therefore_o the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v ever_o attend_v to_o the_o design_n it_o serve_v and_o its_o sufficiency_n to_o compass_v that_o design_n for_o example_n in_o the_o historical_a part_n we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v a_o full_a and_o just_a relation_n of_o all_o that_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n no_o nor_o of_o all_o that_o happen_v to_o that_o people_n of_o who_o affair_n it_o more_o profess_o treat_v a_o competent_a quantity_n of_o the_o main_a and_o most_o significant_a passage_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n such_o as_o draw_v down_o a_o just_a account_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o wherein_o the_o law_n and_o polity_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v type_n of_o he_o or_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n so_o again_o the_o prophecy_n do_v not_o foretell_v all_o that_o shall_v happen_v under_o the_o gospel_n nor_o every_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o but_o be_v content_v with_o draw_v the_o principal_a line_n and_o give_v representation_n and_o character_n so_o like_a and_o lively_a as_o when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v appear_v in_o flesh_n and_o event_n come_v to_o be_v compare_v with_o prediction_n may_v render_v man_n exceed_o to_o blame_v if_o they_o do_v not_o accept_v and_o regard_v that_o person_n as_o the_o promise_a messiah_n in_o who_o those_o description_n so_o exact_o centre_v nay_o even_o in_o the_o gospel_n itself_o st._n john_n make_v no_o difficulty_n to_o own_o that_o a_o world_n of_o remarkable_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n do_v by_o christ_n be_v not_o however_o leave_v upon_o record_n but_o that_o enough_o be_v leave_v to_o build_v man_n faith_n upon_o now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o the_o alwise_a god_n can_v under_o each_o of_o those_o period_n have_v inspire_v the_o holy_a penman_n with_o all_o that_o be_v omit_v or_o that_o he_o can_v if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v make_v but_o one_o period_n and_o reveal_v all_o together_o but_o when_o he_o do_v not_o so_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o revelation_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o end_n of_o they_o that_o he_o intend_v not_o the_o scripture_n for_o a_o repository_n of_o all_o truth_n in_o the_o simple_a and_o most_o comprehensive_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n but_o of_o all_o which_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n such_o as_o their_o present_a circumstance_n require_v and_o what_o he_o intend_v they_o shall_v be_v accountable_a for_o and_o as_o he_o will_v not_o be_v niggardly_o in_o these_o communication_n so_o neither_o be_v he_o profuse_a nay_o from_o hence_o i_o argue_v 4._o four_o that_o even_o all_o truth_n which_o may_v have_v any_o tendency_n to_o direct_v man_n in_o their_o duty_n be_v not_o particular_o and_o express_o to_o be_v find_v there_o nor_o be_v it_o all_o necessary_a or_o indeed_o human_o speak_v possible_a that_o they_o shall_v and_o this_o direct_o meet_v with_o a_o opinion_n unhappy_a in_o its_o consequence_n but_o entertain_v it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v out_o of_o a_o honest_a zeal_n and_o well-meant_a reverence_n for_o these_o bless_a write_n that_o i_o mean_v of_o man_n not_o be_v allow_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o which_o some_o express_a command_n or_o warrant_v or_o at_o least_o example_n may_v not_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o scripture_n i_o can_v now_o stand_v to_o show_v the_o danger_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o govern_v our_o life_n by_o the_o example_n even_o of_o good_a man_n but_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o rule_n in_o general_n and_o to_o disengage_v man_n from_o the_o many_o sad_a suspense_v and_o snare_n which_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o bring_v unwary_a conscience_n under_o by_o these_o follow_a particular_n first_o let_v it_o be_v remember_v that_o our_o obligation_n to_o obey_v the_o scripture_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o their_o be_v write_v but_o from_o their_o be_v the_o discovery_n of_o god_n will_n and_o our_o duty_n consequent_o whatever_o come_v to_o my_o knowledge_n as_o his_o pleasure_n concern_v i_o have_v the_o same_o bind_a power_n upon_o my_o conscience_n be_v the_o method_n of_o make_v it_o so_o know_v to_o i_o what_o it_o will_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n and_o the_o sufficient_a