can_v we_o have_v of_o it_o quest_n but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o there_o must_v be_v tradition_n see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o thing_n speak_v and_o do_v more_o than_o the_o scripture_n contain_v or_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v contain_v if_o they_o be_v all_o write_v these_o then_o be_v know_v in_o the_o first_o time_n have_v be_v conserve_v by_o tradition_n tradition_n make_v valuable_a by_o those_o of_o honourable_a name_n among_o christian_n and_o their_o discourse_n of_o christianity_n answ_n grant_v such_o thing_n so_o preserve_v suppose_v they_o the_o action_n and_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o yet_o if_o not_o write_v by_o inspire_a penman_n they_o be_v not_o recommend_v as_o obligatory_a upon_o after-age_n for_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o may_v believe_v and_o have_v eternal_a life_n be_v so_o write_v and_o that_o not_o only_o just_a so_o much_o as_o may_v serve_v necessity_n for_o that_o the_o one_o gospel_n of_o st._n joâ—â—_n may_v serve_v to_o that_o itself_o witness_v but_o also_o be_v matter_n of_o bounty_n and_o abundance_n so_o that_o out_o of_o that_o great_a world_n of_o truth_n than_o our_o world_n can_v receive_v there_o be_v so_o much_o select_v as_o be_v bountiful_o sufficient_a and_o abundant_a to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o clearness_n certainty_n enforcement_n upon_o the_o affection_n variety_n continual_a exercise_n and_o delight_n that_o so_o every_o christian_n may_v be_v thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n to_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n as_o for_o all_o that_o christ_n do_v and_o speak_v or_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v or_o do_v by_o infallible_a guidance_n and_o immediate_a assistance_n if_o it_o be_v not_o write_v a_o veil_n be_v draw_v over_o it_o and_o a_o cloud_n have_v receive_v it_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n it_o be_v a_o secret_a thing_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o but_o be_v seal_v up_o from_o we_o like_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o thunder_v utter_v in_o the_o revelation_n and_o indeed_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n seem_v to_o have_v deal_v with_o all_o such_o say_n or_o action_n as_o with_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n all_o monument_n of_o worth_n and_o certainty_n after_o scripture_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o be_v conceal_v from_o we_o there_o be_v a_o great_a darkness_n upon_o the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n lest_o we_o shall_v superstitious_o venerate_v in_o place_n of_o that_o which_o be_v divine_o write_v and_o preserve_v to_o we_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o prepare_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o so_o to_o we_o but_o as_o a_o body_n not_o divine_o inspire_v that_o be_v a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n all_o too_o fierce_a dispute_n about_o they_o be_v therefore_o raise_v only_o by_o satan_n the_o enemy_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n to_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o that_o about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v to_o find_v a_o occasion_n of_o superstition_n and_o silent_o to_o whisper_v scripture_n be_v not_o sufficient_a and_o yet_o we_o see_v with_o what_o a_o eager_a zeal_n man_n be_v set_v upon_o such_o researche_n not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o proportion_n of_o manna_n allow_v by_o god_n but_o even_o as_o the_o israelite_n that_o gather_v much_o have_v nothing_o over_o so_o may_v it_o be_v true_o say_v of_o those_o that_o will_v abound_v beyond_o scripture_n in_o that_o which_o pertain_v to_o the_o true_a guidance_n of_o conscience_n that_o they_o have_v nothing_o over_o and_o what_o they_o will_v needs_o keep_v as_o such_o corrupt_v quest_n be_v there_o reason_n sufficient_a to_o support_v this_o sentiment_n answ_n this_o great_a reason_n if_o we_o have_v undoubted_a but_o not_o inspire_v history_n of_o that_o time_n it_o can_v not_o be_v like_o the_o evangelistick_a history_n or_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o we_o we_o shall_v in_o some_o thing_n want_v the_o application_n and_o direction_n to_o our_o use_n dictate_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o other_o the_o unerring_a censure_n of_o even_a apostolic_a action_n as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n galat._n 2._o 11._o now_o because_o our_o conscience_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v draw_v into_o subjection_n to_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a reputation_n and_o yet_o there_o will_v be_v no_o divine_a authority_n to_o draw_v