be_v speak_v of_o viz._n the_o dignity_n of_o the_o word_n which_o have_v two_o part_n the_o first_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o the_o second_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o it_o because_o we_o be_v to_o build_v on_o it_o and_o to_o rest_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o ground_n and_o rule_v of_o faith_n and_o these_o be_v the_o two_o thing_n which_o we_o will_v handle_v at_o this_o time_n for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o write_a word_n answ_n it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o it_o be_v authentical_a and_o worthy_a of_o credit_n in_o itself_o be_v the_o divine_a and_o only_a canon_n and_o rule_n for_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v this_o authority_n this_o verse_n which_o i_o have_v read_v do_v prove_v so_o also_o isa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o if_o question_n be_v ask_v about_o the_o dead_a to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n whatsoever_o other_o say_v reject_v it_o this_o have_v authority_n of_o itself_o to_o this_o be_v add_v 2_o pet._n 1.19_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n to_o these_o i_o add_v gal._n 6.16_o as_o many_o man_n as_o walk_v after_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v on_o they_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o thing_n joh._n 2.16_o if_o any_o man_n bring_v any_o other_o doctrine_n bid_v he_o not_o to_o thy_o house_n where_o the_o word_n show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o word_n of_o any_o authority_n but_o this_o word_n thus_o the_o word_n witness_v of_o itself_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v true_a john_n 10.35_o the_o word_n can_v be_v break_v therefore_o it_o must_v be_v of_o that_o authority_n worthy_a of_o credit_n in_o itself_o and_o be_v divine_a we_o must_v believe_v it_o and_o it_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o canon_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o point_n quest_n what_o ground_n have_v you_o for_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o authentical_a ans_fw-fr there_o be_v these_o first_o because_o they_o be_v god_n word_n to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o appoint_v every_o one_o a_o cannon_n and_o rule_n that_o must_v give_v they_o direction_n to_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v second_o because_o god_n have_v write_v they_o for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v such_o a_o rule_n that_o may_v be_v always_o in_o the_o church_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o dare_v to_o swerve_v from_o it_o three_o because_o this_o word_n be_v the_o first_o divine_a truth_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o explain_v these_o first_o they_o be_v god_n word_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v manifest_a of_o itself_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n to_o appoint_v a_o rule_n and_o a_o cannon_n we_o further_o confirm_v this_o thus_o deut._n 7.11_o keep_v my_o commandment_n my_o statute_n and_o my_o judgement_n why_o so_o because_o they_o be_v my_o statute_n i_o command_v you_o the_o word_n be_v a_o lantern_n to_o my_o foot_n say_v david_n psal_n 119.105_o thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o statute_n so_o that_o if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n what_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v it_o be_v manifest_a it_o be_v authentical_a because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v teach_v i_o say_v saint_n ambrose_n the_o thing_n that_o appertain_v to_o heaven_n god_n and_o not_o man_n who_o can_v better_a teach_v i_o concern_v god_n than_o god_n all_o other_o divine_a thing_n have_v need_v of_o testimony_n say_v salvian_n but_o only_o these_o thing_n speak_v by_o god_n need_v no_o more_o testimony_n while_o therefore_o it_o be_v god_n that_o have_v write_v this_o and_o he_o only_o have_v divine_a authority_n therefore_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n the_o second_o answer_n be_v thus_o much_o because_o that_o this_o be_v write_v by_o god_n to_o that_o end_n that_o the_o church_n may_v always_o have_v a_o rule_n from_o which_o it_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o swerve_v deut._n 5.32_o take_v heed_n to_o my_o statute_n turn_v not_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a and_o that_o rom._n 15.4_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n therefore_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v write_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n three_o because_o that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o divine_a truth_n of_o god_n himself_o therefore_o it_o have_v this_o name_n ephes_n 1.13_o john_n 17.17_o thy_o word_n be_v truth_n with_o a_o emphasis_n that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n but_o this_o so_o ephes_n 2.20_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n we_o say_v it_o be_v the_o first_o truth_n of_o god_n himself_o because_o it_o must_v be_v first_o believe_v before_o we_o can_v believe_v by_o a_o divine_a faith_n any_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o it_o faith_n do_v first_o spring_n out_o of_o it_o and_o be_v last_o of_o all_o resolve_v into_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v the_o first_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o principle_n and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v yet_o it_o have_v the_o same_o authority_n gold_n be_v gold_n though_o no_o man_n have_v it_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o first_o day_n it_o be_v create_v be_v to_o rule_v the_o day_n and_o measure_n time_n though_o there_o be_v neither_o man_n nor_o beast_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o gnomen_fw-la of_o a_o dial_n the_o shadow_n of_o it_o show_v the_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n though_o man_n sleep_v principle_n in_o all_o art_n be_v to_o be_v grant_v be_v not_o deny_v without_o gross_a absurdity_n here_o be_v our_o first_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o god_n have_v a_o word_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n these_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v assent_v unto_o by_o whosoever_o will_v be_v call_v christian_a the_o deny_v of_o any_o one_o of_o these_o be_v to_o open_v the_o gate_n to_o atheism_n and_o all_o prophanesse_n so_o than_o this_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n the_o first_o use_v then_o teach_v we_o that_o then_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n the_o doctrine_n of_o popery_n that_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o authority_n but_o from_o the_o church_n some_o have_v speak_v very_o blasphemous_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n one_o for_o all_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n say_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o