o the_o obscurity_n there_o be_v another_o instance_n of_o such_o weak_a proof_n in_o the_o same_o author_n who_o allege_v xxiv_o luke_n 25._o to_o prove_v the_o difficulty_n of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o danger_n of_o read_v they_o because_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n themselves_o who_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o and_o therefore_o be_v reproach_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o sharp_a term_n o_o fool_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v all_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v etc._n etc._n where_o it_o be_v manifest_a they_o be_v only_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o those_o be_v the_o prophet_n which_o have_v some_o obscurity_n as_o i_o say_v till_o their_o accomplishment_n and_o prophecy_n only_o concern_v one_o thing_n viz._n his_o death_n and_o passion_n which_o he_o be_v to_o undergo_v before_o he_o can_v ascend_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v hard_o to_o they_o at_o that_o present_a but_o be_v now_o easy_a by_o our_o saviour_n interpretation_n and_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o those_o day_n when_o notwithstanding_o they_o read_v they_o or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v blame_v for_o not_o understand_v they_o but_o what_o they_o be_v now_o unto_o we_o who_o have_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o he_o illuminate_v and_o last_o his_o call_v they_o fool_n for_o their_o slowness_n and_o dulness_n to_o believe_v be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o even_o then_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o disability_n in_o the_o two_o disciple_n to_o understand_v what_o the_o prophet_n say_v as_o a_o non-attention_n of_o mind_n heedlessness_n and_o want_v of_o consideration_n to_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a however_o our_o lord_n have_v pity_n upon_o they_o all_o and_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n v._o 45._o which_o the_o poor_a member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v now_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o that_o present_a ignorant_a be_v full_o persuade_v that_o it_o behove_v christ_n to_o suffer_v and_o to_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o day_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o then_o show_v they_o be_v write_v of_o he_o i_o conclude_v this_o with_o a_o brief_a state_n of_o this_o case_n some_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o some_o person_n and_o by_o some_o capacity_n and_o in_o some_o age_n and_o time_n and_o some_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o of_o general_a concernment_n but_o in_o that_o which_o concern_v man_n of_o all_o age_n capacity_n and_o condition_n and_o to_o every_o man_n in_o his_o order_n and_o vocation_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n gift_n bestow_v on_o he_o we_o affirm_v with_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v provide_v man_n have_v a_o will_v to_o learn_v what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o cross_a to_o their_o inclination_n interest_n affection_n and_o passion_n if_o these_o be_v suffer_v to_o intermeddle_v the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o beforehand_o in_o plain_a word_n that_o man_n will_v not_o see_v even_o when_o they_o see_v according_a to_o those_o word_n very_o often_o mention_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o by_o his_o apostle_n hear_v you_o shall_v hear_v and_o shall_v not_o understand_v and_o see_v you_o shall_v see_v and_o shall_v not_o perceive_v etc._n etc._n by_o reason_n that_o be_v of_o their_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n worldly-mindedness_a and_o ambition_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n which_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o that_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a but_o this_o be_v their_o condemnation_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n iii_o john_n 19_o which_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v unless_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n have_v be_v clear_o discover_v unto_o they_o iii_o which_o lead_v i_o now_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n propose_v to_o consideration_n in_o this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n that_o when_o we_o have_v thorough_o digest_v and_o do_v hearty_o believe_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v easy_a and_o plain_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o will_v abate_v much_o of_o the_o difficulty_n which_o be_v in_o other_o place_n and_o prepare_v our_o mind_n for_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o which_o i_o may_v wave_v here_o in_o this_o place_n because_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_o clear_v in_o the_o last_o part_n of_o this_o little_a treatise_n concern_v those_o that_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n but_o since_o it_o be_v profitable_a to_o have_v thing_n distinct_o represent_v i_o shall_v say_v something_o to_o it_o by_o itself_o there_o be_v a_o near_a alliance_n between_o all_o truth_n and_o the_o more_o familiar_a any_o of_o they_o be_v to_o our_o mind_n the_o better_a dispose_v we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o there_o be_v some_o of_o great_a force_n than_o other_o to_o widen_v the_o capacity_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o to_o free_v they_o from_o all_o opposite_a quality_n and_o impediment_n that_o they_o may_v entertain_v it_o easy_o and_o they_o be_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o and_o a_o hearty_a affection_n unto_o all_o those_o plain_a lesson_n which_o teach_v we_o our_o whole_a christian_a duty_n which_o if_o we_o thorough_o learn_v we_o be_v certain_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v illuminate_v by_o he_o to_o understand_v the_o high_a mystery_n as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o and_o our_o mind_n be_v able_a to_o reach_v they_o for_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o his_o covenant_n be_v to_o make_v they_o know_v it_o xxv_o psal_n 14._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o ill_a advice_n which_o cardinal_n pool_n if_o i_o mistake_v not_o give_v for_o the_o read_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o begin_v always_o at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o they_o for_o be_v we_o well_o verse_v therein_o by_o a_o serious_a study_n that_o be_v and_o sincere_a practice_n of_o those_o christian_a duty_n which_o he_o there_o commend_v unto_o we_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o way_n more_o clear_o to_o come_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v common_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v than_o the_o latter_a for_o our_o mind_n be_v true_o humble_a and_o heavenly_a and_o thereby_o sedate_v and_o quiet_a free_a from_o ambition_n covetousness_n or_o any_o secular_a desire_n and_o design_n they_o will_v be_v more_o serene_a and_o clear_a in_o themselves_o and_o also_o sitter_n to_o receive_v irradiation_n from_o above_o whereby_o we_o may_v certain_o discern_v thus_o much_o which_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v what_o the_o general_a aim_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o his_o epistle_n though_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o meaning_n and_o coherence_n of_o every_o particular_a verse_n in_o that_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v there_o be_v sometime_o no_o small_a difficulty_n because_o the_o apostle_n write_v against_o the_o disputer_n of_o that_o age_n we_o can_v at_o this_o distance_n certain_o know_v every_o little_a conceit_n or_o subtlety_n of_o they_o upon_o which_o he_o brief_o reflect_v and_o confute_v as_o he_o pass_v along_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o may_v be_v abundant_o satisfy_v in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o he_o either_o assert_n or_o oppose_v which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n of_o use_n to_o we_o and_o enough_o to_o reward_v the_o painful_a inquiry_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n among_o we_o who_o by_o all_o their_o study_n can_v perhaps_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o every_o particular_a passage_n nay_o will_v not_o see_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o conspicuous_a to_o other_o if_o they_o do_v not_o amend_v their_o life_n by_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o other_o place_n for_o of_o this_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n as_o a_o excellent_a man_n speak_v and_o his_o unalterable_a decree_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n at_o least_o in_o their_o drift_n and_o design_n shall_v be_v plain_a
vain_a opinion_n of_o himself_o who_o he_o have_v better_a opportunity_n to_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o think_v right_a in_o the_o first_o thing_n he_o inquire_v into_o have_v great_a encouragement_n and_o security_n to_o proceed_v with_o hope_n of_o good_a success_n in_o all_o that_o follow_v it_o be_v true_a when_o a_o man_n know_v himself_o he_o find_v that_o he_o be_v a_o creature_n apt_a to_o mistake_v prone_a to_o judge_v amiss_o forward_o to_o follow_v little_a fancy_n rather_o than_o reason_n or_o reason_n dip_v in_o passion_n and_o interest_n and_o to_o forsake_v that_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o unbiased_a but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o discouragement_n or_o hindrance_n to_o he_o in_o search_v after_o god_n holy_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o dispose_v he_o for_o it_o and_o will_v secure_v he_o in_o it_o for_o if_o he_o keep_v this_o humble_a sense_n in_o his_o mind_n how_o weak_a and_o frail_a a_o creature_n he_o be_v it_o will_v do_v he_o great_a service_n by_o preserve_v he_o from_o rashness_n in_o embrace_v any_o thing_n without_o great_a deliberation_n and_o much_o more_o from_o hastiness_n in_o vent_v any_o singular_a conceit_n and_o still_o much_o more_o from_o pertinacity_n in_o defend_v it_o if_o it_o be_v vent_v and_o most_o of_o all_o from_o faction_n and_o side_v and_o uncharitable_a course_n and_o from_o that_o great_a danger_n of_o mistake_v and_o never_o reform_v a_o erroneous_a understanding_n more_o particular_o in_o this_o business_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n this_o