Sonne hath reuealed him Ioh. 1. 18. Matth. 11. 27. and the Gospel is an hidden misterie 1. Cor. 2. 7. 10. Rom. 16. 25. 26. so that we can knowe nothing of God vntill God himselfe manifesteth it vnto vs. Psal 103. 7. and 147. 19. 20. By the word of God we vnderstand the will of God reuealed to reasonable creatures teaching them what to doe beleeue and leaue vndone Deut. 29. 29. Q. What call you the word of God A. The d 2. Tim. 3. 16. holy Scripture 4 immediately 5 inspired which is contained in the books of the Old and New Testament Expos 4. This word of God hath heretofore been diuersely made known Heb. 1. 1. as by inspiration 2. Chro. 15. 1. Esa 59. 21. 2. Pet. 1. 21. Ingrauing in the heart Rom. 2. 14. visions Numb 12. 6. 8. Act. 10. 10 11. Apo. 1. 10. Dreames Iob 33. 14. 15. Gen. 40. 8. Vrim and Thummim Numb 27. 21. 1. Sam. 30. 7 8. Signes Gen. 32. 24. Exod. 13. 21. Audible voice Exod. 20. 1 2. Gen. 22. 11. 15. and lastly by writing Exod. 17. 14. This word so reuealed is by excellency called the Scripture Gal. 3. 22. Io. 10. 35. and the holy Scriptures Rom. 1. 2. in respect of God the Author Act. 1. 16. and 4. 25. the holy pen-men Luk. 13. 38. 2. Pet. 1. 21. the matter 1. Tim. 6. 3. Tit. 1. 1. and end thereof Rom. 15. 4. 2. Tim. 3. 17. The truth of God was deliuered to the Church in writing Deut. 31. 9. Hos 8. 12. Reu. 2. 1. that it might be preserued pure from corruption 2. Pet. 1. 12 13. 15. be better conueied to posterity Ier. 36. 27 28. Deut. 31. 9. be an infallible standerd of true doctrin and determiner of all controuersies Esa 8. 2. Mal. 4. 4. Deut. 17. 11. that our faith might be confirmed beholding the accomplishment of things prophesied 1. King 13. 2. comp 2. King 23. 16. Act. 17. 10. 11. and for the more full instruction of the Church the time of the Messias euer drawing on Mal. 4. 4. or beeing come Luk. 2. 3. 5. To be immediately inspired is to be as it were breathed and to come from the Father by the holy Ghost without all meanes And thus the holy Scriptures were inspired both for matter and words Luk. 1. 70. 2. Pet. 1. 21. Q. What are the books of the Old Testament A. Moses 6 and e Luk. 24. 27. the Prophets Expos 6. All the books of holy Scripture giuen by God to the Church of the Iewes are called the Lawe Luk. 16. 17. Ioh. 12. 34. and the Prophets Rom. 1. 2. and 16. 25. 26. because they were written by holy men stirred vp sanctified and inspired of God for that purpose 1. Pet. 1. 11. Heb. 1. 1. But ordinarily they are comprised vnder these two heads the lawe and the Prophets Matth. 22. 40. Act. 13. 15. Matth. 7. 12. or the lawe of Moses and the Prophets Act. 28. 23. or Moses and the Prophets Ioh. 1. 45. Luk. 16. 29. Moses beeing distinctly named from the rest because he was the first and cheife of the Prophets as the Psalmes are mentioned particularly Luk. 24. 44. because they are the choise and flower of all other Scripture Q. Which are the bookes of tâ—e newe Testament A. Mathew Marke Luke and the rest as they follow in our Bibles Q. How may it be prooued that those bookes are the word of God immediately inspired by the holy Ghost to the Prophets and Apostles A. 7 By the â— testimonie f 2. Pet. 1. 19. of the Church 9 constancie g Reu. 6. 9. of the Saints 10 miracles h 1. King 17. 24. Ioh. 3. 2. 1. Ier. 6. 16. Heb. 13. 8. wrought to confirme the truth and the 11 Antiquitie i thereof Expos 7. It is very expedient and necessary that all Christians of age and discreation should knowe that the Scriptures are the very word of God the immediate and infallible truth of God that is to be receiued obeied and beleeued For thereby we are the better fitted to heare read and recâ—eiue the word with attention ioy reuerence submission Act. 10. 33. and assurance of faith which being a diuine grace must haue a diuine foundation 2. Tim. 3. 15 16. 1. Ioh 5. 9. and being certaine must haue a sure ground euen the word of God Ioh. 5. 46. Eph. 2. 20. Rom. 4. 18. Also it ministers no small comfort in affliction and temptation that we knowe whom we haue trusted 2. Tim. 1. 12. Act. 5. 29. This must be knowne not by opinion or probable coniecture which may deceiue but by certain and distinct knowledge whereby we conceiue of things certaine certainely as they are and are assured that we conceiue of them none otherwise then as they are that we may be able to stop the mouthes of Atheists and Papists who carp against the truth 2. Cor. 13. 3. We come not to the vnderstanding hereof by sense or discourse of reason this matter is to be discerned and beleeued by faith But for the fuller clearing of the point sundry rules are to bee obserued both concerning faith and concerning the Scripture it selfe 1. Distinction must be made betweene certainty of faith and certainty of sense or sight Things beleeued in themselues are more certaine then things seen but they are not alwaies so apprehended by vs. Certainty of sight excludes doubtings so doth not certainty of faith it is sufficient that it preuaile against them Gen. 15. 