general_a sense_n do_v include_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o do_v all_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o god_n power_n wisdom_n truth_n goodness_n mercy_n etc._n etc._n come_v to_o be_v declare_v but_o in_o that_o strict_a and_o common_a sense_n wherein_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v take_v it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o read_v see_v we_o this_o clear_a in_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n who_o when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o synagogue_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n day_n the_o text_n say_v he_o open_v the_o book_n and_o read_v the_o scripture_n then_o he_o close_v the_o book_n sit_v down_o 4.17_o luk._n 4.17_o and_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o they_o be_v fasten_v on_o he_o and_o he_o begin_v to_o preach_v unto_o they_o thus_o nehemiah_n the_o levite_n read_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n 8.7.8_o neh._n 8.7.8_o that_o do_v they_o give_v the_o sense_n and_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o understand_v so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o read_v and_o preach_v as_o two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o unto_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o promise_n make_v use_v 1_o see_v then_o that_o without_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n ordinary_o we_o can_v know_v christ_n or_o attain_v to_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n the_o first_o use_n than_o concern_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n to_o exhort_v they_o that_o they_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o calling_n with_o all_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o they_o preach_v this_o word_n of_o life_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n 4.2_o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o hereby_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o shall_v turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o call_n and_o the_o happy_a fruit_n the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o powerful_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n the_o enlarge_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o the_o win_n of_o many_o to_o god_n use_v 2_o second_o this_o show_v the_o miserable_a estate_n and_o condition_n of_o those_o thousand_o in_o israel_n who_o want_v their_o guide_n and_o faithful_a pastor_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o christ_n who_o will_v not_o pity_v a_o poor_a blind_a man_n that_o shall_v wander_v up_o and_o down_o without_o a_o guide_n especial_o in_o dangerous_a way_n and_o place_n much_o more_o be_v such_o people_n and_o congregation_n to_o be_v pity_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o peril_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o want_v a_o guide_n to_o direct_v they_o it_o be_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o such_o verse_n 31._o and_o he_o desire_v philip_n that_o he_o will_v come_v up_o and_o sit_v with_o he_o text._n text._n the_o religious_a disposition_n of_o this_o nobleman_n come_v further_a to_o be_v describe_v unto_o we_o as_o by_o his_o great_a pain_n in_o travel_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n there_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o by_o his_o diligence_n in_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o in_o his_o journey_n and_o in_o his_o chariot_n so_o by_o his_o desire_v of_o philip_n to_o come_v and_o sit_v with_o he_o to_o instruct_v he_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o herein_o again_o we_o have_v another_o instance_n of_o his_o great_a meekness_n and_o humility_n that_o he_o will_v thus_o accept_v of_o philip_n a_o poor_a man_n thus_o to_o come_v into_o his_o coach_n and_o to_o sit_v with_o he_o much_o unlike_a to_o this_o eunuch_n be_v many_o man_n in_o these_o day_n and_o time_n though_o far_o inferior_a to_o he_o yea_o it_o may_v be_v to_o some_o of_o his_o servant_n yet_o will_v think_v scorn_n to_o call_v philip_n into_o their_o company_n nay_o they_o will_v hardly_o endure_v philip_n to_o be_v so_o bold_a with_o they_o as_o he_o be_v with_o this_o nobleman_n what_o else_o mean_v these_o disgrace_n full_a speech_n so_o often_o speak_v by_o so_o many_o man_n what_o shall_v he_o teach_v i_o do_v he_o think_v to_o have_v our_o head_n under_o his_o girdle_n o_o how_o far_o be_v these_o man_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o eunuch_n yet_o god_n be_v thank_v we_o have_v some_o chief_a ruler_n that_o believe_v on_o christ_n 12.48_o joh._n 12.48_o we_o have_v some_o corneliuss_n that_o will_n receive_v peter_n 10._o act_n 