be_v leave_v only_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n within_o we_o and_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o creature_n without_o we_o we_o may_v have_v eternal_o grope_v in_o darkness_n and_o never_o have_v come_v unto_o salvation_n for_o though_o these_o may_v direct_v we_o unto_o a_o god_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o proper_o unto_o a_o christ_n nature_n can_v never_o thorough_o discover_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o right_a mean_n unto_o salvation_n and_o though_o god_n be_v delineate_v and_o draw_v out_o as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o creature_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o in_o dark_a colour_n see_v he_o may_v be_v and_o understand_v in_o they_o but_o never_o exact_o worship_v and_o serve_v through_o they_o there_o must_v be_v then_o some_o high_a principle_n and_o fountain_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v draw_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n towards_o mankind_n his_o love_n unto_o we_o from_o all_o eternity_n in_o design_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o all_o those_o high_a mystery_n of_o religion_n which_o otherwise_o nature_n can_v never_o reach_v unto_o now_o that_o which_o do_v these_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o instruct_v heretofore_o the_o old_a patriarch_n either_o by_o oracle_n or_o vision_n be_v at_o length_n by_o moses_n proclaim_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o set_v down_o in_o writing_n that_o so_o all_o may_v plain_o see_v who_o he_o be_v what_o kind_n of_o worship_n he_o do_v approve_v of_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o will_v bring_v they_o unto_o heaven_n so_o that_o as_o christ_n say_v unto_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n joh._n 4._o 22._o that_o both_o she_o and_o her_o nation_n worship_v they_o know_v not_o what_o we_o say_v likewise_o of_o the_o gentile_n they_o worship_v they_o know_v not_o what_o god_n or_o the_o true_a one_o in_o a_o false_a manner_n for_o before_o christ_n time_n god_n word_n be_v consign_v &_o closet_v within_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n no_o wonder_v that_o the_o gentile_n without_o the_o pale_a become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o worship_v the_o creature_n more_o than_o the_o creator_n and_o now_o after_o christ_n many_o nation_n either_o through_o malice_n reject_v the_o scripture_n or_o through_o negligence_n be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o no_o wonder_n that_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o worship_v the_o host_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o follow_v after_o idol_n and_o lie_v vanity_n for_o as_o old_a and_o dim_a eye_n though_o they_o may_v behold_v a_o fair_a volume_n yet_o they_o can_v speak_v or_o read_v perhaps_o two_o word_n together_o without_o the_o help_n of_o spectacle_n or_o some_o other_o glass_n in_o like_a manner_n though_o a_o purblind_a natural_a man_n a_o gentile_a may_v see_v god_n in_o the_o large_a volume_n of_o his_o creature_n yet_o without_o the_o light_n and_o help_v of_o holy_a scripture_n he_o can_v never_o discover_v his_o will_n and_o the_o true_a manner_n wherein_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v the_o scripture_n alone_o be_v the_o cannon_n and_o rule_n unto_o which_o we_o must_v square_v ourselves_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o principium_fw-la cognoscendi_fw-la that_o instrument_n and_o ladder_n whereby_o we_o may_v climb_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o have_v a_o more_o intimate_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n then_o possible_o we_o can_v attain_v unto_o either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o conduct_v of_o the_o creature_n wherefore_o leave_v the_o two_o former_a book_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o creature_n we_o must_v enter_v now_o into_o a_o high_a form_n as_o it_o be_v and_o learn_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o shall_v be_v my_o task_n therefore_o at_o present_a to_o open_v unto_o you_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n out_o of_o these_o word_n in_o prosecution_n of_o which_o as_o of_o all_o other_o head_n ensue_v i_o shall_v as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o endeavour_v to_o couch_v my_o matter_n in_o as_o short_a a_o room_n as_o i_o can_v that_o so_o i_o may_v the_o more_o speedy_o go_v over_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o this_o exercise_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v with_o all_o plainness_n perspicuity_n and_o method_n both_o open_a and_o apply_v the_o doctrine_n familiar_o illustrate_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v knotty_a and_o hard_a without_o ramble_v and_o fetch_v in_o of_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o consist_v with_o my_o intend_a brevity_n and_o method_n as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v a_o beat_a path_n i_o shall_v with_o less_o pain_n go_v over_o these_o word_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o most_o pertinent_a whereon_o i_o may_v build_v it_o which_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n which_o timothy_n have_v suck_v in_o even_o from_o his_o youth_n and_o receive_v from_o paul_n for_o he_o show_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o danger_n of_o the_o latter_a time_n and_o the_o error_n of_o evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n do_v give_v his_o son_n timothy_n a_o antidote_n against_o their_o poison_n exhort_v he_o in_o the_o 14._o verse_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o time_n indeed_o be_v very_o evil_a error_n very_o rife_o persecution_n every_o where_o offer_v to_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o say_v he_o continue_v thou_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learned_a etc._n etc._n this_o exhortation_n he_o seem_v to_o press_v by_o several_a argument_n thou_o must_v continue_v in_o sound_a doctrine_n 1._o because_o thou_o have_v learn_v it_o it_o be_v to_o that_o purpose_n deposit_v with_o thou_o and_o instill_v into_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v continue_v in_o it_o 2._o because_o thou_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v argue_v want_n of_o judgement_n and_o folly_n in_o thou_o to_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o because_o thou_o know_v of_o who_o thou_o have_v learn_v it_o not_o from_o any_o impostor_n or_o seducer_n but_o from_o a_o paul_n a_o apostle_n act_v by_o the_o spirit_n &_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o have_v from_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o who_o authority_n ought_v to_o bind_v thou_o to_o persevere_v in_o the_o thing_n thou_o have_v learn_v 3._o o_o timothy_n thou_o must_v continue_v in_o those_o thing_n thou_o have_v learn_v because_o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n v._o 15._o thou_o have_v be_v so_o long_o verse_v in_o the_o sacred_a truth_n so_o long_o learn_v and_o receive_v it_o that_o now_o it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o base_a thing_n for_o thou_o to_o recede_v from_o it_o read_v it_o thou_o have_v from_o thy_o child_n hood_n and_o therefore_o hold_v it_o fast_o thou_o shall_v in_o thy_o ripe_a year_n this_o argument_n he_o back_v on_o 4._o from_o the_o perfection_n and_o profitable_a effect_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n thou_o must_v therefore_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o word_n of_o god_n because_o if_o thou_o believe_v in_o that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v thou_o unto_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n these_o argument_n he_o put_v down_o in_o the_o 14_o &_o 15._o verse_n now_o he_o go_v on_o in_o these_o word_n read_v unto_o you_o to_o persuade_v he_o to_o persevere_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o say_v he_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n the_o authority_n therefore_o of_o it_o shall_v bind_v thou_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o the_o great_a profit_n of_o it_o in_o instruct_v thou_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o religion_n or_o well_o live_v and_o also_o its_o perspicuity_n in_o lay_v down_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n plain_o which_o make_v either_o for_o doctrine_n or_o for_o decision_n of_o controversy_n or_o for_o regulate_v man_n manner_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a and_o then_o in_o the_o 17._o verse_n the_o apostle_n confirm_v his_o exhortation_n from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v perfect_a in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o it_o do_v make_v man_n perfect_a and_o thorough_o instruct_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n since_o then_o say_v paul_n the_o doctrine_n which_o thou_o have_v learn_v have_v so_o noble_a a_o author_n of_o it_o as_o god_n have_v so_o profitable_a a_o use_n as_o to_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o
