Gen.
Ep.
of
St.
Jude
,
v.
3.
—
That
ye
should
earnestly
contend
for
the
Faith
which
was
once
delivered
to
the
Saints
.
IF
it
was
needful
for
the
Apostles
to
write
unto
the
Churches
,
and
to
exhort
them
to
stedfastness
and
perseverance
in
the
Faith
,
while
the
Gospel
was
yet
fresh
in
their
memories
;
it
is
certainly
more
necessary
for
us
who
live
at
this
distance
,
if
we
expect
the
same
common
Salvation
,
to
be
instant
,
and
to
urge
the
like
Exhortations
,
by
how
much
the
reason
of
their
diligence
and
zeal
is
far
more
prevalent
in
our
times
.
For
unless
the
Complaints
of
all
sober
men
be
groundless
,
unless
the
publick
Voice
,
and
our
own
Experience
deceive
us
,
the
sundry
Prophecies
of
the
last
days
are
fulfilled
in
ours
;
and
the
Mischiefs
that
did
but
creep
in
the
beginning
of
Christianity
,
gather
strength
and
multiply
among
us
,
upon
whom
the
Ends
of
the
World
are
come
.
Should
I
read
unto
you
this
whole
Epistle
of
St.
Jude
,
or
the
greatest
part
of
the
second
of
St.
Peter
,
which
in
most
things
agrees
with
this
,
your
own
Observation
would
presently
suit
each
Character
;
you
would
point
out
the
Persons
to
whom
they
belonged
,
and
think
it
not
improbable
,
that
when
the
Spirit
of
God
did
inspire
these
holy
men
,
he
might
do
it
with
an
eye
to
the
present
Age.
But
being
I
come
not
hither
to
censure
others
,
but
to
confirm
our selves
in
the
true
Faith
,
and
being
Errour
falls
and
disappears
of
it self
,
when
the
Truth
is
set
in
a
clear
light
,
I
shall
wave
those
black
descriptions
both
of
the
Persons
and
their
Doctrines
,
which
the
Apostle
has
here
exposed
before
us
,
and
shall
onely
use
them
as
so
many
Arguments
of
our
care
and
caution
,
that
if
we
meet
with
the
men
,
(
as
't
is
hard
to
avoid
them
)
we
may
notwithstanding
shun
their
Errours
;
that
while
we
complain
of
Divisions
on
one
hand
,
and
Corruptions
on
another
,
of
Ignorance
in
some
,
Irreligion
in
others
,
and
Carelesness
in
most
,
we
may
be
sure
not
to
contribute
to
the
increase
of
either
;
but
that
we
labour
for
knowledge
and
a
good
Conscience
,
the
loss
of
which
is
enough
of
it self
to
endanger
our
Faith
,
though
there
were
none
without
us
to
oppose
it
;
and
then
that
we
study
to
be
quiet
,
and
as
much
as
lieth
in
us
,
and
if
it
be
possible
,
follow
peace
with
all
men
:
for
these
(
we
know
)
are
infallible
Evidences
of
a
Gospel-temper
,
and
inseparable
Concomitants
of
a
meek
and
sincere
Christian
.
Or
if
it
be
not
possible
for
us
to
compass
peace
with
all
,
seeing
all
men
have
not
Faith
,
all
men
are
not
sincere
,
let
not
that
discourage
,
but
rather
whet
our
diligence
in
doing
our
own
undoubted
duty
:
Though
it
exceed
our
power
and
skill
to
make
all
men
of
one
mind
,
and
we
cannot
of
our selves
attain
unto
it
,
yet
since
we
are
sure
of
the
mind
of
Christ
and
his
Apostles
,
let
us
always
remember
what
he
revealed
,
and
what
they
preached
,
believing
the
Truth
as
it
is
in
Jesus
,
continuing
in
the
Truth
as
't
is
after
Godliness
,
living
peaceably
,
charitably
,
and
unblameably
our selves
,
and
praying
continually
both
for
our selves
and
others
,
and
thus
earnestly
contend
for
the
Faith
which
was
once
delivered
to
the
Saints
.
The
words
are
a
plain
,
but
pathetical
Exhortation
to
an
indispensible
and
weighty
Duty
,
incumbent
on
every
man
that
hath
given
up
his
Name
to
Christ
,
that
professes
the
true
Apostolick
Faith
,
and
hopes
to
be
saved
in
that
Profession
.
And
surely
(
my
Brethren
)
if
this
be
required
of
every
Christian
,
it
will
highly
become
us
that
are
here
assembled
,
when
we
reflect
on
the
relation
wherein
we
stand
,
not
meerly
as
Professours
,
but
some
as
Fathers
,
many
as
Dispensers
,
and
all
as
Sons
in
the
common
Faith
,
to
be
very
earnest
and
zealous
for
it
;
that
so
we
may
at
once
credit
our
Extraction
,
and
adorn
the
Gospel
of
God
our
Saviour
;
that
we
may
walk
worthy
of
that
good
Providence
which
attended
us
in
our
Birth
,
and
blessed
us
in
our
Baptism
,
and
manifest
the
efficacy
of
that
primitive
and
sound
Doctrine
which
both
our
Fathers
and
our
Church
have
taught
us
.
That
therefore
I
may
recommend
the
Duty
to
your
practice
,
I
shall
observe
what
is
proper
for
our
instruction
in
the
words
,
and
handle
them
in
a
method
that
may
fairly
conduce
to
each
:
In
order
to
which
,
I
shall
endeavour
,
-
I.
To
explain
the
meaning
of
this
word
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
,
or
Faith.
-
II.
To
consider
the
manner
of
its
conveyance
,
and
the
Persons
that
received
it
,
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
,
delivered
to
the
Saints
.
-
III.
To
observe
the
emphasis
or
force
of
the
particle
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
,
The
Faith
was
delivered
to
the
Saints
,
and
that
but
once
.
-
IV.
To
conclude
all
with
the
earnest
Exhortation
of
St.