humble_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n will_v first_o make_v he_o read_v they_o with_o great_a care_n attention_n and_o diligence_n remember_v how_o prone_a he_o be_v to_o mistake_v even_o when_o he_o be_v very_o serious_a and_o therefore_o second_o it_o will_v make_v he_o distrust_v his_o own_o best_a endeavour_n without_o divine_a assistance_n which_o he_o will_v pray_v and_o wait_v for_o with_o a_o humility_n as_o great_a as_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o three_o it_o will_v dispose_v he_o to_o listen_v unto_o and_o inquire_v after_o the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o man_n who_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v able_a than_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v of_o they_o four_o and_o more_o particular_o incline_v he_o to_o follow_v the_o guide_n of_o soul_n not_o with_o a_o blind_a obedience_n but_o with_o a_o due_a attention_n to_o their_o direction_n and_o a_o great_a deference_n to_o their_o judgement_n and_o where_o any_o doubt_n be_v public_o determine_v a_o quiet_a submission_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o last_o to_o name_n no_o more_o content_v himself_o with_o plain_a and_o safe_a and_o necessary_a thing_n at_o least_o preserve_v he_o from_o be_v too_o forward_o before_o he_o be_v well_o prepare_v to_o meddle_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o within_o every_o body_n reach_n now_o when_o we_o consider_v all_o these_o bless_a effect_n of_o humility_n we_o can_v but_o say_v it_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n from_o god_n who_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a st_o austin_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o this_o that_o he_o advise_v dioscurus_n vi_o epist_n i_o vi_o not_o to_o think_v of_o any_o other_o way_n to_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o that_o alone_a which_o god_n himself_o who_o know_v how_o weak_a we_o be_v and_o how_o apt_a to_o slip_v have_v chalk_v out_o for_o we_o ea_fw-la est_fw-la autem_fw-la prima_fw-la humilitas_fw-la secunda_fw-la humilitas_fw-la tertia_fw-la humilita_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o that_o way_n be_v first_o humility_n second_o humility_n three_o humility_n and_o shall_v thou_o ask_v i_o never_o so_o often_o about_o the_o way_n i_o will_v give_v thou_o no_o other_o answer_n not_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o precept_n to_o be_v learn_v but_o unless_o humility_n in_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v do_v first_o go_v before_o and_o second_o accompany_v and_o three_o follow_v after_o pride_n and_o vain_a conceit_n while_o we_o be_v please_v ourselves_o in_o our_o good_a deed_n will_v wrest_v all_o the_o profit_n of_o it_o out_o of_o our_o hand_n and_o make_v we_o lose_v our_o labour_n vitia_n quip_n cetera_fw-la in_o peccatis_fw-la superbia_fw-la verò_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o rectè_fw-la factis_fw-la timenda_fw-la est_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o though_o we_o need_v fear_v no_o other_o vice_n but_o when_o we_o do_v ill_a yet_o this_o may_v steal_v upon_o we_o even_o when_o we_o do_v well_o and_o great_a care_n must_v be_v use_v lest_o by_o the_o desire_n of_o praise_n we_o spoil_v those_o action_n which_o be_v real_o praiseworthy_a therefore_o as_o the_o noble_a orator_n when_o he_o be_v ask_v what_o he_o think_v be_v chief_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o eloquence_n be_v say_v to_o have_v answer_v pronunciation_n and_o be_v ask_v what_o next_o still_o answer_v pronunciation_n and_o the_o three_o time_n be_v ask_v the_o same_o question_n again_o reply_v nothing_o but_o pronunciation_n so_o as_o oft_o as_o thou_o shall_v ask_v i_o of_o the_o precept_n of_o christian_a religion_n i_o will_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o answer_v any_o thing_n but_o humility_n this_o wholesome_a humility_n then_o which_o that_o our_o lord_n may_v teach_v we_o he_o humble_v himself_o let_v we_o careful_o learn_v yea_o let_v we_o be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n as_o st._n peter_n speak_v and_o always_o carry_v in_o mind_n that_o of_o st._n paul_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o there_o be_v danger_n in_o read_v and_o get_v knowledge_n unless_o humility_n usher_v it_o in_o and_o attend_v upon_o it_o and_o perpetual_o go_v along_o with_o it_o for_o it_o will_v not_o minister_v to_o the_o nourish_a of_o goodness_n but_o to_o the_o feed_v our_o ambition_n and_o foment_v contention_n and_o inflame_v of_o indiscreet_a zeal_n and_o thereby_o trouble_v the_o state_n of_o god_n church_n but_o humility_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o meekness_n and_o peaceableness_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v both_o most_o capable_a of_o wisdom_n and_o also_o most_o fit_a to_o communicate_v it_o unto_o other_o with_o advantage_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v as_o lovely_a to_o they_o as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o royal_a prophet_n for_o it_o in_o the_o place_n before_o mention_v xxv_o psal_n 9_o and_o of_o his_o great_a son_n solomon_n who_o maxim_n this_o be_v with_o the_o lowly_a be_v wisdom_n xi_o prov._n 2._o and_o which_o be_v more_o than_o all_o of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o thank_v his_o heavenly_a father_n xi_o mat._n 25._o because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a that_o be_v from_o the_o self-conceited_a pharisee_n and_o reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n single-hearted_n and_o humble_a person_n even_o so_o father_n for_o so_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n this_o be_v most_o agreeable_a and_o please_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o communicate_v itself_o not_o to_o those_o who_o think_v themselves_o wise_a but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v true_o desirous_a and_o studious_a so_o to_o be_v and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o three_o rule_n which_o be_v a_o general_a one_o too_o and_o arise_v from_o the_o former_a iii_o which_o suppose_v that_o do_v god_n will_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n at_o which_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o aim_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o thence_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o propound_v no_o other_o end_n to_o ourselves_o in_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n but_o that_o we_o may_v thereby_o grow_v more_o holy_a and_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o this_o be_v not_o always_o our_o end_n we_o and_o these_o holy_a book_n do_v not_o design_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o so_o we_o be_v never_o like_a to_o meet_v their_o design_n it_o be_v visible_a be_v to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n to_o purify_v we_o even_o as_o our_o lord_n be_v pure_a to_o help_v we_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n if_o we_o aim_v not_o therefore_o at_o this_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v to_o we_o if_o we_o lie_v aside_o these_o thought_n and_o divert_v to_o something_o else_o in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v wander_v in_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a speculation_n and_o perhaps_o trouble_v the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o with_o unnecessary_a doctrine_n which_o engender_v strife_n and_o destroy_v charity_n and_o disturb_v peace_n and_o turn_v man_n quite_o away_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n if_o we_o will_v be_v true_o know_v and_o thorough_o wise_a with_o the_o scripture-wisdom_n we_o must_v ever_o draw_v all_o we_o know_v and_o meet_v
search_v the_o scripture_n a_o treatise_n show_v that_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n with_o direction_n to_o they_o therein_o in_o three_o part_n london_n print_v for_o r._n royston_n bookseller_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n 1685._o introduction_n the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o first_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n teach_v all_o its_o child_n in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o it_o be_v such_o a_o fountain_n and_o well_o of_o truth_n that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v desirous_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o right_n and_o perfect_a way_n unto_o god_n must_v apply_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o without_o which_o they_o can_v neither_o sufficient_o know_v god_n and_o his_o will_n nor_o their_o own_o office_n and_o duty_n for_o in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v full_o contain_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o eschew_v what_o to_o believe_v what_o to_o love_n and_o what_o to_o look_v for_o at_o god_n hand_n at_o length_n and_o therefore_o these_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v much_o in_o our_o hand_n in_o our_o eye_n in_o our_o ear_n in_o our_o mouth_n but_o most_o of_o all_o in_o our_o heart_n unto_o which_o sort_n of_o discourse_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o vi_o article_n of_o our_o religion_n they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v a_o double_a exception_n one_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v there_o but_o must_v be_v receive_v from_o ancient_a tradition_n the_o other_o be_v that_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a that_o common_a people_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o read_n of_o they_o now_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o have_v be_v some_o time_n ago_o a_o plain_a answer_n make_v in_o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n therefore_o this_o treatise_n be_v intend_v only_o as_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o exception_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o which_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o allege_v among_o other_o place_n those_o remarkable_a word_n of_o st._n peter_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n the_o three_o chapter_n and_o sixteenth_o verse_n where_o have_v make_v mention_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n which_o treat_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n that_o he_o have_v just_a before_o explain_v he_o say_v in_o which_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n behold_v say_v they_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v