10._o some_o sergius_n paulas_n that_o will_v entertain_v paul_n the_o apostle_n the_o lord_n increase_v the_o number_n of_o such_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o this_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v no_o small_a commendation_n unto_o this_o so_o great_a a_o man_n to_o entreat_v philip_n thus_o to_o come_v into_o his_o chariot_n to_o instruct_v he_o he_o do_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v his_o ignorance_n that_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v the_o scripture_n without_o a_o guide_n but_o he_o do_v also_o desire_n philip_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v he_o note_v hence_o that_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n doct._n it_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o see_v our_o ignorance_n but_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o come_v out_o of_o it_o and_o of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n not_o only_o to_o see_v his_o ignorance_n but_o also_o to_o desire_v to_o come_v our_o of_o it_o to_o be_v teach_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n this_o be_v in_o deed_n god_n own_o ordinance_n the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n 2.7_o mâ—l_n 2.7_o and_o the_o people_n shall_v hear_v the_o law_n at_o their_o mouth_n and_o thus_o the_o man_n of_o macedonia_n come_v to_o paul_n and_o beseech_v he_o that_o he_o will_v come_v and_o preach_v in_o their_o city_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o none_o profit_n more_o we_o know_v in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n than_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v teach_v that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o knowledge_n that_o will_v go_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n as_o she_o widow_n do_v to_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o new_a moon_n and_o solemn_a feast_n day_n indeed_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n man_n will_v not_o be_v a_o shame_v of_o their_o ignorance_n but_o will_v confess_v it_o as_o in_o the_o sow_v of_o their_o ground_n when_o after_o what_o manner_n with_o what_o kind_n of_o seed_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o will_v desire_v to_o be_v direct_v but_o alas_o in_o this_o heavenly_a art_n how_o many_o dissemble_v their_o ignorance_n will_v not_o desire_v the_o direction_n of_o god_n husband_n man_n by_o which_o mean_v their_o heart_n lie_v untilled_a and_o barren_a it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a stomach_n and_o perfect_a digestion_n when_o man_n grow_v in_o strength_n and_o have_v a_o good_a appetite_n to_o their_o meat_n 9.5_o pro._n 9.5_o a_o wise_a man_n say_v solomon_n will_v hear_v and_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o that_o man_n that_o be_v make_v wise_a by_o the_o word_n he_o grow_v still_o in_o grace_n and_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v more_o and_o more_o after_o wisdom_n and_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o it_o reas_n 1_o first_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n 8.18_o luk._n 8.18_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v but_o from_o he_o that_o have_v not_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o god_n have_v betrust_v any_o of_o his_o servant_n with_o a_o stock_n of_o save_v knowledge_n they_o increase_v in_o the_o same_o daily_a and_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v in_o grace_n and_o godliness_n whereas_o wicked_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n that_o have_v all_o but_o in_o show_n and_o nothing_o in_o truth_n god_n many_o time_n do_v take_v from_o such_o that_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v reas_n 2_o second_o when_o god_n do_v once_o open_a the_o understanding_n of_o his_o servant_n they_o discover_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o in_o they_o the_o defect_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n and_o in_o they_o be_v that_o verify_v of_o solomon_n he_o that_o increase_v knowledge_n increase_v labour_n for_o none_o labour_n and_o travel_v more_o earnest_o after_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n than_o such_o as_o have_v already_o attain_v to_o a_o competent_a measure_n there_o of_o it_o be_v with_o a_o christian_a herein_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o worldling_n the_o more_o the_o world_n come_v on_o hand_n the_o more_o gripple_n and_o covetous_a they_o be_v so_o the_o more_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n that_o any_o of_o god_n people_n have_v the_o more_o they_o covet_v after_o it_o reas_n 3_o three_o they_o and_o they_o only_o know_v the_o worth_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o grace_n and_o this_o make_v they_o earnest_a seeker_n after_o it_o whereas_o ignoti_fw-la nulla_fw-la cupido_fw-la such_o as_o know_v it_o not_o neither_o prize_v it_o nor_o labour_n after_o it_o a_o godly_a man_n be_v insatiable_a in_o his_o desire_n after_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n he_o be_v greedy_a in_o have_v he_o read_v daily_a he_o hear_v as_o often_o as_o
