other_o mystery_n they_o be_v dark_o and_o emblematical_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v hint_v only_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n thus_o order_v it_o that_o his_o people_n may_v more_o eager_o desire_v and_o pray_v for_o their_o full_a revelation_n but_o now_o to_o we_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n these_o thing_n be_v more_o clear_o lay_v open_a unto_o we_o so_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o expect_v far_a revelation_n of_o they_o than_o what_o we_o have_v in_o the_o word_n already_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o he_o be_v yea_o and_o amen_o that_o be_v they_o be_v thorough_o accomplish_v and_o perfect_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o plain_a and_o evident_a unto_o we_o now_o than_o they_o be_v unto_o the_o father_n of_o old_a time_n the_o old_a testament_n then_o and_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v be_v not_o altogether_o so_o perspicuous_a unto_o the_o faithful_a before_o christ_n as_o now_o it_o be_v unto_o we_o after_o he_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o the_o second_o point_n and_o so_o much_o also_o shall_v suffice_v brief_o for_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v now_o speak_v something_o concern_v the_o perfection_n of_o they_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v perspicuous_a so_o also_o they_o be_v most_o perfect_a that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o we_o in_o relation_n both_o to_o our_o faith_n &_o manner_n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o end_n of_o they_o here_o set_v down_o namely_o that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v make_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o if_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o he_o be_v the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n furnish_v himself_o with_o all_o thing_n necessary_a both_o for_o his_o salvation_n &_o his_o office_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o be_v full_o perfect_a for_o instruction_n of_o all_o man_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n this_o will_v far_o appear_v from_o ps_n 19_o 7._o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n and_o ps_n 119._o 96._o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o large_a and_o so_o luk._n 16._o 29._o abraham_n there_o show_v in_o the_o parable_n that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v man_n from_o damnation_n even_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o man_n salvation_n whoever_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o point_n must_v of_o necessity_n say_v that_o either_o first_o god_n do_v not_o perfect_o and_o full_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o how_o absurd_a it_o be_v the_o scripture_n teach_v for_o joh._n 14._o 26._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o joh._n 16._o 13._o the_o spirit_n will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n or_o else_o they_o must_v say_v that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v not_o set_v down_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a substance_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o which_o saint_n paul_n do_v plain_o seem_v to_o contradict_v for_o act._n 20._o 27._o i_o have_v not_o shun_v say_v he_o to_o declare_v unto_o you_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n or_o else_o thirdl_o he_o must_v be_v force_v to_o say_v that_o it_o seem_v not_o good_a to_o the_o spirit_n full_o and_o perfect_o to_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o in_o writing_n to_o transmit_v it_o unto_o posterity_n for_o thus_o the_o papist_n say_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o tradition_n that_o god_n indeed_o do_v reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n his_o whole_a will_n concern_v our_o salvation_n but_o yet_o all_o be_v not_o write_v but_o some_o thing_n be_v communicate_v say_v they_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-la unto_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n which_o never_o be_v write_v but_o still_o be_v derive_v unto_o posterity_n but_o do_v not_o this_o opinion_n plain_o accuse_v the_o scripture_n of_o falsehood_n when_o it_o be_v say_v deut._n 12._o 32._o whatsoever_o thing_n i_o command_v you_o observe_v to_o do_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o &_o gal._n 1._o 9_o if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o then_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v which_o two_o text_n be_v compare_v with_o that_o of_o exod._n 24._o 4._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o moses_n write_v all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o with_o that_o forementioned_a place_n of_o the_o act_n where_o paul_n say_v that_o he_o do_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v unto_o they_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n these_o place_n i_o say_v compare_v with_o one_o another_o do_v evident_o show_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o salvation_n be_v write_v &_o that_o this_o write_a word_n alone_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n &_o canon_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o since_o by_o they_o we_o attain_v unto_o eternal_a life_n we_o be_v make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n since_o by_o they_o also_o the_o man_n of_o god_n be_v make_v perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v without_o controversy_n they_o contain_v in_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o we_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o manner_n all_o thing_n necessary_a i_o say_v