and_o study_v of_o the_o scripture_n be_v evident_a by_o our_o use_n and_o custom_n in_o ordinary_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n we_o choose_v and_o husband_n our_o ground_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n wherewith_o we_o intend_v to_o sow_v it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o that_o matter_n wherewith_o we_o fill_v our_o vessel_n we_o make_v choice_n of_o they_o appoint_v some_o for_o dry_a thing_n and_o other_o for_o moist_a and_o fit_v they_o diverse_o for_o foul_a or_o clean_o in_o like_a manner_n must_v we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n if_o we_o mean_v to_o order_v our_o heart_n aright_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n that_o must_v receive_v this_o holy_a seed_n the_o vessel_n that_o must_v contain_v this_o precious_a balm_n we_o must_v therefore_o consider_v that_o the_o word_n be_v a_o pure_a word_n psalm_n 119.140_o that_o we_o may_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v our_o heart_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o law_n be_v spiritual_a rom._n 7.14_o and_o heavenly_a james_n 3.17_o that_o we_o may_v labour_v for_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a mind_n to_o entertain_v it_o we_o must_v apprehend_v it_o as_o a_o word_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n the_o voice_n of_o god_n that_o mighty_a creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n before_o our_o heart_n can_v be_v subdue_v to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v it_o with_o that_o meekness_n jam._n 1.21_o and_o tremble_v of_o heart_n isa_n 66.2_o which_o be_v require_v we_o must_v be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a word_n 2_o pet._n 1.19_o a_o faithful_a word_n tit._n 1.9_o a_o vision_n that_o will_v not_o lie_v heb._n 2.3_o as_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o he_o that_o can_v lie_v tit._n 1.2_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v prepare_v to_o embrace_v it_o with_o faithful_a and_o believe_a heart_n without_o which_o the_o word_n can_v profit_v we_o at_o all_o heb._n 4.2_o in_o the_o next_o place_n aim_v 2_o by_o observe_v the_o end_n whereat_o the_o scripture_n aim_v we_o must_v take_v knowledge_n of_o the_o end_n wherefore_o the_o word_n be_v give_v if_o we_o mean_v to_o use_v and_o apply_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v see_v we_o know_v one_o can_v use_v a_o instrument_n aright_o unless_o he_o know_v for_o what_o use_v it_o be_v make_v now_o the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v be_v first_o the_o manifest_v of_o god_n unto_o we_o way_n 1._o make_v god_n know_v to_o we_o 2._o direct_v our_o way_n that_o we_o may_v honour_v he_o as_o god_n second_o the_o direct_n of_o we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o conversation_n not_o only_o by_o inform_v our_o judgement_n but_o by_o oblige_v our_o conscience_n to_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o the_o rule_v propose_v therein_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o practice_n wherefore_o the_o prophet_n david_n use_v god_n law_n as_o a_o lantern_n to_o his_o foot_n psal_n 119.105_o think_v on_o his_o way_n that_o he_o may_v turn_v his_o foot_n to_o god_n testimony_n v._o 59_o remember_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v soul_n 3._o yea_o convert_v the_o soul_n belong_v to_o we_o to_o do_v they_o deut._n 29.29_o so_o that_o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o purify_v the_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 1.22_o and_o convert_v it_o ps_n 19.7_o so_o the_o use_n of_o it_o beside_o be_v to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a unto_o every_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.17_o that_o so_o it_o may_v prove_v the_o power_n of_o god_n every_o way_n both_o to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n as_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v it_o to_o be_v ronvere_n 1.16_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o principal_a scope_n whereat_o the_o word_n aim_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a either_o to_o observe_v what_o we_o ought_v in_o read_v the_o scripture_n or_o to_o apply_v they_o aright_o that_o we_o may_v therefore_o give_v fit_a direction_n for_o the_o profitable_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o manifest_o appear_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v first_o both_o into_o their_o nature_n and_o scope_n and_o as_o for_o their_o nature_n it_o can_v well_o be_v open_v unless_o we_o consider_v the_o author_n by_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v from_o who_o withal_o flow_v their_o authority_n the_o instrument_n by_o which_o they_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o matter_n or_o subject_n which_o they_o handle_v wherewith_o if_o we_o take_v in_o the_o scope_n at_o which_o they_o aim_v their_o necessary_a use_n unto_o we_o their_o power_n to_o command_v we_o and_o ability_n to_o work_v effectual_o in_o we_o and_o last_o their_o infallible_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o righteousness_n will_v evident_o appear_v so_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v just_a occasion_n to_o handle_v in_o order_n these_o four_o point_n 1._o the_o author_n from_o who_o arise_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n 2._o the_o penman_n by_o who_o they_o be_v write_v 3._o the_o matter_n or_o subject_n which_o they_o handle_v 4._o the_o scope_n or_o end_n at_o which_o they_o aim_v cap._n ii_o of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sect_n i._o that_o they_o neither_o can_v nor_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v give_v by_o any_o other_o then_o by_o god_n himself_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o at_o present_a we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o atheist_n pagan_n jew_n or_o turk_n that_o deny_v the_o scripture_n either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v god_n word_n but_o only_o with_o such_o person_n as_o admit_v and_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v yet_o want_v some_o clear_a light_n and_o full_a evidence_n to_o work_v into_o their_o heart_n a_o more_o certain_a persuasion_n and_o more_o feel_a impression_n of_o that_o truth_n whereof_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o all_o that_o be_v within_o they_o even_o their_o whole_a heart_n may_v not_o only_o bow_v and_o stoop_v but_o be_v whole_o throw_v down_o and_o lay_v flat_a on_o the_o earth_n before_o this_o mighty_a sceptre_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n wherefore_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o bring_v in_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v use_v and_o take_v up_o by_o other_o to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v god_n word_n but_o pass_v by_o among_o they_o such_o as_o be_v more_o obscure_a and_o far_o deduce_v shall_v content_v ourselves_o with_o such_o plain_a evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n as_o may_v be_v best_a understand_v of_o the_o simple_a and_o appear_v at_o the_o first_o view_n as_o be_v lively_a character_n