kingdom_n of_o god_n themselves_o nor_o suffer_v those_o that_o will_v now_o want_v the_o word_n to_o direct_v they_o they_o serve_v idol_n yea_o they_o worship_n satan_n instead_o of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o worship_n can_v be_v please_v &_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n that_o have_v not_o the_o word_n for_o it_o warrant_v he_o read_v isaiah_n the_o prophet_n here_o we_o see_v â—is_n employment_n in_o his_o journey_n upon_o his_o return_n home_o into_o his_o country_n he_o be_v not_o idle_a neither_o give_v he_o himself_o to_o sleep_v nor_o spend_v he_o his_o time_n in_o idle_a discourse_n nor_o yet_o in_o read_v vain_a foolish_a wanton_a and_o lascivious_a book_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o many_o be_v to_o do_v but_o he_o spend_v his_o time_n in_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o in_o study_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o further_a building_n of_o himself_o up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n who_o example_n may_v commend_v unto_o all_o god_n people_n a_o necessary_a duty_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v daily_o conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n doct._n 7._o godly_a must_v be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n deu._n 6.6_o 7._o and_o exercise_v themselves_o daily_o therein_o this_o be_v that_o charge_n moses_n give_v unto_o the_o people_n from_o the_o lord_n these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o unto_o thy_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o as_o thou_o sit_v in_o thy_o house_n when_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o again_o 1.8_o jos_n 1.8_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n but_o thou_o shall_v meditate_v therein_o day_n and_o night_n this_o be_v christ_n own_o charge_n search_v the_o scripture_n 5.39_o joh._n 5.39_o for_o in_o they_o you_o leoke_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n this_o be_v likewise_o a_o apostolical_a injunction_n 3.16_o col._n 3.16_o let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o plenteous_o to_o this_o solomon_n exhort_v diligent_o when_o he_o say_v 7.3_o prou._n 7.3_o speak_v of_o the_o word_n bind_v they_o upon_o thy_o finger_n write_v they_o upon_o the_o table_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o again_o verse_n 4_o say_v unto_o wisdom_n thou_o be_v my_o sister_n and_o call_v understand_v thy_o kinswoman_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a commendation_n of_o timothy_n that_o he_o know_v the_o scripture_n of_o a_o child_n therefore_o doubtless_o very_o conversant_a in_o they_o and_o of_o apollo_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v mighty_a in_o god_n word_n so_o that_o we_o see_v to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v conversant_a in_o god_n word_n be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n a_o commendable_a duty_n though_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o ordinary_o work_v faith_n and_o repentance_n reas_n 1_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o prepare_v the_o heart_n for_o the_o same_o work_n and_o to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n to_o strengthen_v it_o and_o to_o build_v up_o a_o man_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n second_o god_n word_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o out_o walk_v reas_n 2_o and_o that_o narrow_a road_n within_o the_o limit_n whereof_o we_o shall_v always_o contain_v ourselves_o and_o indeed_o by_o the_o word_n must_v all_o our_o action_n be_v try_v and_o judge_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o expedient_a that_o by_o the_o word_n all_o our_o action_n shall_v be_v square_v three_o it_o be_v that_o only_a that_o must_v be_v our_o comfort_n reas_n 3_o when_o all_o other_o comfort_n fail_v now_o a_o sure_a friend_n must_v not_o be_v contemn_v i_o have_v perish_v in_o my_o affliction_n say_v david_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o thy_o word_n use_v 1_o see_v then_o that_o the_o scripture_n ought_v so_o diligent_o and_o frequent_o be_v read_v of_o us._n how_o injurious_o then_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n deal_n with_o man_n soul_n that_o will_v not_o permit_v man_n