benefit_n in_o the_o latter_a but_o yet_o not_o such_o as_o may_v with_o considerable_a advantage_n preponderate_v the_o contentment_n of_o lust_n which_o be_v present_a and_o sensible_a there_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o conviction_n of_o such_o a_o inconvenience_n in_o the_o former_a and_o such_o a_o benefit_n in_o the_o latter_a as_o may_v most_o evident_o and_o clear_o preponderate_v the_o contentment_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o satisfy_n of_o a_o lust_n 3._o and_o because_o though_o these_o inconvenience_n and_o benefit_n be_v never_o so_o great_a yet_o if_o there_o be_v but_o a_o faint_a and_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a conviction_n of_o it_o it_o will_v work_v but_o a_o weak_a resistance_n against_o the_o invasion_n or_o rebellion_n of_o lust_n and_o a_o sensible_a present_a enjoyment_n of_o what_o delight_n will_v easy_o preponderate_v the_o weak_a and_o faint_a and_o imperfect_a conviction_n or_o suspicion_n rather_o of_o what_o be_v future_a it_o be_v necessary_a that_o such_o conviction_n shall_v be_v sound_n deep_a and_o strong_a or_o otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v but_o sluggish_a and_o languish_v opponent_n against_o the_o rhetoric_n of_o lust_n that_o yield_v a_o present_a delight_n or_o advantage_n 4._o and_o because_o though_o the_o conviction_n be_v never_o so_o strong_a yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o constancy_n vigilancy_n and_o supplemental_a excitation_n as_o the_o opportunity_n require_v the_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a importunity_n of_o lust_n may_v happen_v upon_o a_o time_n of_o intermission_n and_o gain_v a_o advantage_n against_o a_o soul_n habitual_o thus_o convince_v it_o be_v further_a necessary_a that_o there_o be_v a_o frequent_a constant_a act_v of_o that_o conviction_n upon_o the_o soul_n or_o otherwise_o it_o may_v be_v entangle_v by_o the_o assiduous_a importunity_n of_o his_o lust_n these_o thing_n be_v thus_o premise_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o see_v what_o kind_n of_o mean_n it_o must_v be_v that_o must_v work_v such_o a_o conviction_n of_o such_o weight_n and_o evidence_n that_o may_v rectify_v the_o judgement_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o contest_v with_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o actuate_v such_o a_o conviction_n to_o attain_v its_o due_a effect_n moral_a philosophy_n contain_v in_o it_o excellent_a precept_n and_o reason_n to_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o to_o a_o moral_a cleanse_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o it_o can_v attain_v its_o end_n for_o though_o it_o propound_v inconvenience_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o convenience_n on_o the_o other_o yet_o they_o have_v great_a defect_n that_o make_v it_o ineffectual_a the_o thing_n which_o it_o propose_v be_v in_o themselves_o of_o unequal_a weight_n to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o content_a of_o satisfy_v the_o sensual_a appetite_n viz._n on_o the_o one_o side_n fame_n and_o glory_n and_o reputation_n and_o serenity_n of_o mind_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o baseness_n of_o lust_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n common_a to_o we_o with_o the_o beast_n and_o such_o like_a and_o therefore_o though_o these_o be_v fine_a notion_n and_o such_o as_o may_v be_v weighty_a with_o old_a man_n who_o lust_n have_v leave_v they_o yet_o with_o young_a man_n they_o import_n nothing_o and_o therefore_o the_o philosopher_n well_o provide_v for_o it_o by_o determine_v that_o juvenis_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la idoneus_fw-la auditor_n moralis_n philosophiae_fw-la and_o consequent_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o physic_n that_o may_v be_v good_a for_o they_o that_o need_v it_o not_o but_o of_o no_o use_n for_o they_o that_o want_v it_o for_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o fame_n and_o the_o infamy_n be_v not_o of_o weight_n equivalent_a to_o counterpoise_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o lust_n in_o those_o that_o be_v inclinable_a to_o they_o 2._o another_o great_a defect_n in_o the_o thing_n propound_v be_v this_o that_o be_v also_o common_a to_o humane_a law_n that_o though_o they_o may_v be_v of_o some_o efficacy_n to_o prevent_v the_o external_n act_n when_o it_o meet_v with_o infamy_n in_o the_o action_n or_o reputation_n in_o the_o forbear_n yet_o it_o do_v inevitable_o give_v a_o dispensation_n to_o sin_n if_o commit_v with_o secrecy_n much_o less_o do_v it_o at_o all_o cleanse_v the_o heart_n