Jude
,
that
upon
these
and
some
other
motives
I
shall
offer
,
we
may
be
effectually
perswaded
,
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
,
to
contend
earnestly
for
it
;
i.
e.
to
defend
it
with
our
utmost
vigour
,
to
strive
together
that
we
lose
it
not
;
not
with
the
fury
of
a
blind
misguided
Zeal
,
which
produceth
Confusion
and
every
evil
Work
;
but
with
the
Spirit
of
power
,
and
of
love
,
and
of
a
sound
mind
,
and
with
meekness
of
wisdom
,
as
becometh
Saints
.
I.
I
need
not
stay
to
tell
you
,
that
this
word
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
,
or
Faith
,
hath
as
many
,
and
perhaps
more
significations
than
any
single
word
in
the
whole
Scriptures
,
which
are
obvious
and
easie
to
every
careful
Reader
:
I
shall
onely
explain
the
sence
of
it
in
this
place
,
as
't
is
drawn
from
the
nature
of
Faith.
Divine
Faith
in
general
is
nothing
else
but
an
assent
to
the
Truths
of
God
,
upon
his
own
Word
and
Testimony
;
let
it
appear
that
God
hath
declared
it
,
and
there
needs
no
other
ground
of
our
Belief
:
And
the
Faith
of
a
Christian
is
an
assent
to
the
same
truths
,
and
upon
the
same
grounds
;
but
as
the
Church
of
Christ
now
stands
,
and
must
continue
to
the
end
of
the
World
,
it
admits
of
this
addition
,
as
they
are
delivered
unto
us
in
the
Writings
of
the
Apostles
and
Prophets
.
In
which
you
may
easily
distinguish
two
things
;
the
assent
of
the
Understanding
,
and
something
credible
;
the
act
of
Believing
,
and
the
object
of
Faith.
Now
although
the
Faith
in
the
Text
doth
not
exclude
,
but
rather
suppose
the
former
,
for
how
should
we
contend
for
that
which
we
do
not
believe
?
yet
it
principally
denotes
the
latter
,
i.
e.
the
word
of
Faith
,
the
Doctrine
that
brings
Salvation
,
the
undoubted
Principles
of
our
holy
Religion
,
contained
at
large
in
the
Gospel
,
and
sum'd
up
in
the
Apostolical
and
Primitive
Confessions
.
And
this
is
evident
,
1.
from
the
following
word
in
the
Text
,
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
,
the
Faith
delivered
;
for
as
for
the
Act
or
Habit
of
Faith
,
it
is
either
produced
by
the
ordinary
means
of
hearing
,
or
else
supernaturally
infus'd
by
the
Spirit
of
God
:
but
that
which
is
properly
delivered
,
is
the
Doctrine
it self
,
either
by
word
of
mouth
or
by
writing
.
And
2.
from
many
parallel
places
of
Scripture
,
as
Acts
13.
8.
Where
Elymas
the
Sorcerer
sought
to
turn
away
the
Deputy
from
the
Faith
,
who
is
afterwards
said
,
v.
12.
to
be
astonished
at
the
Doctrine
of
the
Lord
:
and
Acts
14.
22.
When
St.
Paul
and
Barnabas
had
preached
the
Gospel
to
several
Cities
,
they
confirmed
the
Souls
of
the
Disciples
,
and
exhorted
them
to
continue
in
the
Faith
:
nay
,
St.
Paul
tells
us
of
himself
,
Gal.
1.
23.
That
he
preached
the
Faith
which
once
he
destroyed
;
and
prophesies
also
of
others
,
That
in
the
latter
times
some
shall
depart
from
the
Faith
,
1
Tim.
4.
1.
By
all
which
,
we
are
to
understand
the
Doctrine
of
Faith
;
that
Faith
which
God
revealed
by
his
Son
,
which
Christ
made
known
to
his
Apostles
,
and
the
Apostles
preached
to
the
World
;
at
the
promulgation
of
which
,
the
Angels
rejoyced
,
and
the
Devils
trembled
,
to
see
Man
so
wonderfully
redeemed
,
and
themselves
irrecoverably
left
in
everlasting
chains
;
which
was
propagated
by
Signes
and
Wonders
,
and
so
demonstrated
by
Miracles
,
that
men
were
easily
induced
to
believe
the
Word
of
God
in
their
mouths
,
while
they
saw
the
Power
of
God
in
every
Apostles
hand
;
by
the
energy
of
which
the
Cripples
were
cured
,
the
Dead
were
raised
,
and
some
at
first
were
deprived
of
life
:
That
Faith
which
all
the
Prophets
foretold
,
which
the
Evangelists
pen'd
,
and
the
Church
receiv'd
:
That
Faith
which
in
one
day
by
the
first
Pentecost-Sermon
,
converted
II.
To
consider
the
manner
of
its
conveyance
,
and
the
persons
that
received
it
,
The
Faith
delivered
to
the
Saints
:
I
put
these
two
together
,
because
they
will
help
to
explain
each
other
.
And
here
if
we
would
take
in
the
whole
we
contend
for
,
we
must
go
back
to
the
beginning
,
not
onely
to
the
Book
of
the
Generation
of
Jesus
Christ
,
but
even
to
the
Epoche
of
time
it self
,
and
may
trace
it
down
briefly
in
this
succeeding
course
:
When
God
had
created
man
for
his
own
service
,
that
is
,
his
glory
,
he
was
pleased
to
reveal
his
will
to
him
,
because
what
was
hid
from
him
could
never
be
the
instance
of
his
duty
;
and
hence
to
the
Law
of
Nature
which
he
printed
on
his
mind
,
he
added
a
positive
command
to
try
the
integrity
of
his
obedience
:
and
this
was
the
first
Revelation
made
to
Adam
in
innocence
,
whereby
he
was
enjoin'd
to
believe
and
to
obey
his
Maker
.
But
alas
!
we
all
know
what
Adam
did
,
and
feel
the
sad
efects
of
his
transgression
unto
this
day
:
wherefore
in
the
succeeding
Ages
he
spake
unto
the
Fathers
at
sundry
times
,
and
in
divers
manners
,
Heb.
