viz. 1. The Father Createth but immediately by the Son and the Holy Ghost the Son from the Father and the Holy Ghost from the Father and the Son 2. The Father and the Holy Ghost Redeem us but mediately by the Son but the Son immediately from the Father by the Holy Ghost 3. The Father and the Son Sanctifie us but mediately by the Holy Ghost but the Holy Ghost immediately from the Father and the Son In this deep Mystery of our Religion we must be guided wholly by Faith and endeavor to believe this Trinity in Unity and Unity in Trinity though we are not able to reason the truth thereof by Natural demonstrations Behold the sacred Riddle of Divinity One Godhead in a holy Trinity Of Persons or three Persons all in one Most undivided Deity alone Distinct in Persons not in Essence no The Godhead's not divided think not so For it 's not subject to division Nor admits of any Composition But distinction without seperation As is most evident by Mans Creation Gen. 1.26 §. 2. Gods Word THe Word of God is the Wisdom of God James 3.17 concerning the truth which is according to godliness being given by inspiration of God 2 Tim. 3.16 the original being from heaven not earth Joh. 3.27 and the Author thereof being God not man 1 Cor. 2.10 by which Word God alone doth onely binde the Conscience by causing it in every action to excuse for well-doing and accuse for sin Now this Word of God is the holy Scripture in which name are to be understood all and onely those Canonical Books of the Old and New Testament of whose Authority was never any doubt in the Church which we receive as Canonical not so much because that the Church doth so receive and allow them as for that the holy Spirit in our hearts doth testifie that they are from God Touching which this is a Truth must be held of us That no part of the Canonical Scripture inspired of God such as was committed as the Lords Treasure to the Church for the perpetual instruction thereof in Faith and Obedience is lost and perished nor can be lost or perish so that no one Oracle or Sentence of God can fall away Indeed these sacred Books may be despitefully abused by men many ways but they can never be finally lost and wholly extinguished for the works of God remain for ever and ever And as for any sandy Supposition contrary to this Truth let the vain Supposer answer What Error more can be convinced what Comfort more can be received what Vice more can be corrected what Truth more can be published what Grace more can be commended to the Church out of those Books which he so fondly supposeth to be lost Beware therefore of doubting of Gods Providence herein shaking thereby the Faith of the Church Whosoever thus goes about to strike at the foundation thereof the least dust that falls from the Building will crush the presumptuous Underminer into bottomless destruction The Scripture is a Doctrine inspired by God to make us wise unto salvation 2 Tim. 3.15 16. Rom. 1.16 and containeth all things necessary to be known and believed for the salvation of man Joh. 20.31 2 Tim. 3.16 17. the whole being as it were compendiously comprised in the Decalogue the sum of the Law and in the Creed the sum of the Gospel As for all the fundamental Points of Christian Religion necessary to salvation they notwithstanding the darkness of some Mysteries herein contained are clearly and plainly set down so as the humble and obedient heart may distinctly without wavering and gainsaying conceive and believe them Thus not unfitly is the Scripture compared in regard of the perspicuity thereof to a Foord over which a Lamb may wade and in regard of the difficulty thereof to a Sea wherein an Elephant may swim Now though all things necessary to be known are herein contained yet are not all literally expressed as the Baptism of Infants and Original Sin which notwithstanding are distinctly and demonstratively inferred thence and so are all things that belong to Faith and Obedience whatsoever we are to believe or to practice So that the letter of the Scripture may be alledged and yet the word of God missed as by all Hereticks and a man may swerve from the letter yet alledge the true word of God therefore it is nothing less then necessary that we be diligently familiar and well acquainted with this word of God Josephus tells us The Jews knew the Scriptures as well as their own names many of us may tell the Jews We scarce know the names of the Scriptures Most inexcuseable Ignorance sad and lamentable for we are bound to know the Scriptures themselves that by them we may come to knowledge by knowledge to faith by faith to obedience and by obedience to salvation Touching the Apocryphal Books to which the Imps of Rome as to their own Traditions give power equal to the Canonical Scriptures they were not penned by the Prophets the Lords Secretaries as the Scriptures were nor ever committed of trust to the Israelites They contain certain things disagreeing from the true Scriptures of God and no