6. 8. 1. Cor. 13. 9. 12. Iud. 6. 36 37 38. 2. Implicite faith by which wee confusedly beleeue that such bookes are the word of God not vnderstanding the sense of them is to be distinguished from explicite faith which is euer ioyned with a distinct and certain vnderstanding of the thing beleiued Ioh. 3. 2. 10. 3. Historical faith which stands in the certainty of the mind and beleeues God speaking in his word must bee distinguished from iustifying and sauing faith which containes the perswasion and confidence of the heart whereby we not only beleeue the word of God to be the cheife truth but also do embrace it as containing the cheife good of man Iam. 2. 19. Ioh. 5. 35. Heb. 6. 11. 10. 22. Eph. 3. 12. for all things in Scripture are not alike to be beleeued neither doe the same arguments serue to beget each faith 4. Concerning the Scripture wee must put a difference betweene the doctrine therin contained and the writing for the signe is for the sense and the knowledge and faith of both is not alike necessarie The doctrine was euer necessary to be beleeued the manner of reuealing was not alwaies Ioh. 8. 24. 5. Of doctrines some are simply necessary to saluation containing the maine grounds and cheife heads of Christian religion others are expositions or amplifications of the same very profitable but not of such necessitie 1. Cor. 3. 12. 13. Col. 2. 18. 19. Phil. 3. 15. 6. A distinction is to bee put
that the author of holy Scripture doth iustly challenge vnto himselfe which import independance of nature Exod. 3. 14. supereminencie of power and soueraigntie Psal 50. 1. 2. excellencie both of properties workes Gen. 17. 1. Esa 42. 5. and 40 12 26. 2. The manner vsed in teaching commaunding promising and threatning Things aboue reason hidden mysteries such as exceed all humane capacitie are vnfolded without all argumentation or furniture of perswasion 1. Cor. 2. 7. and wee are required to vnderstand and beleeue them relying vpon the truth and credit of the reuealer In giuing the law no proeme is vsed but Thus saith the Lord no conclusion but The Lord hath spoken Exod. 20. 1. 2. Commandements of which no reason can be rendered are enioyned Gen. 2. 17. and that which a naturall man would account foolishnes is peremptorily and with great securitie required Ioh. 3. 36. 1. Cor. 1. 23. 24. no argument beeing brought to perswade or confirme the equitie of those commaunds but onely the will of the Commander Promises aboue likelihood are made to assure of performance no reason is alledged but I the Lord haue spoken Esa 51. 22. and 52. 3. 4. and to incourage against difficulties and dangers present diuine assistāce is promised both as necessarie and sufficient Ex. 4. 12. Ios 1. 9. Ier. 1. 8. Esa 43. 5. In the manner of threatning also the like notes of the diuinitie of the style may bee obserued 3. That without respect of persons he doth prescribe lawes to all men priuate persons and publike Magistrates whole Kingdomes and seuerall estates commaunding what is distastfull to their nature and forbidding what they approue promising not terrene honour but life euerlasting if they bee obedient threatning not with racke or gybbet but eternall death if they disobey Ioel. 1. 1 2. Io. 3. 16. 1. Sam. 12. 25. 4. That the Ministers of the Lord of Hosts do require attention faith and obedience to whatsoeuer they speake in the name of the Lord whether it were prophesie commaundement or rebuke whether they called to repentance and reformation of things amisse or exhorted to obedience 1. Cor. 11. 23. Mic. 1. 1. 2. The lowe and humble manner of speech vsed in holy Scripture cannot iustly offend any man for it was penned to the vse and behoofe both of the learned and vnlearned Rom. 1. 14. though the phrase bee plaine the matter is high and excellent profound and vnutterable Hos 8. 12. Act. 2. 11. Easinesse and plainnesse doth best beseeme the truth a pearle needs not painting nor truth to be vnderpropped with forraine aids it is of it selfe sufficient to vphold and sustaine it selfe it becomes not the Maiestie of a Prince to play the Orator and though the Scripture bee simple in word it is great in power no writings of Man though neuer so well set forth with wit words order or depth of learning can so inlighten the mind mooue the will peirce the heart or stirre vp the affections as doth the word of God Neither do the Scriptures want eloquence if the matter bee well weighed no writing doth or can equalize them in pithinesse of prophesying or feruentnesse of praying The song of Moses and the beginning of Esay in varietie and force of eloquence do farre exceed all autors Greek Latin if comparison be made betwixt those places whatsoeuer is most excellētly indited by man either in Greeke or Latin you may easily discerne the one was written by a diuine the other by an humane spirit 13. The efficacy of this doctrine doth powerfully demonstrate the diuinitie thereof for it conuertes the soule illightens the eies Psa 19. 