undertake_v above_o all_o humane_a reason_n and_o power_n for_o have_v not_o the_o devil_n in_o former_a time_n and_o do_v he_o not_o still_o at_o this_o day_n oppose_v himself_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o his_o curse_a instrument_n ungodly_a man_n the_o more_o they_o exceed_v in_o wickedness_n the_o more_o bend_v their_o whole_a power_n malicious_o to_o oppugn_v this_o truth_n persecute_v the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o this_o cause_n only_o that_o they_o be_v professor_n and_o practizer_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o whence_o proceed_v this_o malicious_a opposition_n but_o from_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o hate_v and_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o god_n himself_o so_o also_o against_o his_o word_n and_o because_o they_o know_v that_o by_o this_o light_a their_o work_n of_o darkness_n be_v discover_v therefore_o they_o labour_v to_o put_v it_o clean_o out_o that_o their_o wickedness_n may_v not_o be_v descry_v because_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a they_o can_v endure_v it_o they_o themselves_o be_v corrupt_a and_o wicked_a because_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n which_o show_v the_o crookedness_n of_o their_o way_n they_o will_v if_o they_o be_v able_a burn_v it_o or_o cut_v it_o in_o piece_n because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n by_o which_o they_o be_v condemn_v therefore_o they_o loathe_v as_o much_o to_o hear_v it_o as_o the_o prisoner_n do_v abhor_v to_o hear_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o just_a judge_n and_o hence_o proceed_v their_o opposition_n and_o oppugn_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o all_o their_o force_n and_o might_n but_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o the_o more_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n rage_n against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o more_o by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n support_v it_o the_o glory_n thereof_o appear_v and_o spread_v itself_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o more_o they_o labour_v to_o keep_v it_o down_o the_o more_o it_o flourish_v and_o as_o they_o who_o go_v about_o to_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o a_o mighty_a river_n do_v but_o make_v it_o to_o swell_v the_o high_a and_o overflow_v all_o the_o country_n whereas_o before_o it_o be_v contain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o own_o bank_n so_o when_o satan_n and_o his_o wicked_a imp_n do_v seek_v to_o stay_v this_o heavenly_a stream_n which_o flow_v from_o god_n sanctuary_n and_o labour_n may_v and_o main_a to_o hinder_v the_o passage_n &_o propagation_n of_o god_n truth_n the_o more_o it_o spread_v itself_o maugre_o their_o malice_n and_o overflow_v the_o whole_a earth_n and_o whence_o can_v the_o defeat_n and_o frustrate_v of_o this_o powerful_a violence_n proceed_v but_o from_o a_o great_a power_n even_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o though_o all_o man_n shall_v combine_v themselves_o together_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o resist_v satan_n rage_n or_o protect_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o utter_a ruin_n only_o the_o lord_n who_o power_n be_v omnipotent_a can_v thus_o uphold_v it_o and_o make_v it_o prevail_v against_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n by_o preserve_v and_o defend_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o begin_n unto_o this_o day_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o be_v his_o own_o word_n and_o reveal_v will_n so_o also_o by_o punish_v even_o in_o this_o life_n with_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n all_o those_o who_o have_v most_o violent_o and_o malicious_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o it_o and_o persecute_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n for_o the_o profession_n hereof_o as_o may_v appear_v notable_o in_o the_o example_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n herod_n nero_n domitian_n dioclesian_n julian_n the_o apostata_fw-la and_o many_o other_o who_o by_o their_o shameful_a and_o horrible_a death_n testify_v and_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v oppugn_v and_o persecute_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o wicked_a life_n §_o sect._n 7_o six_o the_o lord_n have_v approve_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v his_o truth_n by_o wonderful_a miracle_n miracle_n the_o sixth_o reason_n take_v from_o miracle_n which_o satan_n himself_o can_v so_o much_o as_o imitate_v as_o by_o give_v the_o blind_a their_o sight_n raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n turn_v back_o the_o course_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n divide_v the_o sea_n in_o two_o part_n and_o such_o like_a which_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o faithful_a may_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o the_o wicked_a convince_a but_o against_o this_o satan_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o suggest_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o do_v in_o a_o corner_n or_o in_o hug_a mugger_n but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o great_a multitude_n otherwise_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v but_o mean_a and_o simple_a man_n shall_v have_v labour_v in_o vain_a to_o have_v persuade_v man_n to_o have_v embrace_v their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n especial_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o our_o natural_a disposition_n and_o affection_n if_o they_o have_v only_o themselves_o report_v or_o bring_v some_o few_o witness_n of_o their_o miracle_n wrought_v and_o not_o public_o show_v they_o to_o all_o the_o people_n moreover_o see_v this_o doctrine_n have_v have_v so_o many_o enemy_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a but_o that_o they_o will_v have_v exclame_v and_o write_v against_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v publish_v for_o write_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v never_o do_v but_o among_o all_o those_o who_o have_v oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o impudent_a as_o to_o deny_v that_o such_o miracle_n be_v do_v of_o which_o so_o many_o be_v eye-witness_n nay_o contrariwise_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o who_o neither_o know_v god_n nor_o his_o true_a religion_n have_v make_v mention_n of_o they_o in_o their_o writing_n and_o the_o jew_n who_o to_o this_o day_n withstand_v the_o work_n of_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n do_v notwithstanding_o confess_v that_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o in_o truth_n be_v they_o able_a to_o gainsay_v they_o see_v they_o have_v receive_v this_o truth_n