that_o the_o record_n we_o have_v to_o tâ—…_n day_n have_v in_o they_o all_o the_o mind_n god_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o orâ—…_n to_o our_o salvation_n they_o who_o maâ—…_n tain_v a_o reliâ—…ion_n that_o can_v be_v maâ—…_n good_a by_o scripture_n may_v well_o quarâ—…_n it_o as_o they_o have_v cause_n but_o all_o wâ—…_n believe_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v know_v much_o efficacy_n in_o it_o as_o they_o will_v nâ—…_n easy_o heed_n such_o flim-flam_n as_o â—…ome_v now_o adays_o be_v bâ—…zzing_v into_o people_n ear_n alâ—…s_n poor_a soul_n that_o have_v taste_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v in_o his_o word_n have_v a_o argument_n which_o all_o the_o world_n can_v never_o answer_v to_o they_o whatever_o it_o may_v do_v to_o other_o these_o man_n know_v and_o be_v sensible_a of_o a_o light_n within_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o they_o heed_n and_o attend_v it_o but_o they_o know_v too_o that_o scripture_n be_v a_o far_o more_o glorious_a light_n show_v they_o the_o way_n of_o life_n by_o faith_n in_o a_o saviouâ—…_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o light_n show_v the_o only_a way_n of_o life_n they_o find_v so_o to_o perfect_v all_o the_o natural_a light_n in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o scripture-revelation_n for_o no_o man_n ever_o deny_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o nature_n to_o be_v the_o impression_n of_o god_n except_v atheist_n of_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o now_o adays_o hence_o every_o civil_a and_o sober_a man_n consider_v serious_o how_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n and_o nature_n agree_v and_o that_o the_o one_o be_v superad_v not_o to_o eclipse_v but_o to_o clear_v the_o other_o by_o a_o more_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o a_o mediator_n for_o pardon_v and_o purge_v all_o sin_n which_o else_o can_v never_o have_v be_v he_o be_v therefore_o the_o more_o persuade_v of_o scâ—…iptures_n descent_n from_o god_n as_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n to_o give_v a_o lustre_n to_o the_o more_o obscure_a principle_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n within_o he_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v god_n word_n be_v know_v as_o his_o work_n be_v know_v and_o how_o be_v that_o even_o because_o none_o can_v do_v as_o god_n do_v he_o work_v like_o himself_o so_o that_o any_o man_n may_v say_v when_o he_o look_v on_o god_n work_n here_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n dent._n 3._o 24._o be_v not_o every_o work_n of_o god_n such_o as_o no_o creature_n can_v do_v the_o like_a and_o such_o be_v every_o word_n that_o god_n have_v speak_v as_o any_o man_n that_o have_v reason_n may_v say_v this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n who_o can_v thunder_v with_o a_o voice_n like_o he_o so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o scripture_n who_o but_o god_n can_v â—…eak_v such_o thing_n or_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n never_o man_n speak_v like_o this_o man_n say_v the_o officer_n who_o be_v send_v to_o apprehend_v christ_n john_n 7._o 46._o so_o say_v we_o never_o any_o creature_n do_v or_o can_v speak_v as_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o be_v thus_o persuade_v we_o infer_v what_o we_o think_v will_v unavoidable_o follow_v that_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n for_o let_v papiâ—…_n say_v what_o they_o can_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n too_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v for_o that_o end_n what!_o shall_v man_n or_o any_o creature_n prescribe_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v the_o matter_n of_o god_n it_o be_v against_o all_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n so_o to_o imagine_v but_o i_o shall_v dispute_v the_o case_n in_o two_o consideration_n whereof_o one_o be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o a_o rule_n the_o other_o from_o the_o office_n and_o work_v of_o faith_n first_o a_o rule_n as_o it_o regulate_v or_o he_o that_o use_v it_o so_o it_o sway_v and_o command_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o that_o they_o stand_v or_o fall_v be_v allow_v or_o reject_v as_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o it_o or_o otherwise_o and_o this_o hold_v good_a in_o every_o rule_n whether_o proper_o or_o improper_o so_o call_v the_o standard_n of_o all_o weight_n and_o measure_n have_v as_o i_o may_v say_v a_o authority_n to_o allow_v or_o lay_v aside_o all_o other_o weight_n and_o measure_n that_o do_v not_o exact_o answer_v to_o it_o and_o so_o be_v scripture_n a_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o not_o but_o here_o i_o must_v prevent_v what_o will_v be_v object_v by_o papist_n viz._n that_o scripture_n be_v no_o complete_a rule_n 〈◊〉_d but_o some_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o it_o 1._o that_o popery_n have_v many_o such_o sol._n thing_n as_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n we_o believe_v but_o therefore_o we_o reject_v they_o because_o to_o make_v scripture_n a_o rule_n not_o complete_a be_v indeed_o to_o make_v it_o none_o at_o all_o who_o ever_o hear_v of_o a_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o usfficient_a to_o regulate_v all_o thing_n for_o which_o it_o be_v intend_v or_o if_o there_o be_v devise_v such_o a_o rule_n who_o can_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o call_v or_o count_v it_o so_o sure_o mason_n and_o carpenter_n make_v use_v of_o no_o rule_n but_o such_o as_o will_v serve_v to_o measure_v all_o the_o work_n which_o they_o take_v in_o hand_n 2._o whereas_o they_o say_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v some_o thing_n unwritten_a to_o pass_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n by_o tradition_n who_o shall_v believe_v this_o more_o than_o what_o the_o jew_n have_v say_v a_o long_a time_n and_o for_o many_o age_n that_o moses_n have_v some_o command_n give_v he_o to_o be_v write_v and_o other_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o father_n to_o son_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n alas_o we_o know_v what_o account_n our_o saviour_n make_v of_o their_o oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n which_o he_o call_v vain_a and_o so_o may_v we_o just_o account_v of_o these_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n 9_o and_o condemn_v all_o their_o tradition_n and_o why_o may_v not_o we_o take_v the_o same_o course_n and_o say_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isa._n 8._o 20._o 3._o let_v popish_a tradition_n give_v as_o much_o evidence_n for_o their_o descent_n from_o heaven_n as_o scripture_n do_v and_o we_o shall_v embrace_v both_o alike_o bâ—…t_v in_o this_o case_n we_o say_v as_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o another_o we_o know_v that_o god_n speak_v unto_o moses_n but_o for_o this_o fellow_n we_o 29_o know_v not_o whence_o he_o be_v we_o know_v by_o the_o content_n and_o matter_n of_o scripture_n the_o majesty_n of_o the_o dispensation_n the_o power_n it_o have_v upon_o conscience_n the_o certain_a fulfil_n of_o all_o the_o prophecy_n to_o a_o tittle_n and_o many_o other_o token_n and_o testim_fw-la ony_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o no_o other_o when_o tradition_n can_v produce_v such_o and_o the_o like_a evidence_n we_o may_v haply_o attend_v it_o more_o than_o we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n and_o can_v believe_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o unwritten_a word_n which_o papist_n count_v so_o much_o of_o to_o be_v of_o like_a authority_n because_o one_o contradict_v the_o other_o in_o many_o particular_n to_o instance_n scripture_n show_v a_o communion_n in_o both_o kind_n so_o institute_v as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o all_o the_o evangelist_n and_o so_o administer_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 23_o etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n but_o papist_n give_v only_a bread_n to_o the_o laity_n afâ—…er_v the_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v a_o while_n receive_v here_o be_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n of_o scripture_n by_o practical_a tradition_n and_o so_o there_o be_v in_o forbid_a priest_n marriage_n which_o scripture_n allow_v as_o honourable_a among_o all_o man_n except_v none_o heb._n 13._o 4._o and_o tax_n the_o prohibition_n as_o a_o depart_n from_o the_o faith_n &_o c._n 1_o tim._n 4._o 1_o 8._o what_o shall_v i_o mention_v abstinence_n from_o meat_n have_v public_a divine_a service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n worship_v god_n in_o and_o before_o a_o image_n and_o the_o like_a if_o these_o do_v not_o contradict_v scripture_n there_o be_v no_o thing_n contradictory_n to_o be_v sound_a upon_o