imprint_v on_o the_o face_n and_o body_n of_o this_o sacred_a book_n by_o that_o divine_a spirit_n that_o compose_v it_o before_o we_o lie_v open_a these_o evidence_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o possible_a nor_o fit_a that_o these_o scripture_n shall_v flow_v from_o any_o other_o fountain_n than_o the_o most_o sacred_a breast_n of_o that_o holy_a lord_n who_o be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o sovereignty_n and_o power_n a_o truth_n which_o will_v be_v easy_o acknowledge_v if_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v general_o confess_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v or_o at_o least_o contain_v that_o law_n which_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o the_o right_a order_n thereof_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o also_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o that_o read_v they_o and_o yet_o that_o this_o truth_n may_v be_v more_o full_o clear_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o establish_v these_o two_o position_n first_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n must_v have_v a_o law_n second_o that_o this_o law_n can_v be_v find_v in_o no_o other_o book_n but_o the_o scripture_n that_o god_n church_n must_v have_v a_o law_n law_n that_o god_n church_n must_v have_v a_o law_n prove_v 1_o t_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n direct_v all_o society_n to_o govern_v by_o law_n and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n i_o conceive_v no_o sober_a man_n will_v deny_v if_o it_o be_v not_o prove_v be_v so_o clear_o manifest_v by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o society_n of_o man_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n as_o have_v find_v the_o establish_n of_o law_n the_o only_a mean_n of_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o ruin_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v never_o find_v any_o nation_n so_o barbarous_a that_o be_v not_o govern_v by_o some_o kind_n of_o law_n or_o other_o if_o then_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n direct_v all_o man_n general_o to_o the_o use_n of_o law_n as_o the_o main_a band_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o the_o best_a remedy_n against_o confusion_n and_o ruin_n that_o
must_v be_v certain_a now_o man_n understanding_n we_o know_v be_v capable_a of_o error_n rom._n 3.4_o and_o that_o for_o two_o reason_n first_o man_n knowledge_n be_v not_o by_o vision_n or_o look_v through_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o but_o by_o information_n from_o sense_n which_o represent_v only_o the_o outward_a appearance_n 1_o sam._n 16.7_o and_o leave_v reason_n to_o guess_v at_o the_o inward_a nature_n of_o thing_n wherein_o there_o can_v but_o be_v much_o uncertainty_n second_o see_v it_o be_v light_v which_o make_v all_o thing_n manifest_v eph._n 5.13_o which_o none_o have_v original_o in_o himself_o but_o god_n alone_o who_o dwell_v in_o the_o light_n 1_o tim._n 6.16_o nay_o be_v light_v itself_o 1_o john_n 5.5_o and_o therefore_o man_n can_v have_v no_o light_n but_o by_o communication_n from_o god_n who_o illighten_v every_o one_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n john_n 1.9_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o man_n can_v have_v no_o infallibility_n of_o judgement_n because_o he_o judge_v by_o that_o light_n which_o be_v not_o in_o his_o own_o power_n but_o be_v supply_v or_o withhold_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o dispose_v it_o at_o his_o pleasure_n now_o then_o man_n have_v no_o infallibility_n of_o judgement_n in_o themselves_o must_v necessary_o rest_v upon_o something_o without_o themselves_o for_o a_o certain_a rule_n of_o truth_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v god_n alone_o first_o because_o only_a god_n both_o be_v light_a in_o himself_o as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o withal_o be_v in_o and_o through_o all_o thing_n ephes_n 4.6_o which_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o be_v naked_a in_o his_o sight_n heb._n 4.13_o as_o will_v be_v far_o show_v hereafter_o and_o second_o because_o he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v lie_v 3._o and_o can_v lie_v tit._n 1.2_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n deut._n 32.2_o nay_o truth_n itself_o john_n 14.6_o and_o consequent_o may_v be_v rest_v on_o as_o a_o infallible_a oracle_n of_o truth_n a_o honour_n peculiar_a to_o god_n and_o incommunicable_a to_o any_o creature_n so_o that_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o authority_n which_o be_v the_o power_n and_o right_n of_o give_v rule_n of_o truth_n belong_v to_o god_n alone_o and_o can_v be_v challenge_v by_o any_o creature_n the_o next_o branch_n of_o authority_n only_o 2_o to_o the_o will_n which_o belong_v likewise_o to_o god_n only_o be_v the_o right_n of_o prescribe_v to_o the_o will_n which_o must_v also_o be_v appropriate_v unto_o god_n only_o and_o that_o on_o three_o ground_n first_o because_o it_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o for_o see_v both_o man_n and_o all_o creature_n have_v their_o be_v not_o only_o original_o from_o god_n he_o 1._o because_o it_o move_v in_o and_o by_o he_o and_o therefore_o must_v have_v the_o rule_n of_o move_v from_o he_o but_o beside_o in_o he_o by_o continual_a support_n act._n 17.28_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o they_o can_v move_v no_o otherwise_o nor_o no_o long_o than_o his_o power_n assist_v they_o no_o more_o than_o the_o staff_n can_v do_v without_o the_o force_n of_o the_o hand_n that_o use_v it_o which_o also_o be_v true_a of_o all_o other_o creature_n that_o they_o be_v turn_v about_o by_o his_o counsel_n to_o do_v what_o he_o will_v job_n 37.12_o psalm_n 148.8_o so_o that_o as_o all_o other_o creature_n so_o man_n among_o the_o rest_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o motion_n from_o god_n will_n second_o it_o be_v not_o more_o necessary_a than_o equal_a will_n 2._o he_o only_o have_v power_n to_o do_v with_o his_o own_o what_o he_o will_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o because_o of_o the_o total_a and_o absolute_a dependence_n that_o man_n have_v upon_o god_n every_o way_n for_o it_o be_v just_a that_o one_o may_v do_v with_o his_o own_o what_o he_o will_v matth._n 20.15_o which_o also_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o nature_n teach_v all_o man_n as_o appear_v by_o subject_v child_n to_o the_o will_n of_o their_o parent_n on_o who_o notwithstanding_o they_o depend_v neither_o total_o nor_o principal_o nay_o this_o equity_n be_v much_o great_a in_o man_n then_o in_o any_o other_o creature_n because_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n will_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v most_o just_a psal_n 119.128_o by_o submit_v and_o subscribe_v thereunto_o and_o thereby_o to_o himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n without_o iniquity_n deut._n 32.4_o be_v the_o main_a end_n for_o which_o man_n be_v create_v and_o endow_v with_o understanding_n and_o with_o a_o will_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o