proof that they were penned by the Spirit of God therefore there is no warrant for the equalling them in Credit or Authority with the Scriptures Besides one main property of the Books of the Old Testament is That every one of them was written either by Moses or some other of the Prophets in the Hebrew tongue the native language of the Jews but the Apocryphal Books were penned by some other in the Greek tongue which was not the language of the old Prophets so that they are no part of the Law or of the Prophets And yet as the presumptuous Papists make the Apocryphal Books of equal Authority with the Canonical so others have more blasphemously long since obtruded for Canonical the fatherless brood of other Books unto these as The third and fourth of Esdras An Appendix of Job A Preface to the Lamentation The third and fourth of the Maccabees a Book called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Book of Enoch The Gospel of Thomas and of Matthias The Acts of Peter and in the year 1120 a certain new Gospel called Evangelium Aeternum was found out being full of Blasphemies All which and the like are damnable presumptions plainly forbidden by the Lord Deut. 4.2 and most fearfully threatned Rev. 22.18 19. So then to withstand the Devils suggestion against the Divine Authority of the true sacred Seriptures it is very necessary to have our judgements well informed therein to pray for the Spirit of Revelation or Inspiration which may inwardly testifie to our Spirits That God is the Author of the Scriptures which Principle we must hold undeniable and give no place to doubting about these uncontradictable Truths The Scripture is said to be the Word of God in regard of 1. The Author who is God himself 2 Tim. 3.16 2. The Matter which is Gods
History or to maintain discourse not to be edified in faith or to have their sins mortified 5. Such who in searching out the true sense of Scripture trust to their own skill wit and understanding and neglect the preaching or Ministery of the Word 6. Such who do all they can to be expert in Gods Word but with a trayterous minde to fight against the truth thereof as Hereticks and such like Three points to be observed in interpreting of the Scripture 1. That the phrase be considered and the proper sense of the words found out 2. That the order and coherence of the members or parts of the Doctrine which is contained in the Text of Scripture be declared 3. That the Doctrine be applyed to the use of the Church which it hath in confirming true opinions or refuting errors in knowing of God our selves in exhorting in comforting in directing our life The way how to decide doubtful places of Scripture 1. To respect the Analogy of Faith that is to receive no Exposition which is against the ground of Doctrine that is against any Article of Faith or Commandment of the Decalogue or against any plain Testimony of Scripture 2. To examine the Antecedent and Consequent matter of that place which is in question 3. To resort to such places of Scripture as teach the same more clearly 4. To confer like places together where though the same words be not spoken of the same thing yet the like words and form of speaking are used of the like things 5. When the Controversie is thus judged we may lawfully also descend to the consent of the Church 6. An ardent and daily invocating of God that we may be guided and taught by his holy Spirit The two proper effects of the Scriptures are 1. To teach Doctrine 2 Tim. 3.16 By 1. Laying out of Truth 2. Confuting of Errors 2. To exhort out of it 1 Tim. 6.2 By 1. Stirring up to God 2. Turning back from evil The chief Graces which are obtained by the Scriptures 1. Vocation we are called by the Spirit inwardly and by the Word outwardly 2 Thess 2.14 2. Justification which is an action of God imputing the righteousness of Christ to us which is apprehended by Faith which cometh by hearing the word Rom. 10. 3. Sanctification for we are sanctified by the word of God Joh. 15.3 4. Knowledge which is by the word 1 Joh. 4.6 5. Faith which comes by hearing the word preached Rom. 10.17 6. Repentance Peter preached the word and converted three thousand Acts 2.38 41. 7. Hope for by patience and comfort of the Scriptures we have hope Rom. 15.4 8. Love for it cometh of God by his Word and Spirit 1 Joh. 4.7 The consideration of the Scriptures Author being God presents us with a fourfold use 1. That they want not nor stand in need of the confirmation and approbation of the Church or of men 2. That God himself who is the inspirer of them is the best interpreter of them and the sole and soveraign Judge thereof 2 Pet. 1.20 1 Cor. 2.10 11. 