great_a example_n and_o leader_n to_o piety_n and_o godly_a life_n but_o i_o say_v it_o only_o to_o prevent_v our_o be_v lead_v into_o error_n by_o their_o authority_n who_o though_o they_o be_v very_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n yet_o still_o be_v man_n and_o be_v man_n be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n no_o assurance_n can_v be_v have_v in_o the_o word_n of_o man_n alone_o but_o of_o he_o only_o who_o be_v god_n and_o man_n for_o god_n only_o be_v truth_n and_o as_o for_o the_o miracle_n pretend_v to_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o find_v in_o no_o authentic_a author_n any_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o prime_n and_o principal_a father_n of_o the_o church_n in_o confirmation_n of_o any_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o they_o st._n cyprian_n st._n ambrose_n st._n jerome_n st._n austin_n st._n chrysostome_n st._n gregory_n nazianzen_n and_o such_o like_a second_o for_o the_o pretend_a father_n of_o the_o church_n in_o late_a age_n and_o mother_n also_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v what_o gross_a and_o ridiculous_a imposture_n have_v be_v in_o late_a age_n noise_v abroad_o for_o great_a miracle_n our_o learned_a dr._n stillingfleet_n have_v sufficient_o set_v they_o forth_o in_o their_o proper_a colour_n these_o fine_a device_n begin_v about_o the_o six_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o few_o year_n after_o they_o grow_v as_o familiar_a as_o juggle_a feat_n especial_o in_o the_o female_a sex_n of_o who_o i_o find_v none_o that_o wrought_v they_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n when_o true_a miracle_n be_v frequent_a among_o man_n and_o when_o there_o be_v woman_n certain_o as_o holy_a as_o any_o whatsoever_o in_o future_a age_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o bless_a virgin_n herself_o ever_o wrought_v any_o miracle_n though_o now_o the_o papist_n will_v tell_v you_o of_o a_o thousand_o wrought_v daily_o by_o several_a image_n of_o she_o but_o this_o we_o know_v that_o in_o the_o late_a day_n lie_v wonder_n shall_v be_v wrought_v to_o deceive_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_n and_o we_o also_o know_v that_o whatever_o seem_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o lie_a wonder_n for_o god_n word_n be_v truth_n and_o all_o liar_n that_o speak_v against_o that_o but_o these_o miracle_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v wrought_v at_o the_o image_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o other_o saint_n be_v apparent_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o command_v we_o not_o to_o bow_v down_o to_o nor_o worship_v any_o image_n and_o consequent_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v lie_v wonder_n wrought_v to_o deceive_v the_o people_n who_o be_v thereby_o induce_v to_o worship_v those_o image_n and_o do_v daily_o visit_v they_o and_o prostrate_v themselves_o before_o they_o with_o as_o much_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n as_o if_o christ_n himself_o be_v there_o present_a this_o be_v full_o know_v to_o every_o man_n that_o have_v travel_v those_o part_n but_o the_o popish_a priest_n here_o sure_o ashamed_a of_o their_o own_o devotion_n will_v bold_o deny_v it_o and_o find_v we_o too_o strong_o fortify_v with_o scripture_n truth_n to_o be_v seduce_v by_o their_o supposititious_a saint_n with_o their_o lie_a wonder_n and_o too_o quick-sighted_a to_o be_v catch_v with_o such_o stalk_a horse_n they_o come_v upon_o we_o with_o a_o whole_a army_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a the_o universal_a catholic_n church_n mean_v the_o romish_a church_n false_o so_o call_v yea_o and_o back_v with_o scripture_n too_o and_o so_o fight_v we_o at_o our_o own_o weapon_n and_o thence_o thunder_v out_o irresistible_a cannon_n shoot_v he_o that_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n matt._n xviii_o 17._o belove_a my_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o shall_v i_o now_o engage_v in_o a_o fresh_a battle_n i_o shall_v therefore_o refer_v this_o to_o another_o time_n and_o for_o the_o present_a add_v only_o a_o few_o word_n of_o direction_n for_o those_o who_o take_v comfort_n in_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o desire_v to_o improve_v their_o knowledge_n therein_o but_o meet_v with_o many_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a place_n which_o exceed_v their_o capacity_n in_o which_o they_o will_v glad_o be_v far_o