for_o common_a people_n to_o meddle_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v compare_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o to_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n for_o fear_v they_o destroy_v themselves_o therewith_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n teach_v we_o rom._n xv._o 4._o that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o be_v profitable_a as_o he_o write_v elsewhere_o 2_o tim._n iii_o 16._o for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n but_o this_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v say_v they_o such_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o great_a apostle_n st._n peter_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v profitable_a for_o all_o people_n but_o rather_o hurtful_a to_o they_o that_o be_v ignorant_a who_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o read_v they_o by_o which_o single_a instance_n the_o reader_n may_v learn_v if_o he_o mark_v it_o well_o what_o sort_n of_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v like_a to_o have_v if_o we_o trust_v to_o they_o alone_o and_o do_v not_o see_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n when_o these_o very_a word_n of_o st._n peter_n do_v plain_o teach_v we_o the_o quite_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o that_o which_o they_o will_v establish_v by_o they_o i._o for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o contain_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n shall_v not_o read_v they_o that_o first_o they_o evident_o suppose_v the_o common_a people_n even_o the_o unlearned_a among_o they_o do_v in_o those_o day_n read_v the_o scripture_n else_o they_o can_v not_o have_v wrest_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o do_v and_o complain_v of_o that_o but_o not_o of_o their_o read_v they_o and_o ii_o second_o these_o word_n do_v not_o affirm_v the_o whole_a scripture_n to_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o only_o some_o part_n of_o it_o st._n paul_n epistle_n at_o the_o most_o or_o rather_o the_o thing_n of_o which_o st._n peter_n have_v be_v treat_v and_o not_o all_o of_o they_o neither_o but_o only_o some_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o few_o thing_n which_o will_v require_v pain_n and_o diligent_a attention_n of_o mind_n to_o comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o iii_o three_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o who_o read_v those_o difficult_a passage_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o wrest_v they_o but_o only_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a who_o abuse_v the_o plain_a truth_n to_o their_o own_o ruin_n as_o for_o other_o they_o may_v read_v even_o the_o hard_a place_n in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n safe_o enough_o nay_o receive_v great_a profit_n from_o thence_o as_o well_o as_o from_o other_o scripture_n and_o they_o who_o wrest_v they_o be_v not_o to_o leave_v read_v they_o but_o to_o grow_v in_o true_a christian_a knowledge_n and_o in_o stability_n of_o mind_n these_o be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n in_o treat_v and_o read_v of_o which_o let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o the_o second_o homily_n conclude_v that_o we_o may_v speak_v think_v believe_v live_v and_o depart_v hence_o according_a to_o the_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o verity_n of_o these_o holy_a book_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n in_o this_o world_n have_v god_n defence_n favour_n and_o grace_n with_o the_o unspeakable_a solace_n of_o peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o conscience_n and_o after_o this_o miserable_a life_n enjoy_v the_o endless_a bliss_n and_o glory_n of_o heaven_n part_n i._n that_o the_o right_a of_o god_n people_n to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_v by_o these_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n appear_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o wrest_v of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a do_v suppose_v that_o even_o such_o person_n do_v then_o read_v they_o which_o overthrow_v the_o conclusion_n which_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n endeavour_v to_o draw_v from_o this_o place_n for_o there_o have_v be_v no_o possibility_n of_o pervert_v their_o sense_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n at_o that_o time_n as_o they_o be_v in_o we_o now_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o reprehend_v their_o meddle_v with_o they_o but_o their_o ignorance_n and_o their_o heedlesnes_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n they_o misunderstand_v they_o and_o may_v have_v be_v prevent_v by_o a_o little_a diligence_n and_o care_n without_o throw_v they_o quite_o away_o for_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o there_o but_o in_o themselves_o who_o come_v to_o the_o perusal_n of_o holy_a thing_n with_o unprepared_a mind_n now_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o then_o and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o be_v debar_v the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n which_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v unto_o his_o church_n as_o a_o common_a inheritance_n you_o may_v be_v please_v to_o weigh_v these_o thing_n follow_v which_o will_v full_o settle_v your_o mind_n in_o this_o persuasion_n i._o first_o that_o the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n be_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o require_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v so_o conversant_a in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v their_o child_n god_n commandment_n and_o for_o that_o end_n to_o talk_v of_o they_o when_o they_o sit_v in_o their_o house_n or_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n when_o they_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o they_o rise_v up_o nay_o to_o write_v they_o upon_o the_o door_n of_o their_o house_n and_o on_o their_o gate_n that_o whensoever_o they_o go_v out_o or_o come_v in_o they_o may_v have_v they_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o they_o deut._n vi_o 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o the_o lawgiver_n think_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n that_o a_o little_a after_o in_o the_o very_a same_o book_n he_o enjoin_v it_o over_o again_o for_o fear_v they_o shall_v neglect_v it_o chap._n xi_o 18_o 19_o 20._o for_o the_o very_a root_n and_o
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 before_o as_o other_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v yet_o be_v exalt_v to_o the_o throne_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o over_o again_o out_o of_o the_o most_o authentic_a record_n that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o more_o imprint_v on_o his_o mind_n and_o work_v in_o he_o a_o great_a reverence_n thereof_o this_o maimonides_n ground_n upon_o those_o word_n xxxi_o deut._n 19_o which_o concern_v they_o all_o now_o therefore_o write_v you_o this_o song_n for_o you_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v write_v the_o law_n for_o yourselves_o of_o which_o this_o song_n be_v a_o part_n for_o they_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o write_v the_o law_n by_o parcel_n wherein_o perhaps_o they_o go_v too_o far_o but_o there_o be_v little_a doubt_n to_o be_v make_v that_o pious_a king_n take_v care_v the_o people_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o law_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o imitate_v that_o pious_a prince_n josiah_n who_o after_o a_o long_a forgetfulness_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v a_o copy_n of_o 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
more_o plain_o than_o to_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a and_o that_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o fear_n god_n so_o likewise_o to_o honour_v the_o king_n and_o his_o minister_n and_o to_o obey_v those_o that_o watch_n over_o our_o soul_n nay_o to_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n which_o will_v dispose_v we_o most_o certain_o if_o we_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o pride_n or_o any_o other_o vicious_a affection_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o in_o dubious_a thing_n and_o as_o it_o there_o follow_v in_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thess_n v._o 13._o to_o be_v at_o peace_n among_o ourselves_o i_o must_v beseech_v therefore_o every_o member_n of_o this_o church_n both_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o be_v as_o careful_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o i_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n take_v your_o guide_n along_o with_o you_o do_v not_o think_v yourselves_o safe_a without_o their_o conduct_n be_v not_o only_o willing_a but_o desirous_a to_o learn_v of_o they_o reverence_v their_o instruction_n do_v not_o easy_o dissent_v from_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o oppose_v they_o especial_o when_o you_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v they_o to_o be_v serious_a studious_a know_v and_o conscientious_a man_n who_o take_v care_n to_o inform_v themselves_o aright_o that_o they_o may_v not_o misinform_v you_o for_o such_o man_n look_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v bind_v as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o treatise_n of_o tradition_n pag._n 24._o to_o guide_v themselves_o in_o their_o direction_n of_o other_o by_o what_o the_o catholic_n father_n and_o ancient_a bishop_n have_v teach_v out_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o thereby_o preserve_v their_o flock_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n also_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v which_o by_o their_o subscription_n they_o own_v to_o have_v authority_n in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v no_o less_o preserve_v they_o in_o unity_n and_o in_o peace_n to_o conclude_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o every_o body_n must_v reap_v great_a fruit_n by_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o they_o read_v they_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o they_o may_v go_v away_o better_o from_o the_o read_n of_o they_o than_o they_o come_v to_o it_o and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o accommodate_v they_o to_o their_o own_o affection_n but_o correct_v all_o