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be_v about_o to_o prove_v our_o justification_n only_o by_o faith_n do_v in_o the_o 18._o verse_n dispute_v negative_o &_o show_v that_o work_n in_o which_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n trust_v can_v never_o justify_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v we_o appear_v righteous_a before_o god_n that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v against_o they_o for_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n the_o best_a work_n of_o natural_a man_n can_v free_v they_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n from_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n even_o against_o the_o best_a work_n of_o man_n but_o what_o kind_n of_o man_n be_v these_o that_o stand_v thus_o charge_v with_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n why_o such_o say_v saint_n paul_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n but_o you_o gentile_n do_v thus_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n it_o be_v you_o that_o suppress_v smother_v and_o imprison_v those_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o you_o concern_v god_n and_o your_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v you_o primary_o who_o stand_v guilty_a of_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n and_o here_o you_o may_v suppose_v the_o froward_a gentile_a mutter_n within_o himself_o and_o thus_o cavil_v at_o the_o apostle_n minor_a what_o saint_n paul_n will_v you_o say_v we_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n whereas_o we_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o god_n the_o jew_n indeed_o be_v without_o excuse_n because_o in_o the_o scripture_n god_n be_v plain_o reveal_v unto_o they_o but_o as_o for_o we_o we_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n without_o the_o least_o glimmer_a or_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o pray_v forbear_v so_o hard_a a_o censure_n no_o say_v the_o apostle_n say_v what_o you_o will_v
excuse_n for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o former_a verse_n the_o apostle_n show_v that_o the_o gentile_n may_v know_v god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o lest_o they_o shall_v pretend_v that_o not_o to_o be_v sufficient_a he_o confirm_v it_o by_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o the_o creature_n in_o these_o word_n for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a god_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o such_o a_o glorious_a light_n that_o no_o create_a eye_n be_v able_a to_o behold_v he_o nay_o the_o seraphim_n themselves_o be_v say_v to_o cover_v their_o face_n with_o their_o wing_n as_o dazzle_v with_o that_o glory_n and_o lustre_n that_o beam_n from_o he_o and_o how_o may_v the_o gentile_a say_v can_v we_o see_v this_o god_n who_o dwell_v in_o inaccessible_a light_n how_o can_v we_o bleareyd_a worm_n see_v he_o who_o be_v invisible_a why_o say_v saint_n paul_n these_o be_v vain_a pretence_n for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n etc._n etc._n alas_o you_o can_v look_v no_o where_n about_o you_o but_o you_o may_v see_v this_o invisible_a god_n each_o creature_n read_v a_o divinity_n lecture_n unto_o you_o and_o may_v catechise_v you_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o we_o must_v not_o as_o origen_n do_v understand_v angel_n for_o the_o gentile_n may_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o rational_a discourse_n and_o resolution_n of_o one_o cause_n into_o another_o have_v gather_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o angel_n as_o be_v creature_n in_o themselves_o not_o any_o wise_a subject_n unto_o sense_n from_o whence_o their_o knowledge_n be_v deduce_v neither_o can_v they_o clear_o understand_v either_o the_o nature_n or_o be_v of_o they_o by_o any_o sensible_a creature_n by_o invisible_a thing_n then_o here_o we_o must_v understand_v nothing_o else_o but_o what_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o viz._n his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v that_o continual_a power_n by_o which_o he_o create_v and_o uphold_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o incomprehensible_a nature_n of_o he_o or_o as_o musculus_fw-la say_v his_o goodness_n his_o power_n be_v every_o where_o lay_v open_a and_o his_o nature_n may_v every_o where_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o many_o will_v have_v signify_v the_o creature_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o they_o will_v read_v it_o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o the_o creature_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v etc._n etc._n and_o this_o mistake_n as_o i_o suppose_v give_v occasion_n to_o bernard_n to_o interpret_v it_o of_o man_n as_o be_v call_v creature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mark_n 16._o 15._o go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o every_o creature_n that_o be_v to_o every_o man_n but_o doubtless_o neither_o the_o opinion_n of_o one_o or_o the_o other_o can_v here_o take_v place_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o may_v make_v some_o tautology_n in_o the_o word_n since_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o creature_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v will_v be_v all_o one_o beside_o this_o inconvenience_n i_o say_v the_o drift_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o elsewhere_o use_v of_o the_o same_o word_n for_o the_o creation_n itself_o as_o mark._n 10._o 6._o from_o the_o begin_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o creation_n god_n make_v they_o male_a and_o female_a together_o with_o the_o proposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o usual_o denote_v the_o date_n or_o time_n from_o whence_o a_o thing_n be_v deduce_v do_v make_v man_n consent_v unto_o our_o translation_n and_o so_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o the_o creature_n ever_o since_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n have_v always_o proclaim_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o their_o creator_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o hebrew_n say_v grotius_n on_o the_o place_n do_v usual_o express_v both_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a sense_n by_o the_o term_n of_o see_v so_o that_o according_a to_o he_o if_o i_o misconstrue_v he_o not_o these_o two_o may_v imply_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o whether_o they_o do_v or_o no_o it_o matter_n not_o much_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o the_o apostle_n go_v about_o to_o show_v by_o what_o degree_n and_o step_n we_o may_v