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 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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 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of_o all_o time_n concern_v the_o scripture_n their_o antiquity_n moses_n be_v bear_v before_o the_o very_a god_n of_o the_o heathen_n the_o late_a of_o the_o prophet_n match_v the_o ancient_a of_o the_o philosopher_n add_v also_o their_o constant_a preservation_n and_o continuance_n even_o till_o now_o maugre_o all_o the_o fury_n and_o rage_n of_o tyrant_n the_o malice_n of_o devil_n and_o devilish_a man_n who_o have_v do_v and_o do_v still_o oppose_v these_o holy_a writing_n add_v final_o unto_o all_o these_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o army_n of_o martyr_n maintain_v even_o to_o death_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n man_n of_o all_o sort_n ignorant_a who_o though_o they_o can_v not_o dispute_v can_v yet_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n wise_a rich_a poor_a of_o all_o age_n and_o sex_n woman_n child_n age_a folk_n endure_v all_o manner_n of_o torment_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o torment_n with_o all_o patience_n and_o constancy_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o truth_n therein_o contain_v these_o with_o many_o other_o reason_n may_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o now_o as_o there_o may_v be_v many_o witness_n unto_o a_o bond_n and_o yet_o still_o all_o be_v of_o little_a moment_n unless_o the_o seal_n be_v put_v on_o too_o in_o like_a manner_n all_o these_o witness_n and_o argument_n here_o produce_v will_v be_v of_o little_a concernment_n unto_o our_o salvation_n unless_o they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 1._o 13._o we_o may_v be_v convict_v by_o the_o forego_n argument_n that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o per_fw-mi se_fw-mi work_n faith_n nor_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o they_o unless_o the_o spirit_n which_o bear_v witness_n unto_o our_o spirit_n joint_o cooperate_v and_o open_v our_o eye_n more_o full_o to_o see_v this_o light_n for_o as_o hagar_n gen._n 21._o 19_o can_v not_o see_v the_o fountain_n that_o be_v near_o she_o until_o god_n have_v open_v her_o eye_n so_o neither_o can_v we_o perfect_o discern_v or_o saving_o know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n until_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v open_v our_o eye_n as_o david_n speak_v to_o behold_v the_o marvellous_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n we_o have_v therefore_o occasion_n here_o to_o inquire_v how_o it_o may_v appear_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o how_o a_o man_n may_v save_o and_o true_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o divine_a authority_n the_o papist_n they_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v because_o the_o church_n say_v so_o we_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v they_o so_o to_o be_v be_v because_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o worthy_a of_o all_o belief_n and_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v and_o 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 three_o thing_n that_o the_o church_n do_v be_v to_o preach_v and_o divulge_v the_o scripture_n but_o now_o as_o we_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o proclamation_n of_o a_o king_n not_o because_o such_o a_o one_o proclaim_v it_o but_o for_o itself_o so_o likewise_o we_o obey_v and_o believe_v the_o scripture_n not_o for_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v own_o sake_n four_o the_o church_n do_v expound_v and_o interpret_v scripture_n but_o now_o as_o a_o faithful_a interpreter_n of_o a_o ambassador_n do_v not_o either_o add_v or_o take_v from_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o he_o so_o likewise_o neither_o do_v or_o ought_v the_o true_a church_n to_o add_v or_o diminish_v any_o thing_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o therefore_o much_o less_o have_v it_o power_n to_o make_v it_o in_o any_o wise_a of_o any_o great_a
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
