fast_o to_o the_o tradition_n they_o have_v be_v teach_v i._n e._n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v receive_v in_o that_o manner_n but_o it_o be_v urge_v 5._o that_o he_o mention_n before_o something_o he_o have_v say_v about_o antichrist_n come_v when_o he_o be_v with_o they_o v_o 5._o if_o this_o be_v allow_v it_o will_v be_v more_o against_o than_o for_o tradition_n for_o what_o be_v become_v of_o that_o tradition_n if_o it_o be_v lose_v than_o it_o follow_v that_o tradition_n be_v no_o infallible_a way_n of_o conveyence_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o adhere_v to_o a_o write_a word_n 2._o which_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o second_o reason_n from_o which_o i_o design_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o write_a rule_n for_o discern_v true_a primitive_a christianity_n and_o that_o be_v from_o the_o notorious_a uncertainty_n of_o mere_a tradition_n i_o say_v notorious_a because_o there_o never_o be_v any_o trial_n make_v of_o it_o but_o it_o fail_v even_o when_o it_o have_v the_o great_a advantage_n i_o may_v insist_v upon_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n when_o man_n life_n be_v so_o long_o and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o natural_a religion_n so_o few_o and_o yet_o both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n mankind_n be_v strange_o degenerate_v from_o they_o i_o may_v insist_v on_o many_o instance_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n so_o many_o that_o scarce_o one_o can_v be_v produce_v wherein_o they_o plead_v mere_a tradition_n but_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o it_o as_o about_o the_o millennium_n the_o age_n of_o christ_n the_o time_n of_o easter_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o the_o communicate_v infant_n 4._o for_o st._n augustin_n quote_v apostolical_a tradition_n for_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v wave_v all_o these_o and_o only_o mention_v a_o very_a necessary_a and_o important_a thing_n which_o be_v a_o long_a time_n trust_v to_o tradition_n and_o yet_o they_o differ_v so_o much_o about_o it_o as_o evident_o prove_v that_o mere_a tradition_n be_v no_o infallible_a mean_n of_o conveyance_n and_o that_o be_v about_o the_o apostle_n creed_n which_o be_v to_o be_v repeat_v by_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a we_o have_v many_o plain_a testimony_n to_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v write_v but_o to_o be_v convey_v from_o one_o to_o another_o by_o a_o oral_a tradition_n hierosol_n st._n hierom_n 75._o st._n augustin_n symbol_n ruffinus_n all_o affirm_v it_o and_o the_o creed_n be_v common_o then_o call_v â—â—oem_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o show_v that_o they_o look_v on_o all_o the_o article_n therein_o contain_v as_o the_o standard_n of_o necessary_a point_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o considerable_a difference_n in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n some_o article_n be_v in_o some_o which_o be_v not_o in_o other_o although_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o necessary_a point_n be_v at_o first_o the_o same_o in_o all_o or_o else_o the_o several_a church_n must_v have_v different_a rule_n of_o faith._n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v call_v 9_o the_o mother_n of_o all_o church_n by_o the_o general_n council_n of_o constantinople_n and_o in_o the_o creed_n there_o deliver_v to_o the_o catechuman_n 11._o st._n cyril_n mention_n the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n before_o all_o world_n and_o so_o do_v 12._o eusebius_n at_o caesarea_n in_o the_o creed_n which_o he_o say_v he_o learn_v at_o his_o baptism_n which_o be_v long_o before_o the_o nicene_n creed_n 4._o cassian_n make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o that_o creed_n which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v to_o the_o church_n and_o be_v particular_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v deliver_v in_o the_o western_a creed_n as_o far_o as_o now_o appear_v by_o what_o st._n augustin_n ruffinus_n and_o other_o say_v in_o their_o exposition_n of_o it_o st._n jerom_n write_v against_o the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n urge_v he_o with_o the_o creed_n pammach_n no_o doubt_n that_o which_o be_v receive_v in_o his_o own_o church_n and_o he_o say_v it_o consist_v of_o three_o main_a point_n the_o confession_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o flesh._n and_o the_o creed_n of_o the_o church_n of_o aquileia_n go_v no_o far_o say_v 9_o ruffinus_n nor_o some_o old_a copy_n of_o the_o roman_a creed_n but_o marcellus_n of_o ancyra_n have_v eternal_a life_n in_o his_o 72._o creed_n and_o so_o have_v 18._o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o have_v the_o african_a church_n in_o st._n etc._n augustins_n time_n so_o have_v the_o church_n of_o ravena_n but_o not_o the_o church_n of_o turin_n nor_o the_o gallican_n church_n if_o maimus_fw-la taurinensis_n and_o venantius_n fortunatus_n explain_v all_o the_o article_n of_o their_o creed_n ruffinus_n confess_v the_o article_n of_o descent_n into_o hell_n be_v not_o in_o the_o roman_a nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o eastern_a creed_n the_o