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knowledge_n jesus_n light_n shine_v 5,880 5 9.7269 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A40515 Select sermons preached upon Sundry occasions by John Frost ... ; now newly published together with two positions for explication and confirmation of these questions, I. Tota Christi justitia credentibus imputatur, 2, Fides justificat sub ratione instrumenti. Frost, John, 1626?-1656. 1657 (1657) Wing F2246; ESTC R31718 315,416 365

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pompous_a then_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n yet_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n reject_v it_o john_n 4._o 22._o you_o worship_v you_o know_v not_o what_o but_o salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n why_o because_o they_o have_v the_o true_a worship_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o natural_a light_n can_v discover_v nay_o nothing_o have_v more_o prejudice_v spiritual_a gospel-worship_n then_o measure_v it_o by_o man_n reason_n which_o have_v always_o beget_v pompous_a superstitious_a outside_n in_o worship_n the_o easiness_n and_o splendour_n of_o which_o have_v make_v they_o grateful_a to_o corrupt_v nature_n four_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o divine_a supernatural_a revelation_n in_o order_n to_o save_v discovery_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n speak_v express_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o that_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sou_o man_n elevate_v by_o the_o high_a improvement_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n if_o destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n can_v reach_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n that_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a importance_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d appear_v from_o the_o apostle_n judas_n verse_n 19_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d any_o man_n solis_fw-la naturae_fw-la facultatibus_fw-la praeditus_fw-la say_v calvin_n qui_fw-la humanae_fw-la tantùm_fw-la rationis_fw-la luce_fw-fr locum_fw-la in_o locum_fw-la in_o locum_fw-la ducitur_fw-la say_v grotius_n who_o have_v no_o other_o guidance_n than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v he_o to_o who_o s._n paul_n deny_v a_o possibility_n of_o any_o save_a discovery_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n the_o outward_a shining_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v bring_v we_o to_o no_o save_a knowledge_n unless_o the_o spirit_n withal_o shine_v into_o the_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o 6._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o jesus_n christ_n much_o less_o can_v the_o dim_a light_n of_o nature_n if_o thousand_o remain_v blind_a under_o the_o full_a beaming_n and_o sunshine_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o wonder_n they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o dark_a who_o have_v only_o the_o candlelight_n of_o reason_n these_o enlightning_n of_o the_o spirit_n will_v appear_v necessary_a if_o we_o consider_v 1._o man_n corrupt_a condition_n in_o which_o he_o want_v not_o only_a light_n but_o eye_n and_o these_o the_o spirit_n must_v communicate_v the_o outward_a discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v ineffectual_a to_o it_o without_o the_o spirit_n though_o christ_n himself_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n display_v many_o beam_n of_o glorious_a light_n in_o his_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v still_o the_o pharisee_n remain_v in_o the_o dark_a our_o saviour_n give_v you_o one_o account_n of_o it_o matt._n 13._o 11._o unto_o you_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o give_v much_o less_o can_v the_o most_o vigorous_a ray_n of_o natural_a light_n effect_v this_o can_v it_o discover_v the_o object_n it_o can_v renew_v and_o change_v the_o faculty_n nor_o open_v the_o blind_a eye_n which_o alone_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o therefore_o s._n paul_n pray_v for_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o ephesian_n ephes_n 1._o 17._o that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n and_o so_o on_o no_o man_n have_v 18._o john_n 1._o 18._o see_v the_o father_n at_o any_o time_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o who_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o 2_o the_o manner_n of_o these_o discovery_n which_o be_v spiritual_a which_o the_o apostle_n give_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v they_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d every_o object_n be_v discover_v by_o a_o suitable_a light_n therefore_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n can_v no_o more_o reach_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o light_n of_o sense_n can_v the_o object_n of_o reason_n the_o