of_o the_o event_n every_o way_n answerable_a to_o the_o prediction_n 2._o what_o need_v we_o any_o more_o witness_n when_o all_o that_o scripture_n have_v foretell_v and_o declare_v as_o the_o counsel_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v always_o fulfil_v every_o day_n as_o we_o may_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n and_o this_o serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o it_o that_o no_o work_n of_o god_n be_v contrary_a to_o his_o word_n or_o vary_v from_o it_o in_o the_o least_o but_o all_o his_o providence_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n in_o all_o change_n and_o chance_n â—…ill_v answer_v his_o promise_n and_o threatâ—…ings_n in_o scripture_n yea_o the_o suffering_n of_o god_n servant_n show_v as_o clear_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o write_a word_n since_o nothing_o be_v spoâ—…en_v of_o in_o scripture_n more_o often_o full_o or_o plain_o and_o here_o we_o may_v challenge_v the_o world_n to_o show_v any_o particular_a passage_n of_o providence_n which_o â—…utes_v not_o exact_o with_o what_o be_v reveal_v â—…n_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v confident_a of_o this_o consent_n between_o the_o word_n and_o work_n of_o god_n as_o a_o strong_a evidence_n in_o the_o case_n for_o how_o impossible_a be_v it_o that_o any_o one_o or_o all_o man_n together_o shall_v pen_v a_o book_n so_o precise_o anâ—…weting_v to_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n that_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n what_o i_o pray_v have_v happen_v to_o this_o hoâ—…r_n whereof_o a_o obiesvant_n and_o know_a christian_n may_v not_o say_v this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v foretell_v and_o no_o other_o than_o what_o god_n have_v say_v in_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v indeed_o atheist_n and_o epicure_n may_v dally_v awhile_o with_o scripture_n as_o they_o do_v with_o god_n himself_o and_o count_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o of_o small_a consideration_n but_o they_o of_o they_o who_o be_v yeâ—…_n alive_a may_v see_v if_o they_o shut_v not_o their_o eye_n how_o scripture_n be_v continual_o fulfil_v in_o their_o fellow_n and_o hence_o we_o be_v bold_a to_o question_v they_o yeâ—…_n and_o dare_v they_o to_o show_v that_o goâ—…_n word_n have_v not_o lay_v hold_v on_o such_o as_o they_o be_v just_o so_o as_o be_v foretell_v 〈◊〉_d scripture_n oh_o that_o these_o misâ—…_n will_v but_o read_v and_o observe_v scripture_n sure_o than_o they_o will_v discerâ—…_n what_o will_v be_v their_o end_n even_o the_o same_o as_o of_o those_o that_o go_v before_o they_o and_o though_o god_n have_v leave_v himself_o a_o latitude_n in_o all_o his_o providâ—…ial_a dispensation_n so_o as_o we_o can_v precise_o resolve_v in_o every_o particular_a concern_v wicked_a one_o what_o shalâ—…_n befall_v they_o on_o earth_n yet_o even_o that_o latitude_n be_v hint_v and_o what_o case_n be_v there_o wherein_o we_o be_v not_o provide_v for_o by_o some_o resolution_n of_o it_o in_o scripture_n to_o instance_n yet_o again_o what_o design_n have_v the_o devil_n be_v drive_v on_o in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n for_o trouble_v and_o diâ—…bing_v the_o church_n or_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o and_o about_o it_o of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o precedent_n or_o parallel_v instance_n in_o scripture_n or_o what_o distress_n danger_n and_o suffering_n have_v ever_o attend_v god_n people_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o some_o the_o same_o or_o like_v to_o be_v find_v upon_o record_n in_o the_o write_a word_n that_o so_o all_o saint_n even_o to_o the_o world_n end_n through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n and_o hence_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n have_v this_o to_o encourage_v they_o that_o their_o trouble_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o other_o before_o they_o have_v undergo_v and_o that_o when_o it_o be_v at_o worst_a there_o will_v be_v deliverance_n and_o enlargement_n as_o there_o have_v be_v always_o heretofore_o in_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a case_n and_o hence_o also_o they_o may_v challenge_v all_o those_o who_o quarrel_n scripture_n authority_n who_o or_o where_o be_v he_o that_o conceive_v and_o contrive_v such_o a_o write_n beside_o he_o who_o alone_o can_v foresee_v and_o provide_v against_o all_o event_n though_o never_o so_o contingent_a and_o casual_a let_v atheist_n then_o sport_v themselves_o as_o they_o please_v and_o as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v their_o time_n be_v short_a and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v long_o ere_o they_o come_v to_o know_v whether_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o doubtless_o the_o continual_a fulfil_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o course_n of_o god_n providence_n be_v a_o singulaâ—…_n good_a argument_n to_o any_o sound_a christian_a who_o can_v set_v his_o seal_n to_o scripture_n and_o say_v this_o be_v so_o and_o i_o know_v it_o by_o what_o be_v to_o be_v see_v every_o day_n scripture_n show_v itself_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mighty_a force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n sometime_o in_o cast_v down_o and_o sometime_o again_o in_o comfort_v and_o lift_v up_o yea_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o on_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o wicked_a as_o may_v be_v show_v by_o many_o instance_n but_o i_o may_v not_o enlarge_v myself_o this_o way_n not_o be_v there_o need_v more_o than_o to_o hint_n it_o as_o a_o argument_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o by_o such_o as_o be_v sober_a and_o perswadable_a all_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v more_o be_v only_o to_o answer_v a_o objection_n which_o be_v this_o viz._n that_o only_o some_o obj._n precise_a and_o overnice_a people_n so_o conceit_n as_o if_o scripture_n can_v do_v great_a matter_n but_o other_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o a_o belief_n of_o their_o fancy_n for_o themselves_o they_o find_v no_o such_o power_n it_o have_v to_o wound_v or_o search_v their_o heart_n and_o therefore_o they_o believe_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o some_o talk_n of_o about_o the_o force_n of_o scripture_n work_v upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o discover_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n they_o be_v not_o fanatic_n only_o who_o be_v so_o conceit_v of_o scripture_n there_o sol._n be_v and_o have_v be_v many_o too_o well_o conceit_v of_o themselves_o and_o who_o have_v little_a regard_n either_o to_o the_o scripture_n or_o he_o that_o we_o say_v pen_v it_o with_o his_o own_o finger_n which_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n the_o mighty_a force_n of_o it_o prevail_a against_o and_o over_o they_o but_o i_o forbear_v instance_n and_o shall_v only_o argue_v thus_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o nature_n run_v out_o in_o so_o many_o infinite_o various_a way_n as_o it_o have_v and_o sâ—…ill_o do_v and_o so_o cunning_o hide_v itself_o as_o much_o as_o possible_o from_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n how_o shall_v the_o write_a word_n meet_v with_o it_o in_o all_o and_o every_o of_o those_o way_n as_o it_o do_v if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n that_o alone_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o whether_o it_o do_v or_o no_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o most_o profane_a scoffer_n what_o be_v it_o let_v they_o speak_v that_o have_v many_o time_n challenge_v they_o for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o secret_a when_o no_o eye_n but_o that_o of_o god_n can_v see_v they_o be_v it_o not_o conscience_n within_o they_o and_o can_v conscience_n have_v thus_o challenge_v they_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v some_o law_n where_o on_o to_o draw_v the_o indictment_n how_o can_v any_o man_n heart_n smite_v he_o for_o what_o no_o creature_n know_v but_o himself_o if_o his_o heart_n do_v not_o know_v there_o be_v a_o judgement_n and_o a_o sovereign_a power_n that_o will_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o the_o hide_a thing_n of_o darkness_n it_o must_v be_v some_o sense_n of_o a_o supreme_a authority_n that_o keep_v the_o heart_n in_o awe_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o reflect_v sad_o upon_o its_o irregularity_n in_o secret_a and_o this_o sense_n must_v arise_v from_o some_o manifestation_n which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o only_a lawgiver_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n man_n be_v never_o afraid_a of_o man_n for_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v sure_a can_v never_o be_v find_v out_o or_o prove_v against_o they_o but_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n judgement_n which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o know_a law_n that_o fâ—…ighted_v they_o with_o sad_a expectation_n and_o what_o law_n can_v that_o be_v other_z then_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n now_o let_v they_o speak_v if_o any_o can_v what_o it_o be_v that_o ever_o enter_v into_o their_o heart_n which_o the_o write_a word_n do_v not_o let_v they_o know_v as_o well_o as_o they_o themselves_o in_o every_o circumstance_n if_o they_o please_v to_o consider_v it_o and_o