they_o nor_o infallible_a authority_n to_o support_v they_o in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v the_o absolute_a will_n of_o god_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o subjection_n god_n have_v therefore_o in_o his_o providence_n leave_v that_o time_n so_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a that_o we_o may_v trust_v in_o his_o write_a word_n only_o for_o separate_v immediate_a divine_a presence_n from_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o there_o remain_v nothing_o at_o the_o high_a but_o the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n of_o understanding_n and_o good_a man_n apply_v general_a rule_n to_o particular_a case_n time_n place_n and_o event_n as_o they_o for_o that_o time_n can_v best_o judge_v and_o yet_o beside_o the_o variation_n of_o circumstance_n in_o every_o age_n they_o themselves_o be_v as_o man_n subject_n to_o mistake_n as_o nathan_n about_o david_n building_n the_o temple_n as_o paul_n assay_v to_o go_v into_o bythinia_n to_o like_o passion_n with_o other_o man_n as_o in_o the_o contention_n betwixt_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o like_o temptation_n as_o in_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o peter_n before_o refer_v to_o all_o they_o do_v and_o say_v not_o shine_v with_o immediate_a light_n from_o heaven_n must_v be_v try_v in_o the_o light_n of_o what_o themselves_o together_o with_o all_o the_o other_o penman_n of_o scripture_n have_v write_v they_o themselves_o therefore_o act_v or_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o prudence_n or_o general_a assistance_n must_v be_v try_v by_o themselves_o act_v or_o speak_v according_a to_o revelation_n and_o special_a assistance_n in_o which_o only_o they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v authoritative_a quest_n but_o it_o still_o remain_v there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o so_o sit_v for_o vulgar_a knowledge_n and_o so_o be_v secrete_v into_o tradition_n apart_o from_o scripture_n and_o that_o tradition_n deposit_v with_o trusty_a man_n who_o shall_v successive_o so_o deposit_v it_o that_o it_o may_v at_o convenient_a season_n be_v bring_v forth_o as_o goliah_n sword_n from_o behind_o the_o ephod_n answ_n none_o like_o it_o indeed_o to_o serve_v a_o purpose_n but_o to_o satisfy_v reason_n and_o conscience_n nothing_o so_o improper_a for_o first_o let_v these_o traditionary_n give_v clear_a exposition_n and_o such_o as_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v acquiesce_v in_o of_o the_o prophetic_a or_o otherwise_o dark_a place_n of_o scripture_n if_o they_o can_v do_v that_o where_o be_v the_o wisdom_n above_o the_o vulgar_a and_o why_o do_v not_o tradition_n without_o scripture_n enclose_v those_o mysterious_a vision_n of_o the_o revelation_n from_o popular_a inspection_n but_o the_o thing_n tradition_n be_v employ_v indeed_o in_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n either_o the_o prelation_n of_o man_n in_o church-office_n and_o dignity_n or_o some_o rite_n of_o worship_n that_o shall_v change_v devotion_n into_o superstition_n or_o lull_v it_o into_o ignorance_n or_o some_o canon_n that_o turn_v religion_n into_o trade_n or_o doctrine_n suit_v to_o that_o end_n or_o which_o serve_v to_o all_o such_o purpose_n a_o tradition_n to_o call_v back_o all_o scripture_n out_o of_o the_o write_a word_n into_o oral_a tradition_n by_o lock_v it_o up_o in_o a_o tongue_n unknown_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n and_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v any_o seem_o pure_a or_o more_o contemplational_a tradition_n see_v they_o be_v not_o enrol_v into_o scripture_n they_o must_v as_o have_v be_v say_v give_v such_o evidence_n of_o themselves_o as_o divine_a revelation_n have_v or_o be_v at_o their_o high_a but_o enthusiasm_n and_o fanaticism_n quest_n but_o what_o esteem_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o the_o write_n and_o iransaction_n of_o the_o ancient_n who_o we_o call_v father_n doctor_n of_o the_o church_n man_n of_o eminent_a holiness_n great_a ability_n confessor_n and_o martyr_n of_o christianity_n answ_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o judge_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o that_o they_o must_v be_v bring_v to_o scripture_n lay_v at_o its_o foot_n and_o submit_v to_o its_o acceptance_n whether_o according_a to_o its_o true_a sense_n or_o not_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n when_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o upon_o they_o can_v not_o exceed_v humane_a how_o much_o less_o can_v any_o of_o a_o low_a class_n pretend_v the_o father_n therefore_o have_v so_o great_a a_o awe_n of_o scripture_n that_o they_o do_v not_o assume_v any_o thing_n to_o themselves_o or_o their_o write_n or_o yield_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o person_n or_o write_n of_o those_o of_o the_o same_o time_n with_o they_o but_o
