and_o easy_a to_o such_o as_o faithful_o practice_v their_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a precept_n but_o hard_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v aright_o of_o such_o as_o wilful_o transgress_v they_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o perspicuous_o set_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n than_o this_o as_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v if_o it_o will_v not_o enlarge_v this_o book_n too_o much_o from_o such_o word_n as_o those_o of_o st._n peter_n god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o therefore_o shall_v we_o admit_v of_o any_o authority_n equivalent_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o question_n will_v still_o remain_v whether_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o authority_n can_v take_v away_o that_o blindness_n of_o heart_n which_o by_o god_n just_a judgement_n fall_v upon_o all_o those_o who_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o vnrighteousness_n if_o for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o evident_a and_o plain_a truth_n god_n punish_v they_o with_o such_o spiritual_a darkness_n that_o they_o discern_v not_o his_o will_n reveal_v in_o his_o write_a word_n no_o other_o infallible_a authority_n can_v inlighten_v they_o and_o make_v those_o scale_n fall_v from_o their_o eye_n which_o hinder_v their_o sight_n in_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n they_o will_v everlasting_o go_v on_o in_o darkness_n because_o have_v light_o present_v to_o they_o they_o prefer_v darkness_n before_o it_o those_o naughty_a affection_n which_o have_v keep_v the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n from_o shine_v into_o they_o will_v close_v their_o eye_n so_o fast_o that_o no_o other_o light_n will_v open_v they_o but_o they_o must_v either_o receive_v and_o follow_v the_o plain_a direction_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o recover_v their_o sight_n by_o a_o sincere_a practice_n of_o know_a duty_n or_o walk_v on_o still_o in_o darkness_n and_o remain_v in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o day_n unto_o which_o plain_a direction_n if_o man_n will_v unfeigned_o submit_v if_o thereby_o they_o be_v not_o lead_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o hard_a scripture_n they_o will_v however_o have_v this_o benefit_n that_o they_o will_v be_v secure_v from_o misunderstand_v they_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o by_o understanding_n believe_a and_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o knowledge_n of_o the_o easy_a and_o evident_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o put_v any_o dangerous_a interpretation_n upon_o those_o place_n which_o be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a ignorant_a of_o they_o we_o may_v continue_v or_o perhaps_o mistake_v their_o meaning_n but_o still_o innocent_o so_o as_o not_o to_o do_v hurt_v to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o by_o they_o a_o illustrious_a example_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o st._n augustine_n book_n de_n fide_fw-la &_o operibus_fw-la where_o discourse_v chap._n xv._o upon_o that_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n iii_o 12_o 13._o which_o he_o take_v to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o which_o st._n peter_n say_v be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o his_o epistle_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o understand_v the_o build_a gold_n silver_z precious_a stone_n upon_o this_o foundation_n to_o be_v mean_v of_o add_v good_a work_n to_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o build_v wood_n hay_n stubble_n upon_o it_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o those_o that_o hold_v the_o same_o faith_n but_o do_v evil_a from_o whence_o they_o fancy_v that_o by_o certain_a pain_n of_o fire_n such_o evil_a man_n may_v be_v purge_v to_o obtain_v salvation_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o foundation_n that_o be_v by_o a_o right_a faith_n only_o because_o the_o apostle_n say_v v._o 15._o they_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n say_v that_o excellent_a father_n than_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v no_o obscurity_n no_o ambiguity_n in_o they_o must_v be_v take_v to_o be_v false_a as_o for_o example_n that_o of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o same_o epistle_n though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n so_o that_o i_o can_v remove_v mountain_n and_o have_v no_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o and_o that_o of_o st._n james_n what_o do_v it_o profit_n brethren_n if_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n but_o have_v no_o work_n can_v faith_n save_v he_o and_o that_o place_n also_o will_v be_v false_a be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o they_o that_o serve_v idol_n nor_o adulterer_n etc._n etc._n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o that_o also_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a which_o be_v adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n etc._n etc._n of_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o again_o as_o i_o have_v do_v former_o that_o they_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n these_o be_v all_o false_a if_o that_o interpretation_n be_v true_a st._n paul_n contradict_v himself_o and_o in_o this_o obscure_a place_n clash_n with_o his_o plain_a word_n for_o according_a to_o this_o exposition_n if_o man_n only_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o fire_n though_o they_o persevere_v in_o such_o wicked_a course_n as_o those_o now_o mention_v and_o then_o i_o do_v not_o see_v to_o what_o purpose_n our_o lord_n say_v if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n tell_v he_o what_o belong_v unto_o good_a manner_n and_o how_o will_v that_o be_v true_a which_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o will_v say_v to_o they_o on_o his_o left_a hand_n go_v you_o curse_v etc._n etc._n who_o he_o send_v to_o hell-fire_n not_o because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o do_v good_a work_n thus_o that_o father_n go_v on_o heap_v up_o a_o great_a many_o other_o place_n which_o evident_o speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o then_o conclude_v if_o therefore_o these_o thing_n and_o innumerable_a other_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o any_o ambiguity_n be_v false_a then_o that_o sense_n may_v be_v true_a concern_v the_o wood_n hay_n and_o stubble_n viz._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o sire_n who_o only_o hold_v faith_n in_o christ_n have_v neglect_v good_a work_n si_fw-mi autem_fw-la &_o vera_fw-la &_o clara_fw-la sunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v both_o true_a and_o also_o clear_a then_o without_o doubt_n another_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o number_n of_o those_o which_o s._n peter_n say_v be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o pervert_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n by_o endeavour_v from_o they_o against_o the_o most_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v the_o most_o lewd_a people_n secure_a of_o obtain_v salvation_n though_o they_o pertinacious_o continue_v in_o their_o wickedness_n not_o at_o all_o change_v by_o amendment_n or_o repentance_n as_o for_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o that_o scripture_n though_o he_o venture_v at_o it_o yet_o he_o say_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n he_o have_v rather_o be_v inform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v more_o learned_a and_o more_o understanding_n who_o can_v so_o expound_v it_o as_o to_o let_v all_o those_o thing_n above_o mention_v remain_v true_a and_o unshaken_a in_o which_o the_o scripture_n most_o open_o avow_v that_o faith_n profit_v nothing_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n define_v that_o be_v faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n but_o without_o work_n can_v save_v man_n neither_o without_o fire_n nor_o by_o fire_n still_o he_o stick_v to_o this_o rule_n as_o most_o certain_a and_o unmoveable_a that_o whatsoever_o sense_n be_v give_v of_o a_o obscure_a scripture_n it_o contradict_v not_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v more_o plain_a especial_o those_o which_o teach_v we_o to_o live_v well_o and_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o which_o none_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n will_v ever_o prejudice_v by_o any_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v out_o of_o my_o way_n to_o attempt_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o place_n now_o mention_v have_v no_o other_o business_n in_o hand_n at_o present_a but_o to_o show_v that_o by_o adhere_v as_o this_o holy_a man_n do_v to_o the_o evident_a truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v never_o permit_v we_o to_o put_v any_o bad_a and_o pernicious_a sense_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v less_o evident_a let_v we_o stick_v as_o he_o do_v to_o this_o rule_n and_o we_o shall_v either_o put_v a_o harmless_a sense_n upon_o they_o or_o none_o at_o all_o but_o then_o we_o must_v as_o i_o say_v be_v hearty_o in_o love_n with_o these_o plain_a truth_n and_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o
presumption_n that_o god_n bless_v these_o pious_a endeavour_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a understanding_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o search_n into_o the_o scripture_n according_a as_o it_o there_o follow_v therefore_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v and_o thus_o st._n peter_n also_o in_o this_o very_a epistle_n chap._n i._n 19_o commend_v his_o countryman_n who_o attentive_o read_v and_o consider_v the_o prophetical_a write_n we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o which_o word_n to_o i_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o praiseworthy_a thing_n in_o those_o jewish_a convert_v to_o who_o he_o write_v who_o as_o yet_o be_v but_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n that_o they_o do_v give_v