instruct_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o i_o conceive_v it_o fit_a to_o advise_v with_o some_o learned_a orthodox_n sober_a and_o godly_a divine_a if_o they_o have_v any_o such_o in_o their_o neighbourhood_n for_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v man_n so_o complete_o qualify_v be_v not_o every_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o unfortunate_a day_n but_o if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o such_o let_v they_o desire_v his_o assistance_n and_o if_o this_o godly_a person_n can_v by_o other_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o clear_a reason_n make_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o doubtful_a place_n evident_a to_o his_o understanding_n than_o he_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o if_o this_o godly_a counsellor_n make_v use_v of_o any_o human_a authority_n that_o be_v any_o one_o or_o many_o father_n of_o the_o church_n or_o council_n or_o the_o like_a to_o make_v good_a his_o exposition_n and_o can_v do_v it_o by_o clear_a place_n of_o scripture_n or_o such_o circumstance_n as_o make_v that_o doubtful_a place_n clear_a to_o your_o understanding_n but_o require_v you_o to_o submit_v mere_o to_o their_o authority_n than_o you_o be_v to_o afford_v he_o no_o more_o than_o a_o human_a belief_n which_o help_v you_o nothing_o forward_o to_o your_o salvation_n for_o that_o whole_o depend_v on_o divine_a faith_n and_o belief_n in_o god_n not_o in_o man_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o and_o as_o for_o the_o doubtful_a place_n pass_v they_o over_o as_o doubtful_a and_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n thereof_o not_o necessary_a to_o your_o salvation_n god_n require_v of_o no_o man_n beyond_o the_o talon_n which_o he_o have_v give_v he_o and_o in_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n have_v so_o provide_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o salvation_n may_v be_v understand_v of_o all_o what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o set_v forth_o to_o common_a understanding_n than_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n one_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o die_v for_o all_o man_n rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o shall_v come_v again_o at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o judge_v and_o reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n and_o then_o for_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o such_o like_a necessary_a thing_n they_o be_v also_o plain_o set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n even_o to_o vulgar_a understanding_n and_o last_o for_o our_o course_n of_o life_n what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o prohibit_v than_o fornication_n adultery_n all_o lasciviousness_n murder_n strike_v rail_a cozen_a what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o command_v than_o to_o do_v justice_n show_v mercy_n charity_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o sum_n to_o do_v unto_o all_o man_n as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o do_v unto_o we_o now_o whosoever_o shall_v believe_v and_o practice_v all_o these_o plain_a thing_n my_o soul_n for_o his_o he_o shall_v never_o miss_v of_o his_o salvation_n though_o he_o miss_v the_o understanding_n of_o a_o hundred_o place_n of_o scripture_n many_o whereof_o the_o most_o learned_a understand_v very_o little_o better_o though_o they_o can_v talk_v more_o of_o they_o when_o our_o saviour_n represent_v unto_o we_o the_o great_a judgement_n day_n mat._n xxv_o he_o do_v not_o call_v any_o to_o his_o right_a hand_n because_o they_o understand_v these_o and_o these_o dark_a place_n in_o scripture_n nor_o curse_v any_o on_o his_o left_a hand_n because_o they_o understand_v they_o not_o but_o the_o whole_a judgement_n depend_v on_o do_v or_o not_o do_v come_v you_o bless_v for_o you_o have_v feed_v the_o hungry_a clothe_v the_o naked_a etc._n etc._n and_o go_v you_o curse_v for_o you_o have_v not_o do_v so_o wherefore_o the_o question_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v good_a master_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o inherit_v eternal_a life_n and_o our_o saviour_n answer_n be_v this_o do_v and_o thou_o shall_v live_v and_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o though_o we_o understand_v all_o mystery_n yet_o this_o profit_v not_o without_o charity_n charity_n and_o the_o deed_n thereof_o with_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o so_o much_o of_o scripture_n as_o god_n enable_v we_o to_o understand_v will_v undoubted_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n right_a hand_n in_o that_o great_a day_n be_v but_o our_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o knowledge_n it_o