author_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o my_o opinion_n strengthen_v this_o argument_n while_o he_o endeavour_v to_o elude_v it_o for_o he_o will_v have_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o babe_n in_o christ_n for_o certain_o if_o he_o who_o have_v some_o measure_n of_o spiritual_a discern_a by_o divine_a illumination_n as_o the_o least_o saint_n have_v can_v reach_v such_o discovery_n they_o who_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v attain_v to_o they_o five_o from_o the_o scripture-description_n of_o those_o who_o have_v only_o the_o guidance_n of_o natural_a light_n describe_v to_o be_v without_o christ_n without_o hope_n without_o god_n ephes_n 2._o 12._o alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n of_o their_o mind_n ephes_n 4._o 18._o not_o to_o know_v god_n 1_o thes_n 4._o 5._o to_o be_v darkness_n in_o the_o abstract_n ephes_n 5._o 8._o and_o but_o to_o grope_v after_o god_n act_v 17._o 27._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o egyptian_n under_o their_o thick_a darkness_n or_o the_o sodomite_n when_o strike_v with_o blindness_n &_o far_o characterise_v as_o those_o who_o have_v a_o disrelish_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o they_o but_o foolishness_n nay_o the_o most_o improve_v 23._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o of_o they_o be_v the_o great_a opposer_n of_o the_o gospel_n you_o have_v here_o not_o only_o the_o lesser_a voluptuous_a epicurean_a but_o more_o strict_a refine_a 18._o verse_n 18._o elevate_a and_o severe_a stoic_n one_o of_o who_o principle_n be_v to_o love_v virtue_n for_o virtue_n sake_n oppose_v s._n paul_n and_o esteem_v he_o but_o a_o babbler_n and_o a_o setter_n forth_o of_o strange_a god_n while_o he_o preach_v christ_n chrysostome_n think_v their_o bring_v he_o to_o areopagus_n be_v to_o punish_v 19_o verse_n 19_o he_o as_o they_o have_v do_v socrates_n to_o death_n by_o two_o hundred_o elghtie_a one_o suffrage_n for_o innovate_a in_o religion_n such_o a_o undreamed_a of_o thing_n be_v a_o jesus_n among_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n even_o at_o athens_n who_o set_v up_o their_o philosophical_a principle_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o apostle_n warn_v his_o colossian_n to_o beware_v lest_o they_o be_v spoil_v by_o philosophy_n colos_n 2._o 8._o not_o that_o the_o apostle_n decry_v all_o use_n of_o philosophy_n as_o some_o in_o our_o day_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v whether_o with_o more_o ignorance_n or_o impudence_n do_v but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o sure_o all_o be_v not_o such_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o be_v rational_a that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o be_v man_n for_o philosophy_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o genuine_a birth_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o res_fw-la dei_fw-la ratio_fw-la say_v tertullian_n the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v solomon_n who_o yet_o decry_v philosopher_n as_o haeresiarcharum_fw-la patriarchas_fw-la so_o far_a as_o corrupt_v but_o the_o error_n of_o philosophy_n do_v no_o more_o argue_v the_o uselessness_n of_o philosophy_n than_o the_o error_n of_o divine_n evacuate_v the_o study_n of_o divinity_n these_o belong_v to_o philosophy_n no_o otherwise_o then_o wen_n or_o boil_v to_o the_o body_n which_o be_v cut_v off_o or_o cure_v the_o body_n remain_v useful_a and_o necessary_a philosophy_n be_v not_o opposite_a but_o assistant_n to_o divinity_n and_o while_o hagar_n will_v wait_v upon_o sarah_n no_o reason_n why_o she_o shall_v be_v throw_v out_o of_o door_n though_o philosopher_n have_v oft_o be_v the_o great_a enemy_n and_o opposer_n of_o it_o to_o sum_n up_o all_o if_o those_o who_o have_v only_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v thus_o in_o the_o dark_a if_o neither_o christ_n nor_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n nor_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v discoverable_a by_o it_o it_o be_v sufficiency_n to_o any_o save_a discovery_n may_v i_o hope_v from_o the_o premise_n be_v rational_o conclude_v but_o the_o remonstrant_n have_v one_o salve_n for_o all_o this_o which_o be_v that_o the_o facienti_fw-la quod_fw-la in_o se_fw-la est_fw-la improvement_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n though_o they_o be_v not_o immediate_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n yet_o do_v dispose_v to_o the_o reception_n of_o far_a communication_n of_o grace_n and_o save_v discovery_n of_o god_n so_o the_o dort-remonstrants_a determine_v truth_n 327._o pag._n 327._o be_v they_o have_v so_o many_o subterfuge_n in_o make_v out_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o mean_n to_o those_o