their_o affection_n and_o desire_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n by_o this_o exact_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n according_a to_o which_o if_o we_o square_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v present_o learn_v in_o difficult_a thing_n to_o be_v wise_a unto_o sobriety_n and_o in_o plain_a thing_n to_o be_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n that_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o do_v what_o we_o certain_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o only_a wisdom_n that_o the_o scripture_n magnify_v which_o will_v be_v the_o sure_a way_n both_o to_o know_v more_o and_o to_o know_v it_o better_o that_o be_v to_o feel_v the_o comfort_n of_o what_o we_o know_v in_o a_o bless_a and_o assure_a hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o part._n part_n ii_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n that_o those_o word_n of_o st_n peter_n 2._o iii_o 16._o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v allege_v against_o the_o read_n of_o holy_a scripture_n do_v plain_o suppose_v that_o the_o people_n do_v then_o read_v they_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o deter_v man_n from_o read_v they_o by_o represent_v the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o the_o danger_n of_o wrest_v they_o for_o he_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o consequent_o liable_a to_o be_v wrest_v but_o only_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n in_o treat_v of_o which_o three_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v consider_v i._n first_o that_o most_o thing_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v that_o they_o be_v easy_a nay_o all_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a for_o we_o be_v very_o easy_a ii_o second_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a may_v be_v understand_v though_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o it_o that_o be_v they_o will_v require_v some_o pain_n to_o understand_v they_o which_o shall_v not_o deter_v we_o from_o read_v but_o only_o make_v we_o laborious_a to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o we_o read_v iii_o three_o when_o we_o do_v thorough_o understand_v and_o hearty_o believe_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v easy_a it_o will_v abate_v much_o of_o that_o difficulty_n and_o make_v other_o thing_n more_o easy_a i._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o apostle_n only_o say_v some_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o suppose_v that_o most_o be_v not_o but_o rather_o easy_a as_o all_o those_o thing_n especial_o be_v which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v and_o do_v for_o the_o obtain_n salvation_n that_o which_o make_v thing_n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v the_o plain_a and_o perspicuous_a delivery_n of_o they_o in_o the_o word_n wherein_o they_o be_v write_v or_o speak_v now_o nothing_o a_o be_v plain_a or_o clear_a than_o the_o word_n wherein_o all_o the_o great_a christian_a truth_n be_v reveal_v and_o deliver_v to_o we_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v obscure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o see_v the_o light_n than_o it_o be_v to_o apprehend_v and_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o some_o particular_n and_o have_v a_o eye_n all_o the_o way_n upon_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o which_o s._n peter_n be_v common_o think_v to_o have_v respect_n wherein_o though_o some_o thing_n be_v difficult_a yet_o these_o be_v most_o clear_o discover_v first_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n as_o he_o express_o write_v 1_o cor._n viii_o 6._o second_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n remember_v we_o out_o of_o moses_n iu._n matt._n 10._o be_v the_o great_a thing_n press_v in_o his_o very_a entrance_n into_o any_o place_n where_o he_o preach_v 1_o thess_n l._n 9_o 10._o xvii_o act_n 23_o 24._o three_o as_o our_o lord_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v engage_v by_o our_o baptism_n to_o worship_v one_o god_n in_o three_o person_n xxviii_o matth._n 19_o so_o s._n paul_n affirm_v the_o same_o plain_o enough_o in_o that_o solemn_a prayer_n for_o the_o corinthian_n 2._o xiii_o ult_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v with_o you_o all_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o place_n wherein_o he_o affirm_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o ix_o rom._n 5._o and_o the_o spirit_n to_o search_v even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o know_v his_o mind_n exact_o for_o so_o it_o follow_v 1_o cor._n ii_o 10_o 11._o that_o as_o none_o can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o plain_o tell_v we_o if_o we_o mind_v it_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v in_o god_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v in_o man_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n be_v god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o full_o acquaint_v with_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n there_o be_v some_o little_a labour_n indeed_o in_o make_v this_o deduction_n but_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a if_o we_o consider_v all_o these_o place_n together_o four_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n none_o can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o who_o do_v but_o look_v into_o the_o holy_a book_n where_o he_o will_v immediate_o see_v he_o represent_v to_o be_v almighty_a most_o wise_a most_o gracious_a faithful_a to_o his_o word_n and_o the_o live_a god_n who_o endure_v for_o ever_o which_o be_v truth_n write_v there_o in_o such_o great_a letter_n that_o every_o one_o who_o run_v as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v and_o do_v but_o cast_v a_o transient_a eye_n upon_o they_o may_v easy_o read_v they_o five_o particular_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o kindness_n towards_o we_o the_o child_n of_o man_n lie_v before_o we_o so_o fair_o and_o shine_v so_o bright_o in_o our_o
with_o there_o unto_o this_o end_n and_o not_o think_v we_o know_v it_o well_o till_o we_o see_v how_o we_o may_v be_v make_v better_a thereby_o i_o can_v express_v this_o in_o few_o or_o more_o proper_a word_n than_o erasmus_n have_v do_v long_o ago_o in_o more_o place_n of_o his_o work_n than_o one_o particular_o in_o his_o dedication_n of_o his_o paraphrase_n on_o st._n matthew_n to_o the_o emperor_n charles_n the_o v._n since_o the_o evangelist_n write_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o body_n i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o every_o body_n shall_v not_o read_v it_o and_o i_o have_v so_o handle_v it_o that_o the_o most_o illiterate_a may_v understand_v it_o now_o it_o will_v be_v read_v with_o the_o great_a profit_n if_o when_o any_o man_n take_v it_o in_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v with_o this_o mind_n ut_fw-la seipso_fw-la reddatur_fw-la melior_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o he_o may_v be_v render_v better_a than_o himself_o and_o do_v not_o accommodate_v the_o gospel_n to_o his_o own_o affection_n but_o correct_v his_o own_o life_n and_o all_o his_o desire_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o conclude_v this_o with_o that_o say_v of_o seneca_n in_o the_o same_o plat_n of_o ground_n the_o ox_n seek_v for_o grass_n the_o hound_n seek_v for_o a_o hare_n and_o the_o stork_n for_o a_o snake_n and_o just_o so_o it_o be_v with_o those_o that_o read_v the_o same_o scripture_n wherein_o one_o seek_v himself_o and_o another_o seek_v the_o world_n one_o study_n that_o be_v to_o please_v himself_o with_o the_o history_n of_o ancient_a time_n another_o to_o furnish_v himself_o with_o the_o knowledge_n that_o belong_v to_o his_o profession_n but_o he_o alone_o read_v it_o as_o he_o ought_v who_o therein_o seek_v for_o god_n and_o desire_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n that_o he_o may_v walk_v before_o he_o in_o all_o well-pleasing_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n i._o coloss_n 9_o 10._o iu._n and_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o design_n this_o great_a end_n and_o come_v to_o learn_v to_o be_v good_a with_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o heart_n let_v he_o be_v careful_a to_o observe_v one_o rule_n more_o which_o be_v to_o study_v and_o well_o digest_v the_o first_o element_n of_o christ_n religion_n for_o as_o he_o will_v never_o read_v nor_o write_v exact_o that_o do_v not_o learn_v to_o spell_v true_o and_o he_o must_v understand_v syllable_n before_o he_o understand_v word_n and_o sentence_n so_o he_o will_v never_o find_v the_o save_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n thorough_o work_v on_o his_o spirit_n that_o keep_v not_o the_o first_o truth_n always_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o deep_o root_v in_o his_o heart_n the_o prime_a principle_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o speak_v from_o heaven_n to_o we_o the_o unerring_a will_n of_o our_o creator_n the_o gospel_n will_v not_o have_v any_o efficacy_n upon_o we_o unless_o we_o carry_v this_o along_o in_o our_o thought_n when_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o study_v it_o that_o this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o he_o that_o make_v we_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o turn_v away_o from_o he_o that_o speak_v from_o heaven_n to_o we_o this_o if_o we_o carry_v in_o mind_n while_o we_o read_v the_o scripture_n they_o will_v over-awe_n we_o and_o make_v we_o have_v grace_n to_o serve_v god_n acceptable_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n we_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o read_v they_o as_o we_o do_v some_o humane_a history_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o all_o concern_v but_o with_o attention_n with_o seriousness_n and_o with_o diligence_n trace_v the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o pious_a disciple_n of_o he_o in_o every_o step_n observe_v what_o he_o say_v and_o what_o he_o do_v and_o thus_o seek_v and_o search_v and_o hunt_v after_o he_o every_o where_o as_o erasmus_n his_o word_n be_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o annotation_n on_o the_o n._n t._n we_o shall_v find_v in_o that_o most_o simple_a and_o rude_a scripture_n the_o ineffable_a counsel_n of_o celestial_a wisdom_n we_o shall_v see_v in_o that_o foolishness_n of_o god_n