3. That the Minister must preach unto the people not the invention of his own brain not the conceits of his own wit not the excellency of words not the inticing speech of mans wisdom but in the plain evidence of the Spirit and of power 1 Cor. 11.23 1 Pet. 4.11 4. That it belongeth as a special duty to the people of God to receive reade study reverence obey and keep the Doctrines delivered in them forasmuch as they proceed from such an Author Heb. 2.2 3. All our words actions must be directed by this precious Word of God in the holy Scriptures which is also of a fourfold use much resembling the former 1. To teach us the perfection and All-sufficiency of the word of God not needing the rags of Popish Traditions to be patched unto it 2. To direct and inform the Ministers what to teach the people the people what to believe wherein to rest whereupon to build their Faith and to settle their Conscience 3. To reprove those that desperately rush on in the course of their life not caring what they do never consulting with God or resolving as from God or his Will 4. To admonish us to be careful how we reade the Scriptures to take profit by reading them that so we may have direction in all our ways and learn how to please God and to abstain from all things that do displease him The manifold use of the Scriptures appears by the admirable benefit of well using it there being no Error in judgement but may be refuted no Corruption in life but may be redressed not any true sound Doctrine but may be proved and maintained not any Vertue or Duty but may be warranted and the practical performance thereof directed hereby 2 Tim. 3.16 yea it is a light to the blinde a guide to the wanderer a comfort to the distressed a counsellor to the doubtful Ps 119. and a teacher to the unlearned Prov. 1.4 Lastly our Savior Christ the Prophets and Apostles all by the Spirit of God have here revealed unto us more then all the wise men of the world did ever know whence we have just reason to magnifie the Books of Scripture far above all humane writings the choycest whereof compared with this holy Writ are but waste Paper for these sacred Books fully set out unto us the nature and estate of true felicity when the profoundest Tract of humane works could never yet reach to the shadow thereof Let us therefore in reading hearing expounding conversing practising in every action that concerns this sacred Word always account of it as the Word of the Ever-living God and with the joynt powers and faculties both of soul and body maintain it against all devilish Atheists that in word or life deny it seducing Hereticks that corrupt it and all enemies that oppose it or rebelliously rise against the Scepter of it Lo here the sacred Oracle of God The just man's Anchor and the sinners Rod The lame man's Crutch the blinde man's Eye the Tree Of Life or Type of Immortality A Well of living Waters Drink of this And thou shalt thirst no more but after Bliss The depth whereof the Natural man ne're saw Pray then thou mayst have wherewithal to draw Heav'ns Library Gods Spirit th' Author Take heed Tempted Man with what Spirit thou dost read §. 3. The Law and Gospel THe Law of God is a Doctrine delivered of God at the Creation written in Adams heart published by the Ministery either of Angels or of men and afterward repeated and renewed of him by Moses and the Prophets teaching what we ought to do and what not to do binding reasonable Creatures always promising to perfect performers of obedience eternal life condemning eternally them who perform not this obedience except Remission be granted for the Mediators sake Before the Fall this Law was possible to all men as to Angels and if now it be
46 b. Bible the Canonical Books thereof not perishable 6 a. Blood of Christ how it saves from sin 321 a b. Body the Metaphor thereof used in Scripture what it implieth 151 a. Bondage from the which Christ hath freed us is fourfold 322 a. Bread daily Bread what is meant thereby 98b Burial of Christ the Causes thereof 37 c. C CAlling twofold 150 c. Censure the evil of it and how many ways it may be committed 305 a. Censures of the Church threefold 379 c. Ceremonies Judaical oblige not Christians 16 a. Chastity twofold 289 b. Rules to preserve it ibid. c. 290 b. Children their Duties to Parents 263 c. Christ his Natures and Properties described 127 b c. the degrees of his Humiliation 127 a. also of his Exaltation ibid. Why called the First-born ibid. why called our Head ibid. 128 a. why called our Lord 127 Messias Christ or Anointed ibid. b. why called the Word 129 a. the Lamb from the c. 322 c. the Head of the Church 151 b. how said to be Present with us 157 b c. to what ends Anointed 128 b. his Royal Prophetick and Priestly Offices 128 129 his Theanthropeity and the use thereof 131 c. Church what it is to believe in the Holy Catholick Church 149 c. why called Catholick 150 a. The Church twofold Visible and Invisible ibid. b. 152 c. its Priviledges 151 c. Marks to know the true Church by 152 a. her Titles of Honor ibid. why called Holy ibid. b. her Properties ibid. why God permits it to be persecuted ibid. c. 153 a. 198 b. why the World hates it ibid. c. How the Church before Christs coming differs from the Church since his coming 154 a. how it differs