thing_n all_o of_o they_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a in_o their_o kind_n so_o that_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o his_o riches_n psal_n 104.24_o 25._o four_o power_n power_n we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v his_o infinite_a power_n who_o by_o his_o word_n alone_o create_v the_o vast_a body_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o host_n of_o they_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n psal_n 33.6.9_o five_o majesty_n majesty_n we_o can_v but_o admire_v his_o incomprehensible_a majesty_n manifest_v in_o that_o magnificent_a palace_n of_o heaven_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o furnish_v for_o himself_o whence_o he_o send_v forth_o that_o glorious_a creature_n the_o light_n and_o make_v it_o his_o cover_n as_o he_o do_v the_o cloud_n his_o chariot_n ps_n 104.2_o 3._o perfection_n perfection_n in_o the_o six_o place_n his_o infinite_a perfection_n be_v manifest_v in_o impart_v to_o the_o creature_n all_o those_o several_a perfection_n that_o we_o find_v in_o they_o which_o must_v needs_o therefore_o be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o eminent_a degree_n in_o he_o that_o give_v they_o last_o wisdom_n wisdom_n his_o unconceivable_a wisdom_n be_v full_o evidence_v in_o the_o infinite_a variety_n wonderful_a order_n mutual_a correspondence_n and_o useful_a serviceableness_n of_o all_o those_o creature_n that_o he_o have_v make_v one_o to_o another_o psal_n 104.24_o next_o to_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n be_v god_n act_n of_o government_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v make_v providence_n all_o which_o appear_v likewise_o in_o his_o work_n of_o administration_n or_o providence_n wherein_o we_o may_v again_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o those_o glorious_a attribute_n that_o we_o have_v former_o mention_v especial_o of_o his_o wonderful_a power_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o support_v by_o his_o own_o hand_n all_o that_o he_o create_v by_o his_o word_n so_o that_o they_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n according_a to_o his_o ordinance_n psal_n 119.90_o 91._o propagate_v in_o their_o kind_n which_o we_o must_v esteem_v no_o other_o than_o a_o continue_a creation_n psal_n 104.30_o provide_v for_o by_o his_o care_n psal_n 145.15_o 16._o and_o psal_n 147.8_o 9_o direct_v by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o command_v job_n 37.12_o psal_n 148.8_o so_o that_o the_o creature_n several_a motion_n and_o operation_n even_o of_o those_o which_o be_v carry_v according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o so_o many_o act_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o they_o in_o who_o they_o move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v act_v 17.28_o order_v by_o he_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o that_o even_o the_o small_a among_o they_o and_o in_o their_o most_o inconsiderable_a motion_n even_o to_o the_o sparrow_n light_v to_o the_o ground_n mat._n 10.29_o these_o act_n of_o god_n providence_n be_v most_o clear_o and_o especial_o manifest_v in_o order_v and_o dispose_n of_o the_o affair_n man_n especial_o in_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o man_n and_o way_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n who_o course_n of_o life_n and_o work_n if_o we_o compare_v with_o god_n dispensation_n towards_o they_o we_o shall_v easy_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v his_o perfect_a justice_n deed_n discover_v his_o justice_n and_o holiness_n in_o reward_v man_n according_a to_o their_o deed_n and_o holiness_n in_o reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n his_o mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n towards_o his_o servant_n notwithstanding_o their_o manifold_a fail_n which_o either_o god_n gracious_o pass_v by_o ps_n 130.10_o 11._o or_o correct_v only_o in_o mercy_n own_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o mercy_n towards_o his_o own_o as_o psal_n 89.32_o 22._o and_o faithfulness_n psal_n 119.75_o turn_v even_o their_o chastisement_n and_o affliction_n to_o their_o good_a psal_n 119.771_o his_o exact_a justice_n upon_o the_o wicked_a who_o he_o put_v away_o like_a dross_n psal_n 119_o 119._o wicked_a his_o patience_n towards_o the_o wicked_a his_o incredible_a patience_n and_o long_a suffering_n even_o towards_o the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v to_o destruction_n rom._n 9.22_o continue_v unto_o they_o the_o common_a blessing_n of_o this_o life_n mat._n 5.45_o although_o fat_v they_o thereby_o to_o the_o day_n of_o slaughter_n that_o when_o they_o have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n may_v come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a 1_o thes_n 2.16_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n in_o fulfil_v his_o word_n not_o only_o in_o his_o promise_n of_o mercy_n to_o his_o own_o servant_n as_o it_o be_v testify_v word_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n in_o fulfil_v his_o word_n josh_n 21.45_o but_o withal_o in_o execute_v his_o judgement_n threaten_v 2_o king_n 9.36_o of_o which_o there_o fail_v not_o one_o word_n as_o that_o wicked_a king_n testify_v 2_o king_n 10.10_o will_n his_o power_n in_o raise_v and_o cast_v down_o who_o he_o will_n his_o power_n in_o raise_v up_o and_o pull_v down_o at_o his_o pleasure_n psal_n 113.7_o luk._n 1.52_o his_o wisdom_n in_o prevent_v and_o overthrow_v the_o device_n of_o the_o crafty_a job_n 5.12_o 13._o snare_n his_o wisdom_n in_o prevent_v wicked_a man_n policy_n take_v in_o their_o own_o snare_n cause_v their_o own_o tongue_n to_o fall_v upon_o themselves_o ps_n 64.8_o and_o bring_v about_o all_o their_o counsel_n to_o concur_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o will_n even_o in_o those_o way_n &_o by_o those_o mean_n by_o which_o they_o labour_v most_o to_o oppose_v it_o as_o it_o evident_o appear_v in_o the_o curse_a practice_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o pilate_n against_o our_o saviour_n christ_n act._n 4.27_o 28._o for_o the_o discover_n and_o observe_v of_o those_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o god_n in_o those_o work_n of_o his_o providence_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n make_v a_o diligent_a enquiry_n into_o every_o kind_n of_o they_o particular_o and_o distinct_o particular_o all_o which_o that_o we_o may_v discover_v we_o must_v search_v into_o his_o work_n particular_o as_o indeed_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v seek_v out_o of_o all_o that_o have_v pleasure_n therein_o psal_n 111.2_o as_o well_o that_o we_o may_v yield_v unto_o god_n his_o due_a honour_n as_o that_o we_o may_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o work_n gather_v ground_n of_o comfort_n and_o instruction_n to_o ourselves_o redemption_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n into_o that_o