turk_n may_v know_v christ_n so_o far_o as_o by_o hear-say_n and_o history_n yet_o he_o can_v be_v say_v save_o to_o know_v he_o because_o he_o deny_v his_o assent_n unto_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o discover_v he_o to_o a_o man_n as_o when_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v disciple_n of_o any_o great_a philosopher_n or_o scholar_n do_v whole_o submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o dogmata_fw-la writing_n and_o opinion_n as_o for_o example_n the_o peripatetic_n to_o aristotle_n the_o scotist_n to_o scotus_n the_o thomist_n to_o thomas_n his_o doctrine_n insomuch_o that_o they_o do_v even_o swear_v to_o resign_v up_o their_o judgement_n to_o the_o word_n of_o their_o master_n why_o so_o much_o more_o ought_v christian_n to_o give_v their_o assent_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o their_o lord_n &_o master_n christ_n therefore_o john_n 10._o it_o be_v say_v that_o his_o sheep_n hear_v his_o voice_n and_o follow_v he_o they_o present_o adhere_v to_o his_o word_n and_o according_o obey_v he_o in_o it_o he_o that_o hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v on_o he_o that_o send_v i_o have_v everlasting_a life_n joh._n 5._o 24._o we_o must_v first_o hearken_v to_o his_o word_n before_o we_o can_v believe_v on_o he_o and_o have_v everlasting_a life_n second_o it_o imply_v affection_n to_o christ_n for_o as_o god_n know_v his_o people_n imply_v his_o love_n towards_o they_o in_o scripture_n the_o lord_n know_v the_o way_n of_o the_o righteous_a psal_n 1._o v._n 6._o so_o his_o people_n know_v of_o god_n imply_v also_o affection_n towards_o he_o hence_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o know_v his_o sheep_n and_o be_v know_v of_o they_o john_n 10._o 14._o which_o imply_v on_o both_o side_n a_o mutual_a love_n to_o each_o other_o for_o so_o express_o v._o 15._o he_o say_v he_o will_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n hence_o ignorance_n be_v every_o where_o in_o holy_a writ_n make_v the_o ground_n of_o man_n hatred_n and_o disaffection_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n have_v they_o know_v it_o they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 8._o and_o john_n 15._o 21._o and_o c._n 16._o v._n 3._o all_o these_o thing_n mean_v persecution_n say_v christ_n they_o will_v do_v unto_o you_o because_o they_o have_v not_o know_v the_o father_n nor_o i_o do_v a_o man_n thorough_o and_o save_o know_v christ_n he_o will_v be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o he_o for_o there_o be_v such_o a_o intimacy_n and_o union_n between_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o divine_a object_n that_o whosoever_o right_o understand_v the_o one_o will_v present_o embrace_v the_o other_o so_o that_o be_v sure_a that_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a empty_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n where_o the_o character_n of_o it_o be_v not_o imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n even_o in_o common_a discourse_n when_o we_o say_v i_o know_v such_o a_o one_o be_v of_o excellent_a part_n of_o a_o sweet_a and_o good_a disposition_n this_o imply_v our_o secret_a esteem_n and_o respect_n unto_o the_o person_n and_o how_o can_v we_o be_v say_v true_o to_o know_v he_o as_o the_o fair_a of_o ten-thousand_o as_o our_o saviour_n reconciler_n lord_n and_o god_n unless_o our_o heart_n be_v carry_v forth_o in_o a_o high_a esteem_n and_o love_n of_o he_o it_o be_v say_v jam._n 2._o 19_o the_o devil_n do_v believe_v and_o therefore_o tremble_v certain_o do_v they_o know_v there_o be_v any_o mercy_n in_o store_n for_o they_o as_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o vengeance_n as_o they_o now_o tremble_v and_o fear_v so_o they_o will_v then_o love_v and_o admire_v christ_n and_o do_v we_o but_o just_o understand_v the_o admirable_a goodness_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o take_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v keep_v his_o commandment_n with_o more_o observance_n and_o fear_v more_o to_o displease_v he_o then_o we_o do_v o_o let_v we_o never_o say_v we_o know_v christ_n that_o we_o have_v intimacy_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o when_o our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o when_o we_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o he_o in_o our_o brain_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o lust_n crucify_a by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o death_n not_o one_o grace_n the_o more_o implant_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o resurrection_n when_o we_o pretend_v to_o know_v he_o yet_o grieve_v his_o spirit_n wound_v his_o glory_n trample_v under_o foot_n his_o blood_n disobey_v his_o precept_n and_o prefer_v a_o barrabas_n a_o robber_n a_o sin_n that_o dispoile_v he_o of_o his_o glory_n before_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n believe_v it_o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v scientia_fw-la affectiva_fw-la it_o must_v sink_v deep_a than_o so_o into_o our_o affection_n and_o transform_v the_o whole_a man_n into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n otherwise_o it_o be_v but_o a_o counterfeit_n not_o a_o real_a knowledge_n of_o he_o three_o this_o practical_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n imply_v a_o particuliar_a application_n of_o he_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v i_o to_o know_v there_o be_v gold_n in_o the_o indies_n unless_o i_o have_v it_o in_o my_o coffer_n or_o to_o know_v when_o i_o be_o hungry_a that_o there_o be_v in_o such_o a_o place_n honey_n and_o food_n unless_o i_o do_v taste_v it_o myself_o no_o more_o good_a will_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n do_v we_o unless_o we_o do_v eat_v he_o and_o drink_v he_o by_o faith_n and_o can_v say_v with_o paul_n in_o the_o text_n i_o know_v he_o to_o be_v my_o lord_n that_o have_v redeem_v i_o and_o will_v save_v i_o you_o will_v not_o count_v he_o a_o good_a physician_n that_o know_v only_o the_o name_n figure_n and_o shape_n of_o a_o herb_n in_o gerhard_n or_o mathiolus_n and_o not_o the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o the_o same_o and_o so_o neither_o can_v you_o call_v he_o a_o know_a christian_n that_o can_v discourse_v only_o of_o christ_n in_o general_a be_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n ignorant_a of_o the_o benefit_n and_o the_o comfortable_a application_n of_o they_o he_o may_v still_o for_o all_o this_o lay_n under_o the_o curse_n under_o the_o pang_n of_o conscience_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n unless_o he_o can_v feel_v christ_n spirit_n as_o thomas_n do_v corporal_o and_o say_v my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n joh._n 20._o 28._o in_o all_o true_a knowledge_n the_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v reflexive_a the_o soul_n will_v start_v back_o and_o rebound_v upon_o its_o self_n it_o will_v first_o go_v out_o unto_o christ_n its_o direct_a object_n and_o then_o turn_v in_o upon_o its_o self_n and_o examine_v its_o own_o interest_n in_o he_o hence_o say_v saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 13._o v._n 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n let_v your_o soul_n retire_v into_o themselves_o and_o there_o diligent_o examine_v the_o matter_n and_o you_o will_v quick_o find_v whether_o you_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o have_v any_o communion_n with_o he_o which_o can_v be_v right_o know_v unless_o you_o so_o examine_v yourselves_o and_o so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o point_n the_o second_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o this_o knowledge_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o reveal_v supernatural_a knowledge_n flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o say_v christ_n of_o himself_o to_o simon_n peter_n but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 16._o v._n 17._o neither_o carnal_a reason_n nor_o humane_a wisdom_n can_v ever_o suggest_v christ_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o reveal_v his_o son_n in_o we_o gal._n 1._o v._n 16._o nature_n can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o thing_n within_o its_o own_o bound_n and_o sphere_n as_o water_n can_v run_v above_o its_o own_o fountain_n now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n do_v much_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o natural_a disquisition_n it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n hide_a wisdom_n which_o none_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n know_v 1_o cor._n 2._o we_o attain_v usual_o unto_o natural_a knowledge_n by_o much_o industry_n &_o turmoil_v of_o body_n &_o mind_n when_o our_o understanding_n do_v out_o of_o some_o imperfect_a hinte_n and_o blush_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o thing_n by_o degree_n hack_v and_o hew_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o by_o much_o labour_n and_o toil_n we_o get_v and_o serve_v out_o of_o nature_n the_o small_a knowledge_n that_o we_o have_v whereas_o now_o all_o the_o toil_n and_o study_v in_o the_o world_n will_v never_o advance_v a_o mere_a natural_a man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n because_o i_o suppose_v he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o hint_n
yet_o there_o be_v a_o light_n within_o you_o and_o there_o be_v creature_n without_o you_o that_o will_v easy_o confute_v your_o fond_a opinion_n it_o be_v not_o for_o gentile_n to_o plead_v ignorance_n because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o etc._n etc._n so_o than_o you_o may_v have_v here_o the_o gentile_n plea_n refute_v they_o secret_o seem_v to_o plead_v not_o guilty_a to_o the_o apostle_n charge_v of_o their_o withhold_a the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n their_o plea_n seem_v to_o be_v take_v from_o their_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o can_v they_o have_v maintain_v this_o they_o may_v easy_o have_v elude_v that_o wherefore_o saint_n paul_n to_o take_v away_o all_o shift_n and_o evasion_n from_o they_o and_o the_o better_a to_o confirm_v his_o charge_n bring_v in_o two_o bill_n of_o reply_n against_o they_o the_o first_o be_v ground_v upon_o that_o natural_a light_n which_o god_n have_v manifest_v unto_o they_o concern_v himself_o the_o second_o upon_o the_o creature_n which_o with_o a_o dumb_a kind_n of_o eloquence_n do_v every_o where_n proclaim_v the_o power_n of_o their_o maker_n and_o which_o be_v as_o a_o conduct_n and_o guidance_n unto_o they_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o they_o vain_o pretend_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o ground_n i_o shall_v speak_v at_o present_a and_o only_o more_o distincly_a handle_n what_o i_o have_v heretofore_o in_o a_o private_a congregation_n represent_v in_o gross_a take_v the_o word_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o themselves_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o aliquid_fw-la allegatum_fw-la &_o aliquid_fw-la probatum_fw-la a_o allegation_n and_o a_o proof_n or_o reason_n of_o this_o allegation_n the_o gentile_a seem_v to_o plead_v ignorance_n the_o apostle_n allege_v the_o contrary_a because_o say_v he_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o and_o lest_o he_o shall_v seem_v to_o stick_v here_o he_o bring_v in_o further_a evidence_n and_o proof_n for_o what_o he_o have_v say_v in_o these_o word_n for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o in_o both_o you_o may_v be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o first_o the_o matter_n allege_v their_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n or_o that_o which_o be_v knowable_a of_o god_n namely_o by_o nature_n discovery_n not_o by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n and_o evangelicall_n dispensation_n as_o vorstius_n and_o other_o without_o reason_n conceive_v for_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o precede_a verse_n which_o according_a unto_o beza_n and_o the_o best_a expositor_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o good_a and_o evil_a the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n necessary_o imply_v or_o at_o least_o upon_o inevitable_a consequence_n bring_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a 2._o second_o you_o may_v observe_v the_o qualification_n or_o manner_n of_o this_o their_o knowledge_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v manifest_a as_o the_o light_n which_o shine_v in_o they_o and_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o do_v what_o they_o can_v they_o can_v never_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o it_o or_o whole_o blot_v it_o out_o 3._o three_o here_o be_v the_o subject_n in_o who_o this_o knowledge_n reside_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o they_o viz._n in_o the_o gentile_n which_o some_o translate_v among_o they_o and_o so_o refer_v this_o knowledge_n to_o their_o learned_a one_o and_o philosopher_n who_o have_v leave_v every_o where_n in_o their_o writing_n evident_a testimony_n thereof_o but_o our_o own_o translation_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v most_o proper_a &_o near_o the_o original_n and_o so_o in_o they_o will_v be_v as_o much_o as_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n as_o you_o will_v further_o hear_v anon_o four_o here_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o knowledge_n in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n usher_v in_o with_o the_o rational_a particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o god_n that_o be_v partly_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o creature_n have_v so_o plain_o declare_v and_o show_v himself_o unto_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o can_v pretend_v their_o ignorance_n of_o he_o or_o of_o their_o duty_n towards_o their_o neighbour_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o open_v you_o may_v gather_v this_o observation_n that_o there_o be_v &_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o all_o man_n even_o in_o the_o gentile_n a_o natural_a light_n whereby_o they_o have_v be_v direct_v unto_o god_n and_o natural_a goodness_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o first_o what_o be_v mean_v more_o full_o by_o this_o natural_a light_n second_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o all_o man_n even_o in_o the_o gentile_n three_o i_o shall_v inquire_v whether_o or_o no_o this_o natural_a light_n be_v sufficient_a unto_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o last_o i_o shall_v deduce_v some_o practical_a inference_n from_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v for_o our_o own_o use_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o first_o point_n namely_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o natural_a light_n or_o light_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v note_v that_o man_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o in_o his_o primitive_a creation_n or_o in_o his_o corrupt_a sinful_a estate_n if_o we_o consider_v man_n first_o in_o his_o create_a integrity_n so_o without_o doubt_n this_o light_n be_v a_o clear_a distinct_a penetrative_a and_o unerring_a light_n for_o god_n frame_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o that_o exact_a platform_n and_o idea_n which_o be_v eternal_o in_o himself_o do_v according_o bestow_v upon_o his_o creature_n all_o thing_n requisite_a unto_o their_o several_a species_n and_o condition_n and_o therefore_o man_n be_v the_o masterpiece_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o all_o his_o work_n be_v by_o he_o primitive_o invest_v with_o more_o noble_a endowment_n than_o any_o other_o creature_n whatsoever_o for_o whereas_o other_o thing_n be_v either_o by_o instinct_n or_o immediate_a direction_n of_o god_n order_v unto_o their_o several_a end_n and_o his_o glory_n man_n alone_o among_o the_o rest_n do_v clear_o and_o rational_o apprehend_v the_o will_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o maker_n other_o creature_n do_v blind_o serve_v he_o in_o their_o several_a rank_n and_o order_n but_o man_n be_v far_o enlighten_v with_o a_o understanding_n and_o reasonable_a soul_n do_v free_o and_o with_o choice_n cleave_v unto_o he_o as_o his_o chief_a good_a so_o that_o adam_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o excellent_a light_n which_o god_n have_v infuse_v unto_o he_o do_v know_v god_n and_o his_o will_n save_o and_o with_o such_o a_o perfection_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o his_o condition_n for_o though_o it_o may_v be_v true_a what_o the_o schoolman_n say_v that_o this_o concreated_a light_n and_o knowledge_n in_o our_o first_o parent_n may_v have_v be_v further_o increase_v by_o rational_a discourse_n and_o supervenient_a grace_n yet_o doubtless_o in_o itself_o without_o any_o further_a addition_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o lead_v they_o into_o a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n and_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n these_o divine_a ray_n so_o enlighten_v the_o whole_a man_n that_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n be_v as_o distinct_o impress_v upon_o his_o soul_n as_o the_o image_n of_o the_o sun_n ever_o be_v upon_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o crystalline_a glass_n but_o now_o second_o as_o the_o most_o beautiful_a picture_n be_v sully_v and_o daub_v over_o do_v loose_a much_o of_o its_o form_n and_o grace_n so_o likewise_o that_o excellent_a image_n of_o god_n in_o man_n be_v once_o besmear_v over_o with_o sin_n do_v loose_a very_o much_o of_o its_o pristine_a glory_n and_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o same_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o man_n which_o before_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a in_o we_o be_v now_o through_o sin_n become_v dull_a confuse_a and_o faint_a for_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o sin_n always_o to_o overcast_v and_o unite_v the_o soul_n with_o ignorance_n as_o you_o may_v every_o where_o read_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o blindness_n darkness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n sin_n then_o interpose_v between_o god_n and_o we_o this_o glorious_a light_n suffer_v a_o very_a fearful_a eclipse_n and_o as_o the_o faint_a glimmering_n of_o a_o lamp_n or_o candle_n in_o the_o socket_n be_v mingle_v with_o very_a much_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n for_o though_o through_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o quite_o
