his_o hand_n shorten_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o see_v every_o parcel_n of_o his_o holy_a pleasure_n put_v in_o execution_n it_o may_v seem_v needle_n to_o insist_v upon_o this_o point_n touch_v the_o unfallible_a certainty_n and_o fulfil_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v our_o time_n we_o shall_v see_v it_o be_v a_o needful_a doctrine_n for_o whatsoever_o man_n profession_n be_v their_o conversation_n be_v such_o that_o a_o man_n may_v well_o think_v of_o they_o that_o they_o imagine_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v but_o a_o idle_a tale_n a_o frightful_a sound_n to_o amaze_v fool_n full_a of_o terrible_a threaten_n but_o yet_o light_a than_o vanity_n in_o performance_n 15.2.5_o heb._n 13.4_o gal_n 5.21_o psal_n 15.2.5_o do_v the_o unchaste_a person_n think_v it_o true_a that_o whoremonger_n and_o adulterer_n god_n will_v judge_v do_v the_o drunkard_n believe_v that_o no_o such_o shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v the_o usurer_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v any_o certainty_n in_o that_o speech_n that_o no_o such_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o heaven_n do_v the_o contemner_n of_o god_n word_n suppose_v that_o that_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v which_o paul_n say_v viz_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v in_o flame_a fire_n render_v vengeance_n to_o they_o that_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o gospel_n do_v the_o despiser_n of_o knowledge_n persuade_v himself_o that_o solomon_n speak_v with_o authority_n when_o he_o say_v 1.8_o 2._o th._n 1.8_o the_o lord_n will_v laugh_v at_o his_o dectruction_n do_v those_o that_o presume_v upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o think_v they_o may_v live_v how_o they_o will_v and_o repent_v when_o they_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o that_o where_o it_o be_v say_v 1.22.26_o prov._n 1.22.26_o that_o these_o which_o do_v despise_v the_o riches_n of_o god_n bounty_n and_o abuse_v his_o patience_n do_v but_o heap_v up_o wrath_n to_o themselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o so_o i_o may_v say_v in_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v it_o likely_a that_o man_n think_v there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v so_o flat_a against_o these_o course_n of_o which_o their_o life_n be_v a_o continual_a practice_n â—_o rom._n 2._o â—_o â—_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o for_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n if_o they_o have_v any_o such_o conceit_n and_o do_v not_o rather_o say_v to_o themselves_o as_o they_o do_v in_o jeremies_n time_n 5.13_o jer._n 5.13_o it_o be_v but_o wind_n they_o will_v humble_v themselves_o before_o the_o lord_n for_o their_o evil_n pass_v and_o their_o future_a reformation_n shall_v manifest_v their_o reverend_a persuasion_n of_o the_o certainite_a of_o those_o judgement_n which_o stand_v upon_o record_n in_o in_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o let_v we_o remember_v this_o this_o scripture_n this_o word_n be_v not_o a_o devise_n of_o man_n it_o be_v write_v by_o god_n every_o curse_n write_v in_o it_o shall_v fall_v upon_o the_o unrepentant_a and_o every_o blessing_n promise_v therein_o shall_v be_v make_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n finis_fw-la the_o second_o sermon_n the_o next_o question_n to_o be_v handle_v in_o this_o place_n touch_v that_o which_o god_n have_v here_o say_v that_o he_o have_v write_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o his_o law_n be_v why_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v commit_v to_o writing_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v unto_o you_o that_o it_o be_v not_o write_v at_o adventure_n out_o of_o the_o humour_n of_o some_o private_a man_n but_o by_o the_o special_a appointment_n &_o direction_n of_o god_n so_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o the_o write_n of_o it_o be_v not_o undertake_v but_o upon_o very_o great_a reason_n and_o for_o very_o exceed_o good_a purpose_n the_o main_a and_o principal_a end_n be_v the_o spiritual_a good_a and_o edification_n of_o god_n church_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v in_o asmuch_o as_o in_o all_o thing_n the_o lord_n have_v a_o chief_a respect_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o name_n in_o the_o good_a of_o his_o choose_a but_o how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o for_o what_o respect_n the_o writing_n of_o the_o word_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o