compendious_a way_n for_o the_o understanding_n the_o drift_n and_o scope_n of_o holy_a writ_n now_o all_o these_o shall_v be_v as_o so_o many_o several_a tie_n and_o engagement_n upon_o we_o continual_o to_o strike_v upon_o this_o anvil_n night_n and_o day_n to_o study_v read_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o for_o we_o who_o either_o actual_o be_v in_o or_o else_o intend_v the_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o what_o may_v some_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n here_o say_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o hard_a as_o you_o make_v they_o your_o exhortation_n will_v little_o prevail_v with_o we_o you_o will_v rather_o deter_v we_o from_o read_v they_o to_o such_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v hard_a yet_o the_o main_a doctrine_n thereof_o which_o concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o and_o as_o easy_o to_o be_v understand_v beside_o as_o the_o orator_n note_v of_o the_o element_n of_o science_n and_o 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another_o and_o by_o examine_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o apply_v that_o which_o thou_o read_v unto_o thy_o own_o particular_a use_n and_o estate_n read_v it_o last_o with_o method_n and_o order_n distinct_o go_v over_o that_o book_n which_o thou_o undertake_v lest_o thou_o be_v always_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n oh_o but_o read_v it_o i_o do_v perhaps_o two_o chapter_n a_o day_n beside_o i_o hear_v it_o read_v twice_o a_o day_n in_o this_o very_a place_n but_o yet_o i_o can_v find_v no_o spiritual_a comfort_n from_o it_o it_o do_v not_o move_v i_o for_o all_o that_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v then_o to_o have_v comfort_n from_o it_o the_o answer_v of_o this_o case_n will_v be_v very_o proper_a for_o we_o for_o many_o of_o we_o i_o doubt_v not_o do_v hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n but_o then_o i_o fear_v we_o be_v as_o little_o move_v with_o it_o as_o the_o bench_n we_o sit_v upon_o or_o the_o ground_n we_o tread_v on_o but_o let_v such_o a_o man_n consider_v his_o fearful_a estate_n who_o can_v thus_o hear_v judgement_n denounce_v and_o yet_o not_o be_v shake_v mercy_n promise_v and_o yet_o not_o be_v melt_v let_v he_o consider_v what_o a_o fearful_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o hear_v or_o read_v god_n speak_v and_o he_o to_o have_v his_o mind_n another_o way_n for_o god_n to_o thunder_v out_o in_o his_o word_n and_o yet_o he_o to_o sleep_v all_o the_o while_n secure_o in_o his_o sin_n how_o can_v he_o expect_v heaven_n who_o be_v thus_o careless_a of_o the_o instrument_n of_o his_o salvation_n doubtless_o that_o god_n who_o command_v the_o jew_n in_o the_o 6._o deut._n 8._o to_o bind_v his_o law_n for_o a_o sign_n upon_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o frontlet_n between_o their_o eye_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v write_v they_o upon_o the_o post_n and_o gate_n of_o their_o house_n must_v needs_o be_v mighty_o provoke_v at_o their_o contempt_n who_o will_v not_o give_v his_o word_n any_o admission_n into_o their_o heart_n or_o ear_n wherefore_o if_o such_o man_n do_v desire_v to_o be_v move_v or_o to_o receive_v any_o comfort_n from_o their_o read_n or_o hear_v the_o word_n 1._o they_o must_v continual_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o take_v from_o they_o their_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n bestow_v upon_o they_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n ephes_n 1._o 16_o 17._o 2._o they_o must_v examine_v themselves_o what_o worldly_a care_n do_v distract_v their_o mind_n what_o prejudices_fw-la and_o temptation_n do_v enter_v into_o their_o heart_n at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v like_o the_o thorn_n in_o the_o parable_n choke_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n 3._o they_o must_v serious_o meditate_v upon_o the_o word_n read_v and_o endeavour_v to_o remember_v it_o for_o as_o meat_n do_v that_o man_n little_a good_a who_o stomach_n have_v not_o a_o retentive_a faculty_n in_o it_o to_o retain_v and_o digest_v it_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o chew_v upon_o as_o it_o be_v by_o meditation_n and_o well_o remember_v do_v become_v useless_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o we_o so_o than_o we_o must_v not_o only_o read_v the_o word_n but_o we_o must_v practise_v it_o also_o we_o must_v lay_v it_o up_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o godly_a conversation_n i_o may_v here_o far_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o point_n and_o confirm_v my_o exhortation_n of_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o their_o plainness_n and_o perfection_n their_o subject_n and_o matter_n of_o they_o altogether_o divine_a from_o their_o end_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o man_n salvation_n from_o their_o principal_a author_n god_n and_o from_o many_o other_o argument_n but_o i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n here_o abrupt_o to_o break_v off_o and_o conclude_v 2_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n concern_v the_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o creature_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v we_o be_v to_o speak_v concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o two_o former_a i_o tell_v you_o we_o have_v only_o a_o confuse_a ineffectual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o this_o latter_a we_o have_v a_o more_o clear_a distinct_a and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o he_o shall_v we_o have_v
from_o nature_n to_o set_v he_o a_o work_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v three_o person_n in_o the_o essence_n that_o the_o second_o of_o these_o person_n god_n the_o son_n shall_v be_v make_v man_n and_o be_v degrade_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n die_v and_o in_o death_n get_v a_o victory_n over_o death_n and_o the_o like_a be_v such_o riddle_n to_o a_o natural_a man_n that_o he_o can_v possible_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 15._o neither_o can_v he_o in_o his_o most_o extravagant_a and_o rove_a apprehension_n fasten_v or_o light_v upon_o they_o which_o make_v i_o think_v that_o trismegistus_n and_o plato_n have_v be_v peep_v into_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n when_o they_o speak_v so_o emphatical_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yea_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v quote_v by_o lud._n vives_z &_o morney_n in_o their_o book_n de_fw-fr veritate_fw-la religionis_fw-la so_o that_o the_o mere_a historiall_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n do_v original_o arise_v from_o revelation_n how_o much_o more_o than_o do_v the_o true_a save_a knowledge_n of_o he_o descend_v immediate_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enlighten_v our_o understanding_n to_o see_v he_o open_v our_o heart_n to_o embrace_v he_o and_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o our_o pore_v upon_o a_o body_n of_o divinity_n our_o run_v over_o the_o schoolman_n and_o spend_v our_o oil_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o bare_a