for_o this_o be_v confess_v and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o deny_v that_o scripture_n be_v pen_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o in_o the_o several_a language_n of_o all_o people_n but_o in_o two_o only_a which_o few_o now_o adays_o in_o compâ—…on_n do_v understand_v hence_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o translate_n and_o inâ—…erpreting_v scripture_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n have_v give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o these_o gift_n we_o use_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o need_v our_o adversary_n quarrel_v we_o about_o what_o we_o can_v help_v but_o we_o know_v what_o lie_v at_o bottom_n they_o will_v fain_o have_v we_o go_v down_o to_o they_o to_o sharpen_v our_o share_n and_o our_o coulter_n &_o c._n which_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o do_v so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v smith_n enough_o at_o home_n to_o make_v we_o sword_n and_o spear_n i_o shall_v now_o conclude_v our_o answer_n with_o that_o which_o we_o count_v the_o pillar_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o as_o i_o may_v say_v the_o sure-footing_a of_o our_o faith_n in_o scripture_n we_o do_v indeed_o make_v the_o scripture_n our_o only_a rule_n and_o believe_v that_o in_o they_o alone_o be_v prescribe_v to_o we_o whatever_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o know_v and_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n and_o in_o this_o our_o faith_n we_o own_o the_o divine_a authority_n whereof_o we_o see_v so_o many_o evident_a token_n in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o but_o yet_o we_o say_v that_o as_o god_n only_o be_v a_o competent_a witness_n of_o himself_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n so_o his_o word_n be_v never_o well_o root_v in_o our_o heart_n till_o it_o be_v seal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o spirit_n which_o speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n pierâ—…ing_v our_o heart_n and_o persuade_v we_o that_o what_o god_n command_v have_v be_v faithful_o deliver_v to_o we_o according_o and_o this_o promise_n we_o have_v isa._n 59_o 21._o not_o his_o word_n only_o but_o his_o spirit_n also_o to_o seal_v it_o upon_o the_o soul_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n to_o this_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o owe_v all_o that_o acquiescency_n we_o have_v in_o scripture_n for_o when_o we_o be_v therewith_o enlighten_v and_o enliven_v we_o do_v no_o more_o trust_v our_o own_o or_o other_o judgement_n but_o be_v carry_v up_o above_o whatever_o be_v of_o man_n and_o so_o we_o resolve_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n and_o fear_n that_o scripture_n be_v of_o god_n alone_o then_o we_o look_v no_o more_o after_o proof_n or_o probability_n but_o submit_v our_o reason_n and_o all_o we_o have_v to_o that_o authority_n which_o we_o dare_v not_o any_o long_a to_o deny_v or_o dispute_v for_o than_o we_o have_v a_o inward_a lively_a sense_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v effectual_o draw_v witting_o and_o willing_o to_o submit_v to_o our_o master_n in_o heaven_n so_o we_o account_v as_o we_o have_v reason_n that_o only_o to_o be_v faith_n unfeigned_a which_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n seal_v upon_o our_o heart_n in_o our_o hear_n and_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o this_o may_v seem_v strange_a doctrine_n to_o such_o as_o know_v nothing_o of_o these_o matter_n by_o experience_n therefore_o i_o shall_v discourse_v it_o a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v if_o possible_a make_v it_o manifest_v even_o to_o reason_n the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n be_v about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n this_o faith_n iâ—…_n be_v grant_v be_v such_o as_o lead_v we_o to_o our_o bliss_n hence_o we_o protestant_n conclude_v that_o this_o faith_n can_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o alone_o work_v all_o spiriâ—…ual_a good_a and_o this_o alâ—…o_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v it_o ordinary_o at_o least_o by_o the_o word_n as_o its_o most_o proper_a instrument_n will_v any_o put_v we_o to_o prove_v this_o sure_o they_o must_v have_v too_o much_o of_o the_o aâ—…heist_n that_o question_n it_o for_o how_o be_v all_o the_o world_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o christ_n word_n and_o