to_o multiply_v argument_n in_o this_o kind_n as_o so_o many_o evidence_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o â—…he_a scripture_n but_o i_o shall_v forbear_v â—…nd_v proceed_v to_o somewhat_o that_o come_v near_a to_o the_o question_n concern_v â—…he_a rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o this_o question_n have_v be_v much_o dispute_v between_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n for_o many_o year_n and_o that_o two_o thing_n especial_o have_v be_v insist_v on_o by_o they_o to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n no_o competent_a rule_n of_o faith_n viz._n the_o obscurity_n and_o the_o imperfection_n 〈◊〉_d it_o in_o this_o dispute_n they_o have_v labour_v to_o puzzle_v and_o plunge_v we_o by_o put_v we_o to_o show_v how_o scripture_n proveâ—…_n itself_o to_o be_v what_o we_o account_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o this_o we_o may_v just_o think_v it_o 〈◊〉_d sufficient_a answer_n to_o say_v as_o one_o yea_o many_o have_v say_v long_o since_o thaâ—…_n in_o every_o profession_n the_o principle_n aâ—…_n indemonstrable_a assent_v to_o without_o discourse_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v thâ—…_n principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n anâ—…_n therefore_o first_o we_o must_v grant_v they_o to_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n and_o therâ—…_n say_v they_o contain_v all_o point_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v and_o since_o scripture_n avouch_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o 2_o pâ—…t_fw-la 1._o 20_o 21_o luke_n 1._o 70._o it_o be_v rational_a in_o we_o to_o believe_v it_o notwithstanding_o our_o adversary_n be_v not_o satisfy_v but_o insisâ—…_n much_o on_o this_o question_n viz._n how_o we_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n that_o say_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o in_o very_a deed_n to_o this_o the_o protestant_n have_v long_a since_o answer_v that_o they_o know_v this_o first_o and_o principal_o by_o the_o illumination_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o the_o inward_a mean_n and_o then_o by_o the_o restimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o as_o the_o outward_a mean_n and_o last_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n induce_v we_o to_o assent_v here_o we_o say_v not_o that_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v in_o any_o particular_a place_n or_o book_n of_o it_o but_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n that_o show_v itself_o in_o every_o line_n and_o leaf_n of_o the_o bible_n proclaim_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n and_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n discern_v the_o voice_n and_o light_v thereof_o as_o man_n discern_v light_a from_o darkness_n and_o as_o child_n be_v know_v by_o their_o face_n and_o favour_n resemble_v their_o parent_n as_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o many_o particular_n else_o some_o of_o which_o i_o have_v hint_v before_o and_o whoever_o will_v see_v they_o more_o full_o may_v find_v they_o in_o a_o large_a and_o learned_a discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o name_v the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v a_o book_n which_o the_o vulgar_a may_v better_v understand_v than_o many_o other_o that_o handle_v this_o question_n though_o the_o ground_n i_o have_v hint_v and_o other_o which_o i_o have_v omit_v induce_v we_o strong_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n divine_a authority_n and_o we_o may_v count_v they_o sufficient_a to_o fence_v we_o against_o the_o cavil_n of_o our_o adversary_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o answer_v the_o argument_n of_o man_n and_o another_o to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_n and_o fear_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n therefore_o we_o stand_v to_o this_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v effectual_o persuade_v of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o order_n to_o a_o sound_n and_o save_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n therein_o contain_v unless_o he_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n by_o the_o teach_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o alone_o teach_v to_o know_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n god_n we_o say_v be_v the_o best_a witness_n to_o his_o own_o word_n and_o his_o spirit_n the_o best_a seal_n that_o can_v be_v put_v to_o it_o in_o the_o particular_n forementioned_a and_o many_o other_o we_o see_v evident_a token_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o faith_n that_o save_v we_o must_v have_v this_o foundation_n viz._n god_n seal_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v then_o be_v a_o man_n full_o persuade_v and_o confident_a indeed_o so_o as_o he_o can_v say_v and_o swear_v too_o if_o there_o be_v need_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o scripture_n be_v that_o which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o lead_v and_o guide_v i_o to_o my_o happiness_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o then_o and_o not_o before_o a_o man_n have_v comfort_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v have_v not_o only_o a_o grant_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n put_v to_o it_o such_o a_o man_n so_o assure_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o spirit_n unless_o in_o a_o fit_a of_o temptation_n never_o trouble_v himself_o about_o this_o question_n whether_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o trouble_n be_v most_o about_o his_o own_o deceitful_a and_o unbelieving_a heart_n that_o he_o can_v trust_v god_n no_o better_o when_o he_o have_v so_o good_a security_n for_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a in_o order_n to_o his_o happiness_n he_o never_o think_v what_o some_o have_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v corrupt_v and_o be_v not_o what_o once_o they_o be_v he_o know_v that_o god_n word_n be_v pure_a and_o perfect_a and_o be_v only_o trouble_v at_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n papist_n to_o show_v what_o good_a will_n and_o respect_n they_o have_v to_o scripture_n have_v a_o long_a time_n be_v quarrel_v it_o as_o if_o some_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n be_v lose_v and_o some_o of_o we_o seem_v to_o yield_v somewhat_o to_o this_o think_v no_o prejudice_n to_o come_v thereby_o to_o it_o but_o other_o conceive_v that_o no_o part_n or_o member_n of_o scripture_n that_o ever_o be_v canonical_a be_v lose_v buâ—…_n that_o we_o have_v it_o as_o whole_a and_o compieat_a as_o ever_o it_o be_v indeed_o aâ—…_n one_o faith_n if_o any_o book_n be_v lose_v oâ—…_n those_o which_o be_v commend_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o must_v argue_v a_o strange_a conspiâ—…acy_n of_o this_o whole_a church_n iâ—…_n carelessness_n and_o negligence_n such_o aâ—…_n be_v not_o light_o incident_a to_o this_o generation_n of_o man_n we_o grant_v that_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o single_a person_n have_v doubt_v some_o part_n oâ—…_n scripture_n now_o general_o acknowledge_v for_o canonical_a but_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v ever_o do_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o for_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o can_v just_o suspect_v â—…he_a jew_n for_o corrupt_v they_o when_o â—…heir_a zeal_n for_o they_o even_o almost_o to_o â—…uperstition_n have_v be_v so_o notorious_a â—…n_n all_o age_n and_o be_v so_o still_o even_o to_o this_o â—…ay_n our_o saviour_n blame_v they_o â—…uch_o and_o often_o for_o their_o vain_a traâ—…itions_n but_o never_o speak_v one_o word_n â—…out_v their_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n â—…hich_v questionless_a he_o will_v have_v â—…ne_v have_v there_o be_v cause_n since_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o high_a concernent_fw-la and_o if_o any_o have_v attempt_v it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o accomplish_v it_o when_o there_o be_v so_o any_o copy_n disperse_v in_o all_o place_n â—…d_v country_n which_o be_v many_o â—…erein_o the_o jew_n dwell_v if_o any_o â—…ereticks_n have_v assay_v it_o since_o the_o â—…w_a testament_n be_v write_v how_o â—…uld_v one_o party_n have_v observe_v anoâ—…er_o and_o so_o prevenâ—…ed_v the_o design_n â—…d_a to_o say_v no_o more_o it_o be_v impossible_a â—…ess_v we_o imagine_v that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o who_o have_v a_o bible_n shall_v at_o once_o with_o one_o consent_n in_o all_o place_n oâ—…_n the_o world_n resolve_v to_o corrupt_v those_o ancient_a record_n commend_v to_o mankind_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o clear_v this_o further_a have_v insert_v it_o here_o occasional_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v write_v in_o parchment_n and_o papeâ—…_n which_o be_v thing_n perishable_a and_o ic_fw-mi be_v subject_n to_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n but_o who_o know_v not_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o paper_n and_o parchment_n anâ—…_n ink_n which_o have_v be_v use_v to_o preserve_v and_o convey_v it_o to_o we_o god_n woâ—…_n must_v and_o shall_v stand_v when_o all_o theâ—…_n parchment_n and_o paper_n record_v shâ—…_n be_v no_o more_o and_o whatever_o alteâ—…_n tion_n there_o have_v be_v we_o stand_v to_o iâ—…_n