heed_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sure_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o in_o they_o they_o will_v sin_v the_o lord_n jesus_n plain_o descrihe_v if_o they_o compare_v what_o the_o apostle_n preach_v with_o that_o which_o they_o foretell_v as_o the_o beraean_o do_v those_o write_n indeed_o of_o the_o prophet_n do_v but_o obscure_o treat_v of_o christ_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o discovery_n of_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o apostolical_a write_n which_o he_o compare_v to_o the_o daystar_n and_o the_o old_a prophet_n but_o to_o a_o candle_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n yet_o the_o one_o will_v lead_v they_o to_o the_o other_o and_o by_o take_v attentive_a heed_n to_o the_o prophetical_a write_n they_o will_v in_o time_n find_v the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o be_v arrive_v by_o degree_n at_o clear_a demonstration_n and_o a_o full_a and_o bright_a knowledge_n of_o christian_a truth_n deliver_v 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admonition_n encouragement_n and_o consolation_n intersperse_v throughout_o that_o book_n which_o make_v it_o sit_v to_o be_v read_v by_o christian_a people_n for_o their_o direction_n and_o support_v and_o we_o may_v likewise_o from_o hence_o take_v the_o confidence_n to_o argue_v in_o this_o manner_n if_o a_o blessedness_n be_v pronounce_v to_o those_o that_o read_v or_o hear_v that_o prophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v therein_o then_o they_o can_v be_v accurse_v who_o for_o the_o same_o end_n read_v other_o holy_a book_n where_o such_o instruction_n and_o comfort_n be_v more_o plentiful_o and_o plain_o and_o on_o purpose_n deliver_v nor_o can_v they_o expect_v god_n blessing_n who_o prohibit_v the_o read_n even_o of_o those_o easy_a and_o more_o familiar_a scripture_n which_o be_v accommodate_v by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o most_o vulgar_a capacity_n every_o one_o ought_v to_o drink_v of_o these_o fountain_n nor_o will_v i_o forbid_v say_v erasmus_n very_o pious_o those_o that_o thirst_n after_o christian_a knowledge_n to_o read_v even_o those_o book_n which_o be_v not_o so_o open_a but_o like_o a_o fountain_n seal_v up_o because_o they_o will_v reap_v this_o fruit_n at_o least_o that_o they_o will_v come_v more_o sit_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o sermon_n which_o touch_v upon_o or_o allude_v to_o those_o more_o obscure_a passage_n they_o will_v hear_v also_o those_o thing_n more_o willing_o of_o which_o they_o have_v already_o some_o knowledge_n and_o understand_v those_o thing_n more_o easy_o of_o which_o they_o have_v a_o small_a taste_n vi_o and_o there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o our_o complete_a spiritual_a armour_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v lie_v so_o open_a to_o the_o assault_n of_o our_o enemy_n that_o it_o will_v very_o much_o hazard_v our_o salvation_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v expose_v to_o any_o danger_n when_o we_o may_v defend_v ourselves_o by_o the_o use_n of_o those_o weapon_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v provide_v for_o we_o or_o how_o can_v they_o be_v friend_n to_o our_o soul_n who_o will_v expose_v we_o by_o take_v those_o weapon_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n read_v the_o vi_o ephes_n 11._o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n or_o complete_a armour_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o all_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n enumerate_v the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o armour_n and_o the_o last_o piece_n of_o it_o but_o one_o be_v v._n 17_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o show_v that_o as_o while_o we_o have_v enemy_n to_o fight_v withal_o and_o very_o powerful_a subtle_a enemy_n we_o have_v need_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o weapon_n that_o god_n have_v furnish_v we_o withal_o for_o our_o defence_n so_o we_o be_v not_o complete_o appoint_v for_o our_o defence_n without_o this_o weapon_n the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o more_o than_o a_o soldier_n be_v without_o his_o sword_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o go_v about_o to_o deprive_v we_o of_o this_o leave_v we_o in_o great_a part_n naked_a to_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n by_o wrest_v that_o weapon_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n whereby_o we_o shall_v beat_v they_o off_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o devil_n temptation_n you_o may_v observe_v iu._n st._n matth._n but_o our_o saviour_n vanquish_v it_o by_o this_o weapon_n tell_v he_o it_o be_v so_o and_o so_o write_v and_o the_o tempter_n have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v nor_o know_v what_o to_o oppose_v thereunto_o and_o therefore_o our_o safety_n lie_v in_o the_o same_o divine_a armoury_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n unto_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v resort_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o