his_o spirit_n open_v their_o heart_n to_o receive_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o do_v not_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n open_a and_o expound_v the_o old_a teslament_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n luke_n 24._o 27._o act_n 26._o 22._o and_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n work_v that_o faith_n whereby_o thousand_o believe_v that_o truth_n but_o this_o be_v scâ—…ipture_n and_o it_o must_v not_o be_v allow_v if_o our_o adversary_n be_v judge_n to_o give_v evidence_n for_o we_o in_o this_o case_n we_o shall_v therefore_o require_v they_o to_o show_v what_o service_n tradition_n do_v when_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n pâ—…eached_v the_o gospel_n we_o hope_v they_o viz._n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v assure_v some_o other_o way_n that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o they_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o 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witness_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o himself_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v any_o other_o way_n of_o receive_v any_o testimony_n nor_o our_o adversary_n neither_o as_o we_o think_v we_o know_v too_o that_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o that_o faith_n which_o will_v bring_v he_o to_o his_o happiness_n the_o devil_n it_o be_v say_v cite_v and_o urge_v scripture_n 6._o as_o god_n word_n though_o to_o a_o very_a bad_a purpose_n certain_o that_o faith_n which_o bring_v man_n to_o their_o happiness_n be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a belief_n of_o scripture-truth_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o receive_n of_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o promise_n such_o as_o cause_n we_o to_o account_v all_o but_o loss_n and_o dung_n for_o christ._n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o now_o it_o almost_o amaze_v we_o to_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o faith_n wrought_v by_o tradition_n what!_o have_v god_n no_o word_n at_o all_o or_o have_v he_o give_v no_o testimony_n nor_o witness_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o scripture_n if_o this_o strange_a doctrine_n take_v place_n for_o say_v our_o adversary_n tradition_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o have_v admirable_a strength_n by_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nay_o further_o we_o must_v be_v all_o fanatic_n if_o we_o hold_v to_o scripture_n and_o let_v go_v tradition_n but_o this_o need_v no_o answer_n with_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o word_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o his_o will_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o god_n there_o may_v be_v we_o grant_v and_o question_n nor_o some_o force_n of_o tradition_n for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n unless_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n while_o by_o it_o and_o not_o by_o his_o word_n he_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v alas_o what_o faith_n do_v our_o adversary_n count_v upon_o do_v they_o dream_v of_o be_v save_v only_o by_o a_o certain_a persuasion_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o truth_n and_o no_o lie_n if_o they_o do_v let_v they_o keep_v their_o faith_n to_o themselves_o we_o count_v upon_o somewhat_o else_o which_o we_o be_v sure_a can_v never_o be_v effectual_o
down_o the_o kingdom_n which_o satan_n have_v always_o labour_v to_o set_v up_o to_o himself_o in_o the_o will_v through_o the_o lust_n of_o men._n there_o be_v but_o two_o party_n in_o the_o world_n whatever_o man_n may_v dream_v and_o of_o these_o one_o be_v for_o god_n and_o the_o other_o for_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n and_o command_v now_o while_o all_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n and_o of_o themselves_o addict_v to_o the_o devil_n interest_n in_o serve_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o the_o most_o be_v alwaâ—…es_n this_o way_n give_v there_o must_v be_v more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a power_n to_o preserve_v that_o doctrine_n which_o cry_v down_o all_o sinful_a interest_n and_o advance_v only_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n the_o great_a work_n do_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o subâ—…uing_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o only_a lawgiver_n but_o