salvation_n to_o instruct_v to_o reprove_v to_o correct_v and_o since_o it_o have_v so_o admirable_a perfection_n in_o it_o as_o to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a &_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n good_a reason_n then_o my_o son_n timothy_n that_o be_v the_o time_n what_o they_o will_v be_v error_n never_o so_o plausible_o entertain_v and_o truth_n never_o so_o violent_o oppose_v that_o thou_o notwithstanding_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learn_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o this_o be_v the_o drift_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o well_o understand_v of_o which_o together_o with_o the_o word_n read_v unto_o you_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o open_n of_o this_o my_o present_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v therefore_o expound_v the_o word_n themselves_o more_o distinct_o and_o in_o the_o open_n of_o they_o brief_o touch_v upon_o some_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v handle_v at_o large_a and_o then_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o what_o i_o main_o intend_v well_o then_o here_o be_v the_o subject_n speak_v of_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o by_o its_o author_n god_n by_o its_o use_n it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n by_o its_o end_n which_o be_v that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n all_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o writing_n for_o so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v scripture_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n it_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o other_o writing_n which_o be_v so_o far_o account_v good_a or_o bad_a as_o they_o come_v near_o to_o or_o decline_v from_o this_o but_o here_o say_v beza_n when_o the_o apostle_n say_v all_o scripture_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n lest_o we_o understand_v any_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o call_v canonical_a that_o be_v such_o book_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o antiquity_n their_o argument_n and_o divine_a doctrine_n they_o treat_v of_o their_o efficacious_a and_o lively_a manner_n and_o method_n of_o their_o discourse_n be_v the_o canon_n yea_o rule_n and_o touchstone_n by_o which_o all_o doctrine_n and_o write_n whatever_n be_v to_o be_v try_v for_o there_o be_v other_o book_n which_o either_o because_o the_o name_n of_o their_o author_n be_v unknown_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v call_v apocryphal_a or_o hide_a which_o though_o otherwise_o contain_v many_o useful_a &_o profitable_a instruction_n be_v yet_o notwithstanding_o to_o be_v hide_v and_o lay_v aside_o when_o any_o truth_n come_v to_o be_v try_v and_o therefore_o when_o our_o apostle_n say_v that_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n we_o must_v exclude_v those_o apocryphal_a book_n for_o since_o they_o be_v neither_o write_v in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n nor_o by_o any_o prophet_n of_o which_o malachy_n be_v the_o last_o nor_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n since_o also_o they_o contain_v many_o thing_n absurd_a and_o contrary_a one_o to_o another_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v never_o give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o scripture_n be_v inspire_v of_o god_n or_o as_o the_o word_n imply_v breathe_v from_o god_n those_o notion_n word_n and_o phrase_n which_o may_v every_o where_o occur_v in_o holy_a writ_n be_v dictate_v unto_o the_o penman_n thereof_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o so_o that_o prophecy_n come_v not_o of_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o wherefore_o we_o read_v not_o thus_o say_v jeremiah_n or_o thus_o say_v isaiah_n but_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o but_o what_o may_v some_o say_v be_v all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n why_o then_o those_o imposture_n and_o calumny_n of_o satan_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 3._o of_o gen._n and_o 4._o of_o matthew_n those_o erroneous_a say_n of_o job_n wife_n unto_o he_o to_o curse_v god_n and_o die_v with_o the_o like_a be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o these_o and_o the_o like_a say_n only_o historical_o set_v down_o be_v abstract_o in_o themselves_o consider_v be_v not_o from_o god_n but_o then_o consider_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v set_v down_o so_o they_o be_v as_o we_o may_v say_v that_o tacitus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o whole_a book_n though_o many_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v speak_v from_o other_o man_n and_o as_o the_o same_o wax_n though_o of_o little_a worth_n in_o itself_o yet_o seal_v and_o put_v in_o a_o bond_n may_v be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o value_n in_o like_a manner_n those_o speech_n of_o heathen_a author_n cite_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o that_o of_o aratus_n act._n 17._o 28._o and_o that_o of_o epimenides_n titus_n 1._o 12._o though_o of_o little_a worth_n as_o they_o come_v from_o such_o man_n yet_o be_v insert_v into_o holy_a writ_n receive_v divine_a authority_n and_o may_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n unto_o our_o salvation_n many_o thing_n there_o be_v also_o in_o scripture_n which_o quoad_fw-la praeceptum_fw-la may_v have_v great_a authority_n than_o other_o but_o ratione_fw-la authoris_fw-la be_v equal_a as_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o