speculation_n of_o these_o truth_n that_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n but_o we_o must_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o wait_v upon_o the_o bless_a influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o a_o humble_a soul_n with_o prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o fast_v and_o weep_v and_o mourn_v for_o our_o ignorance_n that_o god_n will_v come_v from_o above_o into_o we_o and_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o indeed_o to_o they_o that_o perish_v be_v foolishness_n but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 2_o this_o be_v the_o alone_a save_a knowledge_n that_o be_v this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v joh._n 17._o 3._o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n by_o who_o we_o can_v be_v save_v and_o he_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o the_o door_n by_o who_o alone_o we_o have_v entrance_n into_o heaven_n how_o can_v we_o enter_v into_o life_n but_o by_o the_o way_n by_o the_o door_n how_o can_v we_o see_v the_o father_n but_o by_o the_o son_n who_o reveal_v he_o so_o that_o to_o assign_v salvation_n to_o such_o as_o never_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o christ_n be_v a_o presumption_n not_o justifiable_a by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n i_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o dim_a snuff_n of_o natural_a light_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n it_o be_v only_o that_o light_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o evangelist_n say_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o sun_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o father_n style_v he_o that_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n since_o without_o faith_n in_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o all_o the_o best_a righteousness_n of_o natural_a man_n be_v but_o menstruous_a rag_n splendid_a abomination_n a_o corrupt_a tree_n can_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n neither_o do_v we_o gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n we_o may_v in_o charity_n hope_n we_o can_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n conclude_v that_o any_o be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n neither_o the_o jew_n simple_o by_o their_o law_n nor_o the_o gentile_n by_o their_o philosophy_n can_v ever_o reach_v heaven_n though_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o many_o of_o the_o schoolman_n &_o zuinglius_fw-la seem_v to_o teach_v the_o contrary_a perhaps_o more_o out_o of_o charity_n to_o so_o many_o poor_a soul_n that_o otherwise_o they_o think_v must_v inevitable_o perish_v than_o any_o solid_a ground_n they_o have_v from_o scripture_n for_o it_o and_o serious_o who_o can_v without_o tremble_a think_v of_o the_o sad_a condition_n of_o those_o poor_a wretch_n that_o the_o reveal_v word_n of_o god_n conclude_v they_o under_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o that_o god_n have_v unsearchable_a way_n to_o save_v those_o that_o we_o most_o despair_n of_o that_o the_o insinite_a merciful_a creator_n can_v by_o mean_n altogether_o unknown_a to_o we_o display_v his_o son_n even_o to_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o region_n of_o death_n but_o to_o hasten_v 3._o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o pleasant_a knowledge_n all_o knowledge_n as_o the_o philosopher_n note_n carry_v a_o secret_a content_n and_o pleasure_n along_o with_o it_o and_o therefore_o videre_fw-la &_o speculari_fw-la quaerimus_fw-la ut_fw-la gaudeamus_fw-la as_o delightful_a colour_n be_v unto_o the_o eye_n so_o be_v truth_n unto_o the_o understanding_n a_o comfortable_a refresh_a thing_n now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v pleasant_a in_o its_o very_a first_o dawn_n to_o a_o benight_a soul_n for_o the_o entrance_n of_o it_o give_v light_a and_o understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a ps_n 119._o v._o 130._o must_v not_o the_o approach_n of_o light_n be_v needs_o be_v pleasant_a to_o those_o under_o the_o pole_n after_o half_a a_o year_n darkness_n or_o unto_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v blind_a or_o have_v be_v keep_v in_o a_o dungeon_n all_o their_o day_n before_o and_o can_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n think_v you_o be_v otherwise_o when_o he_o rise_v in_o a_o poor_a soul_n that_o have_v lay_v thirty_o forty_o perhaps_o fifty_o year_n together_o in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n o_o how_o comfortable_a a_o thing_n will_v it_o then_o be_v unto_o he_o to_o see_v himself_o translate_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o marvellous_a light_n to_o find_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o understanding_n open_v the_o veil_n take_v off_o and_o his_o sin_n pardon_v which_o be_v as_o a_o thick_a cloud_n to_o hinder_v he_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o saviour_n all_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o her_o path_n peace_n prov._n 3._o 17._o what_o more_o pleasant_a than_o light_n why_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a light_n joh._n 1._o what_o more_o delightsome_a to_o the_o taste_n then_o honey_n his_o statute_n be_v sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n or_o honeycomb_n psal_n 19_o what_o more_o take_v we_o then_o ease_n and_o rest_v his_o very_a yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n mat._n 11._o it_o be_v ignorance_n of_o christ_n that_o make_v his_o way_n seem_v unpleasant_a to_o we_o for_o no_o man_n ever_o take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o that_o which_o he_o understand_v not_o hence_o those_o inward_a loathe_n of_o his_o word_n those_o rise_n and_o heartburning_n against_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o profane_a person_n these_o be_v people_n of_o no_o understanding_n they_o never_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o inward_a comfort_n and_o refreshment_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o delight_n there_o be_v in_o keep_v god_n law_n what_o pleasure_n it_o be_v for_o a_o thirsty_a soul_n to_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n for_o a_o hungry_a soul_n to_o feed_v upon_o manna_n and_o the_o bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n they_o know_v what_o comfort_n there_o be_v in_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n in_o his_o love_n that_o be_v better_a than_o wine_n in_o his_o abode_n and_o sup_v with_o you_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n that_o all_o their_o delight_n be_v to_o dowze_v themselves_o in_o carnal_a pleasure_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v that_o they_o be_v so_o averse_a from_o duty_n so_o sad_a and_o heavy_a in_o spiritual_a performance_n that_o they_o so_o much_o loath_a his_o word_n his_o people_n his_o ambassador_n his_o gracious_a motion_n and_o invitation_n the_o truth_n of_o all_o be_v this_o they_o know_v not_o christ_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o 4._o this_o knowledge_n be_v a_o satisfy_a knowledge_n other_o knowledge_n be_v like_o some_o sance_fw-fr which_o when_o you_o receive_v into_o you_o beget_v a_o fresh_a and_o new_a appetite_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o thing_n do_v set_v the_o tooth_n on_o edge_n as_o here_o and_o make_v we_o thirst_v after_o more_o whereas_o christ_n be_v a_o object_n fit_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o most_o vast_a and_o boundless_a desire_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o what_o the_o phylospher_n say_v of_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o may_v more_o proper_o say_v of_o divine_a that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