with_o all_o their_o learning_n sink_v down_o into_o hell_n i_o wish_v there_o be_v not_o too_o many_o in_o the_o world_n more_o intimate_a with_o nature_n then_o with_o grace_n and_o less_o christian_n than_o scholar_n but_o let_v i_o ask_v these_o great_a master_n of_o israel_n why_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o slight_v by_o they_o be_v it_o because_o it_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o they_o why_o let_v they_o know_v that_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o all_o the_o empty_a cistern_n of_o worldly_a wisdom_n be_v nothing_o comparable_a to_o those_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o christ_n or_o be_v it_o because_o there_o be_v more_o reputation_n that_o attend_v worldly_a knowledge_n why_o alas_o what_o credit_n be_v it_o to_o be_v account_v wise_a among_o a_o company_n of_o fool_n and_o such_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o term_v the_o world_n and_o carnal_a man_n the_o world_n indeed_o vilisy_n and_o hate_v christ_n because_o it_o know_v he_o not_o but_o then_o christ_n profess_v he_o will_v not_o know_v they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o o_o then_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o wise_a the_o scribe_n the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n will_v it_o not_o then_o appear_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n and_o that_o they_o buy_v the_o esteem_n of_o learning_n at_o a_o dear_a rate_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v indeed_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v save_v or_o last_o be_v it_o because_o they_o find_v more_o content_a in_o worldly_a wisdom_n why_o let_v the_o wise_a man_n speak_v what_o content_n there_o can_v be_v therein_o eccles_n 1._o 18._o in_o much_o wisdom_n there_o be_v much_o grief_n and_o he_o that_o increase_v knowledge_n increase_v sorrow_n how_o much_o toil_n and_o vexation_n in_o get_v it_o how_o much_o care_n for_o fear_n of_o lose_v it_o yea_o how_o little_a comfort_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o so_o many_o lust_n still_o interpose_v and_o cloud_v their_o severe_a meditation_n so_o much_o thoughtfullnesse_n to_o uphold_v their_o esteem_n in_o the_o world_n so_o much_o envy_n at_o other_o eminency_n so_o much_o distraction_n by_o occasion_n of_o new_a doubt_n and_o difficulty_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o now_o the_o true_a save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n bring_v a_o serenity_n and_o composedness_n of_o mind_n with_o it_o purge_v and_o resine_v the_o soul_n from_o those_o dark_a mist_n of_o corruption_n sanctifyes_n and_o sweeten_v all_o other_o learning_n and_o exercise_v all_o other_o part_n which_o be_v but_o loss_n and_o dung_n without_o it_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v this_o so_o excellent_a knowledge_n be_v think_v so_o contemptible_a among_o many_o why_o shall_v they_o as_o so_o many_o wild_a indian_n prefer_v glass_n bead_n and_o toy_n before_o precious_a stone_n or_o like_o that_o schoolmaster_n fancy_v by_o rob._n gallus_n gnaw_v upon_o flinte_n and_o pebble_n amid_o sweetmeat_n and_o most_o delicate_a fare_n why_o shall_v man_n be_v so_o greedy_a after_o the_o jejune_n and_o empty_a knowledge_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o yet_o so_o remiss_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o heavenly_a wisdom_n o_o that_o we_o can_v all_o understand_v that_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o great_a glory_n of_o our_o wisdom_n to_o be_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n 3._o therefore_o this_o shall_v exhort_v we_o all_o to_o study_v jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o labour_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o only_o to_o know_v be_v eternal_a life_n all_o knowledge_n be_v in_o itself_o desirable_a it_o be_v the_o best_a gloss_n and_o varnish_n that_o set_v forth_o a_o intellectual_a be_v and_o hence_o say_v lactantius_n god_n have_v lime_v and_o arm_v man_n inside_n with_o reason_n that_o he_o may_v distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o low_a form_n so_o that_o he_o seem_v lesser_a than_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o take_v even_o with_o natural_a truth_n &_o wisdom_n and_o certain_o he_o be_v less_o than_o a_o christian_a that_o desire_v not_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n it_o be_v natural_a for_o all_o thing_n to_o desire_v their_o perfection_n now_o then_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a thing_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o man_n so_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o therefore_o solomon_n bid_v we_o seek_v after_o it_o more_o than_o choice_n gold_n prov._n 8_o v._o 10._o we_o all_o desire_n wisdom_n why_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o enough_o to_o fill_v up_o all_o the_o vast_a and_o boundless_a desire_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n it_o be_v only_o fool_n that_o despise_v wisdom_n prov._n 1._o as_o therefore_o you_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v brand_v with_o the_o name_n of_o fool_n go_v unto_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v this_o wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v unto_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o jam._n 1._o v._n 5._o so_o that_o the_o 1._o direction_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v show_v thou_o thy_o natural_a blindness_n ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n what_o a_o fool_n thou_o be_v by_o nature_n how_o destitute_a of_o any_o save_a knowledge_n and_o that_o then_o he_o will_v send_v his_o spirit_n into_o thy_o inward_a part_n to_o enlighten_v thy_o mind_n and_o to_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o marvellous_a light_n pray_v unto_o he_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v make_v unto_o thou_o wisdom_n that_o thou_o may_v know_v he_o here_o in_o his_o person_n in_o his_o office_n in_o his_o benefit_n know_v he_o in_o the_o pardon_n of_o thy_o sin_n in_o the_o subdue_a of_o thy_o corruption_n as_o thy_o king_n that_o will_v save_v thou_o thy_o priest_n that_o have_v redeem_v thou_o thy_o prophet_n that_o do_v instruct_v thou_o 2._o labour_v to_o see_v the_o inconvenience_n and_o misery_n that_o will_v follow_v upon_o thy_o not_o know_v of_o christ_n indeed_o we_o can_v know_v nothing_o beside_o he_o that_o can_v minister_v any_o comfort_n unto_o we_o in_o heaven_n above_o what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v there_o but_o a_o angry_a sin_n revenge_v god_n a_o implacable_a judge_n who_o no_o man_n have_v see_v nor_o ever_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o way_n of_o mercy_n unless_o the_o son_n reveal_v he_o unto_o he_o in_o the_o earth_n what_o object_n can_v we_o fix_v upon_o that_o be_v not_o our_o mortal_a enemy_n without_o christ_n all_o the_o creature_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o snap_v at_o we_o and_o revenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n upon_o we_o in_o hell_n what_o can_v we_o know_v but_o that_o it_o be_v our_o place_n that_o it_o be_v prepare_v alone_o for_o those_o that_o know_v not_o god_n for_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n that_o christ_n at_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flame_a fire_n to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o those_o that_o know_v not_o god_n 2_o thess_n 1._o 8._o again_o labour_v to_o see_v what_o inconvenience_n the_o want_n of_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n will_v bring_v we_o unto_o a_o man_n that_o walk_v in_o the_o dark_a will_v be_v ever_o apt_a to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o he_o that_o be_v without_o any_o spiritual_a light_n within_o must_v needs_o walk_v in_o much_o danger_n thus_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o its_o excellency_n and_o thus_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v stumble_a block_n to_o they_o that_o know_v he_o not_o they_o hate_v they_o the_o people_n of_o christ_n be_v despise_v they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n eat_v they_o up_o as_o they_o will_v eat_v bread_n psal_n 14._o 4._o do_v man_n but_o thorough_o know_v christ_n they_o will_v be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o his_o ordinance_n with_o his_o people_n with_o his_o minister_n with_o salvation_n with_o their_o own_o soul_n labour_v then_o to_o see_v these_o inconvenience_n of_o spiritual_a ignorance_n be_v ashamed_a of_o thyself_o and_o lay_v about_o thou_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n for_o to_o gain_v more_o knowledge_n to_o this_o end_n 3._o study_v christ_n book_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o thou_o shall_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n come_v to_o a_o knowledge_n of_o he_o these_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o perfect_a and_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n they_o be_v those_o well_n out_o of_o which_o we_o may_v draw_v plenty_n of_o the_o water_n of_o salvation_n those_o precious_a mine_n out_o of_o which_o we_o may_v dig_v treasure_n of_o wisdom_n let_v we_o search_v they_o therefore_o not_o with_o a_o search_n of_o curiosity_n to_o discourse_v and_o talk_v of_o they_o but_o with_o a_o search_n of_o humility_n to_o amend_v our_o life_n by_o they_o and_o to_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n other_o book_n can_v only_o unfold_v nature_n unto_o thou_o and_o that_o but_o imperfect_o too_o this_o reveal_v mystery_n that_o angel_n themselves_o do_v desire_v to_o peep_v into_o so_o that_o there_o be_v more_o real_a worth_n comprise_v in_o one_o versicle_n of_o they_o than_o there_o be_v in_o all_o the_o voluminous_a offspring_n and_o work_n of_o man_n brain_n as_o the_o very_a shave_n and_o file_n of_o gold_n and_o precious_a stone_n be_v of_o more_o value_n then_o whole_a heap_n of_o dirt_n and_o pebble_n to_o conclude_v therefore_o since_o we_o have_v so_o excellent_a a_o knowledge_n before_o we_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v then_o gold_n yea_o then_o much_o fine_a gold_n more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n since_o we_o have_v such_o plentiful_a mine_n before_o we_o as_o the_o scripture_n out_o of_o which_o we_o may_v dig_v these_o treasure_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o still_o labour_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o continual_o to_o study_v he_o on_o earth_n who_o we_o all_o hope_n to_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n as_o traveller_n will_v learn_v the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o people_n and_o country_n they_o be_v to_o go_v unto_o so_o let_v we_o study_v heaven_n and_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n that_o so_o we_o may_v comfortable_o possess_v he_o at_o the_o end_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n in_o heaven_n hereafter_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o christ_n may_v summon_v we_o before_o he_o and_o that_o day_n come_v when_o ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o natural_a knowledge_n must_v be_v wrap_v up_o in_o the_o same_o sheet_n together_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o day_n bespeak_v our_o double_a diligence_n and_o no_o long_o to_o play_v the_o truant_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o redeem_v the_o time_n we_o have_v lose_v and_o to_o improve_v the_o few_o day_n we_o have_v before_o we_o towards_o the_o advancement_n of_o this_o knowledge_n let_v we_o study_v christ_n let_v we_o preach_v christ_n let_v we_o live_v to_o christ_n that_o so_o these_o seed_n plot_n of_o learning_n may_v not_o be_v account_v the_o seminary_n of_o atheism_n and_o heresy_n as_o the_o school_n of_o the_o philosopher_n be_v in_o primitive_a time_n but_o the_o seminary_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n far_o be_v it_o that_o in_o these_o our_o christian_a athens_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o unknown_a god_n a_o unknown_a christ_n great_a be_v our_o mean_n our_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n in_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o knowledge_n and_o great_a therefore_o and_o sad_a will_v be_v our_o account_n at_o the_o last_o day_n if_o we_o neglect_v it_o as_o therefore_o we_o tender_v the_o good_a of_o oursoule_n as_o ever_o we_o expect_v the_o fruition_n of_o christ_n in_o glory_n let_v it_o be_v our_o constant_a care_n to_o study_v he_o here_o &_o to_o contemplate_v he_o in_o the_o glass_n of_o his_o word_n and_o ordinance_n till_o at_o length_n this_o our_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o he_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o vision_n and_o a_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o with_o who_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n for_o evermore_o finis_fw-la
ancient_n have_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v he_o a_o christian_a though_o bernard_n true_o and_o witty_o say_v whilst_o many_o will_v fain_o make_v plato_n a_o christian_n they_o prove_v themselves_o heathen_n it_o will_v be_v as_o endless_a as_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o produce_v here_o the_o several_a testimony_n which_o heathen_a author_n do_v every_o where_o give_v to_o this_o truth_n some_o among_o they_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n other_o every_z where_o profess_v it_o in_o their_o writing_n and_o however_o there_o have_v be_v some_o few_o among_o they_o who_o have_v deny_v this_o truth_n yet_o i_o be_o persuade_v their_o tongue_n go_v not_o along_o with_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v more_o their_o desire_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n than_o their_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v none_o as_o guilty_a prisoner_n wish_v the_o death_n of_o their_o judge_n only_o because_o they_o conceive_v he_o to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o their_o condemnation_n in_o like_a manner_n these_o and_o such_o like_a man_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o desperate_a wickedness_n desire_v the_o not_o be_v of_o he_o who_o justice_n they_o well_o know_v must_v needs_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o severe_o punish_v their_o offence_n for_o second_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n will_v easy_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n within_o they_o there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o great_a so_o absolute_a and_o independent_a from_o the_o command_n and_o beck_n of_o other_o but_o be_v sometime_o awe_v and_o control_v by_o a_o power_n within_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o those_o secret_a check_n and_o lash_n of_o conscience_n upon_o the_o commission_n of_o some_o notorious_a offence_n must_v needs_o make_v the_o stout_a sinner_n confess_v a_o power_n above_o he_o which_o he_o fear_v and_o a_o god_n unto_o who_o he_o be_v accountable_a for_o all_o his_o offence_n hence_o the_o apostle_n show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o gentile_n amplify_v it_o further_o and_o add_v this_o as_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o reason_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n and_o their_o thought_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o rom._n 2._o vers_fw-la 15._o three_o the_o very_a multiplicity_n of_o the_o heathenish_a god_n may_v as_o i_o suppose_v plain_o show_v that_o they_o have_v this_o indelible_a principle_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v as_o many_o god_n as_o they_o have_v onion_n and_o leek_n in_o their_o garden_n and_o though_o the_o worship_n they_o ascribe_v unto_o these_o their_o deity_n be_v as_o various_a as_o the_o several_a nation_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n be_v yet_o these_o their_o various_a worship_n and_o opinion_n of_o a_o god_n do_v plain_o denote_v that_o a_o god_n it_o be_v who_o they_o seek_v and_o hunt_v after_o for_o though_o they_o err_v in_o particular_n yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o general_n that_o a_o god_n there_o be_v as_o the_o water_n of_o the_o same_o fountain_n may_v be_v diverse_o spread_v into_o several_a stream_n and_o eddye_n yet_o all_o these_o several_a stream_n &_o eddye_n fall_v into_o one_o sea_n so_o likewise_o though_o this_o principle_n of_o nature_n may_v flow_v and_o be_v divide_v into_o various_a opinion_n concern_v god_n yet_o these_o various_a opinion_n do_v all_o meet_v and_o concentre_v in_o this_o general_n notion_n and_o conceit_n of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o athenian_n do_v general_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n under_o the_o false_a mask_n and_o inscription_n they_o give_v unto_o he_o of_o the_o unknown_a god_n as_o you_o may_v see_v act_n 17._o vers_fw-la 23._o but_o second_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o relate_v unto_o natural_a goodness_n be_v in_o all_o man_n natural_a goodness_n i_o say_v for_o as_o for_o that_o legal_a goodness_n which_o suppose_v the_o righteousness_n