church_n good_a it_o shall_v be_v worth_a our_o labour_n to_o inquire_v understand_v therefore_o that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o word_n be_v and_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o respect_n even_o that_o it_o may_v have_v one_o certain_a and_o unfallible_a rule_n by_o which_o all_o doctrine_n may_v be_v try_v all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n decide_v all_o doubt_n resolve_v and_o every_o conscience_n firm_o ground_v and_o settle_v in_o god_n truth_n for_o this_o cause_n we_o read_v that_o when_o there_o be_v no_o word_n write_v but_o moses_n law_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v try_v by_o it_o after_o when_o to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v add_v the_o sermon_n of_o the_o prophet_n 8.20_o isay_n 8.20_o then_o every_o thing_n be_v refer_v unto_o they_o so_o christ_n clear_v his_o doctrine_n and_o make_v it_o good_a by_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n 24.27_o luk._n 24.27_o &_o paul_n defence_n be_v this_o that_o he_o have_v say_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o those_o which_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n do_v say_v shall_v come_v and_o all_o the_o learned_a in_o the_o best_a time_n which_o follow_v 26.22_o act_n 26.22_o take_v the_o same_o course_n leave_v themselves_o a_o example_n unto_o we_o to_o make_v the_o write_a word_n as_o it_o be_v the_o standard_n or_o the_o king_n beam_n by_o which_o to_o try_v all_o doctrine_n that_o be_v tender_v to_o we_o accept_v none_o for_o sound_n &_o good_a but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v agree_v thereunto_o so_o that_o look_v what_o necessity_n there_o be_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v a_o judge_n to_o decide_v doubt_n and_o a_o true_a rule_n to_o find_v out_o and_o to_o discern_v the_o truth_n the_o same_o be_v there_o that_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v put_v in_o writing_n for_o the_o common_a and_o perpetual_a good_a of_o all_o posterity_n if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v as_o well_o and_o profitable_o have_v proceed_v for_o the_o church_n good_a from_o hand_n to_o hand_n by_o lively_a voice_n as_o by_o writing_n the_o father_n commend_v it_o to_o his_o son_n and_o so_o continue_v it_o one_o after_o another_o to_o the_o end_n he_o be_v much_o deceive_v for_o first_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v very_o slippery_a and_o weak_a and_o soon_o ready_a to_o forget_v the_o best_a thing_n second_o man_n nature_n be_v very_o prone_a to_o error_n &_o apt_a either_o to_o entertain_v or_o to_o broach_v new_a religion_n and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v forgetfulness_n to_o avoid_v error_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n from_o corruption_n it_o be_v meet_v the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v write_v it_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v mark_v the_o speech_n of_o luke_n in_o the_o preface_n of_o his_o gospel_n to_o that_o noble_a theophilus_n 4._o luk._n i._n 4._o he_o confess_v that_o he_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n yet_o he_o think_v to_o write_v unto_o he_o from_o point_n to_o point_n that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n so_o that_o though_o he_o have_v indifferent_a good_a knowledge_n before_o yet_o write_v the_o story_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o beget_v certainty_n this_o shall_v be_v write_v for_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v say_v david_n 102.18_o psal_n 102.18_o writing_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n even_o as_o we_o see_v by_o common_a course_n to_o preserve_v a_o thing_n unto_o posterity_n beside_o as_o in_o a_o generallitie_n it_o be_v necessary_a the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v write_v that_o there_o may_v be_v one_o certain_a rule_n to_o judge_v the_o truth_n by_o so_o for_o one_o main_a point_n of_o doctrine_n it_o be_v very_o behooveful_a viz._n to_o assure_v we_o that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n who_o be_v once_o come_v none_o other_o be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o to_o settle_v we_o wherein_o there_o can_v be_v devise_v no_o more_o direct_a course_n then_o this_o viz._n that_o first_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n shall_v be_v record_v the_o nature_n and_o office_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n of_o his_o person_n describe_v and_o then_o the_o history_n of_o all_o his_o act_n his_o birth_n doctrine_n miracle_n death_n exact_o register_v that_o so_o the_o follow_a age_n compare_v both_o together_o &_o see_v how_o every_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v &_o every_o pprophecy_n accomplish_v may_v resolve_v upon_o it_o that_o he_o indeed_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o name_n else_o give_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v save_v