7 8. discouers sinne Rom. 7. 7. conuinces the gainsaier 2. Tim 3. 16. killeth and terrifieth 2. Cor. 3. 6. reioyceth the heart Psal 19. 8. Psal 119. 103. quickneth Psal 119. 50. 93. and comforteth Rom. 15. 4. manifesteth the thoughts 1. Cor. 14. 25. ouerthrowes false religions casteth downe strong holds and the whole kingdom of Satan stoppeth the mouth of Oracles destroies Idols 2. Cor. 10. 4. Zeph. 2. 11. Zach. 13. 2. and remaines inuincible notwithstanding all opposition Act. 5. 38. 39. These things commend the efficacy of this word 1. The nature thereof is opposite to the wisedome and will of a naturall man 1. Cor. 1. 21. and 2. 14. Rom. 8. 6. and yet it hath preuailed 2. It hath preuailed not onely with the grosse and sottish Gentiles who serued other Gods Gal. 4. 8. but euen with the most feirce and bitter enemies thereof Act. 9. 5. 6. 20. 21. 3. The enemies who did oppose this truth were many mighty and subtile as principally the Deuill out of his hatred against Gods glory and mans saluation Eph. 6. 12. Apo. 2. 10. and the Romane Emperours as his instruments the rest of the world furthering and the Iewes stirring them vp all which out of their loue to falsehood and Idolatrie and their malice against the Christian religion did with incredible fury and vigilancie labour the vtrer abolition of this truth Act. 4. 27. and 9. 2. Matth. 10. 18. 22 Io. 16. 2. Act. 13. 50. and 14. 2. 5. 19. 1. Thes 2. 15. 16. 4. The persons whom the Lord did chuse to be publishers of this heauenly doctrine were in number fewe in outward appearance simple rude base and weake and sometimes also negligent Matth. 4. 18. 19. 20. Luk. 6. 13. 2. Cor. 4. 7. 8. Matth. 13. 25. 5. These simple and weake men subdued the world by preaching the Crosse of Christ and prescribing long suffering and patience 1. Cor. 2. 4. 1. Thes .. 3. 4. Act. 9. 16. 2. Tim. 3. 12. The number of all sorts ages condititions sexes nations who gaue credit to this doctrine confirmed the same with the losse of their liues was innumerable Apo. 6. 9. 10. 7. In short time a great part of the habitable world was conuerted brought to the obedience of faith so that Paul filled all places frō Ierusalem to Illyricum with the sound of the Gospel Col. 1. 6. Rom. 35. 19. 8. The more the truth was persecuted the more it did preuaile Act. 8. 3. 4. Phil. 1. 14. 9. Though the Iewes were wasted with many and great slaughters yet the Scriptures did still remaine safe and intire in their custody when the Hebrew language did lie almost vnknowne and had perished altogether had not the Lord prouided for religion then by the Iewes the deadly enemies of Christ was the doctrine of Christian faith preserued 10. To these we may adde the dreadfull iudgements of God which fell vpon the persecutors of the Christian faith amongst whom some were forced at their last gaspe to acknowledge the diuinity of this word All which things doe strongly confirme the propagation defence and conseruauation of this truth and doctrine to be admirable and of God 14. The sweette and admirable consent which is found in all and euery part of Scripture cannot be ascribed to any but the Spirit of God each part so
generally spoken particularly to our selues secretly vpholdeth against despaire stirreth vp l Ph. 2. 13. in vs good desires doth m Ezek. 11. 19. and 36. 26. soften the heart and drawe n Ioh. 6. 44. vs to rest vpon Christ for saluation before we o Matth. 11. 28. 29. haue the feeling of comfort k Psal 51. 12. Q. By what meanes is faith encreased A. By 7 hearing p 1. Pet. 2. 2. the same word preached or Catechised and likewise q Luk. 17. 5. by earnest 8 prayer Expos 7. Hearing the word preached is ordained of God as a meanes to increase knowledge Matth. 15. 10. Pro. 1. 5. and 8. 33. Psal 73. 16. 17. 1. Cor. 1. 21. and 14. 24. 25. to rectifie the iudgement to giue counsell in doubtfull cases Psa 119. 24. Psal 73. 16. 17. to perfect the faith of the weake Rom. 10. 8. 1. Thess 3. 10. to make stable the strong Act. 20. 32. Rom. 1. 11. 12. to comfort them that are in heauines 1. Thes 2. 11. and 3. 2. and 5. 14. to raise them that are fallen 2. Sam. 12. 12. 13. Gal. 6. 1. to call backe them that wander Es 30. 21. to stirre vp the graces of Gods spirit Cant. 4. 16. 2. Pet. 1. 13. to refresh the soules of the Saints with sweete and heauenly consolations Cant. 1. 1. Psal 119. 162. Col. 2. 2. and to build both weake and strong vnto perfect holines Eph. 4. 11. 1. Pet. 5. 2. 1. Tim. 4. 16. Iam. 1. 21. 8. As libertie to pray is a sweete priuiledge Eph. 2. 18. because thereby we doe and may continually commune with the Lord after a familiar manner 2. Sam. 7. 18. Psal 5. 1 2 3. and lay open our griefes into his bosome 1. Sam. 1. 