1.
sometimes
by
an
audible
Voice
,
and
sometimes
by
secret
Illapses
,
by
Dreams
and
by
Visions
,
by
the
Ministry
of
Men
,
and
by
the
Message
of
Angels
:
And
when
the
fulness
of
time
was
come
,
he
spake
unto
us
once
for
all
,
by
his
onely
begotten
Son
;
who
being
from
all
eternity
in
the
bosom
of
the
Father
,
was
able
to
know
;
and
undertaking
this
errand
of
his
infinite
compassion
,
and
his
own
accord
,
was
willing
to
impart
whatever
was
necessary
for
us
to
receive
:
In
order
to
which
,
he
took
our
Nature
upon
him
,
conversed
among
us
,
unfolding
the
Mystery
which
was
before
kept
secret
,
and
so
became
the
Author
of
this
Faith.
And
as
his
Mercy
was
great
in
his
Advent
,
so
he
shew'd
his
Wisdom
in
the
choice
of
the
Persons
to
whom
he
delivered
this
Will
;
for
he
did
not
propound
it
at
all
adventures
,
and
expose
it
to
the
uncertain
Multitude
,
or
commit
it
to
the
hands
of
the
prejudiced
Rabbies
,
not
unto
the
Rich
and
Noble
,
or
the
Wise
and
Learned
of
the
Age
;
but
unto
a
selected
company
of
illiterate
Galileans
,
twelve
men
of
mean
quality
,
and
from
an
obscure
corner
,
without
the
advantages
of
Birth
or
Breeding
,
that
by
the
weakness
of
the
Instruments
,
and
the
improbability
of
the
means
,
the
Power
of
God
might
appear
stronger
.
These
were
they
,
despised
indeed
by
men
,
but
highly
favoured
of
God
,
and
chosen
by
Christ
to
be
Witnesses
of
all
that
he
began
both
to
do
,
and
teach
,
and
suffer
:
Who
being
always
à
latere
to
their
Lord
and
Master
,
and
enjoying
the
access
of
Favourites
,
and
the
freedom
of
Friends
,
had
the
evidence
of
their
outward
Senses
to
confirm
the
inward
perswasion
of
their
Minds
,
whereby
they
were
as
infallibly
assured
that
he
knew
all
things
,
and
that
he
came
forth
from
God
,
as
that
they
heard
him
speak
,
or
saw
him
work
a
Miracle
:
And
thus
St.
John
the
familiar
Disciple
testifieth
of
himself
and
the
rest
of
the
Apostles
,
1
Ep.
1.
1.
That
which
was
from
the
beginning
,
which
we
have
heard
,
which
we
have
seen
with
our
eyes
,
which
we
have
looked
upon
,
and
our
hands
have
handled
of
the
word
of
life
;
that
which
we
have
seen
and
heard
declare
we
unto
you
.
And
as
they
were
Witnesses
of
all
his
Divine
Speeches
,
and
mighty
Works
,
and
bitter
.
Sufferings
,
and
above
all
,
of
his
glorious
Resurrection
near
5000
more
:
so
mightily
grew
the
Word
Act.
5.
14.
These
were
the
Persons
to
whom
the
Faith
was
at
first
delivered
,
and
these
the
means
of
its
first
conveyance
:
That
which
Christ
received
of
his
Father
,
he
delivered
unto
the
Apostles
;
that
which
the
Apostles
received
of
Christ
,
they
delivered
to
the
Saints
,
who
were
called
so
to
be
,
being
converted
by
their
preaching
:
And
thus
the
Faith
was
planted
,
and
the
Church
of
Christ
was
founded
.
That
Primitive
,
Holy
,
and
Uniform
Church
which
began
at
Jerusalem
,
and
was
the
Mother
of
all
true
Churches
in
after
Ages
;
which
consisted
of
a
company
of
faithful
,
and
obedient
,
and
devout
People
,
professing
the
same
Doctrine
,
communicating
in
the
same
Sacraments
,
and
presenting
the
same
Prayers
:
As
ye
find
them
describ'd
,
Act.
2.
41
,
42.
Then
they
that
gladly
received
his
word
,
were
baptized
,
and
the
same
day
there
were
added
unto
them
about
3000
Souls
;
and
they
continued
stedfastly
in
the
Apostles
Doctrine
and
Fellowship
,
and
in
breaking
of
Bread
,
and
in
Prayers
.
I
beseech
you
,
consult
the
place
,
and
ponder
the
words
well
,
because
they
contain
all
the
necessary
Notes
,
and
essential
Ingredients
of
a
true
Church
:
They
were
all
baptized
,
there
's
the
entrance
by
Baptism
;
they
stedfastly
retained
the
Apostles
Doctrine
,
there
's
the
unity
of
the
Faith
;
they
continued
in
the
Apostles
Fellowship
,
there
's
their
union
and
adherence
to
their
Governours
;
they
received
the
blessed
Eucharist
,
expressed
by
breaking
of
bread
,
and
consented
in
the
use
of
the
common
Prayers
,
there
's
the
Uniformity
of
their
Worship
.
These
were
the
Saints
of
the
first
Church
,
built
upon
the
Faith
which
the
Apostles
then
preached
,
made
capable
of
a
continual
increase
,
and
an
uninterrupted
succession
:
for
the
Lord
added
daily
then
such
as
should
be
saved
,
and
and
presented
unto
himself
a
glorious
Church
,
without
spot
or
wrinkle
,
in
So
much
for
the
manner
of
its
first
conveyance
,
and
the
Persons
that
first
received
it
.
But
here
ariseth
a
material
question
that
concerns
all
the
succeeding
Ages
,
and
is
of
great
moment
to
us
now
living
;
for
that
the
Faith
was
at
first
revealed
by
Christ
,
and
published
by
his
Apostles
,
is
confessed
by
all
Christians
,
however
they
be
otherwise
divided
in
their
opinions
or
judgments
:
but
where
this
Faith
is
now
to
be
found
,
and
how
it
is
derived
downwards
unto
us
,
who
live
at
the
distance
of
1600
years
and
upwards
,
is
a
controversie
that
at
this
very
hour
disturbs
Christendom
.
