from_o nature_n to_o set_v he_o a_o work_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v three_o person_n in_o the_o essence_n that_o the_o second_o of_o these_o person_n god_n the_o son_n shall_v be_v make_v man_n and_o be_v degrade_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n die_v and_o in_o death_n get_v a_o victory_n over_o death_n and_o the_o like_a be_v such_o riddle_n to_o a_o natural_a man_n that_o he_o can_v possible_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 15._o neither_o can_v he_o in_o his_o most_o extravagant_a and_o rove_a apprehension_n fasten_v or_o light_v upon_o they_o which_o make_v i_o think_v that_o trismegistus_n and_o plato_n have_v be_v peep_v into_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n when_o they_o speak_v so_o emphatical_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yea_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v quote_v by_o lud._n vives_z &_o morney_n in_o their_o book_n de_fw-fr veritate_fw-la religionis_fw-la so_o that_o the_o mere_a historiall_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n do_v original_o arise_v from_o revelation_n how_o much_o more_o than_o do_v the_o true_a save_a knowledge_n of_o he_o descend_v immediate_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enlighten_v our_o understanding_n to_o see_v he_o open_v our_o heart_n to_o embrace_v he_o and_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o our_o pore_v upon_o a_o body_n of_o divinity_n our_o run_v over_o the_o schoolman_n and_o spend_v our_o oil_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o bare_a speculation_n of_o these_o truth_n that_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n but_o we_o must_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o wait_v upon_o the_o bless_a influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o a_o humble_a soul_n with_o prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o fast_v and_o weep_v and_o mourn_v for_o our_o ignorance_n that_o god_n will_v come_v from_o above_o into_o we_o and_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o indeed_o to_o they_o that_o perish_v be_v foolishness_n but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 2_o this_o be_v the_o alone_a save_a knowledge_n that_o be_v this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v joh._n 17._o 3._o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n by_o who_o we_o can_v be_v save_v and_o he_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o the_o door_n by_o who_o alone_o we_o have_v entrance_n into_o heaven_n how_o can_v we_o enter_v into_o life_n but_o by_o the_o way_n by_o the_o door_n how_o can_v we_o see_v the_o father_n but_o by_o the_o son_n who_o reveal_v he_o so_o that_o to_o assign_v salvation_n to_o such_o as_o never_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o christ_n be_v a_o presumption_n not_o justifiable_a by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n i_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o dim_a snuff_n of_o natural_a light_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n it_o be_v only_o that_o light_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o evangelist_n say_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o sun_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o father_n style_v he_o that_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n since_o without_o faith_n in_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o all_o the_o best_a righteousness_n of_o natural_a man_n be_v but_o menstruous_a rag_n splendid_a abomination_n a_o corrupt_a tree_n can_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n neither_o do_v we_o gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n we_o may_v in_o charity_n hope_n we_o can_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n conclude_v that_o any_o be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n neither_o the_o jew_n simple_o by_o their_o law_n nor_o the_o gentile_n by_o their_o philosophy_n can_v ever_o reach_v heaven_n though_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o many_o of_o the_o schoolman_n &_o zuinglius_fw-la seem_v to_o teach_v the_o contrary_a perhaps_o more_o out_o of_o charity_n to_o so_o many_o poor_a soul_n that_o otherwise_o they_o think_v must_v inevitable_o perish_v than_o any_o solid_a ground_n they_o have_v from_o scripture_n for_o it_o and_o serious_o who_o can_v without_o tremble_a think_v of_o the_o sad_a condition_n of_o those_o poor_a wretch_n that_o the_o reveal_v word_n of_o god_n conclude_v they_o under_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o that_o god_n have_v unsearchable_a way_n to_o save_v those_o that_o we_o most_o despair_n of_o that_o the_o insinite_a merciful_a creator_n can_v by_o mean_n altogether_o unknown_a to_o we_o display_v his_o son_n even_o to_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o region_n of_o death_n but_o to_o hasten_v 3._o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o pleasant_a knowledge_n all_o knowledge_n as_o the_o philosopher_n note_n carry_v a_o secret_a content_n and_o pleasure_n along_o