15. Ps 130. 1. 2. and 61. 1 2. we doe testific our dutifull affection to him Luk. 15. 18. and become helpers to others Rom. 15. 30. Ph. 1. 19. 2. Thes 3. 1. Col. 4. 12. so it doth adde strength to faith Luk. 17. 5. for it giues life to the graces of God that are in vs by it we obtaine at the hand of God what good we stand in neede of Matth. 7. 7. Is 65. 24. we growe better acquainted with God Gen. 18. 23. 27. Iam. 4. 8. we fight manfully against corruption Eph. 6. 18. and learne to direct our selues in a godly life by it crosses are preuented remooued or sanctified Ps 3. 4. Es 37. 1. 6. al things are sanctified 1. Tim. 4. 5. and we kept that we fall not into temptation Matth. 26. 41. yea often we obtaine much mort good then we desire or expect 1. Kin. 3. 13. Eph. 3. 20. So that prayer is a key to open the dore of Gods treasure-house Matth. 7. 7. a present remedy to an oppressed mind Psal 6. 1. 8. and 31. 21. 22. a preseruer of the godly mind 2. Thes 3. 5. a giuer of strength to the weake Eph. 3. 14. 16. and an especiall meanes to make a man fit to liue in euery eâ—tate Col. 1. 9. 10. Q. How must we hear that we may get profi A. 9 With r Es 66. 2. reuerence Å¿ Iam. 1. 21. meekenes 10 ioy 11 a t Matth. 13. 44. longing 12 desire u 1. Pet. 2. 2. to learnâ— and giuing 13 credit to the truth w Heb. 4. 1. 2. Expos 9. Reuerence is an affection of the heart arising from an apprehension of Gods maiestie and our owne vilenes whereby we are prepared to heare the word with humilitie feare and attention Act. 10. 33. 1. Thess 2. 13. Io. 12. 48. and 11. 28. Heb. 11. 28. Iob. 42. 5. 6. Psa 62. 11. Act. 16. 14. 10. Meekenes is an affection whereby we are contented to beare the rebukes of the lawe and to haue the duties of the word to be pressed vpon vs 1. Sam. 3. 18. 2. King 20. 19. Psal 25. 9. 12. Heb. 13. 22. 11. Ioy is a delight of the soule for some good thing that is present Act. 8. 8. Ex. 6. 9. 12. A longing desire to learne is an eager appetite to be further acquainted with the knowledge of the truth that we may reape fruite and benefite by the same Pro. 27. 7. Pro. 2. 3. 4. 9. Psa 119. 34. 40. 5. 35. and 7. 17. 13. To giue credit to the truth is to beleeue the whole truth and euery part of it as true and certaine both to others and to our selues so as we expect the benefit promised therein and the effecting and making void of whatsoeuer is there spoken 2. Chron. 20. 20. Esa 7. 9. Q. How else A. We must x Psal 1. 2. and 119. 14. 15. meditate 14 of that wee heare apply it to our 15 selues conferre of y Ioh. 4. 53. it with 16 others and with z Esa 2. 3. Luk. 2. 51. diligence 17 set about the practise of what is required Expos 14. Meditation is the very life of reading and hearing 1. Tim. 4. 15. and it is a separation of our selues purposely from other matters that we may seriously think of what hath been taught Gen. 24. 63. that it may be setled in the mind and worke vpon the affections Ier. 8. 6. for which end we must ioyne examination and prayer Luk. 18. 1. 15. To apply the word to our selues is to lay it to our heart as concerning vs 1. Cor. 11. 28. 2. Cor. 13. 5. that the commaundements may guide vs the threatnings may humble vs for sinnes past 2. Sam. 12. 12 13. and 24. 10. and affright vs from sinne to come the exhortations may incite vs to our dutie with cheerfulnesse Eccl. 12. 11. and the promises may be for our support and comfort whether they bee in plaine speaches or mysticall prophesies Psal 119. 71 72. 52. ver 16. We must communicate to others what wee haue learned and learne of others what we are ignorant of doe not well vnderstand or haue forgotten and by admonition exhortation and comfort helpe to strengthen and edifie one another Heb. 3. 13. Iob 16. 4 5. Rom. 1. 11 12. Leu. 19. 17. Prou. 27. 5 6. 1. Thess 5. 11. 14. Iude v. 20. 17. Inwardly we must heartily desire and striue and outwardly we must bee carefull without delaies to take all opportunities of doing the good that God requireth 2. Chron. 17. 6. and 19. 3. and 27. 6. Luk. 8. 15. beeing humbled for negligence and sinne past watching and fighting against corruption for the time to come 1. Cor. 9. 26 27. cherishing one another with befitting comforts Esa 40. 1. Q. What is Prayer A. It is 1 a calling vpon God in the name of Christ with the a Exo. 14. 15. 1. Sam. 1. 13. 15. heart and somtimes with the 2 voice according to b 1. Ioh. 5. 14. his will for our selues and others Expos 1. The Commaundements Ps 105. 1. 4. and 81. 10. Esa 55. 6. 1. Thess 5. 17. Rom. 12. 12. promises Matth. 7. 7. 21. 22. Mar. 11. 24.
