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
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
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 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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 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riches_n 2._o second_o hereby_o we_o may_v be_v teach_v what_o be_v the_o right_a use_n of_o philosophy_n and_o other_o the_o like_a art_n whereby_o we_o make_v inspection_n into_o the_o creature_n namely_o that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v raise_v up_o unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n the_o examine_v and_o consider_v of_o the_o creature_n shall_v raise_v our_o mind_n up_o unto_o god_n there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o much_o a_o atheist_n but_o if_o he_o have_v eye_n and_o reason_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o his_o folly_n by_o the_o very_a creature_n for_o as_o job_n say_v unto_o zophar_n job_n 12._o 8_o 9_o speak_v to_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o shall_v teach_v thou_o and_o the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n shall_v declare_v unto_o thou_o who_o know_v not_o that_o in_o all_o these_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v this_o so_o we_o may_v say_v unto_o such_o man_n go_v to_o the_o inanimate_a creature_n and_o they_o will_v teach_v thou_o 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and_o consider_v of_o god_n in_o this_o his_o far_a more_o excellent_a work_n of_o man._n i_o fear_v i_o may_v take_v up_o his_o complaint_n in_o these_o our_o day_n many_o among_o we_o do_v know_v much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o of_o the_o body_n of_o man_n but_o then_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v a_o little_a vain_a discourse_n and_o ostentation_n or_o a_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o curiosity_n that_o be_v aim_v at_o herein_o more_o than_o the_o praise_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o better_a contemplate_v of_o he_o in_o his_o creature_n whereas_o those_o that_o pretend_v unto_o the_o study_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o creature_n have_v most_o reason_n of_o all_o other_o man_n to_o be_v religious_a and_o to_o think_v upon_o god_n because_o they_o can_v but_o continual_o view_v in_o they_o the_o finger_n and_o footstep_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o true_a say_n of_o a_o renown_a statesman_n and_o scholar_n of_o our_o own_o that_o a_o smattering_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n incline_v man_n to_o atheism_n a_o deep_a knowledge_n thereof_o bring_v they_o about_o to_o religion_n because_o they_o better_a know_v the_o chain_n and_o link_v of_o thing_n within_o themselves_o and_o the_o several_a strange_a nature_n and_o generation_n of_o they_o will_v the_o easy_o be_v lead_v unto_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n doubtless_o can_v but_o a_o good_a philosopher_n and_o a_o good_a christian_a concentre_v in_o the_o same_o person_n as_o his_o piety_n will_v much_o elevate_v his_o philosophy_n so_o will_v his_o pbilosophy_n much_o confirm_v and_o advance_v his_o piety_n for_o certain_o a_o serious_a inspection_n into_o the_o creature_n must_v needs_o then_o work_v much_o upon_o his_o affection_n and_o beget_v in_o he_o a_o far_a obedience_n unto_o love_n fear_v and_o admiration_n of_o that_o god_n who_o by_o experience_n he_o find_v to_o be_v the_o author_n preserver_n and_o governor_n of_o so_o wonderful_a work_n the_o 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shall_v not_o the_o work_v of_o god_n have_v our_o spare_a hour_n those_o work_n which_o be_v due_o consider_v may_v be_v as_o so_o many_o round_n in_o jacob_n ladder_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o heaven_n and_o give_v we_o a_o glimpse_n of_o that_o infinity_o which_o blear-eyed_a nature_n can_v never_o so_o well_o ken_v or_o mount_v unto_o for_o what_o seneca_n say_v of_o a_o man_n we_o may_v say_v likewise_o of_o all_o other_o creature_n there_o dwell_v a_o god_n and_o divinity_n in_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a namely_o of_o they_o we_o may_v trace_v the_o footstep_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o find_v out_o he_o in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v since_o than_o god_n have_v endow_v we_o with_o so_o noble_a a_o sense_n as_o our_o sight_n be_v whereby_o we_o may_v clear_o see_v those_o
salvation_n to_o instruct_v to_o reprove_v to_o correct_v and_o since_o it_o have_v so_o admirable_a perfection_n in_o it_o as_o to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a &_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n good_a reason_n then_o my_o son_n timothy_n that_o be_v the_o time_n what_o they_o will_v be_v error_n never_o so_o plausible_o entertain_v and_o truth_n never_o so_o violent_o oppose_v that_o thou_o notwithstanding_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learn_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o this_o be_v the_o drift_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o well_o understand_v of_o which_o together_o with_o the_o word_n read_v unto_o you_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o open_n of_o this_o my_o present_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v therefore_o expound_v the_o word_n themselves_o more_o distinct_o and_o in_o the_o open_n of_o they_o brief_o touch_v upon_o some_o 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also_o they_o contain_v many_o thing_n absurd_a and_o contrary_a one_o to_o another_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v