the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n no_o private_a man_n in_o that_o church_n without_o special_a licence_n may_v read_v the_o scripture_n but_o must_v take_v all_o upon_o trust_n and_o upon_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o their_o teacher_n but_o what_o be_v this_o but_o direct_o to_o contradict_v the_o lord_n himself_o we_o see_v that_o ignorant_a man_n pervert_v the_o scripture_n object_n a_o poor_a silly_a shift_n resp_n resp_n because_o some_o abuse_v the_o scripture_n shall_v other_o therefore_o not_o be_v permit_v the_o lawful_a use_n thereof_o meat_n drink_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v there_o among_o we_o that_o be_v not_o abuse_v must_v therefore_o the_o lawful_a use_n be_v take_v away_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o condemn_v thousand_o among_o we_o use_v 2_o who_o seldom_o or_o never_o read_v the_o scripture_n never_o take_v the_o book_n of_o god_n into_o their_o hand_n yea_o such_o as_o give_v no_o place_n to_o god_n word_n in_o their_o house_n hardly_o have_v a_o bible_n at_o home_n card_n and_o die_n be_v rife_a among_o they_o these_o be_v turn_v and_o toss_v every_o day_n but_o the_o book_n of_o god_n be_v cast_v into_o a_o corner_n lie_v cover_v with_o dust_n and_o the_o spider_n spin_v her_o web_n over_o it_o this_o may_v serve_v also_o to_o tax_v many_o noble_a man_n and_o gentle_a man_n use_v 3_o who_o think_v it_o a_o base_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n therefore_o they_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o hawk_v and_o hunt_v in_o card_v and_o in_o dice_v in_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o licentious_a course_n but_o as_o for_o read_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v hold_v a_o matter_n of_o reproach_n to_o seem_v to_o have_v a_o bible_n in_o their_o hand_n a_o matter_n of_o preciseness_n curiosity_n and_o more_o than_o needs_o but_o they_o must_v have_v in_o stead_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n idle_a vain_a and_o lascivious_a book_n the_o court_n of_o venus_n the_o palace_n of_o pleasure_n book_n of_o love_n and_o venery_n book_n of_o lie_n and_o vanity_n which_o do_v poison_v youth_n stir_v up_o lust_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o drown_v man_n in_o perdition_n well_o let_v such_o man_n know_v that_o while_o they_o bestow_v more_o time_n and_o leisure_n in_o read_v such_o vain_a and_o idle_a pamphlet_n then_o in_o god_n word_n the_o lord_n will_v plague_v &_o punish_v they_o with_o a_o spiritual_a plague_n and_o judgement_n from_o above_o that_o they_o remain_v stranger_n from_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n word_n that_o be_v indeed_o a_o clapsed_a and_o a_o seal_a book_n unto_o they_o whereas_o unto_o the_o godly_a the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v their_o great_a joy_n and_o solace_n thy_o word_n say_v david_n be_v sweet_a unto_o i_o than_o the_o honey_n &_o the_o honey_n comb_n and_o again_o thy_o word_n be_v dear_a unto_o i_o then_o thousand_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n this_o comfort_n such_o man_n be_v stranger_n unto_o while_o with_o the_o swine_n they_o feed_v on_o husk_n and_o draff_n and_o have_v no_o appetite_n at_o all_o to_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o last_o of_o all_o use_v 4_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o provoke_v we_o all_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o the_o example_n of_o this_o worthy_a man_n to_o a_o great_a love_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o word_n that_o we_o bestow_v more_o time_n in_o read_v and_o search_v therein_o for_o great_a be_v the_o fruit_n and_o profit_n that_o come_v thereby_o we_o see_v a_o child_n will_v take_v delight_n to_o read_v his_o father_n will_n to_o see_v what_o legacy_n be_v give_v he_o of_o his_o father_n now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o father_n yea_o christ_n last_o will_v and_o testament_n wherein_o be_v many_o legacy_n give_v to_o god_n child_n namely_o remission_n of_o sin_n eternal_a life_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n o_o then_o if_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n how_o can_v we_o choose_v but_o look_v into_o these_o legacy_n royalty_n and_o privilege_n give_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n our_o father_n we_o see_v how_o careful_a man_n be_v to_o get_v the_o book_n of_o statute_n into_o their_o house_n how_o diligent_o will_v they_o read_v they_o and_o meditate_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o offend_v how_o much_o more_o ought_v man_n to_o search_v into_o god_n statute_n book_n his_o word_n that_o they_o may_v not_o sin_n against_o he_o he_o read_v esayas_n the_o prophet_n but_o why_o take_v he_o such_o pain_n in_o read_v the_o scripture_n quest_n may_v not_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v