salvation_n to_o instruct_v to_o reprove_v to_o correct_v and_o since_o it_o have_v so_o admirable_a perfection_n in_o it_o as_o to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a &_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n good_a reason_n then_o my_o son_n timothy_n that_o be_v the_o time_n what_o they_o will_v be_v error_n never_o so_o plausible_o entertain_v and_o truth_n never_o so_o violent_o oppose_v that_o thou_o notwithstanding_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learn_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o this_o be_v the_o drift_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o well_o understand_v of_o which_o together_o with_o the_o word_n read_v unto_o you_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o open_n of_o this_o my_o present_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v therefore_o expound_v the_o word_n themselves_o more_o distinct_o and_o in_o the_o open_n of_o they_o brief_o touch_v upon_o some_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v handle_v at_o large_a and_o then_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o what_o i_o main_o intend_v well_o then_o here_o be_v the_o subject_n speak_v of_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o by_o its_o author_n god_n by_o its_o use_n it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n by_o its_o end_n which_o be_v that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n all_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o writing_n for_o so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v scripture_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n it_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o other_o writing_n which_o be_v so_o far_o account_v good_a or_o bad_a as_o they_o come_v near_o to_o or_o decline_v from_o this_o but_o here_o say_v beza_n when_o the_o apostle_n say_v all_o scripture_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n lest_o we_o understand_v any_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o call_v canonical_a that_o be_v such_o book_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o antiquity_n their_o argument_n and_o divine_a doctrine_n they_o treat_v of_o their_o efficacious_a and_o lively_a manner_n and_o method_n of_o their_o discourse_n be_v the_o canon_n yea_o rule_n and_o touchstone_n by_o which_o all_o doctrine_n and_o write_n whatever_n be_v to_o be_v try_v for_o there_o be_v other_o book_n which_o either_o because_o the_o name_n of_o their_o author_n be_v unknown_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v call_v apocryphal_a or_o hide_a which_o though_o otherwise_o contain_v many_o useful_a &_o profitable_a instruction_n be_v yet_o notwithstanding_o to_o be_v hide_v and_o lay_v aside_o when_o any_o truth_n come_v to_o be_v try_v and_o therefore_o when_o our_o apostle_n say_v that_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n we_o must_v exclude_v those_o apocryphal_a book_n for_o since_o they_o be_v neither_o write_v in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n nor_o by_o any_o prophet_n of_o which_o malachy_n be_v the_o last_o nor_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n since_o also_o they_o contain_v many_o thing_n absurd_a and_o contrary_a one_o to_o another_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v never_o give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o scripture_n be_v inspire_v of_o god_n or_o as_o the_o word_n imply_v breathe_v from_o god_n those_o notion_n word_n and_o phrase_n which_o may_v every_o where_o occur_v in_o holy_a writ_n be_v dictate_v unto_o the_o penman_n thereof_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o so_o that_o prophecy_n come_v not_o of_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o wherefore_o we_o read_v not_o thus_o say_v jeremiah_n or_o thus_o say_v isaiah_n but_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o but_o what_o may_v some_o say_v be_v all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n why_o then_o those_o imposture_n and_o calumny_n of_o satan_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 3._o of_o gen._n and_o 4._o of_o matthew_n those_o erroneous_a say_n of_o job_n wife_n unto_o he_o to_o curse_v god_n and_o die_v with_o the_o like_a be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o these_o and_o the_o like_a say_n only_o historical_o set_v down_o be_v abstract_o in_o themselves_o consider_v be_v not_o from_o god_n but_o then_o consider_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v set_v down_o so_o they_o be_v as_o we_o may_v say_v that_o tacitus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o whole_a book_n though_o many_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v speak_v from_o other_o man_n and_o as_o the_o same_o wax_n though_o of_o little_a worth_n in_o itself_o yet_o seal_v and_o put_v in_o a_o bond_n may_v be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o value_n in_o like_a manner_n those_o speech_n of_o heathen_a author_n cite_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o that_o of_o aratus_n act._n 17._o 28._o and_o that_o of_o epimenides_n titus_n 1._o 12._o though_o of_o little_a worth_n as_o they_o come_v from_o such_o man_n yet_o be_v insert_v into_o holy_a writ_n receive_v divine_a authority_n and_o may_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n unto_o our_o salvation_n many_o thing_n there_o be_v also_o in_o scripture_n which_o quoad_fw-la praeceptum_fw-la may_v have_v great_a authority_n than_o other_o but_o ratione_fw-la authoris_fw-la be_v equal_a as_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o first_o table_n be_v more_o severe_o enjoin_v then_o those_o of_o the_o second_o yet_o the_o same_o god_n write_v they_o both_o thus_o gold_n may_v be_v more_o precious_a than_o gold_n in_o weight_n and_o shape_n though_o not_o in_o purity_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o all_o scripture_n some_o way_n or_o other_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n say_v and_o god_n say_v as_o may_v far_o appear_v from_o the_o 9_o of_o the_o roman_n 25._o verse_n and_o gal._n 4_o 30._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a many_o be_v the_o commodity_n of_o the_o write_a word_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v try_v all_o other_o doctrine_n as_o the_o barean_o try_v paul_n doctrine_n by_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o act._n 17._o 11._o and_o therefore_o as_o those_o that_o carry_v false_a and_o adulterate_a coin_n about_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v of_o a_o touchstone_n so_o likewise_o those_o cheat_n in_o religion_n the_o papist_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v read_v lest_o thereby_o their_o imposture_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a and_o their_o folly_n appear_v unto_o all_o man_n beside_o this_o commodity_n i_o say_v the_o apostle_n say_v that_o it_o be_v profitable_a 1._o for_o instruction_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o discover_v that_o be_v of_o such_o thing_n unto_o we_o which_o without_o it_o we_o can_v never_o have_v know_v there_o be_v mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o abscondite_fw-la hide_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o humane_a reason_n can_v never_o unveil_v or_o fathom_n that_o a_o infinite_a god_n shall_v be_v cloister_v up_o in_o a_o virgin_n womb_n that_o he_o shall_v leave_v heaven_n and_o lie_n in_o a_o manger_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o like_a be_v above_o the_o reach_n and_o disquisition_n of_o a_o natural_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v far_o enlighten_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n before_o we_o attain_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v profitable_a also_o for_o instruction_n of_o we_o in_o the_o fall_n &_o restauration_n of_o man_n in_o the_o sacrament_n yea_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n it_o instruct_v and_o teach_v we_o how_o wretched_a we_o be_v by_o nature_n how_o happy_a by_o grace_n how_o to_o beat_v down_o principality_n and_o power_n how_o to_o want_v and_o how_o to_o abound_v how_o final_o to_o be_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2._o it_o be_v profitable_a say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o reproof_n there_o be_v no_o error_n so_o plausible_o broach_v so_o strong_o fortify_v and_o maintain_v by_o humane_a reason_n but_o may_v be_v beat_v down_o and_o vanquish_v by_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a judge_v all_o thing_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2_o 18._o he_o that_o be_v right_o inform_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o to_o who_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o who_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o foreign_a tradition_n testimony_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o like_a not_o
put_v into_o a_o man_n enable_v he_o to_o resist_v even_o his_o own_o desire_n to_o fight_v against_o his_o own_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o suffer_v and_o bear_v all_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n for_o christ_n his_o sake_n show_v i_o any_o humane_a eloquence_n that_o can_v alter_v and_o change_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n that_o can_v over-awe_n keep_v under_o hatch_n the_o rebellion_n mutiny_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o can_v put_v a_o felix_n into_o a_o tremble_a a_o stubborn_a pharaoh_n into_o a_o relent_a that_o can_v give_v light_n unto_o the_o simple_a stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayer_n that_o can_v divide_v between_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o world_n between_o a_o man_n self_n and_o his_o self_n humane_a eloquence_n that_o can_v only_o move_v and_o persuade_v this_o force_n and_o command_v it_o come_v with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o exact_v obedience_n add_v to_o all_o these_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o time_n concern_v the_o scripture_n their_o antiquity_n moses_n be_v bear_v before_o the_o very_a god_n of_o the_o heathen_n the_o late_a of_o the_o prophet_n match_v the_o ancient_a of_o the_o philosopher_n add_v also_o their_o constant_a preservation_n and_o continuance_n even_o till_o now_o maugre_o all_o the_o fury_n and_o rage_n of_o tyrant_n the_o malice_n of_o devil_n and_o devilish_a man_n who_o have_v do_v and_o do_v still_o oppose_v these_o holy_a writing_n add_v final_o unto_o all_o these_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o army_n of_o martyr_n maintain_v even_o to_o death_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n man_n of_o all_o sort_n ignorant_a who_o though_o they_o can_v not_o dispute_v can_v yet_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n wise_a rich_a poor_a of_o all_o age_n and_o sex_n woman_n child_n age_a folk_n endure_v all_o manner_n of_o torment_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o torment_n with_o all_o patience_n and_o constancy_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o truth_n therein_o contain_v these_o with_o many_o other_o reason_n may_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o now_o as_o there_o may_v be_v many_o witness_n unto_o a_o bond_n and_o yet_o still_o all_o be_v of_o little_a moment_n unless_o the_o seal_n be_v put_v on_o too_o in_o like_a manner_n all_o these_o witness_n and_o