and_o condescension_n to_o those_o that_o think_v disser_o from_o he_o i_o come_v therefore_o now_o to_o the_o main_a of_o the_o discourse_n and_o to_o make_v good_a that_o the_o nature_n constitution_n and_o rule_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o exact_o prepare_v to_o ingenerate_v promote_v and_o establish_v love_n peace_n and_o quietness_n among_o man_n even_o universal_a and_o ecumenical_a peace_n but_o especial_o among_o christian_n and_o that_o by_o the_o most_o compendious_a authority_n viz._n the_o word_n that_o be_v nigh_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n and_o true_a and_o undoubted_a reason_n without_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n or_o down_o into_o the_o deep_a or_o send_v beyond_o the_o sea_n or_o turn_v over_o voluminous_a write_n of_o ancient_n church-history_n tradition_n which_o perplex_a thing_n with_o endless_a intricacy_n for_o before_o any_o one_o can_v with_o due_a rational_a satisfaction_n receive_v they_o he_o must_v for_o himself_o search_v they_o and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v compare_n and_o be_v able_a by_o sagacity_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a genius_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o distinguish_v what_o be_v sincere_a from_o thing_n spurious_a and_o counterfeit_a but_o suppose_v a_o man_n well_o satisfy_v herein_o yet_o still_o how_o various_a be_v interpretation_n and_o what_o contrary_a sense_n do_v the_o same_o period_n yield_v to_o several_a reader_n and_o when_o all_o be_v agree_v that_o can_v be_v agree_v it_o be_v incertain_a except_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o high_a test_n wherein_o the_o peccancy_n and_o lubricity_n the_o oversight_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n have_v have_v place_n or_o what_o have_v be_v conduct_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o true_a wisdom_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a and_o chaste_a law_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o though_o all_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n read_v and_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o record_n of_o elder_a time_n be_v most_o valuable_a and_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o its_o due_a place_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o ascertain_v our_o mind_n in_o what_o concern_v we_o not_o only_o to_o everlasting_a happiness_n but_o to_o present_a peace_n god_n have_v provide_v better_a for_o we_o and_o within_o a_o near_a compass_n wherein_o our_o search_n can_v be_v too_o curious_a or_o industrious_a but_o within_o lesser_a room_n for_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o accurate_a search_n as_o be_v due_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o in_o short_a give_v we_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o life_n and_o godliness_n in_o present_a will_v be_v more_o than_o the_o most_o of_o mankind_n have_v either_o leisure_n patience_n or_o skill_n for_o if_o extend_v upon_o the_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n so_o various_o insist_v upon_o for_o the_o find_v out_o what_o man_n very_o often_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o find_v out_o in_o they_o rather_o than_o fair_o to_o take_v what_o be_v offer_v by_o they_o but_o the_o thing_n i_o shall_v present_v as_o christian_a foundation_n of_o universal_a peace_n and_o benignity_n and_o most_o especial_o among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christianity_n be_v such_o as_o be_v plain_o find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o attest_v by_o sound_a reason_n 1._o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o universal_a peace_n and_o love_n and_o beneficence_n in_o religion_n give_v we_o by_o christianity_n be_v the_o universal_a consent_n unity_n and_o even_o uniformity_n in_o natural_a religion_n throughout_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o they_o will_v show_v themselves_o man_n and_o act_n as_o man_n every_o where_o presume_v upon_o and_o appeal_v to_o in_o the_o gospel_n under_o this_o head_n i_o will_v endeavour_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o to_o take_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o natural_a religion_n observe_v the_o intimate_a union_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o it_o as_o scripture_n bring_v it_o to_o light_v at_o its_o full_a lustre_n and_o present_v it_o at_o its_o full_a dimension_n 2._o to_o show_v the_o great_a agreeableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o natural_a and_o the_o testimony_n christianity_n receive_v from_o it_o in_o what_o it_o reveal_v above_o