That
't
is
preserved
in
the
Scriptures
as
a
perfect
Rule
of
Gods
revealed
Will
,
is
the
Doctrine
of
ours
,
and
all
reformed
Churches
:
That
the
Scriptures
are
not
a
sufficient
Rule
of
Faith
,
but
want
a
supply
from
Tradition
,
is
the
known
Doctrine
of
the
Church
of
Rome
.
By
the
meer
mention
of
which
,
you
cannot
but
see
the
necessity
of
a
Resolution
,
for
setling
our
Judgments
,
for
guiding
our
Consciences
,
and
building
us
up
in
our
most
holy
Faith
:
In
order
to
which
,
I
crave
leave
to
premise
some
few
preliminaries
,
that
may
at
once
give
us
light
,
and
prevent
cavils
in
this
Enquiry
.
1.
It
is
confessed
,
that
as
our
Saviour
writ
2.
But
then
it
is
no
less
certain
,
that
the
Apostles
taught
the
Churches
by
writing
,
as
well
3.
Whatever
the
Apostles
delivered
by
word
of
mouth
,
or
committed
to
writing
,
is
of
equal
authority
,
because
in
both
they
were
inspired
by
the
Holy
Ghost
:
If
therefore
it
appear
,
that
what
is
delivered
,
be
the
Word
and
Will
of
God
,
whether
it
be
written
or
unwritten
,
't
is
sufficient
ground
of
a
Christians
Faith.
4.
But
then
fourthly
,
since
it
is
impossible
to
make
it
appear
,
that
after
the
Scriptures
were
written
,
and
the
Canon
was
compleat
,
there
remained
some
Articles
of
Faith
preserved
onely
by
Tradition
,
and
not
delivered
in
the
Scriptures
,
it
will
naturally
follow
,
that
the
written
Word
of
God
is
a
sufficient
Rule
of
divine
Faith.
I
confess
at
the
first
,
when
Christianity
was
confin'd
to
a
narrow
compass
,
and
the
number
of
Believers
was
but
small
,
their
zeal
and
concern
for
the
Faith
was
such
,
that
there
was
no
danger
of
letting
any
thing
slip
which
they
had
received
as
a
necessary
Doctrine
;
and
then
Oral
Tradition
was
a
proper
conveyance
of
the
divine
Will
,
especially
considering
that
then
the
gifts
of
the
Spirit
were
plentifully
shed
,
not
onely
on
the
Apostles
,
but
on
every
true
Believer
also
:
But
when
the
Word
of
God
grew
and
multiplied
,
and
the
Religion
of
Jesus
gained
ground
in
the
World
,
when
it
spread
it self
far
and
near
,
and
passed
through
many
hands
into
divers
remote
Countries
,
the
same
Spirit
that
moved
the
Apostles
to
teach
and
preach
,
moved
some
of
them
to
write
what
they
had
preached
,
and
other
holy
men
to
write
what
they
had
seen
and
heard
,
lest
in
process
of
time
their
Doctrine
might
be
forgotten
by
the
carelesness
of
luke-warm
Professours
,
or
corrupted
by
the
contrivance
of
crafty
Hereticks
,
or
destroyed
by
the
malice
of
the
Devil
.
And
truly
,
though
the
Writings
of
any
one
Apostle
appointed
for
this
purpose
had
been
sufficient
to
preserve
the
Faith
entire
,
particularly
had
we
onely
the
Gospel
of
St.
John
,
affirming
of
himself
,
that
though
he
had
omitted
many
things
that
Jesus
did
,
yet
he
had
written
all
things
necessary
to
salvation
,
Joh.
20.
30
,
31.
And
many
other
signes
truly
did
Jesus
in
the
presence
of
his
Disciples
,
which
are
not
written
in
this
Book
:
But
these
are
written
,
why
?
that
ye
might
believe
;
written
that
ye
might
believe
what
?
that
Jesus
is
the
Christ
,
the
Son
of
God
;
and
what
of
that
?
and
that
believing
,
(
this
,
as
the
great
foundation
of
all
the
rest
,
which
the
belief
of
this
is
apt
to
produce
in
your
hearts
and
lives
)
ye
might
have
life
through
his
Name
.
I
say
,
though
the
Testimony
of
one
in
this
manner
had
been
sufficient
,
yet
such
is
the
Providence
of
God
,
and
his
abundant
care
of
his
Church
,
which
must
continue
to
the
end
of
the
World
,
that
he
ratifies
his
Will
by
a
joynt
testimony
,
and
consignes
the
Rule
of
our
Faith
by
the
hands
of
several
Witnesses
,
differing
perhaps
in
stile
and
method
,
and
other
circumstances
,
but
agreeing
in
the
substance
of
all
things
necessary
,
as
the
water
is
the
same
,
though
it
be
conveyed
through
sundry
pipes
and
channels
.
From
what
hath
been
premised
,
we
may
thus
argue
:
If
to
preserve
a
thing
from
oblivion
or
corruption
,
be
the
main
end
of
writing
it
,
then
all
that
is
necessary
to
salvation
was
also
written
,
because
't
is
most
requisite
to
preserve
what
is
most
necessary
.
Or
if
you
please
,
thus
:
If
it
was
necessary
for
the
Apostles
to
write
at
all
,
lest
what
they
had
delivered
might
be
lost
,
it
was
requisite
they
should
write
all
that
was
necessary
,
lest
the
designe
of
the
whole
might
be
frustrated
.
For
when
God
of
his
infinite
goodness
had
revealed
his
Will
for
the
salvation
of
man
,
and
in
his
own
due
time
inspired
those
holy
men
that
writ
it
,
had
they
with-held
or
suppressed
any
part
of
it
,
the
drift
of
the
whole
had
been
rendered
ineffectual
,
our
Faith
had
been
lame
,
and
the
means
of
our
salvation
imperfect
:
Which
can
never
consist
with
the
integrity
of
such
as
are
supposed
to
write
by
inspiration
,
nor
with
the
goodness
of
God
that
inspired
them
in
order
to
the
salvation
of
mankind
.
But
if
this
general
Argument
be
less
perswasive
,
give
me
leave
to
enforce
it
with
a
matter
of
fact
,
which
admits
of
no
exception
.
