1_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o of_o all_o these_o wounderful_a passage_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o perfect_a narrative_n and_o what_o have_v the_o great_a wit_n of_o the_o world_n ever_o treat_v on_o like_o this_o either_o for_o strangeness_n or_o truth_n all_o their_o learning_n be_v but_o idle_a and_o contemptible_a speculation_n compare_v to_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n who_o subdue_v death_n by_o die_v and_o without_o force_n convert_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n above_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o very_a odd_a say_n of_o tertullian_n de_fw-fr carne_fw-la christi_fw-la cont_n marc._n and_o yet_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o that_o strike_v natus_fw-la est_fw-la dei_fw-la filius_fw-la non_fw-la pudet_fw-la quia_fw-la pudendum_fw-la est_fw-la the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v bear_v we_o blush_v not_o at_o it_o because_o it_o be_v shameful_a mortuus_fw-la est_fw-la dei_fw-la filius_fw-la prorsus_fw-la credibile_fw-la est_fw-la quia_fw-la ineptum_fw-la est_fw-la the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v it_o be_v credible_a because_o it_o be_v unfit_a and_o unlikely_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o sepultus_fw-la resurrexit_fw-la certum_fw-la est_fw-la quia_fw-la impossibile_fw-it est_fw-la he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a it_o be_v certain_a true_a because_o it_o be_v impossible_a now_o these_o unlikely_a and_o impossible_a thing_n judge_v so_o by_o humane_a reason_n these_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n declare_v and_o declare_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o convince_v even_o reason_n itself_o to_o assent_v to_o they_o though_o it_o can_v comprehend_v they_o if_o therefore_o you_o desire_v to_o know_v christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a and_o those_o mysterious_a doctrine_n which_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v not_o invent_v for_o it_o can_v hardly_o receive_v they_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o reveal_v all_o the_o wonder_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n to_o which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v but_o folly_n this_o therefore_o i_o suppose_v lie_v in_o the_o expression_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n viz._n the_o word_n of_o which_o he_o be_v both_o the_o author_n and_o the_o subject_a second_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o text_n the_o manner_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v set_v forth_o very_o significant_o first_o let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o do_v not_o only_o give_v it_o the_o hear_n as_o a_o strange_a and_o marvellous_a story_n let_v not_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o vanish_v out_o of_o your_o mind_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n vanish_v out_o of_o your_o ear_n but_o lay_v it_o up_o and_o lodge_v it_o in_o your_o heart_n make_v it_o familiar_a and_o domestic_a to_o you_o that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o know_v to_o you_o as_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o same_o house_n with_o you_o read_v it_o ponder_v and_o meditate_v upon_o it_o till_o you_o have_v transcribe_v the_o bible_n upon_o your_o heart_n and_o faithful_o print_v it_o in_o your_o memory_n second_o let_v it_o dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o or_o copious_o which_o may_v be_v take_v either_o objective_o or_o subjective_o objective_o and_o so_o the_o sense_n be_v that_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v in_o we_o content_v not_o yourselves_o with_o some_o part_n of_o it_o that_o you_o read_v the_o gospel_n or_o new_a testament_n but_o neglect_v the_o old_a as_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o flush_a notionist_n or_o that_o you_o know_v the_o historical_a part_n of_o both_o but_o neglect_v the_o doctrinal_a which_o be_v the_o fond_a and_o childish_a custom_n of_o some_o who_o read_v the_o scripture_n as_o they_o will_v romance_n skip_v over_o the_o moral_a discourse_n as_o impertinent_a to_o the_o story_n but_o when_o we_o receive_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o be_v diligent_a in_o revolve_v the_o prophet_n evangelist_n apostle_n every_o part_n and_o parcel_n of_o the_o heavenly_a reveal_v truth_n again_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o we_o rich_o in_o the_o latter_a sense_n or_o subjective_o and_o so_o it_o do_v when_o not_o only_o every_o part_n of_o it_o dwell_v in_o we_o but_o when_o it_o dwell_v also_o in_o every_o part_n of_o we_o in_o our_o memory_n to_o retain_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n to_o meditate_v on_o it_o in_o our_o affection_n to_o love_v it_o and_o in_o our_o life_n to_o practice_v it_o then_o do_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v rich_o or_o abundant_o in_o we_o three_o let_v it_o dwell_v rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n the_o high_a wisdom_n be_v true_o to_o know_v and_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n now_o say_v the_o apostle_n so_o acquaint_v yourselves_o with_o the_o scripture_n that_o you_o may_v from_o thence_o learn_v true_a wisdom_n the_o save_a knowledge_n both_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n to_o be_v conversant_a in_o it_o only_o to_o know_v what_o it_o contain_v be_v not_o wisdom_n but_o folly_n but_o than_o it_o dwell_v in_o you_o in_o wisdom_n when_o you_o study_v it_o to_o practice_v it_o when_o you_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o rule_n that_o you_o may_v obey_v it_o this_o be_v wisdom_n here_o and_o will_v end_v in_o happiness_n hereafter_o and_o thus_o you_o have_v the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n explain_v in_o handle_v this_o subject_a i_o shall_v only_o pursue_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o endeavour_v to_o press_v those_o exhortation_n upon_o you_o and_o indeed_o i_o need_v not_o many_o argument_n to_o persuade_v those_o who_o have_v already_o any_o acquaintance_n with_o these_o sacred_a oracle_n still_o to_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o have_v you_o not_o yourselves_o find_v such_o clear_a light_n such_o attractive_a sweetness_n and_o persuasive_a eloquence_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o that_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n can_v utter_v for_o it_o fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o what_o it_o speak_v on_o in_o its_o own_o behalf_n who_o of_o we_o have_v not_o find_v direction_n from_o it_o in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n solution_n of_o doubt_n support_v under_o affliction_n comfort_n under_o sadness_n strength_n against_o temptation_n quickning_n of_o grace_n warmth_n of_o affection_n and_o in_o brief_a whatsoever_o we_o can_v expect_v from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n have_v we_o