1_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o of_o all_o these_o wounderful_a passage_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o perfect_a narrative_n and_o what_o have_v the_o great_a wit_n of_o the_o world_n ever_o treat_v on_o like_o this_o either_o for_o strangeness_n or_o truth_n all_o their_o learning_n be_v but_o idle_a and_o contemptible_a speculation_n compare_v to_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n who_o subdue_v death_n by_o die_v and_o without_o force_n convert_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n above_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o very_a odd_a say_n of_o tertullian_n de_fw-fr carne_fw-la christi_fw-la cont_n marc._n and_o yet_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o that_o strike_v natus_fw-la est_fw-la dei_fw-la filius_fw-la non_fw-la pudet_fw-la quia_fw-la pudendum_fw-la est_fw-la the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v bear_v we_o blush_v not_o at_o it_o because_o it_o be_v shameful_a mortuus_fw-la est_fw-la dei_fw-la filius_fw-la prorsus_fw-la credibile_fw-la est_fw-la quia_fw-la 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to_o which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v but_o folly_n this_o therefore_o i_o suppose_v lie_v in_o the_o expression_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n viz._n the_o word_n of_o which_o he_o be_v both_o the_o author_n and_o the_o subject_a second_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o text_n the_o manner_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v set_v forth_o very_o significant_o first_o let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o do_v not_o only_o give_v it_o the_o hear_n as_o a_o strange_a and_o marvellous_a story_n let_v not_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o vanish_v out_o of_o your_o mind_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n vanish_v out_o of_o your_o ear_n but_o lay_v it_o up_o and_o lodge_v it_o in_o your_o heart_n make_v it_o familiar_a and_o domestic_a to_o you_o that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o know_v to_o you_o as_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o same_o house_n with_o you_o read_v it_o ponder_v and_o meditate_v 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do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n to_o be_v conversant_a in_o it_o only_o to_o know_v what_o it_o contain_v be_v not_o wisdom_n but_o folly_n but_o than_o it_o dwell_v in_o you_o in_o wisdom_n when_o you_o study_v it_o to_o practice_v it_o when_o you_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o rule_n that_o you_o may_v obey_v it_o this_o be_v wisdom_n here_o and_o will_v end_v in_o happiness_n hereafter_o and_o thus_o you_o have_v the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n explain_v in_o handle_v this_o subject_a i_o shall_v only_o pursue_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o endeavour_v to_o press_v those_o exhortation_n upon_o you_o and_o indeed_o i_o need_v not_o many_o argument_n to_o persuade_v those_o who_o have_v already_o any_o acquaintance_n with_o these_o sacred_a oracle_n still_o to_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o have_v you_o not_o yourselves_o find_v such_o clear_a light_n such_o attractive_a sweetness_n and_o persuasive_a eloquence_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o that_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n can_v utter_v for_o it_o fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o what_o it_o speak_v on_o in_o its_o own_o behalf_n who_o of_o we_o have_v not_o find_v direction_n from_o it_o in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n solution_n of_o doubt_n support_v under_o affliction_n comfort_n under_o sadness_n strength_n against_o temptation_n quickning_n of_o grace_n warmth_n of_o affection_n and_o in_o brief_a whatsoever_o we_o can_v expect_v from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n have_v we_o not_o find_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o shall_v we_o need_v further_a to_o commend_v it_o to_o you_o by_o argument_n since_o it_o have_v commend_v itself_o by_o manifold_a experience_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n know_v we_o be_v disarm_v and_o disable_v if_o once_o he_o can_v wrest_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o and_o therefore_o labour_v all_o he_o can_v to_o strike_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n or_o 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that_o know_v to_o do_v good_a and_o do_v it_o not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n it_o be_v a_o emphatical_a and_o weighty_a sin_n and_o luke_n 12.47_o he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n this_o they_o have_v read_v and_o this_o deterr_v they_o from_o read_v any_o far_o if_o they_o can_v practice_v what_o they_o know_v and_o if_o to_o know_v and_o not_o practice_v be_v only_o to_o inflame_v their_o last_o reckon_n and_o make_v their_o torment_n more_o intolerable_a it_o be_v best_o for_o they_o to_o muffle_v up_o themselves_o in_o a_o safe_a ignorance_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o though_o the_o word_n abound_v with_o multitude_n of_o sublime_a precept_n and_o difficult_a duty_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o discouragement_n from_o the_o study_n of_o it_o for_o consider_v that_o this_o same_o