lose_v labour_n since_o himself_o confess_v that_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v without_o a_o guide_n as_o he_o read_v with_o a_o desire_n to_o learn_v so_o he_o be_v edify_v thereby_o answ_n sunt_fw-la quamuis_fw-la multa_fw-la obscura_fw-la multa_fw-la oâ—uia_fw-la sunt_fw-la as_o it_o appear_v by_o his_o travel_n up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n and_o howsoever_o he_o confess_v his_o ignorance_n in_o that_o place_n he_o now_o read_v yet_o no_o man_n be_v so_o ignorant_a but_o in_o read_v of_o that_o book_n may_v get_v some_o profit_n though_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v doct._n obscure_a man_n must_v read_v the_o scripture_n though_o man_n thing_n be_v therein_o obscure_a yet_o we_o must_v not_o give_v over_o read_v for_o that_o which_o seem_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o one_o place_n may_v be_v easy_a and_o plain_a in_o another_o and_o when_o man_n make_v conscience_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o god_n will_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n and_o be_v desirous_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o their_o salvation_n god_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o give_v such_o to_o understand_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o some_o philip_n or_o other_o that_o shall_v open_v the_o same_o unto_o they_o thus_o god_n commend_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n unto_o the_o people_n not_o only_o to_o the_o learned_a but_o even_o to_o the_o unlearned_a also_o that_o all_o sort_n &_o condition_n of_o man_n may_v be_v familiar_a therein_o 31.11.12_o deut._n 31.11.12_o thou_o shall_v read_v the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n before_o all_o israel_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v it_o and_o learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o name_v their_o man_n woman_n 36.6_o jer._n 36.6_o and_o child_n so_o jeremy_n command_v baruch_n to_o read_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n before_o all_o juda_n and_o in_o the_o audience_n of_o all_o the_o people_n therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o and_o to_o this_o end_n our_o saviour_n give_v this_o charge_n unto_o all_o search_v the_o scripture_n 5.39_o joh._n 5.39_o now_o all_o these_o be_v not_o clergy_n to_o who_o these_o speak_v what_o though_o some_o one_o place_n we_o meet_v withal_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v shall_v we_o therefore_o lie_v aside_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n and_o read_v none_o at_o all_o god_n forbid_v the_o scripture_n be_v such_o a_o fountain_n wherein_o the_o elephant_n may_v swim_v and_o the_o lamb_n may_v wade_v what_o man_n be_v there_o that_o have_v a_o deed_n whereby_o he_o hold_v his_o land_n will_v cast_v the_o same_o away_o because_o it_o be_v hard_a and_o he_o can_v understand_v it_o nay_o will_v he_o not_o the_o often_o look_v into_o it_o and_o desire_v the_o help_n of_o those_o that_o have_v more_o skill_n then_o much_o less_o shall_v we_o cast_v aside_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o some_o place_n therein_o seem_v to_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o be_v our_o deed_n and_o show_v unto_o we_o our_o assurance_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n nay_o we_o shall_v read_v it_o the_o more_o often_o and_o desire_v the_o help_n of_o other_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o same_o reas_n 1_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a and_o dark_a only_a to_o natural_a man_n the_o natural_a perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v now_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v of_o these_o man_n be_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o but_o in_o this_o blind_a and_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o we_o a_o blind_a man_n he_o see_v not_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v most_o bright_a be_v the_o fault_n in_o the_o sun_n no_o but_o rather_o in_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o man_n sight_n thus_o be_v it_o with_o the_o scripture_n with_o natural_a man_n but_o to_o that_o man_n who_o eye_n god_n have_v open_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o obscure_a but_o this_o man_n come_v thereunto_o with_o humility_n and_o fear_n in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o want_n with_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v instruct_v he_o be_v sure_a to_o understand_v they_o at_o least_o so_o much_o