exactly agreeing with it selfe and with the whole Io. 5. 46. This may sufficiently appeare by comparing the prophesies of the old Testament touching Christ the calling of the Gentiles and reiection of the Iewes with the accomplishment of them declared in the Newe Gen. 3. 15. and 12. 4. and 49. 10. Numb 14. 17. Dan. 9. 25. Matth. 1. 18. Luk. 1. 55. and 24. 27. 44. Act. 26. 22. Deut. 32. 21. Mal. 1. 10. 11. Psal 2. 8. and 110. 2. Act. 11. 18. Psal 118. 22. 23. Matth. 21. 42. Such exact consent as here is to be found is impossible to be fained of men or Angels as the things foretold were remooued from their knowledge and finding out vntill they were reuealed These considerations giue strength to this argument 1. The length of time in which this writing continued viz. from Moses vntil Iohn which preuented all conceits of forgery since they were not written in one nor yet in many ages 2. The multitude of bookes that were written and of writers who were imployed in that seruice 3. The distance of place in which they were written which did hinder that the writers could not conferre together Ier. 2. 1. 2. and 36. 5. Ezeck 1. 1. 4. The silence of the aduersaries who in all that long space mentioned whiles the Scripture was in writing could neuer detect any thing in those bookes as false or erroneous whose silence is of great weight in this case because they were eie witnesses of those things which our Sauiour taught did and suffered according as it was prophesied of him so that they knowe the prophesies sauâ— the accomplishment of them and were acquainted with that which the Apostles had written If the Prophets or Apostles who wrote the same histories doe seeme to dissent in any circumstances this doth nothing derogate from their authority for in themselues they differ not the fault is our ignorance and apprehension by a right and iust interpretation they may easily be reconciled and the dissonancy which seemes to be amongst them in small things doth free them from all suspition of fraud and their sweet consent in all matters of importance doth conuince that they wrote by the guidance of the same Spirit If they had all written one thing they might seeme superfluous if each a new history there could appeare no steps of consent when they relate the same story with the same circumstances they haue their vse one sometimes speaking more plainely then the other and when they agree in matter but seeme to dissent in circumstance the truth is the more confirmed an argument of fuller credit may be drawne out of that dissent for as the Heathen man obserueth too exact diligence is neither approoued of al neither doth it want suspition To this sweete agreement of holy Scripture with it selfe it might be further added that it agreeth with all other truth whatsoeuer there is nothing true in diuinity which is false in Philosophie nothing in Phylosophie is repugnant to the truth in divinity but it may be ouerthrowne by the principles of right and true Phylosophie 15. The matter intreated of in holy Scripture is diuine and wonderfull It explicats vnto vs thâ— nature properties and high acts of God purely and holily It describs the person of Christ so fitly excellently and conueniently that if the mind of man consider it attentiuely of necessity it must acknowledge that it doth exceed the reach of a finite vnderstanding It discouers vnto vs the misery and corruption of man by nature incomprehensible loue of God in Iesus Christ towards man that happy reconciliation if we may so speake of his iustice and mercy by his infinite wisedom ordaining Iesus Christ to be our Mediator and it vnfolds the couenant of grace which God made with man after his fall all which can be drawn from no fountain but diuine reuelation 1. Cor. 2. 7. 8. Eph. 3. 4. 5. Col. 1. 26. The Scripture also containes the lawe of God which teacheth the dutie of man and that is wise and iust the Gentiles themselues being iudges Deu. 4. 5. 6. 7. In the precepts diuerse notes of diuinity may be obserued as 1. The surpassing excellencie of the act requiring that we should denie our selues and lead our liues according to the appointment of the Lord. Matth. 16. 24. 25. Rom. 8. 12. 13. 2. The wonderful equity that doth appeare in euery commaundement 3. The admirable strangenes of some acts which a naturall man would count foolishnes yet prescribed as necessary Io. 3. 36. and 8. 24. 4. The manner how obedience is required viz. that it proceed from a pure heart a good conscience and faith vnfained Deut. 6. 5. 1. Cor. 13. 2. 1. Tim. 1. 5. 5. And the perfection of the law commaunding and allowing all good but forbidding and condemning all sinne and wickednes of what kind soeuer Take a briefe veiwe of the ten commaundements are they not plaine pure briefe perfect iust extending to all binding the conscience and reaching to the very thoughts and doe not all these things commend vnto vs the iustice wisedome holines omnipotencie omniscience perfection and absolute soueraignty of the lawgiuer The promises and threatnings annexed to the law will suffer vs to acknowledge none other author of them but the Lord alone for none can make them but he he only can giue eternall life and inflict eternall condemnation Moreouer these are so set together with the commandements as they can mooue none but only the conscience of him who doth acknowledge the Commandements to be diuine 16. The ende of the Scripture is diuine viz. the glorie of God and the saluation of man not temporall but eternall The doctrines precepts prohibitions and narrations are all referred to the setting forth of Gods praise which shewes that they are from aboue Ioh. 7. 