wrought_v in_o we_o bâ—…t_o by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o yield_v to_o they_o that_o we_o can_v be_v no_o other_o way_n ascertain_v of_o the_o doctrine_n oâ—…_n christ_n as_o true_a then_o by_o tradition_n for_o we_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n and_o shall_v i_o hope_v while_o we_o live_v account_v of_o it_o more_o than_o tradition_n or_o any_o testimony_n of_o man_n i_o shall_v now_o add_v somewhat_o as_o a_o answer_n in_o general_a to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o former_a exception_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o same_o or_o like_o kind_n we_o sâ—…y_v that_o there_o be_v one_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o that_o be_v the_o divine_a truth_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v sum_v up_o into_o these_o two_o general_a head_n viz._n faith_n and_o obedâ—…ence_n or_o faith_n and_o holiness_n according_a to_o what_o god_n have_v declare_v as_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n what_o he_o promise_v we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o when_o he_o command_v we_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o in_o both_o we_o fulfil_v the_o will_n of_o god_n aâ—…d_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o eternal_a life_n this_o divine_a truth_n we_o never_o find_v any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o our_o adversariâ—…s_n have_v make_v any_o other_o discovery_n we_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o it_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v man_n died_z and_o roâ—…e_v again_o etc._n etc._n for_o our_o redemption_n all_o christian_n acknowledge_v as_o also_o that_o all_o who_o hope_v for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n must_v deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o live_v sober_o â—…ighteously_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o this_o to_o know_v and_o do_v be_v eternal_a life_n and_o if_o our_o adversary_n or_o any_o before_o theâ—…_n ever_o know_v this_o doctrine_n otherwise_o then_o by_o scripture_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o leaâ—…n_v for_o their_o tradition_n as_o they_o signify_v râ—…straditas_fw-la we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o for_o the_o question_n put_v to_o we_o be_v only_o this_o how_o we_o be_v or_o can_v be_v ascertain_v of_o scripture_n that_o it_o have_v deliver_v over_o to_o we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o question_n draw_v out_o into_o many_o and_o several_a query_n we_o have_v answer_v already_o and_o now_o give_v this_o as_o a_o answer_n to_o all_o of_o they_o or_o any_o the_o like_a and_o this_o we_o do_v not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o as_o be_v more_o know_v and_o better_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o only_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o poor_a soul_n who_o through_o want_n and_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n may_v be_v puzzle_v with_o such_o question_n now_o to_o these_o we_o say_v again_o that_o we_o hold_v nothing_o for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o divine_a truth_n which_o teach_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ._n for_o original_n or_o translation_n of_o scripture_n we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v neither_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v ever_o since_o god_n have_v a_o church_n upon_o earth_n a_o revelation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n hence_o this_o doctrine_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v no_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o two_o thousand_o year_n and_o more_o for_o whatever_o god_n reveal_v as_o his_o mind_n that_o we_o must_v heed_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v there_o may_v be_v a_o difference_n and_o have_v be_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o revelation_n but_o the_o divine_a truth_n reveal_v be_v always_o the_o same_o viz._n jesus_n christ_n the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o heb._n 13._o 8._o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o man_n can_v be_v save_v act._n 4._o 12._o this_o we_o believe_v as_o all_o god_n people_n have_v do_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o this_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o find_v no_o where_o but_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o law_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o the_o rule_n be_v and_o have_v be_v always_o the_o same_o though_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o reveal_v it_o have_v be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o that_o at_o first_o more_o obâ—…cure_a and_o after_o more_o and_o more_o clear_a till_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n arise_v and_o of_o this_o doctrine_n reveal_v no_o christian_n we_o suppose_v have_v ever_o make_v question_n what_o need_n be_v there_o then_o of_o such_o captious_a query_n about_o the_o original_n and_o translation_n or_o about_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o all_o original_n and_o translation_n offer_v and_o hold_v forth_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o whatever_o the_o letter_n be_v