not_o find_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o shall_v we_o need_v further_a to_o commend_v it_o to_o you_o by_o argument_n since_o it_o have_v commend_v itself_o by_o manifold_a experience_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n know_v we_o be_v disarm_v and_o disable_v if_o once_o he_o can_v wrest_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o and_o therefore_o labour_v all_o he_o can_v to_o strike_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n or_o if_o we_o do_v read_v it_o he_o strive_v to_o put_v on_o such_o false_a spectacle_n as_o shall_v misrepresent_v every_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o possess_v we_o with_o prejudice_n and_o objection_n against_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o before_o i_o proceed_v any_o far_a encounter_n with_o some_o of_o those_o prejudice_v opinion_n which_o make_v this_o a_o clasp_v and_o seal_v book_n to_o many_o first_o some_o may_v fear_v lest_o the_o study_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v only_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n and_o condemnation_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n be_v so_o various_a the_o duty_n so_o difficult_a and_o flesh_n and_o blood_n so_o infirm_a and_o opposite_a that_o they_o cast_v a_o despair_a look_n at_o they_o as_o impossible_a to_o be_v fulfil_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o have_v be_v tell_v that_o knowledge_n without_o practice_n will_v expose_v they_o to_o damnation_n without_o excuse_n they_o have_v read_v ja._n 4.17_o to_o he_o that_o know_v to_o do_v good_a and_o do_v it_o not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n it_o be_v a_o emphatical_a and_o weighty_a sin_n and_o luke_n 12.47_o he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n this_o they_o have_v read_v and_o this_o deterr_v they_o from_o read_v any_o far_o if_o they_o can_v practice_v what_o they_o know_v and_o if_o to_o know_v and_o not_o practice_v be_v only_o to_o inflame_v their_o last_o reckon_n and_o make_v their_o torment_n more_o intolerable_a it_o be_v best_o for_o they_o to_o muffle_v up_o themselves_o in_o a_o safe_a ignorance_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o though_o the_o word_n abound_v with_o multitude_n of_o sublime_a precept_n and_o difficult_a duty_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o discouragement_n from_o the_o study_n of_o it_o for_o consider_v that_o this_o same_o
righteousness_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o damnation_n have_v be_v unavoidable_a without_o this_o knowledge_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v better_a they_o have_v not_o know_v it_o for_o here_o be_v the_o hyperbole_n of_o their_o misery_n better_o they_o have_v be_v damn_v than_o to_o have_v know_v these_o truth_n and_o this_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o turn_v from_o the_o obedience_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o o_o fearful_a state_n o_o dreadful_a doom_n when_o a_o simple_a and_o genuine_a damnation_n shall_v be_v reckon_v a_o gain_n and_o favour_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o exquisite_a one_o which_o god_n will_v with_o all_o his_o wisdom_n prepare_v and_o all_o his_o power_n inflict_v on_o those_o who_o know_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o who_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n do_v notwithstanding_o persevere_v in_o they_o he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_v and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n luke_n 12.47_o and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 15.22_o the_o sin_n and_o punishment_n of_o those_o who_o be_v invincible_o ignorant_a be_v as_o nothing_o compare_v to_o what_o the_o know_a sinner_n lie_v under_o but_o do_v not_o flatter_v yourselves_o your_o ignorance_n be_v not_o invincible_a be_v you_o not_o call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n do_v you_o not_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o scripture_n do_v you_o not_o enjoy_v gospel_n ordinance_n and_o ministry_n may_v you_o not_o if_o you_o will_v be_v but_o diligent_a and_o industrious_a understand_v what_o you_o be_v ignorant_a of_o certain_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v prove_v your_o ignorance_n invincible_a unless_o it_o be_v your_o obstinacy_n that_o you_o will_v not_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o be_v instruct_v by_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n your_o ignorance_n must_v therefore_o be_v affect_v well_o then_o attend_v unto_o the_o second_o particular_a affect_a ignorance_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o will_v be_v more_o sore_o punish_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o unpractised_a knowledge_n this_o kind_n of_o ignorance_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v pleadable_a as_o a_o excuse_n that_o it_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o man_n guilt_n and_o will_v be_v so_o of_o their_o condemnation_n there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n that_o complete_a a_o christian_n knowledge_n and_o practice_n both_o these_o god_n do_v strict_o require_v knowledge_n may_v be_v without_o practice_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n can_v be_v without_o knowledge_n god_n i_o say_v require_v they_o both_o now_o judge_v you_o which_o be_v the_o great_a sinner_n he_o that_o labour_v after_o knowledge_n though_o he_o neglect_v practice_n or_o he_o that_o neglect_v they_o both_o he_o that_o fulfil_v some_o part_n of_o god_n will_n or_o he_o that_o fulfil_v nothing_o of_o it_o certain_o in_o your_o own_o judgement_n this_o latter_a deserve_v to_o be_v double_o punish_v once_o for_o not_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o again_o for_o not_o know_v it_o when_o he_o may_v true_o it_o be_v but_o just_a and_o righteous_a that_o god_n shall_v with_o the_o high_a disdain_n and_o indignation_n say_v unto_o they_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v i_o know_v you_o not_o since_o they_o have_v audacious_o say_v unto_o he_o depart_v from_o we_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o god_n patience_n towards_o heathen_n who_o be_v invincible_o ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n tell_v we_o act_v 17.30_o that_o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n and_o yet_o a_o ignorance_n it_o be_v that_o put_v they_o upon_o no_o less_o than_o brutish_a idolatry_n god_n wink_v at_o ignorant_n person_n in_o ignorant_a time_n while_o as_o yet_o the_o world_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n and_o darkness_n overspread_v the_o face_n of_o it_o god_n connive_v and_o wink_v at_o but_o ignorant_a person_n in_o know_v time_n god_n do_v not_o wink_v at_o but_o frown_v upon_o i_o be_o the_o more_o earnest_n in_o press_v this_o because_o i_o perceive_v that_o vile_a and_o rot_a principle_n unworthy_a of_o a_o christian_n who_o be_v a_o child_n of_o light_n and_o of_o the_o day_n