from_o the_o love_n of_o lust_n the_o delight_n in_o it_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o search_v for_o a_o high_a or_o more_o effectual_a conviction_n than_o this_o and_o therefore_o 1._o we_o must_v see_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o propound_v some_o thing_n that_o may_v over_o balance_v the_o advantage_n of_o lust_n or_o the_o love_n of_o it_o in_o the_o heart_n 2._o a_o mean_n of_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o propound_v for_o the_o former_a it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o they_o alone_a do_v furnish_v we_o with_o such_o material_n prohibit_v not_o only_o the_o act_n of_o lust_n but_o also_o the_o very_a motion_n and_o inclination_n to_o it_o the_o desire_v of_o the_o heart_n of_o it_o the_o love_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o it_o and_o this_o under_o pain_n of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n everlasting_a death_n hell_n fire_n on_o the_o one_o side_n on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o case_n of_o obedience_n to_o this_o command_n the_o favour_n of_o god_n everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o discover_v whether_o our_o heart_n walk_v in_o sincerity_n according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n behold_v and_o observe_v the_o motion_n desire_n inclination_n thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o will_v one_o day_n lay_v they_o open_a when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o these_o be_v thing_n that_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o preponderate_v all_o the_o good_a that_o can_v be_v in_o lust_n furnish_v the_o soul_n with_o such_o argument_n against_o it_o as_o carry_v thunder_n in_o they_o 2._o and_o that_o these_o may_v be_v effectual_o assent_v to_o by_o the_o soul_n without_o which_o they_o import_n nothing_o to_o the_o end_n we_o speak_v of_o there_o be_v these_o effectual_a mean_n which_o almighty_a god_n afford_v we_o first_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o do_v not_o only_o contain_v material_n and_o persuasion_n for_o the_o cleanse_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o also_o a_o high_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n and_o benefit_n of_o those_o material_n and_o persuasion_n it_o be_v a_o convince_v and_o a_o cleanse_a word_n jo._n 15.3_o you_o be_v clean_a through_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o second_o a_o high_a congruity_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o future_a life_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n unto_o the_o very_a sentiment_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n itself_o the_o sense_n of_o which_o life_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n carry_v with_o it_o not_o only_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o a_o clean_a heart_n above_o a_o unclean_a heart_n but_o also_o a_o very_a effectual_a motive_n to_o the_o cleanse_n of_o the_o heart_n great_a and_o more_o vigorous_a than_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o best_a philosopher_n three_o the_o powerful_a spirit_n of_o god_n work_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n a_o assent_n unto_o they_o and_o that_o of_o such_o a_o strength_n as_o be_v no_o less_o convince_v than_o science_n itself_o which_o be_v faith_n and_o therefore_o faith_n thus_o wrought_v purify_v the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o the_o life_n 3._o and_o for_o a_o constant_a and_o un-intermitted_n application_n and_o re-minding_a we_o of_o these_o truth_n god_n be_v please_v to_o assist_v we_o with_o the_o continual_a assist_a grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n act_v in_o and_o by_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n cleanse_v quicken_v and_o actuate_v which_o watch_v we_o and_o our_o very_a thought_n and_o chide_v they_o re-minding_a we_o of_o these_o great_a truth_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v and_o thereby_o actuate_a and_o act_v our_o faith_n of_o these_o truth_n as_o often_o as_o the_o occasion_n offer_v itself_o 5._o and_o by_o this_o mean_n 1._o the_o intellectual_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v restore_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o its_o primitive_a dominion_n or_o at_o least_o be_v qualify_v aright_o in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_v of_o it_o 2._o the_o will_n wherein_o indeed_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v principal_o seat_v be_v likewise_o restore_v to_o its_o domination_n and_o rule_n 1._o partly_o by_o these_o impression_n which_o be_v as_o before_o receive_v by_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o practical_a determination_n thereof_o for_o it_o be_v clear_o present_v now_o to_o she_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a
