betweene the Scripture generally considered in respect of the manner of reuealing and between the number and order of the Bookes it being one thing to beleeue that the will of God is nowe fully and wholly committed to writing another that this is the distinct order precise number of Bookes 7. Also it is one thing to beleeue that God is the author of this or that booke another to beleeue that it was written by this or that Scribe or Amanuensis so that a difference is to be made between the cheife Author of a booke and the Instrument thereof 1. Cor. 12. 3. Mat. 10. 20. 8. The substance of doctrine necessarie to saluation contained in Scripture is to be beleeued with an expresse historicall and sauing faith but the number and order of bookes is to bee beleeued with faith historicall 8. By the Church we vnderstand not the Pope whome the Papists call the Church virtuall nor his Bishops Cardinalls met in a generall Council whom they call the Church representatiue but the whole companie of beleeuers who haue professed the true faith whether those who receiued the bookes of holy Scripture from the Prophets and Apostles or those who liued after Vnder the name of the Church we comprehend not the Prophets and Apostles as they were immediately chosen and called to be the penmen of holy Scripture for they wrote not as men in the Church but aboue the Church The Church of the Iewes professed the doctrine and receiued the Bookes of the old Testament and testified of them that they were diuine To whose testimony these things giue force 1. To them were committed the Oracles of God Rom. 3. 2. 2. In great miserie they haue constantly confessed the same when as by the onely denying thereof they might haue been partakers both of libertie and rule 3. Notwithstanding the high Priests and others persecuted the Prophets whiles they liued yet they receiued their writings as propheticall and diuine 4. Since obstinacie is come to Israel notwithstanding their great hatred to the Christian religion the holy Scripture of the old Testament is kept pure and vncorrupt amongst them euen in those places which doe euidently confirme the truth of Christian religion Esa 53. 3 4 5 c. The Christian Church hath embraced the doctrine of God and receiued the books both of the Old and New-Testament To whose testimonie two things giue weight 1. their great constancie 2. their admirable and sweet consent for in other matters we may obserue differences in opinions in this a singular and wonderfull agreement This testimonie of Christians is considered three waies 1. Of the vniuersall Church which from the beginning thereof vntill these times professing the Christian religion to bee diuine doth also professe that these bookes are of God 2. Of the seuerall primatiue Churches which first receiued the bookes of the old Testament and the Epistles written from the Apostles to them their Pastors or to some they knew and after deliuered theÌ„ vnder the same title to their successors and other Churches 3. Of the Pastors and Doctors who being furnished with skill both in the tongues and matters diuine vpon due triall and examination haue pronounced their iudgement and approoued them to the people committed to their charge This testimonie is of great weight and importance profitable to prepare the heart and to mooue it to beleeue of all humane testimonies wherby the author of any booke that hath is or shall be extant can be prooued the greatest both in respect of the multitude wisedome honestie faithfulnesse of the witnesses the likenes constancie and continuance of the Testimonie it selfe But this testimonie is onely humane not the onely not the cheife whereby the truth and diuinitie of the Scripture is confirmed neither can it be the ground of diuine faith and assurance 9. The Saints of God of all sorts and conditions noble base rich poore learned vnlearned old young married vnmarried c haue suffered the most grieuous torments vsuall vnusuall speedy slowe euen what hell could inuent or mans malice find out for the defence of this truth All these things a number numberles endured and that with great constancie and ioy euen with a cheerefull heart and merrie countenance so that none can thinke they suffered out of weaknesse pride vaine-glorie or discontent This the patient suffering of the Martyrs is not a testimonie meerely humane but partly diuine for that courage and cheerefulnes which they shewed in the midst of all torments was not from nature but from aboue 10. Many and great wonders such as Sathan himselfe cannot imitate such as exceed the power of any yea of all the creatures in the world such as the most malitious eneâ—ies of Gods truth could not denie to be diuine hath the Lord openly wrougâ—t by the hands of Moses the Prophets and Apostles for the confirmation of this truth Numb 11. 9. and 20. 10. Exod. 19. 16. 1. King 17. 24. Mark 16. 20. Hâ—b 2. 4 Ioh. 5. 36. and 9. 30. 33. Act. 5. 12. These miracles were sufficient to confirme the diuinity of this truth and writing to them who were eie-witnesses thereof Heb. 2. 3. Ioh. 20. 20. Iudg. 2. 7. 10. The vndoubted and cleare narration of them is to vs an inuincible argument thereof 11. That which is most auncient is most true and diuine the purest religion is before all others there must needs be a law before transgression and a commandement giuen vnto man before there could bee place for the Deuill to tempt him But the religion taught in Scripture is of greatest antiquitie the doctrin of the creation and fall is their handled in all other stories whatsoeuer is omitted Q. How else A. By 12 the k Gen. 17. 1. Psal 50. 1. Esa 44. 24. Exod. 20. 1. 2. 1. Cor. 11. 23. Ioh. 3. 36. 1. Cor. 1. 