and_o beyond_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o reason_n we_o have_v for_o our_o acceptance_n of_o it_o thereupon_o 3._o to_o observe_v the_o ground_n of_o universal_a peace_n and_o quietness_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o its_o consent_n in_o natural_a religion_n offer_v to_o we_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o that_o there_o be_v such_o ground_n herein_o i_o shall_v show_v christianity_n suppose_v and_o that_o it_o strong_o intimate_v they_o be_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o such_o a_o peace_n and_o quietness_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n before_o i_o enter_v upon_o these_o i_o must_v premise_v 1._o that_o natural_a religion_n in_o many_o thing_n do_v not_o at_o first_o and_o immediate_o appear_v to_o we_o but_o upon_o strong_a and_o sedate_v motion_n think_v reason_v meditate_v as_o we_o recover_v natural_a science_n by_o study_n and_o labour_n in_o many_o point_n of_o knowledge_n which_o yet_o be_v find_v be_v most_o plain_a and_o evident_a 2._o there_o may_v be_v strong_a prejudice_n against_o some_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o yet_o no_o more_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o than_o that_o in_o former_a time_n there_o be_v a_o general_a confident_a disbelief_n of_o the_o antipode_n be_v a_o disproof_n of_o they_o in_o which_o case_n yet_o truth_n will_v by_o degree_n prevail_v to_o victory_n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a the_o true_a and_o lively_a character_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v so_o deface_v and_o blot_v by_o the_o fall_n that_o they_o can_v be_v perfect_o recover_v but_o by_o revelation_n many_o truth_n clear_a enough_o in_o themselves_o concern_v god_n his_o worship_n the_o intercourse_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o he_o and_o in_o relation_n to_o their_o eternal_a condition_n yea_o and_o in_o plain_a thing_n than_o these_o viz._n concern_v true_a righteousness_n mercy_n humility_n soberness_n patience_n be_v not_o see_v but_o in_o their_o dark_a rudiment_n till_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n but_o when_o they_o be_v so_o reveal_v they_o so_o notable_o fall_v in_o and_o unite_v with_o the_o remain_v of_o natural_a religion_n preserve_v in_o we_o that_o they_o assure_v the_o same_o original_a writing_n of_o all_o both_o what_o we_o find_v more_o immediate_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o their_o own_o light_n and_o what_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o so_o that_o natural_a religion_n be_v not_o where_o find_v in_o that_o brightness_n as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o revelation_n be_v supernatural_a be_v a_o orb_n above_o natural_a yet_o so_o large_a that_o it_o comprehend_v this_o low_a and_o less_o the_o noticeâ—_n of_o natural_a religion_n by_o man_n apostasy_n retire_v as_o plant_n into_o the_o earth_n in_o winter_n divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o sun_n return_v at_o the_o spring_n encourage_v they_o so_o that_o they_o sprout_v up_o afresh_o and_o grow_v be_v cherish_v by_o its_o warm_a beam_n and_o so_o that_o we_o know_v these_o new_a notice_n be_v of_o the_o primitive_a implantation_n by_o their_o be_v draw_v out_o in_o a_o continuation_n from_o the_o elder_a root_n yea_o those_o thing_n that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n have_v no_o place_n viz._n faith_n in_o the_o pardoning-mercy_n of_o god_n and_o repentance_n for_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o these_o by_o way_n of_o supposition_n of_o man_n sin_n and_o so_o great_a a_o goodness_n of_o god_n any_o way_n discover_v to_o man_n flow_v as_o free_o from_o the_o same_o fountain_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o any_o other_o duty_n of_o it_o as_o be_v after_o to_o be_v show_v 4._o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o former_a premisal_n that_o seem_v to_o abate_v from_o it_o i_o affirm_v natural_a religion_n be_v a_o basis_n for_o the_o common_a peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o mankind_n upon_o which_o they_o may_v easy_o so_o concentre_v as_o to_o preserve_v the_o world_n from_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n on_o religious_a account_n if_o they_o will_v as_o i_o have_v say_v show_v themselves_o man_n i_o come_v therefore_o to_o take_v brief_o the_o intend_a view_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o to_o observe_v the_o intimate_a union_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o it_o i._o and_o first_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o supreme_a be_v the_o lord_n and_o giver_n of_o all_o with_o all_o the_o reverence_n love_n obedience_n service_n due_a to_o he_o as_o the_o great_a author_n benefactor_n lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v the_o first_o most_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o so_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o whoever_o deny_v it_o may_v without_o any_o brand_n of_o cruelty_n be_v deal_v with_o as_o a_o traitor_n to_o the_o universe_n 1._o for_o first_o he_o have_v unhindged_a the_o order_n subordination_n
