i_o hope_v the_o less_o needful_a for_o this_o mix_v audience_n i_o beg_v leave_n to_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o latter_a which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n our_o wise_a and_o holy_a mother_n have_v thus_o express_v in_o her_o six_o article_n of_o religion_n the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o read_v therein_o nor_o may_v be_v prove_v thereby_o be_v not_o to_o be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v believe_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o be_v think_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n if_o this_o be_v once_o acknowledge_v for_o truth_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o any_o man_n so_o persuade_v can_v deny_v the_o scripture_n ability_n of_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o be_v a_o complete_a guide_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o such_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o show_v i._n first_o what_o manner_n of_o perfection_n that_o be_v which_o man_n ought_v to_o attribute_v to_o scripture_n and_o be_v warrant_v to_o expect_v from_o it_o ii_o second_o what_o general_a argument_n we_o have_v to_o ground_v this_o opinion_n upon_o and_o iii_o three_o how_o the_o scripture_n answer_v this_o character_n in_o those_o particular_a instance_n mention_v by_o my_o text._n i._o first_n i_o be_o to_o consider_v what_o manner_n or_o sort_n of_o perfection_n that_o be_v which_o we_o be_v allow_v to_o attribute_v to_o and_o to_o expect_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o deserve_v to_o be_v the_o more_o heedful_o attend_v to_o because_o the_o liberty_n some_o have_v take_v of_o impose_v other_o guide_n and_o rule_n beside_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o imprudent_a zeal_n of_o other_o who_o profess_v to_o follow_v this_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o hang_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o letter_n of_o scripture_n have_v give_v birth_n to_o many_o extravagant_a opinion_n and_o great_o disturb_v christianity_n and_o good_a order_n now_o scripture_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o medium_fw-la or_o instrument_n direct_v to_o a_o certain_a end_n the_o best_a and_o most_o regular_a way_n of_o come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n in_o this_o matter_n will_v be_v to_o take_v a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o design_n of_o scripture_n and_o what_o degree_n of_o perfection_n be_v necessary_a to_o answer_v that_o design_n or_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o st._n paul_n expression_n v._o 15._o to_o examine_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o salvation_n and_o what_o be_v requisite_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o and_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n 1._o first_o salvation_n be_v but_o another_o word_n for_o that_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v the_o ultimate_a and_o chief_a good_a of_o humane_a nature_n this_o happiness_n be_v propose_v not_o as_o our_o fate_n but_o as_o our_o reward_n and_o since_o every_o reward_n suppose_v some_o work_n in_o consideration_n whereof_o the_o recompense_n be_v bestow_v it_o imply_v that_o man_n must_v contribute_v something_o to_o their_o own_o happiness_n and_o can_v reasonable_o hope_v to_o obtain_v it_o without_o attend_v to_o those_o condition_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o the_o reward_n be_v suspend_v it_o imply_v far_a that_o the_o notice_n of_o these_o condition_n and_o the_o right_n of_o appoint_v they_o must_v come_v from_o and_o be_v original_o lodge_v in_o he_o who_o propose_v and_o promise_v that_o recompense_n and_o if_o our_o expectation_n and_o desire_n of_o this_o happy_a state_n be_v natural_a and_o universal_a it_o will_v follow_v from_o hence_o too_o that_o nature_n furnish_v mankind_n with_o some_o sort_n of_o mean_n and_o ability_n as_o well_o as_o inclination_n to_o aspire_v after_o it_o for_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o creator_n be_v most_o eminent_o see_v in_o this_o that_o he_o delude_v none_o of_o his_o creature_n with_o vain_a expectation_n nor_o infuse_v any_o such_o desire_n into_o they_o as_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v disappoint_v these_o ability_n i_o take_v to_o have_v be_v give_v in_o those_o general_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a impress_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n at_o his_o first_o creation_n 15._o rom._n ii_o 13_o 14_o 15._o with_o regard_n to_o which_o st._n paul_n mention_n a_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o write_a law_n be_v not_o impart_v he_o observe_v the_o same_o please_a