more_o authority_n than_o esop_n fable_n without_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o say_v they_o have_v no_o more_o authority_n than_o any_o other_o profane_a book_n other_o more_o moderate_a say_v they_o have_v no_o more_o authority_n in_o they_o then_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o church_n the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o authority_n the_o church_n do_v give_v to_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o authority_n they_o have_v in_o themselves_o the_o church_n can_v but_o declare_v their_o authority_n the_o scripture_n have_v it_o in_o themselves_o i_o have_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n say_v austin_n we_o never_o deny_v that_o the_o church_n have_v excellent_a office_n concern_v the_o scripture_n as_o first_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v they_o and_o preserve_v they_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o public_a notary_n like_v to_o the_o court_n of_o rowles_n the_o master_n of_o the_o roles_n give_v no_o authority_n to_o record_n but_o keep_v they_o second_o the_o church_n be_v to_o publish_v the_o scripture_n therefore_o she_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o crier_n and_o this_o be_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o crier_n to_o publish_v the_o speech_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o church_n duty_n be_v to_o publish_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o three_o office_n it_o have_v be_v to_o discern_v the_o true_a scripture_n from_o forgery_n and_o apocryphal_a it_o can_v make_v that_o which_o be_v apocrypha_fw-la canonical_a but_o it_o have_v a_o power_n in_o discern_v which_o be_v apocryphal_a which_o canonical_a as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o city_n the_o magistrate_n receive_v a_o letter_n as_o from_o the_o prince_n out_o of_o their_o experience_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o prince_n letter_n or_o not_o so_o they_o that_o be_v god_n minister_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o discern_v the_o word_n they_o can_v give_v any_o authority_n to_o it_o we_o conclude_v the_o scripture_n have_v authority_n in_o itself_o ephe._n 2.20_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o
church_n can_v give_v authority_n unto_o it_o the_o second_o use_n serve_v to_o admonish_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n for_o themselves_o for_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o not_o for_o any_o man_n authority_n whatsoever_o not_o for_o any_o man_n person_n nor_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o we_o do_v so_o we_o can_v have_v true_a save_a faith_n every_o man_n ought_v to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n for_o its_o own_o authority_n not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v condemn_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o may_v not_o depend_v only_o upon_o it_o no_o not_o upon_o saint_n paul_n himself_o but_o must_v search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n except_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n we_o will_v use_v that_o which_o aquinas_n say_v of_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n we_o may_v use_v the_o help_n of_o a_o enemy_n when_o she_o tell_v they_o what_o thing_n christ_n do_v they_o believe_v but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o christ_n himself_o they_o believe_v not_o for_o her_o say_n but_o because_o they_o hear_v he_o themselves_o so_o we_o use_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o believe_v but_o when_o we_o believe_v let_v we_o not_o believe_v for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o church_n but_o for_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o use_v 3_o this_o be_v to_o admonish_v every_o man_n when_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o word_n to_o know_v it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o to_o labour_v to_o make_v it_o the_o cannon_n of_o his_o faith_n for_o the_o authority_n it_o have_v in_o itself_o we_o ought_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o by_o this_o word_n have_v thou_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o have_v not_o this_o ground_n repent_v of_o it_o and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v labour_v to_o make_v this_o the_o cannon_n of_o thy_o life_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o thy_o obedience_n be_v thou_o tempt_v by_o thy_o own_o corruption_n or_o by_o any_o other_o ask_v they_o be_v there_o any_o such_o word_n that_o will_v give_v leave_n if_o not_o thou_o must_v believe_v and_o hold_v to_o this_o for_o this_o be_v the_o cannon_n by_o which_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n hierome_n complain_v of_o some_o in_o his_o time_n who_o do_v wrest_v the_o law_n to_o their_o own_o will_n and_o not_o their_o will_n to_o the_o law_n but_o we_o must_v be_v far_o from_o this_o for_o whosoever_o walk_v after_o this_o rule_n gal._n 6._o mercy_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v to_o he_o but_o if_o he_o walk_v not_o after_o this_o rule_n he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n merciless_a quest_n the_o next_o question_n be_v what_o be_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o this_o word_n answ_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o it_o be_v perfect_v concern_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o place_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v 2_o tim._n 3.17_o do_v prove_v this_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v sufficient_a so_o deut._n 12.32_o thou_o shall_v keep_v all_o these_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v add_v naught_o thereto_o nor_o take_v aught_o therefrom_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v perfect_a that_o to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v and_o from_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v take_v must_v needs_o be_v perfect_a also_o psal_n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a revel_v 22._o whosoever_o shall_v add_v unto_o this_o book_n god_n shall_v add_v unto_o they_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n thus_o the_o word_n testify_v of_o itself_o and_o therefore_o see_v the_o word_n be_v true_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n quest_n what_o reason_n do_v you_o show_v for_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o answ_n first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o write_a will_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n second_o because_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v the_o law_n in_o writing_n the_o jew_n be_v never_o guide_v by_o any_o unwritten_a word_n three_o because_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n never_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n by_o any_o unwritten_a word_n to_o