it_o much_o rather_o then_o aâ—…y_a thing_n else_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o care_v so_o little_a sore_a tradition_n because_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n for_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n to_o save_v we_o but_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o know_v not_o how_o we_o can_v have_v faith_n in_o god_n but_o by_o receive_v the_o testimony_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v when_o papist_n attribute_v so_o much_o to_o tradition_n for_o ascertain_v scripture_n we_o can_v yield_v to_o they_o in_o it_o because_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n so_o speak_v to_o man_n as_o they_o may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v if_o he_o do_v not_o it_o be_v because_o he_o will_v not_o or_o because_o he_o can_v that_o he_o can_v no_o man_n can_v say_v without_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v he_o will_v not_o be_v little_o better_a for_o he_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a but_o open_o and_o plain_o so_o as_o they_o to_o who_o he_o have_v speak_v have_v know_v certain_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n not_o only_o to_o declâ—…re_v the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o to_o ascertain_v those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o such_o be_v scripture_n uz._n a_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v so_o make_v as_o man_n may_v know_v that_o god_n have_v speak_v wherefore_o though_o papist_n say_v of_o scripture_n as_o the_o jew_n say_v of_o our_o saviour_n thou_o bear_v record_v of_o thyself_o thy_o record_n be_v not_o true_a we_o answer_v as_o christ_n answer_v for_o himself_o though_o it_o bear_v record_n of_o itself_o yet_o its_o record_n be_v true_a for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v understand_v his_o mind_n so_o he_o speak_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o they_o may_v know_v it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v and_o not_o man_n or_o any_o creature_n for_o what_o can_v be_v say_v or_o think_v more_o unworthy_a of_o god_n then_o that_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o man_n but_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o can_v be_v understand_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o other_o to_o ascertain_v they_o it_o be_v he_o that_o speak_v we_o can_v speak_v to_o one_o another_o either_o by_o word_n or_o writing_n so_o as_o to_o know_v who_o speak_v as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v speak_v but_o god_n it_o seem_v to_o papist_n must_v have_v some_o other_o to_o pass_v their_o word_n for_o he_o before_o he_o can_v have_v any_o credit_n with_o man_n and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o must_v ascertain_v we_o beyond_o all_o further_a question_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n only_o tradition_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n successive_o convey_v down_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o need_v or_o desire_v it_o we_o shall_v enlarge_v in_o our_o answer_n yet_o not_o to_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o our_o intend_a breviy_n 1._o we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v testimony_n to_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o true_a church_n have_v so_o do_v in_o all_o age_n we_o protestant_n do_v believe_v but_o we_o say_v withal_o that_o the_o church_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a instrument_n or_o mean_n in_o give_v this_o testimony_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n such_o as_o papist_n plead_v for_o or_o dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o we_o stand_v to_o affirm_v we_o do_v not_o beâ—…ieve_v the_o scripture_n because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o we_o believe_v it_o such_o for_o its_o own_o and_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n though_o no_o man_n bear_v witness_n to_o it_o for_o what_o be_v the_o church_n make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n more_o or_o less_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o have_v these_o man_n this_o doctrine_n or_o how_o come_v then_o by_o it_o have_v they_o it_o not_o in_o scripture_n christ_n indeed_o deliver_v it_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o they_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n but_o i_o hope_v papist_n will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o pen_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n or_o that_o the_o next_o church_n receive_v any_o doctrine_n other_o than_o be_v therein_o record_v so_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v mention_v ephes._n 2._o 20._o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o scripture_n and_o not_o scripture_n upon_o the_o church_n indeed_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o believe_v scripture_n and_o make_v it_o the_o ground_n work_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v it_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o society_n the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v or_o frame_v the_o scripture_n but_o receive_v it_o make_v ready_a to_o their_o hand_n god_n have_v his_o secretary_n who_o write_v his_o will_n and_o command_n and_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o man_n have_v be_v call_v and_o such_o as_o submit_v and_o come_v in_o have_v be_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n hence_o the_o church_n we_o say_v have_v more_o need_n of_o scripture_n testimony_n than_o scripture_n have_v of_o the_o church_n and_o according_o protestant_n judge_v of_o the_o church_n by_o scripture_n and_o not_o of_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n questionless_a when_o god_n shall_v judge_v all_o by_o the_o man_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v he_o will_v try_v all_o church_n and_o man_n by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o where_o those_o law_n be_v we_o leave_v papist_n to_o inquire_v for_o we_o know_v none_o but_o such_o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n they_o tell_v we_o a_o very_a fair_a tale_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o the_o first_o church_n which_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v so_o unnatural_a as_o witting_o to_o hide_v it_o from_o posterity_n and_o deliver_v over_o to_o the_o next_o generation_n such_o lie_n as_o will_v unavoidable_o damn_v they_o now_o we_o suppose_v as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o all_o parent_n and_o progenitor_n have_v so_o much_o natural_a affection_n as_o not_o to_o procure_v willing_o or_o witting_o the_o damnation_n of_o their_o child_n but_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v say_v we_o tradition_n to_o be_v so_o infallible_a as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o for_o tradition_n or_o deliver_v any_o matter_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n be_v and_o must_v be_v uncertain_a yea_o and_o soon_o fail_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o record_n whereupon_o to_o bottom_v it_o and_o for_o this_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o in_o the_o first_o age_n god_n be_v please_v to_o let_v his_o will_v be_v make_v know_v from_o father_n to_o son_n after_o he_o have_v once_o declare_v and_o reveal_v it_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o leave_v all_o to_o tradition_n but_o ever_o and_o anon_o renew_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n as_o occasion_v require_v and_o this_o he_o do_v when_o those_o patriarch_n live_v ten_o time_n so_o long_o as_o any_o have_v ordinary_o live_v for_o very_a many_o age_n and_o when_o afterward_o abraham_n seed_n be_v grow_v into_o a_o multitude_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o have_v the_o lively_a oracle_n enroll_v and_o commit_v to_o writing_n hence_o we_o think_v it_o rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n think_v his_o will_n write_v to_o be_v more_o infallible_a and_o certain_a then_o as_o deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n once_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o while_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v deliver_v without_o write_v it_o all_o the_o world_n be_v corrupt_v so_o as_o all_o flesh_n have_v pervert_v their_o way_n in_o the_o time_n of_o noah_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o at_o first_o the_o doctrine_n which_o god_n reveal_v to_o adam_n and_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v corrupt_v as_o they_o be_v if_o tradition_n can_v possible_o fail_v or_o how_o come_v the_o world_n after_o the_o flood_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o idol_n so_o as_o abraham_n must_v be_v call_v out_o from_o the_o posterity_n of_o shem_n who_o posterity_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n deliver_v to_o they_o if_o tradition_n be_v so_o faithful_a in_o the_o delivery_n of_o what_o be_v commit_v to_o it_o we_o wonder_v how_o true_a religion_n shall_v fail_v so_o soon_o and_o that_o not_o among_o a_o few_o but_o all_o the_o world_n over_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o heretic_n have_v rise_v