there_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o such_o holy_a precept_n example_n promise_n and_o threaten_n as_o we_o may_v have_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o oppose_v to_o every_o temptation_n it_o be_v usual_o say_v as_o i_o note_v in_o the_o beginning_n that_o man_n may_v wound_v themselves_o with_o a_o sword_n as_o soon_o as_o their_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o let_v every_o body_n take_v this_o weapon_n into_o his_o hand_n but_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n as_o much_o aware_a of_o this_o as_o we_o be_v not_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v then_o as_o now_o and_o we_o by_o this_o reason_n shall_v leave_v neither_o sun_n in_o heaven_n nor_o any_o good_a creature_n here_o upon_o earth_n as_o a_o great_a man_n of_o our_o own_o somewhere_o speak_v for_o they_o have_v be_v all_o wretched_o abuse_v to_o very_o ill_a purpose_n by_o evil_a man_n and_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o man_n may_v as_o soon_o hurt_v themselves_o as_o their_o enemy_n with_o this_o sword_n for_o who_o but_o mad_a man_n or_o desperate_a person_n run_v that_o weapon_n into_o their_o own_o body_n wherewith_o they_o shall_v defend_v their_o life_n and_o who_o but_o they_o that_o be_v distract_v themselves_o will_v suppose_v the_o generality_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v such_o a_o frantic_a fort_n of_o people_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o preservation_n but_o must_v have_v even_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n take_v from_o they_o for_o fear_v they_o surfeit_v of_o it_o but_o this_o will_v be_v more_o full_o answer_v hereafter_o and_o that_o which_o i_o have_v next_o to_o represent_v to_o your_o consideration_n will_v give_v great_a satisfaction_n to_o it_o which_o be_v this_o vii_o that_o the_o great_a doctor_n in_o the_o church_n have_v most_o earnest_o exhort_v the_o people_n with_o all_o the_o rhetoric_n they_o can_v invent_v to_o give_v themselves_o leisure_n
of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n shall_v not_o say_v to_o his_o neighbour_n know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a and_o so_o st._n paul_n i_o come_v not_o to_o you_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o speech_n or_o of_o wisdom_n show_v you_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o again_o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n and_o again_o we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a yet_o not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n that_o come_v to_o nought_o etc._n etc._n and_o last_o he_o prove_v this_o from_o the_o intention_n for_o which_o they_o write_v these_o book_n which_o be_v that_o all_o may_v find_v a_o remedy_n here_o of_o whatsoever_o trouble_v they_o this_o he_o admirable_o prosecute_v in_o these_o word_n because_o thou_o be_v engage_v in_o family-affair_n and_o a_o world_n of_o business_n therefore_o thou_o have_v the_o great_a need_n of_o more_o medicine_n for_o not_o only_o thy_o wife_n provoke_v thou_o but_o thy_o child_n make_v thou_o sad_a and_o thy_o servant_n anger_v thou_o and_o thy_o enemy_n devise_v mischief_n against_o thou_o and_o thy_o friend_n envy_v thou_o and_o thy_o neighbour_n do_v thou_o damage_n and_o thy_o fellow-soldier_n supplant_v thou_o nay_o perhaps_o he_o that_o sit_v in_o judgement_n threatten_v thou_o and_o poverty_n make_v thou_o sorrowful_a and_o the_o run_v away_o of_o thy_o servant_n fetch_v tear_n from_o thy_o eye_n in_o short_a either_o prosperity_n puff_v thou_o up_o or_o adversity_n pinch_v thou_o sore_o and_o make_v thou_o shrink_v there_o be_v many_o occasion_n of_o anger_n many_o of_o thoughtfulness_n many_o of_o sadness_n and_o sorrow_n and_o many_o also_o of_o vainglory_n and_o senslless_a pride_n strait_n and_o difficulty_n encompass_v we_o on_o every_o side_n and_o a_o thousand_o dart_n from_o all_o side_n come_v fly_v at_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v perpetual_a need_n of_o that_o panoply_n complete_a armour_n which_o be_v to_o be_v setcht_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n a_o great_a deal_n more_o there_o follow_v which_o i_o shall_v not_o transcribe_v to_o show_v what_o a_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o these_o divine_a remedy_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n we_o receive_v or_o rather_o to_o keep_v off_o the_o blow_n that_o give_v they_o and_o to_o beat_v back_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o a_o frequent_a read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o conclude_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n for_o it_o can_v be_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v that_o enjoy_v not_o continual_o the_o benefit_n of_o spiritual_a read_n but_o after_o he_o have_v thus_o answer_v the_o objection_n about_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v altogether_o true_a he_o proceed_v further_a to_o show_v that_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v true_a they_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o not_o to_o be_v read_v by_o we_o