may_v persuade_v you_o to_o a_o diligent_a search_n and_o perusal_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o jew_n indeed_o be_v so_o exact_a or_o rather_o superstitious_a in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v judge_v a_o despiser_n of_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n who_o do_v not_o ready_o know_v how_o often_o every_o letter_n of_o the_o alphabet_n occur_v in_o they_o this_o preciseness_n god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o deliver_v down_o his_o word_n to_o we_o unvaried_a and_o uncorrupted_a it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o scrupulous_a search_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o now_o exhort_v you_o to_o but_o as_o god_n have_v leave_v it_o to_o we_o a_o rich_a depositum_fw-la a_o dear_a pledge_n of_o his_o love_n and_o care_n so_o we_o shall_v diligent_o attend_v to_o a_o rational_a and_o profitable_a study_n of_o it_o there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o general_a that_o commend_v any_o write_n to_o we_o either_o that_o it_o discover_v knowledge_n or_o direct_v practice_n that_o it_o inform_v the_o judgement_n 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2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v the_o light_n that_o can_v reveal_v these_o must_v break_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n itself_o and_o so_o it_o do_v upon_o the_o prophet_n evangelist_n and_o apostle_n the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o if_o it_o be_v their_o singular_a privilege_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v descend_v into_o their_o breast_n and_o so_o possess_v they_o with_o divine_a inspiration_n that_o what_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v become_v oracular_a how_o little_o less_o be_v we_o since_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v to_o we_o the_o very_a same_o truth_n which_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v to_o they_o god_n heretofore_o speak_v in_o they_o and_o now_o he_o speak_v by_o they_o unto_o we_o their_o revelation_n be_v become_v we_o the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o what_o god_n teach_v they_o by_o extraordinary_a 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most_o glorious_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v but_o beam_n forth_o light_a to_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o see_v he_o who_o be_v invisible_a but_o if_o we_o consider_v those_o gospel_n mystery_n the_o scripture_n relate_v the_o hypostatical_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n incarnation_n the_o mystical_a union_n of_o our_o person_n to_o he_o by_o our_o believe_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v substitute_v in_o the_o stead_n of_o guilty_a sinner_n that_o he_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n become_v reconcile_v to_o man_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n these_o be_v mystery_n so_o infinite_o profound_a as_o be_v enough_o to_o puzzle_v a_o whole_a college_n of_o
be_v tempt_v so_o most_o of_o they_o be_v not_o only_a temptation_n but_o sin_n also_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o temptation_n to_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o temptation_n only_o and_o no_o sin_n for_o so_o christ_n himself_o be_v tempt_v matth._n 4.1_o he_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o read_v there_o with_o what_o horrid_a temptation_n he_o be_v assault_v even_o to_o worship_n the_o devil_n to_o distrust_n god_n and_o to_o destroy_v himself_o and_o yet_o as_o black_a as_o these_o temptation_n be_v they_o be_v only_a temptation_n and_o no_o sin_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o heb._n 4.15_o he_o be_v tempt_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n only_o except_v and_o such_o sometime_o be_v the_o temptation_n wherewith_o the_o devil_n assault_v the_o child_n of_o god_n horrid_a and_o hellish_a temptation_n even_o to_o deny_v the_o very_a be_v of_o god_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o such_o bubling_n of_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o very_a fundamental_o and_o groundwork_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v watchful_a present_o to_o abhor_v and_o reject_v these_o injection_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o cast_v back_o into_o his_o face_n these_o his_o fiery_a dart_n which_o he_o shoot_v into_o our_o soul_n they_o be_v not_o our_o sin_n though_o they_o be_v our_o trouble_n but_o they_o shall_v be_v charge_v upon_o satan_n to_o who_o of_o right_n they_o do_v belong_v we_o be_v but_o only_o passive_a and_o sufferer_n in_o they_o but_o true_o the_o most_o of_o our_o temptation_n be_v sin_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n and_o need_v to_o pray_v against_o they_o for_o they_o be_v sin_n unto_o sin_n sin_z as_o they_o be_v irregular_a and_o inordinate_a motion_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o affection_n and_o unto_o sin_n as_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o far_a evil._n and_o such_o be_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o