this_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a salvation_n of_o god_n and_o be_v there_o indeed_o no_o way_n of_o assure_v this_o to_o we_o but_o tradition_n or_o the_o church_n testimony_n as_o it_o have_v be_v give_v in_o all_o age_n this_o â—…as_v have_v be_v say_v be_v to_o confirm_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n by_o that_o of_o man_n and_o if_o our_o faith_n be_v ground_v only_o on_o the_o translation_n english_a or_o other_o our_o foundation_n be_v the_o knowledge_n skill_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o man_n and_o they_o that_o can_v read_v as_o some_o we_o be_v sure_a can_v must_v have_v no_o foundation_n at_o all_o but_o he_o that_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n whether_o in_o the_o original_n or_o translation_n or_o whetesoever_o have_v a_o sure_a foundation_n viz._n the_o unchangeable_a counsel_n of_o god_n which_o never_o fail_v as_o for_o the_o translation_n or_o the_o original_n though_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v the_o rule_n yet_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v any_o part_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v only_o mean_v to_o convey_v and_o deliver_v over_o to_o man_n the_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n and_o this_o we_o have_v i_o say_v again_o in_o all_o original_n and_o translation_n and_o whatever_o sense_n have_v be_v make_v of_o scripture_n by_o any_o all_o agree_v unanimous_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ._n what_o need_v we_o then_o be_v question_v about_o that_o which_o no_o christian_a ever_o make_v question_n of_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o as_o doubt_v whether_o man_n be_v save_v by_o christ_n only_o or_o whether_o they_o who_o be_v save_v by_o he_o must_v walk_v in_o love_n and_o show_v their_o love_n by_o keep_v his_o commandment_n we_o desire_v to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o as_o not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o whether_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o doctrine_n in_o no_o other_o way_n then_o by_o tradition_n i_o shall_v now_o leave_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o such_o as_o will_v impartial_o weigh_v what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o have_v now_o do_v argue_v and_o answer_v and_o shall_v only_o advise_v such_o as_o be_v by_o their_o profession_n protestant_n that_o they_o will_v serious_o bethink_v themselves_o how_o they_o may_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v unto_o the_o end_n the_o advice_n i_o offer_v they_o be_v 1._o that_o they_o labour_v much_o and_o earnest_o to_o understand_v the_o mind_n and_o meaning_n of_o god_n in_o his_o write_a word_n and_o good_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o it_o god_n word_n be_v his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n by_o which_o alone_o we_o come_v to_o know_v what_o inheritance_n there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o we_o in_o heaven_n and_o what_o legacy_n he_o have_v bequeath_v we_o for_o our_o livelihood_n and_o subsistence_n to_o all_o eternity_n scripture_n be_v as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o the_o charter_n by_o which_o we_o have_v and_o hold_v all_o the_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n which_o be_v free_o confer_v and_o bestow_v on_o we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o also_o all_o the_o law_n and_o order_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o observe_v as_o we_o be_v citizen_n of_o the_o new_a and_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n what_o shall_v christian_n than_o do_v other_o then_o read_v over_o their_o father_n will_n and_o study_v exact_o in_o every_o particular_a what_o concern_v they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o everlasting_a happiness_n the_o letter_n and_o the_o sense_n the_o history_n and_o the_o mystery_n every_o part_n and_o particle_n shall_v be_v in_o our_o heaâ—…ts_n and_o head_n so_o as_o we_o may_v have_v they_o as_o we_o say_v at_o our_o finger_n end_n if_o any_o ask_v how_o
shall_v this_o be_v i_o answer_v that_o i_o intend_v no_o direction_n to_o those_o who_o know_v better_o than_o myself_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o that_o end_n nor_o yet_o for_o those_o who_o be_v more_o know_v or_o of_o better_a estate_n and_o ability_n for_o these_o have_v many_o and_o great_a advantage_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n by_o improve_n the_o labour_n of_o those_o learned_a one_o that_o have_v make_v it_o their_o work_n and_o business_n to_o clear_v the_o more_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a passage_n in_o they_o my_o only_a aim_n be_v to_o help_v those_o poor_a soul_n who_o want_v the_o help_n of_o large_a commentary_n annotation_n or_o paraphrase_n &_o c._n and_o have_v no_o mean_n to_o procure_v they_o or_o if_o they_o have_v be_v no_o way_n capacitate_v to_o use_v they_o i_o mean_v such_o as_o can_v hardly_o read_v our_o english_a bibles_n and_o other_o too_o many_o who_o can_v do_v so_o much_o for_o these_o as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v concern_v to_o inquire_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v in_o his_o word_n and_o these_o be_v therefore_o to_o read_v it_o