natural_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n it_o will_v better_o consist_v with_o the_o meaning_n of_o he_o to_o conceive_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v mean_v the_o outward_a contemplative_a sense_n of_o see_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o inward_a discursive_a faculty_n of_o the_o understanding_n for_o the_o creature_n be_v first_o offer_v to_o the_o sight_n and_o from_o thence_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o understanding_n which_o present_o must_v needs_o collect_v some_o supreme_a author_n and_o maker_n of_o they_o the_o beast_n may_v see_v the_o creature_n but_o they_o can_v know_v god_n from_o they_o because_o they_o be_v void_a of_o reason_n a_o man_n see_v &_o conclude_v there_o be_v a_o god_n from_o they_o because_o his_o sight_n be_v improve_v and_o back_v on_o by_o a_o understanding_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v that_o be_v by_o the_o whole_a creation_n sun_n moon_n star_n water_n earth_n and_o all_o some_o by_o this_o word_n understand_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o general_a and_o so_o include_v the_o work_n of_o providence_n as_o well_o as_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n which_o sense_n since_o it_o offer_v no_o injury_n to_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v make_v bold_a to_o follow_v and_o show_v how_o as_o well_o by_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n as_o creation_n god_n may_v be_v know_v for_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n that_o they_o may_v be_v without_o excuse_n which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o most_o gennine_a and_o near_a translation_n of_o the_o two_o for_o indeed_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o in_o the_o text_n may_v denote_v the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v manifest_v unto_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o consequent_a or_o what_o follow_v upon_o the_o manifestation_n of_o they_o but_o what_o may_v some_o one_o say_v do_v god_n give_v knowledge_n only_o to_o condemn_v we_o do_v he_o manifest_v his_o creature_n unto_o the_o gentile_n mere_o to_o make_v they_o inexcusable_a before_o he_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o original_n and_o primary_n end_v why_o god_n primitive_o impress_v upon_o man_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v that_o thereby_o he_o may_v know_v and_o worship_v he_o aright_o for_o have_v man_n continue_v in_o his_o create_a integrity_n these_o two_o book_n have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v he_o in_o the_o service_n of_o his_o maker_n but_o now_o man_n by_o sin_n have_v deface_v that_o glorious_a image_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v make_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o conduct_v of_o the_o creature_n to_o attain_v unto_o heaven_n there_o be_v another_o new_a way_n find_v out_o to_o save_v man_n even_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n the_o two_o former_a be_v make_v altogether_o ineffectual_a either_o to_o guide_v he_o in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o instruct_v he_o in_o any_o save_a knowledge_n of_o he_o well_o then_o what_o must_v be_v the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o they_o they_o remain_v still_o that_o be_v certain_a the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v yet_o in_o we_o though_o much_o blot_v the_o creature_n in_o themselves_o be_v as_o capable_a to_o guide_v we_o unto_o god_n as_o ever_o though_o through_o man_n blindness_n and_o ignorance_n they_o be_v make_v ineffectual_a therefore_o there_o must_v needs_o step_v in_o another_o end_n and_o use_v of_o they_o and_o that_o be_v to_o stop_v our_o mouth_n and_o make_v we_o void_a of_o excuse_n before_o god_n have_v this_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o book_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v never_o make_v effectual_a unto_o man_n salvation_n the_o gentile_n who_o have_v never_o any_o other_o light_n may_v very_o well_o plead_v excuse_v but_o now_o they_o be_v by_o our_o own_o default_n become_v unavailable_a and_o god_n be_v not_o at_o all_o bind_v
riches_n 2._o second_o hereby_o we_o may_v be_v teach_v what_o be_v the_o right_a use_n of_o philosophy_n and_o other_o the_o like_a art_n whereby_o we_o make_v inspection_n into_o the_o creature_n namely_o that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v raise_v up_o unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n the_o examine_v and_o consider_v of_o the_o creature_n shall_v raise_v our_o mind_n up_o unto_o god_n there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o much_o a_o atheist_n but_o if_o he_o have_v eye_n and_o reason_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o his_o folly_n by_o the_o very_a creature_n for_o as_o job_n say_v unto_o zophar_n job_n 12._o 8_o 9_o speak_v to_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o shall_v teach_v thou_o and_o the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n shall_v declare_v unto_o thou_o who_o know_v not_o that_o in_o all_o these_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v this_o so_o we_o may_v say_v unto_o such_o man_n go_v to_o the_o inanimate_a creature_n and_o they_o will_v teach_v thou_o god_n go_v to_o the_o vegetative_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v that_o every_o herb_n proclaim_v a_o god_n go_v to_o the_o sensitive_a creature_n and_o there_o thou_o shall_v find_v the_o young_a raven_n call_v upon_o he_o for_o meat_n and_o upbraid_v thy_o damnable_a fottishnesse_n who_o deny_v he_o who_o even_o they_o acknowledge_v go_v last_o unto_o thyself_o and_o so_o the_o very_a consideration_n of_o that_o curious_a art_n and_o cunning_a in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o thy_o own_o body_n will_v lead_v thou_o up_o into_o heaven_n and_o unto_o a_o god_n and_o make_v thou_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o psalmist_n i_o be_o wonderful_o and_o fearful_o make_v marvellous_a be_v thy_o work_n methinks_v it_o may_v be_v a_o notable_a way_n to_o convince_v a_o atheist_n even_o by_o the_o structure_n of_o his_o own_o body_n and_o instead_o of_o more_o subtle_a argument_n to_o read_v a_o anatomy_n lecture_n unto_o he_o for_o doubtless_o can_v he_o be_v but_o distinct_o lead_v through_o all_o the_o region_n of_o the_o body_n and_o there_o be_v show_v in_o the_o upper_a room_n thereof_o the_o curious_a fabric_n of_o the_o tender_a brain_n lodge_v in_o its_o several_a cell_n and_o strong_o fortify_v with_o a_o wall_n of_o scull_n and_o the_o unknown_a labyrinth_n and_o meander_n of_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o vein_n