by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v drive_v to_o confess_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o great_a prophet_n though_o not_o the_o promise_a messiah_n §_o sect._n 8_o seventhly_a the_o constant_a testimony_n of_o innumerable_a martyr_n who_o have_v seal_v this_o truth_n with_o their_o dear_a blood_n martyr_n the_o seven_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o martyr_n be_v a_o notable_a argument_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o so_o many_o will_v so_o constant_o and_o cheerful_o have_v suffer_v for_o their_o profession_n the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o wit_n and_o malice_n can_v invent_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v not_o certain_o assure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o support_v they_o in_o suffer_v these_o torment_n above_o all_o humane_a power_n and_o strength_n and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o wicked_a man_n have_v suffer_v also_o for_o their_o sect_n opinion_n and_o heresy_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v great_a differece_n between_o they_o first_o because_o the_o number_n have_v be_v few_o who_o have_v suffer_v for_o their_o several_a sect_n and_o heresy_n but_o the_o martyr_n almost_o innumerable_a who_o have_v suffer_v for_o the_o same_o truth_n second_o the_o same_o cheerfulness_n constancy_n and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o suffering_n have_v not_o be_v in_o they_o who_o have_v suffer_v for_o their_o error_n which_o have_v always_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n saint_n and_o last_o these_o heretic_n have_v always_o be_v confute_v and_o convince_v of_o their_o error_n and_o heresy_n before_o their_o suffering_n whereas_o god_n saint_n direct_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n have_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o their_o adversary_n with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n word_n which_o satan_n himself_o can_v resist_v and_o through_o violent_a rage_n be_v unconuict_v have_v be_v lead_v to_o the_o slaughter_n chap._n xx._n other_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indict_v by_o god_n spirit_n take_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o §_o sect._n 1_o the_o eight_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n handle_v the_o eight_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o argument_n which_o
from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n vers_fw-la 35._o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o whosoever_o therefore_o with_o paul_n believe_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o he_o that_o god_n free_o justifi_v he_o through_o christ_n merit_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n fit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n to_o make_v intercession_n for_o he_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o god_n love_n and_o consequent_o of_o his_o election_n second_o paul_n speak_v this_o not_o of_o himself_o alone_o but_o also_o of_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o he_o use_v the_o plural_a number_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v us._n so_o eph._n 3.12_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o have_v through_o christ_n boldness_n and_o entrance_n with_o confidence_n by_o faith_n in_o he_o 10.22_o eph._n 3.12_o heb._n 4.16_o and_o 10.22_o and_o heb._n 4.16_o he_o exhort_v we_o to_o go_v bold_o unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v mercy_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 10.22_o let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o assurance_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o entrance_n with_o confidence_n what_o boldness_n and_o assurance_n of_o faith_n when_o we_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n and_o present_v ourselves_o before_o his_o throne_n of_o majesty_n if_o we_o remain_v doubtful_a of_o his_o love_n and_o our_o election_n so_o heb._n 6.19_o he_o say_v that_o our_o hope_n be_v a_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n 6.19_o heb._n 6.19_o but_o what_o certainty_n or_o steadfastness_n be_v there_o in_o it_o if_o it_o waver_v and_o stagger_v through_o doubtfulness_n so_o often_o as_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n the_o apostle_n peter_n also_o do_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o trust_n which_o we_o have_v through_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v perfect_a 1.13_o 1._o pet._n 1.13_o that_o be_v entire_a and_o perpetual_a till_o we_o enjoy_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o hope_v for_o 1._o pet._n 1.13_o and_o 2._o pet._n 1.10_o he_o exhort_v we_o to_o use_v all_o diligence_n that_o we_o may_v make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a which_o if_o we_o can_v not_o do_v he_o shall_v persuade_v we_o to_o the_o undertake_n of_o a_o needless_a labour_n nay_o he_o plain_o assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o do_v these_o thing_n to_o wit_n if_o we_o join_v virtue_n with_o our_o faith_n and_o with_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o with_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o with_o temperance_n patience_n and_o with_o patience_n godliness_n and_o with_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o with_o brotherly_a kindness_n love_n we_o shall_v never_o fall_v because_o these_o be_v effect_n and_o undoubted_a sign_n of_o our_o election_n and_o the_o apostle_n john_n will_v not_o have_v it_o a_o matter_n doubtful_a whether_o we_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v or_o no_o but_o certain_o know_v and_o undoubted_o believe_v and_o therefore_o he_o aim_v principal_o at_o this_o mark_n and_o propound_v this_o as_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o his_o epistle_n namely_o to_o show_v how_o we_o may_v know_v ordinary_o and_o be_v full_o assure_v that_o we_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n 3.14_o 1._o joh._n 3.14_o elect_a and_o shall_v be_v save_v so_o 1_o joh._n 3.14_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o epistle_n he_o say_v that_o he_o have_v write_v it_o to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o we_o have_v eternal_a life_n chap._n 5.13_o 5.13_o and_o 5.13_o see_v then_o the_o scripture_n do_v commend_v unto_o we_o a_o steadfast_a and_o assure_a faith_n whereby_o we_o particular_o be_v assure_v and_o persuade_v of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n notwithstanding_o our_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n therefore_o let_v not_o the_o tempter_n persuade_v we_o to_o cast_v away_o this_o certain_a persuasion_n and_o to_o waver_v in_o doubt_v but_o let_v we_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2._o tim._n 1.12_o 1.12_o 2._o tim._n 1.12_o though_o i_o be_o unworthy_a