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invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o and_o since_o this_o light_n of_o we_o be_v further_o improve_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o understand_a soul_n let_v we_o not_o be_v as_o the_o psalmist_n call_v they_o brutish_a man_n that_o know_v not_o these_o thing_n as_o beast_n which_o common_o look_v upon_o this_o palace_n and_o no_o more_o but_o when_o we_o view_v these_o body_n of_o we_o let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o see_v a_o god_n who_o cover_v we_o in_o our_o mother_n womb_n and_o who_o still_o uphold_v these_o mud-wal_n of_o clay_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o word_n when_o we_o walk_v into_o the_o field_n &_o there_o look_v upon_o the_o corn_n the_o herb_n and_o the_o grass_n let_v we_o meditate_v upon_o the_o god_n of_o they_o who_o once_o say_v let_v the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o grass_n the_o herb_n yield_v flower_n and_o the_o fruit-tree_n yield_v fruit_n after_o his_o kind_n and_o it_o do_v so_o and_o if_o so_o be_v god_n so_o clothe_v the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n which_o to_o day_n 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be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n etc._n etc._n we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v concern_v the_o perspicuity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v which_o i_o shall_v be_v more_o brief_a as_o i_o tell_v you_o because_o they_o have_v be_v so_o large_o handle_v already_o by_o sundry_a learned_a man_n unto_o the_o substance_n of_o who_o writing_n there_o can_v indeed_o scarce_o any_o thing_n be_v add_v unless_o perhaps_o far_o illustration_n and_o a_o more_o practical_a handle_n of_o they_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o here_o set_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n say_v he_o for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n four_o use_n be_v here_o make_v mention_n of_o in_o scripture_n the_o two_o doctrinal_a teach_v of_o truth_n and_o confute_v error_n the_o two_o last_o practical_a correction_n of_o vice_n 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take_v away_o repentance_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n do_v remove_v all_o obstacle_n and_o dispel_v all_o cloud_n which_o do_v otherwise_o overcast_v the_o understanding_n of_o natural_a man_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n there_o be_v history_n which_o in_o general_a though_o not_o in_o each_o particular_a circumstance_n may_v easy_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o enlighten_v christian_a there_o be_v prophecy_n which_o be_v either_o fulfil_v or_o yet_o remain_v unaccomplish_v the_o former_a may_v be_v know_v by_o application_n of_o their_o event_n the_o latter_a we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o will_v be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o appoint_a time_n there_o be_v command_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o and_o be_v as_o plain_o understand_v for_o a_o christian_a know_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n there_o be_v also_o promise_v which_o be_v make_v only_o to_o god_n 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but_o that_o a_o grammatical_a and_o historical_a knowledge_n he_o have_v of_o they_o but_o he_o pray_v for_o a_o inward_a assurance_n &_o comfort_n from_o they_o which_o ought_v continual_o to_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o every_o one_o who_o intend_v to_o benefit_n by_o the_o read_n of_o they_o beside_o this_o avail_v nothing_o for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a unto_o any_o without_o god_n open_v their_o eye_n and_o reveal_v unto_o they_o the_o mysterye_n of_o his_o kingdom_n far_o a_o man_n may_v say_v that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o plain_a as_o you_o will_v have_v they_o what_o need_v you_o then_o take_v all_o this_o pain_n in_o expound_v of_o they_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v so_o many_o commentator_n and_o interpreter_n of_o they_o we_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o yet_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o may_v by_o reason_n of_o our_o ignorance_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o commentary_n which_o also_o may_v be_v far_a useful_a for_o the_o more_o large_o open_v of_o the_o scripture_n which_o a_o new_a beginner_n can_v do_v himself_o thus_o the_o element_n of_o euclid_n be_v very_o plain_a &_o perspicuous_a in_o themselves_o though_o notwithstanding_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o young_a beginner_n they_o be_v far_o illustrate_v and_o demonstrate_v by_o those_o that_o write_v on_o he_o thus_o you_o see_v then_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o perspicuous_a unto_o a_o regenerate_v child_n of_o god_n though_o unto_o wicked_a unregenerate_a man_n of_o the_o world_n they_o may_v appear_v otherwise_o not_o through_o any_o defect_n of_o light_n in_o themselves_o but_o through_o the_o muddinesse_n and_o darkness_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n as_o unto_o disease_a and_o ill_o affect_v eye_n all_o thing_n even_o the_o bright_a will_v appear_v of_o the_o same_o yellow_a colour_n that_o they_o at_o present_a be_v affect_v