a_o example_n of_o this_o use_n of_o the_o write_a word_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n himself_o who_o fall_v into_o company_n after_o his_o resurrection_n with_o two_o of_o his_o disciple_n who_o be_v in_o some_o doubt_n 24.27_o luk._n 24.27_o begin_v at_o moses_n say_v the_o text_n and_o interpret_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v of_o he_o and_o whosoever_o mark_n the_o course_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v often_o find_v that_o when_o some_o special_a action_n of_o christ_n be_v record_v 19.34.36_o marc_n 14_o 49._o joh._n 13.8_o joh._n 19.34.36_o this_o or_o the_o like_a be_v add_v to_o it_o this_o be_v do_v that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v fulfil_v which_o show_v how_o behooveful_a the_o write_n of_o the_o promise_n touch_v the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v our_o ground_n in_o this_o main_a point_n that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o only_o appoint_a saviour_n of_o mankind_n here_o than_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o my_o speech_n it_o be_v meet_v the_o word_n shall_v be_v write_v that_o the_o church_n may_v never_o want_v a_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o particular_a may_v be_v settle_v in_o this_o point_n that_o the_o christ_n in_o who_o we_o believe_v be_v that_o saviour_n who_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v to_o depend_v upon_o let_v we_o make_v use_n of_o this_o point_n the_o use_n be_v this_o our_o course_n consider_v the_o obedience_n that_o we_o owe_v unto_o god_n shall_v be_v answerable_a to_o god_n intent_n since_o therefore_o the_o intent_n of_o god_n in_o give_v order_n for_o the_o write_n of_o his_o word_n be_v the_o ground_v and_o settle_v of_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n it_o become_v we_o to_o labour_n both_o to_o conceive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n so_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o in_o matter_n that_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n health_n not_o to_o build_v upon_o opinion_n conceit_n or_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v but_o only_o upon_o the_o scripture_n because_o when_o we_o come_v to_o give_v a_o account_n as_o we_o must_v of_o our_o religion_n unto_o god_n it_o shall_v not_o go_v for_o currant_n i_o believe_v or_o i_o think_v this_o because_o such_o a_o one_o persuade_v i_o or_o because_o the_o law_n of_o the_o time_n so_o command_v i_o or_o because_o my_o father_n before_o i_o so_o think_v and_o from_o they_o i_o receive_v it_o but_o this_o answer_n only_o shall_v be_v accept_v when_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v this_o this_o my_o heart_n have_v embrace_v ad_fw-la upon_o this_o have_v i_o build_v my_o faith_n because_o god_n blessing_n the_o ministry_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n unto_o i_o i_o have_v plain_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v the_o express_a doctrine_n of_o the_o write_a word_n and_o the_o very_a same_o which_o god_n have_v leave_v upon_o record_n for_o i_o to_o believe_v this_o be_v the_o only_a answer_n that_o shall_v be_v then_o accept_v of_o as_o many_o therefore_o as_o do_v desire_n to_o have_v comfort_n of_o their_o religion_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n must_v give_v great_a heed_n unto_o the_o read_n &_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n &_o so_o in_o humility_n by_o prayer_n be_v prepare_v to_o it_o that_o in_o their_o secret_a thought_n they_o may_v conceive_v how_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o warrant_n of_o their_o belief_n man_n think_v this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o impossibility_n and_o cast_v many_o peril_n the_o devil_n help_v they_o forward_o with_o many_o shift_n to_o nouzell_n themselves_o in_o ignorance_n but_o still_o the_o say_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v true_a knowledge_n be_v easy_a to_o he_o that_o will_v understand_v and_o god_n will_v always_o give_v a_o blessing_n 25.14_o prou._n 14.6_o psal_n 25.14_o and_o reveal_v even_o his_o secret_n as_o david_n say_v unto_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o will_v be_v find_v