be_v take_v up_o by_o many_o that_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n how_o little_o we_o know_v if_o we_o do_v but_o practice_v what_o we_o know_v what_o a_o cheat_n have_v the_o devil_n put_v upon_o they_o have_v not_o god_n command_v you_o to_o know_v more_o as_o well_o as_o to_o practice_v what_o you_o know_v be_v it_o likely_a you_o shall_v practice_v what_o you_o know_v upon_o god_n command_n who_o will_v not_o upon_o his_o command_n increase_v your_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a plea_n of_o profane_a men._n ask_v they_o why_o they_o frequent_v the_o public_a ordinance_n so_o seldom_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o they_o know_v more_o by_o one_o sermon_n than_o they_o can_v practice_v but_o how_o can_v such_o make_v conscience_n of_o practise_v who_o make_v none_o of_o know_v though_o the_o same_o god_n have_v enjoin_v they_o both_o yea_o though_o they_o can_v practice_v what_o they_o know_v yet_o let_v i_o tell_v they_o that_o for_o those_o who_o live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o may_v be_v instruct_v if_o they_o will_v it_o may_v be_v as_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o omit_v a_o duty_n out_o of_o neglect_n of_o know_v it_o as_o out_o of_o neglect_n of_o do_v it_o yea_o and_o much_o great_a we_o shall_v ourselves_o judge_v that_o servant_n who_o while_o we_o be_v speak_v to_o he_o stop_v his_o ear_n on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v not_o hear_v what_o we_o command_v he_o we_o shall_v i_o say_v judge_v he_o worthy_a of_o more_o stripe_n than_o he_o who_o give_v diligent_a ear_n to_o our_o command_n although_o he_o will_v not_o obey_v they_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n thou_o who_o stop_v thy_o ear_n and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v what_o the_o will_n of_o thy_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v deserve_v much_o more_o punishment_n than_o he_o who_o take_v pain_n to_o know_v it_o although_o he_o do_v it_o not_o it_o be_v damnable_a not_o to_o give_v god_n the_o service_n that_o he_o require_v but_o o_o insolence_n not_o to_o give_v god_n thy_o lord_n and_o master_n so_o much_o as_o the_o hear_n have_v god_n send_v man_n into_o the_o world_n and_o send_v the_o scripture_n after_o as_o letter_n of_o instruction_n what_o we_o shall_v do_v for_o he_o here_o and_o will_v it_o think_v thou_o be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n when_o thou_o return_v to_o thy_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v true_a thou_o have_v instruction_n but_o never_o opened'_v they_o never_o looked'_v into_o they_o what_o a_o fearful_a contempt_n be_v this_o cast_n upon_o the_o great_a god_n never_o so_o much_o as_o to_o inquire_v what_o his_o will_n be_v whether_o or_o no_o he_o command_v that_o which_o be_v fit_a and_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o perform_v and_o therefore_o refuse_v not_o to_o search_v and_o study_v the_o scripture_n upon_o pretence_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o you_o can_v fulfil_v will_v but_o aggravate_v your_o sin_n and_o condemnation_n for_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o great_a sin_n and_o sore_a condemnation_n can_v no_o man_n have_v than_o he_o who_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n thereby_o to_o disoblige_v himself_o from_o practice_n and_o again_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v to_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o it_o require_v from_o we_o they_o do_v not_o only_o inform_v the_o judgement_n but_o quicken_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o strengthen_v the_o whole_a soul_n to_o its_o duty_n and_o this_o be_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o objection_n second_o some_o will_v say_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n possess_v they_o with_o strange_a fear_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o incredible_a terror_n it_o raise_v up_o such_o dreadful_a apparition_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n as_o make_v they_o a_o terror_n to_o themselves_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o it_o may_v be_v thy_o condition_n be_v such_o as_o require_v it_o possible_o thou_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o wrath_n and_o will_v thou_o not_o be_v under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o thou_o be_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v terrible_a unto_o thou_o it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o hate_v the_o word_n as_o ahab_n hate_v micaiah_n because_o it_o prophesi_v no_o good_a concern_v thou_o alas_o what_o good_a can_v it_o speak_v as_o long_o as_o thou_o thyself_o continue_v evil_a second_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o scripture_n as_o
of_o ourselves_o man_n that_o busy_v himself_o in_o know_v all_o thing_n else_o be_v of_o nothing_o more_o ignorant_a than_o of_o himself_o the_o eye_n that_o behold_v other_o thing_n can_v see_v its_o own_o shape_n and_o so_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereby_o he_o understand_v other_o object_n be_v usual_o ignorant_a of_o its_o own_o concernment_n now_o as_o the_o eye_n that_o can_v see_v itself_o direct_o may_v see_v itself_o reflexively_a in_o a_o glass_n so_o god_n have_v give_v we_o his_o scripture_n which_o st._n james_n compare_v to_o a_o glass_n james_n 1.23_o and_o hold_v this_o before_o the_o soul_n wherein_o be_v represent_v our_o true_a state_n and_o idea_n there_o be_v a_o fourfold_a state_n of_o man_n that_o we_o can_v never_o have_v attain_v to_o know_v but_o by_o the_o scripture_n his_o state_n of_o integrity_n his_o state_n of_o apostasy_n his_o state_n of_o restitution_n his_o state_n of_o glory_n the_o scripture_n alone_o can_v reveal_v to_o we_o what_o we_o be_v in_o our_o primitive_a constitution_n natural_o holy_n bear_v the_o image_n and_o similitude_n of_o god_n and_o enjoy_v his_o love_n free_a from_o all_o inward_a perturbation_n or_o outward_a misery_n have_v all_o the_o creature_n subject_a to_o we_o and_o what_o be_v much_o more_o ourselves_o what_o we_o be_v in_o our_o state_n of_o apostasy_n or_o destitution_n despoil_v of_o all_o our_o primitive_a excellency_n dispossess_v of_o all_o the_o happiness_n we_o enjoy_v and_o of_o all_o hope_n of_o any_o for_o the_o future_a liable_a every_o moment_n to_o the_o revenge_n of_o justice_n and_o certain_a once_o to_o feel_v it_o what_o we_o be_v in_o our_o state_n of_o restitution_n through_o grace_n beget_v again_o to_o a_o lively_a hope_n adopt_a into_o the_o family_n of_o heaven_n redeem_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n sanctify_a and_o seal_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n restore_v to_o the_o favour_n and_o friendship_n of_o god_n recover_v the_o initial_o of_o his_o image_n upon_o our_o soul_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o expect_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o in_o heaven_n what_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o