it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n we_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o show_v how_o tradition_n which_o they_o so_o much_o commend_v and_o magnify_v may_v fail_v and_o so_o prove_v no_o infallible_a testimony_n and_o who_o be_v our_o forefather_n from_o who_o we_o learn_v our_o faith_n we_o have_v show_v already_o and_o now_o shall_v name_v some_o of_o they_o viz._n the_o reformer_n in_o the_o last_o age_n and_o jo._n hu_o and_o hiâ—…rome_n of_o prague_n and_o before_o they_o wickliff_n and_o before_o he_o the_o waldenses_n and_o all_o that_o protest_v against_o the_o church_n corruption_n in_o all_o age_n upward_o as_o may_v be_v show_v if_o it_o be_v pertinent_a jo._n whites_n way_n p._n 336._o §_o 45._o &_o 337._o digress_v 48._o 2._o tradition_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n let_v papist_n first_o ascertain_v we_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n who_o testimony_n we_o must_v believe_v for_o our_o part_n we_o know_v none_o upon_o earth_n that_o pretend_v to_o christianity_n that_o do_v not_o account_v themselves_o the_o true_a church_n and_o that_o avow_v not_o themselves_o to_o have_v the_o true_a faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v now_o there_o be_v so_o many_o pretender_n we_o be_v at_o as_o great_a a_o loss_n which_o tradition_n as_o without_o it_o since_o all_o say_v they_o hold_v the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o yet_o extreme_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o not_o in_o few_o matter_n or_o small_a at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v say_v and_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v dissenter_n and_o of_o these_o some_o be_v ignorant_a and_o some_o obstinate_a and_o some_o sceptic_n and_o we_o know_v too_o many_o profess_v christian_n who_o be_v in_o their_o way_n and_o do_n no_o better_o than_o infidel_n now_o may_v not_o any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o question_n tradition_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o they_o know_v not_o which_o be_v the_o church_n who_o testimony_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v say_v as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o some_o that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o know_v the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v just_o reply_v that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o know_v the_o scripture_n as_o well_o for_o all_o that_o own_o not_o scripture_n we_o may_v just_o disow_v they_o as_o be_v no_o christian_n a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o christian_n it_o be_v confess_v though_o he_o never_o see_v a_o bible_n if_o he_o have_v hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o many_o gentile_n yea_o all_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v do_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n but_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o not_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o pure_a contradiction_n now_o how_o we_o shall_v know_v which_o church_n give_v the_o true_a testimony_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n if_o not_o by_o scripture_n let_v papist_n resolve_v we_o for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o answer_v we_o think_v among_o so_o many_o pretender_n there_o will_v be_v difference_n such_o as_o extradition_n will_v no_o better_o reconcile_v then_o scripture_n and_o that_o as_o protestant_n can_v agree_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o some_o interpret_v it_o one_o way_n and_o some_o another_o so_o they_o and_o other_o will_v agree_v no_o better_o about_o the_o church_n and_o its_o tradition_n for_o as_o i_o have_v say_v there_o be_v many_o church_n and_o those_o huge_o differ_v in_o some_o thing_n and_o yet_o all_o pretend_v to_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n therefore_o we_o have_v need_n of_o somewhat_o to_o ascertain_v we_o of_o that_o church_n which_o have_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v down_o all_o along_o the_o same_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v for_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n we_o believe_v it_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o its_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o age_n but_o we_o protestant_n can_v own_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o such_o though_o we_o know_v there_o be_v there_o one_o sound_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n papist_n indeed_o pretend_v and_o boast_v great_a thing_n of_o their_o church_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o who_o can_v well_o distinguish_v between_o a_o roman-catholick_n and_o a_o catholic_n christian._n here_o than_o we_o protestant_n resolve_v to_o believe_v the_o church_n for_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o we_o allow_v what_o that_o ancient_a father_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v scripture_n but_o for_o the_o church_n for_o we_o know_v that_o after_o he_o come_v once_o to_o learn_v the_o scripture_n he_o then_o believe_v it_o not_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n but_o it_o be_v own_o only_a the_o church_n we_o grant_v may_v at_o first_o persuade_v infidel_n to_o attend_v and_o heed_n the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n even_o as_o the_o woman_n persuade_v her_o neighbour_n to_o come_v and_o see_v christ._n but_o as_o they_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v he_o themselves_o 44._o believe_v not_o because_o of_o her_o say_n but_o because_o of_o his_o own_o word_n even_o so_o be_v â—…in_o the_o case_n that_o now_o be_v in_o question_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o office_n of_o ministry_n to_o hold_v out_o the_o light_n that_o other_o who_o be_v in_o darkeness_n may_v see_v it_o but_o this_o will_v never_o prove_v the_o church_n to_o have_v such_o a_o authority_n as_o papist_n plead_v for_o and_o much_o less_o that_o their_o church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n which_o only_o hold_v the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o when_o they_o have_v say_v all_o they_o can_v they_o say_v no_o more_o than_o any_o church_n never_o so_o corrupt_a will_v say_v for_o itself_o viz._n that_o it_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v hence_o we_o say_v again_o that_o tradition_n leave_v we_o at_o a_o irrecoverable_a loss_n and_o that_o we_o must_v have_v somewhat_o more_o certain_a than_o the_o church_n testimony_n which_o any_o company_n of_o never_o so_o corrupt_a principle_n may_v pretend_v unto_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 3._o we_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v down_o be_v true_a because_o the_o church_n have_v deliver_v it_o or_o that_o the_o church_n have_v deliver_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n for_o we_o think_v the_o church_n ought_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v the_o truth_n only_o and_o to_o deliver_v that_o and_o nothing_o else_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o other_o and_o if_o it_o receive_v other_o than_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v deceive_v and_o if_o it_o deliver_v other_o it_o be_v not_o only_o deceive_v but_o deceive_v other_o also_o the_o church_n can_v make_v nothing_o to_o be_v true_a but_o what_o be_v such_o before_o of_o itself_o and_o all_o it_o can_v do_v be_v to_o declare_v the_o truth_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v and_o persuade_v other_o to_o believe_v it_o therefore_o when_o papist_n press_v we_o as_o they_o do_v about_o our_o be_v assure_v of_o scripture_n we_o say_v that_o we_o believe_v it_o upon_o account_n of_o its_o own_o authority_n because_o it_o speak_v itself_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o when_o a_o place_n of_o trust_n and_o honour_n be_v confer_v upon_o a_o person_n by_o his_o prince_n and_o assure_v to_o he_o under_o the_o great_a seal_n though_o the_o messenger_n that_o bring_v the_o patent_n may_v avow_v it_o to_o be_v the_o prince_n act_n yet_o that_o which_o give_v assurance_n to_o the_o person_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o that_o office_n and_o honour_n be_v the_o patent_n itself_o and_o the_o seal_v annex_v so_o we_o know_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o even_o so_o have_v the_o true_a church_n in_o all_o age_n receive_v scripture_n as_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n and_o commend_v it_o to_o other_o for_o such_o as_o a_o patent_n seal_v from_o heaven_n 4._o we_o desire_v to_o know_v when_o the_o church_n first_o resolve_v the_o case_n in_o question_n and_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d council_n we_o count_v they_o of_o a_o latter_a date_n and_o but_o of_o yesterday_o in_o comparison_n for_o our_o part_n we_o think_v under_o correction_n of_o better_a judgement_n that_o the_o canon_n be_v agree_v upon_o very_o early_o because_o two_o eminent_a one_o among_o the_o ancient_n â—…counted_v upon_o 5._o the_o same_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n which_o we_o now_o do_v and_o one_o of_o they_o say_v that_o the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v confirm_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o that_o