argument_n here_o produce_v will_v be_v of_o little_a concernment_n unto_o our_o salvation_n unless_o they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 1._o 13._o we_o may_v be_v convict_v by_o the_o forego_n argument_n that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o per_fw-mi se_fw-mi work_n faith_n nor_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o they_o unless_o the_o spirit_n which_o bear_v witness_n unto_o our_o spirit_n joint_o cooperate_v and_o open_v our_o eye_n more_o full_o to_o see_v this_o light_n for_o as_o hagar_n gen._n 21._o 19_o can_v not_o see_v the_o fountain_n that_o be_v near_o she_o until_o god_n have_v open_v her_o eye_n so_o neither_o can_v we_o perfect_o discern_v or_o saving_o know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n until_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v open_v our_o eye_n as_o david_n speak_v to_o behold_v the_o marvellous_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n we_o have_v therefore_o occasion_n here_o to_o inquire_v how_o it_o may_v appear_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o how_o a_o man_n may_v save_o and_o true_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o divine_a authority_n the_o papist_n they_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v because_o the_o church_n say_v so_o we_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v they_o so_o to_o be_v be_v because_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o worthy_a of_o all_o belief_n and_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v and_o 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quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la for_o though_o some_o of_o the_o papist_n have_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o more_o divine_a authority_n in_o they_o without_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n than_o aesop_n fable_n or_o ovid_n metamorphosis_n have_v yet_o some_o of_o the_o modern_a and_o ingenuous_a of_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o themselves_o indeed_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n yet_o this_o can_v say_v they_o otherwise_o appear_v unto_o we_o then_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n we_o say_v then_o that_o they_o may_v otherwise_o appear_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v god_n word_n then_o by_o the_o church_n as_o we_o may_v know_v that_o light_n be_v light_a and_o gold_n be_v gold_n by_o their_o own_o quality_n and_o lustre_n without_o any_o man_n tell_v of_o we_o that_o they_o be_v so_o beside_o if_o they_o be_v as_o they_o confess_v of_o divine_a authority_n in_o themselves_o by_o what_o law_n then_o can_v their_o church_n usurp_v authority_n over_o they_o unless_o as_o needs_o it_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v they_o account_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n above_o that_o of_o god_n and_o so_o become_v no_o less_o blasphemer_n then_o absurd_a 2._o i_o say_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o esse_fw-la cognito_fw-la and_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o church_n as_o on_o their_o own_o innate_a light_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n within_o we_o do_v not_o so_o much_o i_o say_v for_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o great_a confirmer_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o it_o do_v execute_v many_o good_a office_n towards_o they_o as_o first_o it_o be_v a_o witness_n unto_o they_o and_o a_o keeper_n and_o preserver_n of_o they_o but_o now_o will_v any_o one_o be_v so_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o the_o record_n or_o writing_n of_o a_o king_n do_v receive_v authority_n from_o their_o notary_n or_o register_n because_o he_o keep_v they_o second_o the_o church_n may_v discern_v and_o judge_v between_o true_a and_o false_a suppositition_n scripture_n and_o that_o by_o examine_v they_o according_a to_o the_o original_a canon_n and_o platform_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n for_o my_o sheep_n say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 10._o hear_v my_o voice_n and_o so_o can_v distinguish_v it_o from_o another_o but_o now_o as_o a_o goldsmith_n may_v by_o his_o weight_n and_o touchstone_n distinguish_v gold_n from_o copper_n &_o yet_o not_o be_v say_v to_o make_v the_o gold_n yea_o or_o to_o make_v it_o so_o unto_o we_o but_o only_o to_o make_v we_o the_o more_o easy_o believe_v that_o gold_n it_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o church_n in_o its_o examine_n &_o distinguish_v of_o scripture_n can_v be_v only_o say_v to_o confirm_v unto_o we_o the_o divinity_n of_o they_o not_o in_o any_o wise_a either_o in_o themselves_o or_o unto_o we_o to_o make_v they_o divine_a the_o 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to_o some_o particular_a custom_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n or_o unto_o the_o proper_a time_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v several_o write_v may_v be_v account_v hard_o and_o not_o so_o plain_a as_o that_o we_o may_v primâ_fw-la front_n and_o without_o much_o learning_n and_o study_n understand_v they_o however_o a_o christian_a may_v be_v save_v without_o any_o knowledge_n of_o these_o though_o not_o so_o without_o the_o other_o a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o heaven_n without_o know_v whether_o the_o temple_n be_v build_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o year_n or_o whether_o job_n live_v before_o moses_n or_o after_o he_o yet_o he_o can_v without_o understanding_n that_o he_o must_v believe_v in_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o the_o like_a thus_o in_o other_o science_n there_o be_v some_o indemonstrable_a principle_n so_o plain_o set_v down_o that_o no_o man_n can_v question_v they_o and_o other_o thing_n again_o not_o altogether_o so_o essential_a somewhat_o 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we_o because_o they_o question_v they_o than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o motion_n be_v in_o philosophy_n though_o a_o certain_a foolish_a philosopher_n do_v once_o deny_v it_o so_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o that_o there_o be_v something_n in_o paul_n epistle_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstastable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n mark_v here_o there_o be_v something_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o all_o thing_n but_o some_o thing_n only_o namely_o such_o as_o he_o speak_v of_o here_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o last_o judgement_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o which_o thing_n be_v not_o essential_a unto_o our_o salvation_n &_o these_o thing_n so_o hard_o be_v wrest_v by_o unlearned_a unstable_a man_n that_o be_v man_n ignorant_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o balance_v with_o the_o spirit_n unholy_a ungodly_a man_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o same_o sun_n may_v be_v light_n and_o yet_o not_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v unto_o a_o blind_a man_n the_o same_o book_n plain_a and_o legible_a and_o yet_o unto_o dull_a and_o dim_a eye_n dark_a and_o obscure_a in_o like_a manner_n the_o same_o thing_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o perspicuous_a unto_o the_o godly_a regenerate_v man_n who_o eye_n god_n open_v be_v for_o the_o most_o riddle_n and_o strange_a thing_n unto_o the_o wicked_a who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v we_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n show_v you_o that_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o perspicuous_a according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o subject_n entertain_v they_o objective_n and_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v perspicuous_a but_o subjective_n &_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o plain_a according_a as_o man_n be_v regenerate_v or_o unregenerate_v the_o whole_a world_n you_o know_v be_v divide_v into_o the_o regenerate_v and_o unregenerate_a this_o be_v a_o adequate_a division_n of_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v 1._o inquire_v concern_v the_o the_o plainness_n and_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o relation_n unto_o irregenerate_a man_n and_o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o position_n that_o no_o wicked_a irregenerate_a man_n can_v save_o know_v the_o scripture_n or_o thus_o that_o the_o scripture_n though_o plain_a in_o their_o nature_n be_v yet_o dark_a and_o obscure_a unto_o irregenerate_a man_n if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 3._o our_o gospel_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o light_n but_o who_o can_v find_v fault_n with_o the_o sun_n if_o it_o give_v not_o light_a to_o a_o blind_a man_n it_o be_v hide_v indeed_o but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o those_o that_o be_v lose_v to_o ungodly_a man_n for_o the_o carnal_a man_n preceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2._o the_o scripture_n all_o throughout_o contain_v in_o they_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o mere_a sensible_a creature_n can_v judge_v of_o the_o discourse_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n so_o neither_o can_v a_o mere_a rational_a man_n perceive_v or_o disscover_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o he_o unto_o who_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o speak_v you_o know_v the_o scripture_n be_v divide_v into_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v either_o within_o or_o without_o the_o church_n now_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n a_o gentile_a without_o the_o church_n may_v have_v a_o historical_a knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n for_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 2._o 14._o they_o do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n but_o as_o from_o a_o old_a eat_v manuscript_n a_o man_n may_v gather_v a_o word_n or_o sentence_n or_o two_o when_o yet_o notwithstanding_o 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without_o it_o be_v preach_v unto_o they_o or_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n unknown_a unto_o