Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
truth_n	word_n	write_v	writing_n	735	4	9.0744	5	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A75017	The lively oracles given to us. Or the Christians birth-right and duty, in the custody and use of the Holy Scripture. By the author of the Whole duty of man, &c.	Allestree, Richard, 1619-1681.; Pakington, Dorothy Coventry, Lady, d. 1679, attributed name.; Sterne, Richard, 1596?-1683, attributed name.; Fell, John, 1625-1686, attributed name.; Henchman, Humphrey, 1592-1675, attributed name.; Burghers, M., engraver.	1678 (1678)	Wing A1151B; ESTC R3556	108,574	250

man_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v so_o the_o relation_n grow_v as_o monstrous_a as_o such_o a_o heap_n of_o incoherent_a fancy_n can_v make_v it_o 20._o if_o to_o this_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o happen_v only_o in_o trivial_a secular_a matter_n but_o that_o in_o the_o weighty_a concern_v of_o religion_n mankind_n be_v certain_o more_o serious_a and_o sincere_a i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o they_o be_v since_o it_o be_v obvious_a in_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n be_v postpone_v to_o every_o little_a worldly_a concern_v and_o therefore_o when_o a_o temporal_a advantage_n require_v the_o bend_n and_o warp_a of_o religion_n there_o will_v never_o be_v want_v some_o that_o will_v attemt_fw-mi it_o 21._o beside_o there_o be_v still_o leave_v in_o human_a nature_n so_o much_o of_o the_o venom_n of_o the_o serpent_n first_o temptation_n that_o though_o man_n can_v be_v as_o god_n yet_o they_o love_v to_o be_v prescribe_v to_o he_o and_o to_o be_v their_o own_o assessor_n as_o to_o that_o worship_n and_o homage_n they_o be_v to_o pay_v he_o 22._o but_o above_o all_o it_o be_v considerable_a that_o in_o this_o case_n satan_n have_v a_o more_o peculiar_a concern_v and_o can_v serve_v himself_o more_o by_o a_o falsification_n here_o then_o in_o temporal_a affair_n for_o if_o he_o can_v but_o corrupt_a religion_n it_o cease_v to_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o become_v one_o of_o his_o most_o useful_a engine_n as_o sufficient_o appear_v in_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n we_o have_v therefore_o no_o cause_n to_o think_v this_o a_o exempt_a case_n but_o to_o presume_v it_o may_v be_v influence_v by_o the_o same_o pravity_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o prevail_v in_o other_o and_o consequent_o be_v oblige_v to_o bless_v god_n that_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v our_o spiritual_a concern_v to_o such_o hazard_n but_o have_v lodge_v they_o in_o a_o more_o secure_a repository_n the_o write_a word_n 23._o but_o i_o foresee_v it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o whilst_o i_o thus_o disparage_v tradition_n i_o do_v virtual_o invalidate_v the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o come_v to_o we_o upon_o its_o credit_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o since_o god_n have_v with-drawn_a immediate_a revelation_n from_o the_o world_n tradition_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o first_o notice_n that_o this_o book_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n he_o afford_v we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o depend_v on_o his_o goodness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v that_o to_o be_v evacuate_v to_o we_o and_o that_o how_o liable_a soever_o tradition_n may_v be_v to_o err_v yet_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o actual_o err_v in_o this_o particular_a 24._o but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o tradition_n seem_v not_o so_o liable_a to_o falsification_n as_o other_o it_o be_v so_o very_o short_a and_o simple_a a_o proposition_n such_o and_o such_o write_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a room_n for_o sophistry_n or_o mistake_n to_o pervert_v the_o sense_n the_o only_a possible_a deception_n must_v be_v to_o change_v the_o subject_n and_o obtrude_v supposititious_a write_n in_o room_n of_o the_o true_a under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o this_o have_v already_o appear_v to_o be_v unpracticable_a because_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n which_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o world_n by_o which_o such_o a_o attemt_a will_v soon_o have_v be_v detect_v there_o appear_v more_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o more_o necessity_n to_o rely_v upon_o tradition_n in_o this_o then_o in_o most_o other_o particular_n 25._o neither_o yet_o do_v i_o so_o far_o decry_v oral_a tradition_n in_o any_o as_o to_o conclude_v it_o impossible_a it_o shall_v derive_v any_o truth_n to_o posterity_n i_o only_o look_v on_o it_o as_o more_o casual_a and_o consequent_o a_o less_o fit_a conveyance_n of_o the_o most_o important_a and_o necessary_a verity_n than_o the_o write_v word_n in_o which_o i_o conceive_v myself_o justify_v by_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n who_o use_n to_o commit_v those_o thing_n to_o writing_n which_o they_o be_v most_o solicitous_a to_o derive_v to_o posterity_n do_v any_o nation_n trust_v their_o fundamental_a law_n only_o to_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o take_v no_o other_o course_n to_o transmit_v they_o to_o the_o future_a do_v any_o man_n purchase_v a_o estate_n and_o leave_v no_o way_n for_o his_o child_n to_o lay_v claim_n to_o it_o but_o the_o tradition_n the_o present_a witness_n shall_v leave_v of_o it_o nay_o do_v any_o consider_a man_n ordinary_o make_v any_o important_a pact_n or_o bargain_n though_o without_o relation_n to_o posterity_n without_o put_v the_o article_n in_o writing_n and_o whence_o be_v all_o this_o caution_n but_o from_o a_o universal_a consent_n that_o writing_n be_v the_o sure_a way_n of_o transmit_v 26._o but_o we_o have_v yet_o a_o high_a appeal_n in_o this_o matter_n then_o to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o man_n god_n himself_o seem_v to_o have_v determine_v it_o and_o what_o his_o decision_n be_v it_o be_v our_o next_o business_n to_o inquire_v 27._o and_o first_o he_o have_v give_v the_o most_o real_a and_o comprehensive_a attestation_n to_o this_o way_n of_o writing_n by_o have_v himself_o choose_v it_o for_o he_o be_v too_o wise_a to_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o estimate_n of_o better_a and_o worse_o and_o too_o kind_a to_o choose_v the_o worst_a for_o we_o and_o yet_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o writing_n and_o have_v sum_v up_o all_o the_o eternal_a concern_v of_o mankind_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o leave_v those_o sacred_a record_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v both_o inform_v and_o govern_v which_o if_o oral_a tradition_n will_v infallible_o have_v do_v have_v be_v utter_o needless_a and_o god_n sure_o be_v not_o so_o prodigal_a of_o his_o spirit_n as_o to_o inspire_v the_o autor_n of_o scripture_n to_o write_v that_o who_o use_n be_v supersede_v by_o a_o former_a more_o certain_a expedient_a 28._o nay_o under_o the_o mosaic_a oeconomy_n when_o he_o make_v use_v of_o other_o way_n of_o revel_v himself_o yet_o to_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n even_o of_o those_o revelation_n he_o choose_v to_o have_v they_o write_v at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n god_n speak_v then_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-mi and_o with_o that_o pomp_n of_o dreadful_a solemnity_n as_o certain_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o deep_a impression_n yet_o god_n foresee_v that_o through_o every_o succeed_a age_n that_o stamp_n will_v grow_v more_o dim_a and_o in_o a_o long_a revolution_n may_v at_o last_o be_v extinct_a and_o therefore_o how_o warm_a soever_o the_o israelite_n apprehension_n then_o be_v he_o will_v not_o trust_v to_o they_o for_o the_o perpetuate_a his_o law_n but_o commit_v it_o to_o writing_n ex._n 31.18_o nay_o write_v it_o twice_o himself_o 29._o yet_o far_o even_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n though_o not_o intend_v to_o be_v of_o perpetual_a obligation_n be_v not_o yet_o refer_v to_o the_o traditionary_a way_n but_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n and_o deposit_v with_o the_o priest_n