of_o work_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o son_n of_o adam_n to_o have_v for_o by_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o law_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o flesh_n justify_v in_o his_o sight_n rom._n 3._o 20._o and_o as_o for_o that_o evangelicall_n goodness_n which_o suppose_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n no_o unbeliever_n can_v partake_v of_o it_o for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 17._o it_o remain_v then_o that_o the_o gentile_n only_o have_v and_o still_o have_v the_o remainder_n of_o natural_a goodness_n alone_o leave_v in_o they_o now_o that_o they_o have_v this_o will_v better_o appear_v by_o distinguish_v of_o natural_a goodness_n which_o be_v either_o civil_a or_o moral_a civil_a goodness_n i_o shall_v define_v to_o be_v that_o inbred_a propension_n in_o all_o man_n to_o maintain_v society_n and_o natural_a life_n this_o certain_o be_v and_o at_o this_o day_n be_v in_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o from_o whence_o else_o have_v proceed_v those_o excellent_a positive_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o solon_n draco_n and_o other_o by_o which_o as_o by_o so_o many_o sinew_n and_o ligament_n commonwealth_n have_v be_v join_v and_o compact_v together_o from_o whence_o those_o noble_a invention_n and_o science_n of_o physic_n mathematic_a astronomy_n and_o the_o like_a without_o which_o man_n life_n will_v be_v neither_o comfortable_a not_o delightful_a from_o whence_o those_o inferior_a mechanical_a art_n by_o which_o rude_a and_o undigested_a thing_n be_v curious_o modify_v and_o prepare_v for_o the_o use_n of_o man_n from_o whence_o be_v these_o i_o say_v and_o many_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n but_o from_o that_o inbred_a natural_a life_n of_o goodness_n in_o man_n guide_v and_o direct_v he_o unto_o the_o common_a public_a good_a of_o humane_a society_n hence_o we_o read_v of_o jaball_n and_o juball_n and_o tuball-cain_n gen._n 4._o cunning_a artificer_n and_o curious_a inventor_n which_o yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v all_o mere_a natural_a man_n of_o the_o curse_a race_n and_o without_o the_o covenant_n &_o church_n of_o god_n the_o second_o sort_n of_o natural_a goodness_n may_v be_v call_v moral_a &_o it_o consist_v as_o i_o conceive_v in_o a_o man_n obedience_n unto_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n in_o embrace_v virtue_n &_o void_a vice_n that_o the_o gentile_n be_v thus_o moral_o good_a those_o admirable_a example_n of_o their_o justice_n fortitude_n temperance_n and_o other_o the_o like_a virtue_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o exact_o rigorous_a in_o administer_a of_o justice_n that_o they_o have_v not_o spare_v their_o own_o son_n offend_v some_o again_o devote_v themselves_o and_o expose_v their_o own_o throat_n to_o the_o sword_n for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o country_n other_o so_o abstemious_a and_o temperate_a that_o in_o the_o great_a feast_n of_o their_o prince_n they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o touch_v any_o wine_n other_o so_o chaste_a that_o they_o have_v not_o admit_v into_o their_o sight_n any_o object_n that_o may_v provoke_v they_o unto_o lust_n it_o be_v easy_a here_o to_o make_v a_o particular_a induction_n through_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o second_o table_n and_o prove_v unto_o you_o as_o aswell_o by_o instance_n of_o scripture_n as_o from_o profane_a author_n how_o that_o the_o gentile_n by_o their_o exact_a outward_a conformity_n unto_o reason_n evident_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n to_o be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v infinite_a and_o not_o only_a example_n but_o precept_n also_o for_o what_o excellent_a rule_n do_v they_o every_o where_o prescribe_v for_o the_o steer_n and_o direct_v a_o man_n in_o the_o path_n of_o virtue_n what_o grave_n and_o sage_a precept_n eschew_v of_o evil_a embrace_v of_o good_a we_o must_v indeed_o confess_v that_o these_o grave_a precept_n these_o excellent_a rule_n however_o in_o general_a know_v and_o prescribe_v be_v yet_o notwithstanding_o when_o they_o come_v particular_o to_o be_v apply_v oftentimes_o little_o use_v or_o make_v good_a by_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o author_n such_o be_v that_o overrule_a power_n of_o passion_n in_o the_o strict_a professor_n that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v live_v in_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o those_o vice_n which_o their_o judgement_n otherwise_o have_v disallow_v as_o we_o may_v read_v concern_v aristotle_n than_o who_o no_o one_o have_v more_o commend_v chastity_n and_o yet_o so_o little_o do_v he_o observe_v his_o own_o rule_n that_o he_o will_v fain_o make_v a_o goddess_n of_o his_o impure_a strumpet_n and_o so_o canonize_v his_o own_o lust_n who_o write_v more_o divine_o concern_v the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n than_o seneca_n and_o yet_o who_o a_o great_a worldling_n who_o more_o covetous_a than_o himself_o as_o both_o
there_o be_v no_o such_o impossibility_n for_o then_o how_o come_v job_n and_o other_o gentile_n into_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n and_o according_a to_o some_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v sufficient_a to_o discover_v unto_o they_o a_o christ_n though_o this_o savour_n too_o much_o of_o pelagianisme_n again_o second_o what_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o bare_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o believe_v yet_o shall_v we_o tax_v god_n of_o tie_v his_o creature_n to_o impossibility_n certain_o we_o can_v for_o it_o be_v not_o god_n fault_n but_o man_n who_o by_o his_o sinful_a fall_n contract_v unto_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n such_o a_o impossibility_n but_o i_o must_v hasten_v three_o this_o may_v further_o be_v make_v good_a unto_o you_o by_o consider_v the_o vast_a disproportion_n and_o enmity_n that_o be_v between_o a_o natural_a understanding_n and_o spiritual_a mystery_n the_o natural_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o the_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o corin._n 2._o 14._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v say_v some_o expositor_n from_o the_o narrowness_n and_o incapacity_n of_o the_o intellective_a faculty_n to_o receive_v those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o text_n indeed_o they_o be_v say_v to_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o good_a reason_n to_o for_o it_o for_o as_o water_n can_v ascend_v no_o high_o than_o just_a the_o spring_n or_o fountain_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v derive_v even_o so_o the_o knowledge_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v mount_v no_o further_o then_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v proportion_v and_o level_v with_o the_o same_o light_n shall_v you_o tell_v a_o pagan_a of_o three_o distinct_a person_n unite_v in_o the_o same_o nature_n of_o a_o infinite_a god_n wrap_v up_o and_o cloister_v in_o finite_a humane_a flesh_n of_o be_v twice_o bear_v before_o he_o can_v become_v a_o child_n of_o god_n will_v he_o not_o think_v you_o rather_o laugh_v at_o then_o believe_v the_o discourse_n and_o suppose_v you_o rather_o go_v about_o to_o puzzle_v then_o instruct_v he_o doubtless_o a_o bat_n may_v as_o soon_o face_v the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n or_o a_o purblind_a man_n read_v the_o small_a print_n at_o a_o mile_n distance_n as_o a_o carnal_a man_n can_v dive_v into_o or_o discover_v such_o abstruse_a sublime_a mystery_n it_o be_v the_o word_n alone_o and_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o unlock_v unto_o we_o these_o hide_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o blockish_a nature_n can_v never_o understand_v much_o less_o discover_v and_o therefore_o when_o paul_n speak_v unto_o the_o athenian_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n the_o text_n say_v some_o of_o they_o mock_v and_o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 2._o say_v the_o gospel_n be_v unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n even_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o gentile_n count_v these_o mystery_n ridiculous_a and_o absurd_a thing_n unto_o these_o reason_n i_o may_v add_v many_o more_o and_o answer_v some_o objection_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o shall_v be_v tedious_a give_v i_o leave_v now_o but_o in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o particular_o to_o apply_v of_o this_o point_n unto_o ourselves_o what_o have_v be_v doctrinal_o speak_v as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v first_n then_o this_o shall_v make_v we_o bewail_v the_o sad_a loss_n we_o sustain_v by_o adam_n apostasy_n we_o i_o say_v for_o we_o be_v all_o by_o nature_n gentiles_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o man_n bear_v a_o christian_a as_o then_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a eclipse_n every_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v strike_v with_o horror_n and_o amazement_n so_o likewise_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o strange_a a_o eclipse_n this_o primitive_a glorious_a light_n have_v suffer_v through_o sin_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v smite_v through_o with_o grief_n and_o serious_o to_o bewail_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o when_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o the_o venerable_a ruin_n of_o some_o ancient_a stately_a edifice_n how_o apt_a be_v he_o to_o weep_v and_o melt_v over_o its_o desolation_n and_o shall_v man_n that_o admirable_a fabric_n and_o masterpiece_n of_o his_o creator_n fall_v into_o such_o confusion_n and_o darkness_n and_o we_o be_v insensible_a of_o his_o ruin_n and_o as_o nero_n once_o do_v upon_o rome_n look_v merry_o upon_o his_o destruction_n certain_o be_v not_o a_o man_n whole_o engulph_v in_o carnal_a pleasure_n be_v not_o his_o heart_n so_o deep_o steep_v in_o worldly_a delight_n he_o will_v sometime_o let_v fall_v a_o tear_n or_o two_o upon_o the_o sad_a relic_n of_o his_o primitive_a glory_n and_o mourn_v over_o his_o former_a happiness_n now_o entoumb_v in_o nothing_o but_o misery_n and_o darkness_n for_o doubtless_o great_a matter_n there_o will_v be_v of_o sorrow_n unto_o we_o to_o see_v that_o glorious_a fabric_n and_o beautiful_a image_n of_o god_n sully_v over_o with_o sin_n and_o ugliness_n that_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n prov._n 20._o 27._o now_o so_o overcharge_v with_o ignorance_n unbelief_n and_o falsehood_n with_o ignorance_n in_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fathom_n either_o natural_a cause_n or_o supernatural_a mystery_n with_o unbelief_n in_o its_o backwardness_n to_o assent_v unto_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o purblind_a nature_n and_o with_o falsehood_n in_o its_o misapprehend_n and_o misjudge_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o see_v likewise_o what_o rebellious_a tumult_n and_o disorder_n there_o be_v in_o those_o affection_n which_o original_o be_v quiet_o subordinate_v unto_o the_o dictate_v and_o guidance_n of_o reason_n how_o mad_o they_o cast_v off_o the_o reins_o and_o rush_v into_o sin_n as_o a_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n how_o wild_o they_o rage_n and_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o discursive_a rational_a faculty_n either_o bribe_v it_o to_o assent_v unto_o such_o thing_n which_o upon_o deliberation_n it_o must_v needs_o disapprove_v off_o or_o else_o violent_o tug_v and_o hale_v it_o to_o give_v way_n unto_o the_o execution_n of_o they_o to_o consider_v also_o how_o that_o conscience_n which_o primitive_o do_v enjoy_v a_o sweet_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n be_v now_o lash_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n affright_v with_o the_o glaring_n and_o preapprehension_n of_o hell_n fire_n yea_o and_o become_v a_o very_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o bugbear_n unto_o we_o a_o speculum_fw-la and_o look_a glass_n to_o reflect_v unto_o we_o both_o our_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a misery_n i_o may_v here_o make_v a_o anatomy_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o show_v unto_o you_o how_o in_o every_o part_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o glorious_a light_n which_o god_n original_o imprint_v in_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v now_o dim_a and_o almost_o quite_o extinguish_v through_o sin_n such_o be_v the_o strange_a malignity_n of_o it_o to_o deface_v and_o blur_v the_o clear_a character_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n in_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v mighty_o humble_v every_o one_o of_o we_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o light_n whereby_o we_o primitive_o be_v direct_v unto_o heaven_n and_o so_o sweet_a a_o communion_n with_o god_n himself_o be_v now_o so_o obscure_a in_o we_o that_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o grope_v after_o he_o in_o the_o dark_a with_o who_o before_o we_o have_v so_o familiar_a acquaintance_n and_o then_o it_o shall_v cause_v we_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n to_o repair_v this_o decay_a lump_n with_o the_o oil_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o seek_v after_o he_o in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o will_v be_v find_v to_o bring_v we_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n out_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n that_o we_o may_v right_o know_v he_o and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v out_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o error_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o discern_v thing_n that_o differ_v and_o out_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o unbelief_n that_o believe_v on_o he_o we_o may_v not_o see_v death_n but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n but_o now_o second_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o our_o great_a loss_n so_o ought_v we_o likewise_o since_o god_n have_v manifest_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o it_o be_v his_o gift_n to_o be_v thankful_a for_o the_o remainder_n and_o spark_n of_o this_o light_n that_o now_o remain_v in_o we_o for_o whereas_o god_n may_v have_v wrap_v we_o up_o in_o eternal_a darkness_n and_o have_v make_v we_o as_o brutish_a and_o irrational_a as_o the_o beast_n we_o former_o have_v dominion_n over_o yet_o such_o be_v
this_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o save_v the_o gentile_n shall_v teach_v we_o first_o everlasting_o to_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o unfathomable_a judgement_n of_o god_n unto_o these_o gentile_n of_o old_a who_o suffer_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n without_o any_o glimpse_n or_o knowledge_n of_o a_o saviour_n that_o we_o may_v tremble_v at_o his_o deep_a stupendous_a dispensation_n towards_o these_o poor_a sinner_n and_o for_o ever_o extol_v his_o mercy_n towards_o we_o in_o reserve_v we_o unto_o such_o glorious_a time_n as_o these_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v wherein_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mussle_v up_o in_o type_n and_o figure_n as_o among_o the_o jew_n much_o less_o whole_o wrap_v up_o in_o darkness_n and_o keep_v total_o undiscovered_a as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o gentile_n but_o every_o where_o glorious_o display_v and_o unfold_v before_o our_o eye_n and_o second_o it_o may_v teach_v we_o that_o neither_o learning_n nor_o moral_a honesty_n can_v simple_o in_o themselves_o conduce_v any_o thing_n unto_o salvation_n for_o both_o these_o the_o gentile_n have_v in_o a_o very_a eminent_a manner_n and_o yet_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v they_o may_v be_v now_o fry_a in_o the_o slame_n of_o hell_n first_o then_o not_o learning_n can_v a_o man_n with_o solomon_n dive_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n even_o from_o the_o tall_a cedar_n to_o the_o low_a shrub_n can_v he_o speak_v in_o as_o many_o language_n as_o ever_o the_o several_a bvilder_n of_o babel_n do_v or_o do_v all_o the_o natural_a wisdom_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n concentre_v and_o meet_v in_o he_o yet_o by_o all_o these_o he_o be_v no_o near_a salvation_n than_o a_o beggar_n or_o a_o actor_n dress_v in_o royal_a apparel_n be_v unto_o a_o throne_n surgunt_fw-la indocti_fw-la etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o common_a but_o true_a say_n illiterate_a ignorant_a man_n do_v oftentimes_o rise_v up_o and_o carry_v away_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n while_o we_o with_o all_o our_o learning_n sink_v deep_a into_o destruction_n doubtless_o if_o natural_a ability_n can_v avail_v any_o thing_n unto_o salvation_n those_o infernal_a damn_a spirit_n have_v long_o since_o reobtain_v their_o heavenly_a station_n who_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o primitive_a create_a wisdom_n or_o their_o now_o experimental_a acquire_v knowledge_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n bind_v in_o chain_n of_o eternal_a darkness_n and_o be_v there_o still_o reserve_v unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n i_o do_v not_o come_v here_o to_o declaim_v against_o humane_a learning_n friend_n i_o suppose_v it_o will_v find_v many_o even_o in_o this_o our_o age_n enemy_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o have_v none_o but_o the_o ignorant_a yet_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o without_o grace_n it_o be_v but_o enmity_n against_o god_n so_o far_o namely_o from_o attain_v heaven_n that_o it_o rather_o make_v a_o man_n a_o instrument_n and_o weapon_n of_o hell_n and_o