continual_o water_v it_o in_o this_o also_o can_v he_o but_o be_v make_v to_o understand_v the_o incomparable_a structure_n of_o the_o eye_n without_o empale_v about_o with_o strong_a bone_n and_o shelter_v with_o their_o lid_n which_o as_o trapdoor_n be_v let_v down_o hinder_v foreign_a injury_n within_o adorn_v with_o its_o several_a tunicle_n and_o humour_n with_o its_o membrain_n and_o nerve_n which_o constant_o supply_v unto_o it_o spirit_n and_o vigour_n from_o the_o brain_n from_o the_o very_a motion_n of_o which_o eye_n towards_o heaven_n it_o be_v that_o tully_n conclude_v a_o god_n there_o able_a to_o help_v it_o can_v he_o i_o say_v be_v further_o show_v the_o convenient_a position_n of_o the_o heart_n whereby_o as_o from_o the_o centre_n it_o do_v give_v life_n and_o motion_n to_o the_o whole_a the_o orderly_a pulsation_n of_o it_o whereby_o the_o blood_n which_o otherwise_o will_v become_v thick_a and_o muddy_a be_v make_v to_o run_v clear_a and_o sweet_a throughout_o all_o the_o conduit_n of_o the_o body_n to_o be_v short_a be_v he_o make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o position_n and_o several_a office_n of_o the_o cool_a lung_n the_o seethe_a stomach_n the_o die_a liver_n the_o fertile_a womb_n wherein_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v he_o be_v so_o curious_o wrought_v beside_o these_o be_v he_o show_v the_o excellent_a use_n and_o admirable_a composure_n of_o the_o muscle_n artery_n vein_n bone_n cartilage_n and_o all_o other_o organ_n and_o part_n which_o concur_v to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o this_o little_a world_n what_o think_v you_o then_o will_v this_o atheist_n say_v will_v he_o not_o present_o cry_v out_o wonderful_o and_o fearful_o be_o i_o make_v none_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n can_v make_v these_o and_o none_o but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n can_v dispose_v these_o so_o make_v unto_o so_o excellent_a use_n certain_o the_o very_a consideration_n of_o a_o body_n so_o neat_o joint_v and_o compact_v together_o so_o rare_o contrive_v in_o the_o mutual_a office_n and_o help_n of_o each_o part_n unto_o the_o other_o so_o well_o order_v and_o dispose_v in_o every_o the_o least_o particle_n and_o minute_n fibra_fw-la thereof_o must_v needs_o raise_v a_o mind_n not_o whole_o shut_v up_o in_o darkness_n and_o wilful_a ignorance_n to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a complaint_n somewhere_o of_o galen_n in_o one_o of_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr usu_fw-la partium_fw-la that_o man_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o admire_v the_o art_n and_o workmanship_n of_o a_o phidias_n or_o a_o apelles_n but_o then_o very_o backward_o and_o averse_a from_o admire_v and_o consider_v of_o god_n in_o this_o his_o far_a more_o excellent_a work_n of_o man._n i_o fear_v i_o may_v take_v up_o his_o complaint_n in_o these_o our_o day_n many_o among_o we_o do_v know_v much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o of_o the_o body_n of_o man_n but_o then_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v a_o little_a vain_a discourse_n and_o ostentation_n or_o a_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o curiosity_n that_o be_v aim_v at_o herein_o more_o than_o the_o praise_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o better_a contemplate_v of_o he_o in_o his_o creature_n whereas_o those_o that_o pretend_v unto_o the_o study_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o creature_n have_v most_o reason_n of_o all_o other_o man_n to_o be_v religious_a and_o to_o think_v upon_o god_n because_o they_o can_v but_o continual_o view_v in_o they_o the_o finger_n and_o footstep_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o true_a say_n of_o a_o renown_a statesman_n and_o scholar_n of_o our_o own_o that_o a_o 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we_o or_o entertain_v by_o we_o and_o thus_o much_o brief_o for_o the_o authority_n perspicuity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v which_o i_o may_v have_v speak_v far_o more_o large_o out_o of_o the_o father_n common-place_n catechist_n and_o polemicall_a divine_n but_o intend_v brevity_n upon_o this_o point_n i_o think_v it_o more_o useful_a for_o you_o and_o myself_o whole_o to_o examine_v the_o aforesaid_a point_n by_o scripture_n yet_o so_o that_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o short_a glance_n and_o view_v of_o what_o they_o have_v say_v too_o i_o shall_v only_o now_o shut_v up_o all_o with_o a_o use_n or_o two_o of_o what_o have_v be_v now_o and_o heretofore_o speak_v hence_o then_o 1._o we_o may_v learn_v the_o excellency_n use_v 1_o of_o holy_a scripture_n above_o all_o other_o book_n and_o writing_n whatsoever_o we_o usual_o esteem_v of_o writing_n according_a to_o the_o eminency_n and_o worth_a of_o their_o author_n why_o now_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v 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compendious_a way_n for_o the_o understanding_n the_o drift_n and_o scope_n of_o holy_a writ_n now_o all_o these_o shall_v be_v as_o so_o many_o several_a tie_n and_o engagement_n upon_o we_o continual_o to_o strike_v upon_o this_o anvil_n night_n and_o day_n to_o study_v read_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o for_o we_o who_o either_o actual_o be_v in_o or_o else_o intend_v the_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o what_o may_v some_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n here_o say_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o hard_a as_o you_o make_v they_o your_o exhortation_n will_v little_o prevail_v with_o we_o you_o will_v rather_o deter_v we_o from_o read_v they_o to_o such_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v hard_a yet_o the_o main_a doctrine_n thereof_o which_o concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o and_o as_o easy_o to_o be_v understand_v beside_o as_o the_o orator_n note_v of_o the_o element_n of_o science_n and_o 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meditate_v upon_o the_o word_n read_v and_o endeavour_v to_o remember_v it_o for_o as_o meat_n do_v that_o man_n little_a good_a who_o stomach_n have_v not_o a_o retentive_a faculty_n in_o it_o to_o retain_v and_o digest_v it_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o chew_v upon_o as_o it_o be_v by_o meditation_n and_o well_o remember_v do_v become_v useless_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o we_o so_o than_o we_o must_v not_o only_o read_v the_o word_n but_o we_o must_v practise_v it_o also_o we_o must_v lay_v it_o up_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o godly_a conversation_n i_o may_v here_o