18. and 5. 41. and 8. 50. 54. Gal. 1. 10. And to speake truth what is more equal then that all things should returne thither whence thâ—y had their beginning This word also doth point out vnto man what true blessednes is and how he may be reconciled vnto God beeing lost by sinne which is a firme demonstration to prooue vnto vs the diuinitie thereof for what is more agreeable to the wisedom bountie mercy grace power of God then to restore man fallen and to make him partakers of eternall happinesse and who can shewe vnto man how hee may be admitted into Gods fauour hauing offended or direct lead him forward in the path of life but the Lord alone These arguments are of great force whether they bee seuerally or ioyntly considered and doe as strongly prooue that the Christian Religion is only true as any other reason can that there was is or ought to be any true religion 17. This testimonie of Scripture it selfe is most cleare certaine infallible publique and of it selfe worthy credit it beeing the testimonie of the Lord himselfe who is in all things to be beleeued But the external light of arguments and
testimonies brought to confirme and demonstrate must be distinguished from the inward operation of the holy Ghost opening our eies to see the light shining in the Scripture and to discern the sense thereof 2. Cor. 1. 22 Q. These reasons may conuince any be he neuer so obstinate but are they sufficient to perswade the heart hereof A. No the testimonie of the 18 Spirit is necessarie q 1. Cor. 2. 14. and onely all-sufficient for this purpose r. 1. Ioh. 2. 20. 27. Expos 18. By nature we are blind in spirituall things 1. Cor. 2. 14. Matth. 15. 14. though therefore the Scripture be a shining light Psal 119. 105. yet vnlesse our eies be opened Psal 119. 18. Act. 26. 18. wee cannot see it no more then a blind man doth the Sunne Ioh. 1. 5. Thâ— Spirit is the author of supernatural light and faith 1. Cor. 2. 8 9. Eph. 1. 17. 1. Ioh. 5. 6. 10. by the inspiration thereof were the Scriptures written 2. Pet. 1. 21. the secrets of God are fully knowne vnto and effectually reuealed by the Spirit 1. Cor. 2. 10. the same law which is written in the Scriptures the Spirit doth write in the hearts of men that be indued therewith Esa 59. 21. Heb. 8. 10. For which reasons it must needs bee that the testimonie of the Spirit is all-sufficient to perswade and assure the heart that the Scriptures are the word of God To preuent mistaking therein obserue these rules 1. The Spirit of God doth assuredly perswade our consciences that the Scriptures are of God by enlightning our eyes to behold the light writing the law in our hearts sealing vp the promises to our consciences and causing vs sensibly to feele the effects therof 1. Cor. 2. 12. Luk. 24. 45. 1. Cor. 14. 37. Ier. 31. 33. 2. Cor. 1. 22. 1. Thes 1. 5. with 1. Thes 2. 13. Act. 16. 14. 2. This perswasion of the Spirit is more certain then can bee prooued with reason or expressed in words for things doubtfull may be proued but things in themselues most cleare and certain be aboue all proofe and reason as the shining of the Sunne needes not to be confirâ—ed by argument to him that hath his eyes open to see the light thereof 3. This testimonie of the Holy Ghost is certaine and manifest to him that hath the Spirit but priuate not publique testifying onely to him who is endued therof but not conuincing others not confirming doctrines to others 4. This testimonie of the Spirit is not to be seuered from the word which is the instrument of the holy Ghost and his publique testimonie It is not therefore iniurious to trie the Spirit by the word of God 1. Ioh. 4. 1. seeing there is a mutuall relation between the truth of the partie witnessing and the truth of the thing witnessed and the holy Spirit the author of the Scripture is euery where like vnto and doth euerie where agree with himselfe 5. The testimonie of the Spirit doth not teach or assure vs of the letterâ— syllabes or seuerall words of holy Scripture which are onely as a vessell to cary and conuey that heauenly light vnto vâ— but it doth seale in our hearts the sauing truth contained in those sacred writings into what language soeuer they be translated Eph. 1. 13. 6. The Spirit doth not lead them in whom it dwelleth absoluâ—ly and at once into all truth but into all truth necessarie to saluation and by degrees Ioh. 16. 13. with Act. 1. 6. 11. 