first_o because_o by_o often_o read_v that_o which_o be_v obscure_a may_v become_v plain_a so_o he_o discourse_v in_o the_o often_o name_v sermon_n upon_o lazarus_n do_v thou_o not_o understand_v what_o be_v in_o these_o book_n no_o how_o shall_v thou_o understand_v when_o thou_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o look_v into_o they_o take_v the_o bible_n into_o thy_o hand_n read_v the_o whole_a history_n and_o retain_v what_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a read_v what_o be_v obscure_a and_o uncertain_a over_o and_o over_o again_o second_o suppose_v thou_o can_v not_o with_o frequent_a read_n find_v out_o the_o sense_n then_o go_v to_o one_o that_o be_v wise_a than_o thyself_o come_v to_o the_o teacher_n and_o instructor_n as_o a_o scholar_n to_o his_o master_n communicate_v with_o he_o concern_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v demonstrate_v a_o great_a diligence_n and_o desire_n to_o learn_v and_o if_o god_n see_v this_o forwardness_n and_o readiness_n of_o mind_n in_o thou_o he_o will_v not_o overlook_v thy_o watchfulness_n and_o solicitous_a care_n but_o if_o no_o man_n can_v be_v find_v to_o teach_v thou_o he_o will_v reveal_v his_o mind_n himself_o to_o thou_o this_o he_o explain_v by_o the_o example_n often_o already_o name_v say_v remember_v the_o eunuch_n of_o the_o queen_n of_o ethiopia_n who_o be_v a_o barbarian_a and_o engage_v in_o a_o thousand_o care_n and_o surround_v with_o abundance_n of_o business_n and_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o he_o read_v yet_o notwithstanding_o continue_v read_v as_o he_o sit_v in_o his_o chariot_n if_o he_o show_v such_o diligence_n upon_o the_o highway_n consider_v what_o kind_n of_o man_n he_o be_v at_o home_n if_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o time_n of_o his_o travel_n to_o pass_v away_o without_o read_v how_o much_o more_o diligent_a may_v we_o well_o think_v he_o be_v when_o he_o sit_v in_o his_o house_n if_o when_o he_o understand_v not_o what_o he_o read_v he_o will_v not_o omit_v read_v how_o much_o more_o do_v he_o use_v it_o after_o he_o have_v learn_v something_o for_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o he_o read_v his_o answer_n to_o philip_n show_v when_o he_o ask_v he_o understand_v thou_o what_o thou_o read_v he_o do_v not_o blush_v nor_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v his_o ignorance_n but_o say_v how_o can_v i_o unless_o i_o have_v some_o body_n to_o guide_v i_o because_o therefore_o he_o thus_o employ_v his_o time_n in_o read_v when_o he_o have_v none_o to_o guide_v he_o therefore_o straightway_o one_o be_v send_v to_o conduct_v and_o lead_v he_o god_n see_v his_o forwardness_n and_o accept_v his_o diligence_n and_o present_o send_v he_o a_o teacher_n but_o philip_n be_v not_o here_o present_a with_o i_o to_o instruct_v i_o when_o i_o read_v true_a but_o the_o spirit_n which_o move_v philip_n be_v present_a let_v we_o not_o my_o belove_a despise_v our_o own_o salvation_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripure_a be_v a_o great_a security_n against_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n of_o they_o be_v a_o great_a precipice_n a_o deep_a pit_n or_o rather_o bottomless_a gulf_n a_o manifest_a betray_n of_o salvation_n to_o know_v nothing_o out_o of_o the_o divine_a law_n this_o have_v both_o bring_v forth_o heresy_n and_o lead_v to_o corruption_n of_o manner_n this_o have_v turn_v all_o thing_n topsy-turvy_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a utter_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o go_v away_o from_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o some_o fruit_n if_o he_o read_v they_o with_o care_n i_o shall_v tire_v my_o reader_n if_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o all_o that_o this_o great_a and_o holy_a man_n have_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_n which_o he_o press_v you_o see_v with_o such_o vehemence_n as_o if_o he_o think_v it_o impossible_a for_o his_o people_n to_o be_v save_v unless_o they_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o contrary_a be_v the_o doctrine_n then_o to_o what_o be_v now_o current_a in_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o teach_v that_o people_n will_v rather_o endanger_v their_o salvation_n by_o the_o read_n of_o they_o and_o one_o thing_n i_o can_v pass_v by_o without_o a_o particular_a remark_n before_o i_o have_v do_v with_o this_o that_o he_o give_v that_o very_a reason_n in_o the_o word_n just_a now_o quote_v why_o the_o people_n shall_v read_v the_o scripture_n which_o the_o romanist_n give_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o read_v they_o viz._n the_o danger_n of_o run_v into_o error_n and_o heresy_n therefore_o say_v they_o the_o people_n ought_v not_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n no_o such_o matter_n say_v he_o but_o quite_o contrary_a they_o will_v run_v into_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o read_v they_o from_o hence_o spring_v up_o miriads_o of_o evil_n even_o from_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o hence_o pernicious_a heresy_n