for_o thou_o give_v we_o a_o sense_n of_o that_o infinite_a debt_n of_o obedience_n that_o we_o owe_v unto_o thou_o for_o our_o be_v that_o product_v of_o a_o infinite_a power_n and_o a_o infinite_a motion_n for_o our_o well-being_n our_o restitution_n in_o christ_n without_o who_o our_o very_a be_v will_v have_v be_v our_o burden_n give_v we_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o great_a imperfection_n of_o all_o our_o best_a performance_n that_o need_v no_o less_o a_o sacrifice_n than_o the_o blood_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n to_o wash_v they_o from_o that_o guilt_n that_o will_v damn_v we_o if_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o answer_v for_o give_v we_o a_o sense_n of_o thy_o great_a condescension_n to_o thy_o weak_a and_o sinful_a creature_n that_o be_v please_v to_o deliver_v unto_o we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o will_n and_o when_o we_o by_o nature_n be_v unable_a to_o conceive_v it_o or_o to_o believe_v it_o do_v give_v we_o light_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o faith_n to_o assent_v unto_o it_o that_o thy_o law_n be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a and_o when_o for_o all_o these_o conviction_n of_o thy_o truth_n our_o heart_n the_o seat_n of_o rebellion_n do_v oppose_v it_o in_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o thou_o be_v please_v to_o send_v down_o a_o powerful_a work_n of_o thy_o spirit_n to_o chase_v out_o of_o we_o those_o opposition_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v we_o willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o power_n and_o to_o strive_v with_o and_o subdue_v our_o heart_n to_o any_o measure_n of_o the_o love_n of_o thy_o will_n and_o when_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o our_o poor_a and_o lean_a performance_n be_v mingle_v with_o much_o of_o our_o own_o deadness_n contrary_a motion_n and_o pollution_n yet_o thou_o be_v please_v to_o sprinkle_v our_o obedience_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o mingle_v it_o with_o his_o perfect_a righteousness_n to_o forgive_v the_o defect_n to_o cover_v the_o imperfection_n to_o rectify_v the_o deformity_n of_o all_o our_o obedience_n to_o pardon_v what_o be_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o defect_n and_o to_o accept_v and_o reward_v what_o be_v thy_o own_o as_o if_o it_o be_v we_o when_o thou_o work_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o and_o yet_o rewarde_a we_o as_o if_o we_o have_v wrought_v they_o and_o as_o in_o the_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o counsel_n and_o command_n of_o god_n we_o be_v to_o desire_v that_o his_o will_n may_v be_v do_v on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n so_o in_o the_o conjunct_a consideration_n of_o both_o these_o wi_n there_o be_v not_o a_o action_n or_o event_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o fall_v out_o by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o fore-appointment_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o to_o the_o production_n of_o these_o event_n we_o find_v a_o mixture_n of_o action_n that_o express_o thwart_v the_o command_n of_o god_n the_o great_a event_n and_o of_o the_o great_a concernment_n that_o the_o world_n ever_o know_v or_o shall_v know_v be_v the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o though_o he_o be_v thus_o deliver_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o jew_n take_v and_o by_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_v and_o slay_v he_o act_v 2.23_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v a_o most_o wise_a and_o merciful_a counsel_n the_o action_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o fulfil_v this_o counsel_n be_v a_o most_o cruel_a and_o unjust_a action_n yet_o the_o injustice_n of_o the_o instrument_n do_v no_o way_n affect_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n no_o way_n justify_v the_o action_n of_o the_o jew_n witness_v that_o heavy_a curse_n that_o upon_o their_o own_o imprecation_n lie_v upon_o the_o actor_n and_o their_o posterity_n unto_o this_o day_n his_o blood_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o upon_o our_o child_n matth._n 27.25_o the_o man_n sin_n most_o willing_o and_o though_o the_o wise_a god_n intermingle_v occurrence_n that_o make_v the_o sinful_a action_n of_o man_n instrumental_a to_o his_o counsel_n yet_o their_o gild_n be_v no_o less_o