of_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o much_o of_o this_o question_n and_o the_o use_n of_o it_o why_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o god_n word_n shall_v be_v write_v the_o next_o question_n necessary_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o place_n be_v when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n begin_v first_o to_o be_v write_v &_o how_o tell_v that_o time_n it_o be_v preserve_v for_o the_o use_n of_o god_n church_n touch_v which_o we_o must_v hold_v 23._o august_n lib._n de_fw-fr civi_fw-la dei_fw-la 15._o c._n 23._o that_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o writer_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o be_v it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o i_o know_v that_o enoch_n the_o seven_o from_o adam_n write_v something_o and_o that_o they_o think_v may_v be_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o say_n of_o saint_n jude_n who_o allege_v some_o part_n of_o enoch_n doctrine_n but_o jude_n say_v not_o enoch_n write_v but_o enoch_n prophesy_v 14._o jud._n ver_fw-la 14._o and_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o sum_n of_o enoch_n doctrine_n to_o be_v continue_v without_o writing_n beside_o one_o josephus_n 3_o jose_z antiq._n l._n 1._o c_o 3_o who_o himself_o be_v a_o jew_n and_o write_v of_o antiquity_n say_v that_o adam_n offspring_n have_v erect_v two_o pillar_n the_o one_o of_o brick_n the_o other_o of_o stone_n in_o which_o they_o have_v engrave_v many_o thing_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v uncertain_a 3.2_o rom._n 3.2_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o god_n word_n write_v before_o moses_n it_o may_v thus_o be_v gather_v first_o because_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o as_o saint_n paul_n say_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v have_v not_o in_o their_o canon_n any_o holy_a writ_n more_o ancient_a than_o moses_n second_o our_o saviour_n labour_v to_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n 24.27_o luk_n 24.27_o the_o text_n say_v he_o begin_v at_o moses_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o author_n of_o great_a antiquity_n than_o moses_n no_o doubt_n our_o saviour_n will_v have_v allege_v it_o inasmuch_o as_o all_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v before_o he_o be_v to_o give_v testimony_n of_o he_o and_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o god_n himself_o by_o write_v the_o 10._o commandment_n extraordinary_o with_o his_o own_o finger_n do_v acquaint_v moses_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o writing_n and_o the_o use_n of_o letter_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v find_v to_o the_o contrary_a until_o that_o time_n be_v unknown_a if_o it_o be_v demand_v then_o whether_o till_o then_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n be_v utter_o destitute_a or_o the_o word_n i_o answer_v no_o for_o it_o be_v always_o a_o truth_n that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o no_o worship_n but_o that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o his_o word_n voluntary_a religion_n be_v hateful_a unto_o he_o even_o from_o the_o very_a first_o beginning_n sith_o than_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o before_o the_o word_n be_v write_v god_n be_v true_o worship_v as_o by_o adam_n abel_n enoch_n noah_n abraham_n etc._n etc._n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o word_n or_o some_o reveal_v and_o know_v will_n of_o god_n to_o direct_v they_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v then_o make_v know_v and_o how_o preserve_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o lord_n reveal_v it_o by_o holy_a oracle_n by_o vision_n &_o apparition_n of_o angel_n yea_o and_o of_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v ordinary_o mean_v by_o the_o name_n of_o angel_n throughout_o the_o old_a testament_n at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o diverse_a manner_n god_n speak_v to_o our_o father_n in_o the_o old_a time_n say_v the_o apostile_a he_o speak_v to_o moses_n mouth_n to_o mouth_n 12.8_o heb._n 1.2_o numb_a 12.8_o he_o use_v also_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n for_o the_o spread_a of_o that_o truth_n abroad_o to_o many_o which_o by_o vision_n oracle_n be_v reveal_v to_o few_o thus_o the_o father_n to_o the_o sonn_n one_o to_o another_o make_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o when_o the_o church_n be_v enlarge_v and_o have_v be_v shut_v up_o in_o some_o few_o family_n begin_v to_o spread_v itself_o into_o a_o great_a compass_n and_o with_o all_o corruption_n in_o religion_n increase_v and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n by_o converse_v with_o idolater_n be_v more_o subject_a to_o be_v mislead_v the_o lord_n give_v order_n to_o write_v the_o law_n &_o in_o process_n of_o time_n add_v the_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o exposition_n of_o the_o law_n and_o at_o the_o last_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v a_o full_a and_o manifest_a discoverer_n of_o that_o mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v more_o dark_o as_o it_o be_v lap_v in_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o