transport_v the_o same_o melancholy_a misgiving_n to_o rise_v in_o their_o breast_n according_a as_o their_o conscience_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v they_o he_o declare_v that_o in_o the_o last_o great_a day_n of_o account_n they_o shall_v be_v judge_v upon_o this_o issue_n since_o then_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o man_n enjoy_v no_o write_a word_n at_o all_o since_o after_o some_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v blessed_v with_o such_o revelation_n yet_o other_o be_v unfortunate_a in_o the_o want_n of_o it_o since_o even_o those_o who_o have_v it_o not_o be_v yet_o accountable_a for_o their_o action_n the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a and_o necessary_a that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o the_o only_a method_n whereby_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o inform_v man_n of_o their_o duty_n they_o be_v not_o the_o first_o they_o be_v not_o the_o universal_a and_o consequent_o not_o the_o sole_a and_o perpetual_a instrument_n of_o all_o our_o privilege_n and_o all_o our_o obedience_n 2._o but_o second_o whatever_o hope_n man_n can_v by_o nature_n have_v these_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n than_o a_o just_a and_o punctual_a performance_n and_o therefore_o sin_n quite_o alter_v the_o case_n and_o make_v a_o far_a revelation_n necessary_a what_o st._n paul_n say_v elsewhere_o of_o the_o jewish_a law_n may_v with_o great_a truth_n and_o in_o a_o very_a good_a sense_n be_v affirm_v of_o all_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v add_v because_o of_o transgression_n to_o person_n thus_o conclude_v under_o forfeiture_n no_o expectation_n just_o can_v be_v cherish_v no_o succour_n or_o solid_a comfort_n can_v arise_v otherwise_o than_o from_o god_n express_a declaration_n that_o he_o will_v condescend_v to_o fresh_a condition_n and_o admit_v we_o to_o another_o and_o better_a covenant_n such_o as_o our_o lapse_v and_o guilty_a state_n will_v bear_v hence_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o the_o present_a method_n of_o salvation_n be_v term_v the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o the_o like_a because_o these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o the_o unsearchable_a depht_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n such_o as_o no_o humane_a discourse_n can_v penetrate_v into_o no_o natural_a conclusion_n can_v infer_v and_o because_o god_n be_v perfect_o free_a in_o this_o whole_a matter_n he_o let_v man_n into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o such_o gradual_a discovery_n as_o himself_o see_v fit_a and_o such_o as_o darken_a and_o degenerate_a mind_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o be_v the_o shine_a ray_n then_o dart_v from_o above_o to_o give_v our_o soul_n once_o more_o the_o cheer_v prospect_n of_o bliss_n divine_a and_o love_v incomprehensible_a it_o be_v thus_o we_o be_v support_v and_o assure_v that_o our_o judge_n be_v not_o irreconcilable_a that_o our_o sickness_n be_v not_o yet_o unto_o death_n provide_v we_o will_v lend_v a_o help_a hand_n and_o not_o obstruct_v our_o own_o recovery_n but_o still_o all_o this_o be_v not_o a_o new_a creation_n but_o a_o cure_n and_o therefore_o like_o other_o remedy_n apply_v only_o so_o far_o as_o the_o disease_n require_v in_o other_o respect_n it_o leave_v man_n as_o it_o find_v they_o and_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o will_v be_v still_o more_o distinct_o understand_v if_o we_o be_v diligent_a to_o observe_v 3._o three_o that_o god_n in_o all_o his_o deal_n with_o mandkind_a do_v not_o act_v so_o much_o in_o proportion_n to_o his_o own_o fullness_n as_o to_o our_o want_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o look_v upon_o those_o discovery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o be_v perfect_a which_o reveal_v not_o all_o that_o can_v be_v reveal_v but_o all_o that_o man_n have_v occasion_n for_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o more_o spare_a revelation_n heretofore_o be_v perfect_a in_o their_o kind_a though_o in_o degree_n and_o measure_n short_a of_o we_o the_o impression_n of_o reason_n at_o man_n first_o creation_n be_v so_o in_o some_o sense_n because_o that_o state_n need_v no_o more_o so_o be_v the_o private_a and_o personal_a discovery_n after_o the_o fall_n the_o jewish_a law_n and_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n afterward_o each_o of_o which_o have_v their_o day_n and_o proper_a season_n as_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v they_o now_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o last_o conclude_v dispensation_n that_o which_o complete_v confirm_v and_o close_o up_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o judge_v