marshal_n sin_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o battle_n array_n against_o god_n for_o unless_o it_o be_v due_o temper_v and_o correct_v with_o grace_n there_o be_v i_o know_v not_o what_o secret_a poison_n and_o malignity_n in_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o 1_o cor._n 8._o 1._o to_o inflate_v and_o puff_n man_n up_o to_o avocate_n and_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n from_o heavenly_a meditation_n to_o bewitch_v and_o ensnare_v the_o heart_n with_o the_o name_n of_o applause_n &_o credit_n of_o the_o world_n to_o throw_v the_o brain_n into_o strange_a contrivance_n and_o excessive_a care_n and_o turmoil_n how_o to_o preserve_v our_o reputation_n how_o to_o rise_v and_o grow_v great_a in_o the_o world_n how_o to_o promote_v faction_n and_o interest_n how_o final_o to_o please_v man_n rather_o then_o god_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o may_v be_v no_o great_a promoter_n of_o god_n glory_n then_o a_o sanctify_a scholar_n for_o as_o in_o a_o picture_n though_o the_o dark_a obscure_a colour_n do_v add_v no_o real_a worth_n unto_o the_o more_o oriental_a and_o bright_a one_o yet_o they_o serve_v to_o commend_v &_o set_v they_o forth_o in_o like_a manner_n though_o the_o supernatural_a gift_n &_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v perhaps_o be_v nothing_o better_v by_o humane_a learning_n yet_o concur_v in_o the_o same_o person_n they_o mutual_o add_v lustre_n &_o ornament_n to_o one_o another_o who_o a_o more_o meek_a and_o pious_a man_n than_o moses_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v learned_a in_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o egyptian_n who_o more_o zealous_a and_o fervent_a in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n than_o paul_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o natural_a ability_n sublimate_v and_o refine_v by_o grace_n may_v much_o advance_v god_n glory_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n but_o without_o faith_n and_o in_o themselves_o they_o can_v bring_v we_o one_o step_n forward_o in_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n nor_o set_v we_o above_o the_o pitch_n of_o heathen_n gentile_n mere_a natural_a man_n and_o as_o learning_n and_o natural_a ability_n can_v so_o neither_o can_v moral_a honesty_n or_o civil_a life_n lead_v we_o in_o themselves_o unto_o heaven_n a_o civil_a carriage_n a_o mild_a and_o humble_a behaviour_n temperance_n in_o diet_n abstinence_n from_o outward_a gross_a act_n of_o vice_n be_v thing_n very_o commendable_a in_o themselves_o as_o tend_v much_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o humane_a society_n to_o the_o remove_n of_o scandal_n among_o brethren_n and_o to_o the_o avoid_n of_o temporal_a judgement_n but_o then_o these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a virtue_n if_o they_o may_v be_v so_o term_v a_o cato_n a_o scipio_n a_o mere_a gentile_n may_v have_v and_o yet_o be_v in_o a_o damnable_a estate_n though_o a_o picture_n be_v never_o so_o exquisite_o and_o curious_o draw_v yet_o it_o be_v still_o but_o a_o picture_n without_o life_n sense_n or_o motion_n and_o so_o though_o a_o man_n come_v never_o so_o near_o a_o saint_n in_o outward_a appearance_n yet_o he_o be_v but_o a_o man_n dead_a in_o sin_n and_o without_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o man_n politic_a and_o secular_a end_n to_o bias_n they_o in_o outward_a goodness_n there_o may_v be_v in_o other_o carnal_a fear_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o evil_a there_o may_v be_v also_o a_o kind_n of_o conformity_n to_o the_o present_a fashion_n of_o religion_n which_o may_v put_v a_o man_n upon_o a_o morose_a behaviour_n upon_o superficial_a and_o outward_a act_n of_o piety_n but_o then_o be_v not_o all_o these_o their_o righteousness_n think_v you_o as_o filthy_a rag_n when_o as_o they_o neither_o proceed_v from_o a_o right_a principle_n the_o spirit_n of_o life_n nor_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o right_a manner_n neither_o in_o sincerity_n nor_o true_a obedience_n nor_o direct_v unto_o a_o good_a end_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o edification_n of_o their_o neighbour_n so_o then_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o neither_o the_o heathen_a nor_o any_o else_o can_v attain_v unto_o heaven_n by_o all_o their_o learning_n virtue_n moral_a honesty_n or_o goodness_n whatsoever_o rom_n i._o 20._o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n thus_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v concern_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n from_o this_o verse_n we_o shall_v show_v you_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o god_n from_o the_o creature_n where_o you_o have_v 1._o first_o the_o object_n know_v and_o that_o either_o general_o set_v down_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o or_o more_o particular_o explain_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n those_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 2._o second_o here_o be_v the_o time_n when_o these_o invisible_a thing_n begin_v to_o be_v know_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o three_o because_o all_o knowledge_n be_v original_o found_v in_o the_o sense_n here_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n the_o sight_n be_v clear_o see_v and_o the_o inward_a instrument_n whereby_o we_o attain_v this_o knowledge_n the_o understanding_n be_v understand_v and_o because_o no_o object_n in_o se_fw-la much_o less_o invisible_a thing_n can_v be_v see_v without_o some_o medium_n to_o convey_v it_o unto_o the_o organ_n you_o have_v here_o 4._o four_o the_o species_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v or_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o come_v to_o see_v these_o invisible_a thing_n the_o creature_n be_v clear_o see_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v 5._o five_o and_o last_o here_o be_v the_o end_n why_o god_n do_v thus_o manifest_a this_o knowledge_n unto_o they_o viz._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v without_o
proclaim_v the_o power_n and_o greatness_n of_o a_o god_n and_o so_o consequent_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o in_o who_o all_o thing_n live_v move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v for_o as_o prick_n and_o quaver_n in_o music_n do_v commend_v the_o cunning_a of_o the_o artist_n as_o well_o as_o loud_o and_o long_a note_n or_o as_o the_o least_o pin_n or_o wheel_n in_o a_o watch_n both_o by_o its_o use_n and_o ornament_n do_v set_v forth_o the_o art_n of_o the_o watchmaker_n even_o so_o the_o mean_a and_o least_o of_o god_n creature_n do_v sufficient_o proclaim_v the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o virtue_n of_o their_o maker_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o snow_n and_o hail_n be_v by_o the_o psalmist_n bring_v in_o praise_v of_o god_n psalm_n 148._o 8._o the_o whole_a world_n what_o be_v it_o else_o say_v cusanus_fw-la but_o god_n paraphase_v and_o express_v here_o be_v the_o only_a difference_n between_o the_o small_a and_o great_a creature_n that_o in_o the_o one_o god_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o character_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o other_o in_o more_o great_a and_o capital_a leter_n but_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o first_o point_n which_o be_v to_o show_v in_o general_a that_o god_n be_v every_o where_o proclaim_v and_o set_v forth_o by_o his_o creature_n we_o shall_v now_o second_o show_v you_o how_o and_o in_o what_o way_n god_n may_v be_v know_v by_o his_o creature_n theodoret_n say_v there_o be_v five_o way_n by_o which_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o first_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o heaven_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v the_o various_a motion_n design_n and_o influence_n the_o rank_n and_o battaly_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o that_o heavenly_a host_n do_v abundant_o show_v that_o there_o be_v some_o supreme_a general_n and_o commander_n by_o who_o wisdom_n and_o conduct_n they_o be_v thus_o manage_v his_o second_o way_n be_v by_o consider_v the_o element_n below_o that_o the_o wild_a rage_a ocean_n shall_v not_o present_o overslow_v the_o whole_a face_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o that_o the_o earth_n natural_o the_o heavy_a of_o all_o simple_a body_n shall_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v above_o the_o water_n doubtless_o this_o be_v not_o from_o any_o blind_a chance_n or_o fortune_n but_o from_o a_o god_n which_o still_v the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n and_o madness_n of_o the_o wave_n and_o who_o from_o the_o creation_n for_o the_o good_a &_o commodity_n of_o man_n give_v the_o earth_n the_o upper_a hand_n of_o the_o water_n his_o three_o way_n be_v from_o the_o structure_n of_o man_n body_n we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o than_o ourselves_o as_o you_o shall_v hear_v more_o at_o large_a for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n he_o be_v the_o worse_a of_o sceptic_n that_o will_v deny_v himself_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o be_v and_o he_o the_o most_o ignorant_a of_o atheist_n who_o can_v from_o himself_o conclude_v a_o god_n 4._o from_o the_o invention_n of_o art_n and_o science_n which_o doubtless_o be_v from_o god_n as_o be_v only_o the_o author_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n his_o five_o and_o last_o way_n be_v from_o the_o command_n and_o rule_n which_o man_n have_v over_o other_o creature_n for_o doubtless_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o and_o not_o chance_v that_o cause_v beast_n of_o far_o great_a strength_n than_o any_o man_n patient_o to_o submit_v unto_o his_o yoke_n and_o dominion_n these_o be_v the_o five_o way_n of_o theodoret_n by_o the_o which_o say_v he_o we_o may_v come_v to_o know_v god_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o trespass_v so_o much_o upon_o you_o as_o particular_o to_o explain_v they_o i_o shall_v only_o therefore_o in_o general_a show_n by_o what_o degree_n and_o step_n or_o rather_o by_o what_o kind_n of_o working_n the_o understanding_n may_v argue_v from_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o creator_n and_o the_o first_o way_n by_o which_o we_o may_v thus_o know_v god_n be_v per_fw-la viam_fw-la negationis_fw-la by_o deny_v that_o be_v such_o thing_n to_o the_o creator_n which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v imperfection_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o creature_n for_o when_o a_o natural_a mind_n shall_v consider_v that_o corruption_n which_o the_o creature_n be_v subject_a unto_o those_o blemish_n which_o it_o be_v sully_v withal_o it_o must_v needs_o conclude_v some_o high_a be_v which_o be_v not_o incident_a to_o any_o of_o these_o as_o errata_n and_o fault_n in_o printing_n do_v suppose_v a_o more_o perfect_a copy_n so_o likewise_o the_o imperfection_n and_o defect_n of_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a transcript_n of_o god_n himself_o may_v put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a original_a and_o exact_a platform_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o psalmist_n psal_n 115._o 8._o say_v of_o idol_n that_o they_o that_o make_v they_o be_v like_a unto_o they_o that_o be_v as_o vain_a mutable_a and_o perish_v as_o themselves_o whereby_o likewise_o it_o imply_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o true_a god_n be_v not_o like_a unto_o his_o creature_n in_o any_o such_o respect_n because_o they_o all_o participate_v whatsoever_o they_o have_v of_o he_o and_o depend_v on_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v destroy_v and_o alter_v according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o he_o that_o make_v they_o for_o have_v not_o the_o potter_n power_n over_o his_o clay_n but_o now_o god_n be_v neither_o subject_n to_o any_o superior_a or_o inferior_a cause_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o himself_o incorruptible_a immaterial_a and_o unchangeable_a many_o thing_n be_v in_o god_n which_o also_o by_o way_n of_o analogy_n and_o resemblance_n be_v in_o the_o creature_n as_o goodness_n truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o many_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o creature_n quatenùs_fw-la creature_n which_o can_v at_o all_o be_v predicate_v or_o speak_v of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v locality_n finitenesse_n a_o limit_a power_n and_o the_o like_a now_o as_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n will_v conclude_v positive_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o be_v all_o goodness_n all_o truth_n because_o he_o see_v the_o creature_n depend_v on_o he_o to_o have_v something_o of_o these_o in_o he_o so_o likewise_o may_v he_o negative_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o be_v neither_o finite_a of_o limit_a power_n or_o in_o a_o place_n because_o he_o see_v these_o to_o be_v imperfection_n and_o impotency_n in_o the_o very_a creature_n as_o for_o example_n to_o explain_v my_o meaning_n in_o a_o curious_a picture_n a_o man_n may_v not_o only_o discover_v the_o eminent_a art_n of_o the_o limner_n but_o also_o gather_v that_o though_o it_o be_v quatenùs_fw-la a_o picture_n very_o exact_a and_o perfect_a yet_o that_o it_o be_v withal_o very_a much_o deficient_a and_o destitute_a of_o those_o perfection_n of_o the_o limner_n life_n sense_n and_o motion_n so_o likewise_o though_o the_o creature_n sub_fw-la ratione_fw-la creaturae_fw-la may_v be_v in_o its_o kind_n perfect_a yet_o we_o may_v notwithstanding_o from_o its_o be_v a_o creature_n finite_a and_o limit_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o this_o finitenesse_n and_o limitednesse_n but_o be_v a_o infinite_a incomprehensible_a god_n bless_v for_o ever_o the_o second_o way_n by_o which_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n by_o the_o creature_n be_v per_fw-la viam_fw-la causalitatis_fw-la by_o way_n of_o causality_n and_o influence_n as_o i_o may_v so_o term_v it_o for_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v look_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o behold_v the_o admirable_a and_o beautiful_a palace_n how_o stately_a it_o be_v roof_v above_o with_o a_o heaven_n every_o where_o spangle_a and_o adorn_v with_o shine_v pearl-like_a star_n how_o curious_o it_o be_v pave_v below_o with_o a_o earth_n always_o teem_v with_o riches_n and_o variety_n how_o strong_o fence_v and_o wall_v about_o with_o a_o ocean_n full_a of_o those_o scaly_a inhabitant_n the_o fish_n thereof_o when_o we_o consider_v i_o say_v the_o world_n with_o the_o glory_n thereof_o we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v some_o one_o as_o the_o first_o causer_n of_o it_o and_o unto_o who_o glory_n as_o it_o be_v ultimate_a end_n it_o be_v ordain_v even_o god_n almighty_a from_o who_o and_o unto_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n as_o in_o the_o view_n of_o a_o clock_n the_o hammer_n strike_v upon_o the_o bell_n lead_v we_o unto_o the_o next_o wheel_n that_o immediate_o move_v it_o this_o wheel_n unto_o another_o that_o move_v it_o also_o and_o so_o we_o be_v lead_v on_o till_o at_o last_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o artificer_n himself_o that_o original_o cause_v they_o all_o thus_o to_o move_v so_o likewise_o from_o the_o dependence_n and_o subordination_n which_o one_o inferior_a cause_n have_v upon_o another_o we_o be_v bring_v
invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o and_o since_o this_o light_n of_o we_o be_v further_o improve_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o understand_a soul_n let_v we_o not_o be_v as_o the_o psalmist_n call_v they_o brutish_a man_n that_o know_v not_o these_o thing_n as_o beast_n which_o common_o look_v upon_o this_o palace_n and_o no_o more_o but_o when_o we_o view_v these_o body_n of_o we_o let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o see_v a_o god_n who_o cover_v we_o in_o our_o mother_n womb_n and_o who_o still_o uphold_v these_o mud-wal_n of_o clay_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o word_n when_o we_o walk_v into_o the_o field_n &_o there_o look_v upon_o the_o corn_n the_o herb_n and_o the_o grass_n let_v we_o meditate_v upon_o the_o god_n of_o they_o who_o once_o say_v let_v the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o grass_n the_o herb_n yield_v flower_n and_o the_o fruit-tree_n yield_v fruit_n after_o his_o kind_n and_o it_o do_v so_o and_o if_o so_o be_v god_n so_o clothe_v the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n which_o to_o day_n be_v and_o to_o morrow_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o oven_n shall_v he_o not_o much_o more_o clothe_v thou_o o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n when_o thou_o look_v up_o into_o heaven_n meditate_v upon_o that_o god_n which_o ordain_v the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n and_o which_o make_v arcturus_n orion_n and_o pleyade_n and_o the_o chamber_n of_o the_o south_n when_o thou_o view_v any_o creature_n consider_v who_o stamp_n it_o bear_v and_o who_o goodness_n be_v show_v in_o the_o create_a and_o preserve_v of_o it_o last_o let_v we_o be_v exhort_v to_o study_v god_n in_o his_o work_n of_o providence_n and_o in_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o mankind_n there_o be_v many_o even_o among_o we_o christian_n who_o see_v thing_n happen_v contrary_a to_o their_o desire_n and_o carnal_a reason_n as_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v deject_v and_o the_o wicked_a advance_v do_v implicit_o deny_v a_o god_n or_o at_o least_o wise_a with_o the_o epicurean_o think_v that_o he_o sit_v idle_a in_o heaven_n without_o any_o respect_n or_o care_n have_v unto_o mankind_n whereas_o do_v we_o not_o measure_v the_o depth_n of_o god_n dispensation_n by_o our_o own_o shallow_a carnal_a reason_n we_o may_v even_o in_o the_o great_a huddle_n and_o confusion_n of_o thing_n see_v a_o god_n steer_v and_o direct_v they_o all_o to_o his_o own_o glory_n though_o then_o thou_o see_v sin_v every_o where_o even_o in_o the_o street_n to_o abound_v know_v also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o the_o city_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o do_v though_o thou_o see_v the_o ungodly_a to_o flourish_v like_o a_o green_a bay-tree_n and_o with_o david_n be_v puzzle_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o yet_o with_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o then_o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o end_n of_o these_o man_n namely_o how_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o set_v they_o in_o slippery_a place_n and_o who_o only_o feed_v they_o for_o the_o day_n of_o slaughter_n well_o then_o to_o conclude_v both_o in_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n we_o ought_v to_o study_v god_n because_o that_o in_o they_o we_o may_v read_v those_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o both_o of_o they_o be_v as_o spectacle_n unto_o we_o to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o view_n of_o this_o invisible_a god_n and_o though_o indeed_o in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v read_v he_o far_o more_o distinct_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o these_o our_o earthly_a tabernacle_n we_o ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o representation_n of_o his_o majesty_n till_o the_o time_n come_v when_o we_o shall_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o these_o spectacle_n when_o this_o glaste_n of_o the_o creature_n shall_v vanish_v in_o the_o general_n conflagration_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v behold_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o enjoy_v a_o most_o glorious_a prospect_n of_o his_o divinity_n in_o those_o new_a heaven_n for_o evermore_o finis_fw-la 2_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n etc._n etc._n we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v concern_v the_o perspicuity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v which_o i_o shall_v be_v more_o brief_a as_o i_o tell_v you_o because_o they_o have_v be_v so_o large_o handle_v already_o by_o sundry_a learned_a man_n unto_o the_o substance_n of_o who_o writing_n there_o can_v indeed_o scarce_o any_o thing_n be_v add_v unless_o perhaps_o far_o illustration_n and_o a_o more_o practical_a handle_n of_o they_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o here_o set_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n say_v he_o for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n four_o use_n be_v here_o make_v mention_n of_o in_o scripture_n the_o two_o doctrinal_a teach_v of_o truth_n and_o confute_v error_n the_o two_o last_o practical_a correction_n of_o vice_n and_o instruction_n of_o holy_a conversation_n from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o since_o it_o do_v thus_o teach_v thus_o convince_v it_o must_v needs_o carry_v with_o it_o such_o a_o light_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n that_o neither_o its_o doctrine_n may_v be_v reject_v through_o their_o obscurity_n nor_o its_o argument_n gainsayd_v for_o want_n of_o clearness_n and_o since_o also_o it_o be_v useful_a for_o reformation_n of_o manner_n and_o direction_n in_o a_o holy_a life_n needs_o must_v its_o rule_n for_o this_o purpose_n be_v so_o plain_o set_v down_o that_o every_o one_o concern_v in_o such_o duty_n may_v be_v thereby_o instruct_v unto_o holiness_n the_o scripture_n may_v be_v term_v the_o first_o element_n of_o a_o christian_a a_o child_n may_v go_v to_o school_v unto_o they_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n they_o be_v profitable_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v as_o the_o word_n imply_v for_o instruction_n of_o child_n even_o a_o child_n may_v spell_v out_o the_o scripture_n what_o be_v his_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n and_o doubtless_o if_o a_o child_n may_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v not_o so_o obscure_a so_o intricate_a so_o perplex_v as_o some_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v in_o prosecution_n therefore_o of_o this_o point_n we_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o themselves_o perspicuous_a 2._o that_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o perspicuous_a according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o subject_n entertain_v they_o 3._o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v some_o reason_n why_o god_n have_v leave_v some_o place_n more_o obscure_a than_o other_o 1._o first_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o themselves_o perspicuous_a may_v appear_v by_o several_a text_n ps_n 19_o 8._o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n they_o be_v pure_a and_o therefore_o not_o alloy_v with_o any_o muddinesse_n or_o cloud_v with_o any_o obscurity_n they_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o therefore_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o such_o evident_a plainness_n that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o quite_o blind_v may_v easy_o perceive_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o ps_n 119._o 105._o thy_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path_n it_o do_v that_o be_v by_o its_o perspicuity_n and_o clearness_n both_o as_o a_o lamp_n and_o light_n direct_v i_o in_o all_o my_o go_n hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o dark_a place_n denote_v out_o unto_o we_o that_o the_o word_n not_o only_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v light_a but_o also_o that_o wheresoever_o it_o come_v it_o dispel_v darkness_n as_o the_o sun_n at_o his_o appearance_n force_v away_o the_o night_n the_o fog_n and_o mist_n as_o solomon_n a_o man_n of_o the_o profound_a wisdom_n that_o ever_o live_v say_v that_o he_o write_v to_o give_v subtlety_n to_o the_o simple_a to_o the_o young_a man_n knowledge_n and_o discretion_n prov._n 1._o 4._o there_o be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o innate_a plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n that_o the_o simple_a man_n may_v thereby_o be_v enlighten_v the_o young_a instruct_v but_o here_o when_o we_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v we_o must_v distinguish_v concern_v fundamental_n and_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o circumstantial_o or_o such_o thing_n who_o exact_a knowledge_n be_v not_o so_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n those_o matter_n which_o belong_v unto_o a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o such_o as_o be_v the_o commandment_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n but_o now_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o either_o relate_n
to_o some_o particular_a custom_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n or_o unto_o the_o proper_a time_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v several_o write_v may_v be_v account_v hard_o and_o not_o so_o plain_a as_o that_o we_o may_v primâ_fw-la front_n and_o without_o much_o learning_n and_o study_n understand_v they_o however_o a_o christian_a may_v be_v save_v without_o any_o knowledge_n of_o these_o though_o not_o so_o without_o the_o other_o a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o heaven_n without_o know_v whether_o the_o temple_n be_v build_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o year_n or_o whether_o job_n live_v before_o moses_n or_o after_o he_o yet_o he_o can_v without_o understanding_n that_o he_o must_v believe_v in_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o the_o like_a thus_o in_o other_o science_n there_o be_v some_o indemonstrable_a principle_n so_o plain_o set_v down_o that_o no_o man_n can_v question_v they_o and_o other_o thing_n again_o not_o altogether_o so_o essential_a somewhat_o doubtful_a and_o dark_o propose_v but_o what_o may_v some_o one_o say_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v fundamental_a doctrine_n yet_o they_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o obscure_a well_o it_o be_v true_a these_o and_o the_o like_a doctrine_n be_v obscure_a but_o then_o as_o in_o geometry_n the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v dark_a in_o its_o self_n and_o yet_o by_o a_o demonstration_n plain_o set_v down_o unto_o we_o in_o holy_a writ_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v content_v with_o what_o that_o teach_v we_o concern_v they_o and_o however_o the_o very_a fundamental_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v by_o some_o dispute_v of_o and_o call_v into_o question_n yet_o this_o proceed_v rather_o from_o the_o perverseness_n and_o crookedness_n of_o man_n mind_n then_o that_o they_o be_v obscure_a and_o doubtful_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n neither_o be_v they_o less_o to_o be_v receive_v of_o we_o because_o they_o question_v they_o than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o motion_n be_v in_o philosophy_n though_o a_o certain_a foolish_a philosopher_n do_v once_o deny_v it_o so_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o that_o there_o be_v something_n in_o paul_n epistle_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstastable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n mark_v here_o there_o be_v something_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o all_o thing_n but_o some_o thing_n only_o namely_o such_o as_o he_o speak_v of_o here_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o last_o judgement_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o which_o thing_n be_v not_o essential_a unto_o our_o salvation_n &_o these_o thing_n so_o hard_o be_v wrest_v by_o unlearned_a unstable_a man_n that_o be_v man_n ignorant_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o balance_v with_o the_o spirit_n unholy_a ungodly_a man_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o same_o sun_n may_v be_v light_n and_o yet_o not_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v unto_o a_o blind_a man_n the_o same_o book_n plain_a and_o legible_a and_o yet_o unto_o dull_a and_o dim_a eye_n dark_a and_o obscure_a in_o like_a manner_n the_o same_o thing_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o perspicuous_a unto_o the_o godly_a regenerate_v man_n who_o eye_n god_n open_v be_v for_o the_o most_o riddle_n and_o strange_a thing_n unto_o the_o wicked_a who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v we_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n show_v you_o that_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o perspicuous_a according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o subject_n entertain_v they_o objective_n and_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v perspicuous_a but_o subjective_n &_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o plain_a according_a as_o man_n be_v regenerate_v or_o unregenerate_v the_o whole_a world_n you_o know_v be_v divide_v into_o the_o regenerate_v and_o unregenerate_a this_o be_v a_o adequate_a division_n of_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v 1._o inquire_v concern_v the_o the_o plainness_n and_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o relation_n unto_o irregenerate_a man_n and_o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o position_n that_o no_o wicked_a irregenerate_a man_n can_v save_o know_v the_o scripture_n or_o thus_o that_o the_o scripture_n though_o plain_a in_o their_o nature_n be_v yet_o dark_a and_o obscure_a unto_o irregenerate_a man_n if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 3._o our_o gospel_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o light_n but_o who_o can_v find_v fault_n with_o the_o sun_n if_o it_o give_v not_o light_a to_o a_o blind_a man_n it_o be_v hide_v indeed_o but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o those_o that_o be_v lose_v to_o ungodly_a man_n for_o the_o carnal_a man_n preceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2._o the_o scripture_n all_o throughout_o contain_v in_o they_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o mere_a sensible_a creature_n can_v judge_v of_o the_o discourse_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n so_o neither_o can_v a_o mere_a rational_a man_n perceive_v or_o disscover_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o he_o unto_o who_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o speak_v you_o know_v the_o scripture_n be_v divide_v into_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v either_o within_o or_o without_o the_o church_n now_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n a_o gentile_a without_o the_o church_n may_v have_v a_o historical_a knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n for_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 2._o 14._o they_o do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n but_o as_o from_o a_o old_a eat_v manuscript_n a_o man_n may_v gather_v a_o word_n or_o sentence_n or_o two_o when_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o drift_n scope_n and_o end_n of_o it_o because_o through_o its_o ancientness_n it_o be_v much_o wear_v and_o perish_v in_o like_a manner_n from_o those_o old_a relic_n and_o vestigy_n of_o that_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o gentile_n they_o may_v discover_v some_o thing_n which_o pertain_v unto_o their_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n but_o then_o they_o can_v not_o know_v therefrom_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v to_o drive_v they_o to_o a_o christ_n they_o can_v not_o know_v that_o by_o it_o they_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v they_o understand_v not_o the_o end_n and_o drift_n for_o which_o god_n write_v this_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n &_o therefore_o though_o they_o may_v have_v a_o historical_a yet_o they_o can_v not_o have_v a_o save_v knowledge_n thereof_o but_o second_o as_o for_o the_o gospel_n a_o gentile_a can_v have_v either_o a_o historical_a or_o save_a knowledge_n of_o it_o without_o it_o be_v preach_v unto_o they_o or_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n unknown_a unto_o we_o infuse_v into_o they_o for_o faith_n ordinary_o that_o be_v come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n a_o man_n may_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 2._o second_o a_o christian_a unregenerate_a man_n within_o the_o church_n may_v have_v a_o historical_a contemplative_a knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n but_o not_o save_v particular_a knowledge_n of_o either_o for_o it_o be_v to_o they_o foolishness_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o scandal_n and_o stumble_a block_n unto_o they_o than_o a_o light_n and_o save_a rule_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v therefore_o that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v seem_v plain_a unto_o they_o who_o noisome_a lust_n do_v cast_v a_o mist_n and_o a_o cloud_n before_o their_o understanding_n and_o who_o interest_n and_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o they_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o behold_v their_o purity_n and_o clearness_n second_o as_o ungodly_a irregenerate_a man_n can_v have_v any_o save_a clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a godly_a regenerate_a christian_n may_v have_v it_o for_o unto_o they_o alone_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o to_o other_o in_o parable_n that_o when_o they_o see_v they_o shall_v not_o see_v and_o when_o they_o hear_v they_o shall_v not_o understand_v and_o so_o 2_o cor._n 3_o 15_o 16._o it_o be_v say_v until_o this_o day_n when_o moses_n be_v read_v the_o veil_n be_v lay_v over_o their_o heart_n nevertheless_o when_o they_o shall_v turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o veil_n shall_v be_v
