10._o athanasius_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o incarnation_n say_v it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o relinquish_v it_o think_v by_o syllogism_n to_o evade_v what_o be_v there_o clear_o deliver_v again_o in_o his_o tract_n to_o serap_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ask_v not_o say_v he_o concern_v the_o trinity_n but_o learn_v only_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o instruction_n which_o you_o will_v find_v there_o be_v sufficient_a and_o in_o his_o oration_n against_o the_o gentile_n declare_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n 11._o agreeable_a to_o these_o be_v optatus_n in_o his_o 5._o book_n against_o parman_n who_o reason_n thus_o you_o say_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o rebaptize_v we_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a betwixt_o your_o say_n and_o our_o gainsaying_n the_o people_n mind_n be_v amuse_v let_v no_o man_n believe_v either_o you_o or_o we_o all_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v contentious_a therefore_o judge_n be_v to_o be_v call_v in_o christian_n they_o can_v be_v for_o they_o will_v be_v party_n and_o thereby_o partial_a therefore_o a_o judge_n be_v to_o be_v look_v out_o from_o abroad_o if_o a_o pagan_a he_o know_v not_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n if_o a_o jew_n he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o our_o baptism_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o earthly_a judge_n but_o one_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v from_o heaven_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o resort_n to_o heaven_n when_o we_o have_v in_o the_o gospel_n a_o testament_n and_o in_o this_o case_n celestial_a thing_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o earthly_a so_o it_o be_v as_o with_o a_o father_n who_o have_v many_o child_n while_o he_o be_v present_a he_o order_v they_o all_o and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o write_a will_n according_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v present_a upon_o earth_n from_o time_n to_o time_n command_v the_o apostle_n whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a but_o as_o the_o earthly_a father_n find_v himself_o to_o be_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n and_o fear_v that_o after_o his_o departure_n his_o child_n shall_v quarrel_v among_o themselves_o he_o call_v witness_n and_o put_v his_o mind_n in_o writing_n and_o if_o any_o difference_n arise_v among_o the_o brethren_n they_o go_v not_o to_o their_o father_n sepulchre_n but_o repair_v to_o his_o will_n and_o testament_n and_o he_o who_o rest_v in_o his_o grave_n speak_v still_o in_o his_o writing_n as_o if_o he_o be_v alive_a our_o lord_n who_o leave_v his_o will_n among_o we_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n therefore_o let_v we_o seek_v his_o command_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o in_o his_o will._n 12._o thus_o cyril_n of_o jerus_n cat._n 4._o nothing_o no_o not_o the_o least_o concernment_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v without_o the_o holy_a scripture_n believe_v not_o i_o unless_o i_o give_v you_o a_o demonstration_n of_o what_o i_o say_v from_o the_o scripture_n 13._o saint_n basil_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n say_v if_o god_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o say_n his_o word_n and_o work_n they_o remain_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v do_v in_o truth_n and_o equity_n it_o must_v be_v a_o evident_a sign_n of_o infidelity_n and_o pride_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v reject_v what_o be_v write_v and_o introduce_v what_o be_v not_o write_v in_o which_o book_n he_o general_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v write_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o he_o abhor_v from_o take_v it_o elsewhere_o in_o his_o 29._o homily_n against_o the_o antitrinit_a believe_v say_v he_o those_o which_o be_v write_v seek_v not_o those_o which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o in_o his_o eth._n reg_fw-la 26._o every_o word_n and_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_o inspire_v scripture_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o good_a and_o reproof_n of_o the_o wicked_a 14._o saint_n ambrose_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o offic._n say_v how_o can_v we_o make_v use_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o his_o instit_n of_o virgin_n i_o read_v he_o be_v the_o first_o but_o read_v not_o he_o be_v the_o second_o let_v they_o who_o say_v he_o be_v second_o show_v it_o from_o the_o read_n 15._o greg._n nyssen_n in_o his_o dial._n of_o the_o soul_n and_o resurrect_v say_v it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o truth_n be_v there_o only_o to_o be_v place_v where_o there_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o scripture_n testimony_n 16._o saint_n jerom_n against_o helvidius_n declare_v as_o we_o deny_v not_o that_o which_o be_v write_v so_o we_o refuse_v those_o which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o 98._o ps_n every_o thing_n that_o we_o assert_v we_o must_v show_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v have_v not_o that_o authority_n as_o god_n precept_n and_o on_o the_o 87._o ps_n whatever_o be_v say_v after_o the_o apostle_n let_v it_o be_v cut_v off_o nor_o have_v afterward_o authority_n though_o one_o be_v holy_a after_o the_o apostle_n though_o one_o be_v eloquent_a yet_o have_v he_o not_o authority_n 17._o saint_n austin_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n c._n 12._o acknowledge_v that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v convince_v but_o by_o the_o scripture_n of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o add_v they_o be_v read_v with_o such_o manifestation_n that_o he_o who_o believe_v they_o must_v confess_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v most_o true_a in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n c._n 9_o he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n be_v find_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v faith_n and_o manner_n and_o in_o epist_n 42._o all_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v exhibit_v heretofore_o as_o don_v to_o mankind_n and_o what_o we_o now_o see_v and_o deliver_v to_o our_o posterity_n the_o scripture_n have_v not_o pass_v they_o in_o silence_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o concern_v the_o search_n or_o defence_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o good_a of_o widowhood_n he_o say_v to_o julian_n the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o address_v what_o shall_v i_o teach_v you_o more_o than_o that_o we_o read_v in_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n settle_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o doctrine_n that_o we_o think_v not_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v sober_o as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n therefore_o my_o teach_n be_v only_o to_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o this_o doctor_n ep._n 157._o where_o any_o subject_n be_v obscure_a and_o pass_v our_o comprehension_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o plain_o afford_v its_o help_n there_o human_a conjecture_n be_v presumptuous_a in_o define_v 18._o theophilus_n of_o alex._n in_o his_o second_o paschal_n homily_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o suggestion_n of_o a_o diabolical_a spirit_n to_o think_v that_o any_o thing_n beside_o the_o scripture_n have_v divine_a authority_n and_o in_o his_o three_o he_o add_v that_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n lay_v firm_a foundation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n 19_o chrysostom_n in_o his_o three_o homily_n on_o the_o first_o of_o the_o thessaly_n assert_n that_o from_o the_o alone_a read_n or_o hear_v of_o the_o scripture_n one_o may_v learn_v all_o thing_n necessary_a so_o hom._n 34._o on_o act._n 15._o he_o declare_v a_o heathen_a come_v and_o say_v i_o will_v willing_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o i_o know_v not_o who_o to_o join_v myself_o to_o for_o there_o be_v many_o contention_n among_o you_o many_o sedition_n and_o tumult_n so_o that_o i_o be_o in_o doubt_n what_o opinion_n i_o shall_v abuse_v each_o man_n say_v what_o i_o say_v be_v true_a and_o i_o know_v not_o who_o to_o believe_v each_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n which_o i_o be_o ignorant_a of_o it_o be_v very_o well_o the_o issue_n be_v put_v here_o for_o if_o the_o appeal_n be_v to_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n there_o will_v be_v just_a occasion_n of_o be_v trouble_v but_o when_o we_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o they_o be_v simple_a and_o certain_a you_o may_v easy_o yourself_o judge_v he_o that_o agree_v with_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o christian_n he_o that_o resist_v they_o be_v far_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o on_o ps_n 95._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v say_v without_o the_o scripture_n the_o mind_n halt_v between_o different_a opinion_n sometime_o incline_v as_o to_o what_o be_v probable_a anon_o reject_v as_o what_o be_v frivolous_a but_o when_o the_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n
those_o solemn_a and_o holy_a intention_n which_o become_v the_o dignity_n of_o its_o author_n according_o we_o find_v holy_a man_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v affect_v with_o it_o and_o some_o to_o the_o inward_a reverence_n of_o the_o mind_n have_v join_v the_o outward_a of_o the_o body_n also_o and_o never_o read_v it_o but_o upon_o their_o knee_n a_o example_n that_o may_v both_o instruct_v and_o reproach_v our_o profaneness_n who_o common_o read_v by_o chance_n and_o at_o a_o venture_n if_o a_o bible_n happen_v in_o our_o way_n we_o take_v it_o up_o as_o we_o will_v do_v a_o romance_n or_o playbook_n only_o herein_o we_o differ_v that_o we_o dismiss_v it_o much_o soon_o and_o retain_v less_o of_o its_o impression_n 18._o it_o be_v a_o law_n of_o numa_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v meddle_v with_o divine_a thing_n or_o worship_v the_o god_n in_o pass_v or_o by_o accident_n but_o make_v it_o a_o set_v and_o solemn_a business_n and_o every_o one_o know_v with_o how_o great_a ceremony_n and_o solemnity_n the_o heathen_a oracle_n be_v consult_v how_o great_a a_o shame_n be_v it_o then_o for_o christian_n to_o defalk_v that_o reverence_n from_o the_o true_a god_n which_o heathen_n allow_v their_o false_a one_o 19_o now_o this_o proceed_v sometime_o from_o the_o want_n of_o that_o habitual_a reverence_n we_o shall_v always_o have_v to_o it_o as_o god_n word_n and_o sometime_o from_o want_n of_o actual_a exciting_a it_o when_o we_o go_v to_o read_v for_o if_o the_o habit_n lie_v only_o dormant_a in_o we_o and_o be_v not_o awake_v by_o actual_a consideration_n it_o avail_v we_o as_o little_a in_o our_o read_n as_o the_o habitual_a strength_n of_o a_o man_n do_v towards_o labour_n when_o he_o will_v not_o exert_v it_o for_o that_o end_n 20._o we_o ought_v therefore_o as_o to_o make_v it_o our_o deliberate_a choice_n to_o read_v god_n word_n so_o when_o we_o do_v it_o to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o those_o solemn_a apprehension_n of_o its_o dignity_n and_o authority_n as_o may_v render_v we_o malleable_a and_o apt_a to_o receive_v its_o impression_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o reverence_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o genuine_a or_o last_a obedience_n 21._o saint_n austin_n in_o his_o tract_n to_o honoratus_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o believe_v make_v the_o first_o requisite_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o love_n of_o they_o believe_v i_o say_v he_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v sublime_a and_o divine_a its_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n be_v most_o accommodate_v to_o the_o refreshment_n and_o build_v up_o of_o our_o mind_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n so_o order_v that_o every_o one_o may_v draw_v thence_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o provide_v he_o approach_v it_o with_o devotion_n piety_n and_o religion_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o may_v require_v much_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o this_o i_o be_o first_o to_o persuade_v that_o you_o do_v not_o hate_v the_o author_n and_o then_o that_o you_o love_v they_o have_v we_o a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o virgil_n nay_o if_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o reputation_n he_o have_v gain_v with_o our_o predecessor_n we_o do_v not_o great_o love_v before_o we_o understand_v he_o we_o shall_v never_o patient_o go_v through_o all_o the_o difficult_a question_n grammarian_n raise_v about_o he_o many_o employ_v themselves_o in_o comment_v upon_o he_o we_o esteem_v he_o most_o who_o exposition_n most_o commend_v the_o book_n and_o show_v that_o the_o author_n not_o only_o be_v free_a from_o error_n but_o do_v excellent_o well_o where_o he_o be_v not_o understand_v and_o if_o such_o a_o account_n happen_v not_o to_o be_v give_v we_o impute_v it_o rather_o to_o the_o interpreter_n then_o the_o poet._n 22._o thus_o the_o good_a father_n who_o word_n i_o have_v transcribe_v at_o large_a as_o be_v remarkable_a to_o the_o present_a purpose_n he_o also_o show_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o no_o author_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v from_o one_o averse_a to_o his_o doctrine_n as_o that_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o inquire_v of_o aristotle_n book_n from_o one_o of_o a_o different_a sect_n or_o of_o archimedes_n from_o epicurus_n the_o discourse_n will_v be_v as_o displease_v as_o the_o speaker_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v esteem_v absurd_a which_o come_v from_o one_o that_o be_v envy_v or_o despise_v 23._o a_o three_o preparative_n to_o our_o read_n shall_v be_v prayer_n the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v dictate_v at_o first_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n so_o must_v still_o owe_v its_o effect_n and_o influence_n to_o its_o cooperation_n the_o thing_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o and_o though_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v well_o enough_o apprehend_v the_o letter_n and_o grammatical_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o its_o power_n and_o energy_n that_o insinuative_a persuasive_a force_n whereby_o it_o work_v on_o heart_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o