not_o to_o add_v any_o thing_n nor_o subtract_v from_o it_o under_o a_o severe_a penalty_n there_o declare_v wherefore_o we_o must_v take_v this_o text_n as_o it_o lie_v without_o any_o human_a addition_n and_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o contain_v nothing_o but_o the_o determination_n of_o matter_n of_o trespass_n between_o neighbour_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v the_o offender_n private_o admonish_v and_o if_o no_o amendment_n than_o appeal_v to_o the_o congregation_n in_o public_a not_o one_o word_n here_o concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o thus_o belove_v you_o see_v what_o a_o vain_a empty_a sound_n this_o great_a clamour_n be_v which_o the_o papist_n make_v of_o this_o text_n hear_v you_o the_o church_n and_o whoever_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n every_o part_n of_o it_o most_o gross_o mistake_v and_o wrest_v from_o the_o true_a meaning_n matter_n of_o fact_n such_o as_o trespass_n and_o injury_n wrest_v to_o matter_n of_o faith_n the_o word_n church_n wrest_v from_o the_o congregation_n to_o the_o clergy_n contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o scripture_n wherefore_o my_o belove_a you_o see_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o you_o to_o follow_v this_o counsel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o advise_v also_o with_o the_o more_o learned_a pastor_n of_o our_o church_n to_o arm_v you_o against_o these_o seduce_a teacher_n i_o hope_v this_o text_n be_v sufficient_o clear_v and_o so_o i_o pass_v unto_o another_o 1_o tim._n three_o 15._o there_o it_o be_v say_v the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n this_o scripture_n say_v the_o papist_n plain_o relate_v to_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o truth_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o ready_o grant_v it_o what_o then_o why_o then_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n for_o that_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n ergo_fw-la she_o can_v err_v this_o be_v another_o of_o their_o feign_a consequence_n far_o from_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text_n let_v we_o then_o peruse_v the_o text_n itself_o with_o the_o circumstance_n there_o set_v down_o as_o we_o do_v the_o former_a and_o you_o will_v not_o find_v any_o such_o thing_n here_o as_o the_o papist_n pretend_v that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o thou_o ought_v to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n first_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o thou_o ought_v to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n than_o to_o set_v the_o word_n house_n for_o the_o people_n the_o house_n of_o israel_n for_o the_o people_n hundred_o of_o time_n and_o so_o moses_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n heb._n iii._o 2._o that_o be_v among_o all_o his_o people_n and_o so_o 1_o pet._n two_o 5._o tell_v the_o christian_n that_o as_o live_a stone_n they_o be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n to_o god_n and_o again_o four_o 17._o if_o judgement_n begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n wherefore_o here_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n signify_v the_o household_n the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o place_n where_o a_o man_n dwell_v be_v common_o call_v his_o house_n and_o god_n be_v say_v to_o dwell_v among_o his_o people_n 2_o cor._n vi_o 16._o i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n therefore_o the_o people_n be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n next_o follow_v which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n that_o be_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o live_a god_n for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o i_o show_v you_o always_o in_o scripture_n signify_v the_o congregation_n now_o i_o pray_v you_o put_v this_o together_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o to_o behave_v thyself_o among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o last_o part_n of_o the_o verse_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v metaphorical_a and_o may_v be_v interpret_v several_a way_n according_a to_o several_a man_n apprehension_n but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o