we_o infuse_v into_o they_o for_o faith_n ordinary_o that_o be_v come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n a_o man_n may_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 2._o second_o a_o christian_a unregenerate_a man_n within_o the_o church_n may_v have_v a_o historical_a contemplative_a knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n but_o not_o save_v particular_a knowledge_n of_o either_o for_o it_o be_v to_o they_o foolishness_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o scandal_n and_o stumble_a block_n unto_o they_o than_o a_o light_n and_o save_a rule_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v therefore_o that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v seem_v plain_a unto_o they_o who_o noisome_a lust_n do_v cast_v a_o mist_n and_o a_o cloud_n before_o their_o understanding_n and_o who_o interest_n and_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o they_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o behold_v their_o purity_n and_o clearness_n second_o as_o ungodly_a irregenerate_a man_n can_v have_v any_o save_a clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a godly_a regenerate_a christian_n may_v have_v it_o for_o unto_o they_o alone_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o to_o other_o in_o parable_n that_o when_o they_o see_v they_o shall_v not_o see_v and_o when_o they_o hear_v they_o shall_v not_o understand_v and_o so_o 2_o cor._n 3_o 15_o 16._o it_o be_v say_v until_o this_o day_n when_o moses_n be_v read_v the_o veil_n be_v lay_v over_o their_o heart_n nevertheless_o when_o they_o shall_v turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o veil_n shall_v be_v
only_o know_v but_o also_o confute_v such_o error_n as_o be_v repugnant_a unto_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v a_o light_n psal_n 119._o 105._o and_o therefore_o as_o by_o light_n only_o we_o know_v what_o darkness_n be_v so_o by_o the_o same_o word_n may_v we_o understand_v what_o be_v erroneous_a and_o false_a in_o religion_n as_o we_o say_v that_o a_o right_a thing_n be_v a_o sufficient_a judge_n of_o its_o own_o straitness_n and_o the_o crookedness_n of_o another_o body_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o elencticall_a power_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o the_o very_a scripture_n themselves_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayer_n and_o to_o quash_n &_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o impious_a opinion_n and_o error_n of_o ungodly_a man_n 3._o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o correction_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o reformation_n that_o be_v for_o a_o amendment_n of_o all_o thing_n amiss_o either_o in_o life_n or_o manner_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o deviation_n from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n either_o in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n but_o it_o do_v espy_v and_o correct_v a_o man_n can_v never_o sin_v so_o close_o but_o it_o will_v find_v he_o out_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n tri_v the_o reins_n &_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n divide_v betwixt_o this_o joint_n &_o the_o marrow_n &_o be_v a_o discoveres_fw-la of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n heb._n 4._o 12._o as_o it_o do_v teach_v what_o thing_n be_v right_a so_o it_o do_v correct_v &_o amend_v what_o thing_n be_v out_o of_o order_n 4._o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o instruction_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d instruant_fw-la patriarchae_fw-la etiam_fw-la errantes_fw-la the_o title_n of_o the_o 32._o psalm_n be_v a_o psalm_n of_o instruction_n the_o word_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o imply_v the_o great_a profit_n of_o the_o scripture_n even_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o child_n and_o young_a man_n so_o far_o be_v our_o apostle_n from_o forbid_v any_o of_o what_o sort_n soever_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o he_o make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o main_a end_n and_o use_n of_o the_o write_a word_n to_o instruct_v all_o man_n even_o unto_o child_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o v._o 15._o the_o apostle_n approve_v in_o timothy_n that_o from_o a_o child_n he_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v that_o the_o romanist_n withhold_v the_o read_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n more_o out_o of_o a_o point_n of_o policy_n than_o religion_n or_o ground_n they_o have_v for_o it_o out_o of_o the_o word_n itself_o for_o it_o seem_v altogether_o repugnant_a first_o to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n who_o enjoin_v moses_n to_o read_v the_o law_n before_o all_o israel_n man_n child_n and_o stranger_n within_o thy_o gate_n without_o any_o distinction_n deut._n 31._o 12._o and_o who_o bid_v we_o search_v the_o scripture_n joh._n 5._o 39_o and_o who_o command_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v in_o we_o rich_o and_o abundant_o have_v not_o layman_n and_o ordinary_a people_n soul_n to_o be_v save_v as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a cardinal_n and_o priest_n there_o be_v some_o reason_n that_o these_o precious_a thing_n shall_v not_o be_v cast_v unto_o such_o dog_n these_o jewel_n to_o such_o swine_n but_o they_o expect_v life_n from_o the_o same_o christ_n as_o great_a scholar_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o with_o they_o have_v the_o same_o mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o if_o the_o command_n of_o god_n lie_v thus_o indefinite_o upon_o all_o man_n why_o shall_v they_o be_v debar_v from_o obey_v that_o command_n second_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a design_n of_o god_n in_o reveal_v his_o will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v a_o foretime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n rom._n 15._o 4._o why_o be_v the_o word_n write_v but_o that_o we_o may_v have_v hope_n and_o shall_v not_o a_o layman_n have_v hope_n of_o salvation_n will_v you_o exclude_v the_o common_a people_n from_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n if_o not_o why_o then_o shall_v they_o not_o have_v this_o hope_n through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n again_o ephes_n 6._o 12._o 17._o the_o apostle_n there_o show_v how_o that_o we_o wrestle_v not_o against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o against_o principalite_n and_o power_n etc._n etc._n bid_v they_o therefore_o take_v to_o themselves_o the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n &_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o now_o ought_v not_o poor_a ignorant_a soul_n thus_o to_o wrestle_v thus_o to_o fight_v against_o power_n against_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n against_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n why_o then_o shall_v they_o not_o have_v this_o comfort_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o 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piece_n of_o injustice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n thus_o to_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o instead_o thereof_o to_o obtrude_v upon_o they_o their_o own_o hypocritical_a leaven_n their_o fopperye_n and_o tradition_n to_o obstruct_v and_o seal_v up_o the_o fountain_n and_o then_o to_o feed_v they_o with_o the_o muddy_a stream_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n yea_o indeed_o to_o damn_v man_n soul_n mere_o out_o of_o a_o devilish_a kind_n of_o policy_n to_o secure_v their_o own_o state_n and_o interest_n but_o say_v they_o there_o be_v no_o such_o necessity_n certain_o for_o the_o common_a people_n read_v the_o scripture_n when_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v many_o believer_n as_o job_n &_o his_o friend_n who_o yet_o live_v not_o among_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o then_o only_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o answer_v that_o as_o for_o job_n &_o his_o friend_n they_o live_v by_o computation_n of_o the_o best_a divine_n before_o the_o law_n and_o the_o write_a word_n whereas_o have_v they_o live_v after_o it_o they_o have_v be_v bind_v to_o have_v the_o scripture_n after_o it_o be_v deliver_v beside_o what_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o some_o believer_n there_o be_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la have_v not_o the_o scripture_n must_v it_o therefore_o now_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la be_v true_a that_o the_o commonalty_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v they_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n perhaps_o god_n may_v by_o vision_n or_o some_o other_o extraordinary_a way_n reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o some_o of_o the_o gentile_n as_o unto_o job_n &_o other_o before_o their_o conversion_n which_o way_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v expect_v reason_n it_o be_v that_o all_o people_n shall_v now_o fetch_v their_o knowledge_n of_o god_n from_o the_o scripture_n again_o they_o object_n that_o paul_n write_v not_o his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o roman_n in_o latin_a which_o be_v their_o vulgar_a tongue_n but_o in_o greek_a therefore_o to_o put_v the_o scripture_n in_o a_o vulgar_a tongue_n be_v not_o needful_a we_o answer_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o those_o sacred_a monument_n of_o paul_n be_v to_o instruct_v all_o people_n beside_o the_o roman_n the_o spirit_n think_v it_o most_o convenient_a to_o write_v it_o in_o such_o a_o language_n which_o may_v most_o universal_o be_v understand_v now_o that_o the_o greek_n be_v then_o most_o know_v unto_o all_o nation_n appear_v not_o only_o out_o of_o profane_a author_n but_o also_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o as_o from_o rom._n 1._o 16._o and_o other_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n under_o the_o name_n of_o greek_a comprehend_v all_o