23. Ioel. 1. 1. 2. style l Psal 19. 8. Rom. 15. 4. Rom. 7. 7. Zeph. 2. 11. Zach. 13. 2. Act. 5. 39. Act. 9. 5. 20 21. Phil. 1. 12. 13. Rom. 15. 19. 2. Cor. 4. 8. 9. 10. 13 efficacie sweete m Genes 3. 15. and 49. 10. Esa 9. 6. Dan. 9. 24. Matth. 1. 18. Act. 10. 43. 14 consent admirable n Psa 119. 129. 138. 172. Deut. 4. 5 6. 15 doctrine excellent o Ioh. 20. 31. 16 ende and the witnes p 2. Tim. 3. 16. 2. Pet. 1. 19. 17 of the Scripture it selfe Expos 12. By the style of Scripture we vnderstand not the externall superficies of words but the whole order character frame and comprehension which fitly agreeth to the dignitie of the speaker nature of the argument and is tempered according to the capacity and condition of them for whose sakes it was written Indeed euery Prophet and Apostle almost had a peculiar style Esay is eloquent sweet and more adorned Salomon accurate Ieremie vehement and more rough Amos simple but all are diuine These things declare the maiestie of the style 1. The titles
Sonne hath reuealed him Ioh. 1. 18. Matth. 11. 27. and the Gospel is an hidden misterie 1. Cor. 2. 7. 10. Rom. 16. 25. 26. so that we can knowe nothing of God vntill God himselfe manifesteth it vnto vs. Psal 103. 7. and 147. 19. 20. By the word of God we vnderstand the will of God reuealed to reasonable creatures teaching them what to doe beleeue and leaue vndone Deut. 29. 29. Q. What call you the word of God A. The d 2. Tim. 3. 16. holy Scripture 4 immediately 5 inspired which is contained in the books of the Old and New Testament Expos 4. This word of God hath heretofore been diuersely made known Heb. 1. 1. as by inspiration 2. Chro. 15. 1. Esa 59. 21. 2. Pet. 1. 21. Ingrauing in the heart Rom. 2. 14. visions Numb 12. 6. 8. Act. 10. 10 11. Apo. 1. 10. Dreames Iob 33. 14. 15. Gen. 40. 8. Vrim and Thummim Numb 27. 21. 1. Sam. 30. 7 8. Signes Gen. 32. 24. Exod. 13. 21. Audible voice Exod. 20. 1 2. Gen. 22. 11. 15. and lastly by writing Exod. 17. 14. This word so reuealed is by excellency called the Scripture Gal. 3. 22. Io. 10. 35. and the holy Scriptures Rom. 1. 2. in respect of God the Author Act. 1. 16. and 4. 25. the holy pen-men Luk. 13. 38. 2. Pet. 1. 21. the matter 1. Tim. 6. 3. Tit. 1. 1. and end thereof Rom. 15. 4. 2. Tim. 3. 17. The truth of God was deliuered to the Church in writing Deut. 31. 9. Hos 8. 12. Reu. 2. 1. that it might be preserued pure from corruption 2. Pet. 1. 12 13. 15. be better conueied to posterity Ier. 36. 27 28. Deut. 31. 9. be an infallible standerd of true doctrin and determiner of all controuersies Esa 8. 2. Mal. 4. 4. Deut. 17. 11. that our faith might be confirmed beholding the accomplishment of things prophesied 1. King 13. 2. comp 2. King 23. 16. Act. 17. 10. 11. and for the more full instruction of the Church the time of the Messias euer drawing on Mal. 4. 4. or beeing come Luk. 2. 3. 5. To be immediately inspired is to be as it were breathed and to come from the Father by the holy Ghost without all meanes And thus the holy Scriptures were inspired both for matter and words Luk. 1. 70. 2. Pet. 1. 21. Q. What are the books of the Old Testament A. Moses 6 and e Luk. 24. 27. the Prophets Expos 6. All the books of holy Scripture giuen by God to the Church of the Iewes are called the Lawe Luk. 16. 17. Ioh. 12. 34. and the Prophets Rom. 1. 2. and 16. 25. 26. because they were written by holy men stirred vp sanctified and inspired of God for that purpose 1. Pet. 1. 11. Heb. 1. 1. But ordinarily they are comprised vnder these two heads the lawe and the Prophets Matth. 22. 40. Act. 13. 15. Matth. 7. 12. or the lawe of Moses and the Prophets Act. 28. 23. or Moses and the Prophets Ioh. 1. 45. Luk. 16. 29. Moses beeing distinctly named from the rest because he was the first and cheife of the Prophets as the Psalmes are mentioned particularly Luk. 24. 44. because they are the choise and flower of all other Scripture Q. Which are the bookes of tâ—e newe Testament A. Mathew Marke Luke and the rest as they follow in our Bibles Q. How may it be prooued that those bookes are the word of God immediately inspired by the holy Ghost to the Prophets and Apostles A. 7 By the â— testimonie f 2. Pet. 1. 19. of the Church 9 constancie g Reu. 6. 9. of the Saints 10 miracles h 1. King 17. 24. Ioh. 3. 2. 1. Ier. 6. 16. Heb. 13. 8. wrought to confirme the truth and the 11 Antiquitie i thereof Expos 7. It is very expedient and necessary that all Christians of age and discreation should knowe that the Scriptures are the very word of God the immediate and infallible truth of God that is to be receiued obeied and beleeued For thereby we are the better fitted to heare read and recâ—eiue the word with attention ioy reuerence submission Act. 10. 33. and assurance of faith which being a diuine grace must haue a diuine foundation 2. Tim. 3. 15 16. 1. Ioh 5. 9. and being certaine must haue a sure ground euen the word of God Ioh. 5. 46. Eph. 2. 20. Rom. 4. 18. Also it ministers no small comfort in affliction and temptation that we knowe whom we haue trusted 2. Tim. 1. 12. Act. 5. 29. This must be knowne not by opinion or probable coniecture which may deceiue but by certain and distinct knowledge whereby we conceiue of things certaine certainely as they are and are assured that we conceiue of them none otherwise then as they are that we may be able to stop the mouthes of Atheists and Papists who carp against the truth 2. Cor. 13. 