promulge_v of_o the_o law_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o induce_v the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o if_o god_n who_o be_v the_o absolute_a and_o only_a master_n of_o my_o conscience_n have_v several_a way_n of_o signify_v his_o pleasure_n the_o particular_a manner_n of_o do_v it_o be_v accidental_a and_o foreign_a to_o this_o bind_v power_n and_o make_v not_o the_o least_o difference_n in_o my_o engagement_n to_o submission_n and_o obedience_n now_o second_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o god_n not_o only_o do_v former_o but_o that_o he_o do_v still_o use_v other_o method_n of_o manifest_v his_o will_n beside_o that_o of_o the_o write_a word_n there_o have_v be_v time_n and_o person_n that_o know_v no_o other_o law_n but_o reason_n and_o when_o god_n add_v a_o bright_a candle_n he_o do_v not_o put_v out_o the_o old_a one_o or_o forbid_v we_o to_o walk_v by_o its_o light_n so_o far_o as_o that_o be_v able_a to_o direct_v we_o the_o very_a divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o be_v of_o the_o god_n from_o whence_o that_o authority_n be_v derive_v be_v principle_n arise_v from_o common_a reason_n and_o how_o absurd_a will_v it_o be_v to_o allow_v no_o standard_n of_o truth_n in_o religion_n no_o rule_n of_o behaviour_n but_o scripture_n when_o the_o two_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o all_o religion_n must_v be_v make_v out_o to_o we_o from_o other_o principle_n and_o can_v with_o any_o propriety_n of_o argue_v be_v fetch_v from_o scripture_n itself_o three_o the_o very_a temper_n and_o composition_n of_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o necessary_o refer_v we_o to_o some_o other_o rule_n for_o this_o be_v a_o system_fw-la of_o mix_a and_o very_o different_a duty_n some_o of_o eternal_a and_o universal_a obligation_n other_o occasional_a and_o particular_a limit_v to_o time_n and_o circumstance_n and_o when_o those_o occasion_n and_o circumstance_n cease_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o command_n be_v lose_v and_o the_o whole_a reason_n and_o force_n of_o it_o sink_v of_o course_n this_o be_v observable_a more_o especial_o in_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o true_a in_o sundry_a other_o case_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v oftentimes_o deliver_v promiscuous_o and_o in_o general_a term_n man_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v recourse_n to_o some_o other_o rule_n to_o distinguish_v and_o guide_v they_o in_o make_v the_o just_a difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o sort._n and_o this_o be_v what_o equity_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n must_v do_v where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o have_v make_v no_o express_a difference_n at_o all_o four_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n do_v not_o concern_v we_o just_a as_o the_o word_n and_o syllable_n be_v set_v down_o there_o but_o according_a to_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o rational_a mean_v of_o the_o text._n and_o in_o order_n to_o just_a resolution_n of_o this_o kind_n many_o qualification_n be_v requisite_a a_o mind_n true_o honest_a and_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n sincere_a and_o unprejudiced_a the_o be_v not_o only_o content_a but_o desirous_a to_o learn_v and_o ready_a to_o retract_v error_n and_o reform_v vice_n when_o upon_o a_o fair_a examination_n they_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o to_o this_o we_o must_v add_v diligence_n and_o care_n and_o skill_n such_o as_o may_v enable_v man_n to_o compare_v and_o reconcile_v and_o form_v a_o judgement_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n to_o consider_v the_o context_n the_o occasion_n the_o expression_n the_o genius_n of_o the_o country_n and_o propriety_n of_o language_n and_o to_o fix_v upon_o such_o commodious_a interpretation_n from_o hence_o as_o may_v never_o set_v one_o scripture_n at_o variance_n with_o another_o and_o where_o these_o qualification_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v there_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a spirit_n a_o orderly_a submission_n to_o honest_a and_o better_a judgement_n and_o endure_v to_o be_v ignorant_a in_o matter_n above_o one_o reach_n now_o all_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o understanding_n and_o will_n assist_v by_o god_n grace_n and_o all_o so_o necessary_a that_o without_o such_o application_n and_o appeal_n to_o fair_a unbiased_a reason_n the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n itself_o may_v misguide_v and_o prove_v a_o snare_n to_o we_o five_o the_o nature_n of_o humane_a action_n put_v it_o out_o of_o dispute_n that_o the_o scripture_n alone_o can_v never_o be_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a direction_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n for_o the_o circumstance_n