unknown_a god_n i_o hope_v not_o yet_o brethren_n notwithstanding_o all_o our_o high-raised_n notion_n and_o speculation_n of_o god_n he_o be_v true_o in_o a_o scripture-sence_n unknown_a to_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o know_v he_o not_o 1._o experimental_o the_o devil_n have_v more_o notion_n of_o god_n than_o the_o great_a philosopher_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v many_o conception_n and_o be_v able_a accurate_o to_o distinguish_v and_o solid_o to_o determine_v concern_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o in_o a_o scripture-sence_n know_v nothing_o of_o it_o unless_o he_o taste_v and_o see_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a nicodemus_n a_o master_n in_o israel_n yet_o ignorant_a of_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o a_o ordinary_a christian_a may_v know_v more_o than_o the_o great_a scholar_n i_o have_v read_v of_o one_o didymus_n a_o blind_a man_n who_o for_o his_o incomparable_a learning_n s._n i_o be_v wont_a to_o call_v his_o seer_n many_o such_o there_o be_v blind_a as_o to_o the_o abstruse_a notion_n of_o god_n but_o seer_n in_o respect_n of_o experience_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n 2._o practical_o and_o operative_o as_o our_o knowledge_n influence_v upon_o our_o life_n to_o conform_v they_o to_o what_o we_o know_v otherwise_o the_o gospel_n and_o god_n be_v but_o notion_n to_o we_o and_o scripture_n interpret_v it_o as_o a_o denial_n of_o god_n they_o profess_v they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v 16._o tit._n 1._o 16._o he_o all_o our_o notion_n of_o god_n without_o this_o suitable_a practice_n can_v but_o amount_v to_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n not_o to_o any_o save_a 20._o rom._n 2._o 20._o discovery_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o not_o 17._o john_n 13._o 17._o else_o if_o knowledge_n will_v do_v it_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v in_o heaven_n the_o exprobratory_n sentence_n will_v be_v at_o last_o not_o well_o read_v or_o dispute_v great_a scholar_n but_o well_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n seneca_n speak_v of_o some_o philosopher_n of_o his_o day_n boni_fw-la esse_fw-la desierunt_fw-la simui_fw-la ac_fw-la docti_fw-la evaserint_fw-la who_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a when_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v learn_v i_o shall_v charitable_o believe_v no_o such_o will_v be_v find_v among_o we_o for_o i_o speak_v not_o these_o thing_n as_o s._n paul_n say_v to_o his_o corinthian_n to_o shame_v you_o 14._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 14._o but_o as_o my_o belove_a brethren_n and_o friend_n i_o warn_v you_o and_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o word_n of_o s._n peter_n to_o add_v to_o your_o knowledge_n virtue_n that_o you_o 5._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o may_v be_v such_o as_o seneca_n will_v have_v every_o teacher_n to_o be_v magis_fw-la miremur_fw-la visum_fw-la quàm_fw-la auditum_fw-la such_o as_o may_v be_v admire_v more_o for_o holiness_n of_o life_n than_o subtlety_n of_o learning_n which_o god_n account_v no_o knowledge_n if_o destitute_a of_o the_o study_n and_o practice_v of_o obedience_n hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n he_o that_o 4_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 3_o 4_o say_v he_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o eight_o and_o last_o i_o beseech_v you_o father_n and_o brethren_n suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n which_o quicken_v you_o to_o zeal_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n commit_v to_o your_o trust_n that_o you_o may_v effect_v in_o your_o people_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n what_o the_o high_a improvement_n of_o nature_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v can_v reach_v to_o wit_n a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n god_n institute_v the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n and_o gospel_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o natural_a light_n the_o apostle_n be_v express_v that_o when_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 21._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 21._o the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v those_o who_o believe_v god_n have_v commissionated_a you_o on_o purpose_n as_o he_o do_v paul_n to_o open_a man_n eye_n and_o turn_v they_o from_o 7._o act_n 26._o 18._o mal._n 2._o 7._o darkness_n to_o light_n the_o priest_n lip_n must_v preserve_v knowledge_n that_o the_o people_n may_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n in_o order_n to_o bring_v the_o people_n to_o a_o save_a knowledge_n let_v i_o who_o will_v willing_o lie_v as_o disciple_n at_o your_o foot_n be_v by_o providence_n in_o this_o place_n take_v the_o boldness_n to_o give_v you_o a_o threefold_a direction_n first_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v those_o commit_v to_o your_o charge_n to_o a_o