it_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n the_o workman_n shall_v use_v his_o tool_n to_o that_o end_n for_o which_o he_o make_v it_o last_o it_o be_v every_o way_n convenient_a that_o god_n shall_v prescribe_v to_o man_n will_n will_n 3._o it_o be_v best_a that_o god_n will_v shall_v be_v our_o rule_n 1_o t_z for_o man_n in_o particular_a see_v his_o will_n be_v only_o infallible_o 1._o good_n 2._o and_o certain_a 3._o and_o assure_v good_a success_n by_o his_o assistance_n 2_o and_o in_o general_n 1._o when_o man_n be_v best_a unite_a and_o preserve_v by_o follow_v one_o rule_n 2._o and_o god_n be_v most_o honour_v when_o all_o submit_v to_o his_o will_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o in_o particular_a and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o world_n in_o general_n for_o man_n in_o particular_a it_o be_v better_a because_o god_n will_v first_o be_v absolute_o good_a psal_n 143.10_o whereas_o man_n be_v evil_a second_o be_v constant_a and_o unchangeable_a ps_n 33.11_o whereas_o man_n be_v variable_a every_o moment_n and_o three_o the_o follow_v of_o god_n direction_n in_o our_o way_n assure_v we_o both_o of_o success_n in_o our_o endeavour_n josh_n 1.8_o and_o acceptance_n of_o our_o service_n when_o we_o know_v we_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n himself_o command_v and_o as_o for_o the_o general_a administration_n of_o the_o world_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v every_o way_n most_o convenient_a that_o god_n prescribe_v unto_o all_o man_n that_o when_o all_o be_v guide_v by_o one_o rule_n order_n and_o unity_n may_v be_v preserve_v last_o how_o god_n honour_n be_v further_v when_o his_o law_n pass_v for_o rule_n of_o practice_n without_o contradiction_n and_o by_o man_n submission_n thereunto_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a have_v be_v partly_o intimate_v before_o hitherto_o than_o it_o appear_v that_o divine_a authority_n reach_v to_o the_o prescribe_v and_o give_v rule_n to_o the_o two_o most_o eminent_a faculty_n in_o man_n the_o understanding_n and_o will_v what_o to_o believe_v embrace_v and_o prosecute_v a_o power_n which_o he_o have_v right_a unto_o by_o the_o absolute_a sovereignty_n which_o he_o have_v overall_a thing_n by_o the_o infallibility_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o last_o by_o the_o unchangeable_a righteousness_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o wil._n all_o which_o lay_v together_o must_v necessary_o infer_v that_o absolute_a authority_n be_v found_v original_o in_o god_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o it_o have_v please_v he_o notwithstanding_o to_o impart_v this_o power_n of_o he_o to_o man_n man_n this_o authority_n god_n have_v absolute_o in_o himself_o impart_v to_o man_n who_o he_o have_v make_v his_o substitute_n on_o earth_n but_o within_o certain_a bound_n and_o limit_n this_o limit_a authority_n commit_v by_o god_n to_o man_n be_v for_o distinction_n sake_n call_v humane_a authority_n as_o that_o absolute_a authority_n from_o which_o it_o be_v derive_v be_v call_v divine_a what_o either_o of_o these_o be_v and_o by_o what_o limit_n they_o be_v sever_v will_v best_o appear_v by_o lay_v their_o difference_n one_o against_o another_o the_o first_o difference_n between_o divine_a and_o humane_a authority_n be_v in_o the_o fountain_n whence_o they_o spring_v he_o distinguish_v from_o his_o absolute_a power_n 1._o in_o the_o fountain_n god_n be_v original_o in_o himself_o man_n derive_v from_o he_o god_n authority_n be_v found_v in_o himself_o man_n in_o god_n therefore_o god_n affirmation_n or_o command_n must_v be_v receive_v without_o contradiction_n though_o we_o understand_v neither_o reason_n why_o nor_o end_n whereto_o so_o that_o to_o silence_v our_o very_a thought_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o but_o when_o man_n affirm_v or_o command_v we_o cry_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isa_n 8.20_o wherewith_o if_o their_o command_n or_o assertion_n agree_v not_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o so_o that_o we_o may_v warrantable_o except_v with_o the_o apostle_n whether_o it_o be_v meet_v to_o obey_v god_n or_o man_n judge_v you_o act._n 4.19_o so_o then_o the_o first_o difference_n be_v this_o that_o authority_n that_o prescribe_v by_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o the_o commander_n be_v divine_a that_o which_o prescribe_v
fail_v to_o supply_v you_o with_o such_o estate_n as_o will_v be_v best_a and_o meet_a for_o you_o i_o assure_v myself_o you_o want_v neither_o will_n nor_o resolution_n to_o set_v forward_o the_o work_n wherein_o god_n honour_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o this_o place_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v only_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o embrace_v the_o first_o opportunity_n which_o the_o lord_n shall_v put_v into_o your_o hand_n to_o bring_v your_o purpose_n to_o effect_v say_v not_o with_o the_o people_n hag._n 1.2_o the_o time_n be_v not_o come_v that_o the_o lord_n house_n shall_v be_v build_v thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n ought_v to_o be_v our_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n which_o when_o we_o labour_v to_o set_v forward_o with_o all_o our_o power_n we_o engage_v the_o lord_n himself_o to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o prosper_v our_o private_a affair_n now_o the_o lord_n stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o you_o all_o as_o he_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o zerubbabel_n and_o joshuah_n zech._n 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herein_o i_o do_v rejoice_v and_o will_v rejoice_v for_o ever_o in_o your_o first_o &_o main_a part_n concern_v the_o scripture_n your_o discourse_n bear_v a_o comely_a suitablenesse_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o scope_n of_o that_o subject_n also_o for_o as_o the_o historical_a belief_n of_o their_o authority_n end_n and_o use_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o so_o your_o demonstration_n thereof_o be_v form_v out_o of_o and_o frame_v into_o a_o congenial_a harmony_n and_o consonancy_n to_o right_a reason_n and_o contain_v a_o natural_a genealogy_n and_o story_n of_o divine_a truth_n about_o they_o whereof_o one_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o the_o other_o which_o way_n of_o set_v forth_o divine_a truth_n as_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o great_a conviction_n and_o as_o yourself_o in_o that_o forementioned_a treatise_n express_v it_o beget_v faith_n historical_a which_o have_v for_o its_o ground_n a_o rationality_n and_o consonancy_n to_o reason_n so_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o bless_a subservient_fw-fr to_o that_o which_o you_o make_v the_o immediate_a proper_a cause_n of_o save_a faith_n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o your_o last_o piece_n the_o more_o general_a notion_n of_o such_o a_o indefinite_a sense_n of_o the_o four_o commandment_n i_o remember_v you_o and_o i_o long_o since_o mutual_o please_v ourselves_o to_o have_v single_o and_o apart_o agree_v in_o but_o this_o your_o