for_o otherwise_o many_o other_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v traditional_o convey_v unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o perpetual_a virginity_n of_o mary_n the_o name_n of_o janne_n and_o jambres_n mention_v by_o paul_n only_o the_o prophecy_n of_o enoch_n judas_n 14._o part_n of_o the_o gencology_n of_o christ_n luk._n 3_o satan_n strive_v for_o moses_n body_n judas_n 9_o and_o other_o the_o like_a which_o thing_n they_o may_v be_v know_v or_o not_o know_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o our_o salvation_n and_o be_v not_o doctrinal_a may_v very_o well_o be_v receive_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n and_o not_o mention_v in_o scripture_n but_o how_o say_v the_o papist_n can_v you_o know_v canonical_a book_n from_o apocryphal_a but_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n we_o answer_v that_o these_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o other_o by_o that_o innate_a light_n majesty_n and_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o they_o beside_o though_o a_o new_a convert_n and_o beginner_n may_v first_o learn_v it_o from_o the_o church_n yet_o afterward_o they_o know_v it_o upon_o ground_n of_o scripture_n thus_o a_o ignorant_a man_n may_v be_v tell_v of_o the_o king_n coin_n but_o it_o be_v not_o that_o tell_n but_o the_o king_n stamp_n that_o make_v it_o currant_n &_o good_a coin_n again_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o unwritten_a tradition_n they_o urge_v that_o of_o the_o 2_o thes_n 2._o 15._o therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o &_o hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o by_o word_n or_o our_o epistle_n than_o which_o say_v whitaker_n nullum_fw-la probabiliorem_fw-la papistae_fw-la locum_fw-la inveniunt_fw-la but_o unto_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o paul_n speak_v and_o write_v so_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o signify_v a_o diverse_a doctrine_n from_o that_o which_o afterward_o be_v write_v and_o so_o also_o the_o particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o always_o a_o note_n of_o disjunction_n but_o sometime_o also_o of_o conjunction_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o compare_v the_o original_a of_o the_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 8._o beside_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o yet_o establish_v yea_o say_v the_o same_o whitaker_n i_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o book_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o matthew_n before_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o wherefore_o though_o the_o apostle_n do_v bid_v the_o thessalonian_o hold_v fast_o that_o doctrine_n or_o those_o tradition_n which_o he_o deliver_v unto_o they_o yet_o they_o may_v very_o well_o be_v &_o indeed_o according_a to_o substance_n be_v set_v down_o in_o write_v afterward_o by_o the_o same_o apostle_n wherefore_o brief_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n since_o these_o scripture_n be_v purposely_o write_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o to_o be_v be_v witness_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o way_n unto_o everlasting_a life_n doubtless_o god_n will_v have_v no_o doctrine_n receive_v of_o we_o but_o what_o be_v in_o they_o or_o consonant_n unto_o they_o tradition_n then_o however_o in_o point_n of_o ceremony_n discipline_n or_o other_o less_o substantial_a matter_n may_v be_v receive_v yet_o in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n they_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o
salvation_n to_o instruct_v to_o reprove_v to_o correct_v and_o since_o it_o have_v so_o admirable_a perfection_n in_o it_o as_o to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a &_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n good_a reason_n then_o my_o son_n timothy_n that_o be_v the_o time_n what_o they_o will_v be_v error_n never_o so_o plausible_o entertain_v and_o truth_n never_o so_o violent_o oppose_v that_o thou_o notwithstanding_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v learn_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o this_o be_v the_o drift_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o well_o understand_v of_o which_o together_o with_o the_o word_n read_v unto_o you_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o open_n of_o this_o my_o present_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v therefore_o expound_v the_o word_n themselves_o more_o distinct_o and_o in_o the_o open_n of_o they_o brief_o touch_v upon_o some_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v handle_v at_o large_a and_o then_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o what_o i_o main_o intend_v well_o then_o here_o be_v the_o subject_n speak_v of_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o by_o its_o author_n god_n by_o its_o use_n it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n by_o its_o end_n which_o be_v that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n all_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o writing_n for_o so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v scripture_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n it_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o other_o writing_n which_o be_v so_o far_o account_v good_a or_o bad_a as_o they_o come_v near_o to_o or_o decline_v from_o this_o but_o here_o say_v beza_n when_o the_o apostle_n say_v all_o scripture_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n lest_o we_o understand_v any_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o call_v canonical_a that_o be_v such_o