with_o all_o their_o learning_n sink_v down_o into_o hell_n i_o wish_v there_o be_v not_o too_o many_o in_o the_o world_n more_o intimate_a with_o nature_n then_o with_o grace_n and_o less_o christian_n than_o scholar_n but_o let_v i_o ask_v these_o great_a master_n of_o israel_n why_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o slight_v by_o they_o be_v it_o because_o it_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o they_o why_o let_v they_o know_v that_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o all_o the_o empty_a cistern_n of_o worldly_a wisdom_n be_v nothing_o comparable_a to_o those_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o christ_n or_o be_v it_o because_o there_o be_v more_o reputation_n that_o attend_v worldly_a knowledge_n why_o alas_o what_o credit_n be_v it_o to_o be_v account_v wise_a among_o a_o company_n of_o fool_n and_o such_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o term_v the_o world_n and_o carnal_a man_n the_o world_n indeed_o vilisy_n and_o hate_v christ_n because_o it_o know_v he_o not_o but_o then_o christ_n profess_v he_o will_v not_o know_v they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o o_o then_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o wise_a the_o scribe_n the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n will_v it_o not_o then_o appear_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n and_o that_o they_o buy_v the_o esteem_n of_o learning_n at_o a_o dear_a rate_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v indeed_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v save_v or_o last_o be_v it_o because_o they_o find_v more_o content_a in_o worldly_a wisdom_n why_o let_v the_o wise_a man_n speak_v what_o content_n there_o can_v be_v therein_o eccles_n 1._o 18._o in_o much_o wisdom_n there_o be_v much_o grief_n and_o he_o that_o increase_v knowledge_n increase_v sorrow_n how_o much_o toil_n and_o vexation_n in_o get_v it_o how_o much_o care_n for_o fear_n of_o lose_v it_o yea_o how_o little_a comfort_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o so_o many_o lust_n still_o interpose_v and_o cloud_v their_o severe_a meditation_n so_o much_o thoughtfullnesse_n to_o uphold_v their_o esteem_n in_o the_o world_n so_o much_o envy_n at_o other_o eminency_n so_o much_o distraction_n by_o occasion_n of_o new_a doubt_n and_o difficulty_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o now_o the_o true_a save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n bring_v a_o serenity_n and_o composedness_n of_o mind_n with_o it_o purge_v and_o resine_v the_o soul_n from_o those_o dark_a mist_n of_o corruption_n sanctifyes_n and_o sweeten_v all_o other_o learning_n and_o exercise_v all_o other_o part_n which_o be_v but_o loss_n and_o dung_n without_o it_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v this_o so_o excellent_a knowledge_n be_v think_v so_o contemptible_a among_o many_o why_o shall_v they_o as_o so_o many_o wild_a indian_n prefer_v glass_n bead_n and_o toy_n before_o precious_a stone_n or_o like_o that_o schoolmaster_n fancy_v by_o rob._n gallus_n gnaw_v upon_o flinte_n and_o pebble_n amid_o sweetmeat_n and_o most_o delicate_a fare_n why_o shall_v man_n be_v so_o greedy_a after_o the_o jejune_n and_o empty_a knowledge_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o yet_o so_o remiss_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o heavenly_a wisdom_n o_o that_o we_o can_v all_o understand_v that_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o great_a glory_n of_o our_o wisdom_n to_o be_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n 3._o therefore_o this_o shall_v exhort_v we_o all_o to_o study_v jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o labour_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o only_o to_o know_v be_v eternal_a life_n all_o knowledge_n be_v in_o itself_o desirable_a it_o be_v the_o best_a gloss_n and_o varnish_n that_o set_v forth_o a_o intellectual_a be_v and_o hence_o say_v lactantius_n god_n have_v lime_v and_o arm_v man_n inside_n with_o reason_n that_o he_o may_v distinguish_v he_o from_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o low_a form_n so_o that_o he_o seem_v lesser_a than_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o take_v even_o with_o natural_a truth_n &_o wisdom_n and_o certain_o he_o be_v less_o than_o a_o christian_a that_o desire_v not_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n it_o be_v natural_a for_o all_o thing_n to_o desire_v their_o perfection_n now_o then_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a thing_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o man_n so_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o therefore_o solomon_n bid_v we_o seek_v after_o it_o more_o than_o choice_n gold_n prov._n 8_o v._o 10._o we_o all_o desire_n wisdom_n why_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o enough_o to_o fill_v up_o all_o the_o vast_a and_o boundless_a desire_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n it_o be_v only_o fool_n that_o despise_v wisdom_n prov._n 1._o as_o therefore_o you_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v brand_v with_o the_o name_n of_o fool_n go_v unto_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v this_o wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v unto_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o jam._n 1._o v._n 5._o so_o that_o the_o 1._o direction_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v show_v thou_o thy_o natural_a blindness_n ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n what_o a_o fool_n thou_o be_v by_o nature_n how_o destitute_a of_o any_o save_a knowledge_n and_o that_o then_o he_o will_v send_v his_o spirit_n into_o thy_o inward_a part_n to_o enlighten_v thy_o mind_n and_o to_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o marvellous_a light_n pray_v unto_o he_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v make_v unto_o thou_o wisdom_n that_o thou_o may_v know_v he_o here_o in_o his_o person_n in_o his_o office_n in_o his_o benefit_n know_v he_o in_o the_o pardon_n of_o thy_o sin_n in_o the_o subdue_a of_o thy_o corruption_n as_o thy_o king_n that_o will_v save_v thou_o thy_o priest_n that_o have_v redeem_v thou_o thy_o prophet_n that_o do_v instruct_v thou_o 2._o labour_v to_o see_v the_o inconvenience_n and_o misery_n that_o will_v follow_v upon_o thy_o not_o know_v of_o christ_n indeed_o we_o can_v know_v nothing_o beside_o he_o that_o can_v minister_v any_o comfort_n unto_o we_o in_o heaven_n above_o what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v there_o but_o a_o angry_a sin_n revenge_v god_n a_o implacable_a judge_n who_o no_o man_n have_v see_v nor_o