first_o table_n be_v more_o severe_o enjoin_v then_o those_o of_o the_o second_o yet_o the_o same_o god_n write_v they_o both_o thus_o gold_n may_v be_v more_o precious_a than_o gold_n in_o weight_n and_o shape_n though_o not_o in_o purity_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o all_o scripture_n some_o way_n or_o other_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n say_v and_o god_n say_v as_o may_v far_o appear_v from_o the_o 9_o of_o the_o roman_n 25._o verse_n and_o gal._n 4_o 30._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a many_o be_v the_o commodity_n of_o the_o write_a word_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v try_v all_o other_o doctrine_n as_o the_o barean_o try_v paul_n doctrine_n by_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o act._n 17._o 11._o and_o therefore_o as_o those_o that_o carry_v false_a and_o adulterate_a coin_n about_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v of_o a_o touchstone_n so_o likewise_o those_o cheat_n in_o religion_n the_o papist_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v read_v lest_o thereby_o their_o imposture_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a and_o their_o folly_n appear_v unto_o all_o man_n beside_o this_o commodity_n i_o say_v the_o apostle_n say_v that_o it_o be_v profitable_a 1._o for_o instruction_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o discover_v that_o be_v of_o such_o thing_n unto_o we_o which_o without_o it_o we_o can_v never_o have_v know_v there_o be_v mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o abscondite_fw-la hide_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o humane_a reason_n can_v never_o unveil_v or_o fathom_n that_o a_o infinite_a god_n shall_v be_v cloister_v up_o in_o a_o virgin_n womb_n that_o he_o shall_v leave_v heaven_n and_o lie_n in_o a_o manger_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o like_a be_v above_o the_o reach_n and_o disquisition_n of_o a_o natural_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v far_o enlighten_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n before_o we_o attain_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v profitable_a also_o for_o instruction_n of_o we_o in_o the_o fall_n &_o restauration_n of_o man_n in_o the_o sacrament_n yea_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n it_o instruct_v and_o teach_v we_o how_o wretched_a we_o be_v by_o nature_n how_o happy_a by_o grace_n how_o to_o beat_v down_o principality_n and_o power_n how_o to_o want_v and_o how_o to_o abound_v how_o final_o to_o be_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2._o it_o be_v profitable_a say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o reproof_n there_o be_v no_o error_n so_o plausible_o broach_v so_o strong_o fortify_v and_o maintain_v by_o humane_a reason_n but_o may_v be_v beat_v down_o and_o vanquish_v by_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a judge_v all_o thing_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2_o 18._o he_o that_o be_v right_o inform_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o to_o who_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o who_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o foreign_a tradition_n testimony_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o like_a not_o
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 gentile_n trust_v and_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n and_o behold_v the_o prophecy_n accomplish_v in_o ourselves_o we_o who_o heretofore_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n do_v now_o lie_v under_o glorious_a light_n who_o before_o be_v not_o a_o people_n but_o be_v now_o a_o people_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o relate_v unto_o you_o all_o the_o prophecy_n which_o be_v exact_o accomplish_v according_a to_o the_o time_n place_n and_o circumstance_n foretell_v 2._o but_o second_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o and_o do_v accompany_v the_o teacher_n and_o writer_n of_o the_o word_n may_v sufficient_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o unless_o we_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o magician_n who_o upon_o the_o miracle_n of_o lice_n can_v cry_v out_o this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n 8._o 19_o but_o how_o may_v we_o know_v that_o the_o miracle_n we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a since_o by_o some_o the_o gospel_n itself_o be_v doubt_v of_o answer_v that_o be_v they_o not_o true_a they_o will_v have_v either_o be_v refute_v or_o reject_v by_o the_o man_n of_o those_o day_n but_o so_o far_o be_v they_o then_o from_o that_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n note_n that_o josephus_n a_o jew_n a_o enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a truth_n do_v acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o worker_n of_o many_o miracle_n a_o 3_o main_a argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v that_o admirable_a force_n and_o power_n which_o they_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o believe_v in_o they_o sometime_o to_o humble_a and_o cast_v down_o sometime_o to_o comfort_n and_o raise_v up_o the_o spirit_n what_o vigour_n do_v it_o