with_o but_o here_o i_o have_v almost_o forget_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o this_o caution_n viz._n that_o though_o all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n be_v plain_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n yet_o that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o plain_o hold_v forth_o unto_o the_o faithful_a under_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o now_o they_o be_v unto_o they_o under_o the_o new_a for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o promise_n under_o the_o law_n be_v either_o cloud_v and_o muffle_v up_o in_o type_n and_o figure_n or_o else_o couch_v and_o employ_v only_o in_o symbolical_a figurative_a expression_n for_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a do_v seldom_o speak_v but_o in_o figure_n moses_n his_o face_n do_v shine_v indeed_o but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o veil_n over_o it_o and_o so_o christ_n be_v represent_v indeed_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o through_o a_o cloud_n and_o mist_n hence_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v but_o now_o it_o be_v make_v manifest_a that_o be_v compare_v the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o these_o of_o the_o new_a &_o the_o gospel_n than_o will_v seem_v quite_o to_o have_v be_v hide_v in_o comparison_n of_o what_o it_o be_v now_o for_o so_o we_o must_v understand_v the_o word_n it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n when_o they_o compare_v two_o thing_n together_o to_o express_v the_o less_o negative_o a_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n without_o doubt_n the_o ancient_a jew_n have_v for_o otherwise_o to_o what_o purpose_n will_v it_o be_v say_v joh._n 8._o 56._o your_o father_n abraham_n rejoice_v to_o see_v my_o day_n &_o he_o sow_v it_o &_o be_v glad_a &_o that_o they_o dranck_n of_o that_o spiritual_a rock_n that_o follow_v they_o and_o that_o rock_n be_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 4._o to_o what_o purpose_n also_o will_v those_o promise_n &_o prophesys_n of_o christ_n be_v unless_o they_o have_v have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o he_o a_o knowledge_n than_o they_o 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kind_n of_o a_o â—â—nting_n after_o they_o or_o a_o narrow_a and_o painful_a seek_v into_o they_o as_o man_n do_v for_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o that_o be_v let_v it_o be_v as_o familiar_a unto_o you_o as_o he_o that_o dwell_v under_o the_o same_o roof_n with_o you_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o let_v your_o mind_n be_v as_o thorough_o adorn_v with_o they_o as_o a_o great_a man_n house_n be_v with_o rich_a utensill_n &_o hang_n and_o now_o let_v we_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o do_v thus_o earnest_o search_v after_o they_o whether_o our_o heart_n be_v thus_o furnish_v with_o they_o be_v we_o not_o rather_o like_o those_o canonist_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o some_o say_v will_v confirm_v their_o law_n text_n &_o this_o too_o take_v upon_o trust_n from_o other_o or_o like_o that_o bishop_n mention_v in_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n who_o thank_v god_n he_o never_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v 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compendious_a way_n for_o the_o understanding_n the_o drift_n and_o scope_n of_o holy_a writ_n now_o all_o these_o shall_v be_v as_o so_o many_o several_a tie_n and_o engagement_n upon_o we_o continual_o to_o strike_v upon_o this_o anvil_n night_n and_o day_n to_o study_v read_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o for_o we_o who_o either_o actual_o be_v in_o or_o else_o intend_v the_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o what_o may_v some_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n here_o say_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o hard_a as_o you_o make_v they_o your_o exhortation_n will_v little_o prevail_v with_o we_o you_o will_v rather_o deter_v we_o from_o read_v they_o to_o such_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v hard_a yet_o the_o main_a doctrine_n thereof_o which_o concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o and_o as_o easy_o to_o be_v understand_v beside_o as_o the_o orator_n note_v of_o the_o element_n of_o science_n and_o 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and_o from_o many_o other_o argument_n but_o i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n here_o abrupt_o to_o break_v off_o and_o conclude_v 2_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n concern_v the_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o creature_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v we_o be_v to_o speak_v concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o two_o former_a i_o tell_v you_o we_o have_v only_o a_o confuse_a ineffectual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o this_o latter_a we_o have_v a_o more_o clear_a distinct_a and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o he_o shall_v we_o have_v