our_o inbred_a lust_n and_o corruption_n when_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n strong_o incline_v we_o to_o those_o object_n which_o god_n by_o his_o express_a law_n have_v forbid_v we_o be_v it_o not_o for_o these_o sinful_a temptation_n the_o other_o which_o be_v immediate_o inject_v by_o the_o devil_n will_v not_o have_v any_o great_a advantage_n to_o prevail_v over_o we_o for_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o corruption_n our_o heart_n always_o stand_v open_a to_o let_v in_o the_o devil_n and_o be_v it_o not_o that_o these_o have_v seize_v on_o the_o soul_n the_o devil_n must_v have_v stand_v without_o and_o though_o he_o have_v knock_v yet_o will_v he_o have_v knock_v in_o vain_a and_o therefore_o we_o see_v in_o his_o first_o temptation_n he_o deal_v all_o without_o door_n there_o be_v no_o natural_a lust_n in_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o befriend_v he_o or_o to_o betray_v the_o soul_n unto_o he_o he_o shut_v up_o himself_o therefore_o in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o serpent_n question_v with_o eve_n about_o god_n command_n persuade_v she_o of_o the_o desirableness_n of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n tell_v she_o that_o god_n threaten_v be_v rather_o to_o fright_v they_o than_o to_o hurt_v they_o but_o in_o all_o these_o method_n of_o tempt_v satan_n have_v no_o admission_n into_o the_o soul_n because_o lust_n as_o yet_o have_v take_v no_o possession_n of_o it_o but_o ever_o since_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n contract_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o first_o offence_n the_o devil_n do_v not_o stand_v to_o tempt_v we_o without_o door_n but_o he_o enter_v bold_o as_o into_o the_o house_n of_o his_o old_a friend_n concupiscence_n nay_o as_o into_o his_o own_o house_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v so_o call_v matth._n 12.29_o he_o be_v by_o lust_n let_v into_o the_o very_a inmost_a recess_n and_o retirement_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o can_v now_o propound_v object_n immediate_o to_o our_o fancy_n and_o by_o our_o fancy_n darken_v our_o understanding_n and_o affection_n and_o incline_v our_o wi_n again_o our_o natural_a corruption_n as_o it_o admit_v so_o it_o entertain_v and_o cherish_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n a_o spark_n of_o fire_n if_o there_o be_v no_o fuel_n prepare_v for_o it_o to_o seize_v on_o will_v present_o die_v and_o vanish_v and_o so_o true_o will_v satan_n temptation_n that_o be_v like_o so_o many_o spark_n of_o hell_n fire_v strike_v by_o the_o devil_n into_o our_o soul_n be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o prepare_a fuel_n the_o catch_a tinder_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o corruption_n these_o temptation_n will_v soon_o go_v out_o and_o expire_v and_o be_v like_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n that_o may_v possible_o startle_v we_o but_o can_v not_o burn_v we_o and_o thus_o though_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v grievous_o tempt_v yet_o it_o be_v say_v joh._n 14.30_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n come_v and_o have_v nothing_o in_o i_o that_o be_v the_o devil_n can_v find_v no_o sin_n or_o corruption_n in_o he_o and_o therefore_o can_v fasten_v none_o of_o his_o temptation_n upon_o he_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o abundant_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o we_o to_o pray_v earnest_o against_o temptation_n whether_o they_o proceed_v from_o satan_n or_o from_o our_o own_o corruption_n the_o one_o sort_n be_v always_o sin_n of_o themselves_o and_o both_o sort_n incline_v and_o induce_v we_o unto_o sin_n but_o since_o satan_n and_o our_o own_o heart_n prove_v tempter_n unto_o we_o some_o may_v possible_o ask_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v when_o it_o be_v satan_n that_o tempt_v we_o and_o when_o the_o temptation_n arise_v from_o our_o own_o corruption_n the_o question_n be_v nice_a and_o difficult_a yet_o because_o it_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o some_o who_o be_v curious_a in_o observe_v the_o working_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n i_o answer_v first_o there_o be_v but_o one_o kind_n of_o temptation_n to_o sin_n which_o have_v not_o their_o rise_n and_o original_n usual_o from_o lust_n and_o those_o be_v temptation_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o the_o deny_v those_o truth_n that_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a by_o natural_a reason_n and_o strong_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o the_o like_a or_o else_o the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v tempt_v to_o offer_v violence_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o destroy_v himself_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o such_o temptation_n have_v not_o their_o first_o rise_n and_o original_n from_o our_o natural_a corruption_n but_o be_v immediate_o dart_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o devil_n though_o indeed_o our_o corruption_n too_o often_o catch_v at_o they_o and_o brood_n upon_o they_o till_o they_o have_v from_o such_o horrid_a temptation_n as_o these_o conceive_v some_o horrid_a