with_o it_o and_o therefore_o videre_fw-la &_o speculari_fw-la quaerimus_fw-la ut_fw-la gaudeamus_fw-la as_o delightful_a colour_n be_v unto_o the_o eye_n so_o be_v truth_n unto_o the_o understanding_n a_o comfortable_a refresh_a thing_n now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v pleasant_a in_o its_o very_a first_o dawn_n to_o a_o benight_a soul_n for_o the_o entrance_n of_o it_o give_v light_a and_o understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a ps_n 119._o v._o 130._o must_v not_o the_o approach_n of_o light_n be_v needs_o be_v pleasant_a to_o those_o under_o the_o pole_n after_o half_a a_o year_n darkness_n or_o unto_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v blind_a or_o have_v be_v keep_v in_o a_o dungeon_n all_o their_o day_n before_o and_o can_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n think_v you_o be_v otherwise_o when_o he_o rise_v in_o a_o poor_a soul_n that_o have_v lay_v thirty_o forty_o perhaps_o fifty_o year_n together_o in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n o_o how_o comfortable_a a_o thing_n will_v it_o then_o be_v unto_o he_o to_o see_v himself_o translate_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o marvellous_a light_n to_o find_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o understanding_n open_v the_o veil_n take_v off_o and_o his_o sin_n pardon_v which_o be_v as_o a_o thick_a cloud_n to_o hinder_v he_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o saviour_n all_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o her_o path_n peace_n prov._n 3._o 17._o what_o more_o pleasant_a than_o light_n why_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a light_n joh._n 1._o what_o more_o delightsome_a to_o the_o taste_n then_o honey_n his_o statute_n be_v sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n or_o honeycomb_n psal_n 19_o what_o more_o take_v we_o then_o ease_n and_o rest_v his_o very_a yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n mat._n 11._o it_o be_v ignorance_n of_o christ_n that_o make_v his_o way_n seem_v unpleasant_a to_o we_o for_o no_o man_n ever_o take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o that_o which_o he_o understand_v not_o hence_o those_o inward_a loathe_n of_o his_o word_n those_o rise_n and_o heartburning_n against_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o profane_a person_n these_o be_v people_n of_o no_o understanding_n they_o never_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o inward_a comfort_n and_o refreshment_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o delight_n there_o be_v in_o keep_v god_n law_n what_o pleasure_n it_o be_v for_o a_o thirsty_a soul_n to_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n for_o a_o hungry_a soul_n to_o feed_v upon_o manna_n and_o the_o bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n they_o know_v what_o comfort_n there_o be_v in_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n in_o his_o love_n that_o be_v better_a than_o wine_n in_o his_o abode_n and_o sup_v with_o you_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n that_o all_o their_o delight_n be_v to_o dowze_v themselves_o in_o carnal_a pleasure_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v that_o they_o be_v so_o averse_a from_o duty_n so_o sad_a and_o heavy_a in_o spiritual_a performance_n that_o they_o so_o much_o loath_a his_o word_n his_o people_n his_o ambassador_n his_o gracious_a motion_n and_o invitation_n the_o truth_n of_o all_o be_v this_o they_o know_v not_o christ_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o 4._o this_o knowledge_n be_v a_o satisfy_a knowledge_n other_o knowledge_n be_v like_o some_o sance_fw-fr which_o when_o you_o receive_v into_o you_o beget_v a_o fresh_a and_o new_a appetite_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o thing_n do_v set_v the_o tooth_n on_o edge_n as_o here_o and_o make_v we_o thirst_v after_o more_o whereas_o christ_n be_v a_o object_n fit_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o most_o vast_a and_o boundless_a desire_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o what_o the_o phylospher_n say_v of_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o may_v more_o proper_o say_v of_o divine_a that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
turk_n may_v know_v christ_n so_o far_o as_o by_o hear-say_n and_o history_n yet_o he_o can_v be_v say_v save_o to_o know_v he_o because_o he_o deny_v his_o assent_n unto_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o discover_v he_o to_o a_o man_n as_o when_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v disciple_n of_o any_o great_a philosopher_n or_o scholar_n do_v whole_o submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o dogmata_fw-la writing_n and_o opinion_n as_o for_o example_n the_o peripatetic_n to_o aristotle_n the_o scotist_n to_o scotus_n the_o thomist_n to_o thomas_n his_o doctrine_n insomuch_o that_o they_o do_v even_o swear_v to_o resign_v up_o their_o judgement_n to_o the_o word_n of_o their_o master_n why_o so_o much_o more_o ought_v christian_n to_o give_v their_o