conceive_v all_o must_v grant_v that_o no_o metaphorical_a say_n can_v be_v a_o clear_a evident_a and_o general_a rule_n to_o explain_v and_o determine_v other_o sentence_n but_o rather_o in_o itself_o needs_o a_o exposition_n but_o however_o you_o take_v this_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o papist_n from_o hence_n can_v never_o have_v any_o proof_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o for_o s._n paul_n call_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o people_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o show_v you_o how_o little_a this_o text_n will_v serve_v their_o turn_n though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d never_o in_o scripture_n signify_v the_o clergy_n yet_o for_o their_o great_a conviction_n let_v it_o pass_v the_o clergy_n be_v here_o call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n what_o then_o why_o then_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n must_v be_v infallible_a hold_v there_o i_o beseech_v you_o why_o can_v truth_n be_v fallible_a no_o certain_o but_o the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n may_v fail_v the_o pillar_n may_v decay_v and_o go_v to_o ruin_v but_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n endure_v for_o ever_o 1_o pet._n i_o 23._o what_o then_o be_v mean_v by_o these_o word_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o will_v show_v you_o i_o suppose_v you_o have_v see_v pillar_n set_v up_o in_o high_a way_n at_o the_o meeting_n of_o several_a way_n together_o and_o inscription_n write_v on_o the_o several_a side_n of_o the_o pillar_n this_o way_n lead_v to_o such_o a_o place_n that_o way_n lead_v to_o that_o place_n some_o pillar_n have_v arm_n in_o they_o and_o hand_n point_v to_o the_o way_n the_o pillar_n be_v only_o that_o which_o bear_v the_o inscription_n it_o be_v the_o inscription_n that_o give_v you_o the_o true_a information_n which_o be_v the_o way_n now_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n iii._o 2._o speak_v of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o great_a advantage_n they_o have_v over_o other_o nation_n for_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o so_o st._n stephen_n act_v seven_o 38._o tell_v his_o brethren_n the_o jew_n that_o their_o father_n receive_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n to_o give_v unto_o we_o so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o christian_n to_o their_o great_a honour_n and_o advantage_n above_o all_o other_o people_n in_o the_o world_n to_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o give_v unto_o we_o as_o then_o of_o old_a the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v peculiar_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v then_o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o they_o bear_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o st._n paul_n now_o call_v the_o christian_n the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o they_o now_o bear_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n teach_v we_o the_o true_a and_o perfect_a way_n to_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n this_o my_o exposition_n be_v strong_o back_v and_o confirm_v by_o another_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v account_v by_o all_o man_n the_o best_a way_n of_o expound_v scripture_n rev._n i_o 20._o the_o seven_o church_n or_o congregation_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o you_o know_v candlestick_n give_v no_o light_n of_o themselves_o but_o only_o hold_v the_o candle_n which_o give_v the_o light_n so_o the_o church_n be_v to_o hold_v forth_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n they_o give_v the_o light_n they_o teach_v we_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n as_o in_o the_o former_a place_n the_o pillar_n bear_v and_o hold_v forth_o the_o inscription_n the_o oracle_n of_o god_n so_o here_o the_o candlestick_n hold_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n this_o teach_v we_o the_o way_n herein_o lie_v the_o infallible_a truth_n not_o in_o the_o church_n the_o congregation_n that_o consist_v of_o fallible_a man_n god_n word_n be_v truth_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n and_o