so_o exact_a particular_a explication_n and_o demonstration_n of_o this_o intent_n of_o god_n therein_o exceed_v what_o i_o either_o do_v then_o or_o have_v since_o imagine_v can_v have_v with_o that_o rationality_n perspicuity_n even_o to_o more_o than_o a_o probability_n be_v make_v forth_o of_o the_o word_n thereof_o i_o do_v herein_o exceed_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o pen_v and_o order_v the_o word_n of_o that_o four_o commandment_n in_o such_o a_o posture_n whereof_o you_o have_v make_v observation_n as_o that_o command_n may_v become_v a_o genuine_a and_o natural_a root_n more_o natural_a than_o abraham_n be_v to_o jew_n and_o gentiles_n successive_o first_n to_o bear_v that_o last_o seven_o day_n that_o old_a sabbath_n the_o omega_n of_o the_o week_n and_o when_o that_o shall_v be_v lop_v off_o then_o to_o give_v as_o fresh_a sap_n to_o the_o first_o seven_o day_n the_o alpha_n of_o the_o week_n the_o lord_n day_n sabbath_n it_o make_v i_o say_v of_o the_o commandment_n with_o a_o inversion_n what_o the_o apostle_n say_v upon_o the_o like_a reason_n of_o that_o of_o love_n it_o be_v a_o old_a commandment_n and_o yet_o be_v still_o a_o new_a one_o sir_n as_o the_o honour_n you_o have_v do_v i_o to_o commit_v these_o treatise_n to_o the_o test_n of_o my_o weak_a judgement_n ere_o you_o transmit_v they_o to_o the_o press_n have_v clean_o take_v off_o that_o little_a of_o jealousy_n of_o any_o strangeness_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o unhappy_a difference_n in_o comparison_n of_o former_a intimacy_n so_o the_o quicken_a material_n hereof_o have_v full_o revive_v in_o my_o heart_n that_o intensenesse_n of_o christian_a and_o brotherly_n love_n towards_o you_o with_o this_o just_a cause_n of_o addition_n and_o increase_n that_o after_o your_o have_v sacrifice_v your_o spirit_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o most_o public_a way_n of_o service_n to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a activity_n and_o self-denial_n you_o still_o retain_v such_o a_o spiritual_a vigour_n both_o of_o grace_n and_o judgement_n as_o this_o issue_n show_v in_o these_o year_n of_o old_a age_n and_o infirmity_n thus_o much_o if_o any_o stamp_n of_o i_o may_v arise_v to_o any_o such_o a_o value_n for_o a_o private_a encouragement_n at_o least_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o it_o be_v give_v with_o all_o faithfulness_n from_o your_o ancient_a and_o still_o true_a and_o faithful_a friend_n and_o unworthy_a brother_n tho_n goodwin_n a_o table_n of_o the_o title_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n and_o section_n contain_v in_o the_o treatise_n follow_v cap._n 1._o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o preparation_n to_o read_v pag._n 1_o cap._n 2._o sect._n 1_o of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n pag._n 7_o sect._n 2._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n appear_v evident_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n pag._n 18_o the_o first_o mark_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v so_o the_o style_n and_o phrase_n of_o they_o pag._n 19_o the_o second_o mark_n the_o subject_a or_o matter_n handle_v in_o they_o pag._n 25_o the_o three_o mark_n the_o powerful_a effect_n of_o the_o scripture_n on_o man_n heart_n pag._n 33_o cap._n 3._o the_o scripture_n have_v god_n for_o their_o author_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n pag._n 45_o cap._n 4._o that_o the_o penman_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v holy_a man_n guide_v in_o that_o work_n whole_o by_o god_n spirit_n pag._n 57_o
it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n that_o no_o other_o mean_n but_o the_o voice_n and_o word_n of_o god_n accompany_v with_o his_o spirit_n can_v perform_v these_o great_a work_n of_o melt_a convert_v and_o comfort_v the_o soul_n we_o have_v show_v already_o now_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o those_o effect_n as_o they_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o also_o beyond_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n itself_o see_v many_o hear_v and_o read_v that_o word_n object_n in_o who_o we_o discern_v no_o such_o effect_n effect_n but_o many_o use_v the_o word_n in_o who_o it_o work_v no_o such_o effect_n but_o they_o remain_v still_o senseless_a careless_a rebellious_a and_o carnal_a lover_n of_o themselves_o and_o high_a mind_a etc._n etc._n and_o other_o walk_v in_o darkness_n without_o light_n isa_n 50.10_o find_v no_o peace_n nor_o comfort_n in_o the_o word_n itself_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o balm_n in_o gilead_n nor_o no_o physician_n there_o jer._n 8.22_o now_o if_o the_o power_n of_o work_v these_o effect_n be_v in_o the_o word_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o appear_v not_o in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v and_o read_v it_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v sol._n that_o if_o this_o effect_n appear_v in_o some_o although_o not_o in_o all_o that_o make_v use_v of_o it_o it_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o it_o have_v this_o power_n dispose_v 1_o t_o if_o it_o work_v it_o in_o some_o it_o prove_v it_o have_v that_o power_n 2_o where_o it_o have_v not_o this_o effect_n 1._o either_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o right_o dispose_v meat_n have_v power_n to_o nourish_v and_o medicine_n to_o cure_v yet_o all_o be_v not_o cure_v by_o medicine_n nor_o nourish_v by_o meat_n to_o the_o produce_v of_o a_o effect_n beside_o the_o power_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v require_v a_o right_a disposition_n of_o the_o subject_n the_o highway_n the_o stony_a and_o thorny_a ground_n we_o know_v bring_v no_o 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least_o howsoever_o the_o name_n be_v sometime_o use_v indifferent_o there_o be_v manifest_a difference_n between_o prescribe_v to_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o between_o the_o dispose_n of_o that_o which_o be_v without_o reason_n authority_n therefore_o creature_n and_o that_o most_o proper_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v most_o proper_o restrain_v to_o the_o government_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v that_o power_n by_o which_o a_o superior_a have_v right_a to_o prescribe_v unto_o such_o as_o be_v under_o he_o by_o right_a in_o this_o description_n we_o exclude_v tyranny_n which_o be_v the_o usurp_a of_o authority_n without_o or_o against_o right_n second_o when_o we_o place_v the_o exercise_n of_o authority_n in_o prescribe_v prescription_n as_o be_v only_o capable_a of_o prescription_n we_o imply_v that_o it_o proper_o extend_v only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v capable_a of_o prescription_n which_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n last_o we_o extend_v it_o to_o all_o kind_n of_o prescribe_v both_o to_o the_o understanding_n what_o to_o assent_v unto_o and_o believe_v and_o to_o the_o will_n what_o to_o follow_v and_o embrace_v all_o which_o particular_n if_o we_o lie_v together_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o authority_n original_o be_v found_v in_o god_n alone_o and_o that_o man_n have_v no_o title_n unto_o it_o but_o by_o deputation_n from_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_o restifi_v rom._n 13.1_o himself_o which_o reach_v 1._o to_o the_o understanding_n what_o to_o believe_v which_o only_o belong_v unto_o god_n to_o prescribe_v 1._o see_v he_o only_o know_v thing_n by_o vision_n 2._o only_o have_v light_n in_o himself_o to_o begin_v with_o that_o branch_n of_o authority_n that_o prescribe_v unto_o the_o understanding_n what_o to_o assent_v unto_o as_o truth_n we_o know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o power_n that_o no_o man_n may_v just_o challenge_v see_v a_o rule_n