if_o we_o may_v so_o speak_v which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v mean_a and_o contemptible_a that_o which_o far_o excel_v all_o humane_a prudence_n though_o never_o so_o sublime_a and_o admirable_a and_o the_o next_o principle_n be_v like_a to_o it_o viz._n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n according_a to_o his_o gospel_n this_o if_o we_o think_v of_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v and_o have_v sentence_n pass_v upon_o we_o by_o this_o rule_n we_o can_v not_o but_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n and_o square_v our_o life_n by_o it_o therefore_o let_v these_o first_o principle_n of_o faith_n be_v strong_o fix_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o always_o be_v in_o our_o thought_n and_o let_v we_o think_v we_o have_v as_o much_o use_n of_o they_o as_o he_o that_o read_v have_v of_o his_o letter_n which_o be_v the_o first_o element_n of_o learning_n then_o for_o the_o principle_n of_o practice_n this_o be_v the_o prime_n the_o chief_a the_o most_o fundamental_a in_o the_o whole_a gospel_n he_o that_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n must_v deny_v himself_o forsake_v all_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o this_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n again_o and_o again_o upon_o several_a occasion_n x._o matth._n 38._o xvi_o 24._o ix_o luke_n 23._o fourteen_o 27_o 33._o in_o the_o last_o of_o which_o place_n he_o let_v they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v as_o foolish_a to_o think_v of_o be_v a_o christian_a without_o learn_v this_o lesson_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o begin_v the_o build_n of_o a_o tower_n before_o he_o have_v compute_v the_o charge_n or_o for_o a_o prince_n to_o undertake_v a_o war_n without_o consider_v both_o his_o own_o force_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o opposer_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o two_o parable_n our_o lord_n sum_n up_o in_o these_o word_n so_o likewise_o whosoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n in_o which_o few_o word_n we_o have_v this_o account_n make_v to_o our_o hand_n as_o a_o great_a doctor_n of_o we_o speak_v that_o ever_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o be_v build_v up_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o safe_o engage_v in_o the_o war_n against_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n we_o must_v make_v over_o our_o interest_n in_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a unto_o we_o here_o and_o resign_v it_o up_o to_o our_o lord_n christ_n hold_v nothing_o so_o precious_a as_o his_o love_n and_o his_o salvation_n that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o lesson_n we_o must_v not_o prize_v any_o thing_n so_o much_o as_o the_o mercy_n grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n all_o the_o contentment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o life_n itself_o must_v not_o weigh_v so_o much_o with_o we_o as_o god_n good_a esteem_n of_o we_o his_o affection_n to_o we_o the_o honour_n glory_n and_o immortality_n that_o christ_n have_v promise_v we_o when_o we_o have_v once_o learn_v this_o and_o have_v it_o by_o heart_n there_o will_v be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o learning_n all_o the_o rest_n the_o immediate_a result_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unfeigned_a feign_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o all_o that_o christ_n the_o prince_n of_o life_n have_v reveal_v unto_o we_o and_o a_o uniform_a obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o oppose_v he_o nothing_o to_o gainsay_v he_o no_o interest_n no_o headstrong_a affection_n and_o desire_v to_o resist_v the_o impulsion_n of_o divine_a truth_n who_o natural_a property_n be_v to_o incline_v and_o sway_v the_o soul_n to_o all_o kind_n and_o to_o every_o part_n of_o true_a goodness_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n then_o to_o ruminate_v upon_o these_o thing_n over_o and_o over_o again_o to_o repeat_v these_o lesson_n continual_o to_o ourselves_o till_o they_o become_v familiar_a to_o we_o and_o have_v seat_v themselves_o in_o our_o heart_n not_o think_v we_o know_v they_o till_o we_o feel_v they_o nor_o imagine_v we_o feel_v they_o to_o purpose_n till_o we_o be_v transform_v into_o they_o that_o be_v a_o excellent_a say_v of_o the_o hebrew_n he_o that_o learn_v the_o law_n and_o do_v not_o repeat_v it_o be_v like_a to_o he_o that_o sow_v his_o seed_n and_o never_o reap_v nor_o bind_v it_o into_o sheaf_n that_o he_o may_v carry_v it_o home_o into_o his_o barn_n and_o this_o he_o that_o repeat_v his_o lesson_n a_o hundred_o time_n be_v not_o so_o wise_a as_o he_o that_o repeat_v it_o a_o hundred_o
not_o only_o the_o unlearned_a but_o the_o unstable_a also_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n ii_o unstable_a who_o those_o be_v be_v now_o easy_o to_o determine_v if_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o other_o be_v admit_v they_o be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o steadfast_o believe_v what_o they_o have_v learn_v who_o have_v entertain_v the_o truth_n do_v not_o stick_v to_o those_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o plain_a revelation_n nor_o be_v settle_v in_o they_o but_o sometime_o believe_v they_o and_o sometime_o question_n or_o disbelieve_v they_o such_o person_n the_o same_o st._n paul_n also_o describe_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o can_v six_z no_z where_o but_o roll_v in_o uncertainty_n from_o one_o opinion_n to_o another_o till_o they_o lose_v themselves_o in_o infidelity_n iu._n eph._n 14._o the_o principle_n they_o have_v receive_v be_v float_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o never_o come_v to_o any_o certain_a constant_a resolution_n which_o make_v they_o apt_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n according_a as_o their_o own_o fancy_n or_o the_o confident_a suggestion_n of_o some_o bold_a seducer_n incline_v they_o for_o some_o man_n deliver_v the_o vain_a conceit_n with_o such_o a_o assurance_n and_o earnest_a zeal_n that_o they_o may_v be_v well_o compare_v to_o a_o violent_a blast_n which_o carry_v those_o along_o with_o it_o who_o be_v not_o settle_v and_o confirm_v in_o their_o belief_n i_o may_v make_v many_o more_o word_n about_o this_o but_o i_o shall_v scarce_o make_v it_o plain_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o endeavour_v it_o but_o now_o desire_v you_o to_o mind_n what_o course_n these_o word_n thus_o explain_v direct_v we_o to_o take_v that_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o abuse_v the_o liberty_n we_o have_v of_o consult_v on_o all_o occasion_n with_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n there_o be_v some_o learning_n you_o see_v require_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o you_o need_v not_o go_v far_o to_o seek_v it_o for_o it_o consist_v only_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o natural_a truth_n as_o be_v engrave_v upon_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o of_o those_o plain_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o god_n word_n so_o clear_o that_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n about_o they_o especial_o of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o christianity_n which_o st._n john_n express_v in_o this_o short_a sentence_n these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o sin_v not_o this_o be_v very_o solid_a and_o deep_a learning_n to_o know_v that_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a end_n of_o divine_a write_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o live_v well_o and_o the_o next_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n of_o st._n john_n 1._o ii_o 1._o if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a &c_n &c_n be_v not_o discourage_v if_o contrary_a to_o the_o grent_a design_n of_o christianity_n you_o fall_v into_o sin_n but_o hope_v for_o mercy_n through_o the_o propitiation_n make_v by_o christ_n jesus_n who_o will_v intercede_v for_o the_o sius_fw-la of_o those_o who_o hearty_o make_v this_o their_o main_a design_n and_o business_n not_o to_o sin_n which_o truth_n of_o both_o sort_n we_o must_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o six_o in_o our_o raind_n and_o root_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o our_o belief_n of_o they_o may_v not_o be_v shake_v by_o any_o other_o persuasion_n whatsoever_o much_o less_o by_o any_o sudden_a conceit_n which_o start_v up_o in_o our_o mind_n or_o be_v suggest_v to_o we_o by_o other_o and_o the_o way_n to_o do_v that_o be_v to_o live_v by_o they_o for_o nothing_o settle_v knowledge_n so_o much_o as_o saithful_a practice_n according_a to_o it_o especial_o when_o we_o be_v settle_v in_o this_o practice_n for_o those_o st._n peter_n call_v unstable_a soul_n in_o the_o chapter_n before_o this_o v._o 14._o apt_a to_o be_v beguile_v and_o ensnare_v who_o have_v not_o arrive_v at_o a_o settle_a resolution_n and_o a_o habitual_a course_n of_o well-doing_n now_o when_o this_o be_v do_v which_o must_v be_v our_o first_o work_n there_o be_v but_o one_o rule_n which_o i_o shall_v propose_v because_o if_o well_o follow_v it_o comprehend_v all_o in_o it_o to_o make_v our_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n safe_a and_o secure_a which_o be_v this_o never_o to_o admit_v any_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n from_o other_o or_o fasten_v any_o sense_n upon_o they_o ourselves_o which_o contradict_v those_o know_a truth_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o in_o which_o we_o be_v fix_v as_o the_o undoubted_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n they_o must_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n by_o they_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o all_o thing_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a whatsoever_o overthrow_v they_o and_o will_v not_o consist_v with_o they_o must_v be_v reject_v it_o must_v not_o make_v we_o doubt_v of_o they_o but_o they_o must_v make_v we_o conclude_v it_o be_v a_o safe_a interpretation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n whatsoever_o agree_v with_o they_o though_o it_o shall_v happen_v not_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n into_o which_o we_o inquire_v it_o can_v do_v no_o harm_n if_o it_o be_v entertain_v and_o here_o now_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o use_v this_o rule_n