from Common-weals ibid. b. her Office and Authority touching the Scripture ibid. how the Church may be said to erre ibid. c. what she may not do ibid. The Duties of Faith in the Holy Catholick Church 155 a. Circumcision why Abolished 46 c. why Christ was Circumcised ibid. b. Communion of Saints what 155 c. 156 c. Doctrine thereof 155 to 156. How we are said to have communion with God 157 c. the Signs of true Communion with God 158 a. 159 a. the Duty of the Saints by vertue of this Communion ibid. c. Conception of Christ by the Holy Ghost what 132 c. what it signifies 133 c. why he was conceived ibid. what it is to believe in Christ conceived 134 b c. Confession the Properties thereof 79 b. Christian Confession twofold 246 b. Caveats touching private Confession 225 c. Consubstantiation Reasons against it 57 b. Conversion what 337 Doctrine thereof ibid. to 343. Conversion twofold 341 c. how wrought 342 a b. The Object Subject Parts and Causes of Conversion ibid. b c. how is differs from false Repentance 343 a. Covenant betwixt God and Man twofold 330 a. Covetous how said to be Idolaters 309 a. Covetousness what 306 c. the Evils thereof 309 b. Remedies against it ibid. a. 110 b. Creation described 124 c. 125 a. 316 why God created the World 125 the Doctrine of the Creation ibid. b c. 316 to 319 the use of that Doctrine 119 b. Creatures four kindes thereof in the world 318 b. a twofold goodness in the Creature ibid. a. Creed why vulgarly called Apostolique 117 c. and why so framed ibid. Cross fourfold 198 c. a Cordial against fainting under it 200 a. 201 b. Cruelty the Properties thereof 278 b. Curse for Sin fourfold 19 c. D DEath of Christ why so ignominious 137 c. the Benefits thereby ibid. a. Debt a threefold Debt in Sin 105 a. Decalogue how divided 170 c. the Doctrine thereof 169 to 310 Rules how to expound it 171 c. 172 a b. Deity proved 119 c. 120 a. Deliverance how many ways God works it for his people 113 a. why God sometimes defers it 200 c. Descention of Christ into Hell what 135 c. the diversity of Opinions touching it 138 b c. Despair what 222 c c. Doctrine thereof ibid. to 226 threefold 225 a. Causes thereof ibid. b. Remedies against it 111 b. 225 c. 226 a b. Discipline what Ecclesiastical Discipline is 376 b. the nature of it how and by whom to be administred ibid. why and by whom Instituted 378 a. the Method thereof ibid. the Necessities thereof ibid. c. the Difference betwixt Church-Discipline and State-Government ibid. Distress of Minde the kindes thereof 224 b c. Doctrine how true Doctrine differs from other 153 c. Drunkenness Remedies against it 111 a. Duties the kindes thereof 271 a b. E EArth a twofold Right to it 272 c. Eating to the Lord what and how 374 b. Election what 313 Doctrine thereof ibid. to 316 kindes thereof 315 b. Effects thereof ibid. c. the way to obtain Assurance thereof 316 a. Envy twofold 281 c. why to be avoided ibid. Remedies against it ibid. Essence Divine what 2 b c. 3 b. how the Essence of God differs from the Essence of the Creature 4 a. Why the Difference of Essence and Person in the Trinity is necessary to be known ibid. b. Examination before Receiving the Lords Supper 49 c. to 53 b. Examiners three sorts of Examiners 53 a. Excommunication what 376 c. its parts 381 c. the Original thereof 377 a. how to be used ibid. b. of no force against the Childe of God ibid. c. Three Judgements in Excommunication 378 b. Observations thereon 379 b. Duties to be performed by and to the Excommunicate 380 a b. The fearful condition of Excommunicated persons ibid. c. the end and use of Excomunication 381 a b. with the use to be made thereof 382,383 Eyes Rules for the governing of them to avoid Adultery 289 a. F FAith what 174 b. Doctrine thereof 379 to 194 What the most Mysterious point of Faith 1 a. how many ways we may be said to Believe 183 b. Faith fourfold ibid. Historical Faith what ibid. c. Justifying Faith wherein it consists 184 a b. its Properties 186 c. Gods order in working Faith 184 c. how many ways Faith works 187 a b. how it admits Degrees 186 a. 238 c. 239 a. Effectual Faith what 187 wherein the effectualness of it consists 188 a. the Fruits Effects and Signs of Effectual Faith 192 b c. the Causes of uneffectual Faith 188 a. Faithless Works threefold 187 c. Tryal of Faith 50 b c. 51 c. Duties of Faith in Christ Crucified 138 a. how Faith and Hope differ 189 a. wherein they agree ibid. c. how Faith differs from Presumption 191 a. how Faith differs from Moral Honesty 238 b. the Degrees of Temporary Faith 239 b. Satans Engines to destroy Faith 188 c. Titles in Scripture given to Faith 190 c. how far the sense of Faith may be lost ibid. Motives to grow in Faith 191 b. Means to attain it ibid. c. The use of Faith in Prosperity 193 c. Faithful why called Saints 157 a. Fast what a Religious Fast is 369 a. 370 c. 371 a b. the several kindes thereof ibid. c. 372 a. Rules touching the same