And
here
,
for
the
Authority
of
the
Old
Testament
,
we
have
the
references
and
quotations
of
our
Saviour
and
his
Apostles
,
for
the
perfection
of
the
New
,
the
concurrent
testimony
of
the
Antients
;
and
for
the
sufficiency
of
both
,
the
constant
appeals
of
the
Church
of
God.
1.
It
is
manifest
,
that
though
our
Saviour
sometimes
proved
the
truth
of
his
Doctrine
by
Miracles
and
mighty
Works
,
yet
generally
he
appeal'd
to
the
Scriptures
as
to
the
principal
test
of
the
greatest
truths
:
for
thus
he
confuted
the
Sadducees
in
that
fundamental
Article
of
the
Resurrection
,
Mat.
22.
29.
Ye
do
err
,
not
knowing
the
Scriptures
.
To
them
he
referred
the
Jews
when
he
prov'd
himself
the
Messias
,
Joh.
5.
39.
Search
the
Scriptures
,
for
in
them
ye
think
ye
have
eternal
life
,
and
they
are
they
that
testifie
of
me
.
By
them
he
confirmed
his
Disciples
,
when
he
was
risen
from
the
dead
:
for
,
beginning
at
Moses
and
all
the
Prophets
,
he
expounded
unto
them
in
all
the
Scriptures
,
the
things
concerning
himself
,
Luke
24.
27.
And
hence
St.
Peter
seems
to
prefer
the
Prophecies
of
old
time
,
before
an
immediate
voice
from
Heaven
;
for
though
we
heard
the
voice
in
the
holy
Mount
,
2
Pet.
1.
18.
yet
he
presently
adds
,
we
have
also
a
more
sure
word
of
Prophesie
,
whereunto
ye
do
well
that
ye
take
heed
,
as
unto
a
light
that
shineth
in
a
dark
place
.
Thus
St.
Paul
commends
Timothy
,
that
from
a
child
he
had
known
the
holy
Scriptures
,
which
were
able
to
make
him
wise
unto
salvation
,
through
Faith
which
is
in
Christ
Jesus
,
2
Tim.
3.
15.
And
to
name
no
more
,
The
Beraeans
are
said
to
be
more
noble
than
they
of
Thessalonica
,
because
they
searched
the
Scriptures
daily
,
whether
these
things
were
so
,
Acts
17.
11.
But
you
'll
say
,
the
testimonies
hitherto
produced
,
concern
onely
the
Old
Testament
;
what
's
all
this
to
the
New
,
which
was
not
written
while
our
Saviour
was
on
Earth
,
but
after
the
descent
of
the
Holy
Ghost
,
and
that
at
some
distance
of
time
,
and
by
degrees
,
as
the
Spirit
moved
the
Apostles
and
other
holy
men
to
write
?
For
the
perfection
therefore
and
sufficiency
of
the
New
we
have
the
practice
of
the
Church
in
the
purest
times
,
and
the
unanimous
consent
of
the
Fathers
who
appealed
to
the
Scriptures
in
all
their
questions
that
concerned
Faith
or
Manners
,
and
confuted
all
Heresies
by
them
.
An
Argument
,
I
confess
,
from
humane
testimony
,
but
yet
of
undoubted
authority
,
such
as
no
prudent
man
has
reason
to
distrust
,
and
such
as
the
matter
is
capable
of
.
I
know
they
did
sometimes
alledge
Traditions
,
especially
when
they
disputed
with
those
that
denied
the
Scriptures
;
but
this
does
not
at
all
infer
the
insufficiency
of
the
Scriptures
,
because
the
Traditions
they
urged
,
were
of
such
things
as
were
set
down
in
the
Scriptures
.
Nay
,
they
did
rather
hereby
confirm
their
authority
,
by
shewing
the
great
agreement
there
was
between
such
as
were
true
Traditions
,
and
the
holy
Scriptures
:
For
it
ought
to
be
remembred
,
that
the
Fathers
were
to
encounter
two
sort
of
Adversaries
;
some
few
that
denied
the
Scriptures
,
and
others
that
received
them
:
Where
the
Scriptures
were
denied
,
they
alledg'd
onely
Traditions
;
where
the
Scriptures
were
allowed
,
they
alledg'd
the
Scriptures
in
the
first
place
,
and
Traditions
for
the
true
sence
and
interpretation
of
the
Scriptures
.
But
it
does
not
appear
that
they
ever
did
alledge
Traditions
for
any
one
Article
of
Faith
which
is
not
plainly
expressed
in
the
Scriptures
.
I
shall
not
here
detain
you
with
a
cloud
of
Quotations
which
are
collected
to
my
hands
by
a
great
many
learned
Pens
,
but
onely
with
a
few
that
are
plain
and
positive
:
for
I
think
I
may
safely
affirm
,
that
if
there
be
one
Tradition
which
runs
through
the
Writings
of
the
Antients
as
a
common
Principle
,
it
is
this
;
That
the
Scriptures
contain
the
perfect
Rule
of
Faith.
Irenaeus
.
The
Scriptures
are
perfect
,
for
Clem.
Alexandr
.
They
that
look
for
the
Origen
.
For
the
confirmation
of
all
our
Athanasius
.
If
ye
are
the
Disciples
of
the
Chrysost.
If
we
speak
without
the
warrant
And
to
the
same
effect
speak
St.
Basil
,
St.
Cyril
Hieros
.
Damascen
,
Theophylact
,
Theoph.
Alexandr
.
and
sundry
other
of
the
Greeks
.
Give
me
leave
to
subjoyn
some
few
of
the
Latins
,
that
by
two
sorts
of
Witnesses
we
may
learn
the
Truth
,
and
silence
Gain-sayers
.
Tertullian
.
The
Gospel
of
Christ
puts
an
end
St.
Cyprian
.
If
it
be
commanded
in
the
Hieronymus
.
The
Church
of
Christ
possesses
The
time
will
not
permit
me
to
quote
every
Father
,
nor
all
of
each
;
I
shall
onely
adde
the
words
of
St.