second_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o keep_v to_o it_o three_o how_o ready_o thereby_o we_o may_v salve_v many_o seem_a difficulty_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n at_o least_o pass_v by_o they_o safe_o if_o we_o observe_v it_o i._o concern_v the_o first_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v these_o two_o thing_n i._n first_o that_o we_o must_v never_o admit_v any_o interpretation_n on_o a_o sudden_a till_o we_o have_v examine_v how_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o know_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n fancy_n will_v be_v suggest_v thing_n to_o we_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o attentive_a will_v sometime_o insinuate_v very_o absurd_a notion_n into_o our_o belief_n here_o therefore_o our_o care_n and_o labour_n be_v require_v to_o bring_v along_o with_o we_o to_o the_o read_n of_o holy_a scripture_n such_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o know_a duty_n to_o he_o and_o of_o the_o end_n and_o intention_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o may_v be_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o correct_v our_o extempore_o conceit_n and_o apprehension_n which_o will_v be_v forward_o to_o mislead_v we_o and_o if_o they_o represent_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o which_o make_v he_o unjust_a or_o unmerciful_a if_o they_o plain_o lead_v we_o to_o negligence_n and_o carelessness_n in_o our_o duty_n if_o they_o strike_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n which_o be_v charity_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a we_o must_v as_o sudden_o lay_v they_o aside_o as_o they_o obtrude_v themselves_o upon_o we_o for_o that_o can_v be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n which_o cross_v the_o natural_a notion_n we_o all_o have_v of_o he_o or_o thwart_v the_o plain_a revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o his_o bless_a nature_n and_o will_n or_o tend_v to_o make_v we_o less_o diligent_a in_o his_o service_n less_o zealous_a of_o good_a work_n unto_o which_o we_o be_v create_v and_o form_v in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o ii_o ephes_n 10._o and_o we_o be_v all_o concern_v to_o watch_v careful_o lest_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n insinuate_v itself_o to_o the_o high_a dishonour_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o infinite_a hazard_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n and_o to_o watch_v not_o only_a when_o we_o be_v read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o ii_o second_o at_o all_o other_o time_n we_o must_v use_v due_a care_n lest_o our_o thought_n lead_v we_o to_o form_v any_o opinion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o humanity_n and_o christianity_n the_o thought_n of_o man_n be_v restless_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o cast_v themselves_o into_o a_o thousand_o shape_n and_o frame_v innumerable_a conceit_n now_o if_o we_o let_v any_o settle_v in_o our_o mind_n which_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o truth_n i_o have_v often_o name_v they_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o be_v intermeddle_v when_o we_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o draw_v it_o to_o speak_v in_o their_o favour_n contrary_a to_o its_o meaning_n there_o be_v no_o private_a opinion_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v but_o we_o be_v natural_o desirous_a to_o have_v it_o justify_v and_o confirm_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_n take_v care_n to_o entertain_v none_o that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o piety_n for_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o catch_v at_o every_o
pervert_v his_o sense_n say_v we_o have_v paul_n on_o our_o side_n who_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o sin_v the_o more_o abundant_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o abundant_o pardon_v which_o they_o do_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n say_v st._n peter_n for_o they_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o that_o destrey_n and_o takeaway_n their_o word_n by_o a_o perverse_a interpretation_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o condemnation_n because_o they_o slay_v they_o that_o the_o world_n may_v be_v no_o long_o teach_v by_o they_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n wrest_v or_o put_v upon_o the_o rack_n their_o word_n that_o none_o by_o they_o may_v work_v out_o their_o salvation_n again_o what_o be_v there_o clear_a in_o the_o apostolical_a write_n than_o that_o they_o every_o where_n teach_v god_n will_v raise_v the_o dead_a at_o the_o last_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v those_o who_o wrest_v these_o word_n so_o foul_o that_o some_o say_v the_o resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o of_o who_o be_v hymenaeus_n and_o philetas_n 2_o tim._n ii_o 17_o 18._o and_o other_o say_v there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n 1_o cor._n xv._o 12._o and_o other_o say_v christ_n will_v never_o come_v again_o but_o laugh_v at_o his_o promise_n of_o come_v to_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o at_o his_o threaten_n of_o come_v to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o in_o this_o very_a chapter_n v._o 3_o 4._o know_v this_o first_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n there_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o scoff_a saying_n where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n for_o since_o the_o first_o man_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v have_v the_o impudence_n to_o affirm_v it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o disprove_v they_o have_v they_o not_o affect_v as_o he_o show_v v._o 5._o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v as_o plain_o record_v in_o the_o holy_a book_n as_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o that_o there_o have_v already_o be_v long_o ago_o a_o great_a change_n make_v by_o the_o flood_n which_o sweep_v away_o the_o world_n of_o the_o ungodly_a which_o if_o they_o have_v be_v serious_a will_v have_v keep_v they_o from_o mock_v at_o another_o destruction_n threaten_v to_o the_o wicked_a with_o a_o promise_n of_o salvation_n to_o the_o godly_a at_o our_o saviour_n second_n come_v and_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o what_o be_v past_a as_o a_o example_n of_o the_o like_a future_a judgement_n i_o may_v give_v more_o numerous_a instance_n which_o will_v prove_v something_o beyond_o this_o that_o unpurged_a mind_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a soul_n will_v not_o only_o wrest_v plain_a truth_n to_o serve_v their_o lust_n and_o humour_n but_o thereby_o be_v apt_a to_o grow_v more_o wicked_a and_o more_o prejudice_v against_o god_n and_o goodness_n for_o the_o opinion_n or_o presumption_n as_o be_v excellent_o observe_v by_o a_o great_a man_n that_o any_o of_o our_o evil_a action_n or_o disposition_n be_v countenance_v from_o god_n word_n do_v mighty_o heighten_v they_o in_o a_o degree_n of_o evil_n more_o than_o usual_a the_o covetous_a niggardly_a and_o unmerciful_a for_o instance_n if_o they_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o precept_n of_o frugality_n and_o diligence_n be_v exceed_o stiffen_a and_o root_v in_o those_o sin_n with_o the_o pleasure_n they_o take_v in_o their_o conceit_a conformity_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o avoid_v riot_n and_o luxury_n sloth_n and_o negligence_n and_o thus_o the_o stubborn_a and_o self-willed_a be_v encourage_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n by_o the_o commendation_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o constant_a and_o the_o well-resolved_n and_o the_o malicious_a turbulent_a and_o seditious_a spirit_n justify_v their_o bitterness_n fury_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n from_o the_o example_n of_o excessive_a zeal_n or_o indignation_n swell_v in_o holy_a man_n upon_o just_a occasion_n and_o that_o perhaps_o by_o a_o special_a divine_a incitation_n which_o be_v not_o by_o any_o man_n to_o be_v now_o imitate_v but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o leave_v this_o and_o to_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o other_o ii_o it_o be_v no_o less_o usual_a for_o want_v of_o observe_v this_o plain_a rule_n to_o press_v one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o scripture_n to_o serve_v for_o different_a purpose_n unto_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a oracle_n which_o man_n from_o hence_o imagine_v have_v a_o uncertain_a find_v i_o may_v instance_n in_o some_o very_a ancient_a abuse_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n x._o matth._n 25._o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o disciple_n that_o he_o be_v as_o his_o master_n may_v be_v strain_v to_o prove_v no_o body_n know_v how_o many_o absurdity_n you_o may_v guess_v at_o the_o rest_n by_o this_o one_o that_o it_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o ebionite_n to_o prove_v that_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v circumcise_v because_o christ_n their_o master_n be_v as_o epiphanius_n express_o remember_v and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n may_v be_v urge_v to_o prove_v that_o no_o christian_n ought_v to_o marry_v because_o christ_n their_o master_n never_o marry_v but_o there_o be_v modern_a instance_n more_o than_o enough_o of_o this_o such_o as_o show_v that_o not_o only_o ignorant_a people_n but_o the_o most_o instruct_v in_o humane_a learning_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n notorious_o if_o they_o keep_v not_o close_o to_o principle_n of_o know_a morality_n and_o piety_n from_o those_o two_o word_n pasce_fw-la oves_fw-la feed_v my_o sheep_n i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o thing_n be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n if_o you_o ask_v how_o they_o prove_v the_o pope_n monarchy_n and_o supreme_a dominion_n in_o the_o church_n the_o answer_n be_v christ_n say_v to_o peter_n simon_n bar-jona_n feed_v my_o sheep_n i._n e._n say_v bellarmine_n regio_fw-la more_fw-it impera_fw-la command_v after_o a_o regal_a manner_n if_o you_o ask_v again_o by_o what_o right_o he_o challenge_v to_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n which_o ancient_o be_v think_v to_o belong_v to_o general_n council_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o same_o doctor_n tell_v