or_o hear_v it_o read_v to_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o understand_v what_o they_o read_v and_o hear_v and_o this_o i_o be_o confident_a they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n by_o follow_v the_o direction_n ensue_v 1._o let_v they_o be_v first_o and_o most_o in_o study_v those_o scripture_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o most_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v viz._n the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n speak_v to_o they_o as_o to_z child_n easy_o and_o plain_o in_o all_o point_n of_o say_v and_o manner_n while_o they_o declare_v more_o familiar_o according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o gospel-â—…mes_a how_o all_o the_o pâ—…ophecies_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n be_v accomplish_v and_o fulfil_v to_o a_o â—…ittle_a so_o as_o there_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v no_o other_o manifestation_n till_o his_o come_n to_o 〈◊〉_d all_o â—…he_a world_n in_o righteoviness_n the_o old_a testament_n which_o show_v what_o be_v the_o cispenâ—…ations_n of_o god_n grace_n towards_o his_o people_n till_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o fleâ—…h_n must_v also_o be_v read_v in_o its_o order_n and_o heed_v too_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o this_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n see_v he_o only_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v be_v promise_v and_o offer_v to_o mankind_n as_o the_o only_a name_n under_o heaven_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v for_o this_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v see_v by_o all_o who_o will_v open_v their_o eye_n that_o all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n by_o his_o hand_n deliver_v to_o israel_n as_o also_o the_o psalm_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n in_o every_o leaf_n and_o line_n of_o they_o speak_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n to_o be_v accomplish_v in_o and_o by_o he_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n they_o must_v therefore_o read_v both_o compare_v the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o so_o as_o to_o observe_v how_o all_o that_o be_v foretell_v and_o promise_v be_v fulfil_v and_o perform_v in_o these_o last_o day_n 2_o in_o read_v both_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n let_v they_o take_v most_o notice_n of_o those_o place_n and_o passage_n which_o more_o plain_o and_o full_o lay_v before_o they_o the_o main_a point_n and_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n such_o as_o we_o may_v call_v the_o pillar_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n build_v upon_o the_o only_a foundation_n jesus_n christ._n and_o those_o i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o or_o four_o head_n 1._o the_o fall_n of_o all_o mankind_n with_o the_o woeful_a extreme_a corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n so_o pervert_v as_o we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o in_o every_o thing_n contrary_a to_o god_n and_o his_o will_n enemy_n to_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o incline_v to_o nothing_o but_o evil_a 2._o the_o only_a all-sufficient_a remedy_n prepare_v for_o that_o malady_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o desperate_a and_o past_o all_o cure_n or_o hope_v viz._n the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n mighty_a to_o save_v and_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n in_o apply_v he_o to_o ourselves_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o all_o sin_n by_o his_o satisfaction_n and_o merit_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o it_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n 3._o the_o many_o and_o great_a obligation_n lay_v upon_o we_o by_o that_o grace_n which_o have_v appear_v and_o bring_v salvation_n to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n so_o to_o answer_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n in_o serve_v he_o who_o be_v our_o only_a redeemer_n 4._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n dispose_v of_o his_o people_n in_o all_o their_o way_n here_o upon_o earth_n together_o with_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n lay_v up_o for_o they_o in_o heaven_n when_o they_o shall_v have_v run_v out_o their_o race_n to_o receive_v the_o end_n of_o their_o faith_n now_o who_o can_v look_v into_o scripture_n and_o not_o see_v all_o these_o clear_o present_v to_o his_o view_n for_o what_o so_o plain_a to_o be_v read_v there_o as_o god_n mercy_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o fall_a man_n out_o of_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o the_o duty_n unto_o which_o he_o be_v oblige_v upon_o that_o account_n what_o need_v any_o be_v trouble_v at_o scripture_n difficulty_n can_v any_o read_v or_o hear_v these_o read_v as_o they_o be_v there_o set_v down_o and_o make_v the_o answer_n which_o the_o eunuch_n make_v to_o philip_n 3._o ask_v he_o if_o he_o understand_v what_o he_o read_v and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o understand_v and_o believe_v these_o thing_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n here_o then_o i_o say_v again_o let_v they_o labour_n