far_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o point_n and_o confirm_v my_o exhortation_n of_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o their_o plainness_n and_o perfection_n their_o subject_n and_o matter_n of_o they_o altogether_o divine_a from_o their_o end_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o man_n salvation_n from_o their_o principal_a author_n god_n 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be_v leave_v only_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n within_o we_o and_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o creature_n without_o we_o we_o may_v have_v eternal_o grope_v in_o darkness_n and_o never_o have_v come_v unto_o salvation_n for_o though_o these_o may_v direct_v we_o unto_o a_o god_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o proper_o unto_o a_o christ_n nature_n can_v never_o thorough_o discover_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o right_a mean_n unto_o salvation_n and_o though_o god_n be_v delineate_v and_o draw_v out_o as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o creature_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o in_o dark_a colour_n see_v he_o may_v be_v and_o understand_v in_o they_o but_o never_o exact_o worship_v and_o serve_v through_o they_o there_o must_v be_v then_o some_o high_a principle_n and_o fountain_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v draw_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n towards_o mankind_n his_o love_n unto_o we_o from_o all_o eternity_n in_o design_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o 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be_v worship_v the_o scripture_n alone_o be_v the_o cannon_n and_o rule_n unto_o which_o we_o must_v square_v ourselves_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o principium_fw-la cognoscendi_fw-la that_o instrument_n and_o ladder_n whereby_o we_o may_v climb_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o have_v a_o more_o intimate_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n then_o possible_o we_o can_v attain_v unto_o either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o conduct_v of_o the_o creature_n wherefore_o leave_v the_o two_o former_a book_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o creature_n we_o must_v enter_v now_o into_o a_o high_a form_n as_o it_o be_v and_o learn_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o shall_v be_v my_o task_n therefore_o at_o present_a to_o open_v unto_o you_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n out_o of_o these_o word_n in_o prosecution_n of_o which_o as_o of_o all_o other_o head_n ensue_v i_o shall_v as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o endeavour_v to_o couch_v my_o matter_n in_o as_o short_a a_o room_n as_o i_o can_v that_o so_o i_o may_v the_o more_o speedy_o go_v over_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o this_o exercise_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v with_o all_o plainness_n perspicuity_n and_o method_n both_o open_a and_o apply_v the_o doctrine_n familiar_o illustrate_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v knotty_a and_o hard_a without_o ramble_v and_o fetch_v in_o of_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o consist_v with_o my_o intend_a brevity_n and_o method_n as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v a_o beat_a path_n i_o shall_v with_o less_o pain_n go_v over_o these_o word_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o most_o pertinent_a whereon_o i_o may_v build_v it_o which_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n which_o timothy_n have_v suck_v in_o even_o from_o his_o youth_n and_o receive_v from_o paul_n for_o he_o show_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o danger_n of_o the_o latter_a time_n and_o the_o error_n of_o evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n do_v give_v his_o son_n timothy_n a_o antidote_n against_o their_o poison_n exhort_v he_o in_o the_o 14._o verse_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o time_n indeed_o be_v very_o evil_a error_n very_o rife_o persecution_n every_o where_o offer_v to_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o say_v he_o continue_v thou_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learned_a etc._n etc._n this_o exhortation_n he_o seem_v to_o press_v by_o several_a argument_n thou_o must_v continue_v in_o sound_a doctrine_n 1._o because_o thou_o have_v learn_v it_o it_o be_v to_o that_o purpose_n deposit_v with_o thou_o and_o instill_v into_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v continue_v in_o it_o 2._o because_o thou_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v argue_v want_n of_o judgement_n and_o folly_n in_o thou_o to_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o because_o thou_o know_v of_o who_o thou_o have_v learn_v it_o not_o from_o any_o impostor_n or_o seducer_n but_o from_o a_o paul_n a_o apostle_n act_v by_o the_o spirit_n &_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o have_v from_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o who_o authority_n ought_v to_o bind_v thou_o to_o persevere_v in_o the_o thing_n thou_o have_v learn_v 3._o o_o timothy_n thou_o must_v continue_v in_o those_o thing_n thou_o have_v learn_v because_o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n v._o 15._o thou_o have_v be_v so_o long_o verse_v in_o the_o sacred_a truth_n so_o long_o learn_v and_o receive_v it_o that_o now_o it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o base_a thing_n for_o thou_o to_o recede_v from_o it_o read_v it_o thou_o have_v from_o thy_o child_n hood_n and_o therefore_o hold_v it_o fast_o thou_o shall_v in_o thy_o ripe_a year_n this_o argument_n he_o back_v on_o 4._o from_o the_o perfection_n and_o profitable_a effect_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n thou_o must_v therefore_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o word_n of_o god_n because_o if_o thou_o believe_v in_o that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v thou_o unto_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n these_o argument_n he_o put_v down_o in_o the_o 14_o &_o 15._o verse_n now_o he_o go_v on_o in_o these_o word_n read_v unto_o you_o to_o persuade_v he_o to_o persevere_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o say_v he_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n the_o authority_n therefore_o of_o it_o shall_v bind_v thou_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o the_o great_a profit_n of_o it_o in_o instruct_v thou_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o religion_n or_o well_o live_v and_o also_o its_o perspicuity_n in_o lay_v down_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n plain_o which_o make_v either_o for_o doctrine_n or_o for_o decision_n of_o controversy_n or_o for_o regulate_v man_n manner_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a and_o then_o in_o the_o 17._o verse_n the_o apostle_n confirm_v his_o exhortation_n from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v perfect_a in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o it_o do_v make_v man_n perfect_a and_o thorough_o instruct_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n since_o then_o say_v paul_n the_o doctrine_n which_o thou_o have_v learn_v have_v so_o noble_a a_o author_n of_o it_o as_o god_n have_v so_o profitable_a a_o use_n as_o to_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o