by_o virtue_n of_o another_o under_o who_o it_o command_v be_v humane_a faith_n 2._o in_o the_o subject_a matter_n prescribe_v 1._o principle_n of_o faith_n the_o second_o difference_n between_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o man_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_n or_o matter_n prescribe_v which_o be_v either_o principle_n of_o say_v or_o rule_v of_o life_n for_o the_o former_a because_o god_n be_v true_a &_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n ronvere_n 3.4_o therefore_o in_o ground_n of_o faith_n man_n which_o only_o god_n can_v deliver_v 1._o because_o many_o of_o they_o be_v unsearchable_a by_o man_n we_o admit_v no_o testimony_n but_o god_n alone_o for_o two_o reason_n first_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o knowledge_n arise_v partly_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v whereof_o many_o be_v unsearchable_a by_o man_n wisdom_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.11_o 12._o and_o partly_o from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o information_n by_o sense_n that_o look_v only_o on_o the_o outward_a appearance_n 1_o san_n 16.9_o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o man_n shall_v know_v any_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o by_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o also_o he_o apprehend_v weak_o and_o imperfect_o so_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o infallibility_n in_o man_n knowledge_n and_o that_o which_o be_v depend_v upon_o the_o credit_n not_o of_o the_o man_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n which_o reveal_v it_o another_o reason_n why_o man_n testimony_n be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o faith_n lie_v 2._o because_o man_n may_v lie_v be_v because_o man_n may_v deceive_v as_o well_o as_o be_v deceive_v wherefore_o though_o they_o often_o speak_v truth_n we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o they_o do_v so_o always_o because_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o their_o nature_n to_o lie_v discourse_n whereas_o god_n knowledge_n be_v infallible_a 1._o because_o he_o have_v light_a in_o himself_o 2._o and_o know_v by_o vision_n not_o by_o discourse_n as_o it_o be_v unto_o god_n tit._n 1.2_o neither_o of_o these_o imperfection_n be_v find_v in_o god_n who_o knowledge_n must_v needs_o be_v every_o way_n perfect_a because_o he_o see_v by_o his_o own_o not_o by_o a_o borrow_a light_n which_o must_v therefore_o be_v without_o any_o mixture_n of_o darkness_n 1_o john_n 1.5_o and_o because_o the_o mean_n of_o god_n knowledge_n be_v by_o vision_n not_o by_o discourse_n yea_o by_o such_o a_o sight_n as_o pierce_v through_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o all_o thing_n see_v god_n himself_o be_v in_o and_o through_o all_o ephes_n 4.6_o beside_o the_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v give_v 3._o and_o must_v needs_o understand_v what_o he_o free_o give_v be_v thing_n free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o which_o therefore_o he_o must_v needs_o understand_v full_o see_v the_o spirit_n in_o man_n understand_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n although_o no_o man_n else_o know_v they_o 1_o cor._n 2.11_o now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o question_n of_o god_n fidelity_n in_o reveal_v then_o there_o be_v of_o his_o infallibility_n in_o understand_v all_o thing_n see_v truth_n be_v god_n nature_n deceive_v and_o can_v no_o more_o deceive_v then_o be_v deceive_v which_o therefore_o he_o can_v no_o more_o swerve_v from_o then_o from_o himself_o so_o see_v we_o find_v god_n testimony_n every_o way_n infallible_a and_o man_n uncertain_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v peculiar_a to_o god_n alone_o to_o establish_v ground_n of_o faith_n again_o for_o the_o regulate_v of_o man_n practice_n service_n 2._o and_o rule_v of_o life_n only_o to_o be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n 1._o who_o will_n be_v infallible_o good_a 2._o and_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v be_v his_o service_n there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o god_n and_o man_n authority_n for_o if_o we_o respect_v the_o substance_n of_o duty_n that_o can_v be_v prescribe_v by_o none_o but_o god_n alone_o both_o because_o only_o his_o will_n be_v infallible_o good_a psal_n 143.10.119.39_o and_o therefore_o only_o fit_a to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o beside_o because_o the_o duty_n command_v be_v all_o of_o they_o immediate_o or_o mediate_o service_n unto_o god_n it_o be_v most_o fit_a that_o god_n alone_o shall_v appoint_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o own_o service_n the_o truth_n be_v in_o matter_n of_o practice_n man_n authority_n have_v to_o do_v only_o in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o apply_v the_o rule_n of_o moral_a duty_n to_o particular_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o order_n and_o peace_n thereby_o second_o in_o compel_a man_n to_o obedience_n in_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v prescribe_v in_o brief_a then_o divine_a authority_n establish_v principle_n of_o faith_n and_o prescribe_v the_o substance_n of_o moral_a duty_n humane_a authority_n meddle_v not_o in_o lay_v down_o any_o ground_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o and_o in_o moral_a duty_n prescribe_v not_o the_o substance_n but_o only_o the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o outward_a performance_n of_o that_o which_o divine_a authority_n have_v command_v the_o three_o difference_n between_o divine_a and_o humane_a authority_n god_n 3._o in_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o authority_n which_o bind_v the_o conscience_n belong_v only_o to_o god_n be_v in_o the_o extent_n of_o they_o both_o humane_a authority_n be_v ordain_v for_o preservation_n of_o order_n and_o by_o it_o of_o peace_n in_o civil_a society_n for_o the_o furtherance_n and_o support_v of_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 1_o tim._n 2.2_o reach_v no_o far_a than_o to_o bind_v man_n to_o conform_v to_o order_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o practice_n but_o divine_a authority_n have_v a_o high_a scope_n even_o the_o renew_v of_o the_o heart_n and_o bring_v under_o the_o thought_n thereof_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 10.5_o bind_v the_o conscience_n that_o be_v both_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n