ever_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o way_n of_o mercy_n unless_o the_o son_n reveal_v he_o unto_o he_o in_o the_o earth_n what_o object_n can_v we_o fix_v upon_o that_o be_v not_o our_o mortal_a enemy_n without_o christ_n all_o the_o creature_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o snap_v at_o we_o and_o revenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n upon_o we_o in_o hell_n what_o can_v we_o know_v but_o that_o it_o be_v our_o place_n that_o it_o be_v prepare_v alone_o for_o those_o that_o know_v not_o god_n for_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n that_o christ_n at_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flame_a fire_n to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o those_o that_o know_v not_o god_n 2_o thess_n 1._o 8._o again_o labour_v to_o see_v what_o inconvenience_n the_o want_n of_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n will_v bring_v we_o unto_o a_o man_n that_o walk_v in_o the_o dark_a will_v be_v ever_o apt_a to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o he_o that_o be_v without_o any_o spiritual_a light_n within_o must_v needs_o walk_v in_o much_o danger_n thus_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o its_o excellency_n and_o thus_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v stumble_a block_n to_o they_o that_o know_v he_o not_o they_o hate_v they_o the_o people_n of_o christ_n be_v despise_v they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n eat_v they_o up_o as_o they_o will_v eat_v bread_n psal_n 14._o 4._o do_v man_n but_o thorough_o know_v christ_n they_o will_v be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o his_o ordinance_n with_o his_o people_n with_o his_o minister_n with_o salvation_n with_o their_o own_o soul_n labour_v then_o to_o see_v these_o inconvenience_n of_o spiritual_a ignorance_n be_v ashamed_a of_o thyself_o and_o lay_v about_o thou_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n for_o to_o gain_v more_o knowledge_n to_o this_o end_n 3._o study_v christ_n book_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o thou_o shall_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n come_v to_o a_o knowledge_n of_o he_o these_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o perfect_a and_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n they_o be_v those_o well_n out_o of_o which_o we_o may_v draw_v plenty_n of_o the_o water_n of_o salvation_n those_o precious_a mine_n out_o of_o which_o we_o may_v dig_v treasure_n of_o wisdom_n let_v we_o search_v they_o therefore_o not_o with_o a_o search_n of_o curiosity_n to_o discourse_v and_o talk_v of_o they_o but_o with_o a_o search_n of_o humility_n to_o amend_v our_o life_n by_o they_o and_o to_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n other_o book_n can_v only_o unfold_v nature_n unto_o thou_o and_o that_o but_o imperfect_o too_o this_o reveal_v mystery_n that_o angel_n themselves_o do_v desire_v to_o peep_v into_o so_o that_o there_o be_v more_o real_a worth_n comprise_v in_o one_o versicle_n of_o they_o than_o there_o be_v in_o all_o the_o voluminous_a offspring_n and_o work_n of_o man_n brain_n as_o the_o very_a shave_n and_o file_n of_o gold_n and_o precious_a stone_n be_v of_o more_o value_n then_o whole_a heap_n of_o dirt_n and_o pebble_n to_o conclude_v therefore_o since_o we_o have_v so_o excellent_a a_o knowledge_n before_o we_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v then_o gold_n yea_o then_o much_o fine_a gold_n more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n since_o we_o have_v such_o plentiful_a mine_n before_o we_o as_o the_o scripture_n out_o of_o which_o we_o may_v dig_v these_o treasure_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o still_o labour_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o continual_o to_o study_v he_o on_o earth_n who_o we_o all_o hope_n to_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n as_o traveller_n will_v learn_v the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o people_n and_o country_n they_o be_v to_o go_v unto_o so_o let_v we_o study_v heaven_n and_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n that_o so_o we_o may_v comfortable_o possess_v he_o at_o the_o end_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n in_o heaven_n hereafter_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o christ_n may_v summon_v we_o before_o he_o and_o that_o day_n come_v when_o ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o natural_a knowledge_n must_v be_v wrap_v up_o in_o the_o same_o sheet_n together_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o day_n bespeak_v our_o double_a diligence_n and_o no_o long_o to_o play_v the_o truant_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o redeem_v the_o time_n we_o have_v lose_v and_o to_o improve_v the_o few_o day_n we_o have_v before_o we_o towards_o the_o advancement_n of_o this_o knowledge_n let_v we_o study_v christ_n let_v we_o preach_v christ_n let_v we_o live_v to_o christ_n that_o so_o these_o seed_n plot_n of_o learning_n may_v not_o be_v account_v the_o seminary_n of_o atheism_n and_o heresy_n as_o the_o school_n of_o the_o philosopher_n be_v in_o primitive_a time_n but_o the_o seminary_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n far_o be_v it_o that_o in_o these_o our_o christian_a athens_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o unknown_a god_n a_o unknown_a christ_n great_a be_v our_o mean_n our_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n in_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o knowledge_n and_o great_a therefore_o and_o sad_a will_v be_v our_o account_n at_o the_o last_o day_n if_o we_o neglect_v it_o as_o therefore_o we_o tender_v the_o good_a of_o oursoule_n as_o ever_o we_o expect_v the_o fruition_n of_o christ_n in_o glory_n let_v it_o be_v our_o constant_a care_n to_o study_v he_o here_o &_o to_o contemplate_v he_o in_o the_o glass_n of_o his_o word_n and_o ordinance_n till_o at_o length_n this_o our_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o he_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o vision_n and_o a_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o with_o who_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n for_o evermore_o finis_fw-la