take_v away_o repentance_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n do_v remove_v all_o obstacle_n and_o dispel_v all_o cloud_n which_o do_v otherwise_o overcast_v the_o understanding_n of_o natural_a man_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n there_o be_v history_n which_o in_o general_a though_o not_o in_o each_o particular_a circumstance_n may_v easy_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o enlighten_v christian_a there_o be_v prophecy_n which_o be_v either_o fulfil_v or_o yet_o remain_v unaccomplish_v the_o former_a may_v be_v know_v by_o application_n of_o their_o event_n the_o latter_a we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o will_v be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o appoint_a time_n there_o be_v command_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o and_o be_v as_o plain_o understand_v for_o a_o christian_a know_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n there_o be_v also_o promise_v which_o be_v make_v only_o to_o god_n child_n be_v by_o they_o only_o right_o apprehend_v for_o unto_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o promise_n gal._n 3._o 16._o there_o be_v last_o threaten_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o sin_n be_v true_o fear_v of_o those_o alone_o who_o make_v conscience_n of_o sin_v as_o a_o strange_a language_n do_v seem_v very_o uncouth_a and_o ridiculous_a unto_o such_o as_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o it_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v most_o acceptable_a and_o delightful_a to_o such_o as_o understand_v it_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n however_o they_o may_v seem_v strange_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a word_n yet_o to_o a_o regenerate_v child_n of_o god_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o right_o understand_v they_o they_o be_v have_v in_o great_a esteem_n yea_o and_o be_v more_o precious_a to_o they_o then_o the_o honey_n or_o the_o honeycomb_n now_o we_o delight_v only_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o understand_v for_o knowledge_n according_a to_o aristotle_n be_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o man_n may_v pore_v and_o read_v all_o day_n in_o a_o book_n yet_o if_o he_o understand_v not_o it_o will_v minister_v little_a comfort_n or_o pleasure_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o great_a a_o delight_n unto_o the_o godly_a for_o say_v david_n my_o delight_n be_v in_o thy_o law_n and_o my_o study_n therein_o day_n and_o night_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o do_v easy_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o but_o may_v some_o one_o say_v do_v not_o david_n pray_v also_o unto_o god_n to_o give_v he_o understanding_n that_o he_o may_v learn_v his_o commandment_n how_o be_v they_o then_o so_o easy_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o in_o this_o place_n ps_n 119._o 73._o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o a_o outward_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o who_o doubt_v but_o that_o a_o grammatical_a and_o historical_a knowledge_n he_o have_v of_o they_o but_o he_o pray_v for_o a_o inward_a assurance_n &_o comfort_n from_o they_o which_o ought_v continual_o to_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o every_o one_o who_o intend_v to_o benefit_n by_o the_o read_n of_o they_o beside_o this_o avail_v nothing_o for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a unto_o any_o without_o god_n open_v their_o eye_n and_o reveal_v unto_o they_o the_o mysterye_n of_o his_o kingdom_n far_o a_o man_n may_v say_v that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o plain_a as_o you_o will_v have_v they_o what_o need_v you_o then_o take_v all_o this_o pain_n in_o expound_v of_o they_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v so_o many_o commentator_n and_o interpreter_n of_o they_o we_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o yet_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o may_v by_o reason_n of_o our_o ignorance_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o commentary_n which_o also_o may_v be_v far_a useful_a for_o the_o more_o large_o open_v of_o the_o scripture_n which_o a_o new_a beginner_n can_v do_v himself_o thus_o the_o element_n of_o euclid_n be_v very_o plain_a &_o perspicuous_a in_o themselves_o though_o notwithstanding_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o young_a beginner_n they_o be_v far_o illustrate_v and_o demonstrate_v by_o those_o that_o write_v on_o he_o thus_o you_o see_v then_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o perspicuous_a unto_o a_o regenerate_v child_n of_o god_n though_o unto_o wicked_a unregenerate_a man_n of_o the_o world_n they_o may_v appear_v otherwise_o not_o through_o any_o defect_n of_o light_n in_o themselves_o but_o through_o the_o muddinesse_n and_o darkness_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n as_o unto_o disease_a and_o ill_o affect_v eye_n all_o thing_n even_o the_o bright_a will_v appear_v of_o the_o same_o yellow_a colour_n that_o they_o at_o present_a be_v affect_v with_o but_o here_o i_o have_v almost_o forget_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o this_o caution_n viz._n that_o though_o all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n be_v plain_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n yet_o that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o plain_o hold_v forth_o unto_o the_o faithful_a under_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o now_o they_o be_v unto_o they_o under_o the_o new_a for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o promise_n under_o the_o law_n be_v either_o cloud_v and_o muffle_v up_o in_o type_n and_o figure_n or_o else_o couch_v and_o employ_v only_o in_o symbolical_a figurative_a expression_n for_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a do_v seldom_o speak_v but_o in_o figure_n moses_n his_o face_n do_v shine_v indeed_o but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o veil_n over_o it_o and_o so_o christ_n be_v represent_v indeed_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o through_o a_o cloud_n and_o mist_n hence_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v but_o now_o it_o be_v make_v manifest_a that_o be_v compare_v the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o these_o of_o the_o new_a &_o the_o gospel_n than_o will_v seem_v quite_o to_o have_v be_v hide_v in_o comparison_n of_o what_o it_o be_v now_o for_o so_o we_o must_v understand_v the_o word_n it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n when_o they_o compare_v two_o thing_n together_o to_o express_v the_o less_o negative_o a_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n without_o doubt_n the_o ancient_a jew_n have_v for_o otherwise_o to_o what_o purpose_n will_v it_o be_v say_v joh._n 8._o 56._o your_o father_n abraham_n rejoice_v to_o see_v my_o day_n &_o he_o sow_v it_o &_o be_v glad_a &_o that_o they_o dranck_n of_o that_o spiritual_a rock_n that_o follow_v they_o and_o that_o rock_n be_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 4._o to_o what_o purpose_n also_o will_v those_o promise_n &_o prophesys_n of_o christ_n be_v unless_o they_o have_v have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o he_o a_o knowledge_n than_o they_o have_v of_o he_o that_o be_v certain_a but_o then_o this_o be_v only_o a_o confuse_a implicit_a knowledge_n of_o he_o not_o a_o distinct_a particular_a &_o explicit_a one_o as_o now_o we_o know_v in_o general_a that_o great_a will_v be_v the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v upon_o we_o in_o heaven_n both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o yet_o we_o can_v define_v certain_o what_o kind_n of_o glory_n it_o will_v be_v until_o this_o mortal_n shall_v have_v put_v on_o immortality_n this_o corruption_n that_o incorruption_n so_o likewise_o the_o patriarch_n of_o old_a know_v and_o believe_v in_o a_o christ_n to_o come_v but_o then_o they_o do_v not_o explicit_o and_o distinct_o understand_v his_o particular_a office_n his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o the_o like_a for_o of_o these_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o for_o a_o time_n because_o the_o full_a manifestation_n of_o these_o mysterye_n be_v reserve_v until_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o hence_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o father_n of_o old_a do_v not_o actual_o receive_v the_o promise_n but_o say_v he_o they_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o heb._n 11._o 13._o as_o therefore_o a_o man_n by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o glass_n may_v discover_v another_o at_o three_o or_o four_o mile_n distance_n and_o not_o be_v able_a distinct_o and_o thorough_o to_o view_v he_o all_o over_o so_o likewise_o the_o faithful_a in_o old_a time_n through_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o law_n do_v know_v christ_n come_v but_o then_o they_o see_v he_o afar_o off_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o circumstantial_o and_o clear_o be_v manifest_v unto_o they_o and_o so_o likewise_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o
we_o or_o entertain_v by_o we_o and_o thus_o much_o brief_o for_o the_o authority_n perspicuity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v which_o i_o may_v have_v speak_v far_o more_o large_o out_o of_o the_o father_n common-place_n catechist_n and_o polemicall_a divine_n but_o intend_v brevity_n upon_o this_o point_n i_o think_v it_o more_o useful_a for_o you_o and_o myself_o whole_o to_o examine_v the_o aforesaid_a point_n by_o scripture_n yet_o so_o that_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o short_a glance_n and_o view_v of_o what_o they_o have_v say_v too_o i_o shall_v only_o now_o shut_v up_o all_o with_o a_o use_n or_o two_o of_o what_o have_v be_v now_o and_o heretofore_o speak_v hence_o then_o 1._o we_o may_v learn_v the_o excellency_n use_v 1_o of_o holy_a scripture_n above_o all_o other_o book_n and_o writing_n whatsoever_o we_o usual_o esteem_v of_o writing_n according_a to_o the_o eminency_n and_o worth_a of_o their_o author_n why_o now_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v have_v they_o in_o so_o much_o account_n by_o how_o much_o the_o noble_a the_o contriver_n of_o they_o be_v for_o as_o david_n say_v of_o goliath_n his_o sword_n there_o be_v none_o to_o that_o 1_o sam._n 21._o 9_o so_o may_v we_o say_v of_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v none_o to_o they_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v as_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n divide_v between_o the_o joint_n and_o the_o marrow_n so_o that_o what_o aristotle_n say_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o a_o little_a of_o it_o be_v better_a than_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o another_o science_n we_o may_v also_o say_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n a_o little_a knowledge_n of_o they_o will_v stand_v we_o in_o more_o steed_n than_o all_o the_o vain_a and_o perish_a knowledge_n of_o profane_a writer_n can_v the_o time_n and_o shortness_n of_o our_o life_n suffer_v we_o to_o swallow_v up_o and_o devour_v whole_a library_n as_o big_a as_o that_o of_o alexandria_n or_o this_o of_o our_o own_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o critical_o to_o go_v over_o and_o examine_v all_o those_o elaborate_v piece_n of_o humane_a invention_n can_v we_o perfect_o anatomize_v and_o trace_v nature_n in_o all_o her_o secret_a wind_n and_o operation_n yet_o all_o this_o knowledge_n in_o itself_o however_o it_o may_v place_v we_o above_o the_o cloud_n in_o man_n opinion_n may_v for_o all_o that_o be_v a_o occasion_n for_o god_n to_o hurl_v we_o deep_o into_o hell_n but_o behold_v here_o a_o book_n that_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n that_o direct_v and_o point_v we_o out_o a_o way_n unto_o eternal_a life_n yea_o which_o raise_v our_o mind_n up_o unto_o the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o mystery_n which_o the_o angel_n themselves_o do_v desire_v to_o peep_v into_o a_o book_n that_o unlock_v unto_o we_o the_o very_o cabinetand_v secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n himself_o that_o reveal_v and_o lay_v open_v those_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n those_o hide_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v before_o from_o all_o eternity_n clasp_v up_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o almighty_a that_o give_v a_o landscape_n as_o it_o be_v and_o map_n of_o heavenly_a joy_n that_o out_o of_o darkness_n bring_v we_o into_o marvellous_a light_n that_o make_v we_o from_o child_n of_o wrath_n to_o become_v heir_n of_o heaven_n from_o slave_n freeborn_a from_o devil_n to_o become_v saint_n all_o other_o book_n either_o by_o the_o tooth_n of_o time_n be_v wear_v out_o of_o memory_n or_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o kingdom_n receive_v their_o grave_n but_o not_o one_o jot_n or_o tittle_n of_o this_o shall_v pass_v away_o till_o all_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v it_o have_v be_v hitherto_o for_o some_o thousand_o year_n preserve_v amidst_o the_o hatred_n of_o all_o the_o world_n against_o it_o the_o persecution_n of_o tyrant_n the_o malice_n and_o fury_n of_o devil_n and_o shall_v so_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n continue_v though_o wicked_a man_n tyrant_n and_o devil_n shall_v all_o combine_v their_o joint_a force_n to_o extinguish_v it_o they_o may_v with_o more_o success_n and_o easiness_n go_v about_o to_o blot_v the_o sun_n out_o of_o the_o firmament_n then_o to_o take_v this_o glorious_a light_n from_o the_o church_n &_o people_n of_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o much_o reason_n that_o a_o holy_a man_n once_o say_v that_o he_o have_v rather_o all_o the_o book_n beside_o in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v burn_v than_o that_o one_o leaf_n of_o god_n word_n shall_v be_v destroy_v for_o doubtless_o the_o least_o sentence_n therein_o comprise_v be_v more_o worth_a than_o all_o the_o voluminous_a offspring_n and_o work_n of_o man_n brain_n wherefore_o 2._o this_o shall_v exhort_v every_o one_o use_v 2_o of_o we_o to_o a_o diligent_a read_n and_o study_v these_o holy_a scripture_n search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n imply_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o â—â—nting_n after_o they_o or_o a_o narrow_a and_o painful_a seek_v into_o they_o as_o man_n do_v for_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o that_o be_v let_v it_o be_v as_o familiar_a unto_o you_o as_o he_o that_o dwell_v under_o the_o same_o roof_n with_o you_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o let_v your_o mind_n be_v as_o thorough_o adorn_v with_o they_o as_o a_o great_a man_n house_n be_v with_o rich_a utensill_n &_o hang_n and_o now_o let_v we_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o do_v thus_o earnest_o search_v after_o they_o whether_o our_o heart_n be_v thus_o furnish_v with_o they_o be_v we_o not_o rather_o like_o those_o canonist_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o some_o say_v will_v confirm_v their_o law_n text_n &_o this_o too_o take_v upon_o trust_n from_o other_o or_o like_o that_o bishop_n mention_v in_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n who_o thank_v god_n he_o never_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n doubtless_o there_o be_v no_o great_a folly_n or_o madness_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o right_o consider_v it_o then_o to_o hanker_v after_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o to_o be_v careless_a of_o divine_a understanding_n greedy_o to_o devour_v husk_n and_o yet_o to_o loath_a manna_n and_o like_o those_o indian_n to_o prefer_v toy_n and_o bauble_n before_o gold_n &_o precious_a treasure_n but_o i_o need_v not_o i_o hope_v accuse_v any_o here_o of_o any_o such_o ignorance_n or_o neglect_n all_o that_o i_o desire_n be_v a_o more_o diligent_a study_v of_o the_o word_n and_o more_o conscionable_a practice_n of_o it_o for_o read_v &_o know_v without_o practice_n will_v but_o aggravate_v our_o damnation_n however_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n as_o this_o be_v especial_o in_o such_o time_n wherein_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n will_v upbraid_v our_o neglect_n of_o it_o among_o many_o of_o who_o to_o our_o shame_n be_v it_o speak_v the_o bible_n according_a to_o the_o letter_n be_v better_a know_v then_o ever_o aristotle_n be_v among_o we_o and_o will_v it_o not_o then_o much_o redound_v unto_o our_o disgrace_n if_o the_o apron_n shall_v pose_v the_o gown_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o most_o concern_v they_o if_o poor_a illiterate_a mechanic_n shall_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n confound_v a_o learned_a rabbi_n my_o brethren_n you_o can_v be_v ignorant_a what_o prejudices_fw-la some_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n have_v against_o we_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o therefore_o beside_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o all_o even_o politic_a respect_n shall_v engage_v we_o to_o double_v our_o diligence_n in_o study_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o believe_v i_o however_o easy_a they_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o yet_o the_o full_a and_o clear_a understanding_n of_o they_o may_v very_o well_o take_v up_o our_o whole_a care_n and_o study_n there_o be_v original_n to_o be_v know_v &_o consult_v withal_o antiquity_n to_o be_v search_v into_o and_o discuss_v several_a place_n to_o be_v reconcile_v various_a acceptation_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n to_o be_v weigh_v and_o compare_v together_o there_o be_v beside_o these_o many_o thing_n without_o the_o scripture_n very_o needful_a grammar_n to_o know_v the_o propriety_n of_o word_n rhetoric_n to_o understand_v the_o several_a trope_n and_o figure_n contain_v therein_o logic_n to_o deduce_v consequence_n and_o artificial_o to_o open_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o all_o three_o together_o properly_z and_o distinct_o to_o analyse_v resolve_v and_o open_v the_o particular_a chapter_n and_o book_n thereof_o which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o near_a and_o most_o