salvation_n to_o instruct_v to_o reprove_v to_o correct_v and_o since_o it_o have_v so_o admirable_a perfection_n in_o it_o as_o to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a &_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n good_a reason_n then_o my_o son_n timothy_n that_o be_v the_o time_n what_o they_o will_v be_v error_n never_o so_o plausible_o entertain_v and_o truth_n never_o so_o violent_o oppose_v that_o thou_o notwithstanding_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learn_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o this_o be_v the_o drift_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o well_o understand_v of_o which_o together_o with_o the_o word_n read_v unto_o you_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o open_n of_o this_o my_o present_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v therefore_o expound_v the_o word_n themselves_o more_o distinct_o and_o in_o the_o open_n of_o they_o brief_o touch_v upon_o some_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v handle_v at_o large_a and_o then_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o what_o i_o main_o intend_v well_o then_o here_o be_v the_o subject_n speak_v of_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o by_o its_o author_n god_n by_o its_o use_n it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n by_o its_o end_n which_o be_v that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n all_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o writing_n for_o so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v scripture_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n it_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o other_o writing_n which_o be_v so_o far_o account_v good_a or_o bad_a as_o they_o come_v near_o to_o or_o decline_v from_o this_o but_o here_o say_v beza_n when_o the_o apostle_n say_v all_o scripture_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n lest_o we_o understand_v any_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o call_v canonical_a that_o be_v such_o book_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o antiquity_n their_o argument_n and_o divine_a 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also_o they_o contain_v many_o thing_n absurd_a and_o contrary_a one_o to_o another_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v never_o give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o scripture_n be_v inspire_v of_o god_n or_o as_o the_o word_n imply_v breathe_v from_o god_n those_o notion_n word_n and_o phrase_n which_o may_v every_o where_o occur_v in_o holy_a writ_n be_v dictate_v unto_o the_o penman_n thereof_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o so_o that_o prophecy_n come_v not_o of_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o wherefore_o we_o read_v not_o thus_o say_v jeremiah_n or_o thus_o say_v isaiah_n but_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o but_o what_o may_v some_o say_v be_v all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n why_o then_o those_o imposture_n and_o calumny_n of_o satan_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 3._o of_o gen._n and_o 4._o of_o matthew_n those_o erroneous_a say_n of_o job_n wife_n unto_o he_o to_o curse_v god_n and_o die_v with_o the_o like_a be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o these_o and_o the_o like_a say_n only_o historical_o set_v down_o be_v abstract_o in_o themselves_o consider_v be_v not_o from_o god_n but_o then_o consider_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v set_v down_o so_o they_o be_v as_o we_o may_v say_v that_o tacitus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o whole_a book_n though_o many_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v speak_v from_o other_o man_n and_o as_o the_o same_o wax_n though_o of_o little_a worth_n in_o itself_o yet_o seal_v and_o put_v in_o a_o bond_n may_v be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o value_n in_o like_a manner_n those_o speech_n of_o heathen_a author_n cite_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o that_o of_o aratus_n act._n 17._o 28._o and_o that_o of_o epimenides_n titus_n 1._o 12._o though_o of_o little_a worth_n as_o they_o come_v from_o such_o man_n yet_o be_v insert_v into_o holy_a writ_n receive_v divine_a authority_n and_o may_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n unto_o our_o salvation_n many_o thing_n there_o be_v also_o in_o scripture_n which_o quoad_fw-la praeceptum_fw-la may_v have_v great_a authority_n than_o other_o but_o ratione_fw-la authoris_fw-la be_v equal_a as_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o first_o table_n be_v more_o severe_o enjoin_v then_o those_o of_o the_o second_o yet_o the_o same_o god_n write_v they_o both_o thus_o gold_n may_v be_v more_o precious_a than_o gold_n in_o weight_n and_o shape_n though_o not_o in_o purity_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o all_o scripture_n some_o way_n or_o other_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n say_v and_o god_n say_v as_o may_v far_o appear_v from_o the_o 9_o of_o the_o roman_n 25._o verse_n and_o gal._n 4_o 30._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a many_o be_v the_o commodity_n of_o the_o write_a word_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v try_v all_o other_o doctrine_n as_o the_o barean_o try_v paul_n doctrine_n by_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o act._n 17._o 11._o and_o therefore_o as_o those_o that_o carry_v false_a and_o adulterate_a coin_n about_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v of_o a_o touchstone_n so_o likewise_o those_o cheat_n in_o religion_n the_o papist_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v read_v lest_o thereby_o their_o imposture_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a and_o their_o folly_n appear_v unto_o all_o man_n beside_o this_o commodity_n i_o say_v the_o apostle_n