yet_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o §_o sect._n 5_o but_o against_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v the_o tempter_n object_v answer_v a_o objection_n ground_v upon_o the_o indefinitnesse_n of_o god_n promise_n answer_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v general_a and_o indefinite_a and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v gather_v out_o of_o they_o any_o certain_a assurance_n of_o his_o particular_a election_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o consequence_n be_v false_a for_o out_o of_o a_o general_a and_o indefinite_a proposition_n we_o may_v true_o and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n gather_v and_o infer_v a_o particular_a conclusion_n though_o not_o contrariwise_o for_o example_n if_o i_o thus_o conclude_v all_o man_n be_v reasonable_a creature_n but_o i_o be_o a_o man_n therefore_o i_o be_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n it_o be_v right_o and_o true_o infer_v though_o therefore_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v contain_v in_o general_a proposition_n yet_o may_v every_o faithful_a man_n as_o certain_o conclude_v that_o they_o belong_v unto_o he_o as_o if_o they_o be_v particular_o apply_v unto_o he_o by_o name_n 3.16_o joh._n 3.16_o for_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o ambassador_n make_v this_o general_a proposition_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n whosoever_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n they_o be_v all_o elect_a unto_o everlasting_a life_n the_o faithful_a hearer_n make_v this_o assumption_n in_o his_o mind_n but_o i_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n make_v effectual_a by_o his_o spirit_n have_v a_o true_a faith_n beget_v in_o i_o whereby_o i_o believe_v in_o christ_n my_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o god_n promise_v of_o life_n and_o salvation_n belong_v unto_o i_o and_o thus_o also_o do_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n out_o of_o the_o general_a curse_n of_o the_o law_n conclude_v that_o he_o be_v accurse_v for_o when_o the_o law_n deliver_v this_o proposition_n in_o general_a curse_a be_v every_o one_o who_o abide_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o 3.10_o deut._n 27.26_o gal._n 3.10_o every_o particular_a man_n make_v this_o assumption_n in_o his_o own_o conscience_n but_o i_o have_v not_o continue_v in_o all_o to_o do_v it_o nay_o in_o stead_n of_o do_v all_o i_o have_v neglect_v all_o in_o stead_n of_o continue_v in_o obedience_n i_o have_v be_v continual_o disobedient_a in_o stead_n of_o do_v the_o duty_n command_v i_o have_v commit_v the_o sin_n forbid_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n i_o be_o accurse_v so_o that_o though_o both_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v general_a and_o indefinite_a yet_o do_v every_o man_n conscience_n true_o inform_v by_o god_n word_n gather_v out_o of_o they_o most_o certain_a particular_a conclusion_n §_o sect._n 6_o but_o here_o the_o tempter_n will_v object_v further_o make_v that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v the_o faithful_a unto_o who_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o every_o faithful_a man_n may_v apply_v the_o general_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o himself_o but_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o thou_o can_v know_v that_o thou_o have_v faith_n or_o no_o see_v many_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o infidelity_n brag_v most_o of_o their_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o many_o be_v deceive_v by_o content_v themselves_o with_o their_o carnal_a security_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n but_o hence_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o because_o many_o be_v deceive_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o faith_n therefore_o those_o that_o believe_v indeed_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o they_o have_v faith_n no_o more_o than_o this_o follow_v some_o man_n dream_v that_o they_o be_v rich_a and_o be_v not_o so_o indeed_o when_o they_o awake_v therefore_o no_o man_n know_v whether_o he_o be_v rich_a or_o no_o for_o what_o be_v their_o secure_a opinion_n but_o a_o idle_a dream_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n which_o have_v no_o warrant_n out_o of_o god_n word_n where_o as_o faith_n certain_o and_o evident_o persuade_v and_o like_o a_o candle_n do_v not_o only_o manifest_v other_o thing_n but_o also_o itself_o appear_v by_o his_o own_o light_n so_o that_o as_o a_o man_n who_o see_v and_o feel_v the_o fire_n and_o the_o heat_n thereof_o do_v certain_o know_v that_o he_o see_v and_o feel_v it_o so_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n do_v know_v that_o he_o
extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n we_o may_v go_v with_o elias_n forty_o day_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o one_o meal_n yet_o if_o we_o feed_v no_o often_o when_v the_o lord_n grant_v unto_o we_o plentiful_a provision_n of_o the_o spiritual_a food_n our_o soul_n will_v be_v hunger-starve_v neither_o let_v our_o often_o receive_v of_o this_o heavenly_a nourishment_n cause_v we_o with_o the_o unthankful_a israelit_n to_o loathe_v it_o or_o like_o wayward_a child_n or_o impatient_a sick_a patient_n spit_v it_o out_o of_o our_o mouth_n again_o for_o if_o our_o appetite_n be_v thus_o cloy_v through_o a_o surfeit_n of_o satiety_n sure_o we_o be_v to_o fear_v lest_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v a_o cunning_a physician_n will_v prescribe_v we_o a_o long_a fast_o till_o we_o have_v recover_v our_o stomach_n as_o he_o threaten_v amos_n 8.11_o i_o will_v send_v a_o famine_n in_o the_o land_n 8.11_o amos._n 8.11_o not_o a_o famine_n of_o bread_n nor_o a_o thirst_n of_o water_n but_o of_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v wander_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o north_n even_o to_o the_o east_n shall_v we_o run_v to_o and_o fro_o to_o seek_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o §_o sect._n 6_o last_o knowledge_n that_o we_o shall_v often_o hear_v though_o we_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o we_o have_v attain_v unto_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n that_o we_o shall_v need_v no_o more_o yet_o be_v there_o many_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v continual_o hear_v god_n word_n with_o as_o great_a diligence_n as_o ever_o we_o do_v for_o the_o end_n of_o our_o hear_n be_v not_o only_o to_o know_v but_o also_o to_o practice_v not_o only_o to_o inform_v our_o judgement_n but_o also_o to_o reform_v our_o affection_n not_o only_o to_o beget_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o we_o but_o also_o to_o nourish_v and_o increase_v they_o not_o only_o to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v do_v but_o