glorious_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n but_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o these_o great_a work_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v we_o must_v be_v most_o careful_a in_o search_v thorough_o into_o that_o glorious_a and_o never_o sufficient_o admire_a mystery_n of_o man_n redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o the_o very_a angel_n themselves_o desire_v to_o search_v into_o 1_o pet._n 1.12_o in_o who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o his_o father_n and_o take_v unto_o himself_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n his_o abasement_n in_o that_o nature_n not_o only_o to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n but_o beside_o to_o the_o very_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n his_o triumph_v therein_o over_o satan_n death_n and_o hell_n manifest_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o glorious_a resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a rest_n wherein_o his_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n unconceivable_a love_n exact_a justice_n almighty_a power_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v more_o clear_o discover_v then_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n unspeakable_a yea_o unconceivable_a love_n and_o mercy_n exact_a justice_n almighty_a power_n and_o steadfast_a faithfulness_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a lord_n be_v more_o clear_o discover_v unto_o we_o than_o they_o be_v in_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o work_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v and_o for_o that_o cause_n the_o history_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v record_v be_v above_o all_o other_o most_o full_o and_o exact_o pen_v and_o the_o truth_n thereof_o most_o faithful_o attest_v by_o four_o several_a witness_n and_o those_o without_o all_o exception_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v to_o be_v most_o careful_o study_v and_o thorough_o search_v into_o by_o we_o what_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o evangelist_n be_v in_o pen_v that_o history_n of_o the_o birth_n life_n god_n the_o main_a scope_n aim_v at_o in_o the_o pen_n that_o history_n be_v that_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v be_v intimate_v already_o namely_o to_o work_v our_o heart_n to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o believe_v we_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 20.32_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n begin_v with_o the_o description_n of_o our_o saviour_n person_n and_o therein_o they_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o his_o two_o distinct_a nature_n
and_o study_v of_o the_o scripture_n be_v evident_a by_o our_o use_n and_o custom_n in_o ordinary_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n we_o choose_v and_o husband_n our_o ground_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n wherewith_o we_o intend_v to_o sow_v it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o that_o matter_n wherewith_o we_o fill_v our_o vessel_n we_o make_v choice_n of_o they_o appoint_v some_o for_o dry_a thing_n and_o other_o for_o moist_a and_o fit_v they_o diverse_o for_o foul_a or_o clean_o in_o like_a manner_n must_v we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n if_o we_o mean_v to_o order_v our_o heart_n aright_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n that_o must_v receive_v this_o holy_a seed_n the_o vessel_n that_o must_v contain_v this_o precious_a balm_n we_o must_v therefore_o consider_v that_o the_o word_n be_v a_o pure_a word_n psalm_n 119.140_o that_o we_o may_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v our_o heart_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o law_n be_v spiritual_a rom._n 7.14_o and_o heavenly_a james_n 3.17_o that_o we_o may_v labour_v for_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a mind_n to_o entertain_v it_o we_o must_v apprehend_v it_o as_o a_o word_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n the_o voice_n of_o god_n that_o mighty_a creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n before_o our_o heart_n can_v be_v subdue_v to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v it_o with_o that_o meekness_n jam._n 1.21_o and_o tremble_v of_o heart_n isa_n 66.2_o which_o be_v require_v we_o must_v be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a word_n 2_o pet._n 1.19_o a_o faithful_a word_n tit._n 1.9_o a_o vision_n that_o will_v not_o lie_v heb._n 2.3_o as_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o he_o that_o can_v lie_v tit._n 1.2_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v prepare_v to_o embrace_v it_o with_o faithful_a and_o believe_a heart_n without_o which_o the_o word_n can_v profit_v we_o at_o all_o heb._n 4.2_o in_o the_o next_o place_n aim_v 2_o by_o observe_v the_o end_n whereat_o the_o scripture_n aim_v we_o must_v take_v knowledge_n of_o the_o end_n wherefore_o the_o word_n be_v give_v if_o we_o mean_v to_o use_v and_o apply_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v see_v we_o know_v one_o can_v use_v a_o instrument_n aright_o unless_o he_o know_v for_o what_o use_v it_o be_v make_v now_o the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v be_v first_o the_o manifest_v of_o god_n unto_o we_o way_n 1._o make_v god_n know_v to_o we_o 2._o direct_v our_o way_n that_o we_o may_v honour_v he_o as_o god_n second_o the_o direct_n of_o we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o conversation_n not_o only_o by_o inform_v our_o judgement_n but_o by_o oblige_v our_o conscience_n to_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o the_o rule_v propose_v therein_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o practice_n wherefore_o the_o prophet_n david_n use_v god_n law_n as_o a_o lantern_n to_o his_o foot_n psal_n 119.105_o think_v on_o his_o way_n that_o he_o may_v turn_v his_o foot_n to_o god_n testimony_n v._o 59_o remember_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v soul_n 3._o yea_o convert_v the_o soul_n belong_v to_o we_o to_o do_v they_o deut._n 29.29_o so_o that_o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o purify_v the_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 1.22_o and_o convert_v it_o ps_n 19.7_o so_o the_o use_n of_o it_o beside_o be_v to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a unto_o every_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.17_o that_o so_o it_o may_v prove_v the_o power_n of_o god_n every_o way_n both_o to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n as_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v it_o to_o be_v ronvere_n 1.16_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o principal_a scope_n whereat_o the_o word_n aim_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a either_o to_o observe_v what_o we_o ought_v in_o read_v the_o scripture_n or_o to_o apply_v they_o aright_o that_o we_o may_v therefore_o give_v fit_a direction_n