without_o his_o aid_n the_o scripture_n whilst_o it_o lie_v open_a before_o our_o eye_n may_v still_o be_v as_o a_o book_n that_o be_v seal_v esai_n 29.11_o be_v as_o ineffective_a as_o if_o the_o character_n be_v illegible_a 24._o beside_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o the_o devil_n be_v still_o busy_a to_o steal_v away_o the_o seed_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v sow_v mat._n 13.17_o and_o unless_o we_o have_v some_o better_a guard_n than_o our_o own_o vigilance_n he_o be_v sure_a enough_o to_o prosper_v in_o his_o attemt_fw-mi let_v it_o therefore_o be_v our_o care_n to_o invoke_v the_o divine_a aid_n and_o when_o ever_o we_o take_v the_o bible_n into_o our_o hand_n to_o dart_v up_o at_o least_o a_o hearty_a ejaculation_n that_o we_o may_v find_v its_o effect_n in_o our_o heart_n let_v we_o say_v with_o holy_a david_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n o_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n bless_v be_v thou_o o_o lord_n o_o teach_v i_o thy_o statute_n ps_n 119._o nay_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v fit_a matter_n of_o a_o daily_a solemn_a devotion_n as_o our_o church_n have_v make_v it_o a_o annual_a in_o the_o collect_n on_o the_o second_o sunday_n in_o advent_n a_o prayer_n so_o apt_a and_o full_o expressive_a of_o what_o we_o shall_v desire_v in_o this_o particular_a that_o if_o we_o transcribe_v not_o only_o the_o example_n but_o the_o very_a word_n i_o know_v not_o how_o we_o can_v form_v that_o part_n of_o our_o devotion_n more_o advantageous_o 25._o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o at_o the_o time_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n which_o consist_v principal_o in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v attention_n which_o be_v so_o indispensable_o requisite_a that_o without_o it_o all_o book_n be_v alike_o and_o all_o equal_o insignificant_a for_o he_o that_o advert_v not_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o he_o read_v the_o wise_a discourse_n signify_v no_o more_o to_o he_o than_o the_o most_o exquisite_a music_n do_v to_o a_o man_n perfect_o deaf_a the_o letter_n and_o syllable_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v no_o more_o sacred_a than_o those_o of_o another_o book_n it_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n only_o that_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o he_o that_o consider_v only_o the_o former_a may_v as_o well_o entertain_v himself_o with_o a_o spellingbook_n 26._o we_o must_v therefore_o keep_v our_o mind_n fix_v and_o attent_a to_o what_o we_o read_v it_o be_v a_o folly_n and_o lightness_n not_o to_o do_v so_o in_o human_a author_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o danger_n not_o to_o do_v so_o in_o this_o divine_a book_n we_o know_v there_o can_v scarce_o be_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o contemt_a and_o disvalue_n then_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n speak_v and_o not_o at_o all_o mind_n what_o he_o say_v yet_o this_o vile_a affront_n do_v all_o those_o put_v upon_o god_n who_o hear_v or_o read_v his_o word_n and_o give_v it_o no_o attention_n yet_o i_o fear_v the_o practice_n be_v not_o more_o impious_a than_o it_o be_v frequent_a for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o read_v the_o bible_n who_o if_o at_o the_o end_n of_o each_o chapter_n they_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o account_v i_o doubt_v they_o can_v produce_v very_o slender_a collection_n and_o true_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a consideration_n that_o that_o sacred_a book_n be_v read_v most_o attentive_o by_o those_o who_o read_v it_o as_o some_o preach_v the_o gospel_n phil._n 1.15_o out_o of_o envy_n and_o strife_n how_o curious_o do_v man_n inspect_v nay_o ransac_n and_o embowel_v a_o text_n to_o find_v a_o pretence_n for_o cavil_n and_o objection_n whilst_o man_n who_o profess_v to_o look_v there_o for_o life_n and_o salvation_n read_v with_o such_o a_o retchless_n
i_o confess_v vain_a for_o man_n to_o address_v nay_o it_o be_v insolence_n to_o expect_v that_o human_a oratory_n shall_v succeed_v where_o the_o divine_a fail_n yet_o the_o spread_a infection_n of_o these_o render_v it_o necessary_a to_o administer_v antidote_n to_o other_o and_o beside_o though_o god_n be_v blessed_v all_o be_v not_o of_o this_o form_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o who_o though_o not_o arrive_v to_o this_o contemt_a yet_o want_v some_o degree_n of_o that_o just_a reverence_n they_o owe_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n who_o give_v a_o confuse_a general_a assent_n to_o they_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o afford_v they_o not_o a_o consideration_n and_o respect_n answerable_a to_o such_o a_o acknowledgement_n to_o such_o as_o these_o i_o shall_v hope_v it_o may_v not_o be_v utter_o vain_a to_o attemt_a the_o exciting_a of_o those_o drowsy_a notion_n that_o lie_v unactive_a in_o they_o by_o present_v to_o they_o some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o excellence_n and_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v all_o but_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o that_o principle_n they_o be_v suppose_v to_o own_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v god_n word_n i_o can_v much_o question_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o speculative_a part_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v as_o probable_o assure_v myself_o of_o the_o practic_a 10._o indeed_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o be_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o holy_a writ_n but_o that_o it_o be_v god_n word_n that_o be_v enough_o to_o command_v the_o most_o awful_a regard_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o just_a we_o make_v that_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a consideration_n in_o our_o present_a discourse_n but_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o that_o can_v want_v other_o to_o attend_v it_o since_o whatsoever_o god_n say_v be_v in_o all_o respect_v complete_o good_a i_o shall_v therefore_o to_o that_o of_o its_o divine_a original_n add_v second_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o subject_a matter_n three_o of_o its_o excellent_a and_o no_o less_o diffusive_a end_n and_o design_n and_o four_a of_o its_o exact_a propriety_n and_o fitness_n to_o that_o design_n which_o be_v all_o such_o qualification_n that_o where_o they_o concur_v nothing_o more_o can_v be_v require_v to_o commend_v a_o writing_n to_o the_o esteem_n of_o rational_a man_n and_o upon_o all_o these_o test_n notwithstanding_o the_o cavil_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o other_o who_o force_n we_o shall_v examine_v with_o the_o unhappy_a issue_n of_o contrary_a counsel_n this_o law_n of_o god_n will_v be_v find_v to_o answer_v the_o psalmist_n character_n of_o it_o ps_n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a and_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o custody_n and_o use_n thereof_o be_v the_o birthright_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a all_o which_o several_n be_v faithful_o deduce_v it_o will_v only_o remain_v that_o i_o add_v such_o caution_n as_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a duty_n and_o our_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n render_v perfect_a as_o this_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o author_n thereof_o himself_o be_v perfect_a mat._n 5.48_o sect_n ii_o the_o divine_a original_a endearment_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n man_n judgement_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v biased_n by_o their_o affection_n that_o we_o often_o find_v they_o ready_a to_o consider_v who_o speak_v than_o what_o be_v speak_v a_o temper_n very_o unsafe_a and_o the_o principle_n of_o great_a injustice_n in_o our_o inferior_a transaction_n with_o man_n yet_o here_o there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o we_o that_o can_v whole_o divest_v ourselves_o of_o it_o whereas_o when_o we_o deal_v with_o god_n in_o who_o alone_o a_o implicit_a faith_n may_v secure_o be_v repose_v we_o be_v nice_a and_o wary_a bring_v our_o scale_n and_o mesure_n will_v take_v nothing_o upon_o his_o word_n which_o hold_v not_o weight_n in_o our_o own_o balance_n it_o be_v true_a he_o need_v not_o our_o partiality_n to_o be_v justify_v in_o his_o say_n psal_n 51.4_o his_o word_n be_v pure_a even_o as_o the_o silver_n try_v seven_o time_n in_o the_o fire_n psal_n 12.6_o able_a to_o pass_v the_o strict_a test_n that_o right_a reason_n true_o so_o call_v can_v put_v they_o to_o yet_o it_o show_v a_o great_a perverseness_n in_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o who_o so_o easy_o resign_v our_o understanding_n to_o fallible_a man_n stand_v thus_o upon_o our_o guard_n against_o god_n make_v he_o dispute_v for_o every_o inch_n he_o gain_v on_o we_o nor_o will_v afford_v he_o what_o we_o daily_o grant_v to_o any_o credible_a man_n to_o receive_v a_o affirmation_n upon_o trust_n of_o his_o veracity_n 2._o i_o be_o far_o from_o contradict_v our_o savior_n precept_n of_o search_n the_o scripture_n jo._n 7._o or_o saint_n paul_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n 1_o thes_n 5.21_o we_o can_v be_v too_o industrious_a in_o our_o inquest_n after_o truth_n provide_v we_o still_o reserve_v to_o god_n the_o decisive_a vote_n and_o humble_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o sense_n how_o distant_a soever_o from_o our_o own_o so_o that_o when_o we_o consult_v scripture_n i_o may_v add_v reason_n either_o it_o be_v not_o to_o resolve_v we_o whether_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o no_o in_o what_o he_o have_v say_v but_o whether_o he_o have_v say_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o be_v convince_v he_o have_v reason_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n command_v our_o assent_n 3._o whatever_o therefore_o god_n have_v say_v we_o be_v to_o pay_v it_o a_o reverence_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o author_n over_o and_o above_o what_o the_o excellence_n of_o the_o matter_n exact_v and_o to_o this_o we_o have_v all_o inducement_n as_o well_o as_o obligation_n there_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o render_v the_o word_n of_o man_n estimable_a to_o we_o which_o be_v not_o eminent_o and_o transcendent_o appliable_a to_o those_o of_o god_n 4._o those_o motive_n we_o may_v reduce_v to_o four_o first_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n second_o his_o kindness_n three_o his_o wisdom_n and_o four_a his_o truth_n first_o for_o that_o of_o authority_n that_o may_v be_v either_o native_a or_o acquire_v the_o native_a be_v that_o of_o a_o parent_n which_o be_v such_o a_o charm_n of_o observance_n that_o we_o see_v solomon_n when_o he_o will_v impress_v his_o counsel_n assume_v the_o person_n of_o a_o father_n hear_v o_o my_o child_n the_o instruction_n of_o a_o father_n prov._n 4.1_o and_o general_o through_o that_o whole_a book_n he_o use_v the_o compellation_n of_o my_o son_n as_o the_o great_a endearment_n to_o engage_v attention_n and_o reverence_n nay_o so_o indispensible_a be_v the_o obligation_n of_o child_n in_o this_o respect_n that_o we_o see_v the_o contumacious_a child_n that_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o parent_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o adjudge_v to_o death_n deut._n 21.20_o 5._o nor_o have_v only_a god_n but_o man_n law_n exact_v that_o filial_a reverence_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o parent_n but_o certain_o no_o parent_n can_v pretend_v such_o a_o title_n to_o it_o as_o god_n who_o be_v not_o only_o the_o immediate_a father_n of_o our_o person_n but_o the_o original_a father_n of_o our_o very_a nature_n not_o only_o of_o our_o flesh_n but_o of_o our_o spirit_n also_o heb._n 12.9_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n antithesis_fw-la in_o that_o place_n be_v as_o proper_o apply_v to_o counsel_n as_o correction_n and_o we_o may_v as_o right_o infer_v that_o if_o we_o give_v reverence_n to_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o earthly_a parent_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o this_o father_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v the_o very_a same_o reason_n wherewith_o to_o enforce_v it_o for_o the_o father_n of_o our_o flesh_n do_v as_o often_o dictate_v as_o correct_v according_a to_o their_o own_o pleasure_n prescribe_v to_o their_o child_n not_o according_a to_o the_o exact_a mesure_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n but_o after_o that_o humour_n which_o most_o predominate_v in_o themselves_o but_o god_n always_o direct_v his_o admonition_n to_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n heb._n 12.11_o so_o that_o we_o be_v as_o unkind_a to_o ourselves_o as_o irreverent_a towards_o he_o whenever_o we_o let_v any_o of_o his_o word_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n who_o claim_n to_o this_o part_n of_o our_o reverence_n be_v much_o more_o irrefragable_a than_o that_o of_o our_o natural_a parent_n 6._o but_o beside_o this_o native_a authority_n there_o be_v also_o a_o acquire_v and_o that_o we_o may_v distinguish_v into_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o of_o dominion_n the_o other_o of_o reputation_n to_o the_o first_o kind_n belong_v that_o of_o prince_n magistrate_n master_n or_o any_o that_o have_v coercive_a power_n over_o we_o and_o our_o own_o interest_n teach_v we_o not_o to_o