to_o allow_v that_o which_o be_v command_v as_o holy_a and_o just_a with_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 7.12_o and_o the_o will_v to_o choose_v it_o as_o good_a and_o the_o affection_n to_o embrace_v it_o rom._n 7.22_o according_o yea_o the_o whole_a man_n to_o follow_v it_o with_o the_o strength_n of_o constant_a endeavour_n after_o the_o prophet_n david_n example_n psal_n 119.106.112_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o obey_v man_n commandment_n he_o that_o do_v what_o authority_n require_v so_o he_o perform_v it_o in_o a_o willing_a submission_n thereunto_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v obey_v for_o conscience_n sake_n rom._n 13.5_o have_v perform_v his_o duty_n neither_o have_v cause_n to_o judge_v himself_o a_o transgressor_n though_o he_o approve_v not_o the_o law_n itself_o as_o good_a and_o holy_a nay_o though_o upon_o good_a ground_n he_o think_v the_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o be_v command_v more_o fit_a and_o convenient_a so_o he_o think_v not_o so_o out_o of_o any_o self-conceipt_n rash_a judgement_n or_o distaste_n of_o the_o authority_n that_o command_v but_o in_o obey_v god_n commandment_n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o though_o a_o man_n fulfil_v the_o law_n in_o the_o outward_a act_n yet_o if_o he_o allow_v it_o not_o as_o holy_a and_o just_a if_o his_o endeavour_n be_v not_o to_o conform_v his_o will_n to_o god_n will_v therein_o if_o he_o rejoice_v not_o in_o perform_v it_o as_o a_o good_a man_n do_v prov._n 21.15_o his_o own_o conscience_n ought_v to_o condemn_v he_o as_o a_o transgressor_n and_o sinner_n against_o god_n at_o least_o in_o some_o degree_n so_o then_o divine_a authority_n bind_v the_o conscience_n by_o a_o double_a band_n both_o of_o the_o power_n that_o command_v and_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o commandment_n but_o humane_a authority_n bind_v only_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o power_n that_o command_v not_o by_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o commandment_n further_o than_o it_o agree_v with_o god_n law_n or_o conduce_v to_o order_n and_o peace_n for_o which_o authority_n be_v establish_v the_o last_o difference_n between_o divine_a and_o humane_a authority_n precept_n 4._o in_o the_o sanction_n annex_v to_o the_o precept_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o sanction_n annex_v to_o their_o law_n which_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o obedience_n require_v and_o to_o the_o power_n of_o he_o that_o require_v it_o for_o god_n command_n in_o his_o law_n be_v special_o inward_a holiness_n righteousness_n love_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o curse_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n eternity_n 1._o reach_v to_o the_o soul_n 2._o and_o reach_v to_o eternity_n to_o be_v pour_v out_o on_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o body_n both_o in_o this_o life_n
&_o in_o the_o everlasting_a flame_n of_o hell_n fire_n if_o man_n sin_n against_o the_o law_n and_o under_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n if_o they_o fulfil_v it_o whereas_o man_n that_o require_v a_o orderly_a conversation_n outward_o threaten_v and_o promise_v only_o some_o outward_a and_o temporary_a good_a or_o evil_n these_o difference_n between_o divine_a and_o humane_a authority_n lay_v together_o may_v help_v we_o to_o a_o description_n of_o they_o several_o authority_n the_o description_n of_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o their_o nature_n be_v best_a distinguish_v divine_a authority_n be_v that_o power_n of_o god_n found_v upon_o the_o total_a dependence_n of_o all_o creature_n upon_o he_o and_o upon_o his_o infallible_a wisdom_n truth_n and_o goodness_n by_o which_o he_o have_v right_a to_o prescribe_v and_o manifest_v all_o ground_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o assent_v unto_o upon_o his_o own_o testimony_n without_o contradiction_n and_o to_o give_v rule_n of_o practice_n to_o be_v embrace_v with_o all_o the_o heart_n as_o perfect_o holy_a just_a and_o good_a because_o he_o command_v they_o under_o the_o reward_n and_o penalty_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n humane_a authority_n humane_a and_o humane_a be_v a_o limit_a power_n derive_v from_o god_n to_o man_n by_o which_o he_o be_v warrant_v according_a to_o god_n will_v for_o the_o further_a of_o public_a good_a to_o prescribe_v unto_o such_o as_o be_v put_v under_o his_o power_n rule_v of_o order_n in_o their_o conversation_n for_o preserve_a peace_n in_o a_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n bind_v those_o who_o they_o command_v in_o all_o thing_n not_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n to_o conform_v their_o practice_n and_o action_n thereunto_o for_o the_o authority_n which_o command_v they_o in_o god_n name_n under_o the_o reward_n and_o penalty_n of_o some_o outward_a good_a or_o evil_n by_o this_o which_o have_v be_v deliver_v concern_v the_o ground_n and_o extent_n of_o that_o divine_a authority_n which_o we_o challenge_v and_o claim_v to_o be_v due_a to_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v observe_v what_o power_n this_o sacred_a word_n ought_v to_o have_v over_o man_n heart_n and_o consequent_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v hear_v read_v and_o receive_v whatsoever_o it_o propose_v the_o heart_n must_v assent_v unto_o and_o believe_v without_o contradiction_n or_o debate_n how_o probable_a or_o improbable_a soever_o it_o appear_v to_o carnal_a reason_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v command_v therein_o the_o whole_a heart_n and_o every_o thought_n of_o it_o must_v stoop_v unto_o and_o embrace_v as_o holy_a and_o good_a howsoever_o it_o please_v or_o displease_v the_o natural_a man_n and_o that_o mere_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o command_v it_o cap._n iu._n of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v holy_a man_n inspire_v and_o guide_v in_o that_o work_n infallible_o and_o whole_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n both_o the_o clause_n of_o this_o proposition_n saint_n peter_n knit_v up_o together_o in_o one_o testimony_n affirm_v that_o no_o pprophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n nor_o that_o those_o prophecy_n come_v in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o that_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 2_o pet._n 1.21_o who_o the_o most_o of_o these_o holy_a man_n be_v it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o church_n the_o title_n of_o their_o book_n bear_v their_o name_n fit_a the_o scripture_n deliver_v 1_o t_o by_o holy_a man_n as_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o that_o they_o be_v holy_a man_n the_o history_n of_o their_o life_n remain_v still_o upon_o record_n and_o their_o honourable_a memory_n in_o the_o church_n to_o this_o day_n sufficient_o declare_v such_o as_o be_v moses_n david_n solomon_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o rest_n who_o name_n be_v either_o conceal_v or_o doubtful_a be_v such_o likewise_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o