Will Eph. 1.9 3. The End which is Gods Glory Eph. 3.10 4. The Efficacy which is Gods Power Rom. 1.16 Touching the Scriptures we are principally to consider these 4 things 1. Who is the Author of them that is as hath been shewed God himself Gal. 1.11 12. 2. Who are the instrumental Causes they are as hath been likewise shewed the Prophets and Apostles 2 Pet. 1.21 3. To whom they belong even to all sorts and degrees of men and women Psal 111.2 119.9 4. What is the property thereof viz. All-sufficiency without any patching of mens Decrees or Inventions to teach the true knowledge of God 2 Pet. 1.16 1 Cor. 1.17 〈◊〉 the Scripture is the Word of God and 〈◊〉 Doctrine of infallible Truth and certainty may be firmly proved from these unanswerable Arguments drawn from Scripturâ—it self 1. From the Causes thereof wherein consider 1. That the first and principal is the Author thereof even God himself to him do the Scriptures refer themselves and also shew how God is their Author Now nothing is falsly ascribed to God but God in time will bring the same to nought and therefore if the Scripture had not been Gods Word it would long ago have vanished 2. The cause Conservant for the Devil by wicked men and Hereticks hath labored to take away Gods Word from mens hearts and hands but yet it is still preserved in the Church which argues that it is kept by a greater power then is in all men and all Angels that is by the power of God 3. The causes Instrumental they were holy men of God Prophets and Apostles who for vertue und piety exceeded other Writers far beyond all comparison and if they had been meer Polititians their writings would have shewed it for the Penmen of holy Scripture have herein faithfully registred their own faults which no politick person would have done 2. From the Matter therof which stands 1. In doctrine which is The Law set forth in most excellent purity nothing being therein against it or common Equity The Law is perfect Reason the Gospel above Reason yet not contrary to Reason The Gospel wherein is set down Doctrine altogether above mans Reason touching Christs Incarnation and mans Redemption by his death and although these things be above Nature yet we finde them true wholesom and good in experience of conscience which also proveth that they are the Word of God Men may devise strange things above Nature but they can never be wholesom to the conscience 2. In stile the phrase is plain and familiar and yet in any one speech there is more majesty then in all the writings of men 3. From the End thereof for it sets up Gods Worship and mans Salvation and yet gives nothing to Men or Angels but all to the glory of God but for the writings of men they do either directly or by insinuation ascribe something to the writers thereof 4. From the Effects thereof For 1. Though it is against our corrupt Nature crossing and condemning the same yet it winneth men to the love thereof and to obedience thereto which could not be unless it were the Truth of God for we abhor and detest the words of men that be against our Nature 2. It serves notably to comfort a man in all distresses whatsoever even in the pangs of death when no word of any man can do him the least good but onely his word that is the Lord of our soul and the God of our life 5. From the two properties of Scripture 1. Antiquity Among humane writings we have none of certainty in things they record that go so high as the Creation but the Scripture sets down things done from the beginning 2. Mutual Consent for though the Books of Scripture were written by divers men in sundry Ages and Times yet all agree within themselves there is no contradiction in Scripture but the writings of men have not this consent no not in the same Author whom commonly we shall finde contradicting himself 6. From the signs and true miracles thereof as the parting of the Sea the staying of the Sun and Moon and many others yea the Incarnation of the Son of God the Miracle of miracles 7. From the Contraries Contrary to the word of God is the will of the Devil and mans corrupt Nature the Devil hates Scripture and mans corrupt Nature repines thereat when it is checked and controlled thereby Now that which is contrary to these two must needs be holy and true and that is the word of God 8. From Testimonies whereof there be 2 kindes 1. Of holy Martyrs who in all ages have sealed the truth thereof preferring the word of God before their own lives whence it is truly said Sanguis Martyrum semen Ecclesiae And though Hereticks have dyed for falshood yet there is great difference in their ends the true Martyrs have unspeakable joy in the Spirit in their torments but Hereticks have no such joy but a natural sensless blockishness whereby they undergo these torments 2. Of Gods Spirit which is the principal testimony for when men begin to learn and obey the word of God then the Spirit of God settles their Conscience in the perswasion of the truth of Scripture which is infallibility it self The Testimony of