not_o according_a to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isaiah_n 8.20_o so_o that_o the_o veneration_n which_o they_o have_v before_o acquire_v be_v still_o anew_o excite_v by_o fresh_a inspiration_n which_o both_o attest_v the_o old_a and_o become_v new_a part_n of_o their_o canon_n 27._o nor_o can_v it_o be_v esteem_v a_o small_a confirmation_n to_o the_o scripture_n to_o find_v in_o succeed_a age_n the_o signal_n accomplishment_n of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o be_v long_o before_o register_v in_o those_o book_n for_o nothing_o less_o than_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n can_v foretell_v and_o also_o verify_v they_o upon_o these_o ground_n the_o jew_n universal_o through_o all_o succession_n receive_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o divine_a oracle_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o great_a trust_n that_o can_v be_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o according_o be_v so_o scrupulous_o vigilant_a in_o conserve_n they_o that_o their_o masorit_n number_v not_o only_o the_o section_n but_o the_o very_a word_n nay_o letter_n that_o no_o fraud_n or_o inadvertency_n may_v corrupt_v or_o defalk_v the_o least_o iota_fw-la of_o what_o they_o esteem_v so_o sacred_a a_o far_a testimony_n and_o sepiment_n to_o which_o be_v the_o samaritan_n chaldee_n and_o greek_a version_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o synagogs_n of_o jew_n in_o their_o dispersion_n and_o the_o samaritan_n at_o sichem_n can_v not_o at_o those_o distance_n receive_v a_o uniform_a alteration_n and_o any_o other_o will_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o original_a exemplar_n of_o the_o law_n be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n that_o the_o prince_n be_v to_o have_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o always_o by_o he_o and_o transcribe_v it_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o every_o jew_n be_v to_o make_v it_o his_o constant_a discourse_n and_o meditation_n teach_v it_o his_o child_n and_o wear_v part_n of_o it_o upon_o his_o hand_n and_o forehead_n and_o now_o sure_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imagine_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v more_o careful_o deduce_v or_o irrefragable_o testify_v nor_o any_o thing_n believe_v upon_o strong_a evidence_n 28._o that_o all_o this_o be_v true_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o do_v thus_o own_o these_o write_n as_o divine_a appear_v not_o only_o by_o the_o record_n of_o past_a age_n but_o by_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o present_a who_o still_o own_v they_o and_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o combination_n with_o the_o christian_n and_o if_o these_o be_v reasonable_a ground_n of_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n as_o he_o must_v be_v most_o absurd_o sceptical_a that_o shall_v deny_v they_o must_v be_v so_o to_o we_o christian_n also_o who_o derive_v they_o from_o they_o and_o that_o with_o this_o far_a advantage_n to_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o see_v the_o clear_a completion_n of_o those_o evangelical_n prophecy_n which_o remain_v dark_a to_o they_o and_o consequent_o have_v a_o far_a argument_n to_o confirm_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v certain_o divine_a 29._o the_o new_a have_v also_o the_o like_a mean_n of_o probation_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v if_o true_o relate_v be_v acknowlege_v no_o less_o divine_a than_o what_o they_o oral_o deliver_v so_o that_o they_o who_o doubt_v its_o be_v divine_a must_v either_o deny_v what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o be_v so_o or_o else_o distrust_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o relation_n the_o former_a strike_v at_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n which_o if_o only_o of_o man_n must_v not_o only_o be_v fallible_a but_o be_v actual_o a_o deceit_n whilst_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o to_o such_o objector_n we_o have_v to_o oppose_v those_o stupendous_a miracle_n with_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v attest_v such_o as_o demonstrate_v a_o more_o than_o human_a efficacy_n and_o that_o god_n shall_v lend_v his_o omnipotence_n to_o abet_v the_o false_a pretension_n of_o man_n be_v a_o conceit_n too_o unworthy_a even_o for_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n to_o entertain_v 30._o it_o be_v true_a there_o have_v be_v by_o god_n permit_v lie_v miracle_n as_o well_o as_o true_a one_o have_v be_v do_v by_o he_o such_o as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o magician_n in_o egypt_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o of_o moses_n but_o then_o the_o difference_n between_o both_o be_v so_o conspicuous_a that_o he_o must_v be_v more_o partial_a and_o disingenuous_a then_o even_o those_o magician_n be_v who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o disparity_n and_o confess_v in_o those_o which_o be_v true_o supernatural_a the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n 8.19_o therefore_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v predict_v that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o do_v sign_n and_o wonder_n deut._n 13.1_o mat._n 24.11.24_o as_o a_o trial_n of_o their_o fidelity_n who_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o will_v prefer_v the_o few_o and_o trivial_a sleight_n which_o recommend_v a_o deceiver_n before_o those_o great_a and_o numberless_a miracle_n which_o attest_v the_o sacred_a oracle_n deliver_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n whether_o the_o trick_n of_o a_o barchochebas_n to_o hold_v fire_n in_o his_o mouth_n that_o of_o marcus_n the_o heretic_n to_o make_v the_o wine_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n appear_v blood_n or_o that_o of_o mahomet_n to_o bring_v a_o pigeon_n to_o his_o ear_n aught_o to_o be_v put_v in_o balance_n against_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o the_o silly_a story_n which_o jamblichus_n solemn_o relate_v of_o pythagoras_n or_o those_o philostratus_n tell_v of_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n deserve_v to_o rival_n those_o of_o the_o evangelist_n it_o be_v a_o most_o just_a judgement_n and_o according_o threaten_v by_o almighty_a god_n that_o they_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n 2_o thes_n 2.11_o but_o still_o the_o almighty_a where_o any_o man_n or_o devil_n do_v proud_o be_v evident_o above_o he_o exod._n 18.11_o will_v be_v justify_v in_o his_o say_n and_o be_v clear_a when_o he_o be_v judge_v rom._n 3.4_o 31._o but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v sceptic_n and_o doubt_v every_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o matter_n call_v into_o question_n be_v of_o a_o nature_n that_o admit_v but_o two_o way_n of_o solution_n probability_n and_o testimony_n first_o for_o probability_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v who_o be_v the_o first_o promulger_n of_o christ_n miracle_n in_o his_o life_n time_n they_o be_v either_o the_o patient_n on_o who_o his_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v or_o the_o common_a people_n that_o be_v spectator_n the_o former_a as_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o but_o must_v needs_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v cure_v or_o no_o so_o what_o imaginable_a design_n can_v they_o have_v to_o deceive_v other_o many_o indeed_o have_v pretend_a impotency_n as_o a_o motive_n of_o compassion_n but_o what_o can_v they_o gain_v by_o own_v a_o cure_n they_o have_v not_o as_o for_o the_o spectator_n as_o their_o multitude_n add_v to_o their_o credibility_n it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o so_o many_o shall_v at_o once_o be_v delude_v in_o a_o matter_n obvious_a to_o their_o sense_n so_o do_v it_o also_o acquit_v they_o from_o fraud_n and_o combination_n cheat_n and_o forgery_n be_v always_o hatch_v in_o the_o dark_a in_o close_a cabal_n and_o private_a juncto_n that_o five_o thousand_o man_n at_o one_o time_n and_o four_o thousand_o at_o another_o shall_v conspire_v to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v miraculous_o feed_v when_o they_o be_v not_o and_o all_o prove_v true_a to_o the_o fiction_n and_o not_o betray_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n as_o irrational_a to_o be_v suppose_v as_o impossible_a to_o be_v parallel_v 32._o beside_o admit_v it_o possible_a that_o so_o many_o can_v have_v join_v in_o the_o deceit_n yet_o what_o imaginable_a end_n can_v they_o have_v in_o it_o have_v their_o lie_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o design_n of_o some_o potent_a prince_n that_o may_v have_v reward_v it_o there_o have_v be_v some_o temptation_n but_o what_o can_v they_o expect_v from_o the_o repute_a son_n of_o a_o carpenter_n who_o have_v not_o himself_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n nay_o who_o disclaim_v all_o secular_a power_n convey_v himself_o away_o from_o their_o importunity_n when_o they_o will_v have_v force_v he_o to_o be_v a_o king_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o be_v look_v on_o as_o one_o that_o will_v head_n a_o sedition_n or_o attemt_a to_o raise_v himself_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o reward_v his_o abettor_n upon_o all_o these_o consideration_n there_o appear_v not_o the_o
must_v tacit_o tax_v he_o of_o impotence_n that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v it_o but_o if_o any_o man_n will_v say_v he_o have_v and_o yet_o reject_v all_o this_o which_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n receive_v as_o such_o let_v he_o produce_v his_o testimony_n for_o the_o other_o or_o rather_o to_o retort_v his_o own_o measure_n his_o demonstration_n and_o then_o let_v it_o appear_v whether_o his_o scheme_n of_o doctrine_n or_o we_o will_v need_v the_o great_a aid_n of_o that_o easy_a credulity_n he_o reproach_n we_o with_o 64._o i_o have_v now_o go_v through_o the_o method_n i_o propose_v for_o evince_v the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o shall_v not_o descend_v to_o examine_v those_o more_o minute_n and_o particular_a cavil_n which_o profane_a man_n make_v against_o they_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o virtual_o supersede_v all_o those_o for_o if_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v reasonable_a also_o to_o believe_v it_o of_o perfection_n proportionable_a to_o the_o author_n and_o then_o certain_o it_o must_v be_v advance_v beyond_o all_o our_o objection_n for_o to_o those_o who_o except_o to_o the_o stile_n the_o incoherence_n the_o contradiction_n or_o whatever_o else_o in_o scripture_n i_o shall_v only_o ask_v this_o one_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o much_o more_o possible_a that_o they_o who_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v nothing_o above_o fallible_a man_n may_v misjudg_v then_o that_o the_o infallible_a god_n shall_v dictate_v any_o thing_n just_o liable_a to_o those_o charge_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o must_v depart_v as_o much_o from_o reason_n as_o religion_n to_o affirm_v the_o contrary_n but_o alas_o instead_o of_o this_o implicit_a submission_n to_o god_n word_n man_n take_v up_o explicit_a prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o condemn_v it_o without_o ever_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o allegation_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o a_o write_n of_o such_o antiquity_n who_o original_a language_n have_v idiom_n and_o phrase_n so_o peculiar_a who_o country_n have_v custom_n so_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o judge_n of_o it_o without_o reference_n to_o all_o those_o circumstance_n add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o hebrew_n have_v be_v a_o dead_a language_n for_o well_o nigh_o two_o thousand_o year_n no_o where_o in_o common_a use_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o ancient_a book_n now_o extant_a in_o it_o beside_o those_o yet_o not_o all_o neither_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n 65._o now_o of_o those_o many_o who_o defame_v holy_a writ_n how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o have_v the_o industry_n to_o inquire_v into_o those_o particular_n and_o when_o for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n some_o passage_n seem_v improper_a or_o perhaps_o contradictory_n the_o scripture_n must_v bear_v the_o blame_n of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o be_v accuse_v as_o absurd_a and_o unintelligible_a because_o themselves_o be_v stupid_a and_o negligent_a it_o be_v therefore_o methinks_v but_o a_o reasonable_a proposal_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v araign_v it_o till_o they_o have_v use_v all_o honest_a diligence_n take_v in_o all_o probable_a help_n for_o the_o understanding_n it_o and_o if_o this_o may_v be_v obtain_v i_o believe_v most_o of_o its_o accuser_n will_v like_v those_o of_o the_o woman_n in_o the_o gospel_n jo._n 8.9_o drop_v away_o as_o conscious_a of_o their_o own_o incompetency_n the_o loud_a out-cry_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o be_v common_o of_o those_o who_o fall_v upon_o it_o only_o as_o a_o fashionable_a theme_n of_o discourse_n and_o hope_v to_o acquire_v themselves_o the_o reputation_n of_o wit_n by_o thus_o charge_v god_n foolish_o but_o he_o that_o will_v candid_o and_o upright_o endeavour_v to_o comprehend_v before_o he_o judge_n and_o to_o that_o end_n industrious_o use_v those_o mean_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o labour_n of_o pious_a man_n have_v afford_v he_o will_v certain_o find_v cause_n to_o acquit_v the_o scripture_n of_o those_o imputation_n which_o our_o bold_a critic_n have_v cast_v upon_o it_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v all_o the_o obscurity_n of_o it_o perfect_o clear_v to_o he_o but_o he_o shall_v have_v so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o be_v for_o his_o real_a advantage_n and_o shall_v discern_v such_o reason_n why_o the_o rest_n remain_v unfathomable_a as_o may_v make_v he_o not_o only_o justify_v but_o celebrate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o author_n 66._o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v only_o upon_o the_o forementioned_a condition_n viz._n that_o he_o come_v with_o sincere_a and_o honest_a intention_n for_o as_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o the_o scripture_n with_o design_n and_o wish_n to_o find_v matter_n of_o cavil_n and_o accusation_n there_o be_v little_a doubt_n but_o that_o spirit_n of_o impiety_n and_o profaneness_n which_o send_v he_o thither_o will_v meet_v he_o there_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o occecation_n that_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n will_v cast_v such_o mist_n raise_v such_o black_a vapour_n that_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o shine_v unto_o he_o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o indeed_o be_v such_o a_o man_n leave_v only_o to_o the_o natural_a efficacy_n of_o prejudice_n that_o be_v of_o itself_o so_o blind_a so_o infatuate_a a_o thing_n as_o common_o fortify_v against_o all_o conviction_n we_o see_v it_o in_o all_o the_o common_a instance_n of_o life_n mens_fw-la very_a sense_n be_v often_o enslave_v by_o it_o the_o prepossession_n of_o a_o strong_a fancy_n will_v make_v the_o object_n of_o sight_n or_o hear_n appear_v quite_o different_a from_o what_o they_o be_v but_o in_o the_o present_a case_n when_o this_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o satanical_a illusion_n and_o both_o leave_v to_o their_o operation_n by_o god_n withdraw_a his_o illuminate_a grace_n the_o case_n of_o such_o a_o man_n answer_v that_o description_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o have_v eye_n and_o see_v not_o ear_n have_v they_o and_o hear_v not_o rom._n 11.8_o and_o that_o god_n will_v so_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o