scripture-knowledge_n of_o god_n preach_v god_n not_o according_a to_o the_o abstruse_a metaphysical_a notion_n of_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n all_o which_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n say_v be_v but_o like_o a_o rot_a nut_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o have_v no_o kernel_n nothing_o to_o feed_v soul_n which_o must_v have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o same_o author_n but_o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o scripture_n thus_o you_o shall_v approve_v yourselves_o to_o god_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o your_o office_n empty_a airy_a speculation_n may_v perhaps_o gratify_v the_o humour_n fancy_n and_o curiosity_n of_o man_n but_o scripture-truth_n only_o please_v and_o honour_n god_n s._n paul_n advice_n to_o timothy_n be_v very_o remarkable_a study_v to_o show_v thyself_o 15._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 15._o approve_v unto_o god_n a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a and_o the_o way_n to_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d right_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n second_o preach_v a_o god_n in_o christ._n the_o heathen_a can_v arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o god_n abstract_o consider_v but_o a_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o natural_a sagacity_n but_o be_v your_o commission_n to_o make_v know_v god_n say_v the_o apostle_n have_v commit_v 19_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o unto_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n but_o what_o be_v that_o why_o that_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n unto_o himself_o lay_v this_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o your_o building_n christ_n in_o his_o person_n and_o christ_n in_o his_o office_n christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o nature_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o merit_n and_o your_o own_o work_n and_o righteousness_n three_o let_v all_o your_o other_o knowledge_n stoop_v to_o the_o discover_v god_n save_o and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o a_o plain_a and_o profitable_a discovery_n of_o god_n to_o the_o people_n lay_v it_o aside_o s._n paul_n though_o bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n yet_o lay_v down_o his_o learning_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o christ_n and_o profess_v that_o though_o he_o speak_v with_o tongue_n more_o than_o they_o all_o yet_o in_o the_o church_n he_o have_v rather_o 19_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 18_o 19_o preach_v five_o word_n that_o he_o may_v teach_v other_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o anunknown_a tongue_n at_o athens_n indeed_o a_o famous_a university_n he_o quote_v a_o poet_n act_v 17._o vers_fw-la 28_o but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o 2._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 2._o his_o corinthian_n than_o he_o determine_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d non_fw-la magni_fw-la feci_fw-la be_v grotius_n gloss_n i_o value_v no_o knowledge_n but_o disesteem_v it_o that_o i_o may_v bring_v you_o to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o crucify_v our_o saviour_n 3._o coloss_n 2._o 3._o who_o have_v in_o he_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n yet_o condescend_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o those_o who_o he_o instruct_v speak_v 33._o mark_n 4._o 33._o the_o word_n to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o hear_v it_o in_o this_o christ_n be_v a_o fit_a pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n to_o teach_v we_o by_o a_o familiar_a plainness_n to_o descend_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o people_n quomodò_fw-la paratus_fw-la esset_fw-la impendi_fw-la pro_fw-la animabus_fw-la eorum_fw-la si_fw-la eum_fw-la pigeret_fw-la inclinari_fw-la ad_fw-la aures_fw-la eorum_fw-la say_v augustin_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr catechizandis_fw-la rudibus_fw-la 4._o rev._n 2._o 4._o in_o a_o word_n you_o be_v star_n in_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o christ_n which_o speak_v both_o your_o security_n and_o your_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o star_n to_o shine_v in_o the_o night_n with_o that_o light_n which_o they_o borrow_v from_o the_o sun_n so_o