therefore_o the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v ever_o attend_v to_o the_o design_n it_o serve_v and_o its_o sufficiency_n to_o compass_v that_o design_n for_o example_n in_o the_o historical_a part_n we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v a_o full_a and_o just_a relation_n of_o all_o that_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n no_o nor_o of_o all_o that_o happen_v to_o that_o people_n of_o who_o affair_n it_o more_o profess_o treat_v a_o competent_a quantity_n of_o the_o main_a and_o most_o significant_a passage_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n such_o as_o draw_v down_o a_o just_a account_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o wherein_o the_o law_n and_o polity_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v type_n of_o he_o or_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n so_o again_o the_o prophecy_n do_v not_o foretell_v all_o that_o shall_v happen_v under_o the_o gospel_n nor_o every_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o but_o be_v content_v with_o draw_v the_o principal_a line_n and_o give_v representation_n and_o character_n so_o like_a and_o lively_a as_o when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v appear_v in_o flesh_n and_o event_n come_v to_o be_v compare_v with_o prediction_n may_v render_v man_n exceed_o to_o blame_v if_o they_o do_v not_o accept_v and_o regard_v that_o person_n as_o the_o promise_a messiah_n in_o who_o those_o description_n so_o exact_o centre_v nay_o even_o in_o the_o gospel_n itself_o st._n john_n make_v no_o difficulty_n to_o own_o that_o a_o world_n of_o remarkable_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n do_v by_o christ_n be_v not_o however_o leave_v upon_o record_n but_o that_o enough_o be_v leave_v to_o build_v man_n faith_n upon_o now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o the_o alwise_a god_n can_v under_o each_o of_o those_o period_n have_v inspire_v the_o holy_a penman_n with_o all_o that_o be_v omit_v or_o that_o he_o can_v if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v make_v but_o one_o period_n and_o reveal_v all_o together_o but_o when_o he_o do_v not_o so_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o revelation_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o end_n of_o they_o that_o he_o intend_v not_o the_o scripture_n for_o a_o repository_n of_o all_o truth_n in_o the_o simple_a and_o most_o comprehensive_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n but_o of_o all_o which_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n such_o as_o their_o present_a circumstance_n require_v and_o what_o he_o intend_v they_o shall_v be_v accountable_a for_o and_o as_o he_o will_v not_o be_v niggardly_o in_o these_o communication_n so_o neither_o be_v he_o profuse_a nay_o from_o hence_o i_o argue_v 4._o four_o that_o even_o all_o truth_n which_o may_v have_v any_o tendency_n to_o direct_v man_n in_o their_o duty_n be_v not_o particular_o and_o express_o to_o be_v find_v there_o nor_o be_v it_o all_o necessary_a or_o indeed_o human_o speak_v possible_a that_o they_o shall_v and_o this_o direct_o meet_v with_o a_o opinion_n unhappy_a in_o its_o consequence_n but_o entertain_v it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v out_o of_o a_o honest_a zeal_n and_o well-meant_a reverence_n for_o these_o bless_a write_n that_o i_o mean_v of_o man_n not_o be_v allow_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o which_o some_o express_a command_n or_o warrant_v or_o at_o least_o example_n may_v not_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o scripture_n i_o can_v now_o stand_v to_o show_v the_o danger_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o govern_v our_o life_n by_o the_o example_n even_o of_o good_a man_n but_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o rule_n in_o general_n and_o to_o disengage_v man_n from_o the_o many_o sad_a suspense_v and_o snare_n which_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o bring_v unwary_a conscience_n under_o by_o these_o follow_a particular_n first_o let_v it_o be_v remember_v that_o our_o obligation_n to_o obey_v the_o scripture_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o their_o be_v write_v but_o from_o their_o be_v the_o discovery_n of_o god_n will_n and_o our_o duty_n consequent_o whatever_o come_v to_o my_o knowledge_n as_o his_o pleasure_n concern_v i_o have_v the_o same_o bind_a power_n upon_o my_o conscience_n be_v the_o method_n of_o make_v it_o so_o know_v to_o i_o what_o it_o will_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n and_o the_o sufficient_a promulge_v of_o the_o law_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o