believe_v he_o have_v promise_v it_o only_o to_o the_o meek_a to_o those_o who_o come_v with_o malleable_a ductile_a spirit_n to_o learn_v not_o to_o deride_v or_o cavil_v saint_n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3.15_o and_o if_o god_n permit_v such_o to_o do_v so_o much_o more_o will_v he_o the_o proud_a and_o malicious_a 67._o i_o say_v not_o this_o to_o deter_v any_o from_o the_o study_n of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o only_o to_o caution_n they_o to_o bring_v a_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n along_o with_o they_o god_n word_n be_v like_o a_o generous_a sovereign_a medicament_n which_o if_o simple_o and_o regular_o take_v be_v of_o the_o great_a benefit_n but_o if_o mix_v with_o poison_n serve_v only_o to_o make_v that_o more_o fatal_o operative_a to_o conclude_v he_o that_o will_v have_v his_o doubt_n solve_v concern_v scripture_n let_v he_o follow_v the_o method_n our_o bless_a lord_n have_v prescribe_v let_v he_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n jo._n 7.17_o let_v he_o bring_v with_o he_o a_o probity_n of_o mind_n a_o willingness_n to_o assent_v to_o all_o conviction_n he_o shall_v there_o meet_v with_o and_o then_o he_o will_v find_v ground_n sufficient_a to_o assure_v he_o that_o it_o be_v god_n word_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o all_o the_o the_o submission_n and_o reverence_n that_o its_o be_v so_o exact_v sect_n iii_o the_o subject_a matter_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v excellent_a as_o be_v also_o its_o end_n and_o design_n we_o have_v hitherto_o consider_v the_o holy_a scripture_n only_o under_o one_o notion_n as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o come_v now_o to_o view_v it_o in_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o it_o the_o several_a part_n whereof_o it_o consist_v which_o be_v so_o various_a and_o comprehensive_a as_o show_v the_o whole_a be_v derive_v from_o he_o who_o be_v all_o in_o all_o 1_o cor._n 19.28_o but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o speak_v only_o loose_o and_o at_o rover_n we_o will_v take_v this_o excellent_a frame_n in_o piece_n and_o consider_v its_o most_o eminent_a part_n distinct_o now_o the_o part_n of_o holy_a writ_n seem_v to_o branch_n themselves_o into_o these_o several_n first_o the_o historical_a second_o the_o prophetic_a three_o the_o doctrinal_a four_a the_o preceptive_a five_o the_o minatory_n sixthly_a the_o promissory_a these_o be_v the_o several_a vein_n in_o this_o rich_a mine_n in_o which_o he_o who_o industrious_o labour_v will_v find_v the_o psalmist_n be_v not_o out_o in_o his_o
thankfulness_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o design_n 76._o nor_o need_v we_o borrow_v the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n to_o weigh_v they_o in_o we_o may_v do_v it_o in_o our_o own_o scale_n for_o they_o exact_o answer_v the_o two_o property_n above_o mention_v of_o profit_n and_o diffusiveness_n which_o in_o secular_a concern_v be_v the_o standard_n rule_v of_o good_a design_n for_o first_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a scope_n and_o aim_n of_o scripture_n the_o very_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v write_v to_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n man_n and_o that_o second_o not_o only_o some_o small_a select_a number_n some_o little_a angle_n or_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n the_o entire_a universe_n and_o he_o that_o can_v imagine_v a_o more_o diffusive_a design_n must_v imagine_v more_o world_n also_o 77._o now_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o benefit_v man_n we_o need_v appeal_v but_o to_o scripture_n itself_o which_o sure_o can_v give_v the_o best_a account_n to_o what_o end_v it_o be_v direct_v and_o that_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o in_o which_o be_v comprehend_v the_o great_a benefit_n that_o man_n nature_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o make_v we_o wise_a while_o we_o live_v here_o and_o the_o save_v we_o eternal_o and_o this_o sure_a be_v the_o most_o generous_a the_o most_o oblige_a design_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a even_o for_o the_o creator_n to_o have_v upon_o the_o creature_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n negotiate_v with_o we_o 78._o and_o first_o the_o make_v we_o wise_a be_v so_o invite_v a_o proposal_n to_o humanity_n that_o we_o see_v when_o that_o be_v much_o wise_a than_o now_o it_o be_v it_o catch_v at_o a_o fallacious_a tender_a of_o it_o the_o very_a sound_n of_o it_o though_o out_o of_o the_o devil_n mouth_n fascinated_a our_o first_o parent_n and_o hurry_v they_o to_o the_o high_a disobedience_n and_o certain_a ruin_n and_o therefore_o now_o god_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v we_o a_o offer_n as_o much_o more_o safe_a as_o it_o be_v more_o sincere_a when_o he_o send_v his_o word_n thus_o to_o be_v a_o lamp_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n to_o our_o path_n ps_n 119.105_o to_o teach_v we_o all_o that_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o know_v our_o affectation_n of_o ignorance_n will_v be_v more_o culpable_a than_o they_o of_o knowledge_n if_o we_o do_v not_o admire_v the_o kindness_n &_o embrace_v the_o bounty_n of_o such_o a_o tender_a 79._o now_o the_o make_v we_o wise_a must_v be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o wisdom_n which_o be_v 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 which_o come_v to_o nought_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 2.5_o but_o that_o wisdom_n which_o descend_v from_o above_o ja._n 3.17_o which_o he_o there_o describe_v to_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n indeed_o the_o scripture_n usual_o comprehend_v these_o and_o all_o other_o grace_n under_o wisdom_n for_o it_o make_v it_o synonymous_a to_o that_o which_o include_v they_o all_o viz._n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o we_o find_v throout_v the_o whole_a book_n of_o proverb_n these_o use_v as_o term_n convertible_a in_o short_a wisdom_n be_v that_o practical_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o which_o engage_v we_o to_o obedience_n and_o duty_n and_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o definition_n the_o wise_a man_n give_v of_o it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prudent_a be_v to_o understand_v his_o way_n pro._n 14.8_o without_o this_o all_o the_o most_o refine_a and_o aerial_a speculation_n be_v but_o like_o thales_n stargazing_a which_o secure_v he_o not_o from_o fall_v in_o the_o water_n nay_o betray_v he_o to_o it_o in_o this_o be_v all_o solid_a wisdom_n comprise_v 80._o the_o utmost_a all_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v pretend_v to_o be_v but_o to_o know_v what_o true_a happiness_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o and_o what_o they_o seek_v with_o so_o much_o study_n and_o so_o little_a success_n the_o scripture_n present_v we_o with_o in_o the_o great_a certainty_n and_o plain_a character_n such_o as_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v hab._n 2.2_o it_o acquaint_v we_o with_o that_o supreme_a felicity_n that_o chief_a good_a whereof_o philosophy_n can_v only_o give_v we_o a_o name_n and_o it_o show_v we_o the_o mean_n mark_v we_o out_o a_o path_n which_o will_v infallible_o lead_v we_o to_o it_o according_o we_o find_v that_o solomon_n after_o all_o the_o accurate_a search_n he_o have_v make_v to_o find_v what_o be_v that_o good_a for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o shut_v up_o his_o inquest_n in_o this_o plain_a conclusion_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o god_n shall_v bring_v every_o work_n unto_o judgement_n eccles_n 12.13_o 14._o the_o regulate_v our_o life_n so_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o piety_n as_o may_v acquit_v we_o at_o our_o final_a account_n be_v the_o most_o eligible_a thing_n that_o fall_v within_o human_a cognizance_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o superlative_a happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n but_o even_o to_o the_o quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o for_o alas_o we_o be_v impotent_a giddy_a creature_n sway_v sometime_o by_o one_o passion_n sometime_o by_o another_o nay_o often_o the_o inter_fw-la fear_v of_o our_o appetite_n make_v we_o irresolute_a which_o we_o be_v to_o gratify_v whilst_o in_o the_o interim_n their_o struggle_a agitate_v and_o turmoil_v the_o mind_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o desirable_a in_o such_o a_o case_n then_o to_o put_v ourselves_o under_o a_o wise_a conduct_n than_o our_o own_o and_o as_o oppress_v state_n use_v to_o defeat_v all_o lesser_a pretender_n by_o become_a homager_n to_o some_o more_o potent_a so_o for_o we_o to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o our_o lust_n by_o give_v up_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o who_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n 81._o be_v there_o no_o other_o advantage_n of_o the_o exchange_n but_o the_o bring_v we_o under_o fix_a and_o determinat_fw-la law_n it_o be_v very_o considerable_a every_o man_n will_v glad_o know_v the_o term_n of_o his_o subjection_n and_o have_v some_o stand_a rule_n to_o guide_v himself_o by_o and_o god_n law_n be_v so_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v what_o he_o require_v of_o we_o but_o the_o mandate_n of_o our_o passion_n be_v arbitrary_a and_o extemporary_a what_o please_v they_o to_o day_n disgust_n they_o to_o morrow_n and_o we_o must_v always_o be_v in_o readiness_n to_o do_v we_o know_v not_o what_o and_o of_o all_o the_o arbitrary_a government_n that_o man_n either_o feel_v or_o fear_n this_o be_v doubtless_o the_o most_o miserable_a i_o wish_v our_o apprehension_n of_o it_o be_v but_o as_o sensible_a and_o then_o we_o shall_v think_v the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v we_o the_o office_n of_o a_o patriot_n in_o offer_v we_o a_o rescue_n from_o so_o vile_a a_o slavery_n 82._o and_o that_o it_o do_v make_v we_o this_o offer_n be_v manifest_a by_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n for_o first_o it_o rouse_v and_o awake_v we_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o condition_n show_v we_o that_o what_o we_o call_v liberty_n be_v indeed_o the_o sad_a servitude_n that_o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n jo._n 8.34_o that_o those_o vice_n which_o pretend_v to_o serve_v and_o gratify_v we_o do_v real_o subdue_v and_o enslave_v we_o and_o fetter_v when_o they_o seem_v to_o embrace_v and_o whereas_o the_o will_n in_o all_o other_o oppression_n retain_v its_o liberty_n this_o tyranny_n bring_v that_o also_o into_o vassalage_n render_v our_o spirit_n so_o mean_a and_o servile_a that_o we_o choose_v bondage_n be_v apt_a to_o say_v with_o the_o israelite_n let_v we_o alone_o that_o we_o may_v serve_v the_o egyptian_n ex._n 14.12_o 83._o and_o what_o great_a kindness_n can_v be_v do_v for_o people_n in_o this_o forlorn_a abject_a condition_n then_o to_o animate_v they_o to_o cast_v off_o this_o yoke_n and_o recover_v their_o freedom_n and_o to_o this_o be_v most_o of_o the_o scripture_n exhortation_n address_v as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o a_o multitude_n of_o place_n particular_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n the_o whole_a scope_n whereof_o be_v direct_o to_o this_o purpose_n 84._o nor_o do_v it_o only_o sound_v the_o alarm_n put_v we_o upon_o the_o contest_v with_o our_o enemy_n but_o it_o assist_v we_o in_o it_o furnish_v we_o with_o that_o whole_a
armour_n of_o god_n which_o we_o find_v describe_v eph._n 6.13_o nay_o further_o it_o excite_v our_o courage_n by_o assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v not_o base_o surrender_v ourselves_o we_o can_v never_o be_v overpower_v if_o we_o do_v but_o stand_v our_o ground_n resist_v our_o enemy_n he_o will_v fly_v from_o we_o ja._n 4.7_o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n it_o direct_v we_o under_o what_o banner_n we_o be_v to_o listen_v ourselves_o even_o his_o who_o have_v spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n col._n 2.15_o to_o who_o conduct_n and_o discipline_n if_o we_o constant_o adhere_v we_o can_v miss_v of_o victory_n 85._o and_o then_o last_o it_o set_v before_o we_o the_o prize_n of_o this_o conquest_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o recover_v our_o liberty_n manumit_v ourselves_o from_o the_o vile_a bondage_n to_o the_o vile_a and_o cruel_a oppressor_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v crown_v for_o it_o too_o be_v reward_v for_o be_v kind_a to_o ourselves_o and_o be_v make_v happy_a eternal_o hereafter_o for_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v happy_a here_o 85._o and_o sure_o these_o be_v term_n so_o apparent_o advantageous_a that_o he_o must_v be_v infinite_o stupid_a foolish_a to_o destruction_n that_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n that_o despise_v or_o cavil_v at_o this_o divine_a book_n which_o mean_v he_o so_o much_o good_a which_o design_n to_o make_v he_o live_v here_o generous_o and_o according_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o next_o world_n to_o have_v that_o nature_n sublimate_v and_o exalt_v make_v more_o capacious_a of_o those_o refine_a and_o immense_a felicity_n which_o there_o await_v all_o who_o will_v qualify_v themselves_o for_o they_o who_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n rom._n 2.7_o 87._o but_o beside_o the_o great_a and_o principal_a advantage_n which_o concern_v our_o spiritual_a interest_n it_o take_v in_o also_o the_o care_n of_o our_o secular_a direct_v we_o to_o such_o a_o managery_n of_o ourselves_o as_o be_v natural_o apt_a to_o promote_v a_o quiet_a and_o happy_a life_n it_o be_v injunction_n to_o live_v peaceable_a with_o all_o man_n keep_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o many_o misadventure_n which_o turbulent_a unruly_a spirit_n meet_v with_o and_o so_o secure_v our_o peace_n so_o also_o as_o to_o wealth_n it_o put_v we_o into_o the_o fair_a road_n to_o riches_n by_o prescribe_v diligence_n in_o our_o calling_n what_o be_v thus_o get_v be_v like_o sound_a flesh_n which_o will_v stick_v by_o we_o whereas_o the_o hasty_a growth_n of_o ill-gotten_a wealth_n be_v but_o a_o tumour_n and_o imposthume_n which_o the_o big_a it_o swell_v the_o soon_o it_o burst_v and_o leave_v we_o lanker_n then_o before_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o show_v we_o also_o how_o to_o guard_v our_o reputation_n by_o provide_v honest_a thing_n not_o only_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o also_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n cor._n 8.28_o by_o abstain_v even_o