as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a for_o his_o own_o salvation_n according_a to_o that_o of_o solomon_n 8.9_o â—o_o 8.9_o they_o be_v all_o plaiâ—_n to_o he_o that_o understand_v and_o straight_o to_o he_o that_o will_v sinde_v knowledge_n reas_n 2_o second_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o teach_v all_o the_o elect_a and_o to_o give_v they_o his_o spirit_n to_o inlighten_v their_o mind_n according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n 6.45_o joh._n 6.45_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o again_o he_o will_v teach_v the_o humble_a in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o shall_v choose_v 12._o psal_n 25_o 9_o verse_n 12._o and_o what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n he_o shall_v he_o teach_v in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o shall_v choose_v so_o the_o bless_a virgin_n in_o she_o magnificat_fw-la he_o fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n and_o have_v send_v the_o rich_a away_o empty_a use_v 1_o this_o then_o serve_v again_o to_o meet_v with_o tabt_a damnable_a doctrine_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o teach_v and_o hold_v that_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v teach_v that_o we_o must_v not_o read_v they_o neither_o have_v they_o in_o a_o know_a tongue_n but_o lock_v they_o up_o from_o the_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o simple_a teach_v they_o to_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o the_o church_n and_o by_o a_o general_a implicit_a faith_n to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v to_o rest_v there_o a_o most_o damnable_a doctrine_n be_v not_o this_o left_a in_o the_o great_a praise_n and_o commendation_n of_o this_o eunuch_n that_o he_o search_v into_o the_o scripture_n do_v philip_n any_o where_o blame_v he_o for_o this_o his_o pry_n into_o the_o scripture_n nay_o rather_o to_o show_v how_o please_a and_o acceptable_a this_o be_v with_o god_n the_o lord_n declare_v by_o send_v of_o philip_n unto_o he_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v he_o wherein_o he_o be_v ignorant_a use_v 2_o second_o let_v this_o admonish_v we_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o be_v frequent_a in_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o beat_v off_o this_o duty_n through_o the_o hardness_n of_o any_o one_o place_n we_o see_v in_o other_o thing_n use_n make_v perfect_a nesse_n and_o that_o which_o at_o first_o seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v attain_v unto_o yet_o by_o industry_n be_v attain_v unto_o at_o last_o as_o this_o be_v true_a in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n in_o the_o world_n so_o in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n here_o be_v milk_n for_o babe_n and_o meat_n for_o strong_a man_n this_o be_v that_o river_n wherein_o child_n may_v wade_v and_o the_o elephant_n may_v swim_v and_o to_o provoke_v we_o to_o the_o more_o diligent_a search_n into_o the_o scripture_n consider_v scripture_n motive_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n first_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a evidence_n a_o christian_n have_v for_o his_o eternal_a inheritance_n use_v 1_o thy_o testimony_n have_v i_o claim_v as_o my_o heritage_n for_o ever_o etc._n etc._n 119._o psal_n 119._o use_v 2_o second_o the_o word_n be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n 7_o â—â—â—l_n â—9_n 7_o how_o simple_a soever_o thou_o be_v use_v 3_o three_o it_o be_v able_a to_o convert_v thy_o soul_n hoâ—_n strong_a soever_o thy_o corruption_n be_v use_v 4_o four_o the_o word_n be_v able_a to_o give_v thou_o comfort_v in_o thy_o affliction_n how_o bitter_a soever_o they_o be_v so_o david_n i_o have_v perish_v in_o my_o affliction_n 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o thy_o word_n verse_n 29._o then_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o philip_n text_n text_n go_v near_o and_o join_v thyself_o to_o this_o chariot_n here_o we_o have_v philip_n commission_n to_o go_v and_o instruct_v the_o eunuch_n where_o we_o be_v to_o note_v first_o of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n when_o he_o go_v then_o that_o be_v when_o the_o eunuch_n be_v thus_o religious_o employ_v in_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o worship_n god_n aright_o and_o to_o know_v he_o â—hen_o be_v philip_n send_v to_o instruct_v he_o and_o to_o preach_v christ_n jesus_n unto_o he_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n note_v hence_o that_o god_n usual_o deal_v with_o his_o child_n doct._n 〈…〉_o god_n will_v â—e_v find_v in_o the_o 〈…〉_o as_o with_o this_o eunuch_n and_o poor_a heathen_a man_n he_o read_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n conscionable_o