induce_v the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o if_o god_n who_o be_v the_o absolute_a and_o only_a master_n of_o my_o conscience_n have_v several_a way_n of_o signify_v his_o pleasure_n the_o particular_a manner_n of_o do_v it_o be_v accidental_a and_o foreign_a to_o this_o bind_v power_n and_o make_v not_o the_o least_o difference_n in_o my_o engagement_n to_o submission_n and_o obedience_n now_o second_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o god_n not_o only_o do_v former_o but_o that_o he_o do_v still_o use_v other_o method_n of_o manifest_v his_o will_n beside_o that_o of_o the_o write_a word_n there_o have_v be_v time_n and_o person_n that_o know_v no_o other_o law_n but_o reason_n and_o when_o god_n add_v a_o bright_a candle_n he_o do_v not_o put_v out_o the_o old_a one_o or_o forbid_v we_o to_o walk_v by_o its_o light_n so_o far_o as_o that_o be_v able_a to_o direct_v we_o the_o very_a divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o be_v of_o the_o god_n from_o whence_o that_o authority_n be_v derive_v be_v principle_n arise_v from_o common_a reason_n and_o how_o absurd_a will_v it_o be_v to_o allow_v no_o standard_n of_o truth_n in_o religion_n no_o rule_n of_o behaviour_n but_o scripture_n when_o the_o two_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o all_o religion_n must_v be_v make_v out_o to_o we_o from_o other_o principle_n and_o can_v with_o any_o propriety_n of_o argue_v be_v fetch_v from_o scripture_n itself_o three_o the_o very_a temper_n and_o composition_n of_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o necessary_o refer_v we_o to_o some_o other_o rule_n for_o this_o be_v a_o system_fw-la of_o mix_a and_o very_o different_a duty_n some_o of_o eternal_a and_o universal_a obligation_n other_o occasional_a and_o particular_a limit_v to_o time_n and_o circumstance_n and_o when_o those_o occasion_n and_o circumstance_n cease_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o command_n be_v lose_v and_o the_o whole_a reason_n and_o force_n of_o it_o sink_v of_o course_n this_o be_v observable_a more_o especial_o in_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o true_a in_o sundry_a other_o case_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v oftentimes_o deliver_v promiscuous_o and_o in_o general_a term_n man_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v recourse_n to_o some_o other_o rule_n to_o distinguish_v and_o guide_v they_o in_o make_v the_o just_a difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o sort._n and_o this_o be_v what_o equity_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n must_v do_v where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o have_v make_v no_o express_a difference_n at_o all_o four_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n do_v not_o concern_v we_o just_a as_o the_o word_n and_o syllable_n be_v set_v down_o there_o but_o according_a to_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o rational_a mean_v of_o the_o text._n and_o in_o order_n to_o just_a resolution_n of_o this_o kind_n many_o qualification_n be_v requisite_a a_o mind_n true_o honest_a and_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n sincere_a and_o unprejudiced_a the_o be_v not_o only_o content_a but_o desirous_a to_o learn_v and_o ready_a to_o retract_v error_n and_o reform_v vice_n when_o upon_o a_o fair_a examination_n they_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o to_o this_o we_o must_v add_v diligence_n and_o care_n and_o skill_n such_o as_o may_v enable_v man_n to_o compare_v and_o reconcile_v and_o form_v a_o judgement_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n to_o consider_v the_o context_n the_o occasion_n the_o expression_n the_o genius_n of_o the_o country_n and_o propriety_n of_o language_n and_o to_o fix_v upon_o such_o commodious_a interpretation_n from_o hence_o as_o may_v never_o set_v one_o scripture_n at_o variance_n with_o another_o and_o where_o these_o qualification_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v there_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a spirit_n a_o orderly_a submission_n to_o honest_a and_o better_a judgement_n and_o endure_v to_o be_v ignorant_a in_o matter_n above_o one_o reach_n now_o all_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o understanding_n and_o will_n assist_v by_o god_n grace_n and_o all_o so_o necessary_a that_o without_o such_o application_n and_o appeal_n to_o fair_a unbiased_a reason_n the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n itself_o may_v misguide_v and_o prove_v a_o snare_n to_o we_o five_o the_o nature_n of_o humane_a action_n put_v it_o out_o of_o dispute_n that_o the_o scripture_n alone_o can_v never_o be_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a direction_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n for_o the_o circumstance_n