divine_a and_o to_o curse_v all_o those_o that_o derogate_a from_o it_o 4._o that_o have_v thus_o rivet_v itself_o it_o by_o degree_n like_o pharaoh_n lean_a kine_n eat_v out_o the_o generous_a and_o rich_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o devour_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o itself_o remain_v a_o jejune_n and_o starve_v superstition_n quest_n who_o be_v the_o great_a master_n of_o tradition_n answ_n they_o that_o have_v under_o the_o true_a religion_n set_v up_o some_o private_a diana_n of_o profit_n honour_n or_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o can_v maintain_v it_o by_o that_o true_a religion_n they_o eke_o out_o therefore_o with_o private_a tradition_n what_o may_v support_v it_o quest_n what_o antidote_n be_v there_o against_o the_o mischief_n of_o tradition_n answ_n to_o cleave_v with_o full_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o heart_n and_o soul_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o that_o only_a to_o have_v no_o religion_n nor_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v enjoin_v and_o recommend_v by_o divine_a authority_n in_o that_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v of_o the_o true_o catholic_n apostolic_a and_o public_a religion_n quest_n but_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o have_v now_o be_v give_v of_o tradition_n the_o best_a sense_n of_o it_o in_o scripture-use_a answ_n no_o it_o be_v not_o and_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o better_a sense_n will_v much_o clear_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o tradition_n when_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n discourse_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n deliver_v down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n subsist_v only_o upon_o the_o private_a authority_n of_o the_o elder_n not_o found_v on_o the_o write_a canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n at_o that_o time_n the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n worship_n and_o practice_n he_o always_o name_v tradition_n in_o the_o ill_a sense_n already_o give_v but_o when_o the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o those_o grand_a point_n be_v just_a breathe_n from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o not_o yet_o fix_v in_o that_o abide_a canon_n tradition_n be_v so_o long_o accept_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n the_o history_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v by_o our_o saviour_n though_o most_o sure_o believe_v luc._n 1._o 1._o be_v first_o but_o deliver_v or_o tradition_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n but_o afterward_o write_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o may_v be_v more_o full_o know_v to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v before_o catechise_v in_o they_o by_o oral_a tradition_n all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n be_v first_o tradition_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 2._o and_o the_o very_a rule_n of_o life_n be_v in_o tradition_n 2_o thess_n 3._o 6._o but_o yet_o all_o these_o though_o they_o be_v tradition_n deliver_v by_o those_o that_o be_v commissioned_n immediate_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v themselves_o eye_n witnâ—sâ—â—â—_n and_o ear-witness_n of_o most_o thing_n they_o give_v in_o tradition_n be_v yet_o not_o seal_v so_o sure_a as_o the_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n though_o give_v out_o by_o it_o nor_o general_o receive_v and_o assure_v as_o so_o write_v till_o the_o due_a time_n of_o trial_n by_o former_a scripture_n have_v pass_v upon_o they_o the_o first_o christian_n do_v therefore_o well_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o that_o former_a scripture_n till_o they_o have_v the_o full_a day_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o have_v be_v before_o speak_v if_o tradition_n than_o be_v not_o so_o sure_a in_o the_o first_o and_o true_o pure_a time_n of_o it_o how_o much_o less_o will_v it_o have_v be_v sure_o afterward_o if_o it_o have_v continue_v in_o tradition_n all_o therefore_o of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v first_o prepare_v by_o tradition_n lay_v in_o and_o prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n either_o by_o direct_a consequence_n or_o by_o interpretation_n from_o immediate_a revelation_n demonstrate_v as_o the_o first_o