Augustine
disputing
with
Maximinus
,
and
those
of
Optatus
against
the
Donatists
,
because
they
are
near
akin
,
and
highly
useful
to
put
an
end
to
this
and
all
other
Controversies
.
Neither
ought
I
to
alledge
(
viz.
such
as
are
impartial
;
)
if
they
be
Heathens
,
they
are
altogether
ignorant
;
if
they
be
Jews
,
they
are
utter
Enemies
.
Seeing
therefore
we
can
find
no
competent
Judges
on
Earth
,
we
must
have
recourse
to
Heaven
:
But
alass
!
what
can
we
expect
from
Heaven
,
while
we
have
the
last
Will
and
Testament
of
our
Saviour
in
the
Gospel
?
He
compares
the
Scriptures
to
the
Will
of
a
Testatour
:
if
any
Controversie
arise
among
the
Kindred
after
his
death
,
and
one
affirms
this
,
another
that
;
they
don't
run
to
his
Grave
,
but
peruse
the
Writings
,
and
so
learn
his
mind
as
though
he
were
still
among
them
.
Our
Saviour
therefore
,
who
is
now
in
Heaven
,
foreseeing
strifes
after
his
death
,
hath
left
us
his
Will
in
the
lasting
Tables
of
the
Gospel
:
And
surely
these
are
sufficient
to
teach
us
his
mind
,
these
alone
must
decide
all
our
differences
that
concern
Faith
or
Manners
.
From
hence
alone
we
derive
whatever
we
believe
with
our
hearts
,
or
confess
with
our
mouths
,
as
of
necessity
to
salvation
,
because
by
these
we
shall
be
judged
at
the
last
day
:
For
God
(
says
St.
Paul
)
shall
judge
the
secrets
of
men
by
Jesus
Christ
according
to
my
Gospel
,
Rom.
2.
16.
These
thingswe
teach
and
exhort
,
as
the
sure
ground
of
our
Faith
and
Practice
,
and
venture
our
Souls
upon
them
:
And
if
any
man
teach
otherwise
,
(
for
I
doubt
not
to
apply
the
words
of
St.
Paul
again
,
1
Tim.
6.
3.
&c.
)
and
consent
not
to
wholsome
words
,
even
the
words
of
our
Lord
Jesus
Christ
,
and
to
the
Doctrine
which
is
according
●o
Godliness
;
he
is
proud
,
he
knows
nothing
,
he
doats
;
They
are
not
mine
,
but
the
words
of
the
Apostle
,
with
many
more
as
severe
as
these
:
And
from
such
(
saith
he
to
Timothy
his
own
Son
in
the
Faith
)
withdraw
thy self
,
v.
5.
Whatever
any
man
would
alledge
or
obtrude
upon
you
,
which
is
not
consonant
to
the
wholsome
words
of
Christ
and
his
Apostles
,
which
make
up
the
whole
Doctrine
according
to
Godliness
,
reject
and
disclaim
it
as
alien
from
the
Faith
;
for
unless
ye
can
have
new
Scriptures
,
ye
can
never
have
new
Articles
of
your
Faith.
To
these
alone
we
appeal
as
the
immoveable
Rule
of
our
Doctrines
;
and
if
any
doubt
arise
in
the
interpretation
of
them
,
we
refer
our selves
gladly
to
the
first
and
purest
Antiquity
:
To
Christ
alone
as
the
great
Author
and
Finisher
of
our
Faith
;
to
the
Apostles
and
Evangelists
,
as
the
first
Preachers
and
Publishers
;
to
the
Primitive
Fathers
and
Councils
,
as
the
best
Helpers
and
Interpreters
.
Let
no
man
therefore
deceive
you
with
vain
words
,
nor
beat
you
off
from
this
hold
and
fortress
;
whatever
is
necessary
to
eternal
life
,
is
fully
contained
in
the
holy
Scriptures
;
whatever
is
not
there
,
can
never
be
a
part
of
the
Christian
Faith.
I
conclude
this
point
with
the
words
and
appeal
of
the
Prophet
,
which
is
back'd
with
an
excellent
reason
,
Isai.
8.
20.
To
the
Law
and
to
the
Testimony
;
if
they
speak
not
according
to
this
word
,
it
is
because
there
is
no
light
in
them
.
III.
I
should
now
proceed
in
the
third
place
to
observe
the
emphasis
and
force
of
the
Particle
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
.
The
Faith
was
delivered
to
the
Saints
,
and
that
but
once
:
Which
little
word
is
of
great
weight
,
and
carries
with
it
sufficient
matter
to
conclude
and
determine
those
that
seek
it
,
and
to
settle
and
secure
those
that
hold
it
.
But
that
which
I
chiefly
designe
,
(
since
the
time
forbids
me
to
enlarge
upon
it
)
is
the
Immutability
of
this
Faith
,
which
is
the
proper
importance
of
the
word
Once
.
That
which
Christ
received
of
his
Father
,
he
communicated
to
his
Apostles
;
so
he
testifies
himself
,
when
he
prayed
for
them
,
Joh.
17.
8.
I
have
given
them
the
words
which
thou
gavest
me
,
and
they
have
received
them
:
The
same
that
they
received
of
Christ
,
they
delivered
to
the
Saints
.
So
St.
Peter
declares
,
2
Pet.
1.
16.
We
have
not
followed
cunningly
devised
Fables
,
when
we
made
known
unto
you
the
power
and
coming
of
our
Lord
Jesus
Christ
,
but
were
eye-witnesses
of
his
Majesty
.
Nay
,
St.
Paul
speaks
of
his
Gospel
and
the
preaching
of
Jesus
Christ
,
as
one
and
the
same
thing
,
Rom.
16.
25.
which
he
there
interprets
once
for
all
to
be
,
The
Revelation
of
the
Mystery
which
was
kept
secret
since
the
World
began
,
but
now
is
made
manifest
,
and
by
the
Scriptures
of
the
Prophets
,
according
to
the
commandment
of
the
everlasting
God
,
[
mark
that
again
,
I
pray
!
]
made
known
to
all
Nations
for
the
obedience
of
Faith.