of_o human_a life_n be_v infinite_a and_o depend_v upon_o a_o multitude_n of_o accident_n not_o to_o be_v foresee_v and_o consequent_o not_o to_o be_v provide_v against_o hence_o law_n must_v run_v in_o general_a term_n and_o sometime_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o law_n be_v best_a fulfil_v by_o go_v counter_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o in_o all_o such_o case_n therefore_o reason_n and_o honesty_n must_v guide_v we_o to_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o great_a scope_n be_v necessary_o leave_v to_o equity_n and_o discretion_n i_o allow_v indeed_o that_o god_n who_o have_v content_v himself_o with_o general_a rule_n can_v have_v describe_v all_o the_o accident_n and_o circumstance_n which_o he_o can_v but_o foresee_v and_o know_v exact_o but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v and_o a_o great_a deal_n why_o he_o shall_v not_o it_o be_v much_o better_a that_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o draw_v general_a rule_n into_o particular_a practice_n and_o put_v we_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o do_v this_o fair_o of_o discharge_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o positive_a obedience_n where_o he_o have_v determine_v thing_n to_o moral_a good_a or_o evil_a and_o of_o follow_v the_o measure_n of_o integrity_n and_o expediency_n where_o he_o have_v leave_v they_o indifferent_a and_o at_o large_a the_o sum_n then_o of_o this_o first_o head_n may_v be_v easy_o draw_v together_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o these_o few_o short_a conclusion_n 1._o first_o as_o to_o the_o mystery_n and_o doctrine_n peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n such_o as_o the_o incarnation_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o justification_n of_o sinner_n by_o faith_n the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o divine_a essence_n which_o i_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o call_v a_o necessary_a and_o distinguish_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o these_o the_o scripture_n be_v our_o absolute_a and_o only_a rule_n for_o they_o be_v branch_n of_o a_o new_a covenant_n revelation_n of_o stupendous_a and_o important_a concern_v set_v forth_o free_a act_n of_o mercy_n such_o as_o depend_v upon_o no_o necessary_a cause_n in_o nature_n such_o as_o concern_v not_o man_n in_o his_o primitive_a state_n and_o therefore_o not_o within_o the_o ken_n of_o reason_n these_o can_v come_v only_o from_o god_n and_o upon_o he_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o depend_v entire_o for_o they_o so_o that_o when_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o have_v deliver_v any_o matter_n of_o this_o kind_n all_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v take_v upon_o content_a and_o his_o truth_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n be_v a_o just_a foundation_n of_o our_o belief_n how_o far_o soever_o the_o matter_n reveal_v may_v exceed_v our_o comprehension_n 2._o second_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n the_o scripture_n be_v our_o supreme_a though_o not_o our_o only_a rule_n those_o thing_n which_o reason_n and_o nature_n teach_v this_o enlarge_n and_o refine_v upon_o and_o oftentimes_o confirm_v with_o a_o fresh_a sanction_n it_o exalt_v our_o virtue_n and_o direct_v we_o to_o proceed_v upon_o noble_a principle_n teach_v some_o duty_n not_o to_o be_v know_v without_o it_o give_v clear_a conviction_n of_o such_o as_o be_v know_v imperfect_o lead_v we_o to_o end_n above_o nature_n furnish_v mean_n above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n propose_v reward_n heavenly_a and_o divine_a and_o help_v we_o to_o do_v more_o than_o mere_a man_n by_o their_o own_o discourse_n can_v ever_o have_v do_v so_o that_o revelation_n do_v not_o quench_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o add_v fresh_a oil_n and_o make_v it_o burn_v the_o bright_a and_o by_o be_v more_o perfect_a help_v our_o dimness_n and_o dark_a sight_n and_o take_v place_n above_o all_o other_o authority_n it_o be_v proper_o style_v by_o david_n a_o candle_n to_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o lantern_n to_o our_o path_n psal_n cxix_o 105._o so_o that_o whatever_o this_o word_n teach_v which_o we_o may_v otherwise_o have_v know_v have_v a_o double_a tie_n upon_o we_o and_o that_o which_o either_o want_n of_o understanding_n or_o corruption_n of_o mind_n will_v have_v keep_v we_o in_o ignorance_n of_o when_o find_v here_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o submission_n and_o reverence_n as_o a_o inviolable_a law_n