and_o no_o less_o their_o own_o by_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o counsel_n god_n have_v give_v thou_o a_o word_n of_o command_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v at_o thy_o hand_n micah_n 6.8_o thou_o need_v not_o nor_o may_v seek_v out_o for_o a_o rule_n of_o thy_o action_n in_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n nor_o endeavour_v to_o justify_v thy_o action_n because_o in_o order_n to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o those_o counsel_n but_o keep_v to_o that_o rule_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n deut._n 29.29_o the_o secret_a thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n but_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v belong_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n for_o ever_o therefore_o o_o lord_n teach_v i_o so_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o thy_o counsel_n and_o to_o be_v instrumental_a in_o they_o that_o i_o may_v nevertheless_o ever_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o thy_o command_n that_o while_o i_o act_v thy_o will_n as_o a_o creature_n i_o may_v never_o neglect_v it_o as_o a_o man_n or_o a_o christian_n thy_o wisdom_n it_o be_v true_a can_v bring_v about_o thy_o counsel_n by_o the_o sinful_a action_n of_o man_n and_o as_o thou_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o river_n of_o water_n so_o thou_o turn_v the_o sinful_a motion_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o a_o skilful_a workman_n can_v turn_v the_o stream_n of_o water_n so_o that_o while_o it_o move_v natural_o it_o shall_v bring_v about_o end_n that_o be_v of_o a_o high_a constitution_n but_o sure_o if_o thou_o can_v make_v those_o work_n of_o disobedience_n serve_v thy_o providence_n much_o more_o can_v thou_o use_v such_o action_n to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o thy_o counsel_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o thy_o command_n therefore_o as_o the_o will_n of_o thy_o counsel_n be_v do_v in_o heaven_n by_o the_o angel_n and_o bless_a spirit_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o thy_o command_n so_o let_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v on_o earth_n that_o while_o we_o serve_v thy_o providence_n we_o may_v nevertheless_o obey_v thy_o will_n and_o while_o we_o close_o observe_v what_o thou_o require_v that_o we_o may_v contented_o patient_o cheerful_o and_o thankful_o submit_v unto_o and_o receive_v what_o thou_o in_o thy_o most_o wise_a counsel_n dispense_v give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n our_o saviour_n direct_v we_o matth._n 6.33_o to_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o then_o promise_v that_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o we_o and_o according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o promise_n so_o be_v the_o method_n of_o this_o prayer_n first_o to_o seek_v the_o glory_n kingdom_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o then_o for_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o ourselves_o and_o though_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o we_o yet_o he_o direct_v to_o pray_v for_o what_o he_o have_v thus_o promise_v to_o add_v and_o this_o be_v the_o course_n of_o god_n will_n and_o our_o duty_n that_o we_o shall_v beg_v of_o god_n what_o he_o have_v certain_o promise_v to_o give_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v the_o warrant_n of_o our_o prayer_n so_o our_o prayer_n be_v require_v though_o not_o as_o cause_n yet_o as_o mean_n of_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n and_o then_o a_o promise_n be_v most_o suitable_a and_o fit_o perform_v when_o it_o be_v sue_v out_o by_o our_o prayer_n when_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o build_v the_o ruin_a place_n and_o plant_v that_o which_o be_v desolate_a and_o have_v engage_v his_o own_o name_n and_o truth_n to_o perform_v it_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o ezech._n 36.36_o yet_o require_v their_o prayer_n to_o precede_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o i_o will_v yet_o for_o this_o be_v inquire_v of_o by_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o and_o that_o among_o other_o upon_o these_o consideration_n 1._o to_o show_v our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o all_o creature_n as_o they_o be_v essential_o depend_v upon_o god_n in_o their_o be_v and_o preservation_n so_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o power_n they_o testify_v that_o dependence_n psal_n 104.21_o the_o young_a lion_n seek_v their_o meat_n from_o god_n psal_n 147.9_o he_o give_v the_o beast_n their_o food_n and_o to_o the_o young_a raven_n which_o cry_v psal_n 145.15_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o wait_n upon_o thou_o and_o thou_o give_v they_o their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n there_o be_v a_o secret_a and_o unknown_a testification_n even_o in_o the_o