Here
then
we
are
sure
of
the
whole
immutable
counsel
of
God
for
the
Faith
and
Obedience
of
all
Nations
,
which
the
succeeding
Church
is
to
preach
and
receive
as
from
the
beginning
,
not
to
enlarge
or
shorten
,
not
to
alter
or
corrupt
by
any
mixtures
or
additions
of
their
own
devising
:
For
though
when
Christ
founded
his
Church
,
he
made
that
indeed
capable
of
a
continual
addition
,
even
till
the
full
period
of
his
coming
again
to
Judgment
;
yet
the
foundation
of
Faith
upon
which
he
built
it
,
is
like
himself
,
the
same
yesterday
,
and
to
day
,
and
for
ever
;
it
stands
as
a
Rock
,
firm
and
unalterable
,
never
to
be
changed
by
Man
or
Angel.
For
though
We
(
says
St.
Paul
,
Gal.
1.
8.
)
or
an
Angel
from
Heaven
,
preach
any
other
Gospel
unto
you
,
that
that
which
we
have
preached
unto
you
,
let
him
be
accursed
.
A
dreadful
sentence
at
first
hearing
!
but
that
we
may
not
take
it
for
a
sudden
transport
,
we
have
the
same
result
from
his
second
thoughts
(
v.
9.
)
As
we
said
before
so
say
I
now
again
,
If
any
man
preach
any
other
Gospel
unto
you
,
than
that
ye
have
received
,
let
him
be
accursed
.
And
what
need
I
say
more
?
If
an
Apostle
or
an
Angel
may
not
attempt
a
change
in
the
Doctrine
of
the
Gospel
,
under
pain
of
a
Curse
,
what
shall
be
the
doom
of
any
other
?
If
Christ
knew
the
mind
of
his
Father
,
and
the
Apostles
his
,
what
words
can
express
the
heinousness
of
that
guilt
,
where
men
presume
to
make
additions
to
it
?
I
shall
add
but
one
Rule
which
may
serve
to
establish
us
in
this
Faith
against
all
sort
of
innovations
,
and
't
is
that
of
Tertullian's
,
where
he
pleads
Prescription
for
the
Truth
:
Id
dominicum
&
verum
quod
prius
traditum
,
id
extraneum
&
falsum
,
quod
posterius
immissum
.
Whatever
is
truly
a
part
of
the
Christian
Doctrine
,
was
once
at
first
delivered
;
whatever
bears
any
latter
date
,
can
never
be
a
point
of
the
true
Faith.
IV.
And
now
methinks
the
Application
of
the
whole
is
so
easie
and
obvious
,
that
it
makes
it self
:
For
if
the
Faith
of
the
Gospel
be
so
certain
,
and
has
been
so
fully
evidenced
and
made
known
to
us
,
if
it
be
a
Doctrine
of
so
great
and
pretious
importance
,
even
the
Doctrine
that
brings
Salvation
;
A
Doctrine
that
comes
from
God
by
his
onely
begotten
Son
,
and
shews
us
the
onely
way
to
him
,
on
which
the
eternal
welfare
of
our
Souls
depends
,
and
without
which
we
had
still
remained
what
we
were
before
,
children
of
wrath
:
Surely
then
't
is
worthy
of
our
Christian
Resolution
and
Zeal
,
not
onely
to
love
and
obey
it
from
the
heart
,
but
to
confess
and
maintain
and
propagate
in
the
World
with
our
earnest
endeavours
,
and
persevering
diligence
;
Then
we
cannot
but
see
what
reason
we
have
,
to
stand
fast
in
one
Spirit
,
with
one
mind
,
striving
together
for
the
Faith
of
the
Gospel
,
as
St.
Paul
exhorts
,
Phil.
1.
27.
or
as
St.
Jude
here
in
the
Text
,
To
contend
earnestly
for
it
,
as
't
was
once
delivered
to
the
Saints
.
There
is
a
Zeal
(
I
know
)
in
the
World
which
tends
to
destroy
what
it
seems
to
contend
for
,
which
is
full
of
bitterness
and
wrath
,
and
clamours
,
and
evil
speakings
;
a
Zeal
that
commonly
rageth
and
is
confident
,
because
it
proceeds
from
ignorance
,
and
knows
not
whereon
to
bottom
:
There
is
a
Zeal
that
sets
on
fire
the
course
of
Nature
,
and
is
set
on
fire
of
Hell
;
nay
,
that
would
call
for
fire
from
Heaven
to
consume
those
that
oppose
it
,
such
as
once
betray'd
it self
in
two
of
the
Disciples
,
before
they
which
is
first
pure
,
then
Wherefore
while
we
strive
together
for
the
Faith
of
the
Gospel
,
let
us
strictly
keep
to
the
Laws
,
and
walk
by
the
Rules
which
the
Gospel
prescribes
to
us
;
always
remembring
that
Apostolical
Caution
,
2
Tim.
2.
5.
If
a
man
strive
for
Masteries
,
yet
he
is
not
crowned
,
except
he
strive
lawfully
.
As
for
you
(
my
Brethren
and
Friends
)
whom
I
take
to
be
grounded
in
this
Faith
,
and
long
since
stablished
in
the
love
of
it
,
it
is
needless
(
I
hope
)
to
load
you
with
Perswasions
to
stand
for
it
,
or
indeed
to
continue
and
persevere
in
it
:
It
is
but
the
effect
of
that
happy
Education
which
your
Parents
at
first
bestowed
upon
you
;
and
't
is
but
reasonable
to
expect
that
the
Seed
of
God
which
was
then
sown
in
your
hearts
,
should
grow
up
daily
to
perfection
,
and
bring
forth
suitable
fruit
:
For
any
man
to
draw
back
or
desert
the
ways
of
Religion
,
argues
either
ignorance
of
its
grounds
,
or
great
vanity
and
lightness
of
mind
;
but
for
Us
who
are
descended
from
the
Tribe
of
Levi
,
and
cannot
be
supposed
to
want
instruction
,
to
forsake
,
or
waver
,
or
even
to
doubt
of
our
most
Holy
Faith
,
what
is
it
else
,
but
to
cast
the
highest
reflection
upon
the
honour
of
Religion
,
to
stain
the
care
and
piety
of
our
Fathers
,
to
reproach
and
vilifie
that
Doctrine
which
they
so
faithfully
dispensed
,
and
so
effectually
recommended
to
the
World
?