also_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o do_v thereof_o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o a_o light_n for_o our_o foot_n to_o show_v we_o the_o way_n but_o also_o a_o prick_n in_o our_o side_n to_o make_v we_o go_v in_o the_o way_n and_o a_o bridle_n in_o our_o mouth_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o wander_v it_o be_v not_o only_o profitable_a to_o teach_v but_o to_o improve_v to_o correct_v and_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v absolute_a be_v make_v perfect_a unto_o all_o good_a work_n 3.16_o 2._o tim._n 3.16_o as_o it_o be_v 2._o tim._n 3.16_o it_o be_v not_o only_o profitable_a for_o doctrine_n but_o for_o edification_n exhortation_n and_o consolation_n as_o appear_v 1._o cor._n 14.3_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o come_v once_o or_o twice_o to_o the_o assembly_n of_o god_n saint_n 14.3_o 1._o cor._n 14.3_o but_o we_o must_v above_o all_o thing_n desire_v with_o the_o prophet_n david_n that_o we_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n 27.4_o psal_n 27.4_o to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o visit_v his_o temple_n psal_n 27.4_o for_o though_o our_o knowledge_n be_v never_o so_o great_a yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v any_o sin_n hang_v on_o or_o any_o grace_n imperfect_a in_o we_o we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v continual_a hearer_n of_o god_n word_n for_o the_o suppress_n of_o the_o one_o and_o perfect_v of_o the_o other_o chap._n xix_o satan_n temptation_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v man_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o god_n word_n answer_v §_o sect._n 1_o the_o second_o temptation_n which_o satan_n sugge_v into_o man_n mind_n temptation_n the_o temptation_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v move_v they_o to_o neglect_v the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n or_o though_o they_o do_v hear_v it_o to_o reject_v it_o through_o unbelief_n he_o thus_o frame_v what_o folly_n be_v it_o to_o take_v such_o pain_n in_o hear_v the_o scripture_n and_o what_o madness_n be_v it_o so_o steadfast_o to_o believe_v it_o see_v thou_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v god_n word_n or_o the_o subtle_a devise_n of_o man_n brain_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o awe_n and_o to_o restrain_v they_o from_o such_o secret_a fault_n as_o other_o humane_a law_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v with_o temporal_a and_o outward_a punishment_n and_o reward_n can_v keep_v they_o from_o because_o the_o law_n of_o prince_n can_v no_o more_o than_o the_o lawgiver_n themselves_o either_o fore_n see_v prevent_v or_o punish_v any_o fault_n and_o offence_n which_o be_v not_o open_a and_o manifest_v why_o shall_v thou_o thereby_o be_v move_v to_o forsake_v thy_o delightful_a sin_n and_o to_o embrace_v unpleasant_a godliness_n to_o abandon_v thy_o pleasure_n and_o to_o undertake_v a_o austere_a and_o strict_a course_n of_o life_n see_v thou_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a or_o false_a the_o word_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n or_o the_o invention_n of_o mortal_a man_n scripture_n the_o answer_v that_o all_o religion_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o which_o temptation_n it_o behove_v every_o man_n most_o careful_o to_o arm_v himself_o as_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n for_o take_v away_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o you_o shall_v open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o all_o carnal_a worldliness_n beastly_a epicurism_n and_o devilish_a atheism_n they_o be_v the_o only_a true_a rule_n of_o virtue_n whereby_o we_o be_v direct_v to_o choose_v the_o good_a and_o refuse_v the_o evil_a the_o sceptre_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o rule_v all_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o be_v reject_v we_o give_v over_o ourselves_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o our_o own_o flesh_n the_o light_n of_o our_o eye_n without_o which_o we_o be_v blind_a and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v take_v away_o they_o languish_v in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o fall_v into_o miserable_a death_n and_o destruction_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o we_o defend_v ourselves_o and_o beat_v back_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n which_o be_v pluck_v out_o of_o our_o hand_n we_o be_v easy_o vanquish_v and_o lead_v captive_a unto_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n §_o sect._n 2_o scripture_n reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indict_v by_o god_n spirit_n 1._o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_o provide_v against_o this_o temptation_n let_v we_o propound_v some_o reason_n whereby_o gainsayer_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o god_n child_n persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o first_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o motion_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v the_o antiquity_n thereof_o for_o whatsoever_o religion_n be_v most_o ancient_a that_o proceed_v from_o god_n but_o the_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o all_o other_o most_o ancient_a and_o therefore_o god_n be_v the_o author_n thereof_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a for_o see_v man_n be_v create_v for_o god_n glory_n to_o the_o end_n he_o shall_v worship_v and_o serve_v he_o and_o can_v not_o perform_v acceptable_a worship_n and_o service_n unto_o god_n unless_o he_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o he_o therefore_o that_o man_n may_v attain_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o his_o creation_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o lord_n shall_v from_o the_o beginning_n reveal_v unto_o he_o his_o true_a religion_n whereby_o he_o may_v know_v how_o to_o worship_v and_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o consequent_o the_o first_o and_o most_o ancient_a religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o proceed_v from_o god_n and_o all_o other_o be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_a which_o be_v disagree_v and_o repugnant_a hereunto_o see_v god_n will_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o constant_a and_o immutable_a the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n namely_o that_o the_o religion_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o all_o other_o most_o ancient_a be_v of_o undoubted_a truth_n for_o it_o be_v within_o a_o few_o day_n as_o ancient_a as_o the_o world_n itself_o take_v it_o beginning_n from_o man_n creation_n and_o so_o continue_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o unchangeable_a course_n unto_o this_o day_n now_o all_o other_o religion_n be_v but_o new_a and_o upstart_n in_o comparison_n hereof_o take_v their_o beginning_n diverse_a thousand_o year_n since_o the_o creation_n yea_o even_o the_o god_n themselves_o which_o they_o worship_v which_o intruth_o be_v man_n like_o themselves_o