book_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o antiquity_n their_o argument_n and_o divine_a doctrine_n they_o treat_v of_o their_o efficacious_a and_o lively_a manner_n and_o method_n of_o their_o discourse_n be_v the_o canon_n yea_o rule_n and_o touchstone_n by_o which_o all_o doctrine_n and_o write_n whatever_n be_v to_o be_v try_v for_o there_o be_v other_o book_n which_o either_o because_o the_o name_n of_o their_o author_n be_v unknown_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v call_v apocryphal_a or_o hide_a which_o though_o otherwise_o contain_v many_o useful_a &_o profitable_a instruction_n be_v yet_o notwithstanding_o to_o be_v hide_v and_o lay_v aside_o when_o any_o truth_n come_v to_o be_v try_v and_o therefore_o when_o our_o apostle_n say_v that_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n we_o must_v exclude_v those_o apocryphal_a book_n for_o since_o they_o be_v neither_o write_v in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n nor_o by_o any_o prophet_n of_o which_o malachy_n be_v the_o last_o nor_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n since_o also_o they_o contain_v many_o thing_n absurd_a and_o contrary_a one_o to_o another_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v never_o give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o scripture_n be_v inspire_v of_o god_n or_o as_o the_o word_n imply_v breathe_v from_o god_n those_o notion_n word_n and_o phrase_n which_o may_v every_o where_o occur_v in_o holy_a writ_n be_v dictate_v unto_o the_o penman_n thereof_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o so_o that_o prophecy_n come_v not_o of_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o wherefore_o we_o read_v not_o thus_o say_v jeremiah_n or_o thus_o say_v isaiah_n but_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o but_o what_o may_v some_o say_v be_v all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n why_o then_o those_o imposture_n and_o calumny_n of_o satan_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 3._o of_o gen._n and_o 4._o of_o matthew_n those_o erroneous_a say_n of_o job_n wife_n unto_o he_o to_o curse_v god_n and_o die_v with_o the_o like_a be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o these_o and_o the_o like_a say_n only_o historical_o set_v down_o be_v abstract_o in_o themselves_o consider_v be_v not_o from_o god_n but_o then_o consider_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v set_v down_o so_o they_o be_v as_o we_o may_v say_v that_o tacitus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o whole_a book_n though_o many_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v speak_v from_o other_o man_n and_o as_o the_o same_o wax_n though_o of_o little_a worth_n in_o itself_o yet_o seal_v and_o put_v in_o a_o bond_n may_v be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o value_n in_o like_a manner_n those_o speech_n of_o heathen_a author_n cite_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o that_o of_o aratus_n act._n 17._o 28._o and_o that_o of_o epimenides_n titus_n 1._o 12._o though_o of_o little_a worth_n as_o they_o come_v from_o such_o man_n yet_o be_v insert_v into_o holy_a writ_n receive_v divine_a authority_n and_o may_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n unto_o our_o salvation_n many_o thing_n there_o be_v also_o in_o scripture_n which_o quoad_fw-la praeceptum_fw-la may_v have_v great_a authority_n than_o other_o but_o ratione_fw-la authoris_fw-la be_v equal_a as_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o first_o table_n be_v more_o severe_o enjoin_v then_o those_o of_o the_o second_o yet_o the_o same_o god_n write_v they_o both_o thus_o gold_n may_v be_v more_o precious_a than_o gold_n in_o weight_n and_o shape_n though_o not_o in_o purity_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o all_o scripture_n some_o way_n or_o other_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n say_v and_o god_n say_v as_o may_v far_o appear_v from_o the_o 9_o of_o the_o roman_n 25._o verse_n and_o gal._n 4_o 30._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a many_o be_v the_o commodity_n of_o the_o write_a word_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v try_v all_o other_o doctrine_n as_o the_o barean_o try_v paul_n doctrine_n by_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o act._n 17._o 11._o and_o therefore_o as_o those_o that_o carry_v false_a and_o adulterate_a coin_n about_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v of_o a_o touchstone_n so_o likewise_o those_o cheat_n in_o religion_n the_o papist_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v read_v lest_o thereby_o their_o imposture_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a and_o their_o folly_n appear_v unto_o all_o man_n beside_o this_o commodity_n i_o say_v the_o apostle_n say_v that_o it_o be_v profitable_a 1._o for_o instruction_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o discover_v that_o be_v of_o such_o thing_n unto_o we_o which_o without_o it_o we_o can_v never_o have_v know_v there_o be_v mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o abscondite_fw-la hide_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o humane_a reason_n can_v never_o unveil_v or_o fathom_n that_o a_o infinite_a god_n shall_v be_v cloister_v up_o in_o a_o virgin_n womb_n that_o he_o shall_v leave_v heaven_n and_o lie_n in_o a_o manger_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o like_a be_v above_o the_o reach_n and_o disquisition_n of_o a_o natural_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v far_o enlighten_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n before_o we_o attain_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v profitable_a also_o for_o instruction_n