creed_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o aquileia_n have_v not_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n nor_o those_o of_o marcellus_n and_o at_o epiphanius_n the_o title_n of_o catholic_n be_v not_o add_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o creed_n in_o st._n 243._o augustins_n time_n for_o he_o make_v it_o a_o periphrasis_n utique_fw-la catholicam_fw-la from_o whence_o probable_o it_o come_v to_o be_v add_v afterward_o ruffinus_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o extant_a in_o the_o old_a copy_n of_o the_o roman_a creed_n nor_o in_o that_o of_o marcellus_n ancyranus_n these_o thing_n i_o mention_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o shake_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n which_o 1._o st._n augustin_n say_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o scripture_n and_o be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o but_o to_o show_v what_o a_o uncertain_a way_n of_o conveyance_n mere_a oral_a tradition_n be_v when_o a_o thing_n so_o easy_o remember_v so_o constant_o use_v of_o so_o much_o weight_n and_o consequence_n fall_v into_o such_o variety_n in_o the_o great_a church_n while_o they_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o write_n of_o it_o what_o cause_n have_v we_o then_o to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n that_o have_v take_v so_o much_o care_n of_o his_o church_n as_o to_o provide_v we_o a_o infallible_a write_a rule_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whereby_o we_o certain_o know_v what_o the_o true_a primitive_a christianity_n be_v which_o be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o here_o be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v remove_v as_o to_o the_o write_a word_n how_o can_v we_o be_v certain_a we_o have_v it_o if_o not_o by_o tradition_n and_o if_o tradition_n be_v so_o uncertain_a how_o can_v we_o be_v make_v certain_a by_o it_o that_o we_o have_v that_o write_v word_n which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v for_o may_v not_o that_o fail_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o creed_n and_o then_o what_o security_n can_v we_o have_v for_o our_o faith_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v 1._o what_o advantage_n thing_n that_o be_v write_v have_v as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o conveyance_n above_o thing_n mere_o commit_v to_o memory_n and_o tradition_n 2._o what_o advantage_n the_o scripture_n have_v above_o any_o other_o thing_n commit_v to_o write_v as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o conveyence_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o advantage_n thing_n write_v have_v above_o those_o commit_v to_o memory_n and_o tradition_n only_o which_o will_v appear_v by_o these_o thing_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o way_n god_n himself_o make_v choice_n of_o where_o the_o reason_n for_o tradition_n be_v strong_a i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o ten_o commandment_n which_o be_v short_a and_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v remember_v and_o very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o general_n interest_n of_o mankind_n yet_o the_o wise_a god_n who_o perfect_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n will_v not_o leave_v the_o ten_o commandment_n to_o a_o oral_a tradition_n but_o god_n deliver_v to_o moses_n two_o table_n of_o stone_n write_v with_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n 4._o and_o on_o they_o he_o write_v the_o ten_o commandment_n what_o a_o vain_a and_o superstuous_a thing_n be_v this_o if_o oral_a and_o practical_a tradition_n be_v infallible_a but_o god_n own_o pitch_v upon_o this_o way_n after_o so_o long_a a_o trial_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o other_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o great_a certainty_n of_o it_o if_o we_o suppose_v that_o god_n aim_v at_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n by_o it_o 2._o when_o religion_n be_v corrupt_v among_o the_o jew_n the_o only_a way_n of_o restore_v it_o be_v by_o a_o write_a book_n of_o the_o law._n as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o case_n of_o josiahs_n reformation_n which_o be_v make_v by_o
contain_v in_o the_o several_a gospel_n and_o that_o which_o add_v to_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o proof_n be_v that_o when_o the_o true_a gospel_n be_v write_v there_o be_v several_a false_a and_o counterfeit_a gospel_n disperse_v abroad_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o of_o st._n peter_n st._n thomas_n 25._o st._n mathias_n and_o other_o as_o eusebius_n inform_v we_o and_o as_o we_o have_v the_o genuine_a act_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o there_o be_v the_o pretend_a act_n of_o paul_n of_o andrew_n and_o john_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n how_o come_v these_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o the_o other_o to_o be_v careful_o receive_v here_o lie_v the_o true_a advantage_n of_o original_a tradition_n before_o the_o write_a gospel_n that_o by_o it_o the_o several_a church_n be_v enable_v to_o pass_v a_o true_a judgement_n concern_v they_o when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v disperse_v among_o