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
there_o be_v no_o such_o impossibility_n for_o then_o how_o come_v job_n and_o other_o gentile_n into_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n and_o according_a to_o some_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v sufficient_a to_o discover_v unto_o they_o a_o christ_n though_o this_o savour_n too_o much_o of_o pelagianisme_n again_o second_o what_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o bare_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o believe_v yet_o shall_v we_o tax_v god_n of_o tie_v his_o creature_n to_o impossibility_n certain_o we_o can_v for_o it_o be_v not_o god_n fault_n but_o man_n who_o by_o his_o sinful_a fall_n contract_v unto_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n such_o a_o impossibility_n but_o i_o must_v hasten_v three_o this_o may_v further_o be_v make_v good_a unto_o you_o by_o consider_v the_o vast_a disproportion_n and_o enmity_n that_o be_v between_o a_o natural_a understanding_n and_o spiritual_a mystery_n the_o natural_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o the_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o corin._n 2._o 14._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v say_v some_o expositor_n from_o the_o narrowness_n and_o incapacity_n of_o the_o intellective_a faculty_n to_o receive_v those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o text_n indeed_o they_o be_v say_v to_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o good_a reason_n to_o for_o it_o for_o as_o water_n can_v ascend_v no_o high_o than_o just_a the_o spring_n or_o fountain_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v derive_v even_o so_o the_o knowledge_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v mount_v no_o further_o then_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v proportion_v and_o level_v with_o the_o same_o light_n shall_v you_o tell_v a_o pagan_a of_o three_o distinct_a person_n unite_v in_o the_o same_o nature_n of_o a_o infinite_a god_n wrap_v up_o and_o cloister_v in_o finite_a humane_a flesh_n of_o be_v twice_o bear_v before_o he_o can_v become_v a_o child_n of_o god_n will_v he_o not_o think_v you_o rather_o laugh_v at_o then_o believe_v the_o discourse_n and_o suppose_v you_o rather_o go_v about_o to_o puzzle_v then_o instruct_v he_o doubtless_o a_o bat_n may_v as_o soon_o face_v the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n or_o a_o purblind_a man_n read_v the_o small_a print_n at_o a_o mile_n distance_n as_o a_o carnal_a man_n can_v dive_v into_o or_o discover_v such_o abstruse_a sublime_a mystery_n it_o be_v the_o word_n alone_o and_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o unlock_v unto_o we_o these_o hide_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o blockish_a nature_n can_v never_o understand_v much_o less_o discover_v and_o therefore_o when_o paul_n speak_v unto_o the_o athenian_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n the_o text_n say_v some_o of_o they_o mock_v and_o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 2._o say_v the_o gospel_n be_v unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n even_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o gentile_n count_v these_o mystery_n ridiculous_a and_o absurd_a thing_n unto_o these_o reason_n i_o may_v add_v many_o more_o and_o answer_v some_o objection_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o shall_v be_v tedious_a give_v i_o leave_v now_o but_o in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o particular_o to_o apply_v of_o this_o point_n unto_o ourselves_o what_o have_v be_v doctrinal_o speak_v as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v first_n then_o this_o shall_v make_v we_o bewail_v the_o sad_a loss_n we_o sustain_v by_o adam_n apostasy_n we_o i_o say_v for_o we_o be_v all_o by_o nature_n gentiles_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o man_n bear_v a_o christian_a as_o then_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a eclipse_n every_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v strike_v with_o horror_n and_o amazement_n so_o likewise_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o strange_a a_o eclipse_n this_o primitive_a glorious_a light_n have_v suffer_v through_o sin_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v smite_v through_o with_o grief_n and_o serious_o to_o bewail_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o when_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o the_o venerable_a ruin_n of_o some_o ancient_a stately_a edifice_n how_o apt_a be_v he_o to_o weep_v and_o melt_v over_o its_o desolation_n and_o shall_v man_n that_o admirable_a fabric_n and_o masterpiece_n of_o his_o creator_n fall_v into_o such_o confusion_n and_o darkness_n and_o we_o be_v insensible_a of_o his_o ruin_n and_o as_o nero_n once_o do_v upon_o rome_n look_v merry_o upon_o his_o destruction_n certain_o be_v not_o a_o man_n whole_o engulph_v in_o carnal_a pleasure_n be_v not_o his_o heart_n so_o deep_o steep_v in_o worldly_a delight_n he_o will_v sometime_o let_v fall_v a_o tear_n or_o two_o upon_o the_o sad_a relic_n of_o his_o primitive_a glory_n and_o mourn_v over_o his_o former_a happiness_n now_o entoumb_v in_o nothing_o but_o misery_n and_o darkness_n for_o doubtless_o great_a matter_n there_o will_v be_v of_o sorrow_n unto_o we_o to_o see_v that_o glorious_a fabric_n and_o beautiful_a image_n of_o god_n sully_v over_o with_o sin_n and_o ugliness_n that_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n prov._n 20._o 27._o now_o so_o overcharge_v with_o ignorance_n unbelief_n