3. We come not to the vnderstanding hereof by sense or discourse of reason this matter is to be discerned and beleeued by faith But for the fuller clearing of the point sundry rules are to bee obserued both concerning faith and concerning the Scripture it selfe 1. Distinction must be made betweene certainty of faith and certainty of sense or sight Things beleeued in themselues are more certaine then things seen but they are not alwaies so apprehended by vs. Certainty of sight excludes doubtings so doth not certainty of faith it is sufficient that it preuaile against them Gen. 15. 6. 8. 1. Cor. 13. 9. 12. Iud. 6. 36 37 38. 2. Implicite faith by which wee confusedly beleeue that such bookes are the word of God not vnderstanding the sense of them is to be distinguished from explicite faith which is euer ioyned with a distinct and certain vnderstanding of the thing beleiued Ioh. 3. 2. 10. 3. Historical faith which stands in the certainty of the mind and beleeues God speaking in his word must bee distinguished from iustifying and sauing faith which containes the perswasion and confidence of the heart whereby we not only beleeue the word of God to be the cheife truth but also do embrace it as containing the cheife good of man Iam. 2. 19. Ioh. 5. 35. Heb. 6. 11. 10. 22. Eph. 3. 12. for all things in Scripture are not alike to be beleeued neither doe the same arguments serue to beget each faith 4. Concerning the Scripture wee must put a difference betweene the doctrine therin contained and the writing for the signe is for the sense and the knowledge and faith of both is not alike necessarie The doctrine was euer necessary to be beleeued the manner of reuealing was not alwaies Ioh. 8. 24. 5. Of doctrines some are simply necessary to saluation containing the maine grounds and cheife heads of Christian religion others are expositions or amplifications of the same very profitable but not of such necessitie 1. Cor. 3. 12. 13. Col. 2. 18. 19. Phil. 3. 15. 6. A distinction is to bee put
exactly agreeing with it selfe and with the whole Io. 5. 46. This may sufficiently appeare by comparing the prophesies of the old Testament touching Christ the calling of the Gentiles and reiection of the Iewes with the accomplishment of them declared in the Newe Gen. 3. 15. and 12. 4. and 49. 10. Numb 14. 17. Dan. 9. 25. Matth. 1. 18. Luk. 1. 55. and 24. 27. 44. Act. 26. 22. Deut. 32. 21. Mal. 1. 10. 11. Psal 2. 8. and 110. 2. Act. 11. 18. Psal 118. 22. 23. Matth. 21. 42. Such exact consent as here is to be found is impossible to be fained of men or Angels as the things foretold were remooued from their knowledge and finding out vntill they were reuealed These considerations giue strength to this argument 1. The length of time in which this writing continued viz. from Moses vntil Iohn which preuented all conceits of forgery since they were not written in one nor yet in many ages 2. The multitude of bookes that were written and of writers who were imployed in that seruice 3. The distance of place in which they were written which did hinder that the writers could not conferre together Ier. 2. 1. 2. and 36. 5. Ezeck 1. 1. 4. The silence of the aduersaries who in all that long space mentioned whiles the Scripture was in writing could neuer detect any thing in those bookes as false or erroneous whose silence is of great weight in this case because they were eie witnesses of those things which our Sauiour taught did and suffered according as it was prophesied of him so that they knowe the prophesies sauâ— the accomplishment of them and were acquainted with that which the Apostles had written If the Prophets or Apostles who wrote the same histories doe seeme to dissent in any circumstances this doth nothing derogate from their authority for in themselues they differ not the fault is our ignorance and apprehension by a right and iust interpretation they may easily be reconciled and the dissonancy which seemes to be amongst them in small things doth free them from all suspition of fraud and their sweet consent in all matters of importance doth conuince that they wrote by the guidance of the same Spirit If they had all written one thing they might seeme superfluous if each a new history there could appeare no steps of consent when they relate the same story with the same circumstances they haue their vse one sometimes speaking more plainely then the other and when they agree in matter but seeme to dissent in circumstance the truth is the more confirmed an argument of fuller credit may be drawne out of that dissent for as the Heathen man obserueth too exact diligence is neither approoued of al neither doth it want suspition To this sweete agreement of holy Scripture with it selfe it might be further added that it agreeth with all other truth whatsoeuer there is nothing true in diuinity which is false in Philosophie nothing in Phylosophie is repugnant to the truth in divinity but it may be ouerthrowne by the principles of right and true Phylosophie 15. The matter intreated of in holy Scripture is diuine and wonderfull It explicats vnto vs thâ— nature properties and high acts of God purely and holily It describs the person of Christ so fitly excellently and conueniently that if the mind of man consider it attentiuely of necessity it must acknowledge that it doth exceed the reach of a finite vnderstanding It discouers vnto vs the misery and corruption of man by nature incomprehensible loue of God in Iesus Christ towards man that happy reconciliation if we may so speake of his iustice and mercy by his infinite wisedom ordaining Iesus Christ to be our Mediator and it vnfolds the couenant of grace which God made with man after his fall all which can be drawn from no fountain but diuine reuelation 1. Cor. 2. 7. 8. Eph. 3. 4. 5. Col. 1. 26. The Scripture also containes the lawe of God which teacheth the dutie of man and that is wise and iust the Gentiles themselues being iudges Deu. 4. 5. 6. 