together_o their_o letter_n read_v god_n in_o a_o monstrous_a prodigious_a manner_n and_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v rom._n 1._o as_o man_n that_o read_v in_o a_o old_a moth-eaten_a break_a manuscript_n may_v easy_o mistake_v the_o original_a meaning_n so_o methinks_v the_o gentile_n have_v nothing_o to_o study_n god_n in_o but_o the_o dull_a and_o dark_a print_n of_o the_o creature_n present_o fall_v into_o gross_a mistake_n and_o multitude_n of_o error_n concern_v he_o for_o they_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a unto_o coruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n and_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n rom._n 1._o v._n 23._o but_o now_o christ_n be_v so_o clear_a a_o representation_n of_o his_o father_n that_o if_o we_o know_v he_o aright_o we_o can_v mistake_v god_n at_o all_o he_o and_o his_o father_n be_v one_o so_o that_o you_o may_v comprehend_v and_o know_v he_o as_o it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o see_v he_o seethe_v the_o father_n and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o he_o come_v to_o the_o father_n as_o in_o st_n john_n it_o be_v every_o where_o express_v 2._o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n discover_v ourselves_o also_o unto_o ourselves_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o divine_a knowledge_n that_o be_v ecaelo_fw-la descendit_fw-la the_o heathen_a can_v say_v now_o we_o can_v know_v christ_n aright_o but_o we_o must_v know_v ourselves_o also_o know_v in_o what_o a_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a estate_n we_o be_v without_o he_o how_o vile_a and_o loathsome_a we_o be_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n how_o base_a and_o worthless_a our_o best_a performance_n how_o ugly_a and_o deform_a our_o person_n and_o our_o service_n be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n as_o when_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n come_v into_o a_o room_n they_o discover_v all_o the_o dust_n and_o filthiness_n in_o the_o room_n so_o when_o christ_n beam_n in_o upon_o the_o soul_n the_o filthiness_n and_o corruption_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n do_v straight_o way_n appear_v we_o then_o see_v what_o a_o horrid_a thing_n sin_n be_v that_o put_v so_o bless_v a_o saviour_n to_o so_o cruel_a a_o death_n we_o see_v what_o a_o curse_a slavery_n we_o be_v all_o in_o by_o nature_n to_o the_o law_n to_o sin_n to_o satan_n till_o the_o son_n do_v make_v we_o free_a before_o we_o know_v christ_n the_o devil_n do_v cast_v a_o mist_n before_o our_o eye_n &_o so_o hoodwinks_a our_o soul_n that_o we_o can_v see_v where_o we_o be_v what_o we_o be_v or_o whither_o we_o be_v go_v till_o he_o take_v the_o veil_n from_o off_o our_o eye_n and_o then_o by_o our_o present_a light_n we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o darkness_n through_o grace_n we_o know_v what_o sin_n be_v how_o to_o debase_v ourselves_o and_o advance_v christ_n first_o be_v it_o so_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o use_n christ_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a knowledge_n more_o to_o be_v desire_v then_o gold_n yea_o then_o most_o fine_a gold_n more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n be_v it_o the_o glory_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v more_o perfect_a in_o this_o to_o teach_v this_o to_o learn_v this_o then_o it_o shall_v reprove_v all_o those_o who_o make_v not_o this_o the_o main_a end_n &_o scope_n of_o their_o study_n and_o endeavour_n as_o 1._o such_o carnal_a dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n that_o use_v rather_o to_o speak_v in_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n then_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n and_o that_o dress_v their_o discourse_n in_o the_o apish_a &_o foolish_a conception_n of_o man_n wit_n neglect_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o sacred_a word_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o make_v both_o themselves_o and_o their_o auditor_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n such_o in_o the_o language_n of_o s._n paul_n do_v make_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n of_o none_o effect_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 17._o whilst_o they_o labour_v to_o possess_v man_n with_o the_o love_n of_o their_o affect_a strain_n more_o than_o with_o the_o naked_a and_o simple_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o the_o good_a apostle_n profess_v that_o