say_v that_o it_o be_v profitable_a 1._o for_o instruction_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o discover_v that_o be_v of_o such_o thing_n unto_o we_o which_o without_o it_o we_o can_v never_o have_v know_v there_o be_v mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o abscondite_fw-la hide_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o humane_a reason_n can_v never_o unveil_v or_o fathom_n that_o a_o infinite_a god_n shall_v be_v cloister_v up_o in_o a_o virgin_n womb_n that_o he_o shall_v leave_v heaven_n and_o lie_n in_o a_o manger_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o like_a be_v above_o the_o reach_n and_o disquisition_n of_o a_o natural_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v far_o enlighten_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n before_o we_o attain_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v profitable_a also_o for_o instruction_n of_o we_o in_o the_o fall_n &_o restauration_n of_o man_n in_o the_o sacrament_n yea_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n it_o instruct_v and_o teach_v we_o how_o wretched_a we_o be_v by_o nature_n how_o happy_a by_o grace_n how_o to_o beat_v down_o principality_n and_o power_n how_o to_o want_v and_o how_o to_o abound_v how_o final_o to_o be_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2._o it_o be_v profitable_a say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o reproof_n there_o be_v no_o error_n so_o plausible_o broach_v so_o strong_o fortify_v and_o maintain_v by_o humane_a reason_n but_o may_v be_v beat_v down_o and_o vanquish_v by_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a judge_v all_o thing_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2_o 18._o he_o that_o be_v right_o inform_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o to_o who_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o who_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o foreign_a tradition_n testimony_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o like_a not_o
price_n or_o value_n then_o real_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o true_a power_n that_o the_o church_n can_v challenge_v in_o relation_n unto_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherefore_o the_o true_a church_n we_o honour_v in_o respect_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o do_v not_o adore_v it_o and_o make_v it_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o wherefore_o 3._o we_o say_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v on_o the_o church_n as_o on_o their_o own_o innate_a light_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o we_o their_o own_o innate_a light_n i_o say_v for_o say_v chamier_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n a_o peculiaris_fw-la genius_fw-la and_o strain_n whereby_o they_o may_v upon_o examination_n be_v easy_o discover_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o critic_n will_v know_v by_o the_o phrase_n and_o stile_n and_o the_o like_a that_o such_o a_o book_n be_v lyvies_n such_o a_o one_o juvenal_n so_o also_o will_v a_o christian_a upon_o the_o due_a search_n &_o trial_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o their_o matter_n heavenly_a by_o their_o stile_n deep_a and_o by_o their_o divine_a phrase_n mystical_a present_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o other_o author_n than_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o then_o far_o i_o say_v there_o be_v require_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o we_o which_o spirit_n be_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v the_o seal_n unto_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o peculiar_a only_o to_o god_n child_n a_o man_n may_v by_o the_o hearsay_n of_o the_o church_n historical_o know_v the_o scripture_n but_o this_o will_v no_o more_o comfort_v his_o heart_n then_o the_o discourse_n concern_v honey_n and_o sweetmeat_n will_v the_o stomach_n a_o man_n may_v also_o be_v convict_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n from_o those_o argument_n i_o press_v even_o now_o and_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v no_o more_o convert_v by_o they_o then_o the_o jew_n be_v at_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o know_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n well_o than_o what_o be_v it_o that_o must_v ultimate_o persuade_v we_o and_o assure_v a_o child_n of_o god_n certitudine_fw-la fidei_fw-la with_o a_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o church_n that_o can_v for_o how_o can_v that_o infuse_v faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o set_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n what_o then_o be_v it_o that_o assure_v we_o doubtless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n coworking_a with_o we_o and_o upon_o our_o prayer_n and_o diligent_a read_n and_o examine_v of_o the_o word_n assure_v we_o that_o this_o word_n which_o be_v thus_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n thus_o verify_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o it_o this_o word_n that_o have_v so_o perfect_a a_o consent_n within_o its_o self_n that_o have_v so_o admirable_a efficacy_n upon_o the_o hearer_n and_o reader_n thereof_o that_o have_v be_v so_o wonderful_o preserve_v in_o all_o age_n that_o this_o word_n and_o this_o word_n only_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o divine_a authority_n so_o then_o the_o church_n that_o can_v only_o report_v unto_o we_o the_o spirit_n that_o do_v firm_o persuade_v we_o the_o church_n that_o can_v ministerial_o only_o ingenerate_v a_o opinion_n in_o we_o the_o spirit_n a_o faith_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o then_o man_n may_v hear_v a_o very_a great_a report_n of_o another_o worth_n learning_n and_o counsel_n and_o yet_o be_v never_o full_o satisfy_v concern_v it_o till_o they_o find_v it_o so_o to_o be_v by_o their_o own_o experience_n or_o as_o those_o samaritan_n who_o do_v believe_v in_o part_n on_o christ_n for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n be_v yet_o notwithstanding_o further_o confirm_v &_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o when_o they_o hear_v his_o own_o word_n john_n 4._o 24._o in_o like_a manner_n though_o we_o may_v historical_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o the_o church_n say_v so_o yet_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n do_v minister_v little_a assurance_n or_o satisfaction_n unto_o a_o child_n of_o god_n until_o it_o be_v far_o back_v on_o and_o establish_v by_o a_o far_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o undoubted_o must_v be_v the_o firm_a assurance_n a_o man_n can_v have_v