of_o we_o in_o the_o fall_n &_o restauration_n of_o man_n in_o the_o sacrament_n yea_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n it_o instruct_v and_o teach_v we_o how_o wretched_a we_o be_v by_o nature_n how_o happy_a by_o grace_n how_o to_o beat_v down_o principality_n and_o power_n how_o to_o want_v and_o how_o to_o abound_v how_o final_o to_o be_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2._o it_o be_v profitable_a say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o reproof_n there_o be_v no_o error_n so_o plausible_o broach_v so_o strong_o fortify_v and_o maintain_v by_o humane_a reason_n but_o may_v be_v beat_v down_o and_o vanquish_v by_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a judge_v all_o thing_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2_o 18._o he_o that_o be_v right_o inform_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o to_o who_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o who_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o foreign_a tradition_n testimony_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o like_a not_o
the_o gentile_n but_o we_o must_v not_o here_o stand_v too_o long_o upon_o these_o thing_n it_o remain_v that_o since_o the_o scripture_n be_v profitable_a for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n good_a reason_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o all_o people_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v instruct_v shall_v read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n who_o end_n it_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n go_v on_o that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n by_o compare_v the_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 11._o with_o this_o the_o minister_n or_o interpreter_n of_o god_n such_o as_o timothy_n be_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n that_o he_o namely_o who_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o church_n may_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n furnish_v himself_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o duty_n which_o belong_v unto_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o good_a work_n or_o duty_n which_o can_v be_v think_v upon_o but_o the_o scripture_n do_v prescribe_v and_o prepare_v we_o unto_o and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n on_o which_o i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o because_o by_o they_o i_o have_v take_v occasion_n to_o resolve_v you_o of_o such_o doubt_n which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o can_v at_o large_a and_o distinct_o handle_v from_o the_o word_n themselves_o you_o may_v note_v these_o three_o common_a observation_n 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n for_o they_o be_v inspire_v of_o god_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v most_o perspicuous_a and_o in_o the_o main_a most_o easy_o to_o be_v understand_v for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v they_o be_v profitable_a for_o our_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n 3._o that_o they_o be_v most_o perfect_a for_o if_o the_o minister_n himself_o can_v draw_v out_o of_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o his_o duty_n it_o will_v follow_v doubtless_o that_o they_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v most_o perfect_a 1._o then_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n what_o these_o scripture_n be_v none_o here_o i_o suppose_v can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o for_o you_o must_v needs_o conclude_v from_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o holy_a book_n write_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n so_o that_o in_o the_o very_a frontispeice_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o definition_n you_o may_v discover_v from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o that_o be_v certain_a and_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o deny_v this_o as_o for_o any_o man_n to_o deny_v that_o beam_n and_o ray_n proceed_v from_o the_o son_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o call_v into_o question_n or_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v as_o unworthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o he_o be_v of_o a_o philosopher_n or_o a_o metaphysitian_n that_o disallow_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n or_o entity_n because_o these_o be_v thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v presuppose_v of_o he_o shall_v all_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n unanimous_o conspire_v to_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v they_o no_o less_o divine_a and_o authentical_a than_o the_o sun_n will_v be_v light_n if_o all_o man_n otherwise_o be_v blind_v let_v turk_n and_o pagan_n say_v what_o they_o will_v yet_o the_o scripture_n will_v be_v still_o god_n word_n and_o there_o be_v such_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o to_o prove_v it_o that_o he_o that_o be_v not_o either_o wilful_o blind_v or_o malicious_o bend_v must_v needs_o confess_v the_o same_o for_o that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o so_o in_o themselves_o of_o divine_a authority_n sundry_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v we_o shall_v only_o for_o brevity_n sakename_v three_o or_o four_o for_o beside_o that_o they_o do_v most_o clear_o reveal_v unto_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o work_n of_o god_n as_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o regeneration_n and_o the_o like_a thing_n altogether_o above_o the_o reach_n and_o contrivance_n of_o man_n beside_o the_o impartialnesse_n and_o