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 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seal_v unto_o our_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o whether_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n or_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a judge_v you_o however_o it_o have_v be_v a_o point_n very_o much_o controvert_v and_o canvas_v on_o both_o side_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v brief_o and_o clear_o to_o state_n it_o and_o to_o make_v you_o understand_v the_o absurdity_n and_o vanity_n of_o their_o position_n our_o thesis_fw-la on_o which_o i_o shall_v ground_v my_o discourse_n shall_v be_v this_o namely_o 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 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 spirit_n within_o we_o the_o term_n of_o this_o thesis_n be_v explain_v you_o will_v easy_o understand_v the_o whole_a matter_n i_o say_v then_o 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 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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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 juvenal_n so_o also_o will_v a_o christian_a upon_o the_o due_a search_n &_o trial_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o their_o matter_n heavenly_a by_o their_o stile_n deep_a and_o by_o their_o divine_a phrase_n mystical_a present_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o other_o author_n than_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o then_o far_o i_o say_v there_o be_v require_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o we_o which_o spirit_n be_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v the_o seal_n unto_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o peculiar_a only_o to_o god_n child_n a_o man_n may_v by_o the_o hearsay_n of_o the_o church_n historical_o know_v the_o scripture_n but_o this_o will_v no_o more_o comfort_v his_o heart_n then_o the_o discourse_n concern_v honey_n and_o sweetmeat_n will_v the_o stomach_n a_o man_n may_v also_o be_v convict_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n from_o those_o argument_n i_o press_v even_o now_o and_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v no_o more_o convert_v by_o they_o then_o the_o jew_n be_v at_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o know_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n well_o than_o what_o be_v it_o that_o must_v ultimate_o persuade_v we_o and_o assure_v a_o child_n of_o god_n certitudine_fw-la fidei_fw-la with_o a_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o church_n that_o can_v for_o how_o can_v that_o infuse_v faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o set_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n what_o then_o be_v it_o that_o assure_v we_o doubtless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n coworking_a with_o we_o and_o upon_o our_o prayer_n and_o diligent_a read_n and_o examine_v of_o the_o word_n assure_v we_o that_o this_o word_n which_o be_v thus_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n thus_o verify_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o it_o this_o word_n that_o have_v so_o perfect_a a_o consent_n within_o its_o self_n that_o have_v so_o admirable_a efficacy_n upon_o the_o hearer_n and_o reader_n thereof_o that_o have_v be_v so_o wonderful_o preserve_v in_o all_o age_n that_o this_o word_n and_o this_o word_n only_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o divine_a authority_n so_o then_o the_o church_n that_o can_v only_o report_v unto_o we_o the_o spirit_n that_o do_v firm_o persuade_v we_o the_o church_n that_o can_v ministerial_o only_o ingenerate_v a_o opinion_n in_o we_o the_o spirit_n a_o faith_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o then_o man_n may_v hear_v a_o very_a great_a report_n of_o another_o worth_n learning_n and_o counsel_n and_o yet_o be_v never_o full_o satisfy_v concern_v it_o till_o they_o find_v it_o so_o to_o be_v by_o their_o own_o experience_n or_o as_o those_o samaritan_n who_o do_v believe_v in_o part_n on_o christ_n for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n be_v yet_o notwithstanding_o further_o confirm_v &_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o when_o they_o hear_v his_o own_o 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