for_o the_o profitable_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o manifest_o appear_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v first_o both_o into_o their_o nature_n and_o scope_n and_o as_o for_o their_o nature_n it_o can_v well_o be_v open_v unless_o we_o consider_v the_o author_n by_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v from_o who_o withal_o flow_v their_o authority_n the_o instrument_n by_o which_o they_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o matter_n or_o subject_n which_o they_o handle_v wherewith_o if_o we_o take_v in_o the_o scope_n at_o which_o they_o aim_v their_o necessary_a use_n unto_o we_o their_o power_n to_o command_v we_o and_o ability_n to_o work_v effectual_o in_o we_o and_o last_o their_o infallible_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o righteousness_n will_v evident_o appear_v so_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v just_a occasion_n to_o handle_v in_o order_n these_o four_o point_n 1._o the_o author_n from_o who_o arise_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n 2._o the_o penman_n by_o who_o they_o be_v write_v 3._o the_o matter_n or_o subject_n which_o they_o handle_v 4._o the_o scope_n or_o end_n at_o which_o they_o aim_v cap._n ii_o of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sect_n i._o that_o they_o neither_o can_v nor_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v give_v by_o any_o other_o then_o by_o god_n himself_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o at_o present_a we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o atheist_n pagan_n jew_n or_o turk_n that_o deny_v the_o scripture_n either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v god_n word_n but_o only_o with_o such_o person_n as_o admit_v and_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v yet_o want_v some_o clear_a light_n and_o full_a evidence_n to_o work_v into_o their_o heart_n a_o more_o certain_a persuasion_n and_o more_o feel_a impression_n of_o that_o truth_n whereof_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o all_o that_o be_v within_o they_o even_o their_o whole_a heart_n may_v not_o only_o bow_v and_o stoop_v but_o be_v whole_o throw_v down_o and_o lay_v flat_a on_o the_o earth_n before_o this_o mighty_a sceptre_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n wherefore_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o bring_v in_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v use_v and_o take_v up_o by_o other_o to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v god_n word_n but_o pass_v by_o among_o they_o such_o as_o be_v more_o obscure_a and_o far_o deduce_v shall_v content_v ourselves_o with_o such_o plain_a evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n as_o may_v be_v best_a understand_v of_o the_o simple_a and_o appear_v at_o the_o first_o view_n as_o be_v lively_a character_n imprint_v on_o the_o face_n and_o body_n of_o this_o sacred_a book_n by_o that_o divine_a spirit_n that_o compose_v it_o before_o we_o lie_v open_a these_o evidence_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o possible_a nor_o fit_a that_o these_o scripture_n shall_v flow_v from_o any_o other_o fountain_n than_o the_o most_o sacred_a breast_n of_o that_o holy_a lord_n who_o be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o sovereignty_n and_o power_n a_o truth_n which_o will_v be_v easy_o acknowledge_v if_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v general_o confess_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v or_o at_o least_o contain_v that_o law_n which_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o the_o right_a order_n thereof_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o also_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o that_o read_v they_o and_o yet_o that_o this_o truth_n may_v be_v more_o full_o clear_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o establish_v these_o two_o position_n first_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n must_v have_v a_o law_n second_o that_o this_o law_n can_v be_v find_v in_o no_o other_o book_n but_o the_o scripture_n that_o god_n church_n must_v have_v a_o law_n law_n that_o god_n church_n must_v have_v a_o law_n prove_v 1_o t_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n direct_v all_o society_n to_o govern_v by_o law_n and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n i_o conceive_v no_o sober_a man_n will_v deny_v if_o it_o be_v not_o prove_v be_v so_o clear_o manifest_v by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o society_n of_o man_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n as_o have_v find_v the_o establish_n of_o law_n the_o only_a mean_n of_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o ruin_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v never_o find_v any_o nation_n so_o barbarous_a that_o be_v not_o govern_v by_o some_o kind_n of_o law_n or_o other_o if_o then_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n direct_v all_o man_n general_o to_o the_o use_n of_o law_n as_o the_o main_a band_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o the_o best_a remedy_n against_o confusion_n and_o ruin_n that_o
be_v dictate_v by_o god_n himself_o unto_o those_o that_o write_v it_o from_o his_o mouth_n or_o the_o suggest_v of_o his_o spirit_n again_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v set_v down_o affirmative_o when_o the_o penman_n of_o those_o sacred_a writing_n be_v describe_v to_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v or_o carry_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o phrase_n which_o must_v be_v wary_o understand_v for_o we_o may_v not_o conceive_v that_o they_o be_v move_v in_o write_v these_o scripture_n as_o the_o pen_n be_v move_v by_o the_o hand_n that_o guide_v it_o without_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v for_o they_o not_o only_o understand_v but_o willing_o consent_v to_o what_o they_o write_v and_o be_v not_o like_o those_o that_o pronounce_v the_o devil_n oracle_n rapt_v and_o carry_v out_o of_o themselves_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o ecstasy_n wherein_o the_o devil_n make_v use_v of_o their_o tongue_n and_o mouth_n to_o pronounce_v that_o which_o themselves_o understand_v not_o but_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v they_o in_o this_o work_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n not_o according_a to_o nature_n willing_o yet_o understand_o &_o willing_o but_o above_o nature_n shine_v into_o their_o understanding_n clear_o and_o full_o by_o a_o heavenly_a and_o supernatural_a light_n and_z carrying_z and_o move_v their_o will_n thereby_o with_o a_o delight_n and_o holy_a embrace_v of_o that_o truth_n reveal_v and_o with_o a_o like_a desire_n to_o publish_v and_o make_v know_v the_o secret_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o they_o unto_o his_o church_n yea_o beyond_o all_o this_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o only_o