candour_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o they_o for_o so_o moses_n set_v down_o the_o incest_n of_o his_o parent_n of_o who_o he_o be_v beget_v ex._n 6._o 2._o and_o his_o own_o disobedience_n numb_a 11._o 11._o jonah_n his_o murmur_a and_o jeremiah_n his_o fret_v which_o undoubted_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bias_v with_o any_o carnal_a respect_n but_o altogether_o overrule_v and_o inspire_v by_o a_o high_a spirit_n beside_o also_o the_o quality_n &_o condition_n of_o the_o penman_n amos_n a_o herdsman_n matthew_n a_o publican_n the_o apostle_n many_o of_o they_o fisherman_n which_o evident_o show_v that_o there_o be_v some_o high_a power_n which_o do_v instill_v into_o they_o that_o profoundness_n of_o wisdom_n which_o all_o the_o art_n and_o philosophy_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o reach_v unto_o add_v to_o these_o the_o consent_n and_o holy_a conspiracy_n as_o it_o be_v between_o all_o their_o writing_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a difference_n of_o time_n they_o write_v in_o the_o remoteness_n of_o place_n and_o the_o diversity_n of_o matter_n whereof_o they_o have_v write_v so_o incredible_a and_o divine_a be_v their_o mutual_a harmony_n that_o you_o will_v rather_o think_v one_o man_n write_v they_o with_o divers_a penn_n than_o that_o divers_a man_n write_v they_o by_o one_o spirit_n beside_o these_o and_o sundry_a other_o reason_n i_o say_v which_o may_v sufficient_o declare_v who_o be_v the_o principal_a author_n of_o this_o holy_a writ_n another_o great_a argument_n &_o testimony_n of_o their_o original_n be_v first_o the_o truth_n and_o event_n of_o scripture_n prophecy_n can_v any_o man_n angel_n or_o create_v be_v foretell_v future_a contingent_a event_n can_v they_o tell_v the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o man_n and_o the_o time_n of_o his_o birth_n a_o hundred_o year_n before_o hand_n as_o the_o spirit_n by_o esay_n do_v concern_v cyrus_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o of_o the_o king_n 13._o concern_v a_o josias_n by_o name_n above_o 300_o year_n say_v annalist_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v can_v ever_o any_o of_o the_o cheat_a oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_n or_o any_o counterfeit_a sibyl_n tell_v of_o a_o messiah_n to_o be_v bear_v 4000_o year_n after_o &_o then_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v just_a as_o it_o be_v foretell_v as_o it_o do_v according_a to_o the_o promise_n make_v to_o adam_n gen._n 3._o 15._o we_o ourselves_o of_o this_o nation_n be_v live_v example_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o holy_a prediction_n &_o succeed_a event_n the_o scripture_n many_o thousand_o year_n ago_o do_v foretell_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n for_o in_o he_o say_v they_o shall_v the_o gentile_n trust_v and_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n and_o behold_v the_o prophecy_n accomplish_v in_o ourselves_o we_o who_o heretofore_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n do_v now_o lie_v under_o glorious_a light_n who_o before_o be_v not_o a_o people_n but_o be_v now_o a_o people_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o relate_v unto_o you_o all_o the_o prophecy_n which_o be_v exact_o accomplish_v according_a to_o the_o time_n place_n and_o circumstance_n foretell_v 2._o but_o second_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o and_o do_v accompany_v the_o teacher_n and_o writer_n of_o the_o word_n may_v sufficient_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o unless_o we_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o magician_n who_o upon_o the_o miracle_n of_o lice_n can_v cry_v out_o this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n 8._o 19_o but_o how_o may_v we_o know_v that_o the_o miracle_n we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a since_o by_o some_o the_o gospel_n itself_o be_v doubt_v of_o answer_v that_o be_v they_o not_o true_a they_o will_v have_v either_o be_v refute_v or_o reject_v by_o the_o man_n of_o those_o day_n but_o so_o far_o be_v they_o then_o from_o that_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n note_n that_o josephus_n a_o jew_n a_o enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a truth_n do_v acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o worker_n of_o many_o miracle_n a_o 3_o main_a argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v that_o admirable_a force_n and_o power_n which_o they_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o believe_v in_o they_o sometime_o to_o humble_a and_o cast_v down_o sometime_o to_o comfort_n and_o raise_v up_o the_o spirit_n what_o vigour_n do_v it_o
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
γνωστόν_fw-gr το_n θεο_n καί_n γνωστόν_fw-gr το_n ξÏιστο_n or_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_a of_o god_n by_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n deliver_v at_o st_n mary_n in_o oxford_n by_o edward_z wood_n m._n a._n late_a proctor_n of_o the_o university_n and_o fellow_n of_o merton_n coll._n oxon._n publish_a since_o his_o death_n by_o his_o brother_n a._n w._n m._n a._n 1_o cor._n 2._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d oxford_z print_v by_o h._n h._n printer_n to_o the_o university_n for_o jos._n godwin_n &_o edw._n forrest_n 1656._o ornatissimo_fw-la nobili_fw-la necnon_fw-la clarissimo_fw-it viro_fw-la d._n jonathani_fw-la goddard_n medicinae_fw-la doctori_fw-la et_fw-la inclyti_fw-la collegii_fw-la mertonensis_n custodi_fw-la in_o antiquissima_fw-la universitate_fw-la oxoniensi_fw-la antonius_n wood_n collegii_fw-la per_fw-la prudentiam_fw-la svam_fw-la optime_fw-la gubernati_fw-la alumnus_n have_v primitias_fw-la