negligent_a life_n and_o corruption_n of_o manner_n for_o as_o they_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o light_n can_v make_v straight_o path_n so_o such_o as_o do_v not_o take_v along_o with_o they_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n in_o many_o thing_n necessary_o offend_v and_o stumble_v as_o walk_v in_o utter_a darkness_n they_o be_v his_o word_n in_o his_o xxxii_o sermon_n upon_o st._n john_n and_o in_o his_o viii_o sermon_n upon_o the_o hebrew_n he_o make_v a_o sad_a complaint_n about_o the_o growth_n of_o one_o particular_a heresy_n that_o of_o the_o manichee_n and_o tell_v his_o people_n it_o be_v because_o they_o neglect_v the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o attend_v to_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o preserve_v ourselves_o from_o the_o deceit_n
time_n and_o one_o let_v we_o ever_o be_v tell_v ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n in_o these_o holy_a book_n that_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v that_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v before_o god_n according_a as_o we_o keep_v these_o say_n that_o nothing_o be_v comparable_a to_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n nothing_o so_o desirable_a as_o to_o have_v our_o faith_n find_v to_o honour_n and_o praise_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v deny_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o desire_n commodity_n and_o interest_n that_o god_n will_n may_v be_v do_v by_o we_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v seem_v inconsiderable_a in_o our_o eye_n and_o we_o shall_v easy_o forgo_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o keep_v according_a to_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o our_o religion_n he_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v can_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o i_o conclude_v this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n with_o the_o word_n of_o one_o of_o the_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n to_o the_o read_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o concern_v the_o hardness_n of_o scripture_n he_o that_o be_v so_o weak_a that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o brook_v strong_a meat_n yet_o he_o may_v suck_v the_o sweet_a and_o tender_a milk_n and_o defer_v the_o rest_n till_o he_o wax_v strong_a and_o come_v to_o more_o knowledge_n for_o god_n receive_v the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a and_o cast_v away_o none_o but_o be_v indifferent_a unto_o all_o and_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a as_o well_o of_o low_a valley_n plain_a way_n and_o easy_a for_o every_o man_n to_o use_v and_o to_o walk_v in_o as_o also_o of_o high_a hill_n and_o mountain_n which_o few_o man_n can_v climb_v unto_o and_o whosoever_o give_v his_o mind_n to_o holy_a scripture_n with_o delight_n study_n and_o burn_a desire_n it_o can_v be_v say_v st._n chrysostom_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v leave_v without_o help_n he_o that_o ask_v shall_v have_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v shall_v find_v and_o he_o that_o knock_v shall_v have_v the_o door_n open_a if_o we_o read_v once_o twice_o or_o thrice_o and_o understand_v not_o let_v we_o not_o cease_v so_o but_o still_o continue_v read_v pray_v ask_v of_o other_o and_o so_o by_o still_o knock_v at_o the_o last_o the_o door_n shall_v be_v open_v as_o st._n augustine_n say_v although_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v speak_v in_o obscure_a mysterics_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o speak_v under_o dark_a mystery_n in_o one_o place_n but_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n in_o other_o place_n be_v speak_v more_o familiar_o and_o plain_o to_o the_o capacity_n both_o of_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a and_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v plain_a to_o understand_v and_o necessary_a for_o salvation_n every_o man_n duty_n be_v to_o learn_v they_o to_o print_v they_o in_o memory_n and_o effectual_o to_o exercise_v they_o and_o as_o for_o the_o dark_a mystery_n to_o be_v content_v to_o be_v ignorant_a in_o they_o until_o such_o time_n as_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o open_v they_o unto_o he_o but_o not_o lay_v aside_o the_o read_n of_o the_o whole_a because_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o such_o place_n and_o brief_o to_o conclude_v as_o st._n augustine_n say_v by_o the_o scripture_n all_o man_n may_v be_v amend_v the_o weak_a be_v strengthen_v and_o the_o strong_a be_v comfort_v so_o that_o sure_o none_o be_v enemte_n to_o the_o read_n of_o god_n word_n but_o such_o as_o either_o be_v so_o ignorant_a that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o wholesome_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v or_o else_o so_o sick_a that_o they_o hate_v the_o most_o comfortable_a medicine_n that_o shall_v heal_v they_o or_o so_o ungodly_a that_o they_o will_v wish_v the_o people_n still_o to_o continue_v in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o