you_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o same_o word_n feed_v my_o sheep_n hence_o he_o prove_v also_o his_o infallibility_n or_o that_o he_o can_v err_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n because_o christ_n say_v feed_v my_o sheep_n nay_o by_o the_o same_o word_n a_o four_o prerogative_n be_v establish_v which_o be_v a_o power_n to_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o think_v good_a they_o be_v allege_v also_o for_o a_o five_o purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o have_v a_o treasure_n make_v up_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o saint_n which_o he_o dispense_v as_o he_o please_v to_o the_o faithful_a for_o so_o the_o same_o doctor_n teach_v in_o his_o book_n of_o indulgence_n because_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n by_o which_o wonderful_a word_n also_o he_o and_o other_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o pope_n can_v transfer_v kingdom_n absolve_v subject_n from_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o depose_v they_o from_o their_o throne_n and_o becanus_n from_o the_o same_o word_n still_o gather_v that_o he_o may_v inflict_v temporal_a punishment_n as_o they_o call_v they_o not_o except_v death_n upon_o those_o prince_n that_o be_v disobedient_a to_o he_o so_o strange_o be_v man_n bend_v to_o force_v the_o meaning_n of_o holy_a writ_n though_o they_o have_v never_o so_o good_a part_n and_o great_a learning_n when_o they_o have_v once_o forsake_v the_o guidance_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o the_o obvious_a notion_n of_o christianity_n nay_o the_o more_o witty_a they_o be_v the_o worse_o they_o be_v if_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o conscience_n and_o keep_v not_o strict_o to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n there_o be_v another_o example_n to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n from_o those_o word_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n etc._n etc._n one_o be_v content_a to_o prove_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o the_o universal_a church_n can_v err_v but_o another_o from_o hence_o affirm_v that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o present_a church_n can_v err_v which_o will_v not_o satisfy_v other_o who_o conclude_v from_o the_o same_o word_n that_o the_o pope_n can_v err_v and_o there_o be_v those_o who_o
allege_v they_o to_o prove_v that_o a_o general_n council_n can_v err_v these_o word_n can_v alike_o serve_v all_o these_o purpose_n as_o our_o divine_n right_o have_v observe_v for_o a_o pope_n may_v err_v where_o a_o council_n do_v not_o and_o a_o general_n council_n may_v err_v where_o the_o true_o catholic_n church_n can_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n which_o lead_v man_n thus_o to_o expound_v the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o their_o own_o private_a affection_n and_o their_o several_a interest_n and_o design_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o which_o they_o easy_o consent_v to_o apply_v they_o not_o attend_v to_o the_o clear_a scope_n of_o they_o or_o rather_o shut_v their_o eye_n not_o only_o to_o that_o but_o to_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n and_o to_o all_o other_o notice_n which_o will_v give_v they_o better_o direction_n and_o solve_v also_o even_o many_o seem_a difficulty_n which_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o at_o least_o guide_v we_o so_o even_o that_o we_o shall_v pass_v safe_o by_o they_o which_o be_v the_o three_o general_n truth_n i_o propound_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n iii_o among_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o learn_v there_o be_v none_o thought_n more_o difficult_a than_o several_a passage_n in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n some_o part_n of_o which_o st._n peter_n have_v in_o his_o eye_n when_o he_o conclude_v his_o second_o epistle_n but_o i_o may_v be_v confident_a that_o if_o we_o will_v admit_v or_o take_v up_o no_o sense_n of_o they_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o such_o know_v and_o confess_v truth_n as_o be_v on_o all_o side_n embrace_v we_o may_v give_v a_o fair_a account_n of_o they_o at_o least_o preserve_v ourselves_o from_o make_v any_o dangerous_a construction_n of_o they_o that_o which_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v think_v to_o be_v of_o great_a difficulty_n be_v his_o doctrine_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n which_o some_o take_v to_o be_v the_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n but_o if_o we_o stick_v close_o to_o the_o know_a fix_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v natural_o write_v on_o our_o heart_n or_o reveal_v by_o our_o saviour_n we_o shall_v be_v lead_v thereby_o unto_o a_o fair_a and_o easy_a interpretation_n of_o his_o meaning_n in_o these_o matter_n for_o there_o be_v a_o election_n of_o whole_a nation_n and_o there_o be_v a_o election_n of_o particular_a person_n and_o they_o be_v elect_v either_o to_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n or_o to_o partake_v of_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o first_o of_o these_o it_o be_v evident_a be_v absolute_a and_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o any_o thing_n we_o do_v but_o the_o latter_a be_v not_o as_o st._n paul_n express_o teach_v we_o 2_o thess_n ii_o 13._o where_o he_o say_v god_n have_v choose_v they_o to_o salvation_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n faith_n be_v suppose_v to_o this_o and_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o sanctity_n and_o holiness_n they_o be_v not_o choose_v to_o salvation_n but_o through_o these_o though_o they_o be_v choose_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n before_o these_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v reprobate_v or_o reject_v man_n which_o sometime_o plain_o concern_v whole_a nation_n and_o sometime_o particular_a person_n and_o sometime_o be_v only_o from_o the_o privilege_n they_o former_o enjoy_v sometime_o from_o eternal_a life_n both_o of_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o former_a the_o national_a rejection_n from_o their_o former_a privilege_n be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o prevent_v the_o latter_a viz._n the_o final_a destruction_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o which_o he_o do_v not_o desire_v thus_o god_n reprobate_v or_o reject_v and_o cast_v away_o israel_n as_o st._n paul_n teach_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n but_o it_o be_v not_o with_o a_o intention_n that_o they_o shall_v utter_o perish_v no_o he_o say_v more_o than_o once_o god_n forbid_v i._n e._n he_o abhor_v such_o a_o thought_n he_o disclaim_v any_o such_o meaning_n for_o quite_o contrary_a by_o their_o be_v reject_v from_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n they_o former_o have_v the_o gentile_n be_v bring_v to_o christianity_n and_o the_o end_n of_o that_o be_v to_o provoke_v the_o jew_n also_o to_o jealousy_n and_o move_v they_o at_o last_o to_o bethink_v themselves_o better_a and_o to_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o be_v save_v let_v any_o man_n read_v serious_o the_o ten_o and_o eleven_o chapter_n of_o that_o epistle_n and_o he_o will_v be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o reprobation_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n be_v such_o that_o they_o may_v notwithstanding_o be_v restore_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o be_v final_o save_v that_o be_v they_o be_v reject_v from_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n as_o they_o have_v be_v but_o not_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o his_o mercy_n if_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v a_o disobedient_a and_o gainsay_v people_n for_o the_o apostle_n still_o pray_v for_o they_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o begin_v the_o eleven_o in_o this_o manner_n i_o say_v then_o have_v god_n cast_v away_o his_o people_n god_n forbid_v that_o be_v will_v any_o man_n infer_v then_o from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o god_n have_v utter_o reprobate_v they_o never_o to_o receive_v they_o more_o no_o such_o matter_n none_o ought_v to_o interpret_v my_o word_n to_o such_o a_o sense_n which_o i_o disow_v nor_o do_v it_o ever_o come_v into_o my_o mind_n for_o i_o myself_o be_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o contrary_a be_v a_o israelite_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o he_o say_v afterward_o that_o god_n have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o give_v they_o a_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n eye_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v and_o ear_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o hear_v according_a to_o that_o of_o david_n let_v their_o table_n be_v make_v a_o snare_n and_o a_o trap_n and_o a_o stumbling-block_n etc._n etc._n v._n 8_o 9_o 10._o but_o what_o then_o have_v they_o stumble_v that_o they_o shall_v fall_v and_o be_v utter_o ruin_v god_n forbid_v but_o rather_o through_o their_o fall_n salvation_n be_v come_v to_o the_o gentile_n to_o provoke_v they_o to_o jealousy_n v._o 11._o for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o abide_v still_o in_o unbelief_n he_o show_v they_o may_v be_v graft_v into_o the_o church_n again_o v._o 23._o and_o explain_v his_o mind_n still_o more_o full_o in_o this_o matter_n v._o 25._o that_o blindness_n be_v happen_v only_o in_o part_n to_o israel_n till_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v in_o and_o so_o all_o israel_n shall_v be_v save_v for_o though_o they_o be_v as_o concern_v the_o gospel_n enemy_n for_o our_o sake_n yet_o as_o touch_v the_o election_n they_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o father_n sake_n they_o be_v not_o absolute_o and_o final_o reprobate_v but_o for_o the_o present_a do_v not_o believe_v that_o through_o the_o mercy_n show_v to_o we_o gentile_n they_o may_v also_o obtain_v mercy_n for_o god_n conclude_v they_o all_o in_o unbelief_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o v._o 28_o 31_o 32._o all_o these_o expression_n and_o a_o number_n more_o in_o that_o chapter_n evident_o demonstrate_v it_o be_v not_o a_o irrecoverable_a rejection_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o much_o less_o a_o rejection_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o their_o sin_n but_o such_o a_o rejection_n for_o their_o reject_v christ_n as_o in_o the_o design_n of_o god_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o faith_n in_o christ_n when_o they_o see_v what_o they_o have_v lose_v and_o other_o have_v gain_v by_o their_o infidelity_n he_o now_o that_o will_v interpret_v the_o nine_o chapter_n according_a to_o the_o plain_a declare_v sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o will_v have_v no_o hard_a work_n to_o undertake_v but_o easy_o see_v that_o as_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n so_o he_o do_v not_o think_v they_o to_o be_v utter_o lose_v but_o design_v even_o their_o reprobation_n for_o their_o recovery_n and_o now_o i_o may_v proceed_v to_o show_v if_o it_o will_v not_o enlarge_v this_o treatise_n too_o much_o how_o the_o difficulty_n which_o be_v raise_v about_o faith_n and_o work_n be_v not_o so_o great_a neither_o as_o they_o seem_v if_o we_o firm_o adhere_v to_o common_a truth_n which_o lead_v every_o man_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o enter_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o justification_n do_v include_v in_o it_o a_o hearty_a purpose_n of_o well-doing_n and_o