7. In the precepts diuerse notes of diuinity may be obserued as 1. The surpassing excellencie of the act requiring that we should denie our selues and lead our liues according to the appointment of the Lord. Matth. 16. 24. 25. Rom. 8. 12. 13. 2. The wonderful equity that doth appeare in euery commaundement 3. The admirable strangenes of some acts which a naturall man would count foolishnes yet prescribed as necessary Io. 3. 36. and 8. 24. 4. The manner how obedience is required viz. that it proceed from a pure heart a good conscience and faith vnfained Deut. 6. 5. 1. Cor. 13. 2. 1. Tim. 1. 5. 5. And the perfection of the law commaunding and allowing all good but forbidding and condemning all sinne and wickednes of what kind soeuer Take a briefe veiwe of the ten commaundements are they not plaine pure briefe perfect iust extending to all binding the conscience and reaching to the very thoughts and doe not all these things commend vnto vs the iustice wisedome holines omnipotencie omniscience perfection and absolute soueraignty of the lawgiuer The promises and threatnings annexed to the law will suffer vs to acknowledge none other author of them but the Lord alone for none can make them but he he only can giue eternall life and inflict eternall condemnation Moreouer these are so set together with the commandements as they can mooue none but only the conscience of him who doth acknowledge the Commandements to be diuine 16. The ende of the Scripture is diuine viz. the glorie of God and the saluation of man not temporall but eternall The doctrines precepts prohibitions and narrations are all referred to the setting forth of Gods praise which shewes that they are from aboue Ioh. 7. 18. and 5. 41. and 8. 50. 54. Gal. 1. 10. And to speake truth what is more equal then that all things should returne thither whence thâ—y had their beginning This word also doth point out vnto man what true blessednes is and how he may be reconciled vnto God beeing lost by sinne which is a firme demonstration to prooue vnto vs the diuinitie thereof for what is more agreeable to the wisedom bountie mercy grace power of God then to restore man fallen and to make him partakers of eternall happinesse and who can shewe vnto man how hee may be admitted into Gods fauour hauing offended or direct lead him forward in the path of life but the Lord alone These arguments are of great force whether they bee seuerally or ioyntly considered and doe as strongly prooue that the Christian Religion is only true as any other reason can that there was is or ought to be any true religion 17. This testimonie of Scripture it selfe is most cleare certaine infallible publique and of it selfe worthy credit it beeing the testimonie of the Lord himselfe who is in all things to be beleeued But the external light of arguments and
testimonies brought to confirme and demonstrate must be distinguished from the inward operation of the holy Ghost opening our eies to see the light shining in the Scripture and to discern the sense thereof 2. Cor. 1. 22 Q. These reasons may conuince any be he neuer so obstinate but are they sufficient to perswade the heart hereof A. No the testimonie of the 18 Spirit is necessarie q 1. Cor. 2. 14. and onely all-sufficient for this purpose r. 1. Ioh. 2. 20. 27. Expos 18. By nature we are blind in spirituall things 1. Cor. 2. 14. Matth. 15. 14. though therefore the Scripture be a shining light Psal 119. 105. yet vnlesse our eies be opened Psal 119. 18. Act. 26. 18. wee cannot see it no more then a blind man doth the Sunne Ioh. 1. 5. Thâ— Spirit is the author of supernatural light and faith 1. Cor. 2. 8 9. Eph. 1. 17. 1. Ioh. 5. 6. 10. by the inspiration thereof were the Scriptures written 2. Pet. 1. 21. the secrets of God are fully knowne vnto and effectually reuealed by the Spirit 1. Cor. 2. 10. the same law which is written in the Scriptures the Spirit doth write in the hearts of men that be indued therewith Esa 59. 21. Heb. 8. 10. For which reasons it must needs bee that the testimonie of the Spirit is all-sufficient to perswade and assure the heart that the Scriptures are the word of God To preuent mistaking therein obserue these rules 1. The Spirit of God doth assuredly perswade our consciences that the Scriptures are of God by enlightning our eyes to behold the light writing the law in our hearts sealing vp the promises to our consciences and causing vs sensibly to feele the effects therof 1. Cor. 2. 12. Luk. 24. 45. 1. Cor. 14. 37. Ier. 31. 33. 2. Cor. 1. 22. 1. Thes 1. 5. with 1. Thes 2. 13. Act. 16. 14. 2. This perswasion of the Spirit is more certain then can bee prooued with reason or expressed in words for things doubtfull may be proued but things in themselues most cleare and certain be aboue all proofe and reason as the shining of the Sunne needes not to be confirâ—ed by argument to him that hath his eyes open to see the light thereof 3. This testimonie of the Holy Ghost is certaine and manifest to him that hath the Spirit but priuate not publique testifying onely to him who is endued therof but not conuincing others not confirming doctrines to others 4. This testimonie of the Spirit is not to be seuered from the word which is the instrument of the holy Ghost and his publique testimonie It is not therefore iniurious to trie the Spirit by the word of God 1. Ioh. 4. 1. seeing there is a mutuall relation between the truth of the partie witnessing and the truth of the thing witnessed and the holy Spirit the author of the Scripture is euery where like vnto and doth euerie where agree with himselfe 5. The testimonie of the Spirit doth not teach or assure vs of the letterâ— syllabes or seuerall words of holy Scripture which are onely as a vessell to cary and conuey that heauenly light vnto vâ— but it doth seale in our hearts the sauing truth contained in those sacred writings into what language soeuer they be translated Eph. 1. 