while_o it_o be_v a_o do_v this_o work_n it_o always_o meet_v with_o many_o and_o great_a disadvantage_n from_o the_o world_n that_o make_v account_n to_o silence_v it_o quite_o and_o even_o swallow_v it_o up_o and_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v what_o contrariety_n and_o enmity_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n against_o this_o doctrine_n and_o the_o weak_a and_o contemptibie_n mean_v it_o have_v to_o advance_v and_o promote_v it_o against_o that_o arm_n of_o flesh_n which_o be_v list_v up_o against_o it_o who_o can_v conclude_v otherwise_o then_o that_o god_n alone_o be_v its_o strength_n and_o therein_o show_v himself_o the_o owner_n and_o author_n of_o it_o for_o the_o penman_n and_o first_o publisher_n of_o it_o they_o be_v most_o of_o they_o of_o low_a estate_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v indeed_o nothing_o to_o protect_v they_o more_o than_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o almighty_n wing_n and_o for_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o scripture_n be_v they_o not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n and_o quality_n for_o the_o penman_n they_o never_o insinuate_v themselves_o to_o curry_v favour_n with_o any_o by_o goodly_a title_n or_o flattery_n as_o man_n common_o do_v that_o write_v by_o their_o own_o instinct_n nor_o be_v scripture_n compose_v as_o may_v be_v observe_v as_o if_o it_o mean_v to_o take_v man_n with_o excellency_n of_o speech_n or_o man_n wisdom_n only_o which_o be_v remarkable_a there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o majesty_n and_o it_o speak_v with_o a_o majestic_a auâ—…hority_n such_o as_o pretend_v a_o author_n of_o it_o more_o than_o man_n for_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o scripture_n what_o reward_n have_v they_o in_o the_o world_n more_o than_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n even_o to_o great_a extremity_n many_o of_o they_o now_o who_o can_v look_v on_o these_o who_o have_v be_v the_o instrument_n and_o mean_n of_o propagate_a and_o promote_a the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o not_o present_o bethink_v himself_o of_o some_o hide_a invisible_a power_n that_o uphold_v they_o and_o the_o work_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v too_o that_o those_o poor_a soul_n who_o in_o all_o age_n choose_v to_o suffer_v rather_o than_o forsake_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n teach_v in_o scripture_n can_v be_v rational_o suspect_v as_o guilty_a of_o a_o perverse_a spirit_n transport_v they_o to_o maintain_v what_o once_o they_o have_v take_v up_o though_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o for_o how_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o such_o a_o multitude_n at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n both_o in_o place_n and_o time_n shall_v be_v all_o so_o unanimous_a and_o that_o in_o cool_a blood_n against_o many_o temptation_n and_o entreaty_n to_o favour_n themselves_o in_o a_o deliberate_a resolve_v lay_v down_o life_n and_o all_o for_o a_o thing_n of_o uncertainty_n yea_o for_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o eternity_n nothing_o else_o can_v provoke_v and_o put_v they_o on_o to_o encounter_v those_o hard_a trial_n of_o affliction_n but_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v in_o scripture-promise_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o that_o word_n which_o threaten_v all_o without_o exception_n promise_v such_o as_o no_o creature_n dare_v to_o make_v and_o threat_n of_o judgement_n and_o vengeance_n beyond_o all_o the_o power_n of_o creature_n to_o inflict_v these_o consideration_n and_o nothing_o else_o can_v â—…way_v they_o to_o hate_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o house_n and_o land_n yeâ—…_n and_o their_o own_o life_n see_v they_o be_v not_o mad_a man_n or_o such_o as_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o natural_a affection_n to_o themselves_o or_o they_o but_o hold_v they_o clear_a and_o precious_a as_o their_o own_o soul_n nothing_o for_o certain_a can_v put_v they_o upon_o such_o hâ—…zards_n and_o adventure_n but_o the_o impulâ—…es_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o speak_v and_o write_v those_o scripture-truth_n as_o their_o great_a and_o only_a concernment_n and_o to_o reason_n no_o further_o how_o credible_a be_v it_o that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o be_v so_o long_o abuse_v and_o deceive_v by_o a_o fardel_n