the_o seem_a plausible_a pretence_n of_o reason_n shall_v contradict_v it_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n resurrection_n and_o the_o like_a be_v to_o reason_n seem_v contradiction_n yet_o to_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o scripture_n testimony_n in_o which_o the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v not_o into_o the_o fallible_a evidence_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o err_a dictate_v of_o man_n if_o you_o find_v a_o scriptum_fw-la est_fw-la let_v god_n be_v true_a though_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n rom._n 3._o 4._o 2._o because_o of_o that_o consent_n and_o harmony_n that_o be_v in_o scripture_n testimony_n no_o jar_a or_o contradiction_n in_o it_o but_o what_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o be_v fulfil_v in_o humane_a writing_n how_o frequent_o may_v we_o observe_v one_o contradict_v another_o and_o this_o reason_n clash_v with_o that_o nay_o the_o same_o author_n through_o ignorance_n or_o forgetfulness_n inconsistent_a to_o himself_o but_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a consent_n as_o all_o proceed_n from_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o same_o infallible_a spirit_n as_o in_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o for_o the_o pprophecy_n come_v not_o in_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 by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o though_o there_o may_v seem_v sometime_o to_o be_v some_o contradiction_n and_o inconsistence_n yet_o these_o arise_v not_o from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o from_o our_o shortness_n weakness_n or_o ignorance_n and_o the_o like_a therefore_o we_o say_v what_o our_o saviour_n say_v at_o vers_fw-la 46._o of_o this_o chapter_n have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o and_o as_o paul_n speak_v in_o his_o apology_n for_o himself_o act._n 26._o 22._o say_v none_o other_o thing_n than_o those_o which_o the_o prophet_n and_o moses_n do_v say_v shall_v come_v a_o sweet_a consent_n there_o be_v between_o christ_n moses_n and_o paul_n 3._o because_o scripture_n be_v give_v to_o this_o very_a end_n to_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a ground_n of_o truth_n for_o though_o god_n during_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n while_o it_o be_v enclose_v in_o some_o few_o family_n reveal_v himself_o by_o vision_n and_o communicate_v his_o will_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n by_o tradition_n from_o adam_n to_o moses_n and_o by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n yet_o when_o the_o church_n increase_v and_o the_o people_n grow_v more_o corrupt_a and_o incline_v to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n god_n give_v the_o law_n by_o moses_n and_o so_o successive_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n by_o who_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o all_o in_o writing_n both_o that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o better_o convey_v unto_o posterity_n as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o psal_n 102._o 18._o this_o shall_v be_v write_v for_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v and_o the_o more_o easy_o secure_v from_o corruption_n have_v god_n still_o convey_v it_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n either_o through_o the_o unfaithfulness_n of_o man_n memory_n or_o his_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n or_o affectation_n of_o novelty_n it_o have_v be_v lay_v open_a to_o a_o multitude_n of_o corruption_n which_o if_o as_o experience_n show_v we_o scarce_o prevent_v by_o the_o pen_n of_o it_o how_o much_o less_o if_o it_o never_o have_v be_v write_v and_o also_o that_o the_o church_n may_v have_v a_o exact_a standard_n of_o faith_n &_o a_o perfect_a rule_n and_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o ephes_n 2._o 20._o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n faith_n build_v sure_a here_o then_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o this_o s._n luke_n tell_v we_o express_o be_v his_o reason_n of_o write_v the_o gospel_n luke_n 1._o 3_o 4._o that_o thou_o may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o more_o certain_a than_o humane_a testimony_n ii_o more_o certain_a than_o miracle_n for_o though_o it_o please_v god_n at_o first_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o miracle_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o adversary_n as_o nicodemus_n speak_v to_o our_o saviour_n in_o john_n 3._o 2._o yet_o now_o god_n have_v complete_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n and_o warn_v we_o not_o to_o receive_v any_o other_o doctrine_n though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v bring_v it_o galat._n 1._o 8._o and_o pronounce_v a_o woe_n upon_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v add_v or_o detract_v from_o it_o revelat._n 22._o 18._o if_o any_o shall_v bring_v any_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n with_o pretence_n of_o confirm_v it_o by_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n we_o ought_v to_o reject_v it_o as_o erroneous_a and_o antichristian_a and_o so_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n make_v this_o one_o of_o the_o badge_n of_o antichrist_n 2_o thessaly_n 2._o 9_o iii_o more_o certain_a than_o revelation_n there_o be_v a_o place_n that_o i_o have_v