explain_v these_o first_o it_o be_v the_o write_a will_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o call_v these_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n a_o man_n will_n after_o it_o be_v confirm_v no_o estate_n will_v admit_v to_o be_v alter_v therefore_o if_o we_o may_v not_o alter_v man_n will_n much_o less_o may_v we_o alter_v go_n second_o it_o be_v sufficient_a because_o that_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v his_o law_n in_o writing_n the_o jew_n be_v never_o guide_v by_o tradition_n before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n the_o truth_n go_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n but_o after_o that_o god_n have_v write_v the_o law_n they_o never_o come_v to_o he_o but_o upon_o some_o especial_a occasion_n as_o for_o the_o blasphemer_n etc._n etc._n bellarmine_n confess_v this_o that_o there_o be_v some_o catholic_n speak_v with_o great_a probability_n that_o the_o jew_n after_o god_n have_v write_v the_o law_n have_v no_o tradition_n austin_n say_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v make_v more_o plain_a if_o god_n will_v teach_v the_o jew_n by_o nothing_o but_o by_o the_o write_a word_n when_o it_o be_v more_o obscure_a much_o less_o we_o who_o have_v it_o more_o clear_a three_o because_o whatsoever_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v they_o prove_v by_o the_o write_a word_n thus_o say_v a_o prophet_n and_o thus_o say_v the_o psalm_n nay_o certain_o christ_n oppose_v tradition_n when_o he_o find_v that_o their_o authority_n corrupt_v the_o law_n mat._n 5._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o reject_v those_o tradition_n the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n be_v this_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n contain_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v use_v 1_o the_o first_o use_n teach_v we_o that_o then_o must_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n all_o unwritten_a tradition_n the_o ground_n of_o all_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a than_o tradition_n have_v nothing_o to_o lean_v upon_o but_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v not_o perfect_v that_o word_n he_o begin_v and_o therefore_o tradition_n be_v nothing_o oh_o say_v they_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v all_o fundamental_a point_n for_o faith_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v if_o they_o have_v say_v the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v all_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o will_v willing_o subscribe_v to_o it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o where_o speak_v of_o saint_n peter_n successor_n the_o word_n no_o where_o speak_v of_o invocation_n of_o saint_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a indulgence_n and_o pardon_n these_o thing_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v but_o these_o be_v all_o of_o they_o contrary_a to_o the_o foundation_n but_o we_o believe_v nothing_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n beside_o the_o scripture_n we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o saint_n keep_v many_o excellent_a speech_n and_o say_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o in_o the_o act_n as_o the_o lord_n say_v it_o be_v a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v then_o to_o receive_v but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o tradition_n that_o be_v not_o for_o substance_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n that_o we_o reject_v because_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o conclusion_n we_o will_v end_v with_o a_o speech_n of_o st._n austin_n i_o seek_v in_o the_o gospel_n if_o i_o find_v it_o not_o there_o where_o shall_v i_o find_v it_o so_o may_v i_o say_v if_o we_o find_v not_o tradition_n in_o the_o word_n where_o shall_v we_o find_v they_o use_v 2._o this_o teach_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n that_o they_o must_v prove_v the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v unto_o the_o people_n where_o shall_v they_o have_v that_o light_n no_o where_o but_o from_o the_o word_n they_o must_v not_o follow_v the_o vision_n of_o any_o man_n but_o only_o the_o word_n wherein_o god_n have_v comprise_v every_o thing_n that_o he_o will_v have_v his_o people_n teach_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o creation_n the_o light_n be_v at_o large_a before_o the_o sun_n be_v create_v but_o after_o that_o be_v create_v god_n enclose_v all_o light_n in_o the_o sun_n so_o some_o time_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v teach_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n god_n inform_v some_o and_o they_o teach_v other_o but_o after_o that_o god_n have_v write_v the_o scripture_n all_o be_v to_o receive_v their_o light_n
exceed_v all_o that_o we_o can_v speak_v or_o think_v four_o with_o prayerfull_a heart_n the_o same_o spirit_n by_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v inspire_v be_v the_o expositor_n of_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o veil_n over_o every_o man_n heart_n natural_o when_o he_o read_v the_o word_n where_o this_o spirit_n be_v the_o veil_n be_v do_v away_o no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o he_o to_o who_o god_n reveal_v they_o and_o be_v reveal_v they_o to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o but_o of_o this_o in_o the_o treatise_n last_o he_o must_v make_v use_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n of_o their_o lip_n and_o labour_n the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v inquire_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n the_o eunuch_n read_v the_o word_n but_o understand_v it_o not_o god_n send_v philip_n to_o instruct_v he_o cornelius_n fast_v and_o pray_v but_o understand_v not_o the_o angel_n warn_v he_o to_o send_v for_o peter_n and_o hear_v word_n of_o he_o this_o be_v do_v for_o our_o instruction_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o those_o pastor_n which_o god_n raise_v up_o according_a to_o his_o own_o heart_n to_o teach_v we_o in_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n madam_n it_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o reveal_v god_n and_o show_v what_o use_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o this_o knowledge_n it_o be_v pen_v by_o a_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o his_o time_n a_o burn_a &_o shine_a light_n eminent_a above_o other_o for_o his_o learning_n and_o for_o his_o labour_n divers_a other_o book_n of_o this_o subject_n have_v out_o run_v this_o into_o the_o world_n as_o ahimaz_n do_v cushi_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o that_o come_v after_o they_o will_v deliver_v the_o message_n as_o full_o as_o any_o that_o go_v before_o it_o the_o author_n in_o it_o have_v clear_o open_v dark_a point_n have_v bring_v down_o high_a point_n to_o low_a capacity_n have_v