answer_n then_o to_o this_o question_n till_o moses_n begin_v there_o be_v no_o word_n write_v yet_o the_o church_n be_v not_o destitute_a but_o by_o other_o mean_n be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o god_n will_v and_o be_v inform_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o pertein_v unto_o life_n we_o may_v make_v use_n also_o of_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o question_n first_o of_o all_o it_o give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o note_n and_o observe_v the_o continual_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n in_o that_o he_o have_v never_o leave_v it_o unsupplied_a but_o in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n from_o the_o beginning_n have_v take_v a_o course_n for_o the_o right_n inform_v it_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v behooveful_a and_o necessary_a thereunto_o before_o moses_n he_o teach_v the_o world_n by_o vision_n &_o oracle_n speak_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n from_o heaven_n with_o his_o own_o mouth_n in_o the_o follow_a time_n he_o ordain_v and_o with_o his_o own_o finger_n as_o it_o 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and_o this_o we_o will_v have_v do_v if_o we_o have_v know_v it_o it_o shall_v always_o be_v reply_v upon_o we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o people_n of_o old_a he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a the_o lord_n be_v never_o spare_v or_o close-handed_n towards_o his_o church_n 6.8_o mic._n 6.8_o to_o secret_a any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o bring_v it_o unto_o life_n second_o this_o mutual_a follow_v each_o of_o other_o i_o mean_v of_o the_o make_v know_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o church_n by_o vision_n and_o revelation_n and_o then_o after_o in_o the_o appoint_a time_n by_o writing_n serve_v to_o show_v unto_o we_o that_o as_o before_o the_o word_n be_v write_v the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o but_o that_o he_o be_v full_o able_a to_o acquaint_v his_o church_n with_o all_o needful_a matter_n so_o now_o the_o word_n be_v write_v no_o vision_n or_o revelation_n must_v be_v look_v for_o now_o the_o write_a text_n be_v our_o only_a guide_n and_o whosoever_o he_o shall_v be_v that_o under_o pretence_n of_o some_o special_a matter_n extraordinary_o reveal_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n shall_v endeavour_n to_o persuade_v we_o any_o thing_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v already_o write_v though_o he_o shall_v bring_v never_o so_o great_a probability_n &_o show_n of_o likelihood_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v it_o be_v true_a christ_n promise_v to_o send_v his_o spirit_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o he_o have_v and_o do_v still_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n but_o yet_o not_o that_o man_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v contemn_v the_o scripture_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v better_a able_a to_o profit_v by_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o proof_n whereof_o we_o have_v a_o excellent_a place_n in_o luke_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n come_v among_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n 45._o cap._n 24._o 45._o open_v their_o understanding_n but_o to_o what_o end_n what_o that_o they_o shall_v from_o that_o time_n despise_v the_o write_a word_n and_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o deliver_v what_o they_o will_v under_o a_o colour_n of_o be_v inspire_v from_o above_o no_o but_o he_o open_v there_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n so_o that_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o they_o do_v not_o privilege_v they_o from_o tie_v themselves_o still_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o you_o will_v marvel_v perhaps_o to_o what_o end_n i_o speak_v this_o you_o shall_v know_v therefore_o