Wherefore
,
Remember
them
who
Remember
them
(
I
say
)
who
were
your
Parents
and
Pastours
too
,
and
be
not
back-sliding
Children
.
And
as
the
best
means
to
maintain
this
Perseverance
,
let
us
all
be
most
earnestly
exhorted
to
joyn
in
an
hearty
Union
and
Compliance
with
the
Doctrine
,
and
Discipline
,
and
Liturgy
of
this
Excellent
and
Apostolical
Church
,
whereof
we
are
Members
:
A
Church
that
comes
nearest
the
Pattern
in
the
Mount
;
to
that
I
mean
which
began
at
Jerusalem
,
and
went
forth
from
Sion
,
which
was
once
for
all
founded
by
our
Lord
,
built
up
by
his
Apostles
,
and
continued
pure
and
uncorrupt
in
all
the
first
and
best
Ages
of
Religion
.
And
seeing
you
are
now
dispersed
and
distributed
into
several
Callings
,
and
a
great
diversity
of
Conditions
,
howsoever
God
hath
disposed
of
you
,
see
that
you
carry
the
Reputation
of
your
Family
and
Extraction
along
with
you
;
let
it
appear
by
your
walking
in
Christ
,
as
you
have
received
him
,
that
the
Principles
of
the
Christian
Religion
have
their
efficacy
in
every
Profession
;
shew
that
you
have
been
taught
from
your
infancy
to
live
soberly
,
righteously
,
and
godly
in
this
present
World
:
so
shall
ye
adorn
the
Gospel
which
your
Fathers
preached
,
and
prove
your
sincerity
in
the
Faith
,
so
shall
it
be
manifest
to
your selves
and
others
,
that
ye
do
not
rest
merely
in
any
external
Priviledges
,
but
that
you
live
over
the
Doctrines
you
profess
,
and
practise
the
Truth
which
is
after
Godliness
.
And
because
the
great
demonstration
of
your
Faith
is
to
be
seen
in
your
Works
,
especially
the
works
of
Mercy
and
Charity
,
Put
on
therefore
(
as
the
Elect
of
God
,
holy
,
and
beloved
)
Bowels
of
mercies
,
kindness
,
and
a
benign
temper
of
mind
;
and
above
all
these
things
,
put
on
Charity
,
which
is
the
bond
of
perfectness
,
as
the
Apostle
again
exhorts
,
Col.
3.
12.
You
cannot
want
Objects
to
move
your
compassion
,
nor
Motives
to
constrain
it
:
Here
is
a
large
Field
before
you
,
of
the
Widows
and
the
Fatherless
,
whose
Relation
and
Birth
must
needs
endear
this
duty
to
you
:
Some
of
their
Widows
are
still
alive
,
who
suffered
much
for
their
constancy
to
the
Faith
,
and
their
fidelity
to
the
Crown
(
two
inseparable
Notes
of
a
genuine
Son
of
the
Church
of
England
)
during
the
times
of
the
Great
Rebellion
;
and
many
are
the
Children
that
can
scarce
speak
for
themselvs
,
who
through
the
narrow
Provision
that
is
made
for
the
CLERGY
in
too
many
places
of
this
Kingdom
,
bespeak
your
assistance
by
my
mouth
.
'T
is
the
command
you
know
of
the
Apostle
,
That
whilst
ye
have
opportunity
,
ye
What
should
be
accounted
the
Houshold
of
Faith
,
rather
than
the
Families
of
them
that
preach
it
?
And
what
opportunity
can
ye
have
of
doing
good
,
that
exceeds
this
?
And
consider
(
I
beseech
you
)
You
that
are
Rich
among
the
Brotherhood
,
who
it
is
that
hath
put
such
a
difference
between
you
and
them
;
was
it
purely
your
own
Industry
,
or
Parts
,
or
Studies
,
that
got
you
this
Wealth
;
or
is
it
not
rather
the
Blessing
of
God
,
who
hath
given
you
all
things
richly
to
enjoy
?
What
has
any
amongst
you
which
he
did
not
receive
?
Now
if
you
did
receive
it
,
look
up
to
God
your
great
Benefactor
with
thankful
hearts
,
and
look
down
upon
the
Widows
and
the
Fatherless
with
Pity
and
Compassion
.
Deposite
that
Tribute
which
you
owe
unto
God
for
their
use
,
and
what
you
leave
with
the
Stewards
of
the
Feast
to
day
,
let
it
be
but
an
Earnest-Penny
of
what
you
designe
for
the
Treasurers
of
the
Corporation
from
time
to
time
:
Think
it
not
enough
to
sprinkle
a
little
now
,
but
lay
by
something
for
them
out
of
your
constant
Income
;
and
when
you
make
Provision
for
your
own
Families
,
let
the
Houshold
of
Faith
have
some
share
and
portion
,
even
in
your
last
Wills
and
Testaments
.
Resolve
to
do
it
,
before
you
go
hence
;
Vow
it
here
in
the
Church
before
the
Lord
your
God
,
from
the
ground
of
the
heart
,
and
make
him
some
chearful
and
suitable
acknowledgement
for
his
distinguishing
Providence
towards
you
and
yours
:
So
shall
the
rest
of
your
substance
be
blessed
and
increased
,
and
the
Prayers
of
the
Destitute
shall
be
heard
in
your
behalf
;
so
shall
your
own
Posterity
thrive
the
better
,
nay
,
the
Children
of
others
,
and
the
Generations
to
come
shall
call
ye
blessed
,
and
your
great
reward
is
with
the
Lord
;
for
I
am
warranted
to
assure
you
,
That
God
is
not
unrighteous
to
Now
unto
him
that
is
able
to
keep
you
from
falling
,
and
to
present
you
faultless
before
the
presence
of
his
glory
with
exceeding
To
the
onely
wise
God
our
Saviour
,
be
glory
and
majesty
,
dominion
and
power
,
now
and
ever
.
Amen
.
FINIS
.