suggest_v unto_o they_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v and_o leave_v upon_o record_n unto_o the_o church_n for_o so_o far_o he_o usual_o assist_v faithful_a minister_n in_o dispense_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o ministry_n but_o beside_o he_o supply_v unto_o they_o the_o very_a phrase_n method_n method_n the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v choice_n both_o of_o the_o expression_n and_o method_n and_o whole_a order_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o he_o leave_v minister_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o phrase_n and_o expression_n wherein_o as_o also_o in_o some_o particular_n which_o they_o deliver_v they_o may_v be_v mistake_v although_o in_o the_o main_a fundamental_o which_o they_o lie_v before_o their_o hearer_n and_o in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n they_o do_v not_o gross_o err_v thus_o than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o only_o assist_v holy_a man_n in_o pen_v the_o scripture_n but_o in_o a_o sort_n take_v the_o work_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n make_v use_n of_o nothing_o in_o the_o man_n but_o of_o their_o understanding_n to_o receive_v and_o comprehend_v their_o will_n to_o consent_v unto_o and_o their_o hand_n to_o write_v down_o that_o which_o they_o deliver_v when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n frame_v the_o very_a phrase_n and_o style_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v we_o mean_v not_o that_o he_o alter_v the_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v wherewith_o custom_n and_o education_n have_v acquaint_v those_o that_o write_v the_o scripture_n voice_n yet_o utter_v his_o own_o expression_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o sound_n of_o their_o voice_n but_o rather_o speak_v his_o own_o word_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o sound_n of_o their_o voice_n or_o choose_v out_o of_o their_o word_n and_o phrase_n such_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o his_o own_o purpose_n thus_o upon_o instrument_n man_n play_v what_o lesson_n they_o please_v but_o the_o instrument_n render_v the_o sound_n of_o it_o more_o harsh_a or_o pleasant_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o itself_o thus_o among_o the_o penman_n of_o scripture_n we_o find_v that_o some_o write_v in_o a_o rude_a and_o more_o impolished_a style_n as_o amos_n some_o in_o a_o more_o elegant_a phrase_n as_o isay_n some_o discover_v art_n and_o learning_n in_o their_o writing_n as_o s._n paul_n other_o write_v in_o a_o more_o vulgar_a way_n as_o s._n james_n and_o yet_o withal_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n draw_v their_o natural_a style_n to_o a_o high_a pirch_n in_o divine_a expression_n fit_v to_o the_o subject_n in_o hand_n how_o needful_a it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v sole_o manage_v and_o accomplish_v this_o work_n of_o pen_v the_o scripture_n have_v be_v show_v already_o in_o the_o former_a point_n wherein_o we_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n must_v necessary_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v faith_n can_v stay_v itself_o on_o no_o other_o foundation_n than_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o our_o service_n can_v be_v account_v a_o duty_n of_o obedience_n unless_o it_o be_v do_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n will_v which_o can_v be_v make_v know_v no_o other_o way_n then_o by_o his_o own_o word_n now_o the_o inference_n hold_v strong_o thus_o the_o scripture_n be_v god_n own_o word_n therefore_o they_o must_v be_v deliver_v by_o his_o own_o spirit_n see_v none_o else_o can_v know_v god_n mind_n as_o none_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2.11_o cap._n v._o of_o the_o subject_a or_o matter_n handle_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o much_o concern_v such_o as_o address_v themselves_o to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o subject_a matter_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n be_v to_o know_v what_o subject_n they_o handle_v of_o what_o nature_n it_o be_v who_o and_o what_o it_o concern_v as_o be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o awaken_v the_o heart_n and_o quicken_v the_o affection_n of_o man_n unto_o that_o holy_a exercise_n for_o all_o experience_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o man_n usual_o attend_v careful_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o most_o near_o concern_v themselves_o degree_n 1._o such_o as_o concern_v man_n 2._o and_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o be_v not_o much_o move_v usual_o with_o thing_n in_o which_o they_o have_v no_o special_a interest_n and_o be_v serious_a in_o matter_n of_o importance_n on_o which_o their_o own_o safety_n or_o their_o estate_n depend_v but_o slight_a thing_n that_o be_v of_o small_a worth_n and_o of_o no_o great_a moment_n to_o their_o gain_n or_o loss_n wherefore_o to_o move_v man_n to_o be_v serious_a in_o read_v the_o word_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o subject_n thereof_o be_v high_a and_o heavenly_a exceed_v man_n wisdom_n and_o therefore_o worthy_a to_o be_v thorough_o search_v into_o and_o beside_o of_o such_o importance_n to_o we_o that_o upon_o it_o depend_v our_o everlasting_a happiness_n the_o way_n whereunto_o and_o mean_n whereof_o be_v set_v down_o therein_o see_v therefore_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o position_n propose_v and_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o be_v so_o pertinent_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o be_v handle_v in_o this_o place_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o open_v it_o more_o full_o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n to_o express_v first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n second_o how_o the_o scripture_n do_v contain_v they_o concern_v the_o former_a of_o these_o two_o meritorious_a necessary_a import_v not_o 1._o a_o natural_a necessity_n 2._o nor_o meritorious_a by_o necessary_a we_o understand_v not_o a_o natural_a necessity_n by_o which_o the_o be_v of_o one_o thing_n depend_v upon_o another_o as_o the_o effect_n do_v upon_o the_o cause_n no_o nor_o a_o meritorious_a necessity_n by_o which_o salvation_n may_v be_v earn_v as_o one_o yearn_v his_o wage_n by_o his_o labour_n in_o either_o of_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o can_v have_v no_o cause_n in_o nature_n nor_o be_v earn_v by_o desert_n see_v it_o be_v a_o free_a gift_n god_n but_o a_o necessity_n impose_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n rom._n 6.23_o eph._n 2.8_o but_o by_o necessary_a we_o mean_v a_o necessity_n impose_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o bestow_v eternal_a life_n free_o have_v power_n to_o bestow_v it_o on_o what_o condition_n he_o please_v and_o have_v promise_v it_o only_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n the_o rule_n whereof_o be_v contain_v only_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therein_o full_o they_o be_v for_o that_o cause_n say_v to_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n when_o we_o say_v it_o be_v only_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o make_v faith_n and_o obedience_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o deny_v not_o but_o this_o will_n of_o he_o have_v in_o this_o as_o