imprimatur_fw-la jan._n 20._o 1678._o guil._n jane_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc._n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la domesticis_fw-la the_o legacy_n of_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n herbert_n lord_n bishop_n of_o hereford_n to_o his_o diocese_n or_o a_o short_a determination_n of_o all_o controversy_n we_o have_v with_o the_o papist_n by_o god_n holy_a word_n john_n xvii_o 17._o thy_o word_n be_v truth_n london_n print_v for_o charles_n harper_n at_o the_o flower-de-luce_n over_o against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1679._o to_o all_o within_o my_o diocese_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o city_n of_o hereford_n dear_o belove_v in_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v now_o a_o year_n and_o half_a since_o in_o my_o cathedral_n i_o tell_v you_o my_o sad_a apprehension_n of_o popish_a design_n to_o destroy_v both_o we_o and_o our_o religion_n for_o though_o no_o particular_a discovery_n can_v then_o be_v make_v yet_o the_o discourse_n and_o act_n of_o several_a papist_n in_o these_o part_n do_v plain_o show_v they_o be_v then_o prepare_v that_o which_o be_v now_o discover_v for_o they_o be_v then_o provide_v horse_n and_o arm_n they_o post_v about_o day_n and_o night_n they_o threaten_v many_o that_o they_o must_v ere_o long_o turn_v or_o burn_v and_o some_o tell_v their_o friend_n that_o if_o it_o come_v to_o cut_v of_o throat_n they_o shall_v be_v save_v which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o not_o only_o they_o have_v some_o bloody_a design_n but_o think_v themselves_o also_o sure_o to_o effect_v it_o whereupon_o i_o beseech_v you_o to_o arm_v yourselves_o for_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o preach_v a_o sermon_n to_o that_o effect_n and_o afterward_o the_o better_a to_o strengthen_v you_o against_o the_o incursion_n of_o popish_a superstitious_a doctrine_n i_o preach_v several_a sermon_n how_o you_o be_v to_o stick_v close_o to_o the_o scripture_n god_n holy_a word_n which_o be_v our_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o pastor_n you_o may_v have_v after_o my_o death_n whether_o a_o protestant_a pastor_n not_o well_o verse_v in_o such_o matter_n or_o a_o popish_a pastor_n whole_o devote_v to_o they_o i_o resolve_v at_o my_o decease_n to_o leave_v you_o these_o sermon_n as_o a_o legacy_n for_o my_o great_a age_n of_o seventy_o five_o year_n past_o assure_v i_o according_a to_o 2._o pet._n 1._o 14_o 15._o that_o short_o i_o must_v put_v off_o this_o my_o tabernacle_n i_o will_v endeavour_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a after_o my_o decease_n to_o have_v these_o thing_n always_o in_o remembrance_n but_o now_o i_o have_v a_o new_a and_o far_a reason_n to_o hasten_v this_o my_o legacy_n to_o you_o because_o i_o hear_v my_o bloody_a enemy_n the_o jesuitical_a priest_n be_v resolve_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v find_v opportunity_n to_o hasten_v my_o death_n this_o have_v make_v i_o speed_v these_o sermon_n to_o the_o press_n lest_o i_o and_o they_o fall_v into_o their_o hand_n who_o will_v give_v the_o same_o speedy_a end_n to_o both_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o now_o deliver_v to_o you_o i_o trust_v by_o god_n assist_v grace_n to_o seal_v with_o my_o blood_n if_o he_o call_v i_o to_o it_o for_o than_o i_o know_v he_o will_v enable_v i_o for_o it_o and_o though_o i_o be_o a_o weak_a carnal_a worm_n of_o myself_o not_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n yet_o by_o god_n powerful_a grace_n i_o may_v and_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o and_o therefore_o i_o most_o humble_o and_o most_o ready_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o my_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o well_o do_v as_o unto_o a_o faithful_a creator_n his_o will_v be_v do_v amen_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n there_o be_v so_o many_o book_n of_o our_o controversy_n with_o the_o papist_n both_o learn_v and_o unlearned_a already_o print_v this_o may_v seem_v both_o useless_a and_o vain_a yet_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v prove_v otherwise_o because_o i_o humble_o conceive_v you_o may_v find_v some_o useful_a thing_n here_o not_o utter_v before_o and_o if_o but_o one_o yet_o consider_v the_o great_a concern_v of_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n our_o right_a faith_n and_o our_o salvation_n thereon_o depend_v no_o conscientious_a man_n will_v repent_v the_o spend_v five_o or_o six_o hour_n time_n in_o that_o short_a space_n the_o whole_a may_v be_v peruse_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v more_o hour_n be_v not_o spend_v in_o thing_n as_o useless_a sometime_o even_o by_o good_a and_o learned_a man_n but_o put_v the_o