unfold_v intricate_a question_n cut_v in_o sunder_o the_o sinew_n of_o many_o heresy_n make_v profitable_a application_n of_o all_o point_n herein_o discuss_v i_o confess_v it_o come_v not_o forth_o so_o gorgeous_o attire_v as_o some_o other_o it_o be_v a_o orphan_n the_o womb_n that_o breed_v it_o have_v not_o strength_n to_o bring_v it_o forth_o it_o want_v the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n the_o apostle_n wate_v they_o &_o glory_v in_o it_o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o joh._n hom_n 1._o he_o be_v rude_a in_o speech_n but_o not_o in_o knowledge_n he_o do_v discover_v as_o chrysostome_n say_v of_o saint_n john_n the_o naked_a truth_n with_o a_o naked_a head_n he_o be_v a_o preacher_n and_o not_o a_o orator_n 23.24_o devita_n contemplate_v lib._n 1_o cap._n 23.24_o he_o persuade_v god_n and_o not_o man_n and_o therefore_o do_v what_o prosper_v counsel_n all_o preacher_n to_o do_v lie_v aside_o rhetorical_a painting_n much_o fit_a to_o obscure_v plain_a matter_n then_o illustrate_v dark_a one_o salui_fw-la non_fw-la tam_fw-la otiosorum_fw-mi auribus_fw-la plâ—ceant_fw-la quam_fw-la aegrotorum_fw-la mentibus_fw-la prosunt_fw-la salui_fw-la it_o be_v their_o duty_n not_o to_o rub_v itch_a ear_n with_o frothy_a eloquence_n but_o to_o cure_v sick_a heart_n with_o sound_a doctrine_n this_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o the_o author_n in_o this_o treatise_n which_o how_o far_o be_v have_v attain_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o other_o to_o judge_v the_o nurse_n be_v many_o time_n as_o fond_a of_o the_o infant_n she_o suckle_v as_o be_v the_o mother_n that_o bring_v it_o into_o the_o world_n my_o judgement_n therefore_o may_v be_v partial_a madam_n this_o book_n as_o it_o be_v i_o present_v to_o your_o ladyship_n it_o be_v not_o any_o personal_a engagement_n have_v enforce_v i_o to_o it_o though_o jowe_o you_o myself_o but_o your_o goodness_n which_o i_o acknowledge_v and_o desire_v to_o help_v triphone_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d just_a martyr_n cum_fw-la triphone_n madam_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o god_n have_v bestow_v on_o woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o have_v give_v to_o they_o a_o capacity_n of_o perform_v all_o work_n commendable_a and_o virtuous_a he_o implant_v in_o they_o his_o own_o image_n this_o they_o have_v lose_v the_o woman_n be_v first_o in_o the_o transgression_n &_o be_v in_o as_o a_o woeful_a a_o condition_n natural_o as_o man_n and_o must_v be_v save_v out_o of_o it_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o in_o the_o same_o method_n a_o man_n be_v save_v by_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o christ_n the_o join_n of_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n concern_v they_o joh._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrys_n in_o joh._n madam_n i_o have_v hear_v your_o ladyship_n plead_v for_o these_o thing_n and_o know_v in_o part_n your_o pain_n and_o your_o progress_n in_o they_o i_o know_v a_o book_n of_o this_o subject_n will_v not_o be_v unacceptable_a will_v not_o be_v neglect_v by_o your_o ladyship_n minister_n like_o husbandman_n sow_v their_o seed_n with_o most_o readiness_n where_o they_o expect_v the_o great_a increase_n madam_n your_o growth_n and_o increase_n in_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v already_o eminent_a in_o your_o ladyship_n be_v the_o thing_n i_o desire_v and_o this_o book_n with_o god_n blessing_n on_o it_o may_v procure_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o colossian_n shall_v be_v i_o for_o your_o ladyship_n that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n your_o ladyship_n to_o be_v command_v in_o christ_n james_n cranford_n the_o table_n of_o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n title_n and_o text_n hanle_v in_o this_o book_n chap._n 1._o it_o be_v man_n wisdom_n to_o know_v the_o true_a god_n pag._n 1_o text._n jer._n 9.23.24_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n let_v not_o the_o wise_a man_n glory_n in_o his_o wisdom_n etc._n etc._n but_o let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o etc._n etc._n chap._n 2._o how_o to_o know_v the_o true_a god_n pag._n 7._o psal_n 147.19.20_o he_o show_v his_o word_n unto_o jacob_n his_o satute_n and_o his_o judgement_n unto_o israel_n etc._n etc._n chap._n 3._o why_o god_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v in_o his_o word_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 18._o john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o chap._n 4._o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n pag._n 29._o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o god_n chap._n 5._o of_o the_o authority_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n pag._n 39_o text._n 2_o tim._n 3.16.17_o all_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n etc._n etc._n chap._n 6._o of_o god_n pag._n 50._o heb._n 11.6_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n etc._n etc._n chap._n 7._o of_o god_n and_o his_o essence_n pag._n 60._o exod._n 3.14_o and_o god_n say_v to_o moses_n i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o chap._n 8._o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n most_o perfect_a pag._n 71._o john_n 4.24_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v etc._n etc._n chap._n 9_o of_o the_o simplicity_n and_o eternity_n of_o god_n pag._n 84._o exod._n 34.6_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n strong_a merciful_a and_o gracious_a etc._n etc._n chap._n 10._o of_o the_o immutability_n and_o infiniteness_n of_o god_n pag._n 96._o 1_o tim._n 6.16_o who_o only_o have_v immortality_n dwell_v in_o light_n chap._n 11._o of_o the_o life_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n pag._n 108._o 1_o tim._n 1.17_o to_o the_o invisible_a and_o only_a wise_a god_n etc._n etc._n chap._n 12._o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n pag._n 121._o esay_n 46.10_o my_o counsel_n shall_v stand_v and_o i_o will_v do_v all_o my_o pleasure_n chap._n 13._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n pag._n 133_o deut._n 32.4_o thou_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n chap._n 14._o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n pag._n 143._o text._n psal_n 34.8_o taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v chap._n 15._o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n pag._n 155._o 1_o john_n 4.8_o god_n be_v love_n chap._n 16._o of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n pag._n 170._o ephe._n 2.8_o for_o by_o grace_n be_v we_o save_v etc._n etc._n chap._n 17._o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n pag._n 188._o psal_n 147.8.9_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a full_a of_o compassion_n slow_a
eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o a_o twofold_a knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o one_o by_o nature_n the_o other_o by_o revelation_n and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n by_o which_o you_o have_v hear_v how_o a_o man_n may_v come_v to_o save_a knowledge_n now_o to_o proceed_v the_o next_o question_n be_v quest_n in_o what_o word_n be_v this_o knowledge_n to_o be_v seek_v answ_n it_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v in_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n see_v god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o in_o his_o word_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o though_o not_o effectual_a without_o the_o spirit_n i_o think_v this_o seem_v reasonable_a that_o before_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n himself_o we_o speak_v something_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o fountain_n of_o knowledge_n in_o which_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v know_v with_o what_o warrant_v we_o may_v ground_v our_o faith_n upon_o they_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o know_v first_o what_o this_o word_n be_v and_o then_o what_o author_n it_o have_v answer_n be_v make_v that_o this_o save_a knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v and_o find_v in_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v warrant_v upon_o that_o which_o i_o have_v read_v search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o this_o be_v further_a confirm_v isa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n &_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o question_n arise_v concern_v god_n where_o shall_v we_o find_v answer_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n go_v to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o which_o a_o man_n must_v be_v save_v saint_n peter_n also_o 1_o pet._n 1.19_o call_v it_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n make_v opposition_n between_o it_o and_o the_o word_n they_o hear_v from_o heaven_n in_o the_o holy_a mount_n to_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v heed_n as_o to_o a_o light_n shine_v etc._n etc._n final_o our_o saviour_n christ_n speak_v of_o this_o in_o the_o parable_n to_o the_o rich_a man_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n if_o they_o will_v know_v any_o thing_n concern_v god_n faith_n repentance_n etc._n etc._n what_o need_v one_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a so_o then_o these_o testimony_n show_v that_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n this_o question_n bring_v another_o and_o that_o be_v this_o quest_n why_o be_v knowledge_n to_o be_v seek_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n answ_n first_o because_o this_o be_v the_o perfect_a rule_n contain_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v second_o because_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o a_o sure_a rule_n three_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n that_o neither_o deceive_v nor_o can_v be_v deceive_v to_o explain_v this_o reas_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n therefore_o this_o knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v there_o deut._n 4.2_o thou_o shall_v add_v nothing_o to_o it_o nor_o take_v any_o thing_n from_o it_o add_v to_o it_o and_o thou_o make_v it_o imperfect_a take_v from_o it_o and_o thou_o make_v it_o not_o less_o imperfect_a because_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o a_o absolute_a and_o full_a rule_n the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 3.16_o the_o word_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n to_o instruct_v rebuke_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v full_a for_o all_o purpose_n for_o instruction_n correction_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o all_o person_n it_o perfect_v the_o minister_n in_o his_o work_n and_o calling_n and_o if_o he_o then_o much_o more_o every_o other_o man_n second_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a know_a rule_n that_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o salvation_n must_v be_v a_o certain_a know_a rule_n if_o it_o be_v unknown_a it_o be_v no_o rule_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o word_n sometime_o from_o adam_n to_o moses_n be_v whole_o unwritten_a yet_o than_o no_o doubt_n but_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o faithful_a but_o when_o the_o church_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o be_v a_o nation_n and_o mix_v with_o unfaithful_a and_o faithful_a god_n that_o he_o may_v make_v a_o certain_a rule_n by_o moses_n write_v his_o word_n and_o that_o the_o word_n be_v write_v for_o this_o end_n it_o appear_v luke_n 1.3_o 4._o these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v unto_o thou_o most_o noble_a theophilus_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o these_o thing_n there_o go_v a_o report_n of_o christ_n what_o he_o do_v and_o what_o he_o suffer_v these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v that_o thou_o may_v be_v certain_a and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v ask_v the_o question_n in_o the_o gospel_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o inherit_v eternal_a life_n he_o answer_v how_o read_v thou_o luk._n 10.26_o will_v thou_o be_v certain_a then_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o they_o will_v manifest_o and_o sure_o declare_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o give_v a_o perfect_a answer_n to_o such_o question_n three_o we_o be_v to_o come_v now_o to_o the_o write_a word_n because_o the_o write_a word_n be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n a_o infallible_a rule_n be_v such_o a_o rule_n as_o can_v be_v deceive_v nor_o deceive_v for_o if_o it_o can_v do_v either_o it_o be_v not_o infallible_a but_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v i_o manifest_a it_o thus_o because_o god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v one_o truth_n therefore_o it_o can_v deceive_v john_n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o with_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n as_o light_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o darkness_n so_o the_o word_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n this_o be_v a_o right_a rule_n say_v s._n augustine_n thy_o write_n be_v my_o delight_n by_o they_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v deceive_v and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o point_n use_v 1_o if_o this_o be_v so_o here_o be_v overthrow_v all_o humane_a tradition_n which_o be_v by_o man_n add_v to_o the_o scripture_n all_o tradition_n that_o be_v either_o write_v or_o carry_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n be_v reject_v whatsoever_o be_v teach_v without_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v abhor_v for_o the_o word_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o he_o that_o bring_v any_o other_o doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v