be_v leave_v only_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n within_o we_o and_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o creature_n without_o we_o we_o may_v have_v eternal_o grope_v in_o darkness_n and_o never_o have_v come_v unto_o salvation_n for_o though_o these_o may_v direct_v we_o unto_o a_o god_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o proper_o unto_o a_o christ_n nature_n can_v never_o thorough_o discover_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o right_a mean_n unto_o salvation_n and_o though_o god_n be_v delineate_v and_o draw_v out_o as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o creature_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o in_o dark_a colour_n see_v he_o may_v be_v and_o understand_v in_o they_o but_o never_o exact_o worship_v and_o serve_v through_o they_o there_o must_v be_v then_o some_o high_a principle_n and_o fountain_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v draw_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n towards_o mankind_n his_o love_n unto_o we_o from_o all_o eternity_n in_o design_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o all_o those_o high_a mystery_n of_o religion_n which_o otherwise_o nature_n can_v never_o reach_v unto_o now_o that_o which_o do_v these_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o instruct_v heretofore_o the_o old_a patriarch_n either_o by_o oracle_n or_o vision_n be_v at_o length_n by_o moses_n proclaim_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o set_v down_o in_o writing_n that_o so_o all_o may_v plain_o see_v who_o he_o be_v what_o kind_n of_o worship_n he_o do_v approve_v of_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o will_v bring_v they_o unto_o heaven_n so_o that_o as_o christ_n say_v unto_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n joh._n 4._o 22._o that_o both_o she_o and_o her_o nation_n worship_v they_o know_v not_o what_o we_o say_v likewise_o of_o the_o gentile_n they_o worship_v they_o know_v not_o what_o god_n or_o the_o true_a one_o in_o a_o false_a manner_n for_o before_o christ_n time_n god_n word_n be_v consign_v &_o closet_v within_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n no_o wonder_v that_o the_o gentile_n without_o the_o pale_a become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o worship_v the_o creature_n more_o than_o the_o creator_n and_o now_o after_o christ_n many_o nation_n either_o through_o malice_n reject_v the_o scripture_n or_o through_o negligence_n be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o no_o wonder_n that_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o worship_v the_o host_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o follow_v after_o idol_n and_o lie_v vanity_n for_o as_o old_a and_o dim_a eye_n though_o they_o may_v behold_v a_o fair_a volume_n yet_o they_o can_v speak_v or_o read_v perhaps_o two_o word_n together_o without_o the_o help_n of_o spectacle_n or_o some_o other_o glass_n in_o like_a manner_n though_o a_o purblind_a natural_a man_n a_o gentile_a may_v see_v god_n in_o the_o large_a volume_n of_o his_o creature_n yet_o without_o the_o light_n and_o help_v of_o holy_a scripture_n he_o can_v never_o discover_v his_o will_n and_o the_o true_a manner_n wherein_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v the_o scripture_n alone_o be_v the_o cannon_n and_o rule_n unto_o which_o we_o must_v square_v ourselves_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o principium_fw-la cognoscendi_fw-la that_o instrument_n and_o ladder_n whereby_o we_o may_v climb_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o have_v a_o more_o intimate_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n then_o possible_o we_o can_v attain_v unto_o either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o conduct_v of_o the_o creature_n wherefore_o leave_v the_o two_o former_a book_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o creature_n we_o must_v enter_v now_o into_o a_o high_a form_n as_o it_o be_v and_o learn_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o shall_v be_v my_o task_n therefore_o at_o present_a to_o open_v unto_o you_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n out_o of_o these_o word_n in_o prosecution_n of_o which_o as_o of_o all_o other_o head_n ensue_v i_o shall_v as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o endeavour_v to_o couch_v my_o matter_n in_o as_o short_a a_o room_n as_o i_o can_v that_o so_o i_o may_v the_o more_o speedy_o go_v over_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o this_o exercise_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v with_o all_o plainness_n perspicuity_n and_o method_n both_o open_a and_o apply_v the_o doctrine_n familiar_o illustrate_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v knotty_a and_o hard_a without_o ramble_v and_o fetch_v in_o of_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o consist_v with_o my_o intend_a brevity_n and_o method_n as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v a_o beat_a path_n i_o shall_v with_o less_o pain_n go_v over_o these_o word_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o most_o pertinent_a whereon_o i_o may_v build_v it_o which_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n which_o timothy_n have_v suck_v in_o even_o from_o his_o youth_n and_o receive_v from_o paul_n for_o he_o show_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o danger_n of_o the_o latter_a time_n and_o the_o error_n of_o evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n do_v