and_o falsehood_n with_o ignorance_n in_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fathom_n either_o natural_a cause_n or_o supernatural_a mystery_n with_o unbelief_n in_o its_o backwardness_n to_o assent_v unto_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o purblind_a nature_n and_o with_o falsehood_n in_o its_o misapprehend_n and_o misjudge_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o see_v likewise_o what_o rebellious_a tumult_n and_o disorder_n there_o be_v in_o those_o affection_n which_o original_o be_v quiet_o subordinate_v unto_o the_o dictate_v and_o guidance_n of_o reason_n how_o mad_o they_o cast_v off_o the_o reins_o and_o rush_v into_o sin_n as_o a_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n how_o wild_o they_o rage_n and_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o discursive_a rational_a faculty_n either_o bribe_v it_o to_o assent_v unto_o such_o thing_n which_o upon_o deliberation_n it_o must_v needs_o disapprove_v off_o or_o else_o violent_o tug_v and_o hale_v it_o to_o give_v way_n unto_o the_o execution_n of_o they_o to_o consider_v also_o how_o that_o conscience_n which_o primitive_o do_v enjoy_v a_o sweet_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n be_v now_o lash_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n affright_v with_o the_o glaring_n and_o preapprehension_n of_o hell_n fire_n yea_o and_o become_v a_o very_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o bugbear_n unto_o we_o a_o speculum_fw-la and_o look_a glass_n to_o reflect_v unto_o we_o both_o our_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a misery_n i_o may_v here_o make_v a_o anatomy_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o show_v unto_o you_o how_o in_o every_o part_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o glorious_a light_n which_o god_n original_o imprint_v in_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v now_o dim_a and_o almost_o quite_o extinguish_v through_o sin_n such_o be_v the_o strange_a malignity_n of_o it_o to_o deface_v and_o blur_v the_o clear_a character_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n in_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v mighty_o humble_v every_o one_o of_o we_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o light_n whereby_o we_o primitive_o be_v direct_v unto_o heaven_n and_o so_o sweet_a a_o communion_n with_o god_n himself_o be_v now_o so_o obscure_a in_o we_o that_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o grope_v after_o he_o in_o the_o dark_a with_o who_o before_o we_o have_v so_o familiar_a acquaintance_n and_o then_o it_o shall_v cause_v we_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n to_o repair_v this_o decay_a lump_n with_o the_o oil_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o seek_v after_o he_o in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o will_v be_v find_v to_o bring_v we_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n out_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n that_o we_o may_v right_o know_v 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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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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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something_o that_o may_v strike_v into_o your_o soul_n a_o holy_a amazement_n and_o sacred_a horror_n for_o your_o sin_n past_a as_o junius_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v strike_v with_o amazement_n by_o a_o divine_a kind_n of_o authority_n and_o so_o turn_v from_o his_o atheism_n upon_o the_o read_n of_o the_o 1_o chapter_n of_o john_n again_o tollite_fw-la legite_fw-la perhaps_o you_o see_v light_a through_o some_o temptation_n answer_v some_o grievance_n of_o conscience_n pacify_v upon_o thy_o diligent_a observance_n of_o his_o word_n some_o judgement_n denounce_v against_o thy_o sin_n some_o good_a thing_n or_o other_o that_o may_v either_o comfort_v thou_o or_o encourage_v thou_o in_o thy_o far_a read_v of_o they_o tollite_fw-la legite_fw-la take_v it_o up_o and_o read_v it_o but_o read_v it_o with_o reverence_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v it_o with_o discretion_n and_o judgement_n by_o mark_v the_o connexion_n of_o they_o by_o compare_v one_o place_n with_o another_o and_o by_o examine_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o apply_v that_o which_o thou_o read_v unto_o thy_o own_o particular_a use_n and_o estate_n read_v it_o last_o with_o method_n and_o order_n distinct_o go_v over_o that_o book_n which_o thou_o undertake_v lest_o thou_o be_v always_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n oh_o but_o read_v it_o i_o do_v perhaps_o two_o chapter_n a_o day_n beside_o i_o hear_v it_o read_v twice_o a_o day_n in_o this_o very_a place_n but_o yet_o i_o can_v find_v no_o spiritual_a comfort_n from_o it_o it_o do_v not_o move_v i_o for_o all_o that_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v then_o to_o have_v comfort_n from_o it_o the_o answer_v of_o this_o case_n will_v be_v very_o proper_a for_o we_o for_o many_o of_o we_o i_o doubt_v not_o do_v hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n but_o then_o i_o fear_v we_o be_v as_o little_o move_v with_o it_o as_o the_o bench_n we_o sit_v upon_o or_o the_o 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not_o give_v his_o word_n any_o admission_n into_o their_o heart_n or_o ear_n wherefore_o if_o such_o man_n do_v desire_v to_o be_v move_v or_o to_o receive_v any_o comfort_n from_o their_o read_n or_o hear_v the_o word_n 1._o they_o must_v