have_v their_o beginning_n for_o the_o most_o part_n long_o since_o the_o time_n of_o abraham_n as_o their_o own_o history_n manifest_o declare_v neither_o do_v any_o other_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_a continue_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o that_o which_o one_o receive_v another_o reject_v that_o which_o one_o confirm_v another_o change_v and_o time_n have_v wear_v they_o all_o out_o leave_v scarce_o any_o small_a remnant_n or_o relic_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o all_o other_o religion_n save_v that_o which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_a and_o this_o only_a the_o truth_n of_o god_n §_o sect._n 3_o scripture_n 2._o reason_n take_v from_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n second_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n indict_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o they_o manifest_v unto_o we_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o propound_v he_o alone_o unto_o we_o to_o be_v worship_v express_v also_o the_o manner_n and_o mean_n of_o his_o service_n from_o which_o we_o must_v not_o decline_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o on_o the_o left_a but_o all_o other_o religion_n teach_v we_o either_o to_o worship_v many_o god_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n absurd_a in_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o diverse_a of_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n well_o discern_v or_o to_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n not_o according_a to_o his_o reveal_v will_n but_o according_a to_o their_o false_a imagination_n &_o erroneous_a superstition_n now_o nature_n reason_n and_o experience_n itself_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o wise_a king_n but_o will_v set_v down_o rule_v and_o law_n according_a to_o which_o he_o will_v be_v serve_v and_o obey_v and_o not_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o one_o fantasy_n and_o vain_a imagination_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v god_n less_o wise_a than_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v a_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o people_n but_o suffer_v every_o man_n to_o follow_v his_o own_o blind_a conceit_n and_o ignorant_a superstition_n §_o sect._n 4_o scripture_n 3._o reason_n take_v from_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n three_o the_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v guide_v and_o direct_v by_o god_n spirit_n for_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o arrogate_a any_o praise_n unto_o themselves_o but_o ascribe_v all_o glory_n unto_o god_n neither_o do_v they_o in_o their_o preach_n or_o write_n seek_v themselves_o or_o aim_v at_o any_o worldly_a benefit_n nay_o rather_o they_o be_v content_a to_o be_v contemptible_a subject_a to_o scoff_n and_o taunt_n yea_o to_o offer_v themselves_o to_o death_n and_o deprivation_n of_o all_o worldly_a felicity_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v and_o whereas_o diverse_a of_o they_o may_v have_v live_v in_o all_o pomp_n if_o they_o will_v have_v follow_v the_o time_n wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o ruler_n and_o suppress_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v of_o he_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v persecution_n yea_o death_n itself_o than_o they_o will_v keep_v back_o any_o of_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o esay_n jeremie_n ezechiel_n michaeas_n zacharias_n aâ—nos_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n neither_o do_v they_o in_o their_o writing_n abstain_v only_o from_o seek_v their_o own_o glory_n and_o praise_n but_o also_o set_v down_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v tend_v to_o their_o discredit_n to_o the_o end_n god_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o their_o infirmity_n the_o truth_n confess_v and_o preserve_v and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n benefit_v when_o by_o see_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o most_o strong_a they_o be_v keep_v from_o presume_v on_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o from_o despair_v in_o god_n mercy_n and_o thus_o moses_n conceal_v not_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o grand_a parent_n the_o drunkenness_n of_o noah_n the_o incest_n of_o lot_n the_o lie_n of_o isaac_n the_o whoredom_n of_o judas_n nay_o which_v more_o near_o concern_v he_o he_o plain_o reveal_v the_o horrible_a and_o bloody_a sin_n of_o his_o grandfather_n levy_n 49.5.6_o gen._n 49.5.6_o and_o simeon_n in_o murder_v the_o sichemite_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o their_o father_n jacob_n pronounce_v against_o they_o for_o this_o their_o outrage_n genes_n 49.5.6_o which_o can_v not_o in_o humane_a reason_n but_o be_v dishonourable_a to_o his_o stock_n &_o progeny_n and_o offensive_a to_o all_o who_o be_v of_o that_o tribe_n furthermore_o he_o display_v the_o corruption_n imperfection_n and_o often_o rebellion_n of_o that_o people_n who_o salvation_n he_o prefer_v before_o his_o own_o soul_n he_o spare_v not_o to_o set_v down_o the_o idolatry_n of_o his_o own_o brothur_n aaron_n nor_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o sister_n miriam_n in_o murmur_v against_o he_o nor_o of_o aaron_n son_n in_o offer_v with_o strange_a fire_n nay_o he_o leave_v the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n of_o impatiency_n and_o unbelief_n for_o which_o he_o be_v debar_v from_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n unto_o all_o posterity_n as_o a_o perpetual_a note_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n neither_o seek_v he_o at_o all_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o posterity_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n &_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v hereby_o appear_v in_o that_o when_o the_o government_n be_v establish_v in_o his_o hand_n he_o do_v not_o make_v his_o own_o son_n his_o successor_n but_o josua_n his_o servant_n because_o god_n have_v so_o appoint_v it_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o jeremie_n who_o have_v in_o his_o prophecy_n leave_v record_n of_o his_o murmur_a and_o impatiency_n 20._o jerem._n 20._o jere._n 20_o of_o jonas_n who_o have_v set_v down_o his_o own_o rebellion_n punishment_n and_o repine_v against_o god_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o have_v not_o spare_v to_o call_v himself_o a_o cruel_a persecuter_n and_o chief_a of_o all_o sinner_n now_o we_o know_v that_o natural_o we_o desire_v to_o