and_o monstrous_a sin_n in_o the_o soul_n such_o injection_n as_o these_o be_v ball_n of_o wildfire_n kindle_v in_o hell_n and_o cast_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o devil_n and_o be_v not_o our_o sin_n any_o far_a than_o they_o be_v entertain_v by_o we_o and_o consent_v unto_o second_o as_o for_o those_o temptation_n which_o have_v a_o great_a compliance_n to_o the_o corrupt_a tendency_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o sinful_a nature_n which_o be_v not_o to_o such_o unnatural_a sin_n as_o the_o other_o it_o be_v very_o hard_o if_o not_o impossible_a to_o judge_n whether_o they_o original_o proceed_v from_o satan_n or_o from_o our_o own_o inbred_a corruption_n usual_o they_o both_o join_v together_o if_o satan_n first_o inject_n they_o usual_o our_o lust_n nurse_n and_o foster_v they_o or_o if_o our_o wicked_a heart_n be_v the_o first_o parent_n of_o they_o usual_o satan_n enforce_v they_o and_o by_o additional_a recruit_n of_o temptation_n make_v they_o more_o prevalent_a and_o permanent_a and_o by_o fair_a and_o specious_a colour_n make_v they_o more_o plausible_a and_o take_v and_o certain_o there_o be_v such_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o evil_a spirit_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a work_n and_o employment_n they_o have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o hell_n can_v spare_v a_o whole_a legion_n of_o they_o to_o garrison_n in_o one_o possess_v man_n we_o may_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v continual_o busy_a pry_v into_o every_o one_o of_o our_o temper_n and_o as_o long_a experience_n have_v make_v they_o very_o sagacious_a in_o guess_v at_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o alteration_n they_o find_v in_o our_o fancy_n or_o the_o humour_n of_o our_o body_n of_o which_o
honour_n thy_o glory_n lie_v bleed_v and_o suffer_v through_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n why_o commit_v thy_o care_n to_o god_n he_o will_v certain_o so_o wield_v their_o lust_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v bring_v about_o and_o effect_v his_o own_o end_n god_n be_v glorify_v himself_o even_o by_o these_o thing_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v trouble_v this_o thought_n keep_v alive_a on_o our_o heart_n will_v cause_v we_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v amid_o all_o the_o tumult_n we_o observe_v and_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o unwind_v these_o ravel_v dispensation_n to_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o glory_n yet_o he_o can_v and_o will_n there_o be_v a_o invisible_a and_o wise_a hand_n that_o mould_v and_o fashion_n all_o and_o though_o the_o part_n by_o themselves_o may_v appear_v rude_a and_o unpolished_a yet_o put_v the_o whole_a frame_n and_o series_n of_o providence_n together_o and_o that_o will_v appear_v most_o admirable_a and_o glorious_a now_o to_o the_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o sermon_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n colossian_n iii_o 16_o let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n this_o epistle_n if_o any_o other_o be_v a_o rich_a mine_n of_o heavenly_a treasure_n and_o abound_v both_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o gospel_n mystery_n and_o the_o injunction_n of_o christian_a duty_n it_o be_v furnish_v throughout_o with_o that_o which_o may_v either_o instruct_v we_o in_o knowledge_n or_o direct_v we_o in_o practice_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v already_o lay_v down_o many_o excellent_a thing_n in_o order_n to_o both_o these_o and_o see_v it_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a task_n to_o discourse_v unto_o they_o all_o the_o truth_n or_o exhort_v they_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n in_o particular_a he_o therefore_o speak_v compendious_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o perfect_a systeme_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v a_o account_n of_o what_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o know_v or_o do_v and_o that_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o the_o word_n of_o this_o exhortation_n be_v very_o full_a and_o lade_v with_o weighty_a sense_n we_o may_v resolve_v they_o into_o two_o part_n first_o here_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o exhortation_n which_o be_v to_o a_o diligent_a study_n and_o plentiful_a knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n second_o the_o manner_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o so_o that_o it_o may_v dwell_v in_o we_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n in_o the_o former_a we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o upon_o a_o double_a account_n both_o because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n that_o compose_v it_o and_o likewise_o he_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o which_o it_o principal_o treat_v now_o though_o in_o both_o these_o respect_n the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v more_o especial_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n yet_o also_o may_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o true_o and_o proper_o go_v under_o his_o name_n for_o