the_o gentile_n but_o we_o must_v not_o here_o stand_v too_o long_o upon_o these_o thing_n it_o remain_v that_o since_o the_o scripture_n be_v profitable_a for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n good_a reason_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o all_o people_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v instruct_v shall_v read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n who_o end_n it_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n go_v on_o that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n by_o compare_v the_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 11._o with_o this_o the_o minister_n or_o interpreter_n of_o god_n such_o as_o timothy_n be_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n that_o he_o namely_o who_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o church_n may_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n furnish_v himself_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o duty_n which_o belong_v unto_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o good_a work_n or_o duty_n which_o can_v be_v think_v upon_o but_o the_o scripture_n do_v prescribe_v and_o prepare_v we_o unto_o and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n on_o which_o i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o because_o by_o they_o i_o have_v take_v occasion_n to_o resolve_v you_o of_o such_o doubt_n which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o can_v at_o large_a and_o distinct_o handle_v from_o the_o word_n themselves_o you_o may_v note_v these_o three_o common_a observation_n 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n for_o they_o be_v inspire_v of_o god_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v most_o perspicuous_a and_o in_o the_o main_a most_o easy_o to_o be_v understand_v for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v they_o be_v profitable_a for_o our_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n 3._o that_o they_o be_v most_o perfect_a for_o if_o the_o minister_n himself_o can_v draw_v out_o of_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o his_o duty_n it_o will_v follow_v doubtless_o that_o they_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v most_o perfect_a 1._o then_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n what_o these_o scripture_n be_v none_o here_o i_o suppose_v can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o for_o you_o must_v needs_o conclude_v from_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o holy_a book_n write_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n so_o that_o in_o the_o very_a frontispeice_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o definition_n you_o may_v discover_v from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o that_o be_v certain_a and_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o deny_v this_o as_o for_o any_o man_n to_o deny_v that_o beam_n and_o ray_n proceed_v from_o the_o son_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o call_v into_o question_n or_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v as_o unworthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o he_o be_v of_o a_o philosopher_n or_o a_o metaphysitian_n that_o disallow_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n or_o entity_n because_o these_o be_v thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v presuppose_v of_o he_o shall_v all_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n unanimous_o conspire_v to_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v they_o no_o less_o divine_a and_o authentical_a than_o the_o sun_n will_v be_v light_n if_o all_o man_n otherwise_o be_v blind_v let_v turk_n and_o pagan_n say_v what_o they_o will_v yet_o the_o scripture_n will_v be_v still_o god_n word_n and_o there_o be_v such_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o to_o prove_v it_o that_o he_o that_o be_v not_o either_o wilful_o blind_v or_o malicious_o bend_v must_v needs_o confess_v the_o same_o for_o that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o so_o in_o themselves_o of_o divine_a authority_n sundry_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v we_o shall_v only_o for_o brevity_n sakename_v three_o or_o four_o for_o beside_o that_o they_o do_v most_o clear_o reveal_v unto_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o work_n of_o god_n as_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o regeneration_n and_o the_o like_a thing_n altogether_o above_o the_o reach_n and_o contrivance_n of_o man_n beside_o the_o impartialnesse_n and_o candour_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o they_o for_o so_o moses_n set_v down_o the_o incest_n of_o his_o parent_n of_o who_o he_o be_v beget_v ex._n 6._o 2._o and_o his_o own_o disobedience_n numb_a 11._o 11._o jonah_n his_o murmur_a and_o jeremiah_n his_o fret_v which_o undoubted_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bias_v with_o any_o carnal_a respect_n but_o altogether_o overrule_v and_o inspire_v by_o a_o high_a spirit_n beside_o also_o the_o quality_n &_o condition_n of_o the_o penman_n amos_n a_o herdsman_n matthew_n a_o publican_n the_o apostle_n many_o of_o they_o fisherman_n which_o evident_o show_v that_o there_o be_v some_o high_a power_n which_o do_v instill_v into_o they_o that_o profoundness_n of_o wisdom_n which_o all_o the_o art_n and_o philosophy_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o reach_v unto_o add_v to_o these_o the_o consent_n and_o holy_a conspiracy_n as_o it_o be_v between_o all_o their_o writing_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a difference_n of_o time_n they_o write_v in_o the_o remoteness_n of_o place_n and_o the_o diversity_n of_o matter_n whereof_o they_o have_v write_v so_o incredible_a and_o divine_a be_v their_o mutual_a harmony_n that_o you_o will_v rather_o think_v one_o man_n write_v they_o with_o divers_a penn_n than_o that_o divers_a man_n write_v they_o by_o one_o spirit_n beside_o these_o and_o sundry_a other_o reason_n i_o say_v which_o may_v sufficient_o declare_v who_o be_v the_o principal_a author_n of_o this_o holy_a writ_n another_o great_a argument_n &_o testimony_n of_o their_o original_n be_v first_o the_o truth_n and_o event_n of_o scripture_n prophecy_n can_v any_o man_n angel_n or_o create_v be_v foretell_v future_a contingent_a event_n can_v they_o tell_v the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o man_n and_o the_o time_n of_o his_o birth_n a_o hundred_o year_n before_o hand_n as_o the_o spirit_n by_o esay_n do_v concern_v cyrus_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o of_o the_o king_n 13._o concern_v a_o josias_n by_o name_n above_o 300_o year_n say_v annalist_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v can_v ever_o any_o of_o the_o cheat_a oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_n or_o any_o counterfeit_a sibyl_n tell_v of_o a_o messiah_n to_o be_v bear_v 4000_o year_n after_o &_o then_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v just_a as_o it_o be_v foretell_v as_o it_o do_v according_a to_o the_o promise_n make_v to_o adam_n gen._n 3._o 15._o we_o ourselves_o of_o this_o nation_n be_v live_v example_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o holy_a prediction_n &_o succeed_a event_n the_o scripture_n many_o thousand_o year_n ago_o do_v foretell_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n for_o in_o he_o say_v they_o shall_v the_o 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in_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a since_o by_o some_o the_o gospel_n itself_o be_v doubt_v of_o answer_v that_o be_v they_o not_o true_a they_o will_v have_v either_o be_v refute_v or_o reject_v by_o the_o man_n of_o those_o day_n but_o so_o far_o be_v they_o then_o from_o that_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n note_n that_o josephus_n a_o jew_n a_o enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a truth_n do_v acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o worker_n of_o many_o miracle_n a_o 3_o main_a argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v that_o admirable_a force_n and_o power_n which_o they_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o believe_v in_o they_o sometime_o to_o humble_a and_o cast_v down_o sometime_o to_o comfort_n and_o raise_v up_o the_o spirit_n what_o vigour_n do_v it_o
there_o be_v no_o such_o impossibility_n for_o then_o how_o come_v job_n and_o other_o gentile_n into_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n and_o according_a to_o some_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v sufficient_a to_o discover_v unto_o they_o a_o christ_n though_o this_o savour_n too_o much_o of_o pelagianisme_n again_o second_o what_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o bare_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o believe_v yet_o shall_v we_o tax_v god_n of_o tie_v his_o creature_n to_o impossibility_n certain_o we_o can_v for_o it_o be_v not_o god_n fault_n but_o man_n who_o by_o his_o sinful_a fall_n contract_v unto_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n such_o a_o impossibility_n but_o i_o must_v hasten_v three_o this_o may_v further_o be_v make_v good_a unto_o you_o by_o consider_v the_o vast_a disproportion_n and_o enmity_n that_o be_v between_o a_o natural_a understanding_n and_o spiritual_a mystery_n the_o natural_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o the_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o corin._n 2._o 14._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v say_v some_o expositor_n from_o the_o narrowness_n and_o incapacity_n of_o the_o intellective_a faculty_n to_o receive_v those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o text_n indeed_o they_o be_v say_v to_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o good_a reason_n to_o for_o it_o for_o as_o water_n can_v ascend_v no_o high_o than_o just_a the_o spring_n or_o fountain_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v derive_v even_o so_o the_o knowledge_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v mount_v no_o further_o then_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v proportion_v and_o level_v with_o the_o same_o light_n shall_v you_o tell_v a_o pagan_a of_o three_o distinct_a person_n unite_v in_o the_o same_o nature_n of_o a_o infinite_a god_n wrap_v up_o and_o cloister_v in_o finite_a humane_a 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learned_a of_o the_o gentile_n