give_v his_o son_n timothy_n a_o antidote_n against_o their_o poison_n exhort_v he_o in_o the_o 14._o verse_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o time_n indeed_o be_v very_o evil_a error_n very_o rife_o persecution_n every_o where_o offer_v to_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o say_v he_o continue_v thou_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learned_a etc._n etc._n this_o exhortation_n he_o seem_v to_o press_v by_o several_a argument_n thou_o must_v continue_v in_o sound_a doctrine_n 1._o because_o thou_o have_v learn_v it_o it_o be_v to_o that_o purpose_n deposit_v with_o thou_o and_o instill_v into_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v continue_v in_o it_o 2._o because_o thou_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v argue_v want_n of_o judgement_n and_o folly_n in_o thou_o to_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o because_o thou_o know_v of_o who_o thou_o have_v learn_v it_o not_o from_o any_o impostor_n or_o seducer_n but_o from_o a_o paul_n a_o apostle_n act_v by_o the_o spirit_n &_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o have_v from_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o who_o authority_n ought_v to_o bind_v thou_o to_o persevere_v in_o the_o thing_n thou_o have_v learn_v 3._o o_o timothy_n thou_o must_v continue_v in_o those_o thing_n thou_o have_v learn_v because_o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n v._o 15._o thou_o have_v be_v so_o long_o verse_v in_o the_o sacred_a truth_n so_o long_o learn_v and_o receive_v it_o that_o now_o it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o base_a thing_n for_o thou_o to_o recede_v from_o it_o read_v it_o thou_o have_v from_o thy_o child_n hood_n and_o therefore_o hold_v it_o fast_o thou_o shall_v in_o thy_o ripe_a year_n this_o argument_n he_o back_v on_o 4._o from_o the_o perfection_n and_o profitable_a effect_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n thou_o must_v therefore_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o word_n of_o god_n because_o if_o thou_o believe_v in_o that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v thou_o unto_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n these_o argument_n he_o put_v down_o in_o the_o 14_o &_o 15._o verse_n now_o he_o go_v on_o in_o these_o word_n read_v unto_o you_o to_o persuade_v he_o to_o persevere_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o say_v he_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n the_o authority_n therefore_o of_o it_o shall_v bind_v thou_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o the_o great_a profit_n of_o it_o in_o instruct_v thou_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o religion_n or_o well_o live_v and_o also_o its_o perspicuity_n in_o lay_v down_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n plain_o which_o make_v either_o for_o doctrine_n or_o for_o decision_n of_o controversy_n or_o for_o regulate_v man_n manner_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a and_o then_o in_o the_o 17._o verse_n the_o apostle_n confirm_v his_o exhortation_n from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v perfect_a in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o it_o do_v make_v man_n perfect_a and_o thorough_o instruct_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n since_o then_o say_v paul_n the_o doctrine_n which_o thou_o have_v learn_v have_v so_o noble_a a_o author_n of_o it_o as_o god_n have_v so_o profitable_a a_o use_n as_o to_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o
salvation_n to_o instruct_v to_o reprove_v to_o correct_v and_o since_o it_o have_v so_o admirable_a perfection_n in_o it_o as_o to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a &_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n good_a reason_n then_o my_o son_n timothy_n that_o be_v the_o time_n what_o they_o will_v be_v error_n never_o so_o plausible_o entertain_v and_o truth_n never_o so_o violent_o oppose_v that_o thou_o notwithstanding_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learn_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o this_o be_v the_o drift_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o well_o understand_v of_o which_o together_o with_o the_o word_n read_v unto_o you_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o open_n of_o this_o my_o present_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v therefore_o expound_v the_o word_n themselves_o more_o distinct_o and_o in_o the_o open_n of_o they_o brief_o touch_v upon_o some_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v handle_v at_o large_a and_o then_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o what_o i_o main_o intend_v well_o then_o here_o be_v the_o subject_n speak_v of_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o by_o its_o author_n god_n by_o its_o use_n it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n by_o its_o end_n which_o be_v that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n all_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o writing_n for_o so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v scripture_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n it_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o other_o writing_n which_o be_v so_o far_o account_v good_a or_o bad_a