13. 6. The Spirit doth not lead them in whom it dwelleth absoluâ—ly and at once into all truth but into all truth necessarie to saluation and by degrees Ioh. 16. 13. with Act. 1. 6. 11. 2. so that holy men partakers of the same Spirit may erre in many things and dissent one from another in matters not fundamentall Q. What are the properties of the Scripture A. It is of 19 Diuine Å¿ 2. Tim. 3. 16. authoritie the rule 20 of t Eccl. 12. 10. Gal. 6. 16. faith and manners 21 u Rom. 10. 14. necessarie 22 w Psal 12. 6. pure 23 x Psal 19. 7. perfect and 24 y Prou. 8. 9. plain Expos 19. Such is the excellency of the holy Scripture aboue all other writings whatsoeuer 2. Tim. 3. 15. 2. Pet. 1. 19. that it ought to be credited in all narrations threatnings promises or prophesies 1. Tim. 1. 15. Heb. 11. 11. 2. Pet. 1. 19. and obeyed in all commaundements Iob 22. 22. Ier. 13. 15. Rom. 1. 5. God the Author thereof beeing of incomprehensible wisedome Psa 147. 5. great goodnesse Exod. 18. 9. Psa 34. 8. Rom. 11. 22. absolute power and dominion Gen. 17. 1. Psal 50. 1 â— and truth that can neither deceiue nor be deceiued Rom. 3. 4. Tit. 1. 2. Heb. 6. 18. The authority of the Scripture doth onely and wholly depend vpon God the author of it and therefore though one part may be preferred before another in respect of excellencie of matter and vse Cant. 1. 1. 1. Tim. 1. 15. in authoritie and certaintie euery part is equall and onely Scripture is of diuine authoritie Gal. 1. 8. Mat. 17. 5. 1. Cor. 11. 23. 20. The Scriptures are the word of Christ Col. 3. 16. whose word is vpright Eccl. 12. 10. Phil. 3. 16. the first truth Heb. 13. 8. receiued by immediate diuine reuelation 2. Pet. 1. 21. and deliuered to the Church sufficient to make the man of God perfect in all good workes 2. Tim. 3. 16. 17. the treasury whence all doctrines must be taken 1. Pet. 4. 11. Act 26. 22. Luk. 16. 29. the touchstone wherby they must be tried Act. 17. 11. Esa 8. 20. without which error in doctrine and manners is vnavoidable Matth. 22. 29. 21. In respect of substance the word of God was alwaies necessary Eph. 2. 20 without which we could neither knowe nor worship God aright Heb. 11. 3. 6. Matth. 22. 29. Ioh. 20. 31. 2. Tim. 3 16. Rom. 15. 4. Luk. 24. 26 27. In respect of the manner of reuealing in writing the Scriptures were neeessarie euer since it pleased God after that manner to make knowne his will Deut. 17. 18. Iosh 1. 8. Rom. 15. 4. Luk. 1. 3. Iude v. 3. and so shal be to the end of the world 1. Cor. 10. 11. Reu. 22. 18. 22. This blessed word of God is free from all euen the least staine of follie errour falshood or vniustice Psal 119. 138. 140. Prou. 30. 5. Ioh. 17. 17. all things being laid down holily and truely both for substance circumstance and manner of speaking Psal 51. 1. Matth. 1. 25. 23. Whatsoeuer was is or shall be necessary or profitable to be knowne beleeued practised or hoped for that is fully comprehended in the bookes of the Prophets and Apostles Luk. 16. â—9 31. Io. 5. 39. Rom. 15. 4. Gal. 1. 8. 9. 2. Tim. 3. 15. 16. 17. The perfection of the Scripture will more plainely appeare if we consider 1. That religion for the substance thereof was euer one and vnchangeable Heb. 13. 8. Eph. 4. 5. Iude. 3. Act. 26. 22. Tit. 1. 1. 2. 2. The lawe of God written by Moses and the Prophets did deliuer whatsoeuer
was needfull for and behoouefull to the saluation of the Israelits Deut. 4. 2. and 12. 32. Psa 1. 2. Mal. 4. 4. Hos 8. 12. Luk. 10. 26. 3. Our Sauiour made knowne vnto his disciples the last and full wil of his heauenly Father Io. 14. 26. and. 15. 15. and 16. 13. and 1. 18. and what they receiued of him they faithfully preached vnto the world Act. 20. 27. 1. Cor. 15. 1. 2. 3. Gal. 1. 8. 1. Io. 1. 3. and the summe of what they preached is committed to writing Act. 1. 1. 2. Io. 20. 31. 1. Io. 5. 13. with Act. 8. 5. 1. 1. Cor. 2. 2. Rom. 10. 8. 9. 10. 4. There is nothing necessary to be knowne of Christians ouer and aboue that which is found in the old Testament which is not plainely clearely and fully set downe and to be gathered out of the writings of the Apostles and Euangelists In the whole body of the Scripture all doubts and controuersies are perfectly decided Es 8. 20. Math. 22. 29. 40. Deut. 17. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 2. Tim. 3. 16. 17. and euery particular booke is sufficiently perfect for the proper ende thereof Vnwritten traditions 1. Cor. 4. 6. newe articles of faith Ier. 7. 3. and 19. 5. and newe visions and reuelations are now to be reiected Heb. 1. 1. Io. 4. 25. Io. 15. 15. and 16. 13. with Matth. 28. 19. 2. Cor. 3. 6. 8. 11. with Heb. 8. 13. 24. In themselues the whole Scripture is easie Psal 119. 105. 2. Pet. 1. 19. Prou. 14. 6. such excellent matter could not be deliuered in more significant and fit words Act. 1. 16. with Eph. 1. 17. But all things in Scripture are not alike manifest 2. Pet. 3. 16. The Gentiles by nature haue the law written in their hearts Rom. 2. 14. but to a naturall man the Gospel is obscure accounted foolishnes 1. Cor. 1. 21. and. 2. 14. Things necessary to saluation are so clearely laid downe that the simplest indued with the Spirit cannot be altogether ignorant of the same Es 54. 13. Io. 6. 45. Deu. 30. 11. Matth. 11. 25. 2. Cor. 4. 3. But to them who are in part illightned 1. Cor. 33. 12. many things are obscure and darke 1. Cor. 13. 9. to tame the pride of mans nature 2. Cor. 12. 7. worke in vs a reuerence to the Scripture 2. Pet. 3. 16. 17. 