indifferent_a person_n that_o shall_v consider_v two_o thing_n first_o god_n 1._o they_o must_v be_v such_o that_o have_v so_o near_a communion_n with_o god_n we_o know_v that_o god_n will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o all_o that_o come_v near_o he_o leu._n 10.3_o as_o it_o be_v meet_v he_o shall_v see_v his_o eye_n be_v pure_a than_o to_o behold_v evil_a heb._n 1.13_o one_o that_o be_v glorious_a in_o holiness_n exod._n 15.11_o and_o who_o house_n holiness_n become_v for_o ever_o psal_n 93.5_o now_o then_o for_o god_n honour_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o none_o shall_v be_v employ_v in_o this_o work_n of_o publish_v god_n will_v and_o law_n to_o his_o people_n which_o so_o near_o concern_v his_o own_o and_o his_o church_n service_n and_o wherein_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o so_o near_a a_o degree_n of_o familiarity_n with_o he_o as_o to_o be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o his_o chief_a secret_n but_o only_o such_o person_n as_o be_v approve_v for_o holiness_n second_o writing_n 2._o and_o by_o this_o mean_v some_o respect_n be_v win_v to_o their_o writing_n the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n be_v such_o as_o we_o know_v that_o the_o least_o occasion_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o breed_v distaste_n of_o that_o which_o nature_n in_o itself_o be_v so_o averse_a from_o as_o the_o dress_n vessel_n or_o sometime_o servitor_n that_o present_v the_o sick_a man_n the_o meat_n which_o his_o stomach_n loathe_v move_v he_o to_o abhor_v it_o and_o consequent_o if_o there_o be_v just_a exception_n against_o the_o person_n that_o bring_v it_o the_o message_n itself_o will_v quick_o be_v distaste_v as_o the_o lord_n offering_n be_v for_o elies_n wicked_a son_n 1_o sam._n 2.17_o so_o that_o it_o concern_v the_o lord_n both_o for_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o his_o church_n good_a to_o deliver_v his_o word_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o holy_a man_n it_o add_v something_o to_o the_o estimation_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o such_o holy_a man_n as_o we_o have_v former_o mention_v but_o this_o at_o the_o uttermost_a add_v unto_o they_o only_o a_o humane_a respect_n god_n 2._o direct_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o procure_v unto_o they_o divine_a reverence_n which_o ought_v to_o make_v all_o heart_n stoop_v unto_o they_o be_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n especial_o if_o we_o thorough_o consider_v what_o manner_n of_o direction_n it_o be_v which_o be_v give_v unto_o these_o holy_a penman_n of_o these_o sacred_a oracle_n in_o the_o compose_n thereof_o the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 1.20_o 21._o describe_v that_o kind_n of_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o scripture_n two_o way_n first_o by_o way_n of_o negation_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o of_o private_a interpretation_n nor_o come_v by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n second_o he_o describe_v the_o same_o assistance_n affirmative_o testify_v that_o they_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o nature_n not_o by_o the_o ability_n of_o nature_n wherein_o he_o express_v this_o manner_n of_o deliver_v the_o scripture_n by_o way_n of_o negation_n the_o apostle_n exclude_v the_o work_n of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o man_n mind_n altogether_o first_o the_o understanding_n when_o he_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n or_o rather_o of_o man_n own_o explication_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o express_v by_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n or_o deliver_v according_a to_o man_n judgement_n or_o by_o his_o wisdom_n so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n or_o substance_n of_o the_o truth_n reveal_v expression_n both_o in_o the_o matter_n and_o expression_n but_o the_o very_a form_n of_o expression_n be_v not_o of_o man_n devise_v as_o they_o be_v in_o preach_v where_o the_o matter_n which_o man_n preach_v be_v not_o or_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o minister_n own_o that_o preach_v but_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n 2_o tim._n 2.15_o but_o the_o term_n phrase_n and_o expression_n be_v his_o own_o second_o he_o say_v that_o it_o come_v not_o by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n who_o neither_o make_v his_o own_o choice_n of_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v handle_v ghost_n neither_o of_o they_o suggest_v by_o man_n understanding_n nor_o direct_v by_o his_o will_n far_a than_o to_o understand_v &_o approve_v what_o the_o spirit_n suggest_v but_o the_o penman_n be_v carry_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o of_o the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o delivery_n so_o that_o both_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_v of_o man_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v mere_o natural_a have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o this_o holy_a work_n save_v only_o to_o understand_v and_o approve_v that_o which_o
in_o all_o thing_n else_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n necessary_a for_o the_o advance_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n 1._o our_o faith_n bear_v witness_n to_o his_o alsufficiency_n &_o truth_n 2._o our_o obedience_n to_o his_o authority_n &_o righteousness_n yet_o be_v not_o all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n alike_o necessary_a which_o be_v testify_v at_o least_o by_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o our_o rely_v on_o he_o by_o faith_n bear_v witness_n to_o his_o sufficiency_n faithfulness_n &_o truth_n as_o our_o obedience_n in_o submit_v cheerful_o to_o his_o will_n in_o all_o that_o he_o command_v acknowledge_v his_o authority_n wisdom_n and_o holiness_n so_o then_o this_o will_n of_o god_n in_o require_v of_o we_o these_o condition_n be_v every_o way_n just_a as_o well_o as_o free_v now_o when_o we_o say_v the_o ground_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o mean_v not_o that_o all_o be_v of_o like_a necessity_n ignorance_n or_o unbeleef_n in_o god_n or_o christ_n exclude_v absolute_o from_o salvation_n john_n 3.18_o so_o do_v not_o ignorance_n or_o unbeleef_n in_o some_o temporal_a promise_n although_o it_o can_v be_v excuse_v from_o sin_n in_o brief_a then_o when_o we_o say_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n we_o mean_v both_o that_o the_o thing_n write_v therein_o be_v necessary_a to_o that_o end_n although_o not_o alike_o necessary_a and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o that_o end_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v there_o we_o be_v next_o to_o show_v what_o we_o understand_v by_o this_o term_n contain_v consequence_n scripture_n contain_v thing_n 1._o in_o express_v term_n 2._o by_o necessary_a consequence_n now_o thing_n may_v be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n either_o express_o and_o in_o plain_a term_n or_o by_o consequence_n draw_v from_o some_o ground_n that_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n