conceal_v the_o fault_n of_o our_o friend_n and_o kindred_n and_o we_o count_v he_o a_o evil_a bird_n that_o defile_v his_o own_o nest_n natural_o we_o seek_v our_o own_o praise_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o our_o child_n and_o can_v brook_v â—othing_v less_o than_o that_o our_o fault_n shall_v be_v diwlge_v and_o become_v table_n talk_v and_o therefore_o this_o detection_n of_o their_o own_o and_o their_o friend_n fall_v and_o fault_n can_v not_o proceed_v from_o nature_n or_o any_o worldly_a policy_n but_o from_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o overrule_v their_o affection_n and_o take_v away_o all_o partiality_n §_o sect._n 5_o scripture_n the_o four_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o diverse_a writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n four_o the_o wonderful_a consent_n which_o be_v among_o the_o diverse_a writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o be_v guide_v and_o direct_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v true_o say_v of_o other_o man_n quot_fw-la homines_fw-la tot_fw-la sententiae_fw-la look_v how_o many_o man_n there_o be_v and_o so_o many_o mind_n there_o be_v whereof_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o writer_n almost_o vari_v from_o another_o gainsay_v and_o confute_v that_o which_o another_o have_v deliver_v that_o so_o out_o of_o the_o ash_n of_o their_o credit_n and_o reputation_n they_o may_v build_v a_o monument_n of_o their_o own_o fame_n the_o quite_o contrary_a be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o successive_o write_v one_o after_o another_o the_o space_n of_o diverse_a thousand_o year_n do_v notwithstanding_o consent_v together_o in_o the_o same_o truth_n the_o late_a ratify_n and_o confirm_v that_o which_o the_o former_a have_v deliver_v without_o any_o alteration_n opposition_n or_o emulation_n as_o though_o they_o be_v diverse_a hand_n set_v on_o work_n by_o the_o same_o soul_n which_o can_v not_o possible_o come_v to_o pass_v unless_o they_o be_v overrule_v by_o god_n spirit_n §_o sect._n 6_o opposition_n the_o sift_n reason_n take_v from_o the_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o all_o opposition_n five_o the_o mighty_a opposition_n which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o wicked_a imp_n against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o all_o in_o vain_a do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o be_v god_n word_n and_o truth_n the_o patronage_n and_o protection_n whereof_o he_o have_v himself_o
fair_a volume_n of_o the_o creature_n so_o as_o none_o can_v behold_v they_o but_o he_o must_v needs_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o yet_o that_o this_o god_n be_v one_o in_o nature_n shall_v be_v distinguish_v into_o three_o person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n without_o any_o division_n of_o substance_n or_o confusion_n of_o person_n man_n reason_n can_v conceive_v though_o the_o lord_n have_v reveal_v it_o and_o much_o less_o can_v invent_v it_o see_v now_o it_o can_v comprehend_v it_o so_o that_o the_o world_n and_o the_o creature_n therein_o contain_v be_v create_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n sufficient_o teach_v we_o see_v they_o have_v a_o end_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o beginning_n a_o time_n of_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o a_o time_n of_o generation_n also_o and_o as_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o every_o several_a part_n so_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o whole_a universal_a see_v also_o one_o effect_n bring_v we_o to_o his_o cause_n and_o that_o cause_n to_o a_o superior_a cause_n and_o that_o to_o another_o until_o we_o come_v to_o the_o high_a and_o supreme_a cause_n which_o be_v god_n who_o have_v his_o be_v of_o himself_o give_v be_v to_o all_o thing_n but_o that_o all_o this_o goodly_a order_n shall_v be_v bring_v out_o of_o confusion_n this_o light_n out_o of_o darkness_n that_o all_o these_o excellent_a creature_n shall_v be_v create_v of_o nothing_o by_o the_o alone_a word_n of_o their_o omnipotent_a creator_n it_o pass_v the_o conceit_n of_o humane_a reason_n &_o therefore_o his_o invention_n also_o so_o that_o we_o be_v wretched_a and_o full_a of_o misery_n not_o only_o our_o reason_n but_o even_o our_o sense_n can_v teach_v we_o but_o how_o we_o shall_v be_v free_v out_o of_o this_o misery_n and_o attain_v unto_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v a_o thing_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o man_n wisdom_n and_o that_o we_o be_v unable_a to_o perform_v those_o duty_n we_o ought_v and_o leave_v those_o sin_n undo_v which_o we_o shall_v omit_v and_o by_o both_o offend_v god_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o check_n and_o fear_n which_o every_o one_o feel_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n do_v sufficient_o teach_v we_o but_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n who_o we_o have_v offend_v as_o they_o be_v set_v down_o in_o his_o word_n namely_o that_o the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o man_n nature_n and_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o pure_a virgin_n that_o in_o this_o nature_n he_o shall_v for_o we_o perform_v perfect_a obedience_n to_o god_n law_n and_o suffer_v affliction_n misery_n yea_o death_n itself_o to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o his_o father_n and_o procure_v his_o love_n to_o free_v we_o from_o everlasting_a death_n and_o damnation_n and_o to_o purchase_v for_o we_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o that_o his_o obedience_n and_o merit_n shall_v become_v we_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o union_n whereby_o he_o become_v our_o head_n and_o we_o his_o member_n which_o union_n be_v make_v principal_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o instrumental_o by_o faith_n do_v all_o seem_v strange_a yea_o absurd_a to_o humane_a reason_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2.14_o 1._o cor._n 2.14_o for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v as_o it_o be_v 1._o cor._n 2.14_o and_o if_o he_o can_v know_v and_o conceive_v they_o when_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v reveal_v unto_o he_o how_o much_o less_o can_v he_o invent_v they_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o they_o or_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o in_o policy_n he_o will_v have_v devise_v such_o a_o religion_n to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o awe_n and_o obedience_n as_o to_o every_o worldly_a man_n seem_v foolish_a and_o absurd_a yea_o contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o against_o the_o hair_n than_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v christ_n than_o to_o reject_v our_o own_o work_n and_o