this_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o save_v the_o gentile_n shall_v teach_v we_o first_o everlasting_o to_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o unfathomable_a judgement_n of_o god_n unto_o these_o gentile_n of_o old_a who_o suffer_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n without_o any_o glimpse_n or_o knowledge_n of_o a_o saviour_n that_o we_o may_v tremble_v at_o his_o deep_a stupendous_a dispensation_n towards_o these_o poor_a sinner_n and_o for_o ever_o extol_v his_o mercy_n towards_o we_o in_o reserve_v we_o unto_o such_o glorious_a time_n as_o these_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v wherein_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mussle_v up_o in_o type_n and_o figure_n as_o among_o the_o jew_n much_o less_o whole_o wrap_v up_o in_o darkness_n and_o keep_v total_o undiscovered_a as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o gentile_n but_o every_o where_o glorious_o display_v and_o unfold_v before_o our_o eye_n and_o second_o it_o may_v teach_v we_o that_o neither_o learning_n nor_o moral_a honesty_n can_v simple_o in_o themselves_o conduce_v any_o thing_n unto_o salvation_n for_o both_o these_o the_o gentile_n have_v in_o a_o very_a eminent_a manner_n and_o yet_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v they_o may_v be_v now_o fry_a in_o the_o slame_n of_o hell_n first_o then_o not_o learning_n can_v a_o man_n with_o solomon_n dive_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n even_o from_o the_o tall_a cedar_n to_o the_o low_a shrub_n can_v he_o speak_v in_o as_o many_o language_n as_o ever_o the_o several_a bvilder_n of_o babel_n do_v or_o do_v all_o the_o natural_a wisdom_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n concentre_v and_o meet_v in_o he_o yet_o by_o all_o these_o he_o be_v no_o near_a salvation_n than_o a_o beggar_n or_o a_o actor_n dress_v in_o royal_a apparel_n be_v unto_o a_o throne_n surgunt_fw-la indocti_fw-la etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o common_a but_o true_a say_n illiterate_a ignorant_a man_n do_v oftentimes_o rise_v up_o and_o carry_v away_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n while_o we_o with_o all_o our_o learning_n sink_v deep_a into_o destruction_n doubtless_o if_o natural_a ability_n can_v avail_v any_o thing_n unto_o salvation_n those_o infernal_a damn_a spirit_n have_v long_o since_o reobtain_v their_o heavenly_a station_n who_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o primitive_a create_a wisdom_n or_o their_o now_o experimental_a acquire_v knowledge_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n bind_v in_o chain_n of_o eternal_a darkness_n and_o be_v there_o still_o reserve_v unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n i_o do_v not_o come_v here_o to_o declaim_v against_o humane_a learning_n friend_n i_o suppose_v it_o will_v find_v many_o even_o in_o this_o our_o age_n enemy_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o have_v none_o but_o the_o ignorant_a yet_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o without_o grace_n it_o be_v but_o enmity_n against_o god_n so_o far_o namely_o from_o attain_v heaven_n that_o it_o rather_o make_v a_o man_n a_o instrument_n and_o weapon_n of_o hell_n and_o marshal_n sin_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o battle_n array_n against_o god_n for_o unless_o it_o be_v due_o temper_v and_o correct_v with_o grace_n there_o be_v i_o know_v not_o what_o secret_a poison_n and_o malignity_n in_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o 1_o cor._n 8._o 1._o to_o inflate_v and_o puff_n man_n up_o to_o avocate_n and_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n from_o heavenly_a meditation_n to_o bewitch_v and_o ensnare_v the_o heart_n with_o the_o name_n of_o applause_n &_o credit_n of_o the_o world_n to_o throw_v the_o brain_n into_o strange_a contrivance_n and_o excessive_a care_n and_o turmoil_n how_o to_o preserve_v our_o reputation_n how_o to_o rise_v and_o grow_v great_a in_o the_o world_n how_o to_o promote_v faction_n and_o interest_n how_o final_o to_o please_v man_n rather_o then_o god_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o may_v be_v no_o great_a promoter_n of_o god_n glory_n then_o a_o sanctify_a scholar_n for_o as_o in_o a_o picture_n though_o the_o dark_a obscure_a colour_n do_v add_v no_o real_a worth_n unto_o the_o more_o oriental_a and_o bright_a one_o yet_o they_o serve_v to_o commend_v &_o set_v they_o forth_o in_o like_a manner_n though_o the_o supernatural_a gift_n &_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v perhaps_o be_v nothing_o better_v by_o humane_a learning_n yet_o concur_v in_o the_o same_o person_n they_o mutual_o add_v lustre_n &_o ornament_n to_o one_o another_o who_o a_o more_o meek_a and_o pious_a man_n than_o moses_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v learned_a in_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o egyptian_n who_o more_o zealous_a and_o fervent_a in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n than_o paul_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o natural_a ability_n sublimate_v and_o refine_v by_o grace_n may_v much_o advance_v god_n glory_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n but_o without_o faith_n and_o in_o themselves_o they_o can_v bring_v we_o 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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 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price_n or_o value_n then_o real_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o true_a power_n that_o the_o church_n can_v challenge_v in_o relation_n unto_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherefore_o the_o true_a church_n we_o honour_v in_o respect_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o do_v not_o adore_v it_o and_o make_v it_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o wherefore_o 3._o we_o say_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v on_o the_o church_n as_o on_o their_o own_o innate_a light_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o we_o their_o own_o innate_a light_n i_o say_v for_o say_v chamier_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n a_o peculiaris_fw-la genius_fw-la and_o strain_n whereby_o they_o may_v upon_o examination_n be_v easy_o discover_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o critic_n will_v know_v by_o the_o phrase_n and_o stile_n and_o the_o like_a that_o such_o a_o book_n be_v lyvies_n such_o a_o one_o 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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 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word_n john_n 4._o 24._o in_o like_a manner_n though_o we_o may_v historical_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o the_o church_n say_v so_o yet_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n do_v minister_v little_a assurance_n or_o satisfaction_n unto_o a_o child_n of_o god_n until_o it_o be_v far_o back_v on_o and_o establish_v by_o a_o far_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o undoubted_o must_v be_v the_o firm_a assurance_n a_o man_n can_v have_v because_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o do_v open_v the_o eye_n to_o behold_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n psal_n 119._o 18._o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n joh._n 16._o 13._o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o inseparable_o accompany_n the_o faithful_a in_o the_o scripture_n my_o spirit_n which_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n isa_n 59_o 21._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o give_v strong_a evidence_n unto_o its_o self_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n if_o you_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n the_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a say_v s._n paul_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n therefore_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v great_a but_o say_v they_o the_o spirit_n speak_v by_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v the_o church_n only_o when_o it_o testifyes_n of_o the_o scripture_n whitaker_n answer_v for_o i_o that_o if_o so_o be_v the_o spirit_n do_v