they_o for_o they_o can_v present_o tell_v whether_o what_o they_o read_v be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n as_o suppose_v the_o gospel_n of_o st._n matthew_n be_v publish_v in_o judea_n be_v carry_v into_o mesopotamia_n or_o persia_n where_o many_o christian_a church_n be_v very_o early_o plant_v these_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o life_n death_n resurrection_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n can_v present_o judge_v whether_o st._n matthews_n gospel_n agree_v with_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v or_o not_o and_o the_o like_a hold_v as_o to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n so_o that_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n so_o soon_o while_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n be_v so_o fresh_a in_o their_o mind_n be_v in_o effect_n the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n who_o teach_v they_o and_o this_o be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o case_n of_o particular_a person_n in_o some_o church_n who_o may_v mistake_v or_o forget_v what_o be_v teach_v for_o this_o be_v a_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n who_o can_v not_o agree_v to_o approve_v a_o error_n in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n deliver_v to_o they_o and_o that_o while_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v still_o live_v for_o the_o other_o gospel_n be_v receive_v and_o approve_v before_o st._n john_n write_v his_o the_o case_n have_v be_v far_o otherwise_o if_o no_o gospel_n have_v be_v write_v in_o that_o age_n for_o than_o it_o may_v have_v be_v suspect_v that_o either_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o first_o teacher_n be_v wear_v out_o or_o they_o have_v be_v by_o degree_n alter_v from_o their_o first_o apprehension_n by_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v they_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o common_a tradition_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v useful_a in_o these_o case_n 1._o to_o convey_v down_o the_o authentic_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o any_o of_o they_o 2._o to_o bear_v testimony_n against_o any_o pretend_a write_n which_o be_v not_o first_o receive_v by_o the_o apostolical_a church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o negative_a testimony_n of_o more_o force_n than_o that_o it_o be_v improbable_a to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n that_o such_o a_o church_n shall_v not_o know_v or_o not_o make_v know_v any_o true_a apostolical_a write_n 3._o to_o overthrow_v any_o pretence_n to_o a_o secret_a tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n different_a from_o what_o be_v see_v in_o the_o apostolical_a write_n 4._o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n make_v very_o good_a use_n of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n against_o the_o pretender_n to_o such_o a_o tradition_n haer._n which_o those_o church_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o but_o they_o agree_v that_o the_o apostle_n commit_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o write_v which_o they_o preach_v and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o faith_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o gospel_n and_o that_o the_o apostolical_a church_n do_v receive_v they_o from_o those_o who_o first_o write_v they_o and_o that_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o apostolical_a age._n it_o be_v therefore_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o provide_v for_o a_o constant_a establishment_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n neither_o to_o permit_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v write_v till_o the_o church_n be_v plant_v nor_o to_o be_v put_v off_o to_o another_o generation_n for_o than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v plausible_o object_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a why_o be_v they_o not_o record_v when_o there_o be_v person_n live_v who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o have_v either_o prove_v or_o confute_v they_o then_o we_o may_v have_v be_v satisfy_v one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o now_o the_o jew_n be_v dead_a and_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a and_o although_o there_o be_v many_o leave_v who_o believe_v their_o doctrine_n yet_o this_o can_v never_o reach_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o thing_n themselves_o or_o who_o doctrine_n be_v attest_v by_o those_o who_o do_v so_o and_o this_o be_v now_o the_o mighty_a advantage_n of_o the_o church_n ever_o since_o that_o the_o thing_n concern_v christ_n be_v write_v by_o such_o person_n with_o what_o another_o kind_n of_o authority_n do_v those_o word_n command_v our_o assent_n 3._o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n for_o the_o life_n be_v manifest_v and_o we_o have_v see_v it_o and_o bear_v witness_n and_o show_v unto_o you_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o be_v manifest_a unto_o we_o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o then_o if_o all_o the_o testimony_n concern_v christ_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o those_o who_o hear_v some_o say_v that_o