but_o in_o this_o place_n we_o understand_v by_o it_o both_o the_o apprehension_n of_o such_o as_o be_v represent_v and_o the_o judge_n of_o they_o after_o they_o be_v apprehend_v by_o way_n either_o of_o approbation_n or_o disallow_v both_o these_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n the_o apostle_n mention_n phil._n 1.9_o again_o although_o embrace_v seem_v first_o to_o import_v election_n of_o the_o will_n affection_n 2._o embrace_v include_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n yet_o here_o we_o include_v under_o it_o the_o prosecution_n of_o thing_n choose_v with_o the_o affection_n of_o desire_n hope_n care_n joy_n etc._n etc._n together_o with_o the_o opposite_a motion_n of_o reject_v hate_v fear_v shun_v &c._n &c._n of_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o understanding_n in_o judgement_n disallow_n by_o all_o thing_n we_o understand_v thing_n of_o all_o kind_n thing_n 3._o all_o thing_n whether_o natural_a or_o spiritual_a or_o mix_v natural_a 1._o natural_a now_o natural_a thing_n be_v all_o sort_n of_o creature_n with_o their_o several_a quality_n adjunct_n and_o operation_n which_o though_o they_o be_v themselves_o natural_a yet_o their_o first_o cause_n their_o dependence_n end_n relation_n and_o whole_a order_n of_o administration_n be_v of_o spiritual_a consideration_n which_o therefore_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n can_v neither_o thorough_o comprehend_v nor_o at_o all_o judge_n of_o aright_o as_o the_o psalmist_n witness_v psal_n 92.6_o as_o a_o spiritual_a man_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v a_o wise_a man_n can_v do_v hos_fw-la 14.9_o neither_o consequent_o can_v he_o make_v that_o right_a and_o holy_a use_n of_o they_o which_o a_o spiritual_a man_n may_v do_v and_o do_v usual_o psal_n 64.10_o spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_a 2._o spiritual_a be_v god_n himself_o in_o the_o first_o place_n who_o the_o world_n have_v not_o know_v john_n 17.25_o as_o spiritual_a man_n do_v 1_o john_n 2.13_o and_o next_o the_o thing_n free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n term_v they_o 1_o cor._n 2.12_o especial_o christ_n with_o all_o his_o treasure_n which_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v none_o but_o a_o spiritual_a person_n can_v comprehend_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o as_o be_v hide_v from_o all_o age_n and_o generation_n and_o manifest_v only_o to_o the_o saint_n col._n 1.26_o 27._o and_o that_o by_o god_n himself_o mat._n 11.25_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n mix_v 3._o mix_v be_v spiritual_a thing_n express_v and_o represent_v by_o such_o as_o be_v natural_a as_o be_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n for_o in_o the_o word_n the_o phrase_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n be_v according_a to_o nature_n and_o of_o use_n among_o natural_a man_n but_o the_o thing_n mean_v and_o express_v by_o they_o be_v spiritual_a and_o in_o the_o sacrament_n the_o element_n and_o the_o sacramental_a action_n by_o which_o they_o be_v use_v and_o apply_v we_o know_v be_v natural_a but_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v represent_v by_o they_o be_v whole_o mystical_a and_o spiritual_a in_o both_o the_o natural_a man_n understand_v the_o phrase_n expression_n and_o rational_a discourse_n in_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o sacrament_n not_o only_o the_o visible_a element_n and_o action_n but_o their_o signification_n also_o but_o the_o thing_n signify_v in_o both_o see_v they_o be_v such_o as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v and_o that_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o any_o natural_a mean_n they_o can_v be_v understand_v by_o any_o natural_a man_n all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o unfolding_a this_o truth_n lie_v in_o interpret_n this_o term_n spiritual_o spiritual_o 4._o spiritual_o a_o word_n that_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n as_o be_v also_o the_o word_n spirit_n whence_o it_o be_v derive_v for_o a_o spirit_n in_o strict_a signification_n be_v that_o which_o be_v absolute_o and_o mere_o so_o and_o in_o that_o sense_n the_o name_n be_v appropriate_v to_o god_n alone_o john_n 4.24_o according_a to_o this_o sense_n spiritual_a be_v that_o which_o be_v of_o or_o belong_v to_o god_n or_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a comparative_o a_o spirit_n signify_v that_o which_o be_v less_o gross_a or_o material_a to_o which_o be_v oppose_v gross_a carnal_a and_o sensual_a both_o sense_n may_v be_v include_v under_o this_o term_n in_o this_o place_n again_o to_o comprehend_v spiritual_o may_v be_v refer_v first_o to_o the_o object_n comprehend_v thing_n which_o refer_v to_o the_o object_n import_v 1._o to_o comprehend_v that_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v spiritual_a or_o by_o a_o spiritual_a light_n to_o comprehend_v all_o thing_n and_o so_o it_o signify_v to_o comprehend_v that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a in_o that_o object_n second_o it_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o mean_n and_o it_o signify_v to_o comprehend_v thing_n by_o a_o spiritual_a light_n or_o judgement_n last_o refer_v to_o the_o manner_n it_o imply_v to_o comprehend_v in_o a_o supernatural_a way_n which_o we_o special_o intend_v in_o this_o place_n though_o withal_o we_o include_v both_o the_o former_a sense_n what_o it_o be_v to_o comprehend_v or_o understand_v thing_n spiritual_o be_v hard_o to_o express_v as_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o describe_v what_o it_o be_v to_o see_v or_o hear_v which_o be_v well_o know_v to_o such_o as_o see_v or_o hear_v but_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v describe_v so_o distinct_o by_o discourse_n answer_v resemble_v by_o sight_n to_o which_o faith_n answer_v the_o scripture_n set_v it_o out_o by_o resemblance_n of_o outward_a sense_n as_o heb._n 5.14_o and_o among_o the_o sense_n set_v out_o the_o two_o way_n of_o discover_v thing_n spiritual_o faith_n by_o sight_n and_o experience_n by_o taste_n so_o abraham_n believe_v christ_n by_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o see_v his_o day_n john_n 8.56_o experience_n and_o taste_v which_o shadow_n out_o spiritual_a experience_n moses_n to_o see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a heb._n 11.27_o and_o again_o we_o be_v say_v to_o taste_v that_o be_v prove_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a 1_o pet._n 2.3_o both_o be_v join_v together_o ps_n 34.8_o the_o two_o