18. stirre vs vp with care and diligence to read pray heare c. and vse Gods meanes to growe in knowledge Pro. 2. 3. 4. 5. acknowledg that all heauenly wisedome doth come from aboue Pro. 2. 6. Iam. 1. 5. 1. King 3. 9. Iob. 28. 32. Q. For what end was the Scripture writtâ—n A. To z 2. Tim. 3. 16. 17. Rom. 15. 4. teach â—5 instruct conuince correct and comfort Expos 25. Faith and obedience is the way to happines and the whole dutie of man is faith working by loue Rom. 1. 5. Tit. 1. 1 2. 2. Tim. 1. 13. Gal. 5. 6. and 6. 15. which is assaulted with ignorance errour superstition prophanenes 1. Tim. 1. 6. 19. 20. 2. Pet. 2. 1. 2. 3. and beset with many afflictions 2. Tim. 3. 12. Therefore the Scripture which was giuen to shewe vnto man the way of life and saluation was also written to teach found Doctrine improoue errour correct iniquity instruct to righteousnesse and comfort in the path of holines 1. Tim. 1. 10. 11. Tit. 2. 12. 1. Thes 3. 3. 4. Heb. 12. 1. 2. Q. Doth the knowledge of the Scriptures belong vnto all men A. Yes 26 all men are not onely allowed a Io. 5. 39. but exhorted and b Deut. 17. 18. 19. Reu. 1. 3. commaunded to read heare and c Act. 8. 30. vnderstand the Scripture Expos 26. The Scriptures teach the way of life Pro. 2. 9. Luk. 16. 29. Act. 24. 14. and 13. 46. Psal 16. 11. Io. 6. 68. set forth the duties of euery man in his place and estate of life Deut. 17. 17. 18. 19. 20. Iosh 1. 8. Psal 119. 28. 2. Chro. 23. 11. 1. Tim. 4. 14. and 5. 1. c. 2. Tim. 3. 16. 17. are the ground of faith Rom. 4. 20. 2. Chro. 20. 20. 1. Tim. 1. 15. the Epistle of God sent to his Church Hos 8. 12. Reu. 2. 1. 8. 12. his Testament wherein we may find what legacies he hath bequeathed vnto vs. 2. Cor. 3. 6. 14. Heb. 10. 16. Io. 14. 17. the sword of the Spirit Eph. 6. 17. being knowne and embraced make a man happy Psal 119. 97. 98. Luk. 10. 42. and 16. 29. Psal 1. 2. Reu. 1. 3. but neglected or contemned plunge men into all misery Heb. 2. 3. Matth. 22. 29. Psal 50. 16. therefore all men of what age estate quality or degree soeuer ought to acquaint themselues with the word of God 1. Io. 2. 14. 15. Psal 119. 9. Act. 17. 11. Deut. 6. 7. Act. 18. 25. 28. for it was giuen of God for the benefite and behoofe of all sorts Rom. 1. 14. being milke for babes and meate for strong men 1. Cor. 3. 1. 2. Heb. 5. 13. plaine and easie to inctruct the simple Pro. 1. 4. Psa 19. 7. and full of hidden wisedome to exercise the strong and satisfie the wise Col. 2. 3. 1. Cor. 2. 7. Pro. 1. 5. that both sorts may be able to try the Spirits 1. Io. 4. 1. be wise vnto saluation and growe rich in all spirituall knowledge and vnderstanding Col. 1. 10. and 2. 2. and 3. 16. Q. The Scriptures were written in Hebrewe and Greeke how then should all men read and vnderstand them A. They ought to be d 1. Cor. 14. 18. 19. translated 27 into knowne tongues e Neh. 88. Act. 8. 35. and 28 interpreted Expos 27. The Prophets and Apostles preached their doctrines to the people and nations in their knowne languages Ier. 36. 15. 16. Act. 2. 6. Immediately after the Apostles times many translations were extant All things must be done in the congregation vnto edifying 1. Cor. 14. 26. but an vnknowne tongue doth not edifie Gen. 11. 4. and all are commaunded to try the Spirits 1. Thes 5. 21. 1. Cor. 10. 15. 28. The expounding of the Scriptures is commaunded by God 1. Cor. 14. 1. 3. 4. 5. 39. and practised by the godly Luk. 4. 16. and 24. 27. Matth. 1. 23. 1. Cor. 14. 19. profitable both for the vnfolding of obscure places Neh. 8. 8. and applying of plaine texts 1. Cor. 11. 23. 24. 28. 29. It stands in two things 1. In giuing the right sense Matth. 13. 38. Act. 2. 29. 30. Gal. 3. 16. 2. In a fit application of the same Act. 2. 16. and 1. 16. 1. Cor. 14. 24. 2. Pet. 1. 12. Of one place of Scripture there is but one proper and naturall sense though sometimes things things are so expressed as that the things themselues doe signifie other things according to the Lords ordinance Gal. 4. 22. 23. 24. Ex. 12. 46. with 10. 19. 36. Psa 2. 1. with Act.
parts of Christs Mediatorship A. He 16 is a b Act. 3. 22. Prophet c Heb. 2. 17. Priest and d Psal 110. 1. King Expos 16. In the time of the law Prophets Priests and Kings were anointed 1. Reg. 19. 16. Exo. 28. 41. 1. Sam. 16. 13. who were types of Christ truely anointed our Prophet Priest and King Also our Mediator was to obtaine and purchase for vs full redemption and to bestowe vpon vs righteousnesse and eternall life obtained and to shewe vnto vs the way of saluation which doe necessarily require this threefold office of Christ Q. Why was Christ a Prophet A. To e Luk. 4. 18 19. reueale 17 vnto vs the way to euerlasting life Expos 17. Before his comming in the flesh our Sauiour Christ made knowne the wil of God to the Patriarks and Prophets either immediately 2. Pet. 1. 21. 2. Sam. 23. 2. Gen. 3. 9. 10 11. or by the ministerie of Angels Gen. 31. 11. Iudg. 6. 12. 2. Kin. 1. 3. and by the patriarks and Prophets he informed the Church of the old-Testament in all points necessarie to saluation 2. Pet. 2. 5. 1. Pet. 3. 19. Iude. 14. Luk. 1. 70. Eph. 2. 30. 1. Pet. 1. 11. In the fulnesse of time taking vpon him our nature being after a most excellent manner sanctified by the Spirit Luk. 1. 35. Dan. 9. 24. furnished with all gifts necessary Matth. 3. 16 17. Io. 3. 34. Psal 45. 8. Es 11. 2. Io. 1. 18. and 3. 32. and called of the Father to this office Luk. 3. 21 22. Matth. 3. 16. 17. Matth. 17. 5. he did in his owne person preach vnto the Iewes about the space of three yeares and a halfe Act. 1. 1. Luk. 21. 37. Heb. 1. 1. Dan. 9. 27. not altogether passing by the Samaritans and Caananits Io. 4. 40. Matth. 15. 22. With admirable wisedom Mar. 6. 