the_o write_n of_o man_n especial_o when_o write_v by_o several_a man_n at_o several_a time_n their_o write_n do_v seldom_o or_o never_o agree_v but_o differ_v and_o cross_v one_o another_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o be_v write_v by_o several_a man_n who_o be_v all_o guide_v by_o several_a mind_n and_o judgement_n but_o the_o scripture_n though_o write_v by_o several_a man_n in_o several_a age_n many_o unacquainted_a with_o one_o another_o write_n yet_o they_o all_o consent_n and_o speak_v the_o same_o truth_n which_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o do_v dictate_v they_o 2._o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n without_o revelation_n from_o god_n to_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v now_o these_o holy_a write_n foretold_a thing_n that_o most_o certain_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o several_a season_n though_o many_o generation_n after_o the_o prophecy_n write_v therefore_o they_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o babylonian_a captivity_n and_o the_o deliverance_n from_o it_o by_o jeremy_n the_o persian_a and_o grecian_a monarchy_n by_o daniel_n the_o birth_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n by_o isaiah_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n 3._o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o these_o holy_a write_n be_v that_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v man_n the_o discovery_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o god_n of_o assurance_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v of_o the_o mean_n of_o peace_n between_o god_n and_o man._n these_o be_v thing_n of_o the_o high_a concernment_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o thing_n which_o can_v never_o be_v discover_v but_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o such_o as_o never_o any_o writing_n of_o man_n only_o ever_o can_v discover_v or_o dare_v pretend_v unto_o the_o height_n and_o rarity_n and_o excellence_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o these_o book_n do_v evidence_n that_o they_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n to_o man_n and_o by_o his_o providence_n commit_v to_o writing_n and_o deliver_v over_o to_o mankind_n as_o the_o rule_n to_o attain_v their_o chief_a end_n 3._o as_o the_o rule_n to_o attain_v our_o chief_a end_n must_v come_v from_o god_n and_o as_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o we_o say_v that_o these_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o the_o only_a rule_n to_o attain_v our_o chief_a end_n good_a book_n of_o other_o man_n good_a education_n good_a sermon_n the_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n be_v good_a help_n but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n but_o this_o it_o be_v by_o this_o rule_n we_o must_v try_v other_o man_n book_n and_o sermon_n yea_o the_o very_a church_n itself_o thus_o the_o berean_o try_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o then_o have_v and_o be_v commend_v for_o it_o act_n 17.11_o and_o peter_n prefer_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n before_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n 2_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o and_o christ_n himself_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n to_o justify_v himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n joh._n 6.39_o and_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n 1._o than_o not_o a_o natural_a conscience_n especial_o as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v with_o mankind_n for_o that_o be_v many_o time_n corrupt_v and_o false_a principled_a put_v good_a for_o evil_n and_o evil_a for_o good_a it_o be_v and_o may_v be_v a_o great_a help_n guide_n and_o direction_n not_o a_o perfect_a rule_n 2._o than_o not_o the_o write_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n god_n that_o appoint_v the_o end_n and_o mean_n must_v be_v the_o discoverer_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n 3._o than_o not_o pretend_a revelation_n those_o may_v be_v man_n imagination_n or_o the_o devil_n delusion_n to_o prevent_v and_o discover_v which_o god_n have_v set_v up_o this_o great_a and_o stand_a revelation_n of_o his_o scripture_n 4._o than_o not_o the_o church_n for_o that_o may_v err_v and_o it_o