several_a way_n of_o comprehend_v thing_n spiritual_o faith_n and_o experience_n we_o be_v now_o to_o inquire_v into_o describe_v they_o as_o plain_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o will_v give_v leave_n sect_n iii_o of_o faith_n and_o the_o two_o sort_n of_o faith_n historical_a and_o justify_v faith_n or_o believe_a be_v in_o common_a use_n of_o speech_n take_v for_o incline_v strong_o in_o opinion_n unto_o that_o of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o infallible_a assurance_n knowledge_n faith_n not_o take_v here_o as_o oppose_v to_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n it_o be_v oppose_v to_o knowledge_n which_o signify_v assurance_n of_o some_o thing_n upon_o certainty_n testimony_n butimport_v certain_a knowledge_n upon_o divine_a testimony_n and_o that_o most_o common_o by_o some_o sense_n or_o other_o but_o among_o divine_n faith_n be_v common_o take_v for_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o any_o truth_n upon_o divine_a testimony_n this_o faith_n be_v usual_o distinguish_v into_o historical_a temporary_a and_o justify_v faith_n as_o for_o that_o which_o they_o term_v the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n it_o concern_v not_o the_o subject_n that_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n but_o because_o temporary_a faith_n will_v hereafter_o appear_v to_o differ_v not_o in_o nature_n but_o only_o in_o some_o degree_n from_o historical_a faith_n we_o shall_v need_v only_o to_o entreat_v of_o that_o and_o justify_v faith_n at_o present_a the_o nature_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o that_o and_o the_o other_o which_o we_o call_v historical_a will_v be_v most_o easy_o &_o clear_o discover_v by_o set_v down_o a_o brief_a description_n thereof_o describe_v true_a or_o justify_v faith_n describe_v and_o by_o explain_v the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o afterward_o we_o therefore_o define_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a habit_n by_o which_o a_o regenerate_v man_n have_v in_o himself_o upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o covenant_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n through_o jesus_n christ_n rely_v on_o he_o only_o for_o everlasting_a life_n and_o blessedness_n we_o call_v faith_n a_o habit_n lose_v which_o be_v 1._o a_o habit_n yet_o unlike_o it_o 1._o see_v it_o be_v infuse_v not_o get_v by_o use_n 2._o and_o can_v as_o habit_n may_v be_v whole_o lose_v because_o it_o much_o resemble_v those_o habit_n which_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v especial_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v hardly_o or_o according_a to_o truth_n never_o to_o be_v remove_v or_o whole_o lose_v although_o otherwise_o it_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o this_o that_o those_o natural_a habit_n be_v acquire_v by_o use_n whereas_o faith_n be_v infuse_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n if_o we_o respect_v the_o first_o plant_n of_o it_o in_o the_o heart_n
that_o two_o different_a construction_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o same_o place_n of_o scripture_n import_v both_o of_o they_o a_o sense_n orthodox_n and_o indifferent_o agree_v with_o the_o circumstance_n precedent_n and_o consequent_n of_o the_o text._n be_v we_o may_v take_v which_o we_o please_v or_o both_o if_o need_v be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o man_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o embrace_v which_o he_o think_v best_o so_o he_o condemn_v not_o the_o other_o or_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o both_o for_o instruction_n and_o meditation_n as_o conceive_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o can_v in_o those_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o place_n have_v speak_v more_o distinct_o have_v leave_v those_o place_n of_o doubtful_a construction_n to_o supply_v we_o with_o more_o variety_n of_o matter_n for_o our_o use_n and_o edification_n we_o meet_v sometime_o with_o parable_n and_o similitude_n they_o similitude_n must_v be_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v they_o nor_o any_o principle_n of_o truth_n build_v upon_o they_o which_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v they_o and_o that_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v by_o the_o occasion_n and_o by_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o text._n now_o these_o similitude_n be_v use_v for_o illustration_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n we_o may_v easy_o make_v use_n of_o they_o so_o far_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o safe_a to_o build_v any_o principle_n of_o truth_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v not_o confirm_v by_o other_o clear_a place_n of_o scripture_n where_o we_o find_v heavenly_a thing_n express_v by_o earthly_a as_o when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o come_v down_o spiritual_o resemblance_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n by_o earthly_a must_v be_v understand_v spiritual_o to_o depart_v to_o sit_v to_o stand_v to_o have_v part_n of_o a_o humane_a body_n when_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n be_v call_v a_o kingdom_n wherein_o man_n be_v say_v to_o have_v house_n throne_n etc._n 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and_o last_o they_o express_v and_o set_v they_o out_o in_o such_o phrase_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n as_o may_v best_o fit_v the_o matter_n which_o they_o have_v in_o hand_n see_v therefore_o god_n in_o these_o holy_a writing_n which_o we_o call_v the_o scripture_n speak_v to_o man_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o he_o must_v do_v expression_n for_o raise_v observation_n out_o of_o scripture_n 1._o search_v after_o the_o scope_n 2._o take_v notice_n of_o the_o matter_n 3._o observe_v the_o order_n 4._o the_o phrase_n or_o expression_n if_o he_o will_v be_v understand_v by_o they_o we_o must_v necessary_o in_o the_o first_o place_n search_n after_o the_o end_n and_o scope_n at_o which_o he_o aim_v principal_o in_o these_o book_n second_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o subject_n which_o he_o handle_v therein_o three_o we_o must_v careful_o observe_v the_o order_n and_o method_n and_o last_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n of_o speech_n which_o the_o lord_n make_v choice_n of_o in_o express_v and_o set_v down_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o deliver_v in_o this_o sacred_a volume_n now_o the_o general_a scope_n which_o god_n aim_v at_o in_o these_o holy_a writing_n which_o we_o call_v his_o word_n be_v that_o which_o he_o also_o propose_v unto_o himself_o in_o all_o his_o work_n know_v the_o general_a scope_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o make_v god_n know_v namely_o to_o make_v himself_o know_v unto_o man_n that_o they_o may_v honour_v he_o as_o god_n advance_v he_o alone_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o