our_o final_a state_n of_o glory_n clothe_v with_o light_n crown_v with_o star_n inebriate_v with_o pure_a spiritual_a joy_n we_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v know_v he_o as_o we_o be_v know_v by_o he_o love_v he_o ardent_o converse_v with_o he_o eternal_o yea_o a_o state_n it_o will_v be_v so_o infinite_o happy_a that_o it_o will_v leave_v we_o nothing_o to_o hope_v for_o this_o fourfold_a state_n of_o man_n the_o scripture_n do_v evident_o express_v now_o these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o have_v imagine_v have_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n describe_v they_o to_o we_o and_o thereby_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o of_o god_n and_o christ_n now_o let_v we_o put_v these_o six_o particular_n together_o the_o scripture_n instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v intelligible_a only_o by_o divine_a revelation_n it_o teach_v we_o the_o most_o sublime_a and_o lofty_a truth_n it_o be_v a_o most_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o knowledge_n the_o more_o we_o draw_v the_o more_o still_o spring_v up_o it_o teach_v that_o knowledge_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o be_v of_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o perpetual_a truth_n and_o last_o it_o inform_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o certain_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thirst_n in_o you_o after_o knowledge_n there_o need_v no_o more_o be_v speak_v to_o persuade_v you_o to_o the_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v a_o rich_a store_n and_o treasury_n of_o all_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n thus_o we_o have_v see_v how_o the_o scripture_n inform_v the_o judgement_n let_v we_o now_o brief_o see_v how_o they_o reform_v the_o life_n and_o what_o practical_a influence_n they_o have_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n now_o here_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v a_o mighty_a operation_n and_o that_o in_o sundry_a particular_n first_o this_o be_v that_o word_n that_o convince_v and_o humble_v the_o stout_a and_o proud_a sinner_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o secure_a sinner_n those_o who_o vaunt_v it_o in_o the_o confidence_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o those_o who_o be_v secure_a through_o a_o insensibility_n of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n both_o these_o the_o word_n when_o it_o be_v set_v home_o with_o power_n convince_v humble_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o dust_n it_o despoil_v the_o self-justitiary_a of_o all_o that_o false_a righteousness_n he_o once_o boast_v of_o and_o trust_v to_o i_o be_v alive_a once_o without_o the_o law_n say_v st._n paul_n but_o when_o the_o commandment_n come_v sin_n revive_v and_o i_o die_v rom._n 7.9_o it_o awaken_v and_o alarm_n the_o senseless_a sear_a sinner_n how_o many_o have_v there_o be_v that_o have_v scorn_v god_n and_o despise_a religion_n who_o yet_o one_o curse_n or_o threat_v of_o this_o word_n have_v make_v to_o tremble_v and_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o convince_a majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o second_o this_o be_v that_o word_n that_o sweet_o comfort_n and_o raise_v they_o after_o their_o dejection_n all_o other_o application_n to_o a_o wound_a spirit_n be_v improper_a and_o impertinent_a it_o be_v only_a scripture_n consolation_n that_o can_v ease_v it_o the_o leaf_n of_o this_o book_n be_v like_o the_o leaf_n of_o that_o tree_n rev._n 22._o which_o be_v for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o nation_n the_o same_o weapon_n that_o wound_n must_v here_o work_v the_o cure_n three_o this_o be_v that_o word_n that_o work_v the_o mighty_a change_n upon_o the_o heart_n in_o renovation_n take_v a_o man_n that_o run_v on_o in_o vile_a and_o desperate_a course_n that_o sell_v himself_o to_o do_v iniquity_n and_o commit_v all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n with_o greediness_n and_o make_v use_v of_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o reason_n can_v suggest_v these_o seldom_o reclaim_v any_o from_o their_o debauchery_n or_o if_o in_o some_o few_o they_o do_v reform_v the_o life_n yet_o they_o can_v never_o change_v the_o heart_n but_o now_o that_o which_o no_o other_o mean_n can_v effect_v the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v psal_n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n four_o this_o be_v that_o word_n that_o strengthen_v and_o arm_n the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o endure_v the_o great_a temporal_a evil_n only_o in_o hope_n of_o that_o future_a reward_n which_o it_o punish_v five_o this_o be_v that_o word_n that_o contain_v in_o it_o such_o a_o collection_n of_o rule_n and_o duty_n that_o whosoever_o observe_v and_o obey_v shall_v in_o the_o end_n infallible_o obtain_v everlasting_a life_n though_o i_o can_v but_o just_a mention_n these_o head_n unto_o you_o yet_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o they_o to_o persuade_v you_o to_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o scripture_n in_o they_o say_v our_o saviour_n you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o guilty_a malefactor_n but_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v we_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o book_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o not_o so_o much_o as_o read_v for_o our_o life_n this_o be_v that_o book_n according_a to_o which_o we_o must_v either_o stand_v or_o fall_v be_v acquit_v or_o condemn_v eternal_o the_o unalterable_a sentence_n of_o the_o last_o day_n will_v pass_v upon_o we_o as_o it_o be_v here_o record_v in_o this_o scripture_n here_o we_o may_v beforehand_o know_v our_o doom_n and_o what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o to_o all_o eternity_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v it_o be_v say_v rev._n 20.12_o that_o when_o the_o dead_a stand_v before_o god_n to_o be_v judge_v the_o book_n be_v open_v that_o be_v the_o book_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v persuade_v to_o open_v this_o book_n and_o to_o judge_v yourselves_o out_o of_o it_o before_o the_o last_o day_n it_o be_v not_o a_o seal_a book_n to_o you_o you_o may_v there_o read_v what_o your_o present_a state_n be_v and_o foretell_v what_o your_o future_a will_v be_v if_o it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n search_v far_o there_o be_v direction_n how_o you_o may_v change_v this_o wretched_a state_n for_o a_o better_a if_o it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n there_o be_v rule_n how_o to_o preserve_v you_o in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o word_n suit_v to_o all_o person_n all_o occasion_n all_o exigency_n it_o inform_v the_o ignorant_a strengthen_v the_o weak_a comfort_v the_o disconsolate_a support_v the_o afflict_a relieve_v the_o tempt_v resolve_v the_o doubtful_a direct_v all_o to_o those_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o endless_a happiness_n where_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v dwell_v rich_o in_o we_o so_o we_o shall_v dwell_v for_o ever_o glorious_o with_o god_n finis_fw-la