the Holy Ghost touching Gods Word is obtained and discerned from the Testimony of man by doing these two things 1. By resigning our selves to become truly obedient to the Doctrine taught John 7.17 2. By praying unto God for his Spirit to certifie our Consciences that the Doctrine revealed is the very Doctrine of God Mat. 7.7 8. Luke 11.13 Jam. 1.7 The Majesty of the Scriptures consisteth chiefly in these three excellencies 1. In the Majesty of the Spirit of God which shineth in them 2. In the Consent of all the parts among themselves 3. In the Fulfilling all the Prophesies delivered long before yet accomplished precisely each of them in their proper place The Authority of the Scripture doth not as the Papists affirm depend on the Church for these Reasons 1. The reproach of God by making the Testimony of mans voyce greater then the voyce of God 2. Our Comfort for Faith is grounded on approved witness therefore not on man 3. The truth of God is plainly exposed to the mocks and scoffs of the wicked if we affirm that our Religion is from God onely because our selves say so 4. Because the Authority of the Church depends on the Scripture 5. The Scripture it self is in many places against this opinion John 5. 1 Cor. 2. 1 John 5. The Popish twofold Scripture 1. Inward Scripture or a consent of Doctrine written by the Holy Ghost in the hearts of all Catholicks and this say they is right Scripture Unparalleld Blasphemy 2. Outward Scripture which is written in Paper or Parchment which hath no certain sense as they falsly affirm but as the present Church determines thereof but this is a devilish Doctrine abolishing the true Word of God
giveth unto him the Spirit of revelation Eph. 1.17 4. In regard of the maner of searching them for if men cursorily carelesly reade the Scripture no marvel if they understand little or nothing thereof The Reasons why the Scripture is in some respects difficult 1. To declare unto man his natural blindeness and to suppress all self-conceit for by the Mystery of the Word the wisdom of man is found to be foolishness 2. To keep holy things from dogs and so to make a difference betwixt the childe of the kingdom and the wicked 3. To maintain the divine Ordinance of Preaching and Expounding the Scriptures 4. To raise up in us an appetite after the Word and an high esteem of it and to keep us from loathing it By the perspicuity of it we are kept from starving and by the difficulty of it from loathing it 5. To stir us up diligently to study and search the Scriptures and carefully to use the means whereby we may finde out the hidden treasure in it 6. To make us to call upon him who is the Author of the Scripture to give us the Spirit of Revelation and not to reade or hear the Word without faithful and earnest prayer For our help in the finding out of the true sense of the Scripture there are divers profitable means As 1. Understanding of the Original Tongues because divers Errors and Heresies have been drawn from Translations and every language hath some kindes of speech proper to it self 2. Skill in the Arts whereby proper and figurative speeches and phrases may be discerned and distinguished and the true construction of words with the just consequents of arguments may be discern'd 3. Knowledge of the Analogy of Faith that is of the fundamental points of our Christian Religion that no sense be made contrary to any of them 4. Observation of the scope of that place which is interpreted and of the circumstances going before and following after 5. Comparing one place with another as the obscure places with the perspicuous Thus the meaning of many Types and Prophesies in the Old Testament may be understood by the application of them in the New 6. Prayer for thereby the Spirit of Revelation is obtained Eph. 1.17 7. Faith and obedience in to Gods word so far as it is made known The four graces needful to use the Scriptures aright 1. Knowledge whereby in all things that we do we may be able to judge what is the good will of God what is pleasing and acceptable to him Rom. 12.2 Eph. 5.17 This knowledge is attained by diligent reading of the word by meditation on what we reade by a reverend conferring thereof and by a careful humble attention to the preaching thereof 2. Wisdom which teacheth us rightly to apply the word and that both in the true sense and meaning of that particular place which we alledge and also according to the present matter for which it is alledged otherwise we pervert the Scripture to our own destruction 2 Pet. 3.16 3. Faith whereto the power of the Scriptures is restrained for the Word is the power of God to every one that believeth Rom. 1.16 without this all knowledge all wisdom is in vain 4. Obedience for in Religion a man knoweth no more then he practiseth Happy onely which so know as to do what they know John 13.17 by neither carelesly neglecting that which is commanded nor by preposterously doing that which is forbidden The Scripture