god_n the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o part._n part_n iii_o i_o be_o arrive_v now_o at_o the_o last_o of_o those_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o book_n that_o all_o who_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o in_o danger_n to_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o hurt_n but_o only_o the_o unlearned_a and_o the_o unstable_a such_o man_n will_v wrest_v they_o from_o their_o true_a meaning_n but_o so_o they_o will_v other_o discourse_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a thing_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o dissicult_a in_o this_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v if_o we_o consider_v briedy_a who_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n mean_v by_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a which_o will_v also_o clear_o direct_v we_o what_o course_n we_o be_v to_o take_v that_o we_o may_v not_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n as_o such_o man_n do_v now_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o know_v who_o these_o be_v if_o we_o mind_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o word_n and_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v use_v i._o unlearned_a and_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o unlearned_a the_o apostle_n can_v be_v think_v to_o have_v respect_n to_o such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a in_o those_o part_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v now_o common_o call_v learning_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v general_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a iu_o act_n 13._o but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n treat_v of_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v learn_v by_o all_o christian_n this_o i_o think_v all_o will_v allow_v and_o then_o they_o be_v more_o particular_o mean_v who_o be_v not_o skill_v in_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n man_n that_o know_v not_o or_o mind_v not_o those_o common_a natural_a truth_n upon_o which_o all_o religion_n be_v build_v nor_o be_v acquaint_v with_o those_o plain_a unquestionable_a principle_n of_o christianity_n before_o mention_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n these_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o speak_v of_o who_o have_v not_o learn_v so_o much_o as_o the_o first_o element_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v vi_o heb._n 1._o the_o word_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o christ_n who_o want_v the_o foundation_n of_o true_a knowledge_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o wrest_v every_o thing_n they_o read_v from_o its_o proper_a meaning_n such_o there_o be_v even_o in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n as_o st._n paul_n himself_o teach_v we_o who_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2_o tim._n iii_o 7._o they_o frequent_v that_o be_v the_o christian_a assembly_n where_o they_o receive_v good_a instruction_n but_o their_o nanghty_a affection_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o know_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n to_o find_v entertainment_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o doctrine_n be_v such_o as_o these_o that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n who_o be_v perfect_o just_a and_o perfect_o good_a and_o know_v the_o very_a thought_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o change_v not_o and_o that_o he_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a beget_v son_n the_o eternal_a word_n who_o be_v before_o all_o world_n to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o to_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n to_o rise_v again_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o that_o he_o have_v send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o the_o father_n to_o teach_v we_o those_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o holy_a life_n whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n when_o he_o will_v raise_v up_o our_o dead_a body_n and_o give_v to_o those_o who_o have_v do_v good_a everlasting_a life_n but_o send_v those_o who_o have_v do_v evil_a into_o everlasting_a fire_n these_o and_o such_o like_a which_o depend_v on_o these_o and_o be_v coherent_a with_o they_o be_v the_o christian_a learning_n which_o they_o that_o do_v not_o know_v and_o believe_v and_o according_o practice_v as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o great_a stranger_n to_o the_o holy_a book_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o reap_v any_o profit_n by_o they_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o corrupt_v and_o abuse_v they_o to_o the_o support_n of_o their_o own_o uncertain_a vain_a or_o absurd_a imagination_n nor_o be_v they_o secure_v from_o this_o danger_n when_o they_o have_v learn_v they_o unless_o they_o be_v likewise_o so_o fix_v in_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v constant_o guide_v by_o they_o for_o the_o apostle_n here_o teach_v we_o that_o