first_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o all_o he_o may_v well_o write_v this_o title_n upon_o our_o bibles_n the_o work_n of_o jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o prophet_n before_o his_o incarnation_n be_v but_o his_o amanuensis_n and_o write_v only_o what_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n dictate_v to_o they_o 2_o pet._n 1.21_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_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 by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o certain_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v they_o by_o christ_n authority_n and_o commission_n and_o what_o he_o declare_v he_o take_v from_o he_o and_o show_v it_o unto_o they_o john_n 16.14_o 15._o he_o shall_v receive_v of_o i_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o second_o christ_n also_o be_v the_o principal_a subject_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n the_o send_v christ_n a_o saviour_n into_o the_o world_n be_v that_o great_a business_n which_o have_v employ_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o father_n the_o admiration_n and_o ministration_n of_o angel_n the_o tongue_n and_o pen_n of_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o all_o age_n before_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v when_o revelation_n or_o tradition_n be_v yet_o the_o only_a positive_a rule_n for_o faith_n and_o practice_n the_o patriarch_n see_v he_o by_o these_o abraham_n see_v my_o day_n and_o be_v glad_a joh._n 8.56_o afterward_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n see_v he_o by_o type_n promise_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n he_o be_v that_o excellent_a theme_n that_o have_v fill_v up_o many_o chapter_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o first_o draught_n of_o a_o picture_n represent_v the_o feature_n and_o proportion_n of_o the_o person_n but_o afterward_o be_v add_v the_o complexion_n and_o life_n to_o it_o so_o be_v it_o here_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o prophet_n draw_v the_o first_o lineament_n and_o proportion_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n have_v add_v the_o life_n and_o sweetness_n to_o it_o in_o the_o new_a yea_o christ_n be_v so_o true_o describe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o his_o life_n by_o his_o death_n by_o all_o the_o great_a remark_n of_o either_o that_o in_o his_o contest_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o appeal_v thither_o for_o a_o testimony_n john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o st._n peter_n act_v 3.24_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o prophet_n as_o many_o as_o have_v speak_v have_v foretell_v of_o these_o day_n and_o act_v 10.43_o to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o true_a expositor_n be_v himself_o the_o true_a author_n make_v they_o all_o speak_v his_o sense_n luke_n 24.27_o begin_v at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o expound_v to_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o saying_n concern_v himself_o so_o that_o st._n chrysostom_n observation_n hold_v true_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o take_v root_n in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o flow_v forth_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o in_o both_o these_o respect_n the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o author_n and_o as_o the_o subject_a of_o it_o and_o in_o both_o these_o lie_v couch_v a_o very_a cogent_a argument_n that_o may_v enforce_v this_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o a_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o first_o be_v christ_n the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n peruse_v these_o book_n which_o he_o have_v compose_v the_o writing_n of_o man_n be_v value_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n of_o their_o author_n if_o they_o be_v of_o approve_a integrity_n profound_a knowledge_n solid_a judgement_n their_o work_n be_v esteem_v and_o study_v and_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v much_o more_o conversant_a in_o these_o which_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o author_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o the_o essential_a wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n these_o that_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o write_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o quill_n of_o the_o heavenly_a dove_n second_o christ_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o what_o be_v all_o other_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n but_o beggarly_a element_n if_o compare_v with_o this_o here_o we_o have_v the_o cabinet_n of_o god_n counsel_n unlock_v the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n public_o declare_v here_o we_o have_v the_o stupendous_a history_n of_o god_n become_a man_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n this_o god-man_n do_v upon_o earth_n of_o all_o the_o cruelty_n he_o suffer_v here_o we_o have_v the_o description_n of_o his_o victory_n in_o his_o resurrection_n of_o his_o triumph_n in_o his_o ascension_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o his_o session_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a sure_o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n as_o the_o apostle_n with_o admiration_n recount_v it_o