other_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v it_o from_o such_o who_o see_v those_o who_o converse_v with_o they_o who_o see_v christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n the_o authority_n of_o a_o testimony_n be_v extreme_o lessen_v which_o be_v not_o like_o a_o river_n which_o grow_v great_a by_o run_v but_o like_o a_o mineral_n water_n which_o lose_v its_o strength_n by_o be_v carry_v too_o far_o we_o find_v in_o the_o time_n of_o papias_n who_o live_v but_o in_o the_o second_o century_n the_o authority_n of_o bare_a tradition_n be_v mighty_o sink_v 39_o for_o eusebius_n say_v he_o converse_v with_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o go_v up_o and_o down_o to_o they_o to_o get_v what_o he_o can_v from_o they_o have_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o what_o he_o can_v learn_v from_o they_o than_o of_o what_o be_v write_v and_o what_o advantage_n do_v this_o bring_v to_o the_o church_n it_o bring_v some_o idle_a opinion_n into_o reputation_n say_v eusebius_n for_o afterward_o they_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o fix_v they_o upon_o papias_n but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o mistake_v eusebius_n say_v that_o be_v a_o man_n of_o mean_a capacity_n he_o may_v easy_o misunderstand_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v but_o if_o tradition_n may_v fail_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n so_o near_o the_o apostle_n time_n then_o we_o must_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o capacity_n as_o well_o as_o integrity_n of_o those_o of_o every_o age_n through_o who_o a_o tradition_n pass_v or_o else_o they_o may_v deceive_v or_o be_v deceive_v about_o it_o but_o god_n be_v please_v to_o provide_v better_o for_o the_o security_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o cause_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v write_v either_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n or_o by_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o chief_a apostle_n while_o the_o other_o be_v survive_v as_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n and_o the_o latter_a give_v this_o account_n of_o his_o undertake_n to_o write_v it_o 4._o viz._n that_o thou_o mighe_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o thou_o have_v be_v instruct_v his_o instruction_n be_v by_o a_o oral_a tradition_n but_o that_o it_o seem_v want_v something_o to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v it_o and_o that_o be_v by_o st._n luke_n writing_n his_o gospel_n how_o can_v they_o add_v any_o assurance_n to_o he_o if_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o certainty_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o tradition_n st._n luke_n think_v
the_o church_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o a_o full_a relation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o complete_a and_o establish_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o epistle_n the_o first_o epistle_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o in_o probability_n the_o first_o writing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o decretal_a epistle_n of_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n 23._o what_o shall_v make_v the_o apostle_n put_v these_o decree_n into_o write_v they_o be_v very_o short_a and_o concern_v the_o practice_n of_o man_n and_o withal_o be_v send_v by_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n and_o judas_n and_o silas_n be_v not_o these_o sufficient_a to_o deliver_v the_o apostle_n sense_n to_o the_o church_n without_o letter_n from_o they_o what_o a_o pitiful_a thing_n do_v they_o take_v oral_a tradition_n to_o be_v if_o they_o think_v such_o man_n can_v not_o by_o it_o give_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n unless_o they_o send_v it_o under_o their_o hand_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v write_v by_o st._n paul_n on_o purpose_n to_o clear_v some_o main_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v then_o warm_o dispute_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n and_o between_o the_o judaize_v christian_n and_o other_o as_o about_o justification_n rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o difference_n of_o meat_n etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n take_v very_o needless_a pain_n in_o write_v that_o excellent_a epistle_n if_o he_o know_v of_o christ_n appoint_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n there_o or_o if_o he_o think_v write_v be_v not_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o make_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v in_o those_o matter_n the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v write_v not_o mere_o to_o reprove_v their_o faction_n and_o disorder_n but_o to_o direct_v they_o and_o to_o establish_v and_o prove_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o resurrection_n 2._o which_o be_v then_o contest_v among_o they_o the_o epistle_n be_v send_v by_o stephanus_n and_o fortunatus_n who_o can_v have_v carry_v the_o apostle_n sense_n without_o his_o write_n but_o there_o be_v many_o weighty_a thing_n beside_o the_o particular_a occasion_n which_o be_v of_o last_a concernment_n to_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o there_o