because_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o do_v open_v the_o eye_n to_o behold_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n psal_n 119._o 18._o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n joh._n 16._o 13._o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o inseparable_o accompany_n the_o faithful_a in_o the_o scripture_n my_o spirit_n which_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n isa_n 59_o 21._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o give_v strong_a evidence_n unto_o its_o self_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n if_o you_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n the_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a say_v s._n paul_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n therefore_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v great_a but_o say_v they_o the_o spirit_n speak_v by_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v the_o church_n only_o when_o it_o testifyes_n of_o the_o scripture_n whitaker_n answer_v for_o i_o that_o if_o so_o be_v the_o spirit_n do_v thus_o speak_v by_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o then_o have_v the_o church_n this_o assurance_n but_o from_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v ultimate_o resolve_v of_o necessity_n into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n again_o they_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v before_o the_o scripture_n we_o answer_v no_o by_o no_o mean_n for_o then_o how_o can_v the_o word_n be_v call_v the_o everlasting_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v bear_v the_o church_n be_v before_o the_o write_a word_n but_o not_o before_o the_o unwritten_a ask_v a_o papist_n how_o they_o know_v that_o the_o church_n be_v of_o such_o authority_n and_o they_o will_v prove_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n prove_v must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a esteem_n and_o before_o the_o authority_n prove_v but_o be_v not_o the_o church_n call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n yes_o but_o what_o do_v a_o candle_n receive_v any_o light_n from_o the_o candlestick_n because_o it_o stick_v in_o it_o what_o though_o the_o church_n be_v the_o seat_n and_o mansion_n place_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n of_o less_o authority_n than_o now_o it_o be_v the_o church_n than_o be_v only_o a_o ministerial_a pillar_n to_o preserve_v keep_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o word_n not_o a_o fundamental_a one_o to_o uphold_v and_o give_v be_v unto_o it_o and_o here_o i_o may_v wade_v far_o into_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o have_v be_v so_o full_o handle_v already_o and_o answer_v by_o multitude_n of_o eminent_a man_n i_o shall_v go_v no_o far_o it_o remain_v that_o i_o shall_v practical_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v but_o this_o together_o with_o the_o other_o propertye_n of_o scripture_n their_o perspicuity_n and_o perfection_n i_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o next_o part_n this_o be_v the_o authors_n last_o sermon_n that_o ever_o he_o preach_v which_o be_v at_o s._n mary_n in_o oxon._n march_n 20._o 1655._o phil._n c._n 3._o v._n 8._o first_o part_n yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n arm_n his_o philippian_n against_o their_o false_a teacher_n by_o oppose_v his_o own_o judgement_n and_o example_n to_o their_o erroneous_a and_o lie_a suggestion_n there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o profane_a person_n start_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n who_o paul_n count_v no_o better_a than_o dog_n evil_a worker_n and_o of_o the_o concision_n verse_n 2._o who_o instead_o of_o circumcise_n their_o heart_n go_v about_o rather_o to_o cut_v and_o rend_v asunder_o the_o church_n these_o man_n now_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v bring_v from_o their_o old_a fleshly_a confidence_n the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n do_v vaunt_n much_o of_o their_o outward_a privilege_n and_o will_v fain_o slink_v into_o circumcision_n and_o other_o ceremonial_a performance_n and_o join_v
with_o all_o their_o learning_n sink_v down_o into_o hell_n i_o wish_v there_o be_v not_o too_o many_o in_o the_o world_n more_o intimate_a with_o nature_n then_o with_o grace_n and_o less_o christian_n than_o scholar_n but_o let_v i_o ask_v these_o great_a master_n of_o israel_n why_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o slight_v by_o they_o be_v it_o because_o it_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o they_o why_o let_v they_o know_v that_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o all_o the_o empty_a cistern_n of_o worldly_a wisdom_n be_v nothing_o comparable_a to_o those_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o christ_n or_o be_v it_o because_o there_o be_v more_o reputation_n that_o attend_v worldly_a knowledge_n why_o alas_o what_o credit_n be_v it_o to_o be_v account_v wise_a among_o a_o company_n of_o fool_n and_o such_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o term_v the_o world_n and_o carnal_a man_n the_o world_n indeed_o vilisy_n and_o hate_v christ_n because_o it_o know_v he_o not_o but_o then_o christ_n profess_v he_o will_v not_o know_v they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o o_o then_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o wise_a the_o scribe_n the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n will_v it_o not_o then_o appear_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n and_o that_o they_o buy_v the_o esteem_n of_o learning_n at_o a_o dear_a rate_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v indeed_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v save_v or_o last_o be_v it_o because_o they_o find_v more_o content_a in_o worldly_a wisdom_n why_o let_v the_o wise_a man_n speak_v what_o content_n there_o can_v be_v therein_o eccles_n 1._o 18._o in_o much_o wisdom_n there_o be_v much_o grief_n and_o he_o that_o increase_v knowledge_n increase_v sorrow_n how_o much_o toil_n and_o vexation_n in_o get_v it_o how_o much_o care_n for_o fear_n of_o lose_v it_o yea_o how_o little_a comfort_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o so_o many_o lust_n still_o interpose_v and_o cloud_v their_o severe_a meditation_n so_o much_o thoughtfullnesse_n to_o uphold_v their_o esteem_n in_o the_o world_n so_o much_o envy_n at_o other_o eminency_n so_o much_o distraction_n by_o occasion_n of_o new_a doubt_n and_o difficulty_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o now_o the_o true_a save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n bring_v a_o serenity_n and_o