opportunity_n serve_v he_o take_v all_o occasion_n with_o this_o eunuch_n here_o to_o edify_v and_o build_v up_o himself_o in_o his_o holy_a faith_n and_o what_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o he_o know_v his_o want_n and_o withal_o the_o worth_n of_o this_o heavenly_a treasure_n and_o this_o make_v he_o the_o more_o he_o receive_v the_o mote_n to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o use_v 1_o this_o show_v how_o far_o such_o man_n be_v from_o approve_v themselves_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o in_o who_o heart_n the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v true_o wrought_v who_o hate_v to_o be_v instruct_v who_o say_v to_o the_o prophet_n 30.10_o isa_n 30.10_o prophesy_v not_o and_o with_o those_o wicked_a one_o job_n speak_v of_o 21._o job_n 21._o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n way_n who_o refuse_v instrudion_fw-la though_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n do_v tender_a their_o service_n unto_o they_o they_o scorn_v they_o and_o care_v not_o for_o they_o 1.22_o pro._n 1.22_o o_o you_o fool_n how_o long_o will_v you_o learn_v foolishness_n and_o the_o scornful_a take_v pleasure_n in_o scorn_v and_o the_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n they_o think_v themselves_o wise_a enough_o and_o good_a enough_o and_o therefore_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o word_n but_o what_o say_v wisdom_n there_o verse_n 26_o i_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o destruction_n how_o many_o have_v we_o in_o the_o world_n that_o conceit_n themselves_o to_o have_v knowledge_n enough_o yea_o they_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v they_o know_v as_o much_o as_o the_o preacher_n can_v tell_v they_o and_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o their_o pride_n they_o sleight_v god_n ordinance_n but_o let_v such_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n testify_v in_o this_o case_n to_o the_o conceit_a laodicean_n 3.17_o reu._n 3.17_o when_o they_o say_v they_o be_v rich_a etc._n etc._n christ_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o wretched_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a he_o that_o have_v as_o much_o knowledge_n as_o he_o do_v desire_v do_v never_o as_o yet_o desire_v to_o know_v as_o he_o ought_v and_o this_o serve_v likewise_o for_o the_o just_a reproof_n of_o those_o that_o make_v no_o reckon_v and_o account_n of_o phillip_n company_n or_o use_v of_o philip_n presence_n this_o nobleman_n desire_v his_o company_n and_o make_v good_a use_n thereof_o many_o in_o our_o day_n will_v have_v their_o household_n chaplain_n and_o sometime_o a_o philip_n about_o they_o to_o be_v in_o their_o company_n and_o at_o their_o table_n but_o what_o use_v make_v they_o of_o they_o sure_o little_a more_o than_o if_o they_o be_v a_o dumb_a minister_n let_v a_o lawyer_n be_v with_o they_o and_o they_o will_v make_v use_n of_o his_o knowledge_n let_v a_o physician_n be_v with_o they_o and_o they_o will_v make_v some_o use_n of_o his_o skill_n but_o how_o long_o may_v many_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o company_n of_o many_o before_o he_o be_v ask_v one_o question_n or_o have_v one_o doubt_n or_o case_n of_o conscience_n propound_v unto_o he_o let_v this_o then_o admonish_v all_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o as_o we_o desire_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o have_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n true_o wrought_v in_o we_o that_o we_o manifest_v the_o same_o by_o this_o our_o hunger_a and_o thirst_a desire_n after_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n and_o even_o to_o long_o after_o the_o sabbath-day_n and_o such_o time_n when_o we_o may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o rejoice_v in_o the_o fellow_n ship_n of_o god_n people_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v edify_v in_o our_o holy_a faith_n this_o be_v it_o that_o will_v yield_v sound_a comfort_n at_o last_o when_o all_o other_o comfort_n fail_v and_o thus_o shall_v we_o be_v enrich_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o with_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o shine_v forth_o as_o light_n to_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o forward_a generation_n verse_n 32.33_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o he_o read_v be_v this_o he_o be_v lead_v as_o a_o sheep_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o like_o a_o lamb_n dumb_a before_o the_o shearer_n so_o open_v he_o not_o his_o mouth_n in_o his_o humiliation_n his_o judgement_n be_v take_v away_o and_o who_o shall_v declare_v his_o generation_n