deut._n 31.9_o and_o after-event_n show_v this_o be_v no_o needless_a caution_n for_o when_o under_o manasses_n idolatry_n have_v prevail_v in_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v not_o by_o any_o dormant_a tradition_n but_o by_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n find_v in_o the_o temple_n that_o josiah_n be_v both_o excite_a to_o reform_v religion_n and_o instruct_v how_o to_o do_v it_o 2._o king_n 22.10_o and_o have_v not_o that_o or_o some_o other_o copy_n be_v produce_v they_o have_v be_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o the_o particular_n of_o their_o reformation_n which_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v convey_v by_o tradition_n appear_v by_o the_o sudden_a startle_v of_o the_o king_n upon_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v have_v he_o be_v before_o possess_v with_o the_o content_n of_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o find_v in_o nehemiah_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n be_v recover_v by_o consult_v the_o law_n the_o tradition_n whereof_o be_v whole_o wear_v out_o or_o else_o it_o have_v sure_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o can_v for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n have_v be_v intermit_v neh._n 8.18_o and_o yet_o man_n memory_n be_v common_o more_o retentive_a of_o a_o external_a visible_a rite_n than_o they_o be_v of_o speculative_a proposition_n or_o moral_a precept_n 30._o these_o instance_n show_v how_o fallible_a a_o expedient_a mere_a oral_a tradition_n be_v for_o transmission_n to_o posterity_n but_o admit_v no_o such_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v it_o be_v argument_n enough_o that_o

i_o confess_v vain_a for_o man_n to_o address_v nay_o it_o be_v insolence_n to_o expect_v that_o human_a oratory_n shall_v succeed_v where_o the_o divine_a fail_n yet_o the_o spread_a infection_n of_o these_o render_v it_o necessary_a to_o administer_v antidote_n to_o other_o and_o beside_o though_o god_n be_v blessed_v all_o be_v not_o of_o this_o form_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o who_o though_o not_o arrive_v to_o this_o contemt_a yet_o want_v some_o degree_n of_o that_o just_a reverence_n they_o owe_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n who_o give_v a_o confuse_a general_a assent_n to_o they_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o afford_v they_o not_o a_o consideration_n and_o respect_n answerable_a to_o such_o a_o acknowledgement_n to_o such_o as_o these_o i_o shall_v hope_v it_o may_v not_o be_v utter_o vain_a to_o attemt_a the_o exciting_a of_o those_o drowsy_a notion_n that_o lie_v unactive_a in_o they_o by_o present_v to_o they_o some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o excellence_n and_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v all_o but_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o that_o principle_n they_o be_v suppose_v to_o own_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v god_n word_n i_o can_v much_o question_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o speculative_a part_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v as_o probable_o assure_v myself_o of_o the_o practic_a 10._o indeed_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o be_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o holy_a writ_n but_o that_o it_o be_v god_n word_n that_o be_v enough_o to_o command_v the_o most_o awful_a regard_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o just_a we_o make_v that_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a consideration_n in_o our_o present_a discourse_n but_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o that_o can_v want_v other_o to_o attend_v it_o since_o whatsoever_o god_n say_v be_v in_o all_o respect_v complete_o good_a i_o shall_v therefore_o to_o that_o of_o its_o divine_a original_n add_v second_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o subject_a matter_n three_o of_o its_o excellent_a and_o no_o less_o diffusive_a end_n and_o design_n and_o four_a of_o its_o exact_a propriety_n and_o fitness_n to_o that_o design_n which_o be_v all_o such_o qualification_n that_o where_o they_o concur_v nothing_o more_o can_v be_v require_v to_o commend_v a_o writing_n to_o the_o esteem_n of_o rational_a man_n and_o upon_o all_o these_o test_n notwithstanding_o the_o cavil_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o other_o who_o force_n we_o shall_v examine_v with_o the_o unhappy_a issue_n of_o contrary_a counsel_n this_o law_n of_o god_n will_v be_v find_v to_o answer_v the_o psalmist_n character_n of_o it_o ps_n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a and_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o custody_n and_o use_n thereof_o be_v the_o birthright_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a all_o which_o several_n be_v faithful_o deduce_v it_o will_v only_o remain_v that_o i_o add_v such_o caution_n as_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a duty_n and_o our_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n render_v perfect_a as_o this_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o author_n thereof_o himself_o be_v perfect_a mat._n 5.48_o sect_n ii_o the_o divine_a original_a endearment_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n man_n judgement_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v biased_n by_o their_o affection_n that_o we_o often_o find_v they_o ready_a to_o consider_v who_o speak_v than_o what_o be_v speak_v a_o temper_n very_o unsafe_a and_o the_o principle_n of_o great_a injustice_n in_o our_o inferior_a transaction_n with_o man_n yet_o here_o there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o we_o that_o can_v whole_o divest_v ourselves_o of_o it_o whereas_o when_o we_o deal_v with_o god_n in_o who_o alone_o a_o implicit_a faith_n may_v secure_o be_v repose_v we_o be_v nice_a and_o wary_a bring_v our_o scale_n and_o mesure_n will_v take_v nothing_o upon_o his_o word_n which_o hold_v not_o weight_n in_o our_o own_o balance_n it_o be_v true_a he_o need_v not_o our_o partiality_n to_o be_v justify_v in_o his_o say_n psal_n 51.4_o his_o word_n be_v pure_a even_o as_o the_o silver_n try_v seven_o time_n in_o the_o fire_n psal_n 12.6_o able_a to_o pass_v the_o strict_a test_n that_o right_a reason_n true_o so_o call_v can_v put_v they_o to_o yet_o it_o show_v a_o great_a perverseness_n in_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o who_o so_o easy_o resign_v our_o understanding_n to_o fallible_a man_n stand_v thus_o upon_o our_o guard_n against_o god_n make_v he_o dispute_v for_o every_o inch_n he_o gain_v on_o we_o nor_o will_v afford_v he_o what_o we_o daily_o grant_v to_o any_o credible_a man_n to_o receive_v a_o affirmation_n upon_o trust_n of_o his_o veracity_n 2._o i_o be_o far_o from_o contradict_v our_o savior_n precept_n of_o search_n the_o scripture_n jo._n 7._o or_o saint_n paul_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n 1_o thes_n 5.21_o we_o can_v be_v too_o industrious_a in_o our_o inquest_n after_o truth_n provide_v we_o still_o reserve_v to_o god_n the_o decisive_a vote_n and_o humble_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o sense_n how_o distant_a soever_o from_o our_o own_o so_o that_o when_o we_o consult_v scripture_n i_o may_v add_v reason_n either_o it_o be_v not_o to_o resolve_v we_o whether_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o no_o in_o what_o he_o have_v say_v but_o whether_o he_o have_v say_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o be_v convince_v he_o have_v reason_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n command_v our_o assent_n 3._o whatever_o therefore_o god_n have_v say_v we_o be_v to_o pay_v it_o a_o reverence_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o author_n over_o and_o above_o what_o the_o excellence_n of_o the_o matter_n exact_v and_o to_o this_o we_o have_v all_o inducement_n as_o well_o as_o obligation_n there_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o render_v the_o word_n of_o man_n estimable_a to_o we_o which_o be_v not_o eminent_o and_o transcendent_o appliable_a to_o those_o of_o god_n 4._o those_o motive_n we_o may_v reduce_v to_o four_o first_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n second_o his_o kindness_n