2. Matth. 21. 23. 27. and 22. 46. ardent zeale Io. 2. 14. 17. Io. 4. 34. excellent grace Psal 45. 2 3. Matth. 7. 29. Luk. 4. 22. and 11. 27. singular meekenes Matth. 11. 29. and authority vnusuall Matth. 7. 29. Matth. 5. 21 22. not respecting any mans person Matth. 21. 42. 43. Mar. 12. 14. he interpreted the lawe Matth. 5. 21. 22. c. and 19. 4. 5. reprooued the corruptions of the Scribes and Pharises Io. 2. 16. Matth. 23. 13. foretold some things that were to come Matth. 16. 21. Luk. 19. 43. 44. Matth. 24. 3. c. and taught the Gospel or the last will of God concerning the saluation of Man Esa 61. 1. 2. Luk. 4. 18. illustrating his doctrine for the most part by parables and similitudes as the people were able to beare it Matth. 13. 3. Mar. 4. 33. and confirming that which he taught by the Scriptures of the old Testament Io. 5. 46. Matth. 22. 32. Luk. 24. 26. 27. 44. 45. and holines of life exactly answearing to his doctrine with diuerse signes of all kinds Io. 3. 2. and 5. 36. Io. 6. 61 62 and 2. 25. Matth. 9. 4. Io. 9. 6. and 11. 43 44. and that most cruell and bitter death which for the truth of God he did voluntarily vndergoe 1. Tim. 6. 13. After his ascention our Sauiour taught his Church by his Apostles and Ministers Eph. 4. 11. 12. Act. 10. 41 42. The Apostles being fully and perfectly instructed by Christ himselfe in those things which concerne the Kingdome of God Act. 1. 3. Ioh. 15. 15. and 17. 8. and extraordinarily furnished with gifts and infallibly assisted by the Spirit Act. 2. 3 4. Io. 14. 26. and 16. 13. were sent forth to preach the whole counsell of God so farre as concernes man and the meanes of his saluation Act. 20. 27. Matth. 28. 20. 1. Cor. 2. 9 10 11. 1. Io. 1. 3. Rom. 1. 16. vnto all nations Matth. 28. 18. 19. Mar. 16. 15. Their doctrine they confirmed both by the Prophets of the old testament Act. 26. 22. and 28. 23. 2. Pet. 1. 18. 19. and by diuerse signes and wonders which God wrought by them Heb. 2. 3 4. Mar. 16. 20. In the dayes also and since the death of the Apostles our Sauiour doth execute his propheticall office by his ordinary Ministers whom he hath commaunded vs to heare so long as they preach according to the Scriptures Eph. 4. 11. 12. Luk. 10. 16. so that Christ is the Author of the doctrine which he taught Ministers are the Instruments of Christ to teach not their owne but his doctrine 2. Cor. 5. 20. Iob. 33. 23. The fruite of this office is the restoring of knowledge decayed in the first fall of man and the manifestation of diuine mysteries vnknowne to the world Rom. 16. 25. 26. Eph. 3. 9. Col. 1. 26. 27. Q. Why was Christ a 18 Priest A. To f Heb. 5. 9. purchase for vs righteousnes and life eternall Expos 18. Christ is our high Priest not after the order of Aaron but after the order of Melchisedec Psal 110. 4. Aaron was of the tribe of Leui Heb. 7. 5. his stocke and linage was known Ex. 6. 16. 18. 20. he was compassed with infirmities mortall a sinner and had need to offer for himselfe and for his owne sinnes Heb. 7. 28. and 5. 2 3. 4. and 9. 7. but Christ was of the tribe of Iudah Heb. 7. 14. without Father touching his humanity without mother touching his dietie Heb 7. 3. immortall and continuing for euer holy harmeles vndefiled who had no need to offer for himselfe but offered himselfe for the people onely Heb. 7. 25. 26 27. Materiall oyle was powred vpon Aaron at his consecration Leu. 8. 12. but Christ was anointed with the holy Ghost Act. 10. 38. Aaron was instituted without an oath but Christ with an oath Heb. 7. 20. 21. 28. Psal 110. 4. The Priesthood of Aaron was typicall Heb. 10. 2 3. not auailable to take away sinne Heb. 9. 14. 15. but the Priesthood of Christ is true and reall containing the very Image and body of things themselues perfect to abolish sinne and to obtaine eternall redemption Heb. 10. 1. 5. 11. Heb. 9. 12. 14. The Leuiticall Priest-hood was to be abrogated Heb. 8. 13. but Christs Priesthood is to continue for euer Heb. 7. 24. Aaron died and had successors Heb. 7. 23. but Christ succeeded none hath no successors but is our onely and vnchangeable high Priest for euer Heb. 7. 3. Aaron and his successors offered the bodies and the blood of beasts Heb. 9. 12. 14. but Christ himselfe is both the Priest and sacrifice Eph. 5. 25. Heb. 9. 26. and 10. 10. They offered oftentimes one manner of sacrifice but Christ hath offered himselfe once for all Heb. 7. 27. and 9. 25. 26. and 10. 12. 14. 1. Pet. 3. 18. Aaron and his successors entred into the Tabernacle made with hands Heb. 8. 5. and 9. 6. but Christ is entred into the very heauens Heb. 9. 11. 24. and 4. 14. Aaron and his suceessors were Priests onely but Christ is both King and Priest
that the author of holy Scripture doth iustly challenge vnto himselfe which import independance of nature Exod. 3. 14. supereminencie of power and soueraigntie Psal 50. 1. 2. excellencie both of properties workes Gen. 17. 1. Esa 42. 5. and 40 12 26. 2. The manner vsed in teaching commaunding promising and threatning Things aboue reason hidden mysteries such as exceed all humane capacitie are vnfolded without all argumentation or furniture of perswasion 1. Cor. 2. 7. and wee are required to vnderstand and beleeue them relying vpon the truth and credit of the reuealer In giuing the law no proeme is vsed but Thus saith the Lord no conclusion but The Lord hath spoken Exod. 20. 1. 2. Commandements of which no reason can be rendered are enioyned Gen. 2. 17. and that which a naturall man would account foolishnes is peremptorily and with great securitie required Ioh. 3. 36. 1. Cor. 1. 23. 24. no argument beeing brought to perswade or confirme the equitie of those commaunds but onely the will of the Commander Promises aboue likelihood are made to assure of performance no reason is alledged but I the Lord haue spoken Esa 51. 