assent_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o their_o lord_n &_o master_n christ_n therefore_o john_n 10._o it_o be_v say_v that_o his_o sheep_n hear_v his_o voice_n and_o follow_v he_o they_o present_o adhere_v to_o his_o word_n and_o according_o obey_v he_o in_o it_o he_o that_o hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v on_o he_o that_o send_v i_o have_v everlasting_a life_n joh._n 5._o 24._o we_o must_v first_o hearken_v to_o his_o word_n before_o we_o can_v believe_v on_o he_o and_o have_v everlasting_a life_n second_o it_o imply_v affection_n to_o christ_n for_o as_o god_n know_v his_o people_n imply_v his_o love_n towards_o they_o in_o scripture_n the_o lord_n know_v the_o way_n of_o the_o righteous_a psal_n 1._o v._n 6._o so_o his_o people_n know_v of_o god_n imply_v also_o affection_n towards_o he_o hence_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o know_v his_o sheep_n and_o be_v know_v of_o they_o john_n 10._o 14._o which_o imply_v on_o both_o side_n a_o mutual_a love_n to_o each_o other_o for_o so_o express_o v._o 15._o he_o say_v he_o will_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n hence_o ignorance_n be_v every_o where_o in_o holy_a writ_n make_v the_o ground_n of_o man_n hatred_n and_o disaffection_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n have_v they_o know_v it_o they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 8._o and_o john_n 15._o 21._o and_o c._n 16._o v._n 3._o all_o these_o thing_n mean_v persecution_n say_v christ_n they_o will_v do_v unto_o you_o because_o they_o have_v not_o know_v the_o father_n nor_o i_o do_v a_o man_n thorough_o and_o save_o know_v christ_n he_o will_v be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o he_o for_o there_o be_v such_o a_o intimacy_n and_o union_n between_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o divine_a object_n that_o whosoever_o right_o understand_v the_o one_o will_v present_o embrace_v the_o other_o so_o that_o be_v sure_a that_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a empty_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n where_o the_o character_n of_o it_o be_v not_o imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n even_o in_o common_a discourse_n when_o we_o say_v i_o know_v such_o a_o one_o be_v of_o excellent_a part_n of_o a_o sweet_a and_o good_a disposition_n this_o imply_v our_o secret_a esteem_n and_o respect_n unto_o the_o person_n and_o how_o can_v we_o be_v say_v true_o to_o know_v he_o as_o the_o fair_a of_o ten-thousand_o as_o our_o saviour_n reconciler_n lord_n and_o god_n unless_o our_o heart_n be_v carry_v forth_o in_o a_o high_a esteem_n and_o love_n of_o he_o it_o be_v say_v jam._n 2._o 19_o the_o devil_n do_v believe_v and_o therefore_o tremble_v certain_o do_v they_o know_v there_o be_v any_o mercy_n in_o store_n for_o they_o as_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o vengeance_n as_o they_o now_o tremble_v and_o fear_v so_o they_o will_v then_o love_v and_o admire_v christ_n and_o do_v we_o but_o just_o understand_v the_o admirable_a goodness_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o take_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v keep_v his_o commandment_n with_o more_o observance_n and_o fear_v more_o to_o displease_v he_o then_o we_o do_v o_o let_v we_o never_o say_v we_o know_v christ_n that_o we_o have_v intimacy_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o when_o our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o when_o we_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o he_o in_o our_o brain_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o lust_n crucify_a by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o death_n not_o one_o grace_n the_o more_o implant_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o resurrection_n when_o we_o pretend_v to_o know_v he_o yet_o grieve_v his_o spirit_n wound_v his_o glory_n trample_v under_o foot_n his_o blood_n disobey_v his_o precept_n and_o prefer_v a_o barrabas_n a_o robber_n a_o sin_n that_o dispoile_v he_o of_o his_o glory_n before_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n believe_v it_o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v scientia_fw-la affectiva_fw-la it_o must_v sink_v deep_a than_o so_o into_o our_o affection_n and_o transform_v the_o whole_a man_n into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n otherwise_o it_o be_v but_o a_o counterfeit_n not_o a_o real_a knowledge_n of_o he_o three_o this_o practical_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n imply_v a_o particuliar_a application_n of_o he_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v i_o to_o know_v there_o be_v gold_n in_o the_o indies_n unless_o i_o have_v it_o in_o my_o coffer_n or_o to_o know_v when_o i_o be_o hungry_a that_o there_o be_v in_o such_o a_o place_n honey_n and_o food_n unless_o i_o do_v taste_v it_o myself_o no_o more_o good_a will_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n do_v we_o unless_o we_o do_v eat_v he_o and_o drink_v he_o by_o faith_n and_o can_v say_v with_o paul_n in_o the_o text_n i_o know_v he_o to_o be_v my_o