never_o give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o scripture_n be_v inspire_v of_o god_n or_o as_o the_o word_n imply_v breathe_v from_o god_n those_o notion_n word_n and_o phrase_n which_o may_v every_o where_o occur_v in_o holy_a writ_n be_v dictate_v unto_o the_o penman_n thereof_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o so_o that_o prophecy_n come_v not_o of_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o wherefore_o we_o read_v not_o thus_o say_v jeremiah_n or_o thus_o say_v isaiah_n but_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o but_o what_o may_v some_o say_v be_v all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n why_o then_o those_o imposture_n and_o calumny_n of_o satan_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 3._o of_o gen._n and_o 4._o of_o matthew_n those_o erroneous_a say_n of_o job_n wife_n unto_o he_o to_o curse_v god_n and_o die_v with_o the_o like_a be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o these_o and_o the_o like_a say_n only_o historical_o set_v down_o be_v abstract_o in_o themselves_o consider_v be_v not_o from_o god_n but_o then_o consider_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v set_v down_o so_o they_o be_v as_o we_o may_v say_v that_o tacitus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o whole_a book_n though_o many_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v speak_v from_o other_o man_n and_o as_o the_o same_o wax_n though_o of_o little_a worth_n in_o itself_o yet_o seal_v and_o put_v in_o a_o bond_n may_v be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o value_n in_o like_a manner_n those_o speech_n of_o heathen_a author_n cite_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o that_o of_o aratus_n act._n 17._o 28._o and_o that_o of_o epimenides_n titus_n 1._o 12._o though_o of_o little_a worth_n as_o they_o come_v from_o such_o man_n yet_o be_v insert_v into_o holy_a writ_n receive_v divine_a authority_n and_o may_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n unto_o our_o salvation_n many_o thing_n there_o be_v also_o in_o scripture_n which_o quoad_fw-la praeceptum_fw-la may_v have_v great_a authority_n than_o other_o but_o ratione_fw-la authoris_fw-la be_v equal_a as_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o first_o table_n be_v more_o severe_o enjoin_v then_o those_o of_o the_o second_o yet_o the_o same_o god_n write_v they_o both_o thus_o gold_n may_v be_v more_o precious_a than_o gold_n in_o weight_n and_o shape_n though_o not_o in_o purity_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o all_o scripture_n some_o way_n or_o other_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n say_v and_o god_n say_v as_o may_v far_o appear_v from_o the_o 9_o of_o the_o roman_n 25._o verse_n and_o gal._n 4_o 30._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a many_o be_v the_o commodity_n of_o the_o write_a word_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v try_v all_o other_o doctrine_n as_o the_o barean_o try_v paul_n doctrine_n by_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o act._n 17._o 11._o and_o therefore_o as_o those_o that_o carry_v false_a and_o adulterate_a coin_n about_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v of_o a_o touchstone_n so_o likewise_o those_o cheat_n in_o religion_n the_o papist_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v read_v lest_o thereby_o their_o imposture_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a and_o their_o folly_n appear_v unto_o all_o man_n beside_o this_o commodity_n i_o say_v the_o apostle_n say_v that_o it_o be_v profitable_a 1._o for_o instruction_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o discover_v that_o be_v of_o such_o thing_n unto_o we_o which_o without_o it_o we_o can_v never_o have_v know_v there_o be_v mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o abscondite_fw-la hide_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o humane_a reason_n can_v never_o unveil_v or_o fathom_n that_o a_o infinite_a god_n shall_v be_v cloister_v up_o in_o a_o virgin_n womb_n that_o he_o shall_v leave_v heaven_n and_o lie_n in_o a_o manger_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o like_a be_v above_o the_o reach_n and_o disquisition_n of_o a_o natural_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v far_o enlighten_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n before_o we_o attain_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v profitable_a also_o for_o instruction_n of_o we_o in_o the_o fall_n &_o restauration_n of_o man_n in_o the_o sacrament_n yea_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n it_o instruct_v and_o teach_v we_o how_o wretched_a we_o be_v by_o nature_n how_o happy_a by_o grace_n how_o to_o beat_v down_o principality_n and_o power_n how_o to_o want_v and_o how_o to_o abound_v how_o final_o to_o be_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2._o it_o be_v profitable_a say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o reproof_n there_o be_v no_o error_n so_o plausible_o broach_v so_o strong_o fortify_v and_o maintain_v by_o humane_a reason_n but_o may_v be_v beat_v down_o and_o vanquish_v by_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a judge_v all_o thing_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2_o 18._o he_o that_o be_v right_o inform_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o to_o who_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o who_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o foreign_a tradition_n testimony_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o like_a not_o
〈◊〉_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