that_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o elder_a time_n certain_a heretic_n call_v enthusiast_n which_o pretend_v i_o know_v not_o what_o vision_n and_o secret_a conference_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o so_o contemn_v the_o write_a word_n so_o out_o of_o their_o ash_n have_v rise_v in_o our_o day_n man_n of_o the_o same_o humour_n know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o family_n of_o love_n who_o despise_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o of_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o write_a word_n and_o stand_v upon_o private_a revelation_n and_o such_o other_o idle_a fancy_n commend_v unto_o man_n their_o own_o dream_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o special_a instinct_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o dregs_n of_o this_o grossness_n be_v remain_v among_o some_o to_o this_o day_n now_o least_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v be_v deceive_v with_o such_o senseless_a and_o foolish_a pretence_n we_o must_v understand_v that_o since_o god_n commit_v his_o word_n to_o writing_n either_o vision_n and_o the_o course_n of_o that_o nature_n have_v be_v very_o seldom_o or_o else_o all_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v so_o reveal_v any_o thing_n have_v be_v tie_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o scripture_n saint_n paul_n be_v take_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o have_v strange_a thing_n discover_v to_o he_o yet_o this_o be_v still_o his_o plea_n for_o himself_o and_o the_o thing_n he_o stand_v upon_o that_o he_o say_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o those_o which_o moses_n &_o the_o prophet_n do_v say_v shall_v come_v and_o therefore_o if_o either_o papist_n â—â—_o act._n 26._o â—â—_o or_o familist_n or_o any_o of_o the_o like_a stamp_n shall_v under_o any_o colour_n of_o vision_n or_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o the_o like_v persuade_v we_o to_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v let_v we_o straight_o urge_v they_o to_o make_v their_o matter_n good_a by_o the_o word_n write_v and_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v that_o true_a which_o a_o ancient_a father_n have_v say_v viz._n that_o if_o you_o bring_v they_o once_o to_o defend_v their_o question_n by_o scripture_n alone_o they_o can_v stand_v it_o have_v always_o be_v the_o badge_n of_o heretic_n that_o they_o be_v scripturarum_fw-la lucifugae_fw-la man_n that_o can_v not_o abide_v the_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o this_o question_n tertul._n tertul._n when_o the_o word_n be_v write_v and_o how_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v instruct_v until_o then_o now_o come_v we_o to_o the_o last_o and_o weighty_a viz._n that_o see_v god_n say_v here_o in_o our_o text_n that_o he_o have_v write_v his_o law_n unto_o we_o how_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o that_o which_o we_o now_o have_v &_o be_v call_v by_o we_o god_n word_n be_v indeed_o that_o holy_a will_n of_o he_o which_o he_o command_v to_o be_v write_v for_o the_o good_a &_o comfort_n of_o his_o people_n and_o this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o great_a moment_n because_o if_o we_o stagger_v therein_o we_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o religion_n wherefore_o i_o pray_v you_o let_v we_o observe_v it_o the_o rather_o that_o we_o may_v have_v wherewith_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o atheist_n and_o profane_a scoffer_n and_o avoid_v also_o the_o doubt_n &_o question_n which_o may_v sometime_o arise_v in_o our_o own_o heart_n understand_v therefore_o this_o first_o of_o all_o that_o nothing_o be_v able_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n conscience_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v true_o that_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n 3._o 1._o cor._n 12_o 3._o but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o my_o meaning_n be_v to_o speak_v only_o of_o such_o testimony_n which_o be_v of_o force_n to_o convince_v the_o conscience_n and_o to_o make_v man_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v from_o god_n though_o to_o frame_v their_o heart_n to_o yield_v unto_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n