three_o his_o wisdom_n and_o four_a his_o truth_n first_o for_o that_o of_o authority_n that_o may_v be_v either_o native_a or_o acquire_v the_o native_a be_v that_o of_o a_o parent_n which_o be_v such_o a_o charm_n of_o observance_n that_o we_o see_v solomon_n when_o he_o will_v impress_v his_o counsel_n assume_v the_o person_n of_o a_o father_n hear_v o_o my_o child_n the_o instruction_n of_o a_o father_n prov._n 4.1_o and_o general_o through_o that_o whole_a book_n he_o use_v the_o compellation_n of_o my_o son_n as_o the_o great_a endearment_n to_o engage_v attention_n and_o reverence_n nay_o so_o indispensible_a be_v the_o obligation_n of_o child_n in_o this_o respect_n that_o we_o see_v the_o contumacious_a child_n that_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o parent_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o adjudge_v to_o death_n deut._n 21.20_o 5._o nor_o have_v only_a god_n but_o man_n law_n exact_v that_o filial_a reverence_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o parent_n but_o certain_o no_o parent_n can_v pretend_v such_o a_o title_n to_o it_o as_o god_n who_o be_v not_o only_o the_o immediate_a father_n of_o our_o person_n but_o the_o original_a father_n of_o our_o very_a nature_n not_o only_o of_o our_o flesh_n but_o of_o our_o spirit_n also_o heb._n 12.9_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n antithesis_fw-la in_o that_o place_n be_v as_o proper_o apply_v to_o counsel_n as_o correction_n and_o we_o may_v as_o right_o infer_v that_o if_o we_o give_v reverence_n to_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o earthly_a parent_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o this_o father_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v the_o very_a same_o reason_n wherewith_o to_o enforce_v it_o for_o the_o father_n of_o our_o flesh_n do_v as_o often_o dictate_v as_o correct_v according_a to_o their_o own_o pleasure_n prescribe_v to_o their_o child_n not_o according_a to_o the_o exact_a mesure_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n but_o after_o that_o humour_n which_o most_o predominate_v in_o themselves_o but_o god_n always_o direct_v his_o admonition_n to_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n heb._n 12.11_o so_o that_o we_o be_v as_o unkind_a to_o ourselves_o as_o irreverent_a towards_o he_o whenever_o we_o let_v any_o of_o his_o word_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n who_o claim_n to_o this_o part_n of_o our_o reverence_n be_v much_o more_o irrefragable_a than_o that_o of_o our_o natural_a parent_n 6._o but_o beside_o this_o native_a authority_n there_o be_v also_o a_o acquire_v and_o that_o we_o may_v distinguish_v into_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o of_o dominion_n the_o other_o of_o reputation_n to_o the_o first_o kind_n belong_v that_o of_o prince_n magistrate_n master_n or_o any_o that_o have_v coercive_a power_n over_o we_o and_o our_o own_o interest_n teach_v we_o not_o to_o

not_o according_a to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isaiah_n 8.20_o so_o that_o the_o veneration_n which_o they_o have_v before_o acquire_v be_v still_o anew_o excite_v by_o fresh_a inspiration_n which_o both_o attest_v the_o old_a and_o become_v new_a part_n of_o their_o canon_n 27._o nor_o can_v it_o be_v esteem_v a_o small_a confirmation_n to_o the_o scripture_n to_o find_v in_o succeed_a age_n the_o signal_n accomplishment_n of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o be_v long_o before_o register_v in_o those_o book_n for_o nothing_o less_o than_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n can_v foretell_v and_o also_o verify_v they_o upon_o these_o ground_n the_o jew_n universal_o through_o all_o succession_n receive_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o divine_a oracle_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o great_a trust_n that_o can_v be_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o according_o be_v so_o scrupulous_o vigilant_a in_o conserve_n they_o that_o their_o masorit_n number_v not_o only_o the_o section_n but_o the_o very_a word_n nay_o letter_n that_o no_o fraud_n or_o inadvertency_n may_v corrupt_v or_o defalk_v the_o least_o iota_fw-la of_o what_o they_o esteem_v so_o sacred_a a_o far_a testimony_n and_o sepiment_n to_o which_o be_v the_o samaritan_n chaldee_n and_o greek_a version_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o synagogs_n of_o jew_n in_o their_o dispersion_n and_o the_o samaritan_n at_o sichem_n can_v not_o at_o those_o distance_n receive_v a_o uniform_a alteration_n and_o any_o other_o will_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o original_a exemplar_n of_o the_o law_n be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n that_o the_o prince_n be_v to_o have_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o always_o by_o he_o and_o transcribe_v it_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o every_o jew_n be_v to_o make_v it_o his_o constant_a discourse_n and_o meditation_n teach_v it_o his_o child_n and_o wear_v part_n of_o it_o upon_o his_o hand_n and_o forehead_n and_o now_o sure_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imagine_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v more_o careful_o deduce_v or_o irrefragable_o testify_v nor_o any_o thing_n believe_v upon_o strong_a evidence_n 28._o that_o all_o this_o be_v true_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o do_v thus_o own_o these_o write_n as_o divine_a appear_v not_o only_o by_o the_o record_n of_o past_a age_n but_o by_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o present_a who_o still_o own_v they_o and_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o combination_n with_o the_o christian_n and_o if_o these_o be_v reasonable_a ground_n of_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n as_o he_o must_v be_v most_o absurd_o sceptical_a that_o shall_v deny_v they_o must_v be_v so_o to_o we_o christian_n also_o who_o derive_v they_o from_o they_o and_o that_o with_o this_o far_a advantage_n to_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o see_v the_o clear_a completion_n of_o those_o evangelical_n prophecy_n which_o remain_v dark_a to_o they_o and_o consequent_o have_v a_o far_a argument_n to_o confirm_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v certain_o divine_a 29._o the_o new_a have_v also_o the_o like_a mean_n of_o probation_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v if_o true_o relate_v be_v acknowlege_v no_o less_o divine_a than_o what_o they_o oral_o deliver_v so_o that_o they_o who_o doubt_v its_o be_v divine_a must_v either_o deny_v what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o be_v so_o or_o else_o distrust_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o relation_n the_o former_a strike_v at_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n which_o if_o only_o of_o man_n must_v not_o only_o be_v fallible_a but_o be_v actual_o a_o deceit_n whilst_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o to_o such_o objector_n we_o have_v to_o oppose_v those_o stupendous_a miracle_n with_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v attest_v such_o as_o demonstrate_v a_o more_o than_o human_a efficacy_n and_o that_o god_n shall_v lend_v his_o omnipotence_n to_o abet_v the_o false_a pretension_n of_o man_n be_v a_o conceit_n too_o unworthy_a even_o for_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n to_o entertain_v 30._o it_o be_v true_a there_o have_v be_v by_o god_n permit_v lie_v miracle_n as_o well_o as_o true_a one_o have_v be_v do_v by_o he_o such_o as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o magician_n in_o egypt_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o of_o moses_n but_o then_o the_o difference_n between_o both_o be_v so_o conspicuous_a that_o he_o must_v be_v more_o partial_a and_o disingenuous_a then_o even_o those_o magician_n be_v who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o disparity_n and_o confess_v in_o those_o which_o be_v true_o supernatural_a the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n 8.19_o therefore_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v predict_v that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o do_v sign_n and_o wonder_n deut._n 13.1_o mat._n 24.11.24_o as_o a_o trial_n