contains matter concerning all sorts of persons things which may be reduced to these 5 Heads 1. Touching Religion and the right worship of God they teach how to serve him and what to believe of God or Man 1. Touching God that he is one in Essence and three in persons 2. Touching our selves 1. That by Creation we were made good holy and righteous 2. That by our Fall we are become wretched by reason of sin and not able of our selves to think one good thought or to stir one foot forward toward the Kingdom of heaven 3. That by Regeneration we are born again and made the Sons of God by Adoption and by faith we lay hold on Christ our Wisdom our Sanctification our Righteousness our Redemption 3. Touching the Church That it is the company of the Faithful that have been from the beginning By them also are we led to know the two Sacraments and what to believe of the general Judgement that shall be of the godly and ungodly 2. Touching Kingdoms and Commonwealths and touching the Duties of Magistrates and Subjects they inform us how the one ought to rule and the other to obey and neither the one nor the other do their duties for conscience till the Word inform them 3. Touching Families and Houshold-affairs in which are Husband and Wife Parents and Children Masters and Servants no duty required of them is omitted but all contained herein 4. Touching the private life of every particular person how to behave our selves in the whole course of our life 5. Touching the common life of all men we learn in them how to lead our lives in every estate whether we be rich or poor whether we be high or low we can be in no estate but we shall finde sufficient store of heavenly precepts and examples to teach us the way wherein we should walk The way to profit by the Scriptures 1. We must have recourse by prayer to God the Author of the Scriptures he onely is able to unlock them and so to bring us into the secret chamber of his presence 2. We must keep such order in the reading of them as may stand with our Calling and state of life and take all opportunity to do it redeeming this day what we omitted the last 3. We must understand to what ends uses they were written as 1. To teach that we may learn the Truth 2. To improve that we may be kept from error 3. To correct that we may be driven from vice 4. To instruct that we may be setled in the way of well-doing 5. To comfort that in trouble we may be confirmed in patience and hope of an happy issue 4. We are to remember that the Scriptures contain matter concerning all sorts of persons and things 5. We must have the Doctrine of the Scriptures plentifully dwelling in us not in the mouth but seated in the heart that we may be able to rise up being fallen to stand in the truth to continue unto the end The several kindes of neglecters of the Scriptures and consequently self-enemies to their own souls 1. Such as care not to reade it or hear it at all of all Books they least respect the Bible 2. Such as seldom reade it having fair bound Bibles onely to keep them company at Church 3. Such as reade much but do onely reade never search the Scripture to finde out the true sense and meaning thereof 4. Such as reade and seek out the true sense also but onely to understand the truth of the
4. That he is Just To leave my wicked ways and to restrain my self from sin 5. That he is merciful To turn unto him by Repentance 6. That he is Omnipresent To carry my self as in his Presence 7. That he is Omniscient To keep my heart upright before him continually 8. That he is Infinite To stand in awe reverence and fear of him The Vices repugnant unto the knowledge of God viz. 1. Atheism which is the Acknowledgement of no God 2. Ignorance or not knowing the true God and his Will 3. Errors conceived or false Imaginations and Opinions of him 4. Prophaneness which is a Regardlesness of God and of his special Service 5. Magick Sorcery or Witchcraft in such as desire the help of it as well as in those who use it 6. Superstition Soothsaying Observation of Dreams Divinations Signs and Predictions or Foretellingof Wizards 7. All trust or confidence reposed in the Creature 8. Idolatry whether Inward when another is worshipped then that one true God or when the Worship of God is given unto Creatures by Praying unto them Trusting in them or Setting the heart upon them which kinde doth properly belong unto this First Commandment or Outward when though the true God is worshipped yet after another maner then God himself hath prescribed 9. The contempt of God which is to know those things of God which are true but not to be moved thereby to love him Were all the Wisdom of the East in one Compris'd Couldst thou discourse with Solomon From th'Isop to the Cedar or of ought In Heav'n Earth Hell Couldst thou foresee a Thought And so prevent it or by strength of Brain When 't is thought Argument it back again Hadst thou all Arts and Sciences refin'd Couldst joyn East to West or divide the Winde Wer 't thou for Wisdom the Worlds Nource or School And knew'st not God thou wer 't a damned Fool. §. 