2. so that holy men partakers of the same Spirit may erre in many things and dissent one from another in matters not fundamentall Q. What are the properties of the Scripture A. It is of 19 Diuine Å¿ 2. Tim. 3. 16. authoritie the rule 20 of t Eccl. 12. 10. Gal. 6. 16. faith and manners 21 u Rom. 10. 14. necessarie 22 w Psal 12. 6. pure 23 x Psal 19. 7. perfect and 24 y Prou. 8. 9. plain Expos 19. Such is the excellency of the holy Scripture aboue all other writings whatsoeuer 2. Tim. 3. 15. 2. Pet. 1. 19. that it ought to be credited in all narrations threatnings promises or prophesies 1. Tim. 1. 15. Heb. 11. 11. 2. Pet. 1. 19. and obeyed in all commaundements Iob 22. 22. Ier. 13. 15. Rom. 1. 5. God the Author thereof beeing of incomprehensible wisedome Psa 147. 5. great goodnesse Exod. 18. 9. Psa 34. 8. Rom. 11. 22. absolute power and dominion Gen. 17. 1. Psal 50. 1 â— and truth that can neither deceiue nor be deceiued Rom. 3. 4. Tit. 1. 2. Heb. 6. 18. The authority of the Scripture doth onely and wholly depend vpon God the author of it and therefore though one part may be preferred before another in respect of excellencie of matter and vse Cant. 1. 1. 1. Tim. 1. 15. in authoritie and certaintie euery part is equall and onely Scripture is of diuine authoritie Gal. 1. 8. Mat. 17. 5. 1. Cor. 11. 23. 20. The Scriptures are the word of Christ Col. 3. 16. whose word is vpright Eccl. 12. 10. Phil. 3. 16. the first truth Heb. 13. 8. receiued by immediate diuine reuelation 2. Pet. 1. 21. and deliuered to the Church sufficient to make the man of God perfect in all good workes 2. Tim. 3. 16. 17. the treasury whence all doctrines must be taken 1. Pet. 4. 11. Act 26. 22. Luk. 16. 29. the touchstone wherby they must be tried Act. 17. 11. Esa 8. 20. without which error in doctrine and manners is vnavoidable Matth. 22. 29. 21. In respect of substance the word of God was alwaies necessary Eph. 2. 20 without which we could neither knowe nor worship God aright Heb. 11. 3. 6. Matth. 22. 29. Ioh. 20. 31. 2. Tim. 3 16. Rom. 15. 4. Luk. 24. 26 27. In respect of the manner of reuealing in writing the Scriptures were neeessarie euer since it pleased God after that manner to make knowne his will Deut. 17. 18. Iosh 1. 8. Rom. 15. 4. Luk. 1. 3. Iude v. 3. and so shal be to the end of the world 1. Cor. 10. 11. Reu. 22. 18. 22. This blessed word of God is free from all euen the least staine of follie errour falshood or vniustice Psal 119. 138. 140. Prou. 30. 5. Ioh. 17. 17. all things being laid down holily and truely both for substance circumstance and manner of speaking Psal 51. 1. Matth. 1. 25. 23. Whatsoeuer was is or shall be necessary or profitable to be knowne beleeued practised or hoped for that is fully comprehended in the bookes of the Prophets and Apostles Luk. 16. â—9 31. Io. 5. 39. Rom. 15. 4. Gal. 1. 8. 9. 2. Tim. 3. 15. 16. 17. The perfection of the Scripture will more plainely appeare if we consider 1. That religion for the substance thereof was euer one and vnchangeable Heb. 13. 8. Eph. 4. 5. Iude. 3. Act. 26. 22. Tit. 1. 1. 2. 2. The lawe of God written by Moses and the Prophets did deliuer whatsoeuer
the prosperity of others borrowing to maintaine idlenes defrauding men of their right what we are not able to repay Ezek. 18. 7. also borrowing vpon interest vnlesse it be in case of necessity denying what we haue borrowed or repaying vnwillingly Psa 37. 21. Leui. 19. 13. lending vpon vsury Exod. 22. 25. Exacting increase meerely for the loane Ezek. 18. 8. cruelly requiring all a mans debts Esa 58. 3. without mercy or compassion In barganing buying seeling letting hiring partnership to vse in iustice craft fraud or falsehood 1. Thess 4. 6. as making things litigious and doubfull respecting a mans owne commodity onely parting with bad wares for good Amos. 8. 5. or good at an excessiue rate enhaunsing the iust price meerely because we sell for day ingrossing wares into our owne hands that we may sell them at our owne pleasure dispraising what we are to buy Pro. 20. 14. or praysing what we are to sell without iust cause and for our meere aduantage buying vnderfoote especially of such who sell for neede abusing mens simplicity and vnskilfulnes vsing false waights balances measures and lights to deceiue Leuit. 19. 35. Pro. 11. 1. selling things hurtfull and not vendible as dispensation for sâ—nne charmes church-liuings Pro. 20. 25. Mal. 3. 8. crucifixes c. Detaining things strayed found Exod. 23. 4. Deut. 22. 1 2 3. or the meanes of our neighbours liuing layd to pledge Exod. 22. 26 27. as also things committed to our trust and custody Deut. 27. 19. Prolonging of suites defending bad causes immoderate or vnciuill contending at lawe for our owne right selling iustice Pro. 15. 27. remoouing auncient bounds Deut. 19. 14. robbery by land or sea Zach. 5. 3 4 5. whether it be stealing goods cattell Exod. 22. 1. seruants or children Exod. 21. 17. Deut. 24. 