thus_o speak_v by_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o then_o have_v the_o church_n this_o assurance_n but_o from_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v ultimate_o resolve_v of_o necessity_n into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n again_o they_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v before_o the_o scripture_n we_o answer_v no_o by_o no_o mean_n for_o then_o how_o can_v the_o word_n be_v call_v the_o everlasting_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v bear_v the_o church_n be_v before_o the_o write_a word_n but_o not_o before_o the_o unwritten_a ask_v a_o papist_n how_o they_o know_v that_o the_o church_n be_v of_o such_o authority_n and_o they_o will_v prove_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n prove_v must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a esteem_n and_o before_o the_o authority_n prove_v but_o be_v not_o the_o church_n call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n yes_o but_o what_o do_v a_o candle_n receive_v any_o light_n from_o the_o candlestick_n because_o it_o stick_v in_o it_o what_o though_o the_o church_n be_v the_o seat_n and_o mansion_n place_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n of_o less_o authority_n than_o now_o it_o be_v the_o church_n than_o be_v only_o a_o ministerial_a pillar_n to_o preserve_v keep_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o word_n not_o a_o fundamental_a one_o to_o uphold_v and_o give_v be_v unto_o it_o and_o here_o i_o may_v wade_v far_o into_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o have_v be_v so_o full_o handle_v already_o and_o answer_v by_o multitude_n of_o eminent_a man_n i_o shall_v go_v no_o far_o it_o remain_v that_o i_o shall_v practical_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v but_o this_o together_o with_o the_o other_o propertye_n of_o scripture_n their_o perspicuity_n and_o perfection_n i_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o next_o part_n this_o be_v the_o authors_n last_o sermon_n that_o ever_o he_o preach_v which_o be_v at_o s._n mary_n in_o oxon._n march_n 20._o 1655._o phil._n c._n 3._o v._n 8._o first_o part_n yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n arm_n his_o philippian_n against_o their_o false_a teacher_n by_o oppose_v his_o own_o judgement_n and_o example_n to_o their_o erroneous_a and_o lie_a suggestion_n there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o profane_a person_n start_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n who_o paul_n count_v no_o better_a than_o dog_n evil_a worker_n and_o of_o the_o concision_n verse_n 2._o who_o instead_o of_o circumcise_n their_o heart_n go_v about_o rather_o to_o cut_v and_o rend_v asunder_o the_o church_n these_o man_n now_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v bring_v from_o their_o old_a fleshly_a confidence_n the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n do_v vaunt_n much_o of_o their_o outward_a privilege_n and_o will_v fain_o slink_v into_o circumcision_n and_o other_o ceremonial_a performance_n and_o join_v
turk_n may_v know_v christ_n so_o far_o as_o by_o hear-say_n and_o history_n yet_o he_o can_v be_v say_v save_o to_o know_v he_o because_o he_o deny_v his_o assent_n unto_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o discover_v he_o to_o a_o man_n as_o when_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v disciple_n of_o any_o great_a philosopher_n or_o scholar_n do_v whole_o submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o dogmata_fw-la writing_n and_o opinion_n as_o for_o example_n the_o peripatetic_n to_o aristotle_n the_o scotist_n to_o scotus_n the_o thomist_n to_o thomas_n his_o doctrine_n insomuch_o that_o they_o do_v even_o swear_v to_o resign_v up_o their_o judgement_n to_o the_o word_n of_o their_o master_n why_o so_o much_o more_o ought_v christian_n to_o give_v their_o assent_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o their_o lord_n &_o master_n christ_n therefore_o john_n 10._o it_o be_v say_v that_o his_o sheep_n hear_v his_o voice_n and_o follow_v he_o they_o present_o adhere_v to_o his_o word_n and_o according_o obey_v he_o in_o it_o he_o that_o hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v on_o he_o that_o send_v i_o have_v everlasting_a life_n joh._n 5._o 24._o we_o must_v first_o hearken_v to_o his_o word_n before_o we_o can_v believe_v on_o he_o and_o have_v everlasting_a life_n second_o it_o imply_v affection_n to_o christ_n for_o as_o god_n know_v his_o people_n imply_v his_o love_n towards_o they_o in_o scripture_n the_o lord_n know_v the_o way_n of_o the_o righteous_a psal_n 1._o v._n 6._o so_o his_o people_n know_v of_o god_n imply_v also_o affection_n towards_o he_o hence_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o know_v his_o sheep_n and_o be_v know_v of_o they_o john_n 10._o 14._o which_o imply_v on_o both_o side_n a_o mutual_a love_n to_o each_o other_o for_o so_o express_o v._o 15._o he_o say_v he_o will_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n hence_o ignorance_n be_v every_o where_o in_o holy_a writ_n make_v the_o ground_n of_o man_n hatred_n and_o disaffection_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n have_v they_o know_v it_o they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 8._o and_o john_n 15._o 21._o and_o c._n 16._o v._n 3._o all_o these_o thing_n mean_v persecution_n say_v christ_n they_o will_v do_v unto_o you_o because_o they_o have_v not_o know_v the_o father_n nor_o i_o do_v a_o man_n thorough_o and_o save_o know_v christ_n he_o will_v be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o he_o for_o there_o be_v such_o a_o intimacy_n and_o union_n between_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o divine_a object_n that_o whosoever_o right_o understand_v the_o one_o will_v present_o embrace_v the_o other_o so_o that_o be_v sure_a that_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a empty_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n where_o the_o character_n of_o it_o be_v not_o imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n even_o in_o common_a discourse_n when_o we_o say_v i_o know_v such_o a_o one_o be_v of_o excellent_a part_n of_o a_o sweet_a and_o good_a disposition_n this_o imply_v our_o secret_a esteem_n and_o respect_n unto_o the_o person_n and_o how_o can_v we_o be_v say_v true_o to_o know_v he_o as_o the_o fair_a of_o ten-thousand_o as_o our_o saviour_n reconciler_n lord_n and_o god_n unless_o our_o heart_n be_v carry_v forth_o in_o a_o high_a esteem_n and_o love_n of_o he_o it_o be_v say_v jam._n 2._o 19_o the_o devil_n do_v believe_v and_o therefore_o tremble_v certain_o do_v they_o know_v there_o be_v any_o mercy_n in_o store_n for_o they_o as_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o vengeance_n as_o they_o now_o tremble_v and_o fear_v so_o they_o will_v then_o love_v and_o admire_v christ_n and_o do_v we_o but_o just_o understand_v the_o admirable_a goodness_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o take_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v keep_v his_o commandment_n with_o more_o observance_n and_o fear_v more_o to_o displease_v he_o then_o we_o do_v o_o let_v we_o never_o say_v we_o know_v christ_n that_o we_o have_v