and_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n all_o ground_n of_o faith_n or_o rule_v of_o practice_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o holy_a writing_n it_o be_v not_o where_o affirm_v in_o scripture_n in_o express_a term_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n but_o we_o read_v 1_o john_n 5.7_o that_o the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v one_o and_o from_o thence_o infer_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n because_o he_o be_v one_o with_o the_o father_n who_o be_v god_n we_o be_v not_o where_o in_o precise_a word_n command_v to_o baptize_v infant_n but_o from_o the_o precept_n give_v to_o the_o father_n to_o circumcise_v they_o we_o take_v ourselves_o to_o be_v warrant_v to_o baptize_v they_o because_o baptism_n and_o circumcision_n be_v in_o substance_n one_o sacrament_n we_o be_v not_o where_o express_o command_v to_o discover_v the_o fault_n of_o what_o we_o sell_v or_o to_o give_v a_o just_a value_n for_o that_o which_o we_o buy_v but_o we_o have_v general_a rule_n command_v we_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o heart_n ps_n 15.2_o to_o do_v as_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v do_v unto_o mat._n 7.12_o and_o forbid_v to_o defraud_v our_o brother_n in_o any_o matter_n or_o go_v beyond_o he_o in_o bargain_v which_o import_v as_o much_o thus_o where_o all_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v be_v not_o clear_o express_v in_o scripture_n yet_o they_o be_v imply_v and_o draw_v out_o from_o thence_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n this_o truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v sufficient_o ratify_v by_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o word_n itself_o which_o send_v we_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isa_n 8.20_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o they_o we_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o that_o they_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a to_o every_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 2.17_o and_o wise_a to_o salvation_n ver_fw-la 15._o that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a psal_n 19.7_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o other_o perfection_n yet_o the_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a psal_n 119.96_o that_o be_v comprehend_v all_o needful_a thing_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v want_v in_o it_o whence_o proceed_v that_o curse_n upon_o every_o one_o that_o add_v as_o well_o as_o upon_o they_o that_o take_v away_o from_o that_o book_n rev._n 22.18_o yea_o beside_o this_o truth_n be_v consonant_a to_o all_o ground_n of_o reason_n whatsoever_o our_o adversary_n allege_v to_o the_o contrary_n for_o first_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o presume_v public_a it_o be_v fit_a that_o god_n shall_v deliver_v his_o will_n in_o writing_n 1._o as_o the_o most_o easy_a way_n to_o make_v it_o public_a that_o god_n will_v take_v the_o easy_a way_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o church_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o leave_v thing_n upon_o record_n in_o writing_n then_o to_o charge_v they_o upon_o man_n memory_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v many_o and_o consequent_o must_v burden_n the_o memory_n whereas_o lie_v before_o man_n eye_n in_o write_v they_o may_v easy_o be_v overlook_v at_o all_o time_n without_o trouble_n if_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o tradition_n be_v few_o and_o may_v therefore_o be_v easy_o remember_v we_o answer_v first_o they_o may_v be_v infinite_a for_o aught_o we_o know_v see_v no_o man_n ever_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o tell_v we_o how_o many_o they_o be_v and_o second_o be_v they_o more_o or_o few_o yet_o they_o be_v more_o easy_o preserve_v by_o writing_n then_o by_o tradition_n as_o all_o man_n know_v again_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o in_o teach_v his_o church_n corruption_n 2._o as_o the_o safe_a way_n to_o prevent_v corruption_n god_n shall_v take_v the_o safe_a way_n and_o free_a from_o error_n as_o well_o for_o his_o own_o honour_n as_o for_o his_o people_n good_a both_o which_o must_v needs_o be_v extreme_o hazard_v and_o hinder_v by_o corrupt_v the_o truth_n with_o error_n which_o lead_v man_n into_o perdition_n and_o can_v hardly_o be_v prevent_v by_o deliver_v the_o word_n by_o tradition_n partly_o because_o many_o man_n memory_n be_v weak_a and_o a_o great_a part_n be_v negligent_a especial_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o last_o because_o many_o be_v malicious_o bend_v against_o the_o law_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n can_v admit_v rom._n 8.7_o whereas_o the_o word_n write_v be_v a_o unerring_a record_n easy_o help_v the_o weak_a and_o convince_v the_o refractory_a by_o set_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n before_o man_n eye_n far_o word_n 3._o as_o the_o best_a way_n to_o win_v credit_n to_o his_o word_n see_v the_o word_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o deliver_v as_o may_v win_v most_o credit_n and_o estimation_n among_o man_n now_o we_o know_v that_o write_v record_n be_v most_o authentical_a and_o of_o most_o account_n with_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v fit_a to_o work_v man_n to_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a i_o grant_v that_o man_n faith_n depend_v neither_o upon_o wirt_v nor_o tradition_n but_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v within_o the_o godlies'_n heart_n manifest_v that_o the_o truth_n propose_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o outward_a credit_n which_o the_o scripture_n carry_v among_o man_n by_o which_o such_o as_o be_v win_v afterward_o to_o believe_v begin_v at_o first_o to_o think_v reverent_o of_o they_o and_o other_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v restrain_v from_o scorn_v or_o oppose_v they_o seem_v to_o be_v much_o further_v by_o the_o authority_n that_o the_o writing_n bring_v unto_o those_o record_n which_o be_v receive_v and_o submit_v unto_o by_o the_o church_n and_o command_v and_o countenance_v by_o the_o testimony_n thereof_o last_o honourable_a 4._o and_o as_o most_o honourable_a whereas_o there_o be_v so_o much_o honour_n do_v to_o all_o humane_a law_n by_o which_o state_n be_v govern_v that_o they_o be_v compose_v into_o one_o body_n and_o preserve_v in_o book_n write_v or_o print_v for_o that_o purpose_n it_o seem_v absurd_a that_o god_n shall_v deliver_v his_o law_n thus_o by_o patch_n part_n by_o writing_n and_o part_n by_o tradition_n resemble_v the_o foot_n of_o nebuchadnezar_n image_n dan._n 2.33_o part_n of_o iron_n and_o part_n of_o clay_n and_o unworthy_a both_o of_o the_o majesty_n of_o he_o that_o give_v the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o law_n itself_o that_o be_v give_v and_o if_o we_o may_v take_v precedent_n from_o former_a time_n we_o may_v say_v with_o our_o saviour_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o when_o god_n leave_v the_o law_n to_o be_v deliver_v by_o tradition_n he_o deliver_v it_o