it_o be_v so_o agree_v very_o early_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v because_o coâ—…stantine_n in_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n will_v not_o else_o have_v persuade_v the_o father_n assemble_v to_o examine_v and_o try_v all_o question_n and_o controversy_n by_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n for_o have_v it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o have_v be_v rational_a to_o move_v they_o first_o to_o resolve_v what_o the_o canon_n be_v once_o we_o know_v the_o christian_a church_n have_v need_v to_o be_v resolve_v of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n at_o least_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v depart_v this_o life_n for_o if_o any_o thing_n sure_o this_o be_v of_o concernment_n to_o the_o church_n viz._n to_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n state_v as_o the_o standard_n whereby_o all_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v weigh_v and_o measure_v and_o this_o we_o think_v be_v do_v even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o determination_n which_o they_o have_v make_v so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o such_o question_n of_o old_a about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o papist_n have_v make_v of_o late_a that_o some_o have_v question_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o know_v but_o we_o say_v they_o be_v only_o some_o and_o not_o the_o whole_a church_n beside_o to_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o few_o book_n be_v not_o to_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o indeed_o this_o question_n be_v never_o make_v till_o of_o latter_a time_n when_o papist_n can_v no_o more_o defend_v their_o tenet_n by_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n 5._o we_o will_v know_v how_o the_o church_n come_v to_o know_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o this_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o question_n because_o papist_n make_v so_o much_o of_o the_o church_n testimony_n as_o if_o scripture_n have_v no_o authority_n as_o to_o we_o at_o least_o without_o it_o whatâ—…_n do_v the_o church_n devise_v the_o whole_a model_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n out_o of_o her_o own_o heart_n no_o certain_o this_o will_v never_o be_v say_v by_o any_o that_o be_v sober_a what_o then_o questionless_a she_o be_v teach_v it_o of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o i_o hope_v we_o all_o agree_v well_o and_o how_o be_v she_o teach_v it_o be_v it_o not_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o where_o be_v this_o revelation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n but_o i_o proceed_v and_o say_v the_o christian_a church_n learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n from_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n work_v with_o the_o word_n for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n bring_v to_o light_v what_o have_v never_o be_v hear_v of_o or_o think_v on_o before_o but_o they_o only_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n the_o performance_n of_o what_o god_n have_v foretell_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n and_o make_v under_o the_o law_n when_o once_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v and_o so_o the_o apostle_n avow_v act_v 26._o 22._o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v signify_v before_o and_o do_v not_o christ_n come_v to_o fulfil_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o father_n which_o promise_n be_v record_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o and_o christ_n himself_o expound_v the_o scripture_n concern_v himself_o lukâ—…_n 24._o 27._o and_o vers_fw-la 25._o he_o up_o 〈◊〉_d he_o two_o disciple_n with_o their_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v 〈◊〉_d iâ—…_n the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d themselves_o know_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o christ_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v we_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n once_o 〈◊〉_d if_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n 〈◊〉_d let_v papist_n tell_v we_o what_o it_o serve_v â—…or_a true_o we_o be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o know_v no_o use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o that_o be_v grant_v which_o our_o adversary_n plead_v for_o why_o may_v we_o not_o hearken_v to_o the_o church_n and_o her_o tradition_n and_o never_o look_v on_o scripture_n more_o for_o they_o have_v of_o late_o frame_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v all-sufficient_a and_o tell_v we_o plain_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o sure_o if_o we_o thus_o let_v go_v the_o word_n and_o take_v up_o tradition_n we_o have_v best_o let_v god_n go_v also_o and_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o church_n but_o there_o be_v some_o question_n to_o be_v answer_v and_o till_o this_o be_v do_v we_o talk_v to_o no_o purpose_n whatever_o we_o say_v of_o scripture_n or_o against_o tradition_n for_o how_o know_v we_o 1._o whether_o the_o original_n be_v entire_a and_o the_o same_o with_o those_o which_o be_v first_o pon_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n 2._o what_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v canonical_a and_o what_o not_o 3._o whether_o the_o original_n be_v right_o translate_v into_o the_o english_a and_o other_o vulgar_a language_n 4._o whether_o they_o be_v true_o senâ—…ed_v and_o interpret_v etc._n etc._n and_o what_o not_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v press_v upon_o we_o to_o enervate_a the_o source_n of_o scripture_n authority_n and_o prove_v it_o no_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n say_v papist_n must_v be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o and_o it_o must_v evidence_n itself_o so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v ascertain_v of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o how_o can_v the_o vulgar_a be_v sure_a of_o this_o when_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a be_v not_o well_o agree_v about_o it_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o the_o unlearned_a and_o such_o as_o make_v any_o doubt_n about_o these_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v many_o such_o whereof_o some_o be_v rational_a and_o other_o sceptical_a and_o other_o no_o question_n be_v atheistical_a to_o a_o high_a degree_n to_o all_o these_o we_o count_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o answer_v and_o our_o answer_n in_o general_n be_v i._o that_o if_o scripture_n be_v never_o so_o plain_a and_o certain_a there_o will_v be_v some_o doubter_n and_o dissenter_n and_o enemy_n to_o it_o also_o there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o question_n and_o some_o who_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v there_o no_o certainty_n therefore_o of_o god_n existence_n or_o have_v not_o god_n sufficient_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v know_v as_o he_o be_v so_o do_v christ_n give_v evidence_n enough_o of_o himself_o though_o the_o blind_a pharisee_n can_v nor_o or_o rather_o will_v not_o see_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v we_o know_v there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v dissenter_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a honesty_n and_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v plain_a enough_o and_o papist_n i_o be_o confident_a think_v so_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a if_o scripture_n prove_v itself_o so_o far_o as_o all_o honest_a sober_a and_o unintere_v person_n may_v be_v satisfy_v these_o i_o be_o sure_a will_v be_v content_v with_o such_o proof_n as_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n will_v bear_v and_o who_o that_o be_v reasonable_a will_v expect_v argument_n in_o this_o case_n to_o prove_v more_o than_o a_o moral_a certainty_n always_o except_v that_o inward_a assurance_n which_o a_o gracious_a soul_n have_v by_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n spirit_n 2._o we_o answer_v that_o the_o rule_n may_v be_v easy_a though_o all_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v it_o and_o such_o be_v scripture_n easy_a we_o say_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o that_o will_v use_v mean_n for_o that_o end_n what!_o do_v our_o adversary_n think_v it_o may_v be_v know_v by_o dream_v of_o it_o or_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n have_v not_o sufficient_o provide_v for_o our_o soul_n because_o we_o can_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o salvation_n by_o it_o without_o painstaking_a this_o be_v to_o say_v no_o more_o unreasonable_a what_o can_v be_v learn_v without_o use_v mean_n and_o take_v pain_n 3._o we_o may_v just_o look_v on_o these_o query_n about_o scripture_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v ask_v another_o how_o do_v you_o know_v light_a from_o darkness_n white_a from_o black_a sour_a from_o sweet_a for_o scripture_n give_v as_o clear_v a_o discovery_n of_o itself_o as_o thing_n white_a and_o black_a sour_a and_o sweet_a show_v their_o taste_n and_o colour_n but_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v particular_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o order_n to_o the_o first_o question_n about_o the_o original_n we_o answer_v 1._o that_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v entire_a and_o not_o defective_a and_o the_o same_o with_o those_o that_o