as_o they_o come_v near_o to_o or_o decline_v from_o this_o but_o here_o say_v beza_n when_o the_o apostle_n say_v all_o scripture_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n lest_o we_o understand_v any_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o call_v canonical_a that_o be_v such_o book_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o antiquity_n their_o argument_n and_o divine_a doctrine_n they_o treat_v of_o their_o efficacious_a and_o lively_a manner_n and_o method_n of_o their_o discourse_n be_v the_o canon_n yea_o rule_n and_o touchstone_n by_o which_o all_o doctrine_n and_o write_n whatever_n be_v to_o be_v try_v for_o there_o be_v other_o book_n which_o either_o because_o the_o name_n of_o their_o author_n be_v unknown_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v call_v apocryphal_a or_o hide_a which_o though_o otherwise_o contain_v many_o useful_a &_o profitable_a instruction_n be_v yet_o notwithstanding_o to_o be_v hide_v and_o lay_v aside_o when_o any_o truth_n come_v to_o be_v try_v and_o therefore_o when_o our_o apostle_n say_v that_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n we_o must_v exclude_v those_o apocryphal_a book_n for_o since_o they_o be_v neither_o write_v in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n nor_o by_o any_o prophet_n of_o which_o malachy_n be_v the_o last_o nor_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n since_o also_o they_o contain_v many_o thing_n absurd_a and_o contrary_a one_o to_o another_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v never_o give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o scripture_n be_v inspire_v of_o god_n or_o as_o the_o word_n imply_v breathe_v from_o god_n those_o notion_n word_n and_o phrase_n which_o may_v every_o where_o occur_v in_o holy_a writ_n be_v dictate_v unto_o the_o penman_n thereof_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o so_o that_o prophecy_n come_v not_o of_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o wherefore_o we_o read_v not_o thus_o say_v jeremiah_n or_o thus_o say_v isaiah_n but_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o but_o what_o may_v some_o say_v be_v all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n why_o then_o those_o imposture_n and_o calumny_n of_o satan_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 3._o of_o gen._n and_o 4._o of_o matthew_n those_o erroneous_a say_n of_o job_n wife_n unto_o he_o to_o curse_v god_n and_o die_v with_o the_o like_a be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o these_o and_o the_o like_a say_n only_o historical_o set_v down_o be_v abstract_o in_o themselves_o consider_v be_v not_o from_o god_n but_o then_o consider_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v set_v down_o so_o they_o be_v as_o we_o may_v say_v that_o tacitus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o whole_a book_n though_o many_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v speak_v from_o other_o man_n and_o as_o the_o same_o wax_n though_o of_o little_a worth_n in_o itself_o yet_o seal_v and_o put_v in_o a_o bond_n may_v be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o value_n in_o like_a manner_n those_o speech_n of_o heathen_a author_n cite_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o that_o of_o aratus_n act._n 17._o 28._o and_o that_o of_o epimenides_n titus_n 1._o 12._o though_o of_o little_a worth_n as_o they_o come_v from_o such_o man_n yet_o be_v insert_v into_o holy_a writ_n receive_v divine_a authority_n and_o may_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n unto_o our_o salvation_n many_o thing_n there_o be_v also_o in_o scripture_n which_o quoad_fw-la praeceptum_fw-la may_v have_v great_a authority_n than_o other_o but_o ratione_fw-la authoris_fw-la be_v equal_a as_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o first_o table_n be_v more_o severe_o enjoin_v then_o those_o of_o the_o second_o yet_o the_o same_o god_n write_v they_o both_o thus_o gold_n may_v be_v more_o precious_a than_o gold_n in_o weight_n and_o shape_n though_o not_o in_o purity_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o all_o scripture_n some_o way_n or_o other_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n say_v and_o god_n say_v as_o may_v far_o appear_v from_o the_o 9_o of_o the_o roman_n 25._o verse_n and_o gal._n 4_o 30._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a many_o be_v the_o commodity_n of_o the_o write_a word_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v try_v all_o other_o doctrine_n as_o the_o barean_o try_v paul_n doctrine_n by_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o act._n 17._o 11._o and_o therefore_o as_o those_o that_o carry_v false_a and_o adulterate_a coin_n about_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v of_o a_o touchstone_n so_o likewise_o those_o cheat_n in_o religion_n the_o papist_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v read_v lest_o thereby_o their_o imposture_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a and_o their_o folly_n appear_v unto_o all_o man_n beside_o this_o commodity_n i_o say_v the_o apostle_n say_v that_o it_o be_v profitable_a 1._o for_o instruction_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o discover_v that_o be_v of_o such_o thing_n unto_o we_o which_o without_o it_o we_o can_v never_o