to_o bestow_v any_o further_a light_n upon_o any_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o able_a to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o knowledge_n they_o primitive_o have_v be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n so_o then_o the_o essential_a primary_n end_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o creature_n be_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o consequential_a if_o i_o may_v so_o term_v it_o and_o accidentary_a end_n be_v to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v be_v without_o excuse_n this_o shall_v suffice_v concern_v the_o word_n themselves_o on_o which_o i_o have_v be_v the_o large_a because_o the_o exposition_n of_o they_o may_v give_v much_o light_n to_o my_o ensue_a discourse_n which_o shall_v be_v ground_v upon_o this_o proposition_n viz._n that_o god_n though_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n invisible_a may_v yet_o by_o a_o gentile_a a_o mere_a natural_a man_n be_v reach_v unto_o and_o discover_v in_o his_o work_n for_o the_o better_a clear_n of_o this_o point_n it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o distinguish_v concern_v the_o work_n of_o god_n which_o be_v either_o ad_fw-la intra_fw-la or_o ad_fw-la extra_fw-la those_o ad_fw-la intra_fw-la be_v such_o which_o have_v no_o other_o object_n than_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v eternal_o bound_v within_o his_o own_o nature_n such_o as_o be_v the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o his_o son_n and_o proceed_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n now_o as_o no_o one_o know_v the_o inward_a working_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o mind_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n or_o he_o to_o who_o he_o reveal_v they_o in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v no_o one_o that_o can_v faith_n they_o or_o dive_v into_o these_o inward_a essential_a work_n of_o god_n save_v god_n himself_o or_o those_o to_o who_o his_o word_n have_v communicate_v they_o nay_o indeed_o the_o best_a saint_n of_o god_n in_o this_o their_o earthly_a tabernacle_n though_o never_o so_o much_o enlighten_v by_o 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concern_v we_o in_o another_o case_n as_o the_o election_n of_o some_o unto_o salvation_n and_o reprobation_n of_o other_o unto_o damnation_n or_o else_o such_o which_o immediate_o concern_v either_o the_o be_v or_o preservation_n of_o the_o creature_n in_o this_o world_n and_o these_o proper_o be_v the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n &_o from_o these_o chief_o i_o say_v it_o be_v that_o a_o natural_a man_n know_v god_n this_o we_o shall_v prove_v first_o in_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n second_o in_o the_o work_v of_o providence_n and_o first_o we_o shall_v show_v in_o general_a that_o the_o creature_n in_o themselves_o do_v every_o where_o set_v forth_o and_o proclaim_v a_o god_n second_o we_o shall_v show_v by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v the_o creature_n do_v thus_o bring_v we_o unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 1._o first_o then_o that_o the_o creature_n do_v every_o where_o proclaim_v a_o god_n be_v manifest_a from_o psal_n 19_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handy_a work_n etc._n etc._n that_o glorious_a canopy_n which_o we_o behold_v above_o we_o however_o in_o itself_o mute_a and_o dumb_a do_v yet_o notwithstanding_o set_v forth_o as_o it_o be_v unto_o we_o a_o declaration_n of_o its_o creatour_n power_n goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o his_o power_n in_o the_o frame_n and_o contrive_v so_o excellent_a a_o piece_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o order_v all_o its_o motion_n and_o revolution_n unto_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o of_o his_o wisdom_n in_o allot_v it_o so_o commodious_a a_o position_n and_o structure_n unto_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o office_n to_o which_o he_o have_v ordain_v it_o and_o so_o vers_fw-la 2._o day_n unto_o day_n utter_v speech_n and_o night_n unto_o night_n show_v knowledge_n that_o be_v do_v sufficient_o discipline_n and_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o most_o sottish_a and_o rude_a gentile_a can_v plead_v ignorance_n for_o what_o though_o their_o philosopher_n alone_o can_v tell_v the_o several_a virtue_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n the_o periodicall_a motion_n of_o the_o sun_n &_o moon_n their_o just_a horizontall_a elevation_n and_o depression_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o day_n unto_o day_n and_o night_n unto_o night_n do_v sufficient_o show_v forth_o even_o to_o the_o most_o ignorant_a who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o their_o succession_n and_o revolution_n for_o so_o the_o psalmist_n go_v on_o vers_fw-la 3_o 4._o there_o be_v no_o speech_n nor_o language_n where_o their_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v their_o