continual_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o take_v from_o they_o their_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n bestow_v upon_o they_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n ephes_n 1._o 16_o 17._o 2._o they_o must_v examine_v themselves_o what_o worldly_a care_n do_v distract_v their_o mind_n what_o prejudices_fw-la and_o temptation_n do_v enter_v into_o their_o heart_n at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v like_o the_o thorn_n in_o the_o parable_n choke_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n 3._o they_o must_v serious_o meditate_v upon_o the_o word_n read_v and_o endeavour_v to_o remember_v it_o for_o as_o meat_n do_v that_o man_n little_a good_a who_o stomach_n have_v not_o a_o retentive_a faculty_n in_o it_o to_o retain_v and_o digest_v it_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o chew_v upon_o as_o it_o be_v by_o meditation_n and_o well_o remember_v do_v become_v useless_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o we_o so_o than_o we_o must_v not_o only_o read_v the_o word_n but_o we_o must_v practise_v it_o also_o we_o must_v lay_v it_o up_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o godly_a conversation_n i_o may_v here_o far_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o point_n and_o confirm_v my_o exhortation_n of_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o their_o plainness_n and_o perfection_n their_o subject_n and_o matter_n of_o they_o altogether_o divine_a from_o their_o end_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o man_n salvation_n from_o their_o principal_a author_n god_n and_o from_o many_o other_o argument_n but_o i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n here_o abrupt_o to_o break_v off_o and_o conclude_v 2_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n concern_v the_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o creature_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v we_o be_v to_o speak_v concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o two_o former_a i_o tell_v you_o we_o have_v only_o a_o confuse_a ineffectual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o this_o latter_a we_o have_v a_o more_o clear_a distinct_a and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o he_o shall_v we_o have_v
put_v into_o a_o man_n enable_v he_o to_o resist_v even_o his_o own_o desire_n to_o fight_v against_o his_o own_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o suffer_v and_o bear_v all_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n for_o christ_n his_o sake_n show_v i_o any_o humane_a eloquence_n that_o can_v alter_v and_o change_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n that_o can_v over-awe_n keep_v under_o hatch_n the_o rebellion_n mutiny_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o can_v put_v a_o felix_n into_o a_o tremble_a a_o stubborn_a pharaoh_n into_o a_o relent_a that_o can_v give_v light_n unto_o the_o simple_a stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayer_n that_o can_v divide_v between_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o world_n between_o a_o man_n self_n and_o his_o self_n humane_a eloquence_n that_o can_v only_o move_v and_o persuade_v this_o force_n and_o command_v it_o come_v with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o exact_v obedience_n add_v to_o all_o these_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o time_n concern_v the_o scripture_n their_o antiquity_n moses_n be_v bear_v before_o the_o very_a god_n of_o the_o heathen_n the_o late_a of_o the_o prophet_n match_v the_o ancient_a of_o the_o philosopher_n add_v also_o their_o constant_a preservation_n and_o continuance_n even_o till_o now_o maugre_o all_o the_o fury_n and_o rage_n of_o tyrant_n the_o malice_n of_o devil_n and_o devilish_a man_n who_o have_v do_v and_o do_v still_o oppose_v these_o holy_a writing_n add_v final_o unto_o all_o these_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o army_n of_o martyr_n maintain_v even_o to_o death_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n man_n of_o all_o sort_n ignorant_a who_o though_o they_o can_v not_o dispute_v can_v yet_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n wise_a rich_a poor_a of_o all_o age_n and_o sex_n woman_n child_n age_a folk_n endure_v all_o manner_n of_o torment_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o torment_n with_o all_o patience_n and_o constancy_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o truth_n therein_o contain_v these_o with_o many_o other_o reason_n may_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o now_o as_o there_o may_v be_v many_o witness_n unto_o a_o bond_n and_o yet_o still_o all_o be_v of_o little_a moment_n unless_o the_o seal_n be_v put_v on_o too_o in_o like_a manner_n all_o these_o witness_n and_o argument_n here_o produce_v will_v be_v of_o little_a concernment_n unto_o our_o salvation_n unless_o they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 1._o 13._o we_o may_v be_v convict_v by_o the_o forego_n argument_n that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o yet_o they_o can_v never_o per_fw-mi se_fw-mi work_n faith_n nor_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o they_o unless_o the_o spirit_n which_o bear_v witness_n unto_o our_o spirit_n joint_o cooperate_v and_o open_v our_o eye_n more_o full_o to_o see_v this_o light_n for_o as_o hagar_n 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
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
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 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