of_o lie_n father_v upon_o himself_o questionless_a if_o scripture_n be_v not_o indeed_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o most_o pernicious_a and_o blasphemous_a lie_n that_o ever_o be_v vent_v by_o man_n or_o devil_n for_o it_o call_v itself_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n word_n and_o avouch_v he_o the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o false_a and_o blasphemous_a if_o it_o be_v â—…ot_v what_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v and_o will_v god_n suffer_v such_o a_o lie_n to_o pass_v â—…urrant_n so_o long_o in_o the_o world_n to_o his_o â—…ishonour_n without_o check_v it_o some_o imposture_n have_v prevail_v obj._n 〈◊〉_d and_o for_o a_o long_a time_n they_o have_v and_o it_o be_v confess_v and_o mahomet_n alcoran_n may_v be_v a_o instance_n but_o how_o come_v that_o to_o get_v place_n with_o â—…o_o many_o be_v it_o not_o beat_v as_o i_o may_v â—…ay_v into_o man_n brain_n with_o dint_n of_o word_n beside_o be_v it_o not_o a_o doctrine_n â—…hat_o gain_v itself_o credit_n by_o gratify_a â—…ens_n â—…ilthy_a lust_n avenge_v yourselves_o say_v he_o to_o his_o follower_n and_o take_v as_o â—…any_n wiuâ—…s_v as_o you_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v and_o what_o have_v serve_v to_o spread_v and_o propagate_v other_o device_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o the_o craft_n and_o subtlety_n of_o â—…uch_o as_o lay_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v or_o the_o â—…uelty_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n that_o know_v the_o most_o of_o the_o world_n be_v wonâ—…_n to_o comply_v with_o that_o religion_n which_o comply_v most_o with_o their_o ease_n and_o fleshly_a interest_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n design_v nothing_o but_o self_n denial_n and_o to_o this_o it_o do_v most_o authoritative_o call_v both_o high_a and_o low_a rich_a and_o poor_a none_o except_v no_o not_o 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a upon_o earth_n now_o thâ—…_n a_o doctrine_n which_o require_v a_o man_n wiâ—…_n great_a importunity_n to_o submit_v all_o 〈◊〉_d interest_n and_o enjoyment_n to_o the_o wiâ—…_n of_o god_n and_o make_v performance_n according_o whenever_o the_o glory_n 〈◊〉_d god_n or_o the_o good_a of_o man_n call_v for_o it_o or_o give_v occasion_n of_o it_o shall_v take_v place_n and_o prevail_v and_o that_o against_o all_o mean_n use_v for_o suppress_v it_o 〈◊〉_d such_o a_o miracle_n of_o divine_a providence_n as_o we_o may_v just_o call_v it_o a_o seal_n which_o god_n have_v set_v to_o assure_v we_o of_o scriptureâ—…_n divine_a authority_n we_o know_v well_o that_o any_o doctrine_n which_o suit_n with_o and_o will_v serve_v the_o lust_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n may_v easy_o find_v entertainment_n but_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o a_o doctrine_n of_o deny_v self_n and_o all_o thing_n else_o even_o the_o most_o please_a to_o corrupt_v and_o sinful_a nature_n shall_v preserve_v and_o propagate_v itself_o without_o the_o help_n of_o such_o a_o hand_n as_o be_v â—…ble_a to_o subdue_v all_o thing_n now_o scripture_n be_v prepare_v and_o pen_a â—…or_n no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o show_v man_n the_o way_n of_o honour_v god_n with_o the_o utmost_a abase_v of_o themselves_o â—…nd_v it_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a engine_n â—…hat_o god_n use_v to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n â—…nd_v whatever_o be_v exalt_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o glory_n and_o government_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o â—…ay_v no_o more_o of_o this_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n have_v subdue_v mankind_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o name_n so_o far_o as_o the_o world_n be_v or_o can_v be_v just_o call_v and_o account_v christian._n it_o be_v easy_a for_o i_o