of_o their_o fidelity_n who_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o will_v prefer_v the_o few_o and_o trivial_a sleight_n which_o recommend_v a_o deceiver_n before_o those_o great_a and_o numberless_a miracle_n which_o attest_v the_o sacred_a oracle_n deliver_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n whether_o the_o trick_n of_o a_o barchochebas_n to_o hold_v fire_n in_o his_o mouth_n that_o of_o marcus_n the_o heretic_n to_o make_v the_o wine_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n appear_v blood_n or_o that_o of_o mahomet_n to_o bring_v a_o pigeon_n to_o his_o ear_n aught_o to_o be_v put_v in_o balance_n against_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o the_o silly_a story_n which_o jamblichus_n solemn_o relate_v of_o pythagoras_n or_o those_o philostratus_n tell_v of_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n deserve_v to_o rival_n those_o of_o the_o evangelist_n it_o be_v a_o most_o just_a judgement_n and_o according_o threaten_v by_o almighty_a god_n that_o they_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n 2_o thes_n 2.11_o but_o still_o the_o almighty_a where_o any_o man_n or_o devil_n do_v proud_o be_v evident_o above_o he_o exod._n 18.11_o will_v be_v justify_v in_o his_o say_n and_o be_v clear_a when_o he_o be_v judge_v rom._n 3.4_o 31._o but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v sceptic_n and_o doubt_v every_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o matter_n call_v into_o question_n be_v of_o a_o nature_n that_o admit_v but_o two_o way_n of_o solution_n probability_n and_o testimony_n first_o for_o probability_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v who_o be_v the_o first_o promulger_n of_o christ_n miracle_n in_o his_o life_n time_n they_o be_v either_o the_o patient_n on_o who_o his_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v or_o the_o common_a people_n that_o be_v spectator_n the_o former_a as_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o but_o must_v needs_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v cure_v or_o no_o so_o what_o imaginable_a design_n can_v they_o have_v to_o deceive_v other_o many_o indeed_o have_v pretend_a impotency_n as_o a_o motive_n of_o compassion_n but_o what_o can_v they_o gain_v by_o own_v a_o cure_n they_o have_v not_o as_o for_o the_o spectator_n as_o their_o multitude_n add_v to_o their_o credibility_n it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o so_o many_o shall_v at_o once_o be_v delude_v in_o a_o matter_n obvious_a to_o their_o sense_n so_o do_v it_o also_o acquit_v they_o from_o fraud_n and_o combination_n cheat_n and_o forgery_n be_v always_o hatch_v in_o the_o dark_a in_o close_a cabal_n and_o private_a juncto_n that_o five_o thousand_o man_n at_o one_o time_n and_o four_o thousand_o at_o another_o shall_v conspire_v to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v miraculous_o feed_v when_o they_o be_v not_o and_o all_o prove_v true_a to_o the_o fiction_n and_o not_o betray_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n as_o irrational_a to_o be_v suppose_v as_o impossible_a to_o be_v parallel_v 32._o beside_o admit_v it_o possible_a that_o so_o many_o can_v have_v join_v in_o the_o deceit_n yet_o what_o imaginable_a end_n can_v they_o have_v in_o it_o have_v their_o lie_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o design_n of_o some_o potent_a prince_n that_o may_v have_v reward_v it_o there_o have_v be_v some_o temptation_n but_o what_o can_v they_o expect_v from_o the_o repute_a son_n of_o a_o carpenter_n who_o have_v not_o himself_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n nay_o who_o disclaim_v all_o secular_a power_n convey_v himself_o away_o from_o their_o importunity_n when_o they_o will_v have_v force_v he_o to_o be_v a_o king_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o be_v look_v on_o as_o one_o that_o will_v head_n a_o sedition_n or_o attemt_a to_o raise_v himself_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o reward_v his_o abettor_n upon_o all_o these_o consideration_n there_o appear_v not_o the_o

must_v tacit_o tax_v he_o of_o impotence_n that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v it_o but_o if_o any_o man_n will_v say_v he_o have_v and_o yet_o reject_v all_o this_o which_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n receive_v as_o such_o let_v he_o produce_v his_o testimony_n for_o the_o other_o or_o rather_o to_o retort_v his_o own_o measure_n his_o demonstration_n and_o then_o let_v it_o appear_v whether_o his_o scheme_n of_o doctrine_n or_o we_o will_v need_v the_o great_a aid_n of_o that_o easy_a credulity_n he_o reproach_n we_o with_o 64._o i_o have_v now_o go_v through_o the_o method_n i_o propose_v for_o evince_v the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o shall_v not_o descend_v to_o examine_v those_o more_o minute_n and_o particular_a cavil_n which_o profane_a man_n make_v against_o they_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o virtual_o supersede_v all_o those_o for_o if_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v reasonable_a also_o to_o believe_v it_o of_o perfection_n proportionable_a to_o the_o author_n and_o then_o certain_o it_o must_v be_v advance_v beyond_o all_o our_o objection_n for_o to_o those_o who_o except_o to_o the_o stile_n the_o incoherence_n the_o contradiction_n or_o whatever_o else_o in_o scripture_n i_o shall_v only_o ask_v this_o one_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o much_o more_o possible_a that_o they_o who_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v nothing_o above_o fallible_a man_n may_v misjudg_v then_o that_o the_o infallible_a god_n shall_v dictate_v any_o thing_n just_o liable_a to_o those_o charge_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o must_v depart_v as_o much_o from_o reason_n as_o religion_n to_o affirm_v the_o contrary_n but_o alas_o instead_o of_o this_o implicit_a submission_n to_o god_n word_n man_n take_v up_o explicit_a prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o condemn_v it_o without_o ever_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o allegation_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o a_o write_n of_o such_o antiquity_n who_o original_a language_n have_v idiom_n and_o phrase_n so_o peculiar_a who_o country_n have_v custom_n so_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o judge_n of_o it_o without_o reference_n to_o all_o those_o circumstance_n add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o hebrew_n have_v be_v a_o dead_a language_n for_o well_o nigh_o two_o thousand_o year_n no_o where_o in_o common_a use_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o ancient_a book_n now_o extant_a in_o it_o beside_o those_o yet_o not_o all_o neither_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n 65._o now_o of_o those_o many_o who_o defame_v holy_a writ_n how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o have_v the_o industry_n to_o inquire_v into_o those_o particular_n and_o when_o for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n some_o passage_n seem_v improper_a or_o perhaps_o contradictory_n the_o scripture_n must_v bear_v the_o blame_n of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o be_v accuse_v as_o absurd_a and_o unintelligible_a because_o themselves_o be_v stupid_a and_o negligent_a it_o be_v therefore_o methinks_v but_o a_o reasonable_a proposal_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v araign_v it_o till_o they_o have_v use_v all_o honest_a diligence_n take_v in_o all_o probable_a help_n for_o the_o understanding_n it_o and_o if_o this_o may_v be_v obtain_v i_o believe_v most_o of_o its_o accuser_n will_v like_v those_o of_o the_o woman_n in_o the_o gospel_n jo._n 8.9_o drop_v away_o as_o conscious_a of_o their_o own_o incompetency_n the_o loud_a out-cry_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o be_v common_o of_o those_o who_o fall_v upon_o it_o only_o as_o a_o fashionable_a theme_n of_o discourse_n and_o hope_v to_o acquire_v themselves_o the_o reputation_n of_o wit_n by_o thus_o charge_v god_n foolish_o but_o he_o that_o will_v candid_o and_o upright_o endeavour_v to_o comprehend_v before_o he_o judge_n and_o to_o that_o end_n industrious_o use_v those_o mean_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o