believe_v in_o and_o serve_v he_o alone_o may_v by_o that_o mean_v further_a their_o own_o salvation_n that_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_o testify_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o joh._n 5.39_o who_o upon_o this_o ground_n exhort_v we_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n because_o in_o they_o say_v he_o you_o think_v that_o be_v you_o make_v account_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n joh._n 20.31_o that_o it_o be_v write_v that_o we_o may_v believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o believe_v on_o he_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n may_v be_v true_o verify_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o of_o the_o scope_n of_o his_o word_n in_o general_n for_o these_o purpose_n work_n for_o which_o end_n god_n spirit_n handle_v subject_n fit_a for_o it_o record_v his_o work_n and_o for_o the_o further_a of_o these_o end_n god_n make_v choice_n of_o and_o handle_v in_o the_o scripture_n such_o subject_n as_o may_v make_v he_o best_o know_v unto_o we_o such_o as_o be_v all_o his_o ware_n &_o work_v as_o well_o of_o creation_n as_o of_o providence_n in_o the_o administration_n support_v and_o dispose_v all_o that_o he_o have_v make_v prophet_n especial_o in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n 1._o his_o law_n 2._o the_o application_n of_o they_o by_o the_o prophet_n especial_o in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n second_o his_o law_n and_o precept_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o his_o people_n for_o the_o right_a order_n of_o their_o way_n three_o we_o have_v in_o the_o prophecy_n the_o application_n of_o these_o law_n and_o of_o the_o sanction_n annex_v thereunto_o unto_o the_o manner_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n to_o who_o they_o be_v deliver_v together_o with_o the_o history_n both_o of_o the_o godly_a prosper_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n service_n and_o of_o the_o wicked_a perish_v in_o their_o rebellion_n psal_n 92.15_o hos_fw-la 14.9_o 1_o cor._n 10.6_o attribute_n all_o discover_v his_o glorious_a attribute_n in_o all_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v wonderful_o discover_v unto_o we_o his_o power_n goodness_n wisdom_n faithfulness_n justice_n and_o mercy_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v needs_o or_o aught_o at_o least_o to_o work_v our_o heart_n to_o a_o firm_a adherence_n to_o he_o fear_n to_o win_v we_o to_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o faith_n love_n and_o fear_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o fear_v and_o quicken_v we_o to_o all_o duty_n of_o obedience_n in_o which_o he_o require_v to_o be_v serve_v unto_o which_o we_o be_v wonderful_o encourage_v by_o such_o example_n as_o be_v lay_v down_o before_o we_o in_o the_o word_n which_o manifest_a the_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n so_o that_o all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o the_o just_a shall_v walk_v in_o they_o but_o the_o transgressor_n shall_v fall_v therein_o hos_fw-la 14.9_o sect_n i._o of_o the_o subject_a matter_n handle_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o first_o of_o god_n work_n the_o scripture_n in_o record_v &_o set_v out_o before_o we_o the_o history_n of_o god_n work_n god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n be_v manifest_v god_n begin_v first_o with_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n with_o all_o thing_n therein_o by_o his_o mighty_a word_n wherein_o be_v discover_v unto_o we_o eternity_n eternity_n first_o god_n eternity_n who_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n psal_n 90.2_o yea_o before_o time_n itself_o in_o which_o they_o be_v create_v and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v from_o everlasting_a second_o self-being_a self-being_a we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o his_o self_n be_v who_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o give_v be_v to_o all_o thing_n must_v necessary_o be_v of_o himself_o and_o can_v not_o otherwise_o have_v impart_v that_o be_v to_o the_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v not_o in_o and_o of_o himself_o three_o we_o discover_v his_o free_a and_o overflow_a bounty_n bounty_n bounty_n who_o nothing_o can_v possible_o move_v to_o create_v the_o world_n but_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o who_o in_o create_v it_o have_v furnish_v and_o store_v it_o with_o such_o infinite_a variety_n of_o all_o
can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o endeavour_n to_o bring_v our_o civil_a government_n as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v unto_o that_o in_o all_o case_n wherein_o our_o state_n pattern_n 4._o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v our_o civil_a government_n as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v to_o that_o pattern_n and_o they_o agree_v as_o for_o instance_n whereas_o the_o lord_n think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o punish_v simple_a theft_n with_o restitution_n of_o double_a or_o four_o fold_n exod._n 22.1_o we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v whether_o our_o law_n be_v not_o too_o strict_a in_o punish_v bare_a theft_n at_o least_o in_o woman_n with_o death_n without_o remedy_n on_o the_o other_o side_n see_v god_n appoint_v death_n to_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o adultery_n levit_fw-la 20.10_o deut._n 22.22_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o think_v our_o law_n defective_a that_o pass_v it_o over_o with_o a_o light_a censure_n for_o who_o can_v better_v judge_n of_o the_o quality_n of_o offence_n and_o punishment_n fit_a for_o the_o restraint_n of_o they_o than_o god_n himself_o neither_o can_v we_o excuse_v ourselves_o by_o this_o that_o those_o law_n be_v judicial_a be_v now_o take_v away_o and_o make_v void_a unto_o we_o see_v where_o our_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o adultery_n and_o theft_n be_v the_o same_o in_o what_o state_n so_o ever_o there_o our_o rule_n of_o judgement_n in_o all_o equity_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o general_a it_o will_v be_v very_o needful_a to_o observe_v careful_o the_o equity_n and_o righteousness_n of_o all_o these_o law_n as_o well_o judicial_a as_o moral_a justice_n 5._o in_o those_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o moral_a law_n we_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o god_n equity_n and_o justice_n as_o the_o psalmist_n acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o testimony_n which_o god_n have_v command_v be_v righteous_a and_o very_o faithful_a psal_n 119.138_o right_o concern_v all_o thing_n ver_fw-la 128._o that_o we_o may_v thence_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v a_o righteous_a god_n who_o judgement_n be_v upright_o psal_n 119.137_o a_o god_n without_o iniquity_n just_a and_o upright_o deut._n 32.4_o