the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n state_v and_o its_o sufficiency_n argue_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o public_a commencement_n at_o cambridge_n sunday_n july_n four_o 1697._o by_o george_n stanhope_n d.d._n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o late_a fellow_n of_o king_n college_n publish_a at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o reverend_a the_o vicechancellor_n the_o divinity-professor_n and_o other_o head_n of_o college_n london_n print_v for_o r._n sare_n at_o gray's-inn-gate_n in_o holborn_n and_o matt._n wotton_n at_o the_o three_o dagger_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1697._o ii_o timoth_n three_o 16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n the_o apostle_n have_v have_v occasion_n in_o the_o fifteen_o verse_n to_o mention_v the_o holy_a scripture_n under_o that_o general_a character_n of_o be_v able_a to_o make_v timothy_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n think_v fit_a to_o enlarge_v somewhat_o more_o upon_o so_o glorious_a a_o subject_n and_o to_o give_v this_o particular_a and_o very_a magnificent_a commendation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n now_o read_v to_o you_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n whereof_o and_o set_v the_o argument_n comprehend_v under_o they_o in_o its_o true_a light_n permit_v i_o brief_o to_o premise_v a_o few_o observation_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o expression_n themselves_o i._o the_o first_o of_o these_o relate_v to_o the_o subject-matter_n of_o the_o assertion_n all_o scripture_n where_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o st._n paul_n by_o scripture_n mean_v those_o write_n which_o be_v general_o receive_v and_o reverence_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o authentic_a signification_n of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n such_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n acknowledge_v to_o come_v from_o heaven_n by_o the_o mouth_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o these_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o scripture_n which_o timothy_n be_v say_v to_o have_v know_v from_o a_o child_n v._n 15._o and_o such_o likewise_o be_v those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n then_o extant_a which_o if_o we_o attend_v to_o the_o paulin._n the_o ann._n chr._n lxvii_o neron_n xiii_o vide_fw-la pearson_n cestr_n in_o annal_n paulin._n time_n of_o send_v this_o epistle_n many_o indeed_o most_o except_o the_o write_n of_o st._n john_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v and_o therefore_o 147._o therefore_o so_o scultetus_n in_o locum_fw-la chemnitius_n exam._n conc_fw-fr trident._n p._n i._o cap._n 1._o gerhard_n loc._n commun_n de_fw-fr sacr._n script_n cap._n xviii_o p._n 147._o learned_a person_n have_v take_v these_o into_o the_o account_n and_o think_v st._n paul_n very_o proper_o to_o intimate_v that_o they_o also_o be_v equal_o worthy_a of_o timothy_n study_n of_o the_o same_o mighty_a benefit_n and_o use_v and_o such_o as_o carry_v the_o same_o stamp_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n with_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o which_o man_n pay_v so_o profound_a and_o entire_a respect_n but_o then_o 147._o then_o nomen_fw-la graecum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d interdum_fw-la universalitatem_fw-la significat_fw-la interdum_fw-la integritatem_fw-la ita_fw-la hic_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d idem_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d adeóque_fw-la rectè_fw-la vertitur_fw-la tota_n scriptura_fw-la scultet_fw-la qui_fw-la nostram_fw-la interpretationem_fw-la respuunt_fw-la obtendunt_fw-la non_fw-la dici_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sed_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sed_fw-la nec_fw-la si_fw-la sequaris_fw-la interpretationem_fw-la nostram_fw-la opus_fw-la crit_fw-fr articulo_fw-la vox_fw-la enim_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nonnunquam_fw-la etiam_fw-la sine_fw-la articulo_fw-la sine_fw-la adjectivo_fw-la sumitur_fw-la antonomasticè_fw-la ut_fw-la rom._n 1.2_o 2_o pet._n 1.20_o jac._n cappell_n si_fw-mi 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sumas_fw-la