for_o his_o life_n be_v take_v from_o the_o earth_n the_o text_n be_v a_o relation_n of_o that_o portion_n of_o scripture_n which_o the_o eunuch_n be_v read_v at_o such_o time_n as_o philip_n join_v himself_o to_o his_o chariot_n the_o place_n be_v esay_n 53.7_o where_o the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v the_o eunuch_n desire_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o man_n salvation_n and_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o word_n whereby_o he_o may_v attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o same_o by_o god_n special_a providence_n light_v here_o upon_o such_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o very_a sum_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n yea_o such_o a_o place_n wherein_o christ_n death_n passion_n and_o glorious_a resurrection_n be_v most_o clear_o and_o perspicuous_o set_v out_o unto_o us._n in_o handle_v these_o word_n we_o have_v 1_o the_o preface_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o he_o read_v 2_o the_o scripture_n itself_o he_o be_v etc._n etc._n in_o the_o preface_n 1_o who_o the_o eunuch_n 2_o what_o he_o read_v 3_o the_o subject_n matter_n the_o scripture_n in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o we_o have_v 1_o christ_n humiliation_n v._o 32._o 2_o christ_n exaltation_n v._o 33._o in_o christ_n humiliation_n 〈◊〉_d have_v 1_o the_o person_n he_o 2_o the_o passion_n be_v lea_n 3_o the_o illustration_n 1_o as_o a_o sheep_n 2_o like_o a_o lamb_n 4_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o passion_n 1_o to_o be_v slay_v 2_o to_o be_v shear_v 5_o the_o reddition_n or_o application_n so_o open_v he_o not_o his_o mouth_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o he_o read_v he_o that_o be_v preface_n the_o preface_n the_o eunuch_n this_o great_a noble_a man_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v before_o the_o note_n be_v that_o great_a man_n must_v be_v great_a possessor_n doct._n abraham_n a_o prince_n his_o great_a commendation_n professor_n great_a man_n must_v be_v great_a professor_n be_v his_o zeal_n in_o religion_n so_o david_n heze_n chias_fw-la josias_n king_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n all_o of_o they_o very_o memorable_a in_o the_o scripture_n for_o their_o forwardensse_n in_o religion_n the_o point_n we_o handle_v before_o he_o read_v he_o be_v not_o idle_a nor_o give_v himself_o to_o his_o ease_n or_o pleasure_n but_o be_v well_o employ_v in_o read_v and_o because_o he_o may_v read_v many_o idle_a lascivious_a book_n to_o no_o profit_n therefore_o this_o be_v it_o that_o add_v great_o to_o his_o praise_n that_o he_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o therein_o spend_v his_o time_n in_o his_o journey_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o he_o read_v etc._n etc._n we_o be_v teach_v hence_o doct._n scripture_n christian_n â—â—ght_n to_o be_v converâ—â—nt_a in_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a duty_n belong_v to_o every_o christian_a to_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n the_o lord_n will_v have_v man_n familiar_o acquaint_v with_o the_o word_n and_o to_o have_v it_o at_o hand_n with_o they_o as_o their_o councillor_n upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o advise_v they_o and_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v beside_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o teach_v by_o the_o levite_n in_o the_o temple_n 6.6.7_o deut._n 6.6.7_o these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n etc._n etc._n and_o thou_o shall_v bind_v they_o as_o a_o sign_n upon_o thy_o hand_n and_o shall_v write_v they_o upon_o the_o post_n of_o thy_o house_n and_o upon_o thy_o gate_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o to_o this_o end_n that_o man_n may_v be_v familiar_o acquaint_v with_o the_o word_n this_o be_v christ_n own_o charge_n search_v the_o scripture_n 15_o io._n 5.39_o col._n 3.16_o 2_o tim._n 3_o 15_o so_o be_v it_o likewise_o a_o apostolical_a injunction_n let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v plentiful_o in_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o great_a reason_n reas_n 1_o because_o the_o word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n that_o god_n have_v sanctify_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o work_n of_o save_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o elect_a 19.7_o psal_n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_n the_o soul_n when_o paul_n have_v preach_v unto_o the_o people_n the_o text_n say_v 48_o act_n â—3_n 48_o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v unto_o eternal_a life_n believe_v and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 1.23_o