intimacy_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o when_o our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o when_o we_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o he_o in_o our_o brain_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o lust_n crucify_a by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o death_n not_o one_o grace_n the_o more_o implant_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o resurrection_n when_o we_o pretend_v to_o know_v he_o yet_o grieve_v his_o spirit_n wound_v his_o glory_n trample_v under_o foot_n his_o blood_n disobey_v his_o precept_n and_o prefer_v a_o barrabas_n a_o robber_n a_o sin_n that_o dispoile_v he_o of_o his_o glory_n before_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n believe_v it_o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v scientia_fw-la affectiva_fw-la it_o must_v sink_v deep_a than_o so_o into_o our_o affection_n and_o transform_v the_o whole_a man_n into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n otherwise_o it_o be_v but_o a_o counterfeit_n not_o a_o real_a knowledge_n of_o he_o three_o this_o practical_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n imply_v a_o particuliar_a application_n of_o he_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v i_o to_o know_v there_o be_v gold_n in_o the_o indies_n unless_o i_o have_v it_o in_o my_o coffer_n or_o to_o know_v when_o i_o be_o hungry_a that_o there_o be_v in_o such_o a_o place_n honey_n and_o food_n unless_o i_o do_v taste_v it_o myself_o no_o more_o good_a will_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n do_v we_o unless_o we_o do_v eat_v he_o and_o drink_v he_o by_o faith_n and_o can_v say_v with_o paul_n in_o the_o text_n i_o know_v he_o to_o be_v my_o lord_n that_o have_v redeem_v i_o and_o will_v save_v i_o you_o will_v not_o count_v he_o a_o good_a physician_n that_o know_v only_o the_o name_n figure_n and_o shape_n of_o a_o herb_n in_o gerhard_n or_o mathiolus_n and_o not_o the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o the_o same_o and_o so_o neither_o can_v you_o call_v he_o a_o know_a christian_n that_o can_v discourse_v only_o of_o christ_n in_o general_a be_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n ignorant_a of_o the_o benefit_n and_o the_o comfortable_a application_n of_o they_o he_o may_v still_o for_o all_o this_o lay_n under_o the_o curse_n under_o the_o pang_n of_o conscience_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n unless_o he_o can_v feel_v christ_n spirit_n as_o thomas_n do_v corporal_o and_o say_v my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n joh._n 20._o 28._o in_o all_o true_a knowledge_n the_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v reflexive_a the_o soul_n will_v start_v back_o and_o rebound_v upon_o its_o self_n it_o will_v first_o go_v out_o unto_o christ_n its_o direct_a object_n and_o then_o turn_v in_o upon_o its_o self_n and_o examine_v its_o own_o interest_n in_o he_o hence_o say_v saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 13._o v._n 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n let_v your_o soul_n retire_v into_o themselves_o and_o there_o diligent_o examine_v the_o matter_n and_o you_o will_v quick_o find_v whether_o you_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o have_v any_o communion_n with_o he_o which_o can_v be_v right_o know_v unless_o you_o so_o examine_v yourselves_o and_o so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o point_n the_o second_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o this_o knowledge_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o reveal_v supernatural_a knowledge_n flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o say_v christ_n of_o himself_o to_o simon_n peter_n but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 16._o v._n 17._o neither_o carnal_a reason_n nor_o humane_a wisdom_n can_v ever_o suggest_v christ_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o reveal_v his_o son_n in_o we_o gal._n 1._o v._n 16._o nature_n can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o thing_n within_o its_o own_o bound_n and_o sphere_n as_o water_n can_v run_v above_o its_o own_o fountain_n now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n do_v much_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o natural_a disquisition_n it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n hide_a wisdom_n which_o none_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n know_v 1_o cor._n 2._o we_o attain_v usual_o unto_o natural_a knowledge_n by_o much_o industry_n &_o turmoil_v of_o body_n &_o mind_n when_o our_o understanding_n do_v out_o of_o some_o imperfect_a hinte_n and_o blush_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o thing_n by_o degree_n hack_v and_o hew_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o by_o much_o labour_n and_o toil_n we_o get_v and_o serve_v out_o of_o nature_n the_o small_a knowledge_n that_o we_o have_v whereas_o now_o all_o the_o toil_n and_o study_v in_o the_o world_n will_v never_o advance_v a_o mere_a natural_a man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n because_o i_o suppose_v he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o hint_n
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o rest_n and_o repose_v of_o the_o soul_n whereas_o natural_a body_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n so_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n rest_v content_v and_o satisfy_v in_o christ_n in_o who_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n col._n 2._o v._n 3._o there_o be_v enough_o in_o he_o to_o fill_v the_o soul_n up_o to_o the_o brim_n and_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o impatient_a roving_n and_o agitation_n of_o our_o spirit_n after_o knowledge_n in_o he_o dwell_v all_o fullness_n fullness_n of_o grace_n to_o sanctify_v we_o fullness_n of_o righteousness_n to_o justify_v we_o fullness_n of_o glory_n to_o crown_v we_o no_o natural_a object_n can_v satisfy_v the_o soul_n because_o the_o desire_n there_o of_o be_v boundless_a &_o infinite_a it_o present_o digest_v &_o swallow_v up_o all_o finite_a thing_n but_o now_o christ_n both_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o graces_n be_v so_o commensurate_a and_o proportionable_a a_o object_n for_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v eternal_o feed_v upon_o he_o to_o full_a content_n and_o satisfaction_n his_o mercy_n infinite_a his_o love_n infinite_a his_o grace_n be_v inexhaustible_a for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v the_o spirit_n by_o measure_n and_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v compare_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o a_o feaest_n of_o marrow_n and_o fat_a thing_n be_v 25_o v._o 6._o because_o as_o these_o do_v satisfy_v the_o sensual_a so_o those_o the_o intellectual_a appetite_n it_o satisfi_v the_o long_a soul_n and_o fill_v the_o hungry_a soul_n with_o goodness_n psal_n 107._o v._n 9_o wherefore_o then_o say_v the_o prophet_n esay_n 55._o v._o 2._o do_v you_o spend_v money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n and_o your_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o satufy_v not_o harken_v diligent_o unto_o i_o and_o eat_v you_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o