to_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v run_v and_o read_v in_o scripture_n and_o till_o they_o be_v so_o establish_v let_v they_o look_v no_o further_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o my_o mind_n they_o shall_v never_o look_v further_o i_o will_v only_o have_v they_o begin_v with_o these_o and_o so_o lie_v a_o sure_a foundation_n and_o then_o build_v upon_o it_o by_o make_v a_o more_o strict_a inquiry_n into_o all_o and_o every_o particle_n of_o it_o so_o as_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v comfort_v be_v 2._o knit_v together_o in_o love_n and_o unto_o all_o riches_n of_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o christ._n or_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n have_v it_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o 10._o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o his_o call_n to_o all_o please_a be_v fruit_n full_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 3_o let_v they_o read_v and_o read_v again_o over_z and_o over_o as_o often_o as_o possible_a though_o they_o always_o meet_v with_o some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o some_o yea_o many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v such_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o upon_o that_o account_n no_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o mean_a christian_n and_o of_o the_o low_a form_n in_o christ_n school_n yea_o we_o be_v just_o confident_a to_o challange_n our_o adversary_n and_o put_v they_o to_o name_v one_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n teach_v not_o as_o plain_o as_o any_o man_n can_v wish_v or_o as_o they_o themselves_o can_v devise_v to_o speak_v it_o now_o these_o be_v so_o easy_o understand_v at_o first_o sight_n without_o a_o interpreter_n our_o often_o read_v they_o in_o so_o many_o place_n repeat_v serve_v as_o to_o help_v our_o memory_n and_o confirm_v we_o the_o more_o in_o our_o belief_n so_o to_o quicken_v we_o the_o more_o to_o our_o duty_n in_o walk_v more_o answerable_o unto_o those_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v somewhat_o more_o in_o it_o and_o this_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o will_v be_v at_o pain_n to_o make_v a_o trial_n that_o often_o read_v of_o these_o be_v a_o singular_a help_n to_o understand_v those_o which_o be_v more_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o what_o be_v somewhere_o speak_v more_o obscure_o be_v in_o other_o
god_n so_o that_o my_o work_n be_v to_o let_v other_o see_v the_o light_n wherein_o scripture_n show_v itself_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o in_o this_o undertake_n charge_n papist_n as_o deny_v in_o term_n the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v for_o they_o grant_v it_o in_o a_o sort_n when_o they_o say_v the_o church_n testimony_n make_v it_o not_o authentical_a and_o canonical_a in_o itself_o but_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la in_o respect_n to_o we_o who_o can_v otherwise_o be_v ascertain_v of_o its_o divine_a authority_n 3._o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v expect_v from_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n so_o as_o to_o silence_v all_o gainsayers_a since_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o prove_v as_o there_o will_v not_o be_v some_o to_o make_v exception_n what_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o god_n existence_n and_o yet_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o deny_v or_o question_n i._o christ_n come_v a_o light_n into_o the_o world_n and_o what_o christian_n dare_v say_v or_o think_v he_o do_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n yet_o all_o he_o can_v say_v or_o do_v for_o that_o purpose_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o most_o of_o his_o countryman_n and_o kindred_n that_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n christ._n all_o that_o i_o can_v reasonable_o design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o scripture_n be_v a_o shine_a light_n that_o do_v sufficient_o prove_v itself_o to_o be_v inspire_v of_o god_n though_o many_o have_v not_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o 4._o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v in_o this_o discourse_n that_o as_o there_o be_v one_o live_v and_o true_a god_n so_o this_o god_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o adore_v by_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n with_o that_o service_n and_o worship_n which_o may_v become_v his_o infinite_a and_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n hence_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v by_o god_n himself_o concern_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n wherein_o he_o will_v have_v his_o creature_n to_o serve_v he_o for_o who_o can_v know_v what_o please_v god_n but_o he_o himself_o and_o they_o to_o who_o he_o make_v know_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n now_o suppose_v some_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v in_o order_n to_o that_o service_n which_o he_o will_v accept_v and_o be_v well_o please_v with_o i_o may_v ask_v this_o question_n viz._n if_o scripture_n be_v not_o this_o revelation_n where_o be_v it_o and_o this_o will_v lie_v hard_a upon_o all_o who_o