and_o may_v with_o the_o more_o care_n and_o diligence_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v both_o our_o heart_n and_o practice_n to_o a_o full_a conformity_n to_o those_o just_a and_o equal_a commandment_n both_o in_o our_o general_n and_o particular_a calling_n see_v the_o lord_n in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n aim_v only_o at_o that_o end_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o all_o those_o law_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o prescribe_v but_o equity_n and_o justice_n of_o those_o subject_n or_o matter_n which_o the_o scripture_n handle_v we_o have_v hitherto_o consider_v what_o observation_n we_o may_v gather_v unto_o ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o work_n and_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v record_v therein_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o these_o holy_a writing_n hold_v out_o unto_o we_o be_v either_o principle_n of_o faith_n or_o prophecy_n of_o the_o event_n which_o be_v to_o befall_v the_o church_n or_o history_n either_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a or_o particular_o of_o man_n life_n and_o action_n either_o good_a or_o evil_n all_o which_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o of_o the_o instruction_n which_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o they_o for_o use_v now_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o faith_n plain_a the_o principle_n or_o faith_n be_v plain_a they_o describe_v unto_o we_o both_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v free_o give_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n in_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n term_n they_o 1_o cor._n 2.12_o and_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o express_v in_o so_o clear_a and_o plain_a term_n and_o therefore_o so_o easy_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o themselves_o rule_v of_o faith_n as_o the_o commandment_n be_v rule_n of_o practice_n any_o man_n that_o read_v and_o observe_v they_o careful_o may_v easy_o without_o further_a direction_n discover_v what_o they_o teach_v we_o only_o because_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n thing_n that_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o he_o mean_v a_o natural_a man_n who_o can_v neither_o comprehend_v nor_o much_o less_o approve_v they_o 1_o cor._n 2.14_o they_o need_v a_o light_n above_o nature_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o comprehend_v they_o as_o we_o ought_v wisdom_n but_o be_v spiritual_a in_o read_v they_o we_o must_v 1._o deny_v our_o own_o wisdom_n wherefore_o we_o be_v serious_o to_o be_v exhort_v to_o come_v to_o the_o read_n of_o they_o with_o humble_a mind_n whole_o lay_v aside_o and_o deny_v our_o own_o wisdom_n and_o with_o earnest_a prayer_n beg_v at_o god_n hand_n the_o light_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o reveal_n unto_o we_o those_o wonderful_a mystery_n as_o david_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v open_v his_o eye_n spiritual_o 2._o beg_v the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o spiritual_o that_o he_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o his_o law_n psal_n 119.18_o and_o that_o not_o only_o to_o discover_v they_o unto_o we_o in_o a_o rational_a way_n but_o to_o manifest_v they_o unto_o we_o spiritual_o that_o we_o may_v taste_v and_o see_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v psal_n 34.8_o which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o affect_v the_o heart_n as_o the_o sight_n of_o christ_n day_n fill_v abraham_n heart_n with_o joy_n john_n 8.36_o in_o the_o next_o place_n for_o the_o prophecy_n observe_v in_o the_o prophecy_n observe_v in_o which_o the_o law_n with_o the_o sanction_n thereof_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o those_o prophet_n the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o they_o be_v the_o answerableness_n of_o god_n dispensation_n in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o people_n law_n 1._o that_o god_n dispensation_n to_o his_o church_n be_v answerable_a to_o his_o law_n to_o the_o law_n that_o he_o give_v they_o whereof_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n take_v special_a notice_n dan._n 9.13_o this_o observation_n both_o justify_v god_n when_o he_o be_v find_v not_o to_o go_v beyond_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v make_v with_o his_o people_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v just_a even_o in_o his_o chastisement_n and_o judgement_n which_o he_o bring_v upon_o his_o own_o neh._n 9.33_o and_o beside_o be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o awe_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o servant_n the_o more_o with_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n judgement_n when_o they_o observe_v that_o god_n threaten_n be_v not_o vain_a word_n but_o be_v make_v good_a in_o real_a performance_n as_o the_o tread_v down_o and_o put_v away_o of_o the_o wicked_a like_o dross_n cause_v david_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n judgement_n psal_n 119.118_o 119_o 120._o second_o in_o read_v those_o prophecy_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o god_n care_n of_o his_o people_n come_v 2._o god_n unwillingness_n to_o grieve_v his_o people_n forewarn_v they_o of_o the_o evil_n to_o come_v and_o tenderness_n of_o their_o good_a and_o unwillingness_n to_o grieve_v they_o lam._n 3.33_o hos_fw-la 11.8_o 9_o manifest_v by_o send_v his_o prophet_n both_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o obedience_n by_o counsel_n and_o fair_a mean_n from_o their_o wicked_a way_n wherein_o they_o walk_v contrary_a to_o god_n as_o moses_n term_n it_o levit._n 26.23_o 40._o and_o withal_o to_o warn_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n that_o hang_v over_o their_o head_n if_o they_o persist_v in_o their_o rebellious_a course_n and_o indeed_o upon_o this_o ground_n god_n justify_v both_o his_o compassion_n towards_o his_o people_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o take_v vengeance_n even_o upon_o his_o own_o people_n for_o their_o rebellion_n from_o which_o neither_o experience_n nor_o advice_n and_o counsel_n can_v reclaim_v they_o nor_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o fury_n of_o his_o wrath_n upon_o they_o 2_o chron._n 36.15_o 16_o 17._o they_o and_o aim_v at_o their_o good_a in_o the_o judgement_n that_o he_o bring_v upon_o they_o which_o yet_o withal_o he_o do_v both_o in_o respect_n to_o their_o good_a and_o purge_v out_o of_o their_o dross_n in_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n isa_n 1.15_o as_o also_o to_o his_o own_o honour_n much_o impeach_v by_o his_o people_n evil_a course_n 2_o sam._n 12.14_o for_o which_o if_o he_o shall_v forbear_v to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o he_o may_v be_v judge_v partial_a or_o a_o approver_n of_o evil_a like_a unto_o wicked_a man_n as_o god_n himself_o speak_v psal_n