righteousness_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o damnation_n have_v be_v unavoidable_a without_o this_o knowledge_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v better_a they_o have_v not_o know_v it_o for_o here_o be_v the_o hyperbole_n of_o their_o misery_n better_o they_o have_v be_v damn_v than_o to_o have_v know_v these_o truth_n and_o this_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o turn_v from_o the_o obedience_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o o_o fearful_a state_n o_o dreadful_a doom_n when_o a_o simple_a and_o genuine_a damnation_n shall_v be_v reckon_v a_o gain_n and_o favour_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o exquisite_a one_o which_o god_n will_v with_o all_o his_o wisdom_n prepare_v and_o all_o his_o power_n inflict_v on_o those_o who_o know_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o who_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n do_v notwithstanding_o persevere_v in_o they_o he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_v and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n luke_n 12.47_o and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 15.22_o the_o sin_n and_o punishment_n of_o those_o who_o be_v invincible_o ignorant_a be_v as_o nothing_o compare_v to_o what_o the_o know_a sinner_n lie_v under_o but_o do_v not_o flatter_v yourselves_o your_o ignorance_n be_v not_o invincible_a be_v you_o not_o call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n do_v you_o not_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o scripture_n do_v you_o not_o enjoy_v gospel_n ordinance_n and_o ministry_n may_v you_o not_o if_o you_o will_v be_v but_o diligent_a and_o industrious_a understand_v what_o you_o be_v ignorant_a of_o certain_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v prove_v your_o ignorance_n invincible_a unless_o it_o be_v your_o obstinacy_n that_o you_o will_v not_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o be_v instruct_v by_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n your_o ignorance_n must_v therefore_o be_v affect_v well_o then_o attend_v unto_o the_o second_o particular_a affect_a ignorance_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o will_v be_v more_o sore_o punish_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o unpractised_a knowledge_n this_o kind_n of_o ignorance_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v pleadable_a as_o a_o excuse_n that_o it_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o man_n guilt_n and_o will_v be_v so_o of_o their_o condemnation_n there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n that_o complete_a a_o christian_n knowledge_n and_o practice_n both_o these_o god_n do_v strict_o require_v knowledge_n may_v be_v without_o practice_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n can_v be_v without_o knowledge_n god_n i_o say_v require_v they_o both_o now_o judge_v you_o which_o be_v the_o great_a sinner_n he_o that_o labour_v after_o knowledge_n though_o he_o neglect_v practice_n or_o he_o that_o neglect_v they_o both_o he_o that_o fulfil_v some_o part_n of_o god_n will_n or_o he_o that_o fulfil_v nothing_o of_o it_o certain_o in_o your_o own_o judgement_n this_o latter_a deserve_v to_o be_v double_o punish_v once_o for_o not_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o again_o for_o not_o know_v it_o when_o he_o may_v true_o it_o be_v but_o just_a and_o righteous_a that_o god_n shall_v with_o the_o high_a disdain_n and_o indignation_n say_v unto_o they_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v i_o know_v you_o not_o since_o they_o have_v audacious_o say_v unto_o he_o depart_v from_o we_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o god_n patience_n towards_o heathen_n who_o be_v invincible_o ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n tell_v we_o act_v 17.30_o that_o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n and_o yet_o a_o ignorance_n it_o be_v that_o put_v they_o upon_o no_o less_o than_o brutish_a idolatry_n god_n wink_v at_o ignorant_n person_n in_o ignorant_a time_n while_o as_o yet_o the_o world_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n and_o darkness_n overspread_v the_o face_n of_o it_o god_n connive_v and_o wink_v at_o but_o ignorant_a person_n in_o know_v time_n god_n do_v not_o wink_v at_o but_o frown_v upon_o i_o be_o the_o more_o earnest_n in_o press_v this_o because_o i_o perceive_v that_o vile_a and_o rot_a principle_n unworthy_a of_o a_o christian_n who_o be_v a_o child_n of_o light_n and_o of_o the_o day_n be_v take_v up_o by_o many_o that_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n how_o little_o we_o know_v if_o we_o do_v but_o practice_v what_o we_o know_v what_o a_o cheat_n have_v the_o devil_n put_v upon_o they_o have_v not_o god_n command_v you_o to_o know_v more_o as_o well_o as_o to_o practice_v what_o you_o know_v be_v it_o likely_a you_o shall_v practice_v what_o you_o know_v upon_o god_n command_n who_o will_v not_o upon_o his_o command_n increase_v your_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a plea_n of_o profane_a men._n ask_v they_o why_o they_o frequent_v