vocem_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o vocem_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vertas_fw-la omnis_fw-la in_o cass_n endue_v te_z ex_fw-la quibus_fw-la vix_fw-la te_fw-la possis_fw-la expedire_fw-la quasi_fw-la vel_fw-la minimus_fw-la scripturae_fw-la sacrae_fw-la versus_fw-la habeat_fw-la omnes_fw-la hos_fw-la usus_fw-la quos_fw-la hic_fw-la describit_fw-la apostolus_fw-la jac._n cappell_n vide_fw-la quae_fw-la scultetus_n ad_fw-la locum_fw-la &_o gerhard_n è_fw-la bellarmino_fw-la depromptis_fw-la respondent_fw-la loc._n comm._n part._n i._n cap._n 18._o de_fw-fr sacr._n script_n p._n 146_o 147._o all_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o the_o school_n speak_v not_o in_o a_o distributive_a but_o a_o collective_a sense_n that_o be_v we_o must_v interpret_v it_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n take_v together_o and_o in_o the_o gross_a and_o not_o of_o each_o particular_a passage_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o there_o the_o first_o clause_n of_o the_o text_n indeed_o be_v true_a even_o in_o this_o more_o rigid_a construction_n and_o a_o equal_a necessity_n of_o the_o writer_n be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o secure_v from_o all_o error_n seem_v to_o lie_v upon_o every_o part_n of_o a_o book_n intend_v for_o the_o guide_n of_o soul_n but_o most_o assure_o it_o be_v neither_o true_a nor_o necessary_a nor_o so_o much_o as_o possible_a that_o each_o particular_a passage_n shall_v be_v of_o that_o general_a profit_n and_o perfection_n and_o serve_v the_o several_a purpose_n specify_v in_o my_o text._n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o obvious_a that_o nothing_o can_v excuse_v the_o mention_n of_o it_o have_v not_o some_o writer_n of_o great_a and_o very_a boast_a name_n be_v content_a to_o stoop_v to_o so_o poor_a a_o shift_n as_o that_o of_o allege_v against_o the_o protestant_a opinion_n concern_v the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n that_o this_o text_n to_o timothy_n either_o prove_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o favour_n of_o it_o or_o it_o prove_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o as_o make_v every_o book_n and_o every_o period_n a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n by_o say_v that_o all_o scripture_n be_v thus_o inspire_v and_o thus_o exceed_o profitable_a to_o these_o scripture_n thus_o consider_v our_o apostle_n give_v two_o noble_a commendation_n first_o that_o of_o their_o divine_a original_a all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n second_o that_o of_o their_o general_a usefulness_n and_o this_o again_o be_v far_o illustrate_v by_o instance_v first_o in_o the_o several_a particular_n to_o which_o that_o usefulness_n extend_v the_o scripture_n be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n second_o by_o declare_v the_o degree_n of_o this_o usefulness_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o those_o respect_n for_o that_o by_o their_o mean_n the_o man_n of_o god_n be_v capable_a of_o become_v perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n by_o the_o man_n of_o god_n the_o matter_n be_v not_o great_a whether_o we_o understand_v with_o castalio_n with_o cajetan_n chemnitius_n hemingius_fw-la vatablus_n castalio_n some_o interpreter_n every_o good_a christian_a who_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v devote_v to_o the_o service_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n or_o whether_o with_o etc._n with_o scultetus_n grotius_n gerhard_n etc._n etc._n other_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o timothy_n himself_o be_v and_o who_o be_v dedicate_v and_o retain_v to_o god_n in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n have_v a_o title_n to_o this_o character_n distinct_a from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o in_o both_o sense_n the_o argument_n come_v all_o to_o one._n since_o what_o the_o pastor_n be_v bind_v to_o teach_v the_o same_o their_o flock_n be_v bind_v to_o know_v and_o believe_v and_o do_v so_o that_o this_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n consider_v under_o different_a respect_n and_o therefore_o what_o be_v sufficient_a or_o defective_a for_o a_o rule_n to_o man_n in_o one_o of_o these_o capacity_n must_v consequent_o be_v in_o proportion_n so_o to_o man_n in_o the_o other_o once_o more_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a supply_n for_o all_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o kind_n the_o apostle_n declare_v by_o say_v that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_v by_o it_o and_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n for_o that_o can_v be_v perfect_a which_o want_v any_o of_o its_o substantial_a part_n nor_o be_v he_o thorough_o furnish_v who_o be_v still_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o seek_v supply_n elsewhere_o the_o text_n in_o all_o this_o latitude_n minister_v much_o more_o matter_n of_o discourse_n than_o either_o the_o time_n or_o your_o patience_n can_v allow_v to_o be_v handle_v distinct_o and_o therefore_o omit_v whole_o that_o first_o part_n which_o concern_v the_o divine_a original_a of_o scripture_n as_o less_o suitable_a and_o