from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n 1_o thes_n 5.22_o and_o make_v our_o light_a shine_n before_o man_n mat._n 5.16_o it_o provide_v too_o for_o our_o ease_n and_o tranquillity_n supersede_v our_o anxious_a care_n and_o sollicitud_n by_o direct_v we_o to_o cast_v our_o burden_n upon_o the_o lord_n psal_n 55.22_o and_o by_o a_o reliance_n on_o his_o providence_n how_o to_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o all_o we_o real_o want_v final_o it_o fix_v we_o in_o all_o the_o change_n support_v we_o under_o all_o the_o pressure_n comfort_v we_o amid_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n by_o assure_v we_o they_o shall_v all_o work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o those_o that_o love_n god_n ro._n 8.28_o 88_o nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n design_n to_o promote_v our_o interest_n consider_v only_o single_o and_o personal_o but_o also_o in_o relation_n to_o society_n and_o community_n it_o give_v we_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o distributive_a and_o commutative_a justice_n teach_v we_o to_o render_v to_o all_o their_o due_n ro._n 13.7_o to_o keep_v our_o word_n to_o observe_v inviolable_o all_o our_o pact_n and_o contract_n nay_o though_o they_o prove_v to_o our_o damage_n psa_n 15.4_o and_o to_o preserve_v exact_a fidelity_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o sinew_n of_o human_a commerce_n it_o infuse_v into_o we_o noble_a and_o generous_a principle_n to_o prefer_v a_o common_a good_a before_o our_o private_a and_o that_o high_a flight_n of_o ethnic_a virtue_n that_o of_o die_v for_o one_o country_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o scripture_n prescribe_v even_o for_o our_o common_a brethren_n 1_o jo._n 3.16_o 89._o but_o beside_o these_o general_n it_o descend_v to_o more_o minute_n direction_n accommodate_v to_o our_o several_a circumstance_n it_o give_v we_o appropriate_a rule_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o distinct_a relation_n whether_o natural_a civil_a ecclesiastical_a or_o oeconomical_a and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o universal_o conform_v to_o they_o to_o what_o a_o bless_a harmony_n will_v it_o tune_v the_o world_n what_o order_n and_o peace_n will_v it_o introduce_v there_o will_v then_o be_v no_o oppressive_a governor_n nor_o mutinous_a subject_n no_o unnatural_a parent_n nor_o contumacious_a child_n no_o idle_a shepherd_n or_o stray_a flock_n none_o of_o those_o domestic_a jar_n which_o oft_o disquiet_a and_o sometime_o subvert_v family_n all_o will_v be_v calm_a and_o serene_a and_o give_v we_o in_o reality_n that_o golden_a age_n whereof_o the_o poet_n do_v but_o dream_n 90._o this_o tendency_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v remarkable_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o our_o public_a judicatory_n where_o before_o any_o testimony_n be_v admit_v we_o cause_v the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o give_v his_o testimony_n first_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o with_o his_o hand_n then_o with_o his_o mouth_n to_o kiss_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o hand_n which_o hold_v the_o mystery_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v immediate_o employ_v in_o work_a falsehood_n or_o that_o those_o lip_n which_o have_v adore_v those_o holy_a oracle_n shall_v be_v pollute_v with_o perjury_n and_o lie_n and_o i_o fear_v the_o civil_a government_n be_v exceed_o shake_v at_o this_o day_n in_o its_o firm_a foundation_n by_o the_o little_a regard_n be_v general_o have_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o what_o be_v consequent_a thereto_o the_o oath_n that_o be_v take_v upon_o they_o 91._o it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o that_o state_n which_o esaiah_n prophesy_v of_o under_o the_o gospel_n though_o we_o have_v the_o bible_n among_o we_o that_o when_o the_o law_n shall_v go_v forth_o of_o zion_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n they_o shall_v beat_v their_o sword_n into_o ploughshare_n and_o their_o spear_n into_o prune_a hook_n es_fw-ge 2.4_o but_o that_o be_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n in_o it_o but_o from_o our_o own_o perverseness_n we_o have_v it_o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o another_o sense_n as_o if_o we_o have_v it_o not_o 1_o cor._n 7.29_o we_o have_v it_o that_o be_v use_v it_o to_o purpose_n wide_o different_a from_o what_o it_o mean_v some_o have_v it_o as_o a_o supersedeas_fw-la to_o all_o the_o duty_n it_o injoin_v and_o so_o they_o can_v but_o cap_n text_n talk_v glib_o of_o scripture_n be_v not_o all_o concern_v to_o practise_v it_o some_o have_v it_o as_o their_o arsenal_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o weapon_n not_o against_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n but_o their_o secular_a apply_v all_o the_o damnatory_a sentence_n they_o there_o find_v to_o all_o those_o to_o who_o person_n or_o opinion_n they_o have_v prejudice_n and_o some_o have_v it_o as_o a_o scene_n of_o their_o mirth_n a_o topic_a of_o raillery_n dress_v their_o profane_a and_o scurrilous_a jest_n in_o its_o language_n and_o study_v it_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o abuse_v it_o and_o whilst_o we_o treat_v it_o at_o this_o vile_a rate_n no_o wonder_n we_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o it_o for_o alas_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v we_o to_o have_v the_o most_o sovereign_a balsam_n in_o our_o possession_n if_o instead_o of_o apply_v it_o to_o our_o wound_n we_o trample_v it_o under_o our_o foot_n 92._o but_o though_o we_o may_v frustrate_v the_o use_n we_o can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n god_n design_n in_o give_v we_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o make_v we_o as_o happy_a as_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v and_o the_o scripture_n be_v excellent_o adapt_v to_o this_o end_n for_o as_o to_o our_o eternal_a felicity_n all_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o state_n must_v acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n chalk_v we_o out_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o it_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v dictate_v by_o god_n who_o infallible_o
describe_v the_o office_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n we_o feed_v our_o faith_n with_o the_o sacred_a word_n we_o raise_v our_o hope_n and_o establish_v our_o reliance_n 15._o and_o as_o the_o jew_n think_v it_o indecent_a for_o person_n profess_v piety_n to_o let_v three_o day_n pass_v without_o the_o office_n thereof_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o meet_v in_o their_o synagogue_n upon_o every_o tuesday_n and_o thursday_n in_o the_o week_n and_o there_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o fast_v prayer_n and_o hear_v the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v which_o be_v the_o boast_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi luk._n 18.12_o in_o conformity_n hereto_o the_o christian_n also_o their_o sabbath_n be_v bring_v forward_o from_o the_o saturday_n to_o the_o day_n follow_v that_o the_o like_a number_n of_o day_n may_v not_o pass_v they_o without_o perform_v the_o aforesaid_a duty_n in_o the_o congregation_n meet_v together_o on_o the_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n which_o be_v the_o day_n of_o station_n so_o frequent_o mention_v in_o tertullian_n and_o other_o the_o first_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n tertullian_n express_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n dedicate_v to_o the_o office_n of_o piety_n the_o four_o and_o six_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o clemens_n alex._n say_v of_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o understand_v the_o secret_a reason_n of_o their_o weekly_a fast_n to_o wit_n those_o of_o the_o four_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o that_o of_o preparation_n before_o the_o sabbath_n common_o call_v wednesday_n and_o friday_n where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n what_o ground_n there_o be_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n in_o our_o church_n and_o the_o litany_n then_o appoint_v so_o much_o neglect_v in_o this_o profligate_v age._n 16._o but_o second_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v diligent_a in_o the_o private_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v teach_v it_o from_o their_o infancy_n which_o custom_n saint_n paul_n refer_v to_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o whereof_o josephus_n against_o appion_n say_v that_o if_o a_o man_n ask_v any_o jew_n concern_v the_o law_n he_o will_v tell_v every_o thing_n ready_a than_o his_o name_n for_o learn_v they_o from_o the_o first_o time_n they_o have_v sense_n of_o any_o thing_n they_o retain_v they_o imprint_v in_o their_o mind_n so_o be_v the_o first_o christian_n equal_o industrious_a in_o improve_n their_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o whole_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a say_v clem._n alex._n strom._n l._n 7._o be_v a_o holy_a solemnity_n there_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v prayer_n and_o praise_n before_o every_o meal_n he_o have_v the_o reading_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o meal_n which_o tertullian_n also_o describe_v in_o his_o apol._n and_o saint_n cyprian_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epist_n to_o donatus_n 17._o and_o this_o be_v far_o evidence_v by_o the_o early_a and_o numerous_a version_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o all_o vulgar_a language_n concern_v which_o theodoret_n speak_v in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o greek_n serm._n 5._o we_o christian_n say_v he_o be_v enable_v to_o show_v the_o power_n of_o apostolic_a and_o prophetic_a doctrine_n which_o have_v fill_v all_o country_n under_o heaven_n for_o that_o which_o be_v former_o utter_v in_o hebrew_n be_v not_o only_o translate_v into_o the_o language_n of_o the_o grecian_n but_o also_o the_o roman_n egyptian_n persian_n indian_n armenian_n scythian_n samaritan_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o all_o the_o language_n that_o be_v use_v by_o any_o nation_n the_o same_o be_v say_v by_o saint_n chrysostom_n in_o his_o first_o homily_n upon_o saint_n john_n 18._o nor_o be_v this_o don_n by_o the_o blind_a zeal_n of_o inconsiderable_a man_n but_o the_o most_o eminent_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v herein_o such_o as_o origen_n who_o with_o infinite_a labour_n contrive_v the_o hexapla_n saint_n chrysostom_n who_o translate_v the_o new_a testament_n psalm_n and_o some_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n into_o the_o armenian_a tongue_n as_o witness_n geor._n alex._n in_o the_o life_n of_o chrysost_n so_o vlphilas_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o goth_n translate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n into_o the_o gothic_n as_o socrat._v eccl._n hist_n l._n 4._o cap._n 33._o and_o other_o testify_v saint_n jerom_n who_o translate_v they_o not_o only_o into_o latin_a from_o the_o hebrew_n the_o old_a italic_a version_n have_v be_v from_o the_o greek_a but_o also_o into_o his_o native_a vulgar_a dalmatic_n which_o he_o say_v himself_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o sophronius_n 19_o but_o the_o people_n have_v they_o for_o their_o private_a and_o constant_a use_n appear_v far_o by_o the_o heathen_n make_v the_o extort_n of_o they_o a_o part_n of_o their_o persecution_n and_o when_o diverse_a do_v faint_a in_o that_o trial_n and_o base_o surrender_v they_o we_o find_v the_o church_n level_v her_o severity_n only_o against_o the_o offend_a person_n do_v not_o according_a to_o the_o romish_a equity_n punish_v the_o innocent_a by_o deprive_v they_o of_o that_o sacred_a book_n because_o the_o other_o have_v so_o unworthy_o prostitute_v it_o though_o the_o prevention_n of_o such_o a_o profanation_n for_o the_o future_a have_v be_v as_o fair_a a_o plea_n for_o it_o as_o the_o romanist_n do_v now_o make_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o primitive_a father_n be_v frequent_a nay_o indeed_o importunat_a in_o their_o exhortation_n to_o the_o private_a study_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o recommend_v to_o christian_n of_o all_o rank_n age_n and_o sex_n 20._o as_o a_o instance_n hereof_o let_v we_o hear_v clemens_n of_o alex._n in_o his_o exhort_v the_o word_n say_v he_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o any_o it_o be_v a_o common_a light_n that_o shine_v to_o all_o man_n there_o be_v no_o obscurity_n in_o it_o hear_v it_o you_o that_o be_v far_o off_o and_o hear_v it_o you_o that_o be_v nigh_o 21._o to_o this_o purpose_n st._n jerom_n speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o leta_fw-la who_o he_o direct_v in_o the_o education_n of_o her_o young_a daughter_n and_o advise_v that_o instead_o of_o gem_n and_o silk_n she_o be_v enamour_a with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o not_o gold_n or_o skin_n or_o babylonian_a embroidery_n but_o a_o correct_a and_o beautiful_a variety_n produce_v faith_n will_v recommend_v its_o self_n let_v she_o first_o learn_v the_o psalter_n and_o be_v entertain_v with_o those_o song_n then_o be_v instruct_v unto_o life_n by_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n let_v she_o learn_v from_o ecclesiaste_n to_o despise_v worldly_a thing_n transcribe_v from_o job_n the_o practice_n of_o patience_n and_o virtue_n let_v she_o pass_v then_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o never_o let_v they_o be_v out_o of_o her_o hand_n and_o then_o imbibe_n with_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o epistle_n when_o 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unlearned_a as_o a_o familiar_a friend_n in_o the_o mysterious_a mount_v not_o up_o into_o high_a phrase_n which_o may_v deter_v a_o slow_a and_o unlearned_a mind_n as_o the_o poor_a be_v in_o their_o address_n to_o the_o rich_a but_o invite_v all_o with_o lowly_a speech_n feed_v with_o manifest_a truth_n and_o exercise_v with_o secret_a and_o ep._n 1.21_o tell_v the_o devout_a proba_n that_o in_o this_o world_n where_o we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n and_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n the_o soul_n be_v to_o think_v itself_o desolate_a and_o never_o cease_v from_o prayer_n and_o the_o word_n of_o divine_a and_o holy_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n 23._o saint_n chrysostom_n in_o his_o three_o homily_n of_o lazarus_n thus_o address_v himself_o to_o marry_a person_n householders_n and_o people_n engage_v in_o trade_n and_o secular_a profession_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o