the_o public_a ordinance_n so_o seldom_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o they_o know_v more_o by_o one_o sermon_n than_o they_o can_v practice_v but_o how_o can_v such_o make_v conscience_n of_o practise_v who_o make_v none_o of_o know_v though_o the_o same_o god_n have_v enjoin_v they_o both_o yea_o though_o they_o can_v practice_v what_o they_o know_v yet_o let_v i_o tell_v they_o that_o for_o those_o who_o live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o may_v be_v instruct_v if_o they_o will_v it_o may_v be_v as_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o omit_v a_o duty_n out_o of_o neglect_n of_o know_v it_o as_o out_o of_o neglect_n of_o do_v it_o yea_o and_o much_o great_a we_o shall_v ourselves_o judge_v that_o servant_n who_o while_o we_o be_v speak_v to_o he_o stop_v his_o ear_n on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v not_o hear_v what_o we_o command_v he_o we_o shall_v i_o say_v judge_v he_o worthy_a of_o more_o stripe_n than_o he_o who_o give_v diligent_a ear_n to_o our_o command_n although_o he_o will_v not_o obey_v they_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n thou_o who_o stop_v thy_o ear_n and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v what_o the_o will_n of_o thy_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v deserve_v much_o more_o punishment_n than_o he_o who_o take_v pain_n to_o know_v it_o although_o he_o do_v it_o not_o it_o be_v damnable_a not_o to_o give_v god_n the_o service_n that_o he_o require_v but_o o_o insolence_n not_o to_o give_v god_n thy_o lord_n and_o master_n so_o much_o as_o the_o hear_n have_v god_n send_v man_n into_o the_o world_n and_o send_v the_o scripture_n after_o as_o letter_n of_o instruction_n what_o we_o shall_v do_v for_o he_o here_o and_o will_v it_o think_v thou_o be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n when_o thou_o return_v to_o thy_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v true_a thou_o have_v instruction_n but_o never_o opened'_v they_o never_o looked'_v into_o they_o what_o a_o fearful_a contempt_n be_v this_o cast_n upon_o the_o great_a god_n never_o so_o much_o as_o to_o inquire_v what_o his_o will_n be_v whether_o or_o no_o he_o command_v that_o which_o be_v fit_a and_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o perform_v and_o therefore_o refuse_v not_o to_o search_v and_o study_v the_o scripture_n upon_o pretence_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o you_o can_v fulfil_v will_v but_o aggravate_v your_o sin_n and_o condemnation_n for_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o great_a sin_n and_o sore_a condemnation_n can_v no_o man_n have_v than_o he_o who_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n thereby_o to_o disoblige_v himself_o from_o practice_n and_o again_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v to_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o it_o require_v from_o we_o they_o do_v not_o only_o inform_v the_o judgement_n but_o quicken_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o strengthen_v the_o whole_a soul_n to_o its_o duty_n and_o this_o be_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o objection_n second_o some_o will_v say_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n possess_v they_o with_o strange_a fear_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o incredible_a terror_n it_o raise_v up_o such_o dreadful_a apparition_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n as_o make_v they_o a_o terror_n to_o themselves_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o it_o may_v be_v thy_o condition_n be_v such_o as_o require_v it_o possible_o thou_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o wrath_n and_o will_v thou_o not_o be_v under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o thou_o be_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v terrible_a unto_o thou_o it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o hate_v the_o word_n as_o ahab_n hate_v micaiah_n because_o it_o prophesi_v no_o good_a concern_v thou_o alas_o what_o good_a can_v it_o speak_v as_o long_o as_o thou_o thyself_o continue_v evil_a second_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o scripture_n as_o
first_o i_o answer_v first_o this_o be_v st._n paul_n very_a case_n rom._n 7.8_o sin_n take_v occasion_n by_o the_o command_n wrought_v in_o i_o all_o manner_n of_o concupiscence_n now_o this_o effect_n be_v mere_o accidental_a and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v unto_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n but_o to_o the_o wicked_a heart_n of_o man_n which_o take_v a_o hint_n so_o desperate_o corrupt_a be_v it_o from_o god_n forbid_a sin_n to_o put_v itself_o in_o mind_n of_o commit_v it_o second_o thou_o complain_v that_o the_o word_n excit_v to_o corruption_n but_o it_o do_v it_o not_o otherwise_o than_o the_o sun_n draw_v smoak_n and_o stink_v out_o of_o a_o dunghill_n it_o do_v increase_v but_o unhappy_o excite_v they_o the_o very_a same_o lust_n lay_v hide_v in_o their_o heart_n before_o there_o they_o lie_v like_o so_o many_o viper_n and_o serpent_n asleep_a till_o the_o light_n and_o warmth_n of_o the_o word_n make_v they_o stir_v and_o crawl_v about_o and_o this_o advantage_n thou_o may_v make_v of_o it_o