mark_n of_o excellency_n as_o may_v distinguish_v they_o plain_o and_o convince_v the_o world_n they_o be_v his_o by_o be_v worthy_a of_o he_o and_o he_o who_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v the_o eminent_a shine_a attribute_n of_o the_o divinity_n may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v to_o exercise_v that_o power_n and_o wisdom_n when_o a_o occasion_n so_o important_a as_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o whole_a world_n call_v for_o it_o his_o own_o mere_a bounty_n put_v he_o upon_o the_o mysterious_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o the_o very_a term_n upon_o which_o the_o success_n and_o efficacy_n of_o that_o work_n depend_v be_v not_o sufficient_o state_v and_o make_v know_v we_o be_v tell_v indeed_o no_o write_n can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n because_o capable_a of_o different_a coustruction_n and_o that_o some_o live_a interpreter_n be_v necessary_a upon_o who_o sense_n we_o may_v secure_o rely_v but_o what_o understanding_n be_v so_o short_a as_o not_o to_o see_v the_o weakness_n of_o this_o argument_n for_o be_v any_o thing_n speak_v which_o may_v not_o be_v write_v and_o will_v not_o the_o same_o word_n when_o write_v continue_v to_o be_v as_o full_a as_o clear_v as_o plain_a and_o distinct_a as_o when_o speak_v only_o be_v not_o any_o man_n discourse_n from_o his_o tongue_n as_o liable_a to_o be_v wrest_v and_o pervert_v as_o that_o from_o his_o pen_n if_o then_o that_o live_a interpreter_n whoever_o he_o be_v may_v have_v his_o sense_n commit_v to_o writing_n and_o if_o that_o sense_n when_v not_o write_v lie_v open_a to_o the_o same_o danger_n of_o be_v misunderstand_v as_o when_o it_o be_v write_v than_o a_o write_a word_n may_v be_v as_o plain_a and_o sufficient_a a_o rule_n as_o a_o oral_a one_o and_o if_o almighty_a god_n can_v express_v himself_o as_o plain_o and_o clear_o as_o man_n which_o to_o deny_v be_v most_o absurd_a and_o impious_a than_o nothing_o hinder_v why_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n write_v 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forth_o as_o if_o not_o speak_v at_o all_o to_o leave_v man_n in_o darkness_n and_o distress_n unfurnished_v with_o help_n the_o want_n of_o which_o must_v be_v their_o eternal_a ruin_n this_o be_v what_o we_o think_v but_o ill_o agree_v with_o the_o kind_a inclination_n he_o have_v otherwise_o express_v for_o our_o happiness_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v yet_o more_o improbable_a if_o we_o consider_v second_o what_o the_o particular_a matter_n be_v of_o which_o the_o scripture_n chief_o consist_v and_o be_v intend_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o this_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v the_o second_o covenant_n with_o fall_v man_n and_o that_o what_o other_o thing_n be_v add_v there_o be_v with_o subservience_n to_o this_o great_a design_n and_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o these_o great_a charter_n and_o indenture_n be_v draw_v imperfect_o in_o other_o science_n there_o may_v be_v many_o common_a principle_n and_o help_n derive_v from_o abroad_o and_o these_o be_v such_o as_o shine_v in_o some_o measure_n by_o each_o other_o be_v light_n but_o the_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n or_o art_n to_o define_v we_o have_v no_o further_a insight_n here_o than_o what_o the_o light_n from_o heaven_n direct_v we_o to_o and_o whatever_o of_o this_o kind_n god_n have_v not_o make_v know_v to_o we_o we_o be_v condemn_v to_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n invincible_a and_o can_v never_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o know_v it_o at_o all_o three_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o plainness_n of_o scripture_n be_v both_o of_o they_o strong_o imply_v in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n threaten_v with_o hell_n and_o damnation_n to_o as_o many_o as_o live_v under_o the_o knowledge_n