let_v your_o soul_n delight_v itself_o in_o fatness_n last_o this_o be_v a_o ever-increasing_a rise_a knowledge_n there_o be_v a_o growth_n in_o it_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 18._o we_o go_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o it_o to_o another_o till_o we_o become_v perfect_a man_n in_o our_o first_o conversion_n we_o be_v but_o child_n and_o babe_n in_o christ_n of_o little_a understanding_n and_o knowledge_n till_o by_o prayer_n temptation_n experience_n often_o supply_v and_o return_n of_o grace_n we_o become_v strong_a in_o faith_n nothing_o doubt_v and_o increase_v in_o wisdom_n and_o all_o spiritual_a understanding_n christ_n do_v not_o discover_v himself_o all_o at_o once_o to_o the_o soul_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d peicemeale_o 1._o heb._n 1._o 1._o and_o in_o diverse_a manner_n here_o a_o little_a and_o there_o a_o little_a as_o in_o natural_a science_n the_o mind_n do_v not_o usual_o grasp_v &_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a circumference_n of_o a_o thing_n together_o but_o insensible_o by_o degree_n creep_v upon_o truth_n take_v and_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v steal_v off_o that_o veil_n that_o hide_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o from_o we_o thus_o christ_n by_o degree_n irradiate_n and_o shine_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o sensible_a of_o our_o former_a ignorance_n and_o more_o thankful_a for_o our_o present_a illumination_n he_o never_o so_o clear_o present_v himself_o to_o any_o but_o that_o the_o knowledge_n be_v still_o improveable_a and_o may_v receive_v far_a increase_n for_o at_o the_o best_a in_o this_o world_n we_o do_v view_v but_o in_o a_o glass_n dark_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o borrow_v the_o spectacle_n of_o his_o word_n his_o ordinance_n and_o his_o sacrament_n to_o look_v on_o he_o our_o just_n and_o corruption_n as_o so_o many_o evil_a vapour_n hinder_v we_o from_o a_o full_a prospect_n of_o he_o yet_o general_o we_o see_v he_o clear_a and_o clear_a as_o these_o rag_n of_o flesh_n wear_v and_o rot_v from_o off_o we_o till_o at_o length_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v get_v lose_v of_o this_o prison_n of_o clay_n it_o know_v he_o immediate_o without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o glass_n now_o we_o know_v he_o but_o in_o part_n but_o we_o shall_v know_v he_o even_o as_o also_o we_o be_v know_v 1_o cor._n 13._o 12._o the_o three_o point_n be_v to_o discover_v unto_o you_o more_o particular_o wherein_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o knowledge_n consist_v and_o it_o be_v i_o suppose_v 1._o in_o the_o object_n and_o thing_n know_v 3._o in_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o party_n know_v 1._o the_o thing_n know_v by_o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v most_o excellent_a the_o noble_a the_o object_n the_o noble_a the_o science_n now_o in_o what_o noble_a sublime_a matter_n this_o knowledge_n deal_v be_v plain_a whether_o we_o consider_v the_o personal_a excellenceis_n of_o christ_n the_o grace_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o glory_n beauty_n and_o comeliness_n of_o his_o person_n which_o must_v needs_o ravish_v and_o take_v up_o our_o thought_n though_o to_o fasten_v here_o and_o go_v no_o far_o be_v but_o to_o admire_v the_o glitter_a of_o the_o show_n not_o consider_v the_o pearl_n within_o &_o to_o poor_a upon_o a_o picture_n not_o regard_v the_o live_a party_n it_o represent_v faith_n as_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n seem_v to_o be_v please_v even_o with_o the_o outward_a draught_n and_o comeliness_n of_o a_o saviour_n to_o see_v he_o in_o glory_n sitt_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n but_o than_o it_o eye_n he_o chief_o as_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n as_o therefore_o paul_n desire_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a as_o the_o only_a and_o chief_a concernment_n to_o he_o or_o whether_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n those_o breast_n of_o consolation_n at_o which_o this_o knowledge_n lie_v still_o suck_v and_o delight_v itself_o in_o they_o be_v excellent_a thing_n precious_a promise_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n can_v find_v more_o comfort_n than_o in_o all_o the_o earthly_a joy_n &_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n or_o last_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o mystery_n it_o contain_v they_o be_v admirable_a mysterye_n and_o without_o controversy_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3._o v._n 16._o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v of_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n every_o trade_n and_o profession_n we_o say_v have_v a_o mystery_n in_o it_o something_o that_o be_v which_o be_v not_o know_v to_o every_o one_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o a_o christian_n profession_n be_v altogether_o take_v up_o in_o a_o mystery_n such_o a_o mystery_n that_o have_v the_o angel_n themselves_o pardon_v the_o expression_n be_v bind_v apprentice_n to_o understand_v it_o they_o have_v without_o god_n special_a revelation_n remain_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o it_o for_o the_o 1_o of_o pet._n 1._o 12._o it_o be_v say_v the_o angel_n themselves_o do_v desire_v to_o look_v into_o it_o even_o now_o that_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v make_v manifest_a unto_o the_o world_n see_v it_o be_v so_o full_a of_o admirable_a inscrutable_a excellency_n that_o the_o angel_n themselves_o desire_v yet_o to_o be_v pupil_n unto_o it_o and_o be_v curious_a to_o learn_v more_o continual_o of_o it_o 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o knowledge_n may_v be_v discover_v in_o the_o effect_n and_o influence_n of_o it_o which_o be_v first_o to_o discover_v god_n more_o clear_o unto_o we_o second_o to_o discover_v ourselves_o unto_o ourselves_o 1._o it_o discover_v god_n more_o clear_o unto_o we_o for_o christ_n be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n heb._n 1._o 3._o so_o that_o look_v as_o we_o know_v the_o sun_n by_o its_o light_n and_o a_o natural_a father_n usual_o by_o his_o son_n who_o carry_v his_o substantial_a image_n so_o be_v god_n see_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n col._n 1._o v._n 15._o say_v he_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n god_n himself_o he_o live_v in_o inaccessible_a light_n no_o man_n can_v see_v he_o and_o live_v but_o it_o have_v please_v he_o to_o manifest_v himself_o in_o christ_n in_o who_o dwell_v the_o godhead_n bodily_a whatsoever_o glory_n whatsoever_o wisdom_n whatsoever_o power_n be_v in_o god_n be_v plain_o draw_v forth_o and_o express_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o essential_a substantial_a copy_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v with_o reverence_n of_o his_o father_n in_o who_o alone_o he_o be_v most_o legible_o and_o clear_o to_o be_v read_v the_o creature_n indeed_o do_v in_o their_o kind_n represent_v god_n but_o then_o a_o very_a break_a and_o imperfect_a copy_n they_o be_v of_o he_o so_o that_o the_o gentile_n by_o false_o spell_a and_o put_v