have_v know_v there_o be_v mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o abscondite_fw-la hide_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o humane_a reason_n can_v never_o unveil_v or_o fathom_n that_o a_o infinite_a god_n shall_v be_v cloister_v up_o in_o a_o virgin_n womb_n that_o he_o shall_v leave_v heaven_n and_o lie_n in_o a_o manger_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o like_a be_v above_o the_o reach_n and_o disquisition_n of_o a_o natural_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v far_o enlighten_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n before_o we_o attain_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v profitable_a also_o for_o instruction_n of_o we_o in_o the_o fall_n &_o restauration_n of_o man_n in_o the_o sacrament_n yea_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n it_o instruct_v and_o teach_v we_o how_o wretched_a we_o be_v by_o nature_n how_o happy_a by_o grace_n how_o to_o beat_v down_o principality_n and_o power_n how_o to_o want_v and_o how_o to_o abound_v how_o final_o to_o be_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2._o it_o be_v profitable_a say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o reproof_n there_o be_v no_o error_n so_o plausible_o broach_v so_o strong_o fortify_v and_o maintain_v by_o humane_a reason_n but_o may_v be_v beat_v down_o and_o vanquish_v by_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a judge_v all_o thing_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2_o 18._o he_o that_o be_v right_o inform_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o to_o who_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o who_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o foreign_a tradition_n testimony_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o like_a not_o
price_n or_o value_n then_o real_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o true_a power_n that_o the_o church_n can_v challenge_v in_o relation_n unto_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherefore_o the_o true_a church_n we_o honour_v in_o respect_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o do_v not_o adore_v it_o and_o make_v it_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o wherefore_o 3._o we_o say_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v on_o the_o church_n as_o on_o their_o own_o innate_a light_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o we_o their_o own_o innate_a light_n i_o say_v for_o say_v chamier_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n a_o peculiaris_fw-la genius_fw-la and_o strain_n whereby_o they_o may_v upon_o examination_n be_v easy_o discover_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o critic_n will_v know_v by_o the_o phrase_n and_o stile_n and_o the_o like_a that_o such_o a_o book_n be_v lyvies_n such_o a_o one_o juvenal_n so_o also_o will_v a_o christian_a upon_o the_o due_a search_n &_o trial_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o their_o matter_n heavenly_a by_o their_o stile_n deep_a and_o by_o their_o divine_a phrase_n mystical_a present_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o other_o author_n than_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o then_o far_o i_o say_v there_o be_v require_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o we_o which_o spirit_n be_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v the_o seal_n unto_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o peculiar_a only_o to_o god_n child_n a_o man_n may_v by_o the_o hearsay_n of_o the_o church_n historical_o know_v the_o scripture_n but_o this_o will_v no_o more_o comfort_v his_o heart_n then_o the_o discourse_n concern_v honey_n and_o sweetmeat_n will_v the_o stomach_n a_o man_n may_v also_o be_v convict_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n from_o those_o argument_n i_o press_v even_o now_o and_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v no_o more_o convert_v by_o they_o then_o the_o jew_n be_v at_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o know_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n well_o than_o what_o be_v it_o that_o must_v ultimate_o persuade_v we_o and_o assure_v a_o child_n of_o god_n certitudine_fw-la fidei_fw-la with_o a_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o church_n that_o can_v for_o how_o can_v that_o infuse_v faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o set_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n what_o then_o be_v it_o that_o assure_v we_o doubtless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n coworking_a with_o we_o and_o upon_o our_o prayer_n and_o diligent_a read_n and_o examine_v of_o the_o word_n assure_v we_o that_o this_o word_n which_o be_v thus_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n thus_o verify_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o it_o this_o word_n that_o have_v so_o perfect_a a_o consent_n within_o its_o self_n that_o have_v so_o admirable_a efficacy_n upon_o the_o hearer_n and_o reader_n thereof_o that_o have_v be_v so_o wonderful_o preserve_v in_o all_o age_n that_o this_o word_n and_o this_o word_n only_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o divine_a authority_n so_o then_o the_o church_n that_o can_v only_o report_v unto_o we_o the_o spirit_n that_o do_v firm_o persuade_v we_o