against_o vain_a philosophy_n ii_o col._n 8._o from_o whence_o we_o may_v note_v that_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o assign_v the_o original_a of_o heresy_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o it_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o lead_v we_o into_o they_o three_o and_o there_o be_v a_o three_o cause_n of_o they_o mention_v in_o scripture_n also_o viz._n the_o tradition_n of_o man_n vii_o mark_z 7_o 8._o and_o thus_o firmilian_a observe_v in_o his_o letter_n to_o st._n cyprian_n that_o martion_n the_o disciple_n of_o cerdo_n a_o great_a while_n after_o the_o apostle_n induxit_fw-la sacrilegaem_fw-la adversus_fw-la deum_fw-la traditionem_fw-la bring_v in_o a_o sacrilegious_a tradition_n against_o god_n apelles_n also_o consent_v to_o his_o blasphemy_n add_v multa_fw-la alia_fw-la nova_fw-la many_o other_o novelty_n which_o be_v more_o grievous_a and_o direct_o opposite_a to_o faith_n and_o truth_n and_o so_o do_v valentinus_n and_o basilides_n who_o rebel_v against_o god_n church_n by_o their_o wicked_a forgery_n and_o thus_o st._n hierom_n introduce_v heretic_n maintain_v their_o error_n in_o the_o very_a dialect_n of_o the_o now_o roman_a doctor_n we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o those_o wise_a man_n who_o from_o the_o beginning_n deliver_v unto_o we_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n etc._n etc._n lib._n vii_o in_o esaiam_n cap._n xix_o but_o s._n cyprian_n every_o where_o appeal_v from_o all_o pretend_a tradition_n whatsoever_o unto_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n i._n e._n unto_o scripture-tradition_n particular_o in_o that_o famous_a epistle_n of_o he_o to_o pompeius_n all_o religious_a and_o simple_a mind_n have_v a_o compendious_a mean_n both_o to_o lay_v aside_o error_n and_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n nam_fw-la si_fw-la ad_fw-la divinae_fw-la traditionis_fw-la caput_fw-la &_o originem_fw-la revertamur_fw-la cessat_fw-la error_n humanus_fw-la for_o if_o we_o go_v back_o to_o the_o head_n and_o original_a of_o divine_a tradition_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o humane_a error_n and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o this_o divine_a tradition_n when_o he_o say_v if_o there_o be_v any_o doubt_n any_o waver_a about_o the_o truth_n let_v we_o return_v ad_fw-la originem_fw-la dominicam_fw-la &_o evangelicam_fw-la &_o apostolicam_fw-la traditionem_fw-la to_o our_o lord_n be_v original_a or_o beginning_n both_o the_o evangelical_n and_o apostolical_a tradition_n that_o be_v to_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n four_o another_o spring_n of_o heresy_n be_v pretend_v revelation_n thus_o the_o cataphrygae_n as_o the_o same_o firmilian_a tell_v we_o &_o novas_fw-la prophetias_fw-la usurpare_fw-la conantur_fw-la endeavour_v also_o to_o make_v use_n of_o new_a prophecy_n and_o a_o little_a after_o we_o know_v they_o can_v have_v christ_n who_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o their_o false_a prophecy_n against_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o whence_o they_o have_v their_o illumination_n who_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n invent_v a_o five_o gospel_n which_o threaten_v the_o overthrow_n of_o our_o four_a be_v not_o hard_a to_o resolve_v not_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a and_o therefore_o the_o take_v away_o they_o from_o the_o people_n will_v not_o prevent_v all_o heresy_n but_o they_o will_v start_v up_o as_o they_o have_v do_v from_o other_o cause_n and_o they_o will_v the_o soon_o start_v up_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v neglect_v ii_o but_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o as_o heresy_n will_v spring_v up_o from_o other_o cause_n though_o man_n do_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n so_o layman_n have_v not_o be_v always_o the_o deviser_n of_o they_o but_o they_o to_o who_o none_o deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o holy_a book_n for_o the_o most_o pernicious_a heresy_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n have_v their_o beginning_n from_o priest_n as_o appear_v by_o arius_n and_o nestorius_n and_o indeed_o no_o man_n can_v frame_v a_o heresy_n but_o he_o that_o be_v of_o excellent_a part_n as_o st._n hierom_n opinion_n be_v who_o word_n be_v these_o upon_o the_o x._o of_o hosea_n no_o man_n can_v devise_v and_o set_v up_o a_o heresy_n but_o he_o that_o be_v arden_n ingenii_fw-la of_o a_o extraordinary_a wit_n and_o have_v gift_n of_o nature_n create_v by_o god_n the_o great_a artificer_n such_o be_v valentinus_n such_o be_v martion_n who_o we_o read_v to_o have_v be_v most_o learned_a such_o be_v bardesanes_n who_o wit_n the_o philosopher_n themselves_o admire_v and_o therefore_o either_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v whole_o lay_v aside_o the_o great_a man_n for_o learning_n and_o part_n be_v apt_a to_o abuse_v they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o humble_a and_o thorough_o good_a or_o man_n must_v be_v teach_v how_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o read_n of_o they_o and_o what_o to_o seek_v for_o there_o and_o then_o any_o body_n may_v safe_o take_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n and_o make_v they_o their_o constant_a companion_n iii_o it_o must_v likewise_o be_v further_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v something_o else_o to_o be_v fear_v beside_o heresy_n and_o that_o be_v stupid_a ignorance_n or_o gross_a infidelity_n which_o experience_n show_v we_o have_v follow_v upon_o the_o take_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n even_o as_o darkness_n come_v and_o cover_v the_o earth_n when_o the_o light_n be_v withdraw_v from_o it_o and_o ought_v we_o not_o in_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v as_o studious_a and_o solicitous_a to_o prevent_v these_o as_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n since_o they_o be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a or_o rather_o more_o dangerous_a by_o far_o even_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o they_o make_v man_n liable_a to_o fall_v into_o the_o most_o sottish_a superstition_n if_o not_o into_o downright_a idolatry_n which_o be_v a_o worse_a thing_n than_o heresy_n how_o image_n come_v to_o be_v layman_n book_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o relate_v the_o matter_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o how_o image-worship_n thence_o arise_v and_o how_o fatal_a this_o have_v be_v to_o the_o vulgar_a people_n i_o have_v not_o room_n to_o discourse_v nor_o how_o legend_n of_o saint_n be_v invent_v full_a of_o absurd_a and_o incredible_a story_n which_o have_v disgrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o tempt_v many_o to_o disbelieve_v the_o true_a history_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n miraculous_a operation_n but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v devise_v to_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n may_v have_v something_o to_o entertain_v they_o when_o they_o be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n at_o least_o of_o that_o these_o fabulous_a story_n be_v recommend_v to_o the_o people_n affection_n when_o they_o be_v fright_v from_o meddle_v with_o the_o bible_n as_o a_o dangerous_a book_n nay_o when_o it_o be_v credit_n be_v disgrace_v by_o many_o word_n of_o reproach_n which_o we_o in_o this_o church_n think_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o wipe_v off_o by_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o people_n best_a affection_n and_o constant_a perusal_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o sottish_a ignorance_n and_o stupid_a imposture_n and_o all_o vain_a superstition_n and_o false_a worship_n iu._n nor_o be_v it_o easy_a for_o our_o people_n by_o this_o mean_n to_o fall_v into_o heresy_n because_o they_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o interpret_v to_o they_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o they_o be_v teach_v continual_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o by_o sundry_a tract_n exposition_n and_o paraphrase_n allow_v by_o public_a authority_n particular_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n care_n be_v take_v that_o erasmus_n his_o paraphrase_n shall_v be_v place_v in_o every_o parish-church_n of_o the_o realm_n in_o which_o he_o do_v not_o follow_v his_o own_o private_a fancy_n but_o like_o a_o true_o great_a man_n represent_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n v._o now_o if_o after_o all_o this_o man_n do_v fall_v into_o heresy_n it_o must_v be_v impute_v to_o some_o other_o cause_n than_o their_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o if_o they_o have_v mind_v they_o they_o will_v have_v learn_v to_o be_v humble_a modest_a peaceable_a tractable_a to_o their_o guide_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o those_o who_o cause_n division_n and_o be_v proud_a and_o dote_v about_o question_n and_o strise_n of_o word_n and_o that_o creep_v into_o house_n to_o instill_v private_a doctrine_n and_o very_o frequent_o lead_v man_n from_o the_o scripture_n to_o pretend_a revelation_n or_o tradition_n that_o be_v they_o will_v not_o have_v fall_v into_o any_o sort_n of_o heresy_n but_o keep_v unto_o the_o wholesome_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v