word_n be_v not_o only_o a_o light_n to_o discover_v what_o you_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o a_o help_n to_o enable_v you_o to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v the_o very_a mean_n that_o god_n appoint_v to_o overcome_v your_o averseness_n and_o assist_v your_o weakness_n and_o if_o ever_o this_o be_v effect_v it_o must_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v by_o converse_v with_o the_o scripture_n that_o sick_a man_n have_v lose_v his_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o his_o health_n who_o shall_v refuse_v to_o take_v physic_n because_o if_o it_o do_v not_o work_n it_o will_v but_o make_v he_o the_o worse_o why_o the_o way_n to_o make_v it_o work_n be_v by_o take_v it_o so_o it_o be_v a_o distemper_a kind_n of_o argue_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o physic_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v mortal_a and_o deadly_a if_o it_o do_v not_o work_v into_o practice_n the_o way_n to_o make_v it_o work_v into_o practice_n be_v to_o take_v it_o first_o into_o our_o knowledge_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o great_a discouragement_n if_o the_o scripture_n only_o show_v you_o how_o much_o work_v you_o have_v to_o do_v what_o temptation_n to_o resist_v what_o corruption_n to_o mortify_v what_o grace_n to_o exercise_n what_o duty_n to_o perform_v and_o leave_v all_o that_o upon_o your_o own_o hand_n but_o the_o leave_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o leave_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n they_o strengthen_v as_o well_o as_o inlighten_v and_o have_v not_o only_o a_o command_v but_o a_o assist_a office_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n do_v two_o way_n first_o it_o direct_v where_o we_o may_v receive_v supply_n of_o ability_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o whatsoever_o it_o require_v it_o lead_v thou_o unto_o christ_n who_o be_v able_a to_o furnish_v thou_o with_o supernatural_a strength_n for_o supernatural_a duty_n his_o treasury_n stand_v open_a for_o all_o concern_v and_o his_o almighty_a power_n stand_v engage_v to_o assist_v those_o who_o rely_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o discourage_v therefore_o he_o that_o find_v we_o work_v find_v we_o strength_n and_o the_o same_o scripture_n that_o enjoin_v we_o obedience_n exhibit_v god_n promise_n of_o bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o power_n of_o obey_v thou_o who_o work_v all_o work_n in_o we_o and_o for_o we_o isaiah_n 26.12_o and_o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v phil._n 2.12_o 13._o why_o then_o shall_v we_o so_o complain_v of_o hard_a say_n and_o grievous_a commandment_n have_v we_o not_o god_n omnipotence_n oblige_v by_o promise_n to_o assist_v in_o the_o same_o word_n wherein_o we_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v what_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o phil._n 4.13_o when_o in_o read_v the_o scripture_n thou_o meet_v with_o difficult_a and_o rigorous_a duty_n the_o severity_n of_o mortification_n the_o self_n cruelty_n of_o pluck_v out_o right_a eye_n and_o cut_v off_o right_a hand_n commend_v they_o self_n to_o these_o promise_n of_o aid_n and_o assistance_n that_o the_o same_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o and_o lift_v up_o thy_o heart_n in_o that_o divine_a meditation_n of_o st._n augustine_n lord_n give_v what_o thou_o command_v and_o command_v what_o thou_o please_v whilst_o thou_o thus_o due_o depende_v on_o christ_n strength_n and_o make_v use_v of_o thy_o own_o it_o be_v as_o much_o his_o honour_n and_o office_n to_o enable_v thou_o as_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o perform_v what_o he_o require_v second_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o direct_v we_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n so_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o quicken_v and_o excite_v our_o own_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o the_o discharge_n of_o those_o duty_n it_o discover_v wherefore_o be_v those_o press_a exhortation_n and_o those_o dreadful_a threaten_n every_o where_o so_o disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n but_o that_o when_o we_o be_v slow_a and_o dull_a and_o drowsy_a the_o spirit_n may_v by_o these_o as_o by_o so_o many_o goad_n rouse_v we_o and_o make_v we_o start_v into_o duty_n such_o a_o spiritual_a sloth_n have_v benumb_v we_o that_o without_o this_o quicken_a we_o shall_v not_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o david_n pray_v psalm_n 119.88_o quicken_v i_o so_o shall_v i_o keep_v the_o testimony_n of_o thy_o mouth_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v also_o the_o word_n itself_o that_o quicken_v we_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o word_n psal_n 119.50_o thy_o word_n have_v quicken_v i_o and_o indeed_o if_o you_o can_v come_v from_o read_v the_o word_n that_o so_o abound_v with_o promise_n with_o threaten_n with_o rational_a argument_n with_o pathetic_a expostulation_n win_v insinuation_n importunate_a entreaty_n heroic_a example_n propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n with_o all_o the_o persuasive_a art_n and_o rhetoric_n that_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o great_a god_n to_o use_v if_o you_o can_v read_v this_o word_n and_o yet_o find_v from_o it_o no_o warmth_n of_o affection_n no_o quicken_n to_o duty_n let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o either_o read_v it_o without_o attend_v to_o it_o or_o else_o attend_v without_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v therefore_o no_o discouragement_n from_o search_v and_o study_v the_o scripture_n that_o its_o command_n be_v many_o and_o difficult_a for_o it_o direct_v you_o whither_o to_o go_v for_o promise_a strength_n and_o the_o more_o you_o converse_v with_o it_o the_o more_o will_v you_o find_v your_o heart_n quicken_v to_o a_o due_a obedience_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o first_o answer_n but_o than_o second_o whereas_o many_o think_v that_o it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o know_v than_o not_o to_o practice_v we_o must_v here_o distinguish_v of_o ignorance_n which_o be_v of_o too_o kind_n either_o invincible_a or_o else_o affect_v invincible_a ignorance_n be_v such_o as_o be_v conjoin_v with_o and_o proceed_v from_o a_o utter_a impossibility_n of_o right_a information_n and_o it_o arise_v only_o from_o two_o thing_n first_o absolute_a want_n of_o necessary_a instruction_n or_o second_o want_v of_o natural_a capacity_n to_o receive_v it_o affect_a ignorance_n be_v a_o ignorance_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n and_o always_o arise_v from_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o they_o