line_n scriptura_fw-la ipsorum_fw-la their_o writing_n be_v go_v out_o throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o word_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mark_v here_o how_o the_o creature_n be_v make_v the_o praecones_fw-la as_o it_o be_v of_o god_n the_o crier_n and_o herald_n of_o his_o glory_n doubtless_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o dumb_a eloquence_n even_o in_o inanimate_a creature_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o subscribe_v unto_o the_o mighty_a creator_n of_o all_o thing_n wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o without_o some_o cause_n that_o hermes_n a_o ancient_a philosopher_n among_o the_o heathen_n call_v the_o world_n the_o image_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o coin_n of_o a_o king_n do_v represent_v the_o king_n who_o coin_n it_o be_v or_o as_o in_o the_o behold_n of_o a_o curious_a edifice_n we_o can_v choose_v but_o in_o it_o admire_v the_o art_n and_o dexterity_n of_o the_o artificer_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o admirable_a structure_n of_o this_o neat_a universe_n the_o curious_a and_o subordinated_a disposition_n which_o one_o creature_n have_v to_o another_o the_o exact_a symmetry_n and_o proportion_n of_o each_o part_n unto_o the_o whole_a must_v needs_o lead_v we_o unto_o the_o creator_n of_o they_o and_o cause_v we_o to_o admire_v the_o infinite_a power_n and_o perfection_n of_o he_o who_o out_o of_o nothing_o can_v raise_v so_o glorious_a a_o fabric_n as_o than_o protogenes_n at_o the_o very_a sight_n of_o a_o curious_a picture_n do_v present_o guess_v it_o to_o be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o apelles_n because_o he_o know_v that_o none_o can_v do_v the_o like_a so_o likewise_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o these_o glorious_a creature_n of_o god_n we_o may_v straightway_o conclude_v he_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v beyond_o the_o contrivance_n and_o art_n of_o any_o other_o for_o there_o be_v no_o finite_a be_v that_o can_v make_v or_o add_v one_o hair_n unto_o our_o head_n much_o less_o can_v contribute_v any_o sense_n life_n or_o vital_a motion_n unto_o any_o thing_n many_o man_n indeed_o as_o zeuxis_n albertus_n magnus_n and_o other_o have_v endeavour_v to_o imitate_v the_o god_n of_o nature_n in_o his_o work_n but_o never_o can_v any_o one_o by_o all_o his_o apish_a art_n frame_v a_o natural_a and_o real_a creature_n for_o beside_o 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 doubtful_a and_o dark_o propose_v but_o what_o may_v some_o one_o say_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v fundamental_a doctrine_n yet_o they_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o obscure_a well_o it_o be_v true_a these_o and_o the_o like_a doctrine_n be_v obscure_a but_o then_o as_o in_o geometry_n the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v dark_a in_o its_o self_n and_o yet_o by_o a_o demonstration_n plain_o set_v down_o unto_o we_o in_o holy_a writ_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v content_v with_o what_o that_o teach_v we_o concern_v they_o and_o however_o the_o very_a fundamental_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v by_o some_o dispute_v of_o and_o call_v into_o question_n yet_o this_o proceed_v rather_o from_o the_o perverseness_n and_o crookedness_n of_o man_n mind_n then_o that_o they_o be_v obscure_a and_o doubtful_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n neither_o be_v they_o less_o to_o be_v receive_v of_o 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 he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o drift_n scope_n and_o end_n of_o it_o because_o through_o its_o ancientness_n it_o be_v much_o wear_v and_o perish_v in_o like_a manner_n from_o those_o old_a relic_n and_o vestigy_n of_o that_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o gentile_n they_o may_v discover_v some_o thing_n which_o pertain_v unto_o their_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n but_o then_o they_o can_v not_o know_v therefrom_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v to_o drive_v they_o to_o a_o christ_n they_o can_v not_o know_v that_o by_o it_o they_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v they_o understand_v not_o the_o end_n and_o drift_n for_o which_o god_n write_v this_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n &_o therefore_o though_o they_o may_v have_v a_o historical_a yet_o they_o can_v not_o have_v a_o save_v knowledge_n thereof_o but_o second_o as_o for_o the_o gospel_n a_o gentile_a can_v have_v either_o a_o historical_a or_o save_a knowledge_n of_o it_o 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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