they_o with_o christ_n teach_v that_o these_o be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n in_o he_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o in_o zeal_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o better_a to_o quell_v these_o false_a doctor_n deal_v with_o they_o at_o their_o own_o weapon_n and_o because_o he_o must_v needs_o glory_n when_o they_o force_v he_o to_o it_o he_o fall_v upon_o they_o with_o his_o own_o privilege_n and_o show_v wherein_o he_o may_v boast_v as_o well_o nay_o more_o than_o the_o best_a of_o they_o if_o any_o man_n think_v he_o have_v whereof_o he_o may_v trust_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o more_o v._o 4_o 5_o 6_o but_o well_o say_v he_o do_v you_o think_v that_o either_o you_o or_o i_o be_v the_o better_a for_o these_o thing_n or_o a_o jot_n the_o near_a heaven_n certain_o in_o no_o wise_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v have_v you_o philippian_n to_o who_o i_o write_v take_v notice_n for_o your_o own_o example_n that_o i_o be_o of_o a_o contrary_a judgement_n to_o these_o seducer_n for_o what_o thing_n be_v gain_v to_o i_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o say_v saint_n paul_n before_o my_o conversion_n i_o very_o think_v circumcision_n outward_a privilege_n and_o my_o own_o legal_a righteousness_n a_o great_a gain_n and_o vantage_n to_o i_o i_o soothe_v myself_o up_o vain_a pharisee_n as_o i_o be_v and_o think_v heaven_n be_v my_o due_a and_o right_n but_o when_o once_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n daw_v in_o upon_o i_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o my_o judgement_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gain_n profitable_a to_o i_o that_o be_v and_o meritorious_a in_o order_n to_o my_o salvation_n i_o present_o think_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n that_o i_o be_v like_a to_o loose_v by_o shall_v i_o trust_v in_o they_o rather_o hinderer_n than_o promoter_n of_o my_o salvation_n yea_o doubtless_o and_o at_o this_o present_a time_n now_o that_o i_o be_o a_o grow_v christian_a root_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n yet_o i_o count_v my_o present_a good_a work_n and_o righteousness_n yea_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quaecunque_fw-la in_o mundo_fw-la sunt_fw-la say_v ambrose_n all_o my_o learning_n and_o part_n every_o thing_n beside_o but_o loss_n pernicious_a raw_a empty_a thing_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n the_o more_o i_o know_v christ_n the_o less_o still_o of_o good_a i_o know_v by_o myself_o after_o all_o thing_n i_o find_v it_o best_a to_o rely_v upon_o his_o impute_a righteousness_n so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n be_v a_o confirmation_n or_o if_o you_o will_v a_o far_a amplification_n of_o what_o he_o say_v in_o the_o precede_a verse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yea_o doubtless_o in_o good_a truth_n what_o i_o say_v verse_n 7._o be_v true_a at_o my_o first_o conversion_n be_v much_o more_o true_a now_o viz._n that_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n as_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n so_o that_o here_o paul_n pass_v his_o vote_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n against_o all_o thing_n beside_o in_o this_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d excellency_n admirable_a virtue_n in_o those_o nothing_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d loss_n and_o dog_n meat_n fit_v only_o for_o such_o dog_n as_o false_a teacher_n to_o seduce_v and_o delight_v in_o the_o word_n in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o former_a will_v afford_v many_o observation_n 1._o obs_n that_o no_o outward_a privilege_n be_v of_o any_o profit_n to_o salvation_n paul_n circumcise_v the_o eight_o day_n of_o the_o stock_n of_o israel_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n a_o hebrew_n of_o the_o hebrew_n when_o he_o come_v to_o know_v christ_n count_v all_o these_o but_o loss_n 2._o no_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o either_o before_o or_o after_o conversion_n can_v justify_v we_o before_o god_n those_o outward_a good_a work_n by_o which_o paul_n think_v in_o his_o pharisaical_a condition_n to_o have_v gain_v heaven_n by_o before_o his_o conversion_n he_o count_v loss_n yea_o doubtless_o and_o all_o thing_n beside_o he_o mean_v his_o goodness_n also_o after_o conversion_n this_o he_o count_v no_o better_a for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a excellency_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n above_o all_o thing_n beside_o or_o if_o you_o please_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a knowledge_n that_o be_v i_o may_v prosecute_v all_o these_o but_o i_o shall_v pitch_v only_o on_o the_o latter_a as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o place_n and_o company_n i_o speak_v to_o in_o prosecution_n of_o the_o point_n i_o shall_v show_v unto_o you_o first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n second_o i_o shall_v show_v unto_o you_o what_o qualification_n there_o be_v in_o this_o knowledge_n that_o may_v denominate_v it_o so_o excellent_a three_o i_o shall_v more_o particular_o show_v unto_o you_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v so_o excellent_a four_o apply_v the_o point_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n first_o a_o bare_a historical_a and_o speculative_a the_o second_o a_o practical_a experimental_a knowledge_n the_o first_o be_v only_o a_o superficial_a view_n and_o glance_n of_o the_o understanding_n upon_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v of_o thing_n thus_o the_o devil_n do_v believe_v &_o thus_o even_o reprobate_n may_v know_v christ_n as_o a_o man_n may_v know_v a_o country_n in_o a_o map_n or_o table_n which_o yet_o he_o be_v never_o like_a to_o see_v so_o may_v the_o most_o debauch_v wicked_a wretch_n in_o the_o world_n have_v some_o scantling_n book-knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o never_o enjoy_v he_o in_o heaven_n hereafter_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o draw_v a_o scholastic_a metaphysical_a scheme_n of_o christ_n his_o nature_n his_o office_n his_o state_n of_o humility_n exaltation_n and_o the_o like_a he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discourse_v profound_o of_o his_o incarnation_n the_o hypostatical_a union_n and_o whole_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o yet_o with_o all_o his_o learning_n sink_v deep_a into_o hell_n though_o his_o brain_n may_v be_v full_a of_o notionall_a truth_n yet_o his_o heart_n may_v be_v empty_a of_o any_o comfortable_a experience_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n he_o can_v with_o thomas_n say_v my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n but_o as_o the_o greck_n that_o come_v up_o to_o worship_n at_o the_o feast_n joh._n 12._o will_v feign_v see_v jesus_n yet_o more_o out_o of_o curiosity_n then_o desire_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o so_o do_v such_o seek_v after_o and_o study_v christ_n more_o in_o order_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o understanding_n than_o conversion_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o practical_a experimental_a knowledge_n where_o the_o truth_n that_o we_o know_v have_v a_o strong_a impression_n upon_o our_o soul_n so_o as_o to_o work_v and_o transform_v they_o into_o the_o same_o image_n with_o the_o thing_n know_v when_o we_o do_v not_o rest_v in_o the_o bare_a contemplation_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o perfect_o love_v and_o be_v ravish_v with_o the_o excellencye_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n that_o paul_n prefer_v in_o the_o text_n he_o count_v all_o thing_n as_o loss_n and_o dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o it_o the_o more_o he_o know_v christ_n the_o less_o he_o regard_v other_o thing_n the_o more_o he_o be_v take_v with_o he_o the_o more_o willing_a be_v he_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o as_o his_o lord_n to_o obey_v his_o precept_n to_o be_v answerable_a to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n now_o this_o practical_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n include_v therefore_o these_o three_o thing_n as_o i_o suppose_v in_o it_o first_o assent_n to_o his_o doctrine_n word_n and_o promise_v every_o science_n before_o it_o be_v perfect_o get_v suppose_v a_o assent_n to_o some_o undemonstrable_a principle_n which_o be_v foundation_n of_o it_o thus_o for_o one_o instance_n before_o the_o understanding_n can_v build_v far_o in_o the_o mathematics_n it_o presume_v this_o as_o a_o ground_n that_o totum_fw-la est_fw-la majus_fw-la sva_fw-la parte_fw-la so_o that_o even_o in_o these_o thing_n faith_n seem_v to_o be_v principium_fw-la intellectus_fw-la as_o cusanus_fw-la speak_v the_o prime_a engine_n that_o set_v the_o understanding_n a-work_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o come_v to_o a_o distinct_a save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n unless_o we_o first_o believe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o doctrine_n a_o
from_o nature_n to_o set_v he_o a_o work_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v three_o person_n in_o the_o essence_n that_o the_o second_o of_o these_o person_n god_n the_o son_n shall_v be_v make_v man_n and_o be_v degrade_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n die_v and_o in_o death_n get_v a_o victory_n over_o death_n and_o the_o like_a be_v such_o riddle_n to_o a_o natural_a man_n that_o he_o can_v possible_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 15._o neither_o can_v he_o in_o his_o most_o extravagant_a and_o rove_a apprehension_n fasten_v or_o light_v upon_o they_o which_o make_v i_o think_v that_o trismegistus_n and_o plato_n have_v be_v peep_v into_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n when_o they_o speak_v so_o emphatical_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yea_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v quote_v by_o lud._n vives_z &_o morney_n in_o their_o book_n de_fw-fr veritate_fw-la religionis_fw-la so_o that_o the_o mere_a historiall_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n do_v original_o arise_v from_o revelation_n how_o much_o more_o than_o do_v the_o true_a save_a knowledge_n of_o he_o descend_v immediate_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enlighten_v our_o understanding_n to_o see_v he_o open_v our_o heart_n to_o embrace_v he_o and_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o our_o pore_v upon_o a_o body_n of_o divinity_n our_o run_v over_o the_o schoolman_n and_o spend_v our_o oil_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o bare_a speculation_n of_o these_o truth_n that_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n but_o we_o must_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o wait_v upon_o the_o bless_a influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o a_o humble_a soul_n with_o prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o fast_v and_o weep_v and_o mourn_v for_o our_o ignorance_n that_o god_n will_v come_v from_o above_o into_o we_o and_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o indeed_o to_o they_o that_o perish_v be_v foolishness_n but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 2_o this_o be_v the_o alone_a save_a knowledge_n that_o be_v this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v joh._n 17._o 3._o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n by_o who_o we_o can_v be_v save_v and_o he_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o the_o door_n by_o who_o alone_o we_o have_v entrance_n into_o heaven_n how_o can_v we_o enter_v into_o life_n but_o by_o the_o way_n by_o the_o door_n how_o can_v we_o see_v the_o father_n but_o by_o the_o son_n who_o reveal_v he_o so_o that_o to_o assign_v salvation_n to_o such_o as_o never_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o christ_n be_v a_o presumption_n not_o justifiable_a by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n i_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o dim_a snuff_n of_o natural_a light_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n it_o be_v only_o that_o light_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o evangelist_n say_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o sun_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o father_n style_v he_o that_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n since_o without_o faith_n in_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o all_o the_o best_a righteousness_n of_o natural_a man_n be_v but_o menstruous_a rag_n splendid_a abomination_n a_o corrupt_a tree_n can_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n neither_o do_v we_o gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n we_o may_v in_o charity_n hope_n we_o can_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n conclude_v that_o any_o be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n neither_o the_o jew_n simple_o by_o their_o law_n nor_o the_o gentile_n by_o their_o philosophy_n can_v ever_o reach_v heaven_n though_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o many_o of_o the_o schoolman_n &_o zuinglius_fw-la seem_v to_o teach_v the_o contrary_a perhaps_o more_o out_o of_o charity_n to_o so_o many_o poor_a soul_n that_o otherwise_o they_o think_v must_v inevitable_o perish_v than_o any_o solid_a ground_n they_o have_v from_o scripture_n for_o it_o and_o serious_o who_o can_v without_o tremble_a think_v of_o the_o sad_a condition_n of_o those_o poor_a wretch_n that_o the_o reveal_v word_n of_o god_n conclude_v they_o under_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o that_o god_n have_v unsearchable_a way_n to_o save_v those_o that_o we_o most_o despair_n of_o that_o the_o insinite_a merciful_a creator_n can_v by_o mean_n altogether_o unknown_a to_o we_o display_v his_o son_n even_o to_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o region_n of_o death_n but_o to_o hasten_v 3._o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o pleasant_a knowledge_n all_o knowledge_n as_o the_o philosopher_n note_n carry_v a_o secret_a content_n and_o pleasure_n along_o with_o it_o and_o therefore_o videre_fw-la &_o speculari_fw-la quaerimus_fw-la ut_fw-la gaudeamus_fw-la as_o delightful_a colour_n be_v unto_o the_o eye_n so_o be_v truth_n unto_o the_o understanding_n a_o comfortable_a refresh_a thing_n now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v pleasant_a in_o its_o very_a first_o dawn_n to_o a_o benight_a soul_n for_o the_o entrance_n of_o it_o give_v light_a and_o understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a ps_n 119._o v._o 130._o must_v not_o the_o approach_n of_o light_n be_v needs_o be_v pleasant_a to_o those_o under_o the_o pole_n after_o half_a a_o year_n darkness_n or_o unto_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v blind_a or_o have_v be_v keep_v in_o a_o dungeon_n all_o their_o day_n before_o and_o can_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n think_v you_o be_v otherwise_o when_o he_o rise_v in_o a_o poor_a soul_n that_o have_v lay_v thirty_o forty_o perhaps_o fifty_o year_n together_o in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n o_o how_o comfortable_a a_o thing_n will_v it_o then_o be_v unto_o he_o to_o see_v himself_o translate_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o marvellous_a light_n to_o find_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o understanding_n open_v the_o veil_n take_v off_o and_o his_o sin_n pardon_v which_o be_v as_o a_o thick_a cloud_n to_o hinder_v he_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o saviour_n all_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o her_o path_n peace_n prov._n 3._o 17._o what_o more_o pleasant_a than_o light_n why_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a light_n joh._n 1._o what_o more_o delightsome_a to_o the_o taste_n then_o honey_n his_o statute_n be_v sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n or_o honeycomb_n psal_n 19_o what_o more_o take_v we_o then_o ease_n and_o rest_v his_o very_a yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n mat._n 11._o it_o be_v ignorance_n of_o christ_n that_o make_v his_o way_n seem_v unpleasant_a to_o we_o for_o no_o man_n ever_o take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o that_o which_o he_o understand_v not_o hence_o those_o inward_a loathe_n of_o his_o word_n those_o rise_n and_o heartburning_n against_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o profane_a person_n these_o be_v people_n of_o no_o understanding_n they_o never_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o inward_a comfort_n and_o refreshment_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o delight_n there_o be_v in_o keep_v god_n law_n what_o pleasure_n it_o be_v for_o a_o thirsty_a soul_n to_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n for_o a_o hungry_a soul_n to_o feed_v upon_o manna_n and_o the_o bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n they_o know_v what_o comfort_n there_o be_v in_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n in_o his_o love_n that_o be_v better_a than_o wine_n in_o his_o abode_n and_o sup_v with_o you_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n that_o all_o their_o delight_n be_v to_o dowze_v themselves_o in_o carnal_a pleasure_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v that_o they_o be_v so_o averse_a from_o duty_n so_o sad_a and_o heavy_a in_o spiritual_a performance_n that_o they_o so_o much_o loath_a his_o word_n his_o people_n his_o ambassador_n his_o gracious_a motion_n and_o invitation_n the_o truth_n of_o all_o be_v this_o they_o know_v not_o christ_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o 4._o this_o knowledge_n be_v a_o satisfy_a knowledge_n other_o knowledge_n be_v like_o some_o sance_fw-fr which_o when_o you_o receive_v into_o you_o beget_v a_o fresh_a and_o new_a appetite_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o thing_n do_v set_v the_o tooth_n on_o edge_n as_o here_o and_o make_v we_o thirst_v after_o more_o whereas_o christ_n be_v a_o object_n fit_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o most_o vast_a and_o boundless_a desire_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o what_o the_o phylospher_n say_v of_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o may_v more_o proper_o say_v of_o divine_a that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o rest_n and_o repose_v of_o the_o soul_n whereas_o natural_a body_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n so_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n rest_v content_v and_o satisfy_v in_o christ_n in_o who_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n col._n 2._o v._n 3._o there_o be_v enough_o in_o he_o to_o fill_v the_o soul_n up_o to_o the_o brim_n and_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o impatient_a roving_n and_o agitation_n of_o our_o spirit_n after_o knowledge_n in_o he_o dwell_v all_o fullness_n fullness_n of_o grace_n to_o sanctify_v we_o fullness_n of_o righteousness_n to_o justify_v we_o fullness_n of_o glory_n to_o crown_v we_o no_o natural_a object_n can_v satisfy_v the_o soul_n because_o the_o desire_n