he_o do_v determine_v to_o know_v nothing_o among_o the_o corinthian_n save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a he_o can_v have_v flaunt_v as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a of_o those_o seducer_n and_o have_v trim_v his_o speech_n with_o as_o much_o elegancy_n as_o any_o but_o say_v he_o away_o with_o such_o trash_n to_o the_o herd_n of_o mankind_n that_o have_v rather_o feed_v upon_o such_o husk_n than_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n let_v other_o vaunt_v as_o they_o please_v and_o you_o expect_v what_o you_o will_v from_o i_o yet_o this_o be_v my_o resolution_n not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o exceed_o to_o be_v blame_v be_v all_o they_o that_o contrary_a to_o his_o word_n preach_v to_o the_o ear_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o heart_n &_o seek_v rather_o to_o gratify_v the_o sensual_a corrupt_a affection_n of_o man_n then_o to_o implant_v in_o they_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n o_o belove_a we_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o rescue_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o the_o paw_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o who_o they_o be_v lead_v captive_a we_o meet_v again_o too_o too_o often_o with_o poor_a ignorant_a wretch_n to_o instruct_v who_o scarce_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o christ_n any_o holy_a ghost_n moreov_a we_o be_v not_o to_o deal_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o with_o principalitye_n and_o power_n the_o lust_n of_o man_n they_o be_v to_o be_v blast_v and_o beat_v down_o by_o we_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o satisfy_v sin_n to_o be_v convict_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v press_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v foolishness_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v preach_v this_o be_v our_o labour_n this_o our_o work_n &_o what_o need_n we_o then_o to_o daub_v with_o untempered_a mortar_n and_o to_o mix_v humane_a invention_n with_o sacred_a truth_n why_o be_v that_o zealous_a thirst_n after_o applause_n and_o to_o set_v up_o ourselves_o more_o than_o our_o saviour_n why_o be_v it_o then_o man_n desire_v oftentimes_o more_o to_o display_v their_o own_o read_n then_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v not_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o humane_a learning_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o word_n paul_n himself_o make_v use_v of_o a_o poet_n to_o convince_v the_o athenian_n act._n 17._o nor_o do_v we_o speak_v this_o to_o countenance_v those_o that_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n negligent_o and_o bring_v the_o lame_a sapless_a undigested_a notion_n to_o this_o sacrifice_n doubtless_o god_n that_o require_v the_o whole_a man_n require_v the_o brain_n as_o well_o as_o the_o heart_n in_o this_o service_n and_o he_o give_v we_o talent_n not_o to_o lay_v up_o in_o a_o napkin_n but_o to_o bring_v themforth_o as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o church_n good_a we_o all_o know_v by_o sad_a experience_n into_o what_o disorder_n and_o inconvenience_n the_o contempt_n of_o secular_a learning_n have_v bring_v many_o giddy_a soul_n of_o this_o nation_n and_o how_o prostitute_v and_o disregard_v the_o careless_a management_n and_o wanton_a itch_n of_o preach_v have_v make_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n o_o that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o convince_v all_o of_o we_o especial_o the_o forward_a youth_n of_o this_o university_n of_o the_o tremendous_a burden_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o a_o minister_n opus_n angelis_n formidandum_fw-la but_o to_o return_v i_o say_v we_o do_v not_o hereby_o discountenance_v learning_n or_o learned_a and_o painful_a preach_n especial_o in_o due_a place_n and_o time_n but_o only_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o hagar_n do_v not_o justle_v out_o sarah_n that_o the_o handmaid_n secular_a learning_n do_v not_o take_v place_n in_o our_o affection_n above_o the_o free_a woman_n the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n that_o our_o sermon_n savour_v not_o more_o of_o learning_n then_o of_o grace_n and_o that_o our_o design_n be_v not_o to_o get_v more_o admirer_n of_o our_o part_n than_o disciple_n of_o christ_n 2._o this_o will_v reprove_v all_o those_o in_o general_a that_o be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o humane_a knowledge_n then_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v more_o take_v with_o a_o aristotle_n a_o plato_n perhaps_o a_o romance_n or_o playbook_n than_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o apostle_n suffer_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n poor_a illiterate_a man_n to_o rise_v up_o and_o carry_v away_o heaven_n from_o they_o whilst_o they_o