γνωστόν_fw-gr το_n θεο_n καί_n γνωστόν_fw-gr το_n ξÏιστο_n or_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_a of_o god_n by_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n deliver_v at_o st_n mary_n in_o oxford_n by_o edward_z wood_n m._n a._n late_a proctor_n of_o the_o university_n and_o fellow_n of_o merton_n coll._n oxon._n publish_a since_o his_o death_n by_o his_o brother_n a._n w._n m._n a._n 1_o cor._n 2._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d oxford_z print_v by_o h._n h._n printer_n to_o the_o university_n for_o jos._n godwin_n &_o edw._n forrest_n 1656._o ornatissimo_fw-la nobili_fw-la necnon_fw-la clarissimo_fw-it viro_fw-la d._n jonathani_fw-la goddard_n medicinae_fw-la doctori_fw-la et_fw-la inclyti_fw-la collegii_fw-la mertonensis_n custodi_fw-la in_o antiquissima_fw-la universitate_fw-la oxoniensi_fw-la antonius_n wood_n collegii_fw-la per_fw-la prudentiam_fw-la svam_fw-la optime_fw-la gubernati_fw-la 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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 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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 discursive_a rational_a faculty_n either_o bribe_v it_o to_o assent_v unto_o such_o thing_n which_o upon_o deliberation_n it_o must_v needs_o disapprove_v off_o or_o else_o violent_o tug_v and_o hale_v it_o to_o give_v way_n unto_o the_o execution_n of_o they_o to_o consider_v also_o how_o that_o conscience_n which_o primitive_o do_v enjoy_v a_o sweet_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n be_v now_o lash_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n affright_v with_o the_o glaring_n and_o preapprehension_n of_o hell_n fire_n yea_o and_o become_v a_o very_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o bugbear_n unto_o we_o a_o speculum_fw-la and_o look_a glass_n to_o reflect_v unto_o we_o both_o our_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a misery_n i_o may_v here_o make_v a_o anatomy_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o show_v unto_o you_o how_o in_o every_o part_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o glorious_a light_n which_o god_n original_o imprint_v in_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v now_o dim_a and_o almost_o quite_o extinguish_v through_o sin_n such_o be_v the_o strange_a malignity_n of_o it_o to_o deface_v and_o blur_v the_o clear_a character_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n in_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v mighty_o humble_v every_o one_o of_o we_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o light_n whereby_o we_o primitive_o be_v direct_v unto_o heaven_n and_o so_o sweet_a a_o communion_n with_o god_n himself_o be_v now_o so_o obscure_a in_o we_o that_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o grope_v after_o he_o in_o the_o dark_a with_o who_o before_o we_o have_v so_o familiar_a acquaintance_n and_o then_o it_o shall_v cause_v we_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n to_o repair_v this_o decay_a lump_n with_o the_o oil_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o seek_v after_o he_o in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o will_v be_v find_v to_o bring_v we_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n out_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n that_o we_o may_v right_o know_v he_o and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v out_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o error_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o discern_v thing_n that_o differ_v and_o out_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o unbelief_n that_o believe_v on_o he_o we_o may_v not_o see_v death_n but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n but_o now_o second_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o our_o great_a loss_n so_o ought_v we_o likewise_o since_o god_n have_v manifest_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o it_o be_v his_o gift_n to_o be_v thankful_a for_o the_o remainder_n and_o spark_n of_o this_o light_n that_o now_o remain_v in_o we_o for_o whereas_o god_n may_v have_v wrap_v we_o up_o in_o eternal_a darkness_n and_o have_v make_v we_o as_o brutish_a and_o irrational_a as_o the_o beast_n we_o former_o have_v dominion_n over_o yet_o such_o be_v
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 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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
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 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