modo_fw-la fratris_fw-la defuncti_fw-la svo_fw-la patrocinio_fw-la humiliter_fw-la that_o dicat_fw-la dedicat._n the_o publisher_n to_o the_o courteous_a reader_n the_o author_n of_o these_o sermon_n be_v late_o fall_v asleep_o and_o have_v have_v no_o admission_n while_o he_o be_v live_v to_o be_v recommend_v to_o public_a view_n the_o persuasion_n and_o importunity_n since_o his_o death_n of_o some_o of_o my_o friend_n and_o such_o as_o may_v challenge_v no_o small_a interest_n in_o i_o have_v though_o unwilling_a induce_v i_o to_o adventure_v to_o exhibit_v this_o little_a volume_n to_o look_v out_o and_o do_v service_n in_o the_o world_n he_o himself_o whilst_o he_o live_v write_v it_o and_o doubtless_o he_o have_v finish_v it_o if_o god_n have_v lend_v he_o long_o life_n but_o it_o fare_v so_o with_o he_o as_o once_o with_o hezekiah_n esay_n 37._o 3._o the_o child_n be_v come_v to_o the_o birth_n and_o there_o be_v not_o strength_n to_o bring_v forth_o i_o have_v as_o a_o brother_n though_o not_o as_o a_o skilful_a midwife_n do_v what_o i_o can_v to_o bring_v it_o forth_o by_o collect_v it_o out_o of_o his_o paper-book_n and_o some_o other_o loose_a write_n from_o his_o private_a study_n which_o be_v the_o only_a remora_n to_o its_o more_o sudden_a and_o much_o desire_a birth_n some_o errata_n since_o have_v pass_v the_o press_n which_o perhaps_o will_v not_o so_o well_o relish_v with_o thy_o palate_n but_o i_o whole_o rely_v upon_o thy_o courteous_a ingenuity_n to_o pass_v they_o over_o with_o silence_n thou_o may_v here_o expect_v that_o i_o shall_v speak_v something_o in_o commendation_n of_o this_o work_n which_o be_v not_o happy_o so_o fit_v it_o be_v both_o hard_a for_o one_o brother_n to_o praise_v another_o without_o boast_v moreover_o for_o i_o to_o seek_v thy_o approbation_n of_o it_o by_o any_o fair_a and_o plausible_a induction_n be_v altogether_o to_o distrust_n if_o not_o impair_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o i_o know_v the_o work_n itself_o will_v sufficient_o praise_v he_o especial_o if_o thou_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o peruse_v it_o charitable_o i_o mean_v without_o any_o detract_n calumny_n or_o cynical_a censure_n which_o if_o thou_o do_v thou_o shall_v find_v his_o spirit_n in_o they_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n hear_v he_o although_o dead_a yet_o speak_v unto_o thou_o and_o shall_v hereby_o much_o persuade_v the_o publisher_n to_o leave_v off_o at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n grieve_v for_o and_o lament_v over_o his_o once_a live_n and_o always_o love_v brother_n and_o shall_v rather_o divert_v the_o stream_n of_o his_o affection_n into_o a_o strong_a current_n of_o haleluiah_n for_o the_o hope_n that_o he_o have_v especial_o from_o those_o that_o willing_o entertain_v a_o dead_a man_n work_n and_o retain_v his_o word_n in_o their_o live_a heart_n of_o do_v good_a by_o this_o his_o publication_n which_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o thy_o servant_n a._n w._n rom_n 1._o 19_o 20._o because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n there_o be_v three_o book_n wherein_o the_o deity_n may_v be_v plain_o read_v and_o discover_v the_o book_n of_o nature_n the_o book_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o latter_a be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n the_o two_o former_a common_a both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n for_o unto_o the_o jew_n be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o use_v of_o the_o scripture_n because_o they_o both_o be_v man_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n now_o out_o of_o these_o three_o book_n our_o apostle_n labour_v to_o convince_v of_o unrighteousness_n the_o two_o great_a enemy_n of_o our_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o self-conceited_a jew_n and_o the_o idolatrous_a gentile_n for_o however_o the_o one_o may_v pretend_v unto_o salvation_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o inherent_a righteousness_n and_o the_o other_o hope_n to_o escape_v damnation_n by_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o law_n which_o threaten_v death_n to_o the_o breaker_n thereof_o yet_o our_o apostle_n in_o this_o his_o epistle_n do_v plain_o demonstrate_v that_o neither_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o one_o be_v so_o commensurate_a and_o answerable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o to_o attain_v heaven_n and_o avoid_v the_o curse_n and_o that_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o other_o be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v become_v inexcusable_a and_o without_o offence_n towards_o god_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v sinful_a for_o there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o and_o therefore_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v liable_a unto_o damnation_n the_o jew_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o keep_v the_o law_n from_o the_o observance_n of_o which_o they_o expect_v life_n the_o gentile_a because_o they_o be_v not_o obedient_a unto_o those_o common_a notion_n and_o implant_v truth_n they_o have_v of_o god_n and_o moral_a honesty_n for_o however_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o know_v god_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n as_o it_o be_v evident_o show_v they_o do_v in_o the_o foregoing_a verse_n yet_o our_o apostle_n do_v by_o force_n of_o argument_n take_v away_o their_o false_a pretence_n and_o plain_o convince_v they_o of_o both_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n which_o as_o i_o suppose_v be_v bring_v in_o to_o prevent_v a_o secret_a objection_n that_o the_o gentile_a may_v