whatever_o flesh_n and_o sense_n and_o worldly_a wisdom_n may_v suggest_v or_o object_v to_o the_o contrary_n 3._o three_o the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n do_v not_o confine_v itself_o to_o such_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o it_o be_v liberal_a and_o well_o fraught_v with_o excellent_a rule_n both_o for_o improve_n our_o knowledge_n and_o adorn_v our_o profession_n it_o consult_v the_o beauty_n and_o gracefulness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o christianity_n it_o direct_v the_o shine_a of_o our_o light_n and_o the_o win_n over_o other_o by_o our_o prudence_n and_o good_a example_n and_o leave_v we_o general_a hint_n the_o efficacy_n of_o which_o will_v depend_v upon_o the_o honesty_n and_o discretion_n of_o particular_a application_n to_o our_o own_o personal_a exigency_n and_o condition_n 4._o but_o four_o there_o be_v many_o case_n where_o scripture_n can_v have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o do_v except_o by_o very_o remote_a consequence_n and_o so_o far_o only_o as_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o forego_n particular_a ten_o thousand_o action_n of_o humane_a life_n there_o be_v so_o trivial_a as_o scare_v to_o deserve_v the_o deliberation_n of_o a_o single_a thought_n and_o to_o expect_v law_n and_o decision_n from_o almighty_a god_n in_o thing_n of_o no_o importance_n or_o moral_a good_a or_o evil_a be_v to_o bring_v his_o majesty_n into_o contempt_n and_o therefore_o here_o discretion_n be_v our_o only_a guide_n in_o short_a and_o to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v sufficient_a and_o perfect_a but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o have_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o mean_n to_o the_o end_n and_o what_o may_v serve_v the_o purpose_n to_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v the_o perfection_n be_v that_o of_o a_o instrument_n but_o then_o this_o like_o all_o other_o instrument_n require_v a_o honest_a skilful_a and_o diligent_a hand_n to_o manage_v and_o apply_v it_o successful_o and_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o the_o scripture_n character_n that_o some_o by_o neglect_v and_o other_o by_o abuse_v it_o still_o want_v that_o save_v wisdom_n it_o may_v give_v nor_o do_v it_o at_o all_o take_v off_o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o this_o rule_n that_o some_o case_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o obvious_a as_o not_o to_o need_v its_o particular_a direction_n and_o that_o other_o be_v of_o so_o little_a moment_n as_o not_o to_o deserve_v they_o ii_o second_o the_o way_n be_v thus_o make_v plain_a by_o right_o state_v the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o business_n which_o be_v to_o instance_n in_o some_o general_a argument_n which_o the_o protestant_a opinion_n of_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n may_v very_o reasonable_o allege_v for_o its_o self_n now_o in_o order_n to_o make_v scripture_n a_o competent_a guide_n in_o the_o case_n that_o proper_o concern_v it_o two_o thing_n only_o be_v neeessary_a that_o it_o be_v sufficient_o particular_a and_o express_a and_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a that_o as_o much_o be_v deliver_v there_o as_o the_o occasion_n require_v and_o that_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o man_n may_v improve_v by_o it_o and_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o both_o which_o to_o any_o man_n who_o consider_v the_o uses_n of_o scripture_n appear_v to_o be_v so_o necessary_o require_v and_o so_o great_o relate_v to_o that_o the_o same_o general_a argument_n will_v prove_v both_o and_o these_o that_o follow_v if_o i_o mistake_v not_o may_v contribute_v something_o towards_o it_o first_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o author_n every_o imperfection_n in_o the_o effect_n be_v owe_v to_o some_o failure_n in_o the_o cause_n a_o want_n of_o power_n if_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a cause_n or_o a_o want_n of_o will_n if_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o free_a cause_n there_o be_v therefore_o excellent_a reason_n why_o st._n paul_n shall_v begin_v his_o character_n of_o the_o scripture_n perfection_n with_o a_o account_n of_o its_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n this_o introduction_n carry_v in_o it_o a_o very_a significant_a argument_n to_o enforce_v what_o follow_v for_o where_o indeed_o shall_v we_o expect_v perfection_n if_o not_o from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o source_n and_o sum_n of_o all_o perfection_n he_o who_o power_n and_o wisdom_n be_v infinite_a be_v most_o likely_a to_o impress_v upon_o his_o own_o ordinance_n such_o