worthiness_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o justification_n in_o christ_n death_n and_o obedience_n alone_o than_o to_o imagine_v that_o manifold_a affliction_n and_o great_a misery_n be_v the_o high_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o glory_n and_o endless_a felicity_n and_o that_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o riches_n make_v we_o unfit_a to_o enter_v into_o god_n kingdom_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n but_o also_o flat_a contrary_n to_o natural_a wisdom_n it_o plain_o proove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o mortal_a man_n for_o then_o the_o effect_n will_v be_v like_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n which_o savour_v of_o his_o hide_a and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n §_o sect._n 5_o the_o eluenth_fw-mi argument_n scripture_n the_o eleven_o reason_n take_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o holy_a scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indict_v not_o by_o man_n but_o by_o god_n spirit_n be_v the_o prophecy_n therein_o contain_v which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o due_a time_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v enmity_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o that_o the_o promise_a seed_n christ_n jesus_n shall_v vanquish_v the_o devil_n that_o the_o posterity_n of_o cham_n shall_v be_v accurse_v that_o abraham_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n by_o his_o wife_n sarah_n when_o they_o be_v both_o old_a and_o she_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o childbearing_n that_o his_o posterity_n shall_v be_v bond_n man_n in_o egypt_n four_o hundred_o year_n foretell_v before_o he_o have_v isaac_n of_o who_o they_o come_v that_o judaes_n posterity_n who_o be_v but_o the_o four_o son_n shall_v have_v sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n over_o the_o rest_n that_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o be_v take_v from_o he_o till_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v that_o the_o tribe_n of_o ephraim_n shall_v excel_v the_o tribe_n of_o manasses_n that_o he_o who_o shall_v ree_fw-mi difie_v jericho_n after_o it_o be_v destroy_v 6.26_o josh_n 6.26_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n as_o appear_v josh_n 6.26_o which_o be_v five_o hundred_o year_n after_o fulfil_v in_o hiel_n the_o bethelite_n 16.34_o 1._o king_n 16.34_o as_o it_o be_v 1._o king_n 16.34_o that_o josias_n by_o name_n shall_v destroy_v idolatry_n and_o the_o idolater_n and_o restore_v the_o true_a religion_n 23._o 1._o king_n 13.1.2_o 2._o king_n 22._o and_o 23._o foretell_v almost_o 300_o year_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v 1._o king_n 13.1_o 2._o 2._o king_n 22._o and_o 23_o that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n shall_v be_v lead_v captive_a into_o babylon_n and_o be_v set_v free_a by_o cyrus_n by_o name_n 44.26.27.28_o esa_n 44.26.27.28_o prophesy_v of_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n before_o cyrus_n be_v bear_v esa_n 44.26_o 27_o 28._o and_o to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremy_n concern_v the_o take_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o their_o captivity_n into_o babylon_n and_o the_o time_n of_o seventie_o year_n limit_v for_o their_o abide_n there_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o four_o monarchy_n which_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a as_o if_o he_o have_v see_v they_o in_o his_o time_n the_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o s._n john_n many_o of_o which_o we_o see_v fulfil_v in_o our_o time_n especial_o that_o concern_v the_o antichrist_n of_o rome_n his_o manner_n of_o come_v his_o increase_n his_o work_n seat_n and_o place_n of_o residence_n and_o which_o be_v so_o manifest_o and_o plain_o describe_v as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v a_o history_n and_o not_o a_o prophecy_n which_o plain_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o devise_v by_o man_n but_o pen_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n spirit_n who_o by_o his_o provident_a wise_a doom_n forsee_v all_o thing_n and_o by_o his_o wise_a providence_n rule_v all_o thing_n §_o sect._n 6_o but_o here_o satan_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o object_n politician_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v by_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o they_o mention_v and_o not_o forge_v in_o their_o name_n by_o some_o politician_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o prove_v that_o these_o prophecy_n be_v write_v by_o any_o such_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o long_o before_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v do_v and_o that_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v they_o may_v be_v forge_v
enemy_n who_o labour_n to_o hinder_v our_o salvation_n for_o he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o mighty_a to_o save_v 63.1_o esa_n 63.1_o as_o it_o be_v esa_n 63.1_o and_o though_o through_o our_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n we_o may_v continual_o be_v vanquish_v and_o draw_v from_o god_n yet_o now_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n hereof_o see_v we_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n 1.5_o 1._o pet._n 1.5_o but_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o pet._n 1.5_o though_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v impotent_a and_o feeble_a yet_o we_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n and_o be_v arm_v with_o the_o armour_n of_o god_n 11._o eph._n 6.10_o 11._o we_o be_v enable_v to_o stand_v against_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 6.10_o 11._o though_o we_o be_v of_o little_a force_n in_o regard_n of_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o able_a to_o do_v nothing_o yet_o be_v we_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n which_o strengthen_v we_o as_o it_o be_v philip._n 4.13_o though_o we_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n 4.13_o phil._n 4.13_o and_o unable_a to_o stand_v yet_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v establish_v for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o stand_v rom._n 14.4_o in_o a_o word_n 14.4_o rom._n 14.4_o though_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n be_v strong_a than_o we_o yet_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v able_a to_o pluck_v we_o from_o christ_n for_o the_o father_n which_o give_v we_o to_o he_o be_v great_a than_o all_o 29._o joh._n 10.28_o 29._o and_o none_o be_v able_a to_o take_v we_o out_o of_o the_o father_n hand_n as_o our_o saviour_n reason_v john_n 10.28_o 29._o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v discourage_v and_o ready_a to_o faint_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o