be_v likewise_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o they_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n be_v write_v on_o occasion_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a point_n of_o controversy_n at_o that_o time_n viz._n the_o use_n and_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o st._n paul_n sound_n by_o sad_a experience_n among_o they_o that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o those_o who_o have_v the_o best_a instruction_n either_o to_o forget_v they_o or_o to_o grow_v out_o of_o love_n with_o they_o and_o to_o be_v fond_a of_o a_o change_n else_o he_o will_v never_o have_v say_v 1._o o_o foolish_a galatian_n who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n and_o i_o marvel_v that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o into_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n into_o another_o gospel_n 6._o how_o be_v it_o indeed_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v remove_v and_o to_o be_v soon_o remove_v who_o have_v receive_v the_o faith_n by_o the_o delivery_n of_o st._n paul_n himself_o then_o for_o all_o that_o i_o can_v see_v human_a nature_n take_v with_o all_o its_o advantage_n and_o motive_n and_o evidence_n be_v a_o very_a sallible_a thing_n and_o if_o then_o it_o may_v be_v deceive_v and_o that_o so_o easy_o and_o gross_o then_o much_o more_o in_o any_o follow_a age_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o human_a nature_n be_v mighty_o change_v for_o the_o better_a since_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o any_o teacher_n since_o be_v more_o effectual_a than_o the_o apostle_n 10._o and_o especial_o than_o st._n paul_n who_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o they_o all_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n though_o write_v upon_o a_o general_a argument_n yet_o do_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v in_o continual_a danger_n of_o be_v deceive_v 14._o and_o toss_v up_o and_o down_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o therefore_o he_o advise_v they_o to_o be_v upon_o their_o guard_n and_o to_o have_v their_o armour_n about_o they_o and_o one_o choice_a part_n of_o it_o 17._o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god._n the_o philippian_n be_v assault_v by_o a_o rude_a violent_a headstrong_a faction_n of_o judaizer_n 2._o which_o the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o to_o beware_v of_o and_o write_v his_o epistle_n to_o they_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n 27._o with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n and_o in_o both_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n 3._o he_o give_v notice_n of_o a_o great_a defection_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n he_o describe_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o sign_n and_o lie_a word_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v 10._o because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n 3._o that_o they_o shall_v speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n and_o forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n 5._o be_v evil_a man_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o i_o meddle_v not_o now_o with_o the_o time_n when_o this_o apostasy_n begin_v but_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o st._n paul_n suppose_v that_o those_o who_o at_o first_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o may_v notwithstanding_o through_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o folly_n and_o the_o artifices_fw-la of_o deceiver_n be_v draw_v from_o it_o and_o that_o to_o prevent_v such_o mischievous_a consequence_n he_o know_v no_o better_a mean_n than_o a_o write_a rule_n 17._o which_o he_o tell_v timothy_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work._n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o the_o colossian_n be_v set_v upon_o by_o some_o who_o think_v to_o refine_v christianity_n or_o at_o least_o to_o make_v it_o more_o passable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o will_v have_v introduce_v into_o it_o some_o rite_n of_o the_o jew_n some_o austerity_n of_o the_o gentile_n some_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o will_v recommend_v they_o to_o their_o adversary_n and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n he_o write_v this_o epistle_n to_o they_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o christianity_n alone_o be_v far_o beyond_o any_o mixture_n of_o the_o fancy_n or_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v give_v they_o no_o better_a advice_n than_o as_o they_o have_v first_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o continue_v in_o it_o or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n as_o they_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o to_o walk_v in_o he_o the_o design_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v that_o although_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n yet_o those_o occasion_n be_v so_o great_a and_o considerable_a and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v so_o direct_a the_o hand_n and_o pen_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n in_o write_v they_o that_o what_o they_o have_v therein_o deliver_v