acknowledge_v one_o only_o true_a god_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o show_v some_o other_o and_o better_a manifestation_n concern_v the_o will_n and_o way_n of_o god_n than_o what_o he_o have_v make_v in_o his_o write_a word_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v discuss_v hereafter_o and_o for_o the_o present_a i_o be_o to_o show_v how_o and_o wherein_o scripture_n speak_v itself_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o protestant_n be_v persuade_v that_o scripture_n be_v divine_o inspire_v 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o do_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o so_o punctual_o and_o perfect_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o all_o particular_n which_o concern_v his_o glory_n or_o man_n everlasting_a happiness_n as_o scripture_n do_v to_o enforce_v this_o a_o little_a we_o ready_o grant_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v a_o light_n show_v we_o somewhat_o yea_o very_o much_o of_o god_n and_o concern_v our_o duty_n towards_o he_o but_o how_o imperfect_a and_o obscure_a be_v this_o light_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o shine_v out_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n scripture_n indeed_o do_v not_o contradict_v it_o how_o shall_v it_o both_o be_v of_o god_n and_o one_o truth_n can_v possible_o contradict_v another_o nay_o further_o as_o scripture_n consent_v to_o and_o concur_v with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n so_o it_o reprove_v the_o neglect_n and_o incite_v to_o a_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v show_v in_o many_o particular_n if_o we_o be_v put_v to_o it_o but_o how_o dim_a and_o dark_a be_v nature_n light_n as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o god_n when_o it_o teach_v nothing_o at_o all_o about_o it_o the_o heathen_n have_v their_o offering_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o appease_v their_o god_n and_o in_o these_o for_o aught_o any_o can_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v light_a from_o god_n people_n who_o have_v the_o divine_a oracle_n but_o all_o those_o offering_n of_o they_o be_v lie_v vanity_n because_o they_o have_v not_o any_o the_o least_o apprebension_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v a_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n and_o what_o revelation_n have_v god_n make_v of_o his_o mind_n about_o this_o great_a concernment_n beside_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n do_v ever_o any_o of_o the_o learned_a heathen_n so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o such_o a_o work_n as_o god_n reconcile_a the_o world_n to_o himself_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o papist_n i_o hope_v will_v acknowledge_v with_o we_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o propitiation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n now_o how_o come_v we_o and_o they_o to_o know_v this_o great_a mystery_n if_o we_o learn_v it_o not_o from_o scripture_n and_o can_v any_o but_o god_n reveal_v it_o to_o we_o and_o since_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n have_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n for_o the_o only_a way_n of_o purge_a sin_n and_o sanctify_v our_o sinful_a nature_n what_o have_v any_o heathen_n do_v by_o their_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o their_o natural_a light_n they_o have_v indeed_o many_o of_o they_o commend_a virtue_n to_o the_o sky_n and_o exhort_v other_o to_o it_o but_o what_o be_v that_o moral_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o the_o philosopher_n and_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v labour_v to_o promote_v among_o man_n be_v it_o not_o of_o a_o far_o inferior_a nature_n and_o quite_o another_o thing_n from_o that_o true_a holiness_n which_o be_v teach_v in_o scripture_n for_o this_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o a_o learned_a discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n not_o long_o since_o print_v and_o only_o say_v though_o many_o heathen_n by_o their_o natural_a light_n discover_v many_o vice_n to_o shun_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o be_v sober_a just_a and_o temperate_a in_o comparison_n of_o other_o yet_o all_o this_o moral_a righteousness_n in_o they_o be_v far_o short_a of_o god_n image_n and_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o those_o who_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o different_a as_o a_o live_a man_n and_o his_o statue_n or_o picture_n though_o draw_v as_o we_o say_v to_o the_o life_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o true_a holiness_n consist_v especial_o in_o the_o inward_a impression_n and_o disposition_n which_o make_v a_o man_n meet_v for_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o in_o the_o inclination_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n immediate_o such_o as_o meet_v moralist_n never_o know_v there_o be_v a_o fountain_n and_o root_n within_o from_o whence_o spring_v all_o that_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n and_o purity_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o outward_a conversation_n and_o all_o be_v from_o a_o man_n be_v ingraft_v into_o christ_n and_o receive_v from_o he_o a_o continual_a