2. Of Faith or Trust in God THe second Duty required in this Commandment is To Trust in the onely true God and in him alone to put all trust and confidence Psal 20.8 This is Faith by which whosoever is united unto Christ the same is Elected Called Justified Sanctified and shall be Glorified Joh. 3.36 5.24 By this Faith is not meant an Historical Faith as to know and think all those things to be true which are manifested from above either by Voyce or by Visions or by any other maner of Revelation and are taught in the Books of the Prophets and Apostles and thus to be perswaded of them for the asseveration and Testimony of God himself firmly assenting to the truth of those things contained in the Scripture for the Authority of God that spoke them which Faith is good in it self but made ill yea sin by them that cannot apply it Thus Simon Magus is said to have believed Acts 13. By this Faith is not meant a Temporary Faith as to assent unto the heavenly Doctrine which is delivered by the Prophets and Apostles to profess it and to rejoyce in the knowledge thereof and to glory therein for a time yet not for any feeling of Gods grace towards them but for other causes whatsoever and therefore without any true Conversion and final perseverance in the Profession of that Doctrine for this kinde of Faith is led as in a string with the commodities of this world and with them doth live and dye By this Faith is not meant the Faith of working Miracles which is a special gift of working Miracles that is a certain perswasion springing from an especial Revelation and Promise of God whereby a man firmly resolveth That some extraordinary or miraculous Work and contrary to Nature shall come to pass by Gods Power which he hath foretold and would have to be done in the Name of God and Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 13.2 which Faith so flourishing in the Primitive Church ceaseth in those days for that the Doctrine is now sufficiently confirmed so sufficiently indeed as he that will not now believe without a Miracle may stand for a Wonder himself But by this Faith is meant Justifying Faith wrought in the hearts of the Elect by the operation of Gods Spirit grounded on Gods Promises whereby we do undoubtedly believe that God hath freely forgiven us all our sins applying Christ Jesus in particular to be our Savior and Redeemer From this Faith Gods people can never finally and totally fall away howsoever it may be sometimes shaken obscured and eclipsed so as it may not so manifestly appear at one time as at another and this Faith is incident onely to the Elect Acts 13.48 For it is a principal Grace of God whereby man is ingrafted unto Christ and thereby become one with Christ and Christ one with him Eph. 3.17 By this Faith in Christ we are partakers of the Merit of the Death and Resurrection of Christ so as it is Satisfaction for us and Forgiveness of all our sins a special grace or habit infused into the Soul by the Holy Ghost whereby we are enabled to believe not onely that the Messias is offered unto us but also to take and receive him as a Lord and Savior Thus Justifying Faith cometh not neither proceedeth or ariseth out of the instinct of Nature neither out of sense or experience neither out of Demonstrations or Reasons borrowed from Philosophy but it cometh and dependeth of a peculiar and supernatural Revelation or Divine Testimony it proceedeth from the Holy Ghost who kindleth it in our hearts by the Preaching of the Gospel Eph. 2.8 and confirmeth it by the use of the Sacraments Mat. 28.19 20. Now we are not said to be made Righteous through Faith onely or that we please God through the worthiness of meer Faith but because onely the Satisfaction Righteousness and Holiness of Christ is our Righteousness before God 1 Cor. 1.30 and we cannot take hold of it or apply it to our selves any other way then by Faith 1 Joh. 5.10 Yet Faith without Righteousness is Presumption as Righteousness without Truth is Hypocrisie And thus Faith is as it were an Addition of a New Light to Reason without which Reason is purblinde and begins to breed in the heart when the party begins to be touched in Conscience for his sins and hungers withal and thirsts after Christ and his Righteousness the first act of the understanding being to assent to the Truth contained in the Promises wherein Christ is offered and then the act of the Will to consent unto them that is to embrace them But before a man will be willing to take Christ the heart must be changed by God for none will take Christ upon Christs conditions till they be throughly humbled and have their hearts broken that know what the wrath of God is and have their Consciences awakened to see sin till they have been stung with a sense of their sins till they be heavy and have felt the weight of Satans yoke till then they will not come under the yoke