use_v 2._o this_o serve_v to_o provoke_v man_n to_o labour_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n here_o i_o will_v take_v a_o occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o it_o because_o i_o see_v the_o carelessness_n of_o this_o age_n if_o there_o be_v any_o among_o we_o that_o desire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n than_o we_o shall_v labour_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o word_n why_o because_o we_o can_v know_v god_n unless_o we_o know_v his_o word_n this_o be_v ingratitude_n against_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v vouchsafe_v his_o word_n and_o we_o not_o labour_v to_o know_v it_o this_o be_v impiety_n against_o ourselves_o that_o look_v to_o be_v save_v and_o yet_o neglect_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n that_o bring_v salvation_n there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o nature_n but_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o man_n nature_n be_v marvellous_a dark_a though_o the_o foolish_a heathen_n say_v if_o a_o man_n follow_v nature_n he_o can_v err_v we_o know_v that_o nature_n be_v stark_o blind_a in_o matter_n appertain_v to_o god_n therefore_o man_n shall_v labour_v to_o know_v the_o word_n that_o it_o may_v dwell_v in_o they_o in_o all_o wisdom_n saint_n bernard_n say_v this_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o have_v the_o letter_n only_o and_o so_o the_o portion_n of_o all_o heretic_n and_o not_o of_o christian_n saint_n augustine_n say_v oh_o unhappy_a heretic_n which_o regard_v nothing_o but_o the_o outward_a sound_n of_o the_o letter_n have_v a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n therefore_o man_n that_o will_v have_v a_o body_n and_o a_o soul_n together_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o place_n that_o they_o read_v and_o to_o this_o end_n they_o must_v add_v meditation_n to_o their_o read_n and_o constant_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n to_o their_o meditation_n that_o he_o will_v give_v his_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o search_v out_o hide_v and_o secret_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o
write_v a_o letter_n to_o thou_o say_v gregory_n thou_o will_v not_o rest_v till_o thou_o have_v read_v it_o but_o when_o god_n write_v this_o letter_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n will_v thou_o not_o read_v it_o how_o ungrateful_a be_v thou_o to_o god_n thou_o will_v confess_v the_o whole_a church_n worthy_a to_o be_v condemn_v if_o it_o shall_v neglect_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n then_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n condemne_v thyself_o a_o man_n may_v read_v other_o book_n but_o he_o must_v read_v this_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o he_o therefore_o he_o must_v read_v they_o and_o know_v thou_o man_n and_o woman_n thou_o be_v in_o a_o fearful_a estate_n when_o thou_o may_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o neglecte_v they_o brethren_n know_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n for_o you_o shall_v one_o day_n know_v it_o that_o though_o you_o have_v now_o excuse_n why_o you_o can_v read_v as_o because_o you_o can_v neglect_v your_o calling_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o you_o shall_v have_v no_o excuse_n to_o keep_v you_o from_o be_v condemn_v if_o ever_o therefore_o you_o look_v to_o have_v salvation_n you_o must_v read_v the_o scripture_n use_v 3_o this_o must_v teach_v we_o that_o a_o man_n must_v not_o read_v only_o but_o he_o must_v apply_v also_o to_o himself_o he_o must_v not_o read_v it_o for_o other_o but_o he_o must_v apply_v it_o to_o himself_o to_o his_o estate_n and_o condition_n we_o have_v a_o common_a speech_n that_o that_o which_o be_v say_v in_o general_a be_v speak_v to_o none_o but_o it_o be_v not_o true_a here_o that_o which_o christ_n say_v to_o all_o watch_z he_o say_v to_o every_o one_o that_o which_o god_n say_v to_o all_o read_z he_o say_v to_o every_o particular_a person_n as_o tertullian_n say_v in_o read_v the_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v every_o several_a occasion_n to_o make_v use_n of_o every_o sentence_n do_v the_o word_n command_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v or_o do_v it_o forbid_v any_o thing_n do_v it_o threaten_v any_o evil_n or_o promise_v any_o mercy_n labour_n to_o know_v it_o that_o it_o may_v comfort_v thou_o that_o it_o may_v instruct_v thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v to_o read_v the_o word_n profitable_o for_o every_o man_n to_o learn_v his_o own_o lesson_n thereby_o many_o bad_a scholar_n when_o they_o can_v read_v their_o own_o lesson_n can_v read_v another_o so_o many_o can_v learn_v other_o lesson_n but_o they_o can_v learn_v their_o own_o as_o they_o can_v say_v this_o text_n meet_v with_o such_o a_o one_o see_v what_o a_o truant_n thou_o be_v in_o this_o school_n of_o christ_n labour_v to_o know_v thy_o lesson_n as_o this_o threaten_a serve_v to_o terrify_v i_o this_o promise_n to_o comfort_v i_o etc._n etc._n brethren_n many_o man_n make_v a_o partial_a application_n some_o will_v apply_v the_o promise_n but_o not_o the_o threaten_n take_v heed_n of_o eat_v too_o much_o honey_n the_o promise_n will_v do_v thou_o no_o good_a if_o first_o thou_o have_v not_o apply_v the_o threaten_n he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o part_n in_o the_o threaten_n have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o promise_n therefore_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n again_o they_o that_o have_v a_o tremble_a conscience_n can_v see_v nothing_o but_o threaten_n these_o be_v only_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n leave_v for_o a_o while_n they_o can_v apply_v the_o promise_n to_o themselves_o but_o the_o other_o be_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o these_o for_o of_o these_o there_o be_v hope_n because_o the_o lord_n be_v fit_v they_o for_o himself_o but_o labour_v thou_o to_o apply_v the_o whole_a word_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v thyself_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o lookingglass_n say_v saint_n gregory_n and_o a_o looking-glass_n we_o know_v be_v to_o see_v both_o what_o be_v comely_a and_o what_o be_v deform_v so_o be_v the_o word_n to_o distinguish_v thing_n that_o differ_v and_o to_o discover_v good_a and_o evil_n by_o the_o law_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n and_o duty_n therefore_o labour_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o all_o the_o word_n be_v write_v for_o thou_o as_o well_o as_o for_o any_o every_o part_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o any_o part_n therefore_o apply_v it_o to_o thyself_o that_o thou_o may_v have_v comfort_n and_o mercy_n in_o this_o life_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v chap._n iu._n 2_o tim_n 3.16_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o