contain_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a faith_n as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n but_o against_o this_o it_o be_v object_v that_o st._n paul_n himself_o charge_v the_o thessalonian_n to_o stand_v fast_o and_o hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v either_o by_o word_n or_o by_o his_o epistle_n 15._o from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v other_o tradition_n to_o be_v hold_v that_o be_v not_o write_v the_o force_n of_o all_o this_o will_v be_v take_v away_o if_o we_o consider_v when_o that_o epistle_n be_v write_v viz._n one_o of_o the_o first_o which_o st._n paul_n write_v and_o soon_o after_o the_o former_a epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n which_o be_v some_o time_n before_o st._n luke_n gospel_n which_o be_v first_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n of_o greece_n plant_v by_o st._n paul._n therefore_o all_o the_o proper_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o that_o relate_v to_o his_o life_n and_o action_n be_v then_o but_o tradition_n among_o they_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n have_v great_a reason_n then_o to_o require_v they_o to_o stand_v
the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n 3._o which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o hilkiah_n the_o high_a priest_n think_v it_o necessary_a for_o josiah_n to_o go_v by_o and_o not_o by_o any_o tradition_n leave_v among_o they_o concern_v the_o law_n which_o god_n have_v give_v by_o moses_n 3._o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n appeal_v to_o in_o all_o his_o dispute_n 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v he_o to_o the_o jew_n not_o run_v to_o your_o tradition_n for_o those_o be_v then_o very_o corrupt_v especial_o about_o the_o messiah_n as_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o temporal_a prince_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v then_o a_o dangerous_a and_o fundamental_a mistake_n and_o therefore_o christ_n appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o scripture_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o 46._o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n 47._o and_o our_o saviour_n severe_o check_v the_o pharisee_n for_o regard_v their_o own_o tradition_n more_o than_o the_o write_a law._n 9_o and_o yet_o they_o pretend_v to_o a_o oral_a tradition_n down_o from_o moses_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v to_o this_o day_n and_o none_o be_v more_o gross_o deceive_v than_o they_o 4._o the_o general_a sense_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n agree_v herein_o that_o all_o matter_n of_o consequence_n be_v more_o certain_o preserve_v by_o write_n then_o by_o mere_a word_n there_o be_v no_o invention_n have_v be_v more_o value_v by_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n than_o that_o of_o letter_n because_o it_o be_v of_o such_o excellent_a use_n for_o convey_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o mind_n at_o a_o distance_n to_o other_o all_o man_n have_v so_o great_a a_o mistrust_n either_o of_o the_o capacity_n or_o memory_n or_o fidelity_n of_o other_o that_o what_o they_o will_v have_v do_v with_o security_n they_o commit_v to_o write_v and_o whatever_o we_o true_o understand_v of_o the_o age_n before_o we_o we_o be_v behold_v to_o write_v for_o it_o all_o those_o memorable_a action_n and_o institution_n either_o of_o philosophy_n or_o religion_n which_o be_v not_o write_v be_v long_o since_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n without_o possibility_n of_o a_o resurrection_n but_o where_o they_o have_v be_v commit_v to_o write_v they_o be_v preserve_v after_o so_o many_o age_n and_o by_o it_o we_o certain_o know_v the_o history_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o the_o strange_a revolution_n that_o happen_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world._n by_o it_o we_o converse_v with_o the_o wise_a person_n of_o former_a time_n and_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o other_o writer_n by_o it_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o interpret_v prophecy_n and_o to_o make_v plain_a their_o accomplishment_n which_o without_o it_o we_o can_v never_o make_v out_o yea_o by_o it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o those_o be_v preserve_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n who_o think_v fit_a to_o write_v nothing_o themselves_o as_o socrates_n and_o pythagoras_n but_o their_o disciple_n take_v care_n in_o time_n to_o write_v their_o doctrine_n so_o that_o we_o have_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n that_o writing_n be_v a_o far_o more_o certain_a way_n of_o conveyance_n than_o mere_a tradition_n 2._o and_o especial_o in_o our_o case_n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o particular_a advantage_n as_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n above_o any_o other_o write_n 1._o from_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o they_o for_o since_o it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o christian_n that_o these_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a care_n will_v be_v take_v to_o preserve_v they_o and_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v any_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v