also_o that_o so_o we_o may_v by_o degree_n make_v a_o way_n to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o use_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o first_o hear_v to_o the_o end_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o this_o be_v our_o fault_n to_o neglect_v god_n word_n we_o must_v necessary_o inquire_v whether_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o afford_v we_o the_o same_o blessing_n i_o mean_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o word_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o kindness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o behalf_n towards_o we_o be_v no_o whit_n inferior_a to_o that_o which_o in_o former_a time_n he_o show_v to_o the_o jew_n i_o do_v think_v that_o no_o man_n can_v name_v any_o one_o particular_a tend_v to_o the_o discovery_n and_o make_v manifest_a of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o grant_v to_o we_o in_o as_o great_a a_o measure_n as_o it_o be_v to_o they_o nay_o look_v by_o how_o much_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v exceed_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o law_n by_o so_o much_o be_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n great_a unto_o we_o then_o unto_o they_o because_o it_o be_v free_a for_o we_o to_o behold_v the_o substance_n of_o that_o whereof_o they_o see_v but_o the_o shadow_n only_o so_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v every_o way_n and_o in_o every_o respect_n say_v to_o we_o as_o true_o as_o ever_o he_o may_v say_v to_o they_o i_o have_v write_v to_o you_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o my_o law_n it_o be_v manifest_a than_o i_o think_v to_o every_o one_o that_o understand_v any_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v nothing_o inferior_a to_o the_o jew_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o blessing_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o shall_v also_o appear_v that_o we_o do_v full_o match_v they_o nay_o i_o believe_v go_v far_o beyond_o they_o in_o the_o contempt_n and_o to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v make_v good_a that_o which_o i_o say_v let_v i_o show_v it_o in_o particular_n how_o he_o word_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o sripture_n be_v a_o mere_a stranger_n unto_o we_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v far_o from_o be_v so_o well_o know_v and_o so_o familiar_a unto_o we_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o let_v that_o which_o i_o say_v be_v credit_v only_o so_o far_o as_o your_o own_o conscience_n shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v true_a the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o our_o judgment_n a_o strange_a thing_n to_o our_o thought_n strange_a to_o our_o affection_n strange_a to_o our_o tongue_n and_o speech_n strange_a to_o our_o course_n and_o to_o our_o ordinary_a conversation_n if_o this_o be_v true_a how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o shift_v of_o the_o like_a challenge_n from_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v here_o make_v against_o the_o jew_n uz_o that_o we_o have_v account_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n law_n as_o a_o strange_a thing_n first_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o our_o judgment_n that_o appear_v by_o our_o exceed_a ignorance_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o by_o that_o extreme_a dulness_n of_o conceit_n which_o be_v still_o to_o be_v see_v in_o we_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o one_o thing_n of_o those_o which_o do_v necessary_o &_o general_o concern_v man_n wherein_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o people_n be_v less_o see_v than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n there_o be_v nothing_o which_o they_o hear_v speak_v of_o in_o any_o company_n or_o upon_o any_o occasion_n the_o meaning_n course_n and_o scope_n whereof_o they_o do_v less_o apprehend_v than_o the_o rule_n &_o precept_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o scripture_n man_n of_o year_n and_o great_a experience_n skilful_a in_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n wise_a in_o their_o affair_n and_o very_o politic_a well_o seem_v in_o matter_n of_o law_n able_a to_o speak_v well_o and_o with_o good_a advice_n about_o outward_a thing_n a_o man_n will_v wonder_v to_o hear_v their_o weakness_n and_o simplicity_n in_o religion_n this_o show_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o our_o judgement_n there_o be_v nothing_o less_o know_v there_o be_v nothing_o less_o conceive_v second_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o our_o thought_n truth_n be_v thought_n be_v know_v only_o unto_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a searcher_n of_o man_n heart_n but_o yet_o if_o our_o conscience_n be_v appeal_v unto_o