to_o multiply_v argument_n in_o this_o kind_n as_o so_o many_o evidence_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o â—…he_a scripture_n but_o i_o shall_v forbear_v â—…nd_v proceed_v to_o somewhat_o that_o come_v near_a to_o the_o question_n concern_v â—…he_a rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o this_o question_n have_v be_v much_o dispute_v between_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n for_o many_o year_n and_o that_o two_o thing_n especial_o have_v be_v insist_v on_o by_o they_o to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n no_o competent_a rule_n of_o faith_n viz._n the_o obscurity_n and_o the_o imperfection_n 〈◊〉_d it_o in_o this_o dispute_n they_o have_v labour_v to_o puzzle_v and_o plunge_v we_o by_o put_v we_o to_o show_v how_o scripture_n proveâ—…_n itself_o to_o be_v what_o we_o account_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o this_o we_o may_v just_o think_v it_o 〈◊〉_d sufficient_a answer_n to_o say_v as_o one_o yea_o many_o have_v say_v long_o since_o thaâ—…_n in_o every_o profession_n the_o principle_n aâ—…_n indemonstrable_a assent_v to_o without_o discourse_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v thâ—…_n principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n anâ—…_n therefore_o first_o we_o must_v grant_v they_o to_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n and_o therâ—…_n say_v they_o contain_v all_o point_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v and_o since_o scripture_n avouch_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o 2_o pâ—…t_fw-la 1._o 20_o 21_o luke_n 1._o 70._o it_o be_v rational_a in_o we_o to_o believe_v it_o notwithstanding_o our_o adversary_n be_v not_o satisfy_v but_o insisâ—…_n much_o on_o this_o question_n viz._n how_o we_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n that_o say_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o in_o very_a deed_n to_o this_o the_o protestant_n have_v long_a since_o answer_v that_o they_o know_v this_o first_o and_o principal_o by_o the_o illumination_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o the_o inward_a mean_n and_o then_o by_o the_o restimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o as_o the_o outward_a mean_n and_o last_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n induce_v we_o to_o assent_v here_o we_o say_v not_o that_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v in_o any_o particular_a place_n or_o book_n of_o it_o but_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n that_o show_v itself_o in_o every_o line_n and_o leaf_n of_o the_o bible_n proclaim_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n and_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n discern_v the_o voice_n and_o light_v thereof_o as_o man_n discern_v light_a from_o darkness_n and_o as_o child_n be_v know_v by_o their_o face_n and_o favour_n resemble_v their_o parent_n as_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o many_o particular_n else_o some_o of_o which_o i_o have_v hint_v before_o and_o whoever_o will_v see_v they_o more_o full_o may_v find_v they_o in_o a_o large_a and_o learned_a discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o name_v the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v a_o book_n which_o the_o vulgar_a may_v better_v understand_v than_o many_o other_o that_o handle_v this_o question_n though_o the_o ground_n i_o have_v hint_v and_o other_o which_o i_o have_v omit_v induce_v we_o strong_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n divine_a authority_n and_o we_o may_v count_v they_o sufficient_a to_o fence_v we_o against_o the_o cavil_n of_o our_o adversary_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o answer_v the_o argument_n of_o man_n and_o another_o to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_n and_o fear_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n therefore_o we_o stand_v to_o this_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v effectual_o persuade_v of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o order_n to_o a_o sound_n and_o save_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n therein_o contain_v unless_o he_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n by_o the_o teach_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o alone_o teach_v to_o know_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n god_n we_o say_v be_v the_o best_a witness_n to_o his_o own_o word_n and_o his_o spirit_n the_o best_a seal_n that_o can_v be_v put_v to_o it_o in_o the_o particular_n forementioned_a and_o many_o other_o we_o see_v evident_a token_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o faith_n that_o save_v we_o must_v have_v this_o foundation_n viz._n god_n seal_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v then_o be_v a_o man_n full_o persuade_v and_o confident_a indeed_o so_o as_o he_o can_v say_v and_o swear_v too_o if_o there_o be_v need_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o scripture_n be_v that_o which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o