there_o of_o be_v boundless_a &_o infinite_a it_o present_o digest_v &_o swallow_v up_o all_o finite_a thing_n but_o now_o christ_n both_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o graces_n be_v so_o commensurate_a and_o proportionable_a a_o object_n for_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v eternal_o feed_v upon_o he_o to_o full_a content_n and_o satisfaction_n his_o mercy_n infinite_a his_o love_n infinite_a his_o grace_n be_v inexhaustible_a for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v the_o spirit_n by_o measure_n and_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v compare_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o a_o feaest_n of_o marrow_n and_o fat_a thing_n be_v 25_o v._o 6._o because_o as_o these_o do_v satisfy_v the_o sensual_a so_o those_o the_o intellectual_a appetite_n it_o satisfi_v the_o long_a soul_n and_o fill_v the_o hungry_a soul_n with_o goodness_n psal_n 107._o v._n 9_o wherefore_o then_o say_v the_o prophet_n esay_n 55._o v._o 2._o do_v you_o spend_v money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n and_o your_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o satufy_v not_o harken_v diligent_o unto_o i_o and_o eat_v you_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o let_v your_o soul_n delight_v itself_o in_o fatness_n last_o this_o be_v a_o ever-increasing_a rise_a knowledge_n there_o be_v a_o growth_n in_o it_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 18._o we_o go_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o it_o to_o another_o till_o we_o become_v perfect_a man_n in_o our_o first_o conversion_n we_o be_v but_o child_n and_o babe_n in_o christ_n of_o little_a understanding_n and_o knowledge_n till_o by_o prayer_n temptation_n experience_n often_o supply_v and_o return_n of_o grace_n we_o become_v strong_a in_o faith_n nothing_o doubt_v and_o increase_v in_o wisdom_n and_o all_o spiritual_a understanding_n christ_n do_v not_o discover_v himself_o all_o at_o once_o to_o the_o soul_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d peicemeale_o 1._o heb._n 1._o 1._o and_o in_o diverse_a manner_n here_o a_o little_a and_o there_o a_o little_a as_o in_o natural_a science_n the_o mind_n do_v not_o usual_o grasp_v &_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a circumference_n of_o a_o thing_n together_o but_o insensible_o by_o degree_n creep_v upon_o truth_n take_v and_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v steal_v off_o that_o veil_n that_o hide_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o from_o we_o thus_o christ_n by_o degree_n irradiate_n and_o shine_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o sensible_a of_o our_o former_a ignorance_n and_o more_o thankful_a for_o our_o present_a illumination_n he_o never_o so_o clear_o present_v himself_o to_o any_o but_o that_o the_o knowledge_n be_v still_o improveable_a and_o may_v receive_v far_a increase_n for_o at_o the_o best_a in_o this_o world_n we_o do_v view_v but_o in_o a_o glass_n dark_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o borrow_v the_o spectacle_n of_o his_o word_n his_o ordinance_n and_o his_o sacrament_n to_o look_v on_o he_o our_o just_n and_o corruption_n as_o so_o many_o evil_a vapour_n hinder_v we_o from_o a_o full_a prospect_n of_o he_o yet_o general_o we_o see_v he_o clear_a and_o clear_a as_o these_o rag_n of_o flesh_n wear_v and_o rot_v from_o off_o we_o till_o at_o length_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v get_v lose_v of_o this_o prison_n of_o clay_n it_o know_v he_o immediate_o without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o glass_n now_o we_o know_v he_o but_o in_o part_n but_o we_o shall_v know_v he_o even_o as_o also_o we_o be_v know_v 1_o cor._n 13._o 12._o the_o three_o point_n be_v to_o discover_v unto_o you_o more_o particular_o wherein_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o knowledge_n consist_v and_o it_o be_v i_o suppose_v 1._o in_o the_o object_n and_o thing_n know_v 3._o in_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o party_n know_v 1._o the_o thing_n know_v by_o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v most_o excellent_a the_o noble_a the_o object_n the_o noble_a the_o science_n now_o in_o what_o noble_a sublime_a matter_n this_o knowledge_n deal_v be_v plain_a whether_o we_o consider_v the_o personal_a excellenceis_n of_o christ_n the_o grace_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o glory_n beauty_n and_o comeliness_n of_o his_o person_n which_o must_v needs_o ravish_v and_o take_v up_o our_o thought_n though_o to_o fasten_v here_o and_o go_v no_o far_o be_v but_o to_o admire_v the_o glitter_a of_o the_o show_n not_o consider_v the_o pearl_n within_o &_o to_o poor_a upon_o a_o picture_n not_o regard_v the_o live_a party_n it_o represent_v faith_n as_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n seem_v to_o be_v please_v even_o with_o the_o outward_a draught_n and_o comeliness_n of_o a_o saviour_n to_o see_v he_o in_o glory_n sitt_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n but_o than_o it_o eye_n he_o chief_o as_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n as_o therefore_o paul_n desire_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a as_o the_o only_a and_o chief_a concernment_n to_o he_o or_o whether_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n those_o breast_n of_o consolation_n at_o which_o this_o knowledge_n lie_v still_o suck_v and_o delight_v itself_o in_o they_o be_v excellent_a thing_n precious_a promise_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n can_v find_v more_o comfort_n than_o in_o all_o the_o earthly_a joy_n &_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n or_o last_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o mystery_n it_o contain_v they_o be_v admirable_a mysterye_n and_o without_o controversy_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3._o v._n 16._o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v of_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n every_o trade_n and_o profession_n we_o say_v have_v a_o mystery_n in_o it_o something_o that_o be_v which_o be_v not_o know_v to_o every_o one_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o a_o christian_n profession_n be_v altogether_o take_v up_o in_o a_o mystery_n such_o a_o mystery_n that_o have_v the_o angel_n themselves_o pardon_v the_o expression_n be_v bind_v apprentice_n to_o understand_v it_o they_o have_v without_o god_n special_a revelation_n remain_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o it_o for_o the_o 1_o of_o pet._n 1._o 12._o it_o be_v say_v the_o angel_n themselves_o do_v desire_v to_o look_v into_o it_o even_o now_o that_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v make_v manifest_a unto_o the_o world_n see_v it_o be_v so_o full_a of_o admirable_a inscrutable_a excellency_n that_o the_o angel_n themselves_o desire_v yet_o to_o be_v pupil_n unto_o it_o and_o be_v curious_a to_o learn_v more_o continual_o of_o it_o 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o knowledge_n may_v be_v discover_v in_o the_o effect_n and_o influence_n of_o it_o which_o be_v first_o to_o discover_v god_n more_o clear_o unto_o we_o second_o to_o discover_v ourselves_o unto_o ourselves_o 1._o it_o discover_v god_n more_o clear_o unto_o we_o for_o christ_n be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n heb._n 1._o 3._o so_o that_o look_v as_o we_o know_v the_o sun_n by_o its_o light_n and_o a_o natural_a father_n usual_o by_o his_o son_n who_o carry_v his_o substantial_a image_n so_o be_v god_n see_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n col._n 1._o v._n 15._o say_v he_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n god_n himself_o he_o live_v in_o inaccessible_a light_n no_o man_n can_v see_v he_o and_o live_v but_o it_o have_v please_v he_o to_o manifest_v himself_o in_o christ_n in_o who_o dwell_v the_o godhead_n bodily_a whatsoever_o glory_n whatsoever_o wisdom_n whatsoever_o power_n be_v in_o god_n be_v plain_o draw_v forth_o and_o express_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o essential_a substantial_a copy_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v with_o reverence_n of_o his_o father_n in_o who_o alone_o he_o be_v most_o legible_o and_o clear_o to_o be_v read_v the_o creature_n indeed_o do_v in_o their_o kind_n represent_v god_n but_o then_o a_o very_a break_a and_o imperfect_a copy_n they_o be_v of_o he_o so_o that_o the_o gentile_n by_o false_o spell_a and_o put_v
together_o their_o letter_n read_v god_n in_o a_o monstrous_a prodigious_a manner_n and_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v rom._n 1._o as_o man_n that_o read_v in_o a_o old_a moth-eaten_a break_a manuscript_n may_v easy_o mistake_v the_o original_a meaning_n so_o methinks_v the_o gentile_n have_v nothing_o to_o study_n god_n in_o but_o the_o dull_a and_o dark_a print_n of_o the_o creature_n present_o fall_v into_o gross_a mistake_n and_o multitude_n of_o error_n concern_v he_o for_o they_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a unto_o coruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n and_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n rom._n 1._o v._n 23._o but_o now_o christ_n be_v so_o clear_a a_o representation_n of_o his_o father_n that_o if_o we_o know_v he_o aright_o we_o can_v mistake_v god_n at_o all_o he_o and_o his_o father_n be_v one_o so_o that_o you_o may_v comprehend_v and_o know_v he_o as_o it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o see_v he_o seethe_v the_o father_n and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o he_o come_v to_o the_o father_n as_o in_o st_n john_n it_o be_v every_o where_o express_v 2._o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n discover_v ourselves_o also_o unto_o ourselves_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o divine_a knowledge_n that_o be_v ecaelo_fw-la descendit_fw-la the_o heathen_a can_v say_v now_o we_o can_v know_v christ_n aright_o but_o we_o must_v know_v ourselves_o also_o know_v in_o what_o a_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a estate_n we_o be_v without_o he_o how_o vile_a and_o loathsome_a we_o be_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n how_o base_a and_o worthless_a our_o best_a performance_n how_o ugly_a and_o deform_a our_o person_n and_o our_o service_n be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n as_o when_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n come_v into_o a_o room_n they_o discover_v all_o the_o dust_n and_o filthiness_n in_o the_o room_n so_o when_o christ_n beam_n in_o upon_o the_o soul_n the_o filthiness_n and_o corruption_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n do_v straight_o way_n appear_v we_o then_o see_v what_o a_o horrid_a thing_n sin_n be_v that_o put_v so_o bless_v a_o saviour_n to_o so_o cruel_a a_o death_n we_o see_v what_o a_o curse_a slavery_n we_o be_v all_o in_o by_o nature_n to_o the_o law_n to_o sin_n to_o satan_n till_o the_o son_n do_v make_v we_o free_a before_o we_o know_v christ_n the_o devil_n do_v cast_v a_o mist_n before_o our_o eye_n &_o so_o hoodwinks_a our_o soul_n that_o we_o can_v see_v where_o we_o be_v what_o we_o be_v or_o whither_o we_o be_v go_v till_o he_o take_v the_o veil_n from_o off_o our_o eye_n and_o then_o by_o our_o present_a light_n we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o darkness_n through_o grace_n we_o know_v what_o sin_n be_v how_o to_o debase_v ourselves_o and_o advance_v christ_n first_o be_v it_o so_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o use_n christ_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a knowledge_n more_o to_o be_v desire_v then_o gold_n yea_o then_o most_o fine_a gold_n more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n be_v it_o the_o glory_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v more_o perfect_a in_o this_o to_o teach_v this_o to_o learn_v this_o then_o it_o shall_v reprove_v all_o those_o who_o make_v not_o this_o the_o main_a end_n &_o scope_n of_o their_o study_n and_o endeavour_n as_o 1._o such_o carnal_a dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n that_o use_v rather_o to_o speak_v in_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n then_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n and_o that_o dress_v their_o discourse_n in_o the_o apish_a &_o foolish_a conception_n of_o man_n wit_n neglect_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o sacred_a word_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o make_v both_o themselves_o and_o their_o auditor_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n such_o in_o the_o language_n of_o s._n paul_n do_v make_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n of_o none_o effect_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 17._o whilst_o they_o labour_v to_o possess_v man_n with_o the_o love_n of_o their_o affect_a strain_n more_o than_o with_o the_o naked_a and_o simple_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o the_o good_a apostle_n profess_v that_o he_o do_v determine_v to_o know_v nothing_o among_o the_o corinthian_n save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a he_o can_v have_v flaunt_v as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a of_o those_o seducer_n and_o have_v trim_v his_o speech_n with_o as_o much_o elegancy_n as_o any_o but_o say_v he_o away_o with_o such_o trash_n to_o the_o herd_n of_o mankind_n that_o have_v rather_o feed_v upon_o such_o husk_n than_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n let_v other_o vaunt_v as_o they_o please_v and_o you_o expect_v what_o you_o will_v from_o i_o yet_o this_o be_v my_o resolution_n not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o exceed_o to_o be_v blame_v be_v all_o they_o that_o contrary_a to_o his_o word_n preach_v to_o the_o ear_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o heart_n &_o seek_v rather_o to_o gratify_v the_o sensual_a corrupt_a affection_n of_o man_n then_o to_o implant_v in_o they_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n o_o belove_a we_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o rescue_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o the_o paw_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o who_o they_o be_v lead_v captive_a we_o meet_v again_o too_o too_o often_o with_o poor_a ignorant_a wretch_n to_o instruct_v who_o scarce_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o christ_n any_o holy_a ghost_n moreov_a we_o be_v not_o to_o deal_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o with_o principalitye_n and_o power_n the_o lust_n of_o man_n they_o be_v to_o be_v blast_v and_o beat_v down_o by_o we_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o satisfy_v sin_n to_o be_v convict_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v press_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v foolishness_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v preach_v this_o be_v our_o labour_n this_o our_o work_n &_o what_o need_n we_o then_o to_o daub_v with_o untempered_a mortar_n and_o to_o mix_v humane_a invention_n with_o sacred_a truth_n why_o be_v that_o zealous_a thirst_n after_o applause_n and_o to_o set_v up_o ourselves_o more_o than_o our_o saviour_n why_o be_v it_o then_o man_n desire_v oftentimes_o more_o to_o display_v their_o own_o read_n then_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v not_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o humane_a learning_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o word_n paul_n himself_o make_v use_v of_o a_o poet_n to_o convince_v the_o athenian_n act._n 17._o nor_o do_v we_o speak_v this_o to_o countenance_v those_o that_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n negligent_o and_o bring_v the_o lame_a sapless_a undigested_a notion_n to_o this_o sacrifice_n doubtless_o god_n that_o require_v the_o whole_a man_n require_v the_o brain_n as_o well_o as_o the_o heart_n in_o this_o service_n and_o he_o give_v we_o talent_n not_o to_o lay_v up_o in_o a_o napkin_n but_o to_o bring_v themforth_o as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o church_n good_a we_o all_o know_v by_o sad_a experience_n into_o what_o disorder_n and_o inconvenience_n the_o contempt_n of_o secular_a learning_n have_v bring_v many_o giddy_a soul_n of_o this_o nation_n and_o how_o prostitute_v and_o disregard_v the_o careless_a management_n and_o wanton_a itch_n of_o preach_v have_v make_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n o_o that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o convince_v all_o of_o we_o especial_o the_o forward_a youth_n of_o this_o university_n of_o the_o tremendous_a burden_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o a_o minister_n opus_n angelis_n formidandum_fw-la but_o to_o return_v i_o say_v we_o do_v not_o hereby_o discountenance_v learning_n or_o learned_a and_o painful_a preach_n especial_o in_o due_a place_n and_o time_n but_o only_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o hagar_n do_v not_o justle_v out_o sarah_n that_o the_o handmaid_n secular_a learning_n do_v not_o take_v place_n in_o our_o affection_n above_o the_o free_a woman_n the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n that_o our_o sermon_n savour_v not_o more_o of_o learning_n then_o of_o grace_n and_o that_o our_o design_n be_v not_o to_o get_v more_o admirer_n of_o our_o part_n than_o disciple_n of_o christ_n 2._o this_o will_v reprove_v all_o those_o in_o general_a that_o be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o humane_a knowledge_n then_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v more_o take_v with_o a_o aristotle_n a_o plato_n perhaps_o a_o romance_n or_o playbook_n than_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o apostle_n suffer_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n poor_a illiterate_a man_n to_o rise_v up_o and_o carry_v away_o heaven_n from_o they_o whilst_o they_o