have_v no_o way_n to_o evidence_n itself_o but_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v its_o foundation_n the_o business_n of_o man_n salvation_n be_v of_o that_o importance_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o great_a that_o he_o will_v not_o commit_v so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n to_o such_o uncertain_a rule_n as_o these_o but_o have_v provide_v one_o of_o his_o own_o make_n the_o holy_a scripture_n thesis_n iii_o the_o principal_a subject_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v what_o man_n be_v to_o believe_v concern_v god_n and_o what_o duty_n god_n require_v of_o man._n it_o be_v the_o principal_a subject_n of_o the_o scripture_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n and_o concernment_n eccles_n 12.13_o let_v we_o hear_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man._n fear_v god_n which_o can_v be_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n which_o contain_v his_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o 2._o because_o all_o the_o other_o matter_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o dependence_n upon_o and_o connexion_n with_o this_o principal_a matter_n or_o subject_n but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a matter_n or_o subject_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o also_o contain_v very_o many_o other_o matter_n that_o do_v very_o much_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v as_o namely_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v concern_v ourselves_o the_o state_n of_o our_o creation_n the_o fall_n of_o man_n the_o state_n wherein_o that_o fall_n have_v put_v all_o mankind_n the_o mean_n of_o our_o recovery_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o resurrection_n the_o different_a estate_n of_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a after_o death_n the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o household_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n till_o some_o thirty_o year_n after_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o divers_a other_o and_o necessary_a matter_n to_o be_v know_v both_o for_o our_o direction_n instruction_n and_o comfort_n and_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v principal_o teach_v the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o our_o duty_n as_o the_o principal_a subject_n so_o they_o do_v principal_o teach_v it_o above_o other_o teach_n or_o mean_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n do_v teach_v we_o much_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v concern_v god_n and_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o as_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n that_o this_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o also_o the_o preserver_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v eternal_a without_o beginning_n or_o end_n infinite_a spiritual_a without_o mixture_n most_o perfect_a and_o therefore_o most_o free_a most_o powerful_a most_o holy_a most_o wise_a most_o just_a most_o bountiful_a and_o merciful_a and_o upon_o all_o these_o ground_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v honour_v to_o be_v fear_v to_o be_v worship_v to_o be_v obey_v this_o the_o apostle_n show_v we_o rom._n 1.20_o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n and_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n give_v this_o manifestation_n of_o god_n 1._o by_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n 2._o by_o the_o working_n of_o the_o conscience_n 3._o by_o a_o traditional_a delivery_n over_o of_o some_o truth_n from_o man_n to_o man_n which_o by_o the_o study_n and_o pain_n of_o some_o wise_a man_n and_o lawgiver_n raise_v up_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v be_v perfect_v and_o deliver_v over_o to_o other_o but_o the_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o instruction_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n appear_v partly_o in_o these_o consideration_n 1._o the_o knowledge_n the_o scripture_n give_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v attain_v because_o it_o set_v down_o these_o truth_n plain_o that_o the_o most_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v understand_v whereas_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v more_o difficult_a require_v much_o observation_n and_o industry_n and_o attention_n deduce_v and_o draw_v down_o one_o thing_n from_o another_o and_o so_o arrive_v at_o their_o knowledge_n by_o much_o pain_n and_o study_n 2._o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n deliver_v by_o the_o scripture_n be_v much_o more_o