lead_v and_o guide_v i_o to_o my_o happiness_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o then_o and_o not_o before_o a_o man_n have_v comfort_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v have_v not_o only_o a_o grant_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n put_v to_o it_o such_o a_o man_n so_o assure_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o spirit_n unless_o in_o a_o fit_a of_o temptation_n never_o trouble_v himself_o about_o this_o question_n whether_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o trouble_n be_v most_o about_o his_o own_o deceitful_a and_o unbelieving_a heart_n that_o he_o can_v trust_v god_n no_o better_o when_o he_o have_v so_o good_a security_n for_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a in_o order_n to_o his_o happiness_n he_o never_o think_v what_o some_o have_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v corrupt_v and_o be_v not_o what_o once_o they_o be_v he_o know_v that_o god_n word_n be_v pure_a and_o perfect_a and_o be_v only_o trouble_v at_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n papist_n to_o show_v what_o good_a will_n and_o respect_n they_o have_v to_o scripture_n have_v a_o long_a time_n be_v quarrel_v it_o as_o if_o some_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n be_v lose_v and_o some_o of_o we_o seem_v to_o yield_v somewhat_o to_o this_o think_v no_o prejudice_n to_o come_v thereby_o to_o it_o but_o other_o conceive_v that_o no_o part_n or_o member_n of_o scripture_n that_o ever_o be_v canonical_a be_v lose_v buâ—…_n that_o we_o have_v it_o as_o whole_a and_o compieat_a as_o ever_o it_o be_v indeed_o aâ—…_n one_o faith_n if_o any_o book_n be_v lose_v oâ—…_n those_o which_o be_v commend_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o must_v argue_v a_o strange_a conspiâ—…acy_n of_o this_o whole_a church_n iâ—…_n carelessness_n and_o negligence_n such_o aâ—…_n be_v not_o light_o incident_a to_o this_o generation_n of_o man_n we_o grant_v that_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o single_a person_n have_v doubt_v some_o part_n oâ—…_n scripture_n now_o general_o acknowledge_v for_o canonical_a but_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v ever_o do_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o for_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o can_v just_o suspect_v â—…he_a jew_n for_o corrupt_v they_o when_o â—…heir_a zeal_n for_o they_o even_o almost_o to_o â—…uperstition_n have_v be_v so_o notorious_a â—…n_n all_o age_n and_o be_v so_o still_o even_o to_o this_o â—…ay_n our_o saviour_n blame_v they_o â—…uch_o and_o often_o for_o their_o vain_a traâ—…itions_n but_o never_o speak_v one_o word_n â—…out_v their_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n â—…hich_v questionless_a he_o will_v have_v â—…ne_v have_v there_o be_v cause_n since_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o high_a concernent_fw-la and_o if_o any_o have_v attempt_v it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o accomplish_v it_o when_o there_o be_v so_o any_o copy_n disperse_v in_o all_o place_n â—…d_v country_n which_o be_v many_o â—…erein_o the_o jew_n dwell_v if_o any_o â—…ereticks_n have_v assay_v it_o since_o the_o â—…w_a testament_n be_v write_v how_o â—…uld_v one_o party_n have_v observe_v anoâ—…er_o and_o so_o prevenâ—…ed_v the_o design_n â—…d_a to_o say_v no_o more_o it_o be_v impossible_a â—…ess_v we_o imagine_v that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o who_o have_v a_o bible_n shall_v at_o once_o with_o one_o consent_n in_o all_o place_n oâ—…_n the_o world_n resolve_v to_o corrupt_v those_o ancient_a record_n commend_v to_o mankind_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o clear_v this_o further_a have_v insert_v it_o here_o occasional_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v write_v in_o parchment_n and_o papeâ—…_n which_o be_v thing_n perishable_a and_o ic_fw-mi be_v subject_n to_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n but_o who_o know_v not_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o paper_n and_o parchment_n anâ—…_n ink_n which_o have_v be_v use_v to_o preserve_v and_o convey_v it_o to_o we_o god_n woâ—…_n must_v and_o shall_v stand_v when_o all_o theâ—…_n parchment_n and_o paper_n record_v shâ—…_n be_v no_o more_o and_o whatever_o alteâ—…_n tion_n there_o have_v be_v we_o stand_v to_o iâ—…_n