and_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o belief_n and_o practice_n must_v bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n then_o sure_a god_n have_v leave_v a_o complete_a system_fw-la of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v and_o if_o man_n shall_v be_v damn_v for_o not_o believe_v and_o not_o practise_v then_o sure_a those_o direction_n be_v sufficient_o plain_a especial_o too_o if_o we_o remember_v that_o these_o condition_n be_v not_o calculate_v for_o the_o wise_a or_o the_o learned_a or_o the_o great_a only_a but_o impose_v indifferent_o upon_o all_o degree_n and_o capacity_n of_o man_n of_o what_o size_n soever_o their_o understanding_n or_o their_o attainment_n be_v for_o in_o regard_n no_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o believe_v or_o do_v what_o he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o know_v the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o in_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n god_n have_v descend_v to_o the_o weak_a and_o the_o common_a man_n and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o easy_a and_o plain_a to_o all_o the_o extremity_n of_o mark_v what_o be_v do_v amiss_o who_o say_v the_o psalmist_n may_v abide_v but_o will_v not_o the_o mark_v and_o punish_v what_o can_v not_o but_o be_v do_v amiss_o be_v a_o much_o more_o insupportable_a extremity_n and_o yet_o admit_v that_o man_n be_v condemn_v to_o everlasting_a torment_n for_o failure_n in_o that_o duty_n of_o which_o god_n never_o give_v they_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o information_n i_o can_v apprehend_v but_o that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n with_o they_o the_o force_n of_o which_o argument_n in_o general_n that_o god_n must_v needs_o have_v make_v sufficient_a discovery_n of_o his_o will_n be_v so_o confess_o evident_a that_o the_o only_a fault_n our_o adversary_n find_v with_o we_o for_o allege_v it_o be_v the_o confine_v these_o discovery_n to_o scripture_n only_o to_o justify_v which_o inference_n i_o add_v in_o the_o four_o place_n that_o we_o have_v no_o equal_a evidence_n for_o any_o other_o supplementary_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o full_a and_o sufficient_a one_o 9_o in_o his_o quae_fw-la apertè_fw-la in_o scripturâ_fw-la posiâ—a_fw-la sunt_fw-la inveniuntur_fw-la illa_fw-la omne_fw-la quae_fw-la continent_n fidem_fw-la moresque_fw-la vivendi_fw-la spem_fw-la scilicet_fw-la atque_fw-la charitatem_fw-la augustin_n de_fw-fr doctrine_n christian_n lib._n ii_o cap._n 9_o now_o that_o such_o evidence_n be_v absolute_o needful_a appear_v from_o hence_o that_o whatsoever_o mend_v and_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o any_o other_o law_n and_o to_o which_o we_o must_v have_v our_o last_o recourse_n and_o appeal_n do_v by_o that_o mean_n acquire_v not_o only_o equal_a but_o in_o some_o sort_n a_o superior_a authority_n to_o what_o go_v before_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o ought_v to_o have_v it_o be_v own_o authority_n at_o least_o as_o well_o confirm_v as_o that_o which_o it_o pretend_v to_o perfect_v now_o the_o scripture_n command_v our_o assent_n and_o obedience_n as_o come_v from_o god_n that_o they_o come_v from_o he_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o their_o author_n be_v give_v proper_a and_o authentic_a testimony_n of_o a_o commission_n and_o inspiration_n true_o divine_a that_o the_o miracle_n in_o which_o that_o testimony_n consist_v be_v real_o perform_v we_o have_v the_o report_n of_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o friend_n to_o their_o doctrine_n the_o proof_n of_o infinite_a convert_v win_v over_o by_o they_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o inclination_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o last_o the_o concur_v consent_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a in_o all_o age_n which_o alone_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v be_v a_o evidence_n even_o credible_a in_o itself_o till_o therefore_o the_o advancer_n of_o tradition_n and_o a_o infallible_a guide_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o till_o the_o pretender_n to_o private_a illumination_n on_o the_o other_o can_v bring_v equal_a evidence_n for_o themselves_o but_o especial_o