they_o and_o this_o light_n be_v so_o glorious_a as_o those_o atocryphals_n dare_v not_o pretend_v to_o it_o but_o rather_o seem_v willing_a to_o be_v in_o a_o low_a form_n for_o this_o i_o instance_n in_o 2_o mac._n 2._o 24._o where_o the_o author_n whoever_o he_o be_v consess_v that_o he_o have_v take_v what_o he_o write_v out_o of_o jason_n of_o cyrene_n and_o contract_v five_o book_n of_o his_o into_o one_o volume_n and_o whoever_o please_v to_o read_v on_o in_o that_o chapter_n may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o speak_v by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n can_v never_o frame_v to_o speak_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n god_n in_o scripture_n as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v speak_v pro_fw-la imperio_fw-la as_o the_o only_o most_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o never_o make_v apology_n for_o himself_o to_o be_v excuse_v with_o those_o to_o who_o he_o speak_v for_o why_o shall_v he_o see_v they_o be_v all_o his_o vassal_n his_o creature_n the_o distance_n be_v so_o infinite_o great_a between_o he_o and_o they_o as_o it_o can_v be_v reasonable_o imagine_v that_o he_o shall_v court_v they_o as_o that_o author_n do_v for_o the_o many_o fiction_n and_o tale_n tell_v in_o some_o of_o those_o apocryphal_o i_o â—…all_v not_o mention_v they_o because_o they_o be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o such_o as_o have_v peruse_v they_o and_o may_v be_v to_o other_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v satisfy_v what_o need_n have_v we_o then_o of_o tradition_n to_o determine_v in_o this_o case_n and_o whoever_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v further_o satisfy_v may_v find_v enough_o in_o all_o our_o divine_n who_o have_v maintain_v scripture_n authority_n against_o our_o adversary_n but_o the_o great_a question_n be_v about_o the_o scripture_n translâ—…ted_v for_o our_o adversary_n think_v we_o can_v never_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o rule_n say_v they_o must_v be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a but_o translation_n be_v many_o and_o various_a and_o much_o different_a if_o not_o in_o many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o one_o another_o and_o then_o how_o shall_v the_o vulgar_a understand_v which_o of_o they_o do_v indeed_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n or_o how_o shall_v the_o unlearned_a be_v infallible_o sure_a that_o this_o or_o that_o translation_n do_v not_o err_v now_o to_o clear_v ourselves_o in_o this_o puzzle_v question_n i_o say_v what_o papist_n can_v deny_v that_o the_o whole_a canon_n be_v at_o first_o write_v in_o two_o language_n which_o very_o few_o in_o comparison_n for_o these_o many_o age_n have_v understand_v better_o than_o our_o common_a people_n do_v but_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v these_o language_n viz._n hebrew_n and_o greek_n be_v best_a know_v to_o the_o church_n of_o any_o other_o hebrew_n be_v the_o mother_n tongue_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_a be_v a_o language_n very_o familiar_a to_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o before_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o then_o see_v they_o be_v call_v hellenist_n or_o grecist_n for_o use_v the_o greek_a translation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o seventy_o for_o the_o gentile_n unto_o who_o the_o gospel_n come_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n many_o of_o they_o have_v it_o for_o their_o mother-tongue_n and_o other_o familiar_o use_v it_o because_o the_o grecian_a monarchy_n have_v not_o long_o before_o sway_v in_o all_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n this_o i_o think_v good_a to_o mention_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v the_o more_o probable_a that_o god_n mind_n be_v to_o have_v his_o word_n understand_v by_o all_o but_o there_o be_v other_o people_n who_o obj._n understand_v neither_o of_o those_o language_n there_o be_v and_o be_v still_o such_o sol._n and_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v it_o but_o this_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n be_v not_o please_v to_o cause_v his_o word_n to_o be_v write_v at_o first_o in_o the_o vulgar_a language_n of_o all_o nation_n for_o if_o he_o have_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v poze_v as_o now_o we_o be_v with_o this_o question_n however_o what_o i_o have_v say_v and_o can_v be_v deny_v serve_v to_o hint_n this_o that_o god_n mind_n be_v to_o have_v his_o word_n understand_v by_o those_o to_o who_o it_o come_v see_v he_o write_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o hebrew_n and_o to_o the_o grecian_n in_o greek_a true_o other_o people_n can_v not_o understand_v it_o without_o a_o translation_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v in_o this_o case_n god_n do_v not_o cause_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v pen_v at_o first_o in_o the_o several_a language_n of_o all_o people_n and_o nation_n we_o must_v here_o leave_v out_o adversary_n to_o question_n god_n for_o it_o for_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v at_o first_o only_o in_o two_o laguage_n which_o many_o can_v not_o possible_o understand_v without_o a_o miracle_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v translate_v only_o since_o it_o be_v thus_o we_o hope_v our_o adversary_n will_v not_o say_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v translate_v see_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o it_o which_o else_o can_v never_o have_v be_v without_o a_o miracle_n but_o how_o shall_v the_o vulgar_a know_v qâ—…est_n whether_o translation_n be_v according_a to_o the_o original_n and_o then_o how_o can_v the_o scripture_n translate_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o must_v be_v such_o as_o a_o man_n may_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v no_o error_n in_o it_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o question_n sol._n where_o with_o they_o go_v about_o to_o puzzle_v we_o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o as_o translate_v into_o the_o english_a tongue_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o not_o infallible_a and_o to_o this_o we_o intend_v wotton_n to_o answer_v though_o other_o have_v answer_v it_o long_o ago*_n and_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o 1._o we_o know_v of_o no_o infallible_a spiâ—…it_n promise_v or_o give_v of_o god_n for_o translate_n scripture_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o adversaty_n think_v will_v give_v the_o cause_n whole_o on_o their_o side_n for_o see_v all_o translation_n be_v liable_a to_o mistake_n the_o vulgar_a and_o unlearned_a can_v never_o have_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o scripture_n say_v they_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o quit_v ouâ—…_n claim_v to_o scripture_n for_o all_o this_o for_o we_o can_v distinguish_v as_o that_o learned_a divine_a have_v between_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v in_o church_n the_o scriptu_fw-la e_fw-la and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o our_o capacity_n as_o between_o thing_n and_o word_n the_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n be_v say_v we_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o translation_n be_v only_a mean_n to_o show_v it_o we_o and_o the_o vessel_n wherein_o it_o be_v present_v to_o we_o and_o thus_o in_o rigour_n of_o speech_n we_o do_v not_o count_v the_o english_a or_o any_o other_o translation_n no_o nor_o the_o greek_a or_o hebrew_a the_o rule_n because_o all_o language_n be_v but_o a_o certain_a form_n or_o manner_n or_o mean_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o we_o but_o because_o the_o doctrine_n be_v not_o make_v know_v but_o by_o word_n and_o language_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n translate_v into_o english_a be_v a_o divine_a authority_n for_o faith_n so_o man_n believe_v a_o divine_a truth_n although_o deliver_v by_o humane_a voice_n in_o pâ—…eaching_v and_o just_o so_o we_o have_v the_o infallible_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scriptute_fw-la immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o by_o a_o humane_a translation_n it_o be_v manifest_v to_o we_o 2._o but_o how_o do_v we_o know_v that_o our_o translation_n be_v right_a and_o according_a to_o the_o original_n or_o how_o can_v our_o unlearned_a people_n be_v sure_a of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o can_v how_o can_v the_o english_a bibles_n be_v to_o they_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n sol._n our_o english_a bible_n say_v our_o learned_a white_a contain_v in_o it_o two_o thing_n viz._n the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o translation_n the_o doctrine_n be_v inspire_v by_o god_n and_o write_v by_o man_n infallible_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o translation_n be_v do_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n and_o industry_n of_o certain_a man_n who_o thâ—…ugh_v they_o haâ—…_n no_o supernatural_a inspiration_n yet_o we_o know_v infallible_o they_o have_v not_o err_v in_o the_o mattâ—…r_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n whereby_o we_o know_v other_o truth_n and_o discern_v other_o article_n of_o chriâ—…ian_a faith_n viz._n the_o light_n of_o the_o doctrine_n transl._n .ted_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o rulâ—…s_n of_o art_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n obj._n some_o translation_n have_v err_v and_o how_o