lord_n that_o have_v redeem_v i_o and_o will_v save_v i_o you_o will_v not_o count_v he_o a_o good_a physician_n that_o know_v only_o the_o name_n figure_n and_o shape_n of_o a_o herb_n in_o gerhard_n or_o mathiolus_n and_o not_o the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o the_o same_o and_o so_o neither_o can_v you_o call_v he_o a_o know_a christian_n that_o can_v discourse_v only_o of_o christ_n in_o general_a be_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n ignorant_a of_o the_o benefit_n and_o the_o comfortable_a application_n of_o they_o he_o may_v still_o for_o all_o this_o lay_n under_o the_o curse_n under_o the_o pang_n of_o conscience_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n unless_o he_o can_v feel_v christ_n spirit_n as_o thomas_n do_v corporal_o and_o say_v my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n joh._n 20._o 28._o in_o all_o true_a knowledge_n the_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v reflexive_a the_o soul_n will_v start_v back_o and_o rebound_v upon_o its_o self_n it_o will_v first_o go_v out_o unto_o christ_n its_o direct_a object_n and_o then_o turn_v in_o upon_o its_o self_n and_o examine_v its_o own_o interest_n in_o he_o hence_o say_v saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 13._o v._n 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n let_v your_o soul_n retire_v into_o themselves_o and_o there_o diligent_o examine_v the_o matter_n and_o you_o will_v quick_o find_v whether_o you_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o have_v any_o communion_n with_o he_o which_o can_v be_v right_o know_v unless_o you_o so_o examine_v yourselves_o and_o so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o point_n the_o second_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o this_o knowledge_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o reveal_v supernatural_a knowledge_n flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o say_v christ_n of_o himself_o to_o simon_n peter_n but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 16._o v._n 17._o neither_o carnal_a reason_n nor_o humane_a wisdom_n can_v ever_o suggest_v christ_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o reveal_v his_o son_n in_o we_o gal._n 1._o v._n 16._o nature_n can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o thing_n within_o its_o own_o bound_n and_o sphere_n as_o water_n can_v run_v above_o its_o own_o fountain_n now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n do_v much_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o natural_a disquisition_n it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n hide_a wisdom_n which_o none_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n know_v 1_o cor._n 2._o we_o attain_v usual_o unto_o natural_a knowledge_n by_o much_o industry_n &_o turmoil_v of_o body_n &_o mind_n when_o our_o understanding_n do_v out_o of_o some_o imperfect_a hinte_n and_o blush_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o thing_n by_o degree_n hack_v and_o hew_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o by_o much_o labour_n and_o toil_n we_o get_v and_o serve_v out_o of_o nature_n the_o small_a knowledge_n that_o we_o have_v whereas_o now_o all_o the_o toil_n and_o study_v in_o the_o world_n will_v never_o advance_v a_o mere_a natural_a man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n because_o i_o suppose_v he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o hint_n
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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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 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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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compendious_a way_n for_o the_o understanding_n the_o drift_n and_o scope_n of_o holy_a writ_n now_o all_o these_o shall_v be_v as_o so_o many_o several_a tie_n and_o engagement_n upon_o we_o continual_o to_o strike_v upon_o this_o anvil_n night_n and_o day_n to_o study_v read_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o for_o we_o who_o either_o actual_o be_v in_o or_o else_o intend_v the_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o what_o may_v some_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n here_o say_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o hard_a as_o you_o make_v they_o your_o exhortation_n will_v little_o prevail_v with_o we_o you_o will_v rather_o deter_v we_o from_o read_v they_o to_o such_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v hard_a yet_o the_o main_a doctrine_n thereof_o which_o concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o and_o as_o easy_o to_o be_v understand_v beside_o as_o the_o orator_n note_v of_o the_o element_n of_o science_n and_o 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another_o and_o by_o examine_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o apply_v that_o which_o thou_o read_v unto_o thy_o own_o particular_a use_n and_o estate_n read_v it_o last_o with_o method_n and_o order_n distinct_o go_v over_o that_o