i_o hope_v the_o less_o needful_a for_o this_o mix_v audience_n i_o beg_v leave_n to_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o latter_a which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n our_o wise_a and_o holy_a mother_n have_v thus_o express_v in_o her_o six_o article_n of_o religion_n the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o read_v therein_o nor_o may_v be_v prove_v thereby_o be_v not_o to_o be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v believe_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o be_v think_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n if_o this_o be_v once_o acknowledge_v for_o truth_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o any_o man_n so_o persuade_v can_v deny_v the_o scripture_n ability_n of_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o be_v a_o complete_a guide_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o such_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o show_v i._n first_o what_o manner_n of_o perfection_n that_o be_v which_o man_n ought_v to_o attribute_v to_o scripture_n and_o be_v warrant_v to_o expect_v from_o it_o ii_o second_o what_o general_a argument_n we_o have_v to_o ground_v this_o opinion_n upon_o and_o iii_o three_o how_o the_o scripture_n answer_v this_o character_n in_o those_o particular_a instance_n mention_v by_o my_o text._n i._o first_n i_o be_o to_o consider_v what_o manner_n or_o sort_n of_o perfection_n that_o be_v which_o we_o be_v allow_v to_o attribute_v to_o and_o to_o expect_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o deserve_v to_o be_v the_o more_o heedful_o attend_v to_o because_o the_o liberty_n some_o have_v take_v of_o impose_v other_o guide_n and_o rule_n beside_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o imprudent_a zeal_n of_o other_o who_o profess_v to_o follow_v this_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o hang_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o letter_n of_o scripture_n have_v give_v birth_n to_o many_o extravagant_a opinion_n and_o great_o disturb_v christianity_n and_o good_a order_n now_o scripture_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o medium_fw-la or_o instrument_n direct_v to_o a_o certain_a end_n the_o best_a and_o most_o regular_a way_n of_o come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n in_o this_o matter_n will_v be_v to_o take_v a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o design_n of_o scripture_n and_o what_o degree_n of_o perfection_n be_v necessary_a to_o answer_v that_o design_n or_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o st._n paul_n expression_n v._o 15._o to_o examine_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o salvation_n and_o what_o be_v requisite_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o and_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n 1._o first_o salvation_n be_v but_o another_o word_n for_o that_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v the_o ultimate_a and_o chief_a good_a of_o humane_a nature_n this_o happiness_n be_v propose_v not_o as_o our_o fate_n but_o as_o our_o reward_n and_o since_o every_o reward_n suppose_v some_o work_n in_o consideration_n whereof_o the_o recompense_n be_v bestow_v it_o imply_v that_o man_n must_v contribute_v something_o to_o their_o own_o happiness_n and_o can_v reasonable_o hope_v to_o obtain_v it_o without_o attend_v to_o those_o condition_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o the_o reward_n be_v suspend_v it_o imply_v far_a that_o the_o notice_n of_o these_o condition_n and_o the_o right_n of_o appoint_v they_o must_v come_v from_o and_o be_v original_o lodge_v in_o he_o who_o propose_v and_o promise_v that_o recompense_n and_o if_o our_o expectation_n and_o desire_n of_o this_o happy_a state_n be_v natural_a and_o universal_a it_o will_v follow_v from_o hence_o too_o that_o nature_n furnish_v mankind_n with_o some_o sort_n of_o mean_n and_o ability_n as_o well_o as_o inclination_n to_o aspire_v after_o it_o for_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o creator_n be_v most_o eminent_o see_v in_o this_o that_o he_o delude_v none_o of_o his_o creature_n with_o vain_a expectation_n nor_o infuse_v any_o such_o desire_n into_o they_o as_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v disappoint_v these_o ability_n i_o take_v to_o have_v be_v give_v in_o those_o general_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a impress_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n at_o his_o first_o creation_n 15._o rom._n ii_o 13_o 14_o 15._o with_o regard_n to_o which_o st._n paul_n mention_n a_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o write_a law_n be_v not_o impart_v he_o observe_v the_o same_o please_a transport_v the_o same_o melancholy_a misgiving_n to_o rise_v in_o their_o breast_n according_a as_o their_o conscience_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v they_o