our_o enemy_n mighty_a power_n let_v we_o comfort_v ourselves_o in_o the_o lord_n say_v with_o the_o apostle_n i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v 1.12_o 2._o tim._n 1.12_o and_o i_o be_o persuade_v he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o against_o that_o day_n as_o it_o be_v 2._o tim._n 1.12_o §_o sect._n 2_o the_o five_o reason_n be_v ground_v upon_o god_n truth_n and_o fidelity_n 16.17_o the_o five_o reason_n groundad_o on_o god_n truth_n in_o his_o covenant_n apoc._n 1.5_o 2._o cor._n 1.20_o luke_n 16.17_o which_o be_v so_o infallible_a that_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v speak_v promise_v or_o covenant_v that_o he_o will_v most_o certain_o perform_v for_o god_n be_v a_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n apoc._n 1.5_o and_o all_o his_o promise_n in_o christ_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o 2._o corinth_n 1.20_o so_o that_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o than_o that_o one_o title_n of_o god_n word_n shall_v fall_v unaccomplish_v luke_n 16.17_o but_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o word_n have_v assure_v all_o that_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v uphold_v they_o and_o preserve_v they_o unto_o everlasting_a life_n against_o all_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o enemy_n as_o may_v appear_v both_o by_o his_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v make_v with_o his_o church_n in_o general_a and_o also_o by_o particular_a promise_n make_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a concern_v the_o first_o the_o lord_n make_v this_o covenant_n with_o his_o church_n esa_n 59.21_o i_o will_v say_v he_o make_v this_o my_o covenant_n with_o they_o 59.21_o esa_n 59.21_o my_o spirit_n that_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 nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o thy_o seed_n say_v the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o even_o for_o ever_o if_o therefore_o god_n spirit_n never_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o they_o for_o ever_o confess_v and_o profess_v his_o word_n and_o truth_n then_o certain_o they_o can_v never_o fall_v away_o nor_o loose_v their_o heavenly_a inheritance_n for_o 8.11_o rom._n 8.11_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o we_o he_o shall_v also_o quicken_v our_o mortal_a body_n because_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o we_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.11_o 11.14.â—7_n rom._n 8_o 11.14.â—7_n and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 14._o and_o if_o we_o be_v child_n we_o be_v also_o heir_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 17._o so_o jerem._n 32.38_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n â—0_n â—er_n 32.38_o 39_o â—0_n verse_n 39_o and_o i_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n that_o they_o may_v fear_v i_o for_o ever_o for_o the_o wealth_n of_o they_o and_o of_o their_o child_n after_o they_o 40._o and_o i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o they_o that_o i_o will_v never_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o to_o do_v they_o good_a but_o i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o etc._n etc._n if_o therefore_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v fear_v he_o for_o ever_o if_o his_o covenant_n be_v everlasting_a if_o he_o will_v never_o depart_v from_o they_o nor_o they_o from_o he_o then_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o their_o perseverance_n 31.31.32_o â—er_n 31.31.32_o and_o chapter_n 31.31.32_o the_o lord_n say_v that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o his_o church_n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o their_o father_n 33._o but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o will_v forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o i_o will_v remember_v their_o sin_n no_o more_o in_o which_o word_n the_o lord_n covenant_v that_o his_o law_n shall_v ever_o remain_v so_o deep_o engrave_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o nothing_o shall_v blot_v it_o out_o &_o that_o they_o shall_v continual_o meditate_v and_o delight_v themselves_o therein_o 3.2_o rom._n 2.15_o 2._o cor._n 3.2_o for_o thus_o this_o phrase_n of_o write_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v usual_o take_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o likewise_o he_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o perpetual_a pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n so_o that_o their_o sin_n shall_v never_o make_v frustrate_v that_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v make_v with_o they_o 2.19.20_o hos_fw-la 2.19.20_o so_o hos_n 2.19_o and_o i_o will_v marry_v thou_o unto_o i_o for_o ever_o yea_o i_o will_v marry_v thou_o unto_o i_o in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o judgement_n and_o in_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n 20._o i_o will_v marry_v thou_o unto_o i_o in_o faithfulness_n and_o thou_o shall_v know_v the_o lord_n if_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v marry_v unto_o he_o for_o ever_o in_o righteousness_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o in_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n then_o can_v neither_o their_o faith_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o god_n nor_o his_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n towards_o they_o fail_v but_o both_o shall_v continue_v unto_o the_o end_n see_v then_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v between_o god_n and_o we_o do_v assure_v we_o of_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n and_o of_o our_o perseverance_n in_o his_o fear_n and_o holy_a obedience_n we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v either_o of_o the_o cease_n of_o his_o love_n or_o our_o fall_v away_o for_o though_o the_o mountain_n remove_v and_o the_o hill_n fall_v down_o yet_o shall_v not_o his_o mercy_n depart_v from_o his_o child_n neither_o shall_v the_o covenant_n of_o his_o peace_n fall_v away_o as_o the_o lord_n himself_o protest_v esa_n 54.10_o 54.10_o esa_n 54.10_o §_o sect._n 3_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o our_o perseverance_n answer_v a_o objection_n take_v from_o our_o faltinesse_n answer_v by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o his_o church_n for_o whatsoever_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o also_o promise_v to_o every_o particular_a member_n thereof_o see_v the_o whole_a contain_v all_o his_o part_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n that_o also_o belong_v to_o all_o the_o member_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o howsoever_o this_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n be_v firm_a and_o eternal_a yet_o by_o our_o fault_n and_o transgression_n it_o may_v