give_v of_o scripture_n always_o be_v by_o miracle_n and_o so_o all_o at_o once_o and_o once_o for_o all_o consign_v over_o to_o the_o posterity_n of_o christian_n by_o divine_o inspire_a write_n so_o assure_v so_o confirm_v as_o to_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o tradition_n oâ—_n the_o best_a sense_n there_o remain_v therefore_o nothing_o for_o tradition_n now_o but_o its_o ill_a sense_n quest_n why_o may_v not_o true_a religion_n continue_v in_o tradition_n commit_v all_o along_o to_o faithful_a man_n even_o as_o it_o do_v in_o â—â—e_z custody_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o such_o faithful_a person_n as_o they_o commit_v it_o to_o answ_n even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v trust_v no_o long_o to_o tradition_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o for_o the_o apostle_n john_n the_o survivor_n of_o they_o closed_z the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v draw_v apace_o into_o write_v all_o along_o but_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v such_o a_o continual_a immediate_a energy_n or_o efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o truth_n move_v every_o way_n like_o lightning_n and_o both_o by_o its_o direct_a and_o straight_o forward_a motion_n in_o doctrine_n and_o its_o reverse_a stroke_n in_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o falsehood_n error_n be_v blast_v every_o way_n but_o when_o this_o extraordinary_a appearance_n cease_v there_o be_v then_o no_o safety_n for_o truth_n but_o in_o a_o unchangeable_a write_a word_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a season_n of_o miracle_n and_o immediate_a revelation_n settle_v and_o establish_v under_o so_o great_a a_o supervisal_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o witness_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o their_o eye_n and_o ear_n and_o it_o be_v once_o write_v and_o always_o so_o secure_v by_o divine_a providence_n as_o have_v be_v represent_v it_o always_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o word_n it_o first_o do_v quest_n why_o may_v not_o divine_a truth_n be_v commit_v some_o more_o fundamental_a part_n to_o write_v and_o some_o according_a to_o variety_n of_o occasion_n to_o tradition_n answ_n god_n to_o who_o all_o futurity_n be_v present_a who_o foresee_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v write_v before_o he_o have_v do_v writing_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o commit_v his_o will_n in_o part_n to_o write_v and_o that_o upon_o great_a reason_n and_o the_o same_o reason_n notwithstanding_o to_o leave_v a_o considerable_a part_n or_o so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o branch_n obligatory_a upon_o the_o conscience_n to_o parol-tradition_n for_o if_o he_o that_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o there_o need_v the_o same_o authority_n and_o as_o well_o assure_v for_o one_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n 2._o it_o be_v unconceivable_a what_o end_v tradition_n unconsign_v by_o scripture_n can_v serve_v that_o scripture_n do_v not_o more_o full_o and_o effectual_o take_v care_n for_o public_a religion_n reserve_v nothing_o to_o be_v a_o cabal_n for_o private_a interest_n within_o a_o close_a cabinet_n or_o conclave_n 3._o whatever_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v entrust_v to_o tradition_n must_v either_o be_v the_o very_a same_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n and_o then_o tradition_n be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a for_o we_o have_v it_o in_o scripture_n if_o we_o due_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o it_o or_o it_o be_v more_o than_o scripture_n have_v declare_v and_o yet_o suppose_v to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o scripture_n and_o than_o it_o must_v be_v a_o motionary_a and_o itinerant_a word_n of_o god_n but_o where_o be_v the_o daily_a and_o continual_a seal_n and_o credential_n divine_a tradition_n have_v and_o in_o a_o constant_a fresh_a motion_n with_o it_o as_o it_o move_v for_o so_o it_o have_v need_n be_v in_o so_o fluid_a a_o thing_n as_o tradition_n if_o it_o will_v pretend_v to_o be_v sacred_a and_o so_o divine_o inspire_a tradition_n have_v while_o it_o continue_v in_o tradition_n but_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v tradition_n as_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v not_o incorporate_v into_o scripture_n as_o be_v argue_v before_o or_o that_o in_o so_o long_a a_o course_n of_o time_n it_o have_v not_o be_v enroll_v into_o scripture_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n still_o be_v see_v if_o it_o have_v all_o thing_n else_o it_o can_v but_o want_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o divine_a contexture_n and_o conveyance_n that_o scripture_n have_v in_o word_n choose_v and_o put_v together_o by_o inspiration_n and_o the_o ready_a easy_a and_o certain_a access_n to_o it_o by_o all_o for_o all_o be_v equal_o concern_v in_o it_o now_o see_v tradition_n want_v all_o these_o how_o can_v we_o accept_v it_o how_o can_v we_o look_v off_o from_o scripture_n to_o poor_a upon_o tradition_n or_o what_o hold_n