such_o be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o those_o who_o do_v or_o may_v live_v where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o where_o by_o pain_n and_o industry_n they_o may_v arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n now_o here_o for_o ever_o to_o answer_v this_o objection_n and_o to_o show_v you_o how_o necessary_a knowledge_n be_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o two_o particular_n first_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o unpractised_a knowledge_n be_v a_o far_o great_a sin_n than_o invincible_a ignorance_n and_o expose_v to_o a_o much_o sore_a condemnation_n hell_n fire_n burn_v with_o rage_n and_o meet_v with_o fuel_n full_o prepare_v for_o it_o when_o god_n doom_v unto_o it_o a_o head_n full_a of_o light_n and_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o lust_n those_o who_o know_v god_n will_n but_o do_v it_o not_o do_v but_o carry_v a_o torch_n with_o they_o to_o hell_n to_o fire_v that_o pile_n that_o must_v for_o ever_o burn_v they_o we_o have_v a_o common_a proverb_n that_o knowledge_n be_v no_o burden_n but_o believe_v it_o if_o your_o knowledge_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v mere_o speculative_a and_o overbear_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o unruly_a lust_n this_o whole_a word_n will_v be_v no_o otherwise_o to_o you_o than_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o law_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v a_o burden_n that_o will_v lie_v insupportable_o heavy_a upon_o you_o for_o ever_o better_o far_o you_o be_v bear_v under_o barbarism_n in_o some_o dark_a corner_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o the_o least_o gleam_n of_o gospel-light_n never_o shine_v and_o where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v never_o mention_v than_o to_o have_v this_o weighty_a book_n a_o book_n which_o you_o have_v read_v and_o know_v hang_v about_o you_o to_o sink_v you_o infinite_o deep_o in_o the_o burn_a lake_n than_o a_o millstone_n hang_v about_o you_o can_v do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n what_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o apostate_n 2_o pet._n 2.21_o be_v but_o too_o well_o applicable_a to_o the_o know_a sinner_n it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v aside_o from_o the_o commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o how_o better_o not_o to_o have_v know_v it_o why_o be_v there_o any_o possibility_n to_o escape_v the_o condemnation_n of_o hell_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o way_n of_o
first_o i_o answer_v first_o this_o be_v st._n paul_n very_a case_n rom._n 7.8_o sin_n take_v occasion_n by_o the_o command_n wrought_v in_o i_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n now_o this_o effect_n be_v mere_o accidental_a and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v unto_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n but_o to_o the_o wicked_a heart_n of_o man_n which_o take_v a_o hint_n so_o desperate_o corrupt_a be_v it_o from_o god_n forbid_a sin_n to_o put_v itself_o in_o mind_n of_o commit_v it_o second_o thou_o complain_v that_o the_o word_n excit_v to_o corruption_n but_o it_o do_v it_o not_o otherwise_o than_o the_o sun_n draw_v smoak_n and_o stink_v out_o of_o a_o dunghill_n it_o do_v increase_v but_o unhappy_o excite_v they_o the_o very_a same_o lust_n lay_v hide_v in_o their_o heart_n before_o there_o they_o lie_v like_o so_o many_o viper_n and_o serpent_n asleep_a till_o the_o light_n and_o warmth_n of_o the_o word_n make_v they_o stir_v and_o crawl_v about_o and_o this_o advantage_n thou_o may_v make_v of_o it_o that_o when_o thy_o corruption_n swarm_v thick_a about_o thou_o upon_o the_o disturbance_n the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v make_v among_o they_o thou_o may_v thence_o see_v what_o a_o wicked_a heart_n and_o nature_n thou_o have_v how_o much_o filth_n and_o mud_n there_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o which_o present_o rise_v upon_o the_o first_o stir_v this_o may_v make_v thou_o vile_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n and_o deep_o humble_v under_o the_o sad_a and_o serious_a consideration_n of_o thy_o indwelling_a sin_n it_o be_v the_o very_a use_n the_o apostle_n make_v in_o the_o same_o case_n rom._n 7.24_o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n when_o humour_n be_v in_o motion_n we_o soon_o perceive_v what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o our_o body_n and_o when_o corruption_n be_v once_o stir_v we_o may_v thereby_o easy_o know_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o soul_n three_o the_o same_o word_n that_o do_v thus_o occasional_o stir_v up_o sin_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o beat_v it_o down_o you_o may_v perceive_v by_o this_o there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v extreme_o contrary_a to_o their_o sin_n since_o they_o do_v so_o rise_v and_o arm_n against_o it_o their_o great_a enemy_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o alarm_n that_o they_o take_v be_v but_o before_o their_o overthrow_n it_o may_v be_v the_o mud_n be_v only_o stir_v that_o it_o may_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o their_o heart_n cleanse_v from_o it_o be_v not_o discourage_v therefore_o for_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n in_o the_o world_n so_o apposite_a to_o the_o destruction_n and_o subdue_a of_o sin_n as_o the_o scripture_n though_o at_o first_o it_o may_v seem_v instead_o of_o subdue_a of_o sin_n to_o strengthen_v they_o six_o many_o be_v discourage_v from_o study_v the_o scripture_n because_o their_o memory_n be_v so_o treacherous_a and_o unfaithful_a they_o can_v retain_v nothing_o when_o they_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o will_v recollect_v what_o they_o have_v read_v they_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o it_o either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o nothing_o abide_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o think_v it_o be_v as_o good_a give_v over_o as_o thus_o continual_o pour_v water_n into_o a_o sieve_n and_o inculcate_v truth_n upon_o such_o a_o leaky_a memory_n where_o all_o run_v out_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o complaint_n of_o many_o but_o first_o this_o shall_v put_v thou_o on_o a_o more_o frequent_a and_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o discourage_v thou_o from_o it_o more_o pain_n will_v supply_v this_o defect_n thou_o must_v the_o often_o prompt_v and_o the_o often_o examine_v thyself_o the_o more_o forgetful_a thou_o be_v memory_n be_v the_o soul_n steward_n and_o if_o thou_o find_v it_o unfaithful_a call_v it_o the_o often_o to_o account_v be_v still_o follow_v it_o with_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n and_o continual_o instill_v somewhat_o into_o it_o a_o vessel_n set_v under_o the_o fall_n of_o a_o spring_n can_v leak_v fast_o than_o it_o be_v supply_v a_o constant_a drop_n of_o