he_o declare_v that_o in_o the_o last_o great_a day_n of_o account_n they_o shall_v be_v judge_v upon_o this_o issue_n since_o then_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o man_n enjoy_v no_o write_a word_n at_o all_o since_o after_o some_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v blessed_v with_o such_o revelation_n yet_o other_o be_v unfortunate_a in_o the_o want_n of_o it_o since_o even_o those_o who_o have_v it_o not_o be_v yet_o accountable_a for_o their_o action_n the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a and_o necessary_a that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o the_o only_a method_n whereby_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o inform_v man_n of_o their_o duty_n they_o be_v not_o the_o first_o they_o be_v not_o the_o universal_a and_o consequent_o not_o the_o sole_a and_o perpetual_a instrument_n of_o all_o our_o privilege_n and_o all_o our_o obedience_n 2._o but_o second_o whatever_o hope_n man_n can_v by_o nature_n have_v these_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n than_o a_o just_a and_o punctual_a performance_n and_o therefore_o sin_n quite_o alter_v the_o case_n and_o make_v a_o far_a revelation_n necessary_a what_o st._n paul_n say_v elsewhere_o of_o the_o jewish_a law_n may_v with_o great_a truth_n and_o in_o a_o very_a good_a sense_n be_v affirm_v of_o all_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v add_v because_o of_o transgression_n to_o person_n thus_o conclude_v under_o forfeiture_n no_o expectation_n just_o can_v be_v cherish_v no_o succour_n or_o solid_a comfort_n can_v arise_v otherwise_o than_o from_o god_n express_a declaration_n that_o he_o will_v condescend_v to_o fresh_a condition_n and_o admit_v we_o to_o another_o and_o better_a covenant_n such_o as_o our_o lapse_v and_o guilty_a state_n will_v bear_v hence_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o the_o present_a method_n of_o salvation_n be_v term_v the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o the_o like_a because_o these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o the_o unsearchable_a depht_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n such_o as_o no_o humane_a discourse_n can_v penetrate_v into_o no_o natural_a conclusion_n can_v infer_v and_o because_o god_n be_v perfect_o free_a in_o this_o whole_a matter_n he_o let_v man_n into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o such_o gradual_a discovery_n as_o himself_o see_v fit_a and_o such_o as_o darken_a and_o degenerate_a mind_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o be_v the_o shine_a ray_n then_o dart_v from_o above_o to_o give_v our_o soul_n once_o more_o the_o cheer_v prospect_n of_o bliss_n divine_a and_o love_v incomprehensible_a it_o be_v thus_o we_o be_v support_v and_o assure_v that_o our_o judge_n be_v not_o irreconcilable_a that_o our_o sickness_n be_v not_o yet_o unto_o death_n provide_v we_o will_v lend_v a_o help_a hand_n and_o not_o obstruct_v our_o own_o recovery_n but_o still_o all_o this_o be_v not_o a_o new_a creation_n but_o a_o cure_n and_o therefore_o like_o other_o remedy_n apply_v only_o so_o far_o as_o the_o disease_n require_v in_o other_o respect_n it_o leave_v man_n as_o it_o find_v they_o and_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o will_v be_v still_o more_o distinct_o understand_v if_o we_o be_v diligent_a to_o observe_v 3._o three_o that_o god_n in_o all_o his_o deal_n with_o mandkind_a do_v not_o act_v so_o much_o in_o proportion_n to_o his_o own_o fullness_n as_o to_o our_o want_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o look_v upon_o those_o discovery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o be_v perfect_a which_o reveal_v not_o all_o that_o can_v be_v reveal_v but_o all_o that_o man_n have_v occasion_n for_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o more_o spare_a revelation_n heretofore_o be_v perfect_a in_o their_o kind_a though_o in_o degree_n and_o measure_n short_a of_o we_o the_o impression_n of_o reason_n at_o man_n first_o creation_n be_v so_o in_o some_o sense_n because_o that_o state_n need_v no_o more_o so_o be_v the_o private_a and_o personal_a discovery_n after_o the_o fall_n the_o jewish_a law_n and_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n afterward_o each_o of_o which_o have_v their_o day_n and_o proper_a season_n as_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v they_o now_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o last_o conclude_v dispensation_n that_o which_o complete_v confirm_v and_o close_o up_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o judge_v