22. and 52. 3. 4. and to incourage against difficulties and dangers present diuine assistāce is promised both as necessarie and sufficient Ex. 4. 12. Ios 1. 9. Ier. 1. 8. Esa 43. 5. In the manner of threatning also the like notes of the diuinitie of the style may bee obserued 3. That without respect of persons he doth prescribe lawes to all men priuate persons and publike Magistrates whole Kingdomes and seuerall estates commaunding what is distastfull to their nature and forbidding what they approue promising not terrene honour but life euerlasting if they bee obedient threatning not with racke or gybbet but eternall death if they disobey Ioel. 1. 1 2. Io. 3. 16. 1. Sam. 12. 25. 4. That the Ministers of the Lord of Hosts do require attention faith and obedience to whatsoeuer they speake in the name of the Lord whether it were prophesie commaundement or rebuke whether they called to repentance and reformation of things amisse or exhorted to obedience 1. Cor. 11. 23. Mic. 1. 1. 2. The lowe and humble manner of speech vsed in holy Scripture cannot iustly offend any man for it was penned to the vse and behoofe both of the learned and vnlearned Rom. 1. 14. though the phrase bee plaine the matter is high and excellent profound and vnutterable Hos 8. 12. Act. 2. 11. Easinesse and plainnesse doth best beseeme the truth a pearle needs not painting nor truth to be vnderpropped with forraine aids it is of it selfe sufficient to vphold and sustaine it selfe it becomes not the Maiestie of a Prince to play the Orator and though the Scripture bee simple in word it is great in power no writings of Man though neuer so well set forth with wit words order or depth of learning can so inlighten the mind mooue the will peirce the heart or stirre vp the affections as doth the word of God Neither do the Scriptures want eloquence if the matter bee well weighed no writing doth or can equalize them in pithinesse of prophesying or feruentnesse of praying The song of Moses and the beginning of Esay in varietie and force of eloquence do farre exceed all autors Greek Latin if comparison be made betwixt those places whatsoeuer is most excellētly indited by man either in Greeke or Latin you may easily discerne the one was written by a diuine the other by an humane spirit 13. The efficacy of this doctrine doth powerfully demonstrate the diuinitie thereof for it conuertes the soule illightens the eies Psa 19. 7 8. discouers sinne Rom. 7. 7. conuinces the gainsaier 2. Tim 3. 16. killeth and terrifieth 2. Cor. 3. 6. reioyceth the heart Psal 19. 8. Psal 119. 103. quickneth Psal 119. 50. 93. and comforteth Rom. 15. 4. manifesteth the thoughts 1. Cor. 14. 25. ouerthrowes false religions casteth downe strong holds and the whole kingdom of Satan stoppeth the mouth of Oracles destroies Idols 2. Cor. 10. 4. Zeph. 2. 11. Zach. 13. 2. and remaines inuincible notwithstanding all opposition Act. 5. 38. 39. These things commend the efficacy of this word 1. The nature thereof is opposite to the wisedome and will of a naturall man 1. Cor. 1. 21. and 2. 14. Rom. 8. 6. and yet it hath preuailed 2. It hath preuailed not onely with the grosse and sottish Gentiles who serued other Gods Gal. 4. 8. but euen with the most feirce and bitter enemies thereof Act. 9. 5. 6. 20. 21. 3. The enemies who did oppose this truth were many mighty and subtile as principally the Deuill out of his hatred against Gods glory and mans saluation Eph. 6. 12. Apo. 2. 10. and the Romane Emperours as his instruments the rest of the world furthering and the Iewes stirring them vp all which out of their loue to falsehood and Idolatrie and their malice against the Christian religion did with incredible fury and vigilancie labour the vtrer abolition of this truth Act. 4. 27. and 9. 2. Matth. 10. 18. 22 Io. 16. 2. Act. 13. 50. and 14. 2. 5. 19. 1. Thes 2. 15. 16. 4. The persons whom the Lord did chuse to be publishers of this heauenly doctrine were in number fewe in outward appearance simple rude base and weake and sometimes also negligent Matth. 4. 18. 19. 20. Luk. 6. 13. 2. Cor. 4. 7. 8. Matth. 13. 25. 5. These simple and weake men subdued the world by preaching the Crosse of Christ and prescribing long suffering and patience 1. Cor. 2. 4. 1. Thes .. 3. 4. Act. 9. 16. 2. Tim. 3. 12. The number of all sorts ages condititions sexes nations who gaue credit to this doctrine confirmed the same with the losse of their liues was innumerable Apo. 6. 9. 10. 7. In short time a great part of the habitable world was conuerted brought to the obedience of faith so that Paul filled all places frō Ierusalem to Illyricum with the sound of the Gospel Col. 1. 6. Rom. 35. 19. 8. The more the truth was persecuted the more it did preuaile Act. 8. 3. 4. Phil. 1. 14. 9. Though the Iewes were wasted with many and great slaughters yet the Scriptures did still remaine safe and intire in their custody when the Hebrew language did lie almost vnknowne and had perished altogether had not the Lord prouided for religion then by the Iewes the deadly enemies of Christ was the doctrine of Christian faith preserued 10. To these we may adde the dreadfull iudgements of God which fell vpon the persecutors of the Christian faith amongst whom some were forced at their last gaspe to acknowledge the diuinity of this word All which things doe strongly confirme the propagation defence and conseruauation of this truth and doctrine to be admirable and of God 14. The sweette and admirable consent which is found in all and euery part of Scripture cannot be ascribed to any but the Spirit of God each part so