labour_n of_o pious_a man_n have_v afford_v he_o will_v certain_o find_v cause_n to_o acquit_v the_o scripture_n of_o those_o imputation_n which_o our_o bold_a critic_n have_v cast_v upon_o it_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v all_o the_o obscurity_n of_o it_o perfect_o clear_v to_o he_o but_o he_o shall_v have_v so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o be_v for_o his_o real_a advantage_n and_o shall_v discern_v such_o reason_n why_o the_o rest_n remain_v unfathomable_a as_o may_v make_v he_o not_o only_o justify_v but_o celebrate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o author_n 66._o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v only_o upon_o the_o forementioned_a condition_n viz._n that_o he_o come_v with_o sincere_a and_o honest_a intention_n for_o as_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o the_o scripture_n with_o design_n and_o wish_n to_o find_v matter_n of_o cavil_n and_o accusation_n there_o be_v little_a doubt_n but_o that_o spirit_n of_o impiety_n and_o profaneness_n which_o send_v he_o thither_o will_v meet_v he_o there_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o occecation_n that_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n will_v cast_v such_o mist_n raise_v such_o black_a vapour_n that_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o shine_v unto_o he_o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o indeed_o be_v such_o a_o man_n leave_v only_o to_o the_o natural_a efficacy_n of_o prejudice_n that_o be_v of_o itself_o so_o blind_a so_o infatuate_a a_o thing_n as_o common_o fortify_v against_o all_o conviction_n we_o see_v it_o in_o all_o the_o common_a instance_n of_o life_n mens_fw-la very_a sense_n be_v often_o enslave_v by_o it_o the_o prepossession_n of_o a_o strong_a fancy_n will_v make_v the_o object_n of_o sight_n or_o hear_n appear_v quite_o different_a from_o what_o they_o be_v but_o in_o the_o present_a case_n when_o this_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o satanical_a illusion_n and_o both_o leave_v to_o their_o operation_n by_o god_n withdraw_a his_o illuminate_a grace_n the_o case_n of_o such_o a_o man_n answer_v that_o description_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o have_v eye_n and_o see_v not_o ear_n have_v they_o and_o hear_v not_o rom._n 11.8_o and_o that_o god_n will_v so_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o believe_v he_o have_v promise_v it_o only_o to_o the_o meek_a to_o those_o who_o come_v with_o malleable_a ductile_a spirit_n to_o learn_v not_o to_o deride_v or_o cavil_v saint_n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3.15_o and_o if_o god_n permit_v such_o to_o do_v so_o much_o more_o will_v he_o the_o proud_a and_o malicious_a 67._o i_o say_v not_o this_o to_o deter_v any_o from_o the_o study_n of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o only_o to_o caution_n they_o to_o bring_v a_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n along_o with_o they_o god_n word_n be_v like_o a_o generous_a sovereign_a medicament_n which_o if_o simple_o and_o regular_o take_v be_v of_o the_o great_a benefit_n but_o if_o mix_v with_o poison_n serve_v only_o to_o make_v that_o more_o fatal_o operative_a to_o conclude_v he_o that_o will_v have_v his_o doubt_n solve_v concern_v scripture_n let_v he_o follow_v the_o method_n our_o bless_a lord_n have_v prescribe_v let_v he_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n jo._n 7.17_o let_v he_o bring_v with_o he_o a_o probity_n of_o mind_n a_o willingness_n to_o assent_v to_o all_o conviction_n he_o shall_v there_o meet_v with_o and_o then_o he_o will_v find_v ground_n sufficient_a to_o assure_v he_o that_o it_o be_v god_n word_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o all_o the_o the_o submission_n and_o reverence_n that_o its_o be_v so_o exact_v sect_n iii_o the_o subject_a matter_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v excellent_a as_o be_v also_o its_o end_n and_o design_n we_o have_v hitherto_o consider_v the_o holy_a scripture_n only_o under_o one_o notion_n as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o come_v now_o to_o view_v it_o in_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o it_o the_o several_a part_n whereof_o it_o consist_v which_o be_v so_o various_a and_o comprehensive_a as_o show_v the_o whole_a be_v derive_v from_o he_o who_o be_v all_o in_o all_o 1_o cor._n 19.28_o but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o speak_v only_o loose_o and_o at_o rover_n we_o will_v take_v this_o excellent_a frame_n in_o piece_n and_o consider_v its_o most_o eminent_a part_n distinct_o now_o the_o part_n of_o holy_a writ_n seem_v to_o branch_n themselves_o into_o these_o several_n first_o the_o historical_a second_o the_o prophetic_a three_o the_o doctrinal_a four_a the_o preceptive_a five_o the_o minatory_n sixthly_a the_o promissory_a these_o be_v the_o several_a vein_n in_o this_o rich_a mine_n in_o which_o he_o who_o industrious_o labour_v will_v find_v the_o psalmist_n be_v not_o out_o in_o his_o

armour_n of_o god_n which_o we_o find_v describe_v eph._n 6.13_o nay_o further_o it_o excite_v our_o courage_n by_o assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v not_o base_o surrender_v ourselves_o we_o can_v never_o be_v overpower_v if_o we_o do_v but_o stand_v our_o ground_n resist_v our_o enemy_n he_o will_v fly_v from_o we_o ja._n 4.7_o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n it_o direct_v we_o under_o what_o banner_n we_o be_v to_o listen_v ourselves_o even_o his_o who_o have_v spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n col._n 2.15_o to_o who_o conduct_n and_o discipline_n if_o we_o constant_o adhere_v we_o can_v miss_v of_o victory_n 85._o and_o then_o last_o it_o set_v before_o we_o the_o prize_n of_o this_o conquest_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o recover_v our_o liberty_n manumit_v ourselves_o from_o the_o vile_a bondage_n to_o the_o vile_a and_o cruel_a oppressor_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v crown_v for_o it_o too_o be_v reward_v for_o be_v kind_a to_o ourselves_o and_o be_v make_v happy_a eternal_o hereafter_o for_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v happy_a here_o 85._o and_o sure_o these_o be_v term_n so_o apparent_o advantageous_a that_o he_o must_v be_v infinite_o stupid_a foolish_a to_o destruction_n that_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n that_o despise_v or_o cavil_v at_o this_o divine_a book_n which_o mean_v he_o so_o much_o good_a which_o design_n to_o make_v he_o live_v here_o generous_o and_o according_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o next_o world_n to_o have_v that_o nature_n sublimate_v and_o exalt_v make_v more_o capacious_a of_o those_o refine_a and_o immense_a felicity_n which_o there_o await_v all_o who_o will_v qualify_v themselves_o for_o they_o who_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n rom._n 2.7_o 87._o but_o beside_o the_o great_a and_o principal_a advantage_n which_o concern_v our_o spiritual_a interest_n it_o take_v in_o also_o the_o care_n of_o our_o secular_a direct_v we_o to_o such_o a_o managery_n of_o ourselves_o as_o be_v natural_o apt_a to_o promote_v a_o quiet_a and_o happy_a life_n it_o be_v injunction_n to_o live_v peaceable_a with_o all_o man_n keep_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o many_o misadventure_n which_o turbulent_a unruly_a spirit_n meet_v with_o and_o so_o secure_v our_o peace_n so_o also_o as_o to_o wealth_n it_o put_v we_o into_o the_o fair_a road_n to_o riches_n by_o prescribe_v diligence_n in_o our_o calling_n what_o be_v thus_o get_v be_v like_o sound_a flesh_n which_o will_v stick_v by_o we_o whereas_o the_o hasty_a growth_n of_o ill-gotten_a wealth_n be_v but_o a_o tumour_n and_o imposthume_n which_o the_o big_a it_o swell_v the_o soon_o it_o burst_v and_o leave_v we_o lanker_n then_o before_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o show_v we_o also_o how_o to_o guard_v our_o reputation_n by_o provide_v honest_a thing_n not_o only_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o also_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n cor._n 8.28_o by_o abstain_v even_o from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n 1_o thes_n 5.22_o and_o make_v our_o