place_n speak_v more_o plain_o and_o the_o plaiâ—…_n place_n well_o remember_v will_v be_v as_o a_o commentary_n upon_o the_o more_o dark_a and_o difficult_a and_o for_o this_o purpose_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o scripture_n be_v difficult_a to_o none_o so_o much_o as_o to_o those_o who_o be_v great_a stranger_n to_o it_o and_o seldom_o take_v a_o bible_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o read_v in_o it_o with_o any_o attention_n whereas_o many_o and_o i_o wish_v there_o be_v more_o who_o can_v only_o read_v it_o and_o use_v such_o small_a help_n as_o god_n minister_v to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v concionable_a in_o what_o be_v their_o duty_n be_v able_a to_o prove_v and_o justify_v the_o main_a ground_n and_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o any_o that_o question_v they_o what_o if_o some_o thing_n be_v difficult_a so_o long_o as_o these_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a be_v plain_a and_o easy_a all_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v no_o sober_a man_n will_v question_v i_o be_o now_o persuade_v those_o of_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a rank_n to_o study_v what_o i_o say_v again_o they_o may_v sufficient_o understand_v though_o they_o have_v none_o to_o guide_v they_o and_o let_v they_o be_v still_o press_v forward_o and_o pry_v further_o to_o discover_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v see_v and_o know_v for_o why_o have_v god_n reveal_v his_o will_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o it_o let_v the_o word_n 1._o of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o etc._n etc._n i._n e._n plentiful_o abundant_o he_o mean_v it_o shall_v not_o lodge_v as_o a_o stranger_n for_o a_o night_n but_o abide_v with_o they_o and_o they_o to_o give_v it_o rich_a and_o liberal_a entertainment_n and_o make_v it_o their_o familiar_a by_o frequent_a read_n hear_v meditate_v upon_o and_o confer_v about_o the_o scripture_n and_o they_o who_o take_v this_o course_n will_v soon_o find_v by_o experience_n the_o improvement_n make_v by_o it_o the_o often_o review_v of_o any_o thing_n as_o all_o man_n know_v be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o see_v more_o in_o it_o than_o ever_o we_o see_v before_o now_o scripture_n deserve_v as_o i_o may_v say_v to_o be_v much_o and_o often_o lookâ—…_n upon_o if_o it_o be_v only_o for_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o great_a god_n but_o there_o be_v somewhat_o else_o scripture_n resemble_v its_o author_n in_o this_o that_o as_o he_o be_v unsearchable_a never_o to_o be_v know_v by_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n or_o all_o of_o they_o as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o so_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v seek_v into_o so_o far_o as_o there_o will_v not_o still_o remain_v something_o that_o require_v a_o further_a search_n he_o that_o dig_v the_o deep_a into_o this_o mine_n shall_v ever_o find_v new_a vein_n such_o as_o be_v never_o discover_v before_o yea_o and_o when_o we_o have_v make_v the_o utmost_a search_n the_o wise_a of_o we_o must_v leave_v the_o world_n sign_v some_o text_n with_o a_o non_fw-fr lâ—…quet_n in_o these_o we_o can_v never_o be_v resolve_v man_n have_v be_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o nature_n mystery_n ever_o since_o the_o creation_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v much_o that_o need_v a_o further_a enquiry_n yea_o somewhat_o if_o not_o very_o much_o that_o will_v never_o i_o doubt_v be_v find_v out_o by_o any_o but_o however_o it_o be_v in_o nature_n we_o may_v reasonable_o conceive_v that_o in_o supernatural_a revelation_n we_o can_v never_o stretch_v ourselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o reach_v the_o utmost_a all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n be_v easy_a enough_o to_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o understand_v and_o therefore_o ignorance_n can_v be_v no_o excuse_n but_o all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o the_o like_a necessity_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v think_v i_o hope_v without_o prejudice_n that_o as_o god_n spirit_n have_v write_v some_o thing_n more_o dark_o to_o exercise_v our_o diligence_n so_o he_o have_v write_v some_o also_o to_o humble_v we_o and_o make_v we_o know_v ourselves_o and_o what_o of_o all_o this_o scripture_n be_v still_o a_o plain_a and_o complete_a rule_n fit_a for_o any_o that_o will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o even_o such_o as_o can_v