not_o strict_o of_o that_o seed_n with_o immediate_a revelation_n but_o when_o all_o these_o be_v corrupt_v as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n god_n withdraw_v himself_o by_o degree_n as_o the_o glory_n do_v from_o the_o temple_n in_o ezekiel_n till_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o the_o darkness_n of_o tradition_n fearful_o debauch_v false_a deduction_n from_o nature_n light_n and_o worse_o than_o that_o the_o devil_n oracle_n in_o the_o room_n of_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n a_o second_o and_o more_o desperate_a fall_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o jewish_a church_n and_o a_o small_a proselytisme_n to_o that_o only_o except_v quest_n what_o example_n be_v there_o of_o god_n continue_v favour_n to_o any_o part_n of_o mankind_n out_o of_o abraham_n family_n justify_v he_o as_o not_o depart_v from_o man_n till_o they_o depart_v from_o he_o answ_n melchisedek_n no_o descendent_a from_o abraham_n be_v king_n of_o righteousness_n and_o king_n of_o peace_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o church_n be_v place_v in_o abraham_n seed_n laban_n be_v not_o whole_o revolt_v from_o true_a religion_n but_o especial_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o esau_n be_v eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n that_o whole_a book_n of_o job_n testify_v that_o be_v help_v by_o holy_a tradition_n together_o with_o occasional_a revelation_n they_o hold_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n at_o its_o own_o purity_n quest_n how_o long_o do_v the_o nation_n that_o desert_a god_n continue_v under_o that_o dismal_a obscurity_n answ_n till_o that_o bless_a seed_n in_o who_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v and_o who_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n come_v and_o shine_v as_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n upon_o the_o whole_a world_n quest_n how_o be_v the_o light_n of_o revelation_n convey_v to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o elder_a time_n answ_n in_o divers_a way_n and_o manner_n in_o more_o immediate_a appearance_n in_o vision_n dream_n prophecy_n in_o inward_a illumination_n by_o a_o voice_n in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v when_o ever_o they_o be_v true_o from_o god_n such_o mighty_a evidence_n of_o divinity_n as_o overbalanced_a all_o doubt_n together_o with_o these_o be_v the_o ordinary_a and_o familiar_a instruction_n of_o patriarch_n and_o holy_a man_n ground_v upon_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n quest_n how_o do_v god_n conclude_v his_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o way_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n answ_n by_o speak_v in_o the_o last_o day_n by_o his_o son_n and_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o commissioned_n by_o he_o seal_v up_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n in_o the_o fullness_n and_o compliment_n of_o truth_n quest_n do_v god_n take_v any_o care_n for_o the_o secure_v the_o monument_n of_o his_o truth_n give_v out_o by_o revelation_n answ_n yes_o very_o early_o how_o early_o we_o know_v not_o but_o beyond_o controversy_n in_o the_o first_o form_v the_o jewish_a church_n into_o a_o settle_a body_n he_o begin_v the_o more_o sure_a and_o certain_a way_n of_o commit_v his_o word_n and_o will_n to_o write_v and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o set_v the_o copy_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o continue_v it_o till_o the_o whole_a revelation_n be_v complete_a passant_a revelation_n or_o oral_a tradidition_n not_o be_v sure_a enough_o quest_n wherein_o be_v the_o write_a word_n more_o sure_a than_o the_o word_n in_o pass_a revelation_n or_o tradition_n answ_n the_o word_n commit_v to_o write_v stand_v unalterable_a divine_a providence_n watch_v over_o what_o be_v write_v to_o keep_v it_o the_o same_o all_o covenant_n and_o treaty_n all_o monument_n of_o knowledge_n have_v be_v thus_o secure_v transmit_v into_o all_o part_n and_o consign_v to_o after_o age_n appeal_n in_o case_n of_o doubt_n be_v more_o safe_o make_v to_o what_o be_v write_v and_o every_o one_o concern_v have_v a_o ready_a and_o open_a way_n to_o examine_v and_o in_o all_o case_n to_o be_v resolve_v quest_n have_v all_o nation_n since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o bless_a seed_n be_v communicate_v with_o these_o revelation_n answ_n there_o have_v be_v