this_o heavenly_a doctrine_n into_o the_o memory_n will_v keep_v it_o that_o though_o it_o be_v leaky_a yet_o it_o never_o shall_v be_v empty_a second_o scripture_n truth_n when_o they_o do_v not_o enrich_v the_o memory_n yet_o they_o may_v purify_v the_o heart_n we_o must_v not_o measure_v the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v from_o the_o word_n according_a to_o what_o of_o it_o remain_v but_o according_a to_o what_o effect_n it_o leave_v behind_o lightning_z you_o know_v than_o which_o nothing_o soon_o vanish_v away_o yet_o it_o often_o break_v and_o melt_v the_o hard_a and_o most_o firm_a body_n in_o its_o sudden_a passage_n such_o be_v the_o irresistible_a force_n of_o the_o word_n the_o spirit_n often_o dart_v it_o through_o we_o it_o seem_v but_o like_o a_o flash_n and_o go_v and_o yet_o it_o may_v break_v and_o melt_v down_o our_o hard_a heart_n before_o it_o when_o it_o leave_v no_o impression_n at_o all_o upon_o our_o memory_n i_o have_v hear_v of_o one_o who_o return_v from_o a_o affect_a sermon_n high_o commend_v it_o to_o some_o and_o be_v demand_v what_o he_o remember_v of_o it_o answer_v true_o i_o remember_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o only_o while_o i_o hear_v it_o it_o make_v i_o resolve_v to_o live_v better_a than_o ever_o i_o have_v do_v and_o so_o by_o god_n grace_n i_o will_n here_o be_v now_o a_o sermon_n lose_v to_o the_o memory_n but_o not_o to_o the_o affection_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o have_v somewhere_o read_v a_o story_n of_o one_o that_o complain_v to_o a_o age_a holyman_n that_o he_o be_v much_o discourage_v from_o read_v the_o scripture_n because_o his_o memory_n be_v so_o slippery_a he_o can_v fasten_v nothing_o upon_o it_o that_o he_o read_v the_o old_a hermit_n for_o so_o as_o i_o remember_v he_o be_v describe_v bid_v he_o take_v a_o earthen_a pitcher_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o water_n when_o he_o have_v do_v it_o he_o bid_v he_o empty_v it_o again_o and_o wipe_v it_o clean_o that_o nothing_o shall_v remain_v in_o it_o which_o when_o the_o other_o have_v do_v and_o wonder_v to_o what_o this_o tend_v now_o say_v he_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o water_n remain_v to_o it_o yet_o the_o pitcher_n be_v clean_a than_o it_o be_v before_o so_o though_o thy_o memory_n retain_v nothing_o of_o the_o word_n thou_o read_v yet_o thy_o heart_n be_v the_o clean_a for_o its_o very_a passage_n through_o three_o never_o fear_v your_o memory_n only_o pray_v for_o good_a and_o pious_a affection_n affection_n to_o the_o truth_n we_o read_v or_o hear_v make_v the_o memory_n retentive_a of_o they_o most_o man_n memory_n be_v like_o jet_n or_o electrical_a body_n that_o attract_v and_o holdfast_v only_a straw_n or_o feather_n or_o such_o vain_a and_o light_a thing_n discourse_n to_o they_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n or_o some_o idle_a and_o romantic_a story_n their_o memory_n retain_v this_o as_o faithful_o as_o if_o it_o be_v engrave_v on_o leaf_n of_o brass_n whereas_o the_o great_a important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o great_a mystery_n of_o heaven_n and_o concernment_n of_o eternity_n leave_v no_o more_o impression_n upon_o they_o than_o word_n on_o the_o air_n in_o which_o they_o be_v speak_v whence_o be_v this_o but_o only_o that_o the_o one_o sort_n work_v themselves_o into_o the_o memory_n through_o the_o interest_n they_o have_v get_v in_o the_o affection_n which_o the_o other_o can_v do_v have_v we_o but_o the_o same_o delight_n in_o heavenly_a object_n do_v we_o but_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o mingle_v it_o with_o faith_n in_o the_o hear_n this_o will_v fix_v that_o volatileness_n and_o flittiness_n of_o our_o memory_n and_o make_v every_o truth_n as_o indelible_a as_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o be_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o 6_o objection_n seven_o other_o complain_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v they_o may_v as_o well_o and_o with_o as_o good_a success_n attempt_v to_o spy_v out_o what_o lie_v at_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o search_v into_o the_o deep_a and_o hide_a mystery_n which_o no_o humane_a understanding_n can_v fathom_v or_o comprehend_v and_o this_o discourage_v they_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o there_o be_v such_o profound_a depth_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n since_o it_o be_v a_o system_n and_o compendium_n of_o his_o infinite_a and_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n that_o wisdom_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v hide_v in_o god_n those_o deep_a truth_n which_o your_o understanding_n can_v reach_v
require_v your_o humble_a veneration_n second_o the_o scripture_n be_v suit_v to_o every_o capacity_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v common_o express_v a_o ford_n wherein_o a_o lamb_n may_v wade_v and_o a_o elephant_n swim_v and_o herein_o be_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v in_o wreathe_v together_o plain_a truth_n with_o obscure_a that_o he_o may_v gain_v the_o more_o credit_n to_o his_o word_n by_o the_o one_o instruct_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o weak_a by_o the_o other_o puzzle_v and_o confound_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wise_a this_o also_o add_v a_o beauty_n and_o ornament_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n be_v set_v off_o by_o a_o graceful_a variety_n of_o hill_n and_o valley_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v sublime_a truth_n that_o the_o most_o aspire_a reason_n of_o man_n can_v overtop_n and_o there_o be_v more_o plain_a and_o easy_a truth_n in_o which_o the_o weak_a capacity_n may_v converse_v with_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n no_o man_n be_v offend_v with_o his_o garden_n for_o have_v a_o shady_a thicket_n in_o it_o no_o more_o shall_v we_o be_v offend_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o among_o so_o many_o fair_a and_o open_a walk_n we_o here_o and_o there_o meet_v with_o a_o thicket_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o humane_a reason_n can_v look_v through_o three_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v as_o plain_o without_o either_o obscurity_n or_o ambiguity_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o if_o they_o be_v as_o the_o mahometans_n think_v concern_v their_o alcoran_n write_v with_o ink_n make_v of_o light_n there_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n of_o repentance_n for_o dead_a work_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o mortify_a life_n so_o clear_o set_v down_o that_o scarce_o have_v there_o any_o be_v find_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o raise_v controversy_n about_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o peevish_a to_o quarrel_v at_o the_o word_n for_o be_v obscure_a in_o those_o thing_n which_o if_o thou_o have_v use_v thy_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o