count_v these_o mystery_n ridiculous_a and_o absurd_a thing_n unto_o these_o reason_n i_o may_v add_v many_o more_o and_o answer_v some_o objection_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o shall_v be_v tedious_a give_v i_o leave_v now_o but_o in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o particular_o to_o apply_v of_o this_o point_n unto_o ourselves_o what_o have_v be_v doctrinal_o speak_v as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v first_n then_o this_o shall_v make_v we_o bewail_v the_o sad_a loss_n we_o sustain_v by_o adam_n apostasy_n we_o i_o say_v for_o we_o be_v all_o by_o nature_n gentiles_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o man_n bear_v a_o christian_a as_o then_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a eclipse_n every_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v strike_v with_o horror_n and_o amazement_n so_o likewise_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o strange_a a_o eclipse_n this_o primitive_a glorious_a light_n have_v suffer_v through_o sin_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v smite_v through_o with_o grief_n and_o serious_o to_o bewail_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o when_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o the_o venerable_a ruin_n of_o some_o ancient_a stately_a edifice_n how_o apt_a be_v he_o to_o weep_v and_o melt_v over_o its_o desolation_n and_o shall_v man_n that_o admirable_a fabric_n and_o masterpiece_n of_o his_o creator_n fall_v into_o such_o confusion_n and_o darkness_n and_o we_o be_v insensible_a of_o his_o ruin_n and_o as_o nero_n once_o do_v upon_o rome_n look_v merry_o upon_o his_o destruction_n certain_o be_v not_o a_o man_n whole_o engulph_v in_o carnal_a pleasure_n be_v not_o his_o heart_n so_o deep_o steep_v in_o worldly_a delight_n he_o will_v sometime_o let_v fall_v a_o tear_n or_o two_o upon_o the_o sad_a relic_n of_o his_o primitive_a glory_n and_o mourn_v over_o his_o former_a happiness_n now_o entoumb_v in_o nothing_o but_o misery_n and_o darkness_n for_o doubtless_o great_a matter_n there_o will_v be_v of_o sorrow_n unto_o we_o to_o see_v that_o glorious_a fabric_n and_o beautiful_a image_n of_o god_n sully_v over_o with_o sin_n and_o ugliness_n that_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n prov._n 20._o 27._o now_o so_o overcharge_v with_o ignorance_n unbelief_n and_o falsehood_n with_o ignorance_n in_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fathom_n either_o natural_a cause_n or_o supernatural_a mystery_n with_o unbelief_n in_o its_o backwardness_n to_o assent_v unto_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o purblind_a nature_n and_o with_o falsehood_n in_o its_o misapprehend_n and_o misjudge_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o see_v likewise_o what_o rebellious_a tumult_n and_o disorder_n there_o be_v in_o those_o affection_n which_o original_o be_v quiet_o subordinate_v unto_o the_o dictate_v and_o guidance_n of_o reason_n how_o mad_o they_o cast_v off_o the_o reins_o and_o rush_v into_o sin_n as_o a_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n how_o wild_o they_o rage_n and_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o 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take_v away_o repentance_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n do_v remove_v all_o obstacle_n and_o dispel_v all_o cloud_n which_o do_v otherwise_o overcast_v the_o understanding_n of_o natural_a man_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n there_o be_v history_n which_o in_o general_a though_o not_o in_o each_o particular_a circumstance_n may_v easy_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o enlighten_v christian_a there_o be_v prophecy_n which_o be_v either_o fulfil_v or_o yet_o remain_v unaccomplish_v the_o former_a may_v be_v know_v by_o application_n of_o their_o event_n the_o latter_a we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o will_v be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o appoint_a time_n there_o be_v command_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o and_o be_v as_o plain_o understand_v for_o a_o christian_a know_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n there_o be_v also_o promise_v which_o be_v make_v only_o to_o god_n child_n be_v by_o they_o only_o right_o apprehend_v for_o unto_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o promise_n gal._n 3._o 16._o there_o be_v last_o threaten_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o sin_n be_v true_o fear_v of_o those_o alone_o who_o make_v conscience_n of_o sin_v as_o a_o strange_a language_n do_v seem_v very_o uncouth_a and_o ridiculous_a unto_o such_o as_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o it_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v most_o acceptable_a and_o delightful_a to_o such_o as_o understand_v it_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n however_o they_o may_v seem_v strange_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a word_n yet_o to_o a_o regenerate_v child_n of_o god_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o right_o understand_v they_o they_o be_v have_v in_o great_a esteem_n yea_o and_o be_v more_o precious_a to_o they_o then_o the_o honey_n or_o the_o honeycomb_n now_o we_o delight_v only_o in_o 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but_o that_o a_o grammatical_a and_o historical_a knowledge_n he_o have_v of_o they_o but_o he_o pray_v for_o a_o inward_a assurance_n &_o comfort_n from_o they_o which_o ought_v continual_o to_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o every_o one_o who_o intend_v to_o benefit_n by_o the_o read_n of_o they_o beside_o this_o avail_v nothing_o for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a unto_o any_o without_o god_n open_v their_o eye_n and_o reveal_v unto_o they_o the_o mysterye_n of_o his_o kingdom_n far_o a_o man_n may_v say_v that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o plain_a as_o you_o will_v have_v they_o what_o need_v you_o then_o take_v all_o this_o pain_n in_o expound_v of_o they_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v so_o many_o commentator_n and_o interpreter_n of_o they_o we_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o yet_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o may_v by_o reason_n of_o our_o ignorance_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o commentary_n which_o also_o may_v be_v far_a useful_a for_o the_o more_o large_o open_v of_o the_o scripture_n which_o a_o new_a beginner_n can_v do_v himself_o thus_o the_o element_n of_o euclid_n be_v very_o plain_a &_o perspicuous_a in_o themselves_o though_o notwithstanding_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o young_a beginner_n they_o be_v far_o illustrate_v and_o demonstrate_v by_o those_o that_o write_v on_o he_o thus_o you_o see_v then_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o perspicuous_a unto_o a_o regenerate_v child_n of_o god_n though_o unto_o wicked_a unregenerate_a man_n of_o the_o world_n they_o may_v appear_v otherwise_o not_o through_o any_o defect_n of_o light_n in_o themselves_o but_o through_o the_o muddinesse_n and_o darkness_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n as_o unto_o disease_a and_o ill_o affect_v eye_n all_o thing_n even_o the_o bright_a will_v appear_v of_o the_o same_o yellow_a colour_n that_o they_o at_o present_a be_v affect_v with_o but_o here_o i_o have_v almost_o forget_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o this_o caution_n viz._n that_o though_o all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n be_v plain_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n yet_o that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o plain_o hold_v forth_o unto_o the_o faithful_a under_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o now_o they_o be_v unto_o they_o under_o the_o new_a for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o promise_n under_o the_o law_n be_v either_o cloud_v and_o muffle_v up_o in_o type_n and_o figure_n or_o else_o couch_v and_o employ_v only_o in_o symbolical_a figurative_a expression_n for_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a do_v seldom_o speak_v but_o in_o figure_n moses_n his_o face_n do_v shine_v indeed_o but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o veil_n over_o it_o and_o so_o christ_n be_v represent_v indeed_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o through_o a_o cloud_n and_o mist_n hence_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v but_o now_o it_o be_v make_v manifest_a that_o be_v compare_v the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o these_o of_o the_o new_a &_o the_o gospel_n than_o will_v seem_v quite_o to_o have_v be_v hide_v in_o comparison_n of_o what_o it_o be_v now_o for_o so_o we_o must_v understand_v the_o word_n it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n when_o they_o compare_v two_o thing_n together_o to_o express_v the_o less_o negative_o a_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n without_o doubt_n the_o ancient_a jew_n have_v for_o otherwise_o to_o what_o purpose_n will_v it_o be_v say_v joh._n 8._o 56._o your_o father_n abraham_n rejoice_v to_o see_v my_o day_n &_o he_o sow_v it_o &_o be_v glad_a &_o that_o they_o dranck_n of_o that_o spiritual_a rock_n that_o follow_v they_o and_o that_o rock_n be_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 4._o to_o what_o purpose_n also_o will_v those_o promise_n &_o prophesys_n of_o christ_n be_v unless_o they_o have_v have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o he_o a_o knowledge_n than_o they_o 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they_o hence_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o father_n of_o old_a do_v not_o actual_o receive_v the_o promise_n but_o say_v he_o they_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o heb._n 11._o 13._o as_o therefore_o a_o man_n by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o glass_n may_v discover_v another_o at_o three_o or_o four_o mile_n distance_n and_o not_o be_v able_a distinct_o and_o thorough_o to_o view_v he_o all_o over_o so_o likewise_o the_o faithful_a in_o old_a time_n through_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o law_n do_v know_v christ_n come_v but_o then_o they_o see_v he_o afar_o off_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o circumstantial_o and_o clear_o be_v manifest_v unto_o they_o and_o so_o likewise_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o