while_o they_o continue_v the_o dark_a controversy_n in_o all_o religion_n we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o not_o admit_v they_o into_o competition_n and_o shall_v do_v better_a to_o suspect_v these_o pretence_n of_o vanity_n and_o enthusiasm_n and_o project_n than_o by_o admit_v they_o to_o draw_v such_o a_o meaning_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o this_o text_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v show_v to_o introduce_v a_o inspire_a apostle_n talk_v neither_o good_a argument_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o coherent_a and_o common_a sense_n the_o sum_n then_o of_o my_o second_o head_n be_v this_o that_o according_a to_o all_o we_o can_v reasonable_o conceive_v of_o god_n he_o must_v needs_o have_v make_v some_o competent_a provision_n for_o man_n understanding_n their_o duty_n they_o can_v escape_v eternal_a ruin_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o this_o knowledge_n in_o the_o point_n peculiarly_a christian_n can_v come_v to_o they_o by_o divine_a revelation_n only_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o god_n have_v signalise_v and_o distinguish_v any_o method_n or_o rule_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o so_o eminent_a a_o manner_n as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v and_o to_o respect_v the_o scripture_n as_o that_o competent_a provision_n and_o now_o have_v go_v through_o such_o general_a argument_n as_o seem_v most_o necessary_a i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n which_o be_v iii_o to_o show_n in_o particular_a as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v how_o the_o scripture_n answer_v this_o character_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o several_a instance_n of_o their_o usefulness_n mention_v in_o the_o text._n 1._o first_o st._n paul_n say_v the_o scripture_n be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n by_o which_o be_v common_o understand_v a_o declaration_n of_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v requisite_a in_o this_o point_n consistt_v of_o a_o right_a information_n concern_v god_n and_o ourselves_o what_o he_o be_v and_o what_o we_o be_v and_o hope_v to_o be_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o our_o sake_n and_o how_o we_o may_v reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o in_o our_o own_o person_n and_o become_v acceptable_a in_o his_o sight_n and_o of_o this_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o large_a and_o clear_a account_n it_o trace_n we_o up_o to_o our_o first_o head_n point_n to_o the_o rock_n whence_o we_o be_v hew_v describe_v our_o happy_a and_o our_o healthful_a state_n tell_v when_o and_o how_o our_o innocence_n be_v lose_v and_o set_v forth_o both_o the_o sickness_n and_o the_o cure_n it_o present_v we_o with_o the_o leisurely_o advances_n towards_o it_o the_o personal_a revelation_n to_o the_o patriarch_n the_o rite_n and_o figure_n of_o moses_n law_n the_o clear_a prediction_n and_o more_o refine_a precept_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o these_o accommodate_v to_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o temper_v all_o in_o such_o proportion_n as_o the_o body_n disease_v gather_v strength_n to_o digest_v they_o at_o last_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v and_o matter_n ripe_a for_o the_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n it_o show_v we_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o he_o all_o those_o shadow_n and_o rough_a imperfect_a stroke_n finish_v and_o fill_v up_o all_o those_o prophecy_n centre_v together_o with_o marvellous_a harmony_n and_o consent_n to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v the_o significant_a providence_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n the_o jew_n whereby_o st._n paul_n say_v they_o become_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pattern_n and_o image_n of_o the_o christian_a age_n no_o less_o than_o in_o their_o law_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n i_o may_v observe_v the_o mighty_a care_n and_o art_n of_o fill_v every_o book_n with_o signification_n of_o the_o messiah_n his_o character_n and_o his_o approach_n sometime_o by_o prophecy_n aim_v direct_o at_o he_o sometime_o by_o mix_v and_o more_o obscure_a intimation_n and_o those_o break_n out_o of_o the_o spirit_n from_o other_o subject_n and_o person_n into_o expression_n too_o lofty_a and_o magnificent_a to_o be_v literal_o and_o strict_o true_a of_o any_o but_o of_o he_o but_o which_o come_v near_a home_n here_o we_o have_v our_o soul_n raise_v to_o high_a and_o just_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n a_o service_n most_o suitable_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o