a_o freedom_n give_v to_o communicate_v they_o and_o a_o right_n in_o all_o nation_n to_o demand_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o grant_v by_o god_n and_o christ_n to_o they_o but_o there_o be_v many_o sad_a account_n to_o be_v give_v why_o this_o universal_a grace_n to_o mankind_n have_v not_o yet_o take_v effect_n 1._o the_o unaccountableness_n of_o the_o method_n of_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o distinguish_a goodness_n even_o when_o thing_n seem_v equal_o dispose_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o one_o as_o of_o another_o 2._o the_o experiment_n make_v upon_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n that_o have_v the_o gospel_n justify_v god_n in_o not_o effectual_o convey_v it_o to_o other_o who_o will_v make_v as_o ill_o a_o use_n of_o it_o the_o idolatry_n superstition_n of_o some_o the_o sottish_a ignorance_n sloth_n and_o neglect_n of_o other_o the_o cruelty_n and_o barbarity_n exercise_v by_o christian_n upon_o one_o another_o and_o the_o unanswerable_a live_n to_o it_o in_o all_o sect_n make_v plain_a the_o great_a perverseness_n of_o our_o degenerate_a nature_n and_o how_o nation_n that_o have_v not_o the_o gospel_n will_v have_v abuse_v it_o if_o they_o have_v have_v it_o 3._o but_o especial_o the_o great_a enmity_n to_o and_o contempt_n of_o the_o heavenly_a doctrine_n great_a nation_n be_v environ_v with_o against_o the_o approach_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v come_v within_o their_o notice_n as_o among_o jew_n turk_n and_o pagan_n be_v a_o very_a obvious_a reason_n why_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n free_a promulgation_n quest_n what_o then_o be_v the_o immediate_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o nation_n that_o have_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o guide_v they_o and_o the_o jew_n that_o have_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v the_o one_o great_a enemy_n to_o all_o scripture_n revelation_n and_o the_o other_o to_o the_o new_a testament_n answ_n because_o nation_n that_o have_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n stay_v not_o themselves_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_o divine_a and_o public_a in_o nature_n law_n but_o either_o by_o unnatural_a collection_n and_o miserable_a wrest_n of_o its_o principle_n or_o fly_v to_o false_a and_o dark_a revelation_n fortify_v themselves_o in_o falsehood_n or_o misapply_v truth_n as_o to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a they_o be_v bemi_v with_o the_o private_a interpretation_n they_o have_v affix_v to_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o see_v the_o clear_a easy_a and_o certain_a train_n of_o the_o same_o public_a and_o divine_a run_v betwixt_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a but_o the_o rudiment_n in_o the_o old_a be_v more_o kind_a to_o the_o cabal_n or_o cypher_n of_o their_o self-interested_n sense_n they_o venerate_v they_o and_o hate_v the_o perfection_n and_o life_n in_o the_o new_a that_o will_v not_o at_o all_o bear_v their_o privy_a gloss_n although_o both_o scripture_n have_v the_o same_o credential_n from_o heaven_n and_o carry_v the_o same_o public_a sense_n so_o great_a be_v the_o delusion_n of_o private_a quest_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o even_o among_o those_o that_o enjoy_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o scripture_n and_o profess_v the_o same_o christianity_n nay_o the_o most_o refine_a and_o reform_a christianity_n there_o be_v so_o great_a difference_n and_o division_n answ_n all_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o unhappy_a spring_n man_n can_v endure_v to_o rest_v in_o the_o clear_a and_o certain_a oracle_n of_o truth_n but_o by_o force_a addition_n misinterpretation_n violent_a detorsion_n forsake_v that_o which_o be_v public_a and_o divine_a for_o that_o which_o be_v private_a and_o their_o own_o and_o be_v great_o offend_v and_o too_o often_o enrage_v that_o other_o do_v not_o concur_v with_o they_o quest_n it_o seem_v then_o the_o best_a method_n of_o keep_v off_o from_o error_n be_v to_o rest_v upon_o the_o most_o undoubted_a point_n of_o truth_n before_o we_o remove_v from_o they_o to_o any_o thing_n further_o answ_n it_o be_v undoubted_o so_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o have_v suffer_v much_o more_o by_o foreign_a and_o disagreeable_a addition_n than_o by_o wary_a suspension_n for_o hereby_o a_o man_n keep_v himself_o from_o false_a religion_n and_o stand_v ready_a and_o open_a to_o receive_v truth_n quest_n but_o how_o then_o shall_v a_o man_n make_v forward_o from_o natural_a religion_n to_o reveal_v or_o from_o what_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v to_o what_o he_o may_v in_o time_n come_v to_o see_v very_o good_a proof_n for_o