other_o mystery_n they_o be_v dark_o and_o emblematical_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v hint_v only_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n thus_o order_v it_o that_o his_o people_n may_v more_o eager_o desire_v and_o pray_v for_o their_o full_a revelation_n but_o now_o to_o we_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n these_o thing_n be_v more_o clear_o lay_v open_a unto_o we_o so_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o expect_v far_a revelation_n of_o they_o than_o what_o we_o have_v in_o the_o word_n already_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o he_o be_v yea_o and_o amen_o that_o be_v they_o be_v thorough_o accomplish_v and_o perfect_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o plain_a and_o evident_a unto_o we_o now_o than_o they_o be_v unto_o the_o father_n of_o old_a time_n the_o old_a testament_n then_o and_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v be_v not_o altogether_o so_o perspicuous_a unto_o the_o faithful_a before_o christ_n as_o now_o it_o be_v unto_o we_o after_o he_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o the_o second_o point_n and_o so_o much_o also_o shall_v suffice_v brief_o for_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v now_o speak_v something_o concern_v the_o perfection_n of_o they_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v perspicuous_a so_o also_o they_o be_v most_o perfect_a that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o we_o in_o relation_n both_o to_o our_o faith_n &_o manner_n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o end_n of_o they_o here_o set_v down_o namely_o that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v make_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o if_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o he_o be_v the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n furnish_v himself_o with_o all_o thing_n necessary_a both_o for_o his_o salvation_n &_o his_o office_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o be_v full_o perfect_a for_o instruction_n of_o all_o man_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n this_o will_v far_o appear_v from_o ps_n 19_o 7._o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n and_o ps_n 119._o 96._o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o large_a and_o so_o luk._n 16._o 29._o abraham_n there_o show_v in_o the_o parable_n that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v man_n from_o damnation_n even_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o man_n salvation_n whoever_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o point_n must_v of_o necessity_n say_v that_o either_o first_o god_n do_v not_o perfect_o and_o full_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o how_o absurd_a it_o be_v the_o scripture_n teach_v for_o joh._n 14._o 26._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o joh._n 16._o 13._o the_o spirit_n will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n or_o else_o they_o must_v say_v that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v not_o set_v down_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a substance_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o which_o saint_n paul_n do_v plain_o seem_v to_o contradict_v for_o act._n 20._o 27._o i_o have_v not_o shun_v say_v he_o to_o declare_v unto_o you_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n or_o else_o thirdl_o he_o must_v be_v force_v to_o say_v that_o it_o seem_v not_o good_a to_o the_o spirit_n full_o and_o perfect_o to_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o in_o writing_n to_o transmit_v it_o unto_o posterity_n for_o thus_o the_o papist_n say_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o tradition_n that_o god_n indeed_o do_v reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n his_o whole_a will_n concern_v our_o salvation_n but_o yet_o all_o be_v not_o write_v but_o some_o thing_n be_v communicate_v say_v they_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-la unto_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n which_o never_o be_v write_v but_o still_o be_v derive_v unto_o posterity_n but_o do_v not_o this_o opinion_n plain_o accuse_v the_o scripture_n of_o falsehood_n when_o it_o be_v say_v deut._n 12._o 32._o whatsoever_o thing_n i_o command_v you_o observe_v to_o do_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o &_o gal._n 1._o 9_o if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o then_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v which_o two_o text_n be_v compare_v with_o that_o of_o exod._n 24._o 4._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o moses_n write_v all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o with_o that_o forementioned_a place_n of_o the_o act_n where_o paul_n say_v that_o he_o do_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v unto_o they_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n these_o place_n i_o say_v compare_v with_o one_o another_o do_v evident_o show_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o salvation_n be_v write_v &_o that_o this_o write_a word_n alone_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o 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price_n or_o value_n then_o real_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o true_a power_n that_o the_o church_n can_v challenge_v in_o relation_n unto_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherefore_o the_o true_a church_n we_o honour_v in_o respect_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o do_v not_o adore_v it_o and_o make_v it_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o wherefore_o 3._o we_o say_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v on_o the_o church_n as_o on_o their_o own_o innate_a light_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o we_o their_o own_o innate_a light_n i_o say_v for_o say_v chamier_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n a_o peculiaris_fw-la genius_fw-la and_o strain_n whereby_o they_o may_v upon_o examination_n be_v easy_o discover_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o critic_n will_v know_v by_o the_o phrase_n and_o stile_n and_o the_o like_a that_o such_o a_o book_n be_v lyvies_n such_o a_o one_o 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word_n john_n 4._o 24._o in_o like_a manner_n though_o we_o may_v historical_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o the_o church_n say_v so_o yet_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n do_v minister_v little_a assurance_n or_o satisfaction_n unto_o a_o child_n of_o god_n until_o it_o be_v far_o back_v on_o and_o establish_v by_o a_o far_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o undoubted_o must_v be_v the_o firm_a assurance_n a_o man_n can_v have_v because_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o do_v open_v the_o eye_n to_o behold_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n psal_n 119._o 18._o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n joh._n 16._o 13._o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o inseparable_o accompany_n the_o faithful_a in_o the_o scripture_n my_o spirit_n which_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n isa_n 59_o 21._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o give_v strong_a evidence_n unto_o its_o self_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n if_o you_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n the_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a say_v s._n paul_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n therefore_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v great_a but_o say_v they_o the_o spirit_n speak_v by_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v the_o church_n only_o when_o it_o testifyes_n of_o the_o scripture_n whitaker_n answer_v for_o i_o that_o if_o so_o be_v the_o spirit_n do_v thus_o speak_v by_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o then_o have_v the_o church_n this_o assurance_n but_o from_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v ultimate_o resolve_v of_o necessity_n into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n again_o they_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v before_o the_o scripture_n we_o answer_v no_o by_o no_o mean_n for_o then_o how_o can_v the_o word_n be_v call_v the_o everlasting_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v bear_v the_o church_n be_v before_o the_o write_a word_n but_o not_o before_o the_o unwritten_a ask_v a_o papist_n how_o they_o know_v that_o the_o church_n be_v of_o such_o authority_n and_o they_o will_v prove_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n prove_v must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a esteem_n and_o before_o the_o authority_n prove_v but_o be_v not_o the_o church_n call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n yes_o but_o what_o do_v a_o candle_n receive_v any_o light_n from_o the_o candlestick_n because_o it_o stick_v in_o it_o what_o though_o the_o church_n be_v the_o seat_n and_o mansion_n place_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n of_o less_o authority_n than_o now_o it_o be_v the_o church_n than_o be_v only_o a_o ministerial_a pillar_n to_o preserve_v keep_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o word_n not_o a_o fundamental_a one_o to_o uphold_v and_o give_v be_v unto_o it_o and_o here_o i_o may_v wade_v far_o into_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o have_v be_v so_o full_o handle_v already_o and_o answer_v by_o multitude_n of_o eminent_a man_n i_o shall_v go_v no_o far_o it_o remain_v that_o i_o shall_v practical_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v but_o this_o together_o with_o the_o other_o propertye_n of_o scripture_n their_o perspicuity_n and_o perfection_n i_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o next_o part_n this_o be_v the_o authors_n last_o sermon_n that_o ever_o he_o preach_v which_o be_v at_o s._n mary_n in_o oxon._n march_n 20._o 1655._o phil._n c._n 3._o v._n 8._o first_o part_n yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n arm_n his_o philippian_n against_o their_o false_a teacher_n by_o oppose_v his_o own_o judgement_n and_o example_n to_o their_o erroneous_a and_o lie_a suggestion_n there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o profane_a person_n start_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n who_o paul_n count_v no_o better_a than_o dog_n evil_a worker_n and_o of_o the_o concision_n verse_n 2._o who_o instead_o of_o circumcise_n their_o heart_n go_v about_o rather_o to_o cut_v and_o rend_v asunder_o the_o church_n these_o man_n now_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v bring_v from_o their_o old_a fleshly_a confidence_n the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n do_v vaunt_n much_o of_o their_o outward_a privilege_n and_o will_v fain_o slink_v into_o circumcision_n and_o other_o ceremonial_a performance_n and_o join_v