supply_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v papist_n will_v not_o deny_v viz._n that_o all_o spiritual_a good_a be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o this_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v teach_v we_o in_o scripture_n we_o conclude_v scripture_n to_o be_v write_v with_o god_n finger_n because_o no_o other_o than_o god_n can_v reveal_v such_o glorious_a truth_n to_o we_o let_v it_o be_v show_v we_o how_o these_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v write_v where_o we_o find_v they_o and_o who_o write_v they_o if_o god_n do_v not_o once_o we_o think_v it_o a_o rational_a and_o unquestionable_a conclusion_n that_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n because_o we_o find_v in_o it_o the_o only_a way_n of_o our_o access_n to_o and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o only_a way_n of_o purify_n we_o so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v meet_a for_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o ever_o and_o why_o even_o because_o god_n alone_o can_v teach_v we_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v conceive_v all_o this_o while_n we_o grant_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o some_o man_n before_o they_o be_v record_v in_o the_o write_a word_n but_o we_o expect_v papist_n will_v not_o send_v we_o
have_v be_v make_v in_o many_o age_n and_o do_v not_o coin_v a_o new_a faith_n never_o before_o hear_v of_o we_o be_v not_o calvinist_n or_o lutheran_n though_o so_o miscall_v by_o some_o but_o christian_n as_o luther_n calvin_n and_o other_o be_v in_o the_o last_o age_n and_o they_o and_o all_o other_o of_o the_o same_o profession_n stand_v to_o maintain_v their_o doctrine_n as_o the_o faith_n of_o forefather_n all_o along_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o our_o adversary_n be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o this_o have_v be_v hold_v and_o sufficient_o make_v good_a by_o the_o vote_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n unto_o who_o our_o learned_a have_v appeal_v as_o unto_o judge_n in_o this_o cause_n but_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o in_o the_o father_n never_o so_o ancient_a or_o learned_a but_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o we_o have_v learn_v to_o count_v and_o call_v our_o father_n and_o master_n as_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n only_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o father_n thus_o far_o as_o to_o produce_v they_o for_o our_o witness_n and_o know_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o allege_v their_o testimony_n because_o they_o own_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o now_o do_v and_o though_o the_o appellation_n of_o protestant_n be_v occasion_v in_o the_o last_o age_n by_o the_o protestation_n make_v against_o the_o interim_n yet_o these_o be_v but_o successor_n to_o those_o who_o have_v for_o many_o age_n before_o protest_v against_o the_o addition_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n beside_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o can_v therefore_o plead_v antiquity_n and_o succession_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o better_a too_o unless_o they_o can_v prove_v better_a than_o they_o have_v do_v yet_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o this_o be_v it_o which_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o and_o by_o this_o be_v we_o confirm_v in_o it_o viz._n that_o we_o profess_v the_o same_o truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v from_o christ_n and_o deliver_v unto_o the_o first_o christian_n churches_n hence_o we_o say_v when_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o tenet_n of_o our_o adversary_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o have_v be_v receive_v for_o many_o age_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o old_a as_o the_o apostle_n beside_o we_o know_v that_o custom_n beside_o or_o i._n against_o truth_n be_v but_o a_o old_a error_n and_o whatsoâ—…ver_o be_v against_o truth_n be_v a_o heresy_n though_o never_o so_o old_a truth_n be_v old_a than_o error_n and_o good_a be_v before_o any_o evil_n and_o so_o we_o consent_v that_o what_o be_v first_o be_v best_a but_o that_o our_o adversary_n tenet_n be_v such_o we_o deny_v and_o say_v they_o be_v not_o from_o the_o beginning_n though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v take_v up_o early_o enough_o and_o too_o soon_o as_o we_o know_v it_o be_v not_o long_o ere_o sin_v get_v into_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v after_o god_n have_v make_v man_n righteous_a our_o saviour_n matth._n 5._o correct_v many_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v long_o receive_v and_o go_v for_o currant_n by_o oppose_v his_o word_n against_o they_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v abundant_o enough_o to_o justify_v we_o in_o what_o we_o hold_v that_o we_o find_v our_o faith_n in_o scripture_n and_o this_o our_o adversary_n know_v very_o well_o and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o marvel_n that_o they_o be_v so_o busy_a in_o raise_v doubt_n and_o question_n about_o its_o divine_a authority_n for_o let_v we_o once_o let_v scripture_n go_v as_o some_o will_v have_v we_o our_o faith_n