only_o read_v it_o and_o their_o read_n it_o will_v help_v they_o to_o understand_v enough_o if_o they_o be_v serious_a and_o attentive_a in_o it_o though_o i_o will_v have_v they_o neglect_v no_o other_o mean_n offer_v they_o viz._n meditation_n conference_n &_o c._n and_o unto_o all_o let_v they_o add_v servant_n prayer_n never_o open_v the_o bible_n without_o put_v up_o to_o god_n that_o which_o be_v david_n great_a request_n psal._n 119._o 18._o lord_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o thy_o law_n 4_o let_v they_o not_o bring_v their_o own_o sense_n to_o scripture_n but_o fetch_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o from_o out_o of_o itself_o because_o as_o one_o say_v the_o divine_a scripture_n contain_v the_o whole_a and_o firm_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o its_o authority_n must_v sway_v we_o to_o take_v up_o that_o which_o it_o i_o yes_o down_o and_o nothing_o else_o they_o take_v a_o wrong_a coarse_a therefore_o who_o first_o entertain_v and_o harbour_v a_o conceit_n or_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o upon_o some_o base_a or_o by-respect_n and_o then_o search_v and_o rack_n and_o torture_v scripture_n to_o make_v it_o speak_v what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n in_o wrest_v his_o word_n to_o justify_v and_o avouch_v the_o groundless_a conceit_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n deceive_v heart_n the_o only_a right_a way_n to_o know_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n in_o any_o doubtful_a case_n be_v to_o bring_v heart_n as_o pure_a as_o white_a paper_n apt_a to_o receive_v and_o rest_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o whatever_o they_o be_v though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o our_o design_n qâ—…_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o know_v the_o true_a and_o right_a determination_n as_o scripture_n give_v it_o especial_o when_o many_o as_o know_v as_o ourselves_o can_v agree_v about_o it_o sol._n 1._o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o some_o man_n to_o understand_v aright_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n because_o they_o inquire_v after_o it_o with_o a_o mind_n resolve_v to_o hold_v what_o they_o have_v once_o take_v up_o whatever_o it_o be_v such_o be_v all_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o wilful_a in_o their_o own_o way_n wed_v to_o their_o will_n and_o abandon_v to_o their_o filthy_a and_o fleshly_a interest_n such_o as_o these_o be_v constant_a and_o ordinary_a in_o work_n and_o way_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n notwithstanding_o scripture-commands_a be_v so_o express_o and_o clear_o against_o they_o what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o the_o 6_o seven_o 8_o and_o 9th_o commandment_n and_o yet_o how_o many_o make_v a_o constant_a trade_n as_o i_o may_v say_v of_o uncleaness_n and_o cruelty_n oppression_n deceit_n and_o falsehood_n these_o may_v easy_o know_v god_n mind_n if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o but_o they_o be_v rebel_n against_o the_o light_n resolve_v to_o serve_v their_o lust_n and_o have_v their_o will_n whatever_o god_n have_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o till_o these_o come_v to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o can_v never_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n as_o he_o intend_v it_o 2._o to_o be_v resolve_v aright_o in_o all_o practical_a question_n and_o case_n we_o must_v first_o resolve_v to_o renounce_v and_o abandon_v our_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n our_o lust_n and_o interest_n as_o the_o apostle_n advise_v jac._n 1._o 22._o 1_o pet._n 2.1_o no_o paper_n that_o be_v besmear_v or_o blot_v can_v be_v good_a to_o write_v upon_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a such_o as_o all_o be_v who_o be_v sway_v by_o their_o own_o lust_n will_v pervert_v all_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o qâ—…_n but_o what_o must_v there_o be_v sol._n a_o honest_a upright_a heart_n dispose_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o obedience_n it_o be_v sabdue_v by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v 18._o to_o feed_v on_o that_o which_o breed_v they_o now_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n they_o be_v beget_v and_o that_o the_o apostle_n peter_n call_v milk_n exhort_v christian_n â—…c_n after_o they_o be_v new_o bear_v to_o desire_v it_o as_o little_a infant_n do_v