7. with or without colour of lawe receiuing of things stollne Pro. 29. 24. Psal 50. 18 19. 22. And all vnapprooued and vnprofitable trades of lifes or callings if they may be so tearmed as iesters iuglers Parasits carders dicers gamesters players fortune-tellers figure-casters sturdy rogues and such as be makers of the proper instruments of vnlawfull games Ier. 10. 2. Iob. 30. 1 2 3. 2. Thes 3. 10. Act. 19. 19. Q. Which is the ninth Commandement A. Thou shalt not beare false witnesse against thy neighbour Q. What is the generall dutie here required A. That by all meanes we seeke to maintaine our 28 owne and our 29 neighbours good name according to truth and a good conscience Expos 28. The speciall duties of this commandement are to speak sparingly Pro. 10. 19. and to speake the truth from the heart Psal 15. 2. In respect of our selues rightly to knowe and iudge of our selues Gal. 5. 26. 2. Cor. 13. 5. to procure our owne good name Pro. 22. 1. by seeking Gods glory first and principally Math. 6. 33. Heb. 11. 2. 39. iudging and speaking well of others Math. 7. 2. and walking vnblameably Eccles 10. 1. Luk. 1. 6. Iob. 1. 1. to defend it also when neede requireth but modestly and in a sort vnwillingly 29. In respect of our neighbour we are commaunded to desire and reioyce in his good name Rom. 1. 1. Gal. 1. 23 24. sorrow for his infirmities Psal 119. 136. Ezra 9. 6. and couer them in loue Pro. 17. 9. 1. Pet. 4. 8. hoping the best with patience and so iudging 1. Cor. 13. 5 6 7. not bewraying his secrets before we haue admonished him Pro. 11. 12. and 25. 9 10. yea though we doe it with greife and to such as wee desire might help and redresse them rebuking him to his face Matth. 18. 15 16. Gal. 2. 11. when iust occasion requireth but yet louingly and meekely Gal. 6. 1. Pro. 25. 12. with remembrance of what is praise-worthy in him 1. Cor. 1. 4. 10. Reu. 2. 2 3 4. commending him where he deserued well yet rather in his absence then presence 1. Thes 5. 22. defending the good name of him whose vnblameable carriage is knowne vnto vs by testimony hand writing and oath if neede require Philem. 10. 11. c. not receiuing idle or false reports against our brother Psal 15. 3. Pro. 25. 23. and 26. 20. Q. What is the generall sinne forbidden A. All failing to procure defend and further our 30 owne and 31 our neighbours credite all vniust defence wrongfull suspition or accusation of our selues or others Expos 30. Here is forbidden an ouer or vnderweening of the good things in our selues Luk. 18. 9 10 11. Exod. 4. 10. 13. Ier. 1. 7. bearing our selues aboue our worth Phil. 2. 3. boasting Pro. 27. 1. excusing our selues vniustly 1. Sam. 15. 15. Gen. 3. 12. debasing our selues dissembling that others might praise vs procuring our selues an ill name by walking vndiscreetly or offensiuely 2. Sam. 12. 14. Rom. 2. 23 24. and a needlesse lessening the good opinion others haue of vs by bewraying our weakenes as want of learning c. to the carper 31. Here are condemned euill suspitions Matth. 7. 1. 1. Sam. 1. 13. want of desire care and reioycing in our neighbours good name 1. Pet. 2. 1. reioycing in his infirmities contempt or foolish admiration of others Act. 12. 22. Pro. 27. 14. vniustly renewing the memory of our neighbours crimes which were in tract of time forgotten Pro. 17. 9. calling good euill or euill good Esa â— 20. flattery Pro. 27. 14. Iob. 17. 5. forbearing to speake in the cause or credit of our neighbours Pro. 24. 11 12. and 31. 8 9. rash censuring Matth. 7. 1 2. nodding the head winking with the eye pointing with the finger or any other vilifying or deriding gestures Matth. 5. 22. speaking the truth with desire of our neighbours discredit 1. Sam. 22. 14 15. with Psal 52. 1 2 3. listening to tale-bearers Prou. 25. 23. raising false reports Leuit. 19. 16. relating mens words to their disgrace contrarie to their meaning 1. Sam. 22. 9 10. Matth. 26. 60 61. spreading abroad flying tales Pro. 26. 20 21 22. libells false presentments and citations giuing false euidence and pronouncing false sentence Leuit. 19. 15. 35. Exod. 23. 6. Deut. 19. 16. Pro. 19. 5. In respect of our selues and our neighbours here is forbidden lying and equiuocating Eph. 4. 25. Col. 3. 9 10. Q. What is the tenth Commaundement A. Thou shalt not couet c. Q. What is the generall dutie here commanded A. That we be truly 32 contented with our owne outward condition and heartily desire the good z 1. Tim. 6. 8. 1. Cor. 7. 29 30. Act. 26. 29. of our neighbour in all things belonging vnto him great and small Expos 32. In this commandement we are inioyned to acquaint our selues with thoughts of good towards our neighbour Esa 32. 8. 3. Io. 2. Iob. 31. 29. and that which appeartaineth to him to reioyce in the present good estate of our selues and our neighbours Psal 34. 2. and 119. 74. and cheerefully to praise God for it Q. What is the generall sinne forbidden A. All thoughts