frame_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o precedent_a verse_n for_o the_o apostle_n be_v about_o to_o prove_v our_o justification_n only_o by_o faith_n do_v in_o the_o 18._o verse_n dispute_v negative_o &_o show_v that_o work_n in_o which_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n trust_v can_v never_o justify_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v we_o appear_v righteous_a before_o god_n that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v against_o they_o for_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n the_o best_a work_n of_o natural_a man_n can_v free_v they_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n from_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n even_o against_o the_o best_a work_n of_o man_n but_o what_o kind_n of_o man_n be_v these_o that_o stand_v thus_o charge_v with_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n why_o such_o say_v saint_n paul_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n but_o you_o gentile_n do_v thus_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n it_o be_v you_o that_o suppress_v smother_v and_o imprison_v those_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o you_o concern_v god_n and_o your_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v you_o primary_o who_o stand_v guilty_a of_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n and_o here_o you_o may_v suppose_v the_o froward_a gentile_a mutter_n within_o himself_o and_o thus_o cavil_v at_o the_o apostle_n minor_a what_o saint_n paul_n will_v you_o say_v we_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n whereas_o we_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o god_n the_o jew_n indeed_o be_v without_o excuse_n because_o in_o the_o scripture_n god_n be_v plain_o reveal_v unto_o they_o but_o as_o for_o we_o we_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n without_o the_o least_o glimmer_a or_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o pray_v forbear_v so_o hard_a a_o censure_n no_o say_v the_o apostle_n say_v what_o you_o will_v
invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o and_o since_o this_o light_n of_o we_o be_v further_o improve_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o understand_a soul_n let_v we_o not_o be_v as_o the_o psalmist_n call_v they_o brutish_a man_n that_o know_v not_o these_o thing_n as_o beast_n which_o common_o look_v upon_o this_o palace_n and_o no_o more_o but_o when_o we_o view_v these_o body_n of_o we_o let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o see_v a_o god_n who_o cover_v we_o in_o our_o mother_n womb_n and_o who_o still_o uphold_v these_o mud-wal_n of_o clay_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o word_n when_o we_o walk_v into_o the_o field_n &_o there_o look_v upon_o the_o corn_n the_o herb_n and_o the_o grass_n let_v we_o meditate_v upon_o the_o god_n of_o they_o who_o once_o say_v let_v the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o grass_n the_o herb_n yield_v flower_n and_o the_o fruit-tree_n yield_v fruit_n after_o his_o kind_n and_o it_o do_v so_o and_o if_o so_o be_v god_n so_o clothe_v the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n which_o to_o day_n be_v and_o to_o morrow_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o oven_n shall_v he_o not_o much_o more_o clothe_v thou_o o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n when_o thou_o look_v up_o into_o heaven_n meditate_v upon_o that_o god_n which_o ordain_v the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n and_o which_o make_v arcturus_n orion_n and_o pleyade_n and_o the_o chamber_n of_o the_o south_n when_o thou_o view_v any_o creature_n consider_v who_o stamp_n it_o bear_v and_o who_o goodness_n be_v show_v in_o the_o create_a and_o preserve_v of_o it_o last_o let_v we_o be_v exhort_v to_o study_v god_n in_o his_o work_n of_o providence_n and_o in_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o mankind_n there_o be_v many_o even_o among_o we_o christian_n who_o see_v thing_n happen_v contrary_a to_o their_o desire_n and_o carnal_a reason_n as_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v deject_v and_o the_o wicked_a advance_v do_v implicit_o deny_v a_o god_n or_o at_o least_o wise_a with_o the_o epicurean_o think_v that_o he_o sit_v idle_a in_o heaven_n without_o any_o respect_n or_o care_n have_v unto_o mankind_n whereas_o do_v we_o not_o measure_v the_o depth_n of_o god_n dispensation_n by_o our_o own_o shallow_a carnal_a reason_n we_o may_v even_o in_o the_o great_a huddle_n and_o confusion_n of_o thing_n see_v a_o god_n steer_v and_o direct_v they_o all_o to_o his_o own_o glory_n though_o then_o thou_o see_v sin_v every_o where_o even_o in_o the_o street_n to_o abound_v know_v also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o the_o city_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o do_v though_o thou_o see_v the_o ungodly_a to_o flourish_v like_o a_o green_a bay-tree_n and_o with_o david_n be_v puzzle_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o yet_o with_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o then_o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o end_n of_o these_o man_n namely_o how_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o set_v they_o in_o slippery_a place_n and_o who_o only_o feed_v they_o for_o the_o day_n of_o slaughter_n well_o then_o to_o conclude_v both_o in_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n we_o ought_v to_o study_v god_n because_o that_o in_o they_o we_o may_v read_v those_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o both_o of_o they_o be_v as_o spectacle_n unto_o we_o to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o view_n of_o this_o