be_v go_v also_o be_v it_o not_o for_o scripture_n i_o know_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v why_o every_o man_n may_v not_o coin_n a_o faith_n to_o himself_o and_o say_v it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n yea_o deny_v christ_n and_o all_o christianity_n for_o what_o have_v we_o to_o prove_v it_o beside_o the_o scripture_n or_o how_o can_v we_o disprove_v any_o damnable_a doctrine_n and_o device_n of_o man_n without_o it_o o_o let_v we_o never_o think_v of_o turn_v from_o the_o good_a old_a way_n wherein_o we_o follow_v all_o those_o champion_n who_o nothing_o can_v persuade_v to_o part_v with_o it_o 3._o consider_v what_o and_o how_o much_o we_o lose_v if_o we_o hold_v not_o fast_o this_o ground_n of_o our_o confidence_n steadfast_a unto_o the_o end_n it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o our_o adversary_n press_v and_o urge_v we_o so_o much_o this_o way_n they_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o let_v go_v this_o and_o all_o be_v go_v and_o they_o say_v true_o in_o it_o for_o our_o faith_n have_v no_o sure_a foot_n if_o scripture_n authority_n be_v such_o as_o they_o will_v make_v it_o we_o have_v separate_v from_o they_o for_o many_o year_n past_a and_o the_o true_a reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o separation_n be_v that_o they_o hold_v and_o practise_v so_o many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o lay_v they_o aside_o hereupon_o we_o resolve_v to_o communicate_v no_o long_o with_o they_o because_o we_o can_v not_o admit_v what_o we_o judge_v sinful_a as_o be_v against_o or_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o count_v the_o only_a rule_n this_o i_o say_v have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o quarrel_n between_o we_o for_o if_o it_o be_v observe_v in_o our_o difference_n with_o they_o we_o still_o be_v on_o the_o negative_a part_n and_o why_o so_o sure_o because_o our_o difference_n be_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o hold_v beside_o and_o against_o scripture_n for_o in_o these_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o deny_v what_o they_o affirm_v i_o say_v again_o bind_v sub_fw-la poenâ_fw-la of_o lose_v all_o our_o profession_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v protestant_n in_o opposition_n to_o papist_n and_o this_o let_v any_o man_n that_o be_v sober_a and_o intelligent_a judge_n of_o for_o let_v oral_a and_o practical_a tradition_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n what_o be_v become_v of_o scripture_n may_v i_o not_o just_o ask_v whether_o it_o be_v something_o or_o a_o mere_a empty_a nothing_o what_o can_v it_o be_v at_o best_o more_o than_o a_o cipher_n which_o we_o know_v in_o number_v stand_v for_o nothing_o unless_o a_o figure_n be_v put_v to_o it_o tradition_n say_v they_o be_v that_o and_o that_o only_a which_o can_v ascertain_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o believe_v and_o than_o what_o be_v scripture_n more_o than_o a_o dead_a letter_n and_o tradition_n be_v it_o which_o give_v spirit_n and_o life_n to_o it_o and_o where_o be_v we_o then_o even_o where_o our_o adversary_n will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v then_o we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o church_n for_o our_o faith_n and_o take_v that_o for_o the_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o for_o many_o age_n whatever_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n the_o church_n say_v they_o can_v err_v and_o so_o say_v we_o but_o they_o and_o we_o be_v not_o agree_v for_o all_o this_o for_o they_o mean_v no_o other_o church_n than_o their_o own_o and_o this_o say_v they_o have_v the_o true_a faith_n which_o from_o the_o apostle_n be_v deliver_v at_o first_o and_o have_v be_v convey_v down_o succesfive_o in_o all_o age_n and_o it_o now_o rest_v only_o among_o roman_a catholic_n god_n have_v and_o ever_o have_v say_v we_o a_o church_n or_o society_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n who_o do_v not_o indeed_o can_v not_o because_o of_o god_n promise_n err_v in_o any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n but_o we_o can_v admit_v their_o church_n and_o this_o to_o be_v all_o one_o god_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n to_o his_o church_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o church_n shall_v be_v lead_v into_o all_o necessary_a save_a truth_n but_o let_v our_o adversary_n show_v we_o if_o they_o can_v one_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o any_o generation_n of_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n such_o as_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n seed_n and_o be_v make_v good_a to_o they_o until_o the_o promise_a seed_n come_v israel_n so_o long_o continue_v to_o be_v god_n people_n because_o of_o his_o promise_n but_o god_n have_v no_o one_o people_n of_o one_o stock_n and_o kindred_n ever_o since_o unto_o which_o he_o have_v make_v any_o such_o promise_n for_o many_o who_o be_v once_o a_o people_n to_o god_n afterward_o become_v none_o and_o they_o who_o yet_o be_v none_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v god_n people_n and_o shall_v be_v such_o when_o he_o please_v to_o call_v they_o hence_o we_o count_v nothing_o of_o any_o argument_n draw_v from_o personal_a and_o