that_o when_o thy_o corruption_n swarm_v thick_a about_o thou_o upon_o the_o disturbance_n the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v make_v among_o they_o thou_o may_v thence_o see_v what_o a_o wicked_a heart_n and_o nature_n thou_o have_v how_o much_o filth_n and_o mud_n there_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o which_o present_o rise_v upon_o the_o first_o stir_v this_o may_v make_v thou_o vile_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n and_o deep_o humble_v under_o the_o sad_a and_o serious_a consideration_n of_o thy_o indwelling_a sin_n it_o be_v the_o very_a use_n the_o apostle_n make_v in_o the_o same_o case_n rom._n 7.24_o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n when_o humour_n be_v in_o motion_n we_o soon_o perceive_v what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o our_o body_n and_o when_o corruption_n be_v once_o stir_v we_o may_v thereby_o easy_o know_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o soul_n three_o the_o same_o word_n that_o do_v thus_o occasional_o stir_v up_o sin_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o beat_v it_o down_o you_o may_v perceive_v by_o this_o there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v extreme_o contrary_a to_o their_o sin_n since_o they_o do_v so_o rise_v and_o arm_n against_o it_o their_o great_a enemy_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o alarm_n that_o they_o take_v be_v but_o before_o their_o overthrow_n it_o may_v be_v the_o mud_n be_v only_o stir_v that_o it_o may_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o their_o heart_n cleanse_v from_o it_o be_v not_o discourage_v therefore_o for_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n in_o the_o world_n so_o apposite_a to_o the_o destruction_n and_o subdue_a of_o sin_n as_o the_o scripture_n though_o at_o first_o it_o may_v seem_v instead_o of_o subdue_a of_o sin_n to_o strengthen_v they_o six_o many_o be_v discourage_v from_o study_v the_o scripture_n because_o their_o memory_n be_v so_o treacherous_a and_o unfaithful_a they_o can_v retain_v nothing_o when_o they_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o will_v recollect_v what_o they_o have_v read_v they_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o it_o either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o nothing_o abide_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o think_v it_o be_v as_o good_a give_v over_o as_o thus_o continual_o pour_v water_n into_o a_o sieve_n and_o inculcate_v truth_n upon_o such_o a_o leaky_a memory_n where_o all_o run_v out_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o complaint_n of_o many_o but_o first_o this_o shall_v put_v thou_o on_o a_o more_o frequent_a and_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o discourage_v thou_o from_o it_o more_o pain_n will_v supply_v this_o defect_n thou_o must_v the_o often_o prompt_v and_o the_o often_o examine_v thyself_o the_o more_o forgetful_a thou_o be_v memory_n be_v the_o soul_n steward_n and_o if_o thou_o find_v it_o unfaithful_a call_v it_o the_o often_o to_o account_v be_v still_o follow_v it_o with_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n and_o continual_o instill_v somewhat_o into_o it_o a_o vessel_n set_v under_o the_o fall_n of_o a_o spring_n can_v leak_v fast_o than_o it_o be_v supply_v a_o constant_a drop_n of_o this_o heavenly_a doctrine_n into_o the_o memory_n will_v keep_v it_o that_o though_o it_o be_v leaky_a yet_o it_o never_o shall_v be_v empty_a second_o scripture_n truth_n when_o they_o do_v not_o enrich_v the_o memory_n yet_o they_o may_v purify_v the_o heart_n we_o must_v not_o measure_v the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v from_o the_o word_n according_a to_o what_o of_o it_o remain_v but_o according_a to_o what_o effect_n it_o leave_v behind_o lightning_z you_o know_v than_o which_o nothing_o soon_o vanish_v away_o yet_o it_o often_o break_v and_o melt_v the_o hard_a and_o most_o firm_a body_n in_o its_o sudden_a passage_n such_o be_v the_o irresistible_a force_n of_o the_o word_n the_o spirit_n often_o dart_v it_o through_o we_o it_o seem_v but_o like_o a_o flash_n and_o go_v and_o yet_o it_o may_v break_v and_o melt_v down_o our_o hard_a heart_n before_o it_o when_o it_o leave_v no_o impression_n at_o all_o upon_o our_o memory_n i_o have_v hear_v of_o one_o who_o return_v from_o a_o affect_a sermon_n high_o commend_v it_o to_o some_o and_o be_v demand_v what_o he_o remember_v of_o it_o answer_v true_o i_o remember_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o only_o while_o i_o hear_v it_o it_o make_v i_o resolve_v to_o live_v better_a than_o ever_o i_o have_v do_v and_o so_o by_o god_n grace_n i_o will_n here_o be_v now_o a_o sermon_n lose_v to_o the_o memory_n but_o not_o to_o the_o affection_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o have_v somewhere_o read_v a_o story_n of_o one_o that_o complain_v to_o a_o age_a holyman_n that_o he_o be_v much_o discourage_v from_o read_v the_o scripture_n because_o his_o memory_n be_v so_o slippery_a he_o can_v fasten_v nothing_o upon_o it_o that_o he_o read_v the_o old_a hermit_n for_o so_o as_o i_o remember_v he_o be_v describe_v bid_v he_o take_v a_o earthen_a pitcher_n and_o 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