oft_o think_v of_o it_o be_v in_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 18._o a_o true_a voice_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n yet_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o may_v more_o infallible_o find_v christ_n in_o in_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n what_o that_o be_v he_o tell_v we_o for_o 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d then_o by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n revelation_n we_o acknowledge_v viz._n of_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v and_o clear_v up_o gospel-truth_n and_o this_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o ephesian_n in_o ephes_n 1._o 16_o 17_o 18._o i_o cease_v not_o to_o give_v thanks_o for_o you_o make_v mention_n of_o you_o in_o my_o prayer_n that_o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n may_v give_v unto_o you_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o christ_n reveal_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o disciple_n luke_n 24._o 45_o 46._o that_o they_o may_v understand_v they_o but_o not_o that_o under_o that_o pretence_n of_o revelation_n they_o shall_v reject_v and_o lay_v they_o aside_o it_o be_v fond_a and_o ungodly_a to_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n beside_o or_o contrary_n to_o the_o scripture_n s_o paul_n will_v have_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n if_o he_o bring_v it_o to_o be_v accurse_v galat._n 1._o 8._o and_o what_o be_v they_o then_o who_o receive_v they_o again_o he_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o he_o have_v declare_v unto_o they_o the_o whole_a council_n of_o god_n act_v 20._o 27._o and_o yet_o at_o act_n 26._o 22._o he_o profess_v that_o he_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v say_v shall_v come_v yet_o this_o s._n paul_n be_v rapt_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o there_o hear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unspeakable_a word_n in_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 4._o there_o can_v be_v no_o security_n for_o our_o faith_n from_o revelation_n unless_o they_o be_v such_o as_o bring_v evidence_n and_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n for_o satan_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 14._o now_o how_o shall_v we_o distinguish_v satan_n delusion_n from_o revelation_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n 1_o john_n 4._o 1._o for_o these_o revelation_n and_o enthusiasm_n man_n pretend_v unto_o be_v oft_o as_o contrary_a and_o inconsistent_a to_o themselves_o as_o they_o be_v all_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v try_v by_o some_o infallible_a rule_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v constant_o lie_v expose_v to_o delusion_n unsettle_a in_o judgement_n and_o irresolved_a as_o to_o practice_v as_o not_o know_v what_o the_o next_o revelation_n may_v be_v perhaps_o quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o former_a wherefore_o believe_v it_o they_o who_o will_v not_o rest_v upon_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n can_v rest_v no_o where_o when_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n will_v have_v have_v one_o extraordinary_a to_o have_v be_v send_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o his_o brethren_n observe_v what_o answer_n abraham_n give_v he_o luke_n 16._o 29_o 30_o 31._o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o they_o neither_o will_v they_o hear_v though_o one_o come_v from_o the_o dead_a if_o one_o come_v with_o revelation_n and_o tell_v i_o it_o come_v from_o god_n he_o must_v
be_v or_o at_o least_o resolve_v to_o be_v holy_a 3._o every_o ungodly_a and_o wicked_a man_n be_v real_o prejudice_v against_o scripture-light_n and_o knowledge_n joh._n 3._o 19_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n so_o many_o corruption_n and_o lust_n have_v all_o wicked_a man_n reign_v in_o their_o heart_n so_o many_o real_a bolt_n and_o bar_v they_o have_v against_o the_o true_a scripture-knowledge_n it_o be_v irksome_a and_o troublesome_a to_o they_o to_o entertain_v that_o truth_n which_o will_v discover_v their_o sin_n and_o so_o break_v and_o disturb_v the_o security_n they_o have_v be_v in_o a_o long_a time_n and_o therefore_o they_o rather_o with_o those_o in_o job_n desire_v god_n to_o depart_v from_o they_o as_o the_o philosopher_n observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o arist_n m●ta●●_n lib._n 1._o man_n desire_v a_o doctrine_n suitable_a to_o their_o corruption_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o variety_n of_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n now_o in_o the_o world_n which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o comply_v with_o and_o that_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o man_n averseness_n from_o a_o effectual_a entertainment_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o