composedness_n of_o mind_n with_o it_o purge_v and_o resine_v the_o soul_n from_o those_o dark_a mist_n of_o corruption_n sanctifyes_n and_o sweeten_v all_o other_o learning_n and_o exercise_v all_o other_o part_n which_o be_v but_o loss_n and_o dung_n without_o it_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v this_o so_o excellent_a knowledge_n be_v think_v so_o contemptible_a among_o many_o why_o shall_v they_o as_o so_o many_o wild_a indian_n prefer_v glass_n bead_n and_o toy_n before_o precious_a stone_n or_o like_o that_o schoolmaster_n fancy_v by_o rob._n gallus_n gnaw_v upon_o flinte_n and_o pebble_n amid_o sweetmeat_n and_o most_o delicate_a fare_n why_o shall_v man_n be_v so_o greedy_a after_o the_o jejune_n and_o empty_a knowledge_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o yet_o so_o remiss_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o heavenly_a wisdom_n o_o that_o we_o can_v all_o understand_v that_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o great_a glory_n of_o our_o wisdom_n to_o be_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n 3._o therefore_o this_o shall_v exhort_v we_o all_o to_o study_v jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o labour_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o only_o to_o know_v be_v eternal_a life_n all_o knowledge_n be_v in_o itself_o desirable_a it_o be_v the_o best_a gloss_n and_o varnish_n that_o set_v forth_o a_o intellectual_a be_v and_o hence_o say_v lactantius_n god_n have_v lime_v and_o arm_v man_n inside_n with_o reason_n that_o he_o may_v distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o low_a form_n so_o that_o he_o seem_v lesser_a than_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o take_v even_o with_o natural_a truth_n &_o wisdom_n and_o certain_o he_o be_v less_o than_o a_o christian_a that_o desire_v not_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n it_o be_v natural_a for_o all_o thing_n to_o desire_v their_o perfection_n now_o then_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a thing_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o man_n so_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o therefore_o solomon_n bid_v we_o seek_v after_o it_o more_o than_o choice_n gold_n prov._n 8_o v._o 10._o we_o all_o desire_n wisdom_n why_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o enough_o to_o fill_v up_o all_o the_o vast_a and_o boundless_a desire_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n it_o be_v only_o fool_n that_o despise_v wisdom_n prov._n 1._o as_o therefore_o you_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v brand_v with_o the_o name_n of_o fool_n go_v unto_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v this_o wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v unto_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o jam._n 1._o v._n 5._o so_o that_o the_o 1._o direction_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v show_v thou_o thy_o natural_a blindness_n ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n what_o a_o fool_n thou_o be_v by_o nature_n how_o destitute_a of_o any_o save_a knowledge_n and_o that_o then_o he_o will_v send_v his_o spirit_n into_o thy_o inward_a part_n to_o enlighten_v thy_o mind_n and_o to_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o marvellous_a light_n pray_v unto_o he_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v make_v unto_o thou_o wisdom_n that_o thou_o may_v know_v he_o here_o in_o his_o person_n in_o his_o 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in_o hell_n what_o can_v we_o know_v but_o that_o it_o be_v our_o place_n that_o it_o be_v prepare_v alone_o for_o those_o that_o know_v not_o god_n for_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n that_o christ_n at_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flame_a fire_n to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o those_o that_o know_v not_o god_n 2_o thess_n 1._o 8._o again_o labour_v to_o see_v what_o inconvenience_n the_o want_n of_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n will_v bring_v we_o unto_o a_o man_n that_o walk_v in_o the_o dark_a will_v be_v ever_o apt_a to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o he_o that_o be_v without_o any_o spiritual_a light_n within_o must_v needs_o walk_v in_o much_o danger_n thus_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o its_o excellency_n and_o thus_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v stumble_a block_n to_o they_o that_o know_v he_o not_o they_o hate_v they_o the_o people_n of_o christ_n be_v despise_v they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n eat_v they_o up_o as_o they_o will_v eat_v bread_n psal_n 14._o 4._o do_v man_n but_o thorough_o know_v christ_n they_o will_v be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o his_o ordinance_n with_o his_o people_n with_o his_o minister_n with_o salvation_n with_o their_o own_o soul_n labour_v then_o to_o see_v these_o inconvenience_n of_o spiritual_a ignorance_n be_v ashamed_a of_o thyself_o and_o lay_v about_o thou_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n for_o to_o gain_v more_o knowledge_n to_o this_o end_n 3._o study_v christ_n book_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o thou_o shall_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n come_v to_o a_o knowledge_n of_o he_o these_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o perfect_a and_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n they_o be_v those_o well_n out_o of_o which_o we_o may_v draw_v plenty_n of_o the_o water_n of_o salvation_n those_o precious_a mine_n out_o of_o which_o we_o may_v dig_v treasure_n of_o wisdom_n let_v we_o search_v they_o therefore_o not_o with_o a_o search_n of_o curiosity_n to_o discourse_v and_o talk_v of_o they_o but_o with_o a_o search_n of_o humility_n to_o amend_v our_o life_n by_o they_o and_o to_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n other_o book_n can_v only_o unfold_v nature_n unto_o thou_o and_o that_o but_o imperfect_o too_o this_o reveal_v mystery_n that_o angel_n themselves_o do_v desire_v to_o peep_v into_o so_o that_o there_o be_v more_o real_a worth_n comprise_v in_o one_o versicle_n of_o they_o than_o there_o be_v in_o all_o the_o voluminous_a offspring_n and_o work_n of_o man_n brain_n as_o the_o very_a shave_n and_o file_n of_o gold_n and_o precious_a stone_n be_v of_o more_o value_n then_o whole_a heap_n of_o dirt_n and_o pebble_n to_o conclude_v therefore_o since_o we_o have_v so_o excellent_a a_o knowledge_n before_o we_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v then_o gold_n yea_o then_o much_o fine_a gold_n more_o 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