light_a shine_n before_o man_n mat._n 5.16_o it_o provide_v too_o for_o our_o ease_n and_o tranquillity_n supersede_v our_o anxious_a care_n and_o sollicitud_n by_o direct_v we_o to_o cast_v our_o burden_n upon_o the_o lord_n psal_n 55.22_o and_o by_o a_o reliance_n on_o his_o providence_n how_o to_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o all_o we_o real_o want_v final_o it_o fix_v we_o in_o all_o the_o change_n support_v we_o under_o all_o the_o pressure_n comfort_v we_o amid_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n by_o assure_v we_o they_o shall_v all_o work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o those_o that_o love_n god_n ro._n 8.28_o 88_o nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n design_n to_o promote_v our_o interest_n consider_v only_o single_o and_o personal_o but_o also_o in_o relation_n to_o society_n and_o community_n it_o give_v we_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o distributive_a and_o commutative_a justice_n teach_v we_o to_o render_v to_o all_o their_o due_n ro._n 13.7_o to_o keep_v our_o word_n to_o observe_v inviolable_o all_o our_o pact_n and_o contract_n nay_o though_o they_o prove_v to_o our_o damage_n psa_n 15.4_o and_o to_o preserve_v exact_a fidelity_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o sinew_n of_o human_a commerce_n it_o infuse_v into_o we_o noble_a and_o generous_a principle_n to_o prefer_v a_o common_a good_a before_o our_o private_a and_o that_o high_a flight_n of_o ethnic_a virtue_n that_o of_o die_v for_o one_o country_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o scripture_n prescribe_v even_o for_o our_o common_a brethren_n 1_o jo._n 3.16_o 89._o but_o beside_o these_o general_n it_o descend_v to_o more_o minute_n direction_n accommodate_v to_o our_o several_a circumstance_n it_o give_v we_o appropriate_a rule_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o distinct_a relation_n whether_o natural_a civil_a ecclesiastical_a or_o oeconomical_a and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o universal_o conform_v to_o they_o to_o what_o a_o bless_a harmony_n will_v it_o tune_v the_o world_n what_o order_n and_o peace_n will_v it_o introduce_v there_o will_v then_o be_v no_o oppressive_a governor_n nor_o mutinous_a subject_n no_o unnatural_a parent_n nor_o contumacious_a child_n no_o idle_a shepherd_n or_o stray_a flock_n none_o of_o those_o domestic_a jar_n which_o oft_o disquiet_a and_o sometime_o subvert_v family_n all_o will_v be_v calm_a and_o serene_a and_o give_v we_o in_o reality_n that_o golden_a age_n whereof_o the_o poet_n do_v but_o dream_n 90._o this_o tendency_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v remarkable_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o our_o public_a judicatory_n where_o before_o any_o testimony_n be_v admit_v we_o cause_v the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o give_v his_o testimony_n first_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o with_o his_o hand_n then_o with_o his_o mouth_n to_o kiss_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o hand_n which_o hold_v the_o mystery_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v immediate_o employ_v in_o work_a falsehood_n or_o that_o those_o lip_n which_o have_v adore_v those_o holy_a oracle_n shall_v be_v pollute_v with_o perjury_n and_o lie_n and_o i_o fear_v the_o civil_a government_n be_v exceed_o shake_v at_o this_o day_n in_o its_o firm_a foundation_n by_o the_o little_a regard_n be_v general_o have_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o what_o be_v consequent_a thereto_o the_o oath_n that_o be_v take_v upon_o they_o 91._o it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o that_o state_n which_o esaiah_n prophesy_v of_o under_o the_o gospel_n though_o we_o have_v the_o bible_n among_o we_o that_o when_o the_o law_n shall_v go_v forth_o of_o zion_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n they_o shall_v beat_v their_o sword_n into_o ploughshare_n and_o their_o spear_n into_o prune_a hook_n es_fw-ge 2.4_o but_o that_o be_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n in_o it_o but_o from_o our_o own_o perverseness_n we_o have_v it_o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o another_o sense_n as_o if_o we_o have_v it_o not_o 1_o cor._n 7.29_o we_o have_v it_o that_o be_v use_v it_o to_o purpose_n wide_o different_a from_o what_o it_o mean_v some_o have_v it_o as_o a_o supersedeas_fw-la to_o all_o the_o duty_n it_o injoin_v and_o so_o they_o can_v but_o cap_n text_n talk_v glib_o of_o scripture_n be_v not_o all_o concern_v to_o practise_v it_o some_o have_v it_o as_o their_o arsenal_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o weapon_n not_o against_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n but_o their_o secular_a apply_v all_o the_o damnatory_a sentence_n they_o there_o find_v to_o all_o those_o to_o who_o person_n or_o opinion_n they_o have_v prejudice_n and_o some_o have_v it_o as_o a_o scene_n of_o their_o mirth_n a_o topic_a of_o raillery_n dress_v their_o profane_a and_o scurrilous_a jest_n in_o its_o language_n and_o study_v it_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o abuse_v it_o and_o whilst_o we_o treat_v it_o at_o this_o vile_a rate_n no_o wonder_n we_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o it_o for_o alas_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v we_o to_o have_v the_o most_o sovereign_a balsam_n in_o our_o possession_n if_o instead_o of_o apply_v it_o to_o our_o wound_n we_o trample_v it_o under_o our_o foot_n 92._o but_o though_o we_o may_v frustrate_v the_o use_n we_o can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n god_n design_n in_o give_v we_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o make_v we_o as_o happy_a as_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v and_o the_o scripture_n be_v excellent_o adapt_v to_o this_o end_n for_o as_o to_o our_o eternal_a felicity_n all_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o state_n must_v acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n chalk_v we_o out_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o it_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v dictate_v by_o god_n who_o infallible_o

second_o book_n 47._o c._n tell_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_a as_o dictate_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o same_o father_n begin_v his_o three_o book_n in_o this_o manner_n the_o disposition_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v no_o otherwise_o know_v by_o we_o then_o by_o those_o by_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v to_o we_o which_o indeed_o they_o first_o preach_v but_o afterward_o deliver_v it_o to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o may_v we_o imagine_v that_o they_o begin_v to_o preach_v to_o other_o before_o they_o themselves_o have_v perfect_a knowledge_n as_o some_o be_v bold_a to_o say_v boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v emendator_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o after_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n they_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o on_o high_a and_o have_v perfect_a knowledge_n go_v forth_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n and_o celestial_a praise_n unto_o man_n each_o and_o all_o of_o who_o have_v the_o gospel_n of_o god_n so_o saint_n matthew_n write_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o their_o tongue_n saint_n peter_n and_o saint_n paul_n preach_v at_o rome_n and_o there_o found_v a_o church_n mark_v the_o disciple_n and_o interpreter_n of_o peter_n deliver_v in_o write_v what_o he_o have_v preach_v and_o luke_n the_o follower_n of_o paul_n set_v down_o in_o his_o book_n the_o gospel_n he_o have_v deliver_v afterwards_o saint_n john_n at_o ephesus_n in_o asia_n publish_v his_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n in_o his_o four_o book_n c._n 66._o he_o direct_v all_o the_o heretic_n with_o who_o he_o deal_v to_o read_v diligent_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o also_o read_v diligent_o the_o prophet_n assure_v they_o shall_v there_o find_v every_o action_n every_o doctrine_n and_o every_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n declare_v by_o they_o 5._o thus_o