from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o these_o follow_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o humour_n and_o interest_n have_v pervert_v and_o draw_v aside_o other_o we_o grant_v it_o but_o we_o say_v too_o that_o not_o a_o few_o or_o a_o small_a party_n but_o multirule_v have_v be_v corrupt_v as_o once_o it_o be_v when_o all_o the_o world_n wonder_v to_o see_v itself_o arian_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o time_n of_o noah_n and_o elijah_n which_o be_v famous_a for_o a_o general_a apostasy_n we_o ask_v how_o all_o israel_n come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v after_o joshua_n and_o the_o judg_n that_o outlive_v he_o yea_o how_o the_o body_n of_o that_o people_n be_v corrupt_v even_o while_o moses_n be_v alive_a and_o upon_o all'occasion_n turn_v themselves_o to_o idol_n and_o how_o come_v the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n to_o have_v so_o many_o tradition_n not_o only_o beside_o but_o contrary_a to_o the_o write_a word_n now_o the_o force_n of_o our_o argue_v lie_v in_o this_o that_o notwithstanding_o tradition_n and_o a_o write_a word_n too_o for_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n past_a the_o generality_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o people_n who_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o they_o have_v be_v corrupt_v and_o pervert_v and_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o what_o credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o tradition_n or_o what_o shall_v the_o father_n deliver_v over_o to_o their_o child_n other_o than_o they_o themselves_o have_v receive_v believe_v and_o practise_v we_o can_v enough_o wonder_v at_o papist_n arguing_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v in_o some_o particular_n ere_o we_o can_v yield_v so_o much_o to_o tradition_n as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o 1._o we_o will_v know_v who_o these_o foref_n they_o be_v that_o have_v so_o careful_o deliver_v over_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n for_o our_o forefather_n after_o the_o flesh_n till_o this_o and_o the_o last_o age_n we_o know_v and_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o that_o they_o be_v roman_a catholic_n this_o land_n have_v take_v the_o infection_n as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o place_n and_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o other_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n be_v as_o they_o so_o as_o those_o who_o we_o count_v our_o forefather_n after_o the_o faith_n be_v for_o a_o great_a while_n up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o that_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n in_o elijah_n time_n and_o what_o then_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o tradition_n of_o forefather_n we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o precious_a promise_n isa._n 59_o 21._o that_o god_n word_n and_o spirit_n shall_v continue_v with_o his_o church_n and_o the_o church_n child_n to_o all_o generation_n as_o our_o saviour_n promise_v his_o disciple_n mat._n 28._o 20._o to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o observe_v the_o spirit_n be_v promise_v as_o well_o as_o the_o word_n because_o one_o be_v unavailable_a without_o the_o other_o cooperate_n with_o it_o isa._n 30._o 20_o 21._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 16._o 2_o cor._n 3._o 6._o and_o 4._o 13._o but_o where_o be_v there_o any_o promise_n that_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n shall_v continue_v with_o any_o one_o people_n uninterrupted_o unto_o the_o world_n end_n we_o read_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o it_o be_v and_o be_v not_o restore_v to_o they_o yet_o and_o in_o many_o place_n where_o once_o be_v famous_a christian_a church_n there_o be_v not_o to_o be_v see_v at_o this_o day_n so_o much_o as_o a_o relic_n of_o christianity_n witness_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n now_o possess_v by_o mahometan_n we_o think_v it_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a that_o error_n and_o impiety_n of_o all_o sort_n may_v infect_v whole_a nation_n of_o such_o as_o have_v profess_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o when_o the_o infection_n have_v once_o take_v a_o few_o it_o will_v spread_v like_o a_o gangrene_n till_o the_o body_n be_v all_o overrun_a so_o when_o some_o have_v once_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n other_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o follow_v and_o the_o tare_n soon_o outgrow_a the_o good_a seed_n hence_o we_o answer_v that_o we_o can_v admit_v tradition_n as_o a_o infallible_a witness_n since_o multitude_n yea_o whole_a nation_n have_v be_v overspread_v with_o error_n and_o those_o no_o small_a one_o for_o when_o a_o generation_n be_v once_o corrupt_v in_o their_o principle_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a to_o we_o how_o they_o shall_v teach_v their_o child_n other_o then_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v learn_v so_o our_o forefather_n after_o the_o flesh_n will_v we_o believe_v have_v teach_v we_o the_o same_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v teach_v they_o for_o many_o age_n i._n e._n the_o popish_a or_o romish_n but_o we_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v our_o forefather_n as_o to_o our_o faith_n if_o any_o ask_v we_o who_o these_o be_v we_o answer_v all_z they_o who_o in_o all_o age_n protest_v against_o the_o error_n and_o abuse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o know_v well_o that_o england_n be_v christian_n before_o austin_n the_o monk_n come_v hither_o for_o he_o find_v such_o here_o as_o stout_o withstand_v his_o romish_a imposition_n though_o it_o cost_v they_o dear_a and_o what_o if_o there_o never_o have_v be_v a_o church_n in_o england_n before_o or_o that_o church_n have_v utter_o fail_v yet_o the_o church_n true_o catholic_n never_o fail_v but_o god_n have_v have_v always_o and_o will_v have_v to_o the_o end_n a_o company_n that_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o desire_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o these_o we_o own_o for_o our_o forefather_n as_o to_o our_o faith_n and_o from_o these_o we_o receive_v what_o we_o now_o profess_v and_o believe_v according_a to_o scripture_n to_o clear_v the_o matter_n yet_o further_o we_o say_v this_o argument_n of_o tradition_n suppose_v what_o we_o can_v yield_v viz._n that_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n hold_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o all_o particular_n with_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a church_n and_o that_o the_o same_o faith_n have_v be_v hand_v down_o to_o they_o in_o all_o age_n successive_o to_o this_o day_n that_o there_o be_v once_o a_o famous_a church_n at_o rome_n we_o grant_v but_o that_o the_o present_a faith_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n can_v never_o be_v make_v good_a unless_o papist_n will_v have_v the_o difference_n of_o mea_n and_o day_n to_o be_v the_o whole_a catholic_n faith_n let_v they_o now_o prove_v their_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o we_o may_v then_o heed_v this_o argument_n more_o than_o now_o we_o can_v for_o our_o part_n we_o stand_v to_o prove_v as_o other_o before_o we_o have_v do_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a depart_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o when_o the_o generality_n be_v once_o corrupt_v in_o principle_n and_o practice_n we_o know_v not_o what_o they_o shall_v teach_v posterity_n other_o then_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v learn_v do_v not_o heathen_n now_o as_o in_o all_o former_a age_n teach_v their_o child_n to_o worship_n idol_n as_o themselves_o have_v do_v and_o be_v it_o so_o hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o face_n yea_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v overspread_v by_o error_n and_o heresy_n who_o know_v not_o that_o one_o scab_a sheep_n will_v infect_v a_o whole_a flock_n and_o how_o a_o little_a leaven_n will_v soon_o leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n we_o hear_v of_o vain_a conversation_n receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o forefather_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 18._o and_o we_o know_v too_o well_o that_o child_n for_o the_o most_o part_n betake_v themselves_o to_o such_o course_n as_o their_o father_n have_v take_v before_o they_o that_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v the_o whole_a truth_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o they_o to_o the_o church_n in_o those_o time_n we_o make_v no_o question_n yea_o we_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o question_v it_o but_o we_o know_v and_o can_v show_v how_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n degenerate_v quick_o and_o by_o degree_n come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o be_v this_o strange_a alas_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n how_o be_v some_o church_n pervert_v in_o so_o much_o as_o he_o wonder_v gal._n 1._o 6._o they_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v to_o another_o gospel_n and_o here_o i_o may_v enlarge_v in_o show_v how_o by_o degree_n the_o first_o church_n come_v to_o be_v pervert_v and_o corrupt_v but_o it_o lie_v on_o our_o adversary_n to_o prove_v their_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v as_o