we_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v i_o believe_v that_o we_o must_v whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o confess_v that_o our_o mind_n be_v so_o in_o a_o manner_n whole_o take_v up_o with_o covetous_a ambitious_a idle_a wanton_a revengeful_a thought_n rise_v out_o of_o our_o corrupt_a heart_n as_o from_o a_o continual_a spring_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o room_n or_o time_n for_o any_o private_a questioning_n or_o communing_n which_o ourselves_o touch_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n law_n 6.68_o joh._n 6.68_o such_o meditation_n may_v sometime_o perhaps_o knock_v at_o the_o outward_a door_n of_o our_o heart_n or_o it_o may_v be_v find_v upon_o a_o fit_a some_o sudden_a and_o superficial_a entertainment_n but_o alas_o they_o be_v quick_o vanish_v and_o like_o a_o serpent_n upon_o a_o stone_n 3.16_o pro._n 30.19_o coss_n 3.16_o or_o a_o ship_n in_o the_o mid_n of_o the_o sea_n leave_v no_o print_n behind_o they_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n never_o come_v to_o pitch_v with_o we_o or_o to_o dwell_v plenteous_o in_o our_o heart_n three_o there_n be_v as_o small_a acquaintance_n betwixt_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o our_o affection_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o to_o prove_v it_o but_o this_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o do_v soon_o tire_v we_o aut_fw-la and_o make_v our_o spirit_n dull_a &_o lumpish_a than_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o word_n in_o what_o kind_n soever_o in_o other_o thing_n we_o be_v like_a to_o the_o horsele_n ache_v daughter_n which_o cry_v 30.25_o pro._n 30.25_o give_v give_v and_o we_o be_v seldom_o hear_v to_o say_v it_o be_v enough_o but_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o be_v very_o moderate_a compendious_a sermon_n brief_a discourse_n short_a prayer_n hasty_a meditation_n these_o please_v we_o best_o indeed_o be_v it_o not_o for_o very_a shame_n we_o will_v have_v none_o at_o all_o thus_o god_n word_n be_v not_o to_o we_o as_o a_o belove_a friend_n of_o who_o sweet_a acquaintance_n we_o can_v never_o be_v weary_a but_o as_o some_o unwelcome_a stranger_n who_o it_o may_v be_v by_o importunity_n get_v a_o night_n lodging_n with_o we_o but_o his_o departure_n please_v we_o better_o than_o his_o come_n now_o four_o for_o our_o tongue_n and_o speech_n let_v we_o call_v to_o mind_v our_o ordinary_a conference_n at_o home_n at_o work_n in_o journey_n in_o meeting_n in_o go_v and_o come_v too_o and_o from_o the_o church_n and_o then_o say_v true_o whether_o if_o our_o saviour_n christ_n shall_v sudden_o chap_v in_o among_o we_o as_o he_o do_v to_o see_v the_o two_o disciple_n travel_v to_o emaus_n 24.15_o luk._n 24.15_o and_o shall_v say_v to_o we_o as_o he_o do_v to_o they_o what_o manner_n of_o communication_n be_v these_o that_o you_o have_v one_o to_o another_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o answer_v he_o for_o on_o time_n of_o a_o thousand_o that_o we_o be_v reverentlie_o and_o sober_o commune_v together_o of_o good_a thing_n confer_v of_o the_o thing_n in_o which_o public_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o so_o we_o may_v both_o edify_v ourselves_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o may_v also_o provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o one_o another_o to_o good_a work_n doubtless_o as_o it_o be_v say_v to_o peter_n our_o very_a speech_n will_v bewray_v we_o 10.24_o jud_n ver_fw-la 10._o arb._n 10.24_o and_o the_o barrenness_n of_o our_o talk_n will_v discover_v the_o dryness_n and_o deadness_n of_o our_o heart_n but_o now_o last_o although_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v now_o and_o then_o twang_v upon_o some_o man_n tongue_n and_o be_v make_v a_o matter_n of_o discourse_n and_o tabletalk_n to_o take_v up_o the_o time_n or_o to_o show_v wit_n or_o else_o be_v call_v in_o by_o some_o profaine_a one_o 16.25_o judg._n 16.25_o as_o samson_n be_v by_o the_o philistine_n to_o make_v they_o pastime_n yet_o it_o be_v most_o universal_o a_o stranger_n to_o man_n life_n and_o conversation_n it_o be_v madness_n in_o the_o world_n account_n for_o a_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n with_o david_n to_o make_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n 19.24_o psal_n 19.24_o his_o councillor_n and_o to_o stand_v upon_o these_o strict_a and_o nice_a term_n of_o conscience_n as_o not_o to_o adventure_v upon_o any_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o he_o may_v warrant_v unto_o his_o own_o soul_n thereby_o shall_v it_o not_o hinder_v my_o profit_n