tertullian_n in_o his_o book_n of_o prescription_n c._n 6._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o introduce_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o own_o will_n nor_o make_v any_o choice_n upon_o our_o arbitrement_n we_o have_v the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o our_o author_n who_o themselves_o take_v up_o nothing_o on_o their_o own_o will_n or_o choice_n but_o faithful_o impart_v to_o the_o nation_n the_o discipline_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n so_o that_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v another_o doctrine_n he_o be_v to_o be_v accurse_v and_o c._n 25._o it_o be_v madness_n say_v he_o of_o the_o heretic_n when_o they_o confess_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o nor_o teach_v thing_n different_a to_o think_v that_o they_o do_v not_o revele_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o which_o he_o enforce_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n in_o his_o book_n against_o hermogenes_n c._n 23._o he_o discourse_v thus_o i_o adore_v the_o plenitude_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o discover_v to_o i_o the_o creator_n and_o what_o be_v create_v also_o in_o the_o gospel_n i_o find_v the_o word_n be_v the_o arbiter_n and_o agent_n in_o the_o creation_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v of_o preexistent_a matter_n i_o never_o read_v let_v hermogenes_n and_o his_o journeyman_n show_v that_o it_o be_v write_v if_o it_o be_v not_o write_v let_v he_o fear_v the_o woe_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o that_o add_v or_o detract_v and_o in_o the_o 39_o ch_z of_o his_o prescript_n we_o feed_v our_o faith_n raise_v our_o hope_n and_o establish_v our_o reliance_n with_o the_o sacred_a word_n 6._o in_o like_a manner_n hippolytus_n in_o the_o homily_n against_o noetus_n declare_v that_o we_o acknowledge_v only_o from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o whereas_o secular_a philosophy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v but_o from_o the_o read_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o philosopher_n so_o whosoever_o of_o we_o will_v preserve_v piety_n towards_o god_n he_o can_v otherwise_o learn_v it_o then_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n according_o origen_n in_o the_o five_o homily_n on_o leviticus_n say_v that_o in_o the_o scripture_n every_o word_n appertain_v to_o god_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v and_o discuss_v and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v 7._o what_o saint_n cyprian_n opinion_n be_v in_o this_o point_n we_o learn_v at_o large_a from_o his_o epistle_n to_o pompey_n for_o when_o tradition_n be_v object_v to_o he_o he_o answer_v whence_o be_v this_o tradition_n be_v it_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o gospel_n or_o come_v it_o from_o the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n almighty_a god_n declare_v that_o what_o be_v write_v shall_v be_v obey_v and_o practise_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n say_v he_o in_o joshua_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thy_o mouth_n but_o thou_o shall_v meditate_v in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n that_o you_o may_v observe_v and_o keep_v all_o that_o be_v write_v therein_o so_o our_o lord_n send_v his_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v command_v again_o what_o obstinacy_n and_o presumption_n be_v it_o to_o prefer_v human_a tradition_n to_o divine_a command_n not_o consider_v that_o god_n wrath_n be_v kindle_v as_o often_o as_o his_o precept_n be_v dissolve_v and_o neglect_v by_o reason_n of_o human_a tradition_n thus_o god_n warn_v and_o speak_v by_o isaiah_n this_o people_n honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o but_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n also_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n check_v and_o reprove_v say_v you_o reject_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v establish_v your_o tradition_n of_o which_o precept_n the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n be_v mindful_a admonish_v and_o instruct_v say_v if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o hearken_v not_o to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o from_o such_o we_o must_v depart_v and_o again_o he_o add_v there_o be_v a_o compendious_a way_n for_o religious_a and_o sincere_a mind_n both_o to_o deposit_v their_o error_n and_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n for_o if_o we_o return_v to_o the_o source_n and_o original_n of_o divine_a tradition_n human_a error_n will_v cease_v and_o the_o ground_n of_o heavenly_a mystery_n be_v see_v whatsoever_o be_v hide_v with_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n will_v be_v manifest_a by_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n if_o a_o pipe_n that_o bring_v plentiful_a supply_n of_o water_n fail_v on_o the_o sudden_a do_v not_o man_n look_v to_o the_o fountain_n and_o thence_o learn_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o defect_n whether_o the_o spring_n itself_o be_v dry_a or_o if_o run_v free_o the_o water_n be_v stop_v in_o its_o passage_n that_o if_o by_o interrupt_a or_o break_a conveyance_n it_o be_v hinder_v to_o pass_v they_o be_v repair_v it_o may_v again_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o city_n with_o the_o same_o plenty_n as_o it_o flow_v from_o the_o spring_n and_o this_o god_n priest_n ought_v to_o do_v at_o this_o time_n obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o if_o truth_n have_v swerve_v or_o fail_v in_o any_o particular_a we_o go_v backward_o to_o the_o source_n of_o the_o evangelical_n and_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o there_o find_v our_o act_n from_o whence_o their_o order_n and_o origination_n begin_v 8._o it_o be_v true_a bellarmine_n reproach_n this_o discourse_n as_o erroneous_a but_o whatever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o inference_n which_o saint_n cyprian_a draw_v from_o it_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o saint_n austin_n though_o sufficient_o engage_v against_o saint_n cyprian_n conclusion_n allow_v the_o position_n as_o most_o orthodox_n say_v in_o the_o four_o book_n of_o baptism_n c._n 35._o whereas_o he_o admonish_v to_o go_v back_o to_o the_o fountain_n that_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o thence_o bring_v the_o stream_n down_o to_o our_o time_n it_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o without_o doubt_n to_o be_v do_v 9_o thus_o eusebius_n express_v himself_o in_o his_o second_o book_n against_o sabellius_n as_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o sloth_n not_o to_o seek_v into_o those_o thing_n whereof_o one_o may_v inquire_v so_o it_o be_v insolence_n to_o be_v inquisitive_a in_o other_o but_o what_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o inquire_v into_o even_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o there_o to_o be_v find_v let_v we_o not_o seek_v after_o for_o if_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o omit_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n