case_n there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a thing_n here_o but_o what_o have_v former_o be_v better_a set_v forth_o yet_o this_o little_a book_n may_v be_v useful_a experience_n show_v man_n to_o be_v so_o affect_v with_o novelty_n as_o soon_o to_o grow_v weary_a of_o the_o best_a thing_n and_o for_o variety_n take_v up_o worse_a and_o so_o this_o mean_a discourse_n may_v have_v better_a effect_n by_o be_v new_a and_o if_o i_o may_v any_o way_n contribute_v to_o the_o establish_v my_o diocese_n and_o other_o in_o the_o true_a primitive_a catholic_n religion_n i_o shall_v not_o repent_v my_o labour_n though_o you_o do_v you_o consider_v with_o myself_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n be_v illiterate_a and_o can_v reap_v but_o little_a benefit_n by_o learned_a treatise_n and_o of_o the_o more_o literate_a some_o not_o so_o zealous_a in_o religion_n as_o willing_o to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n i_o resolve_v on_o such_o a_o plain_a and_o compendious_a way_n as_o may_v satisfy_v and_o settle_v the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n not_o trouble_v their_o head_n with_o many_o or_o scarce_o any_o quotation_n out_o of_o several_a author_n which_o pardon_v i_o if_o i_o say_v can_v be_v useful_a but_o to_o very_a few_o man_n for_o such_o small_a scantling_n as_o be_v there_o set_v down_o can_v give_v little_a or_o no_o assurance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o author_n we_o see_v that_o christian_a writer_n take_v here_o and_o there_o piece_n of_o heathen_a virgil_n make_v he_o speak_v christianity_n so_o take_v small_a parcel_n of_o any_o orthodox_n father_n you_o may_v make_v he_o speak_v popery_n wherefore_o such_o short_a quotation_n can_v serve_v only_o as_o index_n to_o guide_v man_n to_o the_o tract_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v take_v and_o before_o you_o can_v have_v the_o clear_a meaning_n of_o the_o author_n you_o must_v observe_v the_o main_a business_n in_o hand_n and_o the_o scope_n he_o drive_v at_o you_o must_v also_o know_v his_o usual_a way_n of_o expression_n whether_o allegorical_a or_o plain_a literal_a rhetorical_a or_o concise_a with_o several_a other_o circumstance_n and_o it_o will_v be_v often_o necessary_a to_o compare_v one_o place_n with_o another_o of_o the_o same_o author_n all_o which_o not_o one_o man_n of_o a_o thousand_o have_v ability_n leisure_n and_o will_n to_o perform_v and_o he_o that_o have_v and_o do_v so_o yet_o after_o all_o his_o labour_n he_o have_v but_o human_a assurance_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o his_o salvation_n which_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o bank_n of_o sand_n to_o build_v his_o eternal_a ill_n or_o welfare_n on_o which_o sure_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v do_v but_o only_o on_o that_o rock_n christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o holy_a gospel_n hold_v fast_o to_o that_o and_o be_v sure_a to_o observe_v our_o saviour_n way_n of_o encounter_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o delude_a minister_n with_o a_o scriptum_n est_fw-la thus_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v write_v you_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o drive_v they_o away_o and_o overcome_v they_o but_o if_o you_o once_o quit_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o hearken_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n your_o unstable_a heart_n like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n will_v be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o diversity_n of_o doctrine_n for_o you_o will_v find_v one_o father_n say_v this_o another_o that_o yea_o the_o same_o father_n say_v diverse_o in_o divers_a place_n st._n austin_n write_v a_o whole_a tract_n of_o recantation_n with_o great_a piety_n and_o ingenuity_n acknowledge_v his_o former_a error_n have_v he_o die_v before_o he_o write_v those_o recantation_n than_o all_o those_o error_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o papist_n have_v pass_v with_o great_a authority_n for_o truth_n i_o hearty_o wish_v the_o other_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v serious_o review_v in_o their_o ripe_a age_n what_o they_o write_v in_o their_o youth_n as_o st._n austin_n do_v doubtless_o some_o of_o they_o will_v have_v find_v thing_n to_o recant_v as_o well_o as_o he_o whoever_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o see_v more_o of_o this_o let_v he_o read_v daillee_fw-mi of_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o