understand_v the_o ignorance_n of_o they_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_n thy_o salvation_n bless_v god_n rather_o that_o he_o have_v so_o clear_o reveal_v the_o necessary_a and_o practical_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n that_o those_o be_v not_o involve_v in_o any_o mystical_a or_o obscure_a intimation_n but_o thou_o may_v without_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v know_v what_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o be_v either_o believe_v or_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n be_v assure_v of_o this_o that_o what_o with_o all_o thy_o labour_n and_o diligence_n thou_o can_v not_o understand_v thou_o need_v not_o and_o what_o be_v needful_a be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a and_o thou_o may_v easy_o understand_v it_o four_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a but_o have_v not_o god_n offer_v we_o sufficient_a help_n for_o the_o unfolding_n of_o it_o have_v you_o not_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o illuminate_v you_o 1_o cor._n 2.10_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n have_v we_o not_o his_o minister_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v we_o and_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o inmost_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n nay_o have_v we_o not_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o its_o own_o meaning_n usual_o if_o it_o speak_v more_o dark_o in_o one_o place_n it_o speak_v the_o same_o truth_n more_o clear_o in_o another_o now_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n you_o will_v find_v it_o hold_v a_o light_n unto_o its_o self_n the_o often_o you_o read_v and_o the_o more_o you_o ponder_v on_o those_o passage_n that_o be_v abstruse_a the_o more_o you_o will_v find_v they_o clear_v up_o to_o your_o understanding_n so_o that_o neither_o be_v this_o any_o reasonable_a discourgement_n from_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n eight_o other_o may_v say_v they_o be_v doubtful_a because_o they_o see_v many_o of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v most_o conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n how_o they_o have_v be_v pervert_v and_o carry_v aside_o into_o damnable_a error_n and_o yet_o still_o have_v plead_v scripture_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o they_o i_o answer_v true_a the_o devil_n have_v in_o these_o our_o day_n busy_v himself_o to_o bring_v a_o reproach_n upon_o scripture_n through_o the_o whimsy_n and_o giddiness_n of_o those_o who_o have_v pretend_v most_o acquaintance_n in_o it_o but_o let_v not_o this_o be_v any_o discouragement_n for_o this_o arise_v not_o direct_o from_o the_o influence_n the_o scripture_n have_v on_o they_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o truth_n only_o but_o from_o the_o pride_n and_o self_n conceit_n of_o a_o few_o notionist_n who_o wrest_v it_o to_o their_o own_o perdition_n and_o though_o they_o boast_v much_o of_o scripture_n to_o countenance_v their_o opinion_n yet_o scripture_n misunderstand_v and_o misapply_v be_v not_o scripture_n indeed_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n but_o only_o by_o the_o scripture_n right_o understand_v and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n right_o to_o understand_v it_o but_o diligent_o to_o search_v it_o but_o to_o say_v that_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n because_o some_o wrest_v it_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n be_v alike_o reasonable_a as_o to_o say_v that_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o eat_v nor_o drink_v because_o that_o some_o eat_v to_o gluttony_n and_o other_o drink_v to_o giddiness_n and_o madness_n the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o epist_n 1_o chap._n 3._o v._n 16._o that_o in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o sripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n shall_v we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o neither_o his_o epistle_n nor_o any_o other_o of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v read_v by_o we_o because_o that_o in_o some_o instead_o of_o nourishment_n they_o have_v occasion_v only_a wind_n flatulency_n and_o ill_a humour_n if_o this_o have_v be_v his_o purpose_n it_o have_v certain_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o have_v say_v because_o they_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o many_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n therefore_o beware_v that_o you_o read_v they_o not_o but_o in_o stead_n of_o this_o he_o draw_v another_o inference_n verse_n 17._o you_o therefore_o belove_v beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_n from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o say_v not_o beware_v that_o you_o read_v they_o not_o but_o beware_v how_o you_o read_v they_o this_o be_v the_o true_a apostolical_a caution_n which_o tend_v not_o to_o drive_v we_o from_o the_o scripture_n but_o to_o make_v we_o more_o studious_a and_o inquisitive_a in_o they_o lest_o we_o also_o be_v pervert_v by_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o man_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o this_o the_o primitive_a parent_n think_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a mean_n to_o preserve_v their_o people_n from_o error_n and_o seduction_n it_o be_v almost_o endless_a to_o recite_v to_o you_o those_o many_o passage_n wherein_o they_o do_v most_o pathetical_o exhort_v all_o of_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o each_o sex_n of_o all_o age_n to_o a_o diligent_a perusal_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o take_v it_o up_o in_o a_o language_n unknown_a to_o the_o vulgar_a or_o debar_v the_o laity_n from_o read_v it_o that_o the_o translation_n of_o it_o into_o the_o common_a tongue_n of_o each_o country_n be_v numerous_a and_o their_o exhortation_n scarce_o more_o vehement_a and_o earnest_a in_o any_o thing_n than_o that_o the_o people_n will_v employ_v their_o time_n and_o thought_n in_o revolve_v they_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o most_o certain_a sign_n that_o that_o church_n have_v false_a ware_n to_o put_v off_o which_o be_v of_o nothing_o more_o careful_a than_o to_o darken_v the_o shop_n and_o assure_o the_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n by_o some_o who_o read_v they_o can_v occasion_v the_o destruction_n of_o more_o than_o that_o damnable_a idolatry_n and_o those_o damnable_a heresy_n have_v do_v which_o have_v be_v bring_v into_o and_o be_v general_o own_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n through_o the_o not_o read_v of_o they_o thus_o you_o see_v as_o it_o be_v in_o josiah_n time_n how_o much_o dust_n and_o rubbish_n this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n lie_v under_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o remove_v it_o and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o those_o argument_n that_o