10._o athanasius_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o incarnation_n say_v it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o relinquish_v it_o think_v by_o syllogism_n to_o evade_v what_o be_v there_o clear_o deliver_v again_o in_o his_o tract_n to_o serap_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ask_v not_o say_v he_o concern_v the_o trinity_n but_o learn_v only_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o instruction_n which_o you_o will_v find_v there_o be_v sufficient_a and_o in_o his_o oration_n against_o the_o gentile_n declare_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n 11._o agreeable_a to_o these_o be_v optatus_n in_o his_o 5._o book_n against_o parman_n who_o reason_n thus_o you_o say_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o rebaptize_v we_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a betwixt_o your_o say_n and_o our_o gainsaying_n the_o people_n mind_n be_v amuse_v let_v no_o man_n believe_v either_o you_o or_o we_o all_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v contentious_a therefore_o judge_n be_v to_o be_v call_v in_o christian_n they_o can_v be_v for_o they_o will_v be_v party_n and_o thereby_o partial_a therefore_o a_o judge_n be_v to_o be_v look_v out_o from_o abroad_o if_o a_o pagan_a he_o know_v not_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n if_o a_o jew_n he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o our_o baptism_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o earthly_a judge_n but_o one_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v from_o heaven_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o resort_n to_o heaven_n when_o we_o have_v in_o the_o gospel_n a_o testament_n and_o in_o this_o case_n celestial_a thing_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o earthly_a so_o it_o be_v as_o with_o a_o father_n who_o have_v many_o child_n while_o he_o be_v present_a he_o order_v they_o all_o and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o write_a will_n according_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v present_a upon_o earth_n from_o time_n to_o time_n command_v the_o apostle_n whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a but_o as_o the_o earthly_a father_n find_v himself_o to_o be_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n and_o fear_v that_o after_o his_o departure_n his_o child_n shall_v quarrel_v among_o themselves_o he_o call_v witness_n and_o put_v his_o mind_n in_o writing_n and_o if_o any_o difference_n arise_v among_o the_o brethren_n they_o go_v not_o to_o their_o father_n sepulchre_n but_o repair_v to_o his_o will_n and_o testament_n and_o he_o who_o rest_v in_o his_o grave_n speak_v still_o in_o his_o writing_n as_o if_o he_o be_v alive_a our_o lord_n who_o leave_v his_o will_n among_o we_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n therefore_o let_v we_o seek_v his_o command_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o in_o his_o will._n 12._o thus_o cyril_n of_o jerus_n cat._n 4._o nothing_o no_o not_o the_o least_o concernment_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v without_o the_o holy_a scripture_n believe_v not_o i_o unless_o i_o give_v you_o a_o demonstration_n of_o what_o i_o say_v from_o the_o scripture_n 13._o saint_n basil_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n say_v if_o god_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o say_n his_o word_n and_o work_n they_o remain_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v do_v in_o truth_n and_o equity_n it_o must_v be_v a_o evident_a sign_n of_o infidelity_n and_o pride_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v reject_v what_o be_v write_v and_o introduce_v what_o be_v not_o write_v in_o which_o book_n he_o general_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v write_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o he_o abhor_v from_o take_v it_o elsewhere_o in_o his_o 29._o homily_n against_o the_o antitrinit_a believe_v say_v he_o those_o which_o be_v write_v seek_v not_o those_o which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o in_o his_o eth._n reg_fw-la 26._o every_o word_n and_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_o inspire_v scripture_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o good_a and_o reproof_n of_o the_o wicked_a 14._o saint_n ambrose_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o offic._n say_v how_o can_v we_o make_v use_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o his_o instit_n of_o virgin_n i_o read_v he_o be_v the_o first_o but_o read_v not_o he_o be_v the_o second_o let_v they_o who_o say_v he_o be_v second_o show_v it_o from_o the_o read_n 15._o greg._n nyssen_n in_o his_o dial._n of_o the_o soul_n and_o resurrect_v say_v it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o truth_n be_v there_o only_o to_o be_v place_v where_o there_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o scripture_n testimony_n 16._o saint_n jerom_n against_o helvidius_n declare_v as_o we_o deny_v not_o that_o which_o be_v write_v so_o we_o refuse_v those_o which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o 98._o ps_n every_o thing_n that_o we_o assert_v we_o must_v show_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v have_v not_o that_o authority_n as_o god_n precept_n and_o on_o the_o 87._o ps_n whatever_o be_v say_v after_o the_o apostle_n let_v it_o be_v cut_v off_o nor_o have_v afterward_o authority_n though_o one_o be_v holy_a after_o the_o apostle_n though_o one_o be_v eloquent_a yet_o have_v he_o not_o authority_n 17._o saint_n austin_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n c._n 12._o acknowledge_v that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v convince_v but_o by_o the_o scripture_n of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o add_v they_o be_v read_v with_o such_o manifestation_n that_o he_o who_o believe_v they_o must_v confess_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v most_o true_a in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n c._n 9_o he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n be_v find_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v faith_n and_o manner_n and_o in_o epist_n 42._o all_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v exhibit_v heretofore_o as_o don_v to_o mankind_n and_o what_o we_o now_o see_v and_o deliver_v to_o our_o posterity_n the_o scripture_n have_v not_o pass_v they_o in_o silence_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o concern_v the_o search_n or_o defence_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o good_a of_o widowhood_n he_o say_v to_o julian_n the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o address_v what_o shall_v i_o teach_v you_o more_o than_o that_o we_o read_v in_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n settle_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o doctrine_n that_o we_o think_v not_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v sober_o as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n therefore_o my_o teach_n be_v only_o to_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o this_o doctor_n ep._n 157._o where_o any_o subject_n be_v obscure_a and_o pass_v our_o comprehension_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o plain_o afford_v its_o help_n there_o human_a conjecture_n be_v presumptuous_a in_o define_v 18._o theophilus_n of_o alex._n in_o his_o second_o paschal_n homily_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o suggestion_n of_o a_o diabolical_a spirit_n to_o think_v that_o any_o thing_n beside_o the_o scripture_n have_v divine_a authority_n and_o in_o his_o three_o he_o add_v that_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n lay_v firm_a foundation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n 19_o chrysostom_n in_o his_o three_o homily_n on_o the_o first_o of_o the_o thessaly_n assert_n that_o from_o the_o alone_a read_n or_o hear_v of_o the_o scripture_n one_o may_v learn_v all_o thing_n necessary_a so_o hom._n 34._o on_o act._n 15._o he_o declare_v a_o heathen_a come_v and_o say_v i_o will_v willing_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o i_o know_v not_o who_o to_o join_v myself_o to_o for_o there_o be_v many_o contention_n among_o you_o many_o sedition_n and_o tumult_n so_o that_o i_o be_o in_o doubt_n what_o opinion_n i_o shall_v abuse_v each_o man_n say_v what_o i_o say_v be_v true_a and_o i_o know_v not_o who_o to_o believe_v each_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n which_o i_o be_o ignorant_a of_o it_o be_v very_o well_o the_o issue_n be_v put_v here_o for_o if_o the_o appeal_n be_v to_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n there_o will_v be_v just_a occasion_n of_o be_v trouble_v but_o when_o we_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o they_o be_v simple_a and_o certain_a you_o may_v easy_o yourself_o judge_v he_o that_o agree_v with_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o christian_n he_o that_o resist_v they_o be_v far_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o on_o ps_n 95._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v say_v without_o the_o scripture_n the_o mind_n halt_v between_o different_a opinion_n sometime_o incline_v as_o to_o what_o be_v probable_a anon_o reject_v as_o what_o be_v frivolous_a but_o when_o the_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n