the_o church_n that_o can_v ministerial_o only_o ingenerate_v a_o opinion_n in_o we_o the_o spirit_n a_o faith_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o then_o man_n may_v hear_v a_o very_a great_a report_n of_o another_o worth_n learning_n and_o counsel_n and_o yet_o be_v never_o full_o satisfy_v concern_v it_o till_o they_o find_v it_o so_o to_o be_v by_o their_o own_o experience_n or_o as_o those_o samaritan_n who_o do_v believe_v in_o part_n on_o christ_n for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n be_v yet_o notwithstanding_o further_o confirm_v &_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o when_o they_o hear_v his_o own_o word_n john_n 4._o 24._o in_o like_a manner_n though_o we_o may_v historical_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o the_o church_n say_v so_o yet_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n do_v minister_v little_a assurance_n or_o satisfaction_n unto_o a_o child_n of_o god_n until_o it_o be_v far_o back_v on_o and_o establish_v by_o a_o far_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o undoubted_o must_v be_v the_o firm_a assurance_n a_o man_n can_v have_v because_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o do_v open_v the_o eye_n to_o behold_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n psal_n 119._o 18._o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n joh._n 16._o 13._o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o inseparable_o accompany_n the_o faithful_a in_o the_o scripture_n my_o spirit_n which_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n isa_n 59_o 21._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o give_v strong_a evidence_n unto_o its_o self_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n if_o you_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n the_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a say_v s._n paul_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n therefore_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v great_a but_o say_v they_o the_o spirit_n speak_v by_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v the_o church_n only_o when_o it_o testifyes_n of_o the_o scripture_n whitaker_n answer_v for_o i_o that_o if_o so_o be_v the_o spirit_n do_v thus_o speak_v by_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o then_o have_v the_o church_n this_o assurance_n but_o from_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v ultimate_o resolve_v of_o necessity_n into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n again_o they_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v before_o the_o scripture_n we_o answer_v no_o by_o no_o mean_n for_o then_o how_o can_v the_o word_n be_v call_v the_o everlasting_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v bear_v the_o church_n be_v before_o the_o write_a word_n but_o not_o before_o the_o unwritten_a ask_v a_o papist_n how_o they_o know_v that_o the_o church_n be_v of_o such_o authority_n and_o they_o will_v prove_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n prove_v must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a esteem_n and_o before_o the_o authority_n prove_v but_o be_v not_o the_o church_n call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n yes_o but_o what_o do_v a_o candle_n receive_v any_o light_n from_o the_o candlestick_n because_o it_o stick_v in_o it_o what_o though_o the_o church_n be_v the_o seat_n and_o mansion_n place_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n of_o less_o authority_n than_o now_o it_o be_v the_o church_n than_o be_v only_o a_o ministerial_a pillar_n to_o preserve_v keep_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o word_n not_o a_o fundamental_a one_o to_o uphold_v and_o give_v be_v unto_o it_o and_o here_o i_o may_v wade_v far_o into_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o have_v be_v so_o full_o handle_v already_o and_o answer_v by_o multitude_n of_o eminent_a man_n i_o shall_v go_v no_o far_o it_o remain_v that_o i_o shall_v practical_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v but_o this_o together_o with_o the_o other_o propertye_n of_o scripture_n their_o perspicuity_n and_o perfection_n i_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o next_o part_n this_o be_v the_o authors_n last_o sermon_n that_o ever_o he_o preach_v which_o be_v at_o s._n mary_n in_o oxon._n march_n 20._o 1655._o phil._n c._n 3._o v._n 8._o first_o part_n yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n arm_n his_o philippian_n against_o their_o false_a teacher_n by_o oppose_v his_o own_o judgement_n and_o example_n to_o their_o erroneous_a and_o lie_a suggestion_n there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o profane_a person_n start_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n who_o paul_n count_v no_o better_a than_o dog_n evil_a worker_n and_o of_o the_o concision_n verse_n 2._o who_o instead_o of_o circumcise_n their_o heart_n go_v about_o rather_o to_o cut_v and_o rend_v asunder_o the_o church_n these_o man_n now_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v bring_v from_o their_o old_a fleshly_a confidence_n the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n do_v vaunt_n much_o of_o their_o outward_a privilege_n and_o will_v fain_o slink_v into_o circumcision_n and_o other_o ceremonial_a performance_n and_o join_v