god_n it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n and_o that_o the_o word_n be_v write_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v who_o write_v it_o and_o for_o who_o it_o be_v write_v of_o the_o former_a of_o these_o by_o who_o it_o be_v write_v be_v now_o to_o be_v handle_v at_o this_o time_n quest_n by_o who_o be_v this_o word_n write_v answ_n it_o be_v give_v by_o god_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n 2_o pet._n 1.21_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o this_o text_n that_o i_o have_v read_v all_o scripture_n be_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v call_v scripture_n because_o that_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n but_o the_o voice_n the_o stile_n the_o phrase_n be_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n other_o writing_n may_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v by_o god_n appointment_n the_o writing_n be_v the_o writing_n of_o god_n exod._n 32.16_o for_o moses_n at_o first_o write_v not_o the_o commandment_n but_o god_n and_o after_o the_o table_n be_v break_v they_o be_v no_o less_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o before_o exod._n 31.18_o other_o be_v the_o penman_n but_o god_n the_o hand_n other_o the_o instrument_n but_o god_n the_o maker_n and_o author_n of_o this_o word_n isa_n 30.8_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n saint_n peter_n have_v it_o 2_o pet._n 1.20_o 21._o there_o be_v no_o prophecy_n but_o it_o come_v from_o god_n holy_a man_n of_o god_n write_v they_o and_o they_o speak_v they_o not_o by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o truth_n because_o it_o be_v of_o weight_n and_o have_v great_a opposition_n of_o man_n and_o breed_v great_a doubt_n in_o man_n we_o will_v labour_v to_o establish_v and_o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o it_o we_o will_v confirm_v it_o by_o internal_a and_o external_a argument_n internal_a i_o call_v those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n external_a those_o that_o do_v confirm_v these_o quest_n how_o do_v this_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n from_o god_n ans_fw-fr by_o internal_a argument_n that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o first_o from_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o and_o excellency_n thereof_o second_o from_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o stile_n three_o from_o the_o perpetual_a consent_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o examine_v these_o reas_n 1._o the_o first_o argument_n be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o divine_a that_o no_o man_n can_v write_v but_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o that_o be_v thus_o manifest_v 1._o from_o the_o greatness_n of_o these_o thing_n write_v surpass_v all_o humane_a reason_n 2._o from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o word_n which_o convince_v man_n of_o injustice_n and_o yet_o teach_v all_o man_n to_o be_v just_a 3._o from_o the_o consent_n there_o be_v a_o admirable_a communion_n between_o justice_n and_o mercy_n between_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n by_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n and_o sanctification_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n no_o man_n can_v think_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n till_o the_o scripture_n do_v reveal_v it_o 4._o last_o the_o end_n of_o the_o writing_n which_o be_v only_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v let_v he_o that_o rejoice_v rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n this_o abase_v nature_n and_o advance_v grace_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v but_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n again_o no_o writing_n can_v bring_v comfort_n to_o a_o man_n but_o the_o scripture_n rom._n 15.40_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v write_v that_o we_o through_o patience_n may_v have_v comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n these_o be_v such_o thing_n that_o a_o man_n can_v never_o attain_v to_o but_o by_o god_n reas_n 2._o the_o second_o proof_n that_o we_o give_v be_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o stile_n whosoever_o be_v exercise_v in_o read_v the_o scripture_n shall_v plain_o see_v that_o no_o mere_a man_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o write_v it_o of_o himself_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o stile_n be_v so_o great_a that_o as_o eusebius_n report_v they_o thereby_o try_v the_o write_n of_o heretic_n
if_o the_o stile_n do_v not_o agree_v to_o this_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v if_o we_o will_v know_v all_o true_a authority_n we_o must_v know_v it_o by_o the_o stile_n for_o howsoever_o a_o false_a writer_n may_v take_v to_o he_o the_o name_n and_o frame_v of_o another_o man_n yet_o he_o can_v take_v his_o stile_n for_o as_o every_o man_n have_v his_o several_a countenance_n and_o several_a colour_n that_o though_o two_o be_v never_o so_o like_a yet_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v discern_v so_o the_o writing_n of_o other_o man_n may_v be_v know_v from_o the_o scripture_n on_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v such_o a_o stile_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o or_o any_o the_o writing_n of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o reas_n 3._o the_o three_o ground_n be_v the_o consent_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o prophet_n that_o go_v before_o they_o the_o latter_a prophet_n consent_n with_o the_o former_a and_o the_o former_a agree_v with_o they_o therefore_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v from_o a_o divine_a direction_n for_o among_o man_n who_o have_v write_v of_o the_o same_o subject_n we_o may_v find_v often_o variance_n but_o these_o do_v never_o real_o contradict_v one_o another_o there_o be_v no_o discrepance_n in_o they_o to_o be_v find_v there_o be_v some_o thousand_o of_o year_n between_o the_o first_o prophet_n writing_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o some_o thousand_o of_o mile_n between_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n that_o write_v at_o the_o same_o time_n yet_o all_o do_v agree_v together_o the_o ground_n be_v this_o because_o truth_n as_o god_n be_v ever_o constant_a to_o itself_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n reprove_v hanani_n jer._n 28._o because_o he_o do_v not_o consent_v to_o the_o prophet_n that_o go_v before_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n pronounce_v a_o anathema_n against_o himself_o or_o a_o angel_n or_o whosoever_o shall_v teach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n all_o which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o marvellous_a consent_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v write_v by_o god_n and_o not_o by_o man_n quest_n what_o other_o