second_o book_n 47._o c._n tell_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_a as_o dictate_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o same_o father_n begin_v his_o three_o book_n in_o this_o manner_n the_o disposition_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v no_o otherwise_o know_v by_o we_o then_o by_o those_o by_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v to_o we_o which_o indeed_o they_o first_o preach_v but_o afterward_o deliver_v it_o to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o may_v we_o imagine_v that_o they_o begin_v to_o preach_v to_o other_o before_o they_o themselves_o have_v perfect_a knowledge_n as_o some_o be_v bold_a to_o say_v boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v emendator_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o after_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n they_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o on_o high_a and_o have_v perfect_a knowledge_n go_v forth_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n and_o celestial_a praise_n unto_o man_n each_o and_o all_o of_o who_o have_v the_o gospel_n of_o god_n so_o saint_n matthew_n write_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o their_o tongue_n saint_n peter_n and_o saint_n paul_n preach_v at_o rome_n and_o there_o found_v a_o church_n mark_v the_o disciple_n and_o interpreter_n of_o peter_n deliver_v in_o write_v what_o he_o have_v preach_v and_o luke_n the_o follower_n of_o paul_n set_v down_o in_o his_o book_n the_o gospel_n he_o have_v deliver_v afterwards_o saint_n john_n at_o ephesus_n in_o asia_n publish_v his_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n in_o his_o four_o book_n c._n 66._o he_o direct_v all_o the_o heretic_n with_o who_o he_o deal_v to_o read_v diligent_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o also_o read_v diligent_o the_o prophet_n assure_v they_o shall_v there_o find_v every_o action_n every_o doctrine_n and_o every_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n declare_v by_o they_o 5._o thus_o 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the_o scripture_n which_o discover_v to_o i_o the_o creator_n and_o what_o be_v create_v also_o in_o the_o gospel_n i_o find_v the_o word_n be_v the_o arbiter_n and_o agent_n in_o the_o creation_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v of_o preexistent_a matter_n i_o never_o read_v let_v hermogenes_n and_o his_o journeyman_n show_v that_o it_o be_v write_v if_o it_o be_v not_o write_v let_v he_o fear_v the_o woe_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o that_o add_v or_o detract_v and_o in_o the_o 39_o ch_z of_o his_o prescript_n we_o feed_v our_o faith_n raise_v our_o hope_n and_o establish_v our_o reliance_n with_o the_o sacred_a word_n 6._o in_o like_a manner_n hippolytus_n in_o the_o homily_n against_o noetus_n declare_v that_o we_o acknowledge_v only_o from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o whereas_o secular_a philosophy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v but_o from_o the_o read_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o philosopher_n so_o whosoever_o of_o we_o will_v preserve_v piety_n towards_o god_n he_o can_v otherwise_o learn_v it_o then_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n according_o origen_n in_o the_o five_o homily_n on_o leviticus_n say_v that_o in_o the_o scripture_n every_o word_n appertain_v to_o god_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v and_o discuss_v and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v 7._o what_o saint_n cyprian_n opinion_n be_v in_o this_o point_n we_o learn_v at_o large_a from_o his_o epistle_n to_o pompey_n for_o when_o tradition_n be_v object_v to_o he_o he_o answer_v whence_o be_v this_o tradition_n be_v it_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o gospel_n or_o come_v it_o from_o the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n almighty_a god_n declare_v that_o what_o be_v write_v shall_v be_v obey_v and_o practise_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n say_v he_o in_o joshua_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thy_o mouth_n but_o thou_o shall_v meditate_v in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n that_o you_o may_v observe_v and_o keep_v all_o that_o be_v write_v therein_o so_o our_o lord_n send_v his_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v command_v again_o what_o obstinacy_n and_o presumption_n be_v it_o to_o prefer_v human_a tradition_n to_o divine_a command_n not_o consider_v that_o god_n wrath_n be_v kindle_v as_o often_o as_o his_o precept_n be_v dissolve_v and_o neglect_v by_o reason_n of_o human_a tradition_n thus_o god_n warn_v and_o speak_v by_o isaiah_n this_o people_n honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o but_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n also_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n check_v and_o reprove_v say_v you_o reject_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v establish_v your_o tradition_n of_o which_o precept_n the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n be_v mindful_a admonish_v and_o instruct_v say_v if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o hearken_v not_o to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o from_o such_o we_o must_v depart_v and_o again_o he_o add_v there_o be_v a_o compendious_a way_n for_o religious_a and_o sincere_a mind_n both_o to_o deposit_v their_o error_n and_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n for_o if_o we_o return_v to_o the_o source_n and_o original_n of_o divine_a tradition_n human_a error_n will_v cease_v and_o the_o ground_n of_o heavenly_a mystery_n be_v see_v whatsoever_o be_v hide_v with_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n will_v be_v manifest_a by_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n if_o a_o pipe_n that_o bring_v plentiful_a supply_n of_o water_n fail_v on_o the_o sudden_a do_v not_o man_n look_v to_o the_o fountain_n and_o thence_o learn_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o defect_n whether_o the_o spring_n itself_o be_v dry_a or_o if_o run_v free_o the_o water_n be_v stop_v in_o its_o passage_n that_o if_o by_o interrupt_a or_o break_a conveyance_n it_o be_v hinder_v to_o pass_v they_o be_v repair_v it_o may_v again_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o city_n with_o the_o same_o plenty_n as_o it_o flow_v from_o the_o spring_n and_o this_o god_n priest_n ought_v to_o do_v at_o this_o time_n obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o if_o truth_n have_v swerve_v or_o fail_v in_o any_o particular_a we_o go_v backward_o to_o the_o source_n of_o the_o evangelical_n and_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o there_o find_v our_o act_n from_o whence_o their_o order_n and_o origination_n begin_v 8._o it_o be_v true_a bellarmine_n reproach_n this_o discourse_n as_o erroneous_a but_o whatever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o inference_n which_o saint_n cyprian_a draw_v from_o it_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o saint_n austin_n though_o sufficient_o engage_v against_o saint_n cyprian_n conclusion_n allow_v the_o position_n as_o most_o orthodox_n say_v in_o the_o four_o book_n of_o baptism_n c._n 35._o whereas_o he_o admonish_v to_o go_v back_o to_o the_o fountain_n that_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o thence_o bring_v the_o stream_n down_o to_o our_o time_n it_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o without_o doubt_n to_o be_v do_v 9_o thus_o eusebius_n express_v himself_o in_o his_o second_o book_n against_o sabellius_n as_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o sloth_n not_o to_o seek_v into_o those_o thing_n whereof_o one_o may_v inquire_v so_o it_o be_v insolence_n to_o be_v inquisitive_a in_o other_o but_o what_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o inquire_v into_o even_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o there_o to_o be_v find_v let_v we_o not_o seek_v after_o for_o if_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o omit_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n
be_v produce_v the_o mind_n both_o of_o speaker_n and_o hearer_n be_v confirm_v and_o hom._n 4._o on_o lazar_n though_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a or_o a_o angel_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n we_o must_v believe_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v frame_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o quick_a and_o dead_a and_o hom._n 13._o 2_o cor._n 7._o be_v it_o not_o a_o absurd_a thing_n that_o when_o we_o deal_v with_o man_n about_o money_n we_o will_v trust_v no_o body_n but_o cast_v up_o the_o sum_n and_o make_v use_n of_o our_o counter_n but_o in_o religious_a affair_n suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v aside_o by_o other_o man_n opinion_n even_o then_o when_o we_o have_v by_o a_o exact_a scale_n and_o touchstone_n the_o dictat_fw-la of_o the_o divine_a law_n therefore_o i_o pray_v and_o exhort_v you_o that_o give_v no_o heed_n to_o what_o this_o or_o that_o man_n say_v you_o will_v consult_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o thence_o learn_v the_o divine_a riches_n and_o pursue_v what_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o hom._n 58._o on_o jo._n 10.1_o it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o thief_n that_o he_o come_v not_o in_o by_o the_o door_n but_o another_o way_n now_o by_o the_o door_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v signify_v and_o hom._n on_o gal._n 1.8_o the_o apostle_n say_v not_o if_o any_o man_n teach_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v or_o if_o he_o subvert_v the_o whole_a gospel_n but_o if_o he_o teach_v any_o thing_n beside_o the_o gospel_n which_o you_o have_v receive_v or_o vary_v any_o little_a thing_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v 20._o cyril_n of_o alex._n against_o jul._n l._n 7._o say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o who_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o endue_v with_o most_o ample_a knowledge_n 21._o theodoret_n dial._n 1_o i_o be_o persuade_v only_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o dial._n 2._o i_o be_o not_o so_o bold_a to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n not_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o again_o qu._n 45._o upon_o genes_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o inquire_v after_o what_o be_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n but_o acquiesce_v in_o what_o be_v write_v 22._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o enlarge_v this_o discourse_n into_o a_o volume_n but_o have_v take_v as_o they_o offer_v themselves_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o four_o first_o century_n i_o shall_v not_o proceed_v to_o those_o that_o follow_v if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o all_o christian_n heretofore_o we_o may_v reasonable_o assure_v ourselves_o it_o be_v so_o still_o and_o will_v now_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o consequent_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o oral_a tradition_n or_o the_o new_a mintage_n of_o a_o live_a infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o the_o impartial_a reader_n will_v be_v enable_v to_o judge_n whether_o our_o appeal_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o all_o occasion_n of_o controversy_n and_o recommendation_n of_o it_o to_o the_o study_n of_o every_o christian_a be_v that_o heresy_n and_o innovation_n which_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 23._o it_o be_v we_o know_v severe_o impute_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n by_o our_o saviour_n that_o they_o take_v from_o the_o people_n the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n luk._n 11.52_o and_o have_v make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o their_o tradition_n mat._n 15.6_o but_o they_o never_o attemt_v what_o have_v be_v since_o practise_v by_o their_o successor_n in_o the_o western_a church_n to_o take_v away_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o testament_n itself_o and_o cut_v off_o not_o only_o the_o efficacy_n but_o very_a possession_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o their_o tradition_n sure_o this_o have_v be_v exceed_v criminal_a from_o any_o hand_n but_o that_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o universal_a and_o infallible_a pastor_n of_o it_o who_o claim_v the_o office_n to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n exhort_v unto_o and_o assist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o man_n who_o thus_o rob_v the_o people_n of_o they_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o high_a aggravation_n both_o of_o cruelty_n and_o breach_n of_o trust_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v take_v away_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n of_o this_o prophecy_n say_v saint_n john_n revel_v 22.19_o god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o part_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a city_n and_o from_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n what_o vengeance_n therefore_o await_v those_o who_o have_v take_v away_o not_o only_o from_o one_o book_n but_o at_o once_o the_o book_n themselves_o even_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n sect_n vii_o historical_a reflection_n upon_o the_o event_n which_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o church_n since_o the_o withdraw_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o will_v in_o this_o place_n be_v no_o useless_a contemplation_n to_o observe_v after_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v ravish_v from_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n what_o pitiful_a pretender_n be_v admit_v to_o succeed_v and_o first_o because_o layman_n be_v presume_v to_o be_v illiterate_a and_o easy_o seducible_a by_o those_o write_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o difficult_a and_o will_v be_v wrest_v by_o the_o unlearned_a to_o their_o own_o destruction_n picture_n be_v recommend_v in_o their_o steed_n and_o complemented_a as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o laity_n which_o soon_o emprove_v into_o a_o necessity_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o that_o gross_a superstition_n which_o render_v christianity_n abominate_v by_o turk_n and_o jew_n and_o heathen_n unto_o this_o day_n 2._o i_o will_v not_o be_v hasty_a in_o charge_v idolatry_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o all_o in_o her_o communion_n but_o that_o their_o image-worship_n be_v a_o most_o fatal_a snare_n in_o which_o vast_a