invisible_a god_n and_o though_o indeed_o in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v read_v he_o far_o more_o distinct_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o these_o our_o earthly_a tabernacle_n we_o ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o representation_n of_o his_o majesty_n till_o the_o time_n come_v when_o we_o shall_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o these_o spectacle_n when_o this_o glaste_n of_o the_o creature_n shall_v vanish_v in_o the_o general_n conflagration_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v behold_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o enjoy_v a_o most_o glorious_a prospect_n of_o his_o divinity_n in_o those_o new_a heaven_n for_o evermore_o finis_fw-la 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 etc._n etc._n we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v concern_v the_o perspicuity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v which_o i_o shall_v be_v more_o brief_a as_o i_o tell_v you_o because_o they_o have_v be_v so_o large_o handle_v already_o by_o sundry_a learned_a man_n unto_o the_o substance_n of_o who_o writing_n there_o can_v indeed_o scarce_o any_o thing_n be_v add_v unless_o perhaps_o far_o illustration_n and_o a_o more_o practical_a handle_n of_o they_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o here_o set_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n say_v he_o for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n four_o use_n be_v here_o make_v mention_n of_o in_o scripture_n the_o two_o doctrinal_a teach_v of_o truth_n and_o confute_v error_n the_o two_o last_o practical_a correction_n of_o vice_n and_o instruction_n of_o holy_a conversation_n from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o since_o it_o do_v thus_o teach_v thus_o convince_v it_o must_v needs_o carry_v with_o it_o such_o a_o light_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n that_o neither_o its_o doctrine_n may_v be_v reject_v through_o their_o obscurity_n nor_o its_o argument_n gainsayd_v for_o want_n of_o clearness_n and_o since_o also_o it_o be_v useful_a for_o reformation_n of_o manner_n and_o direction_n in_o a_o holy_a life_n needs_o must_v its_o rule_n for_o this_o purpose_n be_v so_o plain_o set_v down_o that_o every_o one_o concern_v in_o such_o duty_n may_v be_v thereby_o instruct_v unto_o holiness_n the_o scripture_n may_v be_v term_v the_o first_o element_n of_o a_o christian_a a_o child_n may_v go_v to_o school_v unto_o they_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n they_o be_v profitable_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v as_o the_o word_n imply_v for_o instruction_n of_o child_n even_o a_o child_n may_v spell_v out_o the_o scripture_n what_o be_v his_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n and_o doubtless_o if_o a_o child_n may_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v not_o so_o obscure_a so_o intricate_a so_o perplex_v as_o some_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v in_o prosecution_n therefore_o of_o this_o point_n we_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o themselves_o perspicuous_a 2._o that_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o perspicuous_a according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o subject_n entertain_v they_o 3._o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v some_o reason_n why_o god_n have_v leave_v some_o place_n more_o obscure_a than_o other_o 1._o first_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o themselves_o perspicuous_a may_v appear_v by_o several_a text_n ps_n 19_o 8._o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n they_o be_v pure_a and_o therefore_o not_o alloy_v with_o any_o muddinesse_n or_o cloud_v with_o any_o obscurity_n they_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o therefore_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o such_o evident_a plainness_n that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o quite_o blind_v may_v easy_o perceive_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o so_o ps_n 119._o 105._o thy_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path_n it_o do_v that_o be_v by_o its_o perspicuity_n and_o clearness_n both_o as_o a_o lamp_n and_o light_n direct_v i_o in_o all_o my_o go_n hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o dark_a place_n denote_v out_o unto_o we_o that_o the_o word_n not_o only_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v light_a but_o also_o that_o wheresoever_o it_o come_v it_o dispel_v darkness_n as_o the_o sun_n at_o his_o appearance_n force_v away_o the_o night_n the_o fog_n and_o mist_n as_o solomon_n a_o man_n of_o the_o profound_a wisdom_n that_o ever_o live_v say_v that_o he_o write_v to_o give_v subtlety_n to_o the_o simple_a to_o the_o young_a man_n knowledge_n and_o discretion_n prov._n 1._o 4._o there_o be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o innate_a plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n that_o the_o simple_a man_n may_v thereby_o be_v enlighten_v the_o young_a instruct_v but_o here_o when_o we_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v we_o must_v distinguish_v concern_v fundamental_n and_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o circumstantial_o or_o such_o thing_n who_o exact_a knowledge_n be_v not_o so_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n those_o matter_n which_o belong_v unto_o a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o such_o as_o be_v the_o commandment_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n but_o now_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o either_o relate_n
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