their_o shut_v eye_n against_o scripture-light_n and_o conviction_n the_o philosopher_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o young_a man_n be_v not_o fit_a scholar_n in_o morality_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o they_o be_v guide_v by_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o some_o be_v learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n because_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v lead_v about_o by_o diverse_a lust_n in_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 17._o that_o soul_n which_o be_v resolve_v to_o give_v up_o itself_o unto_o obedience_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o which_o will_v ready_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n because_o inward_o compliant_a with_o and_o conform_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n whereas_o a_o wicked_a man_n when_o he_o search_v scripture_n he_o have_v something_o within_o he_o that_o rise_v up_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n a_o carnal_a mind_n within_o he_o that_o be_v enmity_n to_o god_n which_o dispute_v the_o command_n and_o quarrel_n with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n ●_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o heathen_a that_o be_v what_o we_o learn_v that_o we_o may_v do_v while_o we_o do_v it_o we_o further_o learn_v it_o as_o knowledge_n must_v regulate_v our_o practice_n so_o our_o practice_n will_v promote_v and_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n vii_o the_o pray_a searcher_n that_o interchangeable_o read_v and_o pray_v this_o the_o wiseman_n direct_v unto_o prov._n 2._o 4_o 5._o if_o thou_o seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n then_o shall_v thou_o understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o excellent_a way_n sure_o for_o as_o the_o scripture_n will_v afford_v we_o matter_n for_o our_o prayer_n so_o prayer_n will_v lead_v we_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n search_v scripture_n will_v inflame_v our_o zeal_n in_o prayer_n and_o prayer_n will_v promote_v and_o facilitate_v our_o study_n of_o scripture_n moses_n when_o the_o ark_n set_v forward_o and_o when_o it_o rest_v again_o pray_v devout_o as_o we_o may_v read_v numb_a 10._o 35_o 36._o so_o when_o you_o set_v upon_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o when_o you_o rest_n from_o it_o do_v it_o with_o prayer_n s._n austin_n christ_n august_n prafat_n ad_fw-la lib._n de_fw-fr doct._n christ_n have_v two_o remarkable_a story_n to_o this_o purpose_n one_o of_o antonius_n the_o hermit_n who_o be_v so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o can_v though_o he_o know_v not_o one_o letter_n full_o understand_v and_o by_o heart_n repeat_v the_o whole_a bible_n the_o other_o of_o a_o certain_a servant_n convert_v from_o heathenism_n to_o christianity_n qui_fw-la triduanis_fw-la precibus_fw-la obtinuit_fw-la ut_fw-la codicem_fw-la oblatum_n stupentibus_fw-la qui_fw-la aderant_fw-la legendo_fw-la percurreret_fw-la who_o by_o pray_v three_o day_n obtain_v of_o god_n that_o he_o read_v through_o the_o bible_n when_o offer_v he_o to_o the_o amazement_n of_o they_o that_o be_v present_a this_o be_v it_o the_o apostle_n direct_v unto_o if_o any_o want_n wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n jam._n 1._o 5._o and_o david_n practise_v psal_n 119._o 18._o open_v thou_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o thy_o law_n god_n infuse_v not_o knowledge_n into_o we_o by_o miracle_n immediate_o as_o into_o the_o apostle_n but_o by_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n compare_v prov._n 2._o 4_o 6._o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n in_o give_v do_v not_o dismiss_v we_o from_o endeavour_v for_o though_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n ephes_n 2._o 8._o yet_o it_o be_v say_v also_o faith_n come_v by_o preach_v rom._n 10._o 17._o prayer_n be_v the_o way_n to_o come_v by_o the_o spirit_n which_o discover_v the_o depth_n and_o treasure_n of_o the_o scripture_n luke_n 11._o 13._o your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o this_o be_v the_o only_a key_n to_o unlock_v those_o rich_a cabinet_n wherein_o be_v contain_v those_o precious_a jewel_n of_o save_a truth_n and_o knowledge_n viii_o the_o believe_a searcher_n and_o indeed_o without_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v like_a to_o do_v little_a good_a in_o search_v the_o gospel_n be_v a_o hide_a thing_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o they_o that_o perish_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 3._o &_o who_o those_o be_v you_o may_v see_v at_o vers_fw-la 4._o those_o who_o believe_v not_o they_o who_o come_v not_o with_o faith_n may_v search_v into_o the_o letter_n and_o history_n of_o scripture_n but_o not_o into_o the_o mystery_n and_o spirit_n of_o scripture_n 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