book_n which_o thou_o undertake_v lest_o thou_o be_v always_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n oh_o but_o read_v it_o i_o do_v perhaps_o two_o chapter_n a_o day_n beside_o i_o hear_v it_o read_v twice_o a_o day_n in_o this_o very_a place_n but_o yet_o i_o can_v find_v no_o spiritual_a comfort_n from_o it_o it_o do_v not_o move_v i_o for_o all_o that_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v then_o to_o have_v comfort_n from_o it_o the_o answer_v of_o this_o case_n will_v be_v very_o proper_a for_o we_o for_o many_o of_o we_o i_o doubt_v not_o do_v hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n but_o then_o i_o fear_v we_o be_v as_o little_o move_v with_o it_o as_o the_o bench_n we_o sit_v upon_o or_o the_o 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not_o give_v his_o word_n any_o admission_n into_o their_o heart_n or_o ear_n wherefore_o if_o such_o man_n do_v desire_v to_o be_v move_v or_o to_o receive_v any_o comfort_n from_o their_o read_n or_o hear_v the_o word_n 1._o they_o must_v continual_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o take_v from_o they_o their_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n bestow_v upon_o they_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n ephes_n 1._o 16_o 17._o 2._o they_o must_v examine_v themselves_o what_o worldly_a care_n do_v distract_v their_o mind_n what_o prejudices_fw-la and_o temptation_n do_v enter_v into_o their_o heart_n at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v like_o the_o thorn_n in_o the_o parable_n choke_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n 3._o they_o must_v serious_o meditate_v upon_o the_o word_n read_v and_o endeavour_v to_o remember_v it_o for_o as_o meat_n do_v that_o man_n little_a good_a who_o stomach_n have_v not_o a_o retentive_a faculty_n in_o it_o to_o retain_v and_o digest_v it_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o chew_v upon_o as_o it_o be_v by_o meditation_n and_o well_o remember_v do_v become_v useless_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o we_o so_o than_o we_o must_v not_o only_o read_v the_o word_n but_o we_o must_v practise_v it_o also_o we_o must_v lay_v it_o up_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o godly_a conversation_n i_o may_v here_o far_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o point_n and_o confirm_v my_o exhortation_n of_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o their_o plainness_n and_o perfection_n their_o subject_n and_o matter_n of_o they_o altogether_o divine_a from_o their_o end_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o man_n salvation_n from_o their_o principal_a author_n god_n and_o from_o many_o other_o argument_n but_o i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n here_o abrupt_o to_o break_v off_o and_o conclude_v 2_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n concern_v the_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o creature_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v we_o be_v to_o speak_v concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o two_o former_a i_o tell_v you_o we_o have_v only_o a_o confuse_a ineffectual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o this_o latter_a we_o have_v a_o more_o clear_a distinct_a and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o he_o shall_v we_o have_v
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 be_v arm_v with_o that_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o a_o prince_n set_v forth_o a_o proclamation_n it_o be_v pen_v in_o a_o language_n that_o all_o his_o subject_n may_v understand_v it_o and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v the_o intent_n and_o end_n of_o god_n in_o proclaim_v his_o will_n and_o word_n unto_o mankind_n that_o all_o his_o people_n shall_v read_v and_o understand_v what_o wondrous_a thing_n he_o there_o reveal_v for_o their_o salvation_n for_o otherwise_o what_o a_o vain_a unprofitable_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v to_o kindle_v a_o light_n mere_o to_o put_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n to_o bestow_v a_o rich_a treasure_n upon_o we_o for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v call_v to_o be_v hide_v and_o clasp_v in_o a_o box_n to_o give_v we_o a_o rule_n whereunto_o we_o shall_v square_v our_o life_n even_o his_o holy_a word_n only_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v shut_v up_o and_o cabinete_v in_o a_o unknown_a language_n it_o be_v in_o my_o judgement_n the_o high_a 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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〈◊〉_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 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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 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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
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 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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 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