internal_a argument_n be_v there_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n answ_n it_o be_v prove_v first_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o witness_v the_o same_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o elect_a second_o by_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o work_n it_o have_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o explain_v this_o first_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v this_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o elect_n god_n be_v the_o best_a witness_n of_o himself_o so_o be_v the_o spirit_n the_o best_a witness_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v not_o believe_v until_o it_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o spirit_n that_o write_v it_o for_o till_o then_o we_o reject_v it_o some_o apply_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n isa_n 59.21_o my_o spirit_n that_o i_o have_v put_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n that_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o manner_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o word_n must_v agree_v together_o and_o continual_o bear_v witness_v each_o to_o other_o whatsoever_o be_v suggest_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v whatsoever_o be_v express_v in_o the_o word_n be_v not_o believe_v till_o witness_v by_o the_o spirit_n i_o add_v to_o these_o christ_n own_o speech_n to_o the_o jew_n john_n 8.42_o 43._o who_o brag_v that_o god_n be_v their_o father_n if_o god_n be_v your_o father_n why_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v my_o word_n for_o if_o god_n be_v your_o father_n than_o you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n because_o you_o believe_v not_o my_o word_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v not_o your_o father_n john_n 10.27_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n that_o be_v they_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v my_o voice_n ver._n 16._o i_o have_v other_o sheep_n that_o be_v not_o of_o this_o fold_n they_o also_o i_o must_v bring_v in_o and_o they_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o ver_fw-la 3_o 4._o the_o shepherd_n call_v his_o sheep_n by_o name_n and_o they_o follow_v he_o and_o a_o stranger_n will_v they_o not_o follow_v where_o he_o show_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o they_o whereby_o they_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o writing_n of_o god_n from_o other_o writing_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v they_o a_o clear_a understanding_n to_o see_v and_o a_o persuasion_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o such_o a_o persuasion_n as_o no_o man_n know_v out_o of_o himself_o but_o in_o himself_o it_o be_v true_a as_o we_o say_v before_o that_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o stile_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o writer_n be_v great_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n god_n word_n but_o yet_o they_o give_v a_o man_n no_o assurance_n but_o only_o breed_v in_o he_o a_o kind_n of_o reverence_n as_o salvian_n say_v but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v once_o enlighten_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o rest_v not_o on_o his_o own_o judgement_n nor_o on_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o world_n because_o he_o have_v inward_a judgement_n in_o himself_o which_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o internal_a argument_n the_o second_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o from_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n that_o the_o word_n have_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o all_o man_n it_o have_v a_o power_n to_o convert_v they_o to_o god_n to_o terrify_v and_o awaken_v they_o and_o also_o to_o comfort_v they_o in_o distress_n to_o wound_v they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o whole_a which_o no_o other_o writing_n can_v do_v therefore_o it_o can_v be_v humane_a but_o divine_a this_o be_v manifest_a psalm_n 19_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n no_o philosopher_n can_v convert_v the_o heart_n though_o he_o may_v bring_v man_n to_o outward_a civility_n like_v unto_o this_o the_o word_n give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o simple_a and_o therefore_o be_v divine_a it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v s._n paul_n to_o know_v that_o he_o be_v dead_a for_o before_o the_o law_n come_v he_o be_v alive_a but_o when_o the_o law_n come_v he_o be_v dead_a this_o the_o apostle_n saint_n peter_n press_v to_o the_o gentile_n act._n 2.27_o 28._o by_o which_o he_o wound_v they_o and_o with_o the_o same_o word_n he_o heal_v they_o no_o other_o word_n can_v ever_o bring_v they_o to_o despair_v of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n no_o other_o can_v sustain_v they_o despair_v this_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n rom._n 1.16_o final_o it_o be_v powerful_a in_o operation_n heb._n 4.11_o it_o be_v mighty_a to_o make_v a_o man_n at_o variance_n with_o himself_o the_o father_n against_o his_o son_n the_o mother_n against_o the_o daughter_n nothing_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o do_v this_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n quest_n what_o external_a proof_n be_v there_o answ_n first_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o the_o same_o circumstance_n in_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o person_n thing_n many_o hundred_o year_n before_o foretell_v be_v so_o accomplish_v as_o foretell_v this_o therefore_o can_v be_v but_o a_o divine_a prediction_n isa_n 41.22_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o the_o idol_n come_v and_o let_v they_o tell_v we_o what_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v hereafter_o argue_v that_o to_o do_v so_o must_v be_v a_o divine_a thing_n the_o devil_n can_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v he_o may_v guess_v at_o they_o but_o he_o have_v always_o his_o shift_a hole_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v set_v down_o in_o plain_a term_n the_o time_n and_o the_o person_n and_o other_o circustance_n as_o 1_o reg._n 13.2_o isa_n 45.1_o gen._n 15.13_o etc._n etc._n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o do_v indite_v and_o inspire_v they_o second_o the_o second_o external_a argument_n be_v the_o antiquity_n of_o these_o they_o be_v ancient_a than_o any_o other_o writing_n whatsoever_o the_o egyptian_n indeed_o brag_v that_o they_o have_v writing_n before_o moses_n but_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o brag_v and_o untruth_n three_o the_o great_a opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o they_o and_o their_o preservation_n it_o be_v true_a that_o aristotle_n burn_v the_o book_n of_o his_o master_n plato_n a_o great_a philosopher_n that_o himself_o may_v be_v the_o more_o observe_v