number_n of_o unhappy_a soul_n be_v take_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v who_o have_v with_o any_o regard_n travail_v in_o popish_a country_n i_o myself_o and_o thousand_o of_o other_o who_o the_o late_a trouble_n or_o other_o occasion_n send_v abroad_o be_v and_o have_v be_v witness_n thereof_o charity_n it_o be_v true_a believe_v all_o thing_n but_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v man_n to_o disbelieve_v their_o eye_n it_o be_v the_o outcry_n of_o micah_n against_o the_o danite_n jud._n 18.24_o you_o have_v take_v away_o my_o god_n which_o i_o have_v make_v and_o the_o priest_n and_o be_v go_v away_o and_o what_o have_v i_o more_o but_o the_o laity_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n may_v enlarge_v the_o complaint_n and_o say_v you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o oracle_n of_o our_o god_n and_o set_v up_o every_o where_o among_o we_o grave_v and_o melt_a image_n and_o teraphim_n and_o what_o have_v we_o more_o and_o it_o be_v late_o the_o loud_a and_o i_o doubt_v i_o be_v still_o the_o unanswerable_a complaint_n of_o the_o poor_a american_n that_o they_o be_v deny_v to_o worship_v their_o pagod_n once_o in_o the_o year_n when_o they_o who_o forbid_v they_o worship_v they_o every_o day_n 3._o the_o jew_n before_o the_o captivity_n notwithstanding_o the_o recent_a memory_n of_o the_o miracle_n in_o egypt_n and_o the_o wilderness_n and_o the_o first_o conquest_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n with_o those_o that_o succeed_v under_o the_o judge_n and_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o juda_n as_o also_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o menace_n of_o prophet_n ever_o and_o anon_o fall_v to_o downright_a idolatry_n but_o after_o their_o return_n unto_o this_o day_n have_v keep_v themselves_o from_o fall_v into_o that_o sin_n though_o they_o have_v no_o prophet_n to_o instruct_v they_o no_o miracle_n or_o government_n to_o encourage_v or_o constrain_v they_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o a_o very_a learned_a man_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n take_v to_o be_v the_o reading_z and_o teach_v of_o the_o law_n in_o their_o synagogue_n which_o be_v perform_v with_o great_a exactness_n after_o the_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n but_o be_v not_o so_o perform_v before_o and_o may_v we_o not_o invert_v the_o observation_n and_o impute_v the_o image-worship_n now_o set_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o church_n and_o interdict_v the_o private_a use_n and_o institution_n in_o they_o 4._o for_o a_o far_a supplement_n in_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o history_n be_v think_v not_o edify_v enough_o the_o legend_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v introduce_v story_n so_o stupid_a that_o one_o will_v imagine_v they_o design_v as_o a_o experiment_n how_o far_o credulity_n can_v be_v impose_v
upon_o or_o else_o frame_v to_o a_o worse_a intent_n that_o christianity_n by_o they_o may_v be_v make_v ridiculous_a yet_o these_o be_v recommend_v to_o use_v and_o veneration_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v utter_o forbid_v whereby_o the_o party_n to_o this_o unhappy_a practice_n that_o i_o may_v speak_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n jerem._n 2.13_o have_v commit_v two_o evil_n they_o have_v forsake_v the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n and_o hew_v they_o out_o cistern_n break_a cistern_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n 5._o far_o yet_o the_o same_o unreasonable_a tyranny_n which_o permit_v not_o the_o laity_n to_o understand_v almighty_a god_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n hinder_v they_o from_o be_v suffer_v to_o understand_v the_o church_n or_o themselves_o speak_v to_o he_o in_o their_o prayer_n whilst_o the_o whole_a roman_a office_n be_v so_o dispose_v that_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n 1_o cor._n 14._o he_o that_o occupy_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a must_v say_v amen_o to_o those_o prayer_n and_o praise_n which_o he_o have_v no_o comprehension_n of_o and_o by_o his_o endless_a repetition_n of_o pater_n ave_n and_o credo's_n fall_v into_o that_o battology_n reprove_v by_o our_o saviour_n mat_n 6.7_o and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n jo._n 4.22_o know_v not_o what_o he_o worship_v yet_o this_o unaccountable_a practice_n be_v so_o much_o the_o darling_n of_o that_o church_n that_o when_o in_o france_n about_o eighteen_o year_n since_o the_o roman_a missal_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o publish_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o several_a of_o their_o bishop_n the_o clergy_n of_o france_n rise_v up_o in_o great_a fury_n against_o the_o attemt_a anathematise_v in_o their_o circular_a epistle_n all_o that_o sell_v read_v or_o use_v the_o say_a book_n and_o upon_o complaint_n unto_o pope_n alex._n the_o 7._o he_o resent_v the_o matter_n so_o deep_o as_o to_o issue_v out_o his_o bull_n against_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n 6._o whereas_o son_n of_o perdition_n endevor_v the_o destruction_n of_o soul_n have_v translate_v the_o roman_a missal_n into_o the_o french_a tongue_n and_o so_o attemt_v to_o throw_v down_o and_o trample_v upon_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o holy_a rite_n comprehend_v in_o latin_a word_n as_o we_o abominate_a and_o detest_v the_o novelty_n which_o will_v deform_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o produce_v disobedience_n temerity_n boldness_n sedition_n and_o schism_n so_o we_o condemn_v reprobate_a and_o forbid_v the_o say_a and_o all_o other_o such_o translation_n and_o interdict_v the_o read_n and_o keep_v to_o all_o and_o singular_a the_o faithful_a of_o whatever_o sex_n degree_n order_n condition_n dignity_n honour_n or_o preeminence_n etc._n etc._n under_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n and_o we_o command_v the_o copy_n to_o be_v immediate_o burn_v etc._n etc._n so_o mortal_a a_o sin_n it_o seem_v it_o be_v think_v for_o the_o laity_n to_o understand_v the_o prayer_n in_o which_o they_o must_v communicate_v 7._o nor_o be_v this_o all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o other_o attemt_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o bold_a insolence_n of_o make_v a_o new_a authentic_a text_n in_o that_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o which_o the_o office_n of_o prayer_n have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v disguise_v which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o the_o four_o session_n but_o when_o the_o council_n have_v give_v this_o prerogative_n to_o the_o version_n which_o it_o call_v vulgar_a the_o succeed_a pope_n begin_v to_o consider_v what_o that_o version_n be_v and_o this_o work_n pius_n the_o four_o and_o five_o set_v upon_o but_o prevent_v by_o death_n fail_v to_o complete_a it_o so_o that_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o performance_n fall_v to_o sixtus_n the_o five_o who_o in_o the_o plenitude_n of_o his_o apostolic_a power_n the_o translation_n be_v reform_v to_o his_o mind_n command_v it_o to_o be_v that_o genuine_a ancient_a edition_n which_o the_o trent_n father_n have_v before_o make_v authentic_a and_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n require_v it_o to_o be_v so_o receive_v which_o he_o do_v in_o this_o form_n of_o our_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o the_o plenitude_n of_o apostolic_a power_n we_o order_n and_o declare_v that_o vulgar_a edition_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v for_o authentic_a by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v without_o doubt_n or_o controversy_n to_o be_v esteem_v this_o very_a one_o which_o be_v amend_v as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o print_v at_o the_o vatican_n press_n we_o publish_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o whole_a christian_a republic_n and_o in_o all_o church_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n decree_v that_o it_o have_v be_v approve_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o holy_a universal_a church_n and_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o then_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o general_a council_n of_o trent_n and_o now_o by_o the_o apostolic_a authority_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o true_a legitimate_a authentic_a and_o undoubted_a which_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o hold_v in_o all_o public_a and_o private_a disputation_n lecture_n preach_n and_o exposition_n etc._n etc._n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o plenitude_n of_o apostolic_a power_n soon_o after_o come_v clement_n the_o eight_o and_o again_o resume_v the_o work_n of_o his_o predecessor_n sixtus_n discover_v great_a and_o many_o error_n in_o it_o and_o put_v out_o one_o more_o reform_v yet_o confess_v by_o himself_o to_o be_v imperfect_a which_o now_o stand_v for_o the_o authentic_a text_n and_o carry_v the_o title_n of_o the_o bible_n put_v forth_o by_o sixtus_n notwithstanding_o all_o its_o alteration_n so_o well_o do_v the_o roman_a church_n deserve_v the_o honour_n which_o she_o pretend_v to_o of_o be_v the_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o so_o infallible_a be_v the_o holy_a chair_n in_o its_o determination_n and_o last_o so_o authentic_a a_o transcript_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v which_o it_o be_v say_v mat._n 5.18_o one_o jot_n or_o one_o title_n shall_v not_o fail_v be_v that_o which_o she_o establish_v and_o that_o have_v receive_v so_o many_o and_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o infallible_a corrector_n want_v still_o more_o alteration_n 8._o dependent_a upon_o this_o and_o as_o great_a a_o mischief_n as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a consequent_a to_o the_o withdraw_a of_o the_o scripture_n i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o step_n it_o make_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o most_o useful_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o point_n of_o penance_n who_o rigour_n always_o heretofore_o precede_v the_o possibility_n of_o have_v absolution_n now_o of_o this_o we_o know_v a_o solemn_a part_n be_v the_o state_n of_o audience_n when_o the_o lapse_v person_n be_v receive_v after_o long_a attendance_n without_o door_n prostration_n and_o lamentation_n there_o within_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v permit_v with_o the_o catechuman_n or_o candidat_n of_o baptism_n to_o hear_v the_o reading_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o stay_v till_o prayer_n begin_v but_o then_o depart_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o hear_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o threat_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n to_o stand_v among_o the_o unbaptised_a and_o heathen_a multitude_n and_o learn_v again_o the_o element_n of_o that_o holy_a faith_n from_o which_o he_o have_v prevaricate_v and_o so_o in_o time_n be_v render_v capable_a of_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o afterward_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o eucharist_n but_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v think_v useless_a or_o dangerous_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o hear_v it_o be_v consequent_a that_o the_o state_n of_o audience_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o penance_n and_o that_o the_o next_o to_o it_o upon_o the_o selfsame_a principle_n shall_v be_v dismiss_v and_o so_o the_o long_a probation_n former_o require_v shall_v be_v supplant_v and_o the_o compendious_a way_n of_o pardon_v first_o and_o repent_v afterward_o the_o endless_a circle_n of_o sin_v and_o be_v absolve_v and_o then_o sin_v and_o be_v absolve_v again_o shall_v prevail_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o still_o obtain_v notwithstanding_o the_o complaint_n and_o irrefragable_a demonstration_n of_o learned_a man_n even_o of_o the_o romish_a communion_n who_o plain_o show_v this_o now_o receive_a method_n to_o be_v a_o innovation_n groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o most_o pernicious_a in_o its_o consequent_n 9_o and_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v not_o only_o by_o the_o learned_a but_o mean_a
practice_n and_o contemt_fw-mi of_o the_o divine_a law_n they_o have_v desert_v their_o profession_n and_o make_v themselves_o utter_o unworthy_a of_o the_o blessing_n they_o enjoy_v and_o the_o light_n of_o that_o gospel_n which_o with_o noonday_n brightness_n have_v shine_v among_o they_o upon_o which_o account_n i_o suppose_v it_o may_v not_o be_v impertinent_a in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o subjoin_v some_o plain_a direction_n and_o cautionary_a advice_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o these_o sacred_a book_n sect_n viii_o necessary_a caution_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v a_o common_a observation_n that_o the_o most_o generous_a and_o sprightly_a medicine_n be_v the_o most_o unsafe_a if_o not_o apply_v with_o due_a care_n and_o regimen_n and_o the_o remark_n hold_v as_o well_o in_o spiritual_a as_o corporal_a remedy_n the_o apostle_n assert_n it_o upon_o his_o own_o experience_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o some_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n be_v to_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n 2_o cor._n 2.15_o and_o the_o same_o effect_n that_o the_o oral_a word_n have_v then_o the_o write_a word_n may_v have_v now_o not_o that_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o that_o be_v of_o itself_o mortiferous_a but_o become_v so_o by_o the_o ill_a disposition_n of_o the_o person_n who_o so_o pervert_v it_o it_o be_v therefore_o well_o worth_a our_o inquiry_n what_o qualification_n on_o our_o part_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v the_o word_n be_v to_o we_o what_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n rom._n 1.16_o of_o these_o some_o be_v previous_a before_o our_o read_n some_o be_v concomitant_a with_o it_o and_o some_o be_v subsequent_a and_o follow_v after_o it_o 2._o of_o those_o that_o go_v before_o sincerity_n be_v a_o most_o essential_a requisite_a by_o sincerity_n i_o mean_v a_o upright_a intention_n by_o which_o we_o direct_v our_o read_n to_o that_o proper_a end_n for_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v design_v viz._n the_o know_a god_n will_v in_o order_n to_o the_o practise_v it_o this_o honest_a simplicity_n of_o heart_n be_v that_o which_o christ_n represent_v by_o the_o good_a ground_n where_o alone_o it_o be_v that_o the_o seed_n can_v fructify_v mat._n 