lose_v which_o contain_v any_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o great_a reflection_n on_o divine_a providence_n for_o if_o god_n watch_v over_o his_o church_n he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o let_v such_o book_n be_v lose_v which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o universal_a and_o last_a benefit_n of_o his_o church_n 2._o from_o the_o mighty_a esteem_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v always_o for_o they_o for_o they_o build_v their_o hope_n of_o heaven_n upon_o the_o promise_v contain_v in_o they_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v their_o evidence_n for_o their_o future_a inheritance_n the_o foundation_n of_o their_o hope_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n their_o defence_n against_o assault_n and_o temptation_n their_o counsellor_n in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n their_o support_n under_o trouble_n and_o their_o sure_a guide_n to_o a_o happy_a eternity_n and_o therefore_o the_o primitive_a christian_n choose_v rather_o to_o endure_v any_o torment_n than_o base_o to_o betray_v it_o and_o give_v it_o up_o to_o their_o enemy_n 3._o from_o the_o early_a dispute_n that_o be_v about_o they_o which_o show_v that_o they_o be_v no_o invention_n of_o after_o time_n nor_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o stealth_n and_o art_n for_o they_o endure_v the_o great_a shock_n of_o opposition_n at_o first_o while_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v they_o be_v the_o most_o easy_o prove_v and_o have_v pass_v the_o severe_a scrutiny_n of_o the_o first_o age_n when_o so_o many_o counterfeit_a write_n be_v send_v abroad_o the_o follow_a age_n can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o call_v their_o authority_n in_o question_n 4._o from_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o divide_a church_n about_o they_o it_o may_v have_v please_v god_n to_o have_v keep_v his_o church_n from_o those_o unhappy_a breach_n which_o have_v be_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o the_o east_n and_o the_o west_n the_o north_n and_o the_o south_n can_v all_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o sad_a division_n of_o christendom_n and_o those_o of_o many_o age_n stand_v but_o yet_o we_o have_v this_o considerable_a advantage_n by_o they_o that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o mistrust_v a_o conspiracy_n where_o the_o several_a body_n be_v so_o much_o divide_v 5._o from_o the_o great_a internal_a satisfaction_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n have_v concern_v they_o and_o which_o no_o other_o writing_n can_v pretend_v to_o give_v for_o here_o we_o read_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n to_o sincere_a and_o humble_a mind_n and_o that_o assistance_n carry_v a_o lumen_fw-la fidei_fw-la into_o the_o mind_n as_o aquinas_n call_v it_o 2._o 2._o a_o 3_o ad_fw-la 2._o and_o by_o that_o he_o say_v the_o mind_n be_v unite_v to_o truth_n that_o its_o assent_n be_v only_o fix_v upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o damnation_n to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o be_v thus_o illuminate_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o not_o that_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o convince_v other_o who_o have_v not_o that_o inward_a sense_n which_o they_o have_v but_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n which_o do_v at_o first_o indite_v they_o may_v give_v such_o a_o inward_a and_o effectual_a testimony_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o that_o from_o thence_o they_o may_v firm_o conclude_v these_o book_n to_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god._n and_o that_o assurance_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n have_v from_o the_o influence_n of_o divine_a grace_n may_v be_v more_o effectual_a and_o powerful_a in_o they_o than_o all_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n or_o demonstration_n in_o the_o world._n it_o be_v certain_a those_o can_v be_v deceive_v who_o the_o holy_a spirit_n teach_v and_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o ancient_a schoolman_n do_v make_v the_o great_a firmness_n and_o certainty_n of_o faith_n not_o to_o depend_v on_o outward_a motive_n but_o on_o inward_a grace_n which_o so_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o fix_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o nothing_o be_v able_a to_o remove_v it_o this_o sort_n of_o faith_n be_v no_o blind_a assent_n but_o after_o all_o the_o evidence_n which_o it_o have_v to_o make_v its_o assent_n reasonable_a it_o take_v so_o fast_o a_o hold_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o discern_v the_o excellency_n and_o value_n of_o they_o that_o he_o that_o have_v it_o be_v willing_a to_o let_v go_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o that_o and_o although_o the_o apprehension_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o that_o of_o science_n yet_o the_o hypostasis_fw-la as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o may_v be_v so_o firm_a 1._o that_o no_o temptation_n may_v be_v able_a to_o shake_v it_o and_o he_o that_o can_v die_v for_o his_o religion_n have_v a_o strong_a and_o better_a faith_n than_o