own_o we_o see_v the_o adorable_a mystery_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o flesh_n and_o a_o human_a body_n exalt_v to_o the_o right-hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a a_o person_n true_o divine_a converse_v with_o man_n court_v they_o to_o their_o happiness_n press_v importune_v nay_o which_o be_v most_o of_o all_o die_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o whatever_o mysterious_a and_o intricate_a passage_n the_o scripture_n may_v contain_v for_o the_o exercise_n shall_v i_o say_v or_o for_o the_o humiliation_n of_o man_n wise_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n yet_o these_o matter_n which_o make_v the_o historical_a account_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v relate_v in_o circumstance_n so_o natural_a and_o yet_o so_o move_v in_o language_n so_o easy_a and_o so_o expressive_a too_o that_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a if_o a_o fair_a and_o honest_a reader_n may_v be_v settle_v and_o convince_v and_o the_o plain_a and_o gross_a understanding_n may_v be_v enlighten_v and_o edify_v by_o they_o for_o whatever_o darkness_n and_o mist_n may_v now_o obscure_v these_o save_a truth_n it_o be_v not_o from_o themselves_o or_o their_o original_a ambiguity_n so_o much_o as_o from_o the_o study_a nicety_n of_o subtle_a and_o design_v man_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o distinguish_v and_o explain_v have_v rather_o confound_v and_o render_v they_o unintelligible_a and_o many_o time_n distinguish_v away_o even_a truth_n and_o piety_n itself_o but_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o be_v not_o utter_o at_o these_o man_n mercy_n for_o to_o our_o comfort_n the_o apostle_n observe_v 2._o second_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v likewise_o profitable_a for_o reproof_n by_o which_o be_v common_o understand_v the_o confute_v of_o error_n and_o corrupt_a opinion_n which_o oppose_v or_o impair_v the_o truth_n xl._n truth_n isai_n viij_o 20._o matt._n xxii_o 29._o mar._n twelve_o 24._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seu_fw-la ut_fw-la alii_fw-la legunt_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrysost_n in_o johan_n hom._n xl._n thus_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n be_v the_o touch_n and_o trial_n to_o which_o all_o new_a pretender_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v thus_o our_o saviour_n express_o attribute_n the_o sadducee_n error_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n and_o a_o future_a state_n to_z their_z not_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_v the_o apostle_n here_o send_v timothy_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o defence_n against_o those_o corrupt_a and_o perilous_a time_n foretell_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o earnest_a exhortation_n of_o all_o the_o primitive_a father_n to_o be_v much_o conversant_a in_o these_o holy_a book_n their_o place_v all_o the_o mischief_n of_o their_o division_n to_o the_o account_n of_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v the_o set_v the_o two_o testament_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o pure_a council_n as_o a_o common_a umpire_n between_o all_o contend_a party_n and_o infinite_a testimony_n and_o commendation_n to_o this_o purpose_n show_v most_o evident_o that_o the_o write_a word_n be_v always_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o standard_n of_o doctrine_n and_o faith_n that_o to_o which_o all_o aught_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o submit_v to_o and_o be_v final_o conclude_v by_o traditionary_a article_n and_o infalible_a interpreter_n have_v then_o no_o place_n nor_o be_v it_o requisite_a they_o ever_o shall_v for_o though_o st._n peter_n say_v some_o scripture_n be_v wrest_v to_o man_n own_o destruction_n yet_o he_o acquaint_v we_o withal_o how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v so_o they_o be_v he_o say_v the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a that_o do_v it_o man_n not_o well_o principled_a and_o of_o a_o restless_a temper_n and_o if_o people_n will_v come_v to_o this_o rule_n with_o perverse_a unquiet_a mind_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o frowardness_n and_o cavil_v and_o contention_n they_o may_v no_o doubt_n confound_v the_o clear_a thing_n beside_o which_o make_v the_o objection_n much_o less_o formidable_a st._n peter_n say_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d passage_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v principal_o concern_v in_o this_o rack_a of_o the_o sense_n and_o so_o long_o as_o captious_a wit_n exercise_v upon_o these_o only_a the_o consequence_n be_v not_o so_o very_o