13.8_o and_o he_o that_o bring_v not_o this_o with_o he_o bring_v only_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o disciple_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v indeed_o sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n heb._n 4.12_o but_o what_o impression_n can_v a_o sword_n make_v on_o a_o body_n of_o air_n which_o still_o slip_v from_o and_o elude_v its_o thrust_n and_o as_o little_o can_v all_o the_o practical_a discourse_n of_o holy_a writ_n make_v on_o he_o who_o bring_v only_o his_o speculative_a faculty_n with_o he_o and_o leave_v his_o will_n and_o affection_n behind_o he_o which_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a subject_n for_o it_o to_o work_v on_o 3._o to_o this_o we_o may_v probable_o impute_v that_o strange_a inefficaciousness_n we_o see_v of_o the_o word_n alas_o man_n rare_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o right_a place_n our_o most_o inveterat_fw-la disease_n lie_v in_o our_o moral_n and_o we_o suffer_v the_o medicine_n to_o reach_v no_o far_o than_o our_o intellect_n as_o if_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ulcer_n in_o his_o bowel_n shall_v apply_v all_o his_o balsam_n and_o sanative_n only_o to_o his_o head_n it_o be_v true_a the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o tresury_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o oracle_n to_o which_o we_o shall_v resort_v for_o save_a knowledge_n but_o they_o be_v also_o the_o rule_n and_o guide_v of_o holy_a life_n and_o he_o that_o covet_v to_o know_v god_n will_v for_o any_o purpose_n but_o to_o practise_v it_o be_v only_o studious_a to_o entitle_v himself_o to_o the_o great_a number_n of_o stripe_n luk._n 12.47_o 4._o nay_o far_o he_o that_o affect_v only_o the_o bare_a knowledge_n be_v oft_o disappoint_v even_o of_o that_o the_o scripture_n like_o the_o pillar_n of_o fire_n and_o cloud_n enlighten_v the_o israelite_n those_o who_o sincere_o resign_v themselves_o to_o its_o guidance_n but_o it_o darken_v and_o confound_v the_o egyptian_n ex._n 14.20_o and_o it_o be_v frequent_o see_v that_o those_o who_o read_v only_o to_o become_v know_v be_v toll_v on_o by_o their_o curiosity_n into_o the_o more_o abstruse_a and_o mysterious_a part_n of_o scripture_n where_o they_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o inextricable_a maze_n and_o confusion_n and_o instead_o of_o acquire_v a_o more_o superlative_a knowledge_n lose_v those_o easy_a and_o common_a notion_n which_o lie_v obvious_a to_o every_o plain_a well_o mean_v reader_n i_o fear_v this_o age_n afford_v too_o many_o and_o too_o frequent_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o man_n who_o have_v lose_v god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o word_n and_o study_a scripture_n till_o they_o have_v renounce_v its_o author_n 5._o and_o sure_o this_o infatuation_n be_v very_o just_a and_o no_o more_o than_o god_n himself_o have_v warn_v we_o of_o who_o take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o craftiness_n job_n 5.12_o but_o appropriate_v his_o secret_n only_o to_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o have_v promise_v to_o teach_v the_o meek_a his_o way_n psal_n 25.9.14_o and_o this_o be_v the_o method_n christ_n observe_v in_o his_o preach_n unveil_v those_o truth_n to_o his_o disciple_n which_o to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n his_o inquisitive_a yet_o refractory_a hearer_n he_o wrap_v up_o in_o parable_n not_o that_o he_o dislike_v their_o desire_n of_o knowledge_n but_o their_o want_n of_o sincerity_n which_o be_v so_o fatal_a a_o defect_n as_o blast_v our_o pursuit_n though_o of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o never_o so_o excellent_a this_o we_o find_v exemplify_v in_o simon_n magus_n act_v 8._o who_o though_o he_o covet_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o very_o desirable_a the_o power_n of_o confer_v the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o desire_v it_o not_o only_o upon_o undue_a condition_n but_o for_o sinister_a end_n he_o not_o only_o miss_v of_o that_o but_o be_v after_o all_o his_o convincement_n by_o the_o apostle_n miracle_n and_o the_o engagement_n of_o his_o baptism_n immerse_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o at_o last_o advance_v to_o that_o height_n of_o blasphemy_n as_o to_o set_v up_o himself_o for_o a_o god_n so_o become_v a_o last_a memento_n how_o unsafe_a it_o be_v to_o prevaricate_v in_o holy_a thing_n 6._o but_o as_o there_o be_v a_o sincerity_n of_o the_o will_n in_o order_n to_o practice_n so_o there_o be_v also_o a_o sincerity_n of_o the_o understanding_n in_o order_n to_o belief_n and_o this_o be_v also_o no_o less_o requisite_a to_o the_o profitable_a read_n of_o scripture_n i_o mean_v by_o this_o that_o we_o come_v with_o a_o preparation_n of_o mind_n to_o embrace_v indifferent_o whatever_o god_n there_o reveles_a as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o bring_v our_o own_o opinion_n not_o as_o the_o clue_n by_o which_o to_o unfold_v scripture_n but_o to_o be_v try_v and_o regulate_v by_o it_o the_o want_n of_o this_o have_v be_v of_o very_o pernicious_a consequence_n in_o matter_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o speculation_n man_n be_v common_o prepossess_v strong_o with_o their_o own_o notion_n and_o their_o errand_n to_o scripture_n be_v not_o to_o lend_v they_o light_n to_o judge_n of_o they_o but_o aid_n to_o back_n and_o defend_v they_o 7._o of_o this_o there_o be_v no_o book_n of_o controversy_n that_o do_v not_o give_v notorious_a proof_n the_o socinian_n can_v easy_o overlook_a the_o begin_n of_o saint_n john_n that_o say_v the_o word_n be_v god_n jo._n 1.1_o and_o all_o those_o other_o place_n which_o plain_o assert_v the_o deity_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o he_o can_v but_o divert_v to_o that_o other_o more_o agreeable_a text_n that_o the_o father_n be_v great_a than_o i_o among_o the_o romanist_n peter_n be_v say_v to_o be_v first_o among_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 10.2_o and_o that_o on_o that_o rock_n christ_n will_v build_v his_o church_n mat._n 16.18_o carry_v away_o all_o attention_n from_o those_o other_o place_n where_o saint_n paul_n say_v he_o be_v not_o behind_o the_o very_o chief_a of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 11.5_o that_o upon_o he_o lay_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11.28_o and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o some_o one_o but_o all_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n revel_v 21.14_o so_o it_o fare_v in_o the_o business_n of_o the_o eucharist_n this_o be_v my_o body_n mat._n 26.26_o carry_v it_o away_o clear_a for_o transubstantiation_n when_o our_o savior_n call_v that_o which_o he_o drink_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n mat._n 26.29_o and_o then_o saint_n paul_n name_v the_o element_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n several_a time_n over_o bread_n and_o
the_o seed_n and_o parent_n of_o the_o great_a it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o sin_n the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n like_o that_o of_o god_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n mat._n 13.31_o which_o though_o little_a in_o itself_o be_v mighty_a in_o its_o increase_n 54._o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o begin_v at_o the_o top_n of_o villainy_n but_o the_o advance_n be_v still_o gradual_a from_o one_o degree_n to_o another_o each_o commission_n smooth_v and_o glib_v the_o way_n to_o the_o next_o he_o that_o accustom_n in_o his_o ordinary_a discourse_n to_o use_v the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n with_o as_o little_a sentiment_n and_o reverence_n as_o he_o do_v that_o of_o his_o neighbour_n or_o servant_n that_o make_v it_o his_o common_a byword_n and_o cry_v lord_n and_o god_n upon_o every_o the_o light_a occasion_n of_o exclamation_n or_o wonder_n this_o man_n have_v a_o very_a short_a step_n to_o the_o use_v it_o in_o oath_n and_o upon_o all_o frivolous_a occasion_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v vain_o be_v at_o no_o great_a distance_n from_o swear_v false_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o that_o indulge_v his_o wit_n to_o rally_v with_o they_o will_v soon_o come_v to_o think_v they_o such_o tame_a thing_n that_o he_o may_v downright_o scorn_v they_o and_o when_o he_o be_v arrive_v to_o that_o than_o he_o must_v pick_v quarrel_n to_o justify_v it_o till_o at_o last_o he_o arrive_v even_o to_o the_o height_n of_o enmity_n 55._o let_v every_o man_n therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o set_v so_o much_o as_o one_o step_n in_o this_o fatal_a circle_n guard_v himself_o against_o the_o first_o insinuation_n of_o this_o guilt_n and_o when_o a_o jest_n offer_v itself_o as_o a_o temptation_n let_v he_o balance_v that_o with_o a_o sober_a thought_n and_o consider_v whether_o the_o jest_n can_v quit_v the_o cost_n of_o the_o profanation_n let_v he_o possess_v his_o mind_n with_o a_o habitual_a awe_n take_v up_o the_o bible_n with_o solemner_n thought_n and_o other_o kind_n of_o apprehension_n than_o any_o human_a author_n and_o if_o he_o habituate_v himself_o to_o this_o reverence_n every_o clause_n and_o phrase_n of_o it_o that_o occur_v to_o his_o mind_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o excite_v he_o to_o devout_a ejaculation_n then_o vain_a laughter_n 56._o it_o be_v report_v of_o our_o excellent_a prince_n king_n edward_z the_o six_o that_o when_o in_o his_o council_n chamber_n a_o paper_n that_o be_v call_v for_o happen_v to_o lie_v out_o of_o reach_n and_o the_o person_n concern_v to_o produce_v it_o take_v a_o bible_n that_o lie_v by_o and_o stand_v upon_o it_o reach_v down_o the_o paper_n the_o king_n observe_v what_o be_v do_v run_v himself_o to_o the_o place_n and_o take_v the_o bible_n in_o his_o hand_n kiss_v it_o and_o lay_v it_o up_o again_o of_o this_o it_o be_v a_o very_a desirable_a moral_n that_o prince_n and_o all_o person_n in_o authority_n will_v take_v care_n not_o to_o permit_v any_o to_o raise_v themselves_o by_o either_o a_o hypocritical_a or_o profane_a trample_n upon_o holy_a thing_n but_o beside_o that_o a_o more_o general_a application_n offer_v its_o self_n that_o all_o man_n of_o what_o condition_n soever_o shall_v both_o themselves_o abstain_v from_o every_o action_n that_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o contemt_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o also_o when_o they_o observe_v it_o in_o other_o discountenance_v the_o insolence_n and_o by_o their_o word_n and_o action_n give_v testimony_n of_o the_o veneration_n which_o they_o have_v for_o that_o holy_a book_n they_o see_v other_o so_o wretched_o despise_v 57_o but_o above_o all_o let_v he_o who_o read_v the_o scripture_n serious_o set_v himself_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o daily_o examine_v how_o he_o proce_v in_o it_o he_o that_o diligent_o do_v this_o will_v not_o be_v much_o at_o leisure_n to_o sport_n with_o it_o he_o will_v scarce_o meet_v with_o a_o text_n which_o will_v not_o give_v he_o cause_n of_o reflection_n and_o provide_v he_o work_v within_o his_o own_o breast_n every_o duty_n enjoin_v will_n promt_v he_o to_o examine_v how_o he_o have_v perform_v every_o sin_n forbid_v will_v call_v he_o to_o recollect_v how_o guilty_a he_o have_v be_v every_o pathetic_a strain_n of_o devotion_n will_v kindle_v his_o zeal_n or_o at_o least_o upbraid_v his_o coldness_n every_o heroic_a example_n will_v excite_v his_o emulation_n in_o a_o word_n every_o part_n of_o scripture_n will_v if_o due_o apply_v contribute_v to_o some_o good_a and_o excellent_a end_n and_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v proper_a for_o such_o noble_a purpose_n can_v it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o apply_v it_o only_o to_o mean_v and_o trivial_a will_v any_o but_o a_o idiot_n be_v that_o sovereign_a liquor_n in_o the_o wash_n of_o his_o foot_n which_o be_v give_v he_o to_o expel_v poison_n from_o his_o heart_n and_o be_v not_o we_o guilty_a of_o the_o like_a folly_n when_o we_o apply_v god_n word_n to_o serve_v only_o a_o ludicrous_a humour_n and_o make_v ourselves_o merry_a with_o that_o which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o most_o important_a purpose_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o indeed_o who_o ever_o take_v any_o low_a aim_n than_o that_o and_o the_o virtue_n preparatory_a to_o it_o in_o his_o study_n of_o scripture_n extreme_o debase_v it_o 58._o let_v we_o therefore_o keep_v a_o steady_a eye_n upon_o that_o mark_n and_o press_v towards_o it_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v phil._n 3.14_o walk_v by_o that_o rule_n the_o holy_a scripture_n propose_v faithful_o and_o diligent_o observe_v its_o precept_n that_o we_o may_v final_o partake_v its_o promise_n to_o this_o end_n continual_o pray_v we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o holy_a mother_n the_o church_n unto_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v cause_v all_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o may_v in_o such_o wise_a hear_v they_o read_z mark_v learn_v and_o inward_o digest_v they_o that_o by_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n we_o may_v embrace_v and_o ever_o hold_v fast_o the_o bless_a hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o he_o have_v give_v in_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o content_n section_n sect._n 1_o the_o several_a method_n of_o god_n communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o pag._n 1._o sect._n 2._o the_o divine_a original_a endearment_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 9_o sect._n 3_o the_o subject_a matter_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v excellent_a as_o be_v also_o its_o end_n and_o design_n p._n 63._o sect._n 4._o the_o custody_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o privilege_n and_o right_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o which_o can_v without_o impiety_n to_o god_n and_o injustice_n unto_o it_o and_o they_o be_v take_v away_o or_o impeach_v p._n 123._o sect._n 5._o the_o scripture_n have_v great_a propriety_n and_o fitness_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o excellent_a end_n p._n 145._o sect._n 6._o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n concern_v the_o propriety_n and_o fitness_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o excellent_a end_n p._n 165._o sect._n 7._o historical_a reflection_n upon_o the_o event_n which_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o church_n since_o the_o withdraw_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 180._o sect._n 8._o necessary_a caution_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 193._o finis_fw-la