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o rest_n and_o repose_v of_o the_o soul_n whereas_o natural_a body_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n so_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n rest_v content_v and_o satisfy_v in_o christ_n in_o who_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n col._n 2._o v._n 3._o there_o be_v enough_o in_o he_o to_o fill_v the_o soul_n up_o to_o the_o brim_n and_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o impatient_a roving_n and_o agitation_n of_o our_o spirit_n after_o knowledge_n in_o he_o dwell_v all_o fullness_n fullness_n of_o grace_n to_o sanctify_v we_o fullness_n of_o righteousness_n to_o justify_v we_o fullness_n of_o glory_n to_o crown_v we_o no_o natural_a object_n can_v satisfy_v the_o soul_n because_o the_o desire_n there_o of_o be_v boundless_a &_o infinite_a it_o present_o digest_v &_o swallow_v up_o all_o finite_a thing_n but_o now_o christ_n both_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o graces_n be_v so_o commensurate_a and_o proportionable_a a_o object_n for_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v eternal_o feed_v upon_o he_o to_o full_a content_n and_o satisfaction_n his_o mercy_n infinite_a his_o love_n infinite_a his_o grace_n be_v inexhaustible_a for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v the_o spirit_n by_o measure_n and_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v compare_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o a_o feaest_n of_o marrow_n and_o fat_a thing_n be_v 25_o v._o 6._o because_o as_o these_o do_v satisfy_v the_o sensual_a so_o those_o the_o intellectual_a appetite_n it_o satisfi_v the_o long_a soul_n and_o fill_v the_o hungry_a soul_n with_o goodness_n psal_n 107._o v._n 9_o wherefore_o then_o say_v the_o prophet_n esay_n 55._o v._o 2._o do_v you_o spend_v money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n and_o your_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o satufy_v not_o harken_v diligent_o unto_o i_o and_o eat_v you_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o let_v your_o soul_n delight_v itself_o in_o fatness_n last_o this_o be_v a_o ever-increasing_a rise_a knowledge_n there_o be_v a_o growth_n in_o it_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 18._o we_o go_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o it_o to_o another_o till_o we_o become_v perfect_a man_n in_o our_o first_o conversion_n we_o be_v but_o child_n and_o babe_n in_o christ_n of_o little_a understanding_n and_o knowledge_n till_o by_o prayer_n temptation_n experience_n often_o supply_v and_o return_n of_o grace_n we_o become_v strong_a in_o faith_n nothing_o doubt_v and_o increase_v in_o wisdom_n and_o all_o spiritual_a understanding_n christ_n do_v not_o discover_v himself_o all_o at_o once_o to_o the_o soul_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d peicemeale_o 1._o heb._n 1._o 1._o and_o in_o diverse_a manner_n here_o a_o little_a and_o there_o a_o little_a as_o in_o natural_a science_n the_o mind_n do_v not_o usual_o grasp_v &_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a circumference_n of_o a_o thing_n together_o but_o insensible_o by_o degree_n creep_v upon_o truth_n take_v and_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v steal_v off_o that_o veil_n that_o hide_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o from_o we_o thus_o christ_n by_o degree_n irradiate_n and_o shine_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o sensible_a of_o our_o former_a ignorance_n and_o more_o thankful_a for_o our_o present_a illumination_n he_o never_o so_o clear_o present_v himself_o to_o any_o but_o that_o the_o knowledge_n be_v still_o improveable_a and_o may_v receive_v far_a increase_n for_o at_o the_o best_a in_o this_o world_n we_o do_v view_v but_o in_o a_o glass_n dark_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o borrow_v the_o spectacle_n of_o his_o word_n his_o ordinance_n and_o his_o sacrament_n to_o look_v on_o he_o our_o just_n and_o corruption_n as_o so_o many_o evil_a vapour_n hinder_v we_o from_o a_o full_a prospect_n of_o he_o yet_o general_o we_o see_v he_o clear_a and_o clear_a as_o these_o rag_n of_o flesh_n wear_v and_o rot_v from_o off_o we_o till_o at_o length_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v get_v lose_v of_o this_o prison_n of_o clay_n it_o know_v he_o immediate_o without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o glass_n now_o we_o know_v he_o but_o in_o part_n but_o we_o shall_v know_v he_o even_o as_o also_o we_o be_v know_v 1_o cor._n 13._o 12._o the_o three_o point_n be_v to_o discover_v unto_o you_o more_o particular_o wherein_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o knowledge_n consist_v and_o it_o be_v i_o suppose_v 1._o in_o the_o object_n and_o thing_n know_v 3._o in_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o party_n know_v 1._o the_o thing_n know_v by_o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v most_o excellent_a the_o noble_a the_o object_n the_o noble_a the_o science_n now_o in_o what_o noble_a sublime_a matter_n this_o knowledge_n deal_v be_v plain_a whether_o we_o consider_v the_o personal_a excellenceis_n of_o christ_n the_o grace_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o glory_n beauty_n and_o comeliness_n of_o his_o person_n which_o must_v needs_o ravish_v and_o take_v up_o our_o thought_n though_o to_o fasten_v here_o and_o go_v no_o far_o be_v but_o to_o admire_v the_o glitter_a of_o the_o show_n not_o consider_v the_o pearl_n within_o &_o to_o poor_a upon_o a_o picture_n not_o regard_v the_o live_a party_n it_o represent_v faith_n as_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n seem_v to_o be_v please_v even_o with_o the_o outward_a draught_n and_o comeliness_n of_o a_o saviour_n to_o see_v he_o in_o glory_n sitt_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n but_o than_o it_o eye_n he_o chief_o as_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n as_o therefore_o paul_n desire_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a as_o the_o only_a and_o chief_a concernment_n to_o he_o or_o whether_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n those_o breast_n of_o consolation_n at_o which_o this_o knowledge_n lie_v still_o suck_v and_o delight_v itself_o in_o they_o be_v excellent_a thing_n precious_a promise_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n can_v find_v more_o comfort_n than_o in_o all_o the_o earthly_a joy_n &_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n or_o last_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o mystery_n it_o contain_v they_o be_v admirable_a mysterye_n and_o without_o controversy_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3._o v._n 16._o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v of_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n every_o trade_n and_o profession_n we_o say_v have_v a_o mystery_n in_o it_o something_o that_o be_v which_o be_v not_o know_v to_o every_o one_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o a_o christian_n profession_n be_v altogether_o take_v up_o in_o a_o mystery_n such_o a_o mystery_n that_o have_v the_o angel_n themselves_o pardon_v the_o expression_n be_v bind_v apprentice_n to_o understand_v it_o they_o have_v without_o god_n special_a revelation_n remain_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o it_o for_o the_o 1_o of_o pet._n 1._o 12._o it_o be_v say_v the_o angel_n themselves_o do_v desire_v to_o look_v into_o it_o even_o now_o that_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v make_v manifest_a unto_o the_o world_n see_v it_o be_v so_o full_a of_o admirable_a inscrutable_a excellency_n that_o the_o angel_n themselves_o desire_v yet_o to_o be_v pupil_n unto_o it_o and_o be_v curious_a to_o learn_v more_o continual_o of_o it_o 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o knowledge_n may_v be_v discover_v in_o the_o effect_n and_o influence_n of_o it_o which_o be_v first_o to_o discover_v god_n more_o clear_o unto_o we_o second_o to_o discover_v ourselves_o unto_o ourselves_o 1._o it_o discover_v god_n more_o clear_o unto_o we_o for_o christ_n be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n heb._n 1._o 3._o so_o that_o look_v as_o we_o know_v the_o sun_n by_o its_o light_n and_o a_o natural_a father_n usual_o by_o his_o son_n who_o carry_v his_o substantial_a image_n so_o be_v god_n see_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n col._n 1._o v._n 15._o say_v he_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n god_n himself_o he_o live_v in_o inaccessible_a light_n no_o man_n can_v see_v he_o and_o live_v but_o it_o have_v please_v he_o to_o manifest_v himself_o in_o christ_n in_o who_o dwell_v the_o godhead_n bodily_a whatsoever_o glory_n whatsoever_o wisdom_n whatsoever_o power_n be_v in_o god_n be_v plain_o draw_v forth_o and_o express_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o essential_a substantial_a copy_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v with_o reverence_n of_o his_o father_n in_o who_o alone_o he_o be_v most_o legible_o and_o clear_o to_o be_v read_v the_o creature_n indeed_o do_v in_o their_o kind_n represent_v god_n but_o then_o a_o very_a break_a and_o imperfect_a copy_n they_o be_v of_o he_o so_o that_o the_o gentile_n by_o false_o spell_a and_o put_v