send_v they_o the_o light_n of_o his_o holy_a gospel_n to_o shine_v among_o they_o amen_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o text_n christ_n command_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o second_o part_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o command_n for_o in_o they_o you_o have_v eternal_a life_n a_o most_o weighty_a reason_n there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a than_o the_o gain_n of_o eternal_a life_n we_o all_o find_v by_o experience_n in_o ourselves_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o say_n job_n two_o 4._o skin_n for_o skin_n yea_o all_o that_o a_o man_n have_v will_v he_o give_v for_o his_o life_n for_o which_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n according_a to_o nature_n for_o all_o that_o a_o man_n have_v afford_v he_o no_o content_n or_o comfort_n in_o death_n which_o take_v away_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o thing_n if_o therefore_o life_n be_v so_o dear_a unto_o we_o because_o it_o give_v we_o a_o capacity_n to_o enjoy_v these_o poor_a earthly_a delight_n that_o have_v so_o great_a and_o drossy_a a_o alloy_n of_o intermingle_v care_n and_o trouble_n which_o always_o attend_v they_o or_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o enjoy_v they_o with_o more_o ease_n and_o tranquillity_n yet_o be_v they_o but_o momentary_a sure_o then_o eternal_a life_n which_o always_o bring_v with_o it_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o heavenly_a pleasure_n free_a from_o all_o solicitous_a care_n and_o fear_n and_o full_a of_o all_o imaginable_a delight_n yea_o far_o beyond_o all_o that_o our_o narrow_a brain_n can_v now_o imagine_v for_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o this_o unconceivable_a delight_n be_v to_o continue_v beyond_o methusalem_n age_n or_o the_o age_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o have_v a_o eternal_a duration_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o i_o pray_v you_o then_o consider_v at_o how_o high_a a_o value_n we_o shall_v esteem_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o attain_v such_o a_o excessive_a weight_n of_o glory_n for_o the_o present_a then_o my_o business_n must_v be_v to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v in_o they_o complete_o without_o any_o additional_a requisite_a the_o mean_n to_o attain_v eternal_a life_n and_o then_o doubtless_o there_o will_v need_v small_a exhortation_n to_o move_v you_o to_o put_v a_o high_a value_n on_o they_o let_v we_o then_o fall_v immediate_o on_o this_o business_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n though_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v out_o this_o matter_n absolute_o clear_a unto_o you_o yet_o i_o fear_v some_o weak_a person_n may_v stagger_v a_o little_a at_o one_o word_n in_o my_o text_n and_o may_v erroneous_o fancy_v that_o it_o give_v great_a cause_n of_o doubt_n and_o that_o be_v the_o word_n think_v you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n our_o saviour_n do_v direct_o say_v that_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v eternal_a life_n but_o only_o tell_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o think_v they_o have_v in_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o perchance_o they_o think_v amiss_o who_o can_v tell_v who_o can_v tell_v certain_o he_o can_v tell_v who_o give_v they_o this_o counsel_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n which_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a he_o will_v never_o have_v do_v do_v not_o the_o scripture_n contain_v in_o they_o eternal_a life_n if_o not_o it_o have_v be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o it_o and_o our_o saviour_n advice_n have_v be_v vain_a which_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v say_v or_o think_v wherefore_o we_o may_v assure_o conclude_v that_o our_o saviour_n who_o advise_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n he_o both_o can_v tell_v and_o will_v have_v tell_v they_o have_v they_o think_v amiss_o for_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n for_o this_o very_a end_n namely_o to_o teach_v they_o and_o we_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o therefore_o say_v of_o himself_o i_o be_o the_o way_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n i_o come_v to_o teach_v this_o unto_o you_o and_o all_o the_o world_n and_o as_o st._n paul_n declare_v act_v xiii_o he_o come_v to_o teach_v first_o the_o jew_n verse_n 26._o to_o you_o be_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n send_v and_o again_o verse_n 46._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v first_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o you_o and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o preach_v only_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o their_o sight_n he_o wrought_v all_o his_o miracle_n all_o which_o make_v it_o most_o evident_a that_o he_o use_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o inform_v they_o aright_o in_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n who_o then_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v mistake_v in_o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o scripture_n our_o saviour_n will_v most_o ready_o have_v correct_v their_o error_n so_o that_o this_o manner_n of_o speak_v in_o our_o saviour_n in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n be_v far_o from_o intimate_v any_o doubt_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v a_o way_n of_o argue_v which_o the_o schoolman_n call_v argumentum_fw-la ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la which_o be_v the_o short_a and_o plain_a way_n to_o confute_v another_o you_o think_v you_o yourselves_o confess_v that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v eternal_a life_n in_o they_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n you_o can_v deny_v and_o our_o saviour_n luk._n x._o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o full_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v his_o sense_n likewise_o where_o be_v ask_v by_o a_o lawyer_n of_o the_o jew_n master_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o inherit_v eternal_a life_n he_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n how_o read_v thou_o and_o he_o answer_v say_v thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n and_o thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o thou_o have_v answer_v right_o this_o do_v and_o thou_o shall_v live_v here_o you_o see_v our_o saviour_n direct_v he_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o look_v into_o the_o law_n and_o when_o the_o lawyer_n have_v declare_v what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n our_o saviour_n present_o conclude_v this_o do_v and_o thou_o shall_v live_v thou_o have_v no_o need_n to_o be_v instruct_v far_o the_o law_n full_o declare_v what_o thou_o be_v to_o do_v for_o the_o gain_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o evangelist_n st._n john_n who_o write_v my_o text_n tell_v we_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o his_o gospel_n that_o he_o omit_v to_o write_v many_o thing_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o these_o be_v write_v that_o we_o may_v believe_v and_o believe_v that_o we_o may_v have_v life_n now_o if_o we_o can_v have_v life_n by_o believe_v these_o thing_n it_o follow_v most_o evident_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o believe_v other_o thing_n if_o you_o answer_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o other_o thing_n may_v prove_v great_a help_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o who_o will_v not_o be_v glad_a to_o have_v all_o the_o help_v he_o can_v to_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o other_o thing_n may_v prove_v hindrance_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v and_o not_o help_n be_v it_o not_o than_o most_o desperate_a folly_n for_o i_o to_o venture_v upon_o other_o thing_n which_o may_v prove_v hindrance_n to_o my_o salvation_n when_o god_n tell_v i_o that_o he_o have_v reveal_v unto_o i_o by_o his_o holy_a prophet_n apostle_n and_o by_o his_o own_o son_n all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v not_o this_o the_o business_n for_o which_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n he_o leave_v his_o apostle_n to_o finish_v the_o work_n he_o have_v begin_v promise_v they_o that_o he_o will_v send_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o truth_n so_o they_o faithful_